bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Monosporascus cannonballus on Watermelon in Brazil
Authors: Sales R. , Santana C. V. S. , Nogueira D. R. S. , Silva K. J. P. , Guimarães I. M. , Michereff S. J. , Abad-Campos P. , García-Jiménez J. , Armengol J.
Published: January 2010

In 2008 and 2009, vine decline symptoms were observed in three watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) fields located in the municipalities of Mossoró (Rio Grande do Norte State) and Quixeré (Ceará State) in northeastern Brazil. Symptoms included yellowing of crown leaves just prior to harvest and collapse of many of the vines. Mean maximum daily temperatures for the first and second half of the season were 28.6 and 25.1°C, respectively. Affected plants exhibited necrotic root systems and lacked most of the secondary and tertiary feeder roots. Numerous perithecia on the roots contained asci and ascospores characteristics of Monosporascus cannonballus Pollack & Uecker (1,2). Small pieces of primary and secondary roots were surface disinfected and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium with 0.5 g liter–1 of streptomycin sulfate and incubated for 7 days at 25°C in the dark. Hyphal tips from all colonies were transferred to PDA and further incubated for 30 to 40 days at 25°C in the dark for subsequent growth and sporulation. Isolations consistently yielded colonies of white mycelium, which became dark grayish after 10 to 15 days, and perithecia with one-spored asci. The internal transcribed spacer regions of ribosomal DNA of isolates 18-5 and 19-1 were sequenced (GenBank Accession Nos. GQ891544 and GQ891545). These sequences were identical to sequences of M. cannonballus (GenBank Accession Nos. AM167936 and AM167937). Pathogenicity of these two isolates was confirmed on watermelon cv. Crimson Sweet in a greenhouse maintained at 25 to 30°C. Inoculum was produced in a sand-oat hulls (Avena sativa) medium (0.5 liter of sand, 46 g of ground oat hulls, and 37.5 ml of distilled water) and incubated at 25°C for 1 month. CFU were quantified by serial dilution using 1% hydroxyethyl cellulose. A sterilized mixture of equal portions (vol/vol) of sand and peat moss was used to fill 17-cm-diameter plastic pots and inoculum was added to produce an inoculum concentration of 20 CFU g–1. Five watermelon seeds planted in each pot were later thinned to one seedling per pot. There were five replicated pots for each treatment with an equal number of noninfested pots. Plants were evaluated for disease 45 days after sowing. All isolates of M. cannonballus were highly aggressive and caused severe root necrosis compared with the noninoculated controls. M. cannonballus was reisolated from symptomatic plants, confirming Koch's postulates. In 2004, M. cannonballus was reported in the same Brazilian cucurbit-growing areas causing root rot and vine decline of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) (3), but to our knowledge, this is the first report of M. cannonballus on watermelon in Brazil.

References: (1) R. D. Martyn and M. E. Miller. Plant Dis. 80:716, 1996. (2) F. G. Pollack and F. A. Uecker. Mycologia 66:346, 1974. (3) R. Sales Jr. et al. Plant Dis. 88:84, 2004.
Pandemic Influenza: Antiviral Preparedness and Health Care Workers
Authors: Schneider Ruth B. , Benitez John G. , D’Angelo Anne , Tyo Kathee
Published: January 2010

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the preparedness for pandemic influenza of hospitals, in terms of amount of antiviral drugs on hand and employee vaccination rates, in the Finger Lakes region (FLR) of western New York.

Methods: A survey of the 17 FLR hospitals was conducted via e-mail during the period of June 2007 to August 2007.

Results: A total of 13 of 17 hospitals responded for a response rate of 76.5%. Only 23.1% of responding hospitals stockpile antiviral drugs. Vaccination rates for personnel with patient contact ranged from 36.8% to 76.1%.

Conclusions: Hospitals in the FLR have insufficient quantities of antiviral agents stockpiled to provide for the protection of health care workers, and influenza vaccination rates for health care workers are low. To ensure that a high level of care is maintained during a pandemic, health care workers need to be provided with appropriate protection. This can be accomplished if hospitals stockpile antiviral agents designated for the treatment and prophylaxis of health care workers with patient contact and their families.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:55-61)
Spread of community-acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcusaureus skin and soft-tissue infection within a family: implications forantibiotic therapy and prevention
Authors: Amir N. H. , Rossney A. S. , Veale J. , O'Connor M. , Fitzpatrick F. , Humphreys H.
Published: January 2010

Outbreaks or clusters of community-acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcusaureus (CA-MRSA) within families have been reported. We describea family cluster of CA-MRSA skin and soft-tissue infection where CA-MRSA wassuspected because of recurrent infections which failed to respond to flucloxacillin.While the prevalence of CA-MRSA is low worldwide, CA-MRSA should be consideredin certain circumstances depending on clinical presentation and risk assessment.Surveillance cultures of family contacts of patients with MRSA should be consideredto help establish the prevalence of CA-MRSA and to inform the optimal choiceof empiric antibiotic treatment.
Effect of serial subculturing on the genetic composition and cytotoxicactivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Molina-Torres C. A. , Castro-Garza J. , Ocampo-Candiani J. , Monot M. , Cole S. T. , Vera-Cabrera L.
Published: January 2010

Continuous subculture has been observed to produce changes in the virulenceof micro-organisms, e.g. rabies virus, poliovirus and Mycobacterium bovis BCG. The latter has been used as a vaccine for tuberculosis for thelast 100 years; however, in some instances its efficacy has been observedto be very low. In order to determine whether similar changes can be producedin Mycobacterium tuberculosis, we selected four isolates, M.tuberculosis H37Rv, a Beijing strain (DR-689), and two moreisolates with deletion of the phospholipase C locus (plcA-plcB-plcC), and subjected them to serial culturing on Middlebrook 7H9 medium,with or without ox bile. After 100 passages, we performed RFLP-IS6110 analysis to determine whether genomic changes were produced. We alsochecked their genomic composition by microarray analysis. Changes in virulencewere studied by measuring the cytotoxic effect of parental and subculturedisolates on a THP-1 macrophage monolayer. The most visible change was thechange of position of an IS6110 band of ∼1400 bp to ∼1600 bpin the Beijing isolate subcultured in the ox bile medium. Analysis by microarrayand PCR confirmation did not reveal any genomic changes. Cytotoxic activitywas decreased in the isolates at levels close to that of BCG, and more consistentlyin those subcultured in the presence of ox bile.
Molecular screening for Candida orthopsilosis and Candidametapsilosis among Danish Candida parapsilosis group blood cultureisolates: proposal of a new RFLP profile for differentiation
Authors: Mirhendi Hossein , Bruun Brita , Schønheyder Henrik Carl , Christensen Jens Jørgen , Fuursted Kurt , Gahrn-Hansen Bente , Johansen Helle Krogh , Nielsen Lene , Knudsen Jenny Dahl , Arendrup Maiken Cavling
Published: January 2010

Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis are recentlydescribed species phenotypically indistinguishable from Candida parapsilosis. We evaluated phenotyping and molecular methods for the detection ofthese species among 79 unique blood culture isolates of the C. parapsilosis group obtained during the years 2004–2008. The isolates were screenedby PCR amplification of the secondary alcohol dehydrogenase-encoding gene (SADH) followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme BanI, using C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019, C. orthopsilosisATCC 96139 and C. metapsilosis ATCC 96144 as controls. Isolates withRFLP patterns distinct from C. parapsilosis were characterized bysequence analysis of the ITS1–ITS2, 26S rRNA (D1/D2) and SADH regions. Restriction patterns for the 3 species with each of 610restriction enzymes were predicted in silico using 12 available sequences.By PCR-RFLP of the SADH gene alone, four isolates (5.1 %)had a pattern identical to the C. orthopsilosis reference strain.Sequence analysis of SADH and ITS (internal transcribed spacer)regions identified two of these isolates as C. metapsilosis. Theseresults were confirmed by creating a phylogenetic tree based on concatenatedsequences of SADH, ITS and 26S rRNA gene sequence regions. Optimaldifferentiation between C. parapsilosis, C. metapsilosisand C. orthopsilosis was predicted using digestion with NlaIII,producing discriminatory band sizes of: 131 and 505 bp; 74, 288 and 348 bp;and 131, 217 and 288 bp, respectively. This was confirmed using the referencestrains and 79 clinical isolates. In conclusion, reliable discrimination wasobtained by PCR-RFLP profile analysis of the SADH gene after digestionwith NlaIII but not with BanI. C. metapsilosisand C. orthopsilosis are involved in a small but significant numberof invasive infections in Denmark.
Molecular characterization of FinR, a novel redox-sensing transcriptional regulator in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Yeom Sujin , Yeom Jinki , Park Woojun
Published: January 2010

FinR is required for the induction offpr(ferredoxin-NADP+reductase) under superoxide stress conditions inPseudomonas putida. Many proteobacteria harbour FinR homologues in their genome as a putative LysR-type protein. Three cysteine residues (at positions 150, 239 and 289 inP. putidaFinR) are conserved in all FinR homologues. When these conserved cysteines, along with two other cysteine residues present in FinR, were individually mutated to serines, the FinR remained active, unlike SoxR and OxyR inEscherichia coli. The results of ourin vitroDNA-binding assay with cellular extracts showed that FinR binds directly to thefprpromoter region. In order to identify the FinR functional domain for sensing superoxide stress, we employed random and site-directed mutagenesis of FinR. Among 18 single amino acid mutants, three mutants (T39A, R194A and E225A) abolishedfprinduction without any alteration of their DNA-binding ability, whereas other mutants also abrogated their DNA-binding abilities. Interestingly, two mutants (L215P and D51A) appeared to be constitutively active, regardless of superoxide stress conditions. Ferrous iron depletion, ferric iron addition andfdxA(ferredoxin) gene deletion also participate in the regulation offpr. These data indicate that FinR has unusual residues for redox sensing and that the redox-sensing mechanism of FinR differs from the well-known mechanisms of OxyR and SoxR.
Simulation of friction stir welding using industrial robots
Authors: Bres Antoine , Monsarrat Bruno , Dubourg Laurent , Birglen Lionel , Perron Claude , Jahazi Mohammad , Baron Luc
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a model‐based framework allowing the simulation, analysis and optimization of friction stir welding (FSW) processes of metallic structures using industrial robots, with a particular emphasis on the assembly of aircraft components made of aerospace aluminum alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

After a first part of the work dedicated to the kinetostatic and dynamical identification of the robotic mechanical system, a complete analytical model of the robotized process is developed, incorporating a dynamic model of the industrial robot, a multi‐axes macroscopic visco‐elastic model of the FSW process and a force/position control unit of the system. These different modules are subsequently implemented in a high‐fidelity multi‐rate dynamical simulation.

Findings

The developed simulation infrastructure allowed the research team to analyze and understand the dynamic interaction between the industrial robot, the control architecture and the manufacturing process involving heavy load cases in different process configurations. Several critical process‐induced perturbations such as tool oscillations and lateral/rotational deviations are observed, analyzed, and quantified during the simulated operations.

Practical implications

The presented simulation platform will constitute one of the key technology enablers in the major research initiative carried out by NRC Aerospace in their endeavor to develop a robust robotic FSW platform, allowing both the development of optimal workcell layouts/process parameters and the validation of advanced real‐time control laws for robust handling of critical process‐induced perturbations. These deliverables will be incorporated in the resulting robotic FSW technology packaged for deployment in production environments.

Originality/value

The paper establishes the first model‐based framework allowing the high‐fidelity simulation, analysis and optimization of FSW processes using serial industrial robots.
Kinematic characterisation of hexapods for industry
Authors: Blaise Julien , Bonev Ilian , Monsarrat Bruno , Briot Sébastien , Michel Lambert Jason , Perron Claude
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose two simple tools for the kinematic characterization of hexapods. The paper also aims to share the experience of converting a popular commercial motion base (Stewart‐Gough platform, hexapod) to an industrial robot for use in heavy duty aerospace manufacturing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The complete workspace of a hexapod is a six‐dimensional entity that is impossible to visualize. Thus, nearly all hexapod manufacturers simply state the extrema of each of the six dimensions, which is very misleading. As a compromise, a special 3D subset of the complete workspace is proposed, an approximation of which can be readily obtained using a computer‐aided design (CAD)/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) software suite, such as computer‐aided 3D interactive application (CATIA). While calibration techniques for serial robots are readily available, there is still no generally agreed procedure for calibrating hexapods. The paper proposes a simple calibration method that relies on the use of a laser tracker and requires no programming at all. Instead, the design parameters of the hexapod are directly and individually measured and the few computations involved are performed in a CAD/CAM software such as CATIA.

Findings

The conventional octahedral hexapod design has a very limited workspace, though free of singularities. There are important deviations between the actual and the specified kinematic model in a commercial motion base.

Practical implications

A commercial motion base can be used as a precision positioning device with its controller retrofitted with state‐of‐the‐art motion control technology with accurate workspace and geometric characteristics.

Originality/value

A novel geometric approach for obtaining meaningful measures of the workspace is proposed. A novel, systematic procedure for the calibration of a hexapod is outlined. Finally, experimental results are presented and discussed.
Strategies for revitalization for intelligent robot industry in Korea based on structural equation model
Authors: Young Sohn So , Jae Kim Man
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the government's role in boosting the utilization of intelligent robot by considering government support policies along with various other factors, which are potentially influential. This type of investigation will contribute for developing a domestic robot infrastructure in Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model is used to investigate the relation among various factors that have a potential influence on robot utilization. In addition, the Robot Utilization Expectation Index of various user groups is developed. The results obtained from the proposed model are expected to provide important feedback information for productivity innovation at the level of both the individual user and the company.

Findings

According to the results, the robot function has the highest direct effect on the Robot Utilization Expectation, but excessive policies implemented simultaneously by the Korean Government are not effective on revitalization of the robot industry. It is interesting to note that government policy has the highest indirect effect on robot utilization expectation. Therefore, it is proposed that the government should act as a mediator and focus on fewer policies rather than enforcing various policies simultaneously by different organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Although, a focused group consisting of those who are knowledgeable about intelligent robots is surveyed, a limitation to the paper lies in analyzing a relatively small data set. An extended survey with a larger data set remains for future study.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications, which contribute towards stimulating the robot industry in Korea.

Originality/value

The proposed model is expected to provide important information for productivity innovation at both the individual user and company levels.
Modular production – a 45‐year‐old concept
Authors: Starr Martin K.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to update an article written by the author in the Harvard Business Review almost 50 years ago.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper evaluates the present status of the phenomena of modularity (for both product and service components). This is done by reviewing all existing literature on multitudinous facets of the subject and discussing applications with practitioners.

Findings

Modularity remains a splintered concept, perhaps because so many different types of application exist. Heterogeneity stymies systemization. Nevertheless, successful applications exist. This International Journal of Operations & Production Management, dedicated to modularity, testifies to significant facets of accomplishment and continued challenges (e.g. optimum shoe sizing and modular construction). Also, production managers have not become boardroom planners (as was expected 45 years ago). Potential cost savings of modularity do not occur because off‐shoring provided another way to dramatically lower production costs – albeit at the expense of quality problems.

Practical implications

All management functions participate in modularity issues. Though marketing does not thrive in a commodity‐environment, it has not advocated modularity as a way to offset commoditization nor as a means of improving quality. Finance has been the cheer leader for off‐shore decisions, but a tipping point may be in sight (i.e. recognizing the hidden costs of off‐shore seduction).

Social implications

If mass customization, using modularity, develops economic clout, it is likely that production will switch from overseas to domestic bases. The impact on domestic economies will be significant.

Originality/value

The link between modularity and off‐shoring needs to be recognized, researched, and discussed.
Bundling resources across supply chain dyads
Authors: Gomes Paulo J. , Dahab Sonia
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how firms are redesigning the organizational architecture of supply chains, bundling and unbundling resources, sharing information and coordinating flows in order to facilitate capability partitioning. It aims to analyze how process interdependencies are managed either through modularity or coordination mechanisms. The paper is anchored in the emergent theory of modularity, a transaction cost‐based perspective of modular systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the case study methodology. It uses an in‐depth case study of Logoplaste, a global supplier of plastic packaging, in particular investigating how the firm organizes supply chain activities around an integration mode designated as “hole‐in‐the‐wall.”

Findings

In a context of high process interdependence the firm has developed a coordination capability, an ability to manage the interfaces at minimum cost either by modularizing the process or defining appropriate coordination mechanisms. This capability becomes a core competence of the firm that enables it to further appropriate rents that lie at process interfaces.

Research limitations/implications

The case study method limits the generalization of the findings, but allows more depth in the analysis of the proposed framework.

Practical implications

As the complexity of sourced components increases firms will need to complement their modular approach to supply chain design with new organizational‐coordination skills and an ability to externalize knowledge. The case study provides several examples of the type of coordination required.

Originality/value

This research adds to the literature on organizational modularity in two distinct ways. First, it focuses on the development of a coordination capability to manage process interdependences rather than the partitioning of technical capabilities across the supply chain. Second, it brings to the discussion of modularity recent developments in transaction cost economics that go beyond the engineering perspective. A coordination capability represents the organization's ability to organize transactions in order to appropriate rents, rather than merely minimize transaction costs.
Platform re‐use lessons from the automotive industry
Authors: Ben Mahmoud‐Jouini Sihem , Lenfle Sylvain
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The platform strategy adopted by firms in a multi‐project context reduces lead‐time and development cost, enhances reliability, allows mass customization and increases manufacturing flexibility. While the major challenges of this strategy have been highlighted, the evolution of the platform and its management during its lifecycle is under studied. The paper address this missing point by considering the sustainability of the platform during its life cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

For that purpose, the paper has carried out a field methodology research at a car manufacturer six years after the successful setting of the platform strategy. It analyzes at a fine‐grained level the development of a second generation product on this existing platform.

Findings

Using a model that traces the design decisions taken during this development, it has identified that, in order to reuse the platform over two generations, the engineers implicitly apply, besides the design rules that correspond to the very definition of platform strategy as presented in the literature such as the carry‐over and the lean design, a learning routine that challenges these rules. It designates this routine by “smart reuse” because it enables the reuse of the platform from one generation to another. It highlights the interplay between the products and the platform that co‐evolve by pointing out the reciprocal prescription relationships. This co‐evolution operates through two levels: between the product planning and the platform on one hand and the product development and the platform on the other.

Practical implications

The paper has several implications, such as the central role of the platform director in the platform reuse and the platform architecture, mainly its modularity, and its impact on the platform progressive renewal. This research reveals ideas that need to be validated and tested through other methods and in other industrial contexts.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into platform‐re‐use, focusing on the automotive industry.
New workers, new workplace? Getting the balance right
Authors: Cunningham John
Published: January 2010

Purpose

With more and more digital natives entering the workplace, this paper looks to advise business about how they can implement successful social media strategies

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the article in context

Findings

With many companies just starting to appreciate how social media can fit into their business, new graduates have a huge role to play in passing on their digital fluency

Practical implications

This paper provides practical advise about how to implement and manage social media strategies.

Social implications

Social networking opens many doors. Whilst in the past networks were built through the exchange of business cards and face‐to‐face meetings, this has transferred to the digital sphere.

Originality/value

This is an original paper drafted for the readers of Strategic Direction. Social networking is a new channel of communication that businesses are taking advantage of, but they need to get the balance right.
Avoiding rework in product design: evidence from the aerospace industry
Authors: Dostaler Isabelle
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study commissioned by an aircraft producer that is concerned about the efficiency of its new product development process and the high number of engineering changes generated during aerospace programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on nine structural design projects and explores the factors explaining the inter‐project differences in the number of engineering changes required after the structural drawings are released to the methods department. The method of inquiry used in this paper combines questionnaire‐based measurement of design performance with in‐depth semi‐structured interviews of managers and designers.

Findings

The research results suggest that, in an industrial context where both time pressure and labour shortage are considerable, design practices such as functional diversity, intense communication, collocation and strong project leadership, are associated with higher design performance. Furthermore, in a specific organizational context where the design work is divided among various companies located in different regions, effective partner integration is another key success factor.

Research limitations/implications

Although the strength of the findings is inevitably limited by the small number of observations, the results raise some important questions about the effect of time pressure and labour shortage on product development performance.

Practical implications

The results suggest that design performance is likely to increase if the production sustaining phase is actively promoted within aerospace companies, since this activity provides designers with considerable learning opportunities.

Originality/value

Using sensitive internal data on engineering changes and rich qualitative material, this paper indicates how design performance can be improved in organizations that tend to rely on design rework and other safety nets to achieve their quality objectives and comply with industry regulations.
A study of testing‐effort dependent inflection S‐shaped software reliability growth models with imperfect debugging
Authors: Ahmad N. , Khan M.G.M. , Rafi L.S.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to incorporate the exponentiated Weibull (EW) testing‐effort function (TEF) into inflection S‐shaped software reliability growth models (SRGMs) based on non‐homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP). The aim is also to present a more flexible SRGM with imperfect debugging.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the EW TEFs and discusses inflection S‐shaped SRGM with EW testing‐effort to get a better description of the software fault detection phenomenon. The SRGM parameters are estimated by weighted least square estimation (WLSE) and maximum‐likelihood estimation (MLE) methods. Furthermore, the proposed models are also discussed under imperfect debugging environment.

Findings

Experimental results from three actual data applications are analyzed and compared with the other existing models. The findings reveal that the proposed SRGM has better performance and prediction capability. Results also confirm that the EW TEF is suitable for incorporating into inflection S‐shaped NHPP growth models.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents the WLSE results with equal weight. Future research may be carried out for unequal weights.

Practical implications

Software reliability modeling and estimation are a major concern in the software development process, particularly during the software testing phase, as unreliable software can cause a failure in the computer system that can be hazardous. The results obtained in this paper may facilitate the software engineers, scientists, and managers in improving the software testing process.

Originality/value

The proposed SRGM has a flexible structure and may capture features of both exponential and S‐shaped NHPP growth models for failure phenomenon.
Less than meets the eye: police department bias crime units
Authors: Walker Samuel , Katz Charles M.
Published: January 2010

In the USA, rising concern about ethnic conflict has led to the creation of special bias crime units (BCUs) in a number of police departments. The vast majority of states have some form of hate crime legislation against crimes motivated by race, religion, gender, etc. Criticisms have been leveled against this legislation, among them the claim that it could be a tool for discrimination against minorities or that the laws are largely a symbolic response to ethnic conflict. Records an exploratory study of BCUs in 16 small to medium police departments in central USA. Notes that an officer who is prejudiced against a group may fail to apply the law. Details the variety among the departments surveyed, of which only 25 per cent had established a BCU. Concludes that departments’ commitment to BCUs is weak in general. Also finds that Law Enforcement Management Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) data, although widely used, is often inaccurate, due to the inherent limitations of mail surveys.
Backstage with “Cops”: the dramaturgical reification of police subculture in American crime “info‐tainment”
Authors: Hallett Michael , Powell Dennis
Published: January 2010

Examines the meanings of television programs for actor/police officers who acted in “reality TV” programs. Police engage in “legitimation work” to enhance public relations and achieve favorable publicity. The media is increasingly prominent in areas where previously it was unseen. Presents results of a questionnaire in which police actors give mixed reactions to the usefulness of infotainment. Concludes that police participation in the production of infotainment subverts the goal of promoting “realistic” public expectations of police work.
Comparing campus and city crime rates: a descriptive study
Authors: Bromely Max L.
Published: January 2010

Over the past twenty years in the USA, as institutions have grown in size and the student profile has extended over a wider socio‐economic base, campus crime has increased. Details an exploratory comparison of reported crime at 80 campuses and their adjacent cities. Finds that property crimes vastly outnumber violent crimes on campus and that campuses have consistently lower crime rates than adjacent cities. Notes that these findings are generally consonant with prior inquiries. Suggests that campus police might be deployed on neighborhood watch.
The public value of the National Audit Office
Authors: Talbot Colin , Wiggan Jay
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Supreme audit institutions (SAIs) have become increasingly active in recent years in carrying out “performance audits” of various public bodies. But how does SAIs report on their own performance? The purpose of this paper is to report on a study (commissioned by the UK National Audit Office (NAO)) of how SAIs report on their own performance and explores a possible conceptual framework – a synthesis of work on “performance regimes”, “public value” and “competing values” approaches – which might provide a basis for enhancing such reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based first on a review of self‐reporting of performance by SAIs in Australia, Canada, the USA, New Zealand and with a specific focus in more detail on the UK's NAO. In Section I, it explores existing self‐reporting practices of a number of SAIs based on their published reports. Section II of this paper is more conceptual. Drawing on notions of “performance regimes”, “public value” and “competing values”, it seeks to re‐conceptualise how SAIs in general, and the NAO specifically, might usefully report on their performance for multiple external audiences.

Findings

The conclusions drawn from the first part of the paper include that multiple measures of SAI performance have evolved, including impacts on governments; financial savings; impact on parliament; media impact, etc. The second part concludes tentatively that a synthesis of “public value” and “competing values” might provide a conceptual framework for making more sense of such multiple reporting.

Practical implications

The immediate practical value of this paper should be for SAIs in providing a possible framework for analysing and developing their own performance reporting policies to address multiple dimensions of achievement and meet the needs of multiple stake holders. More widely, this framework can be applied to other public agencies.

Originality/value

There are few, if any, current studies of comparative SAI self‐reporting of performance, so this paper makes a substantial contribution in this area. The conceptual framework developed in the second half of the paper is also unique in synthesising two important streams of thinking about “public value” and “competing values” which has far wider applicability than the study of SAIs.
Measuring the service quality of internet banking: scale development and validation
Authors: Ho Chien‐Ta Bruce , Lin Wen‐Chuan
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a multiple item scale for measuring internet banking service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts the dimensions of electronic service quality (e‐service quality) and customer‐perceived service quality to develop a framework that can be used to measure internet banking service. Also, this research uses Taiwan's internet banking users as survey targets for its empirical studies.

Findings

Through the process of factor analysis, the refined scale is identified. There are five dimensions and 17 items in the measurement scale for measuring the service quality of internet banking. The five dimensions are named customer service, web design, assurance, preferential treatment, and information provision.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the understanding of the key service quality dimensions and the perception of customers toward e‐service quality, managers may discover methods to improve customer satisfaction, build customer trust, and create loyal customers.

Originality/value

This paper adapts an e‐service quality model as the basis to measure internet banking service. This method is more suitable than that of the previous studies that are based on the traditional service quality model.
Fabrication and compressive properties of Ti6Al4V implant with honeycomb‐like structure for biomedical applications
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Chengtao , Zhang Wenguang , Li Yuanchao
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the feasibility and evaluate the compressive properties of Ti6Al4V implants with controlled porosity via electron beam melting process. This process might be a promising method to fabricate orthopedic implants with suitable pore architecture and matched mechanical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Ti6Al4V implants with controlled porosity are produced using an electron beam melting machine. A scanning electron microscope is utilized to examine the macro‐pore structures of the Ti6Al4V implants. The compressive test is performed to investigate the mechanical properties of the porous implants.

Findings

The fabricated samples show a fully interconnected open‐pore network. The compressive yield strength of the Ti6Al4V implants with the porosity of around 51 percent is higher than that of human cortical bone. The Young's modulus of the implants is similar to that of cortical bone.

Research limitations/implications

The surface of samples produced by electron beam melting process is covered with loosely spherical metal particles. Polishing and ultrasonic cleaning have to be used to remove the loose remnants.

Originality/value

This paper presents the potential application in the fabrication of orthopedic or dental implants using electron beam melting process.
Sponsoring the Beijing Olympic Games
Authors: Söderman Sten , Dolles Harald
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the key driving forces in international sponsorship during the years preceding the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Design/methodology/approach

A “means‐objectives model” is applied, thereby linking sponsorship to brand equity factors and to strategic aims. Co‐branding, revenue streams and new customers are identified as means factors. The objective factors are presented in three dimensions: product, corporation and region. The analysis is based on 492 advertisements, articles and press releases collected from Chinese newspapers and Chinese official web pages covering the period 2001‐2007.

Findings

Analysis sees seven dominant means‐objectives combinations in sponsorship leading to different pattern of sponsor advertising strategies depending on the lead time to the Olympic Games. First, sponsors mainly focus on co‐branding marketing efforts. In the second stage, global Olympic sponsors link co‐branding with corporation image, Chinese brands are focusing on product/corporation image and new customers. In the third stage global Olympic sponsors focus more on local markets and customers in advertising. Chinese brands tend to keep an activation strategy based on revenue and product. Only a few local sponsors place emphasis on leveraging their sponsorship investment toward creating an international image.

Research limitations/implications

Data collection is limited to a period of altogether three months in 2006 and 2007, focusing on Chinese print media available in Beijing and Shanghai universities' libraries. Given the size of the Chinese media market the data therefore consist only of a random selection of advertisements. Further, the sample does not cover different marketing channels, like TV, radio etc., which might also be part of the sponsor's advertising strategy.

Originality/value

In addition to providing further understanding of Olympic sponsor advertising behavior and sponsorship in an emerging market context, this paper provides insights into how the strategic aims related to sponsorship depended on the level of internationalization of the firm.
Competitive flows of intellectual capital in value creating networks
Authors: Solitander Maria , Tidström Annika
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to develop intellectual capital theory to include competitive aspects that influence value creation of the network.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical part of the paper is based on a qualitative case study of a network of collaborating competitors within the natural products industry in Finland. A total of 29 interviews are conducted involving 11 informants. The empirical material is examined through Verna Allee's value network analysis.

Findings

Business relationships include both collaborative and competitive dimensions. By adding a competitive dimension to Allee's value network, a more exhaustive picture of the network emerges. Hence, the relationships not only consist of collaborative tangible and intangible flows between the actors of the network, but also of competitive flows that per definition may only be intangible.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on a single case study. The paper includes collaborating competitors, but opens up interesting avenues for further research as competitive elements surely are present also in other types of business relationships.

Practical implications

Knowledge received from partners is not always trustworthy. Still, managers gain more from getting access to knowledge they do not know if it can be trusted, than to be excluded from the collaboration.

Originality/value

This paper brings forward the notion of competitive elements in collaborative relationships. IC research has tended to mostly focus on the positive aspects of the knowledge economy, but has much to gain by realising that there are also negative aspects that affect the creation and distribution of value in a network.
Building learning capability: enhancing the learning talent chain by connecting environments
Authors: Clements Michael D.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint on the importance of building learning capability through enhancing the learning talent chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identifies approaches to building learning capacity in an organization through contributing to the learning talent chain. It offers a perspective on how organizations and education providers could collaborate to provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge through work experience, benefiting both the student and organization.

Findings

The initial feedback from organizations support the framework as a mechanism to connect industry, the student body and the education provider.

Practical implications

Understanding how industry and education providers can better collaborate will enhance organizations ability to develop talent in tough economic times. This viewpoint challenges learning talent chain members to contribute jointly to providing an environment to thrive on change

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to provide the reader an approach to building learning capacity through work related learning opportunities with students.
Management orientation and export performance: the case of Norwegian ICT companies
Authors: Arthur Solberg Carl , Olsson Ulf H.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contrast three management orientations relevant for exporters: export, technology and customer orientations. The general hypothesis is that all orientations covariate positively with export performance. However, an alternative hypothesis regarding customer relations is propounded (negative impact on performance).

Design/methodology/approach

Regression‐based techniques are used.

Findings

The results support the hypotheses that export performance increases with export commitment. Technology orientation correlates positively with export performance. On the other hand, the much venerated customer orientation shows negative correlation with export performance.

Originality/value

This paper argues that customer orientation may turn into what might be called customer obsession, without due attention to cost consequences and strategic orientation. Also, too much customer orientation may lead the firm away from its ability to innovate, leaving the company behind its competitors in the longer term. The interaction between customer and technology orientation gave no effect.
Does size matter?
Authors: Kouznetsov Alex , Dass Mohan
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore areas where business corruption in Russia affects distributors of foreign goods (both local and foreign owned) and whether its effects vary depending on whether the distributor is small or large.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper primarily employs a qualitative research technique of face‐to‐face interviews. The in‐depth semi‐structured interview method is chosen because it is the only option for collecting data on such a sensitive topic.

Findings

The findings reveal the areas of corruption where distributors of foreign goods in Russia are most likely to be affected and suggest that, though widespread in Russia, corruption may have far greater effect on smaller distributors as compared to large firms. Large distributing firms can avoid involvement in corruption in some of the areas explored. This in turn may limit small‐sized foreign manufacturers' capability to compete in this market, as they are most likely only able to contact small‐sized distributors.

Research limitations/implications

The research could be extended to a broader sample of other sectors of the economy where distribution of foreign‐made goods takes place. Carrying out a study in other emerging economies to test findings of this research would also contribute to the limited body of research on business environment in emerging economies.

Originality/value

The paper presents findings that are based on primary sources – interviews with distributors conducting business in Russia. Hence, its originality and value to contemporary distributors, whether currently in business or conducting feasibility studies to distribute foreign goods in Russia. This research paper can also be considered a valuable platform for further research in this field.
The role of a human resource manager as a facilitator of learning
Authors: Zuzevičiūtė Vaiva , Teresevičienė Margarita
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and summarize the findings of a survey carried out to identify the role of a human recourse manager in Lithuanian organisations today, emphasizing that the role of a human resource (HR) manager should focus on the facilitation of individuals' learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this study includes a critical and systemic analysis of available literature on the subject as well as quantitative research, which was completed in 2006‐2007. The following methods are used: analysis of recent legal and political educational documents, the questionnaire comprising of open and closed type questions.

Findings

It is found that researchers emphasise the diversity of sub‐roles that a human recourse manager is expected to perform in organisations. It can be concluded that in Lithuanian organisations, the role of a HR manager is comprised of the following functions: to support and organise learning in organisations that is related to professional development in specific professional fields; to support and also organise learning in organisations that is related to opportunities for upward mobility (promotion); to negotiate and maintain good relations with the system of formal education (various institutions within it), as members of organisations still highly value formal education as a preferred context for learning; to inform employees about the opportunities for learning at all levels, with emphasis on those holding lower positions, since employees in lower positions reported not having received information about possibilities to learn, or employees do not considered these opportunities designed for them; to encourage employees, especially in lower positions, to use the available opportunities for learning, as employees in those positions need additional support and investment and to expect that a HR manager will support and facilitate learning for pursuing personal interests.

Research limitations/implications

As only members of organisations in the Klaipeda District (one of ten administrative districts in Lithuania) took part, this may be considered as the primary limitation of the study.

Practical implications

The findings could be used to design procedures for educating professionals to perform the role of HR manager in contemporary organisations, as well as to develop study programs of HR managers for initial education in HE.

Originality/value

A targeted study enables an informed identification of the attitudes of members of organisations towards the perceived role of HR managers and the support for learning in organisations.