bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Archaeobotanical evidence for a massive loss of epiphyte species richness during industrialization in southern England
Authors: Ellis Christopher J. , Yahr Rebecca , Coppins Brian J.
Published: April 2011

This paper describes a novel archaeological resource—preserved epiphytes on the timber structure of vernacular buildings—used, to our knowledge, for the first time to quantify a loss of biodiversity between pre-industrial and post-industrial landscapes. By matching the confirmed occurrence of epiphyte species for the pre-industrial period, with a statistical likelihood for their absence in the present-day landscape (post-1960), we robustly identified species that have been extirpated across three contrasting regions in southern England. First, the scale of biodiversity loss observed—up to 80 per cent of epiphytes—severely challenges biodiversity targets and environmental baselines that have been developed using reference points in the post-industrial period. Second, we examined sensitivity in the present-day distribution of extirpated species, explained by three environmental drivers: (i) pollution regime, (ii) extent of ancient woodland, and (iii) climatic setting. Results point to an interacting effect between the pollution regime (sulphur dioxide) and changed woodland structure, leading to distinctive regional signatures in biodiversity loss.
Streptomyces brevispora sp. nov. and Streptomyces laculatispora sp. nov., actinomycetes isolated from soil
Authors: Zucchi Tiago Domingues , Kim Byung-yong , Kshetrimayum Jenileima Devi , Weon Hang-Yeon , Kwon Soon-Wo , Goodfellow Michael
Published: April 2011

The taxonomic positions of two actinomycetes isolated from a hay meadow soil sample were determined using a polyphasic approach. The isolates had chemical and morphological properties typical of streptomycetes and formed a distinct 16S rRNA gene subclade together with the type strain Streptomyces drozdowiczii NRRL B-24297T. DNA–DNA relatedness studies showed that the three strains belonged to different genomic species. The organisms were also distinguished using a combination of phenotypic properties. On the basis of these data it is proposed that the isolates be assigned to the genus Streptomyces as Streptomyces brevispora sp. nov. and Streptomyces laculatispora sp. nov., with BK160T ( = KACC 21093T  = NCIMB 14702T) and BK166T ( = KACC 20907T  = NCIMB 14703T) as the respective type strains.
Lactobacillus futsaii sp. nov., isolated from fu-tsai and suan-tsai, traditional Taiwanese fermented mustard products
Authors: Chao Shiou-Huei , Kudo Yuko , Tsai Ying-Chieh , Watanabe Koichi
Published: April 2011

Three Gram-stain-positive strains were isolated from fermented mustard and were rod-shaped, non-motile, asporogenous, facultatively anaerobic, homofermentative and did not exhibit catalase activity. Comparative analyses of 16S rRNA, pheS and rpoA gene sequences demonstrated that the novel strains were members of the genus Lactobacillus. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the type strains of Lactobacillus crustorum (98.7 % similarity), Lactobacillus farciminis (98.9 %) and Lactobacillus mindensis (97.9 %) were the closest neighbours. However, DNA–DNA reassociation values with these strains were less than 50 %. Phenotypic and genotypic features demonstrated that these isolates represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus futsaii sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is YM 0097T ( = JCM 17355T = BCRC 80278T).
Characterization and emended description of Lactobacillus kunkeei as a fructophilic lactic acid bacterium
Authors: Endo Akihito , Irisawa Tomohiro , Futagawa-Endo Yuka , Takano Katsumi , du Toit Maret , Okada Sanae , Dicks Leon M. T.
Published: April 2011

Lactobacillus kunkeei is an inhabitant of fructose-rich niches and is a potential member of the fructophilic lactic acid bacteria. In the present study, the phylogenetic and biochemical characteristics of the type strain and eight isolates of L. kunkeei, originating from wine, flowers and honey, were studied. The nine isolates, including the type strain, formed a well-defined phylogenetic subcluster based on the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. The subcluster was not closely related to other subclusters in the Lactobacillus phylogenetic group. Biochemically, the eight new isolates showed typical fructophilic characteristics. The eight isolates grew poorly on glucose, but grew well on fructose. Good growth on glucose was only recorded in the presence of electron acceptors. The type strain of L. kunkeei differed from the other isolates only on the basis of poor growth on fructose. Although they belong to a group of obligately heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria, all nine isolates, including the type strain, produced almost equimolar amounts of lactic acid and acetic acid and very little ethanol from glucose. Eight of the isolates can thus be regarded as typical ‘obligately’ fructophilic lactic acid bacteria. Although the type strain of L. kunkeei was phenotypically slightly different from the other isolates, it possessed several important fructophilic characteristics. On the basis of the evidence gathered in this study, the type strain of L. kunkeei is recognized as a member of the ‘obligately’ fructophilic lactic acid bacteria.
Multilocus sequence analysis of the family Halomonadaceae
Authors: de la Haba Rafael R. , Márquez M. Carmen , Papke R. Thane , Ventosa Antonio
Published: April 2011

Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) protocols have been developed for species circumscription for many taxa. However, at present, no studies based on MLSA have been performed within any moderately halophilic bacterial group. To test the usefulness of MLSA with these kinds of micro-organisms, the family Halomonadaceae, which includes mainly halophilic bacteria, was chosen as a model. This family comprises ten genera with validly published names and 85 species of environmental, biotechnological and clinical interest. In some cases, the phylogenetic relationships between members of this family, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, are not clear and a deep phylogenetic analysis using several housekeeping genes seemed appropriate. Here, MLSA was applied using the 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA, atpA, gyrB, rpoD and secA genes for species of the family Halomonadaceae. Phylogenetic trees based on the individual and concatenated gene sequences revealed that the family Halomonadaceae formed a monophyletic group of micro-organisms within the order Oceanospirillales. With the exception of the genera Halomonas and Modicisalibacter, all other genera within this family were phylogenetically coherent. Five of the six studied genes (16S rRNA, 23S rRNA, gyrB, rpoD and secA) showed a consistent evolutionary history. However, the results obtained with the atpA gene were different; thus, this gene may not be considered useful as an individual gene phylogenetic marker within this family. The phylogenetic methods produced variable results, with those generated from the maximum-likelihood and neighbour-joining algorithms being more similar than those obtained by maximum-parsimony methods. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays an important evolutionary role in the family Halomonadaceae; however, the impact of recombination events in the phylogenetic analysis was minimized by concatenating the six loci, which agreed with the current taxonomic scheme for this family. Finally, the findings of this study also indicated that the 16S rRNA, gyrB and rpoD genes were the most suitable genes for future taxonomic studies using MLSA within the family Halomonadaceae.
Detection and characterization of canine astroviruses
Authors: Martella Vito , Moschidou Paschalina , Lorusso Eleonora , Mari Viviana , Camero Michele , Bellacicco Annalucia , Losurdo Michele , Pinto Pierfrancesco , Desario Costantina , Bányai Kristian , Elia Gabriella , Decaro Nicola , Buonavoglia Canio
Published: April 2011

Astroviruses (AstVs) have been identified only occasionally in dogs. A canine AstV, strain Bari/08/ITA, was detected from a pup with gastroenteric signs and the virus was isolated in cell culture and characterized molecularly. In the full-length capsid protein, the virus displayed genetic similarities (83.5 % aa identity) to another canine AstV strain, although a high rate of variation occurred in the hypervariable domain, which is related to AstV antigenic specificity. Specific antibodies were detected in the convalescent dog, indicating seroconversion, and in 59 % of a collection of dog serum samples. Using primers specific for canine AstV, designed to detect a conserved region of ORF1b, canine AstVs were detected in 24.5 % of young pups with gastroenteritis, either alone or in mixed infections with other canine pathogens. In contrast, AstVs were detected in only 9.3 % of asymptomatic pups. These findings indicate that canine AstVs are common in dogs and may suggest a possible role as canine enteric pathogens.
Characterization of the complete genomes of Camelus dromedarius papillomavirus types 1 and 2
Authors: Ure A. E. , Elfadl A. K. , Khalafalla A. I. , Gameel A. A. R. , Dillner J. , Forslund O.
Published: April 2011

Camel papillomatosis has been described previously, but the genome of the suspected papillomavirus (PV) has not been identified. An outbreak of papillomatosis occurred in a dromedary farm of 55 animals in Sudan during August 2009. The disease was only present in young animals aged about 3–7 months, of which 44 % (11/25) were affected with lesions, mainly on the lips and lower jaw. This study reports for the first time the complete genomes of Camelus dromedarius papillomavirus types 1 (CdPV1) and 2 (CdPV2), isolated from a cauliflower-like nodule and a round oval raised nodule, respectively. Pairwise comparisons of their L1 nucleotide sequences revealed 69.2 % identity, and phylogenetic analyses suggested that these two PV types are grouped within the genus Deltapapillomavirus. Both viruses were isolated from fibropapillomas, although no putative E5 proteins homologous to that of bovine papillomavirus type 1 were identified. The genetic information will be useful for evolutionary studies of the family Papillomaviridae, as well as for the development of diagnostic methods for surveillance of the disease in dromedaries.
Hepatitis E virus in Italy: molecular analysis of travel-related and autochthonous cases
Authors: La Rosa Giuseppina , Muscillo Michele , Vennarucci Valentina Spuri , Garbuglia Anna Rosa , La Scala Patrizia , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria
Published: April 2011

Human hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered an emerging pathogen in industrialized countries. The aim of the present study was to contribute to the body of knowledge available on the molecular epidemiology of acute hepatitis E in Italy. Three sets of HEV-specific primers targeting the ORF1 and ORF2 were used to examine serum samples collected from acute hepatitis patients positive for anti-HEV IgG and/or IgM, between 2007 and 2010. Seventeen patients (39.5 %) tested HEV RNA-positive: 12 infections, due to genotype 1, were associated with travel to endemic areas (Bangladesh, India and Pakistan), while five infections, due to genotype 3, were presumably autochthonous. Risk factors identified in this group included exposure to raw seafood, pork liver sausages and wild boar. Results from the present study confirm that human HEV infection in Italy is caused by different genotypes, depending on whether the infection is travel-related or autochthonous.
Structure of a CENP-A–histone H4 heterodimer in complex with chaperone HJURP
Authors: Hu Hao , Liu Yang , Wang Mingzhu , Fang Junnan , Huang Hongda , Yang Na , Li Yanbo , Wang Jianyu , Yao Xuebiao , Shi Yunyu , Li Guohong , Xu Rui-Ming
Published: April 2011

In higher eukaryotes, the centromere is epigenetically specified by the histone H3 variant Centromere Protein-A (CENP-A). Deposition of CENP-A to the centromere requires histone chaperone HJURP (Holliday junction recognition protein). The crystal structure of an HJURP–CENP-A–histone H4 complex shows that HJURP binds a CENP-A–H4 heterodimer. The C-terminal β-sheet domain of HJURP caps the DNA-binding region of the histone heterodimer, preventing it from spontaneous association with DNA. Our analysis also revealed a novel site in CENP-A that distinguishes it from histone H3 in its ability to bind HJURP. These findings provide key information for specific recognition of CENP-A and mechanistic insights into the process of centromeric chromatin assembly.
GmPep914, an Eight-Amino Acid Peptide Isolated from Soybean Leaves, Activates Defense-Related Genes
Authors: Yamaguchi Yube , Barona Guido , Ryan Clarence A. , Pearce Gregory
Published: April 2011

Only a handful of endogenous peptide defense signals have been isolated from plants. Herein, we report a novel peptide from soybean (Glycine max) leaves that is capable of alkalinizing the media of soybean suspension cells, a response that is generally associated with defense peptides. The peptide, DHPRGGNY, was synthesized and found to be active at 0.25 nm and requiring only 5 to 10 min to obtain a maximal pH change. The peptide is located on the carboxy-terminal end of a 52-amino acid precursor protein (Glyma12g00990) deduced from the soybean genome project. A search of the soybean databank revealed a homolog (Glyma09g36370) that contained a similar peptide, DLPRGGNY, which was synthesized and shown to have identical activity. The peptides, designated GmPep914 (DHPRGGNY) and GmPep890 (DLPRGGNY), were capable of inducing the expression of both Glyma12g00990 (GmPROPEP914) and Glyma09g36370 (GmPROPEP890) in cultured soybean suspension cells within 1 h. Both peptides induced the expression of defense genes, including CYP93A1, a cytochrome P450 gene involved in phytoalexin synthesis, chitinaseb1-1, a chitinase involved in pathogen defense, and Glycine max chalcone synthase1 (Gmachs1), chalcone synthase, involved in phytoalexin production. Both GmPROPEP914 and GmPROPEP890 were highly expressed in the roots, relative to the aerial portions of the plant. However, treatment of the aerial portion of soybean plants with hormones involved in elicitation of defense responses revealed a significant increase in expression levels of GmPROPEP914 and GmPROPEP890. A search of gene databases revealed homologous sequences in other members of the Fabales and also in the closely related Cucurbitales but not in any other order of plants.
Control of Leaf Expansion: A Developmental Switch from Metabolics to Hydraulics
Authors: Pantin Florent , Simonneau Thierry , Rolland Gaëlle , Dauzat Myriam , Muller Bertrand
Published: April 2011

Leaf expansion is the central process by which plants colonize space, allowing energy capture and carbon acquisition. Water and carbon emerge as main limiting factors of leaf expansion, but the literature remains controversial about their respective contributions. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the importance of hydraulics and metabolics is organized according to both dark/light fluctuations and leaf ontogeny. For this purpose, we established the developmental pattern of individual leaf expansion during days and nights in the model plant Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Under control conditions, decreases in leaf expansion were observed at night immediately after emergence, when starch reserves were lowest. These nocturnal decreases were strongly exaggerated in a set of starch mutants, consistent with an early carbon limitation. However, low-light treatment of wild-type plants had no influence on these early decreases, implying that expansion can be uncoupled from changes in carbon availability. From 4 d after leaf emergence onward, decreases of leaf expansion were observed in the daytime. Using mutants impaired in stomatal control of transpiration as well as plants grown under soil water deficit or high air humidity, we gathered evidence that these diurnal decreases were the signature of a hydraulic limitation that gradually set up as the leaf developed. Changes in leaf turgor were consistent with this pattern. It is concluded that during the course of leaf ontogeny, the predominant control of leaf expansion switches from metabolics to hydraulics. We suggest that the leaf is better armed to buffer variations in the former than in the latter.
Multilevel Control of Arabidopsis 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase by Protein Phosphatase 2A
Authors: Leivar Pablo , Antolín-Llovera Meritxell , Ferrero Sergi , Closa Marta , Arró Montserrat , Ferrer Albert , Boronat Albert , Campos Narciso
Published: April 2011

Plants synthesize a myriad of isoprenoid products that are required both for essential constitutive processes and for adaptive responses to the environment. The enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) catalyzes a key regulatory step of the mevalonate pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis and is modulated by many endogenous and external stimuli. In spite of that, no protein factor interacting with and regulating plant HMGR in vivo has been described so far. Here, we report the identification of two B′′ regulatory subunits of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), designated B′′α and B′′β, that interact with HMGR1S and HMGR1L, the major isoforms of Arabidopsis thaliana HMGR. B′′α and B′′β are Ca2+ binding proteins of the EF-hand type. We show that HMGR transcript, protein, and activity levels are modulated by PP2A in Arabidopsis. When seedlings are transferred to salt-containing medium, B′′α and PP2A mediate the decrease and subsequent increase of HMGR activity, which results from a steady rise of HMGR1-encoding transcript levels and an initial sharper reduction of HMGR protein level. In unchallenged plants, PP2A is a posttranslational negative regulator of HMGR activity with the participation of B′′β. Our data indicate that PP2A exerts multilevel control on HMGR through the five-member B′′ protein family during normal development and in response to a variety of stress conditions.
ETOILERegulates Developmental Patterning in the Filamentous Brown AlgaEctocarpus siliculosus
Authors: Le Bail Aude , Billoud Bernard , Le Panse Sophie , Chenivesse Sabine , Charrier Bénédicte
Published: April 2011

Brown algae are multicellular marine organisms evolutionarily distant from both metazoans and land plants. The molecular or cellular mechanisms that govern the developmental patterning in brown algae are poorly characterized. Here, we report the first morphogenetic mutant, étoile (etl), produced in the brown algal model Ectocarpus siliculosus. Genetic, cellular, and morphometric analyses showed that a single recessive locus, ETL, regulates cell differentiation: etl cells display thickening of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the elongated, apical, and actively dividing E cells are underrepresented. As a result of this defect, the overrepresentation of round, branch-initiating R cells in the etl mutant leads to the rapid induction of the branching process at the expense of the uniaxial growth in the primary filament. Computational modeling allowed the simulation of the etl mutant phenotype by including a modified response to the neighborhood information in the division rules used to specify wild-type development. Microarray experiments supported the hypothesis of a defect in cell–cell communication, as primarily Lin-Notch-domain transmembrane proteins, which share similarities with metazoan Notch proteins involved in binary cell differentiation were repressed in etl. Thus, our study highlights the role of the ECM and of novel transmembrane proteins in cell–cell communication during the establishment of the developmental pattern in this brown alga.
The Interconversion of UDP-Arabinopyranose and UDP-Arabinofuranose Is Indispensable for Plant Development inArabidopsis
Authors: Rautengarten Carsten , Ebert Berit , Herter Thomas , Petzold Christopher J. , Ishii Tadashi , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Usadel Björn , Scheller Henrik Vibe
Published: April 2011

l-Ara, an important constituent of plant cell walls, is found predominantly in the furanose rather than in the thermodynamically more stable pyranose form. Nucleotide sugar mutases have been demonstrated to interconvert UDP-l-arabinopyranose (UDP-Arap) and UDP-l-arabinofuranose (UDP-Araf) in rice (Oryza sativa). These enzymes belong to a small gene family encoding the previously named Reversibly Glycosylated Proteins (RGPs). RGPs are plant-specific cytosolic proteins that tend to associate with the endomembrane system. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the RGP protein family consists of five closely related members. We characterized all five RGPs regarding their expression pattern and subcellular localizations in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Enzymatic activity assays of recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli identified three of the Arabidopsis RGP protein family members as UDP-l-Ara mutases that catalyze the formation of UDP-Araf from UDP-Arap. Coimmunoprecipitation and subsequent liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed a distinct interaction network between RGPs in different Arabidopsis organs. Examination of cell wall polysaccharide preparations from RGP1 and RGP2 knockout mutants showed a significant reduction in total l-Ara content (12–31%) compared with wild-type plants. Concomitant downregulation of RGP1 and RGP2 expression results in plants almost completely deficient in cell wall–derived l-Ara and exhibiting severe developmental defects.
A preliminary study of amino acid and mineral profiles of important and estimable 21 seafood species
Authors: Özden Özkan , Erkan Nuray
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the proximate composition, amino acid and mineral profiles of seafood for human consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 21 seafood species (eight seawater, one fresh water fish, six crustacean and six mollusc species) of commercial importance were chosen and purchased from the Istanbul local fish market. The sample to amino acids analyze was prepared in accordance with the hydrolysis technique described by Waters AccQ.Tag Chemistry Package Method (HPLC). Determination of iron (Fe), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), selenium (Se), phosphorus (P) and iodine (I) was performed with thermo electron X7 inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS).

Findings

The lipid contents of species were found to be very low and considered as lean. The highest total amino acid values of fishes, crustaceans and molluscs were determined in John Dory, hake, red scorpion fish, spiny lobster, Norway lobster, sea snail and pecten. The mineral content of seafood species were found to be 9.3‐157.11 mg/kg Fe, 558.13‐6095.89 mg/kg Na, 253.25‐1032.29 mg/kg Mg, 125.43‐17174.76 mg/kg Ca, 0.18‐7.76 mg/kg Se, 1586.45‐5811.16 mg/kg P and 0.086‐2.630 mg/kg I.

Originality/value

This paper is helpful to consumers and academics concerning the proximate, amino acid and mineral composition of 21 estimable seafood species (nine fish, six crustacean and six mollusc species).
Networking with boundary spanners
Authors: Shantz Amanda , Wright Katy , Latham Gary
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a potential mechanism through which gender segregation in the engineering profession is created and sustained. Specifically, boundary spanners for women and men were examined because they may be a source of valuable information to job seekers.

Design/methodology/approach

Applicant data for the role of a senior technical engineer (n=100) from an engineering organisation in the UK were analyzed.

Findings

A logistic regression analysis showed that women applicants were significantly less likely than men to be offered a job as a senior engineer. A mediation analysis revealed that women did not use networking with boundary spanners as a primary job search tool, providing a partial explanation for why women are less likely to be hired in senior engineering roles.

Originality/value

This study uses a dataset collected in 2009 to widen the investigative lens of processes that influence hiring outcomes for women in a male‐stereotyped job, namely, engineering.
Adapting a quality assurance framework for creating educational metadata in an agricultural learning repository
Authors: Zschocke Thomas , Beniest Jan
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The paper seeks to introduce a process for assuring the creation of quality educational metadata based on the ISO/IEC 19796‐1 standard to describe the agricultural learning resources in the repository of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the general notion of quality in education and in the creation of educational metadata. It introduces a quality framework based on the ISO/IEC 19796‐1 standard on quality management and quality assurance for learning, education and training. This standard consists of a reference framework for the description of quality approaches (RFDQ) to describe, compare, and analyze quality management and quality assurance approaches, which has been adapted to the creation of educational metadata in the context of the learning object repository of the CGIAR.

Findings

In order to achieve consistency in the description of learning resources in a repository through quality educational metadata, a standardized process for metadata creators is essential. The reference framework of the ISO/IEC 19796‐1 standard provides a flexible approach that allows the optimization of the metadata creation process while assuring quality of the descriptive information.

Practical implications

The paper proposes a standardized process for the creation of learning object metadata based on the ISO/IEC 19796‐1 standard, and makes suggestions on how to use the reference framework when adapting a quality model for educational metadata.

Originality/value

ISO/IEC 19796‐1 is a very recent standard with a flexible reference framework to develop a quality model in education and training. It provides a novel approach for organizations maintaining learning repositories that are interested in standardizing the educational metadata creation process, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved.
Ethics and trust in digital scholarship
Authors: Mutula Stephen M.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to address issues of ethics and trust in a digital scholarship environment relating to: accuracy of data, integrity of scholarly research process, electronic publications and communications; intellectual property rights, confidentiality/privacy and data security. The paper raises such questions as: To what extent do faculty trust digital research process? How can trust be nurtured in a scholarly environment where research is undertaken wholly or in part electronically?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on critical analysis of existing literature especially the theoretical models of ethics and trust drawn from across different disciplines such as marketing, psychology, management, and information systems.

Findings

Despite the increasing adoption of digital scholarship strategies among universities, ethics and trust issues are not being addressed. In order for digital scholarship to be effectively integrated within the institutional operational milieu and institutionalised, a number of interventions are required, such as: putting in place an e‐strategy; a research portal that facilitates data transfer; knowledge sharing, protocols of uploading content; open access standards; institutional repositories; e‐research librarians responsible for training, faculty and students re‐orientation; provision of digital curation services such as standards, software, and access cyber infrastructure.

Research limitations/implications

The subject of ethics and trust has hardly been researched in a digital scholarship environment. Consequently, there is limited literature on the subject. Empirical research is needed to address issues of trust and ethics in digital learning and research environment in order to leverage the proliferation of technology to optimise benefits for scholarly endeavours.

Practical implications

Institutions of higher learning, especially universities, must strive to integrate into their learning and research strategies ethical and trust aspects of digital scholarship to ensure that information and communication technologies that are implemented meet acceptable scholarly standards with regard to access, usability, productivity and more.

Social implications

Issues of ethics and trust have become more important than before because of the evolving knowledge economy and the pervasity of information and communication technology in society emanating from increased rollout of e‐government infrastructures throughout the world by governments.

Originality/value

The subject of ethics and trust has hardly been addressed in literature in the context of digital scholarship, yet more educational institutions the world over are moving toward embracing digital scholarship environments.
A proposal of a new paradigm for national quality certification systems
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Galetto Maurizio , Maisano Domenico , Mastrogiacomo Luca
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to suggest a new incentive model that is capable of creating the conditions for the autonomous growth of diffusion and credibility of the ISO 9000 national quality certification system.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of this work contains some considerations about the general interest of organisations in quality certification systems, emphasising the advantages and the drawbacks in being certified. Next, the attention shifts to future scenarios. Specifically, a new model is proposed that is capable of encouraging certified organisations (COs) and certification bodies (CBs) that operate blamelessly and seriously, while at the same time penalising those that do not.

Findings

The suggested model consists of two inter‐connected sub‐models relative to COs and CBs, respectively. Each sub‐model includes different states with different incentives/penalties. The switch‐over from one state to another depends on the practical results recorded in recent years by the CO/CB of interest. The switching rules are based on a set of objective, transparent, and non‐manipulable indicators.

Research limitations/implications

On‐site analyses and simulations are necessary so as to tune optimal switching rules to balance the whole model.

Practical implications

The (possible) future implementation of the model could have great impact on COs' and CBs' modi operandi, promoting the real implementation of quality management practices but – at the same time – not requiring significant additional effort from the state and the authorities accrediting/controlling CBs.

Originality/value

The proposed model is absolutely new and may represent a proper way to combine the interests and expectations of COs and CBs into a unique “virtuous circle” for improving the real implementation of quality management.
A performance realization framework for implementing ISO 9000
Authors: Kim Dong‐Young , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a performance realization framework based on key factors of ISO 9000 implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐stage approach of a systematic review is employed to examine the literature and develop the framework. The review is concentrated on three research topics: motivations; critical success factors; and impacts of ISO 9000 implementation.

Findings

This study identifies five motivation factors (quality‐related; operations‐related; competitiveness‐related; external pressure‐related; organizational image‐related factors) and ten critical success factors (leadership; training; involvement of everyone; organizational resource; quality‐oriented culture; customer‐based approach; process‐centered approach; communication and teamwork; customizing the ISO requirements; quality audit). This study also develops a performance realization framework composed of three parts: conversion; enhancement; and competitive priority stages.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the development of the literature by providing a set of motivation factors and of critical success factors that can assist practitioners to effectively implement the standard. Further, the proposed framework helps to explain causal relationships among ISO 9000 impacts and provide guidelines about critical considerations.
Tracking hidden quality costs in a manufacturing company: an action research
Authors: Cheah Soo‐Jin , Shah Amirul , Fauziah
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a report on the implementation of a quality cost program in a continuous‐process manufacturing company, with particular emphasis on the unearthing of hidden quality costs, as well as gaining a closer understanding of the resistance against implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an action research approach, the researchers participated – directly and indirectly – in the implementation of quality costing at the case company. The research process comprises iterative cycles of gathering data through documentary reviews, observations of company operations, discussions with operatives, analyzing data, undertaking actions and evaluating results. Following Sandoval‐Chavez and Beruvides, the poor quality cost analysis includes an additional category to the conventional prevention‐appraisal‐failure model to reflect the cost of lost opportunities.

Findings

The study unearthed a significant portion of hidden quality costs which may be termed an “opportunity loss”. The findings indicate that the company's total quality costs actually far exceed its current profit margin, and that the company could improve its competitive position if it focused on the elimination of these quality costs.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on uncovering hidden quality costs. However, the measuring of quality costs only serves to identify opportunities for improvement. It is follow‐up corrective actions that will lead to organizational effectiveness. The research findings support the contention that tracking of poor quality costs is an important step in the quality management process.

Originality/value

This paper presents a proactive way of tracking hidden quality costs.
Effect of use‐rate on system life and failure models for 2D warranty
Authors: Manna D.K. , Pal Surajit , Sinha Sagnik
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterise the failure model of a system that is covered by a two‐dimensional warranty, one dimension depicting time and the other usage. Specifically, the authors study the effect of use‐rate on system life when each constituent component life is described by an accelerated‐failure‐time (AFT) type model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper evaluates the effect of use‐rate on the expected failure time of a system having different internal configurations involving components. Firstly, the coherent structure as well as modules with redundant structures (standby and load‐sharing) are analysed, whereby component failures are assumed to be conditionally independent. Study systems of some basic configurations with a general dependence structure among component failure instances are also studied.

Findings

The results strongly indicate that, irrespective of the internal component‐configuration of the system, the models should posses the property that the expected failure time given the use‐rate is a non‐increasing function of use‐rate. The study also reveals that dependence among components arises quite naturally due to variability in use‐rate, even when all other factors of the usage environment are held constant.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper are the outcome of a theoretical investigation. Although they are supported by some real‐life cases as cited from the literature, it is important that they are validated through more examples.

Practical implications

The results would find a direct application in the analysis of two‐dimensional warranty policies as well as the reliability assessment of consumer durables.

Originality/value

The proposed approach to the characterisation of a bivariate failure model (indexed by time and usage) is quite realistic. This investigation may lead to the development of a more suitable model.
Do audit tenure and firm size contribute to audit quality?
Authors: Abedalqader Al‐Thuneibat Ali , Tawfiq Ibrahim Al Issa Ream , Ata Baker Rana Ahmad
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the length of the audit firm‐client relationship and the size of the audit firm on audit quality in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

To test their hypotheses, the authors use the quadratic form approach, similar to Chi and Huang, with some modifications. The population of this study encompasses all firms in which stock is publicly traded on the Amman Stock Exchange throughout the years (2002‐2006).

Findings

Statistical analysis of data shows that, audit firm tenure affects the audit quality adversely (negatively). Audit quality deteriorates, when audit firm tenure is extended as a result of the growth in the magnitude of discretionary accruals. Meanwhile, data analysis did not reveal that the audit firm size has any significant impact on the correlation between audit firm tenure and audit quality.

Practical implications

If auditor independence and audit quality are to be enhanced, the audit firm should be rotated in order to open the door for new auditors to investigate the client with greater scrutiny and due care. Moreover, the activities of big audit firms should be monitored in order to distinguish their role from small firms.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence from a developing country about audit quality. It is expected to support and sustain improvement of audit quality, and therefore, financial reporting quality. The evidence provided by this paper adds to the literature internationally and this is important because auditing is a socially constructed phenomenon.
Socio‐economic development model based on stochastic advance‐retreat course
Authors: Dai Feng , Qi Jianping , Liang Ling
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal some basic characteristics in social and economic process, and lay the analytic foundation for advance‐retreat course (ARC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the analytic model of stochastic ARC (SARC), which is based on the partial distribution and partial process (belonging to the probability theory and stochastic process), and describes some important characteristics of social and economic process in a quantitative method.

Findings

The successful socio‐economic process, including many biological process, are usually divided into three basic stages: the weak growth, the quick development and the swift decline. In general, rapid growth brings with it the weak persistence, and slow growth brings with it the strong persistence. The socio‐economic fluctuations are mainly caused by the excessive environmental pressures. The duration of the socio‐economic growth is inverse with the environmental pressure.

Research limitations/implications

All the basic variables and parameters in an ARC model should be no less than zero.

Practical implications

Based on US GDP (chained) price index data (1940‐2005), American economic process in recent 70 years is analyzed, and the analysis indicates, American economic motivity is clearly insufficient after 2008, and the present economic recovery will be very arduous and prolonged.

Social implications

The environmental pressures will become the main problem for future global socio‐economic development.

Originality/value

SARC model in this paper presents a special way to analyze the social development and economic growth, and is helpful to related academic research and socio‐economic decision making.
Justice in entrepreneurial organizations
Authors: Newbert Scott L. , Stouder Michael D.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

Justice is a traditional and central moral criterion in society, and is determined, expressed, and assessed differently in different social settings. The purpose of this paper is to propose a justice perspective from contemporary political philosophy in order to explore and prescribe ethical justice behavior in the context of entrepreneurial firms.

Design/methodology/approach

John Rawls' influential political theory of justice is examined and then discussed as a potential guide for the ethical decision making of founders of new organizations.

Findings

The empirical realities of entrepreneurs are curiously analogous to Rawlsian choosers in the original position as they operate under a similar veil of ignorance. As a development of the authors' argument, three entrepreneur‐inspired justice principles are suggested.

Social implications

A society of entrepreneurs who value fairness with regard to their stakeholders is likely to shape the business environment in ways that figure into assumptions of business decisions for all organizations, which may in turn result in a society in which all organizational stakeholders are treated fairly.

Originality/value

The paper shows that a Rawlsian justice perspective is plausible, illuminating, and potentially useful when applied to the entrepreneurial context.
Corruption, fraud and cybercrime as dehumanizing phenomena
Authors: Dion Michel
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe corruption, fraud and cybercrime as dehumanizing phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

Berdiaeff's notion of slavery and Sartre's concepts of lie and bad faith are used in order to put light on the dehumanizing effects of corruption, fraud and cybercrime over social life itself.

Findings

Corruption, fraud and cybercrime constitute dehumanizing processes insofar as they undermine mutual trust among people. When they arise in the organizational setting, corruption and fraud (committed through cyberspace or any other means) are institutionalizing suspicion and creating a deep loss of mutual trust and confidence within the organization. Human relationships within a corrupt and fraudulent organization are harder to develop than in a workplace characterized by honesty and integrity.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is focusing on Berdiaeff's notion of slavery and Sartrian concepts of lie and bad faith. It does not reflect all aspects of dehumanizing phenomena such as corruption, fraud and cybercrime.

Practical implications

The analysis reveals the way in which Sartrian concepts of lie and bad faith could be applied to the behavior of corrupt and fraudulent people as well as cybercriminals.

Social implications

Owing to the transnational nature of both corruption, fraud and cybercrime, such phenomena negatively affect the potentialities to develop a cross‐cultural and interreligious dialogue on the international scene.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is that it reveals that the way an organization could fight corruption, fraud and cybercrime could be determined by its propensity to tolerate lies and bad faith in its organizational culture.
The volatility transmission of stock returns across Asia, Europe, and North America
Authors: Chiou Ingyu
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the lead‐lag relationships between three major stock markets (Tokyo, London, and New York) over the period 1997‐2007, using the return‐volatility variable. The study aims to use new data to test how one national stock market affects another national stock market, which is one focus of the market integration literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the traditional regression model because three stock markets (Tokyo, London, and New York) are in different time zones and trading takes place sequentially. Specifically, the intraday return is calculated from the daily open and close prices.

Findings

This paper finds strong evidence that three stock markets are significantly interdependent: Tokyo leads London and New York; London leads New York and Tokyo; and New York leads Tokyo and London. In particular, the tie between London and New York is the strongest. Most of the author's results are consistent with those of previous studies.

Practical implications

First, there may exist profitable investment strategies in one market by observing the performance of another market that was just closed. Second, regulators should pay close attention to not only the domestic market but also the foreign markets and be ready to deal with adverse situations accordingly. Third, achieving international diversification in portfolio management may become more challenging because of high correlations between markets.

Originality/value

This paper extends the existing literature in market integration by using return volatility to test how one market affects another market. Our new evidence confirms that there are high degrees of linkages between Tokyo, London, and New York.
Does index investing work in bonds?
Authors: Chang C. Edward , Krueger Thomas M.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine operating characteristics, risk and performance measures of all available vehicles for index investing in US bond funds during the 15‐year period from April, 1994 to March, 2009. The results shed light on the important issue of bond index mutual funds (BIMFs) and bond exchange‐traded funds (BETFs) performance compared with average of all bond mutual funds.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from Morningstar Principia. Operating characteristics include expense ratios, annual turnover rates, and tax cost ratios. Performance measures include average annual returns and return percentile rank in category, risks (measured by standard deviation) and risk‐adjusted returns (measured by the Sharpe ratio).

Findings

BIMFs and BETFs have significantly lower expense ratios and annual turnover rates than category averages. Their returns and risk‐adjusted returns are significantly higher than bond category averages.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies will be able to benefit from a larger sample size, longer performance records, and the strength of bond index funds in foreign markets.

Practical implications

Both BIMFs and bond exchange‐traded mutual funds have significantly lower expense and annual turnover rates, making them preferred investment choices.

Social implications

Efforts by active bond mutual fund managers to beat index benchmarks have largely failed. Investors should be wary of bond mutual fund managers touting their ability to beat the average or a bond index.

Originality/value

The advantage of investment in BIMFs and BETFs is clear.