bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apple Sucrose Transporter SUT1 and Sorbitol Transporter SOT6 Interact with Cytochromeb5to Regulate Their Affinity for Substrate Sugars
Authors: Fan Ren-Chun , Peng Chang-Cao , Xu Yan-Hong , Wang Xiao-Fang , Li Yan , Shang Yi , Du Shu-Yuan , Zhao Rui , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Zhang Ling-Yun , Zhang Da-Peng
Published: June 2009

Sugar transporters are central machineries to mediate cross-membrane transport of sugars into the cells, and sugar availability may serve as a signal to regulate the sugar transporters. However, the mechanisms of sugar transport regulation by signal sugar availability remain unclear in plant and animal cells. Here, we report that a sucrose transporter, MdSUT1, and a sorbitol transporter, MdSOT6, both localized to plasma membrane, were identified from apple (Malus domestica) fruit. Using a combination of the split-ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid, immunocoprecipitation, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, the two distinct sugar transporters were shown to interact physically with an apple endoplasmic reticulum-anchored cytochrome b5 MdCYB5 in vitro and in vivo. In the yeast systems, the two different interaction complexes function to up-regulate the affinity of the sugar transporters, allowing cells to adapt to sugar starvation. An Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) homolog of MdCYB5, AtCYB5-A, also interacts with the two sugar transporters and functions similarly. The point mutations leucine-73 → proline in MdSUT1 and leucine-117 → proline in MdSOT6, disrupting the bimolecular interactions but without significantly affecting the transporter activities, abolish the stimulating effects of the sugar transporter-cytochrome b5 complex on the affinity of the sugar transporters. However, the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cytochrome b5 ScCYB5, an additional interacting partner of the two plant sugar transporters, has no function in the regulation of the sugar transporters, indicating that the observed biological functions in the yeast systems are specific to plant cytochrome b5s. These findings suggest a novel mechanism by which the plant cells tailor sugar uptake to the surrounding sugar availability.
Dimorpholinium pentachloridoantimonate(III)
Authors: Chen Li Zhuang
Published: June 2009

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, (C4H10NO)2[SbCl5], consists of two morpholinium cations in chair conformations, and a pentachloridoantimonate dianion with the SbIIIion in a slightly distorted square-pyramidal coordination environment. The morpholinium cations are connected to each other by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, and they link the chloride anions and the antimonate SbCl3groupviaN—H...Cl contacts.
catena-Poly[[diaqua(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N,N′)nickel(II)]-μ-1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylato-κ2N3:O6]
Authors: Song Wen-Dong , Wang Hao , Hu Shi-Wei , Qin Pei-Wen , Li Shi-Jie
Published: June 2009

In the title complex, [Ni(C9H4N2O4)(C12H8N2)(H2O)2]n, the NiIIatom is hexacoordinated by one N and one O atom from two different 1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylate ligands, two N atoms from one 1,10-phenanthroline ligand and two water molecules. The flexible 1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylate ligands link the NiIIcentres, forming an infinite zigzag chain parallel to [001]. The crystal packing is governed by intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions of the O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O types.
Biography: Agricultural Finance Review
Authors: Turvey Calum G.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a “biography” of sorts on Agricultural Finance Review. The paper tracks the evolution of Agricultural Finance Review from its introduction in 1938 to its current status.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a complete review of every paper and every issue. Not all papers were read by the author, but key papers of interest that in one way or another made significant contributions to the study of agricultural finance were reviewed.

Findings

The paper shows the evolution of agricultural finance from the early days of reporting financial data in the 1930s and 1940s, to its emergence as a major and significant sub discipline of the general field of agricultural economics.

Research limitations/implications

As indicated, not all papers were fully reviewed or read. It is possible that papers identified as “firsts” may have been preceded by other papers. Nonetheless the paper identifies the basic evolutionary path of the journal and defines key points in time when a paradigm shift emerged to change the direction of this discipline.

Practical implications

As Agricultural Finance Review transitions from the Department of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University to Emerald Group Publishing Limited, this “biography” provides readers with a general overview of the journal's and the discipline's historical development.

Originality/value

This paper is simply a review of the existing literature found in Agricultural Finance Review.
Using real options to evaluate ethanol plant expansion decisions
Authors: Pederson Glenn , Zou Tianyu
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to incorporate market price risk into investment decisions. The investigation focuses on investments to expand ethanol production facilities. The model is used to determine if such a real option approach can explain recent changes in the level of plant investment activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper demonstrates how real option analysis and Monte Carlo simulation can be used to evaluate ethanol plant investments by using available historical industry and market price data. We focus on existing small‐to‐medium, dry milling plants and the real option to expand the scale of operations. The binomial option pricing model is used to identify optimal strategies.

Findings

Increasing profitability and volatility appear to favor the strategy of investing during 2005‐2007. However, when the prices of corn and natural gas rise and plant profitability declines during 2007‐2008, the best strategy is increasingly to either postpone the investment or reject the decision to expand.

Originality/value

This paper is a first application of real option analysis to ethanol plant expansion decisions. The methodology used in the paper can be adapted by analysts, investors, and lenders in the ethanol industry to improve their investment analyses.
Are the poor really more trustworthy? A micro‐lending experiment
Authors: Kropp Jaclyn D. , Turvey Calum G. , Just David R. , Kong Rong , Guo Pei
Published: June 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between wealth and trustworthiness with the goal of understanding why micro‐lending institutions grant loans to poor individuals countering well‐known models of credit markets and credit rationing, such as those proposed by Stiglitz and Weiss. Micro‐credit markets appear to be based on two conjectures: the poor are trustworthy, and their willingness to pay for credit is relatively high.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper simulates trust‐based lending in an experimental setting to determine whether the conjecture that the poor are trustworthy is plausible. By conducting the experiments in the USA, a wealthy developed country, and China, a developing country where formal micro‐finance institutions have not established a visible presence, it is possible to test the conjecture and draw cross‐cultural comparisons.

Findings

The paper finds that while the absolute level of family income had no significant effect on repayment behavior, US borrowers that perceived themselves as having a family income that was relatively lower than other US households repaid at higher rates. Therefore, evidence was found that trustworthiness might be a function of perceived relative wealth or social status rather than the absolute level of wealth or income.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may be difficult to generalize because of the experimental approach and use of students as participants.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the administration of micro‐credit loans in China and other developing nations.

Originality/value

This paper experimentally tests a conjecture which appears to be the foundation of micro‐credit markets.
Crop insurance in malting barley: a stochastic dominance analysis
Authors: Wilson William , Gustafson Cole , Dahl Bruce
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Malting barley is an important specialty crop in the Northern Plains and growers mitigate risk with federally subsidized crop insurance and production contracts. The purpose of this paper is to quantify risks growers face due to “coverage gaps” in crop insurance that result in uncertain indemnity payments when their crop does not meet contract specifications.

Design/methodology/approach

A stochastic dominance model is developed to evaluate alternative strategies for growers with differing risk attitudes and production practices (irrigation vs dryland).

Findings

The results illustrate how alternative crop insurance provisions affect efficient choice sets for growers. Risk premiums for irrigated growers all point to valuations favoring more coverage, contracts, and malting option B. As the crop insurance industry matures in the functions it performs, it will become increasingly more important to address quality attributes.

Originality/value

This paper addresses quality issues and coverage gaps in crop insurance provisions.
Factors affecting crop insurance purchase decisions by farmers in northern Illinois
Authors: Ginder Matthew , Spaulding Aslihan D. , Tudor Kerry W. , Randy Winter J.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine which factors are most influential to farmers' crop insurance purchasing decisions in northern Illinois.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail survey method was used to collect information from farmers in a 42 county region of Illinois.

Findings

Of the factors analyzed, price had the most significant effect on crop insurance purchase decisions. While acres farmed had statistically significant impact on most of the crop insurance purchase decisions, different factors played a role in purchase decisions based on types of insurance and types of crops covered.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study warrant additional research relative to crop insurance purchase decisions. Analyzing the affect of varying degrees of government subsidization across crop insurance plans and coverage levels on purchase decisions is recommended. Questions regarding the relationship between crop insurance subsidization, farm program payments, and ad hoc disaster payments would be relevant in light of World Trade Organization and federal budget discussions. Also, asking participants to indicate if they have a written grain marketing plan and if that plan leverages crop insurance coverage to support forward contracting or pre‐harvest pricing would provide additional insights in determining how crop insurance purchase decisions are made. Questions regarding the claims process should be incorporated into future studies on this topic. The timeliness of claims payments, as well as the farmer's level of satisfaction with the claims adjustor and claims process may factor into the decision‐making process.

Practical implications

Illinois farmers and crop insurance agencies could benefit from this study. Findings could improve the crop insurance products and services available to Illinois farmers and make the federal crop insurance program more effective in enhancing farmers' ability to manage crop production risk.

Originality/value

This paper identified the factors that are most influential to farmers' crop insurance purchasing decisions in northern Illinois.
Design basis and hydrodynamic performance analysis of single‐screw extruders. I – polymer flow behaviour
Authors: Koç Erdem , Demiryürek Oğuz
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the hydrodynamic performance of a single‐screw extruder with special reference to metering region.

Design/methodology/approach

The hydrodynamic analysis of a single screw extruder is carried out by dimensional and non‐dimensional parameters defining the polymer flow behaviour. The flow types formed in the extruder channel are defined and the relationship between the flow with the extruder geometry is examined.

Findings

The theoretical model developed is capable of estimating the hydrodynamic behaviour of extruder metering region. With the model developed, extruder geometry and polymer flow rate under different operating conditions can be predicted.

Originality/value

This paper offers a quick and easy opportunity to examine the hydrodynamic behaviour of extruder metering region. With the theoretical model developed, the behaviour of the flow in extruder can be modelled and estimated.
Pin‐on‐disk apparatus for tribological studies of polymeric materials
Authors: Ølholm Larsen Thomas , Løgstrup Andersen Tom , Thorning Bent , Vigild Martin E.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the construction of a custom‐built pin‐on‐disk (POD) apparatus based on a simple design and on important guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

The POD apparatus is built as a part of the main author's PhD project. The apparatus is built at a low cost and is suited for testing polymeric materials under dry‐sliding conditions. The different main parts of the apparatus are described in a way which partly explains the choice of construction and partly makes it possible to produce a similar apparatus. Furthermore, a limited amount of tribological data is presented mainly to exemplify the usefulness of the machine.

Findings

The POD apparatus is successfully applied to measure coefficients of friction, wear rates and disk temperatures at an acceptable level of precision and accuracy. Tribological data obtained with this equipment show the effect of reinforcing an epoxy resin with a plain glass fiber weave.

Research limitations/implications

The data presented in this paper are limited since the main objective is to describe the construction of a POD apparatus.

Practical implications

The paper is intended to be a source of inspiration for industrial or academic laboratories who want to establish their own tailor‐suited tribological test‐equipment, instead of investing in a probably more expensive commercial machine.

Originality/value

The POD apparatus is custom‐built and described in an easily understandable way, which makes this a helpful paper for those who wish to produce a similar apparatus.
The tribological behavior of modified diamond nanoparticles in liquid paraffin
Authors: Peng De‐Xing , Kang Yuan , Chen Cheng‐Hsien , Chen Fu‐chun Shu Shih‐Kang
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the dispersion capacity and tribological behavior of liquid paraffin added by diamond nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

The structure of the modified diamond nanoparticles which are prepared by oleic acid (OA) is observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The dispersivity of these nanoparticles in liquid paraffin is measured by nanoparticle analyzer. The tribological behavior of adding diamond nanoparticles in liquid paraffin is evaluated by using a ball‐on‐ring wear tester.

Findings

The measurement results reveal the dispersion capability of OA modified diamond nanoparticles and indicate the dispersing stability in liquid paraffin of the OA which is bonded to the surface of diamond nanoparticles through esterification. It is found from wear testing results that the diamond nanoparticle as additive in liquid paraffin at proper concentration shows better tribological properties for anti‐wear (AW) and antifriction than the pure paraffin oil and different AW ability depending on the particle size.

Originality/value

It is shown in the paper that by reducing friction and AW, the lubricant prepared by the methods described can prolong operating hours of machinery.
A study of misaligned roughened two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing
Authors: Sharana Basavaraja J. , Sharma Sathish , Jain Sathish
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The non‐recessed hybrid journal bearings of cylindrical type, when operating at higher rotational speeds can suffer self‐exited vibrations(oil‐whirl Instability), which can cause excessive rotor motion causing bearing and sometimes total machine failure. The multi‐lobe journal bearing exhibits better stability as well as a superior capability to suppress oil‐whirl. The paper aims to present a theoretical study pertaining to a two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing by considering the combined influence of surface roughness and journal misalignment on the performance of the bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

The average Reynolds equation governing the flow of lubricant in the clearance space between the rough bearing surfaces together with the equation of flow through a capillary restrictor has been solved using FEM. The bearing performance characteristics have been simulated for a two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing for the various values of offset factor, restrictor design parameter, surface roughness parameter, surface pattern parameter and journal misalignment parameters.

Findings

The two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system with an offset factor greater than one indicates significant improvement of the order of 15‐25 percent in the values of direct stiffness and direct damping coefficients compared to a circular hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system. Also the lubricant flow of a two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing is reduced by 25 percent vis‐à‐vis circular bearing.

Originality/value

The present work is original of its kind, in case of two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing. The results are quite useful for the bearing designer.
Preparation and tribology performance of nano magnetic grease
Authors: Jiusheng Bao , Zhencai Zhu , Yan Yin , Shujin Liu
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare a novel nano magnetic grease with favorable lubricating performance; to contrast the tribology performance of the magnetic grease with the original grease, and to find the lubricating mechanism of the magnetic grease.

Design/methodology/approach

The nano Fe3O4 magnetic fluids are added into the general urea grease to synthesize the nano magnetic grease. Tribology performance tests of the magnetic grease and the original grease are contrasted on a MMW‐1 four‐ball tester. Based on three kinds of effects caused by the nano magnetic fluids, the lubricating mechanism of the magnetic grease is discussed.

Findings

Nano magnetic grease with favorable lubricating performance can be synthesized by adding the nano Fe3O4 magnetic fluids into the general urea grease. The nano magnetic grease has better lubricating performance and more steady bearing capability than the original grease, and is especially available for the lubricating of equipment with high speed and heavy load. The performance improvement of the magnetic grease is owing to the interactions of three kinds of effects as follows: the viscosity increasing effect, the micro‐rolling effect, and the friction weakening effect, which are all caused by the nano magnetic fluids added into the grease.

Originality/value

The paper documents that the nano Fe3O4 magnetic fluids added into the urea grease to synthesize a novel nano magnetic grease has been proved to have quite favorable lubricating performance by the tribology experiments, and the lubricating mechanism of the magnetic grease is also discussed.
From engineer‐to‐order to mass customization
Authors: Haug Anders , Ladeby Klaes , Edwards Kasper
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Most mass customization literature focuses on the move from mass production to mass customization. However, in some literature engineer‐to‐order (ETO) companies are also claiming to have become mass customizers, although it can be questioned if these companies conform to popular definitions of mass customizers. The purpose of this paper is to ask the question: under which conditions is it reasonable to label ETO companies as mass customizers?

Design/methodology/approach

First, definitions of mass customization are examined and related to ETO companies that move towards mass customization. Second, the individual transitions from mass production and ETO to mass customization are analyzed by: relating the transition to classifications from relevant literature; describing the motivations and risks associated with the transition; and defining some of the most important transition characteristics. Finally it is discussed if ETO companies can become mass customizers and under which conditions it would be reasonable to describe them as such.

Findings

The paper argues that from several angles it makes sense to label some ETO companies as mass customizers although the products are not at prices near mass produced ones.

Research limitations/implications

To avoid dilution of the concept of mass customization, while not excluding ETO companies, it is suggested to start out with a broad definition of mass customization under which separate definitions of different kinds of mass customizers are created.

Originality/value

Although much has been written about mass customization, and ETO companies in much literature have been labeled as mass customizers, the essential discussion of under which conditions it is reasonable to label ETO companies as mass customizers has been missing.
International activities of knowledge‐intensive small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Pykäläinen Timo , Ojala Arto
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that explains international activities of open source software (OSS) firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews relevant literature related to international operations of knowledge‐intensive firms, especially in the software industry. Theoretical development is based here on a combination of the network approach, international new venture theory and inward–outward internationalization.

Findings

The findings in this study suggest that the international activities of OSS firms can be divided into project activities and business activities. Project activities include inward and outward linkages, and partner identification. Business activities include domestic and partner network activities that can lead to international business as well.

Research implications

For scholars, the framework provides a new approach to explain many international activities of OSS firms by integrating three international business theories. In addition, it provides good starting point for further empirical examination.

Practical implications

The framework helps managers gain a better understanding of complex circumstances embedded into the international activities of OSS firms. With that better understanding, the managers can focus their activities, which helps further to improve their firms' competitiveness engendered by the international activities in the OSS development.

Originality/value

The framework developed in this study is believed to be the first serious attempt to provide a deeper theoretical understanding of international activities of OSS firms.
The impact of perceived organizational support and trustworthiness on trust
Authors: Ristig Kyle
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the impact that trustworthiness, comprised of ability, benevolence and integrity, and perceived organizational support (POS) have on trust within a call center and warehousing organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 105 employees are surveyed using a 37 item instrument to assess the subjects' responses to POS, trustworthiness and trust as well as demographic characteristics.

Findings

Results indicate both POS and integrity are positively related to trust. Based upon a usefulness analysis, integrity accounts for a greater amount of incremental variance in trust than POS.

Research limitations/implications

The results are derived from one organization in the southern United States. While a variety of job titles and skill sets are included, the results may not be generalizable to other types of organizations or geographic areas. Also, the relatively low organizational tenure of the employees may limit the development of trust in this organization.

Practical implications

The main implication of this research is that the integrity of the supervisor has significant impact on the formation of trust between the employee and supervisor.

Originality/value

While previously investigated separately as antecedents to trust, this paper provides data on the combined effect of integrity and POS on employee trust within one organization.
Forecasting automobile sales
Authors: Shahabuddin Syed
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the behavior of the automotive industry which is very critical to avoid major economic disruptions in the economy. To understand this industry, one needs to understand its historical performance in relation to many economic factors that may affect the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data about automobile sales (in dollars and in units) and many economic and demographic variables are collected from a variety of sources. Automobile sales are the dependent variable. However, the variable of automobile sales is divided into foreign and domestic car makers. The data are regressed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) stepwise regression to obtain highly correlated variables.

Findings

The results indicate a strong relationship between the economic variables and foreign car sales, but the relationship between the economic variables and domestic car sales is weak. The domestic cars sales relationship to the other economic variables should be explored further to determine possible causes for the weak correlation. One of the possible reasons could be that domestic car makers use many incentives to influence sales, but data on incentives by model by year are not available. The addition of this variable as a factor may improve correlation.

Practical implications

The results in this study could help the automobile companies better understand their business, and the auto companies could use the results for possible strategic decisions. In addition, legislatures in the impacted states could use the results to prepare for fluctuations in the industry that would result in profound effects on the states in question.

Originality/value

This type of analysis is not standard, and the use of multiple economic variables correlated with domestic and foreign car sales is unique. The study provides a basis for further research.
A comparison of gender role portrayals in magazine advertising
Authors: Zhang Lin , “Tony” Srisupandit Pataradech , Cartwright Debra
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to try to determine to what extent differences and similarities in sociopolitical, cultural and economic backgrounds are reflected in gender role portrayals in magazine advertisements in the USA, China and Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis is used. Five different magazine categories are selected from the USA, China and Thailand in 2007: news and general interest; sports; entertainment; women's and business. The coding system employed is modified from Courtney and Lockeretz.

Findings

Overall, the paper finds that advertisers in Thailand, China and America shared some gender stereotyping. In addition, Chinese and Thai magazine advertisements show more gender stereotyping, while US advertisements show more egalitarian representations. These findings are consistent with their respective culture backgrounds.

Research limitations/implications

The use of content analysis is limited because it is mainly descriptive in nature and adequate causal explanations cannot be established. Besides, this research is cross‐sectional and the changes in gender role portrayals in cultures over time cannot be sufficiently captured.

Practical implications

The paper's observations support the hypotheses that the sociopolitical, cultural and economic differences of the three countries lead to different gender role attitudes in each society, and these different attitudes need to be considered by international advertisers. The paper also suggests that international advertisers should carefully consider the use of gender role stereotypes in their creative design, for the benefit both of the advertisers and the society.

Originality/value

No similar studies have been conducted on Thai advertisements and the most recent study in China was in 1997. It is also worthwhile to examine gender role portrayals in advertisements from three countries with unique sociopolitical backgrounds: the capitalistic USA (with Judeo‐Christian values), socialist China (with weak Confucian values) and capitalistic Thailand (with strong Confucian values).
Freedom or docility at work – is there a choice?
Authors: Sandoff Mette , Widell Gill
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a frame of reference about the relations between the responsibility and the commitment of employees on the one side and type of organization on the other. The basis is a discussion of the tension between docility and freedom.

Design/methodology/approach

Results from earlier empirical studies of disciplinary practices among teachers and warders form the starting point. In this paper the phenomenon of hedonism is added. Hedonism is investigated from a psychological perspective and applied to work organizations with the help of attribution theories, theories on coping and motivation and theories on the conflict between the individual and the organization, i.e. of power, culture and coherence.

Findings

The paper has developed a typology on coping strategies in work contexts, which describes four possible “ideal” roles an individual can take, referring to three dimensions, the dichotomy between freedom and docility, the individual's locus of control as external or internal, and the coherence between individual and organizational values.

Practical implications

The model can be used for empirical studies and contribute to the development of work organizations where people feel committed enough to take responsibility both for monotonous and dull everyday tasks and for exceptional and acute unique problem solving situations.

Originality/value

Most studies on disciplining and docility focus on the painful side of coping. Few studies focus on what people do in order to cope with commitment and responsibility. This paper considers the different power struggles embedded in the work context, and give varying interpretations of them.
National sovereignty through decentralization
Authors: Ben‐Meir Yossef
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The suggested utility of decentralized development in Iraq and the Palestinian occupied territories is meant to provide policymakers new alternatives to managing and resolving these conflicts. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The overall paradigm of decentralization is presented and how participatory development relates within it is described. As the conditions in Iraq and Palestine are then discussed, cited qualities and results of decentralized participatory development are shown to directly address the fundamental issues that perpetuate these conflicts.

Findings

The paper finds that decentralization to local communities of development planning and management reinforces national sovereignty when national governments actively support its implementation. The productive partnerships among government, civil organizations and private groups that can result from decentralization – both vertically and horizontally along administrative tiers – strengthen both local community and national autonomy.

Practical implications

The decentralization strategy presented – participatory development – has been shown in cases around the world to also generate vital economic, social, and environmental benefits in a more expeditious and at a lower cost than typical development assistance programs. These outcomes, among others, are what is needed to help resolve conflicts in Iraq and between the Israelis and Palestinians – conflicts rooted in matters of sovereignty, development and reconciliation. In Iraq, decentralization of development will give the national government legitimacy, the Iraqis ownership of their own reconstruction, and the opportunity to incorporate reconciliation as part of the process. In the Palestinian occupied territories, decentralized development will bring immediate relief and build socio‐economic self‐reliance in a way that restructures their economy to be less dependent on Israel and help reduce tensions and violence.

Originality/value

There are important theoretical and applied values of this analysis. By explaining how different ideological perspectives (socialism, neo‐liberalism, alternative development and others) relate to the various organizational arrangements of decentralization, a detailed description of the decentralization paradigm is provided. Then by presenting participatory development as a strategy of decentralization and showing how it can be implemented in Iraq and Palestine, it is shown to be a practical tool with outcomes that correspond fittingly to the fundamental requirements for resolving these destabilizing conflicts. The analysis contributes to both the theoretical and applied knowledge of decentralization.
Poverty reduction and aid: cross‐country evidence
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Oyolola Maharouf
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of foreign aid on poverty. Poverty reduction has lately become an issue of great interest after the adoption of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in which the international community has set the goal to halve poverty by 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses pooled time‐series and cross sectional data from 49 developing countries.

Findings

The paper finds that foreign aid is effective in reducing poverty. This contradicts previous literature.

Originality/value

The paper introduces foreign aid as another determinant of poverty in a regression model and suggests that growth‐promoting and policies intended to reduce inequality are also effective in reducing poverty.
Strategy, control activities, monitoring and effectiveness
Authors: Agbejule Adebayo , Jokipii Annukka
Published: June 2009

Purpose

First, this paper aims to provide empirical evidence of the interaction between the components of an internal control system. Second, it seeks to integrate work from the field of strategy and that on the internal control system from the field of auditing. The purpose of this paper is to enable a more profound understanding of how different strategic orientations may influence effectiveness, depending on the components of the internal control system.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using multiple regression analysis, i.e. a three‐way interaction model. The result was a usable sample of the opinions of 741 managers working in Finland.

Findings

The results indicate that, for prospector firms, high degrees of internal control activity and low degrees of monitoring ensure a greater effectiveness of the internal control system. On the other hand, for analyzers a high degree of internal control activity and high degrees of monitoring lead to a highly effective internal control system. In addition, our findings indicate no significant differences between defenders and analyzers.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to only two components of the internal control system, namely, internal control activities and monitoring. Future research is needed to examine the interactions of other components of the internal control system.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates the need for managers to be aware of the drivers of the effectiveness of the internal control system and the relationships essential to drive effectiveness, especially when operating in different strategic fields. While all components of an internal control system are vital, this study shows that a good fit between them can lead to improved effectiveness.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study that has used a three‐way interaction method to study internal control structures and their effectiveness in an organizational context. Coupled with previous work, it suggests the need for both researchers and practitioners to examine the interactions of an internal control system and how they impact on the effectiveness of that system.
The association between auditor quality and human capital
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Shu , Liu Yi‐Pei , Chien Chu‐Yang
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Following the high profile collapses of Enron and WorldCom, and the demise of Andersen, human capital (HC) has become a key driver of auditor quality. The purpose of this study is to investigate if there is a positive association between HC and auditor quality in public accounting firms and if the extent of association varies between accounting firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression and logistic modeling are applied to examine the association between auditor quality and HC. The sample consists of 4,865 firm‐year observations over the period from 1989 to 2004.

Findings

The main findings indicate that higher investments in HC correspond to a higher level of auditor quality. Furthermore, the power of HC on auditor quality has a significant difference between public and non‐public audit market firms.

Research limitations/implications

A number of theoretical and measurement limitations are acknowledged that could further increase the statistical power of the tests.

Practical implications

The findings should be of interest to regulators, auditors, audit clients, and academics. The findings also suggest that HC has an impact on overall auditor quality. The audit firms need more well‐educated and well‐trained professionals with the experience to keep pace with the changing nature of the market and to perform audit tasks.

Originality/value

The findings fill a gap in the literature regarding auditor quality and HC from the perspective of public accounting firms.
Sarbanes‐Oxley section 404 compliance
Authors: Huang Hua‐Wei
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the compliance of US‐traded foreign firms with Sarbanes‐Oxley section 404 (SOX 404) by examining recent changes in their material internal control weakness (ICW) disclosures. This study also seeks to explore as a result of compliance, whether large firms can improve their internal controls than small and mid‐sized businesses (SMBs) can.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a logit regression model to test the data collected from Compustat and AuditAnalytics databases.

Findings

Both US firms and US‐traded foreign firms from developed countries experienced a significant descending trend of material ICW disclosures from 2004 to 2006. US SMBs, like large US companies, improved internal controls.

Research limitations/implications

Prior studies asserted that the environment of corporate governance is more favourable for firms in developed countries. This study documents that US‐traded foreign firms from developed countries adjust to SOX 404 more quickly than do those from developing countries, resulting in fewer material ICW disclosures.

Originality/value

Although SOX 404 imposes vast costs on US‐traded foreign firms, investors can benefit from the improved internal control over financial reporting, as the Securities and Exchange Commission asserts. This paper contributes to the literature that US‐traded foreign firms from developed countries adjust to SOX 404 more quickly than those from developing countries. Although the significant fixed cost of implementing SOX 404 impacts SMBs disproportionately, US SMBs, like larger firms, still show an improvement in their internal control systems over time.
Long‐run relationship between Islamic stock returns and macroeconomic variables
Authors: Shabri Abd. Majid M. , Yusof Rosylin Mohd.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which macroeconomic variables affect the Islamic stock market behavior in Malaysia in the post 1997 financial crisis period.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the latest estimation technique of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model approach to cointegration.

Findings

The results suggest that real effective exchange rate, money supply M3, treasury bill rate (TBR) and federal fund rate (FFR) seem to be suitable targets for the government to focus on, in order to stabilize the Islamic stock market and to encourage more capital flows into the market. As for the interest rates and stock returns relationship, the paper finds that when interest rates rise either domestically (TBR) or internationally (FFR), the Muslim investors will buy more Shari'ah compliant stocks; thereby escalating the Islamic stock prices.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study are limited to the post 1997 financial crisis period until the beginning of the year 2006 for a small open economy, Malaysia.

Practical implications

The paper reveals that both changes in the local monetary policy variables and in the US monetary policy as measured by the changes in the FFR have a significant direct impact on the Islamic stock market behavior in Malaysia.

Originality/value

The paper adopts the latest time series econometrics technique to test for cointegration, ARDL. And it is among the earliest attempts to investigate the long‐run effects of the macroeconomic variables changes either domestically or internationally on the Islamic stock market.
Technology and food security
Authors: Kasturi Prahlad
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the global dilemma faced by humanity due to rising population pressures, constrained resources and related food security issues. The paper highlights the potential of information technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology in providing solutions to the problem of world hunger.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes past and contemporary research sources to estimate the potential of various technologies in improving the food security situation, cites past successes and identifies some consequences and constraints. The paper notes recent advances in science and technology of food production and the market and other institutional adjustments needed to fully realize their benefits.

Findings

The paper finds that the world greatly benefited from the green revolution during the course of the twentieth century. Additional gains to food production and food security will come from newer processes and techniques developed recently due to information technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology. It is important to educate people about these developments.

Practical implications

In order to optimally deploy the technologies, policies must be formulated for encouraging inventions, innovations and diffusion as well as strengthen the international intellectual rights regime.

Originality/value

This paper strives to look at the role of information technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology in improving food production and food security from an integrated perspective.
Organizational citizenship behavior in teaching
Authors: Oplatka Izhar
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Professionals and employees have been documented to perform a wide variety of extra‐role activities (also called organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB)) for which they are neither paid, nor obliged to accomplish by superiors. The paper aims to obtain greater understanding of the consequences of teacher OCB to the teachers who perform this kind of behavior as well as to their school.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifty Israeli elementary and secondary schoolteachers (40 female, ten male) participated in this study. Ages ranged between 28 and 64, with teaching experience in years ranging between 8 and 38. Open‐ended questions were used to gain the respondents' subjective conceptualizations of OCB and its outcomes for the teacher and the school.

Findings

The paper shows that the performance of extra‐role, non‐obligatory, and unrewarded tasks and activities in teaching is perceived by teachers who perform these tasks to have some influence upon themselves (e.g. a sense of self‐fulfillment, higher levels of job satisfaction), their students (e.g. higher students' achievements) and the whole school (e.g. improved school discipline and school image). Implications for further research on teacher OCB are suggested.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the implications for teachers, pupils and schools of OCB in teaching.
Special education teacher retention and attrition: the impact of increased legal requirements
Authors: Nance Erica , Calabrese Raymond L.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the reasons current or former tenured special education teachers in a Local Education Agency remain or leave their special education teaching positions through the theoretical perspectives of organizational learning and organizational culture. The paper aims to describe the influence of increased legal requirements on current or former tenured special education teacher attrition or retention by reporting their reasons for staying or leaving.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative multiple case study of two units of analysis was conducted through a constructionist epistemology. Data were collected from 40 current and former tenured special education teachers through focus groups, semi‐structured interviews, the Left Hand and Right‐Hand Column Case Method, and review of appropriate documents. The data collected were analyzed using text analysis software, content analysis, and pattern matching.

Findings

Four salient findings from the paper are: current tenured special education teachers want to be listened to and have their needs considered; current tenured special education teachers feel overwhelmed by the workload related to state assessments; current and former tenured special education teachers believe that legally‐required changes affected them in practice; and current and former tenured special education teachers perceive that time requirements for administrative tasks reduce time for student services.

Practical implications

Implications for praxis include organizational learning and organizational culture that encourage listening to the experience of tenured special education teachers and including them in decisions that affect them in an effort to retain them.

Originality/value

The paper assesses the impact of increased legal requirements on special education teacher retention and attrition.