bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPIN1, a K Homology Domain Protein Negatively Regulated and Ubiquitinated by the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase SPL11, Is Involved in Flowering Time Control in Rice
Authors: Vega-Sánchez Miguel E. , Zeng Lirong , Chen Songbiao , Leung Hei , Wang Guo-Liang
Published: June 2008

The rice (Oryza sativa) E3 ligase SPOTTED LEAF11 (SPL11) negatively regulates programmed cell death and disease resistance. We demonstrate here that SPL11 also regulates flowering via interaction with SPIN1 (for SPL11-interacting protein1), a Signal Transduction and Activation of RNA family member. SPIN1 binds RNA and DNA in vitro and interacts with SPL11 in the nucleus. Spl11 mutants have delayed flowering under long-day conditions. Spin1 overexpression causes late flowering independently of daylength; expression analyses of flowering marker genes in these lines suggested that SPIN1 represses flowering by downregulating the flowering promoter gene Heading date3a (Hd3a) via Hd1-dependent mechanisms in short days and by targeting Hd1-independent factors in long days. Both Spin1 and Spl11 are regulated diurnally in opposing phases. SPL11 negatively regulates Spin1 transcript levels, while SPIN1 also affects Spl11 expression. Moreover, we show that coincidence of high accumulation of Spin1 mRNA with the light in the morning and early evening is needed to repress flowering. SPIN1 is monoubiquitinated by SPL11, suggesting that it is not targeted for degradation. Our data are consistent with a model in which SPIN1 acts as a negative regulator of flowering that itself is negatively regulated by SPL11, possibly via ubiquitination.
An integrated research framework to understand consumer attitudes and purchase intentions toward genetically modified foods
Authors: Chen Mei‐Fang
Published: June 2008

Purpose

Given that the increased marketing of genetically modified (GM) food products and the attitudes of the public have a strong impact on the progress of this emerging gene technology, this study aims to shed light on the antecedents relating to the extent of both the adoption and the purchase intention of GM foods.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is done from an integrated research framework based on the Attitude Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis.

Findings

The results support the use of the construct “attitude toward GM foods” as a bridge to connect the Attitude Model and the Behavioral Intention Model so as to establish an integrated research framework and to shed light on how consumers form their attitudes and make purchase intentions toward GM foods.

Practical implications

GM food marketers should make special efforts to convince the public that this new emerging technology as applied to food production will provide more benefits than ever before, with the consequence that consumers will hold a more positive attitude toward GM foods that leads to their purchase intentions.

Originality/value

This study pioneers in building an integrated research framework to understand how consumers form their attitudes and make purchase intentions toward GM foods.
An analysis of the factors affecting the food places where consumers purchase red meat
Authors: Kizilaslan Halil , Gokalp Goktolga Z. , Kizilaslan Nuray
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the socio‐economic factors affecting meat sales outlets, as preferred by the consumers of the city of Tokat, Turkey. This paper underlines the social and economic factors leading to healthy meat outlet preferences and focuses the attention of producers, policy makers, sellers and consumers on the issue, which will lead to the creation of a healthier and more aware society.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the research, the sample size, preferred as 263, will deviate at a maximum of 6 percent from the main population at 95 percent importance level. The inquiries are proportionally dispersed between the quarters, considering the population, in accordance with the records of 2006. Surveys were carried out by way of direct interviews by the researchers. In the survey, particular attention was paid to ensure that the interviewee was the decision maker in regards to the purchasing of foods. Meat outlets (market places, butchers and hypermarkets) were chosen as the dependent variables of the model. The independent variables were the sex, age and educational background of the consumers, household size, place of residence, the status of the mother, income, price difference, quality difference, hygiene, freshness and the seller's image. The multinomial logit model was used to measure the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable.

Findings

According to the results of the research; such factors as age, household size, place of residence, status of the mother, income, price difference, quality difference, hygiene, freshness and the seller's image are deemed to be the variables affecting the consumers' meat outlet preferences.

Practical implications

Studies of this nature will be particularly beneficial for policy makers, producers and consumers in the sector and the researchers in the field. By extension, conducting such studies aimed at determining consumer habits from the perspective of Turkey, will ultimately help form consumer consciousness, protect consumer health and raise the sellers' income. Defining aptitude of consumers' demands, searching reasons for buying choices will be helpful for the food safety, hygiene and quality standards to become a matter of importance.

Originality/value

This paper underlines the social and economic factors leading to healthy meat outlet preferences and focuses the attention of producers, policy makers, sellers and consumers on the issue, which will lead to the creation of a healthier and more aware society.
Intuitive and explicit reactions towards “new” food technologies
Authors: Tenbült Petra , de Vries Nanne K. , Dreezens Ellen , Martijn Carolien
Published: June 2008

Purpose

New food technologies are of increasing importance but not a lot of research into how people react to these technologies has been conducted. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into how implicit measurements in addition to explicit measurements give insight into how well an attitude towards a food concept, in relation to its familiarity, is predictive for behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

An implicit measurement (EAST) and an explicit questionnaire were used to investigate people's attitudes and attitude strength towards two food technologies (genetic modification and organic production). Correlations between the two measurements were calculated to determine whether familiar food technologies are more predictive for behaviour than relatively unfamiliar food technologies.

Findings

Implicit measurements showed negative associations with genetic modification. Explicit measurements showed neutral associations with genetic modification. In contrast, implicit and explicit measurements showed positive associations with organic production. When a food technology is well known (e.g. organic production), significant correlations between the two measurements were present suggesting that attitudes were predictive for behaviour. In contrast, when a food technology is not well known (e.g. genetic modification), significant correlations were not present suggesting that attitudes were not predictive for behaviour.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the relation between intuitive and explicit reactions in relation with the novelty of food technologies.
Who defines ethics in your organization?
Authors: Crosbie Rowena
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore ethics at work and present the inherent challenges facing both leaders and learning professionals in encouraging ethical behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey results are presented that reveal large numbers of people who consider themselves ethical also confess to lying, cheating and stealing. Five practical tips are provided to help learning professionals address these contradictions.

Findings

People often rationalize their bad behavior, after the fact, to preserve their own internal beliefs that their behavior is indeed on high moral ground. This reality presents unique challenges for those charged with defining ethics in organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The 2006 survey, conducted by the Josephson Institute of Ethics (the CHARACTER COUNTS!SM organization) was extensive in that it involved over 35,000 respondents. While it paints a picture of the future workforce and informs readers of associated challenges, it does not include representatives of the current workforce.

Practical implications

Organizations seeking to promote ethics must translate their values statements into specific behavioral terms and provide training to help leaders and employees alike clearly understand and demonstrate the desired culture.

Originality/value

This paper provides an analysis of research around (un)ethical behavior of the members of the future workforce, along with useful actionable steps for learning professionals.
Interpersonal influence in the workplace – part two: some research findings – influencing behaviour, personality and context
Authors: Manning Tony , Pogson Graham , Morrison Zoë
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present findings, and discuss the relevance of those findings, with regard to research undertaken about interpersonal influence in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is the second part of a three‐part paper considering influencing behaviour in the workplace, the ways in which people at work go about getting their way with others. This part of the paper is divided into two main sections. The first section presents the research findings. The second section discusses the relevance of the findings. In particular, it considers how the observed relationships may provide guidelines for action, suggesting the circumstances in which particular influencing strategies and styles may be appropriate and inappropriate.

Findings

The findings support the idea that influencing behaviour is related to the characteristics of the person, their work role and their orientation to that work role.

Research limitations/implications

There is clearly a need for further research. For example, the findings presented in this paper tell us nothing about whether patterns of influencing behaviour are actually effective in particular contexts. This raises further questions about how we might assess “effectiveness”. One possible approach is to look at the relationship between behaviour and assessments of effectiveness by other people, including 360 degree assessments. This approach has the merit of being consistent with the model of interpersonal influence described in the paper, that includes explicit reference to expectancies and has feedback loops between behaviour, responses and expectancies.

Originality/value

This paper is of value in presenting research findings that shine light on the nature of the relationship between influencing behaviour and both personality and contextual variables.
Learner's perceptions of care and respect offered by instructors
Authors: Hawk Thomas F. , Lyons Paul
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illuminate the content and magnitude of care and respect issues in instructional settings, and offer some recommendations on how trainers and instructors may behave in ways to reveal to learners that caring attitudes and behavior are present in the learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken in this work is to provide an overview of issues and concerns regarding pedagogical care and respect; present the results of some recent research; and to offer some approaches, tools, and concepts for practitioners to consider using in their training situations.

Findings

There are many different types of instructor behavior, or lack of behavior, that learners attribute to an uncaring attitude on the part of the instructor. Learner responses to the perceived lack of care are varied and usually negative. The perceptions influence performance of learners in ways that many instructors are likely not aware. Analysis of the available research provides suggestions for instructors.

Research limitations/implications

There was not much background literature or research to draw on. In future research, it would be desirable to actually correlate learner perceptions of caring‐respect from instructors with learner performance.

Practical implications

This paper represents a “wake‐up call” of sorts for instructors, trainers, and faculty. There are things we do or fail to do that may be perceived negatively by learners and the perceptions could influence their willingness to be engaged in instruction, their motivational level, their desire to fully participate, and the like.

Originality/value

The paper adds some new information to the existing literature about instructor attitudes and behavior towards learners. It offers several methods and tools for instructors to use to help establish a respectful and caring learning environment.
A perfect match: decoding employee engagement – Part II: engaging jobs and individuals
Authors: de Mello e Souza Wildermuth Cristina , Pauken Patrick David
Published: June 2008

Purpose

Part I of this paper addressed the environmental and leadership factors that contribute to employee engagement. Next, the purpose of this paper is to add the job and person to the engagement equation.

Design/methodology/approach

Summarizes the characteristics of engaging jobs. Then, reviews individual personality traits that engaged individuals are more likely to exhibit: hardiness, internal locus of control, active coping style, high self esteem, low neuroticism, and high extraversion. Finally, discusses the importance of a “match” between the employee's preferences and the general work conditions and offers performance improvement implications.

Findings

Engagement is a complex topic and a challenging goal. An engagement‐friendly culture values the diversity of talents employees bring to the table, respects individual needs, and inspires all employees to pursue a common and exciting vision of the future. Logically, engagement will not be impacted by a single training program, regardless of its quality. Enhancing engagement is a long‐term proposition.

Originality/value

Individuals are unlikely to become engaged because someone told them they should. Engagement occurs naturally, when the conditions are right, when the leaders are inspiring, when individuals find the ideal place in which to apply their strengths. If this is true, performance improvement professionals might consider the following interventions: educate the leaders; focus on career development; champion work‐life balance; encourage relationships.
Changing the world of offender development and rehabilitation
Authors: Apparicio David
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question and challenge the current punishment‐focused approach to sentencing of offenders and introduce a behavioural framework that focuses on the positive reinforcement of “good” behaviours, motivators, habits and consequences that would engage, inspire and compel change in individuals, equipping individuals with real behavioural skills through sustainable personal development

Design/methodology/approach

Both offenders/inmates at all levels of the probation and the criminal justice system were spoken to and a range of recently published (1997‐2007) papers that explore the causes of offending behaviour, in the UK, Europe and the USA were considered.

Findings

When researching why individuals offend/re‐offend it became apparent that there was a gap between what society saw as acceptable and the current behaviour of offenders. What was interesting was the approach in the criminal justice system is very different to that of the business world when it attempts to close the gap between actual and desired behaviours/results. In the Criminal Justice system the reason for intervention in a sentencing situation is primarily to administer punishment, whereas in the business world where there is a gap we would aim to close that gap through the provision of knowledge, skills, practice, behaviours/values that moves the individual to our desired state ‐ a more competent and capable position.

Originality/value

This paper challenges the current approach of continuing doing the same things that we always have done with offender management and expect different results, rehabilitated offenders with reducing levels of crime and offending.
A broken relationship: pushing direct marketing to the public library user
Authors: McMenemy David
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the potential implications of a recent initiative in public libraries in England that sees commercial direct marketing placed in library books borrowed by users.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is a reflective viewpoint around the nature of the librarian‐user relationship and discusses some of the literature in this field.

Findings

The paper finds that the initiative potentially endangers a relationship built on impartiality and user needs.

Practical implication

The paper analyses a new area of public library policy.

Originality/value

Takes a critical approach to a new initiative in public libraries in England.
Dynamic materials force dynamic cataloguing: accessible materials in a new digital age
Authors: Westlind Marcus
Published: June 2008

Purpose

A major advantage of storing accessible materials in a digital archive is that it facilitates large‐scale updates. Unfortunately, cataloguing these materials involves manual work and updates of the cataloguing records will not be made easily and quickly enough in the future. This paper aims to tackle these cataloguing problems and to inform about the latest developments and accomplishments in the field of accessible materials. The paper also stresses the importance of profiling cataloguing issues for libraries for the visually‐impaired within the cataloguing community.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with an overview of the field of accessible materials and gives an account of certain cataloguing problems. Then follows a detailed description of these cataloguing issues before the paper concludes with a suggested method and a description of a practical workflow to counter the listed problems. The paper is, in a sense, a case study of a trend in the field of librarianship regarding technologies for the visually‐impaired.

Findings

The paper shows that a dynamic cataloguing solution is necessary to meet the growing number of dynamic digital materials for libraries that produce accessible materials.

Practical implications

Implementation of the suggested dynamic cataloguing solution results in less manual work while allowing large scale updates of a digital archive.

Originality/value

This paper provides some original perspectives on practical cataloguing challenges for libraries for the visually‐impaired.
Digital library issues in Hungarian LIS curricula
Authors: Koltay Tibor , Boda István
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to get a detailed picture of digital library education in Hungary taken in comparison with international experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Digital library education (DLE) is examined through the example of three Hungarian schools of Library and Information Science (LIS). After defining the virtual library, the digital library (DL), the hybrid library and the electronic library, notions vital for DLE, the results of international surveys are compared to Hungarian curricula.

Findings

The described curricula follow international patterns outlined in the literature. The content of education is up to date and is adjusted to the quickly developing world of digital libraries.

Research limitations/implications

Experiences come form a higher education system that is in a stage of transition. Lessons learnt however can be useful for the development of curricula taking DL issues into consideration.

Practical implications

Similar examinations of curricula, supplemented by national and European surveys could highly contribute to the success of DLE programmes.

Originality/value

The paper provides additional data and viewpoints on DLE.
Oral traditions and libraries
Authors: Abdul Kargbo John
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of oral traditions and the role of libraries in ensuring they are preserved in societies.

Design/methodology/approach

Offers a review of the literature and a wider discussion on oral traditions and the role of libraries in preserving them, with specific relation to Sierra Leone.

Findings

Measures should be taken to resuscitate this knowledge of oral cultures. As libraries are repositories of knowledge there is every reason for librarians to play a leading role in this direction.

Practical implications

Of interest to librarians dealing with oral cultures or interested in the topic.

Originality/value

The paper discusses a unique topic with specific reference to a developing country.
Earthquake effects on educational institutions and libraries of Azad Kashmir
Authors: Shaheen Maqsood Ahmad
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effects of earthquakes on libraries and educational institutions in the region of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of the literature published in the newspapers, face‐to‐face and telephonic interviews and donor reports from the area. Inputs (people, knowledge, material, capital and finance), processes, outputs and feedback mechanism of libraries in Kashmir are described.

Practical implications

The barriers to implementing the strategies offered in this paper are essentially practical: resource constraints and related social or governmental factors. The paper suggests to strictly follow the building codes prescribed by the international standard bodies. The paper also suggests to strictly monitor the construction of the educational institutions and libraries and to control the corruption involved in contracting out the tenders, etc. This study attempts to highlight the importance of disaster management and training during such kind of disasters and preservation strategies for libraries.

Originality/value

The paper is useful not only to understand what strategies should be adopted during such kind of disasters but also to review the picture of the state of libraries and educational institutions post earthquake in Pakistan. The paper would be very useful to the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the policy makers in the education department while implementing the building codes, planning disaster management strategies and the library staff in the affected areas.
Graduate training and development: current trends and issues
Authors: Connor Helen , Shaw Sue
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a selection of papers on the subject of graduate training and development, covering current trends and issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the special issue which identifies developments in the field of training for graduates, recruitment, their transition to work, and their continuous development.

Findings

The papers discuss various ways that generational differences play in competitiveness and success among graduates and it is argued that “Generation Y” possess very different characteristics from their predecessor generations. Companies have become more wise to recruitment, managing the pool of talent with potential positions in mind.

Originality/value

This paper, a part of the special issue, considers recent developments in the field of graduate recruitment and development.
Engaging a new generation of graduates
Authors: Shaw Sue , Fairhurst David
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of generational difference and reflect on how this might impact on organisational approaches to graduate development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the characteristics of Generation Y graduates and the implications of their entry into the workplace for organisations' graduate learning and development programmes, drawing on academic and popular literature and the organisational experience of one major employer of young people.

Findings

This paper presents a profile of Generation Y and suggests that the learning styles and expectations of this group are very different from earlier generations. Using its experiences of employing Generation Y the case study organisation suggests future graduate development schemes need to utilise the latest technology to deliver audio‐visually rich, multi‐tasking challenges which require a collaborative approach, offer instant feedback whilst at the same time recognising that its participants may not see the need for or indeed take responsibility for their own development or its perceived failings.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests that further in‐depth research into Generation Y and organisational graduate development schemes is necessary to determine how far such schemes are meeting expectations.

Practical implications

Employers of graduates need to evaluate the effectiveness of their programmes.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is to highlight how employers, and particularly graduate development managers, need to re‐examine their graduate development schemes to ensure they are not only meeting the needs and expectations of the organisation but also the individuals for whom they are designed.
Graduate development in European employment: issues and contradictions
Authors: Little Brenda
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore to what extent there are variations in the development of graduates once in employment; to what extent these variations can be explained by differences in the higher education systems; and what the current moves towards greater harmonisation between these systems might mean for graduates' continuing professional development in employment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the graduating cohort of 1999/2000 across 11 European countries, five years after graduation. The views of higher education providers and employers on graduates in the knowledge society were investigated in a smaller sub‐set of countries.

Findings

There are differences in the incidence and length of UK graduates' initial training in employment compared to all graduates which can be explained, in part, by the traditionally looser “fit” between higher education and employment in the UK (compared to many continental European countries). Five years after graduation, UK graduates enjoy similar levels of work‐related training as their European counterparts, although there are quite large differences between employment sectors.

Originality/value

This article looks into what extent harmonisation of higher education programmes (arising from the Bologna process) will affect the relationship between higher education and employment, and in particular the role played by higher education and by employers in graduates' initial professional formation and continuing development; it will be of interest to those in that field.
Graduate training: evidence from FUSION projects in Ireland
Authors: Hegarty Cecilia , Johnston Janet
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore graduate training through SME‐based project work. The views and behaviours of graduates are examined along with the perceptions of the SMEs and academic partner institutions charged with training graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are largely qualitative and derived from the experiences of graduates, company supervisors and University of Ulster staff involved in projects during 2001‐2007 when 140 FUSION projects were undertaken across the island of Ireland.

Findings

More job opportunities, changing job values and work ethic impact upon the uptake and success of FUSION projects. Employers, especially within growing SMEs, have adopted a learner‐centred approach in order to maximise the benefits of the project for both the graduate and the company. Graduate development programmes continue to strengthen university‐to‐business links, which in turn ensures graduate output meets the needs of industry.

Research limitations/implications

Data collected throughout the term of FUSION projects are reported; further analyses of stakeholder views post‐project completion would provide further insight into the longer‐term effects of graduate training upon career progression.

Practical implications

This analysis proffers graduate reflections on “work‐based learning”. It serves key reminders for evaluating satisfaction with graduate development programmes presenting two key implications, pathways for better preparing graduates/SMEs and routes for enhancing the benefits of such projects.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on research that seeks to enhance graduate training and placement experiences within SMEs.
The formation of professional identity in French apprenti managers
Authors: Angot Jacques , Malloch Hedley , Kleymann Birgit
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to show how professional identity is constructed at a very early stage of initial management education. In so doing, it questions the notion of le métier in management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a study of the experiences of six French management apprentices (or apprentis) who participated in a management apprentice programme in 2005. The research methodology is qualitative and illuminates the process of professional identity building. The central question of the study concerns the manager as an individual, an actor, and the link between the individual and his or her métier.

Findings

The findings suggest that from their very first immersion into the real world of corporate employment at junior management level, students construct different types of professional identity which can be shown as a 2×2 matrix whose independent axes are the type of acting displayed by the apprentis; and the degree to which the apprentis enacted their roles. This can be interpreted using the coupling system metaphor. Some of these types of professional identity are born of cynicism and disillusion engendered by their experiences.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a small number of students drawn from one business school and concentrated in one job function – marketing.

Practical implications

The paper draws attention to the implications of the findings for those in business schools and organisations concerned with the formation of professional identity in young graduates.

Originality/value

The article proposes a new model for the formation of professional identity; and is the first study that deals with the French Apprenti manager programme.
Unemployment, innovation and R&D: introduction
Authors: Garofalo Antonio , Rycx François , Paolo Vinci Concetto
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce the contributions in this special issue on “Unemployment, innovation and R&D”, and provide a brief outline of the international conference organised by the Applied Econometrics Association on “Policies against Unemployment”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is descriptive in nature.

Findings

The papers presented in this special issue shed some light on the key determinants of unemployment levels, and help to identify policies that can tackle unemployment successfully.

Originality/value

Some radically different approaches to the issue of tackling unemployment are presented. The special issue, of which this paper is a part, provides further new evidence on the impact of innovation and R&D on employment/unemployment and unemployment persistence.
Micro evidence of the effects of R&D on labour productivity for large international R&D firms
Authors: Aldieri L. , Cincera M. , Garofalo A. , Vinci C.P.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to assess the effects of traditional inputs and firms' R&D capital on labour productivity growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study measures the effects of the traditional inputs on firms' productivity growth, through four procedures: OLS in first differences, within group, GMM in first differences and GMM system.

Findings

Whatever the specification considered, the more efficient estimates obtained from the GMM system show a similar effect of the firm's R&D stock upon its labour productivity performance.

Practical implications

The results suggest that physical capital plays a more prominent role for European firms than for US ones, while employees are more productive in the USA.

Originality/value

By presenting some empirical evidence on the effects of R&D on labour productivity, at the firm level, the present study makes two main contributions to the existing literature. First, a unique firm‐level database for European and US firms is used. It is self evident that firms in these countries operate in different economic and institutional settings; as a consequence the results identify some robust common effects concerning the two areas considered (the USA versus Europe) at the micro level. Second, service and manufacturing sectors are merged.
Labour market flexibility and innovation: geographical and technological determinants
Authors: Pieroni Luca , Pompei Fabrizio
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light upon the controversial relationship between labour market flexibility and innovation in Italy, paying attention both to inter‐sectoral heterogeneity and to the regional differences.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of hypotheses concerning the context‐dependent relationship between labour market flexibility and innovation has been formulated by combining the main results of the theoretical literature concerning this topic. Regional patents are used as a proxy of innovation, while job turnover and wages represent labour market indicators of flexibility. Non‐parametric models and dynamic structural specification of panel data have been estimated to test the aforementioned hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that higher job turnover has a significant and negative impact on patent activities in regional sectors of northern Italy, while a positive and significant effect of blue and white collar wages has been generally found in the estimations.

Research limitations/implications

There is a lack of updated information regarding labour market data in the Italian economy.

Practical implications

Knowing in which sectoral and regional context labour flexibility has (or does not have) a positive influence on innovation plays a key role for the decisions of policy makers.

Originality/value

This paper deals with the influence that the heterogeneity of the contexts (at the sectoral and geographical level) exerts on the relationship between the labour market and innovation. Moreover, the endogenous character of this relationship and the cumulative nature of innovative activities have been taken into account by means of a parsimonious dynamic econometric model.
Social policies and R&D subsidies
Authors: Chusseau Nathalie , Hellier Joël
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to analyse the impact of different public policies on inequality, unemployment, growth and the tax burden.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic general equilibrium model is built, in which growth is driven by endogenous technical progress, to analyse the impacts of several policies (minimum wage, redistribution and R&D subsidies financed by an income tax).

Findings

All policies except pure redistribution are better than non‐intervention in terms of growth. The authors distinguish three major policy patterns. The Anglo‐Saxon model is characterised by high growth, high inequality, low unemployment and a low tax burden. The Nordic model combines high growth, low inequality and low unemployment, and a high tax burden. The Continental European model puts together medium inequality and a medium tax burden, and higher long‐term growth is paid for by high unemployment.

Research limitations/implications

The model could be extended by the introduction of educational policy.

Originality/value

The paper distinguishes three configurations that capture the main features of the developments in Anglo‐Saxon countries, Scandinavian countries, and Continental European countries in the 1990s. It thereby provides a general framework to analyse and compare these experiences.
Effects of social interactions on scientists' productivity
Authors: Rosaria Carillo Maria , Papagni Erasmo , Capitanio Fabian
Published: June 2008

Purpose

Recent economic research has focused on the economic effects of the social environment. In the economic literature, important phenomena are considered, at least in part, as results of the individual's social environment. There is a similar revival of interest among economists who analyse the world of science and basic research. In this case as well, the environment plays a key role in the agent's behaviour. This paper aims at an empirical analysis of the influence of social interactions on scientists' productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

In the econometric analysis the authors investigate the aggregate importance of social interactions in science through the analysis of data on publications in four scientific fields of seven advanced countries. The paper builds a dynamic autoregressive model which provides long‐run multipliers. The model is estimated with a panel fixed effects methodology.

Findings

Social interactions among researchers have positive effects on a scientist's productivity, and there is a U‐shaped relation between the size of a scientific network and individual productivity. This result is interpreted as providing evidence for threshold externalities and increasing returns to scale.

Research limitations/implications

Other better indicators of social interactions in science should be found and used in estimates. The set of countries and fields should be enlarged.

Originality/value

The paper represents the first econometric investigation of the issue at country level, and provides interesting results which are new for the economic literature.
Microeconomic analysis of unemployment persistence in Belgium
Authors: Gangji Amynah , Plasman Robert
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causes of unemployment persistence among the Belgian labour force. The underlying issue is to determine the eventual existence of a true causal relationship between successive unemployment spells.

Design/methodology/approach

The model used is a dynamic random effects probit model controlling for unobserved heterogeneity and the initial condition problem. It was applied to the Panel Study on Belgian Households (1994‐2002).

Findings

The results suggest that while observed and unobserved heterogeneity explain between 57 per cent and 82 per cent of unemployment persistence, the remainder is induced by the presence of state dependence. All else being equal, an individual unemployed this year will be between 11.4 and 33 percentage points more likely to be unemployed next year as compared with an employed person.

Practical implications

The presence of a stigmatisation effect of unemployment means that the costs of unemployment are much higher than the simple loss of income and human capital associated with the current job loss. The study demonstrates the importance of concentrating efforts on the prevention of unemployment.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution is to test again the hypothesis of the presence of state dependence in unemployment using a different technique, allowing, among other things, to control for exogenous variables. The paper demonstrates its existence and measures its contribution in the explanation of unemployment persistence in Belgium, besides that of observed and unobserved characteristics.
Prosthetic hands from Touch Bionics
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the innovative design of prosthetic hands now in production from a Scottish spin‐off company.

Design/methodology/approach

The novel features are described, followed by the details of the mechanical construction and the available grip patterns. The benefits of the modular design are explained, and the function and construction of a skin‐like covering are explored. The clinical network supporting the prosthesis is briefly outlined.

Findings

The design allows patients to achieve many functional and natural‐looking hand configurations from simple “open” and “close” signals. Miniature motors and gearboxes allow independent movement of each digit, and an integral microprocessor translates electric signals from the forearm to control the movements of the hand. Stall detection ensures that no finger exerts excessive force or wastes power. Artificial skin can be very realistic, with imitation fingernails, hairs and pores. The lifelike prosthesis helps the patient emotionally, socially and at work.

Originality/value

The paper shows how advances in motors, gearboxes, batteries and electronics have enabled a breakthrough in prosthetic design.
The development of medical microrobots: a review of progress
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of recent progress in the development of medical microrobots.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first considers some of the critical aspects of medical microrobot design and then illustrates the present state of development through examples of prevailing research.

Findings

This paper shows that medical microrobot developments are at an early stage and involve a disparate family of technologies and disciplines, such as MEMS, nanotechnology, biomimetics and hydrodynamics. Critical design issues include power sources, propulsion and location, and many different schemes have been proposed. These are the topic of a growing body of academic research.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed insight into the present‐day state of medical microrobot technology and development.
Robot innovations highlight numerous recent shows in Chicago
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the robots at the 2007 ATExpo Show and related Electronics Assembly Show, Quality, PlasTec and National Manufacturing Week Shows, as well as at the FABTECH Show and the Rockwell Automation Show held in Chicago.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper incorporates in‐depth interviews with robot exhibitors, as well as suppliers of accessories such as grippers and simulation software.

Findings

Each show brings forth innovations in robotics. After many decades of robot developments, the well‐spring of innovation never seems to dry up.

Practical implications

If an application cannot appear to be addressed by the robot of the day, wait until tomorrow and suppliers will step forward with answers. After more than four decades of robot development, they continue to get smarter, much faster and better adapted to application requirements. There is no longer a one robot “fits all” answer.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on prevailing trends in the robot industry which solve an increasing number of application needs.
MIROB: automatic rapid identification of micro‐organisms in high through‐put
Authors: Lange Oliver , Erhard Marcel , Teutsch Christian , Sander Joerg
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel microbiological lab robot that facilitates high through‐put sample preparation for rapid state‐of‐the‐art identification.

Design/methodology/approach

Development concentrated on two main points: research initially focused on various methods for picking a micro‐organism colony from a petri dish without any medium adhering; and subsequently on completely documenting sample handling with little effort.

Findings

A sensorless system for picking micro‐organisms from a petri dish was engineered and prototyped. A documented process in the demonstrator demonstrates its usability even for certified clinical operations.

Research limitations/implications

The handling of solid phase biological objects is only in its infancy. This research focused on the preparation of samples from micro‐organism colonies for MALDI‐TOF MS. A specific type of gripper was developed to do this. The handling of other biological objects, e.g. from cell cultures or intermediate stages of tissue engineering, is still a largely open field for future research.

Practical implications

New analysis methods often only become accepted when the preparatory processes are also taken into account – highly parallel operations (e.g. MALDI‐TOF MS) are particularly impractical for humans and difficult for data handling to manage. Given the specific demands, only an interdisciplinary team can adapt the automation engineering successfully.

Originality/value

This paper presents an approach to and implementation of the automation of manual operations in biotechnology. It is intended to encourage health professionals, biologists and engineers to jointly research and interdisciplinarily automate complex operations.
The DLR MIRO: a versatile lightweight robot for surgical applications
Authors: Hagn U. , Nickl M. , Jörg S. , Passig G. , Bahls T. , Nothhelfer A. , Hacker F. , Le‐Tien L. , Albu‐Schäffer A. , Konietschke R. , Grebenstein M. , Warpup R. , Haslinger R. , Frommberger M. , Hirzinger G.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

Surgical robotics can be divided into two groups: specialized and versatile systems. Versatile systems can be used in different surgical applications, control architectures and operating room set‐ups, but often still based on the adaptation of industrial robots. Space consumption, safety and adequacy of industrial robots in the unstructured and crowded environment of an operating room and in close human robot interaction are at least questionable. The purpose of this paper is to describe the DLR MIRO, a new versatile lightweight robot for surgical applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach of the DLR MIRO robot focuses on compact, slim and lightweight design to assist the surgeon directly at the operating table without interference. Significantly reduced accelerated masses (total weight 10 kg) enhance the safety of the system during close interaction with patient and user. Additionally, MIRO integrates torque‐sensing capabilities to enable close interaction with human beings in unstructured environments.

Findings

A payload of 30 N, optimized kinematics and workspace for surgery enable a broad range of possible applications. Offering position, torque and impedance control on Cartesian and joint level, the robot can be integrated easily into telepresence (e.g. endoscopic surgery), autonomous or soft robotics applications, with one or multiple arms.

Originality/value

This paper considers lightweight and compact design as important design issues in robotic assistance systems for surgery.