bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pneumococcal eukaryotic-type serine/threonine protein kinase StkP co-localizes with the cell division apparatus and interacts with FtsZ in vitro
Authors: Giefing Carmen , Jelencsics Kira E. , Gelbmann Dieter , Senn Beatrice M. , Nagy Eszter
Published: March 2010

The importance of serine/threonine phosphorylation in signalling and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes has been widely recognized. Driven by our interest in StkP (the pneumococcal serine/threonine kinase homologue) for vaccine development, we studied its cellular localization. We found that the C-terminally located PASTA (penicillin-binding protein and serine/threonine kinase associated) domains, but not the N-terminal kinase domain of StkP, were located on the surface of live pneumococcal cells grown in vitro and were also accessible to antibodies during pneumococcal infection in mice and man. Most importantly, we discovered, by immunofluorescence microscopy, that StkP co-localized with the cell division apparatus. StkP and FtsZ, the prokaryotic tubulin homologue, co-localized at mid-cell in most cells. Formation and constriction of the ring-like structure of StkP followed the dynamic changes of FtsZ in dividing cells. This pattern resembles that of the ‘late’ divisome protein penicillin-binding protein 2X. The lack of StkP in gene deletion mutants did not disturb FtsZ ring formation, further suggesting that StkP joins the divisome after the FtsZ ring is assembled. We also present evidence that StkP binds and phosphorylates recombinant FtsZ in vitro; however, we could not detect changes in the phosphorylation of FtsZ in a stkP deletion strain relative to wild-type cells. Based on its cell-division-dependent localization and interaction with FtsZ, we propose that StkP plays a currently undefined role in cell division of pneumococcus.
Enhancement of corrosion protection of micro‐arc oxidation by applying nanostructured TiO2 thin film via the “sol‐gel” method
Authors: Aliofkhazraei M. , Sabour Rouhaghdam A. , Laleh M. , Shanaghi A.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Uniform nanostructured TiO2 thin film has been applied as an over coat on micro‐arc oxidized substrate, using the sol‐gel method. The anticorrosion performance of the coating have been evaluated using electrochemical techniques. Owing to increasing application of light alloys in industry, the purpose of this paper is to report effort to increase the corrosion and wear resistance properties of these alloys by applying a TiO2 nanostructured coating using the sol‐gel method on the micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) surface. This approach will decrease the time for the MAO process, especially for achieving good mechanical properties, and will minimize energy consumption as well as achieving better results from the obtained coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

Sol‐gel coatings were deposited (on titanium substrates) by spin coating techniques. The morphologies and nanostructures of thin films were analyzed using scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy and grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The anticorrosion performance of the coating has been evaluated by using electrochemical techniques. Tafel polarization measurements provide an explanation for the increased resistance of nanostructured TiO2 coated specimen against corrosion. Effective sol‐gel coating parameters were optimized with respect to this enhancement. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements showed the role of barrier layer on corrosion resistance of MAO and nanostructured TiO2 coating.

Findings

The results showed that icorr is decreased from 0.258 to 0.169 (μA/cm2). An optimized TiO2 nanostructured coating with thickness of 74 nm will shift the open circuit potential (OCP) about 165 mV and will improve the corrosion prevention properties of coated samples. Corrosion resistance by these duplex coatings can be improved by a factor of more than three times, compared to that of the uncoated substrate. Increasing the coating thickness to more than 74 nm will decrease the physical and corrosion properties of coated samples. It can be concluded that samples with the optimized coating showed higher values of charge transfer resistance, due to the presence of a newly formed layer that accounted for the greater corrosion protection.

Practical implications

The results obtained in this research into nanostructured coating can be used wherever good corrosion and wear resistances are required.

Originality/value

The speed of treatment by this technique makes this method very suitable for industrial surface treatment of different components.
Exploring young children's web searching and technoliteracy
Authors: Spink Amanda , Danby Susan , Mallan Kerry , Butler Carly
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to report findings from an exploratory study investigating the web interactions and technoliteracy of children in the early childhood years. Previous research has studied aspects of older children's technoliteracy and web searching; however, few studies have analyzed web search data from children younger than six years of age.

Design/methodology/approach

The study explored the Google web searching and technoliteracy of young children who are enrolled in a “preparatory classroom” or kindergarten (the year before young children begin compulsory schooling in Queensland, Australia). Young children were video‐ and audio‐taped while conducting Google web searches in the classroom. The data were qualitatively analysed to understand the young children's web search behaviour.

Findings

The findings show that young children engage in complex web searches, including keyword searching and browsing, query formulation and reformulation, relevance judgments, successive searches, information multitasking and collaborative behaviours. The study results provide significant initial insights into young children's web searching and technoliteracy.

Practical implications

The use of web search engines by young children is an important research area with implications for educators and web technologies developers.

Originality/value

This is the first study of young children's interaction with a web search engine.
A preservation framework for Chinese ancient books
Authors: Li Mingjie , Niu Jinfang
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a theoretical guide for preserving ancient books in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the history of the damage and preservation of ancient books in China, and analyzes the value attributes of ancient books: archaeological value, historical value and artistic value.

Findings

The paper proposes a preservation framework for Chinese ancient books. This framework is composed of three layers. The foundation layer is to preserve the physical entity of ancient books so that the archaeological values are preserved. The middle layer is to preserve the intellectual content of ancient books so that the values for historical research are preserved. The top layer is mainly about preserving the productions process of the artistic format of ancient books, so that not only the static artistic formats are preserved, the techniques and procedures to produce the artistic format are preserved as well.

Originality/value

The paper presents a framework that connects the value attributes of ancient books and the strategies to preserve those values, systematizes them and presents them as a whole. The framework can be used to justify government policies and help identify pitfalls in the preservation strategies for ancient books.
Design for form postponement: do not overlook organization design
Authors: Trentin Alessio , Forza Cipriano
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theory of the organizational changes related to the production‐planning process that facilitate application of form postponement (FP), an increasingly popular operations‐design principle meant to alleviate the negative impact of product variety and customization on operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the theory‐building objective, a multiple‐case study involving four cases in the machinery industry was designed. In the inductive theory‐building process, the authors borrowed from the information‐processing theory to further corroborate the internal validity and generalizability of the findings.

Findings

The theory proposed by the author indicates that greater utilization of lateral relations in the production‐planning process, higher production‐planning frequency, greater degree of self‐containment of the production‐planning task, and simplification of the production planning‐related environment favor application of FP.

Research limitations/implications

The level of analysis of the theory is the production‐planning process of a product family within a company. Future research could extend inquiry of the organizational antecedents of FP at both higher and lower levels of analysis, such as the organization as a whole or the individuals participating in the production‐planning process.

Practical implications

The theory supports managerial decision making by suggesting how to redesign the organization part involved in the production‐planning process of a product family in order to apply FP. The difficulty and cost of this organizational redesign effort should be taken into account when companies consider FP implementation.

Originality/value

Past research has focused on changes to product design and to the manufacturing and supply chain process that enable FP. This paper augments the understanding of FP enablers by developing the first model of organizational antecedents of FP. It also responds to calls for more research integrating insights from organization theory and operations/supply chain management.
Stuck in the middle with you
Authors: Soltani Ebrahim , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the Pelz Effect to explain the effects of incongruence between senior managers' orientations and underlying assumptions of total quality management (TQM) on middle managers' own orientations and on TQM itself.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multi‐case study approach of three organisations from different sectors, the authors conducted 68 semi‐structured interviews with managers at both senior and middle levels.

Findings

The findings largely support the Pelz Effect in that senior management exerts a major influence in establishing the tone and atmosphere of the TQM organisation by their orientations and attitudes towards the underlying principles of it. It has been found that senior managers' reliance on detection, reactive strategies and hard aspects of TQM – as opposed to prevention, proactive strategies and soft people‐based issues – resulted in: first, middle managers' compliance with short‐term tactical orientations rather than long‐term commitment; second, middle managers' increased control over the workforce rather than the work‐related processes; third, middle managers' tendency to agree about TQM objectives in a way to prioritise and fulfil their own self‐interests rather than TQM intended objectives and organisational interests; and finally the inability of middle managers to run TQM effectively.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that the nature of middle management's orientation towards TQM and the degree of their supportive behaviour towards first line managers is affected by the senior management's orientation towards TQM and their supportive behaviour towards middle managers.

Originality/value

The results reveal that the current practice of TQM can be characterised by inspection and quality control approach, a top‐down process based upon a culture of procedure‐dominated with a heavy bureaucratic base, and the dominance of senior management's unilateral control. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
How Palestinian managers cope with stress
Authors: Khoury Grace , Analoui Farhad
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to identify the primary and crucial stressors that Palestinian employees encounter, and in turn design appropriate stress management and prevention strategies that will promote healthy organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was utilized for collecting data from 400 originations (response rate 77 percent). SPSS (version 12) was used mainly for paired samples t‐test after transforming and recoding the personality type scale to the same format of the work environment conditions. The Cronbach's alpha test was used for questions 13, 14 to ensure the reliability.

Findings

The differences in employees' personality types, and their stress coping styles, are the primary stressors. Palestinian personality type A, a major factor, largely influenced by living conditions. Employees in the private sector experience more stress than those in public or NGO sectors. Prevention strategies are needed to improve coping skills against the demanding conditions.

Practical implications

Prevention strategies are needed to focus on the employees and improve their coping skills against the demanding conditions through initiatives such as employee assistance programs (EAPs). At a national level, collaboration among industry, labor, universities and ministries is needed to form an occupational health and safety institute to conduct research and monitor the stress in private and public organizations.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical studies of organizational stress and prevention strategies in Palestinian organizations. It is valuable to researchers, senior managers, and policy developers for managerial and organizational development in developing countries and conflict regions.
An empirical investigation of the effects of health and education on income distribution and poverty in Islamic countries
Authors: Bakhtiari Sadegh , Meisami Hossein
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of health and education on income distribution and poverty in selected Islamic countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A model of income inequality along with a model of poverty, with same explanatory variables, are specified. In these models, the main variables are income level, health status, the level of education and the level of savings. The models are estimated using a panel data set for 37 Islamic countries covering eight time periods.

Findings

The results show that boosting the health and education status in Islamic countries will reduce income inequality and poverty in Islamic countries.

Practical implications

The results of the empirical examination will help governments in Muslim world to identify areas that need to be improved upon in order to reduce income inequality and alleviate poverty.

Originality/value

The paper is the first of its kind, which provides empirical evidence that the health and education status is negatively associated with income inequality and poverty in Islamic countries.
Synthesis and applications of crosslinker TETS
Authors: Cui Shuling , Lewis D.M.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesise a novel crosslinker (crosslinker triethylthiosulphate (TETS)) which contains three Bunte groups in its molecule. The crosslinker is able to react with the hydroxyl groups in cellulosic fibres and the amino group in protein fibres so that it may find applications in many fields.

Design/methodology/approach

Crosslinker TETS was synthesised under constant reflux. Capillary electrophoresis analysis and Raman analysis were used to follow the synthetic reaction and characterise the product. The crosslinking between TETS and cellulose could be confirmed by infrared analysis and elemental analysis.

Findings

Crosslinker TETS 2,2′,2″‐nitrilo‐TETS was synthesised with a yield of 71.3 per cent. The synthetic reaction follows the mechanism of first, aziridine‐forming and then cyclo‐opening by nucleophiles. A new low‐cost purifying method using ethanol at different temperatures with good yield was proposed.

Research limitations/implications

Practical applications of crosslinker TETS could be studied further.

Practical implications

Crosslinker TETS may find its use in durable‐press finish of cotton fabric, cellulosic fibre modifying to improve dyeing properties and increase fixation of reactive dyes, wet strength improvement of Kraft paper, anti‐fibrillating finish of Lyocell fibre, etc.

Originality/value

A novel polyfunctional crosslinker which belongs to a new Bunte salt was created. The structure, the synthetic reaction, the separation method and the crosslinking reaction of crosslinker TETS have not been reported before.
Web 2.0 applications in top Chinese university libraries
Authors: Han Zhiping , Quan Liu Yan
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the status and construction pattern of Web 2.0 technologies employed in top Chinese university libraries, their functionalities and features.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of online survey and content analysis methodology is applied to a sample of 38 top Chinese university libraries' web sites. The Web 2.0 tools are categorized by generally accepted standards with some adjustment for library practices. Data were collected by accessing these university library web sites on two separate occasions during the period of February 10‐20, 2009 by utilizing a checklist of 52 questions.

Findings

More than two‐thirds of the 38 top Chinese university libraries apply one or more kinds of Web 2.0 tools through the basic functions of their web sites. Among six types of tools, Catalog 2.0 and RSS are the most common, while IM, Blog, SNS and Wiki are less frequent.

Research limitations/implications

Internal applications that are not publicly accessible contain hidden information that may not be gathered through content analysis since these links usually cannot be found on library web sites. It is difficult to get exact information as to the applications of Web 2.0 in these libraries without an interview method in combination to observation.

Originality/value

This study provides an overall picture of Web 2.0 tools developed in top Chinese university libraries, allowing for future evaluation and planning. The implementation of Web 2.0 applications and their constructing pattern is not only indicative of the development of the Chinese digital libraries, but also to their development of digital libraries in the world at large.
Using the Robots.txt and Robots Meta tags to implement online copyright and a related amendment
Authors: Yang Chyan , Liao Hsien‐Jyh
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The Robots.txt and Robots Meta tags constitute a set of instruments that can be used to instruct software robots. However, the current version of Robots.txt and Robots Meta tags are both too simple and ambiguous in an internet world with many potential conflicts, especially in terms of copyright and trespass to chattels. This paper seeks to propose an amendment to the Robots.txt and Robots Meta tags to solve the problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Instead of following personal experience, this paper surveys several predominant cases in an attempt to find general principles that can be used as guidelines to amend the Robots.txt and Robots Meta tags.

Findings

According to several court cases, the Robots.txt and Robots Meta tags can not only be used to simply allow or refuse the software robots, but also expressing the online copyright authorization policies of webmasters. Any robot following the given policies can prevent possible conflicts, and undoubtedly, any robot ignoring these may be in breach of the law. In terms of adapting to their new roles successfully, the Robots.txt and Robots Meta tags need some supplements and adoption; as a result, the webmasters can express their will more explicitly and avoid unnecessary disputes in relation to copyright authorization scope and trespass to chattels as well.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the new function of the Robots.txt and Robots Meta tags. Based on this new function, this paper points out the disadvantages of the current Robots.txt and Robots Meta tags and proposes new a comprehensive amendment based on this new function.
Interoperability of open access repositories in computer science and IT – an evaluation
Authors: Hanief Bhat Mohammad
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the interoperability of ten open access repositories in the field of computer science and IT.

Design/methodology/approach

The repositories are identified from the OpenDOAR directory of OA repositories. Five documents from each repository are searched in ten search engines/data discovery tools (OAIster, Scirus, Google, MSN, Yahoo, All the Web, Ask, Altavista, AOL and Gigablast) for determining the visibility of repositories. The documents from each repository are selected randomly using the function sample ( ) of R software.

Findings

None of the repositories in the study are fully interoperable (the visibility of repositories in search engines/data discovery tools range from 4 per cent to 92 per cent). OAI‐PMH compliance enhances the visibility of the repositories considerably. Google and MSN retrieved the highest number of documents from the repositories and Gigablast the least.

Originality/value

The paper will encourage the repository administrators to improve the visibility of their repositories keeping in view the indexing policies of various search engines to ensure maximum research impact.
Improving the effectiveness of Islamic micro‐financing
Authors: bin Mislan Cokro Hadisumarto Widiyanto , Ghafar B. Ismail Abdul
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a way to improve the effectiveness of Islamic micro‐financing in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of micro‐financing is to point out the change of micro‐enterprises' business performance and then develop a concept based on the research findings and literature review.

Findings

The implementation of Islamic micro‐financing, which was preceded by selection process of micro‐enterprises and also accompanied by business control, incentive system, and construct good relationship, is effective in developing micro‐enterprises and improving the household income. However, an integrated program as an effort to improve the effectiveness of Islamic micro‐financing is still necessary.

Practical implications

Micro‐enterprises' development requires not only provision of financing in an interest free‐based system, but it also needs the provision of other services. For the purpose of holistic approach for micro‐enterprises' development and poverty alleviation, the spiritual development, especially via internalizing Islamic moral values in an entrepreneur's consciousness, is also necessary. In addition, poverty alleviation will be successful if Islamic financing is conducted in many areas, and the government takes part in this program.

Originality/value

This paper shows how, in the Islamic perspective, spiritual development is necessary in improving the effectiveness of financing.
Consumer receptiveness to international retail market entry
Authors: Alexander Nicholas , Doherty Anne Marie , Carpenter Jason M. , Moore Marguerite
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a suggested framework for improving the understanding of consumer receptiveness to incoming international retailers. The consumer perception of country of origin against consumer receptiveness index (CRI) is proposed as a method to explore the receptiveness of consumers in the host market to incoming international retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the international retailing literature, highlighting the need for specific knowledge regarding consumer receptiveness to incoming international retailers. A method is proposed to explore how consumers in the host market respond to incoming international retail firms.

Findings

The literature review indicates that the majority of the extant work investigates the process from the perspective of the internationalising retailer, while consumer receptiveness to the international retailer has not been fully considered.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not present an empirical study. The consumer perception of country of origin against CRI is presented as a means to suggest and guide future research in the area.

Practical implications

The paper makes a practical contribution by suggesting a method to explore how consumers in the host country receive incoming international retailers.

Originality/value

This paper is unique because previous research has provided limited knowledge of consumer receptiveness to international retailers.
Retail kiosks: how regret and variety influence consumption
Authors: Krishen Anjala S. , Bui My˜ , Peter Paula C.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain insight regarding the impact of consumer regret on shopping in mall kiosks and its relationship with consumer variety‐seeking tendencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies are carried out with students and consumers.

Findings

Findings of the two studies show that variety and regret play an important role in mall kiosk shopping. Both studies show that individual variety‐seeking tendencies naturally stimulate consumers' search for retailers that allow them additional options (i.e. kiosk retailers that provide higher perceived variety) in comparison with those who only offer minimal assortment sizes.

Research limitations/implications

Mall kiosks are becoming an increasingly common avenue for the release of innovative products and quick entry into the retail market. These outlets have not been studied through academic research and experimentation, and this paper introduces the importance of consumer decision making in such environments.

Practical implications

Considering the findings of this research, it is in the best interest of retailers to minimize the perception of risk involved in purchases at mall kiosk retailers. For example, kiosk retailers should work toward creating service environments where consumers feel a sense of control, as this should help mitigate some of the perceived risks in those retailers.

Originality/value

This paper relates two constructs (regret and variety), which have proven to be very important in e‐tail and retail shopping, to show how they can minimize consumer's perceived risk during a shopping experience.
“Involuntary self‐employment” as a public policy issue: a cross‐country European review
Authors: Kautonen Teemu , Down Simon , Welter Friederike , Vainio Pekka , Palmroos Jenni , Althoff Kai , Kolb Susanne
Published: March 2010

Purpose

There is growing political interest in new forms of precarious self‐employment located in a “grey area” between employment and self‐employment. A wide range of concepts has been used to debate this issue, and this paper aims to clarify these debates through the concept of involuntary self‐employment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the empirical, conceptual and legal‐policy approaches to involuntary self‐employment via three country case studies in Finland, Germany and the UK. A range of relevant domestic academic literature, articles in the media, selected key expert interviews, and policy and legal documents are employed.

Findings

Conceptual clarity regarding involuntary self‐employment is achieved through a discussion of two aspects of the phenomenon: the characteristics of involuntariness from a motives‐based perspective, and the legal/economic perspectives and policy issues. The motives‐based analysis argues that involuntariness as such does not seem to have severe implications on the individuals' well being, given that the individual earns a satisfactory livelihood from her or his business activities. The discussion of the characteristics of and regulation related to working arrangements in the “grey area” between employment and self‐employment, where the self‐employed individual is strongly dependent on the principal, shows that it is very difficult to regulate quasi self‐employment without harming “voluntary” forms of enterprise and inter‐firm cooperation at the same time.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the paper is to facilitate a foundation for subsequent empirical research and policy development.
Perceptions of police: an empirical study of Chinese college students
Authors: Wu Yuning , Sun Ivan Y.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This study aims to examine Chinese college students' perceptions of police.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data collected from over 400 college students in two cities, the study empirically analyzes the global and specific perceptions of police among Chinese college students and factors that accounted for the variation in Chinese college students' evaluations of police. The study incorporates a broader range of explanatory variables to explain Chinese college students' attitudes toward the police, including demographic characteristics, crime and criminal justice experience, perceptions of quality of life, and locality. The study reviews research on public perceptions of police published in Chinese academic journals.

Findings

College students' global satisfaction with police as well as their specific evaluations of police fairness, effectiveness, and integrity were significantly related to their crime and criminal justice experience, perceived quality of life, and locality. Students' background characteristics only had a weak effect on attitudes toward police.

Research limitations/implications

More empirical research is warranted to gauge the extent of Chinese satisfaction with police and police performance. Future research should continue incorporating crime and criminal justice factors into analysis.

Practical implications

Findings of the study provide Chinese police administrators with useful references and directions to improve police‐community relations..

Originality/value

This study represents one of the few attempts to empirically assess Chinese citizens' perceptions of police. It examines not just Chinese college students' global satisfaction with the police, but also their more specific views of various areas of police performance including fairness, effectiveness, and integrity.
Policing in the wild: the game wardens' perspective
Authors: Patten Ryan
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Numerous research studies have analyzed the difficulties of implementing community‐oriented policing (COP) in policing agencies, but there is no research examining this phenomenon in a natural resource law enforcement department. This paper aims to examine Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife law enforcement officers' attitudes and opinions regarding their agency's paradigm shift toward COP to gain compliance with resource‐protective regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected through the use of 43 semi‐structured interviews and ten ride‐alongs to determine the officers' commitment to use of COP in resolving contentious natural resource disputes.

Findings

This paper reaffirms findings of other COP studies regarding the need to have clear communication about officers' roles under COP and the necessity for the department to reformulate its evaluations of officer production and progress.

Practical implications

Other regulatory agencies can apply the lessons learned from this research, which demonstrate that capitalizing on veteran officers' positive experiences and rewarding officers engaged with COP are important steps to consider when attempting an agency shift from feared “regulator” to a trustworthy “collaborative problem solver”. Based on the conclusions of this research, policing and other regulatory administrators should not assume that their veteran officers are unwilling to accept a change in their roles and duties, and seasoned employees can also be determined leaders when training new recruits.

Originality/value

In a stark contradiction to other COP research, the paper reveals that veteran officers are significantly more likely to accept and utilize COP approaches as opposed to their younger counterparts.
Electronic control devices and use of force outcomesIncidence and severity of use of force, and frequency of injuries to arrestees and police officers
Authors: Lin Yu‐Sheng , Jones Tonisha R.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to address a deficit in the criminal justice literature by examining patterns of electronic control device (ECD) use and effectiveness as reflected in 1,188 official police use‐of‐force report records collected over a three‐year period (2005‐2007) by the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

Design/methodology/approach

Chi‐square,t‐test, ANOVA and logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the data with respect to patterns of use and outcomes for officers and arrestees.

Findings

The findings observed indicate that the ECD tended to replace several other types of force used to gain compliance, tended to resolve incidents involving the use of force with fewer forms of force being used, and decreased officer injury rates. The ECD was rated as generally effective by officers, but not as effective as other methods of gaining compliance in life‐threatening situations. Results concerning suspect injury rates were somewhat mixed.

Research limitations/implications

Relying on the official self‐report from a single agency limits the ability to generalize to other law enforcement agencies.

Practical implications

The paper indicates the importance of providing for the systematic collection of data on police use of force involving the threat of use and deployment of the ECD.

Originality/value

A number of questions concerning ECD's appropriate use, effectiveness, and potential for harm have remained largely unanswered. The paper addresses this deficit in the criminal justice literature.
SEC and CFTC issue Joint Report on Regulatory Harmonization
Authors: Dropkin Charles E.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the Joint Report on Regulatory Harmonization issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on October 16, 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the background and purpose of the report and lists its recommendations concerning the regulation of markets and financial intermediaries, enforcement, and operations coordination.

Findings

The paper finds that Congress is not currently considering any bills that would combine the SEC and CFTC. SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro said the agencies want to “fill regulatory gaps, eliminate inconsistent oversight, and promote greater collaboration.”

Originality/value

The paper summarizes the Joint Report on Regulatory Harmonization issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on October 16, 2009.
Summary of selected FINRA regulatory notices and disciplinary actions September‐November 2009
Authors: Davis Henry A.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this summary is to provide excerpts of selected Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) regulatory notices and disciplinary actions issued in September, October, and November 2009 and a sample of disciplinary actions during that period.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides excerpts from FINRA Regulatory Notice 09‐57, September 2009, Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE); Regulatory Notice 09‐58, October 2009, Best Execution and Interpositioning; and Regulatory Notice 09‐66, November 2009, FINRA BrokerCheck. It also summarizes three disciplinary actions.

Findings

(09‐57) Effective March 1, 2010, firms must begin reporting transactions in Agency Debt Securities and primary market transactions and otherwise comply with all other requirements in the TRACE Rules, as amended, and amended FINRA Rule 7730. (09‐58) NASD Rule 2320(a) requires firms and their associated persons to use reasonable diligence to ascertain the best market for a security when handling transactions for or with a customer or a customer of another broker‐dealer. The amendments delete the requirement that, if a firm interposes a third party, the total costs and proceeds of the transaction must be better than the prevailing market and replace it with a specific obligation to apply the factors enumerated in Rule 2320(a) when a firm interjects a third party between the firm and the best available market. (09‐66) The primary purpose of BrokerCheck is to help investors make informed choices about the individuals and firms with which they do business.

Originality/value

These are direct excerpts designed to provide a useful digest for the reader and an indication of regulatory trends. The FINRA staff are aware of this summary but have neither reviewed nor edited it. For further details as well as other useful information, the reader should visit www.finra.org
Learning from China's business leaders: lessons for troubled times
Authors: Tuttle Thomas C. , Shengchang Chen , Heap John P. , Yan Tiano
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to promote an expanded two‐way dialog between Chinese and Western leaders and executives which recognizes that “wisdom” can flow in both directions.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were undertaken with three Chinese executives and analyzed against a model of performance excellence.

Findings

An understanding of some of the similarities and differences of Western and Chinese business practices and a conclusion that there are lessons for Western businesses to learn.

Research limitations/implications

The work involved interviews with only three Chinese executives and thus represents a tiny sample.

Practical implications

Illustrates some of the practices that might be worth considering by the West as we climb out of the current economic depression and re‐focus business efforts for a longer‐term future.

Originality/value

The paper adopts a novel approach of analyzing interview outcomes against a reference model. The core value is, however, in highlighting the benefits that might arise from extended dialog.
E‐government and technological innovation in Turkey
Authors: Arpaci İbrahim
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to identify the technological innovation process, stakeholders of the process, sources of innovation, driving forces of innovation, and obstacles of innovation for the Turkish public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, interviews are used as data‐collection methods. For the purpose of this paper, the researcher has conducted a series of semi‐structured or open interviews. The interviews are recorded and transcribed. In addition, information related to the technological‐innovation projects performed in the public organizations is collected from documents, books, and governmental reports. A total of 20 organizations have been conducted to participate in the study; however, only 14 of them are retained after consideration of the selection criteria. In addition, 28 e‐government projects that lead innovation are analyzed.

Findings

Results of the study show that external relations with stakeholders enhance the innovation process. Innovation emerges as a result of interaction between the stakeholders. Innovation process has four main stages and six steps. Stages of the innovation process are idea generation, project development, production, and innovation. Six steps of the innovation process are idea, project study, project approval, project implementation, new services, and innovation. Innovation starts with idea generation in the first stage. New ideas can be generated by the personnel of the organization, legislation, citizens, and other firms. After idea generation, the new ideas should be conceptualized projects in order to reach innovation. Innovation cannot be achieved due to some obstacles. The main obstacles in the public sector can be listed as legislation, lack of qualified staff, approval authority, and bureaucracy. Production as the third stage can only start after overcoming the mentioned obstacles. Project implementation is performed in the fourth step and a new service is acquired in the fifth step. Innovation is the last stage of the technological innovation process where diffusion of the new service is performed in order to innovate in the organization.

Originality/value

The significant findings of this paper may help managers for long‐term planning of innovation activities and they may pave the way of managers for their innovation projects by means of determining unclear innovation process and identifying the inputs and outputs of the process. Moreover, this paper is a guide for the managers in public organizations; finding out possible obstacles, identifying driving forces to accelerate the innovation process, emphasizing the importance of interaction between the stakeholders.
Recognizing critical success factors (CSF) to achieve the strategic goals of SAIPA Press
Authors: Aghaei Meibodi Leili , Monavvarian Abbas
Published: March 2010

Purpose

This study deals with the results of an investigation to recognize and prioritize key and critical success factors to achieve predetermined goals in strategic plans of SAIPA Press Co., producer of Automobile parts.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, Sirus and Moghaddam model, 2007, is used to identify critical success factors. also, a descriptive statistical method is used to analyze population data, and Friedman method to answer the questions

Findings

Recognition the 24 key success factors, priority of them, being as the critical success factors or core competencies are the results of this research.

Practical implications

Key success factors determine those performance fields that manager should notice permanently. These factors have most importance in executing this strategy

Originality/value

Key factors concepts for success is not a new revolution in occupation. These concepts were suggested by Ronald Daniel in 1960s. But nowadays, these concepts and approaches become more powerful. The most successful organizations in new millennium are those that from one hand have brilliant strategic views and from the other hand have guidelines and tactics to achieve success Key success goals and factors are both necessary to conduct organization to its mission. Key success factors make goals powerful directly and make mission powerful indirectly.
From Cold War science diplomacy to partnering in a networked world
Authors: Suttmeier Richard P.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the history, current activities, and prospects of Sino‐US cooperation in science and technology (S&T). It seeks to understand the role of S&T in Sino‐US relations, how the relationship has affected Chinese scientific development and, more generally, to better understand the ways S&T affect – and are affected by – the foreign policies of nation states.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing an institutional perspective, the paper is based on interviews in China and the USA and reviews of government documents and press reports.

Findings

Owing to the impacts of the Cultural Revolution on Chinese S&T, the relationship is highly asymmetrical when it began in the late 1970s. As Chinese capabilities have improved, aided measurably by the relationship with the USA, the two sides are now in a position to cooperate more fully across a wide range of areas of interest to both sides. Channels for cooperation have been developed through the two governments, through Chinese and US corporations and through academic institutions in the two countries. Together, these allow for collaborative activities in basic science, commercial research and development, and in S&T in support of public goods.

Originality/value

The Sino‐US relationship in S&T has become more important to the two countries as they face an array of daunting challenges of energy, public health, basic research, and new industrial technologies. Yet, the relationship has not been extensively studied in spite of its growing importance. This paper attempts to help overcome this neglect. A better understanding of the relationship will contribute to improved understandings of Sino‐US relations more generally, and to the ways in which S&T fit into the foreign relations of major powers.
Goodbye Halteria? The thoracic morphology of Endopterygota (Insecta) and its phylogenetic implications
Authors: Friedrich Frank , Beutel Rolf G.
Published: March 2010

Characters of the thorax of 30 representatives of all endopterygote orders and four hemimetabolous outgroup taxa were examined. In total, 126 characters potentially useful for phylogenetic reconstruction are discussed and presented as a data matrix. The thoracic features were analysed with different approaches combined with an additional large set of morphological data. Endopterygota were confirmed as monophyletic and new morphological autapomorphies of the group are suggested. The highly controversial Strepsiptera are not placed as sistergroup of Diptera (Halteria‐concept) but consistently as sistergroup of Coleoptera. This clade was mainly supported by characters associated with posteromotorism. The traditionally proposed relationship of Neuropterida + Coleoptera was not confirmed. Hymenoptera was placed as sistergroup of all remaining orders in parsimony analyses. The inclusion of Strepsiptera + Coleoptera in Mecopterida in parsimony analyses is probably artificial and potential thoracic autapomorphies of Mecopterida in the traditional sense are suggested. Mecopterida are confirmed as a clade in Bayesian analyses. Amphiesmenoptera and Antliophora are well supported. The paraphyly of Mecoptera is due to a clade comprising Nannochoristidae and Siphonaptera + Diptera. The phylogenetic reconstruction using characters of the thorax is impeded by functional constraints, parallel losses, a general trend to reinforce the skeleton and to simplify the muscular apparatus, and also by different specializations occurring in potential outgroup taxa. The addition of a large additional morphological data set only partly compensated for these problems. It is apparent that the inclusion of more outgroup and ingroup taxa is required, notably presumably basal representatives of Mecoptera, Trichoptera, and Diptera. This may reduce the effect of an artificial attraction of branches caused by homoplasy, notably character losses occurring within different lineages.© The Willi Hennig Society 2010.
Measurement of abdominal symptoms by validated questionnaire: a 3‐month recall timeframe as recommended by Rome III is not superior to a 1‐year recall timeframe
Authors: REY E. , LOCKE G. R. , JUNG H.‐K. , MALHOTRA A. , CHOUNG R. S. , BEEBE T. J. , SCHLECK C. D. , ZINSMEISTER A. R. , TALLEY N. J.
Published: March 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1237–1247

Background  Rome III incorporates changes in the definition of functional gastrointestinal disorder that involve a 3‐month recall time for symptoms, rather than 1‐year.

Aim  To validate a new version of the Talley‐Bowel Disease Questionnaire (Talley‐BDQ) and assess the impact of recall time period on the prevalence of symptoms.

Methods  A sample of community residents were randomly mailed a survey using 1‐year (n = 396) or 3‐month recall period (n = 374). We evaluated the reliability and the concurrent validity of the two versions of the questionnaire. The proportions of subjects reporting symptoms in the two versions were compared.

Results  The median (IQR) kappa on symptom‐related questions was 0.70 (0.57–0.76) from the 1‐year version and 0.66 (0.56–0.77) from the 3‐month version. A median kappa of 0.39 (0.19–0.70) and 0.58 (0.39–0.73) was observed for concurrent validation of the 1‐year and 3‐month versions respectively. Except for gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms, no differences were observed on the prevalence of clinically relevant symptoms.

Conclusion  The revised Talley‐BDQ is reliable, with excellent reproducibility and validity. There were few differences in reported symptom rates between the 3‐month and 1‐year recall time versions of the questionnaire. A 1‐year recall time may more efficiently capture infrequent or subtle symptoms.