bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytochrome P450 CYP89A9 Is Involved in the Formation of Major Chlorophyll Catabolites during Leaf Senescence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Christ Bastien , Süssenbacher Iris , Moser Simone , Bichsel Nicole , Egert Aurelie , Müller Thomas , Kräutler Bernhard , Hörtensteiner Stefan
Published: May 2013

Nonfluorescent chlorophyll catabolites (NCCs) were described as products of chlorophyll breakdown in Arabidopsis thaliana. NCCs are formyloxobilin-type catabolites derived from chlorophyll by oxygenolytic opening of the chlorin macrocycle. These linear tetrapyrroles are generated from their fluorescent chlorophyll catabolite (FCC) precursors by a nonenzymatic isomerization inside the vacuole of senescing cells. Here, we identified a group of distinct dioxobilin-type chlorophyll catabolites (DCCs) as the major breakdown products in wild-type Arabidopsis, representing more than 90% of the chlorophyll of green leaves. The molecular constitution of the most abundant nonfluorescent DCC (NDCC), At-NDCC-1, was determined. We further identified cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP89A9 as being responsible for NDCC accumulation in wild-type Arabidopsis; cyp89a9 mutants that are deficient in CYP89A9 function were devoid of NDCCs but accumulated proportionally higher amounts of NCCs. CYP89A9 localized outside the chloroplasts, implying that FCCs occurring in the cytosol might be its natural substrate. Using recombinant CYP89A9, we confirm FCC specificity and show that fluorescent DCCs are the products of the CYP89A9 reaction. Fluorescent DCCs, formed by this enzyme, isomerize to the respective NDCCs in weakly acidic medium, as found in vacuoles. We conclude that CYP89A9 is involved in the formation of dioxobilin-type catabolites of chlorophyll in Arabidopsis.
Capability of insulator study by photoemission electron microscopy at SPring-8
Authors: Ohkochi Takuo , Kotsugi Masato , Yamada Keisuke , Kawano Kenji , Horiba Koji , Kitajima Fumio , Oura Masaki , Shiraki Susumu , Hitosugi Taro , Oshima Masaharu , Ono Teruo , Kinoshita Toyohiko , Muro Takayuki , Watanabe Yoshio
Published: May 2013

The observation method of photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) on insulating samples has been established in an extremely simple way. Surface conductivity is induced locally on an insulating surface by continuous radiation of soft X-rays, and Au films close to the area of interest allow the accumulated charges on the insulated area to be released to ground level. Magnetic domain observations of a NiZn ferrite, local X-ray absorption spectroscopy of sapphire, high-resolution imaging of a poorly conducting Li0.9CoO2film surface, and Au pattern evaporation on a fine rock particle are demonstrated. Using this technique, all users' experiments on poorly conducting samples have been performed successfully at the PEEM experimental station of SPring-8.
The CARM2 print repository: from planning to operations
Authors: Jilovsky Cathie
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the planning and construction of a print repository for CAVAL, an Australian consortium of academic libraries. A key service is the management of the CARM (CAVAL Archival and Research Materials Centre), a purpose‐built, high‐density, environmentally controlled storage facility designed for the long‐term storage and preservation of print materials. The initial module, CARM1, began operations in 1996 and filled to capacity over a ten year period. To meet predicted demand for ongoing storage of low‐use paper‐based research materials, CAVAL has now built a second storage facility, CARM2.

Design/methodology/approach

The planning for CARM2 commenced with a review that assessed options available to CAVAL member universities for the long term storage of low‐use print material. This review analysed alternative storage solutions from the perspective of university users to assess the financial and non‐financial impacts associated with each option. The results provided an indicative evaluation of the comparison of alternative storage options taking into consideration the quantitative, qualitative and risk implications of each from the perspective of a potential user. Nine options are described and analysed, and the reasons for the selection of the CARM2 option as the preferred model.

Findings

The development and implementation of the business model, the impact on the design and funding model, the lessons learned from the management of the original CARM facility and the construction and commissioning of CARM2 are described. This is followed by a discussion of ongoing issues associated with the ownership and governance of the shared facility and the trends away from the shared collection model.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest and value to other organisations or consortia with an interest in the feasibility, possible business models, development and construction, and/or operations of a print repository.
Customer service experiences
Authors: Jüttner Uta , Schaffner Dorothea , Windler Katharina , Maklan Stan
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and apply the sequential incident laddering technique as a novel approach for measuring customer service experiences. The proposed approach aims to correspond with the concept's theoretical foundation in the extant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the sequential incident laddering technique to measure customer service experiences. The technique integrates two well‐established methods in service marketing: sequential incident and laddering techniques. The data collected from 41 customers in a hotel and restaurant experience context illustrate that the method corresponds with the key themes of the proposed experience concept and experience formation process.

Findings

Applying the proposed technique reveals first, the customer's cognitive and emotional responses to company stimuli. Second, the salient customer cognitions and emotions across several episodes of the service interaction process are identified. Third, the personal values which drive the customer's service experience are disclosed.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical study is a first illustration of the proposed measurement approach in only one company based on a limited sample size. The methodological contributions and development opportunities for further applications are set out for different contexts and in combination with other methods.

Practical implications

The proposed method integrates customer and company‐related constructs. Therefore, the data collected can provide managers with guidelines for customer service experience design based on detailed customer feedback.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an innovative measurement approach to customer service experiences which can support knowledge development in an important marketing area.
The effect of teams on customer knowledge processing, esprit de corps and account performance in international key account management
Authors: Salojärvi Hanna , Saarenketo Sami
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine what the role of key account teams is in the management of international key account customers in terms of customer knowledge processing behaviours of the supplier, esprit de corps of employees and supplier's key account performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from large industrial firms in Finland are used to compare the differences between supplier firms having a team and those not having a team for managing the key account customer.

Findings

The results reveal a higher perceived level of customer‐knowledge acquisition, dissemination and utilisation, and of suppliers' key account performance, in the group representing team‐based key account management compared with the non‐team group.

Originality/value

The article is one of the first studies in which the role of teams in the management of international key account customers is examined based on empirical, quantitative data.
Quality‐based excellence and product‐country image: case studies on Italy and China in the beverage sector
Authors: Rubini Lauretta , Motta Luca , Di Tommaso Marco R.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to emphasize the role of the place of origin in overcoming the information asymmetries that characterize in particular “experience” and “credence” goods.

Design/methodology/approach

After having summarized the role of the country‐of‐origin (COO) in facilitating producers to effectively communicate to consumers the quality of their products, the article presents two case studies: the Chianti Classico wine from Tuscany (Italy) and the tea industry in Guangdong (China).

Findings

Both wine and tea have strong links with their place of origin. The two case studies show that business excellence depends not only on firms' strategy, but also on the territory where firms are located. In the case of Chianti Classico, the territorial brand plays a strategy role for product promotion, while Guangdong seems to be less effective in allowing consumers to perceive, and therefore to appreciate, the tea quality at the international level. This makes it possible to draw from the Italian case some indications that could be applied to the Chinese case but also to other productions in the world where the link with the territory is not sufficiently valorized.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the impossibility of drawing general conclusions from case studies, the two selected ones can be considered as emblematic of two different territorial strategies that over time led to two different results. This could be the starting point for policy makers aimed at valorizing the importance of territory for increasing business excellence.

Practical implications

The analysis suggests that connecting the products to their territory of origin can help firms communicate to consumers the quality of their items. The country of origin can be a powerful tool to reinforce a corporate brand, but of course it means admitting that the competitive advantage of a firm is also the result of collective public or private actions devoted to create and communicate a positive image of a specific locality. This implies a joint effort of firms and policy makers.

Originality/value

The paper underlines the similarities between two apparently very distant products, wine and tea. To appreciate such a similarity makes it possible to identify success factors of one sector that can be used to overcome the weaknesses of the other. The indications that arise from the analysis can also be the basis to re‐define the strategy of several other “credence” goods that require the provision to consumers of tools facilitating their process of quality appreciation of products.
Gender stereotyping effects on entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and high‐growth entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Sweida Gloria L. , Reichard Rebecca J.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The number of women choosing entrepreneurship as an occupation continues to grow. However, there are very few start‐up high‐growth ventures in traditionally non‐feminine industries, such as manufacturing or technology. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the potential impact of implicit and explicit gender stereotypes on women's high‐growth entrepreneurial intention, and to examine the role of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy in this process. The authors aim to argue that there is a dual stereotype associated with high‐growth entrepreneurship (HGE), which negatively impacts on women's intention and self‐efficacy, thereby limiting their behavior in this arena.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper. Through the lens of stereotype activation theory the authors call for researchers to begin examining these phenomena and to utilize more generalizable samples of entrepreneurial students in future research.

Findings

The paper finds that by decreasing the masculine stereotype‐related barriers associated with HGE and increasing women's HGE self‐efficacy it should be possible to increase women's intention to engage in high‐growth venture creation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has valuable implications for entrepreneurship educators and trainers.

Practical implications

The paper offers specific and practical suggestions on how entrepreneurship educators and trainers can build women's entrepreneurial self‐efficacy.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors bring together prior theory and research on entrepreneurship, gender stereotyping and social cognitive theory to provide a research agenda on the relationship between stereotype threat, entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and high‐growth entrepreneurial intention.
Financial availability and government support for women entrepreneurs in transitional economies
Authors: Iakovleva Tatiana , Solesvik Marina , Trifilova Anna
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper studies female entrepreneurship in two post‐Soviet countries – Russia and Ukraine. Employing institutional theory, the research aims to investigate the entrepreneurial environment, particularly government support programmes and the availability of financial resources, with a focus on women entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a qualitative investigation that comprises 60 interviews with Russian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs, bank officers and representatives of government organisations supporting the development of entrepreneurship.

Findings

The investigation provides evidence that these countries have overcome the transition from a command to a market economy and local people are gradually adjusting to the new environment. Concentrating on macro/meso and money elements from the 5M model suggested by Brushet al., the authors suggest an additional construct – “motherland” – to embed a context in a new model.

Research limitations/implications

Only two factors of Brushet al.'s 5M model were considered – i.e. macro/meso environment and money (availability of financial resources). Discussion of management, marketing and motherhood is beyond the scope of the present paper.

Practical implications

The study reveals a broad range of managerial information and empirical data on the development of female entrepreneurship in contemporary Russia and Ukraine. The findings are helpful for policymakers engaged with these two countries.

Originality/value

The study is an attempt to capture the context dependency of research on female entrepreneurs, and suggests a new dimension for inclusion in Brushet al.’s 5M model – “motherland”.
The socio‐political, economic, and cultural determinants of social entrepreneurship activity
Authors: Griffiths Mark D. , Gundry Lisa K. , Kickul Jill R.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to incorporate the demand and supply‐side theories of entrepreneurship development in a series of stage‐based models that analyze how macro‐level and contextual variables influence social entrepreneurship activity. The paper investigates the macro‐level influences, including the socio‐political, cultural and economic factors that can stimulate or impede the emergence of social entrepreneurship. Although little research on these determinants has been conducted, this study seeks to reveal that several variables that are crucial in traditional entrepreneurial studies do not appear to significantly affect social entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

To measure social entrepreneurial activity, the authors used the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) findings from the 2009 study. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to test three multi‐level stages of the socio‐political, economic, and cultural determinants of social entrepreneurship activity. The series of three stages for all of the variables were entered in the following order: first, socio‐political variables; second, cultural variables; third, economic variables. This approach allows the authors to explore and thus extend the previous research reviewed here, on how the economic context beyond socio‐political and cultural factors affects social enterprise activity.

Findings

A three‐stage analysis revealed that socio‐political variables accounted for 76 percent of the variance in social entrepreneurial activity. It was found that the single greatest determinant of social entrepreneurial activity is the degree of female participation in the labor force. Additional findings and implications for understanding the role of macro‐level factors on social entrepreneurship are discussed.

Originality/value

Social entrepreneurship has the potential to confront and address some of society's most challenging and complex problems arising from market and government inadequacies or failures. Social entrepreneurial firms exist within environments that are often severely resource‐constrained. Therefore, social entrepreneurs may rely on a unique set of strategies to mobilize resources available to them, such as collaboration with others and accessing social capital to generate value solutions for their communities. The growth of women's participation in the labor force is a powerful influence on social entrepreneurship activity, and with the increase in training programs and local networks to support women's business ownership, it is likely that this trend will continue and positively impact communities around the world.
Teaching children with disabilities: ICTs in Bangkok and Addis Ababa
Authors: Schiemer Margarita , Proyer Michelle
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper intends to explore the levels of availability and restrictions in relation to the use of ICTs (information and communication technologies) for educating children with disabilities in Thailand's and Ethiopia's capitals.

Design/methodology/approach

In the course of an international research project, parents and teachers of children with different disabilities, the children themselves and further experts were interviewed about barriers and facilitators in the children's educational environment. For this paper only selected interviews focusing on sensory disabilities were analysed regarding the above mentioned areas of using ICTs.

Findings

ICTs are available in the respective cities. The levels of restrictions related to the socio‐economic situation in the two cities vary accordingly but show the same overall limitations. The intensity and kind of use of ICTs is strongly related to resources, the educational actors' awareness and knowledge.

Originality/value

Approaching the topic of ICTs in relation to disability might not be new, neither is the contextualisation with the Majority World. However, the combination of the three aspects against the background of current global developments (e.g. the growing gap between the poor and the rich) reveals the importance of taking a closer look at special needs education and ICTs in the Majority World. This opens the floor for discussion on how inclusion of the most marginalised groups in education affects development in general.
Multiple cultures of doing geography facilitate Global Studies
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This article aims to explain why geography is a prime discipline for analysing globalisation and a multicultural view of Global Studies. The generic approach of human geography to first select an appropriate methodology is taken as a key approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Concepts from aggregate disciplines such as history, economics, and geography are scanned through during a short description of the historical genesis of these sciences and the paradigmatic shifts they have encountered.

Findings

There are four main theses: (1) values are created by appreciation; (2) development is growing jointly with responsibility; (3) accumulation of material value is seen as expenditure to achieve non‐material values; and (4) spatial relations are interrelated with social relations.

Research limitations/implications

Conceptual considerations have to be further corroborated by quantitative analyses using suitable metrics of “development”.

Practical implications

“Social and cultural geography” should contribute to any curriculum of “Global Studies”.

Social implications

Dialogue and discourse between world views is the essential, ideology‐free approach for understanding globalisation.

Originality/value

Unlike other scientific articles focusing on “facts”, this article focuses on perspectives. Thus, it explains “multi‐perspectivity” and a multi‐paradigmatic approach.
Aligning strategies and processes in knowledge management: a framework
Authors: Bosua Rachelle , Venkitachalam Krishna
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Knowledge management (KM) has become a key driver of organisational performance. The existing literature suggests that many organisations fail in their attempts to align their KM strategies with knowledge processes within their organisation. Based on the management literature on alignment, there is a gap in the understanding of how an organisation's KM strategy and KM processes in workgroups can be aligned. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that alignment in terms of KM is important and underpins the improvement of KM processes in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study research approach was used to examine alignment between strategy and processes of knowledge in organisations. In total, three case organisations representing different industry sectors were chosen to examine how organisations align their KM strategies with workgroup knowledge processes.

Findings

This study proposes a Strategic‐Workgroup Alignment Framework that explains the key alignment enablers and different alignment approaches required to align KM strategy with workgroup KM processes in organisations.

Research limitations/implications

The authors acknowledge the limitations of this paper. Although the proposed framework provides valuable insights with respect to different alignment approaches, it does not specify how each alignment approach can be assessed in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. As part of the alignment approaches, this study's focus was between strategy and processes of knowledge: further research could bring to light new alignment options of knowledge and the associated implications.

Originality/value

This study illustrates that organisations can improve the management of knowledge through alignment between KM strategies and KM processes. Such an improvement is also possible in the absence of a KM strategy emphasis, where alignment would require a deeper examination of workgroup knowledge processes. This study also identifies specific alignment enablers to align KM strategy and KM processes.
The utility of Mobile Apps as a Service (MAaaS): a case study of BlueBridge Digital
Authors: Jaramillo Santiago , Harting C. Daniel
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This case study aims to examine the Software as a Service, Mobile Apps as a Service (MAaaS) as pioneered by BlueBridge Digital and their subsidiary VisitApps. This system is analyzed against current market trends in relation to the niche industry of tourism mobile application development and the broader mobile application development industry as a whole.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of the industry is conducted via current literature and market analytics. The information for the case study is provided directly by BlueBridge founder and CEO, Santiago Jaramillo, in addition to other employees. Additionally, the problem of implementing this model in China and other developing economies is explored via existing literature.

Findings

This paper finds the model BlueBridge's subsidiaries offer to be a superior model of application development, delivery, and support than other common existing models for mobile application vendors. Further, many of its best practices may be replicable in developing economies.

Originality/value

The originality of the business model in question and the exploration of its possible implementation in developing economies provide value and new information to the body of literature and record surrounding mobile application development.
The interaction of leadership and personality among Chinese and American nascent entrepreneurs
Authors: Singer Luke , Millage Phil
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the intersection of leadership and personality among nascent entrepreneurs in China and the USA to further understanding and provide application of the personality traits of entrepreneurs and how that affects their leadership. The goal is to extend and deepen the comprehension of what makes entrepreneurs become entrepreneurs to improve fostering this powerful economic engine.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample was collected that comprised a total of 422 respondents, 58.8 percent male and 41.2 percent female. There were 209 surveys from the USA with a gender segmentation of 61.7 percent male and 38.3 percent female, and 213 responses from China with 55.9 percent male and 44.1 percent female. The Least Preferred Coworkers Scale was used to measure leadership and A Very Brief Measure of the Big 5 Personality Domains was used to measure personality in entrepreneurs.

Findings

In this paper, all of the “Big Five Personality” components were correlated to the Least Preferred Coworkers Scale. The significant correlations include LPCS with Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Emotional Stability, and Lack of Conscientiousness. Only one of the four correlations demonstrated a bi‐cultural significance which was Openness to Experience.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited research that can be found between cross cultural entrepreneurs. Value is added not just through the study of Least Preferred Coworkers Scale and The Very Brief Measure of the Big Five Personality Domains, but through the comparison between cultures at the intersection of leadership and personality. It also provides insight into how to develop nascent entrepreneurs in both countries founded in empirical data.
Accessing external knowledge by Chinese firms: a conceptual framework
Authors: Al‐Kwifi Osama , Ahmed Zafar U.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce a conceptual framework for knowledge transfer between Chinese firms and universities around the world, based on a joint learning process. The transfer of knowledge is important to increase the innovative capabilities of Chinese firms by accessing more sources of new knowledge not available locally.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework is derived from the resource‐based perspective. Its main characteristics are defined, and the required stages are explained. The framework stresses the dynamic relationship among all stages, and the active interaction between interorganizational and intraorganizational learning processes.

Findings

Having a suitable process for selecting a partner is the pre‐condition for achieving effective knowledge transfer between university and firm, because it determines similar capabilities and how both partners can enhance the requirements of each other. In addition, the joint learning experience between university and firm will be rewarding to a large extent if high transparency, collaborative intent, informal communication and organizational commitment are adopted as the basis for joint learning.

Research limitations/implications

The study proposes a conceptual framework for knowledge transfer between Chinese firms and universities around the world, based on previous research in this domain. An empirical study will be beneficial to support this framework and to suggest needed modifications.

Originality/value

The study provides a greater understanding of the importance of a joint learning process between university and firm to support the innovative capacity of a firm. It emphasizes that the successful collaboration with a university can make a firm function as an external R&D hub.
Green organizational identity and green innovation
Authors: Chang Ching‐Hsun , Chen Yu‐Shan
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The authors aim to apply an “interpretive context – organizational action – outcome” framework to explore the positive effect of green organizational identity on green innovation performance. Besides, they would like to verify that both environmental commitment and environmental organizational legitimacy mediate between green organizational identity and green innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize a hybrid research method that includes both questionnaire data and public data to test the hypotheses to satisfy the triangulation in methodology. In addition, structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to perform the empirical research.

Findings

The results show that green organizational identity would positively affect green innovation performance. Moreover, green organizational identity could positively influence green innovation performance indirectly via environmental commitment and environmental organizational legitimacy. Firms should increase their green organizational identity, environmental commitment, and environmental organizational legitimacy to enhance their green innovation performance. Furthermore, the authors find out that green organizational identity, environmental commitment, environmental organizational legitimacy, and green innovation performance of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are lower than those of large enterprises in Taiwan.

Originality/value

The authors develop a research framework to explore the positive effect of green organizational identity on green innovation and explore the mediation effects of environmental commitment and environmental organizational legitimacy.
Examining the adoption of destination management systems
Authors: Sigala Marianna
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The study aims to adopt a multi‐stakeholder and inter‐organizational information systems (IOIS) approach for investigating the factors affecting the adoption of destination management systems (DMS) by various tourism stakeholders in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and focus groups were used for identifying and contextualizing the factors affecting the tourism stakeholders' decision to adopt DMS. In addition, a nationwide survey was conducted measuring the perceptions of various stakeholders in Greece about the factors influencing their DMS adoption.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that inter‐organizational and collaboration issues, secondary intra‐organizational and technological factors affect stakeholders' decision to adopt DMS. Significant different perceptions about the role and effectiveness of DMS were found between private and public tourism organizations, which highlight the need to manage the different (and sometimes conflicting) stakeholders' perceptions and interests.

Research limitations/implications

Research can be conducted in different sectors to refine and test the findings about the factors influencing IOIS adoption in various social and environmental contexts. Future studies could also refine the findings by investigating not only the factors affecting the adoption of DMS but also the factors influencing their implementation and operations.

Practical implications

The findings reveal important factors that need to be considered for influencing the stakeholders' decision to adopt IOIS and DMS in tourism. Specifically, the study highlights the need to address the adoption of DMS as a socio‐technical project that primarily emphasizes the management of stakeholders' relations, perceptions and interests. The findings also reveal the organizational and behavioural changes that are required in order to transform the management and increase the effectiveness of public DMS, which in turn can significantly increase the DMS adoption.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the tourism field by examining DMS from a multi‐stakeholder and IOIS approach. The study also contributes to the IOIS literature by contextualizing and providing evidence of IOIS results from the tourism industry, since contextualization is considered crucial for refining and enhancing the transferability of IOIS research. The study also further advances IOIS research by including and investigating the perceived importance of items about the social context of IOIS (i.e. interorganizational and collaboration issues) as explanatory factors of IOIS adoption.
Locus of control, socialization, and organizational identification
Authors: Lee Hung‐Wen
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate factors that influence employees' organizational identification. Focusing on the banking industry in Taiwan, this study aims to examine how locus of control and organizational socialization affect employees' organizational identification.

Design/methodology/approach

The author borrows and modifies scales from the literature on locus of control, organizational socialization, and organizational identification to create a questionnaire that was translated into Chinese and distributed to bankers in Taiwan. The author analyzes reliability of the scales and performs regression analysis on hypothesized model relationships.

Findings

Significant positive relationships are found between locus of control and organizational socialization, locus of control and organizational identification, and organizational socialization and organizational identification. Organizational socialization has mediating influences on locus of control and organizational identification.

Research limitations/implications

This research is a starting point in developing theory related to the relationships among locus of control, organizational socialization, and organizational identification. The research is based on data from Taiwan banking employees only and the sample was small (even though results were significant).

Originality/value

The research empirically demonstrates that locus of control influences organizational socialization and identification.
Socially responsible supply chains: power asymmetries and joint dependence
Authors: Ulstrup Hoejmose Stefan , Grosvold Johanne , Millington Andrew
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the role of relational power/dependent asymmetries and symmetries in shaping socially responsible supply chain management, whilst also examining how these issues are moderated by geographical distance between buyer and supplier.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on data from 339 buyer‐supplier relationships, and the authors use a set of regression models to test their hypotheses.

Findings

Joint dependency positively influences socially responsible supply chain management, whilst supplier power constrains it. Both joint dependency and buyer power become increasingly important determinants of socially responsible supply chain management as geographic distance increases.

Research limitations/implications

Further work is needed to examine the conditions under which organisations will exercise their power advantage or their joint dependence position to improve socially responsible processes in the supply chain, as there may be situations where the buyer chooses not to exercise their power positions.

Practical implications

The authors' results indicate that jointly dependent relationships create the best conditions for socially responsible supply chain management, but they also find that supplier power advantage can constrain such initiatives.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to systematically analyse the implementation of socially responsible supply chain management, within a model that considers power a/symmetric positions of the buyer‐supplier relationship, and the role of geographical distance as a moderating influence on these power positions.
Centralised supply chain planning at IKEA
Authors: Jonsson Patrik , Rudberg Martin , Holmberg Stefan
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the prerequisites and effects of centralised supply chain planning at IKEA, and to explore how the planning process, planning system, and planning organization make up a centralised planning approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a longitudinal case study of IKEA's implementation of global supply chain planning. The literature review generated a framework which identifies prerequisites for, approaches to, and the effects of and obstacles to centralised supply chain planning. This framework was used to analyse IKEA's supply chain planning before and after the implementation. Finally, the authors reflected upon the learning from IKEA and refined the framework.

Findings

A number of prerequisites for centralised supply chain planning were identified: functional products, vertical integration, a dominating organization possessing the power and competence to enforce the implementation, and the use of one planning domain possessing all critical planning information. The direct effects of centralised supply chain planning were related to supply chain integration, standardisation, specialisation, and learning effects. Implementing centralised supply chain planning in an appropriate planning context led to several operational performance improvements. Obstacles were mainly related to human and organizational, as well as to software and data issues.

Research limitations/implications

This is a first approach towards development of a framework of how to design, use and benefit from centralised supply chain planning. The developed conceptual model, which is refined through the case study, offers some generalizability in researching centralised supply chain planning.

Practical implications

The findings show that centralised supply chain planning is a necessity for a large and growing, global supply chain striving for low‐cost production and efficiency.

Originality/value

IKEA is a unique case with its supply chain characteristics and recently implemented planning concept.
An assessment of the integration of seaports into supply chains using a structural equation model
Authors: Woo Su‐Han , Pettit Stephen J. , Beresford Anthony K.C.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The changing role of seaports in supply chains has been the subject of extensive research in the recent literature. The strategic development of seaport terminals, responding to the need for closer integration into supply chains, invites a more detailed examination of the influence of the supply chain structures on seaport performance. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the effects of supply chain structures, especially the degree of integration of seaports into supply chains, on seaport performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The parameters for a structural equation model were identified in the first instance from the supply chain and seaport operations and management literature. The structural equation model itself was then devised, and subsequently refined, using data from Korean seaport terminal operators, shipping companies and freight forwarding companies. The structural equation model was used to assess the level of supply chain integration of seaports and the relationship to port performance.

Findings

The results indicate that the integration of seaports into supply chains has a positive impact on both the effectiveness and the efficiency of seaport performance. In addition, antecedents to seaport supply chain integration are identified; these suggest that a strong orientation to supply chain integration within a port operating company enables the company to adopt and implement a strategy that integrates functions within the port and with other upstream and downstream organisations.

Research limitations/implications

As the field data were geographically limited to one country, extending the findings of this study to other geographical areas may not be possible, although the approach taken, using the structural equation modelling technique, should be transferrable elsewhere. Cross‐validation of the model would widen its applicability to other areas. The paper provides a framework that allows other researchers to examine the level of integration of ports into supply chains.

Practical implications

The potential benefits of closer integration of seaports into supply chains are shown with supply chain integration having a positive effect on port performance. Seaports which do not integrate with their supply chains have a lower level of performance. Thus, enhanced port performance accruing from closer integration would have positive implications both for port and terminal managers and for other supply chain participants.

Originality/value

This study, for the first time, empirically examines the impact of the integration into supply chains of seaports on their performance. This is achieved by the development of a structural equation model which is then tested in the field, thus extending the existing literature which is largely conceptual or descriptive.
Permafrost‐driven differences in habitat quality determine plant response to gall‐inducing mite herbivory
Authors: Patankar Rajit , Quinton William L. , Baltzer Jennifer L.
Published: May 2013

Canada's northern boreal forests are undergoing rapid change associated with warming trends, with permafrost thaw leading to increased forest stress and compositional changes in plant communities. Within this context, the influence of commonly occurring, resident natural enemies on plant species remains poorly understood. One of the dominant deciduous shrub genera, Betula, is abundant in northern forest–wetland landscapes, and is highly susceptible to leaf galling by mites, but the impacts of these specialist arthropod herbivores on plant‐level physiology remain unknown.

We examined the impacts of mite galling on a suite of ecophysiological traits in Betula glandulosa, a shrubby species commonly found on permafrost plateaus, bogs and fens in a boreal wetland–forest mosaic, and on two congeners, B. occidentalis and B. neoalaskana, found only on plateaus.

B. glandulosa leaves on plateaus showed marked declines in photosynthetic capacity [Amax], stomatal conductance [gs], and transpiration [E] in response to galling. However, B. glandulosa leaves in bogs and fens did not respond similarly, implying strong habitat‐related differences in response to galling herbivory. The impacts on plateaus were reinforced by similar responses of B. occidentalis and B. neoalaskana leaves to galling, and confirmed that on plateaus, galling appears to have significant negative effects on photosynthetic uptake. Moreover, carbon uptake in infested leaves showed photosynthetic declines even at low galling intensity. Interestingly, neighbouring nongalled leaves adjacent to galled ones showed similar declines in gas‐exchange rates in all the three species found on plateaus. However, reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration in galled and neighbour leaves did not affect whole plant water status, as we found no differences in either midday or diurnal stem water potentials between galled and gall‐free stems in any of the species.

Synthesis: Based on these findings, we suggest that the impacts of mite galling are variable, and are likely to be most pronounced in habitats and on individuals that are already exposed to abiotic stresses such as the cooler, but more variable soil temperatures experienced by individuals on permafrost plateaus. Furthermore, galling can potentially contribute to localized thaw processes in these environments via impacts on plant functioning.
Rhizosphere microbes facilitate redox homeostasis in Cicer arietinum against biotic stress
Authors: Singh A. , Jain A. , Sarma B.K. , Upadhyay R.S. , Singh H.B.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potentiality of three compatible rhizosphere microbes, viz. fluorescent Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PHU094), Trichoderma harzianum (THU0816) and Mesorhizobium sp. (RL091), in community to mobilise antioxidant mechanisms in chickpea under the challenge of Sclerotium rolfsii. The microbes were applied as seed treatment in different combinations in two sets and the pathogen was inoculated in one of the sets after 3 weeks of sowing. A comparative study was conducted on the effect of the microbial combinations on host antioxidant mechanisms between the two sets. In pathogen challenged plants host defence responses included higher accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at petiolar and interveinal regions of leaf and high activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPx) compared to unchallenged plants. The antioxidant enzyme activities increased 1.8‐3.3 and 1.9‐3.1 folds at 48 and 72 h, respectively, in the triple microbe treated challenged plants compared to unchallenged ones. Although, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was significantly low, ascorbic acid (AA) and chitinase accumulation was high in the pathogen challenged plants. Antioxidant flavonols associated with host defence namely myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol also accumulated in high amounts in pathogen challenged plants. Among the microbial treatments, the triple microbe combination induced the highest response in all parameters as compared to dual or single application of the same microbes. The triple microbe consortium modulated the chickpea antioxidant mechanisms more efficiently and modulation of oxidative stress was directly correlated with lower plant mortality, thus demonstrating the synergistic behaviour of the microbes in protecting chickpea from the pathogen.
Minimum intervention dentistry principles and objectives
Authors: Walsh LJ , Brostek AM
Published: May 2013

Minimum intervention dentistry (MID) is the modern medical approach to the management of caries, utilizing caries risk assessment, and focusing on the early prevention and interception of disease. Moving the focus away from the restoration of teeth allows the dentist to achieve maximum intervention, with minimal invasive treatments. The four core principles of MID can be considered to be: (1) Recognition – early identification and assessment of potential caries risk factors through lifestyle analysis, saliva testing and using plaque diagnostic tests; (2) Reduction – to eliminate or minimize caries risk factors by altering diet and lifestyle habits and increasing the pH of the oral environment; (3) Regeneration – to arrest and reverse incipient lesions, using appropriate topical agents including fluorides and casein phosphopeptides‐amorphous calcium phosphates (CPP‐ACP); (4) Repair – when cavitation is present and surgical intervention is required, conservative caries removal is carried out to maximize the repair potential of the tooth and retain tooth structure. Bioactive materials are used to restore the tooth and promote internal healing of the dentine. Effective implementation of MID involves integrating each of these four elements into patient assessment and treatment planning. This review paper discusses the key principles of MID as a philosophy of patient care, and the practical objectives which flow into individual patient care.