bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of motility and chemotaxis in the pathogenesis of Dickeya dadantii 3937 (ex Erwinia chrysanthemi 3937)
Authors: Antúnez-Lamas María , Cabrera-Ordóñez Ezequiel , López-Solanilla Emilia , Raposo Rosa , Trelles-Salazar Oswaldo , Rodríguez-Moreno Andrés , Rodríguez-Palenzuela Pablo
Published: February 2009

Dickeya dadantii 3937 (ex Erwinia chrysanthemi), a member of the Enterobacteriaceae, causes soft rot in many economically important crops. A successful pathogen has to reach the interior of the plant in order to cause disease. To study the role of motility and chemotaxis in the pathogenicity of D. dadantii 3937, genes involved in the chemotactic signal transduction system (cheW, cheB, cheY and cheZ) and in the structure of the flagellar motor (motA) were mutagenized. All the mutant strains grew like the wild-type in culture media, and the production and secretion of pectolytic enzymes was not affected. As expected, the swimming ability of the mutant strains was reduced with respect to the wild-type: motA (94 %), cheY (80 %), cheW (74 %), cheB (54 %) and cheZ (48 %). The virulence of the mutant strains was analysed in chicory, Saintpaulia and potato. The mutant strains were also tested for their capability to enter into Arabidopsis leaves. All the mutants showed a significant decrease of virulence in certain hosts; however, the degree of virulence reduction varied depending on the virulence assay. The ability to penetrate Arabidopsis leaves was impaired in all the mutants, whereas the capacity to colonize potato tubers after artificial inoculation was affected in only two mutant strains. In general, the virulence of the mutants could be ranked as motA<cheY<cheB=cheW<cheZ, which correlated with the degree to which swimming was affected. These results clearly indicate that motility plays an important role in the pathogenicity of this bacterium.
Methionine sulphoxide reductases protect iron–sulphur clusters from oxidative inactivation in yeast
Authors: Sideri Theodora C. , Willetts Sylvia A. , Avery Simon V.
Published: February 2009

Methionine residues and iron–sulphur (FeS) clusters are primary targets of reactive oxygen species in the proteins of micro-organisms. Here, we show that methionine redox modifications help to preserve essential FeS cluster activities in yeast. Mutants defective for the highly conserved methionine sulphoxide reductases (MSRs; which re-reduce oxidized methionines) are sensitive to many pro-oxidants, but here exhibited an unexpected copper resistance. This phenotype was mimicked by methionine sulphoxide supplementation. Microarray analyses highlighted several Cu and Fe homeostasis genes that were upregulated in themxrΔ double mutant, which lacks both of the yeast MSRs. Of the upregulated genes, the Cu-binding Fe transporter Fet3p proved to be required for the Cu-resistance phenotype.FET3is known to be regulated by the Aft1 transcription factor, which responds to low mitochondrial FeS-cluster status. Here, constitutive Aft1p expression in the wild-type reproduced the Cu-resistance phenotype, and FeS-cluster functions were found to be defective in themxrΔ mutant. Genetic perturbation of FeS activity also mimickedFET3-dependent Cu resistance.55Fe-labelling studies showed that FeS clusters are turned over more rapidly in themxrΔ mutant than the wild-type, consistent with elevated oxidative targeting of the clusters in MSR-deficient cells. The potential underlying molecular mechanisms of this targeting are discussed. Moreover, the results indicate an important new role for cellular MSR enzymes in helping to protect the essential function of FeS clusters in aerobic settings.
Regulation of virulence by butyrate sensing in enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Nakanishi Noriko , Tashiro Kosuke , Kuhara Satoru , Hayashi Tetsuya , Sugimoto Nakaba , Tobe Toru
Published: February 2009

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) colonizes and proliferates at the mucosal surface, inducing severe diarrhoea. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are abundant in the intestine owing to the metabolic activity of microflora, and are important for colonic health. We found that, although a high concentration of SCFAs inhibited the growth of EHEC, at low concentrations, the SCFAs markedly enhanced the expression of the virulence genes required for cell adherence and the induction of attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions. Of the SCFAs tested, butyrate markedly enhanced the expression of these virulence-associated genes, even at the low concentration of 1.25 mM, but acetate and propionate showed only a small effect at concentrations higher than 40 mM. Butyrate enhanced the promoter activity of the LEE1 operon, which encodes a global regulator of the LEE genes, Ler. This enhancement was dependent on a regulator, PchA. Butyrate sensing was completely abrogated by the deletion of lrp, the gene for the leucine-responsive regulatory protein, Lrp. Expression of a constitutively active mutant of Lrp enhanced the expression of the LEE genes in the absence of butyrate, and a response-defective Lrp derivative reduced the response to butyrate. Thus, upon entering the distal ileum, EHEC may respond to the higher butyrate level via Lrp by increasing its virulence expression, leading to efficient colonization of the target niche.
Roles of maltodextrin and glycogen phosphorylases in maltose utilization and glycogen metabolism in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Seibold Gerd M. , Wurst Martin , Eikmanns Bernhard J.
Published: February 2009

Corynebacterium glutamicum transiently accumulates large amounts of glycogen, when cultivated on glucose and other sugars as a source of carbon and energy. Apart from the debranching enzyme GlgX, which is required for the formation of maltodextrins from glycogen, α-glucan phosphorylases were assumed to be involved in glycogen degradation, forming α-glucose 1-phosphate from glycogen and from maltodextrins. We show here that C. glutamicum in fact possesses two α-glucan phosphorylases, which act as a glycogen phosphorylase (GlgP) and as a maltodextrin phosphorylase (MalP). By chromosomal inactivation and subsequent analysis of the mutant, cg1479 was identified as the malP gene. The deletion mutant C. glutamicum ΔmalP completely lacked MalP activity and showed reduced intracellular glycogen degradation, confirming the proposed pathway for glycogen degradation in C. glutamicum via GlgP, GlgX and MalP. Surprisingly, the ΔmalP mutant showed impaired growth, reduced viability and altered cell morphology on maltose and accumulated much higher concentrations of glycogen and maltodextrins than the wild-type during growth on this substrate, suggesting an additional role of MalP in maltose metabolism of C. glutamicum. Further assessment of enzyme activities revealed the presence of 4-α-glucanotransferase (MalQ), glucokinase (Glk) and α-phosphoglucomutase (α-Pgm), and the absence of maltose hydrolase, maltose phosphorylase and β-Pgm, all three known to be involved in maltose utilization by Gram-positive bacteria. Based on these findings, we conclude that C. glutamicum metabolizes maltose via a pathway involving maltodextrin and glucose formation by MalQ, glucose phosphorylation by Glk and maltodextrin degradation via the reactions of MalP and α-Pgm, a pathway hitherto known to be present in Gram-negative rather than in Gram-positive bacteria.
Verification of a topology model of PorT as an integral outer-membrane protein in Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Nguyen Ky-Anh , Żylicz Jasiek , Szczesny Pawel , Sroka Aneta , Hunter Neil , Potempa Jan
Published: February 2009

PorT is a membrane-associated protein shown to be essential for the maturation and secretion of a class of cysteine proteinases, the gingipains, from the periodontal pathogenPorphyromonas gingivalis. It was previously reported that PorT is located on the periplasmic surface of the inner membrane to function as a chaperone for the maturing proteinases. Our modelling suggested it to be an integral outer-membrane protein with eight anti-parallel, membrane-traversingβ-strands. In this report, the outer-membrane localization model was confirmed by the structural and functional tolerance of PorT to hexahistidine (6×His) tag insertions at selected locations within the protein using site-directed mutagenesis. Interestingly, those PorT mutations adversely affecting gingipain secretion enhanced expression of theporTgene but at the same time suppressed the transcription of the gingipainrgpBgene. Further, PorT mutants deficient in gingipain activities produced significantly more di- and triaminopeptidase activities. PorT homologues have been found in restricted members of theBacteroidetesphylum where there is potential for PorT to participate in the maturation and secretion of proteins with characteristic C-terminal domains (CTDs). Knowledge of the cellular localization of PorT will enable analysis of the role of this protein in a new secretory pathway for the export of gingipains and other CTD-class proteins.
Sc2MgGa2and Y2MgGa2
Authors: Sahlberg Martin , Andersson Yvonne
Published: February 2009

Scandium magnesium gallide, Sc2MgGa2, and yttrium magnesium gallide, Y2MgGa2, were synthesized from the corresponding elements by heating under an argon atmosphere in an induction furnace. These intermetallic compounds crystallize in the tetragonal Mo2FeB2-type structure. All three crystallographically unique atoms occupy special positions and the site symmetries of (Sc/Y, Ga) and Mg arem2mand 4/m, respectively. The coordinations around Sc/Y, Mg and Ga are pentagonal (Sc/Y), tetragonal (Mg) and triangular (Ga) prisms, with four (Mg) or three (Ga) additional capping atoms leading to the coordination numbers [10], [8+4] and [6+3], respectively. The crystal structure of Sc2MgGa2was determined from single-crystal diffraction intensities and the isostructural Y2MgGa2was identified from powder diffraction data.
4′-[2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethoxy]biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid: correlation between its crystalline and smectic phases
Authors: Montani Rosana S. , Garay Raúl O. , Cukiernik Fabio D. , Garland Maria T. , Baggio Ricardo
Published: February 2009

The crystal structure of the dimeric title compound, C19H22O5, is dominated by a head-to-head hydrogen-bonding interaction between centrosymmetrically related carboxyl groups in each monomer. The result is a dimeric axis of unusual length (ca34 Å), but still shorter than what could be expected for a fully extended chain, owing to two turning points in the oligoethoxy ends. This allows for an explanation of the structure of the smectic mesophase exhibited by this compound and at the same time fully validates former geometric estimations based on PM3 calculations.
Bis[μ3-cis-N-(2-aminopropyl)-N′-(2-carboxylatophenyl)oxamidato(3–)]bis(2,2′-bipyridine)dichloridotetracopper(II) dihydrate
Authors: Gu Yuan-Yuan , Li Yan-Tuan , Wu Zhi-Yong , Sun Wei , Jiang Man
Published: February 2009

The title complex, bis[μ3-cis-N-(2-aminopropyl)-N′-(2-carboxylatophenyl)oxamidato(3−)]-1:2:4κ7N,N′,N′′,O:O′,O′′:O′′′;2:3:4κ7O′′′:N,N′,N′′,O:O′,O′′-bis(2,2′-bipyridine)-2κ2N,N′;4κ2N,N′-dichlorido-1κCl,3κCl-tetracopper(II) dihydrate, [Cu4(C12H12N3O4)2Cl2(C10H8N2)2]·2H2O, consists of a neutral cyclic tetracopper(II) system having an embedded centre of inversion and two solvent water molecules. The coordination of each CuIIatom is square-pyramidal. The separations of CuIIatoms bridged bycis-N-(2-aminopropyl)-N′-(2-carboxylatophenyl)oxamidate(3−) and carboxyl groups are 5.2096 (4) and 5.1961 (5) Å, respectively. A three-dimensional supramolecular structure involving hydrogen bonding and aromatic stacking is observed.
Poly[deca-μ2-cyanido-dicyanidobis(μ2-ethylenediamine)bis(ethylenediamine)tricadmium(II)dicobalt(III)]: a two-dimensional coordination polymer
Authors: Sereda Olha , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: February 2009

The title coordination polymer, [Cd3Co2(CN)12(C2H8N2)4]n, has an infinite two-dimensional network structure. The asymmetric unit is composed of two crystallographically independent CdIIatoms, one of which is located on a twofold rotation axis. There are two independent ethylenediamine (en) ligands, one of which bis-chelates to the Cd atom that sits in a general position, while the other bridges this Cd atom to that sitting on the twofold axis. The Cd atom located on the twofold rotation axis is linked to four equivalent CoIIIatomsviacyanide bridges, while the Cd atom that sits in a general position is connected to three equivalent CoIIIatomsviacyanide bridges. In this way, a series of trinuclear, tetranuclear and pentanuclear macrocycles are linked to form a two-dimensional network structure lying parallel to thebcplane. In the crystal structure, these two-dimensional networks are linkedviaN—H...N hydrogen bonds involving an en NH2H atom and a cyanide N atom, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional structure. This coordination polymer is only the second example involving a cyanometallate where the en ligand is present in both chelating and bridging coordination modes.
A decision‐making model for flexible manufacturing system
Authors: Zare Mehrjerdi Yahia
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a computer aided decision‐making model for flexible manufacturing system (FMS) situations when multiple conflicting objectives are addressed by the management.

Design/methodology/approach

It is assumed that the problem is the managerial level schedule rather than the operational schedule. As a tool, goal programming has been employed for measuring the trade‐offs among the objectives. As a safeguard, the level of the reliability of the constraints associated with the random coefficients is taken into consideration. As an optimization technique, the approach of chance constrained programming which has been an operational way for introducing probabilistic constraints into the collection of the linear programming and goal programming problem constraints is stated and mathematically formulated.

Findings

The approach of chance constrained programming is suitable to introduce management concerns about the reliability of the constraints of the problem in the FMS.

Originality/value

The paper gives an overview of the FMS and proposes a goal programming model for the analysis of problem. The proposed model acknowledges the randomness of customer demands for better standardization of production planning and inventory management systems. By the fact that customer demands are not always deterministic the hypothesis that sale level for each period is normally distributed is imposed. A sample example problem is provided to show how the proposed model can work.
An automatic template generating method of machine vision system in TFT LCD assembly and positioning process with genetic algorithm
Authors: Lin Chern‐Sheng , Wu Kuo‐Chun , Lay Yun‐Long , Lin Chi‐Chin , Lin Jim‐Min
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an automatic pattern matching template generating method for the automatic optical inspection system in TFT LCD assembly and positioning process, to improve the conventional image technology. Besides, focusing on integrating the image system with the existing control system, the double aligner mark searching time is decreased to reduce the working time of the integrated system.

Design/methodology/approach

The improved pattern matching method of genetic algorithm was adopted, including setting for template image selecting, encoding, calculating fitness function, pattern matching, template generating and genetic algorithm steps. The predetermined pixels were selected from the target template based on the minimum difference to the block image to be tested by utilizing the genetic algorithm, and the other pixels which have not been selected were neglected.

Findings

The selected pixels were encoded for recording by sequence mode, and then the target template and the image to be tested were compared based on the calculated fitness function. This method has the advantages of using the fitness function to reduce the searching time, with the help of genetic algorithm to find the optimal target template, and saving memory space by recording target template based on the sequence mode.

Research limitations/implications

The genetic algorithm used in this study is a kind of optimal tool free from gradient data. As long as the fitness function and after continuous iteration are determined, the optimal solution can be found out, and then the optimal target template can be generated.

Practical implications

This system uses fitness function to reduce the pattern matching time. Plural pixels are preset inside the target template, and its fitness function value is calculated. When the target template is compared with the image to be tested, only the fitness function value (also the difference of the plural pixels) is calculated and compared.

Originality/value

The remaining pixels are neglected, so that the searching time can be reduced greatly. The sequence mode is used to save the required memory space for recording target template. Since sequence mode is adopted to record the information of selected pixels, lots of required memory space for recording target template information will be saved.
Excellent supply chain management
Authors: Zare Mehrjerdi Yahia
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the fundamental concept of supply chain management (SCM) and discusses the facts that a road to success in the process of design, development, implementation and operation of a supply chain (SC) is the identification of superior strategies and clear objectives. To understand important SC strategies for a complete success, main strategies need to be identified. The literature of SC is filled with a wide range of strategies applied successfully across various enterprises that reviewed briefly in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides key strategies of SCM, and discusses the fact that the vision for the excellent SCM can be built on principles as such as speed, quality, cost, flexibility, quality leadership, customer focused, collaboration, and integrated information system.

Findings

To make the excellent SCM successful, management must be committed to high standard of performance including competitive lead times to customers, significantly reduced inventories, world‐class product quality, and reduced process and product complexity.

Originality/value

Because a better management of production system is related to the full understanding of the technologies implemented and the system under consideration, the excellent SCM system including its three As are discussed and metrics used to measure performance are elaborated.
A price worth paying?
Authors: Corby Susan , Stanworth Celia
Published: February 2009

Purpose

Are women held back or holding back? Do women choose their jobs/careers or are they structurally or normatively constrained? The purpose of this paper is to shed fresh light on these questions and contribute to an on‐going debate that has essentially focused on the extent to which part‐time work is women's choice, the role of structural and organisational constraints and the role of men in excluding women.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data from interviews with 80 working women – both full‐time and part‐time – performing diverse work roles in a range of organisations in the south east of England.

Findings

It was found that many women do not make strategic job choices, rather they often “fall into” jobs that happen to be available to them. Some would not have aspired to their present jobs without male encouragement; many report incidents of male exclusion; and virtually all either know or suspect that they are paid less than comparable men. Those working reduced hours enjoy that facility, yet they are aware that reduced hours and senior roles are seen as incompatible. In short, they recognise both the positive and negative aspects of their jobs, whether they work full or part‐time, whether they work in male‐dominated or female‐dominated occupations, and whatever their position in the organisational hierarchy. Accordingly, the paper argues that the concept of “satisficing”, i.e. a decision which is good enough but not optimal, is a more appropriate way to view women's working lives than are either choice or constraint theories.

Originality/value

There is an ongoing, and often polarised, debate between those who maintain that women choose whether to give preference to work or home/family and others who maintain that women, far from being self‐determining actors, are constrained structurally and normatively. Rather than supporting these choice or constraint theories, this paper argues that “satisficing” is a more appropriate and nuanced concept to explain women's working lives.
An account of the 2008 inaugural Equal Opportunities Conference held at University of East Anglia
Authors: Atewologun Adedoyin , Showunmi Victoria
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the 2008 inaugural Equal Opportunities Conference held at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The report is based on delegate observations, notes and audience reactions to some of the papers presented on research conducted across Europe, Asia and North America.

Findings

The papers represented new boundaries in diversity research. This included research on women's experiences in traditional male domains of Science Engineering and Technology, developments in investigating diversity such as intersectional analysis, resource dependency theory and social movement theory, and insights on the experiences of specific minority ethnic groups, challenging some of the assumptions of within‐group homogeneity in diversity research.

Originality/value

This report integrates a number of themes from diversity research across the world, highlighting some of the progress accomplished so far as well as the suggested direction for future diversity research.
Franchising in Ukraine
Authors: Peretiatko Roman , Humeniuk Anatoli , Humeniuk Marina , D'Souza Clare , Gilmore Andrew
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper is an exploratory survey that examines franchising in Ukraine. The purpose of this discussion paper therefore, is to shed light on the extent to which franchising is impacted by economic, legal, and investment factors in Ukraine. It attempts to make a brief comparison with the Australian franchising system in order to present a platform for future marketing and implementation scenarios in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature synthesis, the paper proposes reasons for the success of franchising in Ukraine. It outlines the experiences of two successful franchising businesses established in Ukraine.

Findings

Despite the difficulties of operating in the Ukrainian business environment, with its twin problems of bureaucracy and corruption, franchising has managed to establish itself as a viable way of doing business in Ukraine. Both foreign and local franchisors are beginning to make headway in establishing a strong presence in the Ukrainian business landscape.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to understanding franchising in Ukraine. It offers some insights and assistance to investors hoping to open up franchises. As very little research work has been undertaken in Ukraine, it is hoped that this discussion will assist franchisors to become better prepared for the next upturn in the economic cycle.
Innovative marketing in SMEs
Authors: O'Dwyer Michele , Gilmore Audrey , Carson David
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the concept of innovative marketing and how it manifests itself in the context of small‐to medium‐sized enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature relating to the characteristics of SMEs, and innovative marketing are reviewed to identify the key elements of innovative marketing and SMEs. This review and the key elements identified contribute to an overall conceptualisation of innovative marketing for SMEs.

Findings

The discussion considers and provides a description of innovative marketing in SMEs. Innovative marketing does not just relate to products, new product development, and technological development but is also evident in other aspects of marketing related activities and decisions and is very specific to the context and needs of the SME.

Originality/value

The focus of this paper is on taking the relevant themes from the literature and considering them in the light of SME marketing and in the context of SME business activities.
The CoO‐ELM model
Authors: Bloemer Josée , Brijs Kris , Kasper Hans
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an extended version of the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM‐model) to explain and predict which of the four cognitive processes that are distinguished in the literature, with respect to Country of Origin (CoO), can be expected to occur: the halo‐effect, the summary construct‐effect, the product attribute‐effect or the default heuristic‐effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Contrary to most of the previous theoretically‐oriented work on cognitive CoO‐effects, the epistemological background of the CoO‐ELM model proposed in this paper is of an inductive nature with theoretical propositions being derived from empirical data already gathered in the existing studies.

Findings

The outcome of this paper is a flow chart model leading to a set of theoretical propositions on which cognitive CoO‐effects can be expected to occur under different situational contexts.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only focuses on the explanation of cognitive CoO‐effects, not on affective or conative/normative effects. Also, the CoO‐ELM model applies only to the processing of consumers' prior knowledge about a country's products and not about the country itself. Finally, the CoO‐ELM model still needs to be subjected to empirical verification. An important implication of this paper is that the CoO‐ELM framework makes the bulk of empirical data become more transparent given the four effects of cognitive CoO‐processes.

Practical implications

The CoO‐ELM model provides marketing practitioners with an easy and practical tool for the management of CoO‐cues.

Originality/value

This paper is the first attempt trying to catch all the cognitive CoO‐effects previously identified within a theoretically solid framework.
Alternative panel models to evaluate the store brand market share
Authors: Rubio Natalia , Jesús Yagüe María
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the intra‐ and inter‐category differences of the store brand market share. Strategic, structural and performance factors are considered to be explanatory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes four possible alternative fixed‐effects panel models for the data. The empirical analysis is performed on the Spanish consumer goods market in 50 traditional categories during the period from 1996 to 2000, when these brands consolidated their position as the best choices on the shelves.

Findings

The paper obtains consistent results for the four models proposed. The analysis of these reveal which strategic, structural and performance factors influence the store brand market share and how they influence it at intra‐ and inter‐category levels.

Research limitations/implication

The main limitations of this research derive from the conditioning factors of the information. Some potential explanatory variables could not be considered in the models or could only be considered to explain the inter‐category differences.

Practical implications

The results obtained have interesting implications for manufacturers and retailers in the management of the brands in their product portfolio and in the management of their relationships in the distribution channel.

Originality/value

This research provides integrated modelling of the store brand market share by jointly considering cross‐sectional and time effects using the panel methodology and proves that considering time avoids some counter‐intuitive results of cross‐sectional research.
British public accountants in America
Authors: Lee Thomas A.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This study seeks to examine aspects of social class associated with British public accountancy immigrants to the USA prior to the First World War. The study's specific purpose is to investigate the social mobility and fluidity associated with these élite immigrants in the early history of US public accountancy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is informed by previous studies of both social class and élite immigration and uses biographical data describing 395 British chartered and incorporated accountancy immigrants entering the USA between 1875 and 1914. Data analyses describe social mobility and fluidity based on the recorded occupations of these élite immigrants.

Findings

Despite their élite status, the immigrants experienced inter‐generational downward mobility immediately post‐migration. The evidence also indicates inter‐generational and intra‐generational upward mobility for immigrants settling in the USA and for those who did not settle there. The study further reveals evidence of social fluidity associated with both settlers and non‐settlers.

Practical implications

The study suggests that immigration to the USA did not immediately improve the occupational status of British public accountants who settled there. Nor, compared to those who did not settle in the USA, was it necessarily a more advantageous career path to improved occupational status. The study adds to existing knowledge of British accountants in the early US public accountancy profession and, more generally, to that of social mobility associated with immigration of the period.

Originality/value

The study is significant because it provides knowledge of social mobility and fluidity associated with élite immigrants and contributes to the social history of British accountants in the early development of US public accountancy.
Reflections of a new academic
Authors: Cortese Corinne
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this poem is to describe the feelings of uncertainty and frustration that may be experienced by new academics as they seek to publish, or attempt to publish, in academic journals for the first time.

Design/methodology/approach

The poem is a reflective piece that expresses some of the feelings of anxiety and uncertainty faced by the author. A poem was selected as the medium for this reflection because it is an indirect way of expressing the issues and may have resonance for other new (or even not so new) academics.

Findings

The process of elucidating the difficulties associated with knowing where, how, and what to publish was very helpful on a personal level.

Originality/value

A poem that reflects on the trials and tribulations surrounding publication efforts by new academics is an original contribution to the literature.
Now it is the moving time
Authors: Jacobs Kerry
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process of recruitment jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of fictional poem.

Findings

The poem observes that the movement from one institution to another is a zero sum game.

Originality/value

The poem critiques the tendency of academics to move institutions to get promotion. It is inspired by friends and colleagues of the author in Sydney.
Ideologies and conflict in the post‐Cold War
Authors: Ugarriza Juan E.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The aim of this article is to apply a re‐worked definition of ideology in order to account for cultural and political dimensions of contemporary armed conflicts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes communiqués, press releases, magazines, pamphlets, speeches, interviews and other communicational media produced by insurgent organizations in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia, particularly in the post‐Cold War, in order to assess the characteristics of their ideological platforms. The extensive use of these primary sources aims at revealing the way the organizations see themselves, and how important ideological warfare is in their overall strategy.

Findings

In the post‐Cold War, and even in the early twenty‐first century, armed guerrillas persisted in linking their armed struggle to ideological platforms, though in more flexible versions. Nationalism, fundamentalism and socialism are functional to their tactics and strategies, and have tangible effects at strategic and tactical levels.

Research limitations/implications

Three sample cases have been revised exhaustively, but that methodology impedes the examination of a wider spectrum of post‐Cold War insurgent organizations, which may balance the results here presented. However, the high relevance of the ideological component in contemporary armed conflicts, as shown in the Afghan, Congolese and Colombian cases, demonstrates the need for further academic works on this topic.

Practical implications

Re‐defining ideology, as the paper proposes, turns it into a powerful conceptual tool to be used in academic research, given that precisely the absence of comprehensive categories of analysis has prevented scholars from providing a full picture of the political and cultural dimensions of contemporary armed conflicts.

Originality/value

As economic‐focused researches on armed conflicts have dominated the field since the 1990s, the paper underlines the need for scholars to approach a broader scope in peace studies.
Smack down: copyright cases head to court (part 2)
Authors: Medeiros Norm
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the recent copyright lawsuit filed by Viacom against YouTube and parent company, Google.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on the claims of Viacom, and Google's response to these claims.

Findings

The paper illustrates that the case may hinge on Google's compliance with Digital Millennium Copyright Act requirements.

Originality/value

This paper reviews an important copyright case that may have a chilling effect on media sharing sites.
Open access publishing in high‐energy physics
Authors: Mele Salvatore
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a description of the SCOAP3 model, aiming to achieve a transition of peer‐reviewed literature of an entire field, high‐energy physics to open access.

Design/methodology/approach

An historical survey of publishing patterns in high‐energy physics puts open access in that discipline in context. A detailed, quantitative study of the publishing landscape in high‐energy physics is discussed, providing the economic basis for the SCOAP3 model.

Findings

The yearly publication output of high‐energy physics is concentrated on six journals by four publishers. This relatively compact publication landscape and the historical cohesion of the community make a transition of the entire field to open access feasible.

Research limitations/implications

The results relate to a very specific field with a high potential for migration to open access. In open access there is no “one‐size‐fits‐all” solution, and other fields have to proceed to similar analyses to identify their most convenient model on the road to open access journals.

Practical implications

The SCOAP3 initiative seems to be a sustainable way for a transition to open access of scientific publishing of an entire discipline. It could serve as an example, and an experiment, in the search for viable business models for open access.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insight into the design of a business model for open access around the particular needs and publication landscape of a particular discipline.
National culture and global diffusion of business‐to‐consumer e‐commerce
Authors: Gong Wen
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of national culture on the diffusion process of business‐to‐consumer (B2C) e‐commerce using Hall's cultural classifications and Hofstede's multicultural framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Time‐series secondary data across 58 countries were utilized and independent samplest‐test and nonparametric correlation analyses were conducted to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Results of the study suggest that high‐context and polychronic cultures are more conducive to the adoption and diffusion of internet retailing. An unexpected finding is evidence of the significant positive impact of uncertainty avoidance on B2C e‐commerce adoption.

Practical implications

Based on the empirical findings of the study, managerial implications are derived. These insights may help global internet marketers predict B2C e‐commerce adoption and diffusion across countries and formulate more effective online marketing and communication strategies by accommodating for cultural influences during the diffusion process. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.

Originality/value

This study is among the few large‐scale empirical studies attempting to establish the importance of understanding cultural influences on consumers’ online purchasing behavior across countries.
International business negotiation: automobiles and ships
Authors: Lombardo Gary A.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to provide an opportunity for students to conduct realistic business analysis applying subject material related to cross‐cultural issues presented in the international business and international management courses.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothetical case study requires students to participate in a complex international business negotiation while treating cross‐cultural issues. Two profiled hypothetical companies are negotiating to transport product from Japan to the USA. Negotiation issues are identified and national cultural considerations are emphasized.

Findings

The case reflects refinements based upon its use during the past few years. Students are provided a realistic experiential exercise. Student feedback indicates a heightened sensitivity to cross‐cultural considerations and business negotiation skills that transcends their assigned textbook readings and traditional testing.

Research limitations/implications

As with any classroom exercise, differences do exist with “real‐world” business practice. Students do not fully appreciate the pressures and tensions experienced by business professionals with respect to selecting a particular revenue stream from a series of potential revenue streams and resource limitations constraining managerial decision making.

Practical implications

The case study provides an experiential exercise for students to apply theories and concepts learned from the textbook and the instructor's lectures.

Originality/value

The case study offers a complex view of the myriad of cross‐cultural considerations inherent in an international business negotiation. The case study provides value to the instructor and the students as it reinforces discipline theories and concepts in a meaningful way creating an active learning environment fostering academic excellence.
Chinese investment goes global: the China Investment Corporation
Authors: Cai Charlie , Clacher Iain
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed overview of the China Investment Corporation (CIC) and its structure, investment activities and possible future investments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a case study approach and builds up a picture of sovereign wealth globally and then focuses on the CIC and issues surrounding the fund.

Findings

The key implications from the research are that Asian sovereign wealth is going to be increasingly important in global investment. The CICs investment strategy is evolving and becoming evermore sophisticated. As the fund grows this will result in increased demand for local financial services and expertise and so where representative offices are located will impact on those financial centers.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should expand the scope of the analysis to include other sovereign wealth funds and try to map out a comprehensive picture of sovereign wealth around the world.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to look at sovereign wealth and is believed to be the first paper to analyze Asian sovereign wealth and the CIC.
Multinational banking in China after WTO accession: a survey
Authors: Meng Chen
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the market entry dynamics of foreign banks in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs multi‐method approaches combining both questionnaires survey data and qualitative interviews. Also, integration of internalization theory (at the macro level) and strategy literature (at firm level).

Findings

The paper clarifies why and how foreign banks enter the Chinese market, and strategies adopted to cope with local market dynamics; also, the paper identifies major trends and key competitive advantages of foreign banks.

Practical implications

Major advantages and weaknesses have been identified, which will help foreign entrants to make greater inroads into the domestic banking market. The paper shows how to manage risks and make governance structure more efficient and transparent, which are urgent tasks for policy makers.

Originality/value

The paper utilizes the first nation‐based dataset to investigate the Chinese market, and offers practical implications for local regulators and policy makers and bankers.
Market risk disclosure: evidence from Malaysian listed firms
Authors: Othman Radiah , Ameer Rashid
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the market risk disclosure practices among Malaysian listed firms. Specifically, it aims to examine the level of compliance with FRS132: Financial Instruments – Disclosure and Presentation for financial periods beginning or after 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is content analysis and coding procedure.

Findings

Although a large number of companies have shown compliance with FRS132 in relation to disclosing the financial risk management policy, there are systematic differences across companies in terms of level of details (i.e. qualitative and quantitative) disclosure. Interest rate disclosure was the most mentioned category and the credit risk was the least mentioned category of market risk. There is telling evidence that most Malaysian firms did not engage in hedging any type of market risk over the reporting period of 2006‐2007.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for some standardized risk reporting format to achieve greater financial transparency to make investors aware of the market risks.

Originality/value

This is believed to be the first study to provide survey findings on the use of derivatives instruments by listed firms in Malaysia.
Benchmarking the viability of SCM for entrepreneurial business model design
Authors: Fawcett Stanley E. , Allred Chad , Magnan Gregory M. , Ogden Jeffrey
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to benchmark the viability of collaborative supply chain (SC) business models for small businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data was collected from 81 companies with 100 or fewer employees, 169 companies with 101‐500 employees, and 308 companies with more than 500 employees. To help contextualize the findings, eight in‐depth interviews with small firms were conducted.

Findings

Benchmarking the viability of collaborative SC business models using a contingency, resource‐based‐view assessment paradigm reveals a perplexing paradox. Managers at small firms suggest that the majority of the benefits of SCM are within their reach. They also note that the barriers to implementation do not intimidate them. However, they also report that they are not actively pursuing SCM as a strategic weapon. Our research shows that the best way to avoid the cost squeeze and death spiral encountered by small business in today's global SC environment is to create the collaborative capabilities promoted by SCM. That is, while large firms leverage size firms must leverage creative collaboration to insinuate themselves into competitive SC teams to drive long‐term growth. We recommend three alternative SCM strategies based on the small firm's growth strategy.

Originality/value

The small‐business literature on supply chain management (SCM) is relatively scant and provides conflicting views of SCM's viability. This research represents a unique multi‐method approach that shows that SCM is applicable to the world of small business.
Benchmarking service quality in UK electricity distribution networks
Authors: Sum Chau Vinh
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the evolution and development of customer service performance measures in the electricity sector since privatization in 1989, and then examine the impact of a specific recent energy regulatory requirement (known as information and incentives project (IIP)) on the organizational management of an exemplar electricity distribution company. Also discussed is how the sector has tried to learn from benchmarks from a number of such literary disciplines as economics, marketing service quality, and total quality management.

Design/methodology/approach

The research first presents a survey of the historical development of performance standards based on archival documentation. It is then augmented by the employment of a longitudinal “tracer study”, involving the isolation and firsthand real time qualitative observations of a company's key strategic and operational activities, to understand how they related to the other organizational phenomena at large. This process spanned an investigative period of two years.

Findings

The paper finds that much of the early standards used in electricity immediately after the sector's privatization rested much on those in the water and gas safety sectors, which themselves were then admittedly inadequate in UK. The IIP, a complementary set of service quality standards, worked on these early problems, but the implementation of the new scheme proved problematic and warranted major organizational reengineering, as shown in the exemplar company, ElectriCo. IIP has impacted on organizational management mostly in the areas of: higher‐level strategic change, causing noticeable internal confusion during strategic transitions, building a performance management system, improvements in performance data, and establishing more effective ways for management.

Research limitations/implications

While the case example used in the research is a regional monopoly and is a good representation of the context in which the service standards operate, the findings are limited to the one company. It is a UK specific context without international comparison.

Originality/value

The research has combined archival research with an innovative firsthand methodological approach (tracer studies). Its value is in how the story of service standards in electricity (and specifically distribution) has been augmented from the early customer service standards to the most recent IIP considerations. It also looks from within the company, which has been missing in longstanding research in the more traditional disciplines such as economics.