bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mastoparan Activates Calcium Spiking Analogous to Nod Factor-Induced Responses inMedicago truncatulaRoot Hair Cells
Authors: Sun Jongho , Miwa Hiroki , Downie J. Allan , Oldroyd Giles E.D.
Published: February 2007

The rhizobial-derived signaling molecule Nod factor is essential for the establishment of the Medicago truncatula/Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiosis. Nod factor perception and signal transduction in the plant involve calcium spiking and lead to the induction of nodulation gene expression. It has previously been shown that the heterotrimeric G-protein agonist mastoparan can activate nodulation gene expression in a manner analogous to Nod factor activation of these genes and this requires DOESN'T MAKE INFECTIONS3 (DMI3), a calcium- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) that is required for Nod factor signaling. Here we show that mastoparan activates oscillations in cytosolic calcium similar but not identical to Nod factor-induced calcium spiking. Mastoparan-induced calcium changes occur throughout the cell, whereas Nod factor-induced changes are restricted to the region associated with the nucleus. Mastoparan-induced calcium spiking occurs in plants mutated in the receptor-like kinases NOD FACTOR PERCEPTION and DMI2 and in the putative cation channel DMI1, which are all required for Nod factor induction of calcium spiking, indicating either that mastoparan functions downstream of these components or that it uses an alternative mechanism to Nod factor for activation of calcium spiking. However, both mastoparan and Nod factor-induced calcium spiking are inhibited by cyclopiazonic acid and n-butanol, suggesting some common mechanisms underpinning these two calcium agonists. The fact that mastoparan and Nod factor both activate calcium spiking and can induce nodulation gene expression in a DMI3-dependent manner strongly implicates CCaMK in the perception and transduction of the calcium signal.
WRKY75 Transcription Factor Is a Modulator of Phosphate Acquisition and Root Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Devaiah Ballachanda N. , Karthikeyan Athikkattuvalasu S. , Raghothama Kashchandra G.
Published: February 2007

Phosphate (Pi) deficiency limits plant growth and development, resulting in adaptive stress responses. Among the molecular determinants of Pi stress responses, transcription factors play a critical role in regulating adaptive mechanisms. WRKY75 is one of several transcription factors induced during Pi deprivation. In this study, we evaluated the role of the WRKY75 transcription factor in regulating Pi starvation responses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). WRKY75 was found to be nuclear localized and induced differentially in the plant during Pi deficiency. Suppression of WRKY75 expression through RNAi silencing resulted in early accumulation of anthocyanin, indicating that the RNAi plants were more susceptible to Pi stress. Further analysis revealed that the expression of several genes involved in Pi starvation responses, including phosphatases, Mt4/TPS1-like genes, and high-affinity Pi transporters, was decreased when WRKY75 was suppressed. Consequently, Pi uptake of the mutant plant was also decreased during Pi starvation. In addition, when WRKY75 expression was suppressed, lateral root length and number, as well as root hair number, were significantly increased. However, changes in the root architecture were obvious under both Pi-sufficient and Pi-deficient conditions. This indicates that the regulatory effect of WRKY75 on root architecture could be independent of the Pi status of the plant. Together, these results suggest that WRKY75 is a modulator of Pi starvation responses as well as root development. WRKY75 is the first member of the WRKY transcription factor family reported to be involved in regulating a nutrient starvation response and root development.
De Novo Formation of Plant Endoplasmic Reticulum Export Sites Is Membrane Cargo Induced and Signal Mediated
Authors: Hanton Sally L. , Chatre Laurent , Renna Luciana , Matheson Loren A. , Brandizzi Federica
Published: February 2007

The plant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contains functionally distinct subdomains at which cargo molecules are packed into transport carriers. To study these ER export sites (ERES), we used tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaf epidermis as a model system and tested whether increased cargo dosage leads to their de novo formation. We have followed the subcellular distribution of the known ERES marker based on a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fusion of the Sec24 COPII coat component (YFP-Sec24), which, differently from the previously described ERES marker, tobacco Sar1-YFP, is visibly recruited at ERES in both the presence and absence of overexpressed membrane cargo. This allowed us to quantify variation in the ERES number and in the recruitment of Sec24 to ERES upon expression of cargo. We show that increased synthesis of membrane cargo leads to an increase in the number of ERES and induces the recruitment of Sec24 to these ER subdomains. Soluble proteins that are passively secreted were found to leave the ER with no apparent up-regulation of either the ERES number or the COPII marker, showing that bulk flow transport has spare capacity in vivo. However, de novo ERES formation, as well as increased recruitment of Sec24 to ERES, was found to be dependent on the presence of the diacidic ER export motif in the cytosolic domain of the membrane cargo. Our data suggest that the plant ER can adapt to a sudden increase in membrane cargo-stimulated secretory activity by signal-mediated recruitment of COPII machinery onto existing ERES, accompanied by de novo generation of new ERES.
Mitochondrial Complex II Is Essential for Gametophyte Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: León Gabriel , Holuigue Loreto , Jordana Xavier
Published: February 2007

Mitochondrial complex II (succinate dehydrogenase [SDH]) is part of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the respiratory electron transport chain. Its flavoprotein subunit is encoded by two nuclear genes, SDH1-1 and SDH1-2, in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The SDH1-2 gene is significantly expressed only in roots, albeit at very low level, and its disruption has no effect on growth and development of homozygous mutant plants. In contrast, SDH1-1 transcripts are ubiquitously expressed, with highest expression in flowers. Disruption of the SDH1-1 gene results in alterations in gametophyte development. Indeed, heterozygous SDH1-1/sdh1-1 mutant plants showed normal vegetative growth, yet a reduced seed set. In the progeny of selfed SDH1-1/sdh1-1 plants, distorted segregation ratios were observed, and no homozygous mutant plants were obtained. Reciprocal test crosses with the wild type demonstrated that the mutated sdh1-1 allele is not transmitted through the male gametophyte and is only partially transmitted through the female gametophyte. Consistently, microscopic analysis showed that mutant microspores develop normally until the vacuolated microspore stage, but fail to undergo mitosis I, and then cell structures are degraded and cell content disappears. On the other hand, half the mutant embryo sacs showed arrested development, either at the two-nucleate stage or before polar nuclei fusion. Down-regulation of SDH1-1 by RNA interference results in pollen abortion and a reduced seed set, as in the insertional mutant. Altogether, our results show that SDH1-1, and therefore complex II, are essential for gametophyte development.
Gene Expression Profiling Reveals Defined Functions of the ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter COMATOSE Late in Phase II of Germination
Authors: Carrera Esther , Holman Tara , Medhurst Anne , Peer Wendy , Schmuths Heike , Footitt Steven , Theodoulou Frederica L. , Holdsworth Michael J.
Published: February 2007

Phase II of germination represents a key developmental stage of plant growth during which imbibed seeds either enter stage III of germination, completing the germination process via radicle protrusion, or remain dormant. In this study, we analyzed the influence of the peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette transporter COMATOSE (CTS) on the postimbibition seed transcriptome of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and also investigated interactions between gibberellin (GA) and CTS function. A novel method for analysis of transcriptome datasets allowed visualization of developmental signatures of seeds, showing that cts-1 retains the capacity to after ripen, indicating a germination block late in phase II. Expression of the key GA biosynthetic genes GA3ox1 and 2 was greatly reduced in cts seeds and genetic analysis suggested that CTS was epistatic to RGL2, a germination-repressing DELLA protein that is degraded by GA. Comparative analysis of seed transcriptome datasets indicated that specific cohorts of genes were influenced by GA and CTS. CTS function was required for expression of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Confocal imaging demonstrated the exclusive accumulation of flavonoids in the epidermis of wild-type seeds. In contrast, flavonoids were absent from cts and kat2-1 mutant seeds, but accumulated following the application of sucrose, indicating an essential role for β-oxidation in inducing flavonoid biosynthetic genes. These results demonstrate that CTS functions very late in phase II of germination and that its function is required for the expression of specific gene sets related to an important biochemical pathway associated with seedling establishment and survival.
Protein Mobilization in Germinating Mung Bean Seeds Involves Vacuolar Sorting Receptors and Multivesicular Bodies
Authors: Wang Junqi , Li Yubing , Lo Sze Wan , Hillmer Stefan , Sun Samuel S.M. , Robinson David G. , Jiang Liwen
Published: February 2007

Plants accumulate and store proteins in protein storage vacuoles (PSVs) during seed development and maturation. Upon seed germination, these storage proteins are mobilized to provide nutrients for seedling growth. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of protein degradation during seed germination. Here we test the hypothesis that vacuolar sorting receptor (VSR) proteins play a role in mediating protein degradation in germinating seeds. We demonstrate that both VSR proteins and hydrolytic enzymes are synthesized de novo during mung bean (Vigna radiata) seed germination. Immunogold electron microscopy with VSR antibodies demonstrate that VSRs mainly locate to the peripheral membrane of multivesicular bodies (MVBs), presumably as recycling receptors in day 1 germinating seeds, but become internalized to the MVB lumen, presumably for degradation at day 3 germination. Chemical cross-linking and immunoprecipitation with VSR antibodies have identified the cysteine protease aleurain as a specific VSR-interacting protein in germinating seeds. Further confocal immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy studies demonstrate that VSR and aleurain colocalize to MVBs as well as PSVs in germinating seeds. Thus, MVBs in germinating seeds exercise dual functions: as a storage compartment for proteases that are physically separated from PSVs in the mature seed and as an intermediate compartment for VSR-mediated delivery of proteases from the Golgi apparatus to the PSV for protein degradation during seed germination.
Roles for Rice Membrane Dynamics and Plasmodesmata during Biotrophic Invasion by the Blast Fungus
Authors: Kankanala Prasanna , Czymmek Kirk , Valent Barbara
Published: February 2007

Rice blast disease is caused by the hemibiotrophic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, which invades living plant cells using intracellular invasive hyphae (IH) that grow from one cell to the next. The cellular and molecular processes by which this occurs are not understood. We applied live-cell imaging to characterize the spatial and temporal development of IH and plant responses inside successively invaded rice (Oryza sativa) cells. Loading experiments with the endocytotic tracker FM4-64 showed dynamic plant membranes around IH. IH were sealed in a plant membrane, termed the extra-invasive hyphal membrane (EIHM), which showed multiple connections to peripheral rice cell membranes. The IH switched between pseudohyphal and filamentous growth. Successive cell invasions were biotrophic, although each invaded cell appeared to have lost viability when the fungus moved into adjacent cells. EIHM formed distinct membrane caps at the tips of IH that initially grew in neighboring cells. Time-lapse imaging showed IH scanning plant cell walls before crossing, and transmission electron microscopy showed IH preferentially contacting or crossing cell walls at pit fields. This and additional evidence strongly suggest that IH co-opt plasmodesmata for cell-to-cell movement. Analysis of biotrophic blast invasion will significantly contribute to our understanding of normal plant processes and allow the characterization of secreted fungal effectors that affect these processes.
Thioredoxinh5 Is Required for Victorin Sensitivity Mediated by a CC-NBS-LRR Gene inArabidopsis
Authors: Sweat Teresa A. , Wolpert Thomas J.
Published: February 2007

The fungus Cochliobolus victoriae causes Victoria blight of oats (Avena sativa) and is pathogenic due to its production of victorin, which induces programmed cell death in sensitive plants. Victorin sensitivity has been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana and is conferred by the dominant gene LOCUS ORCHESTRATING VICTORIN EFFECTS1 (LOV1), which encodes a coiled-coil–nucleotide binding site–leucine-rich repeat protein. We isolated 63 victorin-insensitive mutants, including 59 lov1 mutants and four locus of insensitivity to victorin1 (liv1) mutants. The LIV1 gene encodes thioredoxin h5 (ATTRX5), a member of a large family of disulfide oxidoreductases. To date, very few plant thioredoxins have been assigned specific, nonredundant functions. We found that the victorin response was highly specific to ATTRX5, as the closely related ATTRX3 could only partially compensate for loss of ATTRX5, even when overexpressed. We also created chimeric ATTRX5/ATTRX3 proteins, which identified the central portion of the protein as important for conferring specificity to ATTRX5. Furthermore, we found that ATTRX5, but not ATTRX3, is highly induced in sensitive Arabidopsis following victorin treatment. Finally, we determined that only the first of the two active-site Cys residues in ATTRX5 is required for the response to victorin, suggesting that ATTRX5 function in the victorin pathway involves an atypical mechanism of action.
Arabidopsis irregular xylem8andirregular xylem9: Implications for the Complexity of Glucuronoxylan Biosynthesis
Authors: Peña Maria J. , Zhong Ruiqin , Zhou Gong-Ke , Richardson Elizabeth A. , O'Neill Malcolm A. , Darvill Alan G. , York William S. , Ye Zheng-Hua
Published: February 2007

Mutations of Arabidopsis thaliana  IRREGULAR XYLEM8 (IRX8) and IRX9 were previously shown to cause a collapsed xylem phenotype and decreases in xylose and cellulose in cell walls. In this study, we characterized IRX8 and IRX9 and performed chemical and structural analyses of glucuronoxylan (GX) from irx8 and irx9 plants. IRX8 and IRX9 are expressed specifically in cells undergoing secondary wall thickening, and their encoded proteins are targeted to the Golgi, where GX is synthesized. 1H-NMR spectroscopy showed that the reducing end of Arabidopsis GX contains the glycosyl sequence 4-β-d-Xylp-(1→4)-β-d-Xylp-(1→3)-α-l-Rhap-(1→2)-α-d-GalpA-(1→4)-d-Xylp, which was previously identified in birch (Betula verrucosa) and spruce (Picea  abies) GX. This indicates that the reducing end structure of GXs is evolutionarily conserved in woody and herbaceous plants. This sequence is more abundant in irx9 GX than in the wild type, whereas irx8 and fragile fiber8 (fra8) plants are nearly devoid of it. The number of GX chains increased and the GX chain length decreased in irx9 plants. Conversely, the number of GX chains decreased and the chain length heterodispersity increased in irx8 and fra8 plants. Our results suggest that IRX9 is required for normal GX elongation and indicate roles for IRX8 and FRA8 in the synthesis of the glycosyl sequence at the GX reducing end.
Centromere Function and Nondisjunction Are Independent Components of the Maize B Chromosome Accumulation Mechanism
Authors: Han Fangpu , Lamb Jonathan C. , Yu Weichang , Gao Zhi , Birchler James A.
Published: February 2007

Supernumerary or B chromosomes are selfish entities that maintain themselves in populations by accumulation mechanisms. The accumulation mechanism of the B chromosome of maize (Zea mays) involves nondisjunction at the second pollen mitosis, placing two copies of the B chromosome into one of the two sperm. The B chromosome long arm must be present in the same nucleus for the centromere to undergo nondisjunction. A centromere, containing all of the normal DNA elements, translocated from the B chromosome to the short arm of chromosome 9 was recently found to be epigenetically silenced for centromeric function. When intact B chromosomes were added to this genotype, thus supplying the long arm, the inactive centromere regained the property of nondisjunction causing the translocation chromosome 9 to be differentially distributed to the two sperm or resulted in chromosome breaks in 9S, occasionally producing new translocations. Translocation of the inactive B centromere to chromosome 7 transferred the nondisjunction property to this chromosome. The results provide insight into the molecular and evolutionary basis of this B chromosome accumulation mechanism by demonstrating that nondisjunction is caused by a process that does not depend on normal centromere function but that the region of the chromosome required for nondisjunction resides in the centromeric region.
Consumer perception about fast food in India: an exploratory study
Authors: Goyal Anita , Singh N.P.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to estimate importance of various factors affecting the choice of fast food outlets by Indian young consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies multivariate statistical tools to estimate importance of various factors affecting the choice of fast food outlets by Indian young consumers. In addition, the authors analysed the consumption patterns, impact of hygiene and nutritional values, and rating of various attributes of McDonald's and Nirula's.

Findings

Results indicate that the young Indian consumer has passion for visiting fast food outlets for fun and change but home food is their first choice. They feel homemade food is much better than food served at fast food outlets. They have the highest value for taste and quality (nutritional values) followed by ambience and hygiene. Three dimensions (service and delivery dimension, product dimension, and quality dimension) of fast food outlets' attributes are identified based on factor analysis results. The two fast food outlets' rating differs significantly on the seven attributes. McDonald's scores are higher on all attributes except “variety”. Further, consumers feel that fast food outlets must provide additional information on nutritional values and hygiene conditions inside kitchen.

Practical implications

Fast food providers need to focus on quality and variety of food besides other service parameters. There is need to communicate the information about hygiene and nutrition value of fast food which will help in building trust in the food provided by fast food players.

Originality/value

Estimates importance of various factors affecting the choice of fast food outlets by Indian young consumers.
A grounded theory model of on‐duty critical care nurses' information behavior
Authors: McKnight Michelynn
Published: February 2007

Purpose

Critical care nurses' work is rich in informative interactions. Although there have been post‐hoc self report studies of nurses' information seeking, there have been no observational studies of the patterns of their on‐duty information behavior. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used participant observation and in context interviews to describe 50 hours of the observable information behavior of a representative sample of critical care nurses in a 20‐bed critical care unit of a community (non‐teaching) hospital. The researcher used open, in vivo and axial coding to develop a grounded theory model of their consistent pattern of multimedia interactions.

Findings

The resulting Nurse's Patient‐Chart Cycle describes their activities during the shift as centering on a regular alternation between interactions with the patient and with the patient's chart (in various record systems), clearly bounded with nursing “report” interactions at the beginning and the end of the shift. The nurses' demeanor markedly changed between interactions with the chart and interactions with the patient. Their attention was focused on patient‐specific information. They had almost no time or opportunity to consult published sources of information while on duty.

Originality/value

Libraries often provide nurses with information services that are based on academic models of information behavior. Clinical information systems are designed more for medico‐legal record keeping than for nursing care. Understanding the reality of nurses' on‐duty information behavior may guide librarians and systems designers in the provision of more appropriate systems and services.
Purls of wisdom
Authors: Prigoda Elena , McKenzie Pamela J.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The authors aim to apply a collectivist theoretical framework to the study of human information behaviour and the construction of meaning in a knitting group held in a branch of a large Canadian (Ontario) public library.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was naturalistic and consisted of active participant observation of five knitting group sessions and semi‐structured interviews with 12 group members. Field notes were taken, and both observations and interviews were audio taped and transcribed. Field notes and transcripts were coded qualitatively.

Findings

Information practices and contextual factors are mutually constitutive. The location of the circle in a public library, the physical characteristics of the act of knitting, and the social meanings of the activities taking place within the group, including the significance of gender and caring, are integrally linked to HIB in this setting. Findings are described verbally and illustrated through a model.

Research limitations/implications

This study applies collectivist understandings to enrich concepts such as the “information ground” that have previously been studied largely from constructivist perspectives. As a small‐scale naturalistic study, results are context‐specific and must be applied tentatively.

Practical implications

This study provides an example of how programs in public libraries can provide opportunities for information behaviour and the construction of meaning for members of the community.

Originality/value

This study contributes a collectivist approach to research on everyday‐life information seeking and on the library as a place.
The external environment's effect on management and strategy
Authors: Mason Roger B.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the influence of the external environment on the choice of strategic management activities, from a chaos and complexity perspective, since a business environment is a complex adaptive system.

Design/methodology/approach

The study in this paper was of an exploratory nature, using the qualitative techniques of case study, depth interviews and document analysis to collect data from two companies each in the IT and packaging industries, namely, more successful/less successful companies.

Findings

The paper finds that first, it was proposed that more successful companies in turbulent environments would use radical, fast and disruptive strategies. Furthermore, strategy making should be a democratic, bottom‐up process and should be organic, self‐organising, adaptive and emergent. The results confirmed these propositions. Second, it was proposed that more successful companies in stable environments would use more traditional management and strategies and more formal strategy planning activities. The findings did not confirm this proposition, probably due to the fact that in reality a truly stable environment does not exist in South Africa.

Originality/value

This paper is of benefit to managers and strategists by emphasising a new way to consider the future management and strategies of their companies. Since businesses and markets are complex adaptive systems, using complexity theory to increase understanding of how to cope in complex and turbulent environments is necessary, but has not been widely researched.
Networking in South African businesses
Authors: De Klerk Saskia , Kroon Jaipe
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose and the goal of this paper were to investigate South African businesses and determine their utilisation of new technologies and business structures. The role and development of e‐commerce and networks in South African businesses can determine their competitive role in a global market.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows that South Africa's position in the networked economy was researched through an empirical survey and the use of a convenience sample that incorporated 707 online businesses listed in an online directory in South Africa. Manufacturing businesses, retail and wholesale businesses, as well as business rendering services online, were targeted.

Findings

The paper finds that business networks have necessitated new business structures and 78.4 percent of the respondents are currently using these modern business structures to adapt to the demands of the networked economy. These include the matrix structure (42.9 percent), the networked business structure (25 percent) and the extended business structure (10.7 percent). E‐commerce provides many advantages, the response received on the reasons for e‐commerce utilisation includes enhanced profit (86 percent), entering strategic markets (64 percent) and building international association (61 percent).

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that the focus should be on finding new opportunities and the most important recommendations include: South African business people should be informed about the importance of shared knowledge, intellectual capital and establishing strategic alliances that are facilitated through the use of networks. Proactive management and added value in business processes should be implemented and can enhance the competitive advantage amongst South African businesses.
Libraries and student affairs: partners for student success
Authors: Swartz Pauline S. , Carlisle Brian A. , Chisato Uyeki E.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide strategies that libraries and other campus organizations, especially student affairs offices, can employ to overcome common barriers to building partnerships, and to establish, maintain, and nurture effective cross‐campus collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief history of the development of student affairs is provided, as well as concrete examples of collaborative services and projects developed by a campus student affairs office and an undergraduate library at a large, public research university. A review of relevant literature highlights collaborative relationships, guiding principles for success, and maintaining and nurturing partnerships.

Findings

Because librarians and student affairs professionals operate outside the curricular structure, these partnerships allow for more flexibility and creativity in programming. Services and programs that meet the needs of students and fulfill the individual missions in these areas are easily attained by identifying potential campus partners and common goals, and establishing priorities.

Practical implications

Although extensive research on collaboration between libraries and faculty can be found in the literature, a dearth of research exists on collaborations between libraries and student services. This paper provides valuable tools and lessons for librarians and student affairs professionals for establishing successful and sustainable cross‐campus programs and services.

Originality/value

This paper serves as one of the first comprehensive reviews of cross‐campus collaborative projects between an undergraduate library and a campus student affairs office.
Does innovation lead to performance? An empirical study of SMEs in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh‐Yun Lin Carol , Yi‐Ching Chen Mavis
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This study attempts to probe within a multi‐dimensional perspective the nature and type of daily innovation practices of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) located in Taiwan. The relationship between innovation and organizational performance will also be explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of interest were collected through a telephone survey. From the 2000 Directory of Manufacturing and Service Industries in Northern Part of Taiwan, companies with a total employee number less than 200 (the definition of an SME in Taiwan) were the population. Telephone calls to 877 firms were successfully completed with a response rate of 87 per cent.

Findings

Eighty per cent of the surveyed companies conducted some sort of innovation, the two major types of innovations were technological and marketing innovations. Innovation has a weak link with company sales. Administrative innovations have surfaced to be the most crucial factor in explaining sales rather than technological innovations.

Practical implications

Creating a successful innovation platform to serve as a base for non‐technology‐related innovations may prove to be the most critical catalyst to capitalize on innovation efforts. The research results also provide some insights for companies that are not sure how to integrate innovation into their business operations.

Originality/value

This study unveils the innovation practices of this novel economy and particularly focuses on the less explored SMEs in an Asian context.
Public libraries and adult learners
Authors: Ashcroft Linda , Farrow Janet , Watts Chris
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of three “grey” areas which emerged from a study on adult learning provision both within and outside public libraries in England – formal and informal learning, promotion and attracting learners, and evaluation and feedback.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises a literature review, interviews with the regional agencies of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), and interviews with a purposive select sample of public library services in England.

Findings

The public libraries sampled demonstrated their expertise in reaching out to a range of different social groups and their willingness to work with a variety of partners to provide the wide range of courses and services needed. Good reciprocal partnership relationships have been established. The need for more sophisticated market research and promotion is identified. Evaluation and feedback are subject to various interpretations and form an area surrounded by difficulties.

Research limitations/implications

The study undertaken for the MLA is the first phase of a project on public libraries and adult learners.

Practical implications

Examples of reciprocal arrangements and their implications are provided. The impact on library staff roles of the grey area between informal and formal learning is identified with different expectations for staff by different library authorities. The variety of methods used to promote adult learning services could be more sophisticated and specifically targeted in some communities. Highlights the conflict between obtaining robust feedback and the effect this may have on tentative learners by changing a relaxed informal atmosphere.

Originality/value

The paper draws on a study undertaken for the MLA that selectively reviews adult learning provision within and outside public libraries in England and identifies key strengths in public libraries for adult learners.
The relationship between leadership and follower in‐role performance and satisfaction with the leader
Authors: Bartram Timothy , Casimir Gian
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an examination of the mediating effects of empowerment and trust in the leader on the relationship between transformational leadership and two outcomes (i.e. the in‐role performance of followers as rated by the leader and satisfaction with the leader).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 150 customer service operators in an Australian call‐centre were invited to participate in a leadership questionnaire and informed that their performance would be rated by their immediate supervisors (i.e. their line manager) as part of the study. A sample of 109 responses were used in the analysis.

Findings

Partial least squares analysis revealed that the effects of transformational leadership on the in‐role performance of followers were mediated by empowerment and trust in the leader, whereas the effects of transformational leadership on satisfaction were partially mediated by trust in the leader.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the findings for leadership theorists is that a more fine‐grained approach is required to understand the leadership “black box” in that different mediators have been shown to affect different outcomes.

Practical implications

In a call‐center context, which has high levels of control, standardization and formalization, transformational leadership can improve the performance of followers by empowering them and by developing trust in the leader.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing a concurrent analysis of the mediating effects of empowerment and trust in the leader on the relationship between transformational leadership and in‐role performance and job satisfaction.
Organizational knowledge leadership: a grounded theory approach
Authors: Lakshman C.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

Leadership theory and research has not addressed the role of leaders in knowledge management, despite its importance to organizations. Consequently, information and knowledge management as key leader functions have not been explored. This study is an attempt to generate a preliminary theory of the role of leaders in knowledge management through a grounded theory approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds a grounded theory of the role of leadership in knowledge management by comparatively analyzing 37 in‐depth interviews of CEOs. Combining deductive and inductive methods, this study establishes the key role of top executive leaders of organizations in knowledge management.

Findings

The data from the interviews suggest that leaders are acutely aware of the role of information and knowledge sharing and design knowledge networks that serve to maximize organizational effectiveness. Moreover, leaders use information technology and knowledge management to better focus on key internal and external customers. Thus, this grounded theory emphasizes both the leader behavior dimensions of information and knowledge sharing. More importantly, this study links the processes of knowledge management and customer‐focused knowledge management to leader and organizational effectiveness. Additionally, there seems to be evidence that such knowledge management activities implemented by leaders can positively impact organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

This grounded theory study has identified relationships/ processes of leadership that are inherently longitudinal. A key limitation, however, is that the end result is theory, which needs to be tested and refined through other conventional mechanisms.

Originality/value

This study makes significant contributions to both the leadership and knowledge management literatures.
Managing social relations: the dimension of intellectual labour
Authors: Connell Raewyn
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to show that the management of social relations involves specific forms of intellectual labour. An Australian study explores this through life‐history interviews.

Design/methodology/approach

Career‐ and life‐history interviews were conducted with 16 intellectual workers whose professions involve the management of social relations. Both individual case studies and group analysis were conducted.

Findings

In some situations this labour is carried out by a collective intellectual increasingly integrated with information technology. Several modes of the organization of knowledge can be specified. Extensive links with global society are found, yet few respondents make global society itself part of their object of knowledge. Participants perform classic functions of assembling and reticulating knowledge, and some have high levels of training, yet tend to refuse an “intellectual” identity.

Originality/value

Local practice tilts away from ivory‐tower models of social knowledge and towards supportive engagement in global market society. Social management is thus partly integrated with neoliberalism; yet among the partly residualized groups of intellectual workers some indications of opposition remain. Knowledge itself therefore seems to be a focus of tension.
Understanding risk and old age in western society
Authors: Powell Jason , Wahidin Azrini , Zinn Jens
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of “risk” in relation to old age. Ideas are explored linked with what has been termed as the “risk society” and the extent to which it has become part of the organizing ground of how we define and organise the “personal” and “social spaces” in which to grow old in western modernity.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical paper in three parts, including: an introduction to the relevance and breakdown in trust relations; a mapping out of the key assumptions of risk society; and examples drawn from social welfarism to consolidate an understanding of the contructedness of old age in late modernity.

Findings

Part of this reflexive response to understanding risk and old age is the importance of recognising self‐subjective dimensions of emotions, trust, biographical knowledge and resources.

Originality/value

This discussion provides a critical narrative to the importance and interrelatedness of the sociology of risk to the study of old age.
A model of B2B e‐commerce, based on connectivity and purpose
Authors: Cullen Andrea J. , Webster Margaret
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To present a complete and comprehensive model by which business‐to‐business (B2B) e‐commerce transactions for sales and purchases between organisations may be categorised.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature from the e‐commerce and operations management fields was studied, and the findings were synthesised to develop a preliminary conceptual model of B2B interaction. The conceptual model was tested empirically using a qualitative research procedure involving focus groups. From this, its structure and content were validated and refined.

Findings

The research found that the developed model, incorporating nine exclusive e‐commerce trading scenarios, covers all B2B selling and purchase transactions, which suggests that it is comprehensive. It further found that trading occurs in each of the nine scenarios within the model, thus suggesting that it is complete. These findings support the conclusion that the model represents a valid taxonomy for the classification of B2B e‐commerce transactions.

Research limitations/implications

Although the literature findings are international, the empirical study was restricted to the UK. The model has been validated through this research, and now provides a framework by which the mechanisms of B2B trade may be further investigated.

Practical implications

The model allows commercial organisations and researchers to recognise and understand the complexity and multiple dimensions of e‐commerce use for B2B sales and purchases. It provides a framework onto which individual trading scenarios may be mapped. The framework offers guidance to operations and supply chain managers in organisations as to the most appropriate approach to adopt in particular e‐commerce implementation projects and supply chain transactions.

Originality/value

This paper furthers knowledge in the areas of e‐commerce and operations management by proposing a new model of B2B interaction. This provides a comprehensive means of classifying all available transaction types, the characteristics of these and the likely technology used within them. It offers the ability, systematically, to identify, map and understand all available B2B e‐commerce trading mechanisms.
A review of self‐validating sensor technology
Authors: Feng Zhigang , Wang Qi , Shida Katsunori
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To provide an overview of self‐validating sensor technology for researchers and engineers which can help them understand the concept and recent developments of this research area.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of self‐validating (SEVA) sensors, including definition, output parameters and requirement of SEVA sensors are introduced. The differences between SEVA sensors and traditional sensors are given from which we can see many advantages of SEVA sensors. The principium of SEVA sensors is presented by the functional architecture. The research development of SEVA sensors is introduced in two aspects: research development of sensor fault diagnosis and signal reconstruction and research development of SEVA sensor hardware.

Findings

Summarizes the methods for sensor fault diagnosis and signal reconstruction in the research of SEVA sensors, and the development steps of SEVA sensor hardware. Indicates the shortages and problems of current research and gives our research and ideas to solve these problems.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed description and research information of self‐validating sensor technology for those who want to know and research on this area.
Marketing is everything: the view from the street
Authors: Saren Michael
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To show how the conceptual framework of the marketing discipline can be radically revised and rethought, to be better in tune with the realities of the producer‐consumer relationship in advanced societies in the twenty‐first century.

Design/methodology/approach

Commissioned as a viewpoint, with permission to “think aloud”.

Findings

Marketing thinkers need to broaden their horizons, look at the marketing phenomenon as consumers experience it, and be prepared to learn from research conducted far beyond the confines of conventional marketing theory. Specifically, the present‐day context of marketing demands increased attention to the relatively familiar concept of relationship marketing and the so far relatively unknown perspective called “critical marketing”.

Research limitations/implications

There is much integrative work to be done in effectively integrating the wide range of theoretical inputs required to explain what “marketing” means today.

Practical implications

Though the rethinking advocated may be challenging for marketing practitioners, the readings cited provide means for marketing educators to build the conceptual frameworks into applicable research and useful learning.

Originality/value

A glimpse of the future.
Poverty reduction through the creation of a liveable housing environment
Authors: Adarkwa K.K. , Oppong R.A.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to show that initiatives to adequately address poverty reduction through the provision of housing units in rural communities in Ghana have come from both local and offshore resources. However, very little has been done to assess the impacts of these initiatives so that best practices can inform public policy to enhance the quality and quantity of rural housing in Ghana. This paper explores the impact of one such initiative, namely the Habitat for Humanity International Ghana's (HHIG) intervention in the rural housing subsector.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand and appreciate HHIG's intervention, field data collection and community interfaces were organised. Extensive use was made of the case study approach or narratology. Under this approach, six of the 29 local HHIG affiliates were studied using an exploratory approach for in depth probing.

Findings

This study shows that the provision of housing units through HHIG's initiative has had a positive impact on poverty reduction through an enhanced housing environment, formation of micro enterprises, enhanced access to social services, skills transfer and improved security.

Practical implications

As an object of consumption, the introduction of housing into rural economies in Ghana can have tremendous significant and positive impacts; implying that it can be used as an entry point in efforts aimed at reducing rural poverty in Sub Saharan Africa.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to reveal HHIG's immense contribution towards the creation of more liveable housing environments in rural Ghana and its link with poverty reduction.
The fundamentals of standardizing global marketing strategy
Authors: Viswanathan Nanda K. , Dickson Peter R.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To examine issues of standardization and adaptation in global marketing strategy and to explain the dynamics of standardization.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual research paper that has been developed based on gaps in prior frameworks of standardization/adaptation. A three‐factor model of standardization/adaptation of global marketing strategy was developed. The three factors include homogeneity of customer response to the marketing mix, transferability of competitive advantage, and similarities in the degree of economic freedom.

Findings

The model through the use of feedback effects explains the dynamics of standardization.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to empirically test the model. To enable empirical validation, reliable and valid measures of the three factors proposed in the model need to be developed. Additionally, the model may be used in future research to delineate the impact a variable may have on the ability of a firm to follow a standardized global marketing strategy.

Practical implications

The three‐factor model aids decisions relating to standardization in a global marketing context.

Originality/value

The paper furthers the discussion on the issue of standardization. Through the identification of three factors that impact standardization/adaptation decisions, and the consideration of feedback effects, the paper provides a foundation for future research addressing the issue.