bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Chamber Ideal Point Estimation
Authors: Peress Michael
Published: June 2009

Ideal point estimation is a topic of central importance in political science. Published work relying on the ideal point estimates of Poole and Rosenthal for the U.S. Congress is too numerous to list. Recent work has applied ideal point estimation to the state legislatures, Latin American chambers, the Supreme Court, and many other chambers. Although most existing ideal point estimators perform well when the number of voters and the number of bills is large, some important applications involve small chambers. We develop an estimator that does not suffer from the incidental parameters problem and, hence, can be used to estimate ideal points in small chambers. Our Monte Carlo experiments show that our estimator offers an improvement over conventional estimators for small chambers. We apply our estimator to estimate the ideal points of Supreme Court justices in a multidimensional space.
Validation of partial rpoB gene sequence analysis for the identification of clinically important and emerging Acinetobacter species
Authors: Gundi Vijay A. K. B. , Dijkshoorn Lenie , Burignat Sophie , Raoult Didier , La Scola Bernard
Published: June 2009

Bacteria belonging to the genusAcinetobacterare ubiquitous in soil and water. Only a few species, includingAcinetobacter baumannii, and the unnamedAcinetobactergenomic species (gen. sp.) 3 and 13TU, which together with the soil organismAcinetobacter calcoaceticusare combined in theA. calcoaceticus–A. baumannii(Acb) complex, have been recognized as important nosocomial infectious agents. The ecology, epidemiology and pathology of most species are not yet well established. Lack of practical and accurate methods limits routine identification of clinical isolates and thus hampers precise identification of those of the Acb complex and otherAcinetobacterspecies of possible clinical significance. We previously identified a 350 bp highly variable zone on therpoBgene which appeared to be a promising target for rapid molecular identification. In the present study, we validated this method for accuracy on a collection of reference strains belonging toA. calcoaceticus(5 strains),Acinetobactergen. sp. 3 (29 strains),A.gen. sp. 13TU (18 strains),A. baumannii(30 strains) and one strain each ofA. radioresistens,A. gen. sp. 15TU,A. gen. sp. 10,A. gen. sp. 11,A. gen. sp. ‘between 1 and 3’ andA. gen. sp. 14TU=13BJ. This represents the largest analysis to date that compares a large number of well-identified strains of the Acb complex to assess the intra- and interspecies variation within this complex. All were correctly identified with 98.9–100 % intraspecies relatedness based on partialrpoBsequence analysis. We then applied this tool to identify 99Acinetobacterclinical isolates from four public hospitals in Marseille, France. All isolates could easily be identified to species as they were separated into 13 species sequence types with a sequence variance of 0–2.6 % from their respective type strains. Of these 99 isolates, 10 wereA. haemolyticus, 52 wereA. baumannii, 27 wereA.gen. sp. 3, 5 wereA. schindleri, 1 wasA. lwoffii, and 1 wasA.gen. sp. 13TU. Three were provisionally identified asA.gen. sp. 9. This is the first work to identify all specimens of a set of clinicalAcinetobacterisolates at species level usingrpoBsequence analysis. Our data emphasize the recognition ofA. schindlerias an emerging cause ofAcinetobacter-related infection and confirm thatA.gen. sp. 3 is the second most commonly isolatedAcinetobacterspecies afterA. baumanniiin patients.
Proteomic analysis of the adaptive response of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to growth under anaerobic conditions
Authors: Encheva Vesela , Shah Haroun N. , Gharbia Saheer E.
Published: June 2009

In order to survive in the host and initiate infection,Salmonella entericaneeds to undergo a transition between aerobic and anaerobic growth by modulating its central metabolic pathways. In this study, a comparative analysis of the proteome ofS. entericaserovar Typhimurium grown in the presence or absence of oxygen was performed. The most prominent changes in expression were measured in a semiquantitative manner using difference in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) to reveal the main protein factors involved in the adaptive response to anaerobiosis. A total of 38 proteins were found to be induced anaerobically, while 42 were repressed. The proteins of interest were in-gel digested with trypsin and identified by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry using peptide mass fingerprinting. In the absence of oxygen, many fermentative enzymes catalysing reactions in the mixed-acid or arginine fermentations were overexpressed. In addition, the enzyme fumarate reductase, which is known to provide an alternative electron acceptor for the respiratory chains in the absence of oxygen, was shown to be induced. Increases in expression of several glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway enzymes, as well as two malic enzymes, were detected, suggesting important roles for these in anaerobic metabolism. Substantial decreases in expression were observed for a large number of periplasmic transport proteins. The majority of these are involved in the uptake of amino acids and peptides, but permeases transporting iron, thiosulphate, glucose/galactose, glycerol 3-phosphate and dicarboxylic acids were also repressed. Decreases in expression were also observed for a superoxide dismutase, ATP synthase, inositol monophosphatase, and several chaperone and hypothetical proteins. The changes were monitored in two different isolates, and despite their very similar expression patterns, some variability in the adaptive response to anaerobiosis was also observed.
Functional characterization of the first two actinomycete 4-amino-4-deoxychorismate lyase genes
Authors: Zhang Yirong , Bai Linquan , Deng Zixin
Published: June 2009

In some antibiotic producers,p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) or its immediate precursor, 4-amino-4-deoxychorismate (ADC), is involved in primary metabolism and antibiotic biosynthesis. InStreptomycessp. FR-008, a genepabC-1putatively encoding a fold-type IV pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme was found within the antibiotic FR-008/candicidin biosynthetic gene cluster, whose inactivation significantly reduced the productivity of antibiotic FR-008 to about 20 % of the wild-type level. Its specific role in PABA formation was further demonstrated by the successful complementation of anEscherichia coli pabCmutant. Moreover, a free-standing genepabC-2, probably encoding another fold-type IV PLP-dependent enzyme, was cloned from the same strain. Inactivation ofpabC-2reduced antibiotic FR-008 yield to about 57 % of the wild-type level in the mutant, and the complementation of theE. coli pabCmutant established its involvement in PABA biosynthesis. Furthermore, apabC-1/pabC-2double mutant only retained about 4 % of the wild-type antibiotic FR-008 productivity, clearly indicating thatpabC-2also contributed to biosynthesis of this antibiotic. Surprisingly, apparently retarded growth of the double mutant was observed on minimal medium, which suggested that bothpabC-1andpabC-2are involved in PABA biosynthesis for primary metabolism. Finally, both PabC-1 and PabC-2 were shown to be functional ADC lyases byin vitroenzymic lysis with the release of pyruvate.pabC-1andpabC-2appear to represent the first two functional ADC lyase genes identified in actinomycetes. The involvement of these two ADC lyase genes in both cell growth and antibiotic FR-008 biosynthesis sets an example for the interplay between primary and secondary metabolisms in bacteria.
Contribution of RecFOR machinery of homologous recombination to cell survival after loss of a restriction–modification gene complex
Authors: Handa Naofumi , Ichige Asao , Kobayashi Ichizo
Published: June 2009

Loss of a type II restriction–modification (RM) gene complex, such as EcoRI, from a bacterial cell leads to death of its descendent cells through attack by residual restriction enzymes on undermethylated target sites of newly synthesized chromosomes. Through such post-segregational host killing, these gene complexes impose their maintenance on their host cells. This finding led to the rediscovery of type II RM systems as selfish mobile elements. The host prokaryote cells were found to cope with such attacks through a variety of means. The RecBCD pathway of homologous recombination inEscherichia colirepairs the lethal lesions on the chromosome, whilst it destroys restricted non-self DNA.recBCDhomologues, however, appear very limited in distribution among bacterial genomes, whereas homologues of the RecFOR proteins, responsible for another pathway, are widespread in eubacteria, just like the RM systems. In the present work, therefore, we examined the possible contribution of the RecFOR pathway to cell survival after loss of an RM gene complex. ArecFmutation reduced survival in an otherwiserec-positive background and, more severely, in arecBC sbcBCbackground. We also found that its effect is prominent in the presence of specific non-null mutant forms of the RecBCD enzyme: the resistance to killing seen withrecC1002,recC1004,recC2145andrecB2154is severely reduced to the level of a nullrecBCallele when combined with arecF,recOorrecRmutant allele. Such resistance was also dependent on RecJ and RecQ functions. UV resistance of these non-nullrecBCDmutants is also reduced byrecF,recJorrecQmutation. These results demonstrate that the RecFOR pathway of recombination can contribute greatly to resistance to RM-mediated host killing, depending on the genetic background.
Extensive genomic diversity of closely related Wolbachia strains
Authors: Ishmael Nadeeza , Hotopp Julie C. Dunning , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Biber Sarah , Sakamoto Joyce , Siozios Stefanos , Nene Vishvanath , Werren John , Bourtzis Kostas , Bordenstein Seth R. , Tettelin Hervé
Published: June 2009

Using microarray-based comparative genome hybridization (mCGH), the genomic content ofWolbachia pipientis wMel fromDrosophila melanogasterwas compared to the closely relatedWolbachiafromD. innubila(wInn),D. santomea(wSan), and three strains fromD. simulans(wAu,wRi,wSim). A large number of auxiliary genes are identified in these five strains, with most absent/divergent genes being unique to a given strain. Each strain caused an average of ∼60 genes to be removed from the core genome. As such, these organisms do not appear to have the streamlined genomes expected of obligate intracellular bacteria. Prophage, hypothetical and ankyrin repeat genes are over-represented in the absent/divergent genes, with 21–87 % of absent/divergent genes coming from prophage regions. The onlywMel region absent/divergent in all five query strains is that containing WD_0509 to WD_0511, including a DNA mismatch repair protein MutL-2, a degenerate RNase, and a conserved hypothetical protein. A region flanked by the two portions of the WO-B prophage inwMel is found in four of the fiveWolbachiastrains as well as on a plasmid of a rickettsial endosymbiont ofIxodes scapularis, suggesting lateral gene transfer between these two obligate intracellular species. Overall, these insect-associatedWolbachiahave highly mosaic genomes, with lateral gene transfer playing an important role in their diversity and evolution.
The extracellular metalloprotease of Vibrio tubiashii directly inhibits its extracellular haemolysin
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroaki , Häse Claudia C.
Published: June 2009

Vibrio tubiashii is a re-emerging pathogen of molluscs that secretes a variety of extracellular products (ECPs), including a metalloprotease and a cytolysin/haemolysin. Previously, we reported that the V. tubiashii haemolysin locus consists of two ORFs (vthB and vthA), similar to that of the homologous haemolysin genes (vvhB and vvhA) found in Vibrio vulnificus. Here, we demonstrate that the concomitant expression of both V. tubiashii genes resulted in significantly higher haemolytic activity than the vthA gene alone. In addition, we created a VthAB− mutant strain of V. tubiashii that was virtually devoid of haemolytic activity in liquid media. Interestingly, significant production of an additional haemolysin(s) was observed on blood plates. Moreover, we have previously reported that in V. tubiashii, proteolytic and haemolytic activities are inversely produced during bacterial growth. Here, we study this correlation in more detail and present evidence that the VtpA metalloprotease inhibits haemolytic activity in culture supernatants, based on the following evidence: (i) loss of metalloprotease activity by either mutation or EDTA inhibition resulted in increased haemolytic activity; (ii) overexpression of the vtpA gene resulted in decreased haemolytic activity; (iii) purified VtpA metalloprotease directly diminished haemolytic activity by purified VthA haemolysin. Importantly, we found not only that vthAB gene expression remained high throughout growth but also that there were no dramatic differences in vthAB gene expression between the parent and VtpA− mutant strains. Thus, our results strongly suggest that the V. tubiashii metalloprotease directly targets its haemolysin.
Odor-specific habituation arises from interaction of afferent synaptic adaptation and intrinsic synaptic potentiation in olfactory cortex
Authors: Linster Christiane , Menon Alka V. , Singh Christopher Y. , Wilson Donald A.
Published: June 2009

Segmentation of target odorants from background odorants is a fundamental computational requirement for the olfactory system and is thought to be behaviorally mediated by olfactory habituation memory. Data from our laboratory have shown that odor-specific adaptation in piriform neurons, mediated at least partially by synaptic adaptation between the olfactory bulb outputs and piriform cortex pyramidal cells, is highly odor specific, while that observed at the synaptic level is specific only to certain odor features. Behavioral data show that odor habituation memory at short time constants corresponding to synaptic adaptation is also highly odor specific and is blocked by the same pharmacological agents as synaptic adaptation. Using previously developed computational models of the olfactory system we show here how synaptic adaptation and potentiation interact to create the observed specificity of response adaptation. The model analyzes the mechanisms underlying the odor specificity of habituation, the dependence on functioning cholinergic modulation, and makes predictions about connectivity to and within the piriform neural network. Predictions made by the model for the role of cholinergic modulation are supported by behavioral results.
A Dynamic Interface for Capsaicinoid Systems Biology
Authors: Mazourek Michael , Pujar Anuradha , Borovsky Yelena , Paran Ilan , Mueller Lukas , Jahn Molly M.
Published: June 2009

Capsaicinoids are the pungent alkaloids that give hot peppers (Capsicum spp.) their spiciness. While capsaicinoids are relatively simple molecules, much is unknown about their biosynthesis, which spans diverse metabolisms of essential amino acids, phenylpropanoids, benzenoids, and fatty acids. Pepper is not a model organism, but it has access to the resources developed in model plants through comparative approaches. To aid research in this system, we have implemented a comprehensive model of capsaicinoid biosynthesis and made it publicly available within the SolCyc database at the SOL Genomics Network (http://www.sgn.cornell.edu). As a preliminary test of this model, and to build its value as a resource, targeted transcripts were cloned as candidates for nearly all of the structural genes for capsaicinoid biosynthesis. In support of the role of these transcripts in capsaicinoid biosynthesis beyond correct spatial and temporal expression, their predicted subcellular localizations were compared against the biosynthetic model and experimentally determined compartmentalization in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). To enable their use in a positional candidate gene approach in the Solanaceae, these genes were genetically mapped in pepper. These data were integrated into the SOL Genomics Network, a clade-oriented database that incorporates community annotation of genes, enzymes, phenotypes, mutants, and genomic loci. Here, we describe the creation and integration of these resources as a holistic and dynamic model of the characteristic specialized metabolism of pepper.
AINTEGUMENTAandAINTEGUMENTA-LIKE6Act Redundantly to Regulate Arabidopsis Floral Growth and Patterning
Authors: Krizek BethA.
Published: June 2009

An Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) flower consists of four types of organs arranged in a stereotypical pattern. This complex floral structure is elaborated from a small number of floral meristem cells partitioned from the shoot apical meristem during reproductive development. The positioning of floral primordia within the periphery of the shoot apical meristem depends on transport of the phytohormone auxin with floral anlagen arising at sites of auxin maxima. An early marker of lateral organ fate is the AP2/ERF-type transcription factor AINTEGUMENTA (ANT), which has been proposed to act downstream of auxin in organogenic growth. Here, I show that the related, AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE6 (AIL6)/PLETHORA3 gene acts redundantly with ANT during flower development. ant ail6 double mutants show defects in floral organ positioning, identity, and growth. These floral defects are correlated with changes in the expression levels and patterns of two floral organ identity genes, APETALA3 and AGAMOUS. ant ail6 flowers also display altered expression of an auxin-responsive reporter, suggesting that auxin accumulation and/or responses are not normal. Furthermore, I show that ANT expression in incipient and young floral primordia depends on auxin transport within the inflorescence meristem. These results show that ANT and AIL6 are important regulators of floral growth and patterning and that they may act downstream of auxin in these processes.
A Role for Multiple Circadian Clock Genes in the Response to Signals That Break Seed Dormancy inArabidopsis
Authors: Penfield Steven , Hall Anthony
Published: June 2009

Plant seeds can sense diverse environmental signals and integrate the information to regulate developmental responses, such as dormancy and germination. The circadian clock confers a growth advantage on plants and uses environmental information for entrainment. Here, we show that normal circadian clock gene function is essential for the response to dormancy-breaking signals in seeds. We show that mutations in the clock genes LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL, CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1), and GIGANTEA (GI) cause germination defects in response to low temperature, alternating temperatures, and dry after-ripening. We demonstrate that the transcriptional clock is arrested in an evening-like state in dry seeds but rapidly entrains to light/dark cycles in ambient temperatures upon imbibition. Consistent with a role for clock genes in seed dormancy control, CCA1 expression is transcriptionally induced in response to dry after-ripening and that after-ripening affects the amplitude of subsequent transcriptional clock gene oscillations. Control of abscisic acid- and gibberellin-related gene expression in seeds requires normal circadian function, and GI and TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1 regulate the response to ABA and GA in seeds. We conclude that circadian clock genes play a key role in the integration of environmental signaling controlling dormancy release in plants.
Changes in lipopolysaccharide‐ related endotoxicity of food‐borne pathogens in response to safety treatments practised in South Africa
Authors: Abraham M. , Venter P. , Lues J.F.R. , de Smidt O. , Ivanov I.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the influence of pasteurization, ultra high temperature (UHT) treatment and sodium benzoate preservation on the LPS‐related endotoxicity of food‐borne pathogens Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sees that selected bacteria were subjected to laboratory simulations of commercially used heat treatments. In the case of sodium benzoate preservation, the bacteria were grown in the presence of a sub‐lethal dose of this preservative. Cells and debris were subjected to LPS extraction, GC‐MS analyses and endotoxicity measurement with the chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay.

Findings

The heat treatments and preservation method influenced the LPS‐related toxicity of each organism in a different manner. Increases in LPS‐related toxicity were noted in the LPS liberated from UHT‐treated E. coli and S. enteritidis and pasteurized E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Toxicity of the membrane associated LPS of UHT‐treated E. coli and pasteurized S. enteritidis was also elevated. Sodium benzoate resulted in E. coli cells with LPS with related toxicity levels almost double compared to that of the control cells. S. enteritidis LPS also demonstrated an increase in toxicity, while that of P. aeruginosa was rendered less toxic.

Practical implications

Toxicity could still be detected even after sterilization treatments like UHT, suggesting that viability and toxicity are not necessarily connected and that the toxicity of LPS molecules that remain in food products after treatment should be considered. Although ingestion of LPS originating from Gram‐negative bacteria is a fairly new concept, the effect that these toxins might have on members of society with compromised immune systems and individuals suffering from gastrointestinal diseases cannot be ignored.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a unique insight into food safety treatment‐induced toxicological changes related to LPS originating from food‐borne organisms, a factor that is currently unexplored in the South African food industry.
A cost‐benefit evaluation framework of an electronic‐based traceability system
Authors: Chryssochoidis George , Karagiannaki Angeliki , Pramatari Katerina , Kehagia Olga
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The concept of “traceability as a strategy and mandatory initiative” has replaced that of “traceability as a cost of a business or as a voluntary responsibility”. This implies that the introduction of a traceability system should be perceived and positioned as a catalyst for better business practices. However, despite these benefits, a traceability system is also investment‐worthy. Hence, the value of investment in a traceability system constitutes a matter of considerable concern and debate for both practitioners and academics alike. This paper seeks to present a cost‐benefit evaluation applied in a natural mineral water company regarding the pilot deployment of an electronic‐based traceability system.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case based study.

Findings

Based on the experience described previously, a high‐level framework is generated that any organisation can refer to as a proper guideline in order to demonstrate how the costs and benefits can be compared for overall evaluation of the deployment of any traceability system. The details of the framework are described by applying it to a specific case.

Practical implications

The present framework has theoretical interest for replicability in a different number of food sectors.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to closing the existing gap regarding the theoretical approach that food traceability systems can adopt when their costs and benefits are investigated.
How to make meat business more effective
Authors: Goncharuk Anatoliy G.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find ways of improving the efficiency of the meatpacking business by achievement of a few sequential aims: an estimation of efficiency, determination of its key factors, revealing of the reserves of input reduction and potential growth of efficiency, and defining the ways of its improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A few models of the data envelopment analysis (DEA), three‐factor production function and other tools of competitive and international benchmarking are used to analyse the efficiency of meatpacking companies. A two‐criteria analysis tool named the efficiency‐profitability matrix is used to determine the factors that influence efficiency. The results are based on the samples of 29 Ukrainian and 53 foreign meatpacking companies.

Findings

Significant reserves of inputs reduction by the domestic meatpacking companies are revealed. The offered ways of using the potential of efficiency growth for the Ukrainian meatpacking producers are connected with the use of both their internal ability (modernization of equipment, motivation of personnel) and successful experience and resources of domestic and foreign companies through the tools of co‐operation, exchange of experience, merger or friendly acquisition.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to a single industry that is explained by requirement of technology (product) homogeneity while using DEA tools.

Practical implications

The results contain the data and recommendations that can be practicable for meatpacking companies' management, present and potential investors and proprietors.

Originality/value

This is the first study that adopts various analysis and benchmarking tools for the versatile research of efficiency in the meatpacking industry and finding ways for its improvement.
Wine and web marketing strategies
Authors: Begalli Diego , Codurri Stefano , Gaeta Davide
Published: June 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the level of internet marketing in use and the web marketing strategies models implemented by the Italian Speciality Wineries (ISWs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper surveyed a sample of 272 high quality wineries. The analysis of the existing web sites has been conducted through an adapted 7Cs model. The 7Cs model data analysis has been developed both at a univariate and a multivariate level. The entrepreneur's perception of internet marketing has been analysed through a market research questionnaire.

Findings

The use of internet marketing by the ISWs is at an initial stage. “Show‐case” is the main purpose while functionality is the most important web site characteristic. Five groups of wineries have been identified through cluster analysis. The web marketing approaches implemented revolve around the choice to effect online sales. The web marketing strategies map highlights that the future development of the ISWs web marketing models goes in two different directions. The entrepreneur's perception of quality of the web site is identified in navigability parameters.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a greater knowledge of the strategic web marketing models utilized by Italian speciality wineries. It also discusses the entrepreneur's perception of internet marketing.
Adjustable rate mortgages and the mortgage crisis
Authors: Bible Douglas S. , Joiner Gary
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to closely examine adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) made in Northwest Louisiana in order to provide a greater understanding of the causes of the high rate of defaults and potential foreclosures currently being experienced in Louisiana.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines detailed information for all ARM recorded in a three‐month‐period.

Findings

The paper finds that at least half of the loans have highly unfavorable terms with about a third having initial rates that are at least 3 percent higher than prime mortgage rates; these initial rates are likely to increase dramatically during future adjustment periods. Many borrowers also face high interest penalties if they pay back their loans before the first adjustment period. Also notable is the fact that only 7 percent result in foreclosure. While many borrowers receive unfavorable loans, relatively few loans are held for more than six years; a probable explanation is that the borrowers realize they have agreed to less than desirable terms and subsequently decide to refinance or sell the property. The results suggest that stronger underwriting standards are an important part of developing a stable lending/housing market in the future.

Originality/value

The results may be applicable to other areas across the USA and internationally, perhaps resulting in more realistic lending standards and a decrease in future defaults, foreclosures, and turmoil in the financial markets.
Deciphering real estate investment decisions through fuzzy logic systems
Authors: Chi Man Hui Eddie , Muk Fai Lau Otto , Kak Keung Lo Tony
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the application of fuzzy logic in real estate investment in Hong Kong. There have been sufficient debates on the literature, providing the theoretical background on real estate investment decisions but there has been a lack of empirical support in this regard. This paper attempts to fill the gap between theorem and application.

Design/methodology/approach

The fuzzy logic system is adopted to evaluate the situation of a real estate market with imprecise and vague information. An indicator‐portfolio, rather than a specific indicator/index usually employed by practitioners, is explored to assist investors in risk management. The result derived from this framework is then compared to the property price index. This approach provides a framework in understanding the market without statistical and mathematical models. It tries to stimulate the complex human cognitive process involving decision making.

Findings

The housing‐indicator portfolio composition produces an outcome value which is able to reflect the complexities of both the real estate market and investors' expectations. An increase of this value implies that the investment condition is becoming more positive.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reveals that fuzzy logic can provide some insights in an intuitive manner and is capable of obtaining information not found in market data. It is particularly useful to investors without experience in mathematical modeling.

Practical implications

This paper establishes a basic framework of fuzzy logic for real estate investment on which a base is formed as a reference for practitioners and investors. However, they should make references to the specific housing‐indicator portfolio composition in their own regions.

Originality/value

This paper has used a fuzzy logic system to assist practitioners as well as investors on decision making in real estate investment with imperfect market information. With the aid of the system, practitioners and investors are able to enhance their investment decision‐making quality by reducing the risk incurred by such uncertainties.
“Buy to let”: a popular investment?
Authors: Mellish Paul , Rhoden Maureen
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The UK “buy to let” property market is significant with over 1,024,300 “buy to let” mortgages outstanding between 1996 and 2007. This paper investigates whether the factors that encourage male and female individuals to invest in the “buy to let” property market are similar or different.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is conducted through a quantitative study which examines whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for landlords investing in the “buy to let” housing market and if these issues are perceived to be the same by male and female landlords. Through a literature review the research author critically evaluates books, papers and legislation to establish the current background information which exists on the “buy to let” market. The primary research contained within this paper is conducted through a survey questionnaire distributed to 100 landlords attending private sector landlord forums.

Findings

This paper recognises that overall male and female landlords have differing approaches to their investment decisions within the “buy to let” sector.

Originality/value

This paper establishes new learning relating to gender expectations regarding “buy to let” investments.
Hang your shingle and carry on: estate agents – the unlicensed UK profession
Authors: Shears Peter
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the fact that whilst most providers of professional services in the UK are regulated by means of pre‐entry qualifications or required standards, those setting themselves up as estate agents face no such impediment. This is particularly surprising in that these practitioners are centrally involved in what is often the largest and most stressful of consumer transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper traces the many and various attempts at establishing a regulatory framework, the many and various ways in which they failed, and current proposals for change.

Findings

It is asserted that more and better protection is owed to these vulnerable consumers. Whilst the majority of practitioners are members of one professional body or another, there remains a significant minority who are not, and that the time has come for universal regulation.

Originality/value

The paper is important in that it seeks to take a long view of a matter of public concern that has not been taken since the late 1960s.
Research evaluation and citation analysis: key issues and implications
Authors: Herther Nancy K.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Citation and ranking information are becoming key aspects of knowledge management in academic and research institutions. By examining changing user needs and products, this paper aims to encourage information professionals to better understand and manage these resources and better respond to user needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature reviews, work with faculty clients and initial product testing are used to present coherent information on the current climate and practice of competitive analysis of researchers and their institutions.

Findings

As more sources for citation information have become available – even many scholarly databases today offering cited reference data – the need to identify, access and manage these resources is becoming acute. Information professionals need to become more proactive in their strategies to support these applications and users.

Originality/value

This article builds on previous analyses of the roles and nature of citation analysis in research institutions and examines potential new roles and contributions that information professionals can take on to better serve their users.
SMS‐based library catalogue system: a preliminary investigation of user acceptance
Authors: Goh Tiong T. , Li Liew Chern
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate potential users' cognitive beliefs and intention to use (IU) a proposed short message service (SMS)‐based library catalogue system. The motivation for this research is the growing popularity of mobile information systems and the need to explore if SMS is a technology that libraries could tap into to enhance their services to users.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of literature on SMS‐based services and applications within the library sector is followed by a prototyping of an SMS‐based library catalogue system and the development of a number of hypotheses using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the base framework. The study investigates potential users' cognitive beliefs and IU the systems as well as the effect of self‐efficacy (SE) on these. A survey questionnaire is distributed to a purposeful and convenient sample of university students who are also users of the university library online public access catalogue.

Findings

The results of the data analysis show that SE has a positive impact on the perceived ease of use (PEOU) and a negative impact on perceived usefulness (PU). The findings also show that SE does not have direct impact on IU. The overall model explains 55.2 per cent of behaviour intention in using the proposed system. This is comparable with other TAM models in the context of SMS usage.

Originality/value

There is scant research available in the literature on user acceptance of SMS‐based systems. This study and its findings provide new insights for understanding user motivation for using SMS‐based systems, specifically for SMS‐based library catalogue systems. This understanding can aid the efforts when designing and promoting the use of such systems. The study also examines SE alongside the user technology acceptance constructs of PEOU, PU and IU.
A user‐centered and evidence‐based approach for digital library projects
Authors: Somerville Mary M. , Brar Navjit
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Soft systems methodology processes fortified by collaborative evidence‐based librarianship (EBL) principles can guide end‐user involvement in digital library project design and development. This paper aims to reveal the efficacy of this inclusive human‐focused approach for building systems through user‐generated research examples.

Design/methodology/approach

From 2003 to 2006, user‐centered interaction design guided increasingly complex human‐computer interaction projects at California Polytechnic State University. Toward that end, project planners invite polytechnic students, supervised by computer science professors, to assess peers' information seeking needs. This student‐generated evidence informs creation of paper prototypes and implementation of usability tests. Sustained relationships between planners and beneficiaries permit iterative evaluation and continuous improvement of design concepts and product functionalities.

Findings

Purposeful conversations aimed at learning from user‐generated evidence enrich the planning process for digital library projects. Reflective of the “learn by doing” educational values of the organization, this approach advances learning among both users and planners throughout user‐centered (re)design experiences.

Practical implications

Collaborative design assumes that enabling interfaces, systems, and environments are best designed and developed inclusively, with and for beneficiaries. Toward that end, practical guidelines are offered to enable replication of this approach, which depends on user produced and interpreted evidence, in other organizational settings.

Originality/value

A paucity of literature exists on the relevance of EBL in the digital age. Similarly, too little applied research has adopted a human‐centered focus for design and development of information systems. Finally, too few digital library projects recognize the value of initiating positive user experiences at project inception.
Digital‐age trends and perspectives in Korean university archives
Authors: Kim Heejung , Lee Hyewon
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Contrary to the development of digital libraries at Korean universities, which has been due to the progress of information technologies, university archives are in their early stages and are not fully using the digital environment. This paper aims to evaluate current trends and possible future directions of university archives in Korea via surveys (questionnaires) and interviews with university archives personnel.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys (questionnaires) and interviews are made at 51 university archives in Korea. Questionnaires, based on university archives guidelines, include 27 questions in 6 categories: foundation principles, functions, process guidelines, facilities, acquisition and management, and access and services.

Findings

Basic foundation principles or process guidelines are not yet completely established. Administrative, preservation, and management functions are strong, but research and educational functions, and access and service functions are very weak. Use of information technologies and digital environment are poor also. Cooperation between internal and external institutions is not active. Future directions should address these weak points. Especially, information technologies can efficiently offer support for the development of university archives from the acquisition stage to the user services and preservation stages.

Originality/value

This investigation of current trends at university archives in Korea through questionnaires and interviews with staff members and archivists points to future directions for such archives, especially in the application of digital methods. The approach taken and suggestions made might be helpful for other university archives.
Predicting information‐seeking intention in academic digital libraries
Authors: Chang Chiao‐Chen , Lin Chia‐Yen , Chen Yu‐Chin , Chin Yang‐Chieh
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and predict users' information‐seeking intention regarding academic digital library services, using the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 224 Taiwanese undergraduate and graduate students to assess the influence of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on the intention to seek information in an academic digital library. The results of structural equation model‐fitting analyses show that the TPB is better than the TRA in predicting the information‐seeking intention in an academic digital library.

Findings

Specially, the empirical results indicated that perceived behavioral control is a better predictor of behavioral intention than is attitude or subjective norm.

Research limitations/implications

This paper assessed self‐reported information‐seeking intention as part of the survey and, as a result, could have introduced inaccuracies.

Practical implications

The findings of the paper will help academic digital libraries to address the key factor which influences users' intention to seek information and to intensify their performance to meet user needs.

Originality/value

Although the nature of the user experience in the digital environment appears to be quite different from the experience of looking through archival boxes or folders, research on the use of academic digital library services is scarce – particularly regarding user intention in the process of seeking information. The TRA and TPB are novel and usable in explaining the intention of online users to seek information, and these findings may be generally applicable to academic digital libraries and users.
The effects of stake, satisfaction, and switching on true loyalty: a financial services study
Authors: Licata Jane W. , Chakraborty Goutam
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the differential influence of three drivers of loyalty on the dimensions of loyalty. The three drivers are stake, satisfaction, and the value of switching service providers. The dimensions of loyalty are behavioral response, commitment to the people providing the service, and commitment to the institution. An additional goal is to determine whether this pattern of influence is affected by the age or depth of the service relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of customers was analyzed to test a model using MANOVAs on the overall sample, and sub‐samples created based on age and depth of a financial service relationship.

Findings

Overall, all three drivers exhibited differential influence on the three dimensions of loyalty. The behavioral response dimension was influenced by all three drivers. The commitment to people dimension was influenced by stake and satisfaction. The commitment to the institution dimension was influenced by value of switching and satisfaction. Age of the service relationship and depth of the service relationship affected the pattern of influence.

Practical implications

Satisfaction is the key driver to develop true loyalty. This is important because true loyalty appears to emerge at a certain point in the relationship and/or with a certain amount of accounts held with a financial institution. It is therefore essential to determine that point in time or accounts held and keep one's best customers past that point in time (and number of accounts).

Originality/value

This is the first study to determine the influence and pattern of effect of Value of Switching and Stake on the dimensions of true loyalty.
The novel and organization: introduction from the Editors
Authors: Land Chris , Śliwa Martyna
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise the relationship between novels and organizational change and to introduce this special issue of theJournal of Organizational Change Management.

Design/methodology/approach

The themes of the special issue are discussed and each paper is introduced.

Findings

The relationship between novels and organizational change is a complex, iterative one that should be understood in its historical, political, economic and cultural context. If so understood, novels can enhance our understanding of organizational processes.

Originality/value

Although literature and representation in general have been discussed in studies of organization and management before, the specific literary form of the novel has not been theorised in relation to the question of novelty and organizational change.
Distant readings: anthropology of organizations through novels
Authors: Czarniawska Barbara
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Although it is commonly assumed that comparative studies are the best way to proceed in constructing theories of organizing, the practical fulfillment of this postulate has always been problematic. For example, anthropologists should have given organization theorists a clue long ago: they made the stories of their exotic localities interesting by using a variety of fictional approaches in their reporting. The purpose of this paper is to call for the development of anthropologies of organization through “distant reading” of novels.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses insights from literary theory, notably Iser and Moretti, to discuss the benefits of “distant readings” of novels for scholars and students within the discipline of organization studies.

Findings

Distant readings can make it possible for those studying organizations to consider novels as sources in historical anthropology; can enable an exploration of the theories embedded in the novel; can contribute to advancement in approaches to reading fieldwork material, and can help organization theorists better delineate the boundaries of their own literary genre.

Originality/value

The paper broadens the understanding of the relationship between the novel and organization through explaining how reading novels through the glasses of an organization theoretician might produce “novel readings” but also novel insights into the practices of organizing – across times and places.
Organizational brilliance: on blinding visions in organizations
Authors: Spoelstra Sverre
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Seeing, one might say, is everything between black blindness and white blindness: between not seeing because of the absence of light and not seeing because of the blinding quality of light; between seeing nothing and “seeing” only that which produces vision (usually the sun or God). Within organizational literature, organizations have often been linked to black blindness. The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea of organizations as places of white blindness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper finds its inspiration in Saramago's novelBlindnessbut it does not offer an analysis or interpretation of the novel. It seeks an understanding of contemporary organizational phenomena by freely drawing upon some of Saramago's literary achievements.

Findings

Black blindness, e.g. the absence of vision through an extreme division of labour, is an important phenomenon in organizations but white blindness is getting more prevalent. Three causes of white blindness are identified and briefly discussed: the brilliant leader, the brilliant product and the brilliant employee.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on vision in and outside of organizations and crosses boundaries between a variety of disciplines, most notably leadership studies, consumer behaviour, Human Resource Management, philosophy and theology.