bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep-water kelp refugia as potential hotspots of tropical marine diversity and productivity
Authors: Graham Michael H. , Kinlan Brian P. , Druehl Louis D. , Garske Lauren E. , Banks Stuart
Published: October 2007

Classic marine ecological paradigms view kelp forests as inherently temperate-boreal phenomena replaced by coral reefs in tropical waters. These paradigms hinge on the notion that tropical surface waters are too warm and nutrient-depleted to support kelp productivity and survival. We present a synthetic oceanographic and ecophysiological model that accurately identifies all known kelp populations and, by using the same criteria, predicts the existence of >23,500 km
2
unexplored submerged (30- to 200-m depth) tropical kelp habitats. Predicted tropical kelp habitats were most probable in regions where bathymetry and upwelling resulted in mixed-layer shoaling above the depth of minimum annual irradiance dose for kelp survival. Using model predictions, we discovered extensive new deep-water
Eisenia galapagensis
populations in the Galápagos that increased in abundance with increasing depth to >60 m, complete with cold-water flora and fauna of temperate affinities. The predictability of deep-water kelp habitat and the discovery of expansive deep-water Galápagos kelp forests validate the extent of deep-water tropical kelp refugia, with potential implications for regional productivity and biodiversity, tropical food web ecology, and understanding of the resilience of tropical marine systems to climate change.
β-Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in visceral smooth muscle
Authors: Mutafova-Yambolieva Violeta N. , Hwang Sung Jin , Hao Xuemei , Chen Hui , Zhu Michael X. , Wood Jackie D. , Ward Sean M. , Sanders Kenton M.
Published: October 2007

Peripheral inhibitory nerves are physiological regulators of the contractile behavior of visceral smooth muscles. One of the transmitters responsible for inhibitory neurotransmission has been reputed to be a purine, possibly ATP. However, the exact identity of this substance has never been verified. Here we show that β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (β-NAD), an inhibitory neurotransmitter candidate, is released by stimulation of enteric nerves in gastrointestinal muscles, and the pharmacological profile of β-NAD mimics the endogenous neurotransmitter better than ATP. Levels of β-NAD in superfusates of muscles after nerve stimulation exceed ATP by at least 30-fold; unlike ATP, the release of β-NAD depends on the frequency of nerve stimulation. β-NAD is released from enteric neurons, and release was blocked by tetrodotoxin or ω-conotoxin GVIA. β-NAD is an agonist for P2Y1 receptors, as demonstrated by receptor-mediated responses in HEK293 cells expressing P2Y1 receptors. Exogenous β-NAD mimics the effects of the enteric inhibitory neurotransmitter. Responses to β-NAD and inhibitory junction potentials are blocked by the P2Y1-selective antagonist, MRS2179, and the nonselective P2 receptor antagonists, pyridoxal phosphate 6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid and suramin. Responses to ATP are not blocked by these P2Y receptor inhibitors. The expression of CD38 in gastrointestinal muscles, and specifically in interstitial cells of Cajal, provides a means of transmitter disposal after stimulation. β-NAD meets the traditional criteria for a neurotransmitter that contributes to enteric inhibitory regulation of visceral smooth muscles.
Genetic triple dissociation reveals multiple roles for dopamine in reinforcement learning
Authors: Frank Michael J. , Moustafa Ahmed A. , Haughey Heather M. , Curran Tim , Hutchison Kent E.
Published: October 2007

What are the genetic and neural components that support adaptive learning from positive and negative outcomes? Here, we show with genetic analyses that three independent dopaminergic mechanisms contribute to reward and avoidance learning in humans. A polymorphism in the
DARPP-32
gene, associated with striatal dopamine function, predicted relatively better probabilistic reward learning. Conversely, the C957T polymorphism of the
DRD2
gene, associated with striatal D2 receptor function, predicted the degree to which participants learned to avoid choices that had been probabilistically associated with negative outcomes. The Val/Met polymorphism of the
COMT
gene, associated with prefrontal cortical dopamine function, predicted participants' ability to rapidly adapt behavior on a trial-to-trial basis. These findings support a neurocomputational dissociation between striatal and prefrontal dopaminergic mechanisms in reinforcement learning. Computational maximum likelihood analyses reveal independent gene effects on three reinforcement learning parameters that can explain the observed dissociations.
Formation for Bass-Relief Microprofiles Based on an Analytic
Formulation
Authors: Shi Li-Fang  , Dong Xiao-Chun  , Deng Qi-Ling  , Luo Xian-Gang  , Du Chun-Lei
Published: September 2007

A method of fast design and fabrication for bass-relief micro-profiles
is developed by using an analytic formulation to determine the exposure
distribution. Based on an equivalent exposure threshold model, the
formulation is simplified for the case of bass-relief profile
corresponding to the smaller exposure dose. The mask function for a
microlens array is designed without iteration involved by the analytic
formulation. The experiment is performed to validate the method, and
the fabrication result is obtained with the profile error less than
30 nm (rms).
AP-1 and ARF1 Control Endosomal Dynamics at Sites of FcR–mediated Phagocytosis
Authors: Braun Virginie , Deschamps Chantal , Raposo Graça , Benaroch Philippe , Benmerah Alexandre , Chavrier Philippe , Niedergang Florence
Published: October 2007

Phagocytosis, the mechanism of ingestion of large material and microorganisms, relies on actin polymerization and on the focal delivery of intracellular endocytic compartments. The molecular mechanisms involved in the formation and delivery of the endocytic vesicles that are recruited at sites of phagocytosis are not well characterized. Here we show that adaptor protein (AP)-1 but not AP-2 clathrin adaptor complexes are recruited early below the sites of particle attachment and are required for efficient receptor-mediated phagocytosis in murine macrophages. Clathrin, however, is not recruited with the AP complexes. We further show that the recruitment of AP-1–positive structures at sites of phagocytosis is regulated by the GTP-binding protein ARF1 but is not sensitive to brefeldin A. Furthermore, AP-1 depletion leads to increased surface levels of TNF-α, a cargo known to traffic through the endosomes to the plasma membrane upon stimulation of the macrophages. Together, our results support a clathrin-independent role for AP complexes in endosomal dynamics in macrophages by retaining some cargo proteins, a process important for membrane remodeling during phagocytosis.
The Golgin GCC88 Is Required for Efficient Retrograde Transport of Cargo from the Early Endosomes to theTrans-Golgi Network
Authors: Lieu Zi Zhao , Derby Merran C. , Teasdale Rohan D. , Hart Charles , Gunn Priscilla , Gleeson Paul A.
Published: October 2007

Retrograde transport pathways from early/recycling endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) are poorly defined. We have investigated the role of TGN golgins in retrograde trafficking. Of the four TGN golgins, p230/golgin-245, golgin-97, GCC185, and GCC88, we show that GCC88 defines a retrograde transport pathway from early endosomes to the TGN. Depletion of GCC88 in HeLa cells by interference RNA resulted in a block in plasma membrane–TGN recycling of two cargo proteins, TGN38 and a CD8 mannose-6-phosphate receptor cytoplasmic tail fusion protein. In GCC88-depleted cells, cargo recycling was blocked in the early endosome. Depletion of GCC88 dramatically altered the TGN localization of the t-SNARE syntaxin 6, a syntaxin required for endosome to TGN transport. Furthermore, the transport block in GCC88-depleted cells was rescued by syntaxin 6 overexpression. Internalized Shiga toxin was efficiently transported from endosomes to the Golgi of GCC88-depleted cells, indicating that Shiga toxin and TGN38 are internalized by distinct retrograde transport pathways. These findings have identified an essential role for GCC88 in the localization of TGN fusion machinery for transport from early endosomes to the TGN, and they have allowed the identification of a retrograde pathway which differentially selects TGN38 and mannose-6-phosphate receptor from Shiga toxin.
Herbal Medicine Today: Clinical and Research Issues
Authors: Firenzuoli Fabio , Gori Luigi
Published: October 2007

Herbal medicine is the use of medicinal plants for prevention and treatment of diseases: it ranges from traditional and popular medicines of every country to the use of standardized and tritated herbal extracts. Generally cultural rootedness enduring and widespread use in a Traditional Medical System may indicate safety, but not efficacy of treatments, especially in herbal medicine where tradition is almost completely based on remedies containing active principles at very low and ultra low concentrations, or relying on magical‐energetic principles.

In the age of globalization and of the so‐called ‘plate world’, assessing the ‘transferability’ of treatments between different cultures is not a relevant goal for clinical research, while are the assessment of efficacy and safety that should be based on the regular patterns of mainstream clinical medicine.

The other black box of herbal‐based treatments is the lack of definite and complete information about the composition of extracts. Herbal derived remedies need a powerful and deep assessment of their pharmacological qualities and safety that actually can be realized by new biologic technologies like pharmacogenomic, metabolomic and microarray methology. Because of the large and growing use of natural derived substances in all over the world, it is not wise to rely also on the tradition or supposed millenarian beliefs; explanatory and pragmatic studies are useful and should be considered complementary in the acquisition of reliable data both for health caregiver and patients.
Academic Education in Complementary Medicine: A Tuscan Methodological Perspective
Authors: Gensini Gian Franco , Conti Andrea A.
Published: October 2007

The implementation of complementary medicine (CM) involves a large number of persons in Italy, and in the nineties, the percentage of Italian citizens adopting the most frequent and relevant practices of CM almost doubled. Appropriate academic education in CM is an important and fascinating challenge for current didactic systems in the Italian University. Already in 2004, the Joint Italian Conference of the Deans of the Faculties of Medicine and of the Presidents of Medical Degree Courses released an official statement regarding the relationship between CM and health area degree courses. The main teaching objectives embedded in the institutional framework proposed by the Joint Italian Conference are now finding specific implementation modalities in the University of Florence. For many years, the Florence Medical School has had strong and fruitful contacts with institutional bodies in Tuscany and, together with these institutions, has established a continuous dialogue with the world of CM. This exchange has given rise to various teaching activities within the academic setting. With specific reference to the undergraduate curriculum in Medicine and Surgery, a methodological course regarding CM has been designed and conducted, with selective attention being given to the CM practices having an enhanced rate of supportive scientific evidence, such as herbal medicine and acupuncture. With regard to the postgraduate curriculum, a Master degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Master in Clinical Phytotherapy are already active in the University of Florence and are having a remarkable success among the attending health professionals. This high degree of satisfaction well documents the importance, need and feasibility of structured academic education in CM and, in particular, of a methodological didactics such as those currently implemented in the Florence Medical School.
Chemical Investigation of Some Capparis Species Growing in Egypt and their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Hamed Ahmed R. , Abdel-Shafeek Khaled A. , Abdel-Azim Nahla S. , Ismail Shams I. , Hammouda Faiza M.
Published: October 2007

Capparis cartilaginea and C. deserti growing in Egypt were investigated for their glucosiolates and rutin content. From Capparis cartilaginea four isothiocynates were isolated and identified using GC and EI/MS techniques. These compounds were butyl isothiocyanate (1), 6‐methylsulphonylhexyl isothiocyanate (2), 7‐methylsulphonylheptyl isothiocyanate (3) and 5‐benzylsulphonyl‐4‐pentenyl isothiocyanate (4). In addition to compounds (1) and (2), two other compounds were isolated and identified from Capparis deserti. These compounds are 3‐methylthiopropyl isothiocyanate (5) and [11‐(2‐butenylthio)6‐undecenyl isothiocyanate] (6). Compounds (1), (2), (5) and (6) are reported in this study for the first time from Capparis deserti. The main flavonoid component in the studied species was isolated and identified as rutin by comparing the data with those reported. Also, quantitative evaluation of rutin in the two species was carried out by TLC‐densitometric analysis. The antioxidant activity was done using diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The butanol fraction from C. cartilaginea and C. deserti showed the highest antioxidant properties.
The Expansion of the U.S. Stock Market, 1885–1930: Historical Facts and Theoretical Fashions
Authors: O'Sullivan Mary
Published: September 2007

Based on an analysis of the leading trading markets for stock in the United States, I document the dramatic expansion that took place in the scale and scope of the country's stock market from the mid-1880s to the early 1930s. My analysis suggests that a broadbased stock market was a long way from being established even by the early teens. It took the impetus provided by World War I, plus the enthusiasm of the 1920s, to bring such a market into existence. I consider the capacity of today's fashionable theories, which link the development of stock markets to improvements in minority shareholder protection, to explain the growth of the U.S. stock market, and find that they cannot account for the historical patterns that I identify. However, I suggest that there are other arguments that are worthy of further consideration. First, there were factors, besides minority shareholder rights, that led to changes in the demand for corporate stocks during this period, especially an increase in the demand for stocks by institutional investors, notably banks and insurance companies, as well as the emergence of a retail market for stocks after World War I. Second, there were also important developments in the supply of corporate stocks after the War, including the issuance of stock to fund the expansion of young firms, but especially to facilitate mergers and acquisitions by established firms, which seem to have played an important role in driving the expansion of the U.S. stock market.
Loss of Stability: A New Look at the Physics of Cell Wall Behavior during Plant Cell Growth
Authors: Wei Chunfang , Lintilhac Philip M.
Published: September 2007

In this article we investigate aspects of turgor-driven plant cell growth within the framework of a model derived from the Eulerian concept of instability. In particular we explore the relationship between cell geometry and cell turgor pressure by extending loss of stability theory to encompass cylindrical cells. Beginning with an analysis of the three-dimensional stress and strain of a cylindrical pressure vessel, we demonstrate that loss of stability is the inevitable result of gradually increasing internal pressure in a cylindrical cell. The turgor pressure predictions based on this model differ from the more traditional viscoelastic or creep-based models in that they incorporate both cell geometry and wall mechanical properties in a single term. To confirm our predicted working turgor pressures, we obtained wall dimensions, elastic moduli, and turgor pressures of sequential internodal cells of intact Chara corallina plants by direct measurement. The results show that turgor pressure predictions based on loss of stability theory fall within the expected physiological range of turgor pressures for this plant. We also studied the effect of varying wall Poisson's ratio ν on extension growth in living cells, showing that while increasing elastic modulus has an understandably negative effect on wall expansion, increasing Poisson's ratio would be expected to accelerate wall expansion.
Genetic Characterization of Mutants Resistant to the Antiauxinp-Chlorophenoxyisobutyric Acid Reveals ThatAAR3, a Gene Encoding a DCN1-Like Protein, Regulates Responses to the Synthetic Auxin 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid in Arabidopsis Roots
Authors: Biswas Kamal Kanti , Ooura Chiharu , Higuchi Kanako , Miyazaki Yuji , Van Nguyen Vinh , Rahman Abidur , Uchimiya Hirofumi , Kiyosue Tomohiro , Koshiba Tomokazu , Tanaka Atsushi , Narumi Issay , Oono Yutaka
Published: September 2007

To isolate novel auxin-responsive mutants in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), we screened mutants for root growth resistance to a putative antiauxin, p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (PCIB), which inhibits auxin action by interfering the upstream auxin-signaling events. Eleven PCIB-resistant mutants were obtained. Genetic mapping indicates that the mutations are located in at least five independent loci, including two known auxin-related loci, TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE1 and Arabidopsis CULLIN1. antiauxin-resistant mutants (aars) aar3-1, aar4, and aar5 were also resistant to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as shown by a root growth assay. Positional cloning of aar3-1 revealed that the AAR3 gene encodes a protein with a domain of unknown function (DUF298), which has not previously been implicated in auxin signaling. The protein has a putative nuclear localization signal and shares homology with the DEFECTIVE IN CULLIN NEDDYLATION-1 protein through the DUF298 domain. The results also indicate that PCIB can facilitate the identification of factors involved in auxin or auxin-related signaling.
The Cytochrome P450 Enzyme CYP96A15 Is the Midchain Alkane Hydroxylase Responsible for Formation of Secondary Alcohols and Ketones in Stem Cuticular Wax of Arabidopsis
Authors: Greer Stephen , Wen Miao , Bird David , Wu Xuemin , Samuels Lacey , Kunst Ljerka , Jetter Reinhard
Published: September 2007

Most aerial surfaces of plants are covered by cuticular wax that is synthesized in epidermal cells. The wax mixture on the inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is dominated by alkanes, secondary alcohols, and ketones, all thought to be formed sequentially in the decarbonylation pathway of wax biosynthesis. Here, we used a reverse-genetic approach to identify a cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP96A15) involved in wax biosynthesis and characterized it as a midchain alkane hydroxylase (MAH1). Stem wax of T-DNA insertional mutant alleles was found to be devoid of secondary alcohols and ketones (mah1-1) or to contain much lower levels of these components (mah1-2 and mah1-3) than wild type. All mutant lines also had increased alkane amounts, partially or fully compensating for the loss of other compound classes. In spite of the chemical variation between mutant and wild-type waxes, there were no discernible differences in the epicuticular wax crystals on the stem surfaces. Mutant stem wax phenotypes could be partially rescued by expression of wild-type MAH1 under the control of the native promoter as well as the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S-driven overexpression of MAH1 led to ectopic accumulation of secondary alcohols and ketones in Arabidopsis leaf wax, where only traces of these compounds are found in the wild type. The newly formed leaf alcohols and ketones had midchain functional groups on or next to the central carbon, thus matching those compounds in wild-type stem wax. Taken together, mutant analyses and ectopic expression of MAH1 in leaves suggest that this enzyme can catalyze the hydroxylation reaction leading from alkanes to secondary alcohols and possibly also a second hydroxylation leading to the corresponding ketones. MAH1 expression was largely restricted to the expanding regions of the inflorescence stems, specifically to the epidermal pavement cells, but not in trichomes and guard cells. MAH1-green fluorescent protein fusion proteins localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, providing evidence that both intermediate and final products of the decarbonylation pathway are generated in this subcellular compartment and must subsequently be delivered to the plasma membrane for export toward the cuticle.
Lateral CO2 Diffusion inside Dicotyledonous Leaves Can Be Substantial: Quantification in Different Light Intensities
Authors: Morison James I.L. , Lawson Tracy , Cornic Gabriel
Published: September 2007

Substantial lateral CO2 diffusion rates into leaf areas where stomata were blocked by grease patches were quantified by gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging in different species across the full range of photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD). The lateral CO2 flux rate over short distances was substantial and very similar in five dicotyledonous species with different vascular anatomies (two species with bundle sheath extensions, sunflower [Helianthus annuus] and dwarf bean [Phaseolus vulgaris]; and three species without bundle sheath extensions, faba bean [Vicia faba], petunia [Petunia hybrida], and tobacco [Nicotiana tabacum]). Only in the monocot maize (Zea mays) was there little or no evident lateral CO2 flux. Lateral diffusion rates were low when PPFD <300 μmol m−2 s−1 but approached saturation in moderate PPFD (300 μmol m−2 s−1) when lateral CO2 diffusion represented 15% to 24% of the normal CO2 assimilation rate. Smaller patches and higher ambient CO2 concentration increased lateral CO2 diffusion rates. Calculations with a two-dimensional diffusion model supported these observations that lateral CO2 diffusion over short distances inside dicotyledonous leaves can be important to photosynthesis. The results emphasize that supply of CO2 from nearby stomata usually dominates assimilation, but that lateral supply over distances up to approximately 1 mm can be important if stomata are blocked, particularly when assimilation rate is low.
The Arabidopsis E3 SUMO Ligase SIZ1 Regulates Plant Growth and Drought Responses
Authors: Catala Rafael , Ouyang Jian , Abreu Isabel A. , Hu Yuxin , Seo Haksoo , Zhang Xiuren , Chua Nam-Hai
Published: September 2007

Posttranslational modifications of proteins by small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) regulate protein degradation and localization, protein–protein interaction, and transcriptional activity. SUMO E3 ligase functions are executed by SIZ1/SIZ2 and Mms21 in yeast, the PIAS family members RanBP2, and Pc2 in human. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains only one gene, SIZ1, that is orthologous to the yeast SIZ1/SIZ2. Here, we show that Arabidopsis SIZ1 is expressed in all plant tissues. Compared with the wild type, the null mutant siz1-3 is smaller in stature because of reduced expression of genes involved in brassinosteroid biosynthesis and signaling. Drought stress induces the accumulation of SUMO-protein conjugates, which is in part dependent on SIZ1 but not on abscisic acid (ABA). Mutant plants of siz1-3 have significantly lower tolerance to drought stress. A genome-wide expression analysis identified ∼1700 Arabidopsis genes that are induced by drought, with SIZ1 mediating the expression of 300 of them by a pathway independent of DREB2A and ABA. SIZ1-dependent, drought-responsive genes include those encoding enzymes of the anthocyanin synthesis pathway and jasmonate response. From these results, we conclude that SIZ1 regulates Arabidopsis growth and that this SUMO E3 ligase plays a role in drought stress response likely through the regulation of gene expression.
Oryza sativa Dicer-like4Reveals a Key Role for Small Interfering RNA Silencing in Plant Development
Authors: Liu Bin , Chen Zhiyu , Song Xianwei , Liu Chunyan , Cui Xia , Zhao Xianfeng , Fang Jun , Xu Wenying , Zhang Huiyong , Wang Xiujie , Chu Chengcai , Deng Xingwang , Xue Yongbiao , Cao Xiaofeng
Published: September 2007

MicroRNAs and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are two classes of small regulatory RNAs derived from different types of precursors and processed by distinct Dicer or Dicer-like (DCL) proteins. During evolution, four Arabidopsis thaliana DCLs and six rice (Oryza sativa) DCLs (Os DCLs) appear to have acquired specialized functions. The Arabidopsis DCLs are well characterized, but those in rice remain largely unstudied. Here, we show that both knockdown and loss of function of rice DCL4, the homolog of Arabidopsis DCL4, lead to vegetative growth abnormalities and severe developmental defects in spikelet identity. These phenotypic alterations appear to be distinct from those observed in Arabidopsis dcl4 mutants, which exhibit accelerated vegetative phase change. The difference in phenotype between rice and Arabidopsis dcl4 mutants suggests that siRNA processing by DCL4 has a broader role in rice development than in Arabidopsis. Biochemical and genetic analyses indicate that Os DCL4 is the major Dicer responsible for the 21-nucleotide siRNAs associated with inverted repeat transgenes and for trans-acting siRNA (ta-siRNA) from the endogenous TRANS-ACTING siRNA3 (TAS3) gene. We show that the biogenesis mechanism of TAS3 ta-siRNA is conserved but that putative direct targets of Os DCL4 appear to be differentially regulated between monocots and dicots. Our results reveal a critical role of Os DCL4-mediated ta-siRNA biogenesis in rice development.
College students' dining expectations in Cyprus
Authors: Zopiatis Anastasios , Pribic Jovana
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The primary purpose of the study is to investigate college students' dining expectations and define the factors that shape their dining choices. In addition, the study investigates whether gender, ethnic origin, prior food and beverage working experience, spending habits and dining frequency influence students' dining expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative questionnaire was developed and randomly administered to college students all over Cyprus. With the utilization of both descriptive and inferential statistics the authors addressed a number of research questions that aim to clarify college students' dining behaviour.

Findings

The research reliably measured college students' dining expectations and dining decisions in the Cyprus specific environment. Overall cleanliness, employees' attitude and quality of menu items were the most important factors influencing college students' dining choices. Reliability and responsiveness were ranked as the top dining expectations of college students. In addition, of value to industry practitioners, a number of statistically significant differences were revealed based on gender, spending habits, dining frequency, and prior food and beverage working experience.

Research limitations/implications

The authors suggest an agenda for future academic research that will further clarify the dining habits of college students.

Practice implications

The findings have a practical relevance to food and beverage marketers who wish to capture the attention of this significant market segment. The research recognised the market's potential, in addition of revealing major differences between college students in a number of dining‐related factors with specific marketing implications.

Originality/value

It is the first time that a scientific study has investigated college students' dining expectations in Cyprus. The results have practical implications for both academic scholars and food and beverage practitioners.
Collective action in the Greek agrifood sector: evidence from the North Aegean region
Authors: Vakoufaris Hristos , Spilanis Ioannis , Kizos Thanasis
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the existing forms of collective action in the Greek agrifood sector and to focus on co‐operatives, the dominant form of collective action in the agrifood sector of the North Aegean region.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on six contextual and behavioural conditions under which collective action may emerge.

Findings

This paper shows that very successful co‐operatives, according to the six contextual and behavioural conditions, co‐exist with unsuccessful ones, which are characterised by inflexibilities and inability to respond to a constantly changing market. Moreover, the legal status of some co‐operatives (obligatory co‐operatives) is of great interest.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to categorise existing forms of collective action in the Greek agrifood sector. Moreover, it gives information about the co‐operatives of the North Aegean region, based on three research programmes that were conducted in the region.
Determinants of trust in imported food products: perceptions of European gatekeepers
Authors: Knight John , Holdsworth David , Mather Damien
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the elements of country image that influence gatekeepers of the European food distribution sector when making industrial purchasing decisions regarding imported food products.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews were conducted with key informants of seventeen food distribution companies and industry organisations in five European countries to determine the factors that they consider important when deciding from which countries to source food products.

Findings

Confidence and trust in production systems, the integrity of regulatory systems, and the reliability of suppliers appear to be the major determinants of product‐country image as viewed by gatekeepers of the food distribution channel.

Practical implications

These specific factors relating to confidence, trust, integrity and reputation appear to over‐ride more general perceptions of country image based on scenic or environmental considerations.

Originality/value

Provides useful information for public policy makers and companies in food exporting countries.
Challenges regarding implementation of electronic chain traceability
Authors: Senneset Gunnar , Forås Eskil , Fremme Kari M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Increased focus on safe and healthy food has resulted in the need for implementing electronic chain traceability. This poses challenges both regarding technical solutions and business processes. The purpose of this paper is to report from a research project where implementation in a value chain for farmed salmon is used to investigate these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The first step in the project was to establish a complete value chain for farmed salmon as a basis for further study. The second step was to use theoretical concepts of internal traceability and chain traceability as a basis for analyzing the status of each company regarding readiness to implement electronic chain traceability. The third step was to compare the final level of implementation in each company with the level of implementation readiness at the start of the project.

Findings

Implementation of electronic chain traceability may involve changes both in work processes and software systems. This study shows that a set of criteria regarding implementation readiness can be used to assess the challenges and risks involved. Coherence between implementation readiness and the final level of implementation is indicated.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to companies in a specific food sector. The generalization of the results for use in other sectors needs to be investigated.

Practical implications

Because of the increasing demand for improving chain traceability, it can be expected that implementation readiness regarding electronic chain traceability solutions will be an important factor in selecting partners in food value chains.

Originality/value

The large number of companies involved in this study is a good basis for evaluating the complexity of implementing electronic chain traceability. This paper describes guidelines and assessment criteria for companies planning to implement such solutions.
Drivers of customer satisfaction in business‐to‐business relationships
Authors: Helgesen Øyvind
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Customer satisfaction is perceived as being a key driver of long‐term relationships between suppliers and buyers, especially when customers are well acquainted with products and markets, and when industries are highly competitive, as is the case for Norwegian fish exporters. The purpose of this paper is to identify the most influential drivers (antecedents) of customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The data source is a market survey. Items measuring customer satisfaction as well as importance and performance (satisfaction) of drivers of customer satisfaction have been included in a questionnaire answered by 128 customers from approximately 25 countries, and analysed by use of multiple regression, factor analyses and importance‐performance grids.

Findings

Managers of the exporting companies should provide quality products and focus on service quality aspects in order to attain a high level of customer satisfaction. Prices have not been identified as satisfiers; however, according to the item‐based importance‐performance grid, competitive prices are important and can perhaps be perceived as “hygienes”, focusing more on what is important for customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The research should be expanded to other business‐to‐business contexts (industries).

Practical implications

The study gives practical insight regarding drivers of customer satisfaction so that key success factors for the future can be identified.

Originality/value

Few studies focus both on importance and performance (explicit and implicit importance) of drivers of customer satisfaction. By allocating resources in a cost‐effective way to activities that are key drivers for customer satisfaction, managers may attain increased customer satisfaction, increased customer loyalty and increased customer profitability in the future.
Is there the time‐inconsistency problem in Turkey?
Authors: Kanalici Akay Hülya , Nargelecekenler Mehmet
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the time‐inconsistency problem between inflation and unemployment rate series for Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The validity of the Barro‐Gordon model's implications is tested by using state‐space form and a Kalman filter. In order to investigate the long‐run effects of the time‐inconsistency problem, unit root and co‐integration tests are applied. First, a Hodrick‐Prescott filter is used to test the short‐run effects. Then the modified Barro‐Gordon model's constraint is applied to the detrended inflation and unemployment rate.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that both inflation and unemployment series are not stationary and they include the unit root, but that first differences of the two series are stationary. The co‐integration test results also do not support the Barro‐Gordon model's implications for the long‐run behavior of inflation and unemployment: the two variables are not cointegrated.

Originality/value

The results of this study suggest that the time‐inconsistency problem for Turkey can be valid in the short‐run, but sufficient proof cannot be found to support the Barro‐ Gordon model's implications for the long‐run.
The impact of financial development and bank characteristics on the operational performance of commercial banks in the Chinese transitional economy
Authors: Wu Hsiu‐Ling , Chen Chien‐Hsun , Shiu Fang‐Ying
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper attempts to empirically examine the impact of financial development and bank characteristics on the operational performance of commercial banks in the Chinese transitional economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Pooled cross‐section (banks) and time‐series data are employed in the empirical estimation, with the sample comprising a total of 14 Chinese banks. The period under consideration extends from 1996‐2004. Fixed effects and random effects models are estimated.

Findings

Empirical results exhibit higher levels of moneterization that can translate into better ROA performance for banks. The longer a bank has been in existence, the worse its ROA performance is found to be. Rather than leading to improved profitability, Chinese banks' efforts to develop non‐traditional banking business actually have a negative impact on the ROA. The ROA performance of larger Chinese banks (in terms of assets) is found to be inferior to that of the smaller shareholding commercial banks.

Originality/value

Particular emphasis will be placed on the unique characteristics of China's banking industry during this period of institutional transformation.
Implications of the IFRS goodwill accounting treatment
Authors: Wines Graeme , Dagwell Ron , Windsor Carolyn
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to critically examine the change in accounting treatment for goodwill pursuant to international financial reporting standards (IFRSs) by reference to the Australian reporting regime.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses and compares the former Australian and the new IFRS treatments for goodwill. This comparison focuses on the advantages and potential complexities of the new method, with the aim of identifying the issues and challenges that preparers, independent auditors and those involved in corporate governance face in complying with the new requirements.

Findings

The paper highlights that the identification and valuation of cash‐generating units and goodwill require numerous assumptions to be made in estimating fair value, value in use and recoverable amount. Considerable ambiguity and subjectivity are inherent in the IFRS requirements.

Research limitations/implications

Findings suggest that future research should examine how financial report preparers and corporate governance mechanisms are dealing with the complex change required by the new goodwill accounting treatment and how the many critical issues involved in auditing the resulting figures are being addressed.

Practical implications

The research has practical implications for financial report preparers in identifying the issues that must be addressed in complying with the international goodwill accounting treatment. In turn, the paper highlights conceptual issues of relevance to auditors in their role of providing assurance on the resulting accounting numbers. It also has implications for others involved in corporate governance, such as audit committee members, in emphasising the areas in which they should be providing oversight of the accounting judgments. These issues are of relevance in any reporting regime based on IFRSs.

Originality/value

While much has been written about the mechanics of the new goodwill accounting requirements, there has been a lack of critical research highlighting the many problems and ambiguities that will arise in the application of those rules.
The determinants of forward‐looking information in annual reports of UAE companies
Authors: Aljifri Khaled , Hussainey Khaled
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically explore the underlying factors that may affect the extent to which forward‐looking information is disclosed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a list of forward‐looking keywords to demonstrate the differences, if any, in the level of disclosure among firms and between sectors. The sample includes 46 companies listed in either the Dubai financial market or the Abu Dubai securities market. Statistical analysis is performed using a backward regression.

Findings

Debt ratio and profitability are found to be significant; however, sector type, firm size, and auditor size are found to have insignificant association with the level of forward‐looking information disclosed in UAE annual reports.

Practical implications

A number of users, such as investors, lenders, and auditors, may find these results beneficial. These users may consider the results of this study when they are dealing with firms that have low profitability and high financial risk. Accordingly, they may wish to extend their investigations and verify such reporting practices. By doing this, the quality of information that is available to the public may be enhanced; and hence, users of annual reports may be better served.

Originality/value

It is important to note that the association between the extent of disclosure and the selected corporate attributes is still ambiguous. There are a very limited number of studies that have examined disclosure of forward‐looking information in developing countries and even fewer such studies may be found in the Middle Eastern countries. To the best of the one's knowledge, no study yet has examined the forward‐looking information disclosure issues in the UAE or Middle Eastern countries.
CEO image, NAS and risk assessment
Authors: Iyer Govind S. , Reckers Philip M.J.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interactive effect of the provision of non‐audit services (NAS) and auditors' perceptions of management integrity on assessments of risk of material misstatement.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method consisted of a behavioral experiment involving 47 audit seniors from a big‐four accounting firm.

Findings

Manipulations of management integrity significantly affected risk assessments. Manipulations of NAS did not affect risk assessment. However, a significant interaction manifested itself – participants who role‐played auditors providing significant tax consulting services tended to highly discount the incremental risk of material misstatement arising out of dubious management integrity, compared with their counterparts who role‐played auditors not providing any NAS.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows that, while provision of NAS may not in and of itself impact auditor independence, it has the potential to impact audit quality by mitigating the effect of other audit evidence. This study also highlights the importance of testing for interactions since main effects may not readily capture the complexities involved.

Practical implications

The finding calls for continuing attention to the issue of NAS provision and audit firm culture and a redoubling of efforts to ameliorate the effects of auditor‐provided NAS.

Originality/value

This is one of the few papers that consider the interactive effect of provision of NAS and CEO image on assessment of management integrity. This is important because the likelihood of fraud increases when management integrity is suspect and the auditor is not vigilant.
Governance and CEO pay and performance in non‐profit organizations
Authors: Pestana Barros Carlos , Nunes Francisco
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the pay and performance of chief executive officers (CEOs) in Portuguese, non‐profit organizations (NPOs), focusing on the role played by the economic performance of the organization, together with that played by the structure of the board and the individual characteristics of the manager. If the CEO can influence the board structure, agency problems arise, which in turn allow the CEO to extract rent and demand compensation in excess of the equilibrium level.

Design/methodology/approach

An ordinary least squares (OLS) model and an instrumental variable (IV) models are estimated for comparative purposes. The IV permits to account for endogenous variables in the regression.

Findings

It is concluded that governance is important in the Portuguese non‐profit sector. Several variables affect the CEO, namely, organization performance variables, board composition variables and individual variables. This result highlights the urgent need for a code of governance practice to be introduced in this sector. Moreover, the paper integrates human capital in the definition of the earnings, concluding that this also contributes to earnings.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has two limitations. The first is related to the data set and the second with the method adopted. With the reference to the data set, the span is limited and therefore the generalization of this result is questionable. A larger data span is needed to confirm the present results. Relative to the method, the OLS is unable to handle endogeneity variables in a regression. The instrumental variables (IV) can overcome this result, but some critics to this method have appear recently, when there are heterogeneous across subjects and local IV are needed.

Practical implication

A governance code should be adopted, involving NPO managers in their definition. A regulatory agency that will be the watch dog of the process should be implemented to enforce the modernization of Portuguese NPO.

Originality/value

This is the first paper analyzing governance issues on Portuguese NPO and the second paper at European level on NPO governance. It clarifies two issues, the absence of governance principles in Portuguese NPO and the need of a regulatory agency in this context.
Towards a rural post‐work society
Authors: Mann Stefan , Erdin Daniel
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis that for rural regions of Switzerland, jobs and enterprises do not have a positive effect on the quality of regional development in rural areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Population development is used as an indicator for the quality of regional development. Economic, infrastructural, demographic and topographic variables for Swiss rural districts are summarized by factor analysis. The birth and migration balances of these districts between 1990 and 2000 are explained by two regressions.

Findings

Remoteness influences both the birth and the migration balance negatively. Jobs and enterprises in the districts, split by sector, definitely do not spur population development.

Research limitations/implications

Research on regional development should not overestimate the importance of a flourishing economy.

Practical implications

In regional development projects, infrastructural factors are of central importance.

Originality/value

The influence of economic factors in regional development is explicitly compared with non‐economic factors.
Markets: a paradigmatic look
Authors: Ardalan Kavous
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that knowledge in general, and knowledge of markets in particular, is ultimately a product of the researcher's paradigmatic approach to a multifaceted phenomenon and therefore it is as much an ethical, moral, social, ideological, and political activity, as it is a technical one.

Design/methodology/approach

Any adequate analysis of markets necessarily requires fundamental understanding of the worldviews underlying the views expressed with respect to the nature and role of markets. This paper starts with the premise that any worldview can be associated with one of the four basic paradigms: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist.

Findings

It shows that any view expressed with respect to markets is based on one of the four paradigms or worldviews and is equally scientific and informative.

Research limitations/implications

The paper's discussion is limited to only four paradigms.

Originality/value

The paper notes that there are opportunities for functionalist mainstream academic finance to benefit from contributions coming from the other three paradigms and obtain a balanced view of the subject of their study.
Still not paradigmatic
Authors: Ivanovas Georg
Published: September 2007

Purpose

A personal introduction to the Gregory Bateson memorial issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Outlines Bateson's work and the content of the memorial.

Findings

Connects Bateson's legacy with the work of current authors and the general problems the world faces today.

Originality/value

Describes the necessity to use ecological principles as presented by Bateson.