bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kleptothermy: an additional category of thermoregulation, and a possible example in sea kraits (
Laticauda laticaudata
, Serpentes)
Authors: Brischoux François , Bonnet Xavier , Shine Richard
Published: August 2009

Lacking the capacity for thermogenesis, most ectotherms inhabiting thermally heterogeneous environments rely instead upon exploiting that ambient heterogeneity. In many cases they maintain body temperatures within a narrow range despite massive spatial and temporal variation in ambient conditions. Reliance on diverse thermal opportunities is reflected in specific terms for organisms that bask in sunlight to regulate their temperature (heliotherms), or that press their bodies against warm substrates to facilitate heat flow (thigmotherms), or that rely on large body mass to maintain thermal constancy (gigantothermy). We propose an additional category of thermoregulators:
kleptotherms
, which regulate their own temperature by ‘stealing’ heat from other organisms. This concept involves two major conditions: the thermal heterogeneity created by the presence of a warm organism in a cool environment and the selective use of that heterogeneity by another animal to maintain body temperatures at higher (and more stable) levels than would be possible elsewhere in the local area. Kleptothermy occurs in endotherms also, but is usually reciprocal (rather than unilateral as in ectotherms). Thermal monitoring on a small tropical island documents a possible example of kleptothermy, based on high stable temperatures of a sea snake (
Laticauda laticaudata
) inside a burrow occupied by seabirds.
A new angle on clinging in geckos: incline, not substrate, triggers the deployment of the adhesive system
Authors: Russell Anthony P. , Higham Timothy E.
Published: August 2009

Lizards commonly climb in complex three-dimensional habitats, and gekkotans are particularly adept at doing this by using an intricate adhesive system involving setae on the ventral surface of their digits. However, it is not clear whether geckos always deploy their adhesive system, given that doing so may result in decreased (i.e. reduction in speed) locomotor performance. Here, we investigate circumstances under which the adhesive apparatus of clinging geckos becomes operative, and examine the potential trade-offs between speed and clinging. We quantify locomotor kinematics of a gecko with adhesive capabilities (Tarentola mauritanica) and one without (Eublepharis macularius). Whereas, somewhat unusually,E. maculariusdid not suffer a decrease in locomotor performance with an increase in incline,T. mauritanicaexhibited a significant decrease in speed between the level and a 10° incline. We demonstrate that this results from the combined influence of slope and the deployment of the adhesive system. All individuals kept their digits hyperextended on the level, but three of the six individuals deployed their adhesive system on the 10° incline, and they exhibited the greatest decrease in velocity. The deployment of the adhesive system was dependent on incline, not surface texture (600 grit sandpaper and Plexiglas), despite slippage occurring on the level Plexiglas substrate. Our results highlight the type of sensory feedback (gravity) necessary for deployment of the adhesive system, and the trade-offs associated with adhesion.
Obesity and Erectile Dysfunction: Is Androgen Deficiency the Common Link?
Authors: Feeley Robert J. , Traish Abdulmaged M.
Published: August 2009

Obesity is associated with increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED); however, the underlying causes of ED in obese individuals remain poorly defined. The aim of this review is to discuss the evidence available on the relationship between obesity and ED. A search of published studies in PubMed from 1970 through 2009 was conducted, and relevant articles were evaluated and discussed.

Visceral obesity is a public health threat, and is associated with increased risk of diabetes, vascular disease, endothelial dysfunction, and ED. Plasma testosterone levels are reduced in obesity, further contributing to an increased risk of vascular pathology in obesity. The recognition of the relationship between obesity, reduced testosterone levels, and ED has paved the way for new approaches to manage and treat obese, hypogonadal patients with ED. Obesity profoundly and adversely impacts overall health and, in particular, vascular health, by increasing proinflammatory factors, altering endothelial function and the androgen endocrine milieu, thus increasing the risk of ED.
Penile Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation
Authors: Facio Fernando , Burnett Arthur L.
Published: August 2009

Erectile dysfunction (ED) following treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer, particularly radical prostatectomy (RP), is a major quality of life issue that remains unsatisfactorily addressed. With the introduction and use of cavernous nerve–sparing procedures over the past 25 years, many men recover erections postoperatively that enable sexual intercourse unlike in the prior surgical era, when permanent ED postoperatively was certain. Despite this advance, 26–100% of these patients may never recover normal erectile function (EF). Recent advances in the understanding of ED after RP have stimulated great attention to develop penile rehabilitation programs and neuromodulation. The purpose of penile rehabilitation is to prevent adverse corpus cavernosal tissue structural alterations and thereby maximize the chances of recovering functional erections. Rehabilitation programs are common in clinical practice, but there is no definitive evidence to support their efficacy. Neuromodulation represents another strategy for promoting erection recovery postoperatively. This therapy involves the application of neuroprotective interventions, conceivably targeting biological elements involved in the erection response that are affected by neuropathic injury. Well-conducted, controlled trials with adequate follow-up are required in order to determine the erection preservative benefits of these therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this essay is to describe the mechanisms related to post-RP ED, assess the need for penile rehabilitation and neuromodulation following surgery, and analyze the basic science and clinical trial evidence associated with these applications for preserving EF following prostate cancer treatment.
A new MIF4G domain-containing protein, CTIF, directs nuclear cap-binding protein CBP80/20-dependent translation
Authors: Kim Kyoung Mi , Cho Hana , Choi Kobong , Kim Jaedong , Kim Bong-Woo , Ko Young-Gyu , Jang Sung Key , Kim Yoon Ki
Published: August 2009

During or right after mRNA export via the nuclear pore complex (NPC) in mammalian cells, mRNAs undergo translation mediated by nuclear cap-binding proteins 80 and 20 (CBP80/20). After CBP80/20-dependent translation, CBP80/20 is replaced by cytoplasmic cap-binding protein eIF4E, which directs steady-state translation. Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), one of the best-characterized mRNA surveillance mechanisms, has been shown to occur on CBP80/20-bound mRNAs. However, despite the tight link between CBP80/20-dependent translation and NMD, the underlying molecular mechanism and cellular factors that mediate CBP80/20-dependent translation remain obscure. Here, we identify a new MIF4G domain-containing protein, CTIF (CBP80/20-dependent translation initiation factor). CTIF interacts directly with CBP80 and is part of the CBP80/20-dependent translation initiation complex. Depletion of endogenous CTIF from an in vitro translation system selectively blocks the translation of CBP80-bound mRNAs, while addition of purified CTIF restores it. Accordingly, down-regulation of endogenous CTIF abrogates NMD. Confocal microscopy shows that CTIF is localized to the perinuclear region. Our observations demonstrate the existence of CBP80/20-dependent translation and support the idea that CBP80/20-dependent translation is mechanistically different from steady-state translation through identification of a specific cellular protein, CTIF.
Fast model-based estimation of ancestry in unrelated individuals
Authors: Alexander David H. , Novembre John , Lange Kenneth
Published: August 2009

Population stratification has long been recognized as a confounding factor in genetic association studies. Estimated ancestries, derived from multi-locus genotype data, can be used to perform a statistical correction for population stratification. One popular technique for estimation of ancestry is the model-based approach embodied by the widely applied programstructure. Another approach, implemented in the program EIGENSTRAT, relies on Principal Component Analysis rather than model-based estimation and does not directly deliver admixture fractions. EIGENSTRAT has gained in popularity in part owing to its remarkable speed in comparison tostructure. We present a new algorithm and a program, ADMIXTURE, for model-based estimation of ancestry in unrelated individuals. ADMIXTURE adopts the likelihood model embedded instructure. However, ADMIXTURE runs considerably faster, solving problems in minutes that takestructurehours. In many of our experiments, we have found that ADMIXTURE is almost as fast as EIGENSTRAT. The runtime improvements of ADMIXTURE rely on a fast block relaxation scheme using sequential quadratic programming for block updates, coupled with a novel quasi-Newton acceleration of convergence. Our algorithm also runs faster and with greater accuracy than the implementation of an Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm incorporated in the program FRAPPE. Our simulations show that ADMIXTURE's maximum likelihood estimates of the underlying admixture coefficients and ancestral allele frequencies are as accurate asstructure's Bayesian estimates. On real-world data sets, ADMIXTURE's estimates are directly comparable to those fromstructureand EIGENSTRAT. Taken together, our results show that ADMIXTURE's computational speed opens up the possibility of using a much larger set of markers in model-based ancestry estimation and that its estimates are suitable for use in correcting for population stratification in association studies.
BRASSINOSTEROID UPREGULATED1, Encoding a Helix-Loop-Helix Protein, Is a Novel Gene Involved in Brassinosteroid Signaling and Controls Bending of the Lamina Joint in Rice
Authors: Tanaka Atsunori , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Tomita Chikako , Shimatani Zenpei , Ohtake Miki , Nomura Takahito , Jiang Chang-Jie , Dubouzet Joseph G. , Kikuchi Shoshi , Sekimoto Hitoshi , Yokota Takao , Asami Tadao , Kamakura Takashi , Mori Masaki
Published: August 2009

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are involved in many developmental processes and regulate many subsets of downstream genes throughout the plant kingdom. However, little is known about the BR signal transduction and response network in monocots. To identify novel BR-related genes in rice (Oryza sativa), we monitored the transcriptomic response of the brassinosteroid deficient1 (brd1) mutant, with a defective BR biosynthetic gene, to brassinolide treatment. Here, we describe a novel BR-induced rice gene BRASSINOSTEROID UPREGULATED1 (BU1), encoding a helix-loop-helix protein. Rice plants overexpressing BU1 (BU1:OX) showed enhanced bending of the lamina joint, increased grain size, and resistance to brassinazole, an inhibitor of BR biosynthesis. In contrast to BU1:OX, RNAi plants designed to repress both BU1 and its homologs displayed erect leaves. In addition, compared to the wild type, the induction of BU1 by exogenous brassinolide did not require de novo protein synthesis and it was weaker in a BR receptor mutant OsbriI (Oryza sativa brassinosteroid insensitive1, d61) and a rice G protein alpha subunit (RGA1) mutant d1. These results indicate that BU1 protein is a positive regulator of BR response: it controls bending of the lamina joint in rice and it is a novel primary response gene that participates in two BR signaling pathways through OsBRI1 and RGA1. Furthermore, expression analyses showed that BU1 is expressed in several organs including lamina joint, phloem, and epithelial cells in embryos. These results indicate that BU1 may participate in some other unknown processes modulated by BR in rice.
The ArabidopsisGRF-INTERACTING FACTORGene Family Performs an Overlapping Function in Determining Organ Size as Well as Multiple Developmental Properties
Authors: Lee Byung Ha , Ko Jae-Heung , Lee Sangman , Lee Yi , Pak Jae-Hong , Kim Jeong Hoe
Published: August 2009

Previously, the GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR1 (GIF1)/ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3) transcription coactivator gene, a member of a small gene family comprising three genes, was characterized as a positive regulator of cell proliferation in lateral organs, such as leaves and flowers, of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). As yet, it remains unclear how GIF1/AN3 affects the cell proliferation process. In this study, we demonstrate that the other members of the GIF gene family, GIF2 and GIF3, are also required for cell proliferation and lateral organ growth, as gif1, gif2, and gif3 mutations cause a synergistic reduction in cell numbers, leading to small lateral organs. Furthermore, GIF1, GIF2, and GIF3 overexpression complemented a cell proliferation defect of the gif1 mutant and significantly increased lateral organ growth of wild-type plants as well, indicating that members of the GIF gene family are functionally redundant. Kinematic analysis on leaf growth revealed that the gif triple mutant as well as other strong gif mutants developed leaf primordia with fewer cells, which was due to the low rate of cell proliferation, eventually resulting in earlier exit from the proliferative phase of organ growth. The low proliferative activity of primordial leaves was accompanied by decreased expression of cell cycle-regulating genes, indicating that GIF genes may act upstream of cell cycle regulators. Analysis of gif double and triple mutants clarified a previously undescribed role of the GIF gene family: gif mutants had small vegetative shoot apical meristems, which was correlated with the development of small leaf primordia. gif triple mutants also displayed defective structures of floral organs. Taken together, our results suggest that the GIF gene family plays important roles in the control of cell proliferation via cell cycle regulation and in other developmental properties that are associated with shoot apical meristem function.
CHOTTO1, a Putative Double APETALA2 Repeat Transcription Factor, Is Involved in Abscisic Acid-Mediated Repression of Gibberellin Biosynthesis during Seed Germination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yano Ryoichi , Kanno Yuri , Jikumaru Yusuke , Nakabayashi Kazumi , Kamiya Yuji , Nambara Eiji
Published: August 2009

The phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GAs) are the primary signals that regulate seed dormancy and germination. In this study, we investigated the role of a double APETALA2 repeat transcription factor, CHOTTO1 (CHO1), in seed dormancy, germination, and phytohormone metabolism of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Wild-type seeds were dormant when freshly harvested seeds were sown, and these seeds were released from dormancy after a particular period of dry storage (after-ripening). The cho1 mutant seeds germinated easily even in a shorter period of storage than wild-type seeds. The cho1 mutants showed reduced responsiveness to ABA, whereas transgenic plants constitutively expressing CHO1 (p35S∷CHO1) showed an opposite phenotype. Notably, after-ripening reduced the ABA responsiveness of the wild type, cho1 mutants, and p35S∷CHO1 lines. Hormone profiling demonstrated that after-ripening treatment decreased the levels of ABA and salicylic acid and increased GA4, jasmonic acid, and isopentenyl adenine when wild-type seeds were imbibed. Expression analysis showed that the transcript levels of genes for ABA and GA metabolism were altered in the wild type by after-ripening. Hormone profiling and expression analyses indicate that cho1 seeds, with a short period of storage, resembled fully after-ripened wild-type seeds. Genetic analysis showed that the cho1 mutation partially restored delayed seed germination and reduced GA biosynthesis activity in the ABA-overaccumulating cyp707a2-1 mutant background but did not restore seed germination in the GA-deficient ga1-3 mutant background. These results indicate that CHO1 acts downstream of ABA to repress GA biosynthesis during seed germination.
An Extended AE-Rich N-Terminal Trunk in Secreted Pineapple Cystatin Enhances Inhibition of Fruit Bromelain and Is Posttranslationally Removed during Ripening
Authors: Neuteboom Leon W. , Matsumoto Kristie O. , Christopher David A.
Published: August 2009

Phytocystatins are potent inhibitors of cysteine proteases and have been shown to participate in senescence, seed and organ biogenesis, and plant defense. However, phytocystatins are generally poor inhibitors of the cysteine protease, bromelain, of pineapple (Ananas comosus). Here, we demonstrated that pineapple cystatin, AcCYS1, inhibited (>95%) stem and fruit bromelain. AcCYS1 is a unique cystatin in that it contains an extended N-terminal trunk (NTT) of 63 residues rich in alanine and glutamate. A signal peptide preceding the NTT is processed in vitro by microsomal membranes giving rise to a 27-kD species. AcCYS1 mRNA was present in roots and leaves but was most abundant in fruit. Using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy with an AcCYS1-specific antiserum, AcCYS1 was found in the apoplasm. Immunoblot analysis identified a 27-kD protein in fruit, roots, and leaves and a 15-kD species in mature ripe fruit. Ripe fruit extracts proteolytically removed the NTT of 27-kD AcCYS1 in vitro to produce the 15-kD species. Mass spectrometry analysis was used to map the primary cleavage site immediately after a conserved critical glycine-94. The AE-rich NTT was required to inhibit fruit and stem bromelain (>95%), whereas its removal decreased inhibition to 20% (fruit) and 80% (stem) and increased the dissociation equilibrium constant by 1.8-fold as determined by surface plasmon resonance assays. We propose that proteolytic removal of the NTT results in the decrease of the inhibitory potency of AcCYS1 against fruit bromelain during fruit ripening to increase tissue proteolysis, softening, and degradation.
Partitioning the Apical Domain of theArabidopsisEmbryo Requires the BOBBER1 NudC Domain Protein
Authors: Jurkuta Rebecca Joy , Kaplinsky Nicholas J. , Spindel Jennifer E. , Barton M. Kathryn
Published: August 2009

The apical domain of the embryo is partitioned into distinct regions that will give rise to the cotyledons and the shoot apical meristem. In this article, we describe a novel screen to identify Arabidopsis thaliana embryo arrest mutants that are defective in this partitioning, and we describe the phenotype of one such mutant, bobber1. bobber1 mutants arrest at the globular stage of development, they express the meristem-specific SHOOTMERISTEMLESS gene throughout the top half of the embryo, and they fail to express the AINTEGUMENTA transcript normally found in cotyledons. Thus, BOBBER1 is required to limit the extent of the meristem domain and/or to promote the development of the cotyledon domains. Based on expression of early markers for apical development, bobber1 mutants differentiate protodermis and undergo normal early apical development. Consistent with a role for auxin in cotyledon development, BOBBER1 mutants fail to express localized maxima of the DR5:green fluorescent protein reporter. BOBBER1 encodes a protein with homology to the Aspergillus nidulans protein NUDC that has similarity to protein chaperones, indicating a possible role for BOBBER1 in synthesis or transport of proteins involved in patterning the Arabidopsis embryo.
TheArabidopsisPLEIOTROPIC DRUG RESISTANCE8/ABCG36 ATP Binding Cassette Transporter Modulates Sensitivity to the Auxin Precursor Indole-3-Butyric Acid
Authors: Strader Lucia C. , Bartel Bonnie
Published: August 2009

Plants have developed numerous mechanisms to store hormones in inactive but readily available states, enabling rapid responses to environmental changes. The phytohormone auxin has a number of storage precursors, including indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), which is apparently shortened to active indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in peroxisomes by a process similar to fatty acid β-oxidation. Whereas metabolism of auxin precursors is beginning to be understood, the biological significance of the various precursors is virtually unknown. We identified an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant that specifically restores IBA, but not IAA, responsiveness to auxin signaling mutants. This mutant is defective in PLEIOTROPIC DRUG RESISTANCE8 (PDR8)/PENETRATION3/ABCG36, a plasma membrane–localized ATP binding cassette transporter that has established roles in pathogen responses and cadmium transport. We found that pdr8 mutants display defects in efflux of the auxin precursor IBA and developmental defects in root hair and cotyledon expansion that reveal previously unknown roles for IBA-derived IAA in plant growth and development. Our results are consistent with the possibility that limiting accumulation of the IAA precursor IBA via PDR8-promoted efflux contributes to auxin homeostasis.
Libraries as a common denominator
Authors: Carnaby Penny
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how libraries in New Zealand have developed their digital strategies in order to serve its citizens, the country and the world.

Design/methodology/approach

A description of various New Zealand initiatives is given, many of which involve the National Library of New Zealand.

Findings

The four components of the New Zealand Digital strategy: connection; content; confidence; and collaboration have been driven by the library and information sector.

Originality/value

The paper provides a personal insight, by the National Librarian, into key digital developments in New Zealand
Information literacy and Web 2.0: is it just hype?
Authors: Godwin Peter
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that Web 2.0 provides an exciting set of tools for librarians to help their students become more information‐literate.

Design/methodology/approach

Recently, information overload and Web 2.0 have led librarians to adopt practices labelled as Library 2.0. Information literacy can be the key to affecting the learning attitudes and characteristics adopted by the users, caricatured as the “Web generation”. Web 2.0 tools provide new, interactive ways to engage them. The literature is reviewed to provide examples of librarians using Web 2.0 tools to improve the information literacy of their users.

Findings

Librarians are embracing Web 2.0 as it becomes more mainstream and experimenting with the tools to supplement their information literacy interventions. Many of these are being well received but their quantity and measures of their impact on learning have yet to be assessed.

Originality/value

The link between information literacy and Web 2.0 is novel, encourages constructive learning and enables respected educational methods (e.g. reflection) to be used in different ways.
Open source, crowd source: harnessing the power of the people behind our libraries
Authors: Trainor Cindi
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the use of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 technologies so that librarians can combine open source software with user‐generated content to create a richer discovery experience for their users.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a description of the current state of integrated library systems (ILS) and the developments with Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 technologies, examples are given of library suppliers and libraries which are making use of these technologies.

Findings

Libraries are moving away from the traditional, vendor‐sourced library catalogue software in favour of open source software that can be tailored to meet the community's needs by the people who are most familiar with those needs: library staff. Open source products and some vendor products outside the traditional ILS market allow libraries to pool data created by users: tags, reviews, comments. This allows the smallest libraries to harvest richer data than those of their own communities.

Originality/value

The paper provides a “snapshot” of current developments in this fast‐moving area.
Virtual communities in Europe: the European Library approach
Authors: Stigter Fleur
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of The Bridging Worlds Conference which was held in October 2008 in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the main topics the National Library Board of Singapore, the organising party, wished to address was the roles cultural institutions, such as libraries, may play in (virtual) communities and how they can build audience share based on these communities. In this context The European Library – gateway to Europe's national library resources – explained how it markets its services to academic communities in and, to some degree, outside Europe. The European Library focuses its portal on the European academic community and fits its services primarily within academic working processes. Other mechanisms and channels help it reach other types of user groups from all over the world. For example, it is the main library contributor in Europeana, the cross‐domain portal that launched its first public beta‐version in November 2008.

Findings

Emphasising the value of using different channels to serve different communities – either via Europeana or by plugging‐in existing virtual environments via application programming interfaces (APIs) and widgets – The European Library is a great example of how important (channel) marketing is to online public institutions. Further references are made to the “test, measure and (re)act” methodology and challenges in presenting a crawler and user‐friendly portal.

Originality/value

Overall the paper provides an interesting insight in the marketing approach of one of the biggest digital libraries, and how it tries to work with cultural differences and changing user requirements. Calling for the adoption of a more market‐oriented approach by public institutions, it is of interest to all information professionals, but especially marketers of public institutions and other market‐oriented, certainly those interested in channel marketing.
Library 2.0: balancing the risks and benefits to maximise the dividends
Authors: Kelly Brian , Bevan Paul , Akerman Richard , Alcock Jo , Fraser Josie
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a number of examples of how Web 2.0 technologies and approaches (Library 2.0) are being used within the library sector. The paper acknowledges that there are a variety of risks associated with such approaches. The paper describes the different types of risks and outlines a risk assessment and risk management approach which is being developed to minimise the dangers while allowing the benefits of Library 2.0 to be realised.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines various risks and barriers which have been identified at a series of workshops run by UKOLN (a national centre of expertise in digital information management based in the UK) for the cultural heritage sector. A risk assessment and risk management approach, which was initially developed to support use of Web 2.0 technologies at events organised by UKOLN, is described and its potential for use within the wider library community, in conjunction with related approaches for addressing areas such as accessibility and protection of young people, is described.

Findings

Use of Library 2.0 approaches is becoming embedded across many libraries which seek to exploit the benefits which such technologies can provide. The need to ensure that the associated risks are identified and appropriate mechanisms implemented to minimise such risks is beginning to be appreciated.

Practical implications

The areas described here should be of relevance to many library organisations which are making use of Library 2.0 services.

Originality/value

The paper should prove valuable to policy makers and web practitioners within libraries who may be aware of the potential benefits of Library 2.0 but have not considered the associated risks.
Developing a metrics‐based online strategy for libraries
Authors: Pagano Joe
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the various web metrics tools that are available, and to indicate how these might be used in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes ways in which web metrics can be used to inform strategic decision making in libraries.

Findings

A framework of possible web metrics is provided that can be adapted for use as appropriate in libraries.

Originality/value

The paper offers assistance to any web site manager in planning new developments, given limited resources.
The impact of international designers on firm innovation capability and consumer interest
Authors: Dell'era Claudio , Verganti Roberto
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The increasing importance that customers give to the aesthetic, symbolic and emotional value of products leads companies to approach the product design as a means to create a competitive advantage. Considering that competing through design involves the development of new product languages and signs, the ability to develop products that convey innovative meanings and values to users becomes a critical factor of success. Each product has a particular language and meaning on which companies can innovate. This kind of innovation requires access to dispersed and tacit knowledge about socio‐cultural trends and emerging phenomena in society, which lends itself to a discourse on design. Designers can support companies by accessing, interpreting and exploiting the knowledge about emerging socio‐cultural models and latent market needs. The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyse the characteristics of designer portfolios developed by innovative and successful companies.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study is conducted on the designers of 91 Italian furniture companies to analyse the contribution of designers to company innovation and to consumer preferences. By analysing 630 different collaborations between companies and designers over the development of 1,722 products, the paper explores different strategies adopted by companies to collaborate with designers. Specifically, the authors compare three dimensions of the designer portfolio that are developed by different groups of companies: size, internationalisation and multi‐nationality. The authors use the analysis of variance formula to identify characteristics of designer portfolios that were significantly distinct in their achievement of innovation and consumer interest.

Findings

The empirical results suggest interesting managerial applications in terms of modalities to access designers: for example, innovative companies often collaborate with designers coming from different nations. One possible explanation for this is that the combination of different approaches and cultural frameworks may allow innovators to capture stimuli and emerging phenomena in socio‐cultural contexts far from their territorial boundaries, consequently developing innovative product languages and meanings.

Originality/value

This is one of the few quantitative studies that analyze the relationships between collaborative innovation strategies and performances.
Nature of functional involvement in make or buy decision processes
Authors: Moses Anna , Åhlström Pär
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of functional involvement in the cross‐functional make or buy decision process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on literature within the areas of cross‐functional make or buy decision processes as well as cross‐functional process research in general. The empirical part of the paper is a longitudinal and in‐depth case study, where the data are collected using interviews, documentation and observations. The data are analyzed using chronological patterns.

Findings

Findings indicate a changing pattern between close collaborative integration during decision‐making phases and more interaction‐focused integration during data‐gathering phases. The benefits of this integration pattern mainly lay in the effective use of resources combined with increased decision quality.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on a large manufacturing company that produces complex products. It can be suggested that the scene researched by the authors may be common for companies in the same environment. However, it is a limited sample and future research would benefit from investigating different environments to establish whether the results are context‐specific or not.

Practical implications

Five phases are found in the make or buy decision process where resources are used differently. Also, different functions have different roles during these phases in order not to drain resources.

Originality/value

The paper helps clarify how functions integrate and use resources during different phases of the make or buy decision process and the cross‐functional benefits and effects. A conceptual model is developed that explains the effect of functional involvement during different types of integration.
Evolutionary patterns in e‐business strategy
Authors: Caniato Federico , Cagliano Raffaella , Kalchschmidt Matteo , Golini Ruggero , Spina Gianluca
Published: August 2009

Purpose

In 2003 the authors investigated the level of adoption of e‐business by manufacturing firms in Europe. Four company strategies were identified based on different extents of adoption of internet‐based tools for interaction with customers and/or suppliers. The purpose of this paper is to replicate, those analyses using the new release of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS) IV. These new results are compared with previous ones in order to determine whether modeling previously described in the literature remains valid.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected in Europe through IMSS III and IV are used. In particular, companies are clustered according to e‐business practices adopted in supply chain management (SCM) and the degree of adoption of e‐business between the two editions of the research is compared. A longitudinal analysis is also conducted using data from companies participating in both editions of the survey.

Findings

It is shown that the fundamental aspects of the modeling approach earlier proposed in the literature remain valid, with a higher average level of adoption of e‐business tools in the more recent edition of the study. However, the four‐cluster model is shown to be no longer valid. In the more recent dataset, three clusters emerge. They are characterized by different levels of adoption of e‐business, balanced between e‐commerce and e‐procurement. The longitudinal analysis shows that the firms participating in both editions of the research have changed their strategy, coherently to what the overall sample does.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is focused on the assembly industry and only part of the sample is strictly longitudinal. Further research is needed to relate e‐business strategy with performance and to distinguish among the various tools available.

Practical implications

This paper also shows that the adoption of e‐business is increasing among small and medium firms, even if the practices adopted by any individual company remain limited. Results show that a cautious adoption is preferable to more radical implementation, since some firms have actually reduced their initial efforts to adopt e‐business.

Originality/value

The literature currently lacks extensive, longitudinal studies on e‐business strategies in SCM. The paper shows how the concept has rapidly evolved recently, and it modifies models that are proposed only a few years ago in the face of new data.
Supply chain flexibility: an inter‐firm empirical study
Authors: Stevenson Mark , Spring Martin
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical study of supply chain flexibility, asking: what specific inter‐firm practices are used to achieve increased flexibility in buyer‐supplier pairs and in the wider supply chain or network, and how do these practices and effects interact?

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is a qualitative study of a network of 16 inter‐related manufacturing companies. Semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews with senior representatives from each company.

Findings

A wide range of supply chain flexibility practices are identified, some confirming existing research, some additional. These are grouped into ten categories, and two over‐arching themes are found. First, firms use various forms of outsourcing and subcontracting to reduce their own need for internal flexibility. The second related insight is that, having externalised the need for flexibility, firms improve flexibility of the whole chain by engaging in committed relationships with counterparts. The authors term the ability to change counterparts “configuration flexibility” and the ability to change the timing, volume and design of supply “planning and control flexibility”. Therefore, it is suggested that firms make complex trade‐offs between the two in the interest of achieving overall supply chain flexibility. These are presented in a model to allow for future refinement and testing.

Research limitations/implications

Supply chain flexibility is a strategic objective, but is not achieved by all members of supply chains aiming for as much flexibility as possible on all dimensions. The identification of the supply chain flexibility practices provides a starting point for further theoretical developments as well as for practice. In particular, further work is required to understand the interplay between the two types of flexibility identified.

Originality/value

Study of inter‐connected supply chains, model linking practices to performance, and the main notions of configuration and planning and control flexibilities.
The implementation and performance outcomes of ISO 9000 in service organizations
Authors: Lee Peter K.C. , To W.M. , Yu Billy T.W.
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the patterns with which ISO 9000:2000 was implemented in service organizations, and to examine the performance outcomes and contextual factors which are associated with different ISO 9000:2000 implementation patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review of quality management practice, a questionnaire was developed based on quality management principles of ISO 9000:2000 and three propositions. The propositions were tested using responses from managers or executives in 45 service organizations.

Findings

Cluster analysis shows that there are two markedly different ISO 9000:2000 implementation patterns among sample organizations. The analysis results also indicate that organizations with different ISO 9000:2000 implementation patterns performed differently in the two outcomes analysed.

Research limitations/implications

Managers in service organizations must realize that ISO 9000:2000 is capable of generating a competitive advantage only if top management is fully committed to the program implementation from a strategic perspective.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by offering new insights on the implementation patterns of ISO 9000:2000 in service organizations and their relationships with performance outcomes and contextual factors.
System dynamics approach to analysing the cost factors effects on cost of quality
Authors: Kiani Behdad , Shirouyehzad Hadi , Khoshsaligheh Bafti Fahime , Fouladgar Hamidreza
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for analysing the influence of costs of quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is designed by using a causal loop diagram and is analysed through a system dynamics approach. The model simulation is prepared by Vensim software.

Findings

Prevention and appraisal costs are the two effective cost factors. The model represented in this paper reveals that prevention costs have the most effect on total cost of quality and especially external failure costs. Hence, in order to achieve the customer expected quality level, prevention and appraisal costs should be considered.

Research limitations/implications

Calculating and measuring non‐conformance costs is very difficult in organizations and some errors and mistakes may happen.

Practical implications

A system dynamics approach can analyse and measure the amount of prevention cost effects on cost of quality in different organizations.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology demonstrates the use of an innovative approach in developing a cost of quality concept and constructing a practical framework for system dynamics in a real case.
User's perceived service quality of mobile communications: experience from Ethiopia
Authors: Negi Rakshit
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the causal relationship between service quality dimensions and overall service quality, and to identify service quality gaps as experienced by the subscribers of the mobile services of Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation (ETC).

Design/methodology/approach

The seven modified dimensions of SERVQUAL, namely tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, empathy, assurance, network aspect, and convenience were used to measure customers' perceptions and expectations of mobile telecommunications services by drawing a sample of 220 respondents using stratified random sampling.

Findings

Overall service quality of mobile communications was perceived to be as below average by over half (52.7 percent) of the respondents, followed by less than one‐third (28 percent) who mentioned it as average, and about one‐fifth (19.3 percent) as above average. The highest service quality gap was reported with the added dimension of network aspect, while the lowest score obtained was for convenience. Finally, two regression models predicting overall service quality with reliability and network aspect dimensions were obtained.

Research limitations/implications

The scope (geographical) of the study is limited to the subscribers of mobile services of Addis Ababa (capital city of Ethiopia).

Practical implications

Data representing customer perceptions and expectations with mobile services in delivering quality have been used to identify (in terms of quality gaps) areas needing improvement. ETC should concentrate on providing superior reliability, particularly, accuracy and dependability in mobile services. An extended focus on the items of network aspect dimension (transmission quality and network coverage) is also helpful in improving customers' perceived quality of mobile services.

Originality/value

Since most quality features in the SERVQUAL scale are related with customer handling, this study incorporated, and investigated further, the added two dimensions of network aspect and service convenience for their contribution to overall service quality of mobile communications.
International financial reporting standards: an indicator of high quality?
Authors: Jacob Rudy A. , Madu Christian N.
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the academic literature on the quality of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), formerly International Accounting Standards (IAS), which are poised to be the universal accounting language to be adopted by all companies regardless of their place of domicile.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this study is archival. The authors evaluate the academic empirical literature on the quality of IFRS.

Findings

With the world's capital markets becoming more and more inextricably linked, we believe IFRS represents a single set of high‐quality, globally accepted accounting standards that has the potential to significantly improve financial reporting comparability among companies on a worldwide basis.

Originality/value

It will be difficult to find any time in recent history when financial reporting has been catapulted to such enormous prominence. Some would argue that better reporting would have played a vital role in preventing the complete collapse of the world's financial system. This paper provides valuable input to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, which has recently completed a roadmap, creating the potential for all US public companies to be required to file their financial statements in accordance with IFRS by 2014.
Analysis of reliability using masked system life data
Authors: Hutto Donald E. , Mazzuchi Thomas , Sarkani Shahram
Published: August 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide maintenance personnel with a methodology for using masked field reliability data to determine the probability of each subassembly failure.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares an iterative maximum likelihood estimation method and a Bayesian methodology for handling masked data collected from 227 identical radar power supplies. The power supply consists of several subassemblies hereafter referred to as shop replaceable assemblies (SRAs).

Findings

The study examined two approaches for dealing with masking, an iterative maximum likelihood estimate procedure, IMLEP, and a Bayesian approach implemented with the application WinBUGS. It indicates that the performances of IMLEP and WinBUGS in estimating the parameters of the SRA distribution under no masking conditions are similar. IMLEP and WinBUGS also provide similar results under masking conditions. However, the study indicates that WinBUGS may perform better than IMLEP when the competing risk responsible for a failure represents a smaller total percentage of the total failures. Future study to confirm this conclusion by expanding the number of SRAs into which the item under study is organized is required.

Research limitations/implications

If an item is considered to be comprised of various subassemblies and the failure of the first subassembly causes the item to fail, then the item is referred to as a series system in the literature. If the probability of a each subassembly failure is statistically independent then the item can be represented by a competing risk model and the probability distributions of the subassemblies can be ascertained from the item's failure data. When the item's cause of failure is not known, the data are referred to in the literature as being masked. Since competing risk theory requires a cause of failure and a time of failure, any masked data must be addressed in the competing risk model.

Practical implications

This study indicates that competing risk theory can be applied to the equipment field failure data to determine a SRA's probability of failure and thereby provide an efficient sequence of replacing suspect failed SRAs.

Originality/value

The analysis of masked failure data is an important area that has had only limited study in the literature due to the availability of failure data. This paper contributes to the research by providing the complete historical equipment usage data for the item under study gathered over a time frame of approximately seven years.