bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pricing strategies and firm performances under alliance brand
Authors: Yan Ruiliang
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to help competitive firms find optimal pricing and brand management strategies in order to maximize their respective profits.

Design/methodology/approach

A game‐theoretic model is developed to determine optimal pricing and brand management strategies for competitive firms.

Findings

The study demonstrates that optimal pricing and brand management strategies exist for firms in a competitive market. The optimum marketing strategy for competitive firms to employ is the cooperative alliance pricing and brand management strategy, particularly when market competition is very intense.

Research limitations/implications

The present study assumes that all information is known to all parties. However, information could be incomplete. It is recommended that future research explore pricing and brand management strategies under incomplete and asymmetric information settings.

Practical implications

The paper provides a very useful model framework and pricing and brand management strategy for business managers when they are doing business in a competitive market.

Originality/value

The paper fills a conceptual and practical gap for a structured analysis of the current state of knowledge about alliance brand. It provides practical and solid advice and examples demonstrating the application of cooperative alliance pricing and brand management strategies for business managers.
Open access dissemination challenges: a case study
Authors: Young Philip
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore dissemination, broadly considered, of an open access (OA) database as part of a librarian‐faculty collaboration currently in progress.

Design/methodology/approach

Dissemination of an online database by librarians is broadly considered, including metadata optimization for multiple access points and user notification methods.

Findings

Librarians address OA dissemination challenges by investigating search engine optimization and seeking new opportunities for dissemination on the web. Differences in library metadata formats inhibit metadata optimization and need resolution.

Research limitations/implications

The collaboration is in progress and many of the ideas and conclusions listed have not been implemented.

Practical implications

Libraries should consider their role in scholarly publishing, develop workflows to enable it, and extend their efforts to the web.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the scant literature on dissemination by libraries, and discusses dissemination challenges encountered by a non‐peer reviewed, dynamic scholarly resource.
Promoting open access in Germany as illustrated by a recent project at the Library of the University of Konstanz
Authors: Kersting Anja , Pappenberger Karlheinz
Published: May 2009

Purpose

With the illustration of a best practice example for an implementation of open access in a scientific institution, the paper will be useful in fostering future open access projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts with a brief overview of the existing situation of open access in Germany. The following report describes the results of a best practice example, added by the analysis of a survey on the position about open access by the scientists at the University of Konstanz.

Findings

The dissemination of the advantages of open access publishing is fundamental for the success of implementing open access in a scientific institution. For the University of Konstanz, it is shown that elementary factors of success are an intensive cooperation with the head of the university and a vigorous approach to inform scholars about open access. Also, some more conditions are essential to present a persuasive service: The Library of the University of Konstanz offers an institutional repository as an open access publication platform and hosts open journal systems for open access journals. High‐level support and consultation for open access publishing at all administrative levels is provided. The integration of the local activities into national and international initiatives and projects is pursued for example by the joint operation of the information platform open‐access.net.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights in one of the most innovative open access projects in Germany. The University of Konstanz belongs to the pioneers of the open access movement in Germany and is currently running a successful open access project.
An interactive reading environment for online scholarly journals
Authors: Kopak Rick , Chiang Chia‐Ning
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a set of reader‐oriented tools developed as part of an open source journal production and access system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines key elements of the reading tools component of Open Journal Systems (OJS). A design rationale is provided, and related to the key elements of the system. The philosophy behind the development of the reading tools is described, and relevant published research in support of the design is presented.

Findings

OJS (http://pkp.sfu.ca/ojs) is a web‐based, open source editing, management, and production application designed for publication of scholarly journals online. The reading tools developed for OJS are a useful addition to the feature set of OJS, providing journal readers with a richer reading environment, promote active reading, and increase the level of critical engagement with journal article content.

Practical implications

Readers may find that the tools described, as well as the larger system of which they are a part, could be usefully adopted in their own institutional context.

Originality/value

This paper provides an introduction to the design philosophy behind a reader‐oriented set of tools that will be of interest to those engaged in online reading research, and information interaction design. It will also be of value to those interested in open access, as well as those interested in open source software development.
Recent evidence on efficiency in Southern European banking
Authors: Papadopoulos Simeon , Karagiannis Stelios
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues of efficiency, economies of scale and technical change in Southern European banking.

Design/methodology/approach

The flexible Fourier functional form of the stochastic cost frontier approach is used to calculate inefficiencies for a large sample of Southern European banks between 1999 and 2004. Economies of scale estimates are calculated by estimating firm‐specific cost elasticities.

Findings

The findings suggest that the largest sized banks are generally the least efficient banks and the smallest sized banks are the most efficient. The strongest economies of scale are displayed by Spanish banks, while the weakest economies of scale are reported by Greek banks. The impact of technical change in reducing bank costs (generally about 3 and 4 per cent per annum) does not appear to differ according to bank size.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not distinguish private banks from public or mutual banks and does not account for the effect of risk on the employment of bank capital.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to provide new and recent evidence on the very important issue of efficiency and technical change in Southern European markets.
Macroeconomic development and capital structure decisions of firms
Authors: Alufar Bokpin Godfred
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of macroeconomic factors on capital structure decisions of emerging firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel data covering a period from 1990 to 2006 for 34 emerging market countries were analyzed using the seemingly unrelated regression approach to mitigate the effects of multicollinearity and to test for the stability of parameter estimates across the countries.

Findings

The results largely suggest that the effect of macroeconomic factors on capital structure varies with capital structure measurement variable in most cases. Bank credit is significant in predicting capital structure choices of firms. The findings of the research also indicate a significantly negative relationship between gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and capital structure choices. Inflation on the other hand positively influences the choice of short‐term debt over equity. Stock market development is however insignificant in predicting capital structure decisions of firms and expectations of increasing interest rate positively influences firms to substitute long‐term debt for short‐term debt over equity. Most of the control variables namely asset tangibility, return on equity, return on assets and Tobin's Q were significant predictors of corporate financing. The results of the study generally supports existing literature on the impact of investment opportunity set, profitability, and stock market development, inflation, interest rate GDP per capita and bank credit on the capital structure decisions of firms.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is to analyze the effect of macroeconomic factors on the capital structure decisions of firms using large dataset from emerging countries.
Brand name and promotion in online shopping contexts
Authors: Park Minjung , Lennon Sharron J.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The objective of the paper is to examine the effect of brand name and promotion on consumers' perceived value, store image, and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment with a 2×2 (well known versus unknown brand name, promotion versus no promotion) between‐subjects factorial design was conducted and completed by 392 college students.

Findings

Brand name had a positive effect on consumers' perceived store image and promotion positively influenced consumers' perceived value. There were positive relationships among perceived value, store image and behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications

Since participants were primarily female college students at a Midwestern university in the USA, the results of the study cannot be generalized to the general population of college students.

Practical implications

Online retailers should consider the importance of enhancing their brand familiarity in terms of creating positive store image. Effective sales promotions could be used as a reward for loyal consumers and to attract more new consumers.

Originality/value

In spite of prevailing sales promotions and brand names in online shopping, little research has addressed the effect of promotion and brand name on online apparel shoppers' responses. The empirical evidence of this study will contribute to the literature in online apparel retailing fields.
Power and use of context in business management
Authors: Cortada James W.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the role that context plays in managerial decision making. The paper aims to argue that managers increasingly need to take into account broader contexts of information in decision making. It seeks to define managerial context, how it is of use, and to provide a set of recommendations about how to integrate context into the daily work of management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper approaches the topic of context by providing a definition of the concept, examples, and description of benefits of integrating context into daily work. It concludes with a proposed methodology for doing that.

Findings

The paper finds that context is an increasingly important tool for managerial decision making, particularly the more senior an executive is or the more ambiguous an issue being addressed.

Practical implications

The paper offers useful guidelines and approaches to the application of context into managerial work.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first – if not original – discussions of the role of context in managerial decision making. It is an outgrowth of many of the findings of students of KM and managerial practices. It provides management with specific hands‐on advice.
Knowledge management: a factor analysis of sector effects
Authors: Moffett Sandra , McAdam Rodney
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of knowledge management (KM) on three organizational sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper undertakes a dual theory building/testing approach. Through the development of a multi‐factor KM model, known as the MeCTIP model, and subsequent survey instrument, empirical analysis is conducted on a number of UK organizations from engineering, technology and financial services sectors.

Findings

The results indicate that for KM implementation common issues exist for people issues across organizational sectors, while cultural and technological differences are evident.

Research limitations/implications

As the survey population consists of UK companies only, the findings presented may not be representative of all companies, within the three identified sectors, on a global scale. Secondly, only three industrial sectors are included in the study, therefore the results cannot be applied to all organization types.

Originality/value

While the area of KM is eclectic in nature and covers the systematic management of knowledge, of all kinds, within all levels and types of organizations there is a paucity of empirical studies focusing on key variables within the field. Such studies are needed to increase understanding and to examine the applicability of KM across a range of organizational contexts.
Successful generational change in family business
Authors: Bigliardi Barbara , Ivo Dormio Alberto
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Family businesses (FBs) share common characteristics and face common problems, among which the generational change is recognized to be the most relevant one. During recent years, there has been a growing interest in the study of FBs. Notwithstanding, little attention has been paid to succession planning, and only few studies tried to identify which factors influence its success. The aim of this paper is to identify which factors may influence the succession process.

Design/methodology/approach

First a literature review is conducted, aiming to identify the main phases of a succession process and the factors that are relevant for its planning and management. Then, ten case studies of Italian FBs are analyzed.

Findings

The result is the development of a research framework and the identification of the factors that impact on the generational change's success. Moreover, best practices that emerge from the case studies are presented.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation refers to the case study based research that on one hand provides empirical evidence of theoretical assumptions and to exhaustively examine a problem to be studied, on the other, its results are not suitable to be generalized.

Practical implications

Managers of FBs may understand how to plan and manage successfully the succession process in order to survive the generational change.

Originality/value

The paper adds further elements to the long debate about the theme of succession, trying to better understand the factors of a successful succession.
The valuation of sustainable freehold property: a CRE perspective
Authors: Mansfield John R.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

In the increasingly hostile operating environment, corporate real estate (CRE) executives are beginning to recognise the importance of sustainability within their freehold property portfolios. To assist in decision‐making, external valuations are regularly commissioned. The purpose of this paper is to examine the practical difficulties associated with incorporating sustainability criteria in the valuation methodology as valuation outcomes inform CRE decision‐making at strategic and tactical levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the form of a detailed and critical literature review.

Findings

It is widely acknowledged that sustainability has become a key driver of many business decisions. Corporate entities can achieve a considerable range of tangible and intangible benefits from sustainable real estate in their freehold portfolios. While substantial progress has been made toward understanding the dynamics of the sustainable real estate market, the valuation of such assets is rather hampered by the comparative difficulties in achieving consensus regarding the sustainable criteria and how they should be objectively assessed.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the broader appreciation of the theoretical and practical difficulties associated with identifying and assessing appropriate sustainable criteria. Importantly, the paper highlights the need for greater understanding of the criteria in the evolving valuation methodology framework.
Consequences of outsourcing for organizational capabilities
Authors: Agndal Henrik , Nordin Fredrik
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The research on effects of outsourcing tends to focus on financial effects and effects at a country level. These are not the only consequences of outsourcing, though. When firms outsource functions previously performed in‐house, they risk losing important competencies, knowledge, skills, relationships, and possibilities for creative renewal. Such non‐financial consequences are poorly addressed in the literature, even though they may explain financial effects of outsourcing. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop a model that enables the study of non‐financial consequences of outsourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the literature on interdependencies between organizational functions, a main proposition is developed: given that savings gained from outsourcing are not reinvested in the organization, outsourcing of any function will negatively impact the capabilities of that and other functions in the organization. This proposition is broken down into sub‐propositions, which are tested through a focus group study. Respondents include purchasing professionals with experience from best practice outsourcing.

Findings

The initial proposition is developed through identification of variables mediating the proposed negative consequences of outsourcing. Mediating variables are broken down into four categories: variables relating to the outsourcer, the outsourcee, the relationship between the parties, and the context.

Research limitations/implications

By developing a model for the study of non‐financial consequences of outsourcing, this paper takes a step towards opening up an important avenue for future research.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the outsourcing field by not only considering non‐financial effects, but also by drawing on examples of best practice outsourcing to identify ways in which potentially negative consequences of outsourcing may be managed.
A framework for BPML assessment and improvement
Authors: Tsironis Loukas , Anastasiou Kiriakos , Moustakis Vassilis
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and improve two popular business process modelling languages (BPMLs) the Integration definition for function modelling (IDEF0) and event‐driven process chain (eEPC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper aims to select, compare and evaluate against a proposed criteria framework two popular BPMLs. In order to meet end‐user requirements, it suggests concrete improvements for either language. Evaluation findings and improvement attempts are documented over a case study within the context of a large European aerospace industry. The languages are applied through the use of appropriate software such as BPWin and Arena Simulation Software for IDEF0 and Architecture of Integrated Information Systems (ARIS) Toolset for eEPC.

Findings

Improved languages seem to overcome several deficiencies and increase their modelling performance. Improvements in IDEF0 include: classification of component information and insertion of logical operators. In this approach the language describes not only the information flow within the process, but also the time sequences via component discrimination. Improvements in eEPC include event chain diagram in ARIS house of business engineering methodology, which represents the interrelations between functions of different diagrams and the linkages among components and resources to include resources planning.

Practical implications

Results showed that language deficiencies were clarified. Thus, the improvements made, constitute better modelling performance and the development of more reliable models.

Originality/value

The paper outlines a systematic evaluation framework with concrete criteria. Furthermore, the improvements made, are a further step towards increased modelling performance, lean and comprehend diagrams.
An analytical tool for evaluating the impacts of sea level rise response strategies
Authors: Jones Russell , Strange Elizabeth
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Over the past century, the rate of sea level rise (SLR) has increased more than twice the average historical rate and the US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that by 2100 the sea level will increase nearly two feet in many coastal areas. Property owners and municipalities typically respond to SLR by constructing seawalls and similar structures to protect shoreline property (a practice known as “armoring”). The degree to which SLR and armoring threaten key coastal habitats has not been well studied, however. This study, aims to develop an inundation model on behalf of Stratus Consulting to examine anticipated habitat changes in coastal Ocean County, New Jersey.

Design/methodology/approach

The model used a geographical information system to map predicted changes in coastal habitats under two alternative SLR scenarios and six different shoreline armoring scenarios. The paper then used information from local experts and the scientific literature to predict changes in the relative abundances of fish and bird species under the different scenarios.

Findings

Under all scenarios, the model predicted substantial declines in the areal extent of Spartina marshes and in the annual production of finfish and shrimp. Declines in these marsh‐dependent species would have significant impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries. The study also predicted substantial declines in bird species such as songbirds and dabbling ducks.

Originality/value

The results of the study can help local stakeholders and decision‐makers plan responses to SLR. Conventional armoring responses could result in substantial and irreversible losses of coastal habitats and the species dependent on these habitats.
Coastal adaptation and economic tipping points
Authors: Franck Travis
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of levee construction and tropical storms on regional economic growth of a coastal community. The study's goal is to highlight feedbacks important to climate change adaptation in the coastal zone.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes a dynamic feedback model that includes coastal engineering, urban economic development, and natural ecosystem response. The model is a tool to help discuss important long‐term issues and to highlight areas of policy intervention. The data for the model come from US Census data, the global DIVA coastal database, and IPCC projections.

Findings

The results show urban areas facing elevated levels of exposure because of residents' low understanding of climatic risks. Coastal managers may actually increase long‐term exposure by attempting to protect coastal regions from long‐term sea‐level rise. Coastal defenses lead to a false sense of safety, increasing economic development in the short term, but causing larger economic losses in the long term, especially after a storm. Storm intensity and levee protection are important in determining an “economic tipping point” of long term growth – whether a community continues to grow or faces economic stagnation or decline. If storm damage is large enough, the community passes the tipping point and economic growth never recovers. The presence of levees changes the tipping point dynamic, making communities more resilient as long as there is no levee breach.

Originality/value

Coastal communities face increasing risk from accelerated sea‐level rise and tropical storms. Understanding the long‐term dynamics of protection decisions is important for creating effective adaptation policies.
Vulnerability of coastal urban settlements in Jamaica
Authors: Ishemo Amani
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the issue of vulnerability of coastal urban settlements in Jamaica in the context of rapid urbanization, poverty and institutional incapacity. It also aims to provide a case study that demonstrates the precarious situation faced by the most vulnerable coastal urban communities in Jamaica.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review preceded in‐depth but informal interviews with the directors of planning of the cities of Kingston, Port Antonio and Port Maria on a variety of issues related to hazards in conjunction with their municipal operational capacities. Informal interviews were also carried out with a community leader and five more persons who have resided in the African Gardens community since its inception in the 1980s. Interviews were based on issues such as hazards, government involvement in the development of the site and demographic characteristics of the area. Archival information on the Hope River corridor was also utilized to enhance the understanding of the site‐specific hazard issues in relation to the surrounding environment. The field verification, which was carried out in September 2008, updated the 1994 topographic map of the area at a scale of 1:5,000.

Findings

The results suggest that the conditions for the vulnerability of coastal towns in Jamaica are overwhelmingly man‐made. The problems of vulnerability have been worsened by the incapacity of the central and local governments in terms of their limitations of financial and technical resources, and the lack of government sensitivity to tackle the issue in a sustainable approach.

Originality/value

The matter of vulnerability of coastal urban settlements is a complex settlement problem of Jamaica's entire landscape. The solution to this problem requires an integrated and long‐term action programme regardless of the political party in power.
Lessons from history: coastal cities and natural disaster
Authors: Dyl Joanna
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to connect the history of San Francisco's urban development, particularly the use of artificial fill along the coast, with the city's seismic history in order to explore whether San Franciscans have learned from recurrent natural disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses historical analysis of primary sources, particularly scientific reports related to the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes. The theoretical approach draws on environmental history and natural disaster studies.

Findings

San Franciscans failed to learn lessons from earthquakes in 1868 and 1906. After the 1989 earthquake, experts reported that much of the damage had been predictable. Both policymakers and laypeople were surprised to discover the extent of scientific knowledge, given the poor preparation and outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The brief treatment by no means represents a thorough review of the literature; the paper is intended to be provocative rather than comprehensive.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that coastal residents need to develop a new paradigm for viewing environmental change, including natural disasters, as an inherent element of dynamic coastal ecosystems. This mindset would help cities to better prepare for both future disasters and more gradual change to coastal landscapes, such as that likely to occur as a result of global climate change.

Originality/value

The study connects insights from the discipline of history to those of the earthquake sciences. It seeks to disseminate concepts from environmental history, such as the unnaturalness of natural disasters and the relationship of cities to nature, to an audience of policymakers and scientists.
Student centered distance learning experiments over a communication and collaboration platform
Authors: Baudin Véronique , Villemur Thierry
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present two classes of distance learning experiments, with feedbacks. The experiments are based on constructivism theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts an experimental approach. Experiments are made with students. The assessments come from an analysis of questionnaires.

Findings

The results show technical evaluations and pedagogical evaluations of the e‐learning platform.

Research limitations/implications

There are functional improvements of the developed platform.

Practical implications

There are technical improvements of the developed platform.

Originality/value

This paper presents a student centered pedagogical approach supported by distant e‐learning platform.
Learning management systems
Authors: Wuttke Heinz‐Dietrich , Henke Karsten
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The content, provided in learning management systems (LMS), is often text oriented as in a usual textbook, extended by some animations and links. Hands on activities and experiments are not possible. The paper aims to give an overview about the concept to couple smart simulation and assessment tools with an LMS to provide a more explorative approach to the learning content.

Design/methodology/approach

Interactive components, such as smart design tools and online laboratories are added to an LMS that allow exploring the learned content additionally to text parts interactively. The objective of this teaching concept is to empower the students to solve complex design tasks for digital systems and to validate the results. This requires on the one hand site knowledge about the mathematical background of the algorithms used by design tools, and on the other hand, experience from as much as possible examples. Commercial tools are too complex for teaching purposes and hide mostly the algorithms they use for the several design steps. That is why we have developed smart special tailored tools for each single design step that should be learned during a lesson.

Findings

These smart tools are very useful to support the process of understanding and learning by doing. Learners can explore the several design steps with own examples and get immediately feedback about the correct solutions.

Practical implications

The connection to an LMS allows us to record all students' relevant actions in the design process and to evaluate the student or to give individual tailored hints.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a new teaching concept that allows exploring the learned content interactively additionally to text parts.
Consumer web page search, clicking behavior and reaction time
Authors: Hofacker Charles F. , Murphy Jamie
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain why visitors click the last several menu items on a web page at a higher rate than middle items in the menu, a menu recency effect. A secondary goal is to test the use of visitor reaction time data as routinely collected by live web servers on the internet and the use of such data in understanding consumer response to direct marketing efforts at the level of an individual web page.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a field experiment on a live web site belonging to a medium sized hospitality business, specifically a restaurant. Data, including visitor reaction time, come from the standard web log files routinely collected on all web sites. The sample consisted of more than 40,000 visitors to the web site.

Findings

The reasons for the recency effect seem more likely to pertain to short‐term memory advantages for later menu items and less likely to relate to eye movements in which the visitor's gaze prematurely jumps to the end of a menu.

Originality/value

The first contribution of this paper is to bring to bear a very large sample in order to explain a paradox of search behavior, namely that consumers are more likely to click on the last link in a menu than middle links. Understanding this phenomenon will allow web site managers to better optimize their sites according to their marketing goals. The second contribution is to demonstrate the usefulness of reaction time data in a direct marketing context. Web log servers automatically collect such data. Such data represent an ideal opportunity to leverage the direct connection between marketers and consumers that exists online.
Strategic decision making in Chinese SMEs
Authors: Huang Xueli
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the process and characteristics of strategic decision making (SDM), and their influencing factors in Chinese small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a case‐study research design. It collected data from 20 Chinese SMEs with multiple approaches, including interviews with owners/managers, focus groups, gathering of internal documents and access to their web site.

Findings

Several important conclusions can be drawn. First, the steps involved in the SDM process in Chinese SMEs are less complex than the theoretical models; second, Chinese SME owners/managers rely heavily on their personal networks for identifying opportunities in the business environment, and for information search and advice; third, a firm's ownership significantly influences the degree of participation and the level of political activities in the SDM process; and fourth, decisions made in Chinese SMEs can be implemented quickly partly due to slack legal enforcement in China.

Practical implications

For SME owners/managers, a better understanding of the decision‐making routes provides a basis for enhancing the quality of the decision‐making process. They can expand and/or improve the steps in executing their decision‐making process. For Chinese government policy‐makers, they can better sponsor training programs in strategic management and develop mentoring programs among SME owners/managers for better connecting them with peers and external advisors. For SME researchers, this paper has pointed out several important areas for future research.

Originality/value

This research is one of the pioneering studies on SDM in Chinese SMEs. It provides a detailed description of the SDM process and several important characteristics associated with this process in Chinese SMEs, and thus contributed significantly to our understanding and potential improvement of SDM in Chinese SMEs.
Global competitiveness in the Datang hosiery cluster, Zhejiang
Authors: Akoorie Michèle E.M. , Ding Qiang
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development and characteristics of industrial clusters in the province of Zhejiang, China with particular emphasis on the hosiery industry in the town of Datang.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used case study methodology and data triangulation techniques based on archival research and reports of statistical agencies both at central and local government level.

Findings

Industry clusters assist in regional economic development by increasing local competitive advantages and creating an industrial regional identity through specialisation which attracts resources, labour and capital for investment. The industrial cluster in Datang has been stimulated by the local entrepreneurial climate, effective local networks and support from local government.

Practical implications

The hosiery industrial cluster in Datang is in a less‐developed rural region characterised by low‐level labour intensive industrial activity. Their ability to compete internationally is hampered by low levels of innovation. The global networks are controlled by buyers of product. Design and/or innovation capability could be improved by developing strategic alliances with Italian producers in the same industry.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to our understanding of the problems facing industrial clusters in provincial China which, as yet are unable to match the design and branding capabilities achieved by clusters in similar industries in Castel Goffredo (Italy) where outstanding design and branding have enabled them to build a dominant position in the European market in higher added‐value products.
Regulation of leaf organ size by the Arabidopsis RPT2a 19S proteasome subunit
Authors: Sonoda Yutaka , Sako Kaori , Maki Yuko , Yamazaki Naoko , Yamamoto Hiroko , Ikeda Akira , Yamaguchi Junji
Published: May 2009

The ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway plays a central role in the degradation of short‐lived regulatory proteins, to control many cellular events. To further understand this pathway, we focused on the RPT2 subunit of the 26S proteasome regulatory particle. The Arabidopsis genome contains two genes, AtRPT2a and AtRPT2b, which encode paralog molecules of the RPT2 subunit, with a difference of only three amino acids in the protein sequences. Both genes showed similar mRNA accumulation patterns. However, the rpt2a mutant showed a specific phenotype of enlarged leaves caused by increased cell size, in correlation with increased ploidy. Detailed analyses revealed that cell expansion is increased in the rpt2a mutant by extended endoreduplication early in leaf development. The transcription of genes encoding cell cycle‐related components, for DNA replication licensing and the G2/M phase, was also promoted in the rpt2a mutant, suggesting that extended endoreduplication was caused by increased DNA replication, and disrupted regulation of the G2/M checkpoint, at the proliferation stage of leaf development.
Interobserver agreement between primary graders and an expert grader in the Bristol and Weston diabetic retinopathy screening programme: a quality assurance audit
Authors: Patra S. , Gomm E. M. W. , Macipe M. , Bailey C.
Published: May 2009

Aims  To assess the quality and accuracy of primary grading in the Bristol and Weston diabetic retinopathy screening programme and to set standards for future interobserver agreement reports.

Methods  A prospective audit of 213 image sets from six fully trained primary graders in the Bristol and Weston diabetic retinopathy screening programme was carried out over a 4‐week period. All the images graded by the primary graders were regraded by an expert grader blinded to the primary grading results and the identity of the primary grader. The interobserver agreement between primary graders and the blinded expert grader and the corresponding Kappa coefficient was determined for overall grading, referable, non‐referable and ungradable disease. The audit standard was set at 80% for interobserver agreement with a Kappa coefficient of 0.7.

Results  The interobserver agreement bettered the audit standard of 80% in all the categories. The Kappa coefficient was substantial (0.7) for the overall grading results and ranged from moderate to substantial (0.59–0.65) for referable, non‐referable and ungradable disease categories. The main recommendation of the audit was to provide refresher training for the primary graders with focus on ungradable disease.

Conclusion  The audit demonstrated an acceptable level of quality and accuracy of primary grading in the Bristol and Weston diabetic retinopathy screening programme and provided a standard against which future interobserver agreement can be measured for quality assurance within a screening programme.
Calnuc Binds to LRP9 and Affects its Endosomal Sorting
Authors: Brodeur Julie , Larkin Heidi , Boucher Rémi , Thériault Caroline , St‐Louis Samuel Chayer , Gagnon Hugo , Lavoie Christine
Published: May 2009

Calnuc is an ubiquitous Ca++‐binding protein found in the cytoplasm where it binds different Gα subunits, in the Golgi lumen where it constitutes a major Ca++ storage pool, and outside the cell. We identified LDLR‐related protein 9 (LRP9) as the first transmembrane protein shown to interact directly with Calnuc. LRP9 is a member of a new subfamily of the LDLR superfamily that cycles between the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) and endosomes through a mechanism dependent on clathrin adaptor GGA proteins. The aim of the present study was to characterize the interaction between Calnuc and LRP9. Various biochemical assays showed that the N‐terminus of Calnuc interacts with an arginine‐rich region in the cytosolic tail of LRP9. Confocal microscopy showed that Calnuc colocalizes with LRP9 at the surface of the TGN and early endosomes. Depletion of Calnuc by small interfering RNA (siRNA) missorted LRP9 in the late endosome/lysosome compartments and enhanced its lysosomal degradation. This phenotype was rescued by the expression of siRNA‐resistant wild‐type Calnuc as well as cytoplasmic Calnuc, indicating that the cytoplasmic pool of Calnuc is involved in LRP9 endosomal sorting to prevent the delivery of LRP9 to lysosomes. This is the first report showing that Calnuc plays a role in receptor trafficking.
Can physical exercise during gestation attenuate the effects of a maternal perinatal low‐protein diet on oxygen consumption in rats?
Authors: Amorim Marco Fidalgo , Dos Santos José Antonio , Hirabara Sandro Massao , Nascimento Elizabeth , De Souza Sandra Lopes , De Castro Raul Manhães , Curi Rui , Leandro Carol Góis
Published: May 2009

A protocol of physical exercise, based on maximal oxygen uptake
, for female rats before and during pregnancy was developed to evaluate the impact of a low‐protein diet on oxygen consumption during gestation and growth rate of the offspring. Virgin female Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follows: untrained (NT, n= 5); trained (T, n= 5); untrained with low‐protein diet (NT+LP, n= 5); and trained with low‐protein diet (T+LP, n= 5). Trained rats were submitted to a protocol of moderate physical training on a treadmill over a period of 4 weeks (5 days week−1 and 60 min day−1, at 65% of
). At confirmation of pregnancy, the intensity and duration of the exercise was reduced. Low‐protein groups received an 8% casein diet, and their peers received a 17% casein diet. The birth weight and growth rate of the pups up to the 90th day were recorded. Oxygen consumption
, CO2 production and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were determined using an indirect open‐circuit calorimeter. Exercise training increased
by about 20% when compared with the initial values (45.6 ± 1.0 ml kg−1 min−1). During gestation, all groups showed a progressive reduction in the resting
values. Dams in the NT+LP group showed lower values of resting
than those in the NT group. The growth rate of pups from low‐protein‐fed mothers was around 50% lower than that of their respective controls. The T group showed an increase in body weight from the 60th day onwards, while the NT+LP group presented a reduced body weight from weaning onwards. In conclusion, physical training attenuated the impact of the low‐protein diet on oxygen consumption during gestation and on the growth rate of the offspring.
Deep reactive ion etching as a tool for nanostructure fabrication
Authors: Fu Y. Q. , Colli A. , Fasoli A. , Luo J. K. , Flewitt A. J. , Ferrari A. C. , Milne W. I.
Published: May 2009

Deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) is investigated as a tool for the realization of nanostructures and architectures, including nanopillars, silicon nanowires or carbon nanotubes on Si nanopillars, nanowalls, and nanonetworks. The potential of combining top-down fabrication methods with the bottom-up synthesis of one-dimensional nanocomponents is assessed. The field-emission properties of carbon nanotubes/Si pillars hybrid structures are measured, as well as the transport properties of large-area nanowires obtained via nanowire lithography. The potential of DRIE for the fabrication of three-dimensional nanostructures is also revealed.
Nanometric ductile cutting characteristics of silicon wafer using single crystal diamond tools
Authors: Liu Kui , Zuo Dunwen , Li X. P. , Rahman M.
Published: May 2009

In current wafer fabrication, most machining processes, such as slicing, edge grinding, finishing, lapping, polishing, back thinning, and dicing, are based on grinding or abrasive process, which always generated microcracks and subsurface damage. In this article, theoretical analysis on ductile mode cutting of silicon wafer showed that the machined silicon surface with free of fracture and nanometer scale surface roughness can be achieved when dislocation dominated the chip formation rather than crack propagation. Nanometric cutting on silicon wafers using an ultraprecision lathe with a single crystal diamond tool has been carried out to verify ductile cutting performance of silicon wafer. The machined workpiece surfaces and diamond tools used were examined using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The experimental results are found to well substantiate the analytical findings, and nanometric ductile mode cutting of silicon wafer has been successfully achieved under the critical cutting conditions.
Enhancement of hemocompatibility on titanium implant with titanium-doped diamond-like carbon film evaluated by cellular reactions using bone marrow cell cultures in vitro
Authors: Feng Wen-Chung , Wang Chau-Hsiang , Cheng Hsin-Chung , Chiou Shi-Yung , Chen Chin-Sung , Ou Keng-Liang
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new method to deposit a-C:H film with the biological acceptance of titanium as a protective coating material in biomedical applications. For this purpose, various amounts of titanium were incorporated into a-C:H films by a combined radio frequency and magnetron sputtering system. In order to realize the properties of a-C:H films with and without Ti, the specimens were evaluated by material analyses and cell culture. The Ti and TiC were embedded in and connected to an amorphous a-C:H matrix. The a-C:H∕Ti film has better capability of osteoblast differentiation than Ti and a-C:H, revealing that the biocompatibility of a-C:H containing Ti is obviously better than a-C:H. It is believed that the Ti plays an important role in enhancing the film’s adhesion and biocompatibility. Furthermore, it also revealed the issue of hemocompatibility and that blood/a-C:H∕Ti interactions as a function of surface roughness can affect the red blood cell (RBC) distributions in early tissue healing. The different surface roughness can result in various blood cell responses as investigated by RBC distribution and platelet aggregation.
Analysis of different compression-molding techniques regarding the quality of optical lenses
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Hessner Sebastian , Klaiber Fritz
Published: May 2009

The manufacturing of optical components by injection molding and injection-compression molding is a serious challenge for tool and machine technology as well as for process control. To evaluate the quality of optical parts, the accuracy of the molded geometry as well as the resulting optical performance have been analyzed. At present a geometrical molding accuracy in the lower micron range has been achieved for the production of thick-walled lenses. Overall injection-compression molded lenses showed a better optical performance than injection-molded lenses. Due to these preliminary investigations, different injection-compression-molding technologies are to be examined. Thus, a mold has been developed, which enables the comparison of different injection-compression technologies. The compression step is realized, on the one hand, by the mold motion of the injection molding machine and, on the other hand, by integrated hydraulic pistons. With this mold design, the compression technique using integrated hydraulic pistons achieves better results regarding the optical and the geometrical properties of the lenses. To analyze the molded optics, a Shack–Hartmann sensor was used in order to characterize the deformation of the wave front. For the geometrical accuracy of the molded lenses, a chromatic sensor was used.