bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing accounting discourse: avoiding the “fallacy of internalism”
Authors: Ferguson John
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on John B. Thompson's “tripartite approach” for the analysis of mass media communication, highlighting how this methodological framework can help address some of the shortcomings apparent in extant studies on accounting which purport to analyse accounting “texts”.

Design/methodology/approach

By way of example, the paper develops a critique of an existing study in accounting that adopts a “textually‐oriented” approach to discourse analysis by Gallhofer, Haslam and Roper. This study, which is informed by Fairclough's version of critical discourse analysis (CDA), undertakes an analysis of the letters of submission of two business lobby groups regarding proposed takeovers legislation in New Zealand. A two‐stage strategy is developed: first, to review the extant literature which is critical of CDA, and second, to consider whether these criticisms apply to Gallhoferet al.Whilst acknowledging that Gallhoferet al.'s (2001) study is perhaps one of the more comprehensive in the accounting literature, the critique developed in the present paper nevertheless highlights a number of limitations. Based upon this critique, an alternative framework is proposed which allows for a more comprehensive analysis of accounting texts.

Findings

The critique of Gallhoferet al.'s study highlights what is arguably an overemphasis on the internal characteristics of text: this is referred to by Thompson as the “fallacy of internalism”. In other words, Gallhoferet al.draw inferences regarding the production of the letters of submission from the texts themselves, and make implicit assumptions about the likely effects of these texts without undertaking any formal analysis of their production or reception, or without paying sufficient attention to the social and historical context of their production or reception.

Originality/value

Drawing on Thompson's theory of mass communication and his explication of the hermeneutical conditions of social‐historical enquiry, the paper outlines a range of theoretical considerations which are pertinent to researchers interested in studying accounting texts. Moreover, building on these theoretical considerations, the paper delineates a coherent and flexible methodological framework, which, it is hoped, may guide accounting researchers in this area.
Reply to: “Analysing accounting discourse: avoiding the ‘fallacy of internalism’”
Authors: Gallhofer Sonja , Haslam Jim , Roper Juliet
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a response to “Analysing accounting discourse: avoiding the ‘fallacy of internalism’”, an article by Ferguson in which a work by Gallhofer et al. is critiqued.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper responds to critique by Ferguson that one of their papers does not consider the “social‐historical contexts of text production, transmission and reception”. It also looks at Ferguson's challenge of critical discourse analysis (CDA) and its political motivation.

Findings

The paper defends Gallhofer et al. in that they chose to “promote critical discourse analysis respecting the focus of accounting and finance” and that the aim of their work was pedagogical. They chose to focus on the production of the texts rather than their reception because the work wanted to gain insights into how accounting texts are read and mobilised by radical activists in pursuance of their emancipatory goals, especially through CDA.

Originality/value

The paper provides a defence of a previous paper of the authors, which was concerned with emancipatory change, evident in Fairclough's version of CDA.
Disembodied information
Authors: Frendo Ruth
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Contemporary practices of information management tend to approach information as discrete and decontextualised units. The creation and capture of electronically generated metadata, specific to individual transactions, have become a primary concern of the archival and records management literature. The prevalent model of discrete metadata capture lends itself easily to automation, but it cannot emulate the intellectual control offered by traditional classification structures such as file plans. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a critical review of literature.

Findings

Recognition of contextual structures and relationships cannot at present be automated, natural language processing capabilities are poor, and metadata can easily become decoupled from “disembodied” discrete units of information. Discrete metadata capture has been developed in the context of commercial transactions rather than information management.

Practical implications

File plans as explicit organisations of knowledge can be used to generate contextually significant metadata for records. Such metadata may then be of considerable value to digital curation processes.

Originality/value

This critique will be useful in considering practical approaches to metadata capture.
Transactive memory processes that lead to better team results
Authors: Cruz Natalia Martin , Perez Victor Martin , Fernandez Ramos Yolanda
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to evaluate dynamically those transactive memory processes that help to improve team results. Thus, the paper analyzes the processes by which transactive memory systems are created and we evaluate their effect on team results.

Design/methodology/approach

To reach this objective, a quasi‐experiment was conducted with 167 students from the School of Business in a Spanish University during 2004‐2005. This experiment consisted of a business game where students had to make decisions in 44 teams.

Findings

Transactive memory can help to understand differences in team results.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of our analysis are related to the short period of the quasi‐experiment.

Originality/value

For courses which involve team learning, teachers would promote some specific practices and ways to work.
Interplay among innovativeness, cognitive intelligence, emotional intelligence and social capital of work teams
Authors: Goyal Ajay , Akhilesh K.B.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to highlight the key value changes in the current economy, which is shifting towards intangible assets such as innovativeness, cognitive intelligence, emotional intelligence, social capital, and also a shift from individual to team working.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an examination of the relevant literature and divergent thinking.

Findings

On the basis of a critical analysis of the literature it is found that the outcome of all factors (internal as well as external) influencing the functioning of a team/group would lead to a “general ability” which can be conceived as composed of three different and interrelated abilities, termed the “cognitive intelligence”, “emotional intelligence” and “social capital” of the team/group. These three abilities could explain a wide range of group behaviors. A conceptual model is developed to explain the innovativeness of work teams in terms of these three group abilities.

Research limitations/implications

The general and inclusive nature of the variables proposed in the model hold promise for proving more stable explanations, and thus a robust model, of highly complex phenomena of work team innovativeness. By associating with innovativeness this model brings the emerging concepts of group intelligence to the attention of management researchers. The underlining and classification of the fundamental abilities of groups into three basic categories (i.e. cognitive, emotional and social), provides a direction for future research in the under‐studied “cognitive” and “affective” dimensions of groups/teams. The model presented here is a conceptual model and needs to be validated empirically.

Practical implications

For intervention and practical purposes, the variables proposed in the model would provide a more comprehensive framework for the assessment of group functioning, and work as a guide for building effective teams and changing the function of the team in desired directions.

Originality/value

Although the relevant literature consists of many partial and indirect hints and indications in the direction as conceived by the model, the full model as such is original. The authors' primary contribution is in perceiving the holistic picture of the phenomena (i.e. basic abilities of groups) and relating them to innovativeness.
Improvisation model for team performance enhancement in a manufacturing environment
Authors: Jambekar Anil B. , Pelc Karol I.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The core purpose of the paper is to propose that improvisational practices have the potential to bring an additional dimension to the learning process in a typical manufacturing organization governed by a culture‐implied “plan what we do and do what we plan” environment. In today's turbulent environment employees should possess both the capability to follow a plan, while at the same time remaining able to respond instinctively to outcomes that are unexpected.

Design/methodology/approach

Several authors view the concept of improvisation associated with performing arts and creativity‐based artistic productions such as jazz performance, comedy and improvisational theater as a model to shape organizational processes. The instances of improvisation cited in the literature are first classified as either proactive or reactive. Using the jazz metaphor, the paper offers a model of decision making by an agent and a process view of communication.

Findings

The authors propose that a culture of a manufacturing environment described as “plan what we do, do what we plan, but improvise with bias toward improved system performance” is very desirable and should be legitimized.

Research limitations/implications

Although the model is conceptual, it will benefit from more empirical or case‐based research.

Practical implications

For practising managers, this work offers a goalpost toward productive thinking.

Originality/value

The paper argues that improvisational experience of other domains of activity (e.g. in creativity‐based artistic productions such as jazz bands, theatres) should be considered for adoption into the manufacturing environment after a suitable transformation.
The team as a learning strategy
Authors: Kock Henrik
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to increase understanding of how the introduction of a team‐based work organization can affect the opportunities to learn at work. Two research questions are addressed: “What conditions are important for learning and competence development in a team‐based work organization?” and “To what extent does a team‐based work organization support and enhance favourable learning conditions for team members?”

Design/methodology/approach

Investigations are based on longitudinal case studies of work‐based learning and the development of a team‐based organization in three manufacturing companies.

Findings

Results demonstrate that there are no straightforward or linear relations between the introduction of team‐based production and the expansion of learning conditions. The study also identifies several challenges and dilemmas organizations meet when they introduce a team‐based production.

Practical implications

Several conditions important for learning in a team‐based production are emphasized, including: the needs for challenging work tasks; the development of team leadership; and the significance of supportive learning conditions.

Originality/value

The study contributes to an understanding of organizational change and development as a non‐linear process, which can be understood as a complex interplay between actors and internal and external organizational conditions.
Engendering debate: credit recognition of project‐based workplace research
Authors: Walsh Anita
Published: November 2007

Purpose

In the UK there is currently a national consultation on the structure/adoption of an academic credit framework for higher education. The purpose of this paper is to argue that the principles underlying such a framework, when applied in the context of a workplace research project, can facilitate debate between the academic disciplines and work‐based learning practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper argues that the workplace project, when designed and structured according to credit principles, offers a valuable point at which to interact with academic colleagues from the disciplines, and to engage them in debate regarding the academic validity of work‐based learning. The case made here is that workplace research projects (which will have an element of familiarity to colleagues) and academic credit practice (where learning recognition is not contextualised but level of achievement is fundamental) can offer a way to engender that debate.

Findings

The lack of academic confidence in work‐based learning has been consistently experienced by academics introducing work‐based learning in the UK and Australia, and they are very much aware of the need to overcome it. There is a challenge to the structure and basis of higher education is taking place in a sector which, until recently, was functioning effectively in an élite tradition.

Originality/value

The paper indicates a way to address the academic issues raised by full recognition of workplace learning and engage with them by using the “language” of credit practice, which can accommodate both new and established academic practice.
Changing the behaviour of traditional bakers in a Chinese multi‐family owned food company through workplace action learning in Hong Kong
Authors: Elsey Barry , Chi‐Hang Tse Rex
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the rationale for designing and implementing an action learning and research process to significantly transform the work behaviour of tradition‐bound bakers to embrace leading ideas of a new workplace culture in order to diversify the product range of the moon cake and generally improve the competitive performance of the company.

Design/methodology/approach

Emphasis was placed on action learning and action research as the main vehicles for managing the organizational change process.

Findings

The project demonstrates how an action learning and change management strategy was designed and implemented with a Chinese workforce that had no prior experience of modern ideas on production technology and other aspects of the new workplace culture.

Research limitations/implications

The project was confined to a single case study approach in the bakery department of a major food company in Hong Kong.

Practical implications

The project demonstrates a close correspondence between organizational learning and change management theory and the actual process and outcomes of a practical change agenda.

Originality/value

The special value of the paper lies in its insights into the work behaviour of Chinese factory workers.
Information sharing, self‐directed learning and its implications for workplace learning
Authors: Beitler Michael A. , Mitlacher Lars W.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between self‐directed learning readiness (SDLR) of business students in Germany and the USA and their attitudes towards information sharing and to ascertain implications for workplace learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study used a survey research design.

Findings

The study finds that surveyed US business students have higher SDLR scores than their German counterparts, implying that they are more self‐directed when it comes to learning. In both countries, the higher the SDLR score of a person, the more likely this person is willing to share information. The motivation behind it is primarily to help others. This means that employees with high SDLR scores can support and foster workplace learning as they distribute information more freely.

Originality/value

The findings are significant because the relation between SDLR and information sharing, as well as the implications for workplace learning, have not been analyzed in previous studies. Additionally, the international focus of the research adds a cross‐cultural perspective to the debate in self‐directed learning.
Data driven modeling of co‐movement among international stock market
Authors: Tseng Chiu‐Che
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to research the correlation using artificial intelligent tools among international stock markets issuing for the companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective is to find out the correlation among markets so it can be used for trend prediction. The stock price data from various companies that have issued stock in different countries were used to produce analysis for predictive purposes. Various artificial intelligent tools were used and the predictive performance among them compared.

Findings

The finding is that the predictive results when using one market to predict another is above 50 percent and higher, which is much better than random walk.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations are that only the raw market data are worked on, but there are many factors that could affect the short‐term trend of a stock.

Practical implications

This could benefit traders who are interested in trading international issuing stock by taking advantage of markets' different time zones.

Originality/value

The approach provides a methodology approach to predict the moving trend of a stock among international markets.
Information symmetry, quality perception, and market dynamics
Authors: Narendra Wankhade Lalit , Dabade B.M.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to study market dynamics in the backdrop of information symmetry and quality perception. The position of high quality products (HQPs) in the market is a focus of this analysis. Also, an attempt is made to unfold the prevailing parametric relationships in the market of developed and developing nations.

Design/methodology/approach

Related literature is reviewed and investigation is attempted into market dynamics. System dynamics is used for preliminary modelling and analysis. Simulation runs are carried out to assess the impact of company reputation and advertising on market parameters.

Findings

Behaviours of market parameters are unraveled. From using correlation analysis and analytic hierarchy approach, the policy measures to improve the HQP position in the market are revealed.

Research limitations/implications

The study of some aspects of market dynamics is attempted. Further, study and modelling are required to completely understand the market behaviour.

Practical implications

The model has a practical relevance to implement quality perception enhancement by deciding on the policy mix.

Originality/value

This is a start for systems analysis of the market, which may offer a long‐term foundation to market dynamics.
Modelling of critical success factors for implementation of AMTs
Authors: Singh Rajesh K. , Garg Suresh K. , Deshmukh S.G. , Kumar Mohendra
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Globalisation of markets, the knowledge economy, e‐business and introduction of new technologies pose new challenges to all organizations irrespective of their size and sector for sustaining their competitiveness. In this scenario successful implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) by firms can give them an edge over their competitors. This paper aims to identify and develop the structural relationship among different factors for successful implementation of AMTs.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based survey and interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been applied in this study. In this research, 14 factors have been identified such as top management commitment, organization culture, sound financial condition, training, integration of departments, etc. On the basis of survey results and opinion of experts from industry and academia, a structural relationship model has been developed through an ISM approach.

Findings

Top management commitment and sound financial condition are the major drivers for implementing AMTs. Effective implementation of AMTs will improve organization performance in terms of lead time, product cost, fast delivery and product quality. For effective implementation of AMTs, management should not ignore managerial aspects such as organization culture, employee training, integration of departments, vendor development, strategy development and customer involvement.

Originality/value

Management needs to address driving variables more carefully for successful implementation of AMTs.
Technology acceptance: a meta‐analysis of the TAM: Part 2
Authors: Yousafzai Shumaila Y. , Foxall Gordon R. , Pallister John G.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper is the second of two concerned with a meta‐analysis of the technology acceptance model (TAM). This part aims to present a rigorous and quantitative meta‐analytic review of 569 findings from 95 TAM studies as a basis for identifying gaps and providing guidelines for implementation management and conduct of future research. The paper also seeks to investigate the potential impact of methodological characteristics on the meta‐analytic findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach consists of meta‐analysis following Hedges and Olkin's procedures, moderator‐analysis using homogeneity Q‐values, analogue to ANOVA and weighted regression method.

Findings

The dominant focus in empirical investigations of the TAM has been on modelling intention for its effect on self‐reported usage behaviour, while the attitudinal construct has been neglected. This raises three questions: whether the exclusion of attitude from the TAM is beneficial for understanding of technology usage behaviour in mandatory settings; whether the revised TAM holds equally for mandatory and voluntary settings; and whether the emphasis on measuring intentions and self‐report use rather than actual usage is warranted. An additional question answered in the meta‐analysis is about the relative importance of PU and PEOU.

Originality/value

The paper provides a rigorous meta‐analysis to progress towards a unified view of the TAM.
Restricted principal components analysis for marketing research
Authors: DeSarbo Wayne S. , Hausman Robert E. , Kukitz Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Principal components analysis (PCA) is one of the foremost multivariate methods utilized in marketing and business research for data reduction, latent variable modeling, multicollinearity resolution, etc. However, while its optimal properties make PCA solutions unique, interpreting the results of such analyses can be problematic. A plethora of rotation methods are available for such interpretive uses, but there is no theory as to which rotation method should be applied in any given social science problem. In addition, different rotational procedures typically render different interpretive results. The paper aims to introduce restricted PCA (RPCA), which attempts to optimally derive latent components whose coefficients are integer‐constrained (e.g.: {−1,0,1}, {0,1}, etc.).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents two algorithms for deriving efficient solutions for RPCA: an augmented branch and bound algorithm for sequential extraction, and a combinatorial optimization procedure for simultaneous extraction of these constrained components. The paper then contrasts the traditional PCA‐derived solution with those obtained from both proposed RPCA procedures with respect to a published data set of psychographic variables collected from potential buyers of the Dodge Viper sports car.

Findings

This constraint results in solutions which are easily interpretable with no need for rotation. In addition, the proposed procedure can enhance data reduction efforts since fewer raw variables define each derived component.

Originality/value

The paper provides two algorithms for estimating RPCA solutions from empirical data.
Gratuity purchasing at wineries: an investigation of the determining factors
Authors: Kolyesnikova Natalia , Dodd Tim H. , Laverie Debra A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Wine and accessories bought partly or fully out of a perceived need to repay services received at a winery are defined here as gratuity purchasing. The purpose of the research is to identify factors that predict gratuity purchasing at wineries. Specifically, the study seeks to investigate the role of gratitude and obligation, along with other consumer characteristics, in purchasing.

Design/methodology/approach

Winery visitors were sampled from six Texas wineries. A total of 357 questionnaires were analyzed. Hierarchical multiple regression, correlation and factor analyses were employed.

Findings

Gratitude and obligation were found to be strong predictors of purchasing at wineries. Visitors who feel grateful to personnel and/or obliged to buy wine are likely to spend more money at wineries. Involvement and knowledge also appear to be related to purchasing.

Practical implications

Since gratitude and obligation appear to be strong predictors of buying decisions, winery managers need to find ways to enhance visitor feelings of appreciation. Although developing a sense of obligation may have an impact on sales, obligation may also create feelings of not wishing to return. It is important for managers to consider the extent to which they would like to have people feeling obligated or guilty about making a purchase.

Originality/value

The research offers new insights into an understudied area of consumer behavior – the role of reciprocity in purchasing behavior. An innovative feature of this study is the development of a new instrument to measure gratitude and obligation.
Regional brand image and perceived wine quality: the consumer perspective
Authors: Johnson Ray , Bruwer Johan
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The overall aim of this study is to examine the regional brand image of selected California wine regions and the effect of that image on consumers' quality perceptions when included on wine labels. It also seeks to examine the importance of regional brand image with respect to information other than place‐of‐origin provided on the wine labels. Finally, the study seeks to define consumer preference for selected California wine regions, with a deeper look at Sonoma, and their preference for appellations within those regions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection took place by means of a highly‐structured online survey of male and female wine consumers, during a two‐week period in May 2006 across the USA. The sample was limited to two groups of wine consumers who are the recipients of monthly and quarterly wine newsletters respectively. The request to participate was directed to 9,922 e‐mail boxes that yielded a response rate of 5.7 percent, finally resulting in 570 usable surveys.

Findings

The perceived quality of a wine region raises the quality expectation of the sub‐regions or appellations within that region. This was especially evident in the case of Sonoma County. The wine region is the most important information to predict quality on wine labels. Almost without exception, the addition of regional information on a label increased consumer confidence in the quality of the product. The ever‐increasing number of American viticultural areas (AVAs) results in a fragmented offering in terms of the place‐of‐origin marketing strategy to consumers and is not desirable.

Research limitations/implications

The research suggests that a wine regional brand image is multi‐dimensional in nature and that many, in fact, most individual AVAs have weak regional brand strength when compared with the high equity ones such as Napa Valley and Sonoma. These findings are, however, tentative as the study was conducted only in the USA and largely among California residents with a relatively high wine involvement level. These issues warrant further investigation.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to academic readers, wine industry practitioners and regional wine and/or tourism associations alike as it synthesises the importance of a wine's region of origin in the consumer wine‐buying process and the impact of place‐of‐origin as a wine marketing strategy.
Quantity and quality regulation in the wine sector: the Chianti Classico appellation of origin
Authors: Malorgio Giulio , Grazia Cristina
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the mechanisms for the economic regulation of quantity and quality in the Chianti Classico appellation of origin, focusing on the role of the sectorial organization in regulating the intermediary market, reinforcing the product's identity and the reliability of the quality signal.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from some background elements (literature review and legislation framework) and given the supply chain organization and the main market mechanisms, the quantity and quality regulatory tools are illustrated and it is suggested how to improve the role of the sectorial organization in achieving the effectiveness of the system.

Findings

Reinforcing the quantity constraint established by the production code, controlling and certifying the compliance process to the minimum quality standard from upstream grape production to downstream commercialization, reinforcing the link with the terroir and improving the promotional activity are some of the main strategies identified to improve the effectiveness of the system. In addition, a more operational role should be recognized to the sectorial organization, in order to stabilize and regulate the transactions on the intermediary market and attract a more market‐oriented approach.

Research limitations/implications

Using a case study and not a quantitative approach represents the limit of this paper.

Originality/value

The paper provides an original contribution in the sense that some empirical evidences are highlighted, which both support the theoretical arguments for an economic regulation of supply by the sectorial organizations and provide some suggestions, which might be useful outside the Chianti Classico to improve the effectiveness and reliability of the appellation of origin.
Structural changes in the demand for wine in Canada
Authors: Cho Danny I. , Permyakov Mikhail , Ogwang Tomson
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate structural changes in the elasticity of demand for wine in the Province of Ontario and in Canada as a whole. It will provide academic researchers and practitioners with a better understanding about structural changes in the levels of wine demand elasticities over time. It will also help the relevant governments and wine business establishments in developing taxation policy and business decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The Kalman filter method, in conjunction with the Chow test, is applied to investigate structural changes in the elasticity of demand for wine. The Chow test is used for primary investigations of structural changes in the elasticity of demand for wine over time, whereas the Kalman filter method provides information about the behavior of the elasticity coefficients over time.

Findings

The Chow test reveals that structural changes in wine demand for Ontario are more pronounced than those for Canada as a whole. The Kalman filter results indicate that increased (decreased) government taxation could be an effective tool for discouraging (encouraging) consumption of wine. The analysis of own‐price elasticity suggests that the effects of increased government taxation on wine consumption be totally unexpected. Cross‐price elasticity coefficients change their signs over time, suggesting that some of the goods that are considered to be complements may become substitutes. Income and unemployment levels have different effects on wine consumption in Ontario and in Canada as a whole.

Research limitations/implications

There may be variation in results by wine color (red or white), country of origin (imported or domestic), or price (premium or non‐premium).

Practical implications

Understanding changes in the elasticity of demand structure for wine over time would help policy makers at the provincial and federal levels come up with effective tools for controlling consumption of wine over time, including their taxation policies. For the wine business establishments, the information on consumer response is important for pricing purposes.

Originality/value

The Kalman filter has not previously been used to examine structural changes in the demand for wine in Canada.
Women wine consumers: information search and retailing implications
Authors: Atkin Thomas , Nowak Linda , Garcia Rosanna
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine gender differences in information search procedures and selection criteria relative to purchase situation and social and financial risk aversion.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was completed by 497 males and 877 females in the USA. A total of 88 percent of the respondents stated that they drank wine at least once per week. Participants were obtained by sending e‐mails to customer lists provided by wine‐related organizations.

Findings

Findings suggest that, if a consumer is unsure about making a wine selection, women are more apt than men to seek information from store personnel, a server, sommelier, or winery personnel. Labels and shelf tags are also significantly more important for women. While winery region is very important to both men and women, women rely on medals and awards more than men.

Research limitations/implications

Consumers who are not necessarily comfortable with using the internet would not have had an opportunity to participate in this study.

Practical implications

The differences by gender in the importance of and the usage of various information sources could help retailers prioritize their communication methods in US stores. Store personnel, servers, sommeliers, and winery personnel should be well‐prepared to answer questions and make recommendations.

Originality/value

Women buy 80 percent of the wine sold in the USA. This study helps retailers understand their preferences and how to assist them more effectively in their purchase decisions.
Genetic diversity and differentiation of Chinese domestic buffalo based on 30 microsatellite markers
Authors: Zhang Y. , Sun D. , Yu Y. , Zhang Y.
Published: November 2007

To determine genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among Chinese buffalo populations, 18 indigenous swamp buffalo populations and two introduced river buffalo breeds were genotyped for 30 microsatellite loci. The mean number of alleles across the 30 loci was 8.13, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.517 (Yanjin) to 0.609 (Dehong). Although there was abundant genetic variation, genetic differentiation between Chinese buffalo populations was low, with only 2.8% of the total genetic variance among populations. The genetic differentiation pattern and genetic relationships among Chinese buffalo populations were consistent with their geographic distribution. The Dehong population was discerned as a distinct indigenous population, but suffered genetic admixture with river buffalo. The remaining populations were divided into four major clusters, i.e. the Upper and Middle Reaches of Yangtze Valley cluster (Guizhou, Guizhoubai, Yanjin, Fuling, Enshi and Jianghan), the Lower Reaches of Yangtze Valley cluster (Haizi, Shanqu and Dongliu), the South China cluster (Fuan and Xinfeng) and the Southwest China cluster (Xinglong, Xilin, Diandongnan and Dechang).
Intrabasinal tectonic control on fluvial sandstone bodies in the Cloverly Formation (Early Cretaceous), west‐central Wyoming, USA
Authors: Meyers J. H. , Suttner L. J. , Furer L C. , May M. T. , Soreghan M. J.
Published: November 2007

Temporal and spatial changes in alluvial sand‐body geometry and palaeodispersal patterns of the lower part of the Cloverly Formation (Early Cretaceous) in west‐central Wyoming suggest differential uplift within the developing medial to distal foreland basin and existence of subtle structurally controlled topography nearly 60 Myr before classic Laramide uplift in the Wyoming foreland province. This intraforeland structural topography exerted a significant control on dispersal and deposition of widespread gravels of Neocomian‐Aptian age.

Surface studies have established the presence of two conglomeratic sandstones in the Cloverly Formation in the western Wind River Basin. Both conglomeratic sandstones are chert arenites, but the lower conglomeratic sandstone is characterized by dark chert pebbles derived from western and southwestern extrabasinal sources and was deposited by braided rivers, whereas the upper conglomeratic sandstone is characterized by intraformational clasts derived locally from adjacent floodplains and deposited by NE‐flowing rivers of moderate sinuosity which carried a higher proportion of suspended load in stable bank‐confined channels.

Surface and subsurface mapping of sandstone‐body geometry in the lower dark chert‐pebble conglomeratic sandstone, together with palaeocurrent analysis of trough cross‐bedding, reveal a major NE‐flowing trunk river system in the area. Lithological correlation of surface sections to adjacent well logs, together with regional format correlation of fine‐grained intervals in well logs up to 120 km E of the outcrop belt, enable detailed mapping of the trunk system. The trunk system was approximately 5–10 km wide, and may have been confined by subtle structural topography developed by recurrent differential uplift along NE‐trending fractures in Archaean basement rocks. The fractures are along strike with diabase dike swarms and faults mapped in Archaean basement rocks of the Laramide Wind River uplift. The lower chert‐pebble sandstone is absent for a lateral distance of at least 30 km between these lineaments, including an area of at least 1000 km2, indicating the existence of a low NE‐SW‐trending interfluve perpendicular to the axis of the modern Wind River Range.

Early Cretaceous development of structural topography and partitioning of the medial to distal foreland basin of west‐central Wyoming were most likely controlled by tectonic reactivation and differential uplift along fractures in Archaean basement rocks in response to early thrust loading and intraplate stresses during initial subsidence of the foreland basin.
Free thermal convection beneath intracratonic basins: thermal and subsidence effects
Authors: Nunn JEFFREY A.
Published: November 2007

Two long‐standing discrepancies between observations and predictions from geophysical models for the evolution of intracratonic basins are: (1) thermal indicators, such as organic maturity, document higher basin temperatures than predicted by thermal conduction; and (2) periods of rapid/slow subsidence which deviate from the exponentially decreasing subsidence rate consistent with thermal contraction. A possible explanation for these problems is free thermal convection in the continental crust beneath the basin. Using a finite difference model for coupled fluid flow and heat transport, the Keweenawan rift beneath the Michigan basin is simulated as a plug of fractured igneous rock 10 km thick and 45 km wide. Overlying the igneous body and adjacent impermeable basement rocks in the model is 4 km of Proterozoic and Palaeozoic sediments of intermediate permeability. Model results indicate that during short‐lived (a few million years) periods of free thermal convection in the igneous body, temperature gradients in the overlying sediments can nearly double and rapid heat loss causes additional subsidence at the centre of the basin. Locally, additional tectonic subsidence can be more than 25 m. After fractures are sealed and free thermal convection slows or stops, basin subsidence is anomalously slow as the basement reheats back to conductive equilibrium.
Subsidence analysis in the Paris Basin: a key to Northwest European intracontinental basins?
Authors: Loup BERNARD , Wildi WALTER
Published: November 2007

Due to the frequently observed disparities between stretching amounts obtained from faults, crustal thickness and tectonic subsidence, the development of intracratonic basins cannot always be explained by a simple model of lithospheric extension. Basin evolution may then be regarded as the result of superimposed and successive processes.

The Paris Basin is chosen as a type example for the discussion of European intracratonic basins. The tectonic subsidence, reconstructed using a standard method, is small (maximum of 1600 m, mean rate of 8.5 mm/ka). The long‐term linear or concave curves are interrupted by periods of short‐term acceleration and deceleration. Thus, tectonic subsidence is clearly discontinuous and five phases, with duration of 20–60 Myr, constitute the long‐term Meso‐Cenozoic Subsidence. The boundaries and pattern of each phase are identical all over the basin. Subsidence is interpreted as the result of several modifications of the lithospheric structure. The uniform stretching model can explain the first Triassic to early 1, iassic phase, the only one with a concave‐upward trend (deceleration). The Jurassic to Cretaceous subsidence could be explained by superposing (1) a long‐term component caused by lower crustal flow and/or underplating and (2) several short‐term accelerations (convex‐upward trend) related to compressive or transpressive forces. Geophysical control is insufficient to test the first postulate accurately and the generation of sufficiently high compressional stresses during the Jurassic‐Cretaceous is questionable for the second.

Other Northwest European basins are compared with the Paris Basin. Although similar features can be observed, the overall image is not uniform: ‘Paris Basin’ (intracratonic) as well as ‘Celtic Sea Basin’ (passive margin) signatures, variable long‐term trends, lack of synchronism of subsidence phases. This picture necessitates different driving mechanisms for subsidence across Northwest Europe. The variable subsidence patterns and processes result from the ‘remote’ geodynamics of the Atlantic and Tethyan realms, combined with mainly ‘active’ processes similar to those proposed for the Paris Basin.
Phase I study of magnesium pidolate in combination with hydroxycarbamide for children with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Hankins Jane S. , Wynn Lynn W. , Brugnara Carlo , Hillery Cheryl A. , Li Chin‐Shang , Wang Winfred C.
Published: November 2007

In sickle cell anaemia, red cell dehydration increases intracellular HbS concentration and promotes sickling. Higher erythrocyte magnesium reduces water loss through negative regulation of membrane transporters. Hydroxycarbamide (also known as hydroxyurea) reduces sickling partly by increasing intracellular HbF. Combining drugs with distinct mechanisms could offer additive effects. A phase I trial combining oral magnesium pidolate and hydroxycarbamide was performed to estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and toxicity of magnesium. Cohorts of three children with HbSS, who were on a stable dose of hydroxycarbamide (median 28·5 mg/kg/d), received magnesium pidolate for 6 months beginning at 83 mg/kg/d. The dose was escalated by 50% for subsequent cohorts. Laboratory evaluations were performed at 0, 3, 6 and 9 months. Sixteen children (aged 4–12 years) participated. All four dose‐limiting toxicities (grade III diarrhoea and abdominal pain) occurred within the first month of starting magnesium. Additionally, diarrhoea grades I (n = 1) and II (n = 3), and abdominal pain grade II (n = 3) occurred. Hydroxycarbamide dose reduction or interruption was not required. The MTD for magnesium pidolate used in combination with hydroxycarbamide was 125 mg/kg/d. KCl co‐transporter activity declined after 3 months of magnesium pidolate (P = 0·02). A phase II study is needed to investigate the efficacy of this drug combination.
Involvement of selenoprotein P in the regulation of redox balance and myofibroblast viability in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kabuyama Yukihito , Oshima Kengo , Kitamura Takuya , Homma Miwako , Yamaki Junko , Munakata Mitsuru , Homma Yoshimi
Published: November 2007

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic progressive lung disease of unknown etiology, is characterized by the expansion of myofibroblasts and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix in the lung parenchyma. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that lead to IPF, we analyzed myofibroblasts established from patients with IPF by oligonucleotide microarrays. Gene expression profiles clearly suggested that lipid peroxidation is enhanced in myofibroblasts, which was confirmed by measuring cellular lipid hydroperoxides. One of the most highly up‐regulated proteins in myofibroblasts was selenoprotein P, an antioxidant protein not previously associated with IPF. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that selenoprotein P reduces lipid hydroperoxides and maintains the viability of myofibroblasts. Thus, our results reveal a novel pathophysiologic function of myofibroblasts as a generator of lipid hydroperoxides, and a self‐defense mechanism against self‐generated oxidative stress.
Wnt5a modulates glycogen synthase kinase 3 to induce phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine kinase Ror2
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Yoo Sa Kan , Nishita Michiru , Kikuchi Akira , Minami Yasuhiro
Published: November 2007

The receptor tyrosine kinase Ror2 plays important roles in mediating non‐canonical Wnt5a signaling by activating the Wnt–JNK pathway and inhibiting the β‐catenin–TCF pathway. It has been shown that Ror2 is phosphorylated and activated by casein kinase Iɛ when both molecules are over‐expressed in cultured cells. However, it remains unknown whether or not Ror2 is phosphorylated upon Wnt5a stimulation. Here we show that Ror2 is phosphorylated on serine/threonine residues upon stimulation of cultured cells, expressing Ror2 endogenously, with Wnt5a, but not Wnt3a. It was found that treatment of cells with glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) inhibitors (LiCl and SB216763) or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for GSK‐3 (mainly GSK‐3α) can inhibit Wnt5a‐induced phosphorylation of Ror2. Immunoprecipitated Ror2 can also be phosphorylated by purified GSK‐3α or GSK‐3βin vitro, and ectopic co‐expression of Ror2 and GSK‐3 (mainly GSK‐3α) in cultured cells results in Ror2 phosphorylation, irrespective of Wnt5a, that is sensitive to SB216763. These results indicate that GSK‐3 is involved in Wnt5a‐induced phosphorylation of Ror2. Moreover, it was found that Wnt5a‐induced cell migration can be inhibited by SB216763 or by siRNA‐mediated suppression of GSK‐3α (and GSK‐3β) expression, further emphasizing the role(s) of GSK‐3 in Wnt5a‐induced signaling.
PER2 controls circadian periods through nuclear localization in the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Miyazaki Koyomi , Wakabayashi Miyuki , Chikahisa Sachiko , Sei Hiroyoshi , Ishida Norio
Published: November 2007

Molecular circadian clock regulation engages a negative feedback loop comprising components of the negative limb, PERs and CRYs. In addition to the rhythmic transcriptional regulation of clock genes, controlled subcellular localization might contribute to the molecular mechanism of the mammalian circadian clock. To address this issue, we generated transgenic (TG) mice lines harboring either rat PER2 (rPER2) with a deleted nuclear localizing domain [NLD(–)] or intact PER2. In comparison with wild‐type (WT) control, the period of the circadian locomotor rhythm in TG mice over‐expressing NLD(–) PER2 was longer, while that in TG mice over‐expressing intact PER2 was shorter. The nuclear entry of endogenous PER2, CRY1 and CRY2 was delayed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of NLD(–) PER2 TG mice under constant darkness, whereas that of mouse PER2 (mPER2) is accelerated in the SCN of intact PER2 TG mice. Under constant light, the locomotor activity of NLD(–) PER2 TG mice became arrhythmic, whereas WT animals remained rhythmic. These data indicate that PER2 controls circadian periods through nuclear localization in the SCN. In addition, sleep architecture was also affected in intact PER2 TG mice, suggesting PER2 can modulate a sleep molecular mechanism.