bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Pratylenchus neglectus on Winter Wheat in China
Authors: Wu H. Y. , Jia Z. Z. , Liu J. , Luo J. , Peng D. L. 
Published: September 2012

Root-lesion nematodes are major pathogens of wheat and have been reported in the United States, Mexico, India, Australia, Egypt, Canary Islands, South Africa, Iran, Japan, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Germany, and Yugoslavia (1). They can also cause injury in a large number of crops, including grasses, cereal grains, and vegetables. In 2009 and 2010, a survey was conducted for nematodes in winter wheat fields near Taian city, Shandong, northern China. Root tissues were stained via the acid fuchsin tissue stain technique, and nematode numbers were recorded under a stereo microscope. Sixty-eight root samples were collected during the winter wheat growing season, and root lesion nematode was found in all samples. The highest average lesion nematode populations in fresh roots were 154.3 nematodes/g in 2009 and 236.7 nematodes/g in 2010. Nematodes were collected from infested wheat roots by a modified Baermann funnel method. Dimensions of the nematodes were: length, 0.42 to 0.54 mm; a, 18.8 to 24.2; b, 4.4 to 5.7; c, 19.8 to 25.4; V, 80.4 to 84.8; and spear, 17.1 to 18.9 μm. DNA was extracted from individual nematodes using liquid nitrogen. Amplification of rDNA-internal transcribed spacer region using the forward primers 5′-CGTAACAAGGTAGCTGTAG-3′ and the reverse primer 5′-TTTCACTCGCCGTTACTAAGG-3′ yielded a PCR fragment of approximately 900 bp. PCR products were purified using Universal Plant DNA Purification Kit (Tiangen, China) and ligated to the pMD18-T vector system (TaKaRa Bio, Japan) and transformed to E. coli strain DH5α. Plasmid DNA carrying the insert was extracted and used as the template for DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing was carried out in an ABI 3730, compared and aligned using MEGA 5.0. Sequences showed 96% sequence identity with those of Pratylenchus neglectus (GenBank Accession No. FR692291.1). The sequence was submitted to the GenBank database (JX228136). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. neglectus infesting winter wheat in China. P. neglectus has been reported as causing economically significant damage to wheat production of up to 70% yield loss in the Pacific Northwest. Damage from lesion nematode may therefore be potentially significant to wheat production in Shandong Province, and further information should be obtained on its prevalence. References: (1) P. A. A. Loof. The family Pratylenchidae Thorne, 1949. W. R. Nickle, ed., Manual of Agricultural Nematol. Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York, 1991. (2) R. W. Smiley et al. J. Nematol. 37:45, 2005.
A Novel Approach to Dissect the Abscission Process in Arabidopsis
Authors: González-Carranza Zinnia Haydee , Shahid Ahmad Ali , Zhang Li , Liu Yang , Ninsuwan Unchalee , Roberts Jeremy Alan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAbscission is the consequence of a specialized layer of cells undergoing a complex series of molecular and biochemical events. Analysis of the specific molecular changes associated with abscission is hampered by contamination from neighboring nonseparating tissues. Moreover, studies of abscission frequently involve the examination of events that take place in isolated segments of tissue exposed to nonphysiological concentrations of ethylene or indole-3-acetic acid for protracted periods (more than 24 h) of time. To resolve these problems, we have adopted the use of a transgenic line of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) where the promoter of an abscission-specific polygalacturonase gene (At2g41850/ARABIDOPSIS DEHISCENCE ZONE POLYGALACTURONASE2) has been fused to a green fluorescent protein reporter. RNA was extracted from green fluorescent protein-tagged cells, released from abscising floral organs, and used to generate a complementary DNA library. This library was used to probe a microarray, and a population of abscission-related transcripts was studied in detail. Seven novel abscission-related genes were identified, four of which encode proteins of unknown function. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses and promoter fusions to the β-glucuronidase reporter gene confirmed the expression of these genes in the abscission zone and revealed other places of expression during seedling development. Three of these genes were studied further by crossing reporter lines to the abscission mutants inflorescence deficient in abscission (ida) and blade-on-petiole1 (bop1)/bop2 and an IDA-overexpressing line. Phenotypic analysis of an At3g14380 transfer DNA insertion line indicates that this gene plays a functional role in floral organ shedding. This strategy has enabled us to uncover new genes involved in abscission, and their possible contribution to the process is discussed.
Optimization method of fixture layout for aeronautical thin‐walled structures with automated riveting
Authors: Cheng Hui , Li Yuan , Zhang Kai‐Fu , Luan Chao , Xu Yan‐Wu , Li Ming‐Hui 
Published: September 2012

PurposeAn appropriate fixture layout can decrease the assembly variation of Aeronautical Thin‐Walled Structure (ATWS) substantially. The purpose of this paper is to develop a fixture layout method to minimize variation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses genetic algorithm and ants algorithm (GAAA) to optimize the fixture layout by first, analyzing the “N‐2‐1” positioning principle of ATWS riveting, and then developing a hierarchical fixture layout model to represent the base points and locating points of ATWS. Second, information of base points and locating points is coded as gene and chromosome, according to a special coding rule and the fixture layout model. The fitness is also defined by the assembly variation of key characteristic points (KCPs). Third, the genetic and ants manipulations are discussed individually, and the two parts are connected by threshold value of the probability for chromosome in the genetic manipulation.FindingsThe method can solve the fixture layout problem of ATWS with automated riveting efficiently, which is shown as an example in this paper.Practical implicationsThe assembly variation is decreased by using the method presented in this paper according to the variation comparison.Originality/valueThe hierarchical fixture layout model is proposed for the first time in this paper and base points and locating points are optimized successfully by the GAAA.
Co‐creation of meaning as a prerequisite for market‐focused strategic flexibility
Authors: Gylling Catharina , Elliott Richard , Toivonen Marja 
Published: September 2012

PurposeIn this paper the authors aim to introduce the perspective of shared meanings as a prerequisite for the formation of market‐focused strategic flexibility.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply the ideas of co‐creation of meaning, which derive from research into the narrative process of strategy and the practice turn of strategy. The authors' view is illustrated with a case example from a Finnish property rental company. Using action research methodology, data were collected through interviews and workshops from the company, from its clients and from its subcontractors.FindingsThe case presented here shows that the lack of common understanding may lead to poor service quality even though the provider aims at meeting clients' needs. On the other hand, the results confirm that developing a shared understanding is possible in business practice. A common lexicon and the conscious use of human narrative capability facilitate the achievement of this goal.Research limitations/implicationsSince the empirical results are based on one case, the possibility for generalisations is limited. However, the study highlights important aspects of strategic flexibility that are worthy of further research.Practical implicationsThe study shows that flexible market orientation needs shared meanings between all the relevant actors in a service chain. The study also suggests some ideas on how the co‐creation of meaning can be promoted in practice.Originality/valueLinking the perspectives of co‐creation of meaning and market‐focused strategic flexibility is a new approach. The paper illustrates these topics in a subcontracting chain, whereas earlier studies have usually focused on companies.
An empirical analysis of Iran's banking performance
Authors: Arjomandi Amir , Harvie Charles , Valadkhani Abbas 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficiency and productivity growth of the Iranian banking industry between 2003 and 2008, encompassing pre‐ and post‐2005‐reform years.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a new decomposition of the Hicks‐Moorsteen total factor productivity index developed by O'Donnell to analyse efficiency and productivity changes in a banking context. The advantage of this approach over the popular constant‐returns‐to‐scale Malmquist productivity index is that it is free from any assumptions concerning firms' optimising behaviour, the structure of markets, or returns to scale. The paper assumes that the production technology exhibits variable returns to scale.FindingsThe banking industry's technical efficiency level – which had improved between 2003 and 2006 – deteriorated after regulatory changes were introduced in Iran. The results obtained also show that during 2006‐2007, the industry's total factor productivity increased by 32 per cent. However, the industry experienced its highest negative scale efficiency rate of 38 per cent (ΔROSE=0.62) and its highest negative efficiency growth of 43 per cent (ΔEff=0.57) during this period. The industry also witnessed a strong drop in productivity in 2007‐2008. Overall, changes in the production possibility set and scale‐efficiency changes exerted dominant effects on productivity changes.Originality/valueThis study is the first to use a comprehensive decomposition of the Hicks‐Moorsteen TFP index to analyse efficiency and productivity changes in a banking context.
Obtaining desired surface roughness of castings produced using ZCast direct metal casting process through Taguchi's experimental approach
Authors: Chhabra Munish , Singh Rupinder 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate experimentally the effect of volume of casting, pouring temperature of different materials and shell mould wall thickness on the surface roughness of the castings obtained by using ZCast direct metal casting process.Design/methodology/approachTaguchi's design of experiment approach was used for this investigation. An L9 orthogonal array (OA) of Taguchi design which involves nine experiments for three factors with three levels was used. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was then performed on S/N (signal‐to‐noise) ratios to determine the statistical significance and contribution of each factor on the surface roughness of the castings. The castings were obtained using the shell moulds fabricated with the ZCast process and the surface roughness of castings was measured by using the surface roughness tester.FindingsTaguchi's analysis results showed that pouring temperature of materials was the most significant factor in deciding the surface roughness of the castings and the shell mould wall thickness was the next most significant factor, whereas volume of casting was found insignificant. Confirmation test was also carried out using the optimal values of factor levels to confirm the effectiveness of this approach. The predicted optimal value of surface roughness of castings produced by ZCast process was 6.47 microns.Originality/valueThe paper presents experimentally investigated data regarding the influence of various control factors on the surface roughness of castings produced by using ZCast process. The data may help to enhance the application of ZCast process in traditional foundry practice.
Accuracy and density optimization in directly fabricating customized orthodontic production by selective laser melting
Authors: Yang Yongqiang , Lu Jian‐bin , Luo Zhi‐Yi , Wang Di 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the research approach to optimize shape accuracy, dimensional accuracy and density of customized orthodontic production fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM).Design/methodology/approachA series of process experiments were applied to fabricating customized brackets directly by SLM, using 316L stainless steel. Shape accuracy can be optimized through the study on fabricating characteristics of non‐support overhanging structure. A scanning strategy combining contour scanning with orthogonal scanning, which differ in scanning speed and spot compensations, was proposed to improve dimensional accuracy. Scanning laser surface re‐melting was added to enhance the SLM density.FindingsOptimized SLM parameters lead to high shape precision of customized brackets, and the average size error of bracket slot is less than 10 μm. The customized brackets density is more than 99 per cent, and the surface quality and mechanical properties meet the requirements.Originality/valueThe paper presents the state of the art in SLM of customized production (especially medical appliances) by optimizing part properties. It is the first time that SLM is employed in the manufacturing of customized orthodontic products. It shows the original research on overhanging structure and compound scanning strategy, approach to optimize SLM part accuracy. An improved laser surface re‐melting is employed in the density optimization.
Suitability of PLA/TCP for fused deposition modeling
Authors: Drummer Dietmar , Cifuentes‐Cuéllar Sandra , Rietzel Dominik 
Published: September 2012

PurposeFused deposition modeling (FDM) is a layer by layer technology with the potential to create complex and individual parts from thermoplastic materials such as ABS. The use of Polylactic acid (PLA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) as resorbable composite is state of the art in tissue engineering and maxillofacial surgery. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the processing conditions and the performance of parts (e.g. mechanical properties) manufactured with a FDM machine.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the general suitability of PLA for the processing with FDM is evaluated and material specific effects (e.g. crystallization and shrinkage) are shown. Therefore, the characterization of the semi‐crystalline biodegradable material by thermal, mechanical and microscopic analysis is carried out.FindingsFacts, which affect the functional properties of the samples, are analyzed. Among them, the processing temperature and sample size significantly affect the morphology of the final components. Components from PLA/TCP with sufficient mechanical properties for their potential use as scaffolds are obtained.Originality/valueThus, the paper shows that by thermal analysis it is possible to identify major influences on processing and part properties.
The sustainability and stabilization of tag vocabulary in CiteULike
Authors: Ma Jin 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the growth patterns of tag vocabulary in collaborative tagging systems to verify the sustainability and stabilization of tag distributions. Both sustainability and stabilization are essential to the mining and categorization of information driven by tagging behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on time series data of CiteULike from November 2004 to April 2010. Power law distributions were detected to reveal statistical regularities and tagging patterns. Logistic regression analysis with time‐dependent covariates was conducted to identify the factors affecting the growth of distinct tags for articles. The significance of the effects and the time taken for a given article to reach its tagging maturity were also explored.FindingsTime series plots and trend analysis illustrated the continuous growth of the tagging system. Exploratory analysis of power law distribution fittings indicated a sign of system stability known as scale invariance. Logistic regression results demonstrated that for a particular article, the number of users who tagged the article, the initial date when the article was tagged, and the life span of the article are statistically significant to the ratio of the distinct tag number to the total tag number for a given article. These results confirmed that the distinct tag ratio of an article gives rise to a stable pattern.Originality/valueThough extensive work has been done on the patterns of tag vocabulary, it is not clear how the growth of distinctive tags behaves in relation to the total number of tag applications, considering time‐dependent covariates such as the number of users, and the longevity of an article. This paper sets to complement the literature on the existing methodology and investigate this property in detail.
Predicting intention to purchase on group buying website in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Shu‐Yun , Tsai Ming‐Tien , Cheng Nai‐Chang , Chen Kun‐Shiang 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThis study proposes integrating the perceived risk and social influence literatures on online group buying (OGB) intentions with the basic TAM variables (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use).Design/methodology/approachBased on an empirical survey of 304 online adopters of OGB in Taiwan, the paper uses structural equation modeling to confirm the research model.FindingsThe results reveal that perceived critical mass had the largest total effect on intention to use group buying websites. The findings also indicate that perceived usefulness and a sense of virtual community (SOVC) have significant effect on OGB intention. In addition, both perceived ease of use and website quality influence perceived usefulness. As expected, perceived risk has negative effect on OGB intention.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only considered buying intention with regard to foodstuffs, and it is unclear whether these analytical results can be generalized to other items. Further research could apply this model to examine group coupons (such as discount vouchers for restaurants).Practical implicationsTo sustain a successful group buying website, attention must be paid to enhancing user's SOVC, enlarging the critical mass, and lowering the perceived risk. Practitioners can apply the findings of this study to focus on the determinants of success for their online shopping websites.Originality/valueTheoretically, while drawing upon TRA studies, this paper provides a model that is capable of lending an understanding of the determinants of OGB intention. From a managerial perspective, the findings indicate that webmasters can improve or manage website members' buying intentions by increasing the sense of virtual community and critical mass.
How to reconcile business with sustainable development: an innovation approach
Authors: Bouglet Johan , Joffre Olivier , Simon Eric 
Published: September 2012

PurposeSustainable development has first been perceived as a hindrance to economic growth. Today, the opposition between innovation and sustainable development is less evident. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential complementarities that could emerge between innovation strategies and sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachAs a conceptual paper, this article aims at developing propositions.FindingsSustainable development constitutes a new data of the macro‐environmental context, likely to modify the competing industries and systems in which companies evolve. In return, they represent many opportunities that companies can seize to model their strategies. Within the framework of such an approach, innovation and sustainable development constitute engines of development which can get connected and virtuously feed themselves.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, the results lack generalisability. Therefore, academics are encouraged to further test the propositions developed in the article.Practical implicationsStrategies, and their translation at the organisational level, integrating SD, may provide both a source of competitive advantage for companies and an enhancement of their commitment to society.Social implicationsThe practices described in the article are aiming at stimulating the innovation of collaborators, in order to integrate the principles of sustainable development within the company.Originality/valueThis paper fills a literature gap regarding the study of how managers can take sustainable development into account to build their strategies.
Conceptualising public‐private partnerships
Authors: Mouraviev Nikolai , Kakabadse Nada K. 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to survey various meanings attached to a public‐private partnership (PPP) and related aspects in Western literature, and identify commonalities and differences between them. Additionally, the article intends to critically assess conflicting and overlapping views on contractual and institutional PPPs, their forms and models, and draw insights for transitional economies.Design/methodology/approachThe article contrasts and compares views on PPP meanings, forms and models within Western PPP literature, and also draws comparisons with understanding of partnership aspects in the Russian language sources. The article examines theories underpinning PPPs, builds connections to PPP advantages and drawbacks, and provides critical assessment of net benefits that PPPs may bring along to the society.FindingsThe article concludes that future PPP research in transitional countries such as Kazakhstan and Russia, particularly in the area of organisational and power arrangements in partnerships, may delineate new concepts such as government as a guarantor of a PPP project, social significance of a PPP project, and risk management in a country's contextual environment.Practical implicationsIn transitional countries, in which PPPs are in their infancy, clarification of theoretical positions, and identification of commonalities and differences between meanings attached to the PPP terminology may enable better decisions by researchers and practitioners in their selection and further development of partnerships and related concepts.Originality/valueResearch in the field of PPPs in transitional countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan is in its infancy. The paper intends to contribute to the body of knowledge about PPPs by providing detailed account and categorisation of their principal meanings, forms, models, underpinning theories, and drawing insights for future research in transitional countries.
A maze of metaphors around glass ceilings
Authors: Smith Paul , Caputi Peter , Crittenden Nadia 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review many of the diverse metaphors and labels that are used to highlight insights into glass ceilings – the obstacles hindering women reaching the top levels of organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe development of metaphors and labels related to theories about the causes and consequences of glass ceilings are discussed. They are classified according to whether or not they infer women play a role in creating glass ceilings.FindingsIt is concluded that most metaphor‐linked explanations focus on discrimination and prejudice towards women seeking leadership positions. A small number of metaphors target characteristics of women as causes for the gender inequality in leadership and upper management.Practical implicationsEven though there is a plethora of metaphors highlighting obstacles and prejudice against women leaders and several metaphors have been part of the popular lexicon for at least three decades, metaphors do not appear to have greatly helped to quicken the dismantling of glass ceilings.Originality/valueThis is a unique approach to reviewing literature in this area.