bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rice MADS3 Regulates ROS Homeostasis during Late Anther Development
Authors: Hu Lifang , Liang Wanqi , Yin Changsong , Cui Xiao , Zong Jie , Wang Xing , Hu Jianping , Zhang Dabing 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The rice (Oryza sativa) floral homeotic C-class gene, MADS3, was previously shown to be required for stamen identity determination during early flower development. Here, we describe a role for MADS3 in regulating late anther development and pollen formation. Consistent with this role, MADS3 is highly expressed in the tapetum and microspores during late anther development, and a newly identified MADS3 mutant allele, mads3-4, displays defective anther walls, aborted microspores, and complete male sterility. During late anther development, mads3-4 exhibits oxidative stress-related phenotypes. Microarray analysis revealed expression level changes in many genes in mads3-4 anthers. Some of these genes encode proteins involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis; among them is MT-1-4b, which encodes a type 1 small Cys-rich and metal binding protein. In vivo and in vitro assays showed that MADS3 is associated with the promoter of MT-1-4b, and recombinant MT-1-4b has superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Reducing the expression of MT-1-4b causes decreased pollen fertility and an increased level of superoxide anion in transgenic plants. Our findings suggest that MADS3 is a key transcriptional regulator that functions in rice male reproductive development, at least in part, by modulating ROS levels through MT-1-4b.
An Arabidopsis Dual-Localized Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein Interacts with Nuclear Proteins Involved in Gene Expression Regulation
Authors: Hammani Kamel , Gobert Anthony , Hleibieh Kamal , Choulier Laurence , Small Ian , Giegé Philippe 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Following the endosymbiotic acquisition of mitochondria by eukaryotic cells, most of the genes in this organelle were transferred to the nucleus. To maintain mitochondrial biogenesis and function, nuclear and mitochondrial genomes require regulated and coordinated expression. In plant organelles, nuclear-encoded proteins targeted to the organelles control posttranscriptional and posttranslational mechanisms. Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are good candidates to play such regulatory roles. Here, we identify PNM1 (for PPR protein localized to the nucleus and mitochondria 1), a novel PPR protein that is dual localized to mitochondria and nuclei in Arabidopsis thaliana, as observed by green fluorescent protein fusions and immunodetection on subcellular fractions and on histological sections. Genetic complementation showed that loss of PNM1 function in mitochondria, but not in nuclei, is lethal for the embryo. In mitochondria, it is associated with polysomes and may play a role in translation. A genetic screen in yeast identified protein partners of PNM1. These partners, the nucleosome assembly protein NAP1, and the transcription factor TCP8 interact with PNM1 in the nucleus in planta. Furthermore, TCP8 can bind the promoter of PNM1. This suggests that PNM1 might be involved in the regulation of its own gene expression in the nucleus and could thus play a role in gene expression adjustments between mitochondria and the nucleus.
Inter‐organizational knowledge transfer needs among small and medium enterprises
Authors: Wei Chong Chin , Choy Chong Siong , Chew Gan Geok 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to build upon Chen et al.'s work by investigating inter‐organizational knowledge transfer needs and practices among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which have received relatively little research attention to date.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted on SMEs which have been accorded the Multimedia Super Corridor Malaysia status. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.FindingsIn total, nine important areas have been the focus of this study, i.e. the importance of external knowledge; the extent to which external knowledge is more important than internal knowledge to organizational success; areas in which insufficient knowledge contributes to costly errors or mistakes in the SMEs; SMEs' involvement in knowledge transfer activities; number of social networks involved; SMEs' perceptions about networks; use of tools and technologies to transfer inter‐organizational knowledge; constraints of inter‐organizational knowledge transfer; and SMEs' effectiveness in leveraging knowledge. The data collected from 70 owners/managers of SMEs suggest that to some extent external knowledge is believed to be an important need by the enterprises.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size raises the question of generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsOverall, the empirical findings point to the need for the SMEs to pursue inter‐organizational knowledge transfer practices.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to address the inter‐organizational knowledge transfer needs in Malaysian SMEs.
Key determinants of knowledge sharing in an electronics manufacturing firm in Malaysia
Authors: Mohammed Fathi Nurliza , Cyril Eze Uchenna , Guan Gan Goh Gerald 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that affect knowledge‐sharing attitudes in Malaysia, with emphasis on a manufacturing firm and how this attitude influences their intention to share knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThis is a survey research conducted within a manufacturing firm. The questionnaire was developed by adapting items and concepts from prior works, and by developing a new variable, kiasuism. A census sampling method was used to select participants for this research. The data derive from a case analysis in a manufacturing company in Malaysia. The analysis was based on 141 valid responses.FindingsThe findings indicate that collectivism, social network, social trust, shared goal, incentive systems, kiasuism and self‐efficacy emerged significant except for individualism. A unique finding is that kiasuism emerged as proposed, which suggest that future works could focus more on this variable to highlight its impact in a firm's ability to share knowledge. Overall, the data support our framework and indicate that knowledge sharing among employees in Malaysia's private companies is gaining grounds.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this research include the case study approach adopted, which does not allow the generalization of the results beyond that of the firm being studied. The implications emanating from this research is that the ability of a firm, especially electronic manufacturing firms, to harness internal resources and capabilities to enhance knowledge sharing among employees, would be critical for the firm to maintain a competitive position in the marketplace.Originality/valueThis paper provides specific backgrounds of the key factors that could affect the effective implementation of knowledge‐sharing initiatives in a firm, particularly those in the manufacturing sector. The findings suggest key implications for practice and research involved in knowledge‐sharing activities in their firms and related initiatives.
Knowledge innovation hindering factors at Latvian enterprises
Authors: Lukjanska Renate 
Published: February 2011

PurposeOver the last decade, the competitiveness of enterprise has been dictated by the availability of knowledge and its application into successful innovations. Innovation capacity indicators in Latvia stay low and enterprises are considerably lagging in comparison with other European Union countries, data reflected at “European Innovation Scoreboard 2008”, where Latvia took 30th place among 32 countries. The purpose of this paper is the identification of knowledge innovation (KI) hindering factors at Latvian enterprises. The focus is to develop a KI management framework for Latvian enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe research objective is achieved by analysing available statistical data, national development documents, empirical research and two discussions with participants involved with innovation systems. The author's practical interpretation of specific KIs basic elements is provided. The design of the paper is the following: theoretical aspects of KI, practical description of the current innovation and knowledge management (KM) in Latvian enterprise, the role of education and science in KI field, identification of hindering aspects of KI development, and conclusions and suggestions.FindingsThe main findings show that only a few elements of innovation and KM are functioning at Latvian enterprises. The role of science and education play a key role. Main hindering factors affecting KI are identified. There is a contradiction between some of the knowledge and innovation management research data, which is a subject for more complicated research.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper compares analysis and comparison for time period 2004‐2009.Originality/valueIdentified problems of KI lagging can be successfully used as a base for KI management framework development. This paper reflects an original viewpoint of identification of the main hindering factors of KI as well as contradictory results of knowledge and innovation management research.
Formative assessment: transforming information literacy instruction
Authors: Kathleen Dunaway Michelle , Teague Orblych Michael 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the use of a pre‐assessment exercise and in‐session assessment questions to determine graduate students' existing information literacy skills and to adjust the content of the instruction session accordingly. The paper seeks to propose that the use of assessments to inform instruction increases the practicality of research instruction. The use of formative assessment creates effective information literacy instruction by acknowledging variation in information literacy skills among students.Design/methodology/approachA librarian partnered with a faculty member to create instruction sessions for graduate level business courses. An open‐ended pre‐assessment exercise was administered prior to the session, and students' responses were used to determine the content of the instruction session. Assessment questions administered during the session provided the librarian with a measure of the effect of the pre‐assessment exercise on students' information literacy skills, and provided students with feedback regarding their individual information literacy and engaged students in the learning process.FindingsThe pre‐assessment exercise and the session assessment questions together created an instruction session that included content that was appropriate for the students in each session. Therefore, these information literacy instruction sessions were more practical and beneficial to the students than sessions based on pre‐determined content.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents a conceptual approach to the design of research instruction sessions rather than extensive empirical analysis of data. Therefore, the essay addresses the need for quantitative measures of the impact of formative assessment on students' information literacy skills.Originality/valueThe process of formative assessment has not been applied to one‐shot information literacy instruction sessions.
When coming to campus is not an option: using web conferencing to deliver library instruction
Authors: Barnhart Anne C. , Stanfield Andrea G. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeOwing to the growing number of online and commuting students at the University of West Georgia, the Instructional Services department at Ingram Library experimented with offering online synchronous library instruction. This paper aims to describe how it approached this problem and the findings from the initial attempts.Design/methodology/approachThe authors wanted to provide library instruction to online graduate students at the university. They worked with the staff development department to develop a pilot program for an online library instruction course using WIMBA web‐conferencing software.FindingsIt was found that due to the limitations of technology, the authors had to reduce the amount of information they deliver in the same amount of time. It was also discovered that it is easy to be distracted by the technology and forget that clear communication with the users (students and faculty) are the key to any successful instruction program regardless of the delivery method.Originality/valueMost libraries offer face‐to‐face library instruction and rely on tutorials to reach their distance education and non‐traditional students. Few libraries are using distance education tools to teach information literacy skills. As librarians begin to explore this avenue, they need to re‐evaluate how and what they teach students to better leverage the technology while reaching the same information literacy objectives.
“I can't find anything”
Authors: Stowe Brook 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the efforts of library faculty at Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus Library to design and implement a continuum of curriculum‐integrated, outcomes‐assessed library instruction in undergraduate writing‐intensive courses.Design/methodology/approachThe literature review investigates various course‐integrated curriculum designs, how contemporary students learn, the challenges they face in academic research, and the significance of collaboration between library and teaching faculty in facilitating curriculum‐integrated library instruction (LI). Various components of LI design are examined, along with LI development in collaboration with other academic departments. The integration of new LI into a lower‐level undergraduate composition course as well as a pre‐existing LI component to an upper‐level undergraduate writing‐intensive course is explored.FindingsThe initial curriculum‐spanning continuum approach envisioned by the library and English department was necessarily scaled back and down due to personnel and budgetary restrictions. Integrating two library instruction sessions into 47 undergraduate composition courses produced challenges of scheduling, communication and content. Designing LI components with outcomes assessment (OA) measurement built‐in proved superior to retrofitting OA to previously designed, and implemented LI.Practical implicationsThe paper contributes to the discussion of library pedagogy, curriculum‐integrated library instruction design and collaboration between library and teaching faculty.Originality/valueThis paper provides a step‐by‐step recounting of a mid‐sized, urban academic library's efforts to implement the first steps towards designing a “continuum” of library instruction for an undergraduate core curriculum. It offers valuable insights and information in designing, implementing and sustaining multiple library instruction components to aid students in seeking and locating authoritative sources for their research projects.
The librarian's role in combating plagiarism
Authors: Snyder Gibson Nancy , Chester‐Fangman Christina 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to discuss the ways in which librarians of different types are addressing the issue of plagiarism at the institutional and pedagogical levels.Design/methodology/approachA 25‐question non‐quantitative online survey was conducted regarding: the institutional role of librarians in plagiarism prevention; the collaborations among librarians and instructors in helping students understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it; and the interactions among librarians and students involved in combating plagiarism.FindingsMore than 90 percent of the 610 respondents report that they have assisted students with citing sources. Over 70 percent have instructed students about plagiarism in class. Approximately a quarter have collaborated with other departments regarding plagiarism, conducted or attended workshops on plagiarism, worked with instructors to redesign assignments, or helped faculty with tracking possible instances of student plagiarism.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper reports on a survey which is not statistically valid. The results of this survey, however, can shed light on the librarian's role to date in combating plagiarism and suggest future directions.Practical implicationsThis survey reports what librarians are doing to address plagiarism at all levels, and it reflects what is being practiced in the field.Originality/valueWhile many librarians have written about plagiarism strategies, this national survey focuses on the work of librarians at the institutional and pedagogical levels.
Successful negotiation is 80 percent preparation
Authors: Rich Clive 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to present preparation as a key to successful negotiation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the key factors in preparing for a negotiation.FindingsFail to prepare as a negotiator and you prepare to fail.Practical implicationsPreparation is an investment of time.Originality/valuePlanning your deal‐making can add as big a return for your company as effective business planning or effective marketing plans. Most people do not prepare properly when they negotiate, so this is an unusual perspective
Successful leadership practices during turbulent times
Authors: Cangemi Joseph P. , Lazarus Harold , McQuade Ted , Fitzgerald Jaime , Conner James , Miller Richard , Murphree William 
Published: February 2011

PurposeDuring difficult economic times the media often highlight examples of failing or failed business organizations. In some cases the demise of corporations is examined in considerable detail often resulting in the following take‐home messages: these are the sins that have brought about your failure; and if things had been done differently you might still be a viable company. This paper aims to point out success stories from creative leaders who successfully navigated through challenging environments.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on existing cases from the literature highlighting leaders who led their organizations to positive ends during turbulent times.FindingsThere are opportunities for company success despite difficult business environments.Originality/valueIt is rare to read about successful leadership practices during turbulent times. Yet, they do exist. The overwhelming number of examples and cases written about, however, are indeed in the negative direction, not the positive.
Perceptions of environmental management systems
Authors: Massoud Jacob A. , Daily Bonnie F. , Bishop James W. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeOver the last several years, there has been a significant increase worldwide in the implementation of environmental management systems (EMS). Yet, few studies have provided feedback on managerial views of key components and performance of these systems. The purpose of this paper is to examine variations in perceptions of a number of environmental and human resource constructs that are operationalized and measured in the field at Mexican maquiladoras. Differences between organizations with a certified EMS, informal EMS, and no EMS are examined.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to 220 manufacturing organizations in Mexico. The survey instrument was self‐report format with attitudinal variables. Items were adopted from previously published scales. A global hypothesis was proposed in order to test the difference between groups across multiple dependent variables. A MANCOVA and post hoc MANOVA were used to simultaneously evaluate the difference among the multiple metric dependent variables in this study.FindingsThe paper found that significant facility differences existed for all environmental management practices and perceived environmental performance across all levels of EMS, with certified EMS facilities being the highest, informal EMS facilities being second and facilities with no EMS being lowest.Originality/valueThis study contributes to both theory and practice. First, it extends the literature related to EMS and environmental and human resource constructs. Second, it tests the role of EMS certification in firm environmental management. Third, the study is the first to compare EMS differences among firms in the Mexican manufacturing sector. Finally, the study has relevant implications for practitioners.
In‐transit distribution strategy: solution for European factory competitiveness?
Authors: Hilletofth Per , Hilmola Olli‐Pekka , Claesson Frida 
Published: February 2011

PurposeResearch work describes in‐transit distribution strategy by determining and analyzing key principles of it as well as by illustrating its application in practice. Emphasis on in‐transit distribution strategy is to turn transportation pipeline as a mobile inventory holding place, and actively dispatching goods to a destination, where there is a predicted demand before any customer orders are actually received. The use of this strategy is supported by current trade flows: emerging market trade has increased considerably, but simultaneously Swedish export prices, for example, have significantly decreased. The paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachIn‐transit strategy is examined through a multiple case study from industrial companies having main factory operations in Sweden as well as using a system dynamics simulation model, and Monte Carlo analysis. These are supported by the second hand data of trade flows between Sweden, and India and China.FindingsIn order to be successful with in‐transit strategy, the case studies show that excellent planning, working closely with customers, first‐class market knowledge, and an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that is able to support the process sufficiently are required. Other highlighted requirements of this strategy are low variation in demand, and predictable distribution lead‐time. Simulation study of one hypothetical product group verified case study findings, but the authors find it interesting that manufacturing output variance especially is very sensitive regarding to the overall results. If variation increases, then in‐transit strategy is not able to deliver for customers with the necessary accuracy. Also increasing average customer demand, and longer transportation delays lead to undesired outcomes (e.g. too much inventory or out of stock situations).Research limitations/implicationsThe case study and second hand analysis is limited to one country, and further evidence is needed from other European, and possibly North American companies, to verify these findings.Originality/valueThere has been a rather limited amount of research works completed from the use of in‐transit strategy, even if increased trade activity and lower price of exported items is that of the old west in their exports to emerging markets, and continues to be so in the future (was even strong to China during credit crunch year 2009). Our research is seminal in terms of a developed system dynamics simulation model.