bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of an Arabidopsis Resistance Protein Is Specified by the in Planta Association of Its Leucine-Rich Repeat Domain with the Cognate Oomycete Effector
Authors: Krasileva Ksenia V. , Dahlbeck Douglas , Staskawicz Brian J. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Activation of plant immunity relies on recognition of pathogen effectors by several classes of plant resistance proteins. To discover the underlying molecular mechanisms of effector recognition by the Arabidopsis thaliana RECOGNITION OF PERONOSPORA PARASITICA1 (RPP1) resistance protein, we adopted an Agrobacterium tumefaciens–mediated transient protein expression system in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), which allowed us to perform coimmunoprecipitation experiments and mutational analyses. Herein, we demonstrate that RPP1 associates with its cognate effector ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA RECOGNIZED1 (ATR1) in a recognition-specific manner and that this association is a prerequisite step in the induction of the hypersensitive cell death response of host tissue. The leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain of RPP1 mediates the interaction with ATR1, while the Toll/Interleukin1 Receptor (TIR) domain facilitates the induction of the hypersensitive cell death response. Additionally, we demonstrate that mutations in the TIR and nucleotide binding site domains, which exhibit loss of function for the induction of the hypersensitive response, are still able to associate with the effector in planta. Thus, our data suggest molecular epistasis between signaling activity of the TIR domain and the recognition function of the LRR and allow us to propose a model for ATR1 recognition by RPP1.
Assessing the digital divide in a Jordanian academic library
Authors: Obeidat Othman , Genoni Paul 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the extent and nature of the digital divide as it applies in a developing Arab country.Design/methodology/approachThe method used is an innovative form of document availability test developed to measure the extent of the digital divide between a service offered by a university library in a developed (Western) tertiary education system (Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia) and one offered by a university library in a developing Arab country (Yarmouk University, Jordan). The method tests differences in capacity to deliver content according to format (digital or print) and tests for differences in digital access to both “international” and “local” content experienced by users of the two libraries.FindingsThe findings indicate the existence of a digital divide, but also suggest that the availability of digital content has helped overcome the substantial scholarly information divide.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has implications for academic libraries in developing Arab countries as they attempt to redress the effects of the digital divide.Originality/valueThe paper uses an innovative methodology for measuring the digital divide, and represents the first attempt to quantify the effects of the digital divide as it impacts upon the users of an academic library in a developing Arab country.
Exploring the effects of task characteristics on knowledge sharing in libraries
Authors: Liu Kuang‐Liang , Chang Chen‐Chi , Hu In‐Lin 
Published: July 2010

PurposeKnowledge sharing intention and group identity are the keys to improving library service quality. The purpose of this paper is to integrate work design questionnaire and affective events theory to understand the relationship between task characteristics and knowledge sharing quality in the context of the library.Design/methodology/approachData collected from 204 professional librarians in various libraries provide strong support for the proposed research model. A structural equation modelling analysis was performed using LISREL. The adequacy of the measurement model was evaluated on the criteria of reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity.FindingsThe paper shows that sharing intention and group identity have important effects on knowledge quality. Task characteristics, such as work methods, task variety and social feedback, have strong effects on group identity.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings imply that only work methods and social feedback have strong effects on knowledge sharing intention.Originality/valueThe motivation to share librarians' knowledge is critical to successful library service. The paper provides evidence that knowledge quality is built through work methods, task variety and social feedback. Implications for theory and practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Older workers' motivation: against the myth of general decline
Authors: Stamov‐Roßnagel Christian , Hertel Guido 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish a theory‐based and empirically grounded platform to assess age‐related changes in work motivation, and to derive motivational interventions in personnel management.Design/methodology/approachThe general approach is one of conceptual transfer: to cast work psychological phenomena in lifespan psychological terms to generate the tenets.FindingsRather than declining uniformly, older workers' motivation develops in a multidirectional, multilevel way. Motivation decline in certain types of work tasks goes with stable motivation and even motivation gains in other tasks as a function of a variety of task characteristics. These age‐related changes may be captured in a worker's motivation profile, which is functional for positive affect regulation.Practical implicationsThe conceptualisation suggests a more differentiated approach to job design and human resource management, considering age‐related changes at multiple levels simultaneously instead of focusing on major age effects only.Originality/valueThe conceptual clarity of work motivation research is enhanced by distinguishing global and task‐specific levels of motivation that may dissociate in older workers. By transferring up‐to‐date findings and concepts from Lifespan Psychology to Organisational Psychology, further research is stipulated in both fields.
Playing devious games, budget‐emphasis in performance evaluation, and attitudes towards the budgetary process
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Li , Chen Mien‐Ling 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of playing devious games on the relationship between budget‐emphasis in performance evaluation and attitudes towards the budgetary process.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was selected. A hierarchical regression was used to analyze the data gathered from 216 Taiwanese managers in listed companies.FindingsThe results indicate that playing devious games to obtain extra budget requests moderated the relationships of budget‐emphasis in performance evaluation and attitudes towards the budgetary process. The relationships were strong and positive when playing devious games was low, and weak when playing devious games was high.Research limitations/implicationsThe study depends on manager questionnaire responses and thus variations in emotional responses are a concern. In addition, it remains problematic to question managers regarding their engagement in dysfunctional behaviors because managers may not wish to publicize their gaming strategies.Practical implicationsManagers playing devious games to obtain extra budget requests is a significant factor to be considered in attitudes towards the budgetary process. Superiors should communicate with these managers to better understand the purposes of the budget proposals before deciding how to allocate budget resources.Originality/valueThe findings should be useful to superiors in understanding how managerial game‐playing behaviors impact on the relationship between budget‐emphasis in performance evaluation and attitudes towards the budgetary process.
Absorptive capacity and a failed cross‐border M&A
Authors: Deng Ping 
Published: July 2010

PurposeChinese companies are increasingly using cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to source knowledge or strategic assets. For many, global acquisitions have proven to be highly problematic and value‐destroying. The purpose of this paper is to address this critical acquisition failure issue from an absorptive capacity perspective.Design/methodology/approachGuided by the framework that focuses on how acquiring a firm's weak absorptive capacity damages its ability to assimilate, integrate and apply external new knowledge, one high‐profile Chinese failed acquisition: TCL acquisition of France's Thomson's TV business in 2004 is analyzed empirically.FindingsAcquisition performance of Chinese overseas M&A is found to be substantially affected by the acquiring firm's absorptive capacity at multiple dimensions.Research limitations/implications –The absorptive capacity construct provides an insightful account for differentials in Chinese overseas M&A performance.Practical implicationsFor decision makers interested in formulating and implementing overseas M&A strategy, appropriate evaluation of their own firms’ absorptive capability should be the first step to take.Originality/value–This is the first paper to apply absorptive capacity arguments to Chinese resource‐driven M&A strategy, and will prompt business academicians and practitioners to think about M&A strategy in new and innovative ways.
Aesthetics and spirituality in the Australian services sector
Authors: Issa Theodora , Pick David 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the results of research focusing on the relationship between aesthetics and spirituality in the Australian services sector.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs an interpretive mixed‐method approach. The data were collected using an online survey developed from a range of existing research tools. The population of interest is employees in the Australian services sector. The results were analysed using quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques.FindingsThe results of the analysis suggest that people who work in the Australian services sector tend to consider themselves “spiritual”, but it is a spirituality that is not necessarily religious, it might more likely be derived from aesthetics.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this study is the small sample size, which limits the inferences that can be drawn. Despite this limitation, this study has important implications in that it illuminates and attempts to resolve some of the conceptual confusion and contradictions in the existing literature relating to aesthetics and spirituality. It is proposed that aesthetics be equated with an expressed spirituality that has no connection with religiosity and spirituality be equated with expressed religious beliefs.Originality/valueThis paper presents an investigation of the relatively neglected area of spirituality and aesthetics in the context of the Australian business environment and stimulates the debate about spirituality and aesthetics in the workplace.
Switching barriers used to retain retail banking customers
Authors: Valenzuela Fredy 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to uncover the dimensions that form the construct of switching barriers for retail banking customers in the Chilean banking industry.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation was divided into three stages: Stage 1: literature and existing research review, Stage 2: qualitative focused interviews, and Stage 3: survey including pre‐test, pilot survey, and main survey.FindingsThe research results uncovered the existence of a five‐factor structure measuring switching barriers. Three factors were associated with positive or more reward‐based switching barriers (organizational credibility, value congruency, and relational value) and two factors accounted for negative or punitive switching barriers (difficulties of switching and lack of attractive alternatives). The study also showed that Chilean customers perceive banks as using more punitive switching barriers rather than rewarding ones.Originality/valueThe study attempts to validate the findings of past research in the case of South America.
Airlines’ plight: where has all the luggage gone?
Authors: Zane Chris K. , Reyes Pedro M. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) for improving track and trace of the luggage handling process and to determine potential decreases in operational costs of airports, namely through reduced baggage sorting expenses.Design/methodology/approachAn experiment was designed to test the feasibility of implementing a RFID‐based tracking system and to determine the practicality and the technical hurdles which must be addressed.FindingsRFID‐optimized airline value chains can improve efficiencies through adaptive load planning, whereby luggage can be loaded onto aircraft based on final destination and reduce manual sorting.Research limitations/implicationsThe experiment was tested in a small regional airport.Practical implicationsRFID allows for synchronous communication through the value chain, enabling airlines to proactively determine if departing aircraft contain the appropriately checked luggage.Originality/valueAs customers become more price elastic, the firm must improve its abilities to meet the travel flexibility requirement and provide value added services to customers. RFID can expedite value chains by removing human induced variability and manual sorting, while improving accuracy and providing a heightened awareness of the logistics system.
Positioning the technological university library in higher education and human resources development in Africa
Authors: Chiware Elisha R.T. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss the positioning of academic libraries in universities of science and technology in Africa. With the importance that is given to the establishment and outputs of these types of universities and to skills development as a contributing factor to Africa's development, the role of library and information services are to be discussed. The paper aims to focus on the position of the library in relation to the changing complexity of information resources, tools for users to access information, IT developments, knowledge creation and dissemination, community engagement, support for innovation and entrepreneurial development, external partnerships and measuring service delivery through research.Design/methodology/approachThe challenges for the library in science and technology universities are to remain relevant to the development of skilled human resource that can contribute to Africa's economic and social development. The changing information provision landscape, the new community engagement programmes, the thrust to contribute to knowledge development and the support for innovation and entrepreneurial development ensure that the library remains relevant in the academic projects in Africa.FindingsThe library in science and technology universities in Africa and in other developing countries remains an important strategic partner in the development of human resources and overall economic and social development of the continent.Originality/valueThe discussion in the paper provides some insights into the planning and development of emerging technological university libraries in Africa and other developing regions.
Innovative financing for university libraries in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Okojie Victoria 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the different sources of financing university libraries in Africa and the challenges faced by libraries in sourcing for funds, with a view to suggesting innovative ways through which the library can raise additional funds.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the literature on different sources of financing libraries globally, especially alternative sources of funding outside government grants. It identifies the challenges faced in sourcing for funds, best practices in raising additional funds and makes suggestions on non‐conventional ways that can be used by libraries to address the challenge.FindingsThe paper finds that government provides about 90 per cent of the funds for university libraries in Africa. However, the funding is not only inadequate, but is also usually provided on an ad hoc basis. It notes that, in spite of the fact that the literature reveals that librarians are aware of the danger inherent in depending so much on one source of funding and the need to seek alternative sources, they have not done much to overcome the challenge.Originality/valueIn reviewing the various sources of financing university libraries, the paper notes that government allocation remains the major source of revenue; notes the alternative sources of revenue in different countries and describes some of the best practices available. The paper also updates the literature on the subject by discussing current practices, and makes a case for the establishment of a Business and Public Relations department in libraries, an increase in public‐private partnerships and greater efficiency in managing library resources.
Management of open distance libraries with reference to learner support
Authors: Henning Judy C. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share information on the management of open distance libraries with special reference to technology applications. It seeks to provide information on the changing roles of academic libraries with specific reference to the requirements of open and distance learning (ODL). It aims to focus on the practical management experience of the University of South Africa (UNISA) library in support of the implementation of a new ODL model (optimizing available technology) at the University.Design/methodology/approachA review of the relevant literature was conducted to provide an overview on the topic and a context for the information gathered on the UNISA Library. Information gathered from the planning, policies and procedures of UNISA in general and the UNISA library in particular as well as experience gained by participating in workshops on ODL at UNISA was included in the paper.FindingsThe findings indicate that research and literature on leadership in distance education in general are limited and this is even more true for open and distance libraries. It is, however, evident from experience and the required standards for distance library services, that structured management and planning of these services are important to ensure success and future developments of the services. Furthermore, leaders in open distance libraries also need a variety of skills that are constantly updated to ensure optimization of resources, for suitable strategic planning, policy formulation and suitable in terms of new technology developments.Originality/valueIn addition to the literature survey and analysis the information gathered for the article is original in that it captures the experience gained from management of an ODL library. Although focused on open distance learning, the information is also of value to residential institutions, as the border between online services and open distance services is becoming blurred.
Do buy‐outs of older workers matter?
Authors: Hallberg Daniel , Eklöf Matias 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to look at model retirement behavior with a focus on early retirement where there is an option for “buy‐outs”. An employer can offer employees generous pension programs if the employees agree on early retirement. Earlier studies have neglected such offers, but in doing so, estimates of the individuals' responses to financial incentives in a retirement decision are likely to be biased upward.Design/methodology/approachThe authors propose an estimation strategy where the retirement decision and the accesses to early retirement pension (ERP) offers are estimated in a simultaneous equation system, yielding unbiased estimates of the model parameters. They apply the model using detailed Swedish register data.FindingsThe results indicate that the marginal effects in retirement probability with respect to a change in financial incentives is less pronounced if ERPs are accounted for. Further, results imply that the early retirement probabilities would decrease, depending on year, by 14‐28 percent for males and 7‐18 percent for females if ERP offers were absent.Research limitations/implicationsAs the motives for early retirement pensions most likely stem from how the collective agreement occupational pensions are financed, this emphasizes the need for a debate on the preferable construction of these systems. This becomes particularly important in view of the increased old age dependency ratios that are expected in the near future.Originality/valueAlthough these offers have important policy implications they have received limited attention. This paper fills an important gap in the existing pension literature, and it analyzes early retirement and tries to assess the importance of special early retirement pension programs for these outcomes.
Creating HR value through technology
Authors: Foster Steve 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how human resources (HR) can create value for an organization through the use of technology.Design/methodology approachThe paper looks at areas in which HR can create value through the use of technology. It introduces the e‐HRM Value Model based on a range of themes that emerged form research interviews and an systematic review of a wide range of literature.FindingsThe e‐HRM Value Model argues that value can be created in one of three ways: HR operational cost reduction; people management/productivity; and strategic capability. It is also revealed that barriers to e‐HRM technology development are not primarily technical, but are strongly connected to dimensions of value creation.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on the creation of HR value through technology.
Interview with Gareth Kane, author of The Three Secrets of Green Business
Authors: by Juliet Norton Interview 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Gareth Kane, an environmental consultant, and author of The Three Secrets of Green Business, a practical guide to those who want to introduce sustainability into their business or organization quickly and effectively.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.FindingsThere is a common confusion over the business case for going green – is it to improve the image of the company or to cut costs? Cutting edge companies understand that the business winning benefits of going green outweigh the cost savings many times over. As a result they are prepared to invest in sustainability regardless of the direct economic return on investment. Paradoxically, they find that their programmes are giving a return on investment in practice.Practical implicationsThe paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Social implicationsThe paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.Originality/valueBusiness is coming under increasing pressure from government, customers and campaigning groups to improve its environmental performance. Soaring utility and compliance costs are hitting companies where it hurts – on their bottom line. But there is another way of looking at the green agenda – as an opportunity rather than a threat. The Three Secrets of Green Business provides a framework for organizations looking to make their business greener, whilst still maintaining their profit margin.