bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequent Gene Movement and Pseudogene Evolution Is Common to the Large and Complex Genomes of Wheat, Barley, and Their Relatives
Authors: Wicker Thomas , Mayer Klaus F.X. , Gundlach Heidrun , Martis Mihaela , Steuernagel Burkhard , Scholz Uwe , Šimková Hana , Kubaláková Marie , Choulet Frédéric , Taudien Stefan , Platzer Matthias , Feuillet Catherine , Fahima Tzion , Budak Hikmet , Doležel Jaroslav , Keller Beat , Stein Nils 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAll six arms of the group 1 chromosomes of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) were sequenced with Roche/454 to 1.3- to 2.2-fold coverage and compared with similar data sets from the homoeologous chromosome 1H of barley (Hordeum vulgare). Six to ten thousand gene sequences were sampled per chromosome. These were classified into genes that have their closest homologs in the Triticeae group 1 syntenic region in Brachypodium, rice (Oryza sativa), and/or sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and genes that have their homologs elsewhere in these model grass genomes. Although the number of syntenic genes was similar between the homologous groups, the amount of nonsyntenic genes was found to be extremely diverse between wheat and barley and even between wheat subgenomes. Besides a small core group of genes that are nonsyntenic in other grasses but conserved among Triticeae, we found thousands of genic sequences that are specific to chromosomes of one single species or subgenome. By examining in detail 50 genes from chromosome 1H for which BAC sequences were available, we found that many represent pseudogenes that resulted from transposable element activity and double-strand break repair. Thus, Triticeae seem to accumulate nonsyntenic genes frequently. Since many of them are likely to be pseudogenes, total gene numbers in Triticeae are prone to pronounced overestimates.
A cross sectional study of consumer awareness of functional foods in Thessaloniki, Greece
Authors: Christidis Nick , Tsoulfa Georgia , Varagunam Mira , Babatzimopoulou Maria 
Published: May 2011

PurposeIncreasing awareness of functional foods would have many health benefits such as reducing the incidence of non communicable diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate consumer awareness and consumption of functional foods in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece.Design/methodology/approachA sample population of consumers was randomly selected outside popular supermarkets in the city of Thessaloniki (n=154). Trained interviewers conducted interviews and a questionnaire was completed by each participant. Socio‐demographic information and details of knowledge and consumption of functional foods were obtained. Data were analyzed using Stata.FindingsThe analysis of the data showed that only 33 per cent of the consumers were aware of the term “functional foods”. Interestingly, the proportion of the sample population that knew about foods with health promoting factors was over 95 per cent. The term “functional food” was unfamiliar to the sample population. Over 70 per cent of the consumers surveyed consumed such foods, unaware of the terminology.Originality/valueThis appears to be the first Greek study to examine consumer awareness and consumption of functional foods.
Consumption of Fairtrade products in a municipal catering organisation
Authors: Tikkanen Irma , Varkoi Tiina 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the consumption of Fairtrade products in a municipal catering organisation from the viewpoint of corporate social responsibility (CSR).Design/methodology/approachIn the paper, a theoretical foundation is established, concerning CSR, and a few studies related to CSR procurement are presented. Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International and its tasks are introduced. In addition, previous research related to the sustainable food procurement in the catering sector is introduced. Empirical data were collected from a municipal catering organisation by using a theme interview structure.FindingsThe findings indicate that the consumption of Fairtrade products encompasses eight Fairtrade products. Two products are consumed in each unit of the case organisation, whereas six products are consumed occasionally. The procurement of Fairtrade products were based on the values of the case organisation, the environmental programme and the laws and the European Union's communications.Practical implicationsThe empirical results may be utilised when planning the consumption of Fairtrade products in the municipal catering organisation, and when preparing the competitive tendering of the catering services. The findings offer valuable information when transforming the catering operations into a more sustainable direction.Originality/valueThe extent of consumption concerning Fairtrade products by displaying an empirical case study is described.
Cellular injuries on spray‐dried Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and its stability during food storage
Authors: Oluwaseun Sunny‐Roberts Elizabeth , Knorr Dietrich 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the cellular injuries associated with spray‐drying of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in trehalose/monosodium glutamate (MSG) media by means of flow cytometry measurements; and also whether, and to what extent, the probiotic remain stable and viable in food formulations.Design/methodology/approachSpray‐drying was applied in the production of trehalose‐based preparations containing LGG. To gain more insights on the cellular damages that must have occurred during drying, flow cytometric analysis was applied in combination with carboxyfluorescein diacetate (cFDA) and PI stains. Spray‐dried samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The storage stability of spray‐dried LGG was monitored in food samples over a period of time.FindingsIt was observed that during spray‐drying, 1.80×109 CFU/ml viable counts, which were equivalent of 68.8 per cent cells, were recovered in trehalose matrices but on incorporating 12.5 g/l MSG as a carrier component, survival rates were significantly improved. Density plot analysis showed a higher degree of membrane damage in cells spray‐dried in trehalose without MSG. SEM revealed no difference in the shapes and surfaces of spray‐dried samples. Evaluation of the recovery rates of LGG, initial count of ∼109 CFU/ml or g, at storage time intervals revealed a minimum level of ∼105 CFU/ml in apple juice after 12 days and ∼107 CFU/g in chocolate beverages after ten weeks.Originality/valueThe potential contribution of MSG as a carrier component with trehalose in preventing higher losses during spray‐drying and food storage is pointed out in this study.
Food neophobia and the adoption of new food products
Authors: Johns Nick , Edwards John S.A. , Hartwell Heather 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis research aims to explore the scope of the food neophobia scale (FNS) as a means of identifying classes of adopters in the market diffusion of new food products.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire incorporating the FNS, together with a number of demographics questions, was administered to 226 postgraduate students. Data from the questionnaire were analysed using t‐testing, one‐way analysis of variance, cluster and discriminant analysis.FindingsThere were small differences between recently arrived and long‐term residents, between men and women, and, more significantly, between Europeans and East Asians, although not between other groups. A two‐cluster structure was revealed within the data which broadly conformed to the expected pattern of adopters, but did not provide a more precise discrimination. This suggests that the FNS is dichotomous rather than continuous.Practical implicationsThe FNS provides a potential tool for marketers of food products, but it would need to be used with other measures to identify all five classes of adopters.Originality/valueThis study addresses a gap in current knowledge, since food neophobia and the FNS have not been considered before in the context of market diffusion of new food products.
Heavy metals in drinking water and human health, Egypt
Authors: Badr Eman A.E. , Agrama Asmaa A.E. , Badr Safaa A.E. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis study seeks to find out if chronic exposure via drinking water to high doses of a mixture of metals found as contaminants in tap and bottled water sources can alter the systemic physiology of residents.Design/methodology/approachA case control study was designed, 18 subjects drinking mainly tap water as main group (group I) and 15 subjects drinking exclusively bottled water as control group (group II) for a minimum of two years. Cadmium, lead, chromium and iron concentrations in drinking tap and bottled water samples were measured. The effect potential of the same metals were evaluated by assessing liver and kidney functions and haemoglobin levels for the studied subjects.FindingsIron concentration was found to be significantly higher in drinking tap water samples compared to bottled. Chromium, lead and iron were significantly higher in blood samples of group I subjects compared to the control group. Blood creatinine levels were positively correlated with that of chromium and cadmium of group I; and chromium levels of group II. Urea levels was positively correlated with lead levels of group I. Haemoglobin was positively correlated with iron blood levels of group I and negatively with lead levels of group II. No appreciable changes were found in the blood clinical markers of the liver functions of either group.Originality/valueThis study gives a concise idea about the higher level of some heavy metals in tap water compared to bottled and how heavy metal contaminants in drinking water may affect kidney function and haemoglobin level of consumers.
Educating engaged citizens: four projects from Ireland
Authors: O'Flaherty Joanne , Liddy Mags , Tansey Lorraine , Roche Cathy 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the four education projects that demonstrate how Irish education provision is adapting to meet social and economic changes: Ubuntu Network working to integrate education for sustainable development (ESD) into teacher education; Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) facilitating service learning modules at higher education; Young Social Innovators (YSI), a social justice education programme for 15‐18 year olds; and a study of Irish students' levels of moral reasoning. Four commonalities are identified between the projects: critical thinking, active and participatory learning, knowledge skills and social justice. Discussion highlights features of the Irish education system that contrast with these commonalities and impact on their long‐term objectives, which may in fact hinder the development of engaged learners.Design/methodology/approachFour commonalities were identified at the roundtable discussions at the Irish Aid Sustainable Global Development Conference. Each commonality is discussed from the perspective of the projects described and contrasted against core features of Irish education.FindingsAll four education projects make positive contributions to civic engagement in Irish education, acknowledging education as central to active citizenship, social awareness, and empowerment of learners.Originality/valueDiscussion centres on how Irish education provision is adapting to meet social and economic changes. The paper argues that distinctive features of the Irish education system and the prevailing culture of Irish education do not lend themselves to social justice concerns such as education for sustainable development, moral reasoning or civic engagement.
Reflective practice in service learning: possibilities and limitations
Authors: Gibson Murray , Hauf Petra , Long Brad S. , Sampson Gina 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe paper seeks to promote the integration of reflective learning within a broader service learning pedagogy at the undergraduate university level. Furthermore, it aims to illustrate various models for service learning that span multiple academic disciplines.Design/methodology/approachThe paper illustrates three ways in which reflective learning can be used to enhance the learning potential of service learning pedagogy. The subjective experiences inform its own stories that it presents as examples, supported as they are by the findings of prior empirical studies.FindingsThe paper believes that multi‐dimensional learning has been achieved in each of the three examples presented. Service learning extends the academic learning of students and allows for personal and societal learning to occur, not simply as a result of having a service experience, but of spending time reflecting on it.Practical implicationsPractical implications are particular to the students themselves, as the service experiences it describes have, in some instances, helped to clarify individual students' values and vocational interests.Social implicationsGiven the range of service learning models contained in these examples, the social implications likewise range, yet share common dimensions of increasing students' social consciousness, appreciation of diversity, and their own capacities to contribute.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in the linking of reflective learning to service learning best practices to highlight the particular role of reflection in the production of multi‐dimensional learning.
Do apprentices' communities of practice block unwelcome knowledge?
Authors: Sligo Frank , Tilley Elspeth N. , Murray Niki 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis study aims to examine how well print‐literacy support being provided to New Zealand Modern Apprentices (MAs) is supporting their study and practical work.Design/methodology/approachThe authors undertook a qualitative analysis of a database of 191 MAs in the literacy programme, then in 14 case studies completed 46 interviews with MAs, their employers, industry coordinators and adult literacy tutors to obtain triangulated insights into each MA's learning.FindingsA strong sense of disjunction appeared between the work culture and the norms of being print literate which adult literacy tutors worked to draw apprentices into. Interviewees perceived a divide between practice and theory, or “doing the job” and “doing bookwork”, so that MAs were faced with trying to be two different kinds of people to succeed in their apprenticeship.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research may explore the ways in which differing value‐sets that apprentices encounter can compete with and undermine creation of knowledge and skills.Practical implicationsDesirably, apprentices' literacy tutors should possess sufficient familiarity with trade terminology and practices to help bridge the divide between trade and print‐literate assumptions and values to the extent possible.Originality/valueThis study questions Lave and Wenger's assumption that mastering knowledge and skill requires newcomers to participate fully within their community of practice. It proposes instead that varying values, which apprentices must come to grips with need to be better aligned with one another.
The graduate job search process – a lesson in persistence rather than good career management?
Authors: McKeown Tui , Lindorff Margaret 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide perspectives on the job search expectations and job seeking strategies of Australian graduates, including their perceptions of University Careers Centres (UCCs).Design/methodology/approachA total of 45 new graduates and representatives of five UCCs were interviewed.FindingsBoth Australian graduates and UCCs are aware of the misalignment between graduates' high expectations and job search realities, but currently do little to proactively redress it. The study also found major inconsistencies between the viewpoints of graduates and UCCs regarding the usefulness of UCCs, as not only did most graduates not use these services, they were often completely unaware of them. This suggests that many graduates find employment based on learning through adversity and persistence rather than good career management.Research limitations/implicationsThe research interviewed a small number of new graduates across many disciplines. Focussed interviews from more students in specific discipline areas would be useful.Practical implicationsUCCs should develop strategies for engaging students in the career seeking process early in their studies, and promote the availability and utility of their services. In addition, strategies should be developed to increase students' awareness of the realities of job and career seeking, and to develop their resilience in this area.Originality/valueThe paper increases understanding of student experiences when job seeking, which can be used by universities and UCCs to better prepare students for, and support students during, this process.
An Excel‐based dice game: an integrative learning activity in operations management
Authors: Gupta Mahesh , Boyd Lynn 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend the role of the theory of constraints (TOC) to complement, reinforce, and help integrate conventional operations management (OM) concepts by using an Excel‐based version of the dice game discussed in The Goal by Goldratt.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the motivation for and the development and evaluation of an Excel‐based dice game model of a production system for novice managers to experiment with. A set of experiments related to OM concepts (e.g. inventory, capacity, and variability) is designed and counterintuitive results are discussed. The paper concludes by demonstrating how TOC provides an integrative OM framework.FindingsThe novel The Goal by Goldratt serves as a comprehensive case study in OM. The computerized dice game provides a mechanism for understanding relationships among various OM concepts. The proposed set of experiments strengthens the linkages between OM and TOC concepts. Managers can conduct additional experiments and predict/interpret the results without spending time in the logistics of setting up the manual dice game repeatedly.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed dice game simulates a fairly simple serial production system so the generalization of results obtained might not be intuitively convincing for more complex production systems. More advanced OM concepts such as push (MRP) and pull (JIT) systems can easily be investigated using the underling logic of the dice game proposed here.Practical implicationsThe model provides an innovative way to integrate TOC concepts with mainstream OM concepts and thereby, renews interest in OM.Originality/valueSeveral versions of dice games, both manual and spreadsheet based, have appeared in the literature, however, none attempt to address as wide a variety of operations issues as the game proposed here.
The important role of change management in environmental management system implementation
Authors: Ronnenberg Shannon K. , Graham Mary E. , Mahmoodi Farzad 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThere is increasing concern about the environmental aspects of business and production processes, and many companies have chosen to implement environmental management systems (EMSs). The purpose of this paper is to examine whether change management efforts improve the perceived success of EMS implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes empirical survey data using hierarchical regression analyses with a sample of mid‐level engineers and managers in manufacturing facilities.FindingsChange management efforts appear to enhance the perceived environmental performance of manufacturing establishments, primarily driven by top management support for EMS implementation and efforts to institutionalize the EMS.Research limitations/implicationsResults are generalizable to large manufacturing facilities implementing EMSs. Results should be replicated with a larger sample and using measures of actual environmental performance.Practical implicationsChange management techniques can enhance the environmental performance outcomes of EMS implementations.Originality/valueChange management concepts have been neglected in examinations of EMS implementation outcomes, and they may help explain mixed findings on EMS success to date. The findings suggest that change management efforts can enhance the value of firms' EMS implementations.
Exploring quality management for business services from a buyer's perspective using multiple case study evidence
Authors: Holschbach Elmar , Hofmann Erik 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how buying companies manage the quality for their externally sourced business services. It explores how quality management for business services influences the performance of the buying company and what the major determinants of quality management are. The paper presents case evidence on which a conceptual model with preliminary propositions is built upon.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses case study evidence from eight manufacturing and eight service companies. Drawing on the findings of these case studies, a conceptual model with propositions is presented.FindingsThe paper suggests that buying companies do not yet use quality management for externally sourced business services to its full potential. However, buying companies using quality management practices for business services report positive effects on service quality and satisfaction of internal or external customers. The major determinants affecting the intensity of quality management are the usage of the service by the buying company, the risk associated with quality failures, the degree of standardization, and volume of the purchased service.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on information from 16 companies located in Germany and the conducted study is exploratory in nature. The collection of statistical data will be subject to future research as suggested in this paper.Practical implicationsThe insights obtained from this paper can assist purchasers in their decision on how to design quality management practices. By understanding, what determines the quality management practices of buying companies, service providers may better adjust their service offerings to customers' requirements.Originality/valueQuality management for business services in professional procurement has not attracted much academic attention so far, as literature on quality management has mainly adopted the perspective of a goods or service provider. Literature on the purchasing of services concentrates on the differences between the purchasing of goods and services and literature on service quality focuses on consumer services. This paper fills this gap conceptually with a multiple case study and offers guidance for further research.