bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tea or coffee? A case study on evidence for dietary advice
Authors: Binns Colin W , Lee Andy H , Fraser Michelle L 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe present paper explores the level of evidence required to justify giving dietary advice to the public. There are important practical differences between the development of public health nutrition guidelines and guidelines for clinical practice. While the gold standard for evidence for clinical practice guidelines is a meta-analysis of a number of randomised controlled trials, this is often unrealistic and sometimes unethical for the evaluation of public health nutrition interventions. Hence, epidemiological studies make up the bulk of evidence for nutrition guidelines. Tea and coffee are an interesting case study in relation to this issue. They are two of the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide, yet there is little dietary advice on their use. The evidence for a relationship between coffee or tea consumption and several diseases is discussed. The available studies, predominantly epidemiological, together with animal and in vitro studies, indicate that coffee and tea are both safe beverages. However, tea is the healthier option because it has a possible role in the prevention of several cancers and CVD. While the evidence for such relationships is not strong, the public will continue to drink both tea and coffee, and will continue to ask nutritionists to make recommendations. It is therefore argued that advice should be given on the best available data, as waiting for complete data to become available could have severe consequences for public health.
The Surface of Crystalline Helium-4
Authors: Maris Humphrey J. , Andreev Aleksander F. 
Published: January 2008

Although solid helium was first produced over 60 years ago, by Willem H. Keesom at Leiden, it is only in the last few years that physicists have studied the surface of this solid. They have discovered that the surface has remarkable properties of great scientific interest:▸ It is extraordinarily pure chemically, and can be made isotopically pure and free of crystal defects.▸ Its growth is easily manipulated (as the cover of this magazine indicates) because it is more a mechanical proćess than a thermal process. In this article we examine these properties and explain the consequent unique opportunities that the helium surface gives us for studying problems that are of general interest in surface physics. Most of the findings that we discuss come from the four countries where research on the surface of solid helium is most active: the United States, the Soviet Union (see figure 1), France and Israel.
Activation of the Indole-3-Acetic Acid–Amido Synthetase GH3-8 Suppresses Expansin Expression and Promotes Salicylate- and Jasmonate-Independent Basal Immunity in Rice
Authors: Ding Xinhua , Cao Yinglong , Huang Liling , Zhao Jing , Xu Caiguo , Li Xianghua , Wang Shiping 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
New evidence suggests a role for the plant growth hormone auxin in pathogenesis and disease resistance. Bacterial infection induces the accumulation of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the major type of auxin, in rice (Oryza sativa). IAA induces the expression of expansins, proteins that loosen the cell wall. Loosening the cell wall is key for plant growth but may also make the plant vulnerable to biotic intruders. Here, we report that rice GH3-8, an auxin-responsive gene functioning in auxin-dependent development, activates disease resistance in a salicylic acid signaling– and jasmonic acid signaling–independent pathway. GH3-8 encodes an IAA–amino synthetase that prevents free IAA accumulation. Overexpression of GH3-8 results in enhanced disease resistance to the rice pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae. This resistance is independent of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid signaling. Overexpression of GH3-8 also causes abnormal plant morphology and retarded growth and development. Both enhanced resistance and abnormal development may be caused by inhibition of the expression of expansins via suppressed auxin signaling.
Employee responses to acquisitions: evidence from Greek firms
Authors: Nikandrou Irene , Papalexandris Nancy 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the factors affecting the course of action that employees in acquired firms choose to follow. Loyalty, compliance, voice and neglect (LCVN) are four employee behaviors in acquired companies.Design/methodology/approachTwo questionnaires were designed: one was administered to employees of the acquired company and the other to a member of the post‐acquisition managerial team. One hundred and thirty‐five administrative employees in 27 acquired companies in Greece participated in the research.FindingsThe results of the study support that employees decide their course of action based on the cost of their action, the effectiveness of the behaviour and the attractiveness of the company.Research limitations/implicationsThis study concentrated at the individual level to examine the factors affecting employee behaviours. Future research is needed to examine behavioural changes over time and the factors that make employees move from one behavioural category to the other.Practical implicationsThe findings in the paper have implications for organization members facing the challenge of managing human issues in the sensitive phases of an acquisition. Evidence of specific behavioural responses and the factors affecting them is presented.Originality/valueThe present study provides a model for understanding the complex and multiple behavioral choices employees have after an acquisition.
Contributions of self and organisational efficacy expectations to commitment
Authors: van Vuuren Mark , de Jong Menno D.T. , Seydel Erwin R. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to investigate the main and combined effects of self‐efficacy and organisational efficacy on three dimensions of organisational commitment. A fourfold typology of employees is proposed and tested.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was sent to employees of a chemical plant. Data were analyzed using dichotomisation and moderated multiple regression.FindingsBoth organisational efficacy and, to a lesser extent, self‐efficacy contribute to affective, normative and continuance commitment. The results concerning the fourfold typology are promising when reviewing the median split technique, but a hierarchical multiple regression test of interaction between self‐efficacy and organisational efficacy does not fulfil this promise.Research limitations/implicationsAs the self‐efficacy hypotheses especially did not meet expectations, the authors suggest another way of assessing self‐efficacy in organisational contexts.Practical implicationsThe results stress the contribution of organisational efficacy perceptions to commitment, leading to new opportunities for managing commitment. The role of feedback about organisational successes and failures appears to be crucial.Originality/valueThis attempt to build a typology by considering the efficacy expectations of employees regarding both themselves and their organisation opens up a route to further individualisation of employees and their relations to work.
Theory, research, and practice in library management 4: creativity
Authors: Walton Graham 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relevance of creativity in the strategic management of libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe literature is examined to show how libraries are using creativity in service development. There is also an exploration of various perspectives on creativity from both library commentators and management academics. Different approaches open to library managers to introduce creativity are examined.FindingsThe paper finds that creativity is an approach that will inform libraries develop new services in a world where turbulent change is present. Library staff should be encouraged to bring in ideas and intelligence from outside. Teams have to be made up of people with different skills and ideas and they need to be encouraged to be creative. The library manager also has to take responsibility for supporting creativity and various actions are available to him/her. These include allowing staff freedom to make decisions and making sure the work place is as stimulating as possible.Originality/valueThe paper provides food for thought for library practitioners in the use of creativity in developing future services
A 20‐year view of trying to develop emotional, social and cognitive intelligence competencies in graduate management education
Authors: Boyatzis Richard E. , Saatcioglu Argun 
Published: January 2008

PurposeDevelopment of competencies needed to be effective managers and leaders requires program design and teaching methods focused on learning. The paper presents an update and a view of 20 years of attempting to develop these competencies.Design/methodology/approachA total of 14 longitudinal studies of the impact of a particular MBA program on developing emotional, social and cognitive intelligence competencies are reviewed. Three new studies are to complete a 20‐year perspective. This is a value added design. It asks how are the graduates different from when they entered the program?FindingsEmotional, social and cognitive intelligence competencies that predict effectiveness in management and leadership can be developed in adults through a graduate management program. These improvements can sustain out as far as seven years. But this degree of value added can be eroded by a tumultuous organizational climate.Research limitations/implicationsIt is a series of 17 longitudinal studies on one school. With support from four studies of a program for 45‐65 year‐old executives.Practical implicationsCompetencies needed to be effective can be developed. But that development can be eroded without continuous improvement and renewal.Originality/valueFew sets of multiyear, multi‐cohort, multi‐method, multitrait studies exist. This helps to build a new literature on learning and development, as well as focusing on development of competencies.
The impact of social environments on emotional, social, and cognitive competency development
Authors: Wheeler Jane V. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the interactions between individuals and the social environment as individuals engage in self‐directed learning, a predecessor to intentional change theory. The individuals are graduates of a part‐time MBA program and the social environment is the life sphere framework introduced with this study. Self‐directed learning refers to the learning agendas that these people outlined for themselves when they first entered the MBA program.Design/methodology/approachLongitudinal assessment data were collected using the critical incident interview, the learning skills profile, and the life sphere interview. Correlations were run testing the hypotheses: as the number of life spheres, relationships, or activities increases, so will the demonstration of the targeted competencies; and if the participant is able to work on developing these competencies in the life sphere that he or she designates as primary to the learning goal, then the demonstration of these competencies will improve.FindingsThe number of life spheres, relationships, and activities does impact positively on the demonstration of these competencies and those participants for whom the work organization life sphere is primary to learning goal achievement showed improved demonstration of the targeted competencies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study needs to be replicated with a larger sample size. This initial study was merely exploratory in nature.Originality/valueAs society approaches the virtual office it makes sense that it will get what it needs, when it needs it – no matter where one is or to whom one is talking. With these changes has come the need to find resources in places and from people that may not have been considered previously. The relationships and activities in one's social environment are more critical than ever before.
The beat and rhythm of competency development over two years
Authors: Rhee Kenneth S. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that research supports competencies can be developed in adults; however, even in these “model programs” for developing emotional intelligence and social intelligence competencies, little is known about what goes on inside the “black box” of change. How does the change occur?Design/methodology/approachIn an attempt to help adults develop emotional, social, and cognitive intelligence competencies, the model of intentional change theory was applied during the first of the required courses, entitled Leadership Assessment and Development in the Master of Business Administration program at Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University. About 26 students in the program were solicited to participate in the longitudinal study, where they were assessed periodically for competency development (about six to eight weeks) during their two‐year program.FindingsThe results indicated that certain type of competencies were developed much earlier in the program (e.g. technology and quantitative), while other competencies were developed during the summer break (e.g. help and relationships) or toward the end of the program (e.g. informational analysis, theory, and goals and action). Students' career aspiration also had an impact on the rhythm and flow of competency development – while career changers steadily improved throughout the program, career explorers had spurts of improvement throughout the program, indicating their uncertain pattern of development. Overall, students' opportunity mode and desire for continuous learning significantly impacted their competency development.Originality/valueThe study raised certain implications for competency development. The relationship between opportunity utilization and intentional change – how to maximize given opportunities while seeking out new and noble opportunities – raised a question about how to structure formal competency development in organizations, especially when it comes to one's professional development. The study could not infer the underlying causal relationships between competency acquisition, program structure, subject content and initial competency demonstration level, given the limited sample size and the exploratory nature of the study.
Graph theoretical implementation of memetic algorithms in structural optimization of frame bracing layouts
Authors: Kaveh A. , Shahrouzi M. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe generality of the genetic search in the light of proper coding schemes, together with its non‐gradient‐based search, has made it popular for many discrete problems including structural optimization. However, the required computational effort increases as the cardinality of the search space and the number of design variables increase. Memetic algorithms are formal attempts to reduce such a drawback for real‐world problems incorporating some kind of problem‐specific information. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper both Lamarckian and Baldwinian approaches for meme evolution are implemented using the power of graph theory in topology assessment. For this purpose, the concept of load path connectivity in frame bracing layouts is introduced and utilized by the proposed graph theoretical algorithms. As an additional search refinement tool, a dynamic mutation band control is recommended. In each case, the results are studied via a set of ultimate design family rather than one pseudo optimum. The method is further tested using a number of steel frame examples and its efficiency is compared with conventional genetic search.FindingsHere, the problem of bracing layout optimization in steel frames is studied utilizing a number of topological guidelines.Originality/valueThe method of this paper attempts to reduce the computational effort for optimal design of real‐world problems incorporating some kind of problem‐specific information.
Application of geographic information system to the allocation of disaster shelters via fuzzy models
Authors: Tsai Chung‐Hung , Chen Cheng‐Wu , Chiang Wei‐Ling , Lin Meng‐Lung 
Published: January 2008

PurposeFuzzy theory provides a rigorous, flexible approach to the problem of defining and computing. Therefore, to facilitate decision making in a geographic information system (GIS), the graph layer indicator and the Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model must be integrated. This study aims to explain several versions of the T‐S fuzzy model based on fuzzy theory and fuzzy operation.Design/methodology/approachAn inference model is constructed for GIS using the T‐S fuzzy model to formulate an integrated T‐S decision‐making (TSDMK) system.FindingsThe TSDMK system accommodates inexact, linguistic, vague and uncertain GIS data. The operator assigns most graph layer indicators by intuition.Practical implicationsSimulation results for the Hualien main station show that the proposed TSDMK system is an effective approach for GIS decision making.Originality/valueThis investigation assesses applications of fuzzy logic for decision making in a GIS based on TSDMK graphs focusing on model‐based systems.
An analysis of advance fee fraud on the internet
Authors: Chang Joshua J.S. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeAdvance fee fraud on the internet is a current epidemic that rakes in hundreds of millions of dollars per year. The advent of the internet and proliferation of its use in the 1990s makes it an attractive medium for communicating the fraud, enabling a worldwide reach. This paper aims to explain how advance fee fraud operates, to examine various cases of recent advance fee‐fraud e‐mails, and to identify methods employed to manipulate victims into compliance based on theory in human behaviour and persuasion.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses six cases of advance fee fraud received via e‐mail by the author between August 2006 and January 2007. The content of these e‐mails was analysed in detail to identify the methods employed to manipulate the behaviour of victims.FindingsInterpretive findings suggest that advance fee fraudsters employ specific methods that exploit the bounded rationality and automatic behaviour of victims. Methods include assertion of authority and expert power, mimicking and referencing persons/organisations, providing partial proof/legitimacy, reasoning, reciprocation, creating urgency, and implying scarcity.Practical implicationsWhile there is readily available information on advance fee fraud on the internet, especially in the web sites of anti‐fraud organisations, this study suggests a need to inform internet users of the methods employed by advance fee fraudsters.Originality/valueConsidering the current and widespread problem of advance fee‐fraud e‐mails, the information of this paper is important for internet users to improve their capability in identifying fraudulent schemes and avoiding them.
The distributed team members' explanations of knowledge they assume to be shared
Authors: Leinonen Piritta , Bluemink Johanna 
Published: January 2008

PurposeEvaluation of the knowledge that is shared among team members has been found to be a prerequisite for successful collaborative teamwork. In previous research on collaborative learning and work, shared knowledge has mainly been evaluated by researchers, and an individual's own perspective has been omitted. In this study the aim was to investigate how members of a distributed team explain knowledge that they assume to be shared and how an assessment tendency is related to these explanations.Design/methodology/approachTwo distributed teams worked for two months to solve project tasks that demanded discussions and generating new ideas. Subjective explanations of their shared knowledge were studied by means of stimulated recall interviews. The concept of assessment tendency was employed to understand the differences in these explanations. Team members' assessment tendencies were examined with the assessment scale questionnaire.FindingsQualitative content analyses of interviews showed that explanations of shared knowledge did not focus only on contents or the outcomes of the project tasks. Instead, the distributed team members presumed their shared knowledge in terms of common goals and collaborative working processes. These evaluations were related to the outcomes of the teams. In addition, the results showed those who were proficient at assessment strategies stressed collaborative working as a shared construction process and they aimed for creation of new knowledge.Practical implicationsInterpersonal evaluation of shared knowledge is especially needed to support distributed collaborative work. However, instead of focusing on sharing and managing documents, more attention should be paid to sharing of social processes, such as setting a common goal.Originality/valueIn this paper shared knowledge is conceptualised as knowledge which is developed through situated interrelations between individuals.
EU Banking Directives: risk and wealth effects on the Greek financial sector
Authors: Pantos Themis D. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine whether or not wealth effects and changes in the systematic risk associated with the return structure of the Greek commercial chartered banks, investment firms and insurance companies resulted from the passage of the European Union Banking Directives over the period 1988‐1997.Design/methodology/approachUsing monthly stock returns from the DataStream database for the period January 1988 to December 1997, the separate effects of each of the EU Banking Directives on Greek commercial chartered banks, investment firms and insurance companies are tested. The “seemingly unrelated regression” methodology is utilized to test three portfolios consisting of an equally weighted banking, investment and insurance index made up of major Greek banks, investment firms and insurance companies respectively. The Greek Market Index serves as a proxy for the market portfolio. All the aforementioned indices were converted to returns using the log difference method.FindingsEmpirical results indicate that the systematic risk dramatically increased for Greek insurance and investment firms and moderately increased for Greek commercial chartered banks through the tabling of the Free Capital Movement Directive in the Greek Parliament. After controlling for systematic risk, the results suggest that the passage of the Free Capital Movement Directive did not create wealth effects for the shareholders of commercial chartered banks, investment firms and insurance companies. Conversely, the results demonstrate that the Second Banking, Investment Services and Capital Adequacy Directives produced no wealth effects for the investment firms and insurance companies, but not for commercial chartered banks' shareholders. The whole wealth effect on the Greek financial sector was neutral.Originality/valueThis article will be of value to academics, bankers, bank regulators, practitioners, and economic policy makers who are interested in the regulatory evolution of the EU banking industry.