bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N-Acylethanolamine Metabolism Interacts with Abscisic Acid Signaling inArabidopsis thalianaSeedlings
Authors: Teaster Neal D. , Motes Christy M. , Tang Yuhong , Wiant William C. , Cotter Matthew Q. , Wang Yuh-Shuh , Kilaru Aruna , Venables Barney J. , Hasenstein Karl H. , Gonzalez Gabriel , Blancaflor Elison B. , Chapman Kent D. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractN-Acylethanolamines (NAEs) are bioactive acylamides that are present in a wide range of organisms. In plants, NAEs are generally elevated in desiccated seeds, suggesting that they may play a role in seed physiology. NAE and abscisic acid (ABA) levels were depleted during seed germination, and both metabolites inhibited the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings within a similar developmental window. Combined application of low levels of ABA and NAE produced a more dramatic reduction in germination and growth than either compound alone. Transcript profiling and gene expression studies in NAE-treated seedlings revealed elevated transcripts for a number of ABA-responsive genes and genes typically enriched in desiccated seeds. The levels of ABI3 transcripts were inversely associated with NAE-modulated growth. Overexpression of the Arabidopsis NAE degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase resulted in seedlings that were hypersensitive to ABA, whereas the ABA-insensitive mutants, abi1-1, abi2-1, and abi3-1, exhibited reduced sensitivity to NAE. Collectively, our data indicate that an intact ABA signaling pathway is required for NAE action and that NAE may intersect the ABA pathway downstream from ABA. We propose that NAE metabolism interacts with ABA in the negative regulation of seedling development and that normal seedling establishment depends on the reduction of the endogenous levels of both metabolites.
Arabidopsis TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA2Is Directly Regulated by R2R3 MYB Transcription Factors and Is Involved in Regulation ofGLABRA2Transcription in Epidermal Differentiation
Authors: Ishida Tetsuya , Hattori Sayoko , Sano Ryosuke , Inoue Kayoko , Shirano Yumiko , Hayashi Hiroaki , Shibata Daisuke , Sato Shusei , Kato Tomohiko , Tabata Satoshi , Okada Kiyotaka , Wada Takuji 
Published: September 2007

AbstractArabidopsis thaliana TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA2 (TTG2) encodes a WRKY transcription factor and is expressed in young leaves, trichomes, seed coats, and root hairless cells. An examination of several trichome and root hair mutants indicates that MYB and bHLH genes regulate TTG2 expression. Two MYB binding sites in the TTG2 5′ regulatory region act as cis regulatory elements and as direct targets of R2R3 MYB transcription factors such as WEREWOLF, GLABRA1, and TRANSPARENT TESTA2. Mutations in TTG2 cause phenotypic defects in trichome development and seed color pigmentation. Transgenic plants expressing a chimeric repressor version of the TTG2 protein (TTG2:SRDX) showed defects in trichome formation, anthocyanin accumulation, seed color pigmentation, and differentiation of root hairless cells. GLABRA2 (GL2) expression was markedly reduced in roots of ProTTG2:TTG2:SRDX transgenic plants, suggesting that TTG2 is involved in the regulation of GL2 expression, although GL2 expression in the ttg2 mutant was similar to that in the wild type. Our analysis suggests a new step in a regulatory cascade of epidermal differentiation, in which complexes containing R2R3 MYB and bHLH transcription factors regulate the expression of TTG2, which then regulates GL2 expression with complexes containing R2R3 MYB and bHLH in the differentiation of trichomes and root hairless cells.
A service‐costing framework for logistics companies and a case study
Authors: Baykaso g˘lu Adil 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a service‐costing framework for logistics companies that are providing land transportation via trucks.Design/methodology/approachSeveral costing methodologies are combined around activity‐based costing and process modeling and a framework is developed. The developed framework is applied to a logistics company to track its service costs.FindingsAfter the case study is completed, it is concluded that the proposed framework can be very useful for the company in determining their true service costs. Moreover, the service costs of the company become more apparent to them. Results of the costing information were also found very useful to initiate effective process improvement plans.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to execute the model effectively companies need to keep a record of the relevant costing data systematically, otherwise it is not possible to get satisfactory results.Practical implicationsOne of the main difficulties for land transportation companies is to determine and evaluate the true costs of their operations. The proposed framework and case study can be useful for companies in developing their costing systems.Originality/valueThe proposed framework presents how different costing approaches can be integrated to provide effective costing solutions. In the literature it is not possible to find many case studies for the application of modern costing approaches for logistics companies. The present paper fills a gap in the literature by presenting a case study for costing logistics services via modern costing approaches.
Drivers of corporate disclosure: a structural equation analysis in a Central European setting
Authors: Grüning Michael 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a network of interlinked hypotheses about determinants of corporate disclosure in Central Europe – especially in Germany and Poland – and evaluate it empirically.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses network is developed from literature and evaluated with structural equation modeling. Sixty annual reports from Germany and Poland have been examined using an enhanced version of the PRISM‐project content analysis approach with 118 items.FindingsFirm size and industry do not directly influence corporate disclosure but are mediated by crosslisting. The home country effect is of a direct and indirect nature with the latter being mediated by firm size and crosslisting.Research limitations/implicationsManual content analysis of reports limits validity, reliability, sample and country focus. Further research needs to address additional factors influencing corporate disclosure.Practical implicationsCompanies’ disclosure quality seems to profit the most from crosslisting activities as then listing requirements of several stock exchanges have to be fulfilled simultaneously.Originality/valueBy the rare application of structural equation analysis in corporate disclosure literature secondary effects that are mediated by crosslisting and have a strong influence on corporate disclosure are analyzed. These indirect relations of industry, country, and firm size are even stronger than the direct ones that are intensively discussed in the literature.
Configurations of new ventures in entrepreneurship research: contributions and research gaps
Authors: Harms Rainer , Kraus Sascha , Reschke Carl H. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a structured overview of the application of the configuration approach in the context of new and small ventures.Design/methodology/approachThe paper surveys the empirical literature in the leading entrepreneurship journals from 1994 to 2006.FindingsThere are a small, but significant number of studies that deal with the empirical identification and examination of new venture types. However, researchers are just beginning to tap the potential of the configuration approach. More specifically, configuration analyses are still rather heterogeneous, and no study deals with the identification of development configuration in the context of new ventures yet.Research limitations/implicationsSince the configuration approach has already delivered interesting results in research on new ventures, we might see additional studies based on this approach in the future. However, there are practical and theoretical considerations to be taken into account.Practical implicationsAn awareness of the existence of different types of start‐ups can lead to more informed decisions in new venture management.Originality/valueThis literature review identifies and structures empirical configuration research in the context of new and small ventures. Also, awareness for future research opportunities is raised.
Mutual trust as a key to internationalization of SMEs
Authors: Fink Matthias , Kraus Sascha 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an understanding as to whether trust‐based coordination is feasible in the context of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) internationalization processes, and if so, what impact these cooperative arrangements can have on corporate success.Design/methodology/approachTo answer the research hypotheses, multiple regression analyses based on a postal questionnaire survey (n = 58 SMEs from Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovenia) were computed.FindingsIt is found that self‐commitment facilitates the establishment and maintenance of heterarchic cross‐border cooperation relationships of SMEs that cannot evolve based on market or hierarchical coordination. It is also found that the establishment of trust‐based cooperation relationships with foreign partners positively affects the success of the participating companies.Research limitations/implicationsOnly Slovenian and Czech enterprises and their internationalization have been investigated and compared to Austrian enterprises. Only SMEs have been investigated, no large companies. It is not clear that the presented empirical findings also hold true for larger enterprises.Practical implicationsActive measures such as building more knowledge (getting to know) and openly approaching other enterprises should be encouraged in internationalization processes. Thus, protectionist labor market politics on the macro level are highly counterproductive. At the micro level, parties involved should acquire specific knowledge (e.g. languages or social codes) as well as that they replace prejudices and skepticism by profound knowledge on and openness towards the other, e.g. through exchange programs for employees.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to analyze the role of trust‐based cooperation relationships on the internationalization processes of SMEs in the context of Austrian and Central and Eastern Country (CEEC) enterprises. The results of this research can become important for SMEs which want to pursue an internationalization strategy in the context of the CEEC.
Strategic people management of coal mining firms in Central Queensland
Authors: Zheng Connie , Rolfe John , Di Milia Lee , Bretherton Phil 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a conceptual framework to explore the link between strategic human resource management (SHRM) and firm performance of the coal mining companies in Central Queensland (CQ), Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews literature relating to the process and issues of transforming human resource practices and industrial relations of the coal industry in Australia for the past decade. Theoretical development and empirical studies on the SHRM‐performance linkage are discussed. Based on the literature review, the paper develops an integrated model for testing the relationship between SHRM and firm performance in the context of CQ's coalmines and proposes a number of research propositions.FindingsThree perceivable outcomes are likely derived from application of this framework in the field. First, a testing of the linkage between strategic HRM and firm performance in the coal industry, using an integrated approach, would complement the empirical deficiency of treatments on the prior SHRM models. Second, data at firm level could be collected to develop a better understanding of how the adoption of strategic HRM practices in coal companies can affect firm performance. Third, the extent of flexibility practices, use of contractors and associated management practices could be identified.Originality/valueThe coal industry is central to economic development of regional Queensland. The industry contributes substantially to GDP via employment, investment and product export. An exploration of the impact of SHRM on the coal industry will likely result in identifying some best practices that could be potentially adopted in the wider business community to foster regional economic development in Australia and worldwide.
The effects of product modularity on competitive performance
Authors: Jacobs Mark , Vickery Shawnee K. , Droge Cornelia 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of product modularity on four aspects of competitive performance: cost, quality, flexibility, and cycle time.Design/methodology/approachConstructs were created from a comprehensive survey of the automotive sector. Regression is used to ascertain the relationship between the constructs of product modularity and performance with three different integration strategies as mediators.FindingsModularity positively and directly influences each aspect of competitive performance for each integration strategy tested. Indirect effects were found for each integration strategy for cost and flexibility; and for manufacturing integration and cycle time.Practical implicationsA product modularity strategy enables simultaneous improvements on multiple dimensions of competitive performance.Originality/valueThis research is the first to empirically validate the effects of product modularity on competitive performance. Furthermore, it provides insight into the exact nature of product modularity's influence on competitive performance.
Conceptualizing operations strategy processes
Authors: Gorm Rytter Niels , Boer Harry , Koch Christian 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present insights into operations strategy (OS) in practice. It outlines a conceptualization and model of OS processes and, based on findings from an in‐depth and longitudinal case study, contributes to further development of extant OS models and methods which presently mainly focus on OS content, as distinct from process issues.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology combines action research and a longitudinal single site case study of OS processes in practice.FindingsThe paper conceptualises an OS process as: events of dialogue and action; taking place in five dimensions of change – technical‐rational, cultural, political, project management, and facilitation; and typically unfolding as a sequential and parallel, ordered and disordered, planned and emergent as well as top‐down and bottom‐up process. The proposed OS conceptualization provides a useful tool for describing and analyzing real‐time OS processes unfolding in practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on a single case, which limits the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that, in order to obtain successful outcomes for an OS process in practice, change agents may need to moderate their outcome ambitions, manage process dimensions and agendas in a situational manner, balance inherent process paradoxes, strive at bridging both language and reality, as well as mobilizing key stakeholders, especially middle managers, throughout the process.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a novel conceptualization of the OS process derived from the literature in relevant areas and findings obtained through longitudinal action research of an OS formulation and implementation process.
Equal employment opportunity legislation and policies: the Australian experience
Authors: Strachan Glenda , Burgess John , Henderson Lindy 
Published: September 2007

PurposeOrganisations have to respond to a range of legislative and policy initiatives intended to promote equal employment opportunity for women. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the mix of legislation and policies in Australia: anti‐discrimination and equal opportunity legislation, equal pay, work and family and managing diversity policies.Design/methodology/approachLegislation, industrial relations changes and policies relating to pay equity, non‐discrimination on the grounds of sex, affirmative action and equal opportunity, including work and family policies and managing diversity approaches are reviewed in the context of changing labour conditions and social trends.FindingsOrganisations are presented with a range of policies from which to choose and the result is variety in the extent and type of equity programs which produce variable outcomes for women in the workplace.Practical implicationsWhile this paper deals in particular with Australia, the pattern of multiplicity of approaches is common to other Western countries. As organisations choose among a variety of approaches in implementing an equal opportunity programme, the outcomes for women will vary.Originality/valueThe paper offers insight into equal employment opportunity legislation and policies within the Australian context.
Rediscovering the collective application of the Equal Pay Act
Authors: Rowbottom David 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the proposal adopted by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) that employers undertaking an equal pay review should be permitted a “protected period” during which its employees would be prohibited from taking equal pay claims to law. This proposal is considered against recent collective agreements in local government and National Health Service, and where equal pay claims have been made by employees either with the support of the unions that are party to the collective agreement or more critically with external legal support.Design/methodology/approachInformation is drawn from the EOC, from employer and trade union sources, and decisions of the employment tribunals and courts.FindingsThe outcome of the unstructured mix of collective bargaining and litigation shows a pattern of delay, uncertainty, added conflict between involved parties and pressure, making resource adjustments that initially were to be avoided.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has been undertaken as the collective agreements are being implemented. As the initial hearings of claims are not complete and there are opportunities for appeals against initial judgments, the descriptions here are unlikely to provide a settled account.Originality/valueThe EOC proposal is given support but shown to need further institutional support. In that regard the opportunity is taken to consider a possible alternative form of adjudication of “collective” equal pay issues. It is proposed to facilitate an extended version of a former jurisdiction of the Central Arbitration Committee.
Can training remove the glue from the “sticky floor” of low‐paid work for women?
Authors: Rainbird Helen 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe UK government has suggested that women's inequality can be addressed through improved education and training. The aim of this paper is to explore the extent to which this is the case by examining the opportunities for learning in a range of low‐paid jobs in local government, which are predominantly but not exclusively occupied by women.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a case study involving over 100 face‐to‐face interviews with low‐paid workers, their supervisors, managers, trainers and union representatives in one local authority, it uses Scherer's 2004 framework to examine whether low‐paid jobs and the opportunities they provide for training act as “stepping stones” or “traps” to job progression and better pay.FindingsAs a solution to the problem of low pay, the discourse of individual self‐improvement under‐estimates the structural problems facing low‐paid workers, their lack of resources and entitlements to learning. Moreover, it ignores the fact that many low‐paid workers in the public sector value their work as socially useful. This public service ethos should not be a justification for low basic pay.Originality/valueThis paper extends the theme of gender equality in UK public services by examining to what extent measures focusing on education and training can lift women workers off the “sticky floor” of low‐paid low status work.
Young workers and the National Minimum Wage
Authors: Lucas Rosemary , Nair Keegan Shobana 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the basis of the Low Pay Commission's (LPC) presumption of the “distinctiveness” of young workers aged 16 and 17 in the absence of any systematic and objective basis for determining “fair pay”. In the context of labour market theories and the issues they raise in relation to skill, training and pay, the paper questions the presumption that young workers are distinctive with reference to contemporary notions of skill and training requirements.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sub‐sample of hospitality businesses in North Wales, the paper presents selected evidence from semi‐structured interviews about firms’ pay and employment practices that included a systematic method to enable managers to provide some objectively justifiable measures of job content and perceptions of personal attributes in relation to the pay of 16‐ and 17‐year‐old workers compared with their older counterparts.FindingsEmployers’ informal and pragmatic employment and pay practices both reflect and reinforce the LPC's presumption of distinctiveness for a predominantly student labour force. This indicative and exploratory method of quantifying jobs and personal attributes in relation to pay appears to have some validity, although the sorts of skills that are associated with young workers’ jobs may not be fully recognised or valued, reinforcing inequality and discrimination in some cases.Originality/valueIn raising awareness of potential inequality of treatment and discrimination in the context of age discrimination legislation, the paper will be of interest to researchers in employment relations, human resource management, equality and diversity management, minimum wages and the hospitality industry.
Equality and diversity policies and practices at work: lesbian, gay and bisexual workers
Authors: Colgan Fiona , Creegan Chris , McKearney Aidan , Wright Tessa 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify organisational good practice concerning equality, diversity and sexual orientation and consider the impact of the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs in‐depth interviews and a short survey with 154 lesbian, gay and bisexual people (LGB) and 60 interviews with management, trade union and LGB group representatives within 16 “good practice” case study organisations.FindingsBefore the introduction of the (SO) Regulations (2003), progress concerning equality, diversity and sexual orientation was made based on social justice and/or business case arguments. The research shows that an inclusive organisational response can benefit both LGB employees and their employers. However, an “implementation gap” between equality/diversity policy and practice on sexual orientation was identified. The introduction of the law as a further driver to equality action in the sexual orientation area has been positive. However, LGB employees voiced concerns about the way in which organisations rely on LGB people to come forward with complaints before tackling problems. Thus, the protection provided by the (SO) Regulations 2003, although welcomed, was not seen as a panacea to tackling discrimination and harassment on grounds of sexual orientation in the workplace. LGB respondents looked to their organisation management to provide proactive leadership on equality/diversity issues and stop treating the sexual orientation strand as the “poor relation” within the organisational drive for equality and diversity.Originality/valueThe paper addresses the gap in knowledge regarding LGB people's perceptions of equality/diversity policy and practice within UK workplaces, providing information on good practice for employers, trade unions, government and LGB campaigning organisations.