bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Dehydrin Gene from Ginkgo biloba
Authors: Deng Zhongxiang , Wang Yiding , Jiang Keji , Liu Xuefen , Wu Weisheng , Gao Shi , Lin Juan , Sun Xiaofen , Tang Kexuan 
Published: July 2006

A full-length cDNA encoding a dehydrin was cloned from the living fossil plant Ginkgo biloba by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The cDNA, designated as GbDHN, was 813 bp long containing an open reading frame of 489 bp. The deduced GbDHN protein had 163 amino acid residues, which formed a 17 kDa polypeptide with a predicted isoelectric point (pI) of 5.75. GbDHN had an S-segment and a K-segment, indicative of dehydrins, but no Y-segments. Homology analysis indicated that the S-segment and K-segment of GbDHN shared identity with those of other reported dehydrins, indicating that GbDHN belonged to dehydrin superfamily. Genomic sequence of GbDHN was also cloned using genomic walker technology. By comparing genomic DNA with the cDNA, it was found that there was a 257-bp intron in this gene. Promoter analysis indicated that it contained six CAAT boxes, one TATA box, one ABRE box and one GC-motif in the 5′-flanking region. Southern blot analysis revealed that GbDHN belonged to a single copy gene family. RT-PCR analysis revealed that GbDHN constitutively expressed in stems and roots. The increased expression of GbDHN was detected when G. biloba seedlings were treated with exogenous abscisic acid (ABA), salt stress and drought stress. These results indicate that the GbDHN has the potential to play a role in response to ABA and environmental stresses that can cause plant dehydration.
Direct Assessment of Promoter Activity of Human Cytochrome P450 Genes Using Optimized Transfection in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Al-Dosari Mohammed , Zhang Guisheng , Knapp Joseph E. , Liu Dexi 
Published: July 2006

Although transcription regulation of human cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP) is known to play an important role in drug metabolism and homeostasis, factors influencing the expression of various CYP genes in humans remain largely undefined. We used three cell lines and CD-1 mice to assess the activity of genomic promoter sequences of human CYP2D6, 1A2, 3A4, 2C9, 2C18, and 2E1 genes. CYP promoter sequences were amplified by PCR using human liver genomic DNA as the template and cloned into pGL3-Basic vectors that contain a luciferase reporter gene but lack promoter or enhancer sequences. Each plasmid construct was transfected into cells in vitro using polyethylenimine (PEI) as the transfection reagent and into mice using the recently developed hydrodynamics-based procedure. Relative promoter strength was determined by the level of luciferase expression in transfected cells. All six human CYP promoters are active in driving reporter gene expression in cultured hepatic HepG2 cells and non-hepatic cells such as human embryonic kidney fibroblasts (293 cells) and murine melanoma cells (BL-16) as well as cells in intact mouse liver, lung, heart, kidney and spleen. The order of strength among CYP promoters examined was found to be 2D6 &gt; 1A2 &gt; 3A4 &gt; 2C9 &gt; 2C18 &gt; 2E1.
Factors affecting the evolution of manufacturing in Canada: An historical perspective
Authors: Balakrishnan Jaydeep , Eliasson Janice B. , Sweet Timothy R.C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper examines the factors that influenced developments in industry and manufacturing in Canada from the 17th to the 20th century. Although Canada's abundance of natural resources led to the development of primary industries in the 17th and 18th centuries, the manufacturing industry was not significant until the early 19th century. Four representative manufacturing industries are discussed to illustrate the overall trend in the chronological evolution of Canadian manufacturing in the 19th and 20th centuries. The role and impact of factors such as transportation, electricity, foreign investment, particularly by U.S. entrepreneurs, and government support for industry is reviewed to understand their impact on manufacturing as it has evolved to the present. It appears that these were indeed influential and thus are factors that other countries in a less developed stage of their manufacturing evolution may look to for directions.Our analysis also shows that Canadian manufacturing which began by producing simple items in small volumes due to geographical diversity and the absence of a large market, moved into the mass manufacturing age only in the 20th century. But in the 21st century due to competition from low labour cost countries Canada has moved back to customized manufacturing though in sophisticated goods such as aircraft manufacturing and biotech. While there are bright spots in Canadian manufacturing, recent studies also show that work needs to be done to produce more value added products and ensure Canadian manufacturing competitiveness in the global market place.
Publisher and author partnerships: a changing landscape
Authors: Regazzi John J. , Caliguiri Nicole A. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThis article discusses the changing relationships of authors and publishers, the current trends and challenges they face, and the direction of these relationships in the future. As the STM publishing industry finds itself in the midst of significant technological and economic changes, this article provides background to these changes and looks at the key elements, including open access business development, institutional repository trends, and emerging public financing policies in the future.
Book Reviews
Authors: Wilmot Charlotte , Oppenheim Charles , Robinson Lesley 
Published: July 2006

Zuckerman: Scientist Extraordinary by Bernard Donovan BioScientifica, Bristol, 2005, 555pp. ISBN 1‐901978249 £24.95Negotiating licences for digital resources by Fiona Durrant Facet Publishing, 2006, ISBN 1 85604 586 2Metadata for Information Management and Retrieval By David Haynes Facet Publishing, 2004, ISBN 1 85604 4890
Oxford Scholarship Online
Authors: Goldsworthy Sophie 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTAn account is given of Oxford Scholarship Online (OSO), a website containing a growing collection of new and backlist titles from Oxford University Press. The technical set‐up, the design of the site, and its business model are described. It is proposed as an important step towards solving the so‐called ‘monograph crisis’ and improving the availability of scholarship world‐wide.
Impact of organizational learning and knowledge management factors on e‐business adoption
Authors: Lin Hsiu‐Fen , Lee Gwo‐Guang 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine the impact of organizational learning factors (training available, technical expertise, and knowledge level) and knowledge management processes (knowledge acquisition, knowledge application, and knowledge sharing) on e‐business systems adoption level.Design/methodology/approachThe data from a survey of 202 IS executives in Taiwan were used empirically to test the proposed research model. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model, and the structural equation modelling technique was used to evaluate the research model.FindingsThe analytical results showed that organizational learning factors and knowledge management processes are closely related to the level of e‐business systems adoption. However, knowledge sharing did not significantly affect e‐business systems adoption level.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies could seek an enhanced understanding of the impacts on the level of e‐business adoption of the organizational learning and knowledge management factors investigated in this paper through structured interviews and case studies of IS executives dealing with ongoing or recently completed e‐business systems projects.Practical implicationsOwner/managers considering e‐business systems adoption would be best to focus on both social and technical factors, and their interaction within and beyond the organization, rather than focusing exclusively on technological considerations.Originality/valueThis paper has implications for e‐business managers or policy‐makers in formulating policies and targeting appropriate organizational capabilities to ensure effective adoption of e‐business systems.
Sir George Simpson: 19th century fur trade governor and precursor of systematic management
Authors: Spraakman Gary , Margret Julie 
Published: July 2006

PurposeSir George Simpson, the Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) from 1821 to his death in 1860, was the subject of numerous biographical works that described various facets of the man including his managerial abilities, literary prowess, physical stamina, abundant energy, extensive art collection and ethnological specimens. Two related aspects of his outstanding management style have been overlooked: the genesis of his management style and where it can be placed in the evolution of management practices during the 19th century.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data from the Hudson's Bay Company archives plus secondary sources.FindingsSimpson's management abilities came from his grammar school education and his apprenticeship to a counting house. More importantly, it can be attributed to his association with his mentor Andrew Wedderburn, his dedication to the HBC, and his high level of physical and intellectual energy. His information intensive management style was also a significant precursor to systematic management, which occurred later in the 19th century.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should examine other examples of the evolution of management during the 19th century, particularly the transition from sub‐unit accountability to systematic management.Originality/valueThe paper emphasizes the importance of managers in making management systems work.
Seeking the Holy Grail of organisational development
Authors: Cacioppe Ron , Edwards Mark 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThere are several stage‐based models of organisational development (OD) that provide a systematic overview of the developmental potential of organisations. This paper compares four such models – Ken Wilber's integral theory, the spiral dynamics model of Don Beck and Chris Cowan, Richard Barrett's corporate transformation model, and William Torbert's action inquiry model – with the aim of presenting an integrated account of the stages of OD.Design/methodology/approachIntegral theory is used as the basis for considering the theoretical scope of these other models of OD. The integral framework is specifically designed to recognise the valid insights of other models of organisational change and, as such, is well suited for situating those insights in a comprehensive and coherent approach for mapping the developmental paths of organisations. The models considered represent some of the more innovative OD approaches.FindingsFrom the comparative analysis an integral model for OD is described. The description includes a new definition of OD which is based on integral theory's core developmental principles.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed framework provides a means for assessing the scope and specificity of other approaches to OD. It also provides criteria for distinguishing between those approaches that are concerned with incremental or continuous change and those that focus on transformative development.Practical implicationsThe comparative analysis and resulting framework will assist practitioners and consultants in the OD field in developing a better understanding of the relationships between various stage‐based approaches to OD.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive framework that can assist in comparing and situating the many approaches to OD that are currently available.
Organizational development facilitates effective regulation compliance
Authors: Cusick Anne 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to explain how application of organizational development (OD) can facilitate compliance with regulations imposed by an external government agency on university operations.Design/methodology/approachA total of 2,000 students and 150 staff were directly affected by the regulation, with the remaining university population potentially affected. The strategy utilized project management and change agent processes where analysis of the problem, design and implementation of interventions, and evaluation of intervention effect were carried out through a project working party with highly centralized leadership by senior management. There was regular progressive and summative evaluation of project goal attainment.FindingsUse of project management, change agents and centralized senior project leadership provided the practical means to support successful OD. OD worked well within the devolved, multi‐campus, multidisciplinary and organizationally complex environment of the university. OD proved to be an effective and efficient approach for large‐scale change in technical organizational sub‐systems, in particular structure and technology. By the end of the 18‐month intervention, no staff incidents had been reported, and of 2,000 students directly affected, only seven incidents had been identified and these were ultimately resolved by the project management group.Practical implicationsOD can be used effectively and efficiently to facilitate mandated change in multi‐site, multidisciplinary, large organizations. This case study demonstrated that project management, centralized leadership and the use of change agents were practical, efficient and effective within the OD framework.Originality/valueThis is the first study to describe and evaluate the use of OD to facilitate mandated change in universities in response to regulation.
The influence of superleader behaviors on organization commitment, job satisfaction and organization self‐esteem in a self‐managed work team
Authors: Elloy David F. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to examine the impact of superleader behaviors in self‐managed work teams, on organization commitment, job satisfaction and organization self‐esteem.Design/methodology/approachData were collected on‐site over a period of three days from employees working in a non‐union paper mill located in a small rural community in the northwestern region of the USA. The survey was completed by 141 employees, representing a 9 per cent response rate. Self‐leadership, organization commitment, job satisfaction and organization self‐esteem were all measured using different instruments.FindingsThe results indicated that teams groups that were led by a supervisor who exhibited the characteristics of a superleader had higher levels of organization commitment, job satisfaction, and organization self‐esteem.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a small sample and relied on self‐report data, thereby allowing for the possibility of same source bias. However, this is a common problem with cross‐sectional designs.Practical implicationsLeading in a self‐managed work team environment requires a unique approach to leadership. The results of this study illustrated that superleader behaviors result in some beneficial outcomes for organizations including enhanced levels of organization commitment, job satisfaction and organization self‐esteem. It behoves organizations to encourage, through training programs, the development of these behaviors.
Entrepreneurial and professional CEOs
Authors: Apospori Eleni , Papalexandris Nancy , Galanaki Eleanna 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo shed some light on the motivational profile of entrepreneurial as opposed to professional CEOs in Greece.Design/methodology/approachBased on McClelland's motivational patterns, i.e. power, achievement and affiliation, as well as responsibility; interviews with Greek entrepreneurial and professional CEOs were conducted. Then, interviews were content‐analysed, in order to identify differences in motivational profiles of those two groups of CEOs.FindingsAchievement, motivation and responsibility were found to be the most significant discriminating factors between entrepreneurial and professional CEOs.Research limitations/implicationsThe current research focuses only on McClelland's typology. Other aspects affecting entrepreneurial inclination are not studied in the current paper.Practical implicationsOne of the major implications deriving from the identified characteristics of successful entrepreneurial and professional CEOs has to do with the preparation and training of young leaders for both larger and smaller firms.Originality/valueThis paper studies, for the first time, the leadership profile of CEOs in Greece and identifies differences between professional and entrepreneurial ones. This is of great value in an SMEs dominated economy, such as Greece, where these research findings can be used for the development of entrepreneurship.
Development and model‐aided performance measure of a sensor‐augmented industrial robotic system for handling steel bearing races in an unstructured environment
Authors: Roy Debanik 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to measure the development and performance of a sensor‐augmented industrial robotic system for handling steel bearing races in an unstructured environment.Design/methodology/approachPerforms exhaustive experimentation during installation of the robotic system to assess its performance capability in terms of average lifting capacity and cycle time of operation.FindingsReveals that improvement can be achieved without damping, though rubber padding still appears to be useful sometimes in higher speed operations. Also unloading operations appear to cause more trouble than loading.Practical implicationsThe introduction of the robotic system will culminate in lower cycle time, increased productivity and optimal utilization of the annealing furnace.Originality/valueWill be beneficial for those involved in material handling operations in an unstructured environment as opposed to more familiar conditions.
Snaking around in a nuclear jungle
Authors: Buckingham Rob , Graham Andrew 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe paper describes a pipe repair conducted in August 2004 using two types of snake‐arm robot. The pipe was located 5 m below the reactor core of Ringhals 1 nuclear reactor.Design/methodology/approachThe two types of robot worked co‐operatively to replace a section of critical pipe. The 23‐degree of freedom arm snaked around obstructing pipes to positions cameras in a humanly unreachable location in order to give the ideal view of the work site. The more substantial second arm used 13 degrees of freedom to deliver fixtures, cutting tools, gas shields, inspection equipment and also conducted both tack welding and continuous welding.FindingsThe leaking pipe was repaired manually during the 2004 outage. The robots successfully completed the externally assessed Factory Acceptance Tests which involved copying the complete procedure on a purpose built mock‐up. The robots are now on standby for 2005 and beyond.Practical implicationsThe successful completion of this extremely difficult task indicates that snake‐arm robots are now a viable solution to a variety of complex access tasks in all industries including aerospace, pharmaceuticals, the miltary sector and nuclear industries.Originality/valueThe paper describes a procedure that has never been attempted before using two completely new designs of redundant snake‐arm robot.
A quality management model based on the “deep quality concept”
Authors: Srdoc Alira , Sluga Alojzij , Bratko Ivan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAccording to many authors, differences in firm performances are increasingly attributed to tacit knowledge that cannot easily be transmitted or imitated. On the other hand, current quality management models knowledge typically relates only to people. Situations, in which knowledge that is related to people is not available, sufficient, reliable or lucrative for application, are not considered. This paper aims to investigate how to overcome this gap.Design/methodology/approachBased on the adopted classification, types of knowledge typically present in an organisation are identified, and are discussed. Techniques for acquiring and formalising tacit knowledge are explored, and related criteria are defined. Particular attention is shown to knowledge management and artificial intelligence techniques.FindingsA new approach to quality management called deep quality concept (DQC) is conceptualised, and mechanisms and concepts needed to acquire and integrate formalised knowledge into quality systems are identified. Other concepts that need to be incorporated are also identified. Finally, a new quality management model based on the DQC is developed.Research limitations/implicationsIn further research the main points of the presented theoretical framework need to be validated through real examples from practice, and the resulting quality standard, i.e. award criteria, as well as the related handbooks completed and formalised.Practical implicationsKnowledge‐related and other relevant concepts need to be incorporated into contemporary quality management systems, as systematically and carefully as conventional quality management concepts. Knowledge of methods and tools suitable for that also needs to be assimilated.Originality/valueIn the paper a novel knowledge‐focused approach to quality management is presented. For this reason the paper is of great value for quality management theory and practice.
Strategic value of reliability and maintainability management
Authors: Madu Christian N. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the strategic value of reliability and maintainability management in achieving competitiveness and customer satisfaction. It looks into performance metrics for organizational performance and associates reliability and maintainability with such metrics.Design/methodology/approachThe design strategy is based on using models for reliability and profitability assessment as well as total quality management models to illustrate how performance metrics for organizational performance can be enhanced.FindingsIt shows there is a need to associate models of profitability assessment to reliability and maintainability management. This will help top management to see the strategic value of reliability and maintainability management and, therefore, adopt necessary organizational transformations to support reliability and maintainability goals.Research limitations/implicationsIt is important that the role of reliability and maintainability as important strategic variables be recognized and considered in future research that evaluates organizational performance and successes.Practical implicationsThe importance of organizational cultural transformation is noted and a transformation of organizational information system to link reliability management to a central information system such as in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) framework is suggested as a process of improving system availability and reliability.Originality/valueThe aim is to have top management perceive reliability and maintainability issues as part of their strategic initiatives. While the value of total quality management in achieving organizational success is well accepted, reliability and maintainability issues are often viewed at the operational level. Yet, they are critical to achieving quality and organizational success.