bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Evolution Has Targeted the C-Terminal Domain of the RXLR Effectors of Plant Pathogenic Oomycetes
Authors: Win Joe , Morgan William , Bos Jorunn , Krasileva Ksenia V. , Cano Liliana M. , Chaparro-Garcia Angela , Ammar Randa , Staskawicz Brian J. , Kamoun Sophien 
Published: August 2007

AbstractOomycete plant pathogens deliver effector proteins inside host cells to modulate plant defense circuitry and to enable parasitic colonization. These effectors are defined by a conserved motif, termed RXLR (for Arg, any amino acid, Leu, Arg), that is located downstream of the signal peptide and that has been implicated in host translocation. Because the phenotypes of RXLR effectors extend to plant cells, their genes are expected to be the direct target of the evolutionary forces that drive the antagonistic interplay between pathogen and host. We used the draft genome sequences of three oomycete plant pathogens, Phytophthora sojae, Phytophthora ramorum, and Hyaloperonospora parasitica, to generate genome-wide catalogs of RXLR effector genes and determine the extent to which these genes are under positive selection. These analyses revealed that the RXLR sequence is overrepresented and positionally constrained in the secretome of Phytophthora relative to other eukaryotes. The three examined plant pathogenic oomycetes carry complex and diverse sets of RXLR effector genes that have undergone relatively rapid birth and death evolution. We obtained robust evidence of positive selection in more than two-thirds of the examined paralog families of RXLR effectors. Positive selection has acted for the most part on the C-terminal region, consistent with the view that RXLR effectors are modular, with the N terminus involved in secretion and host translocation and the C-terminal domain dedicated to modulating host defenses inside plant cells.
Exploring rhetoric: alcohol and Absolut Vodka advertisements
Authors: Kenyon Alexandra J. , Hutchinson Pollyanna L. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review current thinking about visual and verbal images used in advertising. It also aims to critique a range of current alcohol advertisements and provides practical analysis of the visual and verbal rhetoric contained within them.Design/methodology/approachThe article provides three empirical readings of alcohol advertisements. The first reading, presented by the authors, evaluates alcohol advertisements using the taxonomy of rhetoric, introduced by McQuarrie and Mick in 1996. They then offer a second reading of visual rhetoric, shown in the Absolut Vodka “Everything” advertisements, using the Phillips and McQuarrie's typology introduced in 2004.FindingsThe first two qualitative readings of alcohol and Absolut Vodka advertisements show that there is high deviance in advertisements. However, with the introduction of taxonomies, detailed textual interpretations can be made, categorised and commented upon using socio‐cultural cues. In terms of the third empirical reading, of the Absolut “Everything” television advertisement, informants displayed a collective understanding of visual rhetoric that is low in deviance, but a wide variety of interpretations where highly complex rhetoric is used.Research limitations/implicationsThe first two readings were completed by the authors, using their own interpretive practice skills, therefore, future research could be completed with informants that are in the target audience and informants that are outside the target audience. The empirical research invited informants that are in the target audience and informants not in the target audience. Future research could be conducted with different audience types and different research methods to gain a rounded picture.Originality/valueTaxonomies of rhetoric have been created and developed over the years. The introduction of the visual rhetoric typology has given scholars the opportunity to categorise the signs and codes used in advertisements. This paper has used verbal and visual rhetorical taxonomies to highlight the wicked deviations shown in alcohol advertisements. It explores the perceptions of the scholars, with their own deep readings and the perceptions of scholars through depth interviews. This paper's examination of alcohol advertisements does not offer a fixed view of the interpretations that can be gained from rhetoric, it does, however, present insights into the concepts and methodological process for future studies.
Evolution and limitations of primary mathematical models in predictive microbiology
Authors: Li Hao , Xie Guozhong , Edmondson Alan 
Published: August 2007

PurposeTraditional microbiological methods to monitor the growth or survival of microbes are very labour‐intensive and rather expensive and the knowledge acquired is not cumulative. Predictive microbiology as an alternative approach has been developed utilizing mathematical models to predict the microbial inactivation, survival or growth during food processing. The purpose of this paper is to review the evolutions and limitations of primary mathematical models in predictive microbiology.Design/methodology/approachPrimary models deal with the variation of microbial populations against time under particular environmental and cultural conditions. According to the behaviour of micro organisms during food processing and storage, primary models can be divided into inactivation/survival models and growth models. Literature is reviewed to assess the performance of these mathematical models.FindingsIn order to predict microbial survival or growth curves, some empirical mathematical models have been used. Most of them have no or little microbiological or physiological basis, which make the interpretation of some model parameters difficult and their performances do not match observed microbiological outcomes. To produce a more accurate mathematical model, more mechanisms are necessary to interpret model parameters with a biological basis.Originality/valueThe paper reviews the evolution and limitations of primary mathematical models, which may help future model development.
Corporate governance as a critical element for driving excellence in corporate social responsibility
Authors: Shahin Arash , Zairi Mohamed 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to enhance understanding of corporate governance (CG) in delivering excellence in corporate social responsibility (CSR).Design/methodology/approachThe paper demonstrates models of CG and the associated elements affecting CSR. It addresses the integration of CSR into management systems through a framework as a process‐based management system and studies the role of leadership style for socially responsible organizations. The paper develops a comprehensive questionnaire that enables organizations to audit their commitment to environment and social responsibility.FindingsThe paper reflects that CG encompasses different internal and external factors, by which management of organizations are influenced. This is also compatible with the new corporate community models, in which investors, the public, customers, employees and associated corporations have a mutual impact on management. The leadership style is also found to play an important role in socially responsible organizations. In this respect, transformational leader seems to be more effective, compared with manager and transactional leader. The paper suggests that organizations should audit their CG capabilities towards CSR, based on a proposed questionnaire in order to drive excellence in CSR.Originality/valueThe paper provides a comprehensive study to help understand key elements of CG and CSR and proposes a new questionnaire to organizations for assessing how far they are able to move towards socially responsible organizations.
Economic size and performance of dispersed and clustered small scale enterprises in India
Authors: Narayana M.R. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is the empirical measurement and analysis of economic size and performance of dispersed and clustered small‐scale enterprises (SSEs) in India.Design/methodology/approachMethodology is descriptive and comparative, using a combination of different official databases. Economic size is measured by distribution of SSEs by employment, output, fixed capital investment, and export variables. Measurement of economic performance is focused on output/capital ratio, output/labour ratio, and labour/capital ratio.FindingsThe results offer evidence for economic diversity in the size compositions and performance variations of dispersed and clustered SSEs; and bigger economic size and higher economic performance of clustered than dispersed SSEs.Research limitations/implicationsSubject to the comparability of economic structure, the results and implications for India are of relevance for promotion and development of clustered SSEs in other developing countries.Practical implicationsFrom the viewpoint of policy formulation, the results offer a strong empirical basis for a cluster approach rather than a dispersed approach for promotion and development of SSEs in India. The cluster approach has implications for establishing linkages between formal and informal SSEs and for elimination of smallness of dispersed SSEs.Originality/valueThe paper provides a comparative analysis of economic size and performance of the dispersed and clustered SSEs by consolidating the diverse databases in India.
Social responsibility in India towards global compact approach
Authors: Das Gupta Aruna 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper sets out to explore the trends of social responsibility of the corporate sector in India.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology being followed in the paper is exploratory in nature as data are scanty. An analysis has been done on an overall score drawn from a structured questionnaire being administered.FindingsTrends in socially responsible initiatives are both positive and crucial in nature in India.Research limitations/implicationsThe vastness of the corporate activities in a big country like India, on the one hand, and the scanty data availability, on the other, lead to issues being restricted in some sectors.Practical implicationsThis research has a tremendous effect on society with respect to the CSR approach being conceived, adopted and initiated by UN Global Compact.Originality/valueThe paper has touched on the cutting‐edge research initiatives in the field of CSR.
Critical evaluation of growth strategies: India and China
Authors: Basu Parikshit K. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to attempt to compare the development strategies and achievements of India and China in the last 50 years and to analyse the challenges lying ahead if the trend continues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper critically evaluates the growth strategies of the two economies. Changes in approaches, achievements and failures are analysed using materials from past research and secondary data. Impacts of economic reform process and economic management capabilities have been evaluated. Critical analysis is the main approach of the paper.FindingsBased on the experiences of economic growth so far with reformed and open economies, India can learn several things from China. China has achieved better results based on investment‐driven export‐oriented policies that may not be sustainable in the long run. It has so far ignored the socio‐political issues, which can have very serious consequences in the future. Relatively slower economic growth in India is based on stronger socio‐economic foundations. Mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the two economies and rising interdependence with regional and global powers should provide a better future.Originality/valueThe paper provides a comprehensive picture of strategies, outcomes and possibilities. It links past development strategies to future challenges. It may be of value to researchers and policy makers in both economies while considering future directions.
Corporate governance models
Authors: Yeoh Peter 
Published: August 2007

PurposePoland along with other members of the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have adopted a hybrid corporate governance model, which draws inspirations from both the insider‐oriented system as exemplified in Germany and the outsider‐oriented system as exemplified in the UK. The paper aims to examine the effectiveness of the transplantation process in Poland.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at common actual practices prevailing in the country itself and compares this with those in Germany and the UK. The research approach relies on a limited case analysis, drawing data primarily from the public domain.FindingsPoland's hybrid corporate governance system appears to align with the country's socio‐economic‐legal framework and also takes into account the common positive features found in both the insider‐oriented system and the outsider‐oriented system; and in particular the emphasis on transparency and accountability, proper corporate asset management, and investors’ protection safeguards. However, it would appear that the process of corporate governance monitoring and enforcement in Poland may need to be improved. It is also observed that Poland is increasingly looking towards the Anglo‐Saxon model of corporate governance as it developed its own system, largely because of the relatively greater success of the latter, the influence of influential global institutional investors in Continental Europe, and the diminishing influence of the German model, which itself is now contemplating fundamental reforms.Practical implicationsThe transition economies of CEE like Poland requires the practice of sound corporate governance to ensure more efficient mobilisation of their economic resources.Originality/valueThe paper shows that good corporate governance should help to attract more foreign investments into transition economies to help accelerate growth and enhance their balance of payments positions; and reduce gradually the extent of state involvement in the business sector.
Human resource development and organizational values
Authors: Hassan Arif 
Published: August 2007

PurposeOrganizations create mission statements and emphasize core values. Inculcating those values depends on the way employees are treated and nurtured. Therefore, there seems to be a strong relationship between human resource development (HRD) practices and organizational values. The paper aims to empirically examine this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe study measured employees' rather than management perspective. A sample of 239 employees from eight organizations responded to a questionnaire which measured the effectiveness of employee development practices and cherished organizational values.FindingsHRD practices like potential appraisal and promotion, learning/training, performance guidance and development were positively related to organizational values of collaboration, creativity, quality, delegation, and humane treatment. However, performance appraisal system, career planning, and contextual analysis variables were negatively associated with values such as trust and creativity.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was exploratory in nature. Further studies are needed on a larger sample to examine why some HRD practices like performance appraisal, career planning and contextual analysis contributed negatively to organizational values such as trust and creativity.Practical implicationsThe result of the study can be useful in designing effective employee development programs that promote cherished organizational values.Originality/valueLittle empirical knowledge exists on HRD and organizational values linkages in the context of transitional economies like Malaysia. The paper makes a modest attempt to fill the gap.
Evaluation of the effects of vocational choice and practical training on students' employability
Authors: Kagaari James R.K. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to demonstrate the need for Kyambogo to pay special attention to students' vocational choices, university based training and employability.Design/methodology/approachThe sample of 46 final year students, 90 graduates and 50 supervisors using cross sectional survey design was used to collect data.FindingsThe paper reveals that factors such as government policies and regulations, people we interact and relate with for instance, parents, teachers, peers and other factors like our aspirations, interests, subjects studied at school have a significant bearing on our vocational choices. Practical training, curriculum followed in teaching and industrial training are relevant for electrical graduates in their preparation for employment challenges.Practical implicationsThis paper calls for involvement of stakeholders in design, implementation and evaluation of the university curriculum. That there should be vigorous and rigorous regular evaluation of training of electrical engineers to meet the ever‐changing needs of employers.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new approach to critical thinking young adulthood vocational choices, university based‐training and employability of electrical engineering graduates.
Project execution game (PEG): training towards managing unexpected events
Authors: Zwikael Ofer , Gonen Amnon 
Published: August 2007

PurposeGames are an effective teaching and classroom training tool, since they allow students to practise real‐life events. In the area of project management, most games focus on the planning phase of a project. The current paper aims to describe a new game, called PEG – Project Execution Game. The uniqueness of this game is its focus on real world problems during the project's execution.Design/methodology/approachThe Project Execution Game provides the “players” with a set of realistic, but unexpected events that occur during a project, in order to enhance their problem‐coping capabilities and decision‐making skills as well as hone their general reactions. The game is designed for either one or several teams competing among themselves. The game's validity was tested on 185 undergraduate students in their advanced project management course. Statistical results about the simulation's contributions are presented in relation to several aspects of project management.FindingsThe conclusion from the study is that a game is an effective tool for teaching the unstructured area of project execution, and gives the student a taste of real‐life experience.Practical implicationsThe Project Execution Game can be implemented with students in project management training sessions. With this game, the students gain more practical relevant experience, as compared to alternative teaching techniques. Furthermore, the game can be used in organizational training to improve project managers' techniques and experience in reacting to unexpected events. Finally, it can also be used with project managers practising before the actual execution of a big project.Originality/valueThis paper suggests effective and interesting ways of teaching project management in order to better train project managers. By simulating realistic competitive conditions, the concepts learned and solutions generated in the classroom can be transferred to the outside business environment.
Playing the zero‐sum game with diversity: who's the worthiest of them all?
Authors: Wolburg Joyce M. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis article confronts the contradictory ideas surrounding diversity and the inconsistent efforts at embracing it. It aims to explore the reasons why marketing, recruitment, and philanthropic efforts differ for various groups, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Native Americans.Design/methodology/approachThis article examines data from published research, personal interviews, and government statistics to have a clearer picture of the myths and facts surrounding each group.FindingsSome groups can be reached more efficiently by marketers than others. Some groups are more likely to receive support motivated by affirmative action efforts than others, particularly those that have been historically underrepresented. Still others may draw greater support from philanthropic organizations. A complex set of factors including stereotypes and misplaced thinking may make some groups appear more “worthy” of support than others.Practical implicationsMarketers, employers, recruiters on college campuses, managers of philanthropic organizations, and members of diverse groups can gain a better understanding of the different motivations for support, which helps set more realistic goals and strategies, and subsequently may increase levels of support.Originality/valueThe article calls for an end to misplaced thinking about diversity efforts as a zero‐sum game in which the support of one group takes something away from another.
Impact of status brand strategy on materialism in Thailand
Authors: Sangkhawasi Thirarut , Johri Lalit M. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate the influence of status brand strategy of Mercedes Benz on materialism.Design/methodology/approachMaterialism level and perceived status associated with status brands are measured amongst Bangkok people. The correlation between the two shows the nature and the extent of the impact of the strategy on materialism.FindingsStatus brand strategy promotes materialism at a moderate level. Older and low to middle income people are susceptible to the impact of the strategy. The three characteristics of the brand – symbolic meaning, quality, and emotional appeal – show a strong impact on materialists.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focuses on the Bangkok population and a single status brand. The analysis does not distinguish between the perception of the owner and non‐owner of the brand.Practical implicationsThe findings point to adopting appropriate marketing strategies. These are: use direct marketing channels, expand product range to introduce affordable products, and communicate against bad connotation of materialism.Originality/valueThis paper calls for a reexamining of the impact of status brand strategy in escalating materialism. The findings will help in implementing strategies to discourage excessive materialism.
Consumer opinion and effectiveness of direct‐to‐consumer advertising
Authors: Spake Deborah F. , Joseph Mathew 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to look at the relationship between attitudes toward direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) advertising and its impact on consumer requests for a particular drug.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 154 consumers completed the survey on‐site at a pharmacy while waiting for their prescription(s) to be filled. Based on exploratory research (focus groups), survey items were developed to capture opinions of pharmaceutical advertising as well as the influence of DTC advertising on consumer behavior.FindingsThe findings show that consumers are skeptical of DTC advertising and believe that not enough information is provided about these products. Despite the high level of exposure and the opinions that these ads were effective and informative, few respondents believed that the ads motivated them to request these drugs or put them on a more equal footing with their physician.Practical implicationsThe results provide useful information to policy makers, drug companies and researchers. Even though consumers appear to be critical of DTC advertising oversight, these ads appear to motivate consumers to seek more knowledge about drugs or medical conditions mentioned in the ads and request prescriptions from physicians.Originality/valueThis research fills an identified gap in the literature on DTC advertising and its impact on consumer decision making. Limited research has been done on the relationship between consumer perceptions of DTC advertising and its impact on consumer requests for pharmaceutical products.