bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis LHT1 Is a High-Affinity Transporter for Cellular Amino Acid Uptake in Both Root Epidermis and Leaf Mesophyll
Authors: Hirner Axel , Ladwig Friederike , Stransky Harald , Okumoto Sakiko , Keinath Melanie , Harms Agnes , Frommer Wolf B. , Koch Wolfgang 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Amino acid transport in plants is mediated by at least two large families of plasma membrane transporters. Arabidopsis thaliana, a nonmycorrhizal species, is able to grow on media containing amino acids as the sole nitrogen source. Arabidopsis amino acid permease (AAP) subfamily genes are preferentially expressed in the vascular tissue, suggesting roles in long-distance transport between organs. We show that the broad-specificity, high-affinity amino acid transporter LYSINE HISTIDINE TRANSPORTER1 (LHT1), an AAP homolog, is expressed in both the rhizodermis and mesophyll of Arabidopsis. Seedlings deficient in LHT1 cannot use Glu or Asp as sole nitrogen sources because of the severe inhibition of amino acid uptake from the medium, and uptake of amino acids into mesophyll protoplasts is inhibited. Interestingly, lht1 mutants, which show growth defects on fertilized soil, can be rescued when LHT1 is reexpressed in green tissue. These findings are consistent with two major LHT1 functions: uptake in roots and supply of leaf mesophyll with xylem-derived amino acids. The capacity for amino acid uptake, and thus nitrogen use efficiency under limited inorganic N supply, is increased severalfold by LHT1 overexpression. These results suggest that LHT1 overexpression may improve the N efficiency of plant growth under limiting nitrogen, and the mutant analyses may enhance our understanding of N cycling in plants.
The role of food quality certification on consumers' food choices
Authors: Botonaki Anna , Polymeros Konstantinos , Tsakiridou Efthimia , Mattas Konstantinos 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine consumer attitudes and behavior towards organic products and products produced under the system of integrated management (SIM) and to compare the socioeconomic characteristics and attitudes that affect consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for these two different certification systems.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on cross‐sectional data collected through a questionnaire survey. Respondents' attitudes towards the organic and SIM certification systems are examined. A principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was primarily applied to provide a more manageable set of variables relevant to attitudes. Those attitudes together with socioeconomic factors and variables relevant to respondents' motivations to food consumption were used for the estimation of the WTP for organic and SIM products.FindingsFindings suggest that consumers' level of awareness and information towards the studied certification systems is rather low especially for SIM products. This can be mainly attributed to the inadequate promotion and the low availability of certified products in the Greek market. The study also reveals that the WTP for organic products is higher among consumers who place much importance on health, consume organic fruits/vegetables and get information about food/nutrition issues from doctors/nutritionists/health institutes and magazines. WTP for SIM products is affected mainly by married consumers, regular buyers of organic products and those who consume frequently fruits/vegetables.Originality/valueThis paper provides an outline of the level of awareness and trust of food quality certification systems by Greek consumers, a topic that has not been widely discussed in Greece. The findings can help all the involved bodies to avoid the impediments and develop an adequate marketing strategy for the effective promotion of certified food products.
Implementation of enterprise resource planning systems in the Cypriot brewing industry
Authors: Tsamantanis Vassilis , Kogetsidis Harry 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine how Keo and Carlsberg (Cyprus), the two main companies operating in the Cypriot brewing industry, have recently introduced enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in their effort to obtain competitive advantage and to increase their market share.Design/methodology/approachThe paper was based on primary data collected through personal interviews with senior managers of the two companies.FindingsBoth companies have been among the first organisations in Cyprus to implement ERP systems, which have provided the two companies with a single interface for managing all their operations – from entering sales orders to coordinating shipping and after‐sales customer service. The new system has offered considerable benefits to the two companies, both in their production and in other operational functions.Practical implicationsA number of suggestions are made for other Cypriot companies considering the implementation of ERP systems, so that they can achieve maximum benefit from the adoption of such systems.Originality/valueThis paper has examined, for the first time, how the two main Cypriot breweries have implemented ERP systems, the similarities and differences between the two implementations, and the benefits that such systems have brought to the two companies.
A potent secret for winning a crucial edge over your rivals?
Authors: Woodruffe Charles 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo explain that a fully‐engaged employee is an extremely important commercial asset.Design/methodology/approachIn the absence of detailed research, the author draws on his extensive experience of working with numerous large organizations on maximizing the extent to which their employees are engaged. His experience is practical and has involved working with employees who themselves toil at the “coal‐face” of organizational success. The research presents an informed anecdotal approach to the subject and is made systematic through a range of practical guidelines.FindingsThe nature of the research means that it discusses general strategic issues in business rather than specific statistical findings. But inherent in the paper is the fact that these general strategic issues are unchanging and are of permanent importance.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of the paper are enormous. The author is saying nothing less momentous than that the difference between an engaged employee (i.e. one who is fully emotionally and intellectually motivated by his or her work) compared with an employee who is not engaged, is prodigious and can make a huge commercial difference to an organization's performance.Originality/valuePerhaps the most important observation of all given by the author is that engaged employees provide a discretionary input, that is, they give a level of energy and commitment to the job which the job does not require from a contractual perspective.
Journal citation identity and journal citation image: a portrait of the Journal of Documentation
Authors: Nebelong‐Bonnevie Ellen , Faber Frandsen Tove 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a multiple set of journal evaluation indicators using methods and theories from author analysis. Among those are the journal citation identity and the journal citation image.Design/methodology/approachThe Journal of Documentation is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and for that reason it is portrayed in a bibliometric study using the two indicators, based, e.g. on analyses of references in journal articles and journal co‐citation analyses.FindingsThe Journal of Documentation, which is portrayed in this study is characterized by high impact and high visibility. It publishes a relatively low number of documents with scientific content compared to other journals in the same field. It reaches far into the scientific community and belongs to a field that is more and more visible. The journal is relatively closely bounded to Western Europe, which is an increasing tendency.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on analyses of just three LIS journals.Practical implicationsJournal citation identity and the journal citation image indicators contribute in giving a more detailed multifaceted picture of a single journal.Originality/valueThe multiple set of indicators give rise to a journal evaluation of a more qualitative nature.
Associating social constructionism and extended cognition in information studies
Authors: Adam Holland George 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo develop a unified research framework that synthesizes similarities between cognitive science and information studies, particularly language. This framework is proposed and explored as useful for future information study research.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis is conducted of two contemporary developments in the distinct disciplines of information studies and cognitive science. The theories of extended cognition and social constructionism are explored, focusing on the issue of context in each of the arguments. The complementarity argument is presented as the strongest argument for extended cognition, while Sanna Talja's work is offered as representative of social constructionism in information studies. The philosophical similarities between extended cognition and social constructionism are then integrated at points of similarity.FindingsCognitive science and information studies have a number of unexpected similarities both in broad and specific terms. The opportunity to develop a synchronized research framework is presented as both feasible and mutually beneficial. Additionally, cognitive science is suggested as useful tool in bridging the gap between the frameworks of cognitivism and social constructionism in information studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe philosophic discussion borders on technical at times possibly limiting it to those familiar with or interested in the philosophy or meta‐theory within cognitive science and information studies.Practical implicationsThe conclusion points to future research between cognitive science and information studies that can be conducted in further research projects. The arguments also move toward continuing discussions of interdisciplinarity in information studies.Originality/valueCognitive science is being frequently employed in information studies research and practice. This paper presents an alternative take on how the two can relate and possible benefits, while also exploring very particular movements within each discipline.
Knowledge management issues in knowledge‐intensive SMEs
Authors: Baptista Nunes Miguel , Annansingh Fenio , Eaglestone Barry , Wakefield Richard 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a study of knowledge management understanding and usage in small and medium knowledge‐intensive enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe study has taken an interpretitivist approach, using two knowledge‐intensive South Yorkshire (England) companies as case studies, both of which are characterised by the need to process and use knowledge on a daily basis in order to remain competitive. The case studies were analysed using qualitative research methodology, composed of interviews and concept mapping, thus deriving a characterisation of understandings, perceptions and requirements of SMEs in relation to knowledge management.FindingsThe study provides evidence that, while SMEs, including knowledge intensive ones, acknowledge that adequately capturing, storing, sharing and disseminating knowledge can lead to greater innovation and productivity, their managers are not prepared to invest the relatively high effort on long term knowledge management goals for which they have difficulty in establishing the added value. Thus, knowledge management activities within SMEs tend to happen in an informal way, rarely supported by purposely designed ICT systems.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper proposes that further studies in this field are required that focus on organisational and practical issues in order to close the gap between theoretical propositions and the reality of practice.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that in order to implement an appropriate knowledge management strategy in SMEs cultural, behavioural, and organisational issues need to be tackled before even considering technical issues.Originality/valueKM seems to have been successfully applied in large companies, but it is largely disregarded by small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). This has been attributed primarily to a lack of a formal approach to the sharing, recording, transferring, auditing and exploiting of organisational knowledge, together with a lack of utilisation of available information technologies. This paper debates these concepts from a research findings point of view.
An empirical study of the relationship between knowledge sharing and IS/IT strategic planning (ISSP)
Authors: Pai Jung‐Chi 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between knowledge sharing behaviour and the effectiveness of IS/IT strategic planning (ISSP). Furthermore, we explore the factors influencing knowledge‐sharing behaviour among stakeholders in the ISSP process.Design/methodology/approachTo test the relationships between the constructs in the research model, data were collected by a questionnaire survey sent to the IS/IT executives of 805 large companies in Taiwan.FindingsSurvey results indicate that knowledge sharing behaviour influences the effectiveness of ISSP. Certain factors are also found to influence knowledge sharing behaviour among stakeholders in the ISSP process.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should focus on the following areas, as motivated by limitations of the present study. First, future researchers might attempt to understand the conclusions about the knowledge sharing factors of this research through structured interviews in case studies of IS directors from ongoing or recently completed ISSP projects. Researchers might ask subjects why these factors are associated with the effectiveness of ISSP. Second, future researchers could consider more general factors that affecting knowledge sharing behaviour such as task coordination, rewards and political behaviour. Third, the subjects of this study are IS executives in Taiwan. Cultural differences may exist between Taiwan and other countries. Future research should be similarly carried out in other countries.Practical implicationsTo achieve the consistently planning objectives, knowledge sharing is necessary to IS/IT strategic planning. Numerous organizational mechanisms exist that can enhance knowledge sharing and transfer, including IT steering committee and strategic IS/IT team. Furthermore, organizations could apply both of group interaction mechanism and knowledge management mechanism to promote the formulation of organizational learning environment and fit the organizational context during IS/IT strategic planning.Originality/valueThe study shows a growing amount of empirical work that has been conducted examining the relationship between ISSP and organizational context. However, there has been little empirical research that investigates the relationship between knowledge sharing behaviour among stakeholders and the effectiveness of ISSP. The results of this study will be of interest to business managers or strategic planners who are initiating or conducting information systems strategic planning exercises, ant to researchers in the field of information systems management and planning.
Contact‐fluid interfacial shear strength and its critical importance in elastohydrodynamic lubrication
Authors: Zhang Y. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo review, analyze and present the effects of the contact‐fluid interfacial shear strength and contact‐fluid interfacial slippage and the critical importance of these effects in elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL).Design/methodology/approachThe experimental and theoretical research results of the contact‐fluid interfacial shear strength and its caused contact‐fluid interfacial slippage in hydrodynamic lubrication and especially in EHL obtained in the past decades and progressed in recent years by the present author and by others are reviewed. Analysis and presentation are made on both the contact‐fluid interfacial shear strength versus fluid pressure curve for a given bulk fluid temperature in an isothermal EHL and the influence of the bulk fluid temperature on this curve.FindingsIt is very clearly and well understood from the present paper that the value of the contact‐fluid interfacial shear strength in the inlet zone in an EHL contact, i.e. at low EHL fluid film pressures is usually low and usually has rather a weak dependence on the EHL fluid film pressure. This proves the correctness of the EHL theories previously developed by the author based on the assumption of this low value and dependence on the EHL fluid film pressure of the contact‐fluid interfacial shear strength. It is also very clearly understood that the bulk fluid temperature usually has a strong influence on the value of the contact‐fluid interfacial shear strength in EHL and the increase of this temperature usually significantly reduces the value of the contact‐fluid interfacial shear strength in EHL.Practical implicationsA very useful material for the engineers who are engaged in the design of EHL on gears, cams and roller bearings, and for the tribology scientists who thrust efforts in studying EHL and mixed EHL both by theoretical modeling and by experiments.Originality/valueA new and generalized mode of mixed EHL is originally proposed by incorporating the finding of a more realistic mode of the contact regimes in a practical mixed EHL based on the contact‐fluid interfacial shear strength and contact‐fluid interfacial slippage effects. This mode of mixed EHL should become the direction of the theoretical research of mixed EHL in the future.
Consumer attitudes, system's characteristics and internet banking adoption in Malaysia
Authors: Oly Ndubisi Nelson , Sinti Queenie 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis paper examines the determinant structure of customers’ attitude system's characteristics on adoption of internet banking (IB) by Malaysian bank customers.Design/methodology/approachThe research framework links attitudinal constructs such as importance of IB to customers’ banking needs, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and risk to internet banking adoption. Moreover, the impact of IB site design characteristics on adoption was also verified. An online questionnaire was used in this research and respondents were approached through extensive personalized email invitations as well as postings to the newsgroups.FindingsThe results of the study reveal that the attitudinal factors play a significant role in internet banking adoption. Moreover, utilitarian orientation of the website rather than hedonic orientation has significant influence on adoption. Details of the results, implications of the findings, and conclusions are presented.Research limitations/implicationsThe reliability and validit of the research is supported and a number of unfounding variables‐level of education, exposure to IT and usage frequency‐are highlighted.Practical implicationsInformative when planning any new internet service for financial customers.Originality/valueDraws together the key requirements for extending the use of internet banking in Malaysia.
Awareness and usage of promotional tools by Malaysian consumers: the case of low involvement products
Authors: Oly Ndubisi Nelson , Tung Moi Chew 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo evaluate the awareness and behaviours of Malaysian consumers towards sales promotional tools such as, coupons, price discount, free samples, bonus packs, and in‐store display in the purchase of low involvement products.Design/methodology/approachThe paper also recognises that certain demographic factors such as education and income of consumers could potentially confound the observed relationships hence, these factors were controlled. A total of 312 consumers in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia were surveyed using a structured questionnaire.FindingsThe results show that price discounts, free samples, bonus packs, and in‐store display are associated with product trial. Coupons do not have any significant effect on product trial.Research limitations/implicationsOnly one category of product was considered. None were high involvement so these need further research.Practical implicationsGreate understanding of how Malaysian customers respond to the various sales promotions therefore increased alitity to pich the appropriate promotional miso.Originality/valueThe level of education appears to have no bearing on consumers’ preferences.
Diversity in the workplace
Authors: Peppas Spero C. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeGiven the growing importance of the Hispanic population in the USA, the increasing presence of this minority at all organizational levels, and the possibility that different subcultures would value different traits when hiring, the purpose of this research was to determine if there were culture‐related differences in the importance placed on 26 job applicant attributes by Hispanics and non‐Hispanics who were involved in hiring.Design/methodology/approachThis study compares the importance ratings of 26 job selection attributes by Hispanic and non‐Hispanic respondents to determine the hiring criteria that are important to each group, and to see if differences are statistically significant.FindingsSignificant differences in mean rating scores were found in 13 of the 26 criteria. The Hispanic sample attached greater importance to subjective traits, while the non‐Hispanic group had higher ratings for objectively‐assessed traits.Practical implicationsGiven organizational efforts to increase diversity and changing demographics in the US workforce, the results of this study should prove useful to individuals and organizations in the private and public sectors. The findings show that Hispanic and non‐Hispanic respondents had significantly different perceptions with regard to the importance of certain hiring criteria and hence, may assess candidates differently because of what they consider important.Originality/valueThese findings should lead to better understanding among US subcultures, help organizations manage cultural diversity, assist academicians in preparing students for business careers, and improve the matching process between hiring organizations and job applicants.
Human resource management practices in Eritrea: challenges and prospects
Authors: Ghebregiorgis Fitsum , Karsten Luchien 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThis article seeks to examine the challenges and prospects of human resource management (HRM) in a developing‐country context. It focuses on contextual factors and employee involvement in analysing HRM to provide theoretical insights.Design/methodology/approachTo explore the above theme, on‐site interviews were carried out with general managers, human resource professionals, line managers and union leaders in eight firms. Furthermore, a sample of 252 employees was included, thereby contributing to the generalisability of the findings.FindingsThis article provides substantial and current information on HRM knowledge and practices in Eritrea. The paper argues that some contextual variables impose certain challenges to HRM practices. However, evidence also reveals that the concept and knowledge of HRM practices, such as training, recruitment, compensation, employee participation, performance appraisal and reward systems, are in place with some indicators of local influence.Research limitations/implicationsIn light of the above findings, the article informs multinational companies that transferring managerial expertise to Africa may not necessarily be required, as the knowledge already exists there. A major limitation may derive from the use of convenience sampling in selecting the firms, but extreme caution is taken to get a faithful representation.Originality/valueContrary to the dominant view that African management is characterised by authoritarianism, this study shows the participative style of managers. Moreover, it incorporates the attitudes and perceptions of employees, a generally neglected part of HRM studies.