bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Centromere Function and Nondisjunction Are Independent Components of the Maize B Chromosome Accumulation Mechanism
Authors: Han Fangpu , Lamb Jonathan C. , Yu Weichang , Gao Zhi , Birchler James A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSupernumerary or B chromosomes are selfish entities that maintain themselves in populations by accumulation mechanisms. The accumulation mechanism of the B chromosome of maize (Zea mays) involves nondisjunction at the second pollen mitosis, placing two copies of the B chromosome into one of the two sperm. The B chromosome long arm must be present in the same nucleus for the centromere to undergo nondisjunction. A centromere, containing all of the normal DNA elements, translocated from the B chromosome to the short arm of chromosome 9 was recently found to be epigenetically silenced for centromeric function. When intact B chromosomes were added to this genotype, thus supplying the long arm, the inactive centromere regained the property of nondisjunction causing the translocation chromosome 9 to be differentially distributed to the two sperm or resulted in chromosome breaks in 9S, occasionally producing new translocations. Translocation of the inactive B centromere to chromosome 7 transferred the nondisjunction property to this chromosome. The results provide insight into the molecular and evolutionary basis of this B chromosome accumulation mechanism by demonstrating that nondisjunction is caused by a process that does not depend on normal centromere function but that the region of the chromosome required for nondisjunction resides in the centromeric region.
Consumer perception about fast food in India: an exploratory study
Authors: Goyal Anita , Singh N.P. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to estimate importance of various factors affecting the choice of fast food outlets by Indian young consumers.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies multivariate statistical tools to estimate importance of various factors affecting the choice of fast food outlets by Indian young consumers. In addition, the authors analysed the consumption patterns, impact of hygiene and nutritional values, and rating of various attributes of McDonald's and Nirula's.FindingsResults indicate that the young Indian consumer has passion for visiting fast food outlets for fun and change but home food is their first choice. They feel homemade food is much better than food served at fast food outlets. They have the highest value for taste and quality (nutritional values) followed by ambience and hygiene. Three dimensions (service and delivery dimension, product dimension, and quality dimension) of fast food outlets' attributes are identified based on factor analysis results. The two fast food outlets' rating differs significantly on the seven attributes. McDonald's scores are higher on all attributes except “variety”. Further, consumers feel that fast food outlets must provide additional information on nutritional values and hygiene conditions inside kitchen.Practical implicationsFast food providers need to focus on quality and variety of food besides other service parameters. There is need to communicate the information about hygiene and nutrition value of fast food which will help in building trust in the food provided by fast food players.Originality/valueEstimates importance of various factors affecting the choice of fast food outlets by Indian young consumers.
A grounded theory model of on‐duty critical care nurses' information behavior
Authors: McKnight Michelynn 
Published: February 2007

PurposeCritical care nurses' work is rich in informative interactions. Although there have been post‐hoc self report studies of nurses' information seeking, there have been no observational studies of the patterns of their on‐duty information behavior. This paper seeks to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis study used participant observation and in context interviews to describe 50 hours of the observable information behavior of a representative sample of critical care nurses in a 20‐bed critical care unit of a community (non‐teaching) hospital. The researcher used open, in vivo and axial coding to develop a grounded theory model of their consistent pattern of multimedia interactions.FindingsThe resulting Nurse's Patient‐Chart Cycle describes their activities during the shift as centering on a regular alternation between interactions with the patient and with the patient's chart (in various record systems), clearly bounded with nursing “report” interactions at the beginning and the end of the shift. The nurses' demeanor markedly changed between interactions with the chart and interactions with the patient. Their attention was focused on patient‐specific information. They had almost no time or opportunity to consult published sources of information while on duty.Originality/valueLibraries often provide nurses with information services that are based on academic models of information behavior. Clinical information systems are designed more for medico‐legal record keeping than for nursing care. Understanding the reality of nurses' on‐duty information behavior may guide librarians and systems designers in the provision of more appropriate systems and services.
Purls of wisdom
Authors: Prigoda Elena , McKenzie Pamela J. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe authors aim to apply a collectivist theoretical framework to the study of human information behaviour and the construction of meaning in a knitting group held in a branch of a large Canadian (Ontario) public library.Design/methodology/approachThe research design was naturalistic and consisted of active participant observation of five knitting group sessions and semi‐structured interviews with 12 group members. Field notes were taken, and both observations and interviews were audio taped and transcribed. Field notes and transcripts were coded qualitatively.FindingsInformation practices and contextual factors are mutually constitutive. The location of the circle in a public library, the physical characteristics of the act of knitting, and the social meanings of the activities taking place within the group, including the significance of gender and caring, are integrally linked to HIB in this setting. Findings are described verbally and illustrated through a model.Research limitations/implicationsThis study applies collectivist understandings to enrich concepts such as the “information ground” that have previously been studied largely from constructivist perspectives. As a small‐scale naturalistic study, results are context‐specific and must be applied tentatively.Practical implicationsThis study provides an example of how programs in public libraries can provide opportunities for information behaviour and the construction of meaning for members of the community.Originality/valueThis study contributes a collectivist approach to research on everyday‐life information seeking and on the library as a place.
The external environment's effect on management and strategy
Authors: Mason Roger B. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate the influence of the external environment on the choice of strategic management activities, from a chaos and complexity perspective, since a business environment is a complex adaptive system.Design/methodology/approachThe study in this paper was of an exploratory nature, using the qualitative techniques of case study, depth interviews and document analysis to collect data from two companies each in the IT and packaging industries, namely, more successful/less successful companies.FindingsThe paper finds that first, it was proposed that more successful companies in turbulent environments would use radical, fast and disruptive strategies. Furthermore, strategy making should be a democratic, bottom‐up process and should be organic, self‐organising, adaptive and emergent. The results confirmed these propositions. Second, it was proposed that more successful companies in stable environments would use more traditional management and strategies and more formal strategy planning activities. The findings did not confirm this proposition, probably due to the fact that in reality a truly stable environment does not exist in South Africa.Originality/valueThis paper is of benefit to managers and strategists by emphasising a new way to consider the future management and strategies of their companies. Since businesses and markets are complex adaptive systems, using complexity theory to increase understanding of how to cope in complex and turbulent environments is necessary, but has not been widely researched.
Networking in South African businesses
Authors: De Klerk Saskia , Kroon Jaipe 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose and the goal of this paper were to investigate South African businesses and determine their utilisation of new technologies and business structures. The role and development of e‐commerce and networks in South African businesses can determine their competitive role in a global market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows that South Africa's position in the networked economy was researched through an empirical survey and the use of a convenience sample that incorporated 707 online businesses listed in an online directory in South Africa. Manufacturing businesses, retail and wholesale businesses, as well as business rendering services online, were targeted.FindingsThe paper finds that business networks have necessitated new business structures and 78.4 percent of the respondents are currently using these modern business structures to adapt to the demands of the networked economy. These include the matrix structure (42.9 percent), the networked business structure (25 percent) and the extended business structure (10.7 percent). E‐commerce provides many advantages, the response received on the reasons for e‐commerce utilisation includes enhanced profit (86 percent), entering strategic markets (64 percent) and building international association (61 percent).Originality/valueThe value of this paper is that the focus should be on finding new opportunities and the most important recommendations include: South African business people should be informed about the importance of shared knowledge, intellectual capital and establishing strategic alliances that are facilitated through the use of networks. Proactive management and added value in business processes should be implemented and can enhance the competitive advantage amongst South African businesses.
Libraries and student affairs: partners for student success
Authors: Swartz Pauline S. , Carlisle Brian A. , Chisato Uyeki E. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide strategies that libraries and other campus organizations, especially student affairs offices, can employ to overcome common barriers to building partnerships, and to establish, maintain, and nurture effective cross‐campus collaboration.Design/methodology/approachA brief history of the development of student affairs is provided, as well as concrete examples of collaborative services and projects developed by a campus student affairs office and an undergraduate library at a large, public research university. A review of relevant literature highlights collaborative relationships, guiding principles for success, and maintaining and nurturing partnerships.FindingsBecause librarians and student affairs professionals operate outside the curricular structure, these partnerships allow for more flexibility and creativity in programming. Services and programs that meet the needs of students and fulfill the individual missions in these areas are easily attained by identifying potential campus partners and common goals, and establishing priorities.Practical implicationsAlthough extensive research on collaboration between libraries and faculty can be found in the literature, a dearth of research exists on collaborations between libraries and student services. This paper provides valuable tools and lessons for librarians and student affairs professionals for establishing successful and sustainable cross‐campus programs and services.Originality/valueThis paper serves as one of the first comprehensive reviews of cross‐campus collaborative projects between an undergraduate library and a campus student affairs office.
Does innovation lead to performance? An empirical study of SMEs in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh‐Yun Lin Carol , Yi‐Ching Chen Mavis 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis study attempts to probe within a multi‐dimensional perspective the nature and type of daily innovation practices of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) located in Taiwan. The relationship between innovation and organizational performance will also be explored.Design/methodology/approachData of interest were collected through a telephone survey. From the 2000 Directory of Manufacturing and Service Industries in Northern Part of Taiwan, companies with a total employee number less than 200 (the definition of an SME in Taiwan) were the population. Telephone calls to 877 firms were successfully completed with a response rate of 87 per cent.FindingsEighty per cent of the surveyed companies conducted some sort of innovation, the two major types of innovations were technological and marketing innovations. Innovation has a weak link with company sales. Administrative innovations have surfaced to be the most crucial factor in explaining sales rather than technological innovations.Practical implicationsCreating a successful innovation platform to serve as a base for non‐technology‐related innovations may prove to be the most critical catalyst to capitalize on innovation efforts. The research results also provide some insights for companies that are not sure how to integrate innovation into their business operations.Originality/valueThis study unveils the innovation practices of this novel economy and particularly focuses on the less explored SMEs in an Asian context.
Public libraries and adult learners
Authors: Ashcroft Linda , Farrow Janet , Watts Chris 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of three “grey” areas which emerged from a study on adult learning provision both within and outside public libraries in England – formal and informal learning, promotion and attracting learners, and evaluation and feedback.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises a literature review, interviews with the regional agencies of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), and interviews with a purposive select sample of public library services in England.FindingsThe public libraries sampled demonstrated their expertise in reaching out to a range of different social groups and their willingness to work with a variety of partners to provide the wide range of courses and services needed. Good reciprocal partnership relationships have been established. The need for more sophisticated market research and promotion is identified. Evaluation and feedback are subject to various interpretations and form an area surrounded by difficulties.Research limitations/implicationsThe study undertaken for the MLA is the first phase of a project on public libraries and adult learners.Practical implicationsExamples of reciprocal arrangements and their implications are provided. The impact on library staff roles of the grey area between informal and formal learning is identified with different expectations for staff by different library authorities. The variety of methods used to promote adult learning services could be more sophisticated and specifically targeted in some communities. Highlights the conflict between obtaining robust feedback and the effect this may have on tentative learners by changing a relaxed informal atmosphere.Originality/valueThe paper draws on a study undertaken for the MLA that selectively reviews adult learning provision within and outside public libraries in England and identifies key strengths in public libraries for adult learners.
The relationship between leadership and follower in‐role performance and satisfaction with the leader
Authors: Bartram Timothy , Casimir Gian 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an examination of the mediating effects of empowerment and trust in the leader on the relationship between transformational leadership and two outcomes (i.e. the in‐role performance of followers as rated by the leader and satisfaction with the leader).Design/methodology/approachIn total, 150 customer service operators in an Australian call‐centre were invited to participate in a leadership questionnaire and informed that their performance would be rated by their immediate supervisors (i.e. their line manager) as part of the study. A sample of 109 responses were used in the analysis.FindingsPartial least squares analysis revealed that the effects of transformational leadership on the in‐role performance of followers were mediated by empowerment and trust in the leader, whereas the effects of transformational leadership on satisfaction were partially mediated by trust in the leader.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications of the findings for leadership theorists is that a more fine‐grained approach is required to understand the leadership “black box” in that different mediators have been shown to affect different outcomes.Practical implicationsIn a call‐center context, which has high levels of control, standardization and formalization, transformational leadership can improve the performance of followers by empowering them and by developing trust in the leader.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by providing a concurrent analysis of the mediating effects of empowerment and trust in the leader on the relationship between transformational leadership and in‐role performance and job satisfaction.
Organizational knowledge leadership: a grounded theory approach
Authors: Lakshman C. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeLeadership theory and research has not addressed the role of leaders in knowledge management, despite its importance to organizations. Consequently, information and knowledge management as key leader functions have not been explored. This study is an attempt to generate a preliminary theory of the role of leaders in knowledge management through a grounded theory approach.Design/methodology/approachThis study builds a grounded theory of the role of leadership in knowledge management by comparatively analyzing 37 in‐depth interviews of CEOs. Combining deductive and inductive methods, this study establishes the key role of top executive leaders of organizations in knowledge management.FindingsThe data from the interviews suggest that leaders are acutely aware of the role of information and knowledge sharing and design knowledge networks that serve to maximize organizational effectiveness. Moreover, leaders use information technology and knowledge management to better focus on key internal and external customers. Thus, this grounded theory emphasizes both the leader behavior dimensions of information and knowledge sharing. More importantly, this study links the processes of knowledge management and customer‐focused knowledge management to leader and organizational effectiveness. Additionally, there seems to be evidence that such knowledge management activities implemented by leaders can positively impact organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis grounded theory study has identified relationships/ processes of leadership that are inherently longitudinal. A key limitation, however, is that the end result is theory, which needs to be tested and refined through other conventional mechanisms.Originality/valueThis study makes significant contributions to both the leadership and knowledge management literatures.
Managing social relations: the dimension of intellectual labour
Authors: Connell Raewyn 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to show that the management of social relations involves specific forms of intellectual labour. An Australian study explores this through life‐history interviews.Design/methodology/approachCareer‐ and life‐history interviews were conducted with 16 intellectual workers whose professions involve the management of social relations. Both individual case studies and group analysis were conducted.FindingsIn some situations this labour is carried out by a collective intellectual increasingly integrated with information technology. Several modes of the organization of knowledge can be specified. Extensive links with global society are found, yet few respondents make global society itself part of their object of knowledge. Participants perform classic functions of assembling and reticulating knowledge, and some have high levels of training, yet tend to refuse an “intellectual” identity.Originality/valueLocal practice tilts away from ivory‐tower models of social knowledge and towards supportive engagement in global market society. Social management is thus partly integrated with neoliberalism; yet among the partly residualized groups of intellectual workers some indications of opposition remain. Knowledge itself therefore seems to be a focus of tension.
Understanding risk and old age in western society
Authors: Powell Jason , Wahidin Azrini , Zinn Jens 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of “risk” in relation to old age. Ideas are explored linked with what has been termed as the “risk society” and the extent to which it has become part of the organizing ground of how we define and organise the “personal” and “social spaces” in which to grow old in western modernity.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical paper in three parts, including: an introduction to the relevance and breakdown in trust relations; a mapping out of the key assumptions of risk society; and examples drawn from social welfarism to consolidate an understanding of the contructedness of old age in late modernity.FindingsPart of this reflexive response to understanding risk and old age is the importance of recognising self‐subjective dimensions of emotions, trust, biographical knowledge and resources.Originality/valueThis discussion provides a critical narrative to the importance and interrelatedness of the sociology of risk to the study of old age.