bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Downstream Mediator in the Growth Repression Limb of the Jasmonate Pathway
Authors: Yan Yuanxin , Stolz Stéphanie , Chételat Aurore , Reymond Philippe , Pagni Marco , Dubugnon Lucie , Farmer Edward E. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWounding plant tissues initiates large-scale changes in transcription coupled to growth arrest, allowing resource diversion for defense. These processes are mediated in large part by the potent lipid regulator jasmonic acid (JA). Genes selected from a list of wound-inducible transcripts regulated by the jasmonate pathway were overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, and the transgenic plants were then assayed for sensitivity to methyl jasmonate (MeJA). When grown in the presence of MeJA, the roots of plants overexpressing a gene of unknown function were longer than those of wild-type plants. When transcript levels for this gene, which we named JASMONATE-ASSOCIATED1 (JAS1), were reduced by RNA interference, the plants showed increased sensitivity to MeJA and growth was inhibited. These gain- and loss-of-function assays suggest that this gene acts as a repressor of JA-inhibited growth. An alternative transcript from the gene encoding a second protein isoform with a longer C terminus failed to repress jasmonate sensitivity. This identified a conserved C-terminal sequence in JAS1 and related genes, all of which also contain Zim motifs and many of which are jasmonate-regulated. Both forms of JAS1 were found to localize to the nucleus in transient expression assays. Physiological tests of growth responses after wounding were consistent with the fact that JAS1 is a repressor of JA-regulated growth retardation.
TheArabidopsisTranscription Factor MYB77 Modulates Auxin Signal Transduction
Authors: Shin Ryoung , Burch Adrien Y. , Huppert Kari A. , Tiwari Shiv B. , Murphy Angus S. , Guilfoyle Tom J. , Schachtman Daniel P. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAuxin is a key plant hormone that regulates plant development, apical dominance, and growth-related tropisms, such as phototropism and gravitropism. In this study, we report a new Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factor, MYB77, that is involved in auxin response. In MYB77 knockout plants, we found that auxin-responsive gene expression was greatly attenuated. Lateral root density in the MYB77 knockout was lower than the wild type at low concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and also under low nutrient conditions. MYB77 interacts with auxin response factors (ARFs) in vitro through the C terminus (domains III and IV) of ARFs and the activation domain of MYB77. A synergistic genetic interaction was demonstrated between MYB77 and ARF7 that resulted in a strong reduction in lateral root numbers. Experiments with protoplasts confirmed that the coexpression of MYB77 and an ARF C terminus enhance reporter gene expression. R2R3 MYB transcription factors have not been previously implicated in regulating the expression of auxin-inducible genes. Also it was previously unknown that ARFs interact with proteins other than those in the Aux/IAA family via conserved domains. The interaction between MYB77 and ARFs defines a new type of combinatorial transcriptional control in plants. This newly defined transcription factor interaction is part of the plant cells' repertoire for modulating response to auxin, thereby controlling lateral root growth and development under changing environmental conditions.
A Germ Cell–Specific Gene of theARGONAUTEFamily Is Essential for the Progression of Premeiotic Mitosis and Meiosis during Sporogenesis in Rice
Authors: Nonomura Ken-Ichi , Morohoshi Akane , Nakano Mutsuko , Eiguchi Mitsugu , Miyao Akio , Hirochika Hirohiko , Kurata Nori 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe rice (Oryza sativa) genome contains 18 copies of genes of the ARGONAUTE (AGO) family. Although AGO members play important roles in RNA-mediated silencing during plant development, a family member that is specifically involved in sexual reproduction has not been identified in plants. We identified the rice AGO gene MEIOSIS ARRESTED AT LEPTOTENE1 (MEL1) from the analysis of seed-sterile mutants. In the mel1 mutant, chromosome condensation was arrested at early meiotic stages and irregularly sized, multinucleated, and vacuolated pollen mother cells (PMCs) frequently appeared in developing anthers. In addition, histone H3 lysine-9 dimethylation of pericentromeres was rarely reduced and modification of the nucleolar-organizing region was altered in mel1 mutant PMCs. The mutation also affected female germ cell development. These results indicate that the germ cell–specific rice MEL1 gene regulates the cell division of premeiotic germ cells, the proper modification of meiotic chromosomes, and the faithful progression of meiosis, probably via small RNA–mediated gene silencing, but not the initiation and establishment of germ cells themselves.
Marketing and corporate social responsibility within food stores
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an exploratory case study of how the UK's top ten food retailers are employing corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a means of marketing to customers while they are within stores.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with a short review of the characteristics and origins of CSR and it is followed by a literature review of current thinking on the relationships between marketing and CSR and a brief outline of the structure of food retailing in the UK. Data obtained from an internet search and a simple walk through visual inspection and information collection survey conducted within the largest store operated by each of the top ten retailers within the towns of Cheltenham and Gloucester, UK provides the empirical material for the case study.FindingsThe survey revealed that the principal CSR themes being employed within stores were value for money, support for local food producers, Fairtrade, healthy living and healthy eating, commitment to organic products, charitable donations and initiatives to support the local community.Practical implicationsThat there was considerable variation in the extent to which the top ten retailers were using CSR themes in marketing communications within stores.Originality/valueOutlines the relationships between marketing and CSR and gives a brief summary of the structure of food retailing in the UK and will be of interest to those involved in those fields.
Service quality and training: a pilot study
Authors: Monk Des , Ryding Daniella 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis paper represents an initial investigation into the strategic implications of providing training to all employees of coffee shops in the UK, including baristas (coffee makers) on temporary or part‐time job contracts. In particular, the paper aims to investigate whether service quality can be significantly improved by devoting substantial resources to staff training.Design/methodology/approachTwo focus groups were conducted to obtain a demand side picture of this market. One of these groups comprised customers under the age of 30 years and the other was made up of customers between 30‐50 years of age. Managers of two coffee shops were interviewed to get a supply side view.FindingsThe attitudes of the two focus groups were surprisingly similar. Generally, customers did not expect more than basic product knowledge from their baristas. On the supply side, it emerged that the coffee chains provided basic training to all of their employees. This training was firm specific and revolved around a workbook that employees completed in a matter of weeks.Research limitations/implicationsThis market is a highly volatile one and customer expectations may well change in the near future. Moreover, future research will compare the UK coffee market with other countries, to further contextualise the results.Practical implicationsCurrent spending by firms on front line staff typically amounts to approximately £200/person per year. This research suggests that coffee shops are behaving rationally in providing limited training to their staff. There is no evidence, on the demand side, that perceptions of service quality would be enhanced by spending significantly more on training baristas.Originality/valueThis paper adds insight to the discussion surrounding consumer perception of service quality in the context of a rapidly growing market.
In search of greener pastures
Authors: Asad Sadi Muhammad , Henderson Joan C. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to concentrate on management responses in terms of marketing and is intended as a basis for discussion of the effectiveness of actual policies, possible alternatives and future prospects.Design/methodology/approachThere is much research that investigates the functioning of dairy food business, however, little attention is given to the responses of executives of the industry. This research aims to narrow this gap in the literature by focussing on the largest dairy food company in Saudi Arabia and its subsequent responses related to marketing. A case research of Saudi Arabian dairy food company, one of the market leaders in the entire Middle East, is advanced and discussed in detail. In addition, the paper highlights future challenges of its future expansion goals which would have implications for its operational, marketing and distribution strategies. Other important factors to consider are market differences, cultural conflicts, fluctuating exchange rates, cross‐border invoicing and financial transactions, tariffs and taxes and host country government regulations.FindingsA number of dairy food companies in Saudi Arabia have been using varied competitive strategies over the last few years, but this study reveals how Al‐Marai uses strategy of market penetration to beat the competition. Promotion emphasises brand strengths across segments and an intensive distribution network is maintained locally, with new channels sought in Middle Eastern as well as South East Asian markets.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique perspective of a dairy food company, which uses market penetration to beat the nationwide competition, thus stand high in offering quality merchandise across Middle East.
Changes in family dynamics predict purchase and consumption
Authors: Herbst Kenneth C. , Stanton John L. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the changes that have taken place in the family and relate these changes to where and how people eat.Design/methodology/approachFemale heads of household were surveyed via telephone interviews to identify the characteristics of how the modern family dines. The telephone interview was conducted by a commercial research organization and used random digit dialing methods to identify potential respondents. The personal telephone interview was conducted by trained interviewers provided by the research supplier. The respondents were screened to insure that the respondent was a head of household.FindingsData revealed that families are reacting to time pressures in a way that changes the way they prepare foods while not affecting the end result. Overall, 75 percent of families eat as a family in the home five or more nights per week. In addition, 85 percent of those who eat together four nights a week or fewer, claim they would like to eat at home more often with their families. Today, families are eating together, even if it means making mealtime part of the daily multi‐tasking ritual. The extent to which families actually make a point to eat meals together could be an invaluable and irreplaceable component of healthy family relations. Culture, economy, and society have changed and people have again started ensuring that eating together occurs on a daily basis.Originality/valueThe paper highlights how the changing role of the family can dramatically influence the food industry.
From quality management to socially responsible organisations: the case for CSR
Authors: Hazlett Shirley‐Ann , McAdam Rodney , Murray Lisa 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the growing interest of the role of business in society, commonly referred to as CSR. Historically CSR can be traced back to the 1950s, although in very recent times there has been a virtual explosion of interest in its use and applicability in organisations. However, there are many unresolved issues, most notably in terms of how CSR should or can be implemented and embedded in an organisation. This paper therefore seeks to explore the relationship and potential synergies between quality management and CSR.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative exploratory study in this paper represents the first stage of an ongoing research programme, and is based on an in‐depth analysis of quality award submission documentation from six case organisations that have recently been recognised as winners in relation to their quest for business improvement.FindingsThe paper finds that substantial evidence from each of the case organisations demonstrates the breadth and depth of activities in which they are engaging under the broad headings of workplace, environment, social impact, and economic impact. However, whilst there is no doubting the sincerity of the actions, the approaches and activities, a strategic focus on CSR is still very much in its infancy.Research limitations/implicationsIn this paper there is a paucity of empirical research examining how existing management tools, techniques and methodologies can be used to further the CSR debate. This paper represents an important first step in redressing this imbalance.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that the quality management and business excellence frameworks can offer a strong foundation from which to develop CSR strategies, behaviours and activities in an organisation.Originality/valueThis paper represents an important first step in understanding how and where CSR “fits” into an organisation and potentially how existing quality methodologies, tools and frameworks can be used to aid the implementation of CSR.
Towards a third generation of quality management
Authors: Foster David , Jonker Jan 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the changes that have occurred in Quality Management to demonstrate that a generational change has occurred. It then seeks to establish a firm theoretical basis for the identified change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is an analysis and critique of the quality management, stakeholder and management literature and is undertaken to identify emergent trends and themes. By questioning the basic assumptions underpinning the literature these trends and themes have been re‐conceptualised into a model that the authors believe helps with interpretation and explanation.FindingsThe findings in this paper are that the notion of quality, which has been around for more than a century, appears to be moving into a new phase. Having commenced as an object‐oriented measurement and control device focusing on the quality of the output (of either a product or service), it has experienced a profound expansion and reorientation to now encompass the overall management of the organisation (TQM). This paper suggests that society is now entering a third generation where notions of transparency, accountability and (social) responsibility are blending into the body of knowledge regarding quality management.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper elaborates this idea further by exploring the way in which organisations engage with the broader society in which they operate. It also seeks to develop a theoretical understanding of that growing engagement. In doing this it uses the notion of transactivity, which underpins the connections between the organisation and its societal and business context. More importantly, it demonstrates how this notion provides a link between the changing concept of quality management and the increasingly significant notion of stakeholders. It finally aims to demonstrate that a transformed concept of quality management is emerging in which society plays a quintessential part.Originality/valueThe paper provides a perspective on the quality movement that will help people to identify that the many disparate individual developments in the field are in fact part of a wider, fundamental change that has major implications and consequences.
TQM and CSR nexus
Authors: Ghobadian Abby , Gallear David , Hopkins Michael 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the similarities and differences between Total Quality Management (TQM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Moreover, the paper considers the implications of these similarities and differences for the future development of TQM and CSR.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a structured discourse analysis which is used to systematically explore these two discursive subjects. Both concepts encompass discursive ideas and practices.FindingsThe findings in the paper suggest that the two concepts share similar philosophical roots, that there is a substantial overlap between the elements of the two concepts, and that the ultimate expected outcome shows significant similarities. Despite these similarities, however, implementation of TQM will not necessarily result in CSR.Research limitations/implicationsIn this paper the findings lead to the conclusion that it is important to recognise the specific needs of CSR and include them as an implicit part of TQM. This conclusion has an important practical and descriptive theoretical implication and the extent to which CSR is diffused as a part of TQM depends on it.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the need for the development of a descriptive theory, that is to say, the identification of the mechanism(s) through which elements of CSR could be developed and implemented alongside that of TQM.Originality/valueThe paper sees that the question of the intersection between CSR and TQM has attracted the interest of other researchers. The majority of the previous work is normative. The contribution to this developing literature is made by adopting a systematic discursive approach using philosophy, elements of TQM/CSR process and outcomes as the framework for the analysis.
CSR performance: driven by TQM implementation, size, sector?
Authors: Robson Andrew , Mitchell Ed 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider organisational performance relating to “sustainability and inclusion” and to assess four related indicators across the manufacturing and service sectors both in absolute performance terms and by level of TQM implementation and organisational size.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on two empirical studies (manufacturing and service) undertaken in North Eastern England, involving the application of a self‐assessed benchmarking tool. Data were collected from 128 manufacturers and 428 service organisations where performance measures relating to “sustainability and inclusion” were considered.FindingsThe findings presented in this paper indicate the level of performance in “sustainability and inclusion”, together with the impact of size, world‐class status and specific individual and aggregated TQM enablers for both sectors. Both manufacturing and service have some way to go in terms of their performance, whilst organisational size and world‐class appear to influence attainment, as do certain individual and aggregated measures of business practice and internal performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that further research may involve revisiting the participating organisations to identify the extent of any improvement in their performance relating to “sustainability and inclusion”.Practical implicationsThe results in this paper indicate the extent of the room for improvement within both manufacturing and service, but indicate how a greater level of TQM maturity and subsequent internal performance puts an individual organisation in a better position to a certain extent to do this.Originality/valueThe findings in the paper are based on benchmarking data, where the implementation of certain TQM practices and measures of internal business performance have been measured alongside a limited number of measures relating to CSR performance across manufacturing and service as part of a wider regional study. Providing these data together has allowed the exploration of the association between the two sets of measures.
A critical look on quality through CSR lenses
Authors: Castka Pavel , Balzarova Michaela A. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to map the key challenges that quality management faces in order to meet the demands of CSR. The paper focuses on ISO 26000 – a newly emerging international standard for social responsibility – and discusses synergies (and divergences) between quality management (and ISO quality management and environmental management standards) and CSR as they emerged during the process of ISO 26000 development.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws conclusions from the resolutions and working materials produced by ISO Committee on Consumer Policy, the Strategic Advisory Group on Social Responsibility and ISO/TMB/WG SR – a working group in charge of the development of ISO 26000. To add the quality management dimension to the discussion, the evidence is further expanded from the ISO documents by revealing the arguments posited by nominated experts during the development of ISO 26000.FindingsThe paper finds that the quality field can significantly contribute to the deployment and uptake of the corporate social responsibility agenda yet needs to reinvent and rejuvenate in key areas such as management systems; integration of strategy, operations, technology, CSR and quality; incorporation of corporate governance; and improvements in third‐party certification and internal auditing practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe research in the paper is limited to the linkages between quality management and CSR stemming from the development of ISO 26000. Other CSR standards and tools are not included. However, as ISO 26000 is a global initiative, this paper provides a view from the perspective of one of the most significant initiatives in recent years.Practical implicationsThe paper informs quality practitioners about the recent developments in international standardization of social responsibility and draws the linkages between quality management and corporate social responsibility that will enable them to adopt the CSR agenda and ISO 26000 in the future.Originality/valueThis is one of the first papers that deals with the linkages and synergies between ISO 26000 and quality management. By doing so, key areas are also offered that practitioners and academics should further explore in order to demonstrate the contribution of quality management to CSR.