bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Divisive Correlation Clustering Algorithm (DCCA) for grouping of genes: detecting varying patterns in expression profiles
Authors: Bhattacharya Anindya , De Rajat K. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Cluster analysis (of gene-expression data) is a useful tool for identifying biologically relevant groups of genes that show similar expression patterns under multiple experimental conditions. Various methods have been proposed for clustering gene-expression data. However most of these algorithms have several shortcomings for gene-expression data clustering. In the present article, we focus on several shortcomings of conventional clustering algorithms and propose a new one that is able to produce better clustering solution than that produced by some others.
Results: We present the Divisive Correlation Clustering Algorithm (DCCA) that is suitable for finding a group of genes having similar pattern of variation in their expression values. To detect clusters with high correlation and biological significance, we use the correlation clustering concept introduced by Bansal et al. Our proposed algorithm DCCA produces a clustering solution without taking number of clusters to be created as an input. DCCA uses the correlation matrix in such a way that all genes in a cluster have highest average correlation with genes in that cluster. To test the performance of the DCCA, we have applied DCCA and some well-known conventional methods to an artificial dataset, and nine gene-expression datasets, and compared the performance of the algorithms. The clustering results of the DCCA are found to be more significantly relevant to the biological annotations than those of the other methods. All these facts show the superiority of the DCCA over some others for the clustering of gene-expression data.
Availability: The software has been developed using C and Visual Basic languages, and can be executed on the Microsoft Windows platforms. The software may be downloaded as a zip file from http://www.isical.ac.in/~rajat. Then it needs to be installed. Two word files (included in the zip file) need to be consulted before installation and execution of the software.
Contact: rajat@isical.ac.in
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Regulation of Dormancy in Barley by Blue Light and After-Ripening: Effects on Abscisic Acid and Gibberellin Metabolism
Authors: Gubler Frank , Hughes Trijntje , Waterhouse Peter , Jacobsen John 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWhite light strongly promotes dormancy in freshly harvested cereal grains, whereas dark and after-ripening have the opposite effect. We have analyzed the interaction of light and after-ripening on abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA) metabolism genes and dormancy in barley (Hordeum vulgare ‘Betzes’). Analysis of gene expression in imbibed barley grains shows that different ABA metabolism genes are targeted by white light and after-ripening. Of the genes examined, white light promotes the expression of an ABA biosynthetic gene, HvNCED1, in embryos. Consistent with this result, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays show that dormant grains imbibed under white light have higher embryo ABA content than grains imbibed in the dark. After-ripening has no effect on expression of ABA biosynthesis genes, but promotes expression of an ABA catabolism gene (HvABA8′OH1), a GA biosynthetic gene (HvGA3ox2), and a GA catabolic gene (HvGA2ox3) following imbibition. Blue light mimics the effects of white light on germination, ABA levels, and expression of GA and ABA metabolism genes. Red and far-red light have no effect on germination, ABA levels, or HvNCED1. RNA interference experiments in transgenic barley plants support a role of HvABA8′OH1 in dormancy release. Reduced HvABA8′OH1 expression in transgenic HvABA8′OH1 RNAi grains results in higher levels of ABA and increased dormancy compared to nontransgenic grains.
A causal analysis of formal strategic planning and firm performance
Authors: Glaister Keith W. , Dincer Omer , Tatoglu Ekrem , Demirbag Mehmet , Zaim Selim 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of the strategic planning‐performance relationship by drawing on data from a sample of Turkish firms.Design/methodology/approachThe sample frame for the study was derived from the database of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry's 500 largest Turkish manufacturing companies and the database of companies quoted on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. Based on a postal survey, 135 usable questionnaires were returned. Using LISREL causal modeling the moderating effects of a set of contingency factors on the relationship between formal strategic planning and firm performance were investigated.FindingsThe findings show that there is a good deal of support for the study's hypotheses. A strong and positive relationship was formed between formal strategic planning and firm performance, which tends to confirm the arguments of the prescriptive strategic management literature. The test results also verify the moderating roles of environmental turbulence, organization structure and firm size on the strategic planning‐performance link.Research limitations/implicationsStrategic planning and its key dimensions represent a subtle and complex activity, and that to obtain rich data on such phenomena may be best accomplished through research methods that employ qualitative data gathering techniques. Incorporation of qualitative performance measures, in addition to financial measures would enrich our understanding of the planning‐performance relationship.Practical implicationsAfter almost a decade of relative neglect perhaps this research issue will again begin to attract the kind of attention that it deserves. Although strategy is often considered to be a universal practice, it is better thought of as many different crafts, varying according to its different contexts. So, the impact of various contexts on the planning‐performance relationship should be taken into account.Originality/valuePrior studies that have examined strategic planning‐performance relationship have tended to focus on firms from industrialized countries. This is one of the first studies that has explicitly modeled and empirically tested the relationship in an emerging country context.
Governance and sustainability
Authors: Aras Güler , Crowther David 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that corporate governance is fundamental to the continuing operation of any corporation; hence much attention has been paid to the procedures of such governance. Similarly sustainability is fundamental to the continuing operation of any corporation, and is arguably the fashionable concept of the moment. While it is clear what is generally meant by corporate governance it is much less clear what is meant by sustainability and the paper starts by investigating this concept.Design/methodology/approachFor two such fundamental concepts however it would seem that there should be a relationship between the two, although little work has been undertaken on exploring this relationship. The central part of this paper is therefore based upon an exploration of the relationship between governance and sustainability, by investigating the FTSE100 companies and their corporate governance policies.FindingsThis analysis found some strengths – and hence cause for optimism – and some weaknesses – and hence cause for concern. Areas where further work is needed are identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has implications in enhancing the understanding of the necessary components of corporate governance, although it is necessarily limited by the size of the sample.Originality/valueThis paper increases the understanding of the relationship between corporate governance, sustainability and sustainable development.
Global leadership in a culturally diverse world
Authors: Robinson David A. , Harvey Michael 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe acceleration of globalization has created a chaotic state of change as businesses struggle to adapt to new paradigms of leadership. The established tried and tested approaches may no longer be effective in a global context. Globalization demands new approaches and the challenge is to find the appropriate leadership imperatives in response to the changing problems of existence. The purpose of this paper is to address the research question: What new skills should be adopted by business leaders to empower them to deal with these new multicultural challenges occurring during globalization? The relationship between follower and leader is critical during these transitional phases.Design/methodology/approachA model is introduced that integrates psycho‐social elements of leadership and organizational effectiveness, such as conditioning, power, duty, dependence, and ethics.FindingsThe model then provides a basis for developing appropriate leadership practices that support and enhance corporate culture. The development of values within the organization, that is to say its culture, can be plotted, as it progresses through the identifiable value stations, governed by an essential stepwise progression. Leadership effectiveness demands the pre‐emption of subsequent steps and facilitation of followers' ability to adapt. These imperatives have given rise to the formulation of a values‐based leadership algorithm (VBLA).Originality/valueA systematic means for assessing the environment and the appropriate leadership style are developed, to be used as an aid in developing global leaders.
Intra‐organizational network resources
Authors: Bozionelos Nikos 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship of intra‐organizational network resources with career success and organizational commitment.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized survey data from 316 British individuals who composed a highly heterogeneous sample in terms of both organizational roles and employment settings.FindingsThe study finds that total intra‐organizational network resources were related to extrinsic and intrinsic career success, and to affective organizational commitment. Instrumental and expressive network resources were differentially related to career success and organizational commitment.Research limitations/implicationsThe relationships were identified after controlling for an array of factors and for mentoring received, which attests to the importance of intra‐organizational network resources for career outcomes and attitudes towards the organization. The cross‐sectional design is a limitation of the study. Future research should investigate moderating factors, and must be extended to cultural clusters other from the Anglo‐Saxon one.Practical implicationsFrom an individual point of view, building networks of relationships within the organization enhances career prospects, regardless of whether a mentor is present. From an organizational viewpoint, organizational designs and human resource systems that promote the development of informal relationship ties foster those aspects of commitment that have positive consequences and inhibit those that have negative consequences.Originality/valueThe study provided original evidence for the link between intra‐organizational relationship ties and commitment towards the organization. In addition, it consolidated evidence on the relationship of network resources to career success, the distinct nature of instrumental and expressive network resources, and the additive value of network resources and mentoring as parts of social capital.
Factors affecting the role of HR managers in international mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Antila Elina M. , Kakkonen Anne 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons behind human resource (HR) managers' participation in the international mergers and acquisitions (IM&A) process building on the general discussion of the factors explaining the roles of HR in organisations.Design/methodology/approachSix sets of factors can be found to affect the roles of HR managers in general: the orientation of top management to people management; the skills, abilities and competencies of HR managers themselves; the HR function and its characteristics; the expectations that line managers have of HR; external factors; and internal factors. This review forms the basis for subsequent data analysis in the context of IM&As. The factors that contribute to HR managers' participation are studied from HR and other management's perspectives. Based on interviews with 12 corporate level managers in three Finnish international industrial companies.FindingsThe results show that top management sees the participation of HR managers as being very important and agree that it should be a common policy. The factors explaining the roles in the case organisations focused on certain factor groups and were similar across the cases. Based on empirical analysis, this study finds that the most important contributing factors to HR managers' participation are HR managers' own capability and activity throughout the IM&A process.Originality/valueThis study has analysed the reasons related to the roles of HR managers in an IM&A context in general, not just the strategic role within. Based on the case studies it seems, however, that a seat on the management team and HR managers' business competencies as well as personal skills contribute to the strategic role.
Does matching pay policy with innovation strategy really improve firm performance?
Authors: Tsai Kuen‐Hung , Chou Christine , Chen Ming‐Yi 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether matching pay policy with innovation strategy really improves firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThree technology‐based service sectors (software, information system integration, and IC design) comprise the analytical samples. A hierarchical multiple regression method is adopted to examine the research hypotheses.FindingsExaminations reveal that the positive effect which pay policy combined with innovation strategy has on firm performance is only found in IC design service firms.Research limitations/implicationsIndustry serves as a moderator in the relationship between the match and firm performance. However, this examination concentrates on the technology‐based service sectors only.Practical implicationsMatching pay policy and innovation strategy cannot be regarded as a panacea for improving firm performance.Originality/valueThis study makes an interesting contribution to understanding the strategic perspective of compensation.
Managerial promotions formulas and a human resource management model
Authors: Service Robert W. , Lockamy Archie 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purposes of this paper are to address the following research questions: what are the factors that result in promotions? A preliminary formula for promotion with testable hypotheses will be presented. What would be a “popular press” list of the formula? A list will be presented to address practitioners concerns. What elements would a human resources management (HRM) model that supports “open‐book strategic partnering” contain? An ideal HRM model, which will be linked to the promotional formula, is presented.Design/methodology/approachThe approach to addressing these questions begins by examining and categorizing thousands of promotional decisions. The approach continues with an analysis of the popular press writings and academic literature related to HRM models and managerial promotions.FindingsThe findings and writings displayed in the formula and model are blended with the authors' experience to produce a soundly‐based theoretical and practically useful paper.Originality/valueThe uniqueness of this paper is the combination of the results of years of data from professionals and hundreds of working MBA students with popular press guidelines and research oriented literature to produces a testable individual promotional formula and a supporting organizational HRM model. The paper's incremental value lies in the introduction of comprehensive sets of facts and suppositions useful as foundations for empirical testing and further research as well as in providing practical implications for those seeking promotions or desiring to improve the way organizations' human resources are led.
User perceptions in workplace productivity and strategic FM delivery
Authors: Tucker Matthew , Smith Andrew 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of user perceptions within an organisational context, and more specifically, how user perceptions are evidenced and positively applied within facilities management (FM).Design/methodology/approachA conceptual approach is adopted suggesting that user perceptions should be viewed as a holistic process within FM. Via comprehensive literature reviews the paper determines the importance of user perceptions, first, in the context of the user achieving productivity in the workplace as their input and functionalities within the physical environment can inevitably enhance their later experience, and second, in the context of the user later achieving customer satisfaction via strategic FM delivery.FindingsArgues that user perceptions in FM can be analysed through a two‐fold approach: user perception through their input and functionalities in the workplace, and their consequent application of workplace productivity; and user perception through strategic FM delivery and the achievement of customer satisfaction. Identifies an intrinsic linkage between the two and how they are integral to the overall strategic FM process.Originality/valueStrategic FM delivery is now essential for business survival, where the impetus on ensuring high customer satisfaction coupled with high workplace productivity is illustrated via the “logical customer performance ladder” (LCPL). This paper provides an intriguing insight into how both of these crucial factors can be strategically implemented into FM.
The impact of facilities management on patient outcomes
Authors: May Daryl , Pinder James 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which practicing National Health Service (NHS) facilities managers thought that the contribution of facilities management (FM) could be measured in terms of health outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was distributed to NHS facilities or estate managers from the majority of NHS trusts in England and Wales.FindingsIn general, there is little or no evidence from pre‐existing research to prove the contribution of FM in terms of health outcomes. However, in spite of this, 59 per cent of facilities managers in the NHS believe that the contribution of FM could be measured yet only a relatively small number of Trusts (16 per cent) have attempted to measure the contribution of FM. The analysis of the secondary data does not show any conclusive evidence of a correlation between FM and health outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the study did not extend to collecting empirical evidence to prove the contribution of FM to health outcomes – it was only focusing on whether facilities managers thought it was possible, and if so how they would measure the contribution. However, as part of the project some secondary data were tested for a relationship between FM services and health outcomes.Originality/valueThis is the first time any study has gathered opinion from facilities managers as to whether they believe their contribution can be measured in terms of organisational outcomes, in this case patient care or health outcomes. It provides a useful starting point in order to develop a future study to prove the contribution from FM to health outcomes.
Expenditure on operation and maintenance service and rental income of commercial buildings
Authors: Lai Joseph , Yik Francis , Jones Phil 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe recession in the late 1990s in Hong Kong has triggered many commercial building owners to cut operation and maintenance (O&M) cost via outsourcing. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dominant expenditure on O&M service and examine the relation between extent of outsourcing and rental income of the buildings.Design/methodology/approachExperienced O&M practitioners were interviewed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data of the commercial buildings they looked after. The in‐house and outsourced O&M costs, air‐conditioning energy costs, rental incomes, and management and air‐conditioning fees for the buildings were analysed.FindingsThe total air‐conditioning O&M cost is the principal cost item, with the energy cost being the dominant element. The analysis reveals that the extent of outsourcing bore little correlation with the air‐conditioning O&M cost and the rental income.Research limitations/implicationsFurther work may take a similar approach to identify the extent and effect of outsourcing other kinds of services that underpin the core business of an organisation.Practical implicationsVarying the extent of outsourcing O&M service was found to be unpromising for enhancing rental performance or cutting O&M expenditure. This is an important point that the building managers should address when considering whether to go for outsourcing.Originality/valueThe findings imply that in the building O&M service industry, it would be more economical to outsource or undertake in‐house the vast majority of O&M work. The focus for cost minimization should be to improve building energy performance rather than reducing labour resources through outsourcing.
Applicability in Hong Kong of London's experiences on urban redevelopment practices
Authors: Chan Edwin H.W. , Lee Grace K.L. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to: study reviews of the urban renewal practices in Hong Kong and London; compare the perceptions of the design professions in both cities on the importance of different urban design considerations when defining urban renewal strategies; and verify the applicability of London's experiences in achieving sustainable urban renewal in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was conducted to compare the urban renewal practices in Hong Kong and London. Questionnaires were sent to design professions in both cities who were actively involved in Hong Kong's and London's urban (re)development projects. ANOVA was adopted to compare the perception patterns in both cities.FindingsThe survey and ANOVA analysis revealed that the urban design considerations short‐listed for this study could contribute towards the sustainability of economy, environment and social equity. It was noted that the distinctive features of cities of various locations do have impacts on certain perception patterns of the professionals.Originality/valueThis article adds to the limited literature in this area and will be of interest to those involved in urban redevelopment practices.
The use of ICTs in Namibia's SME sector to access business information services
Authors: Rufaro T. Chiware Elisha , Dick Archie L. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to present current state of the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Namibia's small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) sector to access business information services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a doctoral research project on business information needs, seeking patterns and utilisation of ICTs in the SME sector in Namibia that was carried out at the University of Pretoria from 2005 to 2007. The survey methodology using both qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed to collect data.FindingsThe findings revealed that there is a very low level of ICTs utilization among SMEs while among business support organisations it is relatively high.Practical implicationsThe study presents baseline data that can be used by governments and business support organisations in the provision of ICTs to the SME sector to access business information services.Originality/valueThe study provides data on which future developments in ICTs in the SME sector could be based.