bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nutrient-dependent division antagonist is regulated post-translationally by the Clp proteases inBacillus subtilis
Authors: Hill Norbert S. , Zuke Jason D. , Buske P. J. , Chien An-Chun , Levin Petra Anne
Published: August 2017

Changes in nutrient availability have dramatic and well-defined impacts on both transcription and translation in bacterial cells. At the same time, the role of post-translational control in adaptation to nutrient-poor environments is poorly understood. Here we report a role for the bacterial Clp proteases in degradation of the division inhibitor UgtP during growth in nutrient-poor medium. Under nutrient-rich conditions, interactions with its substrate UDP-glucose promote interactions between UgtP and the tubulin-like cell division protein FtsZ inBacillus subtilis, inhibiting maturation of the cytokinetic ring and increasing cell size. In nutrient-poor medium, reductions in UDP-glucose availability favor UgtP oligomerization, sequestering it from FtsZ and allowing division to occur at a smaller cell mass. Intriguingly, in nutrient-poor conditions UgtP levels are reduced ∼ 3-fold independent of UDP-glucose, suggesting an additional layer of regulation.B. subtiliscells cultured under different nutrient conditions indicate that UgtP accumulation is controlled through a nutrient-dependent post-translational mechanism dependent on the Clp proteases. Notably, all threeB. subtilisClp chaperones appeared able to target UgtP for degradation during growth in nutrient-poor conditions. Together these findings highlight conditional proteolysis as a mechanism for bacterial adaptation to a rapidly changing nutritional landscape.
The effect of sequence mismatches on binding affinity and endonuclease activity are decoupled throughout the Cas9 binding site
Authors: Zhang Liyang , Rube H. Tomas , Bussemaker Harmen J. , Pufall Miles A.
Published: August 2017

The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a powerful genomic tool. Although targeted to complementary genomic sequences by a guide RNA (gRNA), Cas9 tolerates gRNA:DNA mismatches and cleaves off-target sites. How mismatches quantitatively affect Cas9 binding and cutting is not understood. UsingSelexGLMto construct a comprehensive model for DNA-binding specificity, we observed that 13-bp of complementarity in the PAM-proximal DNA contributes to affinity. We then adaptedSpec-seqand developedSEAM-seqto systematically compare the impact of gRNA:DNA mismatches on affinity and endonuclease activity, respectively. Though most often coupled, these simple and accessible experiments identified sometimes opposing effects for mismatches on DNA-binding and cutting. In the PAM-distal region mismatches decreased activity but not affinity, whereas in the PAM-proximal region some reduced-affinity mismatches enhanced activity. This mismatch-activation was particularly evident where the gRNA:DNA duplex bends. We developed integrative models from these measurements that estimate catalytic efficiency and can be used to predict off-target cleavage.
The helicase domain of Polθ counteracts RPA to promote alt-NHEJ
Authors: Mateos-Gomez Pedro A. , Kent Tatiana , Kashkina Ekaterina , Pomerantz Richard T , Sfeir Agnel
Published: August 2017

Mammalian polymerase theta (Polθ; encoded byPOLQ) is a unique multifunctional enzyme that promotes error-prone DNA repair by alternative-NHEJ (alt-NHEJ). Here we perform structure-function analyses and report that, in addition to the polymerase domain, the helicase activity plays a central role during Polθ–mediated double-stranded break (DSB) repair. Our results show that Polθ–helicase promotes chromosomal translocations by alt-NHEJ in mouse embryonic stem cells. In addition, the helicase activity suppresses CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene targeting by homologous recombination (HR).In vitroexperiments reveal that Polθ–helicase displaces RPA to facilitate the annealing of complementary DNA during alt-NHEJ. Consistent with an antagonistic role for RPA during alt-NHEJ, we show that the inhibition of RPA1 subunit enhances end-joining and suppresses recombination at telomeres. Taken together, our results reveal that the balance between HR and alt-NHEJ is regulated by opposing activities of Polθ and RPA, providing critical insight into the mechanism that control DSB repair pathway choice in mammalian cells.
Accelerated scattering of convex polyhedra
Authors: Voytekhovsky Yury L.
Published: August 2017

The formulas for the minimum (minn) and maximum (maxn) names in the classes of convexn-acra (i.e.n-vertex polyhedra) are found for anyn. The asymptotic behaviour (asn→ ∞) for maxn+1/maxn, minn+1/minn, minn+1/maxnand maxn/minnis established. They characterize in detail the accelerated scattering of [minn, maxn] ranges on a real line.
The structure of the Pfp1 protease from the hyperthermophilic archaeonThermococcus thioreducensin two crystal forms
Authors: Larson Steven B. , McPherson Alexander
Published: August 2017

The Pfp1 protease, a cysteine protease of unknown specificity from the hyperthermophilic archaeonThermococcus thioreducens, was crystallized in two distinctive crystal forms: from concentrated citrate in one case and PEG in the other. X-ray data were collected from both crystal forms at room temperature to about 1.9 Å resolution using a laboratory source and detector, and the structures were solved by molecular replacement using the Pfp1 protease fromPyrococcus horikoshiias the search model. In theT. thioreducensprotease structures, Cys18 residues on adjacent molecules in the asymmetric units form intermolecular disulfide bonds, thereby yielding hexamers composed of three cross-linked, quasi-dyad-related dimers with crystallographically exact threefold axes and exhibiting almost exact 32 symmetry. The corresponding residue inP. horikoshiiPfp1 is Tyr18. An individual active site containing Cys100 and His101 also includes a Glu74 residue contributed by a quasi-twofold-related, non-cross-linked subunit. Two catalytic triads are therefore closely juxtaposed about the quasi-twofold axis at the interface of these subunits, and are relatively sequestered within the hexamer cavity. The cysteine in the active site is observed to be oxidized in both of the crystal forms that were studied.
Crystal structures of the methyltransferase and helicase from the ZIKA 1947 MR766 Uganda strain
Authors: Bukrejewska Malgorzata , Derewenda Urszula , Radwanska Malwina , Engel Daniel A. , Derewenda Zygmunt S.
Published: August 2017

Two nonstructural proteins encoded byZika virusstrain MR766 RNA, a methyltransferase and a helicase, were crystallized and their structures were solved and refined at 2.10 and 2.01 Å resolution, respectively. The NS5 methyltransferase contains a boundS-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) co-substrate. The NS3 helicase is in the apo form. Comparison with published crystal structures of the helicase in the apo, nucleotide-bound and single-stranded RNA (ssRNA)-bound states suggests that binding of ssRNA to the helicase may occur through conformational selection rather than induced fit.
Aquabis[3,6-bis(pyridin-2-yl)pyridazine-κ2N1,N6]copper(II) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)
Authors: Showrilu K. , Rajarajan K. , Martin Britto Dhas S. A. , Athimoolam S.
Published: August 2017

The title salt, [Cu(C14H10N4)2(H2O)](CF3SO3)2, contains a Cu2+cation coordinated by two bidentate 3,6-bis(pyridin-2-yl)pyridazine ligands and one water molecule. The charge is balanced by two disordered trifluoromethanesulfonate anions. The asymmetric unit contains half of a cation (point group symmetry 2) and one anion. The coordinating water molecule is engaged in intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds, which connect the cation to the anion. C—H...X(X= N, O, F) interactions stabilize the crystal structure.
“One country, two systems” after the Umbrella movement: problems and prospects
Authors: Cheung Chor-yung
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess critically the political challenges facing Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” policy following the Umbrella Movement and to evaluate the territory’s democratic and autonomous future.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical, contextual, and analytical approach has been adopted to evaluate the problems and prospects for post-Umbrella Movement Hong Kong.

Findings

The contradictions embedded in the “one country, two systems” policy have become apparent since the Umbrella Movement arose and Hong Kong’s political and democratic future is as problematic as its prospects are uncertain, though the possibility of some rapprochement between Hong Kong and Beijing should not be ruled out completely.

Research limitations/implications

The critical evaluation offered by this paper is no scientific prediction. Social scientific analysis of this kind is suggestive rather than definitive. The informed discussion offered by this paper will help readers to better understand the strengths and weaknesses inherent in Beijing’s “one country, two systems” policy and the tortuous process of democratization in Hong Kong. The conclusion drawn in the paper points to a possible way out of the political impasse that is facing post-Umbrella Movement Hong Kong.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneering study of the most important political conflict between Beijing and Hong Kong since 1997, the conclusion of which may have important political and policy implications for both China and Hong Kong.
Integrating Indigenous enterprises into the Australian construction industry
Authors: Denny-Smith George , Loosemore Martin
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers to entry for Indigenous businesses into the Australian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A national survey was conducted with 33 Indigenous businesses operating in the Australian construction industry.

Findings

The findings show that Indigenous enterprises face similar challenges to many small non-Indigenous enterprises wishing to enter the industry. These include adjusting to unique construction industry cultures and practices, breaking into existing business networks and building social capital and being under-cut by industry incumbents and competitors when tendering for projects. These barriers are similar to those faced by other non-Indigenous social enterprises, although Indigenous enterprises do appear to experience relatively greater difficulty in starting-up their businesses and in securing sufficient capital, finance and assistance to enable them to scale-up and tender for normal work packages at a competitive price.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited to Australian Indigenous businesses. The survey does not allow a comparison of non-Indigenous and Indigenous businesses, although comparison of results with existing non-Indigenous research into small to medium-sized firms in construction does allow some tentative insights. These need to be explored further.

Practical implications

These results indicate that there are significant barriers to be addressed within the Australian construction industry if government indigenous procurement policies are to achieve their stated aims of increasing the number of Indigenous firms in the industry. The results also have important implications for Indigenous businesses and for non-Indigenous firms operating in the Australian construction industry.

Social implications

This is an important gap in knowledge to address if countries like Australia are to redress the significant inequalities in income and health suffered by Indigenous populations.

Originality/value

In countries like Australia, with significant Indigenous populations, governments are seeking to address persistent disadvantage by using new social procurement initiatives to create quasi construction markets for Indigenous enterprises to participate in the construction industry. While there is an emerging body of research into the barriers facing mainstream small to medium-sized enterprises and, to a lesser extent, social enterprises in construction, the barriers to entry facing Indigenous construction enterprises have been largely ignored.
Implementation of best-value procurement for highway design and construction in the USA
Authors: Tran Dai Q. , Molenaar Keith R. , Kolli Bharath
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate procedures and practices to promote transparency in best-value procurement for the design and construction of highway projects with the goal of improving this evolving procurement method.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of published empirical studies, a national survey of transportation agencies, and case studies of highway agencies form the basis of the conclusions in this research. In addition to the national survey, with 46 of 52 agencies participating, the research presents case studies from seven highway agencies in the USA including: California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Utah. These seven case studies were selected from agencies that employ mature best-value procurement methods. The case studies involved a thorough procedural review and structured interviews of agency personnel. The agencies then validated the results and conclusions.

Findings

The results showed that evaluation committees should include technical members who do not have a personal interest in the outcome of the selection to maintain transparency in best-value projects. The committees should receive best-value procurement training, which necessitates the development of consistent and transparent best-value selection procedures. Debriefing meetings should be conducted to provide comments about strengths and weaknesses of each proposal to enhance fairness and transparency of the best-value selection process.

Research limitations/implications

Knowledge of the best-value procurement procedure will allow researchers to better understand the impact of procedures and practices on transparency in selecting best-value projects. The chief limitation of this research is that the primary data were collected from highway agencies in the USA. Any future research should include more data to enhance the validity of this study outside of the public transportation sector.

Practical implications

The result of this research will help transportation agencies and other public owners to improve their best-value procurement procedures. The findings of this research also address the construction and consulting industry’s concern about transparency and fairness of a best-value selection process.

Originality/value

This research is the first attempt to examine the impact of the evaluation committee, best-value training, and debriefings on transparency of best-value selection.
Multi-dimensional coping and adaptation strategies of small-scale fishing communities of Bangladesh to climate change induced stressors
Authors: Deb Apurba Krishna , Haque C. Emdad
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Coastal and floodplain areas are on the frontline of climate change in Bangladesh. Small-scale coastal and floodplain fishing communities of the country face a host of cross-scale stressors continually, some induced by climate change, and they have developed coping and adaption strategies based on customary social and experiential learnings. This paper aims to examine the coping and adaptation strategies that small-scale fishing communities undertake in the face of stresses including climate change and variability.

Design/methodology/approach

This research takes a nuanced ethnographic-oriented approach based on around two-year-long field study in two coastal and floodplain fishing villages, represented by two distinct ethnic groups. The study adopts direct observational methods to denote the ways small-scale fishing communities address the arrays of stressors to construct and reconstruct their survival and livelihood needs.

Findings

It was observed that fishers’ coping and adaptation strategies comprise a fluid combination of complex overlapping sets of actions that the households undertake based on their capitals and capabilities, perceptions, socio-cultural embeddedness and experiential learnings from earlier adverse situations. Broadly, these are survival, economic, physiological, social, institutional and religiosity-psychological in nature. Adaptation mechanisms involve some implicit principles or self-provisioning actions that households are compelled to do or choose under given sets of abnormal stresses to reach certain levels of livelihood functions.

Originality/value

Based on empirical field research, this paper recognizes small-scale fishers’ capability and adaptability in addressing climate change-induced stresses. Policymakers, international development planners, climate scientists and social workers can learn from these grassroots-level coping and adaptation strategies of fishing communities to minimize the adverse effects of climate change and variations.
Cross-border B2C e-commerce to Greater China and the role of logistics: a literature review
Authors: Giuffrida Maria , Mangiaracina Riccardo , Perego Alessandro , Tumino Angela
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper reviews scientific publications in the field of logistics underlying cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) to China. A focus on the role played in this complex process by other countries of the Greater China is carried out. The purpose of this paper is to outline directions for future research to encourage CBEC development.

Design/methodology/approach

The review is based on 32 papers published from 2002 to 2016 in international peer-reviewed journals or proceedings of international conferences, retrieved from bibliographic databases and science search engines.

Findings

CBEC to China is gaining increasing interest, as shown by the rising amount of publications from 2013 onwards. Within these contributions, however, studies specifically investigating the relation between logistics and e-commerce, commonly acknowledged as critical, seem to lack. Many contributions are descriptive and do not provide specific insights on how to manage the complexities of CBEC logistics in this region. Stemming from the review, a set of possible development areas are identified, including distribution network design, i.e. deciding how to shape the CBEC distribution structure, and logistics outsourcing, i.e. determining whether to manage logistics activities in-house or through third parties.

Originality/value

To the extent of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one to classify the existing body of knowledge on logistics supporting CBEC. Its main contribution is the critical identification of current research gaps and the proposal of key themes for future research. From a managerial perspective, it helps export and logistics managers identify the key challenges of managing CBEC logistics to Greater China.
The impact of partner similarity on alliance management capability, stability and performance
Authors: Gao Huijie , Yang Jianhua , Yin Huanwu , Ma ZhiChao
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate significant impact of partner similarity on the success of horizontal alliances in logistics service providers (LSPs) from China.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected via questionnaire distribution to 380 Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors in 262 small and medium logistics enterprises in China. There are 316 valid questionnaires for further analysis with 83 percent accuracy in response rate. Structural equation modeling was used to test the impact of partner similarity on alliance management capability, stability and performance.

Findings

Partner similarity and logistics alliance management capability (LAMC) are positively correlated to alliance stability and performance in horizontal alliances among Chinese LSPs, especially competence similarity and cultural similarity. Moreover, alliance stability mediates the impact of partner similarity and LAMC on alliance performance.

Research limitations/implications

The basic limitation of this research is to collect data just from small and medium logistics enterprises that operate in China with sample size (n=316). This research could further be extended to other regions in China or other countries.

Practical implications

This research verifies the positive relationship between partner fit and management capability. Besides, based on research findings, the research proposes guidelines for LSPs pursuing horizontal alliances

Originality/value

This research proposes an experimental model for Chinese LSPs to cooperate successfully and build horizontal alliances in order to increase their effective customer response capability.
Relational resources and performance of Chinese third-party logistics providers
Authors: Shou Yongyi , Shao Jinan , Chen Anlan
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Drawing upon the theory of the resource-based view, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among relational resources, innovation capability and firm performance in the third-party logistics (3PL) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 203 3PL providers in China, this study adopts the approach of structural equation modeling to examine the hypothesized relationships among relational resources, innovation capability and firm performance.

Findings

The results of this research confirm that relational resources have a positive effect on firm performance. However, the effect is not direct, but realized through the mediation of innovation capability. This study indicates that relational resources are important for 3PL providers to achieve superior performance, and innovation capability plays a mediating role between relational resources and firm performance.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this paper to the literature are twofold. First, it extends the extant research by highlighting the mediating mechanism of innovation capability in relational resources’ influence on firm performance. Second, it advances the existing perspectives on 3PL firms in the Chinese context and this sheds light on logistics research on emerging markets.
Socio-economic determinants of employment in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Hussain Malik Altaf
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the socio-economic determinants of employment in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) at both household and individual level. My results show that there is no discrimination in provision of employment to backward classes. Out of all the Indian States, J&K has lowest female participation in the scheme. My results show that women are discriminated against in provision of employment. Worksite facilities, like creche, can positively affect female participation in the scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses multi-variate OLS regression model to analyse the data collected through primary survey of three heterogenous villages of district Ganderbal of J&K.

Findings

The author finds clear evidence of discrimination against females in provision of employment along with slight evidence of elite capture of the scheme. The author also finds negative relationship between the number of children in a household and the number of workdays which highlights the importance of worksite facilities to increase female and overall participation for the scheme to be successful.

Research limitations/implications

The possible limitation could be small sample size but given that this is the first study of its kind in the J&K State, researchers can build up on it.

Originality/value

This is one of the first research papers which looks at the performance of MGNREGS in J&K in such detail. No comprehensive study of this magnitude and rigour has been undertaken in J&K till now.
Ethnic communities: a factor of industrial clustering
Authors: Kamran Shah Muhammad , Fan Hongzhong , Matiullah Butt , Ali Gulzar , Hali Shafei Moiz
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper not only draws conclusions from the available literature but also offers some new factors as well, which are not included in the existing literature. To be more precise, the purpose of this paper is to ascertain factors behind the clustering of the motorcycle industry, a low-tech and low investment industry. This paper weighs the government’s policies, role of factors of production, infrastructure, geography and other drivers for the subject industry and associated industries in the geographic location of Hyderabad.

Design/methodology/approach

For collection of data, a questionnaire was designed to survey the cluster (n=250) after reviewing the literature and conducting interviews of experts of the motorcycle manufacturing industry, i.e. owners, managers, auditors, suppliers, etc.; a component matrix was developed to reduce the dimension of factors and measure the correlation, which helped to weigh the influence of factors. A confirmatory factor analysis proposed four factors as the best fit.

Findings

The study conjectured a new viable factor for industrial clustering: “ethnic community,” as it acts as a catalyst to diffuse knowledge, experience and skills within the industrial cluster.

Research limitations/implications

This research does not find the weightage of the factors for industrial clustering, i.e. it does not calculate the influence of factors behind the industrial clustering.

Practical implications

The above findings aim to stimulate policy makers and researchers alike to further pursue the line of inquiry developed in this paper.

Originality/value

A first-time confirmatory factor analysis is used to find the reasons of industrial clustering. Root mean square error of approximation is used to test the model fit. Most importantly, it is the research about an emerging industrial cluster.
Work, family and other life domains centrality among managers and workers according to gender
Authors: Sharabi Moshe
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine life domains centrality (work, family, leisure, community and religion) among workers, junior managers and middle managers, both men and women and the impact of demographic factors on those life domains.

Design/methodology/approach

The “Meaning of Work” questionnaire was conducted on 1,201 participants of whom 928, 453 men and 475 women, were employed in organizations in middle managerial, junior managerial and worker positions.

Findings

The findings indicate that work centrality increases while religion centrality decreases with higher organizational status among men and women. The centrality of family is higher among women than among men in the three organizational levels. However, in the new millennium, for the first time in Israel, no traditional gender differences were found in work centrality among employees in the three organizational levels.

Practical implications

Human resource professionals have to take into consideration the increasing work centrality among working women at all organizational levels and focus on decreasing work-family/life conflict, especially among women managers. This can be achieved by implementing flexible hours, working from home, work-life balance programs, and management by objectives systems.

Originality/value

This study, which compares middle managers, junior managers, and workers according to gender, reveals how they balance the five life domains as well as the strategies women managers use to cope with work/non-work conflict.
The search for new drugs: a theory of R&D in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Khazabi Massoud , Quyen Nguyen Van
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a dynamic model of optimal patent design and, in the presence of information externalities, to study the evolution of technological progress in the context of a pharmaceutical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical analysis approach is adopted to drive the paper’s findings.

Findings

Pharmaceutical firms with an active drug discovery program behave strategically in their R&D and in the product markets. It is shown that a firm holding an earlier-expiring patent only chooses to proceed with R&D activates when the patent it holds expires if the expected discounted payoff net of R&D costs yielded by this action is positive. The expected discounted payoff net of R&D costs obtained by this firm is then decreasing in R&D costs, increasing in the cumulative quality discovered in the past R&D activates, and decreasing in the number of past R&D activities, etc.

Originality/value

The preceding literature on the topic works with only one brand, the brand with the highest quality. As well, the demand is assumed to be completely inelastic. In the conventional models of patent design, the role of competitive fringe firms is discussed implicitly. The model presented in this research is a rigorous continuous in-time dynamic model. It considers several differentiated products. Furthermore, the demand for a brand is taken to be a function of income, its price, and the prices of other brands. The interaction of the fringe firm with other patent-holding firms is also explicitly considered under this framework.
Impact of trade facilitation reforms on tax revenue
Authors: Gnangnon Sena Kimm
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the empirical literature of the macroeconomic effect of trade facilitation reforms by examining the impact of the latter on tax revenue in both developed and developing countries. The relevance of the topic lies on the fact that at the Bali Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2013, Trade Ministers agreed for the first time since the creation of the WTO (in 1995) on an Agreement to facilitate trade around the world, dubbed Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The study considers both at-the-border and behind-the border measures of Trade Facilitation.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct this study, the authors rely on the literature related to the structural factors that explain tax revenue mobilization. The authors mainly use within fixed effects estimator. The analysis relies on 102 countries (of which 23 industrial countries) over the period 2004-2007 (based on data availability). A focus has also been made on African countries, within the sample of developing countries.

Findings

The empirical analysis suggests evidence of a positive and significant effect of trade facilitation reforms on non-resources tax revenue, irrespective of the sample of countries considered in the analysis.

Research limitations/implications

This finding should contribute to dampening the fear of policymakers in developing countries, including Africa that the implementation of the TFA would entail higher costs, without necessarily being associated with higher benefits. An avenue for future research would be to extend the period of the study when data would be available.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, this study had not been performed in the literature of the determinants of tax revenue mobilization, although fact-based analysis was performed.
Internet plus policy
Authors: Hristov Kalin
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and determine the best course of action for policymakers in China when dealing with the implementation of best practices for the internet of things (IoT). The recently introduced Internet Plus strategy is an attempt by Chinese policymakers to boost the Chinese economy by diminishing its reliance on manufacturing and export in favor of a knowledge-based economy driven by services and the tech sector. The IoT is arguably one of the key drivers behind this transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts an analysis of existing literature on the IoT and uses two complimentary theories, resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theory, to determine a set of policy recommendations.

Findings

A cooperative relationship between policymakers, start-up firms and academia is essential to the success of the IoT. The artificial intelligence industry also plays a key role in the development of the IoT and requires strategic funding and favorable policy. Finally, established and cost-effective standards and practices are much more likely to be effective than new and costly alternatives.

Originality/value

This paper examines the newly established field of the IoT and sets out a number of policy recommendations needed for its success. To achieve this, the author uses two complimentary theories unique to the business management field but increasingly compatible with the Chinese public policy sector.
The upgrade to hybrid incubators in China: a case study of Tuspark incubator
Authors: Gao Yuchen , Hu Yimei
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study aims to explore key factors and specific ways for the upgrade to hybrid incubators in the context of China. A hybrid incubator means that a technology-based business incubators (TBIs) can implement various distinct value creation processes with the integration of the advantages of non-for-profit and for-profit TBIs at same time as Chinese government now requires government-sponsored non-for-profit TBIs to be profitable self-sustainability with less dependent on direct public subsidies, aiming to motivate these TBIs to provide higher quality services for their tenant new technology-based firms (NTBFs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a single in-depth case-study of Tuspark Incubator (located in Tsinghua Science Park [TSP]) with categorical analysis.

Findings

Three factors, i.e. incubation subdivision, intermediary platform and proactive approach, are found to be essential for a formerly government-sponsored TBI’s upgrading. Incubation subdivision enables Tuspark Incubator to create multiple incubation processes with incubator characteristic variables of both non-for-profit and for-profit incubators; with the establishment of intermediary platform, Tuspark Incubator provides specialized business support and high-quality networking from relevant specialized service organizations external to the incubator; more proactive approach with equity investment on incubating firms from Tuspark Incubator help to generate social welfare and financial profit at the same time.

Practical implications

For the incubators’ managers, incubation subdivision enables TBIs to operate for-profit and non-for-profit processes at the same time and provides different specific needs; more open intermediary service platforms can leverage the full potential of the actors in innovation system and help TBIs to save resource when upgrading to hybrid incubators; proactive approaches nurture learning climate and entrepreneurship environment to enhance the successful rate on NTBFs inside incubators and provide main profit source for incubators. For policy makers, using proactive approaches including creating a good milieu for incubation on technology-based start-ups and the design of public guidance funds is increasingly crucial.

Originality/value

This research is a pioneering study on the key factors and specific ways for the upgrade of government-sponsored non-for-profit TBIs in China to hybrid for-profit and non-for-profit incubators.
Does audit committee substitute or complement other corporate governance mechanisms
Authors: Hassan Yousef , Hijazi Rafiq , Naser Kamal
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relation between audit committee (AC) and a set of other corporate governance mechanisms in one of the emerging economies, United Arab of Emirates (UAE). In particular, the current study examines whether an effective AC can serve as a substitute or as a complement mechanism to board characteristics and ownership structure of Emirati listed non-financial companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using substitution and complementary theories, a panel data from 48 nonfinancial companies listed on the UAE Stock Exchanges [Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange and Dubai Financial Market] during the period between 2011 and 2013 were used in the current study. A composite measure of four proxies has been used to measure the AC effectiveness, namely, AC size, independence, financial expertise and diligence. To test the hypotheses formulated for the study, a logistic regression model was used to identify the influence of a set of board characteristics and ownership structure variables on the effectiveness of the AC after controlling for firm size, auditor type, industry type and profitability.

Findings

While AC effectiveness appeared to be positively associated with board size and board independence, it is negatively associated with CEO duality. This points to a complementary governance relation. On the other hand, the negative relationship between AC effectiveness and each of institutional and government ownership suggests substitutive relations.

Research limitations/implications

The main shortcoming of the current study is that it examines the influence of a certain set of corporate governance factors on the effectiveness of AC. Other corporate governance mechanisms may, however, contribute to the effectiveness of AC. The findings of the study can be used by companies’ managements and regulators in the UAE to improve the corporate governance system.

Originality/value

To the best of researchers’ knowledge, this study provides the first evidence about the interaction among multiple governance mechanisms required by the code of corporate governance issued by the UAE Ministry of Economy in 2009. The current paper is expected to add to the limited AC literature in Middle East and North African countries in general and Arab World in particular.
Integrated thinking as a cultural control?
Authors: Dumay John , Dai Tim
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The paper’s purpose is to investigate the concept of integrated thinking as part of the International Integrated Reporting Council’s (IIRC’s) Integrated Reporting () framework. It explores integrated thinking as a cultural control and analyses how it operates.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a case study of ResBank (a pseudonym), a small Australian bank, which is participating in the IIRC’s  Pilot Programme Business Network. ResBank issued its first integrated report in 2012. Using semi-structured interviews, we examine whether integrated thinking develops as espoused by the IIRC.

Findings

In ResBank’s case, we find that the responsible banking culture that was in place prior to joining the Pilot Programme is a stronger cultural control, alongside personnel, results and action controls. The implication for the IIRC is that integrated thinking clashes with the existing organisational culture rather than driving a new organisational culture.

Practical implications

If integrated thinking is to prevail, it may become a source of inertia rather than change because it advocates that an entire workforce should think the same way. We also question whether breaking down silos, as advocated by integrated thinking, is necessary across all organisational functions, especially concerning material organisational risks and reputation, because these silos foster independent thinking.

Social implications

The problem with the arguments proposed by the IIRC is that they aim at a one-size-fits-all approach. Not every organisation has a disconnection between strategy, governance, past performance and future prospects nor do they all have disconnected departments that need reconnecting. Therefore, a fundamental problem with  is that the IIRC argues ‘why’ companies need , not ‘how’ to implement , and especially not ‘how’ to operationalise integrated thinking.

Originality/value

The paper is a must-read because it contributes to the growing debate on the benefits of  by examining and critiquing an early adopter’s practice.
Developing a conceptual model of influences around integrated reporting, new insights and directions for future research
Authors: de Villiers Charl , Hsiao Pei-Chi Kelly , Maroun Warren
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a conceptual model for examining the development of integrated reporting, relate the articles in this Meditari Accountancy Research special issue on integrated reporting to the model and identify areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a narrative/discursive style to summarise key findings from the articles in the special issue and develop a normative research agenda.

Findings

The findings of the prior literature, as well as the articles in this special issue, support the conceptual model developed in this paper. This new conceptual model can be used in multiple ways.

Originality/value

The special issue draws on some of the latest developments in integrated reporting from multiple jurisdictions. Different theoretical frameworks and methodologies, coupled with primary evidence on integrated reporting, construct a pluralistic assessment of integrated reporting, which can be used as a basis for future research. The new conceptual model developed in this paper can be used as an organising framework; a way of understanding and thinking about the various influences; a way of identifying additional factors to control for in a study; and/or a way of identifying new, interesting and underexplored research questions.
Entrepreneurial intentions: the role of family factors, personality traits and self-efficacy
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Khan Azeem Ahmad , Shahid Khan Muhammad , Ravan Ramzani Sara , Soladoye Bakare Soladoye Akeem
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of family background, big five personality traits and self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) of business students in private universities in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected with the help of structured questionnaires, 500 questionnaires were distributed among the students and 306 useable questionnaires were received and analyzed. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the relationship among the study variables. SmartPLS was utilized to run the analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed a strong relationship between the exogenous and endogenous variables. The variance accounted by the independent variables was 74.3 percent in the EIs of the students. Family background was found to have a positive impact on the EIs of students. The findings also showed a positive relationship between self-efficacy and EIs. Consciousness, extroversion and openness to experience are positively linked with EIs while neuroticism and agreeableness did not show any relationship.

Originality/value

The study’s findings attract the attention of the academicians to take note of the factors examined while training the students the art of entrepreneurship. This is because this study has revealed that if these factors are not present the intention of the students to start a business venture may prove to be weak. Entrepreneurial activities are one of the biggest ways to reduce unemployment, thus, it is suggested that academicians should develop psychological plans and training to motivate the students to convert their intentions into actions.
Neurotoxin synthesis is positively regulated by the sporulation transcription factor Spo0A in Clostridium botulinum type E
Authors: Mascher Gerald , Mertaoja Anna , Korkeala Hannu , Lindström Miia
Published: August 2017

Clostridium botulinum produces the most potent natural toxin, the botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), probably to create anaerobiosis and nutrients by killing the host, and forms endospores that facilitate survival in harsh conditions and transmission. Peak BoNT production coincides with initiation of sporulation in C. botulinum cultures, which suggests common regulation. Here, we show that Spo0A, the master regulator of sporulation, positively regulates BoNT production. Insertional inactivation of spo0A in C. botulinum type E strain Beluga resulted in significantly reduced BoNT production and in abolished or highly reduced sporulation in relation to wild‐type controls. Complementation with spo0A restored BoNT production and sporulation. Recombinant DNA‐binding domain of Spo0A directly bound to a putative Spo0A‐binding box (CTTCGAA) within the BoNT/E operon promoter, demonstrating direct regulation. Spo0A is the first neurotoxin regulator reported in C. botulinum type E. Unlike other C. botulinum strains that are terrestrial and employ the alternative sigma factor BotR in directing BoNT expression, C. botulinum type E strains are adapted to aquatic ecosystems, possess distinct epidemiology and lack BotR. Our results provide fundamental new knowledge on the genetic control of BoNT production and demonstrate common regulation of BoNT production and sporulation, providing a key intervention point for control.
Hedonic Analysis of Consumers' Valuation of Country of Origin of Meat in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hussein Mohamud , Fraser Iain
Published: August 2017

We estimate the implicit prices consumers are willing to pay for country of origin labels, using hedonic price methods and panel data for meat and meat products in the United Kingdom. Our results show that consumers place significant value on origin information across fresh and processed meat products, especially since the horsemeat incident in 2013. The findings also suggest that retailers have increased the use of voluntary labelling of processed meat products since the incident. Hence, further extension of existing mandatory labelling requirements to processed meat products may not be required at least in the short term.
Putrefaction: An Additional Complicating Factor in the Assessment of Freshwater Drownings in Rivers
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: August 2017

Background hypothesis: That bodies immersed in freshwater (rivers) may show greater changes of decomposition than bodies immersed in saltwater (sea).

Fifty de‐identified river drownings and 50 sea drownings were randomly selected from autopsy files at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, Australia and assessed for decomposition.

Results: The river cases consisted of 43 males and seven females (M:F 6:1); age range of 2–92 years (mean 46.8 years); decomposition—16/50 (32%); postmortem interval 1–14 days, average 3.8. The sea cases consisted of 36 males and 14 females (M:F 2.6:1); age range of 9–81 years (mean 50.7 years); decomposition—2/50 (4%) (p < 0.001%); postmortem interval 1–6 days, average 2.8.

As decomposition reduces information obtained at autopsy, postmortem examination of deaths in rivers may be less informative than deaths that have occurred in the sea. The reasons for less decomposition in the sea include cooler temperatures, exposure to salt and shorter postmortem intervals.
Brexit Impacts on Irish Agri‐food Exports to the UK
Authors: Matthews Alan
Published: August 2017

The Irish agri‐food sector is particularly exposed to the consequences of the UK's departure from the EU given that the UK is the destination for 37 per cent of its exports. This article discusses the main channels whereby Brexit may impact this trade. They include the impact of possible further depreciation of sterling and the loss of the protected market status that Irish exporters currently enjoy on their sales on the UK market. There is the possibility that tariffs may be imposed on trade flows between the two countries as well as higher trade costs when either exporting to or importing from the UK. There would also be potential disruption of supply chains on the island of Ireland and the particular difficulties of policing the land border between the North and South of Ireland. Solutions to address some of these problems are available, but will take time to negotiate. Even if the worst outcomes can be avoided, Brexit is likely to have significant structural implications for Irish agriculture. The erosion of the value of privileged access to the UK market will require structural adjustments both in terms of market diversification as well as farm‐level production.