bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chapter 3. Left forever
Authors: Elvira Javier
Published: July 2014

The traditional approach to clitic doubling in Spanish has usually attempted an explanation for the absence or presence of redundant pronouns that is based on mechanisms related to discourse or the organization of information (topicalization, focus, contrast, etc.). These very same principles raise some problems when trying to explain clitic doubling in biargumental stative constructions whose person argument is expressed by a dative (a mi padre le gusta el cine ‘my father likes cinema’). This paper proposes a contrastive approach to specific cases of dative clitic doubling in stative constructions, which compares them with redundant uses of the dative pronoun in transitive constructions. This distinction leads to a better understanding of clitic doubling as agreement. The research is based on both synchronic and diachronic data.
Chapter 7. The article at the left periphery
Authors: Serrano Silvia
Published: July 2014

In Spanish, the definite determiner el ‘the’ can optionally appear in the left periphery of subject/complement clauses. The previous studies devoted to these clauses (henceforth el que clauses) propose that they should be analyzed as NPs instead of CPs. From the semantic point of view, it has been claimed that since el que clauses can only be selected by factive verbs, the propositions conveyed by them are presupposed. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it seeks to describe more accurately the distribution of el que clauses since I show that certain other verbs that are not factives can also take these clauses. And second, I claim that their propositional content would be better analyzed as background non-asserted information rather than as presupposed propositions.
Chapter 8. Evidentiality and illocutionary force
Authors: Demonte Violeta , Fernández-Soriano Olga
Published: July 2014

This paper centers on certain aspects of the syntax-semantics-pragmatics interface. Its main contribution is that it incorporates into the wide crosslinguistic list of grammatical evidentials one type of Spanish que ‘that’, which is claimed to have evolved into this category from a complementizer. To set our argument two cases are described: (i) (discourse initial) root clauses headed by que introducing a speech event (Etxepare 2007, 2010) which is reported; (ii) que-clauses reproducing previous discourse. Both descriptive and theoretical approaches group these instances of que together. We show, instead, that the first que is a “reportative evidential” while the second one is an ‘echoic’ que, a true (‘insubordinate’) complementizer, in some cases selected by a silent communication verb. The semantic and syntactic properties of both types of que are carefully described and syntactic-semantic analyses in terms of “illocutionary force” and discourse operators are proposed. Implications for the theory of the Left Periphery are also discussed.
Chapter 10. Informational status and the semantics  of mood in Spanish preposed complement clauses
Authors: Becker Martin G.
Published: July 2014

This corpus-based study examines the principles of mood selection in Spanish preposed complement clauses. It tries to prove that the relevant factor for mood selection is not the informational status of the preposed complement clause but its semantic nature or, more precisely, the contrast between intensional and referential readings. This contrast constitutes a specific principle of the Spanish (and that of Romance in general) mood system which comes to bear whenever the subordinate complement clause is not under the scope of a modal operator. This article also shows how the speakers exploit this specific mood contrast in order to produce certain pragmatic and/or stylistic effects.
Motivation, autonomy and metacognition
Authors: Ushioda Ema
Published: July 2014

From the perspective of sustaining long-term engagement in L2 learning, personal goals and targets are important in providing a motivational rationale. However, purposeful effortful striving may not be sufficient in itself to regulate motivation when the challenges derive from not knowing how to deal with problems and difficulties in one’s learning – that is, from lack of metacognitive know-how. In this chapter, I problematize this aspect of motivation in L2 learning and examine how processes of motivation may interact with the metacognitive dimension of language learning. Drawing on insights from the literature on autonomy and self-regulated learning, I consider how teachers may mediate the interaction between motivation and metacognition to help learners sustain their engagement in L2 learning.
Motivating teachers and learners as researchers
Authors: Coyle Do
Published: July 2014

This chapter explores how when learners as well as teachers are engaged in analysing their own classroom practices, the potential to sustain motivation is enhanced. Using an inclusive approach to creating shared understandings of ‘successful’ learning (the LOCIT process), learners and teachers research and reflect on their own teaching and learning in practical, co-constructed ways. This approach is built on the premise that classroom conditions are dynamic and that learning has to be ‘owned’ and understood by learners if progression and challenge are to impact on motivation. The chapter draws on studies in CLIL classrooms, where languages other than English are used as the medium for learning. However, the ideas and evidence presented could also be applied to language learning classrooms.
Giving voice to the students
Authors: Doiz Aintzane , Lasagabaster David , Sierra Juan Manuel
Published: July 2014

As a result of the widespread implementation of the CLIL approach in the educational system across European countries, research on its effects has become a much debated topic. Yet there is a dearth of studies on the role of motivation in CLIL. Many studies on motivation have focused on why students are (de)motivated to learn. We will paid heed to what makes them feel (de)motivated. In our study students express their opinions about what they like most and least in their CLIL classes, and the advantages and disadvantages they associate with this curricular proposal. The analysis of 221 participants’ answers allows us to end up with a set of recommendations which may help CLIL teachers to boost their students’ motivation.
Visible learning and visible motivation
Authors: Busse Vera
Published: July 2014

The chapter approaches motivation from a practitioners’ perspective and tries to illustrate how motivational theories can help language teachers working in higher education to gain deeper insights into students’ learning behavior. Particular attention is paid to the importance of setting challenging short-term goals and providing ample opportunities for practice and feedback, in combination with nourishing long-term language goals in students’ ideal self-beliefs. The chapter points towards the potential of content and language integrated learning (CLIL) in this respect, cautioning, however, that feedback becomes even more important when such a challenging teaching approach is chosen. The chapter concludes by introducing a question cycle that encourages teachers to explore their students’ motivation and to identify possible motivational trouble zones.
From speech with others to speech for self
Authors: Slobin Dan I.
Published: July 2014

The chapter is a case study of a particular kind of speech-for-self produced by a preschool-aged girl, characterized as “externalized dramas.” Unlike most such records of vocalized thought, this speech is not involved with guiding ongoing behavior, but rather with acting out problems of interpersonal relations with peers. Using two or more voices in dialog, the speech is full of insults and denials, claims and counter-claims, promises, excuses – all of the continuing struggles to define social roles and one’s own position. Externalized dramas practice and refine pragmatic devices of prosody, lexicon, and speech acts, while dealing with underlying problems of emotional states, violence, fantasy and reality, and other minds. It is suggested that audible inner speech goes inward to become silent speech that continues to be concerned with social dynamics and individual status and roles.
Implementing Adolescent Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Education in a Pediatric Residency Curriculum
Authors: Schram Patricia , Harris Sion K. , Van Hook Shari , Forman Sara , Mezzacappa Enrico , Pavlyuk Roman , Levy Sharon
Published: July 2014

Background

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is recommended as part of routine health care for adolescents as well as adults. In an effort to promote universal SBIRT, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded funding to residency programs to develop and implement SBIRT education and training. Our project focused on creating scientifically based, developmentally appropriate strategies and teaching materials for the adolescent age range. This paper describes curriculum development and implementation and presents evaluation data.

Methods

Pediatric and child psychiatry residents were trained. The training consisted of 4 activities: (1) case-based teaching modules, (2) role-play of motivational interviewing and brief interventions, (3) mock interviews with trained adolescents, and (4) supervised “hands-on” screening and brief interventions. Main outcome measures included trainee satisfaction, and SBIRT knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, and self- and observer report of use of the SBIRT algorithm.

Results

Among 150 total participants completing the SBIRT training modules, nearly all (92.3%) were satisfied/very satisfied with the training modules. Knowledge accuracy immediately post training was high, but declined significantly by the end of the first residency year, with little change across subsequent years of residency. Confidence ratings also declined over time. Use of the SBIRT algorithm during the Adolescent Medicine rotation was high according to trainee self- and faculty observer report.

Conclusions

We found evidence of training satisfaction, increased confidence in talking to adolescents about substance use, and widespread use of recommended practices immediately following training. Use of a highly structured algorithm to guide practice, and simple, highly structured brief interventions was a successful training approach, as residents self-reported accurate use of the SBIRT algorithm immediately after training. Knowledge and self-confidence declined over time. It is possible that “booster” sessions and ongoing opportunities to review materials could help residents retain knowledge and skills.
The Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) as a Model Paradigm for the Management of Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders and Co-Occurring Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Godley Susan H. , Smith Jane Ellen , Passetti Lora L. , Subramaniam Geetha
Published: July 2014

Background

Integrated treatment for youth with substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring psychiatric disorders is recommended; however, there are few studies that have evaluated integrated treatment approaches.

Methods

This paper includes a brief review of cognitive-behavioral and family therapies, since they have been demonstrated to be effective treatments for the disorders that commonly co-occur with substance use. It also describes how an integrated treatment paradigm has been implemented using one Empirically Supported Treatment, the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA).

Results

There is existing research that supports the use of several A-CRA procedures to treat substance use and commonly co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions

In the absence of further research, it is reasonable in the interim to train clinicians in treatments that incorporate components that have been found to be effective for both substance use and commonly co-occurring psychiatric disorders. These treatments can then be adapted as needed based on an individual youth's set of problems. Further research is needed to test treatments for various combinations of SUDs and psychiatric disorders (i.e., depression, trauma-related problems, conduct disorder/behavior problems, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]).
On the presence of ultrafast outflows in the WAX sample of Seyfert galaxies
Authors: Tombesi F. , Cappi M.
Published: July 2014

The study of winds in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is of utmost importance as they may provide the long sought-after link between the central black hole and the host galaxy, establishing the AGN feedback. Recently, Laha et al. reported the X-ray analysis of a sample of 26 Seyferts observed with XMM–Newton, which are part of the so-called warm absorbers in X-rays (WAX) sample. They claim the non-detection of Fe K absorbers indicative of ultrafast outflows in four observations previously analysed by Tombesi et al. They mainly impute the Tombesi et al. detections to an improper modelling of the underlying continuum in the E = 4–10 keV band. We therefore re-address here the robustness of these detections and we find that the main reason for the claimed non-detections is likely due to their use of single events only spectra, which reduces the total counts by 40 per cent. Performing a re-analysis of the data in the whole E = 0.3–10 keV energy band using their models and spectra including also double events, we find that the blueshifted Fe K absorption lines are indeed detected at >99 per cent. This work demonstrates the robustness of these detections in XMM–Newton even including complex model components such as reflection, relativistic lines and warm absorbers.
SpliceNet: recovering splicing isoform-specific differential gene networks from RNA-Seq data of normal and diseased samples
Authors: Yalamanchili Hari Krishna , Li Zhaoyuan , Wang Panwen , Wong Maria P. , Yao Jianfeng , Wang Junwen
Published: July 2014

Conventionally, overall gene expressions from microarrays are used to infer gene networks, but it is challenging to account splicing isoforms. High-throughput RNA Sequencing has made splice variant profiling practical. However, its true merit in quantifying splicing isoforms and isoform-specific exon expressions is not well explored in inferring gene networks. This study demonstrates SpliceNet, a method to infer isoform-specific co-expression networks from exon-level RNA-Seq data, using large dimensional trace. It goes beyond differentially expressed genes and infers splicing isoform network changes between normal and diseased samples. It eases the sample size bottleneck; evaluations on simulated data and lung cancer-specific ERBB2 and MAPK signaling pathways, with varying number of samples, evince the merit in handling high exon to sample size ratio datasets. Inferred network rewiring of well established Bcl-x and EGFR centered networks from lung adenocarcinoma expression data is in good agreement with literature. Gene level evaluations demonstrate a substantial performance of SpliceNet over canonical correlation analysis, a method that is currently applied to exon level RNA-Seq data. SpliceNet can also be applied to exon array data. SpliceNet is distributed as an R package available at http://www.jjwanglab.org/SpliceNet.
A Case of Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder Due to Yersinia enterocolitica with Review of the Literature
Authors: Chan Justin , Gandhi Rajesh Tim
Published: July 2014

Yersinia enterocolitica infection rarely can cause extra-intestinal infections. We present a case of septic arthritis of the shoulder due to this organism in an elderly man with liver and cardiac disease. We review previously published cases of Y. enterocolitica septic arthritis, and discuss risk factors and management.
Comparison of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)-associated lesions produced by co-infection between two genotypes of PCV2 and two genotypes of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Park Changhoon , Seo Hwi Won , Park Su-Jin , Han Kiwon , Chae Chanhee
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to compare the virulence and pathogenicity of a combination of concurrent infections of two genotypes of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and two genotypes of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in terms of PCV2 viraemia, and PCV2-associated lesions and antigens in co-infected pigs. Pigs with PCV2a (or 2b)/type 1 (or type 2) PRRSV had significantly (P<0.05) higher mean clinical respiratory scores and lower average daily weight gain compared with pigs with PCV2a (or 2b). Co-infection induced significantly lower levels of anti-PCV2 and anti-PRRSV IgG antibodies than infection with one genotype alone, regardless of the genotype of the two viruses. Pigs with PCV2a (or 2b)/type 2 PRRSV had significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of PCV2 viraemia, more severe PCV2-associated lesions, and more PCV2 DNA within the lesions compared with pigs with PCV2a (or 2b)/type 1 PRRSV. However, there was no significant difference in these parameters in pigs with PCV2a/type 2 PRRSV or PCV2b/type 2 PRRSV. The results of this study demonstrate significant differences in the virulence and pathogenicity of type 1 and type 2 PRRSV but no significant differences in the virulence and pathogenicity of PCV2a and PCV2b with respect to the production of PCV2-associated lesions.
Multiple FLC haplotypes defined by independent cis-regulatory variation underpin life history diversity in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Peijin , Filiault Daniele , Box Mathew S. , Kerdaffrec Envel , van Oosterhout Cock , Wilczek Amity M. , Schmitt Johanna , McMullan Mark , Bergelson Joy , Nordborg Magnus , Dean Caroline
Published: July 2014

Relating molecular variation to phenotypic diversity is a central goal in evolutionary biology. In Arabidopsis thaliana, FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is a major determinant of variation in vernalization—the acceleration of flowering by prolonged cold. Here, through analysis of 1307 A. thaliana accessions, we identify five predominant FLC haplotypes defined by noncoding sequence variation. Genetic and transgenic experiments show that they are functionally distinct, varying in FLC expression level and rate of epigenetic silencing. Allelic heterogeneity at this single locus accounts for a large proportion of natural variation in vernalization that contributes to adaptation of A. thaliana.
Plant Nutrition: Root Transporters on the Move
Authors: Zelazny Enric , Vert Grégory
Published: July 2014

Nutrient and water uptake from the soil is essential for plant growth and development. In the root, absorption and radial transport of nutrients and water toward the vascular tissues is achieved by a battery of specialized transporters and channels. Modulating the amount and the localization of these membrane transport proteins appears as a way to drive their activity and is essential to maintain nutrient homeostasis in plants. This control first involves the delivery of newly synthesized proteins to the plasma membrane by establishing check points along the secretory pathway, especially during the export from the endoplasmic reticulum. Plasma membrane-localized transport proteins are internalized through endocytosis followed by recycling to the cell surface or targeting to the vacuole for degradation, hence constituting another layer of control. These intricate mechanisms are often regulated by nutrient availability, stresses, and endogenous cues, allowing plants to rapidly adjust to their environment and adapt their development.
The ASH1-RELATED3 SET-Domain Protein Controls Cell Division Competence of the Meristem and the Quiescent Center of the Arabidopsis Primary Root
Authors: Kumpf Robert , Thorstensen Tage , Rahman Mohummad Aminur , Heyman Jefri , Nenseth H. Zeynep , Lammens Tim , Herrmann Ullrich , Swarup Ranjan , Veiseth Silje Veie , Emberland Gitika , Bennett Malcolm J. , De Veylder Lieven , Aalen Reidunn B.
Published: July 2014

The stem cell niche of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) primary root apical meristem is composed of the quiescent (or organizing) center surrounded by stem (initial) cells for the different tissues. Initial cells generate a population of transit-amplifying cells that undergo a limited number of cell divisions before elongating and differentiating. It is unclear whether these divisions occur stochastically or in an orderly manner. Using the thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine to monitor DNA replication of cells of Arabidopsis root meristems, we identified a pattern of two, four, and eight neighboring cells with synchronized replication along the cortical, epidermal, and endodermal cell files, suggested to be daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters of the direct progeny of each stem cell. Markers of mitosis and cytokinesis were not present in the region closest to the transition zone where the cells start to elongate, suggesting that great-granddaughter cells switch synchronously from the mitotic cell cycle to endoreduplication. Mutations in the stem cell niche-expressed ASH1-RELATED3 (ASHR3) gene, encoding a SET-domain protein conferring histone H3 lysine-36 methylation, disrupted this pattern of coordinated DNA replication and cell division and increased the cell division rate in the quiescent center. E2Fa/E2Fb transcription factors controlling the G1-to-S-phase transition regulate ASHR3 expression and bind to the ASHR3 promoter, substantiating a role for ASHR3 in cell division control. The reduced length of the root apical meristem and primary root of the mutant ashr3-1 indicate that synchronization of replication and cell divisions is required for normal root growth and development.
DELLAs Function as Coactivators of GAI-ASSOCIATED FACTOR1 in Regulation of Gibberellin Homeostasis and Signaling inArabidopsis
Authors: Fukazawa Jutarou , Teramura Hiroshi , Murakoshi Satoru , Nasuno Kei , Nishida Naotaka , Ito Takeshi , Yoshida Michiteru , Kamiya Yuji , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Takahashi Yohsuke
Published: July 2014

Gibberellins (GAs) are essential regulators of plant development, and DELLAs are negative regulators of GA signaling. The mechanism of GA-dependent transcription has been explained by DELLA-mediated titration of transcriptional activators and their release through the degradation of DELLAs in response to GA. However, the effect of GA on genome-wide expression is predominantly repression, suggesting the existence of unknown mechanisms of GA function. In this study, we identified an Arabidopsis thaliana DELLA binding transcription factor, GAI-ASSOCIATED FACTOR1 (GAF1). GAF1 shows high homology to INDETERMINATE DOMAIN1 (IDD1)/ENHYDROUS. GA responsiveness was decreased in the double mutant gaf1 idd1, whereas it was enhanced in a GAF1 overexpressor. GAF1 binds to genes that are subject to GA feedback regulation. Furthermore, we found that GAF1 interacts with the corepressor TOPLESS RELATED (TPR) and that DELLAs and TPR act as coactivators and a corepressor of GAF1, respectively. GA converts the GAF1 complex from transcriptional activator to repressor via the degradation of DELLAs. These results indicate that DELLAs turn on or off two sets of GA-regulated genes via dual functions, namely titration and coactivation, providing a mechanism for the integrative regulation of plant growth and GA homeostasis.
Polyploid Evolution of the Brassicaceae during the Cenozoic Era
Authors: Kagale Sateesh , Robinson Stephen J. , Nixon John , Xiao Rong , Huebert Terry , Condie Janet , Kessler Dallas , Clarke Wayne E. , Edger Patrick P. , Links Matthew G. , Sharpe Andrew G. , Parkin Isobel A.P.
Published: July 2014

The Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) family, owing to its remarkable species, genetic, and physiological diversity as well as its significant economic potential, has become a model for polyploidy and evolutionary studies. Utilizing extensive transcriptome pyrosequencing of diverse taxa, we established a resolved phylogeny of a subset of crucifer species. We elucidated the frequency, age, and phylogenetic position of polyploidy and lineage separation events that have marked the evolutionary history of the Brassicaceae. Besides the well-known ancient α (47 million years ago [Mya]) and β (124 Mya) paleopolyploidy events, several species were shown to have undergone a further more recent (∼7 to 12 Mya) round of genome multiplication. We identified eight whole-genome duplications corresponding to at least five independent neo/mesopolyploidy events. Although the Brassicaceae family evolved from other eudicots at the beginning of the Cenozoic era of the Earth (60 Mya), major diversification occurred only during the Neogene period (0 to 23 Mya). Remarkably, the widespread species divergence, major polyploidy, and lineage separation events during Brassicaceae evolution are clustered in time around epoch transitions characterized by prolonged unstable climatic conditions. The synchronized diversification of Brassicaceae species suggests that polyploid events may have conferred higher adaptability and increased tolerance toward the drastically changing global environment, thus facilitating species radiation.
Crystal structure of a tetrakis-substituted pyrazine compound: 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(bromomethyl)pyrazine
Authors: Assoumatine Tokouré , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: July 2014

The title compound, C8H8Br4N2, crystallizes in the enantiomorphic-defining space groupP41212 and has a refined Flackxparameter of 0.04 (4). In the asymmetric unit, there are two half-molecules; the whole molecules (AandB) are generated by twofold rotation symmetry. In moleculeA, the twofold axis is normal to the pyrazine ring passing through the centre of the ring, while in moleculeB, the twofold rotation axis lies in the plane of the pyrazine ring bisecting the C—C aromatic bonds. The two molecules are pseudo-mirror images of one another, and the best fit of the two molecules was obtained for inverted moleculeBon moleculeA, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.1048 Å and a maximum deviation of any two equivalent atoms of 0.2246 Å. In the crystal, theAmolecules are linked by weak C—H...Br hydrogen bonds and Br...Br interactions [3.524 (3) Å], forming a three-dimensional framework. TheBmolecules are also linked by weak C—H...Br hydrogen bonds and Br...Br interactions [3.548 (3) Å], forming a three-dimensional network that interpenetrates the network ofAmolecules.
Crystal structure of Cs2[Th(NO3)6]
Authors: Woidy Patrick , Kraus Florian
Published: July 2014

Dicaesium hexanitratothorate(IV), Cs2[Th(NO3)6], was synthesized in the form of colourless crystals by reaction of thorium nitrate and caesium nitrate in aqueous solution. The Th atom is located on an inversion centre and is coordinated by six chelating nitrate anions. The resulting ThO12coordination polyhedron is best described as a slightly distorted icosahedron. The Cs atom also has a coordination number of 12, but its coordination polyhedron is considerably more distorted. The crystal packing can be derived from an hexagonal dense packing (hcp) of idealized spherical CsO12and ThO12units. The CsO12units form a distorted hcp arrangement and half of the octahedral sites are occupied by the ThO12units.
The geometry of Niggli reduction: BGAOL – embedding Niggli reduction and analysis of boundaries. Erratum
Authors: Andrews Lawrence C. , Bernstein Herbert J.
Published: July 2014

Ambiguities in the article by Andrews & Bernstein [J. Appl. Cryst. (2014), 47, 346–359] are clarified.
An unusual conformation of gabapentin (Gpn) in Pyr-Gpn-NH-NH-Pyr stabilized by weak interactions
Authors: Wani Naiem Ahmad , Gupta Vivek Kumar , Kant Rajni , Aravinda Subrayashastry , Rai Rajkishor
Published: July 2014

The crystal structure ofN-[(1-{2-oxo-2-[2-(pyrazin-2-ylcarbonyl)hydrazin-1-yl]ethyl}cyclohexyl)methyl]pyrazine-2-carboxamide monohydrate (Pyr-Gpn-NN-NH-Pyr·H2O), C19H23N7O3·H2O, reveals an unusualtrans–gauche(tg−) conformation for the gabapentin (Gpn) residue around the Cγ—Cβ(θ1) and Cβ—Cα(θ2) bonds. The molecular conformation is stabilized by intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O interactions. The packing of the molecules in the crystal lattice shows a network of strong N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds together with weak C—H...O and π–π inteactions.
Grocery retail operations and automotive logistics: a functional cross-industry comparison
Authors: G. Sternbeck Michael , Kuhn Heinrich
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe similarities between logistics structures and mid-term planning problems in the grocery retail and automotive industries in a specific internal section of their respective supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

– The benchmarking approach is used as a framework for this paper. It is based on insights resulting from several joint projects with grocery retailers and automobile producers. A particular focus of the research was participating in an exchange of ideas and experience between logistics managers in both industry sectors.

Findings

– The authors have identified parallels when comparing the internal retail supply chain of the grocery retail industry, which consists of distribution centres, transportation and in-store logistics, with the internal logistics network in the automotive industry, which consists of logistics supermarkets, transportation and work zone operations at the assembly line. Strong similarities have been found for three planning problems related to tactical planning tasks: assigning products and parts to delivery modes, selecting packaging units and loading carriers, and determining delivery cycles. In comparison to retailing, there is a clearer trend in the automotive industry to plan line-back and align processes with the operator's requirements at the assembly line.

Practical implications

– For logisticians in grocery retailing and the automotive industry, this paper provides relevant input for functional benchmarking initiatives and offers an inspirational view beyond the horizon.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to focus on similarities in logistics network structures and planning tasks between the two industries from the viewpoint of grocery retailing.
Conceptualizing e-government service quality under credence based settings
Authors: Amritesh  , C. Misra Subhas , Chatterjee Jayanta
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to acknowledge the potential complexities in conventional notions of e-government service environments, which have earlier been conceptualized as a two party interaction system where the government is the service provider and other entities such as businesses, citizens, etc. are the service recipients. In this regard, the authors extend their attention to a core service context and identify the existence of “credence-based” service setting that may involve more than two parties such as government, citizens, and third-party institutions (TPIs).

Design/methodology/approach

– An in-depth literature review is performed to build a conceptual foundation for the proposed service environment. A case of an Indian context is exemplified to understand the credence-based service setting and advocate the suitability of broader dimensions of service quality assessment, and propose a preliminary model of service quality assessment in the given context. The case study approach is adopted for gathering and analyzing the data. The data are collected from government web sites, semi-structured interviews with government officials, and students.

Findings

– The paper finds that the existence of TPIs changes the nature of normal government to citizen (G2C) service interaction. Service quality conceptualization for this particular kind of e-government setting is bi-dimensional in nature which involves two separate but interdependent constructs quality of information, and quality of service Interaction that collectively contributes to service quality and empowerment of the recipients.

Originality/value

– The present work attempts to differentiate the service context of credence-based e-government setting with the traditional conceptualizations of e-government service environments.
Development of a metrological management model using the AHP and SEM techniques
Authors: Beltrán Jaime , Muñuzuri Jesús , Rivas Miguel , Martín Enrique
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The evaluation of management systems is usually based on a series of assumptions which are never questioned. The purpose of this paper is to focus on two of these assumptions, in order to further develop a quantitative model to evaluate metrological management in companies, based on the ISO 10012:2003 standard.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the paper uses structural equations to identify the underlying relations between the different variables of the model and conclude that it follows the typical continuous improvement cycle formulated by Deming. And second, the paper processes the opinion of experts using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) techniques in order to prove that not all the variables included in the model are equally relevant in metrological management.

Findings

– The first SME analysis validates the model itself and its integration with the other management schemes in the company, all based on the Deming cycle. The second AHP analysis leads to a reformulation of the model, assigning weights to the different variables and providing better guidelines for companies to improve their metrological management.

Originality/value

– This constitutes a development of the management guidelines contained in the ISO 10012:2003 standard for metrological management, establishing the appropriate evaluation procedures.
Corporate social responsibility and stock market actors: a comprehensive study
Authors: Arvidsson Susanne
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to analyse the views stock market actors have on corporate communication of corporate social responsibility (CSR) information grounded on legitimacy and stakeholder theory. Recent findings suggest that management teams experience an increased interest and demand for CSR information from the actors on the stock market and that this underlie a focus shift. This is quite astonishing considering that the interest from just stock market actors in CSR information always has been meagre. However, due to lack of recent studies, it has not been confirmed thatde factothere has been a trend shift among stock market actors towards an increased interest in CSR information.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data are derived from in-depth semi-structured interviews with financial analysts at international investment banks.

Findings

– The study confirms that the focus shift is not at all driven by the actors in the stock market. Quite the opposite. They express mistrust towards this information and a continued meagre interest in it.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings from the study suggest the need for more research on how different stakeholders view CSR information. It also opens up for discussions on regulations concerning CSR information.

Practical implications

– The findings imply that management teams might have deluded themselves and become victim to what Christensen and Cheney (2000) refer to as self-seduces, i.e. seeing things that are not really there. The findings might also indicate an enlargement of the stakeholder perspective. Thus, a subtle shift from a bilateral relationship (company – shareholders) towards a multilateral set of relationships (company – stakeholders) camouflaged under the justification from management teams that the increased interest comes from the stock market.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to the scarce research on how actors in the stock market view CSR. The findings are of interest and relevance to the business and academic communities in their ongoing quest of unravelling the core of CSR and business ethics.
Regulatory pressure, blockholders and corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures in China
Authors: Zheng Lin , Balsara Nauzer , Huang Haiyu
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the relationship between external regulation pressure and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting decision and comprehensiveness and the relationship between block ownership and CSR in China.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides descriptive statistics of the current state of CSR reporting in China. In addition, regression models are utilized to analyze the behavior of CSR reporting of a sample of 5,334 listed firms in China.

Findings

– Our paper records a significant increase of CSR reporting in the period of 2008-2010. Using a sample of 5,334 listed firms in China, we find a positive yet weak association between centrally controlled state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and CSR reports. Moreover, we find that firms with more concentrated block ownership are less likely to issue CSR reports.

Research limitations/implications

– Taken as a whole, our analyses suggest that the entrenchment effect from blockholders seems to dominate the incentive effect and this depresses the quality of CSR reports.

Practical implications

– Despite the well-known effect of economic factors on CSR decision, corporate governance such as ownership structure could complicate the final results. Furthermore, the institutional background of the country and its implications for corporate governance should be considered jointly and concurrently.

Social implications

– The positive effect from regulatory pressure on centrally owned SOEs suggests that regulation remains an effective tool to encourage CSR reporting in emerging markets.

Originality/value

– First, our study confirms prior research that CSR disclosure decision is primarily driven by economic and strategic considerations. Moreover, our results suggest that a country’s institutional background, in addition to economic and strategic considerations, influences the decision and quality of CSR disclosures. Second, we extend the literature on ownership structure, particularly with respect to blockholders. Third, our research design addresses a weakness in earlier studies which are biased exclusively on state ownership to the exclusion of all other blockholders.
Social responsibility clusters arising from social partnerships
Authors: McDonald Sharyn
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify models of best practice and examines the manner in which such social partnerships attract new partners and scale-up their solutions. Social responsibility initiatives that incorporate multiple sectors have the capacity to challenge unsustainable practice and pave the way for model solutions towards the societal problems we face globally.

Design/methodology/approach

– Comparisons of three Australian case studies were analysed. These cases were purposefully selected as they all represented relationships that demonstrated social partnerships characteristics, and they had all attracted acclaim by their peers. They differed in terms of their societal problems and relationship duration. Semi-structured interviews were held with managers and employees from each social partnership, where they discussed all aspects of the partnership lifecycle from pre-collaborative conditions through to outcomes. In total, 50 semi-structured interviews were held with members of the private, nonprofit and public sectors.

Findings

– Social partnerships pool skills, knowledge and finance across sectors, concentrating on specific societal issues of mutual concern. Resultant successful initiatives act as catalysts in soliciting further support. Three primary pathways exist for successful social partnerships that wish to evolve: expansion, replication and refinement. Focused attention and resources, through the formation of social responsibility clusters, can lead to sustainable solutions.

Practical implications

– There are many organisations wishing to move on from philanthropic exchange towards more meaningful integrated relationships. This paper highlights the value of both within sector and cross-sector collaboration to achieve organisational outcomes. It provides some insight into the entry points for both nonprofit organisations as well as small- to medium-sized private sector organisations that would otherwise consider social investment in large-scale societal problems beyond their reach.

Originality/value

– Social partnerships within the Australian context are under-represented; this paper addresses this by examining three best practice exemplars. The rationale for incorporating new partners and sharing success is discussed and supported by a model of social responsibility cluster formation.
Innovative public governance through cloud computing
Authors: Tsohou Aggeliki , Lee Habin , Irani Zahir
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze challenges and to discuss proposed solutions for innovative public governance through cloud computing. Innovative technologies, such as federation of services and cloud computing, can greatly contribute to the provision of e-government services, through scaleable and flexible systems. Furthermore, they can facilitate in reducing costs and overcoming public information segmentation. Nonetheless, when public agencies use these technologies, they encounter several associated organizational and technical changes, as well as significant challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

– We followed a multidisciplinary perspective (social, behavioral, business and technical) and conducted a conceptual analysis for analyzing the associated challenges. We conducted focus group interviews in two countries for evaluating the performance models that resulted from the conceptual analysis.

Findings

– This study identifies and analyzes several challenges that may emerge while adopting innovative technologies for public governance and e-government services. Furthermore, it presents suggested solutions deriving from the experience of designing a related platform for public governance, including issues of privacy requirements, proposed business models and key performance indicators for public services on cloud computing.

Research limitations/implications

– The challenges and solutions discussed are based on the experience gained by designing one platform. However, we rely on issues and challenges collected from four countries.

Practical implications

– The identification of challenges for innovative design of e-government services through a central portal in Europe and using service federation is expected to inform practitioners in different roles about significant changes across multiple levels that are implied and may accelerate the challenges' resolution.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that discusses from multiple perspectives and through empirical investigation the challenges to realize public governance through innovative technologies. The results emerge from an actual portal that will function at a European level.
Arsenic biotransformation by Streptomyces sp. isolated from rice rhizosphere
Authors: Kuramata Masato , Sakakibara Futa , Kataoka Ryota , Abe Tadashi , Asano Maki , Baba Koji , Takagi Kazuhiro , Ishikawa Satoru
Published: July 2014

Isolation and functional analysis of microbes mediating the methylation of arsenic (As) in paddy soils is important for understanding the origin of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) in rice grains. Here, we isolated from the rice rhizosphere a unique bacterium responsible for As methylation. Strain GSRB54, which was isolated from the roots of rice plants grown in As‐contaminated paddy soil under anaerobic conditions, was classified into the genus Streptomyces by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Sequence analysis of the arsenite S‐adenosylmethionine methyltransferase (arsM) gene revealed that GSRB54 arsM was phylogenetically different from known arsM genes in other bacteria. This strain produced DMA and monomethylarsonic acid when cultured in liquid medium containing arsenite [As(III)]. Heterologous expression of GSRB54 arsM in Escherichia coli promoted methylation of As(III) by converting it into DMA and trimethylarsine oxide. These results demonstrate that strain GSRB54 has a strong ability to methylate As. In addition, DMA was detected in the shoots of rice grown in liquid medium inoculated with GSRB54 and containing As(III). Since Streptomyces are generally aerobic bacteria, we speculate that strain GSRB54 inhabits the oxidative zone around roots of paddy rice and is associated with DMA accumulation in rice grains through As methylation in the rice rhizosphere.
Ten real‐time PCR assays for detection of fish predation at the community level in the San Francisco Estuary–Delta
Authors: Brandl Scott , Schumer Gregg , Schreier Brian M. , Conrad Jessica L. , May Bernie , Baerwald Melinda R.
Published: July 2014

The effect of predation on native fish by introduced species in the San Francisco Estuary–Delta (SFE) has not been thoroughly studied despite its potential to impact species abundances. Species‐specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) is an accurate method for identifying species from exogenous DNA samples. Quantitative PCR assays can be used for detecting prey in gut contents or faeces, discriminating between cryptic species, or detecting rare aquatic species. We designed ten TaqMan qPCR assays for fish species from the SFE watershed most likely to be affected by non‐native piscivores. The assays designed are highly specific, producing no signal from co‐occurring or related species, and sensitive, with a limit of detection between 3.2 and 0.013 pg/μL of target DNA. These assays will be used in conjunction with a high‐throughput qPCR platform to compare predation rates between native and non‐native piscivores and assess the impacts of predation in the system.
Targeted detection of mammalian species using carrion fly‐derived DNA
Authors: Schubert Grit , Stockhausen Melanie , Hoffmann Constanze , Merkel Kevin , Vigilant Linda , Leendertz Fabian H. , Calvignac‐Spencer Sébastien
Published: July 2014

DNA analysis from carrion flies (iDNA analysis) has recently been promoted as a powerful tool for cost‐ and time‐efficient monitoring of wildlife. While originally applied to identify any mammalian species present in an area, it should also allow for targeted detection of species and individuals. Using carrion flies captured in the Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, we assessed this possibility by (i) screening carrion fly DNA extracts with nonspecific and species‐specific PCR systems, respectively, targeting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments of any mammal or of Jentink's duiker (Cephalophus jentinki), three colobine monkeys (subfamily Colobinae) and sooty mangabey (Cercocebus atys); and (ii) genotyping carrion fly extracts containing sooty mangabey mtDNA. In comparison with the nonspecific PCR assay, the use of specific PCRs increased the frequency of detection of target species up to threefold. Detection rates partially reflected relative abundances of target species in the area. Amplification of seven microsatellite loci from carrion flies positive for sooty mangabey mtDNA yielded an average PCR success of 46%, showing that the identification of individuals is, to some extent, possible. Regression analysis of microsatellite PCR success and mtDNA concentration revealed that, among all carrion flies analysed for this study, 1% contained amounts of mammal mtDNA sufficient to attempt genotyping with potentially high success. We conclude that carrion fly‐derived DNA analysis represents a promising tool for targeted monitoring of mammals in their natural habitat.