bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The unstructured linker arms of MutL enable GATC site incision beyond roadblocks during initiation of DNA mismatch repair
Authors: Mardenborough Yannicka SN , Nitsenko Katerina , Laffeber Charlie , Duboc Camille , Sahin Enes , Quessada-Vial Audrey , Winterwerp Herrie HK , Sixma Titia K , Kanaar Roland , Friedhoff Peter , Strick Terence R , Lebbink Joyce HG
Published: November 2018

DNA mismatch repair (MMR) maintains genome stability through repair of DNA replication errors. InEscherichia coli, initiation of MMR involves recognition of the mismatch by MutS, recruitment of MutL, activation of endonuclease MutH and DNA strand incision at a hemimethylated GATC site. Here we studied the mechanism of communication that couples mismatch recognition to daughter strand incision. We investigated the effect of catalytically-deficient Cas9 as well as stalled RNA polymerase as roadblocks placed on DNA in between the mismatch and GATC site in ensemble and single molecule nanomanipulation incision assays. The MMR proteins were observed to incise GATC sites beyond a roadblock, albeit with reduced efficiency. This residual incision is completely abolished upon shortening the disordered linker regions of MutL. These results indicate that roadblock bypass can be fully attributed to the long, disordered linker regions in MutL and establish that communication during MMR initiation occurs along the DNA backbone.
PerSort facilitates characterization and elimination of persister subpopulation in mycobacteria
Authors: Srinivas Vivek , Arrieta-Ortiz Mario L. , Peterson Eliza J.R. , Baliga Nitin S.
Published: November 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) generates phenotypic diversity to persist and survive the harsh conditions encountered during infection. MTB avoids immune effectors and antibacterial killing by entering into distinct physiological states. The surviving cells, persisters, are a major barrier to the timely and relapse-free treatment of tuberculosis (TB). We present for the first time, PerSort, a method to isolate and characterize persisters in the absence of antibiotic, or other pressure. We demonstrate the value of PerSort to isolate translationally dormant cells that pre-exist in small numbers withinMycobacterium spp. cultures growing under optimal conditions, but which dramatically increased in proportion under stress conditions. The translationally dormant subpopulation exhibited multidrug tolerance and regrowth properties consistent with persister cells. Furthermore, PerSort enabled single-cell transcriptional profiling that provided evidence that the translationally dormant persisters were generated through a variety of mechanisms, includingvapC30, mazF, andrelA/spoToverexpression. Finally, we demonstrate that notwithstanding the varied mechanisms by which the persister cells were generated, they converge on a similar low oxygen metabolic state that was reversed through activation of respiration to rapidly eliminate persisters fostered under host-relevant stress conditions. We conclude that PerSort provides a new tool to study MTB persisters, enabling targeted strategies to improve and shorten the treatment of TB.

We have developed a novel method, PerSort, to isolate translationally dormant cells that pre-exist in small numbers withinMycobacterium spp. cultures growing under naïve conditions (i.e., absence of antibiotic treatment), but dramatically increase in proportion under stress conditions. The translationally dormant cells have high tolerance to isoniazid and rifampicin, and can regenerate the parental population structure in standard media, albeit after a significantly longer lag phase, indicating they are persister cells. Single-cell expression profiling demonstrated that the translationally dormant persister subpopulation is a mixture ofvapC30, mazF, andrelA/spoToverexpressing cells, indicating there are multiple pathways to become a persister cell. Regardless of the mechanism by which they are generated, the persister cells have reduced oxidative metabolism, which is reversed upon addition of L-cysteine to effect complete clearance by INH and RIF under host-related stress.
Differential phase partition of a PICS complex is required for piRNA processing and chromosome segregation in C. elegans
Authors: Zeng Chenming , Weng Chenchun , Wang Xiaoyang , Yan Yong-Hong , Li Wen-Jun , Xu Demin , Hong Minjie , Liao Shanhui , Feng Xuezhu , Dong Meng-Qiu , Xu Chao , Guang Shouhong
Published: November 2018

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play significant roles in suppressing transposons and non-self nucleic acids, maintaining genome integrity, defending against viral infections, and are essential for fertility in a variety of organisms. In C. elegans, most piRNA precursors are transcribed by RNA polymerase II in the nucleus and are subjected to a number of processing and maturation steps. However, the biogenesis of piRNAs are still not fully understood. We used functional proteomics to study piRNA biogenesis in C. elegans and identified a PICS complex that is required for piRNA processing and chromosome segregation. The PICS complex contains two known piRNA biogenesis factors TOFU-6 and PID-1, and three new proteins PICS-1, TOST-1, and ERH-2, which exhibit dynamic localization among different subcellular compartments. In the germline of gravid animals, the PICS complex contains TOFU-6/PICS-1/ERH-2/PID-1 and largely concentrate at the perinuclear granule zone and engages in piRNA processing. During early embryogenesis, the TOFU-6/PICS-1/ERH-2/TOST-1 complex accumulates in the nucleus and play essential roles in chromosome segregation and cell division. Interestingly, the function of these factors in mediating chromosome segregation is independent of piRNA production. Therefore, we speculate that a differential phase partition of PICS factors may help cells to coordinate distinct cellular processes.
Noncoding transcription influences the replication initiation program through chromatin regulation
Authors: Soudet Julien , Gill Jatinder Kaur , Stutz Françoise
Published: November 2018

In eukaryotic organisms, replication initiation follows a temporal program. Among the parameters that regulate this program in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, chromatin structure has been at the center of attention without considering the contribution of transcription. Here, we revisit the replication initiation program in the light of widespread genomic noncoding transcription. We find that noncoding RNA transcription termination in the vicinity of autonomously replicating sequences (ARSs) shields replication initiation from transcriptional readthrough. Consistently, high natural nascent transcription correlates with low ARS efficiency and late replication timing. High readthrough transcription is also linked to increased nucleosome occupancy and high levels of H3K36me3. Moreover, forcing ARS readthrough transcription promotes these chromatin features. Finally, replication initiation defects induced by increased transcriptional readthrough are partially rescued in the absence of H3K36 methylation. Altogether, these observations indicate that natural noncoding transcription into ARSs influences replication initiation through chromatin regulation.
Long-read sequencing technology indicates genome-wide effects of non-B DNA on polymerization speed and error rate
Authors: Guiblet Wilfried M. , Cremona Marzia A. , Cechova Monika , Harris Robert S. , Kejnovská Iva , Kejnovsky Eduard , Eckert Kristin , Chiaromonte Francesca , Makova Kateryna D.
Published: November 2018

DNA conformation may deviate from the classical B-form in ∼13% of the human genome. Non-B DNA regulates many cellular processes; however, its effects on DNA polymerization speed and accuracy have not been investigated genome-wide. Such an inquiry is critical for understanding neurological diseases and cancer genome instability. Here, we present the first simultaneous examination of DNA polymerization kinetics and errors in the human genome sequenced with Single-Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) technology. We show that polymerization speed differs between non-B and B-DNA: It decelerates at G-quadruplexes and fluctuates periodically at disease-causing tandem repeats. Analyzing polymerization kinetics profiles, we predict and validate experimentally non-B DNA formation for a novel motif. We demonstrate that several non-B motifs affect sequencing errors (e.g., G-quadruplexes increase error rates), and that sequencing errors are positively associated with polymerase slowdown. Finally, we show that highly divergent G4 motifs have pronounced polymerization slowdown and high sequencing error rates, suggesting similar mechanisms for sequencing errors and germline mutations.
Typology of substance using offenders of IPV: violence and substance use outcomes
Authors: Berbary Cassandra M. , Crane Cory A. , Easton Caroline J.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether aggression and substance use assessed during treatment differ based on risk level for substance-using male offenders of intimate partner violence (IPV).

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary analyses were conducted using data from Easton et al.’s (2017) study on substance-dependent IPV offenders. A cluster analysis was utilized in order to classify participants into typology groups. Analyses of covariance were conducted in order to determine group differences in aggression and substance use during treatment.

Findings

The paper provides results-related response to treatment based on offender typology. Results appear to reflect two typology groups with significant differences in psychopathy among groups. High-risk offenders demonstrated higher rates of violence throughout treatment compared to moderate- and low-risk offenders; however, no differences in substance use outcomes were found.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is the extent to which the results can be generalized beyond substance using IPV offenders. Further investigation of treatment outcomes including alternate measures is needed in order to better translate theoretical typologies to clinical settings.

Practical implications

Results provide support for differentiating treatment for substance-using male offenders of IPV based on typology as those with low/moderate risk level appear to be distinctly different and have different treatment outcomes compared to high risk level offenders.

Originality/value

Although the relationship between risk level and treatment outcomes has been researched with Drug Court Offenders, treatment outcomes based on typology has not been evaluated among substance using male offenders of IPV.
The effects of country-of-origin fit on cross-border brand alliances
Authors: Lee Jin Kyun , Lee Byung-Kwan , Lee Wei-Na
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of country-of-origin (COO) fit and consumer product knowledge on consumer brand attitudes in a cross-border strategic brand alliance (SBA).

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study with 207 subjects was conducted using a series of 2 (COO fit: low vs high COO fit) by 3 (product knowledge: low vs moderate vs high knowledge) by 2 (time: pre- vs post-alliance attitudes) mixed factorial design.

Findings

The impact of COO fit on pre- and post-alliance changes in attitude toward the partner brand showed a nonlinear relationship from high-, to moderate-, to low-knowledge consumers. High COO fit significantly and positively affected pre- and post-alliance changes in attitude toward the partner brand more for high- and low-knowledge consumers than for moderate-knowledge consumers. In contrast, low COO fit significantly and positively affected pre- and post-alliance changes in attitude toward the partner brand more for moderate-knowledge consumers than for high- and low-knowledge consumers.

Practical implications

The effectiveness of cross-border SBAs differs with consumer product knowledge. For high- and low-knowledge consumers, high COO fit information had greater impact than low COO fit information in their product evaluation. However, when targeting moderate-knowledge consumers, providing sufficient product-related attribute information would help them to generate a favorable brand attitude.

Originality/value

This study attempted to identify the complex relationship between COO fit and consumer product knowledge on the consumer decision-making process.
Work grit as a moderator of politics perceptions
Authors: Jordan Samantha L. , Hochwarter Wayne A. , Ferris Gerald R. , Ejaz Aqsa
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the interactive effects of grit (e.g. supervisor and employee) and politics perceptions on relevant work outcomes. Specifically, the authors hypothesized that supervisor and employee grit would each demonstrate neutralizing effects when examined jointly.

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies (N’s=526, 229, 522) were conducted to test the moderating effect across outcomes, including job satisfaction, turnover intentions, citizenship behavior and work effort. The authors controlled for affectivity and nonlinear main effect terms in Studies 2 and 3 following prior discussion.

Findings

Findings across studies demonstrated a unique pattern differentiating between grit sources (i.e. employee vs supervisor) and outcome characteristic (i.e. attitudinal vs behavioral). In sum, both employee and supervisor grit demonstrated neutralizing effects when operating in politically fraught work settings.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the single source nature of data collections, the authors took steps to minimize potential biasing factors (e.g. time separation, including affectivity). Future research will benefit from multiple sources of data as well as a more expansive view of the grit construct.

Practical implications

Work contexts have grown increasingly more political in recent years primarily as a result of social and motivational factors. Hence, the authors recommend that leaders investigate factors that minimize its potentially malignant effects. Although grit is often challenging to cultivate through interventions, selection and quality of work life programs may be useful in preparing workers to manage this pervasive source of stress.

Originality/value

Despite its practical appeal, grit’s impact in work settings has been under-studied, leading to apparent gaps in science and leadership development. Creative studies, building off the research, will allow grit to maximize its contributions to both scholarship and employee well-being.
The role of strategic leadership for learning on the relationship between training opportunities and salesperson job performance and commitment
Authors: Lee Jae Young , Welliver Michele C.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the indirect effects of strategic leadership for learning between sales employees’ perceived learning opportunities and organizational commitment and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 204 responses from sales employees in a South Korean company were analyzed using path analysis to test the hypothesized model and hypotheses.

Findings

Results of the analysis showed that strategic leadership has a significant indirect effect on the relationship between perceived learning opportunities and job performance and organizational commitment.

Originality/value

The results of this study challenge the belief that providing learning opportunities improves salesperson performance and organizational commitment. The results indicate that the relationship between continuous learning opportunities and performance, as well as between opportunities and organizational commitment, is statistically nonsignificant. However, the authors did find that providing continuous learning opportunities via strategic leadership because learning increases performance and organizational commitment.
Delivering value for money with BIM-embedded housing refurbishment
Authors: Kim Ki Pyung , Park Kenneth Sungho
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The aim of this research is to examine if building information modelling (BIM) is feasible as an information management platform to determine a financially and environmentally affordable housing refurbishment solution based on the life cycle cost (LCC) and LCC calculation.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study in conjunction with BIM simulation approach using BIM tools (Autodesk Revit and IES VE/IMPACT) was adopted to identify the feasibility of BIM for the simultaneous formulation of LCC and life cycle assessment in housing refurbishment.

Findings

This research reveals that BIM is a suitable for the information management platform to enable construction professionals to consider trade-off relationship between LCC and life cycle assessment simultaneously, and determine the most financially and environmentally affordable refurbishment solution. The interoperability issues in data exchange among different BIM tools and unstandardized BIM object libraries with incomplete data sets of construction materials are recognised as the major shortcomings in a BIM system. Essential remedial actions to overcome the shortcomings in the current BIM tools are identified.

Research limitations/implications

Actual housing information and various refurbishment materials for the BIM simulation are limited.

Practical implications

This research contributes to supporting construction professionals to prepare practical BIM adoption for the integration of the LCC and life cycle assessment that can significantly improve early decision-makings on sustainable housing refurbishment.

Originality/value

This research will contribute to providing proper remedial actions to overcome the shortcomings in the current BIM tools, and insights for construction professionals to understand the implication of BIM-embedded housing refurbishment.
Maximising the socioeconomic value of indigenous knowledge through policies and legislation in Kenya
Authors: Chepchirchir Sally , Kwanya Tom , Kamau Alice
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Indigenous knowledge (IK) is the anchor of survival and stability for indigenous communities. The purpose of this study was to establish how the socioeconomic value of IK can be maximised in Kenya through effective enactment and implementation of relevant policies and legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a mixed methods research using a survey design. The target population comprised 104 top- and middle-level managers drawn from organisations implementing diverse IK policies and legislation. Primary data were collected from the target population using questionnaires. Additional data were collected using content analysis of IK policies and legislation. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of IBM’s Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 22) software.

Findings

The findings revealed a low awareness of the IK policies and legislation by the stakeholders. It also became evident that the policies and legislation relevant to IK are not implemented effectively. The authors conclude that policies and legislation do not maximise the socioeconomic value of IK in Kenya.

Originality/value

This is an original study which has practical implications for the use of IK for socioeconomic purposes. The findings of the study may be used to influence policy formulation and implementation; theory on IK; and practices which mainstream IK in socioeconomic activities in Kenya and beyond.
Hotel online reviews: creating a multi-source aggregated index
Authors: Antonio Nuno , de Almeida Ana Maria , Nunes Luís , Batista Fernando , Ribeiro Ricardo
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a model to predict online review ratings from multiple sources, which can be used to detect fraudulent reviews and create proprietary rating indexes, or which can be used as a measure of selection in recommender systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies machine learning and natural language processing approaches to combine features derived from the qualitative component of a review with the corresponding quantitative component and, therefore, generate a richer review rating.

Findings

Experiments were performed over a collection of hotel online reviews – written in English, Spanish and Portuguese – which shows a significant improvement over the previously reported results, and it not only demonstrates the scientific value of the approach but also strengthens the value of review prediction applications in the business environment.

Originality/value

This study shows the importance of building predictive models for revenue management and the application of the index generated by the model. It also demonstrates that, although difficult and challenging, it is possible to achieve valuable results in the application of text analysis across multiple languages.
Fault location in distribution network using travelling waves
Authors: Kumar Ranjeet , Saxena D.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

An electrical power distribution network is expected to deliver uninterrupted power supply to the customers. The disruption in power supply occurs whenever there is a fault in the system. Therefore, fast fault detection and its precise location are necessary to restore the power supply. Several techniques are proposed in the past for fault location in distribution network but they have limitations as their fault location accuracy depends on system conditions. The purpose of this paper is to present a travelling wave-based fault location method, which is fast, accurate and independent of system conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an effective method for fault detection, classification and location using wavelet analysis of travelling waves for a multilateral distribution network embedded with distributed generation (DG) and electric vehicle (EV) charging load. The wavelet energy entropy (WEE) is used for fault detection and classification purpose, and wavelet modulus maxima (WMM) of aerial mode component is used for faulted lateral identification and exact fault location.

Findings

The proposed method effectively detects and classifies the faults, and accurately determines the exact fault location in a multilateral distribution network. It is also found that the proposed method is robust and its accuracy is not affected by the presence of distributed generation and electric vehicle charging load in the system.

Originality/value

Travelling wave based method for fault location is implemented for a multilateral distribution network containing distributed generation and electric vehicle load. For the first time, a fault location method is tested in the presence of EV charging load in distribution network.
Modeling and experimental research on engaging characteristics of wet clutch
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Li Yuan , Liu Yang , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To gain in-depth understandings of engaging characteristics, the purpose of this paper is to improve the model of wet clutches to predict the transmitted torque during the engagement process.

Design/methodology/approach

The model of wet clutch during the engagement process took main factors into account, such as the centrifugal effect of lubricant, permeability of friction material, slippage factor of lubricant on contact surface and roughness of contact surface. Reynolds’ equation was derived to describe the hydrodynamic lubrication characteristics of lubricant film between the friction plate and the separated plate, and an elastic-plastic model of the rough surfaces contact based on the finite element analysis was used to indicate the loading force and friction torque of the contact surface.

Findings

The dynamic characteristics of wet clutch engagement time, relative speed, hydrodynamic lubrication of lubricating oil, rough surface contact load capacity and transfer torque can be obtained by the wet clutch engagement model. And the influence of the groove shape and depth on the engaging characteristics is also analyzed.

Originality/value

The mathematical model of the wet clutch during the engagement process can be used to predict the engaging characteristics of the wet clutch which could be useful to the design of the wet clutch.
Innovative management of rural buildings
Authors: Morena Marzia , Bischetti Gian Battista , Del Gatto Maria Luisa , Gornati Anna
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study forms part of a larger project funded by Cariplo Foundation. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the scope to exploit the full potential and upgrade the functions of abandoned or under-utilized typical highland Alpine pasture systems (made by a complex of grazing fields, buildings for temporal animal and human recovery and dairy production, identified as Malga system or Alpeggio), by adopting the property investor’s point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has adapted the traditional property development processes to rural buildings, thus generating an analysis model that proves able to define a new destination of use whenever the project considers the reuse of existing facilities.

Findings

The proposed model analyzes the technological, functional and territory features of the building to be upgraded, to assess the technical feasibility of the changeover project and identify the highest and best use of Malga-systems. The model has been applied to all the Malga-systems in the Orobie Bergamasche Park; it performed a comprehensive assessment of the development potential of the Malga-systems in the same Park.

Research limitations/implications

The design of the model took into consideration the specificities of the Orobie Bergamasche Park; nevertheless, the method can be taken as an example to be applied to any grazing land in the Alps.

Originality/value

This research provides the real estate market with a new analysis tool that is specific for the rural buildings, and suitable to streamline the procedures designed to upgrade these properties and to infuse new life into the territories that are experiencing a period of hardship and/or decay.
Maintenance prioritization – a review on factors and methods
Authors: Chong Alan Kim Wing , Mohammed Abdul Hakim , Abdullah Mat Naim , Rahman Mohd Shahril Abdul
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Maintenance is a compulsory cost in any asset's operation and requires sufficient budget to be supported. However, insufficient maintenance allocation would lead to maintenance prioritization being practiced as a solution to relief the maintenance demands. The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss the related literature on the factors considered and methods practiced in maintenance prioritization, especially in asset managements.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough literature search related to factors and methods used in maintenance prioritization was conducted through several journal databases. The keywords maintenance priority, maintenance prioritization, priority management and maintenance planning were used. Publications related to maintenance priority from the period of 1990 to 2016 were reviewed and filtered out. Literature focusing on methods and factors related to maintenance prioritization were analyzed and discussed.

Findings

This study presented the trend and publications related to maintenance priority throughout 1990 to 2016. Publications related with methods and factors were analyzed. The most used priority-setting methods include analytical hierarchy process; priority criterion; priority matrix; and failure mode and effect analysis. Factors for maintenance priority were categorized into four categories which are technical, financial, social and political category. A discussion on the strategic direction of maintenance prioritization was conducted to highlight future research and possible improvements.

Originality/value

The paper contains a state of the art on publications and discussion related to the factors, methods and suggestions on the strategic aspect of maintenance prioritization. It offers insights and information on the current body of knowledge to academics, researchers, maintenance managers, practitioners and stakeholders concerned with asset management.
The EU market abuse regulation, where does it leave us?
Authors: Haynes Andrew
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the market abuse regulation to determine whether the general assumption that it has made little difference to the pre-existing UK law on market abuse is accurate. In particular, the potential impact on compliance and behaviour in financial services firms and those who potentially receive inside information is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted is a combination of critical analysis and black letter law utilised to determine the content and potential impact of the market abuse regulation. A process of discovery made more important by the limited assistance given by the European Securities and Markets Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority in terms of the guidance and definitions they have provided.

Findings

The new Regulation has a wider definition of insider dealing than under the previous law, has a wider application in terms of the financial instruments that it applies to, has triggered significant new compliance and disclosure requirements and it also extends the law to new markets.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations in that the relevant regulatory bodies, ESMA and the FCA have made little effort to clarify how they interpret the new Regulation. This is a serious problem because in the case of the FCA, their view will impact on the approach they will take in future enforcement actions.

Practical implications

This paper provides the first real analysis of the market abuse regulation’s effect and shows that, if carefully analysed in context, it has a significant impact on firms in the financial services sector and those engaged in activities which can put them in receipt of inside information. It will cause an increase in relevant compliance and has significant cost implications for affected firms.

Social implications

This is not really relevant here. There will be necessary changes to compliance procedures.

Originality/value

The originality stems from the fact that there appears to be little else published which has engaged in a sustained analysis of the impact and effect of the EU market abuse regulation on the UK’s financial markets and those other firms who receive inside information.
Doing well by doing good: can voluntary CSR reporting enhance financial performance?
Authors: Mukherjee Avinandan , Nuñez Rosita
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Management is sometimes challenged by investors to justify the financial benefits of voluntary disclosure and transparency related to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Researchers have found inconsistent results when examining the relationship between CSR reporting and financial performance. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between voluntary CSR reporting and financial performance. Specifically, this paper addresses three questions. First, is there a significant difference in Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting level for firms in a high environmental risk sector compared to those in a low environmental risk sector? Second, does GRI reporting level significantly influence financial performance measures, such as the risk ratios and information ratio? And third, does the relationship between GRI reporting level and financial performance measures differ significantly based on sector environmental risk? These questions are particularly relevant to the Indian business environment, where CSR is not just voluntary but mandated by regulation since 2013. The Indian Government is the first to do so and is ahead of many nations in collaborating with businesses to address not just environmental impacts but also social effects of industry on the community.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined the relationship between GRI reporting level and financial performance for 173 firms with different levels of environmental risk. ANOVA and MANOVA were used to examine for differences in GRI reporting level and financial performance for firms from the various sectors and also to determine if there were significant relationships between GRI level and certain financial risk ratios.

Findings

Results indicate that firms in sectors with high environmental risk adopt GRI framework at a higher level than firms with low environmental risk. There is no significant relationship found between GRI reporting and financial performance at an aggregate level. However, environmental risk is found to moderate the relationship between GRI reporting and financial reporting, such that firms with high risk experience a more significant relationship between the GRI level that is adopted and financial performance.

Originality/value

CSR is quickly becoming a pathway to sustainable competitive advantage for businesses today. Such CSR efforts can lead to both reputational and financial performance implications. Organizations not only adopt CSR in response to regulatory requirements, but also frequently do so voluntarily to address stakeholder concerns. This study sheds valuable insight on the positive effects of CSR reporting, which provides important implications for Indian organizations.
Accounting of gross exports and tracing foreign values in the global pharmaceutical value chain
Authors: Lee Chang-soo , Yun Mikyung
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document for the first time the vertical specialization structure of the global pharmaceutical value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts Wanget al.’s (2013) gross exports decomposition method to trace foreign values in bilateral trade between major pharmaceutical producers, using the 2014 WIOT database.

Findings

The paper shows that as in other sectoral value chains, the pharmaceutical value chain is heavily regional. The paper identifies a strong European regional value chain, and a less intensive, Asian regional value chain. Korea is positioned in the middle of the Asian value chain, and is connected to the European regional value chain as a second-tier supplier.

Originality/value

The paper documents the vertical specialization structure of the global pharmaceutical value chain through gross exports decomposition method, making use of the World Input–Output Table Database 2014 which disaggregates pharmaceuticals in its industry classification for the first time.
Profit sharing and firm profitability
Authors: Strifler Matthias
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This purpose of this paper to examine how profit sharing depends on the underlying profitability of firms. More precisely, motivated by theoretical research on fair wages and unionized labor markets, profit sharing is estimated for six different profitability categories: positive, increasing, positive and increasing, negative, decreasing and negative or decreasing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper exploits a high-quality linked employer–employee data set covering the universe of Finnish workers and firms. Endogeneity of profitability and self-selection of firms in different profitability categories are accounted for by an instrumental variables approach. The panel-structure of the data is used to control for unobserved heterogeneity (spell and individual fixed effects).

Findings

Profits are shared if firms are profitable or become more profitable. The wage-profit elasticity varies between 0.03 and 0.13 in such firms. However, profits are not shared if firms make losses or become less profitable. There is no downward wage adjustment.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the instrumental variables approach the question of external validity arises. Further empirical research on profit sharing with an explicit focus on firm profitability is warranted. The results of the paper indicate a connection between rent sharing and wage rigidity, as suggested by union and fair wage theory.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to consistently estimate the extent of profit sharing depending on the underlying profitability of firms.
The seven dimensions of Skunk Works: a new approach and what makes it unique
Authors: Larsson Anthony
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the definition and formation of Skunk Works and how it may present itself as a viable theoretical alternative to other mainstream concepts of collective/corporate entrepreneurships, while dissecting some of the prevalent misconceptions of the extant literature regarding the application of Skunk Works.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a literature-based conceptual study that compares and differentiates various forms of group entrepreneurships as discussed in the academic debate.

Findings

This study shows how Skunk Works differs from other forms of collective/corporate entrepreneurship through its seven dimensions (isolation, customer needs, focus, planning, trusted project manager, cross-functional teams and leveraging overlaps) while challenging the dominant extant contenders of collective/corporate entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

Skunk Works remains a sustainable form of entrepreneurship, and it is still viable to consider it as a practical construct for smaller as well as larger organisations as a means of solving complicated innovative tasks requiring a multidisciplinary team with expert competence in a relatively quicker period of time.

Social implications

Organisations may take greater initiatives towards assembling entrepreneurial teams in the Skunk Work tradition.

Originality/value

As a means of understanding collective/corporate entrepreneurship, this study dissects some of the original fundamental cornerstones of Skunk Works entrepreneurship in an effort to present it as a viable alternative construct to the dominant construct of entrepreneurial orientation as well as other extant constructs.
The role of employee emotional competence in service recovery encounters
Authors: Fernandes Teresa , Morgado Marta , Rodrigues Maria Antónia
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Employees’ emotional competencies (EEC) are skills, based on emotional intelligence, used to perceive, understand and regulate customer emotions during a service encounter. In the context of service recovery, these skills are especially important and allow employees to influence consumers’ attitude and behaviours. The purpose of this study is to assess the direct and indirect impacts of EEC in post-recovery satisfaction, trust, word-of-mouth and repurchase intention, considering the moderating role of service (level of employee-customer contact) types.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 355 customers who experienced a service failure and subsequent recovery were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. EEC was specified as a formative construct, determined by its perceiving, understanding and regulating dimensions. To measure EEC and its impact on selected outcomes, PLS-SEM was used. A multi-group analysis was performed to analyse the moderating role of service type.

Findings

Results confirm EEC as a formative construct, with a positive direct impact on post-recovery satisfaction, particularly in high-contact customized services. Findings also reveal the mediating role of satisfaction on selected outcomes, and the significant direct impact of EEC on trust, even when controlling for satisfaction.

Originality/value

EEC remains unexplored in the service recovery literature, and most research fails to understand how EEC role may vary given contextual differences. This study adopts a consumer perspective of EEC in the emotionally charged situation of service recovery, considering the moderating role of service type. The authors further contribute to both literature streams while examining the impact of EEC on post-recovery evaluations. Companies should consider these findings in the recruitment and training of front-line employees to develop better service recovery strategies.
Integrative propositional analysis for understanding and reducing poverty
Authors: Wallis Steven E. , Wright Bernadette
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Current approaches to understanding and resolving the problem of poverty have not proved effective. This paper aims to provide a new explanation of why we have failed and what must be done to improve our understanding, decision-making, action and success.

Design/methodology/approach

Integrative propositional analysis is used to evaluate and synthesize theoretical and practical perspectives on poverty from five academic disciplines and five disparate organizations.

Findings

Individual theoretical perspectives were found to have low levels of complexity and systemicity.

Research limitations/implications

Clear research directions are shown to accelerate improvements in understanding. Additionally, results may provide a useful guide for developing computer models of poverty.

Practical implications

The causal knowledge map of synthesized theories suggests where practice may be relatively effective and where unanticipated consequences are more likely to occur.

Social implications

Policy decision-making to address the problem of poverty is not likely to lead to successful resolution. Thus, poverty is likely to continue until we develop a more systemic understanding.

Originality/value

This interdisciplinary paper provides a new structural perspective on why we have not been able to solve the poverty problem – and shows how far we have yet to go to reach success.
The joint dynamic green innovation and pricing strategies for a hybrid system of manufacturing and remanufacturing with carbon emission constraints
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Gong Bengang , Tang Juan , Liu Zhi , Zheng Xiaoxue
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Under the carbon regulation mechanism, managing operational strategies is a challenging task. Green innovation is introduced into a hybrid system of manufacturing and remanufacturing to handle the carbon emission constraints in a dynamic market environment. This paper aims to investigate the joint dynamic green innovation policy and pricing strategies in a hybrid manufacturing and remanufacturing system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first considers a monopolistic manufacturer who offers brand-new products and remanufactured items at the same price to consumers. Subsequently, the authors extend their analyses to distinct pricing strategies for both newly manufactured products and refurnished ones in such a hybrid system. Two different cases are considered: a loose carbon emission constraint and a binding carbon emission constraint. By solving the dynamic optimization problem, the differential game and Pontryagin’s maximum principle are used to obtain the joint green innovation and pricing strategies.

Findings

The retail price first increases then declines over a single period. The green innovation diminishes in the same pricing decision model, while it first increases then declines in a distinct pricing decision model over a single planning horizon. The green innovation investment as well as the retail price are discouraged by an emission cap and recycling fraction. The distinct retail price fluctuates violently, and they are, in descending order of the highest peak price as follows: the newly manufactured product, the same pricing product and the repaired product. Carbon emission caps that are either too high or too low decrease the revenue of the manufacturer. A small emission constraint margin benefits the manufacturer. The recycling policy, as well as other parameters, affects whether the hybrid system attains the carbon emission constraint or not, which suggests that the recycling policy is complementary to the carbon emission constraint mechanism in the hybrid system.

Practical implications

These results offer managerial implications to the hybrid system in terms of green innovation, pricing strategies and recycling policy.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first papers to research the joint dynamic green innovation policy and pricing strategies with/without a carbon emission constraint in a hybrid manufacturing and remanufacturing system with a differential game. Moreover, this paper presents a potential way of investigating other common resource constraints by a differential game in a manufacturing/remanufacturing system or closed loop supply chain.
Assessing the impact of marine production manufacturing on gross domestic product indicators
Authors: ALshubiri Faris
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to assess and empirically analyze the impact of marine production manufacturing on gross domestic product (GDP) indicators as a comparative study in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used analytical quantitative approaches to assess the impact of marine production manufacturing on GDP between GCC countries over the period from 2007 to 2015. The data were collected from Global Competitiveness Reports during 2006-2016 and from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO 2015 reports.

Findings

The results show that Saudi Arabia country has the highest production of marine while Bahrain country is the lowest in GCC. The results of ordinary least squares test show that marine production has a statistical significance on GDP indicators as Pearson correlation matrix shows a strong relationship between all variables.

Practical implications

The main conclusion is that GCC countries must adopt a regional strategy to support maritime activities, especially in the light of green environmental fluctuations. Integrated management plans are also needed to protect vital coastal ecosystems while allowing economic growth and ensuring a better quality of life for all coastal populations. Comprehensive and collaborative leadership provides effective long-term management of coastal ecosystems in the GCC. In addition, GCC countries have high competition with each other for their market share in the global export-based marine production manufacturing.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to present most wealthy GCC countries in terms of marine production manufacturing. Marine production manufacturing introduces to create a new competitive market that generates distinctive internal capabilities for survival and growth in international markets.