bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-Related Differences in Inflammatory and Immune Activation Markers Before and After Combined Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation
Authors: Mathad Jyoti S. , Gupte Nikhil , Balagopal Ashwin , Asmuth David , Hakim James , Santos Breno , Riviere Cynthia , Hosseinipour Mina , Sugandhavesa Patcharaphan , Infante Rosa , Pillay Sandy , Cardoso Sandra W. , Mwelase Noluthando , Pawar Jyoti , Berendes Sima , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Andrade Bruno B. , Campbell Thomas B. , Currier Judith S. , Cohn Susan E. , Gupta Amita ,   for the New Work Concept Sheet 319 and AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5175 (PEARLS) Study Teams
Published: June 2016

Background:

Women progress to death at the same rate as men despite lower plasma HIV RNA (viral load). We investigated sex-specific differences in immune activation and inflammation as a potential explanation.

Methods:

Inflammatory and immune activation markers [interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, IL-6, IL-18, IFN-γ–induced protein 10, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipopolysaccharide, and sCD14] were measured at weeks 0, 24, and 48 after combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in a random subcohort (n = 215) who achieved virologic suppression in ACTG A5175 (Prospective Evaluation of Antiretrovirals in Resource-Limited Settings). Association between sex and changes in markers post-cART was examined using random effects models. Average marker differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using multivariable models.

Results:

At baseline, women had lower median log10 viral load (4.93 vs 5.18 copies per milliliter, P = 0.01), CRP (2.32 vs 4.62 mg/L, P = 0.01), detectable lipopolysaccharide (39% vs 55%, P = 0.04), and sCD14 (1.9 vs 2.3 µg/mL, P = 0.06) vs men. By week 48, women had higher interferon γ (22.4 vs 14.9 pg/mL, P = 0.05), TNF-α (11.5 vs 9.5 pg/mL, P = 0.02), and CD4 (373 vs 323 cells per cubic millimeter, P = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, women had greater increases in CD4 and TNF-α but less of a decrease in CRP and sCD14 compared with men.

Conclusions:

With cART-induced viral suppression, women have less reduction in key markers of inflammation and immune activation compared with men. Future studies should investigate the impact of these sex-specific differences on morbidity and mortality.
Stiff person syndrome and other immune-mediated movement disorders – new insights
Authors: Balint Bettina , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

This review highlights the recent developments in immune-mediated movement disorders and how they reflect on clinical practice and our understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Recent findings

The antibody spectrum associated with stiff person syndrome and related disorders (SPSD) has broadened and, apart from the classic glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)- and amphiphysin-antibodies, includes now also antibodies against dipeptidyl-peptidase-like protein-6 (DPPX), gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR), glycine receptor (GlyR) and glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2). The field of movement disorders with neuronal antibodies keeps expanding with the discovery for example of antibodies against leucine rich glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) and contactin associated protein 2 (Caspr2) in chorea, or antibodies targeting ARHGAP26- or Na+/K+ ATPase alpha 3 subunit (ATP1A3) in cerebellar ataxia. Moreover, neuronal antibodies may partly account for movement disorders attributed for example to Sydenham's chorea, coeliac disease, or steroid responsive encephalopathy with thyroid antibodies. Lastly, there is an interface of immunology, genetics and neurodegeneration, e.g. in Aicardi–Goutières syndrome or the tauopathy with IgLON5-antibodies.

Clinicians should be aware of new antibodies such as dipeptidyl-peptidase-like protein-6, gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor and glycine transporter 2 in stiff person syndrome and related disorders, as well as of the expanding spectrum of immune-mediated movement disorders.
Persistent Placoid Maculopathy Complicated by Cerebral Vasculitis
Authors: Lenassi Eva , Kojovic Maja , Jaki Mekjavić Polona , Sega Sasa , Vidovič Valentinčič Natasa
Published: June 2016

Persistent placoid maculopathy (PPM) is a bilateral inflammatory chorioretinopathy characterized by long-standing plaque-like macular lesions. No systemic manifestations have been reported to date. We describe a case of PPM complicated by cerebral vasculitis, suggesting that neurological symptoms, including headache, should be enquired about in all PPM subjects.
Simultaneous Median–Radial Nerve Electrical Stimulation Revisited: An Accurate Approach to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis and Severity
Authors: Rodrigues Thaís , Winckler Pablo B. , Félix-Torres Vitor , Schestatsky Pedro
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To assess the accuracy of an unusual test for CTS investigation and correlate it with clinical symptoms.

Methods:

Initially, we applied a visual analog scale for CTS discomfort (CTS-VAS) and performed a standard electrophysiologic test for CTS diagnosis (median–ulnar velocity comparison). Posteriorly, a blinded neurophysiologist performed the orthodromic simultaneous median–radial nerve stimulation (SMRS) at the thumb, with recording of both action potentials over the lateral aspect of the wrist.

Results:

All hands (106) showed median–radial action potential splitting using the SMRS technique, in which was possible to measure the interpeak latencies (IPLs) between action potentials. The IPL and median nerve conduction velocity were different according to CTS intensity (Bonferroni; P < 0.001). There was significant correlation between IPL and median nerve conduction velocity (Spearman; r = −0.51; P < 0.01). In the same way, there was a significant correlation between IPL and median nerve conduction velocity with CTS-VAS (r = 0.6 and r = −0.3, respectively). The duration and unpleasantness of the SMRS procedure were lower when compared with standard approach (t Student < 0.001 for both comparisons). Twenty-nine symptomatic patients (39 hands) who did not fulfill criteria for CTS based on standard approach showed abnormal IPLs.

Conclusions:

The SMRS technique is a simple, sensitive, and tolerable approach for CTS diagnosis. Apart from that, the data from SMRS correlated better with clinical impact of CTS in comparison with the standard approach. Therefore, this method might be useful as adjunct to standard electrophysiologic approaches in clinical practice.
Overlap of movement planning and movement execution reduces reaction time by up to 100ms
Authors: Orban de Xivry Jean-Jacques , Legrain Valéry , Lefèvre Philippe
Published: June 2016

Motor planning is the process of preparing the appropriate motor commands in order to achieve a goal. This process has been largely considered as occurring before movement onset and has been traditionally associated with reaction time. However, in a virtual line bisection task, we observed an overlap between movement planning and execution.

In this task performed with a robotic manipulandum, we observed that the participants (N=30) made straight movements when the line was in front of them (near target) but made often curved movements towards a farther target that was located sideways in such a way that they crossed the line perpendicular to it. Unexpectedly, movements to the far targets had shorter reaction times than movements to the near target (mean difference: 32ms, SE: 5ms, max: 104ms). In addition, the curvature of the movement modulated reaction time. A larger increase in movement curvature from the near to the far target was associated with a larger reduction in reaction time. These highly curved movements started with a transport phase during which accuracy demands were not taken into account.

We concluded that accuracy demand imposes a reaction time penalty if it is processed before movement onset. This penalty is reduced if the start of the movement can consist of a transport phase and if the movement plan can be refined in function of accuracy demands later in the movement, hence demonstrating an overlap between movement planning and execution.

New and Noteworthy

In the planning of a movement, the brain has the opportunity to delay the incorporation of accuracy requirements on the motor plan in order to reduce the reaction time by up to 100ms. Such shortening of reaction time is observed here when the first phase of the movement consists in a transport phase. This forces us to reconsider the idea that motor plans are fully characterized before movement onset.
Developmental Transcriptional Model Describing Regulated Genes, Qtls And Pathways During The Primary And Secondary Cell Walls Of Pima Fibers
Authors: Alabady Magdy S. , Arpat Bulak A.
Published: June 2016

Gossypium barbadense L. (Egyptian and Pima) produces single celled fiber trichomes that are the longest and richest in cellulosic contents in the plant kingdom. Developmental dissection of fiber at the transcriptional level is crucial to unveiling the genetic mechanisms underpinning fiber morphogenesis. We profiled the transcriptome of developing Pima fibers, as well as genes associated with consensus fiber quality QTLs, at seven developmental time points covering both primary (PCW) and secondary (SCW) cell wall stages. A total of 2,934 genes were differentially expressed at only one (45.19%) or at multiple (54.81%) developmental time points. Based on the coincidence between gene expression dynamics and the time frame of fiber developmental stages, five stage-specific expression profiles were identified. As a link between fiber QTLs and gene expression, 5 potential developmentally regulated QTLs (drQTLs) corresponding to different fiber developmental stages were identified. Genes in the ubiquitin proteolytic pathway, particularly QTL associated genes, appeared to be involved in regulating the transition stage between PCW and SCW; a stage that is crucial to both fiber length and strength in the extra-long staple cotton genotypes. In this respect, Yeast-two-hybrids identified interactions between UBC9 and genes involved in cell and organ elongation, polar cell expansion, microtubule cytoskeleton dynamics and organization, and basic amino acids transportation during the SCW/SCW transition. Altogether, these results were integrated into a proposed model linking fiber developmental stages with the Pima fiber traits.
Maternal Genetic Ancestry and Legacy of 10thCentury AD Hungarians
Authors: Csősz Aranka , Szécsényi-Nagy Anna , Csákyová Veronika , Langó Péter , Bódis Viktória , Köhler Kitti , Tömöry Gyöngyvér , Nagy Melinda , Mende Balázs Gusztáv
Published: June 2016

The ancient Hungarians originated from the Ural region in today’s central Russia and migrated across the Eastern European steppe, according to historical sources. The Hungarians conquered the Carpathian Basin 895–907 AD, and admixed with the indigenous communities.

Here we present mitochondrial DNA results from three datasets: one from the Avar period (7th–9thcenturies) of the Carpathian Basin (n = 31); one from the Hungarian conquest-period (n=76); and a completion of the published 10th-12thcentury Hungarian-Slavic contact zone dataset by four samples. We compare these mitochondrial DNA hypervariable segment sequences and haplogroup results with published ancient and modern Eurasian data. Whereas the analyzed Avars represents a certain group of the Avar society that shows East and South European genetic characteristics, the Hungarian conquerors’ maternal gene pool is a mixture of West Eurasian and Central and North Eurasian elements. Comprehensively analyzing the results, both the linguistically recorded Finno-Ugric roots and historically documented Turkic and Central Asian influxes had possible genetic imprints in the conquerors’ genetic composition. Our data allows a complex series of historic and population genetic events before the formation of the medieval population of the Carpathian Basin, and the maternal genetic continuity between 10th- 12thcentury and modern Hungarians.
Assessing sex-specific selection against deleterious alleles: males don’t pay for sex
Authors: Prokop Zofia M. , Prus Monika A. , Gaczorek Tomasz S. , Markot Karolina , Palka Joanna K. , Mendrok Magdalena
Published: June 2016

Selection acting on males can reduce mutation load of sexual relative to asexual populations, thus mitigating the two-fold cost of sex. This requires that it seeks and destroys the same mutations as selection acting on females, but with higher efficiency, which could happen due to sexual selection-a potent evolutionary force that in most systems predominantly affects males. We used replicate populations of red flour beetles(Tribolium castaneum)to study sex-specific selection against deleterious mutations introduced with ionizing radiation. Additionally, we employed a novel approach to quantify the relative contribution of sexual selection to the overall selection observed in males. The induced mutations were selected against in both sexes, with decreased sexual competitiveness contributing, on average, over 40% of the total decline in male fitness. However, we found no evidence for selection being stronger in males than in females; in fact, we observed a non-significant trend in the opposite direction. These results suggest that selection on males does not reduce mutation load below the level expected under the (hypothetical) scenario of asexual reproduction. Thus, we found no support for the hypothesis that sexual selection contributes to the evolutionary maintenance of sex.
Fast and Robust Segmentation of Copy Number Profiles Using Multi-Scale Edge Detection
Authors: Kwee Ivo W , Rinaldi Andrea , de Campos Cassio Polpo , Bertoni Francesco
Published: June 2016

Raw copy number data is highly dimensional, noisy and can suffer from so-called genomic wave artifacts. We introduce a novel method based on multi-scale edge detection in derivative space. By using derivatives, the algorithm was very fast and robust against genomic waves. Our method compared very well to existing state-of-the-art segmentation methods and importantly outperformed these if noise and wave artifacts were well present.
Differential modulation of the cellular and humoral immune responses inDrosophilais mediated by the endosomal ARF1-Asrij axis
Authors: Khadilkar Rohan J. , Chetan D.R. , RoyChowdhury Sinha Arghyashree , Magadi Srivathsa S. , Kulkarni Vani , Inamdar Maneesha S
Published: June 2016

How multicellular organisms maintain immune homeostasis across various organs and cell types is an outstanding question in immune biology and cell signaling. In Drosophila, blood cells (hemocytes) respond to local and systemic cues to mount an immune response. While endosomal regulation ofDrosophilahematopoiesis is reported, the role of endosomal proteins in cellular and humoral immunity is not well-studied. Here we demonstrate a functional role for endosomal proteins in immune homeostasis. We show that the ubiquitous trafficking protein ADP Ribosylation Factor 1 (ARF1) and the hemocyte-specific endosomal regulator Asrij differentially regulate humoral immunity. ARF1 and Asrij mutants show reduced survival and lifespan upon infection, indicating perturbed immune homeostasis. The ARF1-Asrij axis suppresses the Toll pathway anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) by regulating ubiquitination of the inhibitor Cactus. The Imd pathway is inversely regulated-while ARF1 suppresses AMPs, Asrij is essential for AMP production. Several immune mutants have reduced Asrij expression, suggesting that Asrij co-ordinates with these pathways to regulate the immune response. Our study highlights the role of endosomal proteins in modulating the immune response by maintaining the balance of AMP production. Similar mechanisms can now be tested in mammalian hematopoiesis and immunity.
Crystal structure of diaquabis(4-tert-butylbenzoato-κO)bis(nicotinamide-κN1)cobalt(II) dihydrate
Authors: Aşkın Gülçin Şefiye , Necefoğlu Hacali , Özkaya Safiye , Çatak Çelik Raziye , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: June 2016

The asymmetric unit of the mononuclear cobalt complex, [Co(C11H13O2)2(C6H6N2O)2(H2O)2]·2H2O, contains one half of the complex molecule, one coordinating and one non-coordinating water molecule, one 4-tert-butylbenzoate (TBB) ligand and one nicotinamide (NA) ligand; the Co atom lies on an inversion centre. All ligands coordinating to the Co atom are monodentate. The four nearest O atoms around the Co atom form a slightly distorted square-planar arrangement, with the distorted octahedral coordination completed by the two pyridine N atoms of the NA ligands at distances of 2.1638 (11) Å. The coordinating water molecules are hydrogen bonded to the carboxyl O atoms [O ... O = 2.6230 (17) Å], enclosing anS(6) hydrogen-bonding motif, while intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds link two of the non-coordinating water molecules to the coordinating water molecules and NA anions. The dihedral angle between the planar carboxylate group and the adjacent benzene ring is 29.09 (10)°, while the benzene and pyridine rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 88.53 (4)°. In the crystal, O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules, enclosingR22(8),R22(10) andR44(12) ring motifs, forming layers parallel to (001). The C and H atoms of thetert-butyl group of the TBB ligand are disordered over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.631 (5):0.369 (5).
Crystal structure of Ag2(μ-SCN)2(NH3)4
Authors: Müller Thomas G. , Kraus Florian
Published: June 2016

Di-μ-thiocyanato-bis[diamminesilver(I)], [Ag2(μ-SCN)2(NH3)4], was synthesized by the reaction of AgSCN with anhydrous liquid ammonia. In the binuclear molecule, the AgIatom is coordinated by two ammine ligands and the S atom of one thiocyanate ligand. Two of these [Ag(SCN)(NH3)2] units are bridged by the S atoms of the thiocyanate anions at longer distances, leading to a dimer with point group symmetryC2. The distance between the AgIatoms in the dimer is at 3.0927 (6) Å within the range of argentophilic interactions. The crystal structure displays N—H...N and N—H...S hydrogen-bonding interactions that build up a three-dimensional network.
2-Chloro-N-(4-phenyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)acetamide
Authors: Saravanan K. , Elancheran R. , Divakar S. , Kabilan S. , Selvanayagam S.
Published: June 2016

The title acetamide, C11H9ClN2OS, crystallizes with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit whose geometrical features are similar. The phenyl ring is oriented at angles of 2.5 (1) and 6.2 (1)° with respect to the thiazole ring in the two molecules. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...N hydrogen bonds which formC(10) chains along the [-100] direction. The chains are linked by N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, formingC(8) chains along the [100] direction.
Supported work experience and its impact on young people with intellectual disabilities, their families and employers
Authors: Beyer Stephen , Meek Andrea , Davies Amy
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The Real Opportunities project set out to implement a number of the approaches identified through research that can assist transition to adulthood in nine local authority areas in Wales. Supported work experience was delivered by small job coaching teams in each area. The purpose of this paper is to establish the impact of the work experience and employment teams by describing the placements provided, any change in the skills of young people, and the responses to the placements by employers, young people and their families.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected over 24 months by participating employment services. Questionnaires were administered to employers. Interviews were carried out with a sub-sample of young people (24) participating and a family member (25).

Findings

– Over a 24-month period 297 young people received supported work experience. In total, 262 young people had an intellectual disability, 35 an autistic spectrum disorder. Up to three placements were delivered to each person, averaging five weeks per placement, with 405 placements in total. In total, 62 per cent of those with two placements had a different category of second work placement to their first. These numbers demonstrated that work experience in community placements is possible with support. Young people improved work skills significantly between first and second placements. Employers reported high satisfaction rates with the young person’s work in a range of key performance areas and company benefits from participation for other staff, company image and customer relations. Interviews with 24 young people and 25 of their family members reported satisfaction with support and placements. Six young people had paid work now, and 33 per cent said they would get a job at some future time. Families reported changes in young person’s outlook but their view of prospects of employment remained pessimistic due to the external environment.

Research limitations/implications

– Implications for future research are discussed.

Practical implications

– Implications for transition are discussed.

Originality/value

– The paper provides new insight into the impact of a large number of supported work experience placements.
Prader Willi syndrome: systematic review of the prevalence and nature of presentation of unipolar depression
Authors: Walton Catherine , Kerr Mike
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the prevalence and nature of presentation of unipolar depression in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

Design/methodology/approach

– The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) (2009) checklist for systematic reviews was followed where possible.

Findings

– Seven studies were included in the qualitative synthesis from a total of 261 records identified. The quality of the studies was then assessed: scores for each study design ranged from between 3 and 6 of a possible score total of 6. The frequency of depression ranged between studies from 4 to 22 per cent. four studies showed over 50 per cent of patients appeared to suffer from psychotic symptoms. Low mood, anhedonia and irritability were described as features of depression, although no fixed pattern of psychopathology arose from across the studies (excluding psychosis). This review has provided evidence to suggest that depression is a frequent occurrence in the PWS population. One study found that the incidence of depression differed between the genetic subtypes, raising questions regarding the relationship between genotype and behavioural phenotypes. A high proportion of individuals with depression suffered from psychotic symptoms.

Research limitations/implications

– The small number of heterogeneous studies included in this study precluded meta-analysis of the results. This highlights the need for further original research in this field.

Practical implications

– An increased awareness of the frequency of depressive symptoms within the PWS population will aid in the timely diagnosis and management of the disorder which will reduce psychiatric morbidity. The noted high proportion of psychotic symptoms associated with depression should raise the index of suspicion with clinicians and aid appropriate management decisions.

Originality/value

– This review has provided preliminary evidence for the nature of presentation of unipolar depression in PWS. It has highlighted the possibility of an increased propensity towards depression with psychotic symptoms. There is some suggestion of a differing presentation and course of unipolar depression between the common genetic subtypes of PWS which warrants further investigation.
Resistance to the new paradigm from the other? Personal reflections on becoming a disability psychotherapist
Authors: McInnis Erica E
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reflect on putting a paradigm shift into practice to become a disability psychotherapist (Frankish, 2013a).

Design/methodology/approach

– A personal reflective account.

Findings

– The author suggests seven conditions necessary or advisable for growth of disability psychotherapy (DP) within the workplace.

Originality/value

– Strategies to help implementation of DP have not been published to date.
Baby Dreams: pricing for products and apparel
Authors: Quoquab Farzana , Ahmad Fauziah Sh. , Hazarina Nor , Ahmad Maisarah
Published: June 2016

Subject area

Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

This case meant for advanced undergraduate students, taking courses of marketing management that covers the topics related to pricing strategies. With regard to strategic marketing class, this case can be used to explain how pricing strategy plays significant role in attracting and retaining customers.

Case overview

This case teaches about the importance of understanding the marketing strategies pertaining to pricing. Nora the entrepreneur of Baby Dreams focusing on baby items was in a dilemma in deciding the appropriate pricing strategy for her business. She was in doubt whether her low-price strategy which she believed was appropriate for the low- and middle-income groups was the best strategy for her business. The drastic decrease in sales pushed her to think about the effectiveness of her pricing. All together, Nora owned three Baby Dreams’ outlets. However, due to poor sales, she had to shut down two outlets in 2013. For the last outlet, she had to take an immediate decision in terms of pricing, as the start-up money was depleting, and with no improvement, it was expected to be finished by May 2014.

Expected learning outcomes

Using this case, students will be able to have an intellectual openness in accepting different ways of finding a solution for a particular problem. This case illustrates the importance of understanding the marketing strategies pertaining to pricing. Moreover, it is also highlighted that, offering low price is not the panacea of sales decrease. It is also necessary for the small business’s survival to look at competitors’ pricing effort to come up with a better pricing policy.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
The empowering of public sector officers in the Mauritian public sector in the context of reforms
Authors: Lukea Bhiwajee Soolakshna , Garavan Thomas N.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide insights about the usefulness of management education for the public sector in the Republic of Mauritius, which embarked on reforms initiatives around two decades ago. In this context, public officers were encouraged to follow specialised management courses. However, as at date, there is considerable evidence to say that the Mauritian public sector has not been successful in adopting new public sector management (NPM) doctrines. This study investigates into the effectiveness of the public sector management courses offered to the public servants in Mauritius to cope with NPM. It tries to identify the barriers that they face to implement what they have learnt, back at the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The study makes use of the qualitative method using thematic analysis to analyse data, which was gathered through an unstructured interview carried among principal assistant secretaries and assistant secretaries of the Mauritian public sector.

Findings

The study showed that while NPM is still making its way in the Mauritian public sector, officers perceived that management education has helped them in gaining the required scientific skills and competencies to cope with their day-to-day work. But applying them to the workplace has not been easy. The major factors put forward by these officers have been mainly the ingrained public sector culture and existing leadership.

Originality/value

While extant researches focus on the success or failure of the implementation of NPM in various governments around the world, this study investigates how far management education has helped public sector officers adopt NPM doctrines in the Mauritian government. In doing so, it has also identified the barriers to the implementation of NPM in the Mauritian public sector.
Does human capital contribute to economic growth in Mauritius?
Authors: Neeliah Harris , Seetanah Boopen
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Real gross domestic product (GDP) growth for Mauritius has averaged more than 5 per cent since 1970 and GDP per capita has increased more than tenfold between 1970 and 2012, from less than $500 to more than $9,000. It has often been reported that human capital, along with other growth enablers, has played an important role in this development. The purpose of this paper is to study this nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

A human capital augmented Cobb-Douglas production function is used, where output is also a function of capital and labour. One of the innovations of the present paper is the use of a composite index to proxy human capital. The authors investigate the impact of human capital on economic growth in a dynamic vector error correction modelling (VECM) framework.

Findings

The general results here show that stock, labour and human capital are all significant growth determinants, with human capital having a long-run output elasticity of 0.36. The VECM results generally validated the long-run output elasticity, although a relatively lower elasticity of 0.1 is obtained. Both sets of results tend to point to the fact that human capital has significantly contributed to economic growth in Mauritius.

Research limitations/implications

The current paper paves the way for future work, which can build on the composite HCI developed here and aggregate it with relevant variables representing tertiary education and training, to better analyze and further understand the role of human capital on economic growth in Mauritius.

Originality/value

Here, the authors posit that human capital is an aggregate of health, education and nutrition, and the authors use a composite index along with other contributing factors to study its impact on economic growth, within a VECM framework.
Examining the antecedents of prosocial silence: a relational perspective
Authors: Hawass Hisham Hamid
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the relational self-identity and prosocial silence in the context of the Egyptian public sector. It also examines the mediating effect of relational maintenance strategies among co-workers (RMSC) on the aforementioned relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses a questionnaire that consists of measures adopted from existing and tested scales. A parallel mediation analysis is conducted using Sobel test for specific indirect effects in regression analysis.

Findings

– The findings reveal that high relational employees do not engage in prosocial silence unless they are involved in networking and shared tasks strategies.

Originality/value

– Prosocial silence has received limited attention despite its drastic effects in employee well-being. This study provides initial insights concerning the dynamics of social behaviours which motivate employees to avoid speaking up in order to not embarrass a workplace friend.
The impact of employees’ status on incivility, deviant behaviour and job insecurity
Authors: Itzkovich Yariv
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Drawing on the exchange model and the multidimensional approach to job insecurity, the purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship between perceived incivility and two possible outcomes: job insecurity and employee deviance, while differentiating between two separate groups of targets, namely targets who possess high employment status and targets with low employment status.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected in 2014 in Israel. An on-line questionnaire method was used, through which 648 valid responses were collected and analyzed using structural equational modeling.

Findings

–H1andH2maintained that incivility would have a positive impact on job insecurity and employee deviance. The other three hypotheses maintained that the perception of incivility, as well as the relationship between incivility and both job insecurity and employee deviance, would be stronger for employees working under less favorable employment conditions. The model’s fit indices indicated a good fit, suggesting that all five hypotheses were accepted.

Originality/value

– This study elaborates on previous studies by showing that incivility can predict job insecurity and employee deviance. Data related to the potential deviant outcomes of incivility are relatively rare. Additionally, the current research framed incivility, which is a micro-level behavior, in a wider context of employment relations. As precarious employment arrangements are on the rise, it is necessary to understand its hidden implications and threats to both employees and organizations. From a methodological point of view, this study introduced a shorter version of Robinson and Bennett’s (1995) workplace deviance scale, which pertains to the authors’ theoretical model.
Laboratory services: regaining and maintaining control
Authors: Lee Graham R. , Fitzgibbon Maria C. , O'Shea Paula
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– After implementing an internal quality control (IQC) programme, the purpose of this paper is to maintain the requisite analytical performance for clinical laboratory staff, thereby safeguarding patient test results for their intended medical purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors address how quality can be maintained and if lost, how it can be regained. The methodology is based on the experience working in clinical laboratory diagnostics and is in accord with both international accreditation requirements and laboratory best practice guidelines.

Findings

– Monitoring test performance usually involves both prospective and retrospective IQC data analysis. The authors present a number of different approaches together with software tools currently available and emerging, that permit performance monitoring at the level of the individual analyser, across analysers and laboratories (networks). The authors make recommendations on the appropriate response to IQC rule warnings, failures and metrics that indicate analytical control loss, that either precludes further analysis, or signifies deteriorating performance and eventual unsuitability. The authors provide guidance on systematic troubleshooting, to identify undesirable performance and consider risk assessment preventive measures and continuous quality improvement initiatives; e.g., material acceptance procedures, as tools to help regain and maintain analytical control and minimise potential for patient harm.

Practical implications

– The authors provide a template for use by laboratory scientific personnel that ensures the optimal monitoring of analytical test performance and response when it changes undesirably.

Originality/value

– The proposed template has been designed to meet the International Organisation for Standardisation for medical laboratories ISO15189:2012 requirements and therefore includes the use of External Quality Assessment and patient results data, as an adjunct to IQC data.
Different bankruptcy prediction patterns in an emerging economy: Iranian evidence
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Mousavi Shiri Mahmoud
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Bankruptcy, stock price fluctuations and making decisions to invest on the listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange show the need to have some tools for evaluating the financial potential of companies. One of the tools for evaluating financial power to investment in companies is using analysis of financial ratios and obtaining the patterns for predicting the bankruptcy of companies. The purpose of this study is to modify the current patterns for predicting bankruptcy in proportion to the environmental status of Iran and to present a new pattern for determining the bankruptcy of the listed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

To modify the patterns and present a new pattern, in this research, the hypotheses pertinent to the ability for right classification of the companies are designed by the modified patterns of predicting the company’s bankruptcy and ranking, that is according to the envelopment analysis method and by comparison of the results and presenting a new prediction pattern.

Findings

The hypotheses test results show that modification of bankruptcy patterns and presentation of a new bankruptcy pattern are confirmed by the data envelopment analysis.

Originality/value

The current paper is almost the first paper which combined several different methods of bankruptcy prediction.
Directors’ pay regulation: “one goal two approaches”
Authors: Ndzi Ernestine
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the two different approaches adopted in the UK to regulate directors’ remuneration. The paper also aims to explore the two approaches to understand which one better regulates directors’ pay and why. It provides an account of the two approaches’ evolution, effectiveness and challenges towards the regulation of directors’ remuneration. The paper will also make some recommendations on both approaches and the way forward to better regulate directors’ remuneration.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews various corporate governance codes, its recommendations on directors’ remuneration, its effectiveness and the challenges it face in regulating directors’ remuneration. The paper also reviews provisions of the Companies Act 2006 on directors’ remuneration, its effectiveness and challenges faced.

Findings

The paper finds that corporate governance adopts a better approach to regulating directors’ pay than the Companies Act 2006 because it targets the pay setting process. However, the existence of grey areas and lack of enforcement procedure poses a challenge on its effectiveness. The Companies Act 2006 is unable to regulate directors’ pay adequately because it adopts a corrective approach and it considers directors’ remuneration as a management responsibility.

Originality/value

The paper offers an up-to-date assessment of the two approaches to regulating directors’ pay in the UK. It highlights the challenges faced by both approaches and which approach could regulate directors pay better and its challenges. The paper further makes recommendations on how the regulation of directors’ remuneration can be effective in the UK.
Perpetual succession limits the scope of an individual
Authors: Pattnaik Sarthak
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between perpetual succession and individual perpetual succession is the continuation of a company’s or other association’s presence in spite of the demise, liquidation, insanity, change in enrollment or a way out from the matter of any proprietor or part, or any exchange of stock.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a study using the related case studies. Moreover, this paper has all the necessary examples that are required for perpetual succession.

Findings

The paper provides that any adjustment in participation of a company does not affect the status of the company, death, insolvency, insanity and so forth of any member from a company does not influence the progression of the company. Thus, the life of the company does not rely on the life of its member directors. It may proceed forever, independent of continuity of its members or directors except in case of winding up or liquidation of a company.

Originality/value

This paper is to study how perpetual succession limits the scope of an individual.
Factors influencing knowledge sharing among information and communication technology artisans in Nigeria
Authors: Omotayo Funmilola Olubunmi , Babalola Samuel Oyelami
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing knowledge sharing (KS) among information and communication technology (ICT) artisans in Nigeria by adopting the social exchange and social capital theories.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey research design was adopted. Convenience and snowball sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. In total, 285 copies of questionnaire were distributed, of which 214 copies were considered useful for data analysis, giving a 75.09 per cent response rate.

Findings

The results show that the gender of the artisans, perceived benefits, social identification, shared language and goals had positive significant and relationships with KS except social identification where the relationship was negative.

Research limitations/implications

The findings and conclusion from this paper are subjected to a number of limitations. Because the population was limited to a small population and the study adopted convenience and snowball techniques, the results cannot be generalised to all ICT artisans in Nigeria.

Practical implications

The paper confirms the role of social exchange and social capital theories in interpreting individual’s behaviour in KS and provides useful insights on how to implement good KS practices among the artisans.

Social implications

This paper could assist policymakers in promoting and implementing KS practices among professionals and quasi-professionals who contribute to the gross domestic product of the country.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first pieces of empirical research on KS among information technology artisans in Nigeria that used the social exchange and social capital theories.
Action in action research
Authors: Melin Ulf , Axelsson Karin
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the concept of action by addressing actions and roles in the practice of action research, illustrated by dilemmas in an action research project on information systems development in public sector. The main ambition with action research is being able to solve organisational problems through intervention and to contribute to scientific knowledge. The main emphasis has so far been on the “research part”. Here the authors focus on the “action part” of action research to generate rigorous research, to solve local problems and to deal with evident dilemmas in action research.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative case study. The empirical illustrations of this paper originate from an action research project that focused the two e-service development initiatives analysed below. The analysis is structured using key aspects and phases proposed by Avison et al. (2001). As a result of the analysis, the concept of action is elaborated. The action elements action, actor, motive, space and time are analysed together with different roles. This goes beyond the existing action research literature.

Findings

The conclusions show that there is a need to understand actions and roles within action research projects – not separating action from research. Research is also seen as action. The practice of action research is also discussed as context-bounded interactive social action: action research as a recurrent, interactive and dynamic activity. It is also identified that the understanding of roles, actions and interaction can help handle dilemmas in action research.

Research Limitations/implications

The authors contribute to the body of knowledge concerning action research in the information systems research field and in general by exploring the need to study the concept of action (e.g. situations and elements), to be explicit concerning the different phases, roles and responsibilities and management of different dilemmas in action research. A limitation of this study is that the inter-organisational development character in this study adds an extra dimension into the practice of actions research only partially highlighted. Another limitation is focus on public agencies. However, this is not critical for the results on action elements and the action research dilemmas that are studied.

Practical Implications

The understanding of roles, actions and interaction can solve the dilemmas and challenges linked to the practice of action research in the information systems field, but such understanding can help discover and handle dilemmas in action research.

Originality/value

The originality in this research is an illustration of and a perspective of action research as a context-bounded interactive social action: action research as a recurrent, interactive and dynamic activity. The value is that this knowledge can help handle dilemmas in action research.
Challenges in measuring readiness for entrepreneurship
Authors: Ruiz Jesús , Soriano Domingo Ribeiro , Coduras Alicia
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish a readiness for entrepreneurship theoretical framework. The paper marks the first of three stages to build a scale to measure readiness for entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

– The current paper is conceptual. The research approach consists of formulating proposals and definitions based on an extensive literature review.

Findings

– The literature review reveals that no such readiness for entrepreneurship measurement tool exists. The literature review also yields definitions and components of key concepts for the theoretical framework.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper offers a new, holistic perspective of readiness for entrepreneurship. This research addresses measurement of readiness for entrepreneurship from a rigorous, scientific approach. The main limitation lies in capturing and organizing extensive information on topics from diverse disciplines (i.e. sociology, psychology, and business management).

Practical implications

– This theoretical framework enables the design and creation of a scale to measure readiness for entrepreneurship. The literature review confirmed the possibility of building such a measurement scale.

Social implications

– A complex tool able to identify and measure readiness for entrepreneurship would be applicable in numerous situations including the following: determining entrepreneurial abilities, analyzing potential for entrepreneurship, simulating organizational transformations, and evaluating investment recommendations.

Originality/value

– No holistic, scientifically grounded tool to measure readiness for entrepreneurship exists, yet there are numerous entrepreneurial capacity tests with no rigorous scientific grounding. As a remedy, this paper provides solid scientific foundations upon which to develop an instrument for measuring readiness for entrepreneurship.
The role played by job and non-job-related TMT diversity traits on firm performance and strategic change
Authors: Díaz-Fernández M. Carmen , González-Rodríguez M. Rosario , Simonetti Biagio
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Despite an increasing number of studies focusing on workforce diversity, few consistent results and conclusions have yet been reached (Shoreet al., 2009). The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrative model of diversity, taking the Upper Echelon Theory further.

Design/methodology/approach

– The model proposed tests the influence of job-related and non-job-related (or task-related) top management team (TMT) diversity on firm performance and strategic change. The mediation effect of performance on the TMT diversity-strategic change relation is emphasized in the model. A covariance-based structural equation modelling has been used to test the relationships involved in the research model.

Findings

– An inverse relation between prior organizational performance and strategic change is found and some TMT diversity predictors appear to be more relevant than others in explaining performance and strategic change. In addition the mediator role of performance significantly influences the TMT diversity composition-strategic change relation.

Originality/value

– The paper makes several contributions to the existing literature on TMT diversity and the TMT diversity composition-firm performance-strategic change relation.