bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endosidin2 targets conserved exocyst complex subunit EXO70 to inhibit exocytosis
Authors: Zhang Chunhua , Brown Michelle Q. , van de Ven Wilhelmina , Zhang Zhi-Min , Wu Bin , Young Michael C. , Synek Lukáš , Borchardt Dan , Harrison Reed , Pan Songqin , Luo Nan , Huang Yu-ming M. , Ghang Yoo-Jin , Ung Nolan , Li Ruixi , Isley Jonathan , Morikis Dimitrios , Song Jikui , Guo Wei , Hooley Richard J. , Chang Chia-en A. , Yang Zhenbiao , Zarsky Viktor , Muday Gloria K. , Hicks Glenn R. , Raikhel Natasha V.
Published: November 2015

Significance

The exocyst complex is a conserved protein complex that tethers the secretory vesicles to the site of membrane fusion during exocytosis, an essential cellular process that transports molecules, such as protein, to the cell surface or extracellular space. We identified a small molecule that targets the EXO70 (exocyst component of 70 kDa) subunit of the exocyst complex to inhibit exocytosis. This compound made it possible to control the dynamics of the exocytosis process in a dosage-dependent manner in different organisms and overcame the mutant lethality and genetic redundancy issues in studying mechanisms of exocyst complex regulation. Further design of molecules with higher affinity and more potent activity may make it possible to use drugs to control human diseases related to exocytosis, such as cancer and diabetes.
Integration of linear and dendritic actin nucleation in Nck-induced actin comets
Authors: Borinskaya Sofya , Velle Katrina B. , Campellone Kenneth G. , Talman Arthur , Alvarez Diego , Agaisse Hervé , Wu Yi I. , Loew Leslie M. , Mayer Bruce J.
Published: November 2015

The Nck adaptor protein recruits cytosolic effectors such as N-WASP that induce localized actin polymerization. Experimental aggregation of Nck SH3 domains at the membrane induces actin comet tails—dynamic, elongated filamentous actin structures similar to those that drive the movement of microbial pathogens such as vaccinia virus. Here we show that experimental manipulation of the balance between unbranched/branched nucleation altered the morphology and dynamics of Nck-induced actin comets. Inhibition of linear, formin-based nucleation with the small-molecule inhibitor SMIFH2 or overexpression of the formin FH1 domain resulted in formation of predominantly circular-shaped actin structures with low mobility (actin blobs). These results indicate that formin-based linear actin polymerization is critical for the formation and maintenance of Nck-dependent actin comet tails. Consistent with this, aggregation of an exclusively branched nucleation-promoting factor (the VCA domain of N-WASP), with density and turnover similar to those of N-WASP in Nck comets, did not reconstitute dynamic, elongated actin comets. Furthermore, enhancement of branched Arp2/3-mediated nucleation by N-WASP overexpression caused loss of the typical actin comet tail shape induced by Nck aggregation. Thus the ratio of linear to dendritic nucleation activity may serve to distinguish the properties of actin structures induced by various viral and bacterial pathogens.
Genefu: an R/Bioconductor package for computation of gene expression-based signatures in breast cancer
Authors: Gendoo Deena M. A. , Ratanasirigulchai Natchar , Schröder Markus S. , Paré Laia , Parker Joel S. , Prat Aleix , Haibe-Kains Benjamin
Published: November 2015

Summary: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent cancers among women. Extensive studies into the molecular heterogeneity of breast cancer have produced a plethora of molecular subtype classification and prognosis prediction algorithms, as well as numerous gene expression signatures. However, reimplementation of these algorithms is a tedious but important task to enable comparison of existing signatures and classification models between each other and with new models. Here, we present the genefu R/Bioconductor package, a multi-tiered compendium of bioinformatics algorithms and gene signatures for molecular subtyping and prognostication in breast cancer.

Availability and implementation: The genefu package is available from Bioconductor. http://www.bioconductor.org/packages/devel/bioc/html/genefu.html. Source code is also available on Github https://github.com/bhklab/genefu.

Contact:  bhaibeka@uhnresearch.ca

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Minocycline as A Substitute for Doxycycline in Targeted Scenarios: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carris Nicholas W. , Pardo Joe , Montero Jose , Shaeer Kristy M.
Published: November 2015

Doxycycline, a commonly prescribed tetracycline, remains on intermittent shortage. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess minocycline as an alternative to doxycycline in select conditions, given doxycycline's continued shortage. We identified 19 studies, 10 of which were published before 2000. Thirteen of the studies were prospective, but only 1 of these studies was randomized. Based on the available data, we found minocycline to be a reasonable substitute for doxycycline in the following scenarios: skin and soft-tissue infections and outpatient treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in young, otherwise healthy patients or in patients with macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae, as well as Lyme disease prophylaxis and select rickettsial disease should doxycycline be unavailable.
Effects of Smoking on Central Corneal Thickness and the Corneal Endothelial Cell Layer in Otherwise Healthy Subjects
Authors: Ilhan Nilufer , Ilhan Ozgur , Coskun Mesut , Daglioglu Mutlu C. , Ayhan Tuzcu Esra , Kahraman Hilal , Keskin Ugurcan
Published: November 2015

Objectives:

The effects of smoking on central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and morphology were evaluated in otherwise healthy subjects.

Methods:

The study included 103 current smokers and 106 healthy nonsmoking subjects without any eye disease apart from refractive errors. Endothelial cell density, percentage of hexagonality, and coefficient of variation (CV) in cell size were measured using noncontact specular microscopy. Central corneal thickness was measured by ultrasound pachymetry.

Results:

The mean age of participants in the nonsmoker group was 31.4 ± 5.1 years (18–60) and 33.0±9.1 years (18–58) in the current smoker group. The mean CCT value was 523.7±34 μm in the nonsmoker group and 518.5±37 μm in the smoker group. The mean ECD, CV, and percentage of hexagonality values were 2,881±293.7 cells per square millimeter, 32.5±6%, and 56.6±11% in the nonsmoker group, and 2,681±323.9 cells per square millimeter, 33.4±5%, and 55.5±10% in the smoker group, respectively. Although there was no difference between the groups in terms of CCT, CV, and percentage of hexagonality values, a significant difference was determined in the case of ECD values​​ (P<0.001). The smoker group comprised 67 light smokers (65.0%) and 36 (35.0%) heavy smokers. Between these groups, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean values of CCT, ECD, CV, and the percentage of hexagonality.

Conclusions:

Although cigarette smoking has no effect on cell polymorphism and polymegethism, the results suggest that smoking reduces endothelial cell count.
Helicobacter pylori Infection and Children's Growth
Authors: Dror Gal , Muhsen Khitam
Published: November 2015

Objectives:

Helicobacter pylori infection is acquired in early childhood, yet its role in children's health is still not fully clear. In this narrative review, we focused on the association between H pylori infection and children's growth.

Methods:

A literature search of the Ovid MEDLINE (till June 2015) and EMBASE (till August 2015) databases was performed using the terms “Helicobacter pylori, growth, body height, growth disorders and child development.” Original studies that addressed the association between H pylori infection or eradication and children's growth were reviewed and the risk of bias of each study was assessed.

Results:

The existing evidence is based on observational studies (N = 48) and suggests that H pylori infection may adversely influence children's growth; findings were more consistent across studies with low risk of bias. Regarding linear growth, observational studies have repeatedly linked between H pylori infection and slower or diminished linear growth; yet, it is not known whether this association is causal. The association between H pylori infection and ponderal growth has been less consistent. Scarce evidence exists on the effect of H pylori eradication on children's skeletal growth and weight gain, but there is an indication that H pylori eradication may benefit nutritional status.

Conclusions:

H pylori infection may impair children's growth. Additional studies, especially clinical trials, are needed to elucidate the role of H pylori eradication in children's growth, and the mechanisms that may be involved in such.
On the modularity of certain functions from the Gromov–Witten theory of elliptic orbifolds
Authors: Bringmann Kathrin , Rolen Larry , Zwegers Sander
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we study modularity of several functions which naturally arose in a recent paper of Lau and Zhou on open Gromov–Witten potentials of elliptic orbifolds. They derived a number of examples of indefinite theta functions, and we provide modular completions for several such functions which involve more complicated objects than ordinary modular forms. In particular, we give new closed formulae for special indefinite theta functions of type (1,2) in terms of products of mock modular forms. This formula is also of independent interest.
Early farmers from across Europe directly descended from Neolithic Aegeans
Authors: Hofmanová Zuzana , Kreutzer Susanne , Hellenthal Garrett , Sell Christian , Diekmann Yoan , Díez-del-Molino David , van Dorp Lucy , López Saioa , Kousathanas Athanasios , Link Vivian , Kirsanow Karola , M. Cassidy Lara , Martiniano Rui , Strobel Melanie , Scheu Amelie , Kotsakis Kostas , Halstead Paul , Triantaphyllou Sevi , Kyparissi-Apostolika Nina , Urem-Kotsou Dushanka-Christina , Ziota Christina , Adaktylou Fotini , Gopalan Shyamalika , M. Bobo Dean , Winkelbach Laura , Blöcher Jens , Unterländer Martina , Leuenberger Christoph , Çilingiroğlu Çiler , Horejs Barbara , Gerritsen Fokke , Shennan Stephen , Bradley Daniel G. , Currat Mathias , R. Veeramah Krishna , Wegmann Daniel , Thomas Mark G. , Papageorgopoulou Christina , Burger Joachim
Published: November 2015

Farming and sedentism first appear in southwest Asia during the early Holocene and later spread to neighboring regions, including Europe, along multiple dispersal routes. Conspicuous uncertainties remain about the relative roles of migration, cultural diffusion and admixture with local foragers in the early Neolithisation of Europe. Here we present paleogenomic data for five Neolithic individuals from northwestern Turkey and northern Greece – spanning the time and region of the earliest spread of farming into Europe. We observe striking genetic similarity both among Aegean early farmers and with those from across Europe. Our study demonstrates a direct genetic link between Mediterranean and Central European early farmers and those of Greece and Anatolia, extending the European Neolithic migratory chain all the way back to southwestern Asia.
Quantitative proteome-based guidelines for intrinsic disorder characterization
Authors: Vincent Michael , Whidden Mark , Schnell Santiago
Published: November 2015

Intrinsically disordered proteins fail to adopt a stable three-dimensional structure under physiological conditions. It is now understood that many disordered proteins are not dysfunctional, but instead engage in numerous cellular processes, including signaling and regulation. Disorder characterization from amino acid sequence relies on computational disorder prediction algorithms. While numerous large-scale investigations of disorder have been performed using these algorithms, and have offered valuable insight regarding the prevalence of protein disorder in many organisms, critical proteome-based descriptive statistical guidelines that would enable the objective assessment of intrinsic disorder in a protein of interest remain to be established. Here we present a quantitative characterization of numerous disorder features using a rigorous non-parametric statistical approach, providing expected values and percentile cutoffs for each feature in ten eukaryotic proteomes. Our estimates utilize multipleab initiodisorder prediction algorithms grounded on physicochemical principles. Furthermore, we present novel threshold values, specific to both the prediction algorithms and the proteomes, defining the longest primary sequence length in which the significance of a continuous disordered region can be evaluated on the basis of length alone. The guidelines presented here are intended to improve the interpretation of disorder content and continuous disorder predictions from the proteomic point of view.
FecalSeq: methylation-based enrichment for noninvasive population genomics from feces
Authors: Chiou Kenneth L. , Bergey Christina M.
Published: November 2015

Obtaining high-quality samples from wild animals is a major obstacle for genomic studies of many taxa, particular at the population level, as collection methods for such samples are typically invasive. DNA from feces is easy to obtain noninvasively, but is dominated by a preponderance of bacterial and other non-host DNA. Because next-generation sequencing technology sequences DNA largely indiscriminately, the high proportion of exogenous DNA drastically reduces the efficiency of high-throughput sequencing for host animal genomics. In order to address this issue, we developed an inexpensive methylation-based capture method for enriching host DNA from noninvasively obtained fecal DNA samples. Our method exploits natural differences in CpG-methylation density between vertebrate and bacterial genomes to preferentially bind and isolate host DNA from majority-bacterial fecal DNA samples. We demonstrate that the enrichment is robust, efficient, and compatible with downstream library preparation methods useful for population studies (e.g., RADseq). Compared to other enrichment strategies, our method is quick and inexpensive, adding only a negligible cost to sample preparation for research that is often severely constrained by budgetary limitations. In combination with downstream methods such as RADseq, our approach allows for cost-effective and customizable genomic-scale genotyping that was previously feasible in practice only with invasive samples. Because feces are widely available and convenient to collect, our method empowers researchers to explore genomic-scale population-level questions in organisms for which invasive sampling is challenging or undesirable.
Serial crystallographic analysis of protein isomorphous replacement data from a mixture of native and derivative microcrystals
Authors: Zhang Tao , Yao Deqiang , Wang Jiawei , Gu Yuanxin , Fan Haifu
Published: November 2015

A post-experimental identification/purification procedure similar to that described in Zhanget al.[(2015),IUCrJ,2, 322–326] has been proposed for use in the treatment of multiphase protein serial crystallography (SX) diffraction snapshots. As a proof of concept, the procedure was tested using theoretical serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) data from a mixture containing native and derivatized crystals of a protein. Two known proteins were taken as examples. Multiphase diffraction snapshots were subjected to two rounds of indexing using the programCrystFEL[Whiteet al.(2012).J. Appl. Cryst.45, 335–341]. In the first round, anab initioindexing was performed to derive a set of approximate primitive unit-cell parameters, which are roughly the average of those from the native protein and the derivative. These parameters were then used in a second round of indexing as input toCrystFEL. The results were then used to separate the diffraction snapshots into two subsets corresponding to the native and the derivative. For each test sample, integration of the two subsets of snapshots separately led to two sets of three-dimensional diffraction intensities, one belonging to the native and the other to the derivative. Based on these two sets of intensities, a conventional single isomorphous replacement (SIR) procedure solved the structure easily.
Structural characterization of a mitochondrial 3-ketoacyl-CoA (T1)-like thiolase fromMycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Janardan Neelanjana , Harijan Rajesh K. , Kiema Tiila-Riikka , Wierenga Rikkert K. , Murthy M. R. N.
Published: November 2015

Thiolases catalyze the degradation and synthesis of 3-ketoacyl-CoA molecules. Here, the crystal structures of a T1-like thiolase (MSM-13 thiolase) fromMycobacterium smegmatisin apo and liganded forms are described. Systematic comparisons of six crystallographically independent unliganded MSM-13 thiolase tetramers (dimers of tight dimers) from three different crystal forms revealed that the two tight dimers are connected to a rigid tetramerization domainviaflexible hinge regions, generating an asymmetric tetramer. In the liganded structure, CoA is bound to those subunits that are rotated towards the tip of the tetramerization loop of the opposing dimer, suggesting that this loop is important for substrate binding. The hinge regions responsible for this rotation occur near Val123 and Arg149. The Lα1–covering loop–Lα2 region, together with the Nβ2–Nα2 loop of the adjacent subunit, defines a specificity pocket that is larger and more polar than those of other tetrameric thiolases, suggesting that MSM-13 thiolase has a distinct substrate specificity. Consistent with this finding, only residual activity was detected with acetoacetyl-CoA as the substrate in the degradative direction. No activity was observed with acetyl-CoA in the synthetic direction. Structural comparisons with other well characterized thiolases suggest that MSM-13 thiolase is probably a degradative thiolase that is specific for 3-ketoacyl-CoA molecules with polar, bulky acyl chains.
The first crystal structure of the peptidase domain of the U32 peptidase family
Authors: Schacherl Magdalena , Montada Angelika A. M. , Brunstein Elena , Baumann Ulrich
Published: November 2015

The U32 family is a collection of over 2500 annotated peptidases in the MEROPS database with unknown catalytic mechanism. They mainly occur in bacteria and archaea, but a few representatives have also been identified in eukarya. Many of the U32 members have been linked to pathogenicity, such as proteins fromHelicobacterandSalmonella. The first crystal structure analysis of a U32 catalytic domain fromMethanopyrus kandleri(genemk0906) reveals a modified (βα)8TIM-barrel fold with some unique features. The connecting segment between strands β7 and β8 is extended and helix α7 is located on top of the C-terminal end of the barrel body. The protein exhibits a dimeric quaternary structure in which a zinc ion is symmetrically bound by histidine and cysteine side chains from both monomers. These residues reside in conserved sequence motifs. No typical proteolytic motifs are discernible in the three-dimensional structure, and biochemical assays failed to demonstrate proteolytic activity. A tunnel in which an acetate ion is bound is located in the C-terminal part of the β-barrel. Two hydrophobic grooves lead to a tunnel at the C-terminal end of the barrel in which an acetate ion is bound. One of the grooves binds to aStrep-Tag II of another dimer in the crystal lattice. Thus, these grooves may be binding sites for hydrophobic peptides or other ligands.
Oxidative degradation of the organometallic iron(II) complex [Fe{bis[3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]methane}(MeCN)(PMe3)](PF6)2: structure of the ligand decomposition product trappedviacoordination to iron(II)
Authors: Haslinger Stefan , Pöthig Alexander , Cokoja Mirza , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: November 2015

Iron is of interest as a catalyst because of its established use in the Haber–Bosch process and because of its high abundance and low toxicity. Nitrogen-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) are important ligands in homogeneous catalysis and iron–NHC complexes have attracted increasing attention in recent years but still face problems in terms of stability under oxidative conditions. The structure of the iron(II) complex [1,1′-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-2,2-bi(1H-imidazole)-κN3][3,3′-bis(pyridin-2-yl-κN)-1,1′-methanediylbi(1H-imidazol-2-yl-κC2)](trimethylphosphane-κP)iron(II) bis(hexafluoridophosphate), [Fe(C17H14N6)(C16H12N6)(C3H9P)](PF6)2, features coordination by an organic decomposition product of a tetradentate NHC ligand in an axial position. The decomposition product, a C—C-coupled biimidazole, is trapped by coordination to still-intact iron(II) complexes. Insights into the structural features of the organic decomposition products might help to improve the stability of oxidation catalysts under harsh conditions.
Crystallographic analysis of RsmA, a ribosomal RNA small subunit methyltransferase A fromStaphylococcus aureus. Corrigendum
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhu Yuwei , Teng Maikun , Li Xu
Published: November 2015

The paper by Liuet al.[(2015),Acta Cryst.F71, 1063–1066] is corrected.
Crystallographic analysis of a cupin superfamily enzyme fromMicrocystis aeruginosainvolved in aeruginosin biosynthesis
Authors: Qiu Xiaoting , Xu Cui , Chen Xu
Published: November 2015

Aeruginosins are a class of cyanobacteria-derived bioactive linear tetrapeptides composed of nonproteinogenic amino-acid residues, such as the 2-carboxy-6-hydroxyoctahydroindole (Choi) moiety, which is the hallmark of aeruginosin. The biosynthetic pathway of the Choi moiety remains elusive. Previous studies have suggested that AerE, a protein that possesses two cupin domains, participates in the biosynthesis of the Choi moiety. In this study, recombinant AerE fromMicrocystis aeruginosa, which was overexpressed inEscherichia coliand purified by Ni2+-chelating affinity and gel-filtration chromatography, was successfully crystallized and X-ray diffraction analysis was performed. The crystal belonged to the orthorhombic space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 34.770,b= 62.133,c= 87.401 Å. The diffraction data from the crystal were scaled to a maximum resolution of 1.60 Å. The calculated Matthews coefficient of the crystal is 1.93 Å3 Da−1, suggesting that there is one molecule in the asymmetric unit.
Expression, purification, crystallization and X-ray diffraction analysis of ChiL, a chitinase fromChitiniphilus shinanonensis
Authors: Ueda Miruku , Shimosaka Makoto , Arai Ryoichi
Published: November 2015

Chitin, a linear polysaccharide consisting of β-1,4-linkedN-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), is widely used because of its biochemical properties. GlcNAc oligomers prepared from chitin have useful biological activities, such as immunostimulation and the induction of plant defence responses. Microbial chitinolytic enzymes have been investigated extensively for their potential use in the eco-friendly enzymatic production of GlcNAc and its oligomers.Chitiniphilus shinanonensisSAY3Tis a recently found bacterium with a strong chitinolytic activity. The chitinolytic enzymes from this strain are potentially useful for the efficient production of GlcNAc and its oligomers from chitin. ChiL fromC. shinanonensisis an endo-type chitinase belonging to the family 18 glycoside hydrolases (GH18). To understand the enzymatic reaction mechanism of ChiL and utilize it for further enzyme engineering, the catalytic domain (41–406) of ChiL, the construct for which was carefully designed, was expressed, purified and crystallized by the vapour-diffusion method. The crystal belonged to the orthorhombic space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 69.19,b = 81.55,c= 130.01 Å, and diffracted to 1.25 Å resolution. The Matthews coefficient (VM= 2.2 Å3 Da−1) suggested the presence of two monomers per asymmetric unit with a solvent content of 45%.
Structures of plasmepsin II fromPlasmodium falciparumin complex with two hydroxyethylamine-based inhibitors
Authors: Recacha Rosario , Leitans Janis , Akopjana Inara , Aprupe Lilija , Trapencieris Peteris , Jaudzems Kristaps , Jirgensons Aigars , Tars Kaspars
Published: November 2015

Plasmepsin II (PMII) is one of the ten plasmepsins (PMs) identified in the genome ofPlasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of the most severe and deadliest form of malaria. Owing to the emergence ofP. falciparumstrains that are resistant to current antimalarial agents such as chloroquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, there is a constant pressure to find new and lasting chemotherapeutic drug therapies. Previously, the crystal structure of PMII in complex with NU655, a potent antimalarial hydroxyethylamine-based inhibitor, and the design of new compounds based on it have been reported. In the current study, two of these newly designed hydroxyethylamine-based inhibitors, PG418 and PG394, were cocrystallized with PMII and their structures were solved, analyzed and compared with that of the PMII–NU655 complex. Structural analysis of the PMII–PG418 complex revealed that the flap loop can adopt a fully closed conformation, stabilized by interactions with the inhibitor, and a fully open conformation, causing an overall expansion in the active-site cavity, which in turn causes unstable binding of the inhibitor. PG418 also stabilizes the flexible loop Gln275–Met286 of another monomer in the asymmetric unit of PMII, which is disordered in the PMII–NU655 complex structure. The crystal structure of PMII in complex with the inhibitor PG418 demonstrates the conformational flexibility of the active-site cavity of the plasmepsins. The interactions of the different moieties in the P1′ position of PG418 and PG394 with Thr217 have to be taken into account in the design of new potent plasmepsin inhibitors.
Medknow Publications: a success model in the digital era
Authors: Joseph Rojers Puthur
Published: November 2015

Subject area

Innovation Strategy/Entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

The case can be used in an MBA/postgraduate management program for a course on Innovations Strategy with a focus on disruptive innovation, specifically in relation to disruption in the value chain with the adoption of new technologies or for a course on Entrepreneurship focusing on the opportunities created by the Internet-based technologies for start-up businesses. Alternatively, it can be used in a course on e-commerce strategies, particularly to demonstrate the efficiency of online distribution vis-à-vis physical channels.

Case overview

The case illustrates how Medknow Publications created a profitable e-commerce model out of a struggling conventional business, namely, the learned society journal publishing. It also provides a useful ground to discuss the challenges faced by the conventional scholarly journal publishing models, the current crisis in scholarly journal publishing and how Medknow, a disruptive business model innovation, would address these issues. Besides, the case illustrates how Medknow created a sustainable “for-profit” alternative to the prevailing not-for-profit models of open access publishing.

Expected learning outcomes

After the analysis and discussion of this case, students will be able to: appreciate how technological innovation can disrupt existing business models; understand how digitization helps improve the efficiency of value chain in the content industry, particularly the scholarly journal publishing industry; and appreciate that the flexibility of digitized content and the global reach of the Internet have the potential to transform the scholarly journal publishing industry for good.

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.
M-Pesa: an evolution in organisational strategy
Authors: Cassim Mariam , Ronnie Linda
Published: November 2015

Subject area

Change Management.

Study level/applicability

Postgraduate business courses, including MBA courses in change management and human resource management.

Case overview

This case study emphasises how important it is for organisations operating in today's turbulent and rapidly changing business environment to have an emergent approach to change. It focuses on the dilemmas faced by Hemmanth Singh, the newly appointed Managing Executive responsible for Mobile Commerce at Vodacom South Africa. Singh is responsible for the execution of the new strategy into financial services, the relaunch of M-Pesa into the South African market being the immediate task. The case sets the context for the relaunch of M-Pesa, and the reader is introduced to some of the limitations and challenges experienced by the company when trying to replicate a successful business model from one market to another, especially after an unsuccessful initial launch.

Expected learning outcomes

After reading and analysing the information contained in the case study and appendices, students should be able to evaluate the critical role that leadership needs to play when introducing and implementing a change initiative at an organisation that is stimulated by evolving external market conditions; understand the importance of adopting an emergent approach to change in current operating conditions; identify the factors that contribute to or hinder the creation and sustainability of an adaptive culture within an organisation; and appreciate the challenges of attempting to replicate a successful business model from one market into another.

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.
Cognizant India: reinventing the value proposition
Authors: Sharma Tripti , Ghosh Tapabrata
Published: November 2015

Subject area

Strategic management, IT strategy, Business & IT Consulting, International Business.

Study level/applicability

PGDM and Executive programmes.

Case overview

Cognizant Technology Solutions, one of the giants in the Indian information technology (IT) industry, has been continually evolving new strategies and business models to cater to the global IT demand. Starting as an in-house technology unit of Duns & Bradstreet, the case highlights the various pioneering and transformative decisions taken by Cognizant to become one among the Fortune 500 companies of the world. However, despite its supremacy in the global market, they are facing tremendous competition from the other IT giants – TCS, Infosys and Wipro, to name a few. Also, the expansion of global IT players like Accenture and International Business Machines (IBM) in India is making matters worse. This intense competition, when juxtaposed with commoditization and price sensitivity on behalf of the IT demand, makes sustainability a big question mark. The million-dollar question remains “How should Cognizant strategize to ensure inorganic growth in the price-sensitive industry?”

Expected learning – outcomes

The case highlights the market dynamics of the Indian IT industry – from its humble beginning as an attraction for low-cost labour to being one of the strategic outsourcing geographies of the IT sector – and thereby categorically points out the significance of continuous evolution on behalf of the IT firms to stay alive in this client-driven industry. The students are expected to analyze the IT industry of India, keeping in mind its vulnerabilities – price sensitivity, dependence on developed economies and intense competition – and relate the same to different strategies incorporated by Cognizant to remain one of the powerhouses of the Indian IT industry.

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.
Examining the relationship between war and interest based transaction
Authors: Mubasshera Hamida , Kassim Salina H.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between war and interest-based transaction by analyzing the case of the late Ottoman Empire from a historical economic perspective. It also attempts to provide a deeper understanding of the Quranic verses where Allah has declared war against people who deal with interest.

Design/methodology/approach

– It provides a snapshot of major economic events that occurred in the last phase of the Ottoman rule that contributed in shaping the fate of the empire and, then, systematically explores them.

Findings

– A careful study of the chain of events reveals that there exists a strong relationship between war and interest-based transactions, as indicated in the parable given in the Quran where dealing with interest has been described as equivalent to waging war against Allah and His Messenger. The paper claims that Muslims are sure to be defeated in the hands of disbelievers if they themselves are at war with Allah and His Messenger by being involved in interest-based transactions, as validated by the case of the Ottoman Empire. The paper goes on to argue that this is why no specific punishment in this life is mentioned for this crime; rather extreme psychological pressure is imposed, so that the believers do not even consider getting close to dealing with interest.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses a missing component in the existing literature of Islamic economics where the political economic aspects of interest has seldom received due attention. A careful analysis of these issues is expected to help people better understand the dire consequences of dealing in interest on a micro level. On a macro level, it can always help to formulate prudent foreign policy by learning from the mistakes of our ancestors.
Reviving the Islamic economic system through shariah-based public policy
Authors: Mahyudi Mohd
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to revive the Islamic economic system discourse given the increasing interest in the moral economy agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

– Proponents of Islamic economics theorise that the Islamic system presents the ideal form of a socio-economic order. However, the reported huge gap between theoretical construct and real activities seems to support the critics’ claim that it is a mere utopian state that directly challenges the viability of the Islamic economy idea.

Findings

– The fact of the matter is thathomo economicusis overpoweringhomo Islamicusdespite the presupposed position ofhomo Islamicusas the mainstay of Islamic economics.

Research limitations/implications

– To manifest the Islamic economic system notion further, it is argued that a shariah-based values infusion policy (VIP) needs to be formulated to actualise the predominance ofhomo Islamicus.

Practical implications

– Owing to the overarching and holistic nature of the proposed public policy, the operations of individuals, firms and state agencies should have the tendency to reflect the expected behaviour ofhomo Islamicusbetter than the present state of affairs.

Social implications

– The success of the VIP would include the enhancement of social integration and cohesion.

Originality/value

– The link between moral economy,homo Islamicusand public policy is clearly established. Thus, this research guides policy makers in promoting the Islamic economic system as a universally-aspired moral economy project.
Performance of Islamic microcredit in perspective of Maqasid Al-Shariah
Authors: Alam Md. Mahmudul , Hassan Salwana , Said Jamaliah
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the role of Islamic microcredit programs based on the achievement of Maqasid Al-Shariah. Past studies have evaluated the role of microcredit programs using the conventional assessment approach. However, the conventional system of socioeconomic role assessment cannot evaluate the performance of Islamic microcredit in terms of achieving the objectives of Shariah for the Islamic microcredit model.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses primary data that were collected through a questionnaire survey distributed among 393 microcredit borrowers from Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM). The survey was conducted from July 2013 to December 2013 in the State of Sabah and in Peninsular Malaysia. This research also analyzes the socioeconomic roles and the achievement of microcredit and microenterprise from the perspective of the five principles of Al-daruriyyat from Maqasid Al-Shariah.

Findings

– Results indicate that the microcredit program of AIM has a positive and enhancing effect on the livelihood of clients. This effect is reflected in the assessment of their well-being, especially in the context of Maqasid Al-Shariah.

Originality/value

– This study examines the role of Islamic microcredit based on the achievement of Maqasid Al-Shariah.
Thinking aloud: decentralisation and safeguarding in English schools
Authors: Baginsky Mary , Driscoll Jennifer , Manthorpe Jill
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider possible implications of recent policy initiatives in schools and local government for child safeguarding practice in education settings in the state sector in England.

Design/methodology/approach

– Recent policy changes to promote devolution of decision-making to school and local government level are analysed in the light of the literature on multi-agency working for the protection of children.

Findings

– The paper highlights the complexity of the current context in which local arrangements for the safeguarding of children are operating. This includes efforts at integration of funding and structures, coupled with rapid changes in policy in both education and children’s social care and greater decision-making powers at local level. Together this makes it difficult to evaluate the current strengths of safeguarding arrangements between schools and other local agencies to help ensure that arrangements for the safeguarding of children in “independent” state schools are robust and effective.

Research limitations/implications

– Researchers and policy-makers need to consider the efficacy of safeguarding arrangements under new local government and integrated structures in England.

Practical implications

– There is relatively little research addressing inter-organisational information exchange in relation to education professionals involved in safeguarding. This paper sets out some directions for inquiry, including specific priorities that may be useful to the research and practice communities in the context of integration.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a summary of key policies and strategies that inform child protection in state school settings in England.
Striving for integrated services, a Dutch experience
Authors: van Noort Olivier , Schotanus Fredo
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– In an urban environment in The Netherlands, a municipality, a health insurance company and nine health care organisations try to integrate health care services and social services by means of a global, population-based budget for three areas with above the average costs. Against a background of changing circumstances and bureaucratic impediments, they try to reach an agreement on the contractual provisions before starting cooperation in everyday practice. The purpose of this paper is to describe and evaluate the cooperative process.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reflects the authors’ personal experiences and interpretation of the cooperative process.

Findings

– The participants experience was that the ideals they had started with faded when financial and juridical procedures dominated the discussions. In contrast with that, focusing on the population involved created positive energy and motivation.

Practical implications

– Uncertainties are part of social innovation and therefore, formal contracts will be incomplete. Trust building techniques and creating common values and culture are necessary ingredients for developing confidence that the cooperating parties will be able to cope with unforeseen developments or outcomes.

Originality/value

– The paper may contribute to the successful development of innovative agreements between purchasers and providers of health care and social care in order to achieve better integrated services without rising costs.
The glass ceiling: what have we learned 20 years on?
Authors: Powell Gary N. , Butterfield D. Anthony
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the current status of women in management and explanations offered for this status in light of a rare empirical field study of the “glass ceiling” phenomenon the authors conducted about 20 years ago.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors review the study’s key arguments, unexpected results, and implications for organizational effectiveness (which have been largely ignored). The authors then review what has transpired and what has been learned about the glass ceiling phenomenon since.

Findings

– The nature of glass ceilings has remained essentially stable over a 20-year period, although further explanations for them have flourished.

Research limitations/implications

– More scholarly examinations of ways to shatter glass ceilings and thereby enhance organizational effectiveness are recommended.

Practical implications

– Organizations, human resources directors, and internal decision makers need to adopt practices that foster “debiasing” of decisions about promotions to top management.

Social implications

– Societies need to encourage organizations to adopt ways to shatter glass ceilings that continue to disadvantage women.

Originality/value

– A systematic review and analysis of the present-day implications of an early study of the glass ceiling phenomenon has not previously been conducted.
Current profile of cycling injuries: A retrospective analysis of a trauma centre level 1 in Queensland
Authors: Neumann Mirjam V , Eley Rob , Vallmuur Kirsten , Schuetz Michael
Published: November 2015

Objectives

One out of 50 injury‐related presentations to an ED is a transport‐related cycling injury. Detailed information about the most frequent mechanism of cycling injuries, sustained injuries and patterns are under‐reported. The objective of this research was to examine the pattern of injuries sustained by cyclists at a level 1 trauma centre.

Methods

A retrospective review of data of injured cyclists admitted and treated at a level 1 trauma centre between 2011 and 2012 evaluated demographic data, mechanism of injury, injury pattern, economic costs and outcome.

Results

Data of 261 patients (mean age of 39 years) were reviewed, of which 88% was male patients with an average age of 38 years. Non‐collision cycling injuries were reported in 55% of cases followed by collisions with other motor vehicles in 25.6% of cases. The mean injury severity score (ISS) was 9, but an ISS ≥ 12 was documented in 24%. Predominantly upper limb injuries (24.8%) were found, followed by injuries to the head and lower limb (each with 16.8%). Traumatic brain and chest injuries were equally seen in 8%. The overall length of stay was 4 days, and survival rate was 98%.

Conclusion

This current data review reveals that non‐collision traffic crashes accounted for the majority of injuries in cyclists treated in this facility, and the upper limb has replaced the head as the most injured body part. With a growing number of cyclists, this information contributes to considerations to improve road safety and trauma management.
Molecular identification of four Panonychus species (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Korea, including new records of P. caglei and P. mori
Authors: Khaing Tin Moe , Shim Jae‐Kyoung , Lee Kyeong‐Yeoll
Published: November 2015

Four species of the genus Panonychus are identified in Korea including two previously known species P. citri (McGregor) and P. ulmi (Koch) and two newly identified species P. mori Yokoyama and P. caglei Mellot. Morphological diagnostics were observed among the four species in the color of dorsal tubercles and in the shape of male aedeagus. The dorsal tubercles of P. citri, P. ulmi, P. mori and P. caglei are red, white, whitish red and light red, respectively. The aedeagi of male adults are diagnostic in sigmoid‐shaped at the distal end and its shape and length was different among four species. Molecular comparison of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence of nuclear DNA and cytochrome‐c oxidase subunit I (COI) nucleotide sequence of mitochondrial DNA among the four species showed divergences 8–12% and 9–12%, respectively. Molecular analysis of the ITS2 and COI sequences revealed their divergences were slightly different among four species. In addition, species‐specific primer sets were designed at the base on ITS2 sequences to precisely diagnose these four species at the molecular level.
Current views on insect feed and its future
Authors: Moon Seung Ju , Lee Ji Woong
Published: November 2015

Population growth and the subsequent increased demand for food, along with the rise in cost of feed, have led insect feed to be considered as an alternative to conventional animal feed. Insect feed is a sustainable and nutritious option; however, it does carry the risk of lower microbiological safety than conventional feed. Although there is some hesitancy from farmers in adapting insect feed due to fear of market rejection of insect‐fed animals, surveys seem to show positive attitudes of people towards insect feed when they informed of the benefits. Traditional methods of harvesting insects is not a sustainable method of production, and therefore further research will be needed to access appropriate methods of mass‐producing insects without putting a strain on the natural ecosystem. This review discusses the benefits and risks of using insect feed, its acceptance, type of animals that can be fed by insects, and future directions of insect feed.
Differential induction of heat shock protein genes to the combined treatments of heat with diatomaceous earth, phosphine or carbon dioxide on Plodia interpunctella
Authors: Kim Hanna , Yu Yeon Su , Lee Kyeong‐Yeoll
Published: November 2015

Heating is one of the many disinfestation methods commonly used in facilities that store and process agricultural products. In this study, we have investigated whether the combination of heat treatment with diatomaceous earth (DE), phosphine (PH3) or CO2 affects the mortality of the wandering larvae of Plodia interpunctella, which is a major pest found in most stored agricultural products. The mortality rate was 35.0% at day 1 after heat treatment at 40°C for 6 h; however, mortality rates increased after combined treatments of heat and 1 ppm DE or 10 ppm PH3, while 10% CO2 had no significant effect. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis showed that combined treatments involving 1 h of heat treatment with either DE, PH3 or CO2 increased the mRNA levels of four heat shock protein (hsp) genes (hsp25, hsp70, grp78 and hsp90) in wandering larvae, 1 h post‐treatment, although those rates were slightly differentiated in each heat shock protein. Our results demonstrate that combinations of heat and DE or PH3 show increased lethality, although insects produce stress responses at the molecular level.