bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition metal binding selectivity in proteins and its correlation with the phylogenomic classification of the cation diffusion facilitator protein family
Authors: Barber-Zucker Shiran , Shaanan Boaz , Zarivach Raz
Published: July 2017

Divalent d-block metal cations (DDMCs), such as Fe, Zn and Mn, participate in many biological processes. Understanding how specific DDMCs are transported to and within the cell and what controls their binding selectivity to different proteins is crucial for defining the mechanisms of metalloproteins. To better understand such processes, we scanned the RCSB Protein Data Bank, performed ade novostructural-based comprehensive analysis of seven DDMCs and found their amino acid binding and coordination geometry propensities. We then utilized these results to characterize the correlation between metal selectivity, specific binding site composition and phylogenetic classification of the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) protein family, a family of DDMC transporters found throughout evolution and sharing a conserved structure, yet with different members displaying distinct metal selectivity. Our analysis shows that DDMCs differ, at times significantly, in terms of their binding propensities, and that in each CDF clade, the metal selectivity-related binding site has a unique and conserved sequence signature. However, only limited correlation exists between the composition of the DDMC binding site in each clade and the metal selectivity shown by its proteins.
Integrating linguistics, social structure, and geography to model genetic diversity within India
Authors: Bose Aritra , Platt Daniel E. , Parida Laxmi , Drineas Petros , Paschou Peristera
Published: July 2017

India represents an intricate tapestry of population substructure shaped by geography, language, culture and social stratification. While geography closely correlates with genetic structure in other parts of the world, the strict endogamy imposed by the Indian caste system and the large number of spoken languages add further levels of complexity to understand Indian population structure. To date, no study has attempted to model and evaluate how these factors have interacted to shape the patterns of genetic diversity within India. We merged all publicly available data from the Indian subcontinent into a data set of 891 individuals from 90 well-defined groups. Bringing together geography, genetics and demographic factors, we developed COGG (Correlation Optimization of Genetics and Geodemographics) to build a model that explains the observed population genetic substructure. We show that shared language along with social structure have been the most powerful forces in creating paths of gene flow in the subcontinent. Furthermore, we discover the ethnic groups that best capture the diverse genetic substructure highlighted by COGG. Integrating data from India with a data set of additional 1,323 individuals from 50 populations we find that Europeans show shared genetic drift with the Indo-European and Dravidian speakers of India, whereas the East Asians have the maximum shared genetic drift with Tibeto-Burman speaking tribal groups.
The Cryo-Electron Microscopy Structure of the Type 1 Chaperone-Usher Pilus Rod
Authors: Hospenthal Manuela K. , Costa Tiago R. D. , Redzej Adam , Lillington James , Waksman Gabriel
Published: July 2017

Chaperone-usher pili are long, polymeric protein fibres displayed on the surface of many bacterial pathogens. These critical virulence factors allow bacteria to specifically attach to host cells during infection. The type 1 and P pili of uropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) play important roles during UPEC’s colonisation of the urinary tract, mediating bacterial attachment to the bladder and kidney, respectively. Also, their biomechanical properties that allow them to reversibly uncoil in response to flow-induced forces are critical for UPEC’s ability to retain a foothold in the unique and hostile environment of the urinary tract. Here we provide the 4.2 Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the type 1 pilus rod, which together with the previous structure of the P pilus rod, enables us to understand the remarkable “spring-like” properties of chaperone-usher pili in more detail.
Resilience of small intestinal beneficial bacteria to the toxicity of soybean oil fatty acids
Authors: Di Rienzi Sara C. , Jacobson Juliet , Kennedy Elizabeth A. , Bell M. Elizabeth , Shi Qiaojuan , Waters Jillian L. , Lawrence Peter , Brenna J. Thomas , Britton Robert A. , Walter Jens , Ley Ruth E.
Published: July 2017

Over the past century, soybean oil (SBO) consumption in the United States increased dramatically. The main SBO fatty acid, linoleic acid (18:2), inhibitsin vitrothe growth of lactobacilli, beneficial members of the small intestinal microbiota. Human-associated lactobacilli have declined in prevalence in Western microbiomes, but how dietary changes may have impacted their ecology is unclear. Here, we compared thein vitroandin vivoeffects of 18:2 onLactobacillus reuteriandL. johnsonii. Directed evolutionin vitroin both species led to strong 18:2 resistance with mutations in genes for lipid biosynthesis, acid stress, and the cell membrane or wall. Small-intestinalLactobacilluspopulations in mice were unaffected by chronic and acute 18:2 exposure, yet harbored both 18:2- sensitive and resistant strains. This work shows that extant small intestinal lactobacilli are protected from toxic dietary components via the gut environment as well as their own capacity to evolve resistance.
Double-strand breaks are not the main cause of spontaneous sister chromatid exchange in wild-type yeast cells
Authors: Claussin Clémence , Porubský David , Spierings Diana C.J. , Halsema Nancy , Rentas Stefan , Guryev Victor , Lansdorp Peter M. , Chang Michael
Published: July 2017

Homologous recombination involving sister chromatids is the most accurate, and thus most frequently used, form of recombination-mediated DNA repair. Despite its importance, sister chromatid recombination is not easily studied because it does not result in a change in DNA sequence, making recombination between sister chromatids difficult to detect. We have previously developed a novel DNA template strand sequencing technique, called Strand-seq, that can be used to map sister chromatid exchange (SCE) events genome-wide in single cells. An increase in the rate of SCE is an indicator of elevated recombination activity and of genome instability, which is a hallmark of cancer. In this study, we have adapted Strand-seq to detect SCE in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Contrary to what is commonly thought, we find that most spontaneous SCE events are not due to the repair of DNA double-strand breaks.
ShinyGPAS: Interactive genomic prediction accuracy simulator based on deterministic formulas
Authors: Morota Gota
Published: July 2017

Background

Deterministic formulas highlight the relationships among prediction accuracy and potential factors influencing prediction accuracy prior to performing computationally intensive cross-validation. Visualizing such deterministic formulas in an interactive manner may lead to a better understanding of how genetic factors control prediction accuracy.

Results

The software to simulate deterministic formulas for genomic prediction accuracy was implemented in R and encapsulated as a web-based Shiny application. ShinyGPAS (Shiny Genomic Prediction Accuracy Simulator) simulates various deterministic formulas and delivers dynamic scatter plots of prediction accuracy vs. genetic factors impacting prediction accuracy, while requiring only mouse navigation in a web browser. ShinyGPAS is available at:https://chikudaisei.shinyapps.io/shinygpas/.

Conclusion

ShinyGPAS is a shiny-based interactive genomic prediction accuracy simulator using deterministic formulas. It can be used for interactively exploring potential factors influencing prediction accuracy in genome-enabled prediction, simulating achievable prediction accuracy prior to genotyping individuals, or supporting in-class teaching. ShinyGPAS is open source software and it is hosted online as a freely available web-based resource with an intuitive graphical user interface.
Neural network models of the tactile system develop first-order units with spatially complex receptive fields
Authors: Zhao Charlie W. , Daley Mark J. , Pruszynski J. Andrew
Published: July 2017

First-order tactile neurons have spatially complex receptive fields. Here we use machine learning tools to show that such complexity arises for a wide range of training sets and network architectures, and benefits network performance, especially on more difficult tasks and in the presence of noise. Our work suggests that spatially complex receptive fields are normatively good given the biological constraints of the tactile periphery.
Isomorphous crystal structures of chlorodiacetylene and iododiacetylene derivatives: simultaneous hydrogen and halogen bonds on carbonyl
Authors: Baillargeon Pierre , Rahem Tarik , Caron-Duval Édouard , Tremblay Jacob , Fortin Cloé , Blais Étienne , Fan Victor , Fortin Daniel , Dory Yves L.
Published: July 2017

The crystal structures of tert-butyl (5-chloropenta-2,4-diyn-1-yl)carbamate, C10H12ClNO2 (II), and tert-butyl (5-iodopenta-2,4-diyn-1-yl)carbamate, C10H12INO2 (IV), are isomorphous to previously reported structures and accordingly their molecular and supramolecular structures are similar. In the crystals of (II) and (IV), molecules are linked into very similar two-dimensional wall organizations with antiparallel carbamate groups involved in a combination of hydrogen and halogen bonds (bifurcated N—H...O=C and C[triple-bond]C—X...O=C interactions on the same carbonyl group). There is no long-range parallel stacking of diynes, so the topochemical polymerization of diacetylene is prevented. A Cambridge Structural Database search revealed that C[triple-bond]C—X...O=C contacts shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii are scarce (only one structure for the C[triple-bond]C—Cl...O=C interaction and 13 structures for the similar C[triple-bond]C—I...O=C interaction).
Coordination compounds containing bis-dithiolene-chelated molybdenum(IV) and oxalate: comparison of terminal with bridging oxalate
Authors: Gapinska Agata , Lough Alan J. , Fekl Ulrich
Published: July 2017

Two coordination compounds containing tetra-n-butylammonium cations and bis-tfd-chelated molybdenum(IV) [tfd2− = S2C2(CF3)2
2−] and oxalate (ox2−, C2O4
2−) in complex anions are reported, namely bis(tetra-n-butylammonium) bis(1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene-2,3-dithiolato)oxalatomolybdate(IV)–chloroform–oxalic acid (1/1/1), (C16H36N)2[Mo(C4F6S2)2(C2O4)]·CHCl3·C2H2O4 or (N
n
Bu4)2[Mo(tfd)2(ox)]·CHCl3·C2H2O4, and bis(tetra-n-butylammonium) μ-oxalato-bis[bis(1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene-2,3-dithiolato)molybdate(IV)], (C16H36N)2[Mo2(C4F6S2)4(C2O4)] or (N
n
Bu4)2[(tfd)2Mo(μ-ox)Mo(tfd)2]. They contain a terminal oxalate ligand in the first compound and a bridging oxalate ligand in the second compound. Anion 1
2− is [Mo(tfd)2(ox)]2− and anion 2
2−, formally generated by adding a Mo(tfd)2 fragment onto 1
2−, is [(tfd)2Mo(μ-ox)Mo(tfd)2]2−. The crystalline material containing 1
2− is (N
n
Bu4)2-1·CHCl3·oxH2, while the material containing 2
2− is (N
n
Bu4)2-2. Anion 2
2− lies across an inversion centre. The complex anions afford a rare opportunity to compare terminal oxalate with bridging oxalate, coordinated to the same metal fragment, here (tfd)2MoIV. C—O bond-length alternation is observed for the terminal oxalate ligand in 1
2−: the difference between the C—O bond length involving the metal-coordinating O atom and the C—O bond length involving the uncoordinating O atom is 0.044 (12) Å. This bond-length alternation is significant but is smaller than the bond-length alternation observed for oxalic acid in the co-crystallized oxalic acid in (N
n
Bu4)2-1·CHCl3·oxH2, where a difference (for C=O versus C—OH) of 0.117 (14) Å was observed. In the bridging oxalate ligand in 2
2−, the C—O bond lengths are equalized, within the error margin of one bond-length determination (0.006 Å). It is concluded that oxalic acid contains a localized π-system in its carboxylic acid groups, that the bridging oxalate ligand in 2
2− contains a delocalized π-system and that the terminal oxalate ligand in 1
2− contains an only partially localized π-system. In (N
n
Bu4)2-1·CHCl3·oxH2, the F atoms of two of the –CF3 groups in 1
2− are disordered over two sets of sites, as are the N and eight of the C atoms of one of the N
n
Bu4 cations. In (N
n
Bu4)2-2, the whole of the unique N
n
Bu4
+ cation is disordered over two sets of sites. Also, in (N
n
Bu4)2-2, a region of disordered electron density was treated with the SQUEEZE routine in PLATON [Spek (2015). Acta Cryst. C71, 9–18].
(E)-5-[1-Hydroxy-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)allylidene]-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6-trione: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Soto-Monsalve Mónica , Romero Elkin L. , Zuluaga Fabio , Chaur Manuel N. , D'Vries Richard F.
Published: July 2017

In the title compound, C18H20N2O7, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 7.28 (7)° and the almost planar conformation of the molecule is supported by an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond, which closes an S(6) ring. In the crystal, weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds and aromatic π–π stacking link the molecules into a three-dimensional network. A Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the major contribution to the intermolecular interactions are van der Waals interactions (H...H contacts), accounting for 48.4% of the surface.
Crystal structure of bis{1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-[(quinolin-3-yl)iminomethyl-κN]-1H-pyrazol-5-olato-κO}zinc methanol 2.5-solvate from synchrotron X-ray diffraction
Authors: Burlov Anatoliy S. , Vlasenko Valery G. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Khrustalev Victor N.
Published: July 2017

The title compound, [Zn(C20H15N4O)2]·2.5CH3OH, I, was synthesized via the reaction of zinc acetate with the respective ligand and isolated as a methanol solvate, i.e., as I·2.5CH3OH. The crystal structure is triclinic (space group P-1), with two complex molecules (
A
and
B
) and five methanol solvent molecules in the asymmetric unit. One of the five methanol solvent molecules is disordered over two sets of sites, with an occupancy ratio of 0.75:0.25. Molecules
A
and
B
are conformers and distinguished by the conformations of the bidentate 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-[(quinolin-3-yl)iminomethyl]-1H-pyrazol-5-olate ligands. In both molecules, the zinc cations have distorted tetrahedral coordination spheres, binding the monoanionic ligands through the pyrazololate O and imine N atoms. The two ligands adopt slightly different conformations in terms of the orientation of the terminal phenyl and quinoline substituents with respect to the central pyrazololate moiety. The molecular geometries of
A
and
B
are supported by intramolecular C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds. In the crystal of I, molecules form dimers both by secondary intermolecular Zn...O [3.140 (2)–3.553 (3) Å] and π–π stacking interactions. The dimers are linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds through the solvent methanol molecules into a three-dimensional network.
3-Acetyl-2-methyl-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one
Authors: Lahmidi Sanae , Abad Nadeem , Boulhaoua Mohammed , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: July 2017

In the title compound, C11H10N2O2, the pyridopyrimidine moiety deviates slightly from planarity. In the crystal, molecules stack along the a-axis direction assisted by π–π stacking interactions and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The stacks are associated in centrosymmetric pairs through C—H...N hydrogen bonds.
9-Amino-5,7-dibromo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine hemihydrate
Authors: Çelik Ísmail , Akkurt Mehmet , Ekiz Makbule , Ökten Salih , Tutar Ahmet , Ersanlı Cem Cüneyt
Published: July 2017

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C13H12Br2N2·0.5H2O, includes two molecules of 5,7-dibromo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridin-9-amine and one water molecule. In the crystal, C—H...O, N—H...N, N—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds connect the molecules, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (010). The two-dimensional sheets are further assembled into a three-dimensional structure through C—H...π and π–π stacking interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.719 (2) Å].
Methyl 2-cyano-2-(1,3-dithian-2-ylidene)acetate
Authors: Hamdouni Noudjoud , Boudjada Ali , Meinnel Jean , Fiala Abdelali , Brahim Ladouani Hayet , Lemallem Salah Eddine
Published: July 2017

The title compound, C8H9NO2S2, contains a 1,3-dithiane ring which has a twist-boat conformation. In the crystal, there are no significant intermolecuar interactions present. The dihedral angle between the planes of the acetate group and the dithiane ring is 177.1 (2)°
Diethyl 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate
Authors: Prasad N. L. , Begum Noor Shahina
Published: July 2017

In the title compound, C21H27NO6, the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring adopts a shallow boat conformation, with the 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl substituent in an axial orientation [dihedral angle between ring planes = 85.49 (12)°]. In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into (001) sheets. The packing is consolidated by C—H...O and π–π stacking interactions, which leads to a three-dimensional network.
2-(Ethoxycarbonothioylthio)propanoic acid
Authors: Eyer Lukas N. , McAdam C. John , Simpson Jim
Published: July 2017

In the title compound, C6H10O3S2, the O,S-diethyl carbonodithioate segment of the molecule is almost planar and is inclined to the carboxylic acid substituent by 82.31 (8)°. In the crystal, O—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...S hydrogen bonds each form inversion dimers and combine with a short O...S contact of 3.2394 (16) Å to generate a three-dimensional network of molecules stacked along all three axial directions.
3-[2-(5-Oxo-4,4-diphenyl-2-sulfanylideneimidazolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one
Authors: Ramli Youssef , Guerrab Walid , Moussaif Ahmed , Taoufik Jamal , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: July 2017

In the title compound, C20H19N3O3S, the conformation of the oxazolidine ring is characterized as twisted on the C—C bond. In the crystal, zigzag chains parallel to [101] are formed by N—H...O hydrogen bonds and are connected by C—H...O and C—H...π(ring) interactions.
Creatininium phosphite
Authors: Sindhusha S. , Padma C. M. , Gunasekaran B.
Published: July 2017

The title salt, C4H8N3O+·H2PO3
−, contains a creatininium cation (2-amino-1-methyl-4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium) and a phosphite anion. The crystal packing shows layers of hydrogen-bonded ions lying parallel to the (-114) and (11-4) planes.
How do South Korean female executives’ definitions of career success differ from those of male executives?
Authors: Cho Yonjoo , Park Jiwon , Han Soo Jeoung “Crystal” , Ju Boreum , You Jieun , Ju Ahreum , Park Chan Kyun , Park Hye Young
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare South Korean female executives’ definitions of career success with those of male executives, identify their career development strategies for success and provide implications for research and practice. Two research questions guiding our inquiry included: How do female executives’ definitions of career success differ from those of male executives? What career development strategies do male and female executives use for career success?

Design/methodology/approach

A basic qualitative research design was used and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 male executives and 15 female executives in diverse corporations by using an interview protocol of 13 questions regarding participants’ background, definitions of career success and final thoughts. To analyze the interview data, we used both NVivo 11 and a manual coding method.

Findings

Gender differences were detected in the participants’ definitions of career success and success factors. As previous studies indicated, male and female executives had different perspectives on career success: men tended to define career success more objectively than women. Many male executives, through experiencing transforming changes in their careers, began to appreciate work–life balance and personal happiness from success. Gender differences were also detected in their career development challenges, meanings of mentors and networking activities. While work stress surfaced as a challenge that men faced, experiencing the token status in the gendered workplace was a major challenge for female participants.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, three research agendas are presented, needing further investigation on career success, women’s token status and comparative analyses.

Practical implications

Three implications for practice have been provided, including organizational support, government’s role and HRD’s role.

Originality/value

Gender differences in this study were not as distinctive as previous literature has indicated. Some male executives valued more subjective career success than others, while a few female executives spoke of more objective definitions than others. These subtle differences could be captured through in-depth interviews. By hearing the participants’ stories, both objective and subjective definitions of success, for both genders, could be observed, which might not have been possible in quantitative research. In addition, the study findings reflect the nature of a uniquely Korean context. The participants worked in a Confucian and military culture, which operates in hierarchical structures and the command and control system, coupled with a heightened camaraderie spirit in the workplace.
The role of non-governmental organizations in vaccine development and delivery
Authors: Walton Jason
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the role non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play across the vaccine development and delivery spectrum within the vaccine enterprise. As demonstrated in this paper, NGOs can play a critical role in prioritizing and accelerating the development and introduction of new vaccines against diseases that disproportionally burden children, women, and communities in the poorest countries around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has used case studies from decades of work by PATH, an international NGO, to help develop and implement vaccines, to illustrate the roles of NGOs can play during each of the stages along the development and delivery spectrum.

Findings

There are four key considerations that can help determine the ability of a given vaccine to be introduced and scaled within a health system: accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and availability. As more vaccine candidates are identified and move along the development and delivery pathway, there will be increased demand for NGOs to continue playing a pivotal role to address these considerations.

Originality/value

This paper aims to highlight a few of the lessons learned from PATH's four decades of experience in the hope they will contribute and be applied to the evolving environment of vaccine enterprise.
Parenting as politics: social identity theory and vaccine hesitant communities
Authors: Attwell Katie , Smith David T.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework for understanding the identity politics associated with parental hesitancy and refusal of vaccines for their children (“vaccine hesitancy or refusal” or “VHR”). Understanding these identity politics helps policymakers to craft appropriate communication interventions that do not make the problem worse.

Design/methodology/approach

Social identity theory is a way of understanding how group identities develop around the lifestyle practices that often include refusal to vaccinate, and how this group identity is accentuated by conflict with the pro-vaccinating societal mainstream. This paper critically appraises existing studies of VHR to explore this groupness across many different contexts.

Findings

Groupness is evident across many different contexts. There are also key group characteristics: preference for natural birth and breastfeeding, nature as a concept and use of complementary and alternative medicine.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is speculative and theoretical, using existing sources. Future studies will need to demonstrate empirically with new data. However, this theoretical approach sets up a new research agenda.

Social implications

These findings can help governments and policymakers minimise social conflict that risks further polarising vaccine conversations and wedging parents on the fence.

Originality/value

This paper argues that the decision to vaccinate or not is an inherently social one, not a matter of pure individual rationality. This is a novel approach to engaging with what is often characterised and studied as an individual decision.
The long way to professional recognition: project management in Italy
Authors: Sabini Luca , Muzio Daniel
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The professionalization of project management (PM) profession has developed differently according to the different environments in which it has been introduced. The purpose of this paper is to examine an example of this professional project (Italy) with this research question: “what have been the professionalization strategies of PM professional associations within Italian field?”

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a qualitative case study made up of semi-structured interviews and archival data.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates how PM in Italy has embarked on a clear upward trajectory in terms of its occupational size, economic significance and institutional development. However, the development of PM in Italy considerably lags behind Anglo-Saxon countries. The authors also identify three main strategies through which this professionalization project is being accomplished (see Section 5). These are corporate engagement, expanding membership and institutional recognition.

Research limitations/implications

The study reviews the professionalization of PM in Italy. This is not a comparative study, but rather highlights Italian PM professionalization. Moreover, the authors expect significant findings could be reached with a comparable research across different national contexts.

Originality/value

This work constitutes the first detailed and comprehensive study in the field of PM within the Italian context.
Defining project partnering
Authors: Børve Sjur , Rolstadås Asbjørn , Andersen Bjorn , Aarseth Wenche
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Due to observed problems in real-life projects stemming from the lack of a unified definition, the purpose of this paper is to formulate a new definition of project partnering (PP) through documenting the specific characteristics researchers attribute to this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

PP definition phrases extracted from a literature review were sorted into a basic framework of who, what, how, when and where. In a web-based survey, a group of experts marked the phrases from the literature review as being specific, generic, or irrelevant to PP. The expert group comprised highly ranked and experienced PP researchers. Based on the survey results, a new definition was formulated. The new definition specifies the participants, the objectives and the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques applied to pursue the objectives in PP. A verification survey of the expert group gave a 78-96 per cent combined approve and support score for each element of the new definition.

Findings

PP and a partnering project are defined by a framework encompassing three basic dimensions: participants, objectives, knowledge, skills, tools and techniques applied to pursue the objectives. The new definition is: “project partnering is a relationship strategy whereby a project owner integrates contractors and other major contributors into the project”. Through commitment to mutual project objectives, collaborative problem solving and a joint governance structure, partners pursue collaborative relationships, trust and improved performance. The new definition indicates that PP neither varies with early contractor involvement nor gain and pain share, but varies with the degree of mutual project objectives, collaborative problem solving and joint governance structure.

Originality/value

PP is a complex concept with no widely accepted definition. The basic framework applied to the formulation of the definition in this project can also be applied to define and implement a partnering project and to define and distinguish between other relationship-based procurement forms.
Innovation in alliancing for improved delivery of road infrastructure projects
Authors: Che Ibrahim Che Khairil Izam , Costello Seosamh B. , Wilkinson Suzanne , Walker Derek
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore innovation in alliance contracting in the New Zealand construction industry in terms of features (i.e. development process, risk/reward framework and leadership structure) that could influence successful project outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a qualitative research methodology. Three alliancing projects have been identified as the cases. By using interviews with the project’s owner and non-owner participants and related project documentation, the relevant features in the three examined cases were identified and compared.

Findings

The findings revealed differences in the reasoning why a particular alliance approach was implemented, how the alliance selection process was conducted and what kind of leadership structure was adopted. Interestingly, a number of unique and innovative practices to alliancing were also highlighted, notably the innovative agreements, innovative governance structure and innovative functional teams that influence the synergistically creative solutions to suit the clients’ needs.

Practical implications

The innovative practices identified in this study have brought the alliancing concept to a new level of practice in the industry. The findings provide a basis and a platform for discussion, both nationally and internationally, to gain greater understanding in managing different alliance contracting towards breakthrough outcomes.

Originality/value

This study extends the alliancing procurement literature, in particular, but also provides significant insights into innovative advancements to the collaborative procurement approaches.
Investigating supplier-induced complexity in supply chains
Authors: Gerschberger Markus , Manuj Ila , Freinberger Patrick
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand and measure empirically the objective and perceived dimensions of supplier-induced complexity in supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

An equal-weight, complementary mixed-method approach is used to investigate supplier-induced complexity and understand its impact on outcomes. Initial qualitative research and extant literature review allowed the identification of supplier characteristics that add complexity to supply chains and development of four research hypotheses. Subsequently, quantitative analysis was used for testing the hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that supplier-induced complexity is related to adverse outcomes, and both perceived and objective dimensions of complexity are valuable in understanding and measuring supplier-induced complexity.

Research limitations/implications

This study employs a mixed-method approach to establish and test relationships among perceived and objective supplier-induced complexity, and their outcomes. The unit of analysis is the first-tier suppliers of one farm equipment manufacturing firm. This limits the generalizability of the results to similar industrial manufacturing firms.

Practical implications

This paper presents an approach to identify suppliers that add the highest levels of complexity to a supply chain and, thus, require closer monitoring. Specific supplier characteristics are identified for individual suppliers. Developing specific complexity-related measures helps better identify critical suppliers compared to traditional approaches (e.g. ABC analysis).

Originality/value

This paper contributes to supply chain management literature by comprehensively exploring supplier-induced complexity, incorporating the often-ignored perceived complexity dimension, and providing a managerially useful framework.
A bibliometric analysis of reverse logistics research (1992-2015) and opportunities for future research
Authors: Wang Jian-Jun , Chen Haozhe , Rogers Dale S. , Ellram Lisa M. , Grawe Scott J.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Interest in reverse logistics (RL) as a critical component of supply chain management (SCM) is gaining more traction with both practitioners and academics. Because of RL’s growing strategic importance, it is imperative to conduct a timely and comprehensive literature review and to identify associated opportunities for future research. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the researchers conduct an extensive bibliometric analysis of published academic articles on RL for the period of 1992-2015. Specifically, the CiteSpace software is utilized to conduct document co-citation analysis and burst detection analysis on 912 selected RL articles and their 22,642 references.

Findings

This research identifies the most influential RL research publications/citations in each of the five periods and their research contribution. Using co-citation analysis, the authors are able to identify and illustrate major research themes, knowledge groups, and future research opportunities in the RL field.

Originality/value

In contrast to existing literature review studies in the logistics field, the study uses impact factor as a key article selection criterion. The influential articles identified in this process well represent the core literature and RL body of knowledge and have important implications for future research.
The Physical Internet – review, analysis and future research agenda
Authors: Sternberg Henrik , Norrman Andreas
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The Physical Internet (PI) is an emerging concept that applies the Digital Internet as a design metaphor for the development of sustainable, interoperable and collaborative freight transport. With the aim of aiding researchers and policy makers in their future efforts to develop efficient logistics systems, the purpose of this paper is to present a review of the existing literature on the PI, to critically discuss the concept and to outline a research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review investigates scientific papers, project reports, specifications and other publications related to PI. In total, 46 publications were finally analyzed. The approach used in this paper is technology adoption by firms. The authors examine the PI based on four factors: organizational readiness (technological blueprints), external pressure (promised effects), perceived benefits (business model) and adoption.

Findings

A growing number of strategies, blueprints and specifications have been developed for PI, yet there are no currently developed models that illustrate how the move from the entrenched logistics business models to the PI could ensue. There is a lack of understanding of the business models needed that can involve critical actors and promote the adoption of the PI concept.

Research limitations/implications

While using the internet as a metaphor for reimagining physical transports is certainly exciting, this review and analysis suggest that several research questions need to be addressed before further PI blueprint work is carried out.

Practical implications

The “grand challenge” of sustainability in logistics needs to be addressed and improved, but the authors’ analysis suggests that, to some extent, it is uncertain how the PI will contribute to improving sustainability, and why logistics service providers should engage in PI. Policy makers and practitioners are provided with critical issues to consider in the practical development and adoption of the concept.

Originality/value

This paper provides an outsider and technology-adoption perspective of PI research, as well as important implications for policy makers and researchers.
Pedagogical content knowledge of sustainability
Authors: Singer-Brodowski Mandy
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper’s purpose is to describe students’ learning processes in a project-based and self-organized seminar on sustainability. A detailed knowledge of typical learning processes is part of a pedagogical content knowledge of sustainability and can therefore contribute to the professional development of university educators.

Design/methodology/approach

In a project-based and self-organized seminar, a case study has been conducted with the grounded theory’s methodological approach. Data were collected from student interviews, group discussions and observations of students’ planning and organization meetings.

Findings

The results of the case study show that students’ learning processes vary depending on their pre-seminar sustainability experiences. Two types have been established: sustainability newcomers and sustainability experts. Furthermore, the results indicate the importance of emotions in the involvement with sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The significance of the case study is limited by a small number of cases. Also, the results are specific for a seminar self-organized by the students and can therefore not simply be transferred to other seminars.

Practical implications

Knowledge of specific learning processes and a possible conceptual change in sustainability classes could be an important issue in the professional development of university educators because it would increase the educators’ pedagogical content knowledge.

Originality/value

The triangulation of qualitative data mainly served the investigation of students’ perspectives and therefore the understanding of subjective preferences, experiences and learning processes in the field of higher education for sustainable development (HESD).
Campus sustainability tours: exploring an uncharted tool
Authors: Trahan Ellen R. , North Leslie A. , Gripshover Margaret M. , Huss Jeanine M.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the development narrative and usage of environmental sustainability tours available at universities and takes an in-depth look into the Western Kentucky University (WKU) Green Tour.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with sustainability leaders involved in tours at their university to discover how they were developed and used. An assessment of the WKU Green Tour used surveys and pre- and post-tests to determine the reach of the tour to the campus population, student learning and faculty use.

Findings

There is a lack of data on sustainability tours, making it difficult to design new tours and validate their status as an essential tool. In the case of WKU, the need for data was confirmed, as current practices that were assumed to be effective proved ineffective. Multiple suggestions for improved tours are provided.

Research limitations/implications

The case study used in this paper is not representative of all university sustainability tours as they can vary widely. Given the lack of research on the subject, especially quantitative research, it is a valuable study.

Practical implications

Though sustainability tours are touted as a valuable tool for all campuses, more data are needed to validate this claim. Data suggest the tours are effective tools for increasing knowledge, but there is need for further assessment of tours and how they can be used to create a sustainably literate campus.

Originality/value

This study is the first to assess sustainability tours using mixed-methods.
Knowledge transfer from business schools to business organizations: the roles absorptive capacity, learning motivation, acquired knowledge and job autonomy
Authors: Tho Nguyen Dinh
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of absorptive capacity, learning motivation and acquired knowledge on knowledge transfer from business schools to business organizations, as it has been realized that in-service training business students can serve as a channel as well as a source in this type of knowledge transfer. The study also examines the mixed moderating role of job autonomy in the relationship between acquired knowledge and knowledge transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 344 in-service training business students in Vietnam was surveyed to collect data. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the measures, and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that absorptive capacity positively affects acquired knowledge but it does not have an effect on knowledge transfer. Learning motivation, however, has positive effects on both acquired knowledge and knowledge transfer. The findings also indicate that acquired knowledge is a determinant of knowledge transfer. Finally, job autonomy plays the role of a mixed moderator in the relationship between acquired knowledge and knowledge transfer.

Practical implications

This study signals the participating parties –business schools, business organizations and in-service training business students –that absorptive capacity, learning motivation, acquired knowledge and job autonomy are critical to the transfer of knowledge from business schools to business organizations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on university-to-industry knowledge transfer by providing empirical evidence for key determinants of knowledge transfer from business schools to business organizations through a new channel of knowledge transfer – in-service training business students.
Return and co-movement of major public real estate markets during global financial crisis
Authors: Liow Kim Hiang , Angela Shao Yue
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the volatility spectral of five major public real estate markets, namely, the USA, the UK, Japan (JP), Hong Kong (HK), and Singapore (SG), during the pre- and post-global financial crisis (GFC) periods.

Design/methodology/approach

First, univariate spectral analysis is concerned with discovering price cycles for the respective real estate markets. Second, bivariate cross-spectral analysis seeks to uncover whether any two real estate price series share common cycles with regard to their relative magnitudes and lead-lag patterns of the cyclical variations. Finally, to test the contagion effects, the authors estimate the exact percentage change in co-spectral density (cyclical covariance) due to high frequencies (short run) after the GFC.

Findings

The authors find that whilst none of the public real estate markets examined are spared from the crisis, the three Asian markets were less severely affected by the GFC and were accompanied by a reversal in volatility increase three years post-global financial crisis. Additionally, the public real estate markets studied have become more cyclically linked in recent years. This is particularly true at longer frequencies. Finally, these increased cyclical co-movements measure the outcomes of contagion and indicate fairly strong contagious effects between the public real estate markets examined due to the crisis.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this research is that benefits to investors from international real estate diversification may not be as great during the present time compared to previous periods because national public real estate markets have become more correlated. Nevertheless, the findings do not imply the complete absence of diversification benefits. This is because although cyclical correlations increase in the short run, many of the correlation values are still between low and moderate range, indicating that some diversification benefits may still be realized.

Practical implications

Given the significant market share and the highest levels of securitization in Asia-Pacific markets including JP, HK/China, and SG, this cyclical research including major public real estate markets has practical implications for ongoing international real estate investment strategies, particularly for the USA/UK and Asian portfolio managers.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the limited research on the cyclical return and co-movement dynamics among major public real estate markets during financial/economic crisis in international finance. Moreover, the frequency-domain analysis conducted in this paper adds to better understanding regarding the impact of GFC on the cyclical return volatility and co-movement dynamics of major developed public real estate markets in international investing.
Office rents, mixed-use developments, and agglomeration economies: a panel data analysis
Authors: Liusman Ervi , Ho Daniel Chi Wing , Lo Hiu Ching , Lo Daniel Yet Fhang
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between office rents and mixed-use development in the context of agglomeration economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 10,209 observations in 100 Grade A office buildings in Hong Kong from January 2001 to June 2011, the authors estimated office rent regression using unbalanced panel data analysis.

Findings

The results show that rents decreased with an increase in distance from retailers and hotels. Furthermore, the results revealed that,ceteris paribus, office tenants were willing to pay higher rents in a mixed-use than in a single-use office development.

Research limitations/implications

There is an existence of agglomeration economies due to the clustering of various industries in mixed-use developments, which allow for their close proximity to potential clients.

Practical implications

The diversity of activities in a mixed-use development benefit its tenants and, thus, convince them to pay higher rents. Higher rents generated by a mixed-use facility will attract more investors to it. Investors should seek opportunities to capitalize on their equity in mixed-use developments.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to uncover a relationship between office rents and mixed-use developments by drawing on the concept of agglomeration economies.
Skyscrapers in Santiago: 300 meters of globalization agenda
Authors: Garza Nestor
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess alternative economic explanations of buildings’ height in Latin America and Chile, inductively producing a theory about skyscrapers’ height in emerging countries. In the quest for height, global exposure as advertising guides developers located in emerging economies, while ego-building for investors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses mixed methods triangulation (MMT). Findings with small sample econometrics for 38 cities from 13 different countries are re-interpreted by linguistically analyzing 11 semi-structured interviews with local experts in Santiago.

Findings

Globalization is the main determinant of skyscrapers height in the Latin American region, its interaction with the need to portray management and technical skills of developer firms, determines a process toward over-construction.

Research limitations/implications

Because of small sample bias, the quantitative results are not fully reliable, but this is precisely why it makes sense to use MMT.

Practical implications

Santiago offers a valuable case study because, on the one hand, Chile was the first Latin American country to undertake neoliberal type reforms, as early as 1973. On the other, the tallest Latin American skyscraper is to be completed in this city by 2015. The theory developed, derived from the evidence and the perceptions, has a Global South reach and can open-up an empirical research agenda.

Originality/value

This paper innovates in real estate research by using MMT, not just to confirm quantitative findings, but as an inductive theory building tool. It also analyses Latin America, a region with scarce presence in the literature.