bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes to a Brown Trout Population after Introducing Steelhead in a Michigan Stream
Authors: Nuhfer Andrew J. , Wills Todd C. , Zorn Troy G.
Published: April 2014

We evaluated the effects of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (migratory Rainbow Trout) introduction on the population dynamics of resident Brown Trout Salmo trutta from 1995 to 2008 in a small, low-gradient trout stream. Data on Brown Trout population density, survival, and growth were collected from the treatment section in Hunt Creek, Michigan, where adult steelhead were stocked each spring during 1998–2003, as well as from two reference stream reaches. The presence of steelhead had no apparent effect on the density of age-0 Brown Trout, but the mean density of all age-1 and older (age-1+) Brown Trout year-classes that interacted with juvenile steelhead of the same age was 46% lower than the density of age-1+ year-classes that did not interact with juvenile steelhead of the same age. No differences in density of age-1+ Brown Trout were detected in reference sections between the periods of steelhead presence or absence in the treatment section. Lower annual survival rates for year-classes of age-0 Brown Trout that interacted with steelhead in the Hunt Creek treatment section were the primary reason that density of age-1+ Brown Trout fell to nearly half the levels that existed before steelhead were introduced or after most steelhead had emigrated from the stream. Although our case study showed that the introduction of steelhead into a small, low-gradient stream resulted in lower densities of resident Brown Trout, upstream passage of steelhead into streams with high-quality habitat also offers tremendous potential to increase wild production of juvenile steelhead, thereby reducing fisheries managers’ reliance on hatchery-reared fish for stocking the Great Lakes.

Received August 16, 2013; accepted January 2, 2014
Spawning Dynamics and Associated Management Implications for Atlantic Cod
Authors: Zemeckis Douglas R. , Dean Micah J. , Cadrin Steven X.
Published: April 2014

Many stocks of Atlantic Cod Gadus morhua have been depleted due to interactions between overfishing and environmental variation. Stock declines were often accompanied by reductions in spawning diversity and collapses of population structure. Studying Atlantic Cod spawning activity can provide insights into the mechanisms involved in rebuilding. This paper reviews the existing literature on Atlantic Cod spawning dynamics, including habitat, timing, behavior, gamete production, larval survivorship, and fishery impacts. The associated implications for fisheries management are discussed, and critical information gaps are identified for inclusion in future research. Of primary importance for consideration by fisheries managers are the spatial and temporal extent of spawning, the behavior of spawners, and the reproductive contributions of older age-classes. The application of spawning closures as part of a multidisciplinary approach to fisheries management is advocated to prevent the disruption of spawning activity and the extirpation of semidiscrete spawning components. Integrating information on Atlantic Cod spawning dynamics into fisheries management plans will better account for reproductive processes, which is expected to promote rebuilding and decrease the risk of further collapses of population structure.

Received August 22, 2013; accepted December 17, 2013
Analysis of a putative auxin biosynthesis inhibitor, indole-3-oxoethylphosphonic acid, in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ishida Yosuke , Hayashi Ken-ichiro , Soeno Kazuo , Asami Tadao , Nakamura Shouichi , Suzuki Masashi , Nakamura Ayako , Shimada Yukihisa
Published: April 2014

Previously we identified indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis inhibitors that act on the conversion of l-tryptophan to indole-3-pyruvic acid in the IAA biosynthesis of Arabidopsis. In the present study, we synthesized a new compound, indole-3-oxoethylphosphonic acid (IOEP), and found that IOEP had an inhibitory effect on IAA biosynthesis in Arabidopsis. The results suggest that IOEP is a novel inhibitor of auxin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis.
Development of Captive Breeding and Seed Production Techniques for Giant River Catfish Sperata seenghala
Authors: Rahman M Aminur , Arshad A , Yusoff Fatimah Md , Amin S M N , Marimuthu K , Ara R
Published: April 2014

The Giant River Catfish Sperata seenghala, locally known as “Guizza Air” (and hereafter referred to as just Guizza), has significant aquacultural and conservational values, but closer monitoring of the fish is now badly needed. To protect the species from extinction, an experiment was undertaken to breed and produce seed of Guizza in a captive-rearing system. In our study, Guizza were successfully bred and the naturally produced fry were reared at different stocking densities in nine earthen nursery ponds having an area of 0.012 ha each with an average depth of 0.8 m. Three stocking densities were evaluated in three replicates each. Fry produced from natural propagation that were stocked at 100,000/ha were defined as treatment 1 (T1), those stocked at 150,000/ha as treatment 2 (T2), and those stocked at 200,000/ha as treatment 3 (T3). At stocking, all reared fry were of the same age-group with a mean±SD length and weight of 1.74±0.27 cm and 0.20±0.03 g, respectively. Fry in all the experimental ponds were reared with commercial Saudi Bangla (SABINCO) nursery feed (32.06% crude protein) for the first 14 d and starter-I (31.53% crude protein) for days 15–56. Growth (final weight, final length, weight gain, length gain, and specific growth rate) and survival of the fingerlings were significantly higher in T1 than in T2 and T3. Feed conversion rate was significantly lower in T1 than in T2 and T3. Moreover, the physicochemical measurements and plankton population of the pond water were within the optimal level for fish culture, with plankton abundance being higher in T1 than in T2 and T3. Consistently higher net benefits were obtained from T1 than from T2 and T3. Hence, of the three stocking densities, 100,000 fry/ha was the most suitable density for rearing Guizza fingerlings in nursery ponds.
The Influence of Dietary Lysine on Yellow Perch Maturation and the Quality of Sperm
Authors: Kwasek Karolina , Dabrowski Konrad , Nynca Joanna , Wojno Michal , Wick Macdonald
Published: April 2014

The objective of the present study was to determine whether lysine (Lys) supplementation influences the maturation and sperm quality of Yellow Perch Perca flavescens. Juveniles raised on a formulated commercial diet and weighing approximately 75 g each were randomly distributed into six 400-L tanks. This experiment included two wheat-gluten-based diets in triplicate: (−) Lys (Lys-deficient) and (+) Lys (Lys-supplemented; 2.23% in dry feed) diets. In addition, 16 control fish were kept under identical conditions and fed a commercial diet. The weight of males was larger in the control group than in the (+) Lys and (−) Lys groups. The sperm concentration was significantly higher in the control and (+) Lys groups than in the (−) Lys group. Sperm motility was lower in the (−) Lys group than in the control and (+) Lys groups. The control group had significantly higher protein concentration in its seminal plasma than did the (+) Lys and (−) Lys groups. The seminal plasma trypsin inhibitor activity showed the same trend. The seminal plasma free amino acid concentrations of arginine, methionine, threonine, glutamine, alanine, and glycine differed significantly among treatments. This is the first report demonstrating the negative effect of dietary lysine level in plant-protein-based diets on reproduction in fish.
Critical Thermal Maxima of Two Geographic Strains of Channel and Hybrid Catfish
Authors: Stewart Heather A , Allen Peter J
Published: April 2014

Critical thermal maxima have been used extensively to provide physiologically and ecologically valuable reference points that identify early signs of thermal stress. In catfish pond culture, daily temperature maxima up to 36°C and daily fluctuations of as much as 6°C are observed. These extreme conditions will probably be exacerbated by the effects of global climate change. Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus have a broad natural distribution from southern Canada to northern Mexico. If regional genetic differences could cause strains with a southern distribution to have greater thermal tolerance than strains with a northern distribution, and consequently a greater critical thermal maximum, then hybrid catfish (Channel Catfish × Blue Catfish I. furcatus) strains might be expected to have greater critical thermal maxima than their respective Channel Catfish strains because Blue Catfish have a more southern range of distribution. To examine this, we quantified differences of acute thermal tolerance in two geographically distinct strains of Channel Catfish and their hybrid crosses with an industry standard strain of Blue Catfish. The catfish were subjected to water temperature increases of 2.0 ± 0.1°C · h−1 until they lost equilibrium. Standard length, which ranged from 162 to 320 mm, had a significant effect on survival, survival being greater in larger fish. The critical thermal maximum ranged from 38.6°C to 40.3°C. Southern Channel Catfish tolerated higher temperatures than northern Channel Catfish did, and both strains of Channel Catfish tolerated higher temperatures than their hybrid catfish strains did. This study indicates that geographically distinct catfish strains differ in acute thermal tolerance and suggests heritability for this trait, as evidenced by similar responses in Channel Catfish and their corresponding hybrid crosses with Blue Catfish.
Stress Responses in Pallid Sturgeon Following Three Simulated Hatchery Stressors
Authors: Nelson Lucas R , Small Brian C
Published: April 2014

Because sturgeon populations are in critical decline, many species are artificially propagated in hatcheries with the goal of increasing wild stocks. Capture, transport, handling, confinement, and environmental fluctuations are just a few of the possible stressors Pallid Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus can be exposed to in conservation hatcheries. The objectives of the present study were to elucidate the effects of acute exposure to high ammonia concentrations, low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, and crowding on stress responses in Pallid Sturgeon, quantified by changes in plasma cortisol and glucose. Exposure to un-ionized ammonia-nitrogen concentrations of 0.6 mg/L for 24 h resulted in no significant (P > 0.05) change in plasma cortisol concentrations, suggesting these fish do not perceive the buildup of toxins. Exposure to 2 mg/L DO over a 0.5-h period resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in plasma cortisol concentrations during the low DO challenge, with levels decreasing (P > 0.05) within 30 min of recovery and returning to prestress levels within 2.5 h of recovery. Plasma cortisol concentrations increased (P < 0.05) within 0.25 h of crowding and remained elevated after 0.5 h of crowding. Removal of the crowding stressor did not result (P > 0.05) in decreased circulating cortisol within 30 min. Regardless of the stressor, Pallid Sturgeon plasma glucose levels were unaffected (P > 0.05). As such, glucose does not appear to be a reliable indicator of stress in Pallid Sturgeon. Defining the effects of stress on Pallid Sturgeon physiology is a critical first step toward understanding how stress affects fish health and well being and optimization of propagation practices.
Intracellular calcium movements during relaxation and recovery of superfast muscle fibers of the toadfish swimbladder
Authors: Nelson Frank E. , Hollingworth Stephen , Rome Lawrence C. , Baylor Stephen M.
Published: April 2014

The mating call of the Atlantic toadfish is generated by bursts of high-frequency twitches of the superfast twitch fibers that surround the swimbladder. At 16°C, a calling period can last several hours, with individual 80–100-Hz calls lasting ∼500 ms interleaved with silent periods (intercall intervals) lasting ∼10 s. To understand the intracellular movements of Ca2+ during the intercall intervals, superfast fibers were microinjected with fluo-4, a high-affinity fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, and stimulated by trains of 40 action potentials at 83 Hz, which mimics fiber activity during calling. The fluo-4 fluorescence signal was measured during and after the stimulus trains; the signal was also simulated with a kinetic model of the underlying myoplasmic Ca2+ movements, including the binding and transport of Ca2+ by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ pumps. The estimated total amount of Ca2+ released from the SR during a first stimulus train is ∼6.5 mM (concentration referred to the myoplasmic water volume). At 40 ms after cessation of stimulation, the myoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) is below the threshold for force generation (∼3 µM), yet the estimated concentration of released Ca2+ remaining in the myoplasm (Δ[CaM]) is large, ∼5 mM, with ∼80% bound to parvalbumin. At 10 s after stimulation, [Ca2+] is ∼90 nM (three times the assumed resting level) and Δ[CaM] is ∼1.3 mM, with 97% bound to parvalbumin. Ca2+ movements during the intercall interval thus appear to be strongly influenced by (a) the accumulation of Ca2+ on parvalbumin and (b) the slow rate of Ca2+ pumping that ensues when parvalbumin lowers [Ca2+] near the resting level. With repetitive stimulus trains initiated at 10-s intervals, Ca2+ release and pumping come quickly into balance as a result of the stability (negative feedback) supplied by the increased rate of Ca2+ pumping at higher [Ca2+].
Imaging spectroscopy links aspen genotype with below-ground processes at landscape scales
Authors: Madritch Michael D. , Kingdon Clayton C. , Singh Aditya , Mock Karen E. , Lindroth Richard L. , Townsend Philip A.
Published: April 2014

Fine-scale biodiversity is increasingly recognized as important to ecosystem-level processes. Remote sensing technologies have great potential to estimate both biodiversity and ecosystem function over large spatial scales. Here, we demonstrate the capacity of imaging spectroscopy to discriminate among genotypes of
Populus tremuloides
(trembling aspen), one of the most genetically diverse and widespread forest species in North America. We combine imaging spectroscopy (AVIRIS) data with genetic, phytochemical, microbial and biogeochemical data to determine how intraspecific plant genetic variation influences below-ground processes at landscape scales. We demonstrate that both canopy chemistry and below-ground processes vary over large spatial scales (continental) according to aspen genotype. Imaging spectrometer data distinguish aspen genotypes through variation in canopy spectral signature. In addition, foliar spectral variation correlates well with variation in canopy chemistry, especially condensed tannins. Variation in aspen canopy chemistry, in turn, is correlated with variation in below-ground processes. Variation in spectra also correlates well with variation in soil traits. These findings indicate that forest tree species can create spatial mosaics of ecosystem functioning across large spatial scales and that these patterns can be quantified via remote sensing techniques. Moreover, they demonstrate the utility of using optical properties as proxies for fine-scale measurements of biodiversity over large spatial scales.
Environmental drivers of variability in the movement ecology of turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in North and South America
Authors: Dodge Somayeh , Bohrer Gil , Bildstein Keith , Davidson Sarah C. , Weinzierl Rolf , Bechard Marc J. , Barber David , Kays Roland , Brandes David , Han Jiawei , Wikelski Martin
Published: April 2014

Variation is key to the adaptability of species and their ability to survive changes to the Earth's climate and habitats. Plasticity in movement strategies allows a species to better track spatial dynamics of habitat quality. We describe the mechanisms that shape the movement of a long-distance migrant bird (turkey vulture,Cathartes aura) across two continents using satellite tracking coupled with remote-sensing science. Using nearly 10 years of data from 24 satellite-tracked vultures in four distinct populations, we describe an enormous amount of variation in their movement patterns. We related vulture movement to environmental conditions and found important correlations explaining how far they need to move to find food (indexed by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and how fast they can move based on the prevalence of thermals and temperature. We conclude that the extensive variability in the movement ecology of turkey vultures, facilitated by their energetically efficient thermal soaring, suggests that this species is likely to do well across periods of modest climate change. The large scale and sample sizes needed for such analysis in a widespread migrant emphasizes the need for integrated and collaborative efforts to obtain tracking data and for policies, tools and open datasets to encourage such collaborations and data sharing.
Average oxidation state of carbon in proteins
Authors: Dick Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2014

The degree of oxidation of carbon atoms in organic molecules depends on the covalent structure. In proteins, the average oxidation state of carbon (ZC) can be calculated as an elemental ratio from the chemical formula. To investigate oxidation-reduction (redox) patterns, groups of proteins from different subcellular locations and phylogenetic divisions were selected for comparison. Extracellular proteins of yeast have a relatively high oxidation state of carbon, corresponding with oxidizing conditions outside of the cell. However, an inverse relationship betweenZCand redox potential occurs between the endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasm; this trend is interpreted as resulting from overall coupling of protein turnover to the formation of a lower glutathione redox potential in the cytoplasm. In Rubisco homologues, lowerZCtends to occur in organisms with higher optimal growth temperature, and there are broad changes inZCin whole-genome protein compositions in microbes from different environments. Energetic costs calculated from thermodynamic models suggest that thermophilic organisms exhibit molecular adaptation to not only high temperature but also the reducing nature of many hydrothermal fluids. A view of protein metabolism that depends on the chemical conditions of cells and environments raises new questions linking biochemical processes to changes on evolutionary timescales.
The diabetes gene Hhex maintains δ-cell differentiation and islet function
Authors: Zhang Jia , McKenna Lindsay B. , Bogue Clifford W. , Kaestner Klaus H.
Published: April 2014

The homeodomain transcription factor HHEX (hematopoietically expressed homeobox) has been repeatedly linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using genome-wide association studies. We report here that within the adult endocrine pancreas, Hhex is selectively expressed in the somatostatin-secreting δ cell. Using two mouse models with Hhex deficiency in the endocrine pancreas, we show that Hhex is required for δ-cell differentiation. Decreased somatostatin levels in Hhex-deficient islets cause disrupted paracrine inhibition of insulin release from β cells. These findings identify Hhex as the first transcriptional regulator specifically required for islet δ cells and suggest compromised paracrine control as a contributor to T2DM.
Calcineurin/Nfatc1 signaling links skin stem cell quiescence to hormonal signaling during pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Goldstein Jill , Fletcher Sean , Roth Eve , Wu Christine , Chun Andrew , Horsley Valerie
Published: April 2014

In most tissues, the prevailing view is that stem cell (SC) niches are generated by signals from within the nearby tissue environment. Here, we define genetic changes altered in hair follicle (HF) SCs in mice treated with a potent SC activator, cyclosporine A (CSA), which inhibits the phosphatase calcineurin (CN) and the activity of the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (Nfatc1). We show that CN/Nfatc1 regulates expression of prolactin receptor (Prlr) and that canonical activation of Prlr and its downstream signaling via Jak/Stat5 drives quiescence of HF SCs during pregnancy and lactation, when serum prolactin (Prl) levels are highly elevated. Using Prl injections and genetic/pharmacological loss-of-function experiments in mice, we show that Prl signaling stalls follicular SC activation through its activity in the skin epithelium. Our findings define a unique CN–Nfatc1–Prlr–Stat5 molecular circuitry that promotes persistent SC quiescence in the skin.
Rho-actin signaling to the MRTF coactivators dominates the immediate transcriptional response to serum in fibroblasts
Authors: Esnault Cyril , Stewart Aengus , Gualdrini Francesco , East Phil , Horswell Stuart , Matthews Nik , Treisman Richard
Published: April 2014

The transcription factor SRF (serum response factor) recruits two families of coactivators, the MRTFs (myocardin-related transcription factors) and the TCFs (ternary complex factors), to couple gene transcription to growth factor signaling. Here we investigated the role of the SRF network in the immediate transcriptional response of fibroblasts to serum stimulation. SRF recruited its cofactors in a gene-specific manner, and virtually all MRTF binding was directed by SRF. Much of SRF DNA binding was serum-inducible, reflecting a requirement for MRTF–SRF complex formation in nucleosome displacement. We identified 960 serum-responsive SRF target genes, which were mostly MRTF-controlled, as assessed by MRTF chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) combined with deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) and/or sensitivity to MRTF-linked signals. MRTF activation facilitates RNA polymerase II (Pol II) recruitment or promoter escape according to gene context. MRTF targets encode regulators of the cytoskeleton, transcription, and cell growth, underpinning the role of SRF in cytoskeletal dynamics and mechanosensing. Finally, we show that specific activation of either MRTFs or TCFs can reset the circadian clock.
Root growth is modulated by differential hormonal sensitivity in neighboring cells
Authors: Fridman Yulia , Elkouby Liron , Holland Neta , Vragović Kristina , Elbaum Rivka , Savaldi-Goldstein Sigal
Published: April 2014

Coherent plant growth requires spatial integration of hormonal pathways and cell wall remodeling activities. However, the mechanisms governing sensitivity to hormones and how cell wall structure integrates with hormonal effects are poorly understood. We found that coordination between two types of epidermal root cells, hair and nonhair cells, establishes root sensitivity to the plant hormones brassinosteroids (BRs). While expression of the BR receptor BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE1 (BRI1) in hair cells promotes cell elongation in all tissues, its high relative expression in nonhair cells is inhibitory. Elevated ethylene and deposition of crystalline cellulose underlie the inhibitory effect of BRI1. We propose that the relative spatial distribution of BRI1, and not its absolute level, fine-tunes growth.
Dystrophic muscle environment induces changes in cell plasticity
Authors: Faralli Herve , Dilworth F. Jeffrey
Published: April 2014

Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) reside in the muscle, where they facilitate myofiber regeneration. Under normal conditions, FAPs lack myogenic potential and thus do not directly contribute to regenerated myofibers. Surprisingly, Saccone and colleagues (pp. 841–857) demonstrated that the dystrophic muscle environment causes FAPs to adopt a chromatin state that imparts these cells with myogenic potential. In this context, treatment of muscle with deacetylase inhibitors activates a BAF60c–myomiR transcriptional network in FAPs, blocking adipogenesis and driving muscle differentiation.
(2.2.2-Cryptand)potassium tetracarbonylcobaltate(−I)
Authors: Brennessel William W. , Ellis John E.
Published: April 2014

The title salt, [K(C18H36N2O6)][Co(CO)4], is an example of a classical carbonylmetalate. The asymmetric unit contains one cation and one tetrahedral anion, both in general positions. Based on comparison of the four carbonyl C—O bond lengths and C—Co—C angles, the anion is unperturbed by the cation, which is normal for an alkali metal fully encased by a cryptand cage.
Diaquabis(nicotinamide-κN1)bis(thiocyanato-κN)nickel(II)
Authors: Pandey Deepanjali , Narvi Shahid S. , Mehrotra Gopal K. , Butcher Raymond J.
Published: April 2014

In the title complex, [Ni(NCS)2(C6H6N2O)2(H2O)2], the NiIIion is located on an inversion center and is coordinated in a distorted octahedral environment by two N atoms from two nicotinamide ligands and two water molecules in the equatorial plane, and two N atoms from two thiocyanate anions in the axial positions, all acting as monodentate ligands. In the crystal, weak N—H...S hydrogen bonds between the amino groups and the thiocyanate anions form anR42(8) motif. The complex molecules are linked by O—H...O, O—H...S, and N—H...S hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. Weak π–π interactions between the pyridine rings is also found [centroid–centroid distance = 3.8578 (14) Å].
(E)-tert-Butyl 2-(5-{[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]diazenyl}-2,6-dioxo-1H-pyrimidin-3-yl)acetate dichloromethane monosolvate
Authors: Hudson Robert H. E. , Moustafa Mohamed E. , Boyle Paul D.
Published: April 2014

In the title compound, C18H23N5O4·CH2Cl2, the dichloromethane solvent molecule is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.630 (13):0.370 (13) ratio. The dihedral angle between the uracil and phenyl rings is 30.2 (1)°. In the crystal, the principal interactions are N—H...O hydrogen bonds, which link uracil units across centres of symmetry, forming eight-membered rings with anR22(8) graph-set motif. The structure also displays C—H...O and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds. Intramolecular C—H...O short contacts are also observed.
5-(4-Chlorophenoxy)-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde
Authors: Vinutha N. , Kumar S. Madan , Shobhitha S. , Kalluraya B. , Lokanath N. K. , Revannasiddaiah D.
Published: April 2014

In the title compound, C17H13ClN2O2, the phenyl and chlorobenzene rings are inclined to the central pyrazole ring at 40.84 (9) and 65.30 (9)°, respectively. In the crystal, pairs of C—H...π interactions link the molecules into inversion dimers and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link these dimers into columns extended in [010]. The crystal packing exhibits short intermolecular O...Cl contacts of 3.0913 (16) Å.
Methyl 4-O-benzyl-α-L-rhamnopyranoside
Authors: Pendrill Robert , Eriksson Lars , Widmalm Göran
Published: April 2014

In the title compound, C14H20O5, an intermediate in the synthesis of oligosaccharides, the glycosidic [H—C—O—C(H3)] torsion angle φHis 52.3° and theexo-cyclic [H—C—O—C(H2)] torsion angle θHis −11.7°. The hexapyranose ring has a chair conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [010]. Enclosed within the chains areR33(12) ring motifs involving three molecules. The chains are linkedviaC—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional network.
1-(2,3,4,5,6-Pentamethylbenzyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzimidazole
Authors: Anĝay Fırat , Çelik Ömer , Barlık Orhan , Ulusoy Mahmut
Published: April 2014

In the title compound, C24H25N3, the benzimidazole ring system is essentially planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.017 Å, and forms dihedral angles of 7.81 (5) and 87.61 (4)° with the pyridine and benzene rings, respectively. An intramolecular C—H...N hydrogen bond is observed. In the crystal, molecules are stacked along theaaxis by weak C—H...π interactions.
2-(5-Methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl acetate
Authors: Santos Alexsandro F. dos , Cristiano Rodrigo , Athayde-Filho Petrônio F. , Bortoluzzi Adailton J.
Published: April 2014

In the title compound, C11H10N2O3, which is a potential bioactive compound, the benzene and oxadiazole rings are approximately coplanar, with an inter-ring dihedral angle of 4.14 (2)°, while the ester plane is rotated out of the benzene plane [dihedral angle = 82.69 (9)°]. In the crystal, the molecules form layers down theaaxis with weak π–π interactions between the oxadiazole and benzene rings [minimum ring centroid separation = 3.7706 (14) Å].
Climate change, tourism and water resources in the Mediterranean
Authors: Roson Roberto , Sartori Martina
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to present and discuss some quantitative results obtained in assessing the economic impact of variations in tourism flows, induced by climate change, for some Mediterranean countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Estimates by a regional climate model are used to build a tourism climate index, which indicates the suitability of climate, in certain locations, for general outdoor activities. As climate change is expected to affect a number of variables like temperature, wind and precipitation, it will have consequences on the degree of attractiveness of touristic destinations. The authors estimate the macroeconomic consequences of changing tourism flows by means of a computable general equilibrium model.

Findings

– The authors found that more incoming tourists will increase income and welfare, but this phenomenon will also induce a change in the productive structure, with a decline in agriculture and manufacturing, partially compensated by an expansion of service industries. The authors found that, in most countries, the decline in agriculture entails a lower demand for water, counteracting the additional demand for water coming from tourists and bringing about a lower water consumption overall.

Research limitations/implications

– A great deal of uncertainty affects, in particular: estimates of future climate conditions, especially for variables different from temperature, the relationship between climate and tourist demand, and its interaction with socio-economic variables. This also depends on the reliability of the TCI index as an indicator of climate suitability for tourism, on its application to spatially and temporally aggregated data, on the degree of responsiveness of tourism demand to variations in the TCI. Furthermore, as the authors followed here a single region approach, the authors were not able to consider in the estimates the impact of climate change on the global tourism industry. Nonetheless, the authors believe that a quantitative analysis like the one presented here is not without scope. First, it provides an order of magnitude for the impact of climate change on tourism and the national economy. Second, it allows to assess systemic and second-order effects, which are especially relevant in this context and, moreover, appear to be sufficiently robust to alternative model specifications. In other words, the value added of this study does not lie in the specific figures obtained by numerical computations, but on the broader picture emerging from the overall exercise.

Originality/value

– To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study in which, by assessing higher tourism attractiveness into a general equilibrium framework, the effect described above is detected and highlighted.
Clean development mechanism of Kyoto Protocol
Authors: Gupta Anil
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to review the developments in India with respect to clean development mechanism (CDM) of Kyoto Protocol to assess the achievements during first Kyoto Protocol period (2008-2012) in climate change mitigation and suggest measure for better participation during the second commitment period. The paper further makes an attempt to explore the experience, concerns and expectations of the Indian project proponents of green projects registered with CDM Executive Board.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper employs two methods: informal interviews with executives of World Bank, Designated National Authority (DNA) of India for CDM, leading international CDM consulting firms and a questionnaire survey of Indian CDM projects proponents.

Findings

– During first commitment period valid up to December 31, 2012, India remained active participant in the CDM, the only mechanism of Kyoto Protocol where developing countries can participate and join in mitigation of climate change, through the development of green projects and thereby earning additional revenue in terms of carbon finance by sale of carbon credits. The study finds out that in the global CDM experience, India's role is striking with its second highest share both in terms of number of projects registered worldwide and in generation of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs).

Originality/value

– This paper provides several recommendations for strengthening the institutional frame work in India with respect to CDM as well as suggestions to policy makers for consideration while charting out future policies and programs addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation oriented towards better participation in climate change mitigation during the second commitment period of Kyoto Protocol.
The case for professional boards: an assessment of Pozen's corporate governance model
Authors: A. Hemphill Thomas , J. Laurence Gregory
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Robert C. Pozen, Chairman Emeritus of MFS Investment Management and a long-time scholar of corporate governance, has proposed a model of professional board directorship that responds to the three main factors he believes underpin ineffective board decision making: the large size of boards; the lack of specific industry expertise; and inadequate director time commitment. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors critically evaluate the efficacy of Pozen's proposed corporate governance model, addressing the three main factors underpinning ineffective board decision making.

Findings

– A professional board consisting of retired executives with industry-specific expertise is vulnerable to a groupthink mentality, as well as to the availability of such individuals for board directorship seats. Moreover, while industry-specific expertise is a desired attribute of an independent board director, there are other attributes that firms are looking for, including international, regulatory/governmental, risk, technology, and marketing expertise. Lastly, Pozen's recommendations to reduce board size to seven members, as well as increasing the number of hours that independent directors spend on board-related activities (and commensurate compensation received), should be seriously considered as potential value-adding, corporate governance improvements.

Originality/value

– The authors critically evaluate a corporate governance model that, based on director-related issues arising from the recent global financial crisis, has resurrected the concept of a “professional board” of directors. The authors utilize state-of-the-art academic literature from the fields of corporate governance and organizational behavior to evaluate the merits and de-merits of the proposed corporate governance model, and present their findings (and recommendations) for improvements in corporate governance practices.
The relationship between employment and social networks in the older population
Authors: Haynes Philip , Banks Laura , Hill Michael
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between employment and social network membership in a secondary data set of European citizens aged 50-69 years.

Design/methodology/approach

– A subsample of the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) covering 13 European countries is analysed. Principal components analysis is used to reduce numerous social network characteristics to core elements than can be compared with country of origin, sex and employment status. A logistic regression is used to determine involvement in a community organisation. The independent variables are country of residence, age, sex and employment status.

Findings

– Those employed were more likely to participate in a community organisation and to have a greater number of friends. Employment status did not affect the amount of family contact. Being employed was found to increase the chances of an individual being involved in a community organisation, but for many respondents, their country of origin had a great influence on the probability of not being involved.

Research limitations/implications

– The ISSP provided no data on subjective health status and so it was not possible to control for the influence of poor health on employment and social network status. The limitations of sample weighting are discussed.

Practical implications

– There is evidence from this research that continued employment in late middle age and early old age increases advantageous social network contacts.

Originality/value

– This research challenges some previous research that suggested employment in old age might reduce social network activity.
Priorities in accommodating office user preferences: impact on office users decision to stay or go
Authors: Remøy Hilde , J.M. van der Voordt Theo
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– When current accommodation is unsatisfactory, office organisations consider relocating to new accommodation that optimally facilitates their main processes and supports image and financial yield. However, due to high vacancy levels, public opinion and governmental awareness oppose new office construction. Reusing existing buildings could be the egg of Columbus. This paper aims at answering the questions: which property characteristics are important push and pull factors for relocation? What does this mean for the decision: stay or go?

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review of factors determining organisations' accommodation choices was conducted. Interviews were held with large-scale office organisations and creative organisations, discussing relocation drivers. Henceforth, a survey was held among creative organisations, collecting data about property characteristics important for their preferences. Finally, office user preferences were compared with characteristics of structurally vacant buildings.

Findings

– Traditional push factors like car accessibility, extension need, and location and building image remain important. Nowadays sustainability issues like reducing energy consumption and better public transportation accessibility are highly prioritised pull factors as well. Regarding the creative industries, bike- and public transportation accessibility, multi-tenancy, and ICT and meeting facilities are most important.

Practical implications

– Knowing office users' preferences is important to attract and retain stable tenants. If office space supply is highly aligned to end-users' demands and easily adaptable to changing needs, probably more organisations will decide to stay instead of go, leaving behind empty offices.

Originality/value

– This study combines data about push and pull factors with relocation decision-making, innovatively focussing on the creative industries. The data can be used to explore opportunities and risks of adaptive re-use of the existing building stock.
Exploring wool apparel consumers’ ethical concerns and preferences
Authors: Nicola Sneddon Joanne , N. Soutar Geoffrey , Ann Lee Julie
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the potentially conflicting positive and negative ethical aspects of wool apparel and the relative importance of these ethical attributes when consumers in the USA make wool apparel purchase decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A two-stage mixed-method approach was used to explore the positive and negative ethical aspects of wool apparel and the relative importance of these ethical attributes in wool apparel purchase decisions. First, focus groups were used to identify ethical attributes that were important to wool apparel consumers in the USA. In the second stage, a conjoint survey was used to estimate the relative importance of the ethical and product attributes that were identified in the focus groups and the trade-offs made within this attribute set.

Findings

– Seven themes of ethical issues related to wool apparel consumption emerged during the focus groups: animal welfare, workers’ rights, environmental impact, extrinsic attributes, natural wool, country of origin (COO) and fair trade. In the conjoint analysis respondents identified COO as having the highest relative importance, followed by price, brand, ethical attributes and style. A cluster analysis of survey responses suggested there were two clusters that differed in the importance they attached to ethical labelling issues in wool apparel. The first cluster, did not place a great deal of importance on the ethical labelling issues included in the study, however, the second smaller cluster, ethical issues, specifically the humane treatment of sheep, were considered most important.

Originality/value

– The study identified wool apparel attributes that were valued by American consumers. That product attributes were more important than ethical attributes suggests a focus on ethical credentials alone may not be effective in wool marketing. Wool apparel was more likely to be purchased by American consumers if they were made in the USA, reasonably priced, made by an independent brand, from humanely produced wool and in a comfortable style.
Impacts of country images on luxury fashion brand: facilitating with the brand resonance model
Authors: Jung Jung Hye , Lee Yuri , Kim HaeJung , Yang Heesoon
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify the dimensionality of country image (CI) for luxury fashion brand and examine the multi-faceted impacts of CI on brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand loyalty in accordance with the brand resonance model. By identifying the constructs and conceptualizing and comparing the luxury fashion-brand resonance model between countries, this study demonstrates the pertinent CI impacts on luxury fashion-brand resonance in addition to exposing the cultural discrepancies between the Korean and the US samples.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on three studies conducted in South Korea and the USA, the Luxury Fashion Brand Resonance scale was validated. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling revealed the 18 scales consisting of CI, brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand loyalty dimensions. Additionally, the country effect was controlled by comparing the composition of structural models between the Korean and US samples.

Findings

– Analysis of online data (n=466) collected from the USA and Korea identifies the underlying dimensions of the CIs including cultural assets, fashion equity, and technology advancement. Findings also support all hypothesized relationships among CI, brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand loyalty. Upon a comparison of the country disparities, it is evident that technology advancement is the determinant of the increase in luxury fashion brand awareness for the Korean group, while cultural asset and fashion equity are pertinent to the enhancement of luxury fashion brand awareness for the US group.

Research limitations/implications

– The structural relationships among the six dimensions of brand resonance may vary when different countries and brands are compared. To improve the generalizability of empirical findings, varied consumer samples should be employed, and other control effects, such as price and product categories, should be considered.

Originality/value

– To provide insight into the transition toward a global consumer market, this study provides a theoretical orientation to account for multi-dimensional CI effects on the luxury fashion-brand resonance model and an empirical validation of the theoretical orientation which is useful for developing competitive global luxury branding strategies.
Are we on track with sustainability literacy?
Authors: Hahn Rüdiger , Reimsbach Daniel
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– In this viewpoint, the authors aim to discuss sustainability issues in university education. Balancing what we call the “Accounting View” and the “Sustainability View”, the authors illuminate the status of value relevance of sustainability information and question the depth of business students' processing of this information.

Design/methodology/approach

– The discussion was triggered by an experimental study on sustainability disclosure which revealed interesting findings related to the participating students' prior sustainability and accounting coursework. The authors start the viewpoint from these findings and contrast them with existing views on sustainability and accounting (education).

Findings

– The amount of accounting coursework was positively related to the probability of including sustainability information in future stock value estimates, whereas this applied only marginally to sustainability coursework. However, students with more sophisticated sustainability knowledge seemed to scrutinize the given sustainability information more deeply, while students with “pure” accounting knowledge seemed more willing to simply accept the information.

Practical implications

– The authors argue for advancements in the curriculum for business students that foster critical thinking and might prevent students (and thus potential future managers) from using sustainability information superficially. The authors caution against regarding sustainability issues as an “add-on” to existing courses and curricula and call for a combination of integrating sustainability issues in (core) business courses and offering standalone courses on sustainability management or CSR.

Originality/value

– Triggered by findings from an experimental study, the authors contrast different opinions on sustainability education of business students and offer a new viewpoint on the (supposed) value relevance of sustainability information for future business leaders.
Why privacy is not enough privacy in the context of “ubiquitous computing” and “big data”
Authors: Matzner Tobias
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Ubiquitous computing and “big data” have been widely recognized as requiring new concepts of privacy and new mechanisms to protect it. While improved concepts of privacy have been suggested, the paper aims to argue that people acting in full conformity to those privacy norms still can infringe the privacy of others in the context of ubiquitous computing and “big data”.

Design/methodology/approach

– New threats to privacy are described. Helen Nissenbaum's concept of “privacy as contextual integrity” is reviewed concerning its capability to grasp these problems. The argument is based on the assumption that the technologies work, persons are fully informed and capable of deciding according to advanced privacy considerations.

Findings

– Big data and ubiquitous computing enable privacy threats for persons whose data are only indirectly involved and even for persons about whom no data have been collected and processed. Those new problems are intrinsic to the functionality of these new technologies and need to be addressed on a social and political level. Furthermore, a concept of data minimization in terms of the quality of the data is proposed.

Originality/value

– The use of personal data as a threat to the privacy of others is established. This new perspective is used to reassess and recontextualize Helen Nissenbaum's concept of privacy. Data minimization in terms of quality of data is proposed as a new concept.