bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L-allo-Threonine aldolase with an H128Y/S292R mutation fromAeromonas jandaeiDK-39 reveals the structural basis of changes in substrate stereoselectivity
Authors: Qin Hui-Min , Imai Fabiana Lica , Miyakawa Takuya , Kataoka Michihiko , Kitamura Nahoko , Urano Nobuyuki , Mori Koji , Kawabata Hiroshi , Okai Masahiko , Ohtsuka Jun , Hou Feng , Nagata Koji , Shimizu Sakayu , Tanokura Masaru
Published: May 2014

L-allo-Threonine aldolase (LATA), a pyridoxal-5′-phosphate-dependent enzyme fromAeromonas jandaeiDK-39, stereospecifically catalyzes the reversible interconversion of L-allo-threonine to glycine and acetaldehyde. Here, the crystal structures of LATA and its mutant LATA_H128Y/S292R were determined at 2.59 and 2.50 Å resolution, respectively. Their structures implied that conformational changes in the loop consisting of residues Ala123–Pro131, where His128 moved 4.2 Å outwards from the active site on mutation to a tyrosine residue, regulate the substrate specificity for L-allo-threonineversusL-threonine. Saturation mutagenesis of His128 led to diverse stereoselectivity towards L-allo-threonine and L-threonine. Moreover, the H128Y mutant showed the highest activity towards the two substrates, with an 8.4-fold increase towards L-threonine and a 2.0-fold increase towards L-allo-threonine compared with the wild-type enzyme. The crystal structures of LATA and its mutant LATA_H128Y/S292R reported here will provide further insights into the regulation of the stereoselectivity of threonine aldolases targeted for the catalysis of L-allo-threonine/L-threonine synthesis.
Structural and functional characterization of human and murine C5a anaphylatoxins
Authors: Schatz-Jakobsen Janus Asbjørn , Yatime Laure , Larsen Casper , Petersen Steen Vang , Klos Andreas , Andersen Gregers Rom
Published: May 2014

Complement is an ancient part of the innate immune system that plays a pivotal role in protection against invading pathogens and helps to clear apoptotic and necrotic cells. Upon complement activation, a cascade of proteolytic events generates the complement effectors, including the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a. Signalling through their cognate G-protein coupled receptors, C3aR and C5aR, leads to a wide range of biological events promoting inflammation at the site of complement activation. The function of anaphylatoxins is regulated by circulating carboxypeptidases that remove their C-terminal arginine residue, yielding C3a-desArg and C5a-desArg. Whereas human C3a and C3a-desArg adopt a canonical four-helix bundle fold, the conformation of human C5a-desArg has recently been described as a three-helix bundle. Here, the crystal structures of an antagonist version of human C5a, A8Δ71–73, and of murine C5a and C5a-desArg are reported. Whereas A8Δ71–73adopts a three-helix bundle conformation similar to human C5a-desArg, the two murine proteins form a four-helix bundle. A cell-based functional assay reveals that murine C5a-desArg, in contrast to its human counterpart, exerts the same level of activition as murine C5a on its cognate receptor. The role of the different C5a conformations is discussed in relation to the differential activation of C5a receptors across species.
Effect of inhibitors on preferential weld corrosion under sweet conditions
Authors: Alawadhi Khaled , Martinez Mylène , Aloraier Abdulkareem , Alsarraf Jalal
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this investigation was to compare the performance of three typical oil field carbon dioxide corrosion inhibitors in controlling preferential weld corrosion (PWC) of X65 pipeline steel in artificial seawater (3.5 weight per cent) saturated with carbon dioxide at one bar pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

– A novel rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) apparatus was used to evaluate the effect of flow on the inhibition for the weld metal (WM), heat-affected zone (HAZ) and parent material. To fulfill this objective, the galvanic currents flowing between the weld regions were recorded using parallel zero-resistance ammeters, and the self-corrosion rates of the couples were obtained by linear polarization resistance measurements.

Findings

– The results showed that when 30 ppm of green oil field inhibitors were present in the service environment, a current reversal took place, resulting in accelerated weld corrosion. At high shear stress, the currents increased and further reversals occurred. The inhibitors were more effective in controlling the self-corrosion rates of the parent material than of the WM and HAZ material. It was concluded that PWC was caused by unstable conditions in which the inhibitor film was selectively disrupted from the WM and HAZ, but remained effective on the parent material.

Originality/value

– Electrochemical corrosion rate measurements were carried out using an RCE produced from the different regions of the weld. An advantage of using the RCE is that the hydrodynamic conditions are very well defined, and it is feasible to translate the conditions that are known to exist in a production pipeline to those used in laboratory tests.
The corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in 5 per cent HCl by Momordica charantia extract
Authors: Xuejun* Xie , Peng* Xiao , Jie He , Wen Xiao , Qiang Fu , Pinguo Zou
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– To study the inhibition effect and mechanism of the Momordica charantia extract (BM) to 20 A carbon steel in 5 per cent HCl.

Design/methodology/approach

– The weight loss, polarization curve, infrared spectrum (IR) analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) analysis were carefully investigated to indicate the inhibition effect and mechanism of the BM to 20 A carbon steel in 5 per cent HCl.

Findings

– BM was composed of C, N and O. Functional groups such as N–H and C=O were found in BM. The inhibition efficiency increased with the increasing concentration of BM. BM behaved as a mixed-type inhibitor, and the inhibition of BM to 20 A carbon steel might be its adsorption through the coordinate covalent bonding among the lone pair electrons of N and O and the empty 3d orbits of Fe, and the adsorption on the surface of 20 A carbon steel obeyed the Langmuir isotherm equation.

Research limitations/implications

– The inhibition of the BM to 20 A carbon steel in 5 per cent HCl.

Practical implications

– BM could be used in 5 per cent HCl to prevent 20 A carbon steel from corrosion.

Social implications

– BM could be used in the chemical cleaning of the boilers to prevent the thermal equipments from corrosion.

Originality/value

– The inhibition effect and mechanism of the BM to 20 A carbon steel were studied by the weight loss, polarization curve, IR analysis and XPS analysis. BM was composed of C, N and O. Functional groups such as N–H and C=O were found in BM. BM behaved as a mixed-type inhibitor. The inhibition efficiency increased with the increasing concentration of BM, and the adsorption on the surface of 20 A carbon steel obeyed the Langmuir isotherm equation.
Electromagnetic corrosion control in water cooling systems
Authors: Alencar de Souza Eduardo , Antônio da Cunha Ponciano Gomes José
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The aim was to study the effect of an electromagnetic treatment used on corrosion control of carbon steel in cooling systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The aim was to assess the performance of an electromagnetic treatment used on corrosion control of carbon steel in cooling water systems.

Findings

– The main conclusion is that the electromagnetic system cannot induce a direct effect on the corrosion rates. The use of chemical corrosion inhibitors cannot be suggested.

Social implications

– The optimized industrial use of water is an objective of unquestionable importance, as water is a finite resource. The use of efficient corrosion control on water cooling systems permits the reduction of the water volume required. Consequently, a social benefit can be associated with the improvement of corrosion control technologies.

Originality/value

– The development of alternative corrosion control technologies, such as the use of physical treatments, has been considered as a promising tool. In this work, a consistent assessment of the results achieved on a full-scale system, without using chemical corrosion inhibitors, is presented.
An experimental study on correlation between concrete resistivity and reinforcement corrosion rate
Authors: Ahmad Shamsad
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to explore the possibility of establishing an empirical correlation between concrete resistivity and reinforcement corrosion rate utilizing the experimental data generated by measuring corrosion current density of reinforced concrete specimens subjected to chloride-induced corrosion at different levels of concrete resistivity.

Design/methodology/approach

– To generate concrete resistivity vs corrosion current density data in a wide range, ten reinforced concrete specimens were prepared and allowed to corrode under severe chloride exposure. After significantly corroding the specimens, they were removed from the chloride exposure and were subjected to different moisture levels for achieving variation in the resistivity of concrete so that reasonably good number of resistivity vs corrosion rate data can be obtained. Resistivity and corrosion current density tests were conducted for all the ten specimens and their values were measured in wide ranges of 0.8-65 kΩ·cm and 0.08-11 μA/cm2, respectively.

Findings

– Data generated through this study were utilized to obtain an empirical relationship between concrete resistivity and corrosion current density. The trend of results obtained using the empirical correlation model developed in the present study was in close agreement with that obtained using a theoretical model reported in literature.

Originality/value

– The empirical correlation between concrete resistivity and reinforcement corrosion rate obtained under this work can be used for evaluation of reinforcement corrosion utilizing the resistivity values measured non-destructively.
Studies on synthesized nontoxic corrosion inhibitors for N80 steel in hydrochloric acid
Authors: Yadav Mahendra , Kumar Sumit , Sharma Dipti
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the protective ability of 2-amino-N-octadecylacetamide (AOA) and 2-amino-N-octadecyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionamide (AOHP) as corrosion inhibitors for N80 steel in 15 per cent hydrochloric acid (HCl), which may find application as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors in acidizing processes in the petroleum industry. Due to scale plugging in the well bore, there can be a decline in the crude production rate, and an acidization operation has to be carried out, normally by using 15 per cent HCl to remove the scale plugging. To reduce the aggressive attack of HCl on tubing and casing materials (N80 steel), inhibitors are added to the acid solution during the acidifying process.

Design/methodology/approach

– Different concentrations of the synthesized inhibitors AOA and AOHP were added to the test solution (15 per cent HCl), and the corrosion inhibition efficiencies of these inhibitors for N80 steel were calculated from weight loss determinations, potentiodynamic polarization scans and alternating current (AC) impedance measurements. The influence of temperature (298-323 K) on the inhibition behavior was studied. Surface examinations were performed by means of Fourier transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscope.

Findings

– AOA and AOHP at 150-ppm concentration showed a maximum efficiency of 90.04 and 94.97 per cent, respectively, at 298 K in 15 per cent HCl solution. Both the inhibitors acted as mixed corrosion inhibitors. The adsorption of the corrosion inhibitors at the surface of the N80 steel was the underlying mechanism of corrosion inhibition.

Originality/value

– This paper reports the preliminary laboratory results of inhibitors AOA and AOHP for the corrosion prevention of N80 steel casings and tubulars exposed to HCl and may be of practical help to petroleum engineers for carrying out acidization in oil wells after further investigation of the compound at higher temperature.
Chinese consumer attitude and purchase intent towards green products
Authors: Tang Yiming , Wang Xiucun , Lu Pingping
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how Chinese consumer attitude mediates factors that influence their purchase intention toward low-displacement vehicles.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study utilizes online survey data in China, multiple regression and recursive regression models.

Findings

– Consumers’ environmental concern, perceived effectiveness belief and functional value positively affect their attitude toward such products. Consumer attitude positively affects purchase intention. Consumer attitude fully mediates the influence of environmental concern, and partly mediates the effect of perceived effectiveness belief, and functional value on purchase intention. Consumers’ awareness of government policy is not associated with attitude or purchase intention.

Originality/value

– This is a first empirical study to systematically examine Chinese consumer attitude's mediation effect on factors influencing their purchase intent toward low-displacement vehicles in China.
Psychological and behavioural drivers of male fashion leadership
Authors: Haluk Koksal Mehmet
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting male fashion leadership behaviour. The study examined the effect of fashion consciousness, fashion knowledge, mood enhancement, decision-making confidence and brand switching as the psychological factors. It also included the influence of behavioural factors such as the information sources, attributes of purchasing fashion clothing and type of retailers on male fashion leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed in the main shopping districts of Beirut, Lebanon, during March 2012.

Findings

– The study uncovered that fashion consciousness, fashion knowledge, confidence in decision making and mood enhancement are to be the most important psychological factors influencing male fashion leadership behaviour. The study also found that frequency of reading fashion magazines is negatively and significantly affecting fashion leadership. Male fashion leaders use colleagues and friends as the main information sources for fashion. The effect of attractiveness, brand name, store image and quality of clothing is positive and significant whilst value for money negatively and significantly influences male fashion leadership. Male fashion leaders mainly shop from specialty shops, chain stores, department stores and the internet.

Originality/value

– Although there are a handful of studies which examined female fashion leadership, the male fashion leadership concept has not been extensively addressed in the literature. In an attempt to at least partially address this, the study attempts to identify the factors affecting male fashion leadership behaviour in Lebanon.
The interaction effect on customer purchase intention in e-commerce
Authors: Yen Yung-Shen
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the interaction effect of information richness, retailer brand, and extended offers on customer purchase intention in e-commerce.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hierarchical moderator regression analysis and simple slope analysis were used to test the hypotheses, also 356 savvy internet consumers in Taiwan were investigated.

Findings

– The findings revealed that information richness, retailer brand, and extended offers are positively related to customer purchase intention. However, the interaction effects may differ in these relationships. While information richness complements both retailer brand and extended offers on customer purchase intention, extended offers may substitute retailer brand for increase in purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

– A bias may exist because of the sample from an online survey. The findings suggest that complements are actually synergistic strategies of factors, while substitution is a switching of the alternative.

Practical implications

– Practitioners shall utilize information richness to the complements, such as retailer brand and extended offers, to strengthen customer purchase intention. In contrast, they may provide extended offers for acquiring customers in the short-term period, when retailer brand is relatively low or unknown.

Originality/value

– The findings of the study provide a new marketing strategy: managing substitutes and complements in adequate factors can give rise to better results for purchase intention increases in e-commerce.
Export performance: multiple predictors and multiple measures approach
Authors: Tinashe Kahiya Eldrede , L. Dean David
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of export performance within the parameters of the structure-conduct-and-performance (SCP) paradigm, resource-based view (RBV), rational choice (RC) and perceptual view (PV), theoretical templates.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study surveyed continuing manufacturing exporters from New Zealand (n=118) using an electronic method. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationships among the groups of predictors and three types of measures.

Findings

– The results found that strategic factors (encapsulating RC) were strong predictors of both export intensity (EI) and export intensity growth, followed by export barriers (representing PV). Conversely, firm factors (representing an amalgamation of SCP and RBV variables) generated lower explanatory power in predicting export performance. Regarding measures of export performance, EI carried the highest efficacy.

Practical implications

– This research suggests export performance depends primarily on deliberate strategic initiatives (RC) (regarding, products, markets and approaches to order generation), and implicitly challenges the resource and natural selection based advantages inherent in firm factors.

Originality/value

– This is one of the few studies on export performance to test the explanatory power of competing theoretical views using a multiple measures approach. Insights from this research extend to the very definition of an internationalizing SME with significant implications for export researchers.
The performance implications of perceptual differences of dependence in marketing channels
Authors: Yang Zhilin , Jia Fang , Cai Shaohan
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address two essential questions: do perceptual differences regarding dependence matter in determining channel performance, and if so, how?

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper conducted an empirical study of 347 cellular telephone supplier-retailer dyads in China. A questionnaire survey was employed.

Findings

– The results reveal that a retailer's perceptual difference of dependence exerts a significant effect on its evaluation of supplier performance only. Retailer trust partially mediates the effect of the perceptual differences on supplier performance and retailer performance. Therefore, the particular side of a dyadic relationship that researchers choose to study matters in an unbalanced dependence relationship.

Practical implications

– Managers, depending on their side, should pay close attention to perceptual differences and their consequences and deliberately employ different strategies to ensure effective channel management.

Originality/value

– Do differences in parties’ perceptions of dependence influence channel performance? If they do, how do these perceived differences exert direct and indirect impacts? By answering these questions, the authors contribute not only to an understanding of the unique nature of dyadic channel relationships but also to methodological notions about whether to study one side in a dyad.
Institutional reorganisation can be inspired by forward-looking information systems
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert , Mayer Johannes
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper is the continuation of an earlier paper in this journal on global megatrends provoking institutional changes. It contains sectoral analyses with relevance to environmental protection. Conclusions for suitable institutional reorganisation of (environmental or other) institutions are presented. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A planet-wide information system might optimally also include areas such as human development indicators, water supply and demand and deforestation issues.

Findings

– While administrations are increasingly oriented towards servicing a society, environmental institutions should specifically take care of global megatrends in the following areas: genetic engineering and biological safety, integrated plant technology in industry, climate protection, agriculture, noise, emissions and air pollution, sustainability, spatial planning and regional planning, radiation protection and nuclear power, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Information Act, traffic, forest, water.

Originality/value

– The approach of this paper is the long-term matching of (national) administrative structures with (global) megatrends.
Naming is taming
Authors: Rauch Herbert
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to encourage a discourse aiming to better understand the “psycho-social situation” of many people – from a global perspective. The following “first hypotheses” are formulated; pointing to crucial “hidden agendas” which shall be “named” in order to focus attention towards these phenomena (“taming”).

Design/methodology/approach

– Following the news and the “official” comments in Europe and America allow – almost demand – the formulation of “suspicions” with regard to “silent” (unconscious) shifts in the “loud” societies.

Findings

– The present economic regime is broadening the division between rich and poor worldwide, as is known. However, there are also other, more hidden divisions emerging, especially between “official” (e.g. administration-announced) and “common” opinions and attitudes, despite a growing globalisation of information (access-wise and content-wise, not necessarily reaching out to all milieus).

Research limitations/implications

– Formulating hypotheses can bring important issues to the forefront of attention within social science (e.g. starting a precautionary process also with regard to information).

Practical implications

– This paper aims to deepen the understanding of the social structure of the (now almost) worldwide interconnected social communication network (including “scars”).

Social implications

– Multicultural connectivity (understanding and exchange) is needed in order to solve (first perceive) the worldwide problems ahead of us.

Originality/value

– Naming agendas of global dimensions that are perhaps largely hidden and not yet perceived (“named”).
Deck-stay interaction with appropriate initial shapes of cable-stayed bridges
Authors: Liu Ming-Yi , Lin Li-Chin , Wang Pao-Hsii
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a variety of viewpoints to illustrate the mechanism of the deck-stay interaction with the appropriate initial shapes of cable-stayed bridges, which is validated by a symmetrical structure.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the smooth and convergent bridge shapes obtained by the initial shape analysis, the one-element cable system (OECS) and multi-element cable system (MECS) models of the symmetric harp cable-stayed bridge are developed to verify the applicability of the analytical model and numerical formulation from the field observations in the authors’ previous work. For this purpose, the modal analyses of the two finite element models are conducted to calculate the natural frequency and normalized mode shape of the individual modes of the bridge. The modal coupling assessment is also performed to obtain the generalized mass ratios among the structural components for each mode of the bridge.

Findings

– The findings indicate that the coupled modes are attributed to the frequency loci veering and mode localization when the “pure” deck-tower frequency and the “pure” stay cable frequency approach one another, implying that the mode shapes of such coupled modes are simply different from those of the deck-tower system or stay cables alone. The distribution of the generalized mass ratios between the deck-tower system and stay cables are useful indices for quantitatively assessing the degree of coupling for each mode. For each identical group of stay cables in the MECS model, the local modes with similar natural frequencies and normalized mode shapes consist of the participation of one or more stay cables. These results are demonstrated to fully understand the mechanism of the deck-stay interaction with the appropriate initial shapes of cable-stayed bridges.

Originality/value

– It is important to investigate the deck-stay interaction with the appropriate initial shape of a cable-stayed bridge. This is because such initial shape not only reasonably provides the geometric configuration as well as the prestress distribution of the bridge under the weight of the deck-tower system and the pretension forces in the stay cables, but also definitely ensures the satisfaction of the relations for the equilibrium conditions, boundary conditions and architectural design requirements. However, few researchers have studied the deck-stay interaction considering the initial shape effect. The objective of this paper is to fully understand the mechanism of the deck-stay interaction with the appropriate initial shapes of cable-stayed bridges, which is validated by a symmetrical structure. The modal coupling assessment is also performed for quantitatively assessing the degree of coupling for each mode of the bridge.
Introducing conjugate gradient optimization for modified HL-RF method
Authors: Keshtegar Behrooz , Miri Mahmoud
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Generally, iterative methods which have some instability solutions in complex structural and non-linear mechanical problems are used to compute reliability index. The purpose of this paper is to establish a non-linear conjugate gradient (NCG) optimization algorithm to overcome instability solution of the Hasofer-Lind and Rackwitz-Fiessler (HL-RF) method in first-order reliability analysis. The NCG algorithms such as the Conjugate-Descent (CD) and the Liu-Storey (LS) are used for determining the safety index. An algorithm is found based on the new line search in the reliability analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the proposed line search for calculating the safety index, search direction is computed by using the conjugate gradient approach and the HL-RF method based on the new and pervious gradient vector of the reliability function. A simple step size is presented for the line search in the proposed algorithm, which is formulated by the Wolfe conditions based on the new and previous safety index results in the reliability analysis.

Findings

– From the current work, it is concluded that the proposed NCG algorithm has more efficient, robust and appropriate convergence in comparison with the HL-RF method. The proposed methods can eliminate numerical instabilities of the HL-RF iterative algorithm in highly non-linear performance function and complicated structural limit state function. The NGC optimization is applicable to reliability analysis and it is correctly converged on the reliability index. In the NCG method, the CD algorithm is slightly more efficient than the LS algorithm.

Originality/value

– This paper usefully shows how the HL-RF algorithm and the NCG scheme are formulated in first-order reliability analysis. The proposed algorithm is validated from six numerical and structural examples taken from the literature. The HL-RF method is not converged on several non-linear mathematic and complex structural examples, while the two proposed conjugate gradient methods are appropriately converged for all examples. The CD algorithm is converged about twice faster than the LS algorithm in most of the problems. Therefore, application of the NCG method is possible in reliability analysis.
Who's influencing whom? Developing sustainable business partnerships
Authors: Adderley Simon , Mellor Duane
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Recently David Jones inWho Cares Winsproposed sustainability as being essential for businesses success over the coming decades. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the development of a partnership between an environmental non-government organisation (NGO) (world wildlife fund-UK) and a major retailer (Marks and Spencer). The partnership developed three “types”, sponsorship, technical and communication partnerships.

Design/methodology/approach

– A grounded theory approach was taken; information was gathered using semi-structured interviews. Data from these interviews were then triangulated with corporate materials to allow generalisations to develop.

Findings

– Through the three “types” of partnership themes of conflict and project drift were identified, although the overarching “Plan A” commitment is seen as a potential exemplar in sustainability. Difficulties were identified with respect to the dissemination of the outputs from the partnership, some of which were too complex, where others appeared to change to be more appealing to the consumer.

Social implications

– Although a single case study, it highlights the challenges and benefits to both partners. As such, it provides insight into the practical issues of delivering sustainability commitments and projects in partnership. Such approaches are critical not only for the viability of business, but also for the long-term health of our planet.

Originality/value

– This represents a case study of the development of a sustainable partnership between a large corporate and an NGO, which could represent a template for sustainable business. This paper in responds to the growing demand for such case-study examples.
The association between CEO incentive rewards and earnings management
Authors: Jouber Habib , Fakhfakh Hamadi
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether or not there is a link between CEO incentive-based compensation and earnings management and to examine how institutional environment's features influence such link.

Design/methodology/approach

– To test the predictions, the authors use a panel of 1,500 American, Canadian, British, and French firm-year observation over the period 2004-2008.

Findings

– The authors find a significant association between earnings management and CEO incentive-based compensation. Moreover, the analysis provides evidence that institutional factors are strong determinants of this association. Specifically, the results show that firms from countries within the Anglo-American corporate governance model, which provides greater protection of shareholder rights, ensures strict enforcement of law, and scores high on board oversight, tend to have lower level of earnings management. The analysis shows however, that beside the formal corporate governance quality, it is relevant to consider weaker shareholder protection and lower law enforcement indexes to explain earnings management in firms from countries within the Euro-Continental corporate governance model.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to provide insights regarding the extent to which CEO incentive rewards imply management discretion and to indicate how much institutional features matter. The analysis contributes to two distinct strands of research. It extends prior research on the association between executive compensation and earnings management and adds to the literature demonstrating a relationship between institutional factors and financial decisions.
Democracy meets rangatiratanga: Playcentre's bicultural journey 1989-2011
Authors: Manning Suzanne
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to trace the implementation of biculturalism in the New Zealand Playcentre Federation between 1989, when a public commitment to The Treaty of Waitangi was made, and 2011, when Tiriti-based co-presidents were elected.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were drawn from the Playcentre Journal and papers from Playcentre National meetings, as well as from the author's experience as a Pākehā participating in Playcentre. The events are analysed using democratic theory.

Findings

– Despite a willingness to encompass biculturalism, the processes of democracy as originally enacted by Playcentre hindered changes that allowed meaningful rangatiratanga (self-determination) by the Māori people within Playcentre. The factors that enabled rangatiratanga to gain acceptance were: changing to consensus decision making, allowing sub groups control over some decisions, and the adult education programme. These changes were made only after periods of open conflict. The structural changes that occurred in 2011 were the result of two decades of persistence and experimentation to find a way of honouring Te Tiriti within a democratic organisation.

Social implications

– The findings suggest that cultural pluralism within a liberal democratic organisation is best supported with an agonistic approach, where an underlying consensus of world view is not assumed but instead relies on a commitment by the different cultures to retaining the political association within the structure of the organisation.

Originality/value

– Many organisations in New Zealand, especially in education, struggle to implement biculturalism, and the findings of this study could be useful for informing policy in such organisations. This history of Playcentre continues from where previous histories finished.
Representation and use of aboriginality in a post-federation kindergarten setting
Authors: Jones Jennifer
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine an experimental neo-Herbartian and Frobelian curriculumWork in the kindergarten: An Australian programme based on the life and customs of the Australian Blackpublished by Martha Simpson in 1909.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses both primary and secondary sources to understand the context of production and reception of the settler narratives advocated for use in the curriculum. Simpson's curriculum and other primary literary texts provide case study examples.

Findings

– The research found that colonial and imperial literary texts provided a departure point for learning activities, enabling the positive construction of white Australian identity and the supplantation of Aboriginal people in a post-federation kindergarten setting.

Originality/value

– By considering the role of imperial and colonial narratives in post-federation experimental curriculum, this paper offers insight into the role such narratives played in the formation of Australian national identity.
A study of male participation in early childhood education
Authors: Ho Dora , Lam Haze
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The function of early childhood education (ECE) has shifted from mothering to nurturing child development in Hong Kong. Teaching in kindergartens seems to be more attractive to men nowadays. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues of male participation in ECE through a case study of a local kindergarten.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study methodology was used in the research design and the data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The interviewees all came from a single, case study school, and included the kindergarten principal, head teacher, teachers, both Chinese and foreign nationals, and parents.

Findings

– The findings of the study indicated that most of the school staff support hiring male teachers in kindergartens and perceive that male teachers play an important role in educating young children. On the other hand, the views of parents who participated in the study were divided. This reflects gender bias on the part of parents.

Originality/value

– Minimal research on male participation in kindergartens has been conducted in Hong Kong. The findings of the study shed some light on the issues of male participation in ECE in a Chinese context. It is argued that overcoming the low participation of male teachers in ECE will require changes in deeply rooted institutional and management practices. From a wider perspective, providing better career prospects and improving the professional status of kindergarten teachers will attract more men to teach in kindergartens.
Symbolic leadership culture and its subcultures in one unified comprehensive school in Finland
Authors: Juhani Lahtero Tapio , Risku Mika
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a symbolic-interpretative research on the leadership culture and its subcultures in one unified comprehensive school in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is a phenomenological, qualitative case study. Its methodology is based on triangulation.

Findings

– The leadership culture of the unified comprehensive school studied in the present research seemed to be based on equality, communality, appreciation, flow of information and humor. Besides examining the general leadership culture of the school, an attempt was made to study the possible subcultures of the school by examining the six subject groups into which the teachers were divided in the school on the basis of the teachers’ education and tasks. These subject groups formed the subgroups of the research. If a subgroup's interpretation of the leadership culture of the school differed significantly from those of the other subgroups, the subgroup was considered to have a subculture of its own. Only one such subculture was found, that of the mathematic teachers. It, too, although being clearly a subculture of its own, included several common features with the main leadership culture of the unified comprehensive school.

Originality/value

– The study is the first one in Finnish schools where leadership culture is conceived as a constantly reforming outcome of the meaning and interpretation processes which form themselves through the social structures of the school in connection to the leadership actions at the school.
Difficulties facing women entrepreneurs in Israel: a social stratification approach
Authors: Heilbrunn Sibylle , Abu-Asbeh Khaled , Abu Nasra Muhammed
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to explore the difficulties facing entrepreneurs in three groups of women in Israel: immigrant women from the Former Soviet Union (FSU), women belonging to the Palestinian Israeli minority and Jewish Israeli women belonging to the majority population. Relying on the stratification approach, the authors investigate the extent to which labor market, resource and women-specific disadvantages constrain women's entrepreneurship within these three groups.

Design/methodology/approach

– The target research population consisted of 477 women entrepreneurs who operated businesses between 2009 and 2010. Using systematic sampling, the authors surveyed 148 FSU immigrant women business owners, 150 Jewish Israeli women business owners and 170 Palestinian Israeli women business owners, using a comprehensive questionnaire administered in the entrepreneurs' native language.

Findings

– The authors found similarities and differences between the three groups as to their ability to handle difficulties deriving from labor market, resource and women-specific disadvantages. Overall, the authors found that Palestinian women entrepreneurs have relatively more difficulties than the other two groups.

Research limitations/implications

– Women entrepreneurs' socio-political status within stratified social realities imposes constraints on their economic activities. Further research should investigate policies, which could assist in overcoming these constraints taking into consideration similarities and differences between specific groups.

Originality/value

– In addition to shedding light on the impact of socio-political environmental circumstances on women entrepreneurs in a particular country, the authors believe that applying the social stratification approach is especially valuable at the intersection of minority status, gender and entrepreneurship.
Female and male risk aversion
Authors: Rad Alexander , Yazdanfar Darush , Öhman Peter
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The aim of the paper is to analyse female and male loan officers' (LOs) risk aversion as they assess different types of small- and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) loan applications.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were gathered from a sample of 75 Swedish LOs, using the repertory grid technique and related questions. The data were analysed statistically.

Findings

– The findings demonstrate that female LOs focus more on collateral (used as a proxy for risk aversion) in their evaluations of first-time loan applications than male LOs. However, the findings also suggest that there are no significant differences between the two groups as far as risk aversion when they evaluate additional loan applications. The other variables controlled for (age, tenure, insight, education, and location) did not significantly affect the LOs' risk aversion.

Research limitations/implications

– The study might have benefited from the use of complementary data collection approaches. Access to actual assessment and decision-making procedures could have increased the understanding of female and male LOs' attitudes toward risk.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that by the use of female-male LO teams, banks may achieve more balanced assessments of SMEs' loan applications.

Originality/value

– To the authors' knowledge, the literature has not explicitly addressed risk aversion among female and male LOs with respect to different types of bank loans. Moreover, the authors investigated risk aversion in the context of standardised assessments procedures used to reduce exposure to credit risk.
The road to supply chain agility: an RBV perspective on the role of logistics capabilities
Authors: M. Gligor David , Holcomb Mary
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The concept of supply chain agility (SCA) has been identified as one of the most important issues in supply chain management literature. However, despite the popularity of the concept, many attributes of SCA are largely unexplored. One area that is deficient in research is the antecedents of SCA. This paper aims to seek further theory development by addressing these gaps in the SCA literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data for this study were obtained from a field survey. A mail questionnaire was constructed that contained items measuring the constructs of interest. The theoretical model was evaluated using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The findings indicate that logistics capabilities positively impact SCA. The results provide empirical evidence for logistics’ unique and critical role in helping firms respond in a timely and effective manner to market volatility and other uncertainties.

Research limitations/implications

– As is the case with most supply chain survey research, the constructs of interest were evaluated based on the perception of a single party involved in a specific relationship. Future research using multiple dyads or triads within various supply chains could address this limitation.

Practical implications

– If limited resources are available for investment (as is often the case), a more balanced distribution of resources toward the development of multiple logistics capabilities (e.g. demand-management interface, information-management interface) is preferred to pooling all the resources toward the development of a single capability (e.g. information-management interface).

Originality/value

– Considering logistics’ boundary-spanning nature, prior research suggest that logistics capabilities perform a key role in achieving SCA. However, the relationship between firm-specific logistics capabilities and SCA has not been empirically tested. This paper address that gap in the research.
Requirement managers’ roles in industrial, platform development
Authors: Burström Thommie , L. Wilson Timothy
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the role of requirement managers in new product development projects.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on a case study of an industrial platform project. Sixty-eight persons were interviewed and project prerequisites and requirement specifications documents were studied. The roles of specific individuals and their formal role as requirement managers are reported.

Findings

– The requirement manager's role fulfillment is performed through five major activities described as developing, anchoring, re-organizing, routinizing, and positioning. These activities are essential in order to manage working with a large flagship project.

Research limitations/implications

– Because the research was based on a single case study, there are of course limitations. The findings in this study may therefore not be generalized, but merely suggest other areas of research.

Practical implications

– This paper argues that functional roles should not be taken for granted. Even though significant efforts may have been performed in order to establish a new role within a project management setting, the process of establishing new work practices is complex. Managers should therefore investigate inter-functional integration on ongoing bases.

Originality/value

– This paper provides important insights into aspects of requirement manager's ongoing project activities.
Decentralization and decomposability: determinants of responsive crisis deployment
Authors: de Waard Erik , W. Volberda Henk , Soeters Joseph
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Crisis management entails among other things developing organizational systems that are capable of reacting to unpredictable and different types of crises. It also involves designing cohesive operational elements to deal with the local dynamics of an actual crisis situation. This challenge of responsiveness – where organizations simultaneously need to react to change demands of different task environments – has hardly been investigated in management theory. The purpose of this paper is to initiate to shed more light on this blind spot.

Design/methodology/approach

– Modular organizing and organizational sensing are introduced as key drivers of organizational responsiveness. Based on a large-scale survey among 1,200 senior officers the study investigates how these two variables have influenced the responsiveness of the Netherlands armed forces for crisis response deployment.

Findings

– The findings indicate that the level of modularization is an important facilitator of organizational responsiveness. Organizational systems that are made up of semi-autonomous work groups are in a better position to simultaneously live up to the change demands of different environmental levels than organizations that follow a fine-grained modularization approach.

Originality/value

– It uses the military crisis response organization as an exemplary case for project-based organzations in general to take advantage of.