bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the mechanism of the Shapiro reaction: understanding the regioselectivity
Authors: Funes-Ardoiz Ignacio , Losantos Raúl , Sampedro Diego
Published: April 2015

A DFT computational exploration of the mechanism of the Shapiro reaction is presented together with some suggestions to control the regiochemistry of the main isomer.
Manipulations from oxygen partial pressure on the higher energy electronic transition and dielectric function of VO2 films during a metal–insulator transition process
Authors: Zhang Peng , Jiang Kai , Deng Qinglin , You Qinghu , Zhang Jinzhong , Wu Jiada , Hu Zhigao , Chu Junhao
Published: April 2015

(a) Temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of VO2 films. (b) The TMIT as a function of oxygen pressure. The inset is the hysteresis loop of E2.
Structural determinants of human proton-coupled folate transporter oligomerization: role of GXXXG motifs and identification of oligomeric interfaces at transmembrane domains 3 and 6
Authors: Wilson Mike R. , Kugel Sita , Huang Jenny , Wilson Lucas J. , Wloszczynski Patrick A. , Ye Jun , Matherly Larry H. , Hou Zhanjun
Published: April 2015

The human proton-coupled folate transporter (hPCFT) is expressed in solid tumours and is active at pHs characterizing the tumour microenvironment. Recent attention focused on exploiting hPCFT for targeting solid tumours with novel cytotoxic anti-folates. hPCFT has 12 transmembrane domains (TMDs) and forms homo-oligomers with functional significance. The hPCFT primary sequence includes GXXXG motifs in TMD2 (G93XXXG97) and TMD4 (G155XXXG159). To investigate roles of these motifs in hPCFT function, stability and surface expression, we mutated glycine to leucine to generate single or multiple substitution mutants. Only the G93L and G159L mutants preserved substantial [3H]methotrexate (Mtx) transport when expressed in hPCFT-null (R1-11) HeLa cells. Transport activity of the glycine-to-leucine mutants correlated with surface hPCFT by surface biotinylation and confocal microscopy with ECFP*-tagged hPCFTs, suggesting a role for GXXXG in hPCFT stability and intracellular trafficking. When co-expressed in R1-11 cells, haemagglutinin-tagged glycine-to-leucine mutants and His10-tagged wild-type (WT) hPCFT co-associated on nickel affinity columns, suggesting that the GXXXG motifs are not directly involved in hPCFT oligomerization. This was substantiated by in situ FRET experiments with co-expressed ECFP*- and YFP-tagged hPCFT. Molecular modelling of dimeric hPCFT structures showed juxtaposed TMDs 2, 3, 4 and 6 as potential structural interfaces between monomers. hPCFT cysteine insertion mutants in TMD3 (Q136C and L137C) and TMD6 (W213C, L214C, L224C, A227C, F228C, F230C and G231C) were expressed in R1-11 cells and cross-linked with 1,6-hexanediyl bismethanethiosulfonate, confirming TMD juxtapositions. Altogether, our results imply that TMDs 3 and 6 provide critical interfaces for formation of hPCFT oligomers, which might be facilitated by the GXXXG motifs in TMD2 and TMD4.
Placental DNA methylation of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator-1α promoter is associated with maternal gestational glucose level
Authors: Xie Xuemei , Gao Hongjie , Zeng Wanjiang , Chen Suhua , Feng Ling , Deng Dongrui , Qiao Fu-yuan , Liao Lihong , McCormick Kenneth , Ning Qin , Luo Xiaoping
Published: April 2015

Intrauterine exposure to hyperglycaemia may increase the risk of later-life metabolic disorders. Although the underlying mechanism is not fully understood, epigenetic dysregulation in fetal programming has been implicated. With regard to energy homoeostasis, PGC-1α (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α, encoded by the PPARGC1A gene) plays a regulatory role in several biochemical processes. We hypothesized that maternal gestational glucose levels would positively correlate with DNA methylation of the PPARGC1A promoter in placental tissue. We undertook a cross-sectional study of 58 mothers who underwent uncomplicated Caesarean delivery in a university hospital. Maternal gestational glucose concentration was determined after a 75-g OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) at 24–28 weeks of gestation. Placenta tissue and cord blood were collected immediately after delivery. Genomic DNA was extracted and thereafter bisulfite conversion was performed. After PCR amplification, the DNA methylation of the PPARGC1A promoter was quantified using a pyrosequencing technique. The protein level of PGC-1α was evaluated by Western blotting. For all participants as a whole, including the GDM (gestational diabetes mellitus) and normoglycaemia groups, the maternal gestational glucose level was positively correlated with placental DNA methylation, and negatively correlated with cord blood DNA methylation of the PPARGC1A promoter in a CpG site-specific manner. In the GDM group alone, the placental CpG site-specific methylation of the PPARGC1A promoter strongly correlated with gestational 2-h post-OGTT glycaemia. Epigenetic alteration of the PPAGRC1A promoter may be one of the potential mechanisms underlying the metabolic programming in offspring exposed to intrauterine hyperglycaemia.
Balanced dual‐band BPF with intrinsic common‐mode suppression on double‐layer substrate
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhu Lei , Wong Sai‐Wai , Chen Dong , Guo Zai‐Cheng
Published: April 2015

A balanced dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) with enhanced common‐mode (CM) suppression is proposed. The dual‐band differential‐mode (DM) bandpass response is obtained using a double‐layer substrate. The stub‐loaded stepped‐impedance resonators are used both in the top and the bottom layers to constitute a dual‐band BPF with two controllable passbands. The slotline portion in the middle layer is excited under DM operation. Moreover, the even‐symmetrical field along the slotline is highly attenuated under CM excitation, thus achieving excellent CM suppression over the desired DM passbands. To verify the proposed concept, a balanced dual‐band BPF, operating at 1.9 and 2.8 GHz, is designed and fabricated, and the simulated and measured results are in good agreement.
Optimal guidance for hypersonic reentry using inversion and receding horizon control
Authors: Cai Wei‐wei , Zhu Yan‐wei , Yang Le‐ping , Zhang Yuan‐wen
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the optimal guidance problem for reentry vehicles with focus on novel methods for nominal trajectory generation and tracking. To reduce the dimensionality of reentry trajectory optimisation problem, the inversion‐based approach is utilised to partly eliminate the differential equations by reformulating the states and controls with some desired outputs. These outputs are parameterised with a mapped Chebyshev pseudospectral method, which is improved by conformal map and barycentric rational interpolation techniques in order to enhance the numerical accuracy for high‐order derivatives of desired outputs. On the basis of the obtained nominal trajectory, a robust closed‐loop guidance scheme is proposed using receding horizon control, whereas the associated two‐point boundary value problem in each guidance cycle is readily solved by differential transformation method. Numerical simulations show that the proposed guidance scheme is feasible and effective for atmospheric reentry.
Rotor eddy loss in high‐speed permanent magnet synchronous generators
Authors: Qazalbash Arfakhshand Ali , Sharkh Suleiman M. , Irenji Neamat Taghizadeh , Wills Richard G. , Abusara Mohammad A.
Published: April 2015

Analytical and transient finite element analysis (FEA) methods are used to calculate on‐load rotor eddy current power loss in permanent magnet machines taking into account the effect of the reaction of eddy currents. The effect of the phase advance angle between the back electromotive force, and the phase current on rotor eddy current power loss is investigated. Both magnet flux tooth ripple and magnetomotive force harmonics are considered in the analytical calculation of rotor loss; the harmonics of the magnet tooth ripple flux and armature reaction flux are added vectorially. Good agreement between analytical and FEA results is observed when the stator laminations are assumed to have a linear BH curve. However, a significant discrepancy is observed between the analytical and FEA solutions when a non‐linear BH curve is used.
Improved high‐speed de‐excitation system for brushless synchronous machines tested on a 20 MVA hydro‐generator
Authors: Rebollo Emilio , Blanquez Francisco R. , Platero Carlos A. , Blazquez Francisco , Redondo Marta
Published: April 2015

Synchronous machines with brushless excitation have the disadvantage that the field winding is not accessible for the de‐excitation of the machine. This means that, despite the proper operation of the protection system, the slow de‐excitation time constant may produce severe damage in the event of an internal short circuit. A high‐speed de‐excitation system for these machines was developed, and this study presents the continuation of a previously published study. This study presents the design by computer simulation and the results of the first commissioning of this de‐excitation system in a commercial 20 MVA hydro‐generator. The de‐excitation is achieved by inserting resistance in the field circuit, obtaining a dynamic response similar to that achieved in machines with static excitation. In this case, a non‐linear discharge resistor was used, making the dynamic response even better.
Low loss Sendust powder cores comprised of particles coated by sodium salt insulating layer
Authors: Wei Ding , Wang Xian , Nie Yan , Feng Zekun , Gong Rongzhou , Chen Yajie , Harris V. G.
Published: April 2015

Toroid-shaped Sendust powder cores were prepared from cold pressing mechanically pulverized Fe-Si-Al powder that had been coated using an inorganic insulating layer. The present work focuses on the effect of the sodium salt-coated Sendust particles upon the high frequency magnetic properties. Sendust powders, having a particle size range of ∼125 μm, exhibit a high saturation magnetization of 118.9 A·m2/kg and a low coercivity of 56 A/m. The experiments indicate that the sodium-based glass insulating layer synthesized from sodium metaphosphate and sodium metaborate can effectively reduce the change in permeability with frequency or DC bias field, yielding high effective permeability (μe) of ∼113 over a wide frequency range from 10 kHz–1 MHz. Furthermore, the effective permeability is measured at ∼27 at H = 7854 A/m, indicating stable and high effective permeability under a DC bias field. The measurements of permeability under DC bias field indicate a peak in the quality factor (Q) values corresponding to a DC-bias field of 1.5–6 (kA/m) at frequencies from 50 to 200 kHz: The effective permeability remains at ∼74. The sodium salt-coated granular cores demonstrate a core loss of 68 mW/cm3 at Bm = 50 mT and f = 50 kHz: These values compare favorably to those of silicone coated Sendust particles.
Developing scientific literacy skills through interdisciplinary, technology‐based global simulations: GlobalEd 2
Authors: Lawless Kimberly A. , Brown Scott W.
Published: April 2015

GlobalEd 2 (GE2) is a set of technology‐mediated, problem‐based learning (PBL) simulations for middle‐grade students, that capitalises on the multidisciplinary nature of the social sciences as an expanded curricular space for students to learn and apply scientific literacies and concepts, while simultaneously also enriching their understanding of the social sciences. This paper reports the results of an implementation of the GE2 curriculum focused on water resources with 535 seventh and eighth grade students from both suburban and urban school systems. The results indicate positive changes in students’ writing self‐efficacy, interest in pursuing future science educational opportunities and the quality of their written scientific argumentation after participation in a GE2 simulation. Curricular implications and future research directions are discussed.
South Asian tales: ethnic entrepreneurship and narratives of spatialized transnational identities emerging in an East London (UK), inner-city area
Authors: Mavrommatis George
Published: April 2015

Brick Lane is a London inner-city that has functioned as a port of arrival and settlement for different migrant populations arriving at the capital. The area today has transformed into a contemporary multi-ethnic neighbourhood dominated by a strong South Asian (mostly Bangladeshi) presence. This paper investigates narratives of racial relations, transnational communities and identities coming from individuals involved in local South Asian businesses. Theoretically speaking, transnational theories did not put emphasis on localities, as transnational flows were allegedly connecting people and institutions around the world; by focusing on flows (and individuals), places were almost overlooked. Alternatively, this paper puts emphasis on the spatial nature of transnational identities as being enacted and performed within spaces of ethnic entrepreneurship along the lane.
The Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia as a strategic asset of India’s foreign and security policy: a Malaysian perspective
Authors: Nathan K.S.
Published: April 2015

Indian diasporic communities that have settled in other parts of the world can and do play a critical role in either enhancing or reducing the image of their historic country of origin. This paper confines its focus mainly to India’s relations with Malaysia as the Southeast Asian country with the largest Indian diaspora. The paper argues that India’s growing diplomatic, institutional, political and security engagement with ASEAN-led institutions such as ASEAN Regional Forum and East Asia Summit is at least partially inspired by the prospect of leveraging on the presence of the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia. It concludes that while occasional frictions may arise in India–Malaysia relations over the treatment of ethnic Indians in the country, the benefits of India’s more robust engagement with Malaysia/ASEAN outweigh the costs, given the expanding economic, industrial, commercial, investment, trade and tourism opportunities – all of which can produce a direct if not indirect impact on India’s strategic perceptions of the role of the diaspora in facilitating a more proactive engagement with the region. The quality and quantity of such interactions, buttressed by the use of ‘smart power’, will invariably influence the future direction of India’s foreign and security policy towards Malaysia/Southeast Asia.
The origins, ideology and development of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
Authors: Grobbelaar Alta , Solomon Hussein
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the phenomenon of terrorism in the Sahel/Saharan regions of Africa by focusing on the principal terrorist organisation in that turbulent region – Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb or AQIM. The paper examines the origins of this murky organisation in Algeria in the 1990s, focusing on its development and its relationships with other militant organisations like that of Ansar Dine in Mali. The paper examines the development of AQIM from the perspective of Critical Terrorism Studies. As such the paper also examines the context in which the organisation has mutated. Finally, the paper concludes with some specific policy recommendations.
Flightless I interacts with NMMIIA to promote cell extension formation, which enables collagen remodeling
Authors: Arora Pamma D. , Wang Yongqiang , Bresnick Anne , Janmey Paul A. , McCulloch Christopher A.
Published: April 2015

We examined the role of the actin-capping protein flightless I (FliI) in collagen remodeling by mouse fibroblasts. FliI-overexpressing cells exhibited reduced spreading on collagen but formed elongated protrusions that stained for myosin10 and fascin and penetrated pores of collagen-coated membranes. Inhibition of Cdc42 blocked formation of cell protrusions. In FliI-knockdown cells, transfection with constitutively active Cdc42 did not enable protrusion formation. FliI-overexpressing cells displayed increased uptake and degradation of exogenous collagen and strongly compacted collagen fibrils, which was blocked by blebbistatin. Mass spectrometry analysis of FliI immunoprecipitates showed that FliI associated with nonmuscle myosin IIA (NMMIIA), which was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. GFP-FliI colocalized with NMMIIA at cell protrusions. Purified FliI containing gelsolin-like domains (GLDs) 1–6 capped actin filaments efficiently, whereas FliI GLD 2–6 did not. Binding assays showed strong interaction of purified FliI protein (GLD 1–6) with the rod domain of NMMIIA ( kD= 0.146 μM), whereas FliI GLD 2–6 showed lower binding affinity ( kD= 0.8584 μM). Cells expressing FliI GLD 2–6 exhibited fewer cell extensions, did not colocalize with NMMIIA, and showed reduced collagen uptake compared with cells expressing FliI GLD 1–6. We conclude that FliI interacts with NMMIIA to promote cell extension formation, which enables collagen remodeling in fibroblasts.
The ribosome quality control pathway can access nascent polypeptides stalled at the Sec61 translocon
Authors: Malsburg Karina von der , Shao Sichen , Hegde Ramanujan S.
Published: April 2015

Cytosolic ribosomes that stall during translation are split into subunits, and nascent polypeptides trapped in the 60S subunit are ubiquitinated by the ribosome quality control (RQC) pathway. Whether the RQC pathway can also target stalls during cotranslational translocation into the ER is not known. Here we report that listerin and NEMF, core RQC components, are bound to translocon-engaged 60S subunits on native ER membranes. RQC recruitment to the ER in cultured cells is stimulated by translation stalling. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that translocon-targeted nascent polypeptides that subsequently stall are polyubiquitinated in 60S complexes. Ubiquitination at the translocon requires cytosolic exposure of the polypeptide at the ribosome–Sec61 junction. This exposure can result from either failed insertion into the Sec61 channel or partial backsliding of translocating nascent chains. Only Sec61-engaged nascent chains early in their biogenesis were relatively refractory to ubiquitination. Modeling based on recent 60S–RQC and 80S–Sec61 structures suggests that the E3 ligase listerin accesses nascent polypeptides via a gap in the ribosome–translocon junction near the Sec61 lateral gate. Thus the RQC pathway can target stalled translocation intermediates for degradation from the Sec61 channel.
Effects of trawling on sessile megabenthos in the Great Barrier Reef and evaluation of the efficacy of management strategies
Authors: Pitcher C. Roland , Ellis Nick , Venables William N. , Wassenberg Ted J. , Burridge Charis Y. , Smith Greg P. , Browne Matthew , Pantus Francis , Poiner Ian R. , Doherty Peter J. , Hooper John N.A. , Gribble Neil
Published: April 2015

A series of related research studies over 15 years assessed the effects of prawn trawling on sessile megabenthos in the Great Barrier Reef, to support management for sustainable use in the World Heritage Area. These large-scale studies estimated impacts on benthos (particularly removal rates per trawl pass), monitored subsequent recovery rates, measured natural dynamics of tagged megabenthos, mapped the regional distribution of seabed habitats and benthic species, and integrated these results in a dynamic modelling framework together with spatio-temporal fishery effort data and simulated management. Typical impact rates were between 5 and 25% per trawl, recovery times ranged from several years to several decades, and most sessile megabenthos were naturally distributed in areas where little or no trawling occurred and so had low exposure to trawling. The model simulated trawl impact and recovery on the mapped species distributions, and estimated the regional scale cumulative changes due to trawling as a time series of status for megabenthos species. The regional status of these taxa at time of greatest depletion ranged from ∼77% relative to pre-trawl abundance for the worst case species, having slow recovery with moderate exposure to trawling, to ∼97% for the least affected taxon. The model also evaluated the expected outcomes for sessile megabenthos in response to major management interventions implemented between 1999 and 2006, including closures, effort reductions, and protected areas. As a result of these interventions, all taxa were predicted to recover (by 2–14% at 2025); the most affected species having relatively greater recovery. Effort reductions made the biggest positive contributions to benthos status for all taxa, with closures making smaller contributions for some taxa. The results demonstrated that management actions have arrested and reversed previous unsustainable trends for all taxa assessed, and have led to a prawn trawl fishery with improved environmental sustainability.
Current and historical distribution of the American eel Anguilla rostrata in the countries and territories of the Wider Caribbean
Authors: Benchetrit José , McCleave James D.
Published: April 2015

The American eel is a widely distributed, facultatively catadromous fish that is reported to range from southern Greenland to the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Despite such a broad distribution, our understanding of the species' biology and ecology is based on research carried out almost exclusively in Canada and the United States. As one moves south from the United States through both the Antilles and Mexico, progressively less is known about the species. Even farther south, in Central and South America, information is sufficiently scant as to raise doubt on whether or not the species occurs there at all. This study compiled available quantitative information from literature and museum records and qualitative information from other literature and personal contacts on the distribution of the American eel from Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Antilles, to provide the first comprehensive description of the species' historical and current distribution in the region. The results of this investigation confirm that the American eel was historically, and continues to be, widely distributed throughout the Wider Caribbean region, extending all the way to eastern Venezuela and the island of Trinidad. Furthermore, this work also addresses habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and increasing pressure from developing commercial fisheries as the major threats facing the species both locally in, and broadly throughout, the region. If effective management and conservation of the panmictic American eel is to be achieved, it is of critical importance that greater efforts be made to promote and encourage research on the species' basic ecology in the Wider Caribbean region.
Uneven Distribution of Microgranules in Divided Lansoprazole Tablets
Authors: Teitelbaum Gillian A. , Teitelbaum Jonathan E.
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor commonly used in children <12 months of age despite a lack of efficacy and safety data in this age group. To achieve lower doses in this population, many divide standard oral disintegrating tablets. This study seeks to determine if the medication is equally distributed within the tablet to allow for accurate dosing.

Methods:

Ten 15‐mg Prevacid SoluTabs were divided. Each portion was dissolved separately (half A, B, and the residual “dust” C) and photographed. A magnified view of the image allowed for counting each microgranule.

Results:

The mean number and standard deviation of microgranules in half A, B, and part C were 2514.7 ± 130.5, 2342.9 ± 130.1, and 49.4 ± 38.8, respectively. The total number of microgranules per tablet was 4907 ± 140.5. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean number of microgranules in half A versus B (P = 0.0086).

Conclusions:

There are statistically significant differences in the amount of lansoprazole‐containing microgranules within each half of a divided tablet. Clinicians must determine whether this difference is clinically relevant when prescribing “divided” medication to children.
Portopulmonary Hypertension in Liver Disease Presenting in Childhood
Authors: Ecochard‐Dugelay Emmanuelle , Lambert Virginie , Schleich Jean‐Marc , Duché Mathieu , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Bernard Olivier
Published: April 2015

Objective:

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a known complication of cirrhosis in adults, but there is little information on its incidence and outcome in children with liver disease. We report 14 patients with POPH and present a synthesis of the medical literature.

Methods:

Diagnosis of POPH in the 14 patients was based on right‐sided heart catheterization displaying mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) >25 mmHg, indexed pulmonary vascular resistances >3 Wood units · m2, and pulmonary wedge pressure <15 mmHg. A literature review added 84 patients.

Results:

In our unit, POPH was found in 0.5% of the children with portal hypertension, 0.9% of the children with end‐stage liver disease awaiting transplantation, and 3 children with congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSSs). Analysis of 98 reported patients, including the 14 presented here, showed the cause of liver disease to be chronic liver disease or portal cavernoma in 76 instances (34 with a history of surgical portosystemic shunt) and CPSS in 22 instances. There was a precession with proven hypoxemia caused by hepatopulmonary syndrome in 6 patients. Median survival was 3 months in 56 untreated patients. An 80% 5‐year probability of survival in 42 patients was treated by CPSS closure, pulmonary vasodilators, and/or liver transplantation. Mean pretransplant mPAP was 34 and 49 mmHg in transplant survivors and nonsurvivors, respectively.

Conclusions:

POPH is a rare but extremely severe complication of childhood liver disease. Portosystemic shunts, whether congenital or acquired, likely play an important causative role. Early diagnosis is crucial and requires systematic screening by echocardiography in children at risk.
The phenotypes of ATG9, ATG16 and ATG9/16 knock-out mutants imply autophagy-dependent and -independent functions
Authors: Xiong Qiuhong , Ünal Can , Matthias Jan , Steinert Michael , Eichinger Ludwig
Published: April 2015

Macroautophagy is a highly conserved intracellular bulk degradation system of all eukaryotic cells. It is governed by a large number of autophagy proteins (ATGs) and is crucial for many cellular processes. Here, we describe the phenotypes ofDictyostelium discoideumATG16−and ATG9−/16−cells and compare them to the previously reported ATG9−mutant. ATG16 deficiency caused an increase in the expression of several core autophagy genes, among thematg9and the twoatg8paralogues. The single and double ATG9 and ATG16 knock-out mutants had complex phenotypes and displayed severe and comparable defects in pinocytosis and phagocytosis. Uptake ofLegionella pneumophilawas reduced. In addition, ATG9−and ATG16−cells had dramatic defects in autophagy, development and proteasomal activity which were much more severe in the ATG9−/16−double mutant. Mutant cells showed an increase in poly-ubiquitinated proteins and contained large ubiquitin-positive protein aggregates which partially co-localized with ATG16-GFP in ATG9−/16−cells. The more severe autophagic, developmental and proteasomal phenotypes of ATG9−/16−cells imply that ATG9 and ATG16 probably function in parallel in autophagy and have in addition autophagy-independent functions in further cellular processes.
Maruti Manesar lockout: the flip side of people management
Authors: Narayanamurthy Gopalakrishnan , Kumar Hota Pradeep , Pati Surya Prakash , Dhal Manoranjan
Published: April 2015

Subject area

Human Resource Management (HRM), Industrial Relations, Labor Law (Indian business context), Organizational Behavior, Trade Union and Employer-Employee Relationship.

Study level/applicability

Academic students (MBA and BBA), management trainees, HR managers and top management of organizations interested in understanding the importance HRM practices.

Case overview

This case describes an Industrial Relations situation in an automobile company in India. It begins with the mention of Maruti Suzuki India Limited's (MSIL) brush with an unprecedented labor violence that rocked its Manesar facility on July 18, 2012, eventually leading to the lock out of the same on July 21, 2012. Further, it describes the background of the company, employer-employee relationship, a series of strikes experienced by the company, incidents that led to the violence, incidents that happened on the day of violence and finally actions taken after the violence by the company, the government and the union. With such details, the case raises questions on the prolonged people management issues afflicting MSIL. It endeavors to educate the discussants on the specifics of an industrial relations system and the role of each actor toward maintaining industrial peace.

Expected learning outcomes

Understanding the role of actors of industrial relations toward effective HRM in the organization. Analyzing the compliance of the actors under the existing labor laws as applicable to the organization. Comprehending the attitude of employees, employers and industry toward each other and also toward the job. To understand the nuances of people management function and its contribution toward the violence that eventually resulted in lockout. To comprehend various organizational behavior concepts that shall help synergize the employees' objectives and employer's goal. To analyze the complete incident with relevant organizational and industrial relations (IR) theories.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Managing the women managers: a case study of paper bag makers
Authors: Srivastava Anupma , Marwha Amita
Published: April 2015

Subject area

Human resource management.

Study level/applicability

It is appropriate for graduate students majoring in human resource or business management. Students who are interested in studying Asian economies in the world, as they are the most growing economies in the world and at the same time have a shocking number of people employed in the informal sector.

Case overview

This case study talks about women workers who face a glass ceiling at the management level and deplorable working conditions at the informal level. This case involves women in the paper bag-making business, a part of the urban informal sector. The paper bag-making business provides employment and income generation for the urban poor. The focus in this study is on women production workers, rather than entrepreneurs or professional managers. Focus of the study will be on the change in the pattern of income distribution within the family-based household, the degree of bargaining power derived from productive work and income and impact of technology on the plight of unskilled women force and how technology and vocational training can lead to utilization of manpower being wasted because of lack of synergy between technology and the informal sector in India. Expected learning outcomes Four key points of selection, training, assessment and leadership all have been addressed in this case study, and the relevance of these points is important from the point of view of management students who have to understand the linkages and the hidden costs these informal sector occupations come with and then to device an appropriate strategy to bring and use these human resources to their full capacity by utilizing the existing resources instead of adding new ones, which in development economics is known as Solow residual.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Effect of the graphite content on the tribological properties of hybrid Al/SiC/Gr composites processed by powder metallurgy
Authors: Zeren Adalet
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of graphite content on the properties of aluminum alloy/silicon carbide/granite (Al/SiC/Gr) composites.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hardness and wear tests were applied to the powder metallurgical composites, and microstructural characterization was conducted.

Findings

– Optimum graphite content for maximum wear resistance is reported as weight 6 per cent.

Originality/value

– Results of this study may help light weight Al/SiC/Gr composites to be used in different industrial applications.
Too small to innovate? Creating value with fewer resources
Authors: Martins José Moleiro , Fernandes Manuel Teles
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain to managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other professionals why they need to connect innovation and value creation in their decision-making processes when dealing with new or existing products.

Design/methodology/approach

– Innovation and value creation are interconnected and you cannot have one without the other. However, to appreciate that interconnection, one needs to understand the form that value can take in products, the tangible form and the intangible. This understanding helps explain how culture and esteem affect product value, as well as how innovation happens in the technological field and in the cultural field.

Findings

– Value and innovation are intrinsically connected and this should not be overlooked in any quest for new solutions. SMEs should pay more attention when developing innovation activities to ensure that they have the most suitable organizational structures and resources.

Originality/value

– This paper clearly demonstrates the relationship between innovation and value creation.
From market-driving to market-driven
Authors: Filieri Raffaele
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to extend the literature on market-driven and market-driving management and analyzes the Benetton’s market orientation change from a market-driving to a market-driven orientation. Additionally, this study uses longitudinal data to measure the degree of success of the market-driven orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on a qualitative case study method and it discusses how Benetton has moved from a market-driving to a market-driven orientation.

Findings

– The paper analyzes the principal transformations the Benetton Group has gone through to implement a market-driven orientation, including the delocalization of the manufacturing and of trusted suppliers; the downstream integration process; the adoption of a flexible, efficient and responsive logistics; the implementation of a modern information systems infrastructure. Revenues data show that the company has benefited of the new orientation, but only in the short-run. Moreover, the early adoption of the market-driven orientation by competing firms (e.g. Zara) and the economic environment seem to play an influence on the performance of market-driven companies.

Research limitations/implications

– The single case study approach may limit the generalizability of the findings. However, this case study is unique and of high importance for managers in different industries.

Originality/value

– Although some studies have discussed the benefits of market-driven and market-driving orientations, no study has analysed how companies move from a market-driving to a market-driven orientation. Additionally, existing studies have proved market orientation’s influence on business performance using static measures. This study uses longitudinal data to show the effect of market-driven orientation on a company’s long-term competitive advantage.
Service and service-intensive New Zealand internationalising SMEs
Authors: Crick David , Lindsay Val
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on service and service-intensive New Zealand-based internationalising firms in respect of their managers’ perceptions towards the usefulness of government assistance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Interviews were undertaken with the key decision makers in 66 service and service-intensive firms.

Findings

– Positive perceptions were found relating to government support at a macro-level; for example, Ministerial visits that open opportunities for managers in overseas markets. This was found to enhance micro-level support, such as individual assistance programmes.

Originality/value

– The contribution is at the public/private sector interaction within the international marketing literature; the area of originality involves the consideration of support at the macro, as opposed to micro-level, as this is an issue that has not received a great deal of coverage in earlier studies. A contextual aspect of originality relates to the study being undertaken with service and service-intensive firms in comparison to the manufacturing sector that has featured heavily in earlier literature.
The impact of age on innovation
Authors: Parsons Richard A
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop a model of individual innovation based on an employee’s innate propensity to innovate and the specific costs and benefits expected to the individual from the innovation. This model is then used to study the way an employees’ age will impact innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper proposes variables which drive an individual’s innovative behavior based on a literature review. This theoretical model is then maximized to show how age drives an employees’ innovation output in three ways. A small survey is used to substantiate the theory.

Findings

– In this model, the age of the employee becomes an important independent variable with negative elements associated with both the cost and benefit the employee will receive from their innovation efforts. However, age will be positively associated with an employee’s ability to implement and capitalize on their innovation.

Practical implications

– Firm’s must pay attention to the career life cycle of their employees. The human resource department must take on the task of focusing on delivering the programs needed to support older employees’ particular needs relative to producing innovation.

Social implications

– As the Western workforce ages, considerations for dealing with older workers and age diversity will become more important. Models such as the one developed in this paper will be important for understanding and managing the changing workforce.

Originality/value

– This model develops a theory of how age can impact an employee’s innovation in three specific ways that have not previously been addressed in the literature. This model also proposes an explanation for surprising results found in several prior studies.
Energy Depoliticisation in the UK: Destroying Political Capacity
Authors: Kuzemko Caroline
Published: April 2015

Provides new insights into depoliticisation literatures by applying depoliticisation beyond economic and monetary policy to energy and climate change policy. Demonstrates ways in which forms of depoliticisation can affect political capacity to respond to new policy challenges. Challenges climate change and energy transition literatures by explaining how and why UK energy policy institutions have constrained innovation and sustainable change.

Depoliticisation, as a concept, has been utilised to explain specific aspects of economic governance as it has developed over the past thirty years, particularly in certain OECD countries. This article focuses on the outcomes of three forms of depoliticisation, marketised, technocratic and non-deliberative, for political capacity. Political capacity is defined in relation to a notion of politics as social interaction, deliberation, choice and agency. Using UK energy governance as a case study it claims that the depoliticisation of energy policy has resulted in embedded corporate power, a widening disjuncture between experts and majoritarian institutions and limited knowledge structures. As a result the state’s role is still confined to giver of market signals and to temporary interventions in the face of complex and unprecedented commitments to transition the UK towards a low carbon future.
A petroglyph of a smiting pharaoh in the Negev
Authors: Eisenberg‐Degen Davida
Published: April 2015

A petroglyph of a smiting pharaoh located in the Central Negev may offer new evidence of contact with pharaonic Egypt. With a schematic enemy, the pharaoh is the centre of the composition emphasising the message of strength and dominance.
Ecological traps and behavioural adjustments of urban songbirds to fine‐scale spatial variation in predator activity
Authors: Bonnington C. , Gaston K. J. , Evans K. L.
Published: April 2015

The influence of predators on bird populations is controversial and poorly understood, especially in urban areas where predator densities can be particularly high. We assessed if fine‐scale spatial variation in predator activity and proximity have direct and indirect effects on urban songbird distributions and breeding success, by testing the hypotheses that (1) songbirds that are sensitive to nest predation select territories with reduced activity of nest predators; (2) blackbird Turdus merula, a species that experiences high nest predation rates, lays smaller clutches in territories located in areas with higher numbers of nest predators as predicted by Skutch's hypothesis; (3) songbirds that are sensitive to nest predation have higher nest predation rates in areas with greater predator activity. We tested these hypotheses using two sites in urban Sheffield, UK, and focus on nest predatory corvids and grey squirrels Sciurus carolinensis. We found no evidence that songbirds that are most sensitive to nest predation adjust their territory location in response to fine‐scale spatial variation in predator distributions. It thus seems unlikely that urban predators are indirectly regulating urban bird population size by restricting habitat availability. Blackbirds did not vary their clutch size in response to predator distributions. These findings generate the potential for an ecological trap in which prey species fail to avoid areas with the highest concentrations of nest predators, or to exhibit behavioural adjustments to reduce the risk of nest predation at such sites. We find some evidence for such ecological traps as, while fine‐scale variation in grey squirrel occurrence and activity were not associated with nest predation rates, nests located in closer proximity to corvids and in areas with higher indices of corvid activity experienced slightly higher nest predation rates.
A historical review of the geographical information on the source of the Nile contained within the ‘Book of Navigation’ (Kitab‐ı Bahriye)
Authors: Yilmaz Ibrahim
Published: April 2015

The Kitab‐ı Bahriye (Book of Navigation), one of the leading works of Piri Reis, combines numerous maps with geographic information relating to the coasts and islands of the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the maps, Piri Reis also provides substantial information on the physical geography of local ports, the depths of coastal waters, possible anchoring points for vessels, drinking water sources, notably wells, and the locations of surface and ground water sources that were not, or could not be, included on maps. The Kitab‐ı Bahriye also provides information regarding the Nile, one of the most important rivers in the world. Some of the most remarkable information relates to the source of the Nile. In this study, research was undertaken in consultation with the information relating to the source of the Nile in the Kitab‐ı Bahriye. This was premised on the historic assumption that the Okavango Delta may be the source of the Nile. In line with the this hypothesis, the region's ground and surface water flows were analysed starting from the Okavango Delta and subsequently moving to Lake Victoria, which is generally considered to be the source of the Nile by many researchers.
Biomechanical and Histomorphometrical Evaluation of TiZr Alloy Implants: An in vivo Study in the Rabbit
Authors: Jimbo Ryo , Naito Yoshihito , Galli Silvia , Berner Simon , Dard Michel , Wennerberg Ann
Published: April 2015

Background

Clinically, there is a demand for mechanically stronger alloyed implants; however, not much evidence exists with regard to these materials.

Purpose

To test the osseointegration property of TiZr1317 implants in a rabbit model.

Materials and Methods

Hydrophilic titanium–zirconium alloy (TiZr1317) implants with sand‐blasted and acid‐etched surface (test) and hydrophilic cpTi implants with the same treatment (control) were placed pairwise in the hind limbs (two in each tibia and one in each femur) of 36 Swedish lop‐eared rabbits. After 2, 4, and 12 weeks (n = 12/time point), the bone samples were subjected to removal torque (RTQ, proximal tibia and femur) and histologic/histomorphometric (distal tibia) testings.

Results

The control presented significantly higher RTQ than the test at 2 weeks (55 vs 36 Ncm). No differences were observed for other time points. The test presented higher mean BIC than the control (19.25 vs 13.89 %) at 4 weeks; however, there were no statistical differences for the following time point tested in vivo.The new bone area was significantly higher for the test at 4 weeks in the marrow areas.

Conclusion

The TiZr1317 implants presented comparable biologic outcomes to that of the cpTi implants through a 12‐week evaluation period.
Expression of fibulin‐5 in the skin of patients with rectal prolapse
Authors: Joshi H. M. , Gosselink M. P. , Smyth E. A. , Hompes R. , Cunningham C. , Lindsey I. , Urban J. , Jones O. M.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Components of connective tissue other than collagen have been found to be involved in patients with rectal prolapse. The organization of elastic fibres differs between controls and subsets of patients with rectal prolapse, and their importance for maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the pelvic floor has been demonstrated in transgenic mice, with animals which have a null mutation in fibulin‐5 (Fbln5¡/¡) developing prolapse. This study aimed to compare fibulin‐5 expression in the skin of patients with and without rectal prolapse.

Method

Between January 2013 and February 2014, skin specimens were obtained during surgery from 20 patients with rectal prolapse and from 21 without prolapse undergoing surgery for other indications. Fibroblasts from the skin were cultured and the level of fibulin‐5 expression was determined on cultured fibroblasts, isolated from these specimens by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was performed on fixed tissue specimens to assess fibulin‐5 expression.

Results

Fibulin‐5 mRNA expression and fibulin‐5 staining intensity were significantly lower in young male patients with rectal prolapse compared with age‐matched controls [fibulin‐5 mean ± SD mRNA relative units, 1.1 ± 0.41 vs 0.53 ± 0.22, P = 0.001; intensity score, median (range), 2 (0–3) vs 1 (0–3), P = 0.05]. There were no significant differences in the expression of fibulin‐5 in women with rectal prolapse compared with controls.

Conclusion

Fibulin‐5 may be implicated in the aetiology of rectal prolapse in a subgroup of young male patients.
Giant Aneurysm of Aortic Right Coronary Sinus: Diagnostic Doubts Related to Presentation of Valsalva Sinus Aneurysm in Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Wierzbowska‐Drabik Karina , Kasprzak Jarosław D. , Szymczyk Konrad , Szymczyk Ewa , Wdowiak‐Okrojek Katarzyna , Lipiec Piotr
Published: April 2015

Mini‐Abstract

We present the images of giant aneurysm of Valsalva sinus (SVA) in 79‐year‐old woman that was not diagnosed in first transthoracic echocardiographic study, because of problematic presentation suggesting defect of aortic wall or additional structure inside right ventricle. Although the majority of aneurysm of Valsalva sinuses are diagnosed by echocardiography, our case illustrates diagnostic doubts evoked by big aneurysm which seemed to fill completely right ventricular cavity. Nevertheless, repeated detailed examination with support of 3D technique and verification by computed tomography elucidated the correct diagnosis. On grounds of high surgical risk, the patient was classified for treatment with losartan and echocardiographic monitoring.