bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sphingopyxis flava sp. nov., isolated from a hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-contaminated soil
Authors: Verma Helianthous , Rani Pooja , Kumar Singh Amit , Kumar Roshan , Dwivedi Vatsala , Negi Vivek , Lal Rup
Published: July 2015

A Gram-negative-staining, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped and yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated R11HT, was isolated from a soil sample collected from a hexachlorocyclohexane dumpsite located at Ummari village, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain R11HT and the type strains of species of genus Sphingopyxis with validly published names ranged from 93.75 to 97.85 %. Strain R11HT showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Sphingopyxis indica DS15T (97.85 %), followed by Sphingopyxis soli JCM15910T (97.79 %), Sphingopyxis ginsengisoli KCTC 12582T (97.77 %) and Sphingopyxis panaciterrulae KCTC 22112T (97.34 %). The DNA G+C content of strain R11HT was 63.5 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain R11HT and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was well below the threshold value of 70 %, which suggested that strain R11HT represents a novel species of the genus Sphingopyxis. The major polar lipids of strain R11HT were sphingoglycolipid and other lipids commonly reported in this genus, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. Spermidine was detected as the major polyamine. The chemotaxonomic markers in strain R11HT confirmed its classification in the genus Sphingopyxis, i.e. Q-10 as the major ubiquinone and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and C14 : 0 2-OH as the predominant fatty acids. Results obtained from DNA–DNA hybridization and chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analyses clearly distinguished strain R11HT from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Thus, strain R11HT represents a novel species of the genus Sphingopyxis, for which the name Sphingopyxis flava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R11HT ( = DSM 28472T = MCC 2778T).
Helicobacter cinaedi: a challenging case in a rural clinic
Authors: Mugu Vamshi , Nausheen Sara , Mostofi Nima
Published: July 2015

Introduction:

Several cases of Helicobacter cinaedi infections have been reported in immunocompromised patients since the 1980s and, more recently, in immunocompetent patients with certain risk factors. In spite of reports from Japan, Europe and the USA, there are currently no guidelines for identification, susceptibility testing or treatment of these infections. This is particularly challenging for rural clinics, which are already limited by available diagnostic modalities and therapeutic approaches. We present a case of H. cinaedi infection in a rural clinic that exposes these challenges and provides an argument for the establishment of guidelines.

Case presentation:

A 64-year-old immunocompetent bisexual male with a history of recent orthopaedic surgery presented to our rural clinic with left lower leg cellulitis, bacteraemia, fever and chills. The causative organism could not be definitively identified in the clinic. Cultures were sent to the state laboratory for identification. Empiric treatment with cephalexin and ceftriaxone showed no improvement in cellulitis. The patient was transferred to a tertiary-care facility where vancomycin and ciproflxacin were moderately successful. Several days later, cultures identified H. cinaedi and the patient was treated with carbapenem and doxycycline to complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion:

Although infections by H. cinaedi are rare, they are not uncommon. Identification by culture may not always be definitive, so a high degree of suspicion and access to other diagnostic modalities is essential. Empiric treatment with certain antibiotics is usually successful and may be an acceptable therapeutic approach considering the lack of guidelines.
Effect of Localization on the Stability of Mutualistic Ecological Networks
Authors: Suweis S. , Grilli J. , Banavar Jayanth R. , Allesina S. , Maritan A.
Published: July 2015

The relationships between the core-periphery architecture of the species interaction network and the mechanisms ensuring the stability in mutualistic ecological communities are still unclear. In particular, most studies have focused their attention on asymptotic resilience or persistence, neglecting how perturbations propagate through the system. Here we develop a theoretical framework to evaluate the relationship between architecture of the interaction networks and the impact of perturbations by studying localization, a measure describing the ability of the perturbation to propagate through the network. We show that mutualistic ecological communities are localized, and localization reduces perturbation propagation and attenuates its impact on species abundance. Localization depends on the topology of the interaction networks, and it positively correlates with the variance of the weighted degree distribution, a signature of the network topological hetereogenity. Our results provide a different perspective on the interplay between the architecture of interaction networks in mutualistic communities and their stability.
Topology, cross-frequency, and same-frequency band interactions shape the generation of phase-amplitude coupling in a neural mass model of a cortical column
Authors: Sotero Roberto C.
Published: July 2015

Phase-amplitude coupling (PAC), a type of cross-frequency coupling (CFC) where the phase of a low-frequency rhythm modulates the amplitude of a higher frequency, is becoming an important indicator of information transmission in the brain. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying its generation remain undetermined. A realistic, yet tractable computational model of the phenomenon is thus needed. Here we propose a neural mass model of a cortical column, comprising fourteen neuronal populations distributed across four layers (L2/3, L4, L5 and L6). The conditional transfer entropies (cTE) from the phases to the amplitudes of the generated oscillations are estimated by means of the conditional mutual information. This approach provides information regarding directionality by distinguishing PAC from APC (amplitude-phase coupling), i.e. the information transfer from amplitudes to phases, and can be used to estimate other types of CFC such as amplitude-amplitude coupling (AAC) and phase-phase coupling (PPC). While experiments often only focus on one or two PAC combinations (e.g., theta-gamma or alpha-gamma), we found that a cortical column can simultaneously generate almost all possible PAC combinations, depending on connectivity parameters, time constants, and external inputs. We found that the strength of PAC between two populations was strongly correlated with the strength of the effective connections between them and, on average, did not depend upon the presence or absence of a direct (anatomical) connection. When considering a cortical column circuit as a complex network, we found that neuronal populations making indirect PAC connections had, on average, higher local clustering coefficient, efficiency, and betweenness centrality than populations making direct connections and populations not involved in PAC connections. This suggests that their interactions were more efficient when transmitting information. Since more than 60% of the obtained interactions represented indirect connections, our results highlight the importance of the topology of cortical circuits for the generation on of the PAC phenomenon. Finally, our results demonstrated that indirect PAC interactions can be explained by a cascade of direct CFC and same-frequency band interactions, suggesting that PAC analysis of experimental data should be accompanied by the estimation of other types of frequency interactions for an integrative understanding of the phenomenon.
Origins, genetic landscape, and emerging therapies of small cell lung cancer
Authors: Semenova Ekaterina A. , Nagel Remco , Berns Anton
Published: July 2015

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) representing the most aggressive subtype. Standard treatments have not changed in decades, and the 5-year survival rate has remained <7%. Genomic analyses have identified key driver mutations of SCLC that were subsequently validated in animal models of SCLC. To provide better treatment options, a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SCLC initiation, progression, metastasis, and acquisition of resistance is required. In this review, we describe the genetic landscape of SCLC, features of the cell of origin, and targeted therapeutic approaches.
miR-431 promotes differentiation and regeneration of old skeletal muscle by targeting Smad4
Authors: Lee Kwang-Pyo , Shin Yeo Jin , Panda Amaresh C. , Abdelmohsen Kotb , Kim Ji Young , Lee Seung-Min , Bahn Young Jae , Choi Jeong Yi , Kwon Eun-Soo , Baek Su-Jin , Kim Seon-Young , Gorospe Myriam , Kwon Ki-Sun
Published: July 2015

The myogenic capacity of myoblasts decreases in skeletal muscle with age. In addition to environmental factors, intrinsic factors are important for maintaining the regenerative potential of muscle progenitor cells, but their identities are largely unknown. Here, comparative analysis of microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in young and old myoblasts uncovered miR-431 as a novel miRNA showing markedly reduced abundance in aged myoblasts. Importantly, elevating miR-431 improved the myogenic capacity of old myoblasts, while inhibiting endogenous miR-431 lowered myogenesis. Bioinformatic and biochemical analyses revealed that miR-431 directly interacted with the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of Smad4 mRNA, which encodes one of the downstream effectors of TGF-β signaling. In keeping with the low levels of miR-431 in old myoblasts, SMAD4 levels increased in this myoblast population. Interestingly, in an in vivo model of muscle regeneration following cardiotoxin injury, ectopic miR-431 injection greatly improved muscle regeneration and reduced SMAD4 levels. Consistent with the finding that the mouse miR-431 seed sequence in the Smad4 3′ UTR is conserved in the human SMAD4 3′ UTR, inhibition of miR-431 also repressed the myogenic capacity of human skeletal myoblasts. Taken together, our results suggest that the age-associated miR-431 plays a key role in maintaining the myogenic ability of skeletal muscle with age.
Pancreatic cancer modeling using retrograde viral vector delivery and in vivo CRISPR/Cas9-mediated somatic genome editing
Authors: Chiou Shin-Heng , Winters Ian P. , Wang Jing , Naranjo Santiago , Dudgeon Crissy , Tamburini Fiona B. , Brady Jennifer J. , Yang Dian , Grüner Barbara M. , Chuang Chen-Hua , Caswell Deborah R. , Zeng Hong , Chu Pauline , Kim Grace E. , Carpizo Darren R. , Kim Seung K. , Winslow Monte M.
Published: July 2015

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a genomically diverse, prevalent, and almost invariably fatal malignancy. Although conventional genetically engineered mouse models of human PDAC have been instrumental in understanding pancreatic cancer development, these models are much too labor-intensive, expensive, and slow to perform the extensive molecular analyses needed to adequately understand this disease. Here we demonstrate that retrograde pancreatic ductal injection of either adenoviral-Cre or lentiviral-Cre vectors allows titratable initiation of pancreatic neoplasias that progress into invasive and metastatic PDAC. To enable in vivo CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene inactivation in the pancreas, we generated a Cre-regulated Cas9 allele and lentiviral vectors that express Cre and a single-guide RNA. CRISPR-mediated targeting of Lkb1 in combination with oncogenic Kras expression led to selection for inactivating genomic alterations, absence of Lkb1 protein, and rapid tumor growth that phenocopied Cre-mediated genetic deletion of Lkb1. This method will transform our ability to rapidly interrogate gene function during the development of this recalcitrant cancer.
The poly(A)-binding protein Nab2 functions in RNA polymerase III transcription
Authors: Reuter L. Maximilian , Meinel Dominik M. , Sträßer Katja
Published: July 2015

RNA polymerase III (RNAPIII) synthesizes most small RNAs, the most prominent being tRNAs. Although the basic mechanism of RNAPIII transcription is well understood, recent evidence suggests that additional proteins play a role in RNAPIII transcription. Here, we discovered by a genome-wide approach that Nab2, a poly(A)-binding protein important for correct poly(A) tail length and nuclear mRNA export, is present at all RNAPIII transcribed genes. The occupancy of Nab2 at RNAPIII transcribed genes is dependent on transcription. Using a novel temperature-sensitive allele of NAB2, nab2-34, we show that Nab2 is required for the occupancy of RNAPIII and TFIIIB at target genes. Furthermore, Nab2 interacts with RNAPIII, TFIIIB, and RNAPIII transcripts. Importantly, impairment of Nab2 function causes an RNAPIII transcription defect in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, we establish Nab2, an important mRNA biogenesis factor, as a novel player required for RNAPIII transcription by stabilizing TFIIIB and RNAPIII at promoters.
The host Integrator complex acts in transcription-independent maturation of herpesvirus microRNA 3′ ends
Authors: Xie Mingyi , Zhang Wei , Shu Mei-Di , Xu Acer , Lenis Diana A. , DiMaio Daniel , Steitz Joan A.
Published: July 2015

Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) is an oncogenic γ-herpesvirus that produces microRNAs (miRNAs) by cotranscription of precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) hairpins immediately downstream from viral small nuclear RNAs (snRNA). The host cell Integrator complex, which recognizes the snRNA 3′ end processing signal (3′ box), generates the 5′ ends of HVS pre-miRNA hairpins. Here, we identify a novel 3′ box-like sequence (miRNA 3′ box) downstream from HVS pre-miRNAs that is essential for miRNA biogenesis. In vivo knockdown and rescue experiments confirmed that the 3′ end processing of HVS pre-miRNAs also depends on Integrator activity. Interaction between Integrator and HVS primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) substrates that contain only the miRNA 3′ box was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and an in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) that we developed to localize specific transient RNA–protein interactions inside cells. Surprisingly, in contrast to snRNA 3′ end processing, HVS pre-miRNA 3′ end processing by Integrator can be uncoupled from transcription, enabling new approaches to study Integrator enzymology.
Structure of BbKI, a disulfide-free plasma kallikrein inhibitor
Authors: Zhou Dongwen , Hansen Daiane , Shabalin Ivan G. , Gustchina Alla , Vieira Debora F. , de Brito Marlon V. , Araújo Ana Paula U. , Oliva Maria Luiza V. , Wlodawer Alexander
Published: July 2015

A serine protease inhibitor fromBauhinia bauhinioides(BbKI) belongs to the Kunitz family of plant inhibitors, which are common in plant seeds. BbKI does not contain any disulfides, unlike most other members of this family. It is a potent inhibitor of plasma kallikrein, in addition to other serine proteases, and thus exhibits antithrombotic activity. A high-resolution crystal structure of recombinantly expressed BbKI was determined (at 1.4 Å resolution) and was compared with the structures of other members of the family. Modeling of a complex of BbKI with plasma kallikrein indicates that changes in the local structure of the reactive loop that includes the specificity-determining Arg64 are necessary in order to explain the tight binding. An R64A mutant of BbKI was found to be a weaker inhibitor of plasma kallikrein, but was much more potent against plasmin, suggesting that this mutant may be useful for preventing the breakup of fibrin and maintaining clot stability, thus preventing excessive bleeding.
Structure of GTP-specific succinyl-CoA synthetase in complex with CoA
Authors: Huang Ji , Malhi Manpreet , Deneke Jan , Fraser Marie Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Pig GTP-specific succinyl-CoA synthetase is an αβ-heterodimer. The crystal structure of the complex with the substrate CoA was determined at 2.1 Å resolution. The structure shows CoA bound to the amino-terminal domain of the α-subunit, with the free thiol extending from the adenine portion into the site where the catalytic histidine residue resides.
Structure of human Roquin-2 and its complex with constitutive-decay element RNA
Authors: Sakurai Shunya , Ohto Umeharu , Shimizu Toshiyuki
Published: July 2015

Roquin mediates mRNA degradation by recognizing the constitutive-decay element (CDE) in the 3′ untranslated region of the target gene followed by recruitment of the deadenylation machinery. Deficiency or dysfunction of Roquin has been associated with autoimmunity and inflammation. To establish the structural basis for the recognition of CDE RNA by Roquin, the crystal structure of the ROQ domain of human Roquin-2 was determined in ligand-free and CDE-derived RNA-bound forms. The ROQ domain of Roquin-2 folded into a winged-helix structure in which the wing region showed structural flexibility and acted as a lid for RNA binding. The CDE RNA, forming a stem-loop structure, bound to the positively charged surface of the ROQ domain and was mainly recognizedviadirect interactions with the phosphate backbone in the 5′ half of the stem-loop and its triloop andviaindirect water-mediated interactions. Structural comparison with Roquin-1 revealed conserved features of the RNA-binding mode. Therefore, it is suggested that the Roquin proteins function redundantly in mRNA degradation.
Crystallization and crystallographic analysis of branching enzymes fromCyanothecesp. ATCC 51142
Authors: Hayashi Mari , Suzuki Ryuichiro , Colleoni Christophe , Ball Steven G. , Fujita Naoko , Suzuki Eiji
Published: July 2015

Several cyanobacterial species, includingCyanothecesp. ATCC 51142, remarkably have four isoforms of α-glucan branching enzymes (BEs). Based on their primary structures, they are classified into glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 13 (BE1, BE2 and BE3) or family 57 (GH57 BE). In the present study, GH13-type BEs fromCyanothecesp. ATCC 51142 (BE1, BE2 and BE3) have been overexpressed inEscherichia coliand biochemically characterized. The recombinant BE1 was crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. Crystals of BE1 were obtained at 293 K in the presence of 0.2 MMg2+, 7–10%(w/v) ethanol, 0.1 MHEPES–NaOH pH 7.2–7.9. The crystals belonged to the tetragonal space groupP41212, with unit-cell parametersa = b = 133.75,c= 185.90 Å, and diffracted to beyond 1.85 Å resolution. Matthews coefficient calculations suggested that the crystals of BE1 contained two molecules in the asymmetric unit.
High-resolution crystal structure of cAMP-dependent protein kinase fromCricetulus griseus
Authors: Kudlinzki Denis , Linhard Verena L. , Saxena Krishna , Sreeramulu Sridhar , Gande Santosh , Schieborr Ulrich , Dreyer Matthias , Schwalbe Harald
Published: July 2015

Protein kinases (PKs) are dynamic regulators of numerous cellular processes. Their phosphorylation activity is determined by the conserved kinase core structure, which is maintained by the interaction and dynamics with associated domains or interacting proteins. The prototype enzyme for investigations to understand the activity and regulation of PKs is the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKAc). Major effects of functional regulation and ligand binding are driven by only minor structural modulations in protein–protein interactions. In order to resolve such minor structural differences, very high resolution structures are required. Here, the high-resolution X-ray structure of PKAc fromCricetulus griseusis reported.
Crystal structure analysis of c4763, a uropathogenicEscherichia coli-specific protein
Authors: Kim Hun , Choi Jongkeun , Kim Doyoun , Kim Kyeong Kyu
Published: July 2015

Urinary-tract infections (UTIs), which are some of the most common infectious diseases in humans, can cause sepsis and death without proper treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to understand their pathogenicity for proper diagnosis and therapeutics. UropathogenicEscherichia coli, the major causative agents of UTIs, contain several genes that are absent in nonpathogenic strains and are therefore considered to be relevant to UTI pathogenicity. c4763 is one of the uropathogenicE. coli-specific proteins, but its function is unknown. To investigate the function of c4763 and its possible role in UTI pathogenicity, its crystal structure was determined at a resolution of 1.45 Å by a multiple-wavelength anomalous diffraction method. c4763 is a homodimer with 129 residues in one subunit that contains a GGCT-like domain with five α-helices and seven β-strands. c4763 shows structural similarity to the C-terminal domain of allophanate hydrolase fromKluyveromyces lactis, which is involved in the degradation of urea. These results suggest that c4763 might be involved in the utilization of urea, which is necessary for bacterial survival in the urinary tract. Further biochemical and physiological investigation will elucidate its functional relevance in UTIs.
Crystal structure of 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylphenyl)ethanone
Authors: Prabpai Samran , Kongsaeree Palangpon
Published: July 2015

The title compound, C9H10O3, is a bioactive secondary metabolite, isolated from the endophytic fungusNodulisporiumsp. The compound exhibits an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond between the phenolic H atom and the carbonyl O atom of the adjacent acetyl group. In the crystal, molecules are linked by hydrogen bonds involving the 4-phenolic H atom and a symmetry-related carbonyl O atom of a neighboring molecule, resulting in extended supramolecular chains along thea-axis direction. Aromatic π–π stacking interactions between the nearly parallel benzene rings of adjacent chains [centroid–centroid distance = 3.7478 (8) Å] further stabilize the three-dimensional supramolecular framework.
Crystal structure of (±)-1-({[4-(allyloxy)phenyl]sulfanyl}methyl)-2-(diphenylthiophosphoryl)ferrocene
Authors: Michelot Audric , Sarda Stéphanie , Daran Jean-Claude , Deydier Eric , Manoury Eric
Published: July 2015

The title compound, [Fe(C5H5)(C27H24OPS2)], is built up from a ferrocene moiety substituted in the 1- and 2-positions by {[4-(allyloxy)phenyl]sulfanyl}methyl and diphenylthiophosphoryl groups, respectively. The two S atoms lie on opposite sides of the cyclopentadienyl ring plane to which they are attached. In the crystal, C—H...S hydrogen bonds link the molecules into a ribbon running parallel to the (-110) plane. C—H...π interactions link the ribbons to form a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of di-μ-hydroxido-κ4O:O-bis[bis(acetylacetonato-κ2O,O′)cobalt(III)]
Authors: Richers Casseday P. , Bertke Jeffery A. , Rauchfuss Thomas B.
Published: July 2015

The dinuclear title complex, [Co2(C5H7O2)4(μ-OH)2] or [Co(acac)2(μ-OH)]2, where acac is acetylacetonate, is centrosymmetric with half of the molecule per asymmetric unit. The molecular structure is a dimer of octahedrally coordinated CoIIIatoms with four O atoms from two chelating acac ligands and two O atoms from bridging hydroxide ligands. The crystal packing features weak C—H...O interactions between neighboring molecules, leading to the formation of chains normal to theacplane. The hydroxide H atoms are not involved in hydrogen bonding because of the bulky acac ligands. This is the first crystal structure reported of a dimeric transition metal bis-acac complex with OH−as the bridging group.
Crystal structure of 4,6-diamino-2,2-dimethyl-3-[3-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)propoxy]-2,3-dihydro-1,3,5-triazin-1-ium chloride methanol monosolvate
Authors: Khongsuk Pattarapol , Prabpai Samran , Kongsaeree Palangpon
Published: July 2015

In the title methanol-solvated salt, C14H19Cl3N5O2+·Cl−·CH3OH, the triazine molecule is protonated at one of the triazine N atoms. In the crystal, the triazine cations are linked through a pair of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, with graph-setR22(8), forming an inversion dimer. The protonated N atom and the 2- and 4-amino groups of the triazine cation interact with the chloride anion through N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, leading to the formation of a tape structure running along theb-axis direction. A short Cl...Cl contact [3.2937 (9) Å] is observed in the tape. The methanol molecule is linked to the chloride anion and the triazine cation, respectively, by an O—H...Cl hydrogen bond and a C—H...O interaction.
The competitive advantages of emerging market multinationals: a re-assessment
Authors: Williamson Peter J.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to re-assess both the nature and sources of the competitive advantages which multinationals expanding from home bases in emerging economies (EMNEs) may enjoy in the global market.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper analyses the results of 12 concurrent studies undertaken by a group of experts who were asked to examine how strategies for innovation, international value chain configuration and foreign mergers and acquisitions contributed to the competitive advantages of multinationals emerging from Brazil, Russia, India and China (the BRICs), respectively.

Findings

– EMNEs do have competitive advantages that can underpin their expansion abroad, but these are mainly “non-traditional” advantages that have been built by finding innovative ways to leverage advantages of their home countries. EMNE’s internationalisation is as much about accessing new resources and knowledge to enable them to extend their competitive advantage, as it is a route to exploiting existing advantages over a larger set of markets. As a result, the global value chain structure of EMNEs tends to be fundamentally different from that chosen by incumbent multinationals.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited to EMNEs from the BRIC countries, but implications for EMNEs emerging from other countries are discussed.

Originality/value

– We bring to bear extensive data and a systematic approach to understanding the new breed of multinationals emerging from the BRIC countries; their sources of competitive advantage; and how they are using innovation, foreign investment and overseas acquisitions to transform global competition.
Global value chains, rising power firms and economic and social upgrading
Authors: Lee Joonkoo , Gereffi Gary
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the global value chain (GVC) approach to understand the relationship between multinational enterprises (MNEs) and the changing patterns of global trade, investment and production, and its impact on economic and social upgrading. It aims to illuminate how GVCs can advance our understanding about MNEs and rising power (RP) firms and their impact on economic and social upgrading in fragmented and dispersed global production systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reviews the GVC literature focusing on two conceptual elements of the GVC approach, governance and upgrading, and highlights three key recent developments in GVCs: concentration, regionalization and synergistic governance.

Findings

– The paper underscores the complicated role of GVCs in shaping economic and social upgrading for emerging economies, RP firms and developing country firms in general. Rising geographic and organizational concentration in GVCs leads to the uneven distribution of upgrading opportunities in favor of RP firms, and yet economic upgrading may be elusive even for the most established suppliers because of power asymmetry with global buyers. Shifting end markets and the regionalization of value chains can benefit RP firms by presenting alternative markets for upgrading. Yet, without further upgrading, such benefits may be achieved at the expense of social downgrading. Finally, the ineffectiveness of private standards to achieve social upgrading has led to calls for synergistic governance through the cooperation of private, public and social actors, both global and local.

Originality/value

– The paper illuminates how the GVC approach and its key concepts can contribute to the critical international business and RP firms literature by examining the latest dynamics in GVCs and their impacts on economic and social development in developing countries.
A reconceptualisation of social value creation as social constraint alleviation
Authors: Sinkovics Noemi , Sinkovics Rudolf R. , Hoque Samia Ferdous , Czaban Laszlo
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper includes two interconnected objectives. The first is to provide a reconceptualisation of social value creation as social constraint alleviation. The second is to respond to the call put forward by Giuliani and Macchi (2014) to produce synergies between bodies of literature exploring the development impact of businesses. The paper focuses on ideas from the global value chain/global production networks (GVC/GPN), business and human rights, corporate social responsibility (CSR), international business (IB) and (social) entrepreneurship literatures.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper offers a reconceptualisation of social value creation by building on the synergies, complementarities and limitations of existing concepts identified through the literature review.

Findings

– The reconceptualisation of social value creation put forward in this paper contributes to the literature in the following way. It offers a useful and clear definition of the term “social” (Devinney, 2009), and it attends to the limitations of the constraint concept as put forward by Ted London and his collaborators (London, 2011). Furthermore, it sketches out the basic ideas of a two-system approach to allow for the differentiation between symptom treatment and root cause alleviation. Finally, it offers a refinement of Wettstein’s (2012) proposed capability-based remedial action concept. The paper furthermore proposes that there are three distinct ways in which businesses generally respond to social constraints.

Originality/value

– The paper illustrates how the redefined concept of social value creation can connect different bodies of literature and help make sense of existing empirical results, without engaging in definitional debates.
Modeling the performance of a PCM cooling vest considering its side effects
Authors: Yazdi Motahareh Mokhtari , Sheikhzadeh Mohammad , Chavoshi Seyed Ehsan
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and evaluate the potential cooling contribution provided by a phase change material cooling vest as part of the total heat exchange mechanism of the body and take in to account the negative side effects of wearing the cooling garments.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, the three-part system of body-garment-environment has been simulated through the finite element method and the problem of heat exchange between these three parts has been solved with the help of computer modeling.

Findings

– The results of this modeling showed that a large percentage of the cooling efficiency of cooling vest was neutralized by the negative effects of the vest that are weight, lack of breathability, and the effects on the thermal conductivity of the skin. Therefore, the net efficiency of the cooling vests resulted in a lower decrease in skin temperature compared to the state that the negative side effects were not included in the model.

Originality/value

– Cooling power obtained with the help of cooling garments have been studied in previous studies using either human tests or manikins. But, what has been addressed less in previous studies relates to the negative effects of such equipment on the comfort of body, along with their cooling effect. So it is the first time witch the effect of side effects of such equipments are studied. Also modeling the real performance of cooling garments have not been done yet.
The thermal insulation properties of hightech sportswear fillings
Authors: Havelka Antonin , Glombikova Viera , Kus Zdenek , Chotebor Michal
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to deal with performance verification of thermal insulation fillings that are used for outer clothes into cold environments. Thermal properties of filling materials (down and three sophisticated fillings) were tested under condition approaching real weather conditions in Middle Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the paper, modern method of thermal resistance Rct measurement, by Sweating Guarded-Hotplate system, was compared with method of Technical University of Liberec (TUL method). The TUL method shows good results and it is applicable even at ambient temperatures below zero, which fully corresponds to real application of the insulation filling.

Findings

– Evaluation of fibre battings were carried out even at temperatures below the freezing point, which is important for simulation of actual application of these filling structures. The highest thermal resistance of goose down confirm that natural materials have their irreplaceable position, especially in application into clothes for extreme conditions.

Research limitations/implications

– There does not include effect of the humidity change on thermal insulation properties. It will be subject of further research of authors.

Originality/value

– The investigation of thermal insulation properties were carried out under conditions approaching real application of tested materials, namely, at low ambient temperature.
Design freeze sequencing using Bayesian network framework
Authors: Lee Jihwan , Hong Yoo S.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Change propagation is the major source of schedule delays and cost overruns in design projects. One way to mitigate the risk of change propagation is to impose a design freeze on components at some point prior to completion of the process. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model-driven approach to optimal freeze sequence identification based on change propagation risk.

Design/methodology/approach

– A dynamic Bayesian network was used to represent the change propagation process within a system. According to the model, when a freeze decision is made with respect to a component, a probabilistic inference algorithm within the Bayesian network updates the uncertain state of each component. Based on this mechanism, a set of algorithm was developed to derive optimal freeze sequence.

Findings

– The authors derived the optimal freeze sequence of a helicopter design project from real product development process. The experimental result showed that our proposed method can significantly improve the effectiveness of freeze sequencing compared with arbitrary freeze sequencing.

Originality/value

– The methodology identifies the optimal sequence for resolution of entire-system uncertainty in the most effective manner. This mechanism, in progressively updating the state of each component, enables an analyzer to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the freeze sequence.
Where next for victim services in England and Wales?
Authors: Madoc-Jones Iolo , Hughes Caroline , Humphries Keith
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– At a time when funding arrangements are under review, the purpose of this paper is to come to a better understanding of victim needs and to inform future developments of services in England and Wales.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on qualitative data gathered from a series of interviews with 33 individuals working with victims of crime in one police area in England and Wales.

Findings

– Better practice and outcomes were associated in respondent’s accounts with the multi-agency working and end to end case management of needs associated with some victims of rape and domestic abuse assessed as high risk of harm.

Research limitations/implications

– Small-scale qualitative study.

Practical implications

– It is argued Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) should explore mechanisms for extending such services to more victims of crime and ensuring better co-ordination of service delivery.

Originality/value

– From October 2014 onwards PCCs are set to take over responsibility for funding victim services in England and Wales. Though not an uncontroversial development, this sets the context for practice with victims to be considered afresh and accordingly this paper explores the needs of victims and how they are met in one police and crime area.
How does leadership contribute to safeguarding vulnerable adults within healthcare organisations? A review of the literature
Authors: Stevens Emma L
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify aspects of leadership and evaluate their contribution to safeguarding vulnerable adults in healthcare organisations through conducting a critical review of literature. To identify or adapt a leadership framework to contribute to safeguarding vulnerable adults in healthcare organisations through analysis of the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology was qualitative and inductive. It was based on constructivism and an interpretive theoretical perspective, beginning without hypothesis. Themes emerged during the process. A critical review of literature was undertaken to answer the research question. Literature was sourced from a variety of health and social care databases and grey literature. All inclusions underwent rigorous critical appraisal and a total of 18 papers were explored.

Findings

– The importance of clear leadership and direction was a common theme across the majority of sources. Aspects of leadership that can safeguard vulnerable adults in health care organisations include organisational culture, implementation of policies, procedures and frameworks, and reinforcing strong values and ethics around empowering individuals and delivering person-centred care. Through the meta-synthesis of findings, a model of leadership emerged.

Research limitations/implications

– The critical review utilised only one reviewer and the proposed leadership framework has not been empirically tested.

Practical implications

– The paper proposes a leadership framework that can be applied within healthcare organisations to safeguard vulnerable adults.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfils the need for evidence that supports the belief that strong leadership can safeguard vulnerable adults. It provides a comprehensive review of existing literature in this area.
Logit modelling of food shopping behaviour of children in retail stores
Authors: Vohra Jyoti , Soni Pavleen
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to comprehensively uncover antecedents of food shopping behaviour of children in retail stores in India. Children form the pivot of food marketing. They accompany parents on food shopping trips and assist food purchases. Their extent of participation varies with the frequency with which they accompany parents, the presence of food promotions and other demographic variables. The present paper attempts to comprehensively uncover the variables that help in cumulatively predicting food shopping behaviour of children in retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data have been collected from 473 mothers of children in the age category 4-11 years. For the aforesaid purpose, a structured, pre-tested and non-disguised questionnaire has been prepared. Binary logistic regression has been applied to analyse the data through SPSS 19.

Findings

– Shopping behaviour of children in retail stores significantly depends upon food promotions in retail stores, frequency with which children accompany mothers on shopping trips and demographic variables such as age of mother and father and education status of mother.

Practical implications

– This study attracts attention of parents, food retailers and policy makers towards impact of food promotional strategies on food buying behaviour of children in retail stores.

Originality/value

– This piece of research is important as no such study (to the best of researchers’ knowledge) has been conducted in India even when food retailing is an important component of total retail in India and also growing tremendously.
An intention-based model of transfer of training
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Sanders Karin , Hampson Ian
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explicate and test an intention-based model to explain transfer of training behavior. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is utilized to examine the role of transfer intention in the transfer of training process.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 132 construction practitioners in Hong Kong was adopted. All measurement and structural models were assessed with structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Results showed that the three antecedents positively affected transfer intention, while perceived behavioral control and transfer intention affected transfer behavior positively. Moreover, a post hoc analysis supported the mediating role of transfer intention in the relationship between the antecedents and transfer behavior.

Practical implications

– Confirmation of the mediating role of intention has ascertained that it should be the core of a transfer of training model. To strengthen the transfer behavior, one has to find ways to increase the intention to transfer.

Originality/value

– This paper examined an intention-based model of transfer of training based on the TPB. The latter has rarely been applied to the prediction of transfer behavior.
Taboo no more: a qualitative country institutional profile of life insurance in China and India
Authors: Mitchell Matthew C. , Kappen Jeffrey A. , Heaston William R.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to compare the emergence and evolution of organizational fields through an analysis of the life insurance industries in two large emerging markets. Using institutional theory as a conceptual framework, we compare the regulatory, cognitive and normative dimensions of the life insurance industry in China and India.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors introduce a qualitative variation of the country institutional profile (CIP) that has been traditionally implemented as a quantitative analytical tool used to describe differences in national environments. This newly proposed methodology captures the socially embedded aspects of the phenomenon more completely than commonly employed survey-based methodology.

Findings

– This analysis leads to a three-dimensional typology of constructs and themes within each national environment. These themes include the importance of regulation and protectionism, the domestic savings culture, family support structures and human capital development within the industry. The authors conclude by comparing these typologies to consider the implications for studying change in organizational fields across contexts.

Originality/value

– As the authors reflect on the evolution of organizational fields, they demonstrate how the interplay of historical factors and new global norms results in a negotiated stance between compliance with new norms and allegiance to local interests. In terms of methodological contribution, we show how the socially embedded aspects of the examined phenomenon are explored more completely by the proposed qualitative CIP than through its quantitative variation. This approach and the analysis illustrate a complex interplay of local and global norms within a selected industry that may be missed by other research methods.
Perceived qualities of older workers and age management in companies
Authors: Principi Andrea , Fabbietti Paolo , Lamura Giovanni
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– To explore whether the ages of human resources (HR) managers has an impact on their perceptions of the qualities/characteristics of older and younger workers (i.e., manager attitudes) and on the implementation of age management initiatives to the benefit of older workers (i.e., manager behaviors). The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on theories concerning the origins of stereotypes and the concept of “in-group bias”, three hypotheses were tested on a sample of HR managers from 516 Italian companies extracted from the Gfk Eurisko database by using factor analyses and bivariate and multivariate tools.

Findings

– The age of an HR manager seems to influence his/her attitudes towards older and younger workers, because HR managers judge workers of a similar age to them more positively. In contrast, the age of an HR manager does not seem to play a particular role in the implementation of age management initiatives. In the companies considered, however, there is a tendency to adopt early retirement schemes when the HR managers concerned are younger, while in general there is a tendency to implement age management initiatives and show a greater appreciation of older workers in larger companies.

Practical implications

– The implementation of age management initiatives to the benefit of older workers may improve HR managers ' perceptions of those workers ' positive qualities. Furthermore, specific training may help HR managers recognize that both younger and older workers have useful albeit different strengths.

Originality/value

– This study provides new empirical evidence from the Italian context on the largely under-investigated issue of the role played by age in shaping HR managers ' attitudes towards older workers, and age management policies in particular.
Diversity management for all? An empirical analysis of diversity management outcomes across groups
Authors: Ashikali Tanachia , Groeneveld Sandra
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine if and how diversity management outcomes differ across non-native and native Dutch groups within public sector organizations. The effects of diversity management on the extent employees feel their organizational environment is inclusive and on their attitudes and behaviour, are expected to be dependent on how diversity management is perceived by non-native and native Dutch employees in the organization. Drawing on social exchange theory, the authors expect that employees who positively value diversity management practices will reciprocate through showing attitudes and behaviours that are valued by the organization. Since social exchange refers to a social relationship between the employee and the organization that goes beyond the formal contract alone, the authors analyse affective commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) as employee outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analyse data from a quantitative survey of a sample of Dutch central government employees and use structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse the consequences of diversity management across non-native and native Dutch employee groups.

Findings

– Results show that diversity management is associated with higher levels of inclusion which in turn boosts affective commitment and OCB of both non-native and native Dutch employees.

Practical implications

– The findings show that higher levels of diversity management is associated with an increased inclusive environment, which in turn boosts employees’ affective commitment and OCB. This effect is equal for social-demographic diverse groups. Public managers should therefore implement diversity management that focus on creating an environment that is inclusive for all employees. The positive employee attitudes and behaviour resulting from this can contribute to achieving organizational goals.

Originality/value

– This paper combines theory on diversity management outcomes and social exchange to empirically explore and explain group differences by testing these linkages using SEM.