bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusibacter fontis sp. nov., a sulfur-reducing, anaerobic bacterium isolated from a mesothermic Tunisian spring
Authors: Fadhlaoui Khaled , Ben Hania Wajdi , Postec Anne , Fauque Guy , Hamdi Moktar , Ollivier Bernard , Fardeau Marie-Laure
Published: July 2015

Strain KhalAKB1T, a mesophilic, anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, was isolated from water collected from a mesothermic Tunisian spring. Cells were Gram-staining-positive rods, occurring singly or in pairs and motile by one lateral flagellum. Strain KhalAKB1T grew at 15–45 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 5.5–8.5 (optimum pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0–35 g NaCl l− 1 (optimum 1 g NaCl l− 1). It fermented yeast extract and a wide range of carbohydrates including cellobiose, d-glucose, d-ribose, sucrose, d-xylose, maltose, d-galactose and starch as electron donors. Acetate, ethanol, CO2 and H2 were end products of glucose metabolism. It reduced elemental sulfur, but not sulfate, thiosulfate or sulfite, into sulfide. The DNA G+C content was 37.6 mol%. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C14 : 0 and C16 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence suggested Fusibacter bizertensis as the closest relative of this isolate (identity of 97.2 % to the type strain). Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic taxonomic characteristics, strain KhalAKB1T is proposed to be assigned to a novel species within the genus Fusibacter, order Clostridiales, Fusibacter fontis sp. nov. The type strain is KhalAKB1T ( = DSM 28450T = JCM 19912T).
Streptomyces gilvifuscus sp. nov., an actinomycete that produces antibacterial compounds isolated from soil
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Manh , Kim Jaisoo
Published: July 2015

This study describes a novel actinomycete, designated T113T, which was isolated from forest soil in Pyeongchang-gun, Republic of Korea, and is an aerobic, Gram-stain-positive actinobacterium that forms flexibilis chains of smooth, elliptical or short rod-shaped spores. The results of 16S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that strain T113Texhibited high levels of similarity to previously characterized species of the genusStreptomyces(98.19–98.89 %, respectively). However, the results of phylogenetic and DNA–DNA hybridization analyses confirmed that the organism represented a novel member of the genusStreptomyces. Furthermore, using chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analyses it was demonstrated that the strain exhibited characteristics similar to those of other members of the genusStreptomyces. The primary cellular fatty acids expressed by this strain included anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C15 : 0and iso-C16 : 0. While diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine were the predominant lipids expressed by strain T113T, moderate amounts of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside were also detected. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained glucose and ribose, and the predominant menaquinone detected was MK-9 (H6); however, moderate amounts of MK-9 (H8) and trace amounts of MK-10 (H2) and MK-10 (H4) were also detected. We therefore propose that strain T113Tbe considered as representing a novel species of the genusStreptomycesand propose the nameStreptomyces gilvifuscussp. nov. for this species, with strain T113T( = KEMB 9005-213T = KACC 18248T = NBRC 110904T) being the type strain.
Terrisporobacter petrolearius sp. nov., isolated from an oilfield petroleum reservoir
Authors: Deng Yu , Guo Xiang , Wang Yanwei , He Mingxiong , Ma Kedong , Wang Huimin , Chen Xiaorong , Kong Delong , Yang Zhirong , Ruan Zhiyong
Published: July 2015

A Gram-staining-positive, spore-forming, strictly anaerobic bacterium, designated strain LAM0A37T, was isolated from enrichment samples collected from a petroleum reservoir in Shengli oilfield. Cells of strain LAM0A37T were rod-shaped and motile by peritrichous flagella. The optimal temperature and pH for growth were 40 °C and 7.0–7.5, respectively. The strain did not require NaCl for growth but tolerated up to 3 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain LAM0A37T was able to utilize glucose, fructose, maltose, xylose, sorbitol, cellobiose, melibiose and melezitose as sole carbon sources. Sulfite was used as an electron acceptor. The main products of glucose fermentation were acetate and CO2. The predominant fatty acid was C16 : 0 (23.6 %). The main polar lipid profile comprised of five glycolipids, six phospholipids and two lipids. No menaquinone was detected. The genomic DNA G+C content was 27.1 ± 0.2 mol% as determined by the T
m method. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the isolate was a member of the genus Terrisporobacter, and was most closely related to Terrisporobacter glycolicus JCM 1401T and Terrisporobacter mayombei DSM 6539T with 98.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to both. DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain LAM0A37T and type strains of Terrisporobacter glycolicus and Terrisporobacter mayombei were 45.6 ± 0.3 % and 38.3 ± 0.4 %, respectively. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain LAM0A37T is suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Terrisporobacter, for which the name Terrisporobacter petrolearius sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LAM0A37T ( = ACCC 00740T = JCM 19845T).
Methylomagnum ishizawai gen. nov., sp. nov., a mesophilic type I methanotroph isolated from rice rhizosphere
Authors: Khalifa Ashraf , Lee Chol Gyu , Ogiso Takuya , Ueno Chihoko , Dianou Dayéri , Demachi Toyoko , Katayama Arata , Asakawa Susumu
Published: July 2015

An aerobic, methane-oxidizing bacterium (strain RS11D-PrT) was isolated from rice rhizosphere. Cells of strain RS11D-PrT were Gram-stain-negative, motile rods with a single polar flagellum and contained an intracytoplasmic membrane system typical of type I methanotrophs. The strain utilized methane and methanol as sole carbon and energy sources. It could grow at 20–37 °C (optimum 31–33 °C), at pH 6.8–7.4 (range 5.5–9.0) and with 0–0.2 % (w/v) NaCl (there was no growth at above 0.5 % NaCl). pmoA and mmoX genes were present. The ribulose monophosphate and/or ribulose bisphosphate pathways were used for carbon assimilation. Results of sequence analysis of 16S rRNA genes showed that strain RS11D-PrT is related closely to the genera Methylococcus, Methylocaldum, Methyloparacoccus and Methylogaea in the family Methylococcaceae. The similarity was low (94.6 %) between strain RS11D-PrT and the most closely related type strain (Methyloparacoccus murrellii R-49797T). The DNA G+C content was 64.1 mol%. Results of phylogenetic analysis of the pmoA gene and chemotaxonomic data regarding the major cellular fatty acids (C16 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and C14 : 0) and the major respiratory quinone (MQ-8) also indicated the affiliation of strain RS11D-PrT to the Methylococcus–Methylocaldum–Methyloparacoccus–Methylogaea clade. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain RS11D-PrT is considered to represent a novel genus and species within the family Methylococcaceae, for which the name Methylomagnum ishizawai gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RS11D-PrT ( = JCM 18894T = NBRC 109438T = DSM 29768T = KCTC 4681T).
Streptomyces sasae sp. nov., isolated from bamboo (Sasa borealis) rhizosphere soil
Authors: Lee Hyo-Jin , Whang Kyung-Sook
Published: July 2015

A novel strain of Gram-staining-positive actinobacterium, designated strain JR-39T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of bamboo (Sasa borealis) sampled in Damyang, Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. The isolate formed flexuous chains of spores that were cylindrical and smooth-surfaced. Strain JR-39T grew at 4–37 °C (optimum 28 °C). The pH range for growth was pH 5–10 (optimum pH 6–8) and the NaCl range for growth was 0–5 % (w/v) with optimum growth at 1 % NaCl. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained ll-diaminopimelic acid, glutamic acid, alanine and glycine. Whole-cell hydrolysates mainly contained glucose, mannose, ribose and rhamnose. Predominant menaquinones were MK-9 (H6), MK-9 (H8) and MK-9 (H4). The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. The G+C content of the DNA was 72.3 ± 0.34 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain JR-39T belonged to the genus Streptomyces, showing the highest sequence similarity to Streptomyces panaciradicis 1MR-8T (99.4 %), Streptomyces capoamus JCM 4734T (98.8 %), Streptomyces galbus DSM 40089T (98.7 %), Streptomyces longwoodensis LMG 20096T (98.7 %), Streptomyces bungoensis NBRC 15711T (98.7 %) and Streptomyces rhizophilus JR-41T (98.7 %). However, DNA–DNA hybridization assays, as well as physiological and biochemical analyses, showed that strain JR-39T could be differentiated from its closest phylogenetic relatives. On the basis of the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain JR-39T represents a novel species for which the name Streptomyces sasae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JR-39T ( = KACC 17182T = NBRC 109809T).
Expanded roles of leucine-responsive regulatory protein in transcription regulation of the Escherichia coli genome: Genomic SELEX screening of the regulation targets
Authors: Shimada Tomohiro , Saito Natsumi , Maeda Michihisa , Tanaka Kan , Ishihama Akira
Published: July 2015

Leucine-responsive regulatory protein (Lrp) is a transcriptional regulator for the genes involved in transport, biosynthesis and catabolism of amino acids in Escherichia coli. In order to identify the whole set of genes under the direct control of Lrp, we performed Genomic SELEX screening and identified a total of 314 Lrp-binding sites on the E. coli genome. As a result, the regulation target of Lrp was predicted to expand from the hitherto identified genes for amino acid metabolism to a set of novel target genes for utilization of amino acids for protein synthesis, including tRNAs, aminoacyl-tRNA synthases and rRNAs. Northern blot analysis indicated alteration of mRNA levels for at least some novel targets, including the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase genes. Phenotype MicroArray of the lrp mutant indicated significant alteration in utilization of amino acids and peptides, whilst metabolome analysis showed variations in the concentration of amino acids in the lrp mutant. From these two datasets we realized a reverse correlation between amino acid levels and cell growth rate: fast-growing cells contain low-level amino acids, whilst a high level of amino acids exists in slow-growing cells. Taken together, we propose that Lrp is a global regulator of transcription of a large number of the genes involved in not only amino acid transport and metabolism, but also amino acid utilization.
K-Pax2: Bayesian identification of cluster-defining amino acid positions in large sequence datasets
Authors: Pessia Alberto , Grad Yonatan , Cobey Sarah , Puranen Juha Santeri , Corander Jukka
Published: July 2015

The recent growth in publicly available sequence data has introduced new opportunities for studying microbial evolution and spread. Because the pace of sequence accumulation tends to exceed the pace of experimental studies of protein function and the roles of individual amino acids, statistical tools to identify meaningful patterns in protein diversity are essential. Large sequence alignments from fast-evolving micro-organisms are particularly challenging to dissect using standard tools from phylogenetics and multivariate statistics because biologically relevant functional signals are easily masked by neutral variation and noise. To meet this need, a novel computational method is introduced that is easily executed in parallel using a cluster environment and can handle thousands of sequences with minimal subjective input from the user. The usefulness of this kind of machine learning is demonstrated by applying it to nearly 5000 haemagglutinin sequences of influenza A/H3N2.Antigenic and 3D structural mapping of the results show that the method can recover the major jumps in antigenic phenotype that occurred between 1968 and 2013 and identify specific amino acids associated with these changes. The method is expected to provide a useful tool to uncover patterns of protein evolution.
Determinants of patient safety, satisfaction and trust
Authors: Zineldin Mosad
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess and examine the impact of physicians-nurses performance on patient perceptions on safety, trust and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– A cross-sectional study of 170 inpatients at 78 Chinese hospitals has been conducted. A structured questionnaire covering multiple constructs was used to collect the data. Methodology is described and results are discussed.

Findings

– Multivariate regression results show that despite the variations in education and training of physicians and nurses, trust is statistically significant in the models with doctors performance and nurses performance as dependent variables. One surprise result is that patient safety is not statistically significant in the regression model with NP as dependent variable.

Practical implications

– Doctor and nurses as well as other staff at any healthcare setting or ward should provide patients with high-quality and safe healthcare. Competences and performance of physicians and nurses are the primary source of patient safety.

Social implications

– The patient correlate their patients safety with doctors but not with nurses. On the other hand, they relate their satisfaction more to nurses performance than doctors performance.
Aligning the talent development and succession planning processes: don’t allow critical leadership talent to fall by the wayside
Authors: Newhall Steve
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Organizations need to take a holistic view of their talent management programs, and it’s no longer sufficient to simply look at the top layers of leadership (succession planning). High potentials need to be identified early and customized plans put in place to ensure that their development is aligned to the business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a global study commissioned by Korn Ferry and conducted by Hanover research during August and September 2014. The survey covered 54 countries globally and companies ranging in size from 500 to 50,000+ employees. It generated more than 1,000 responses from business leaders at the following levels: C-suite (41 per cent), VP/SVP/EVP (42 per cent), Director (11 per cent) and Other (6 per cent).

Findings

– Only one third of those surveyed reported they are satisfied with the outcomes of their succession programs and the majority end up recruiting externally more often than they would like to obtain the talent they need. Analysis of current versus future skills requirements is rarely done and promotions are awarded on current performance rather than future potential. Development plans are not differentiated neither are they dynamically managed. A structured and systematic approach is needed, starting earlier in employees’ careers to ensure those who have the greatest potential are ready when they need to be.

Originality/value

– Organizations typically recruit externally more often than they would wish. This article, through analysis of the survey results, highlights the need for a more holistic approach with early intervention and differentiated development.
Enhancing the value of training: creating closer time linkages between training acquisition, application and compensation
Authors: Simpson Jim , Schraeder Mike , Borowski Martha
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This article reinforces the importance of a strategic approach to training as a method of increasing the potential value of training. The strategic approach presented in the article includes timely linkages between the acquisition of training, the application of training, and rewards/compensation associated with training.

Design/methodology/approach

– The importance of training as an investment is discussed, followed by a summary/illustration of an example of a training program in a financial services organization that did not result in desired returns or value associated with the investment in training.

Findings

– Time lags between the acquisition of training and opportunities to apply the knowledge, skills, and capabilities developed through the training may have negative implications on employee perceptions and potential value associated with the training.

Practical implications

– The article provides interesting insights to leaders, human resource professionals, and others involved in employee training programs. Specific emphasis is placed on the importance of linking compensation and opportunities to apply/transfer knowledge with training acquisition in a timelier manner.

Originality/value

– The importance/value of applying knowledge, skills, and capabilities obtained through training is a recurring theme in the literature. The role of rewards in the form of compensation associated with training and knowledge acquisition is also widely noted. This article extends our understanding of these factors by placing emphasis on more closely linking the timing of training acquisition, application, and compensation in an effort to enhance the potential, strategic value of training investments.
Support your local communities of practice
Authors: Bandow Diane , Gerweck Joseph T
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper provides considerations for organizations interested in supporting knowledge sharing among employees based on experiences and recent research. Experiences emphasize the need to discover and recognize unofficial communities of practice; support distributed leadership; support control of the communities by their members; enable interaction and learning opportunities; consider social media carefully; leaving choices up to the community members; and an approach to calculating the value of communities of practice (CoPs) based on knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach of this paper focuses on six basic themes from research and experiences in the literature with CoPs. Lessons learned and recommendations are provided.

Findings

– Lessons from CoPs focus on the need for distributed leadership or all engage, participate and share responsibilities; control of the community belongs to the members, and they decide membership; interaction and learning opportunities are essential to support competitive advantage for the organization and continuous development for the community members. Social media is unproven in the workplace and should be approached carefully, as the CoP must determine benefits and advantages. An approach to calculating value is proposed, based on calculating the value of knowledge management.

Practical implications

– As CoPs continue to evolve, organizations play a key role in supporting their development which in turn provides competitive advantage for the organization. Continuous learning and development are the key aspects of these communities, including opportunities for leadership, decision-making and professional development. Technology can play an important role in CoPs, but must be supported by the membership. The return on investment (ROI) may be significant and learning opportunities provide the potential for personal development and the enhancement of organizational performance.

Originality/value

– This review offers insights into experiences and findings from CoPs, supports distributed leadership and control of the community among the members, strongly recommends interaction and learning opportunities and addresses social media as a possibility to support the CoP. The ROI potential supports and encourages organizations to develop employees and enhance overall performance.
Robust and efficient handling of yield surface discontinuities in elasto-plastic finite element calculations
Authors: Clausen Johan , Damkilde Lars , Andersen Lars Vabbersgaard
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present several methods on how to deal with yield surface discontinuities. The explicit formulations, first presented by Koiter (1953), result in multisingular constitutive matrices which can cause numerical problems in elasto-plastic finite element calculations. These problems, however, are not documented in previous literature. In this paper an amendment to the Koiter formulation of the constitutive matrices for stress points located on discontinuities is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, a review of existing methods of handling yield surface discontinuities is given. Examples of the numerical problems of the methods are presented. Next, an augmentation of the existing methods is proposed and its robustness is demonstrated through footing bearing capacity calculations that are usually considered “hard”.

Findings

– Previous studies documented in the literature all present “easy” calculation examples, e.g. low friction angles and few elements. The amendments presented in this paper result in robust elasto-plastic computations, making the solution of “hard” problems possible without introducing approximations in the yield surfaces. Examples of “hard” problems are highly frictional soils and/or three-dimensional geometries.

Originality/value

– The proposed method makes finite element calculations using yield criteria with corners and apices, e.g. Mohr-Coulomb and Hoek-Brown, much more robust and stable.
Strict upper and lower bounds of quantities for beams on elastic foundation by dual analysis
Authors: Wang Li , Guo Mengwu , Zhong Hongzhi
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to acquire strict upper and lower bounds on quantities of slender beams on Winkler foundation in finite element analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– It leans on the dual analysis wherein the constitutive relation error (CRE) is used to perform goal-oriented error estimation. Due to the coupling of the displacement field and the stress field in the equilibrium equations of the beam, the prolongation condition for the stress field which is the key ingredient of CRE estimation is not directly applicable. To circumvent this difficulty, an approximate problem and the solution thereof are introduced, enabling the CRE estimation to proceed. It is shown that the strict bounding property for CRE estimation is preserved and strict bounds of quantities of the beam are obtainable thereafter.

Findings

– Numerical examples are presented to validate the strict upper and lower bounds for quantities of beams on elastic foundation by dual analysis.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper deals with one-dimensional (1D) beams on Winkler foundation. Nevertheless, the present work can be naturally extended to analysis of shells and 2D and 3D reaction-diffusion problems for future research.

Originality/value

– CRE estimation is extended to analysis of beams on elastic foundation by a decoupling strategy; strict upper bounds of global energy norm error for beams on elastic foundation are obtained; strict bounds of quantities for beams on elastic foundation are also obtained; unified representation and corresponding dual analysis of various quantities of the beam are presented; rigorous derivation of admissible stresses for beams is given.
Small firm growth as a function of both learning orientation and entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Wolff James A. , Pett Timothy L. , Ring J. Kirk
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between learning orientation (LO), entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and firm growth in small- and medium-sized ﬁrms (SMEs). The authors theoretically argue for a mediation effect of EO on the relationship between LO and growth. The study considered how companies that value learning enact actions to affect firm outcomes. This is particularly important for small firms that may not be capable of withstanding significant shocks in the marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research design employed the survey method for data gathering and resulted in 105 completed responses from CEOs/presidents of SMEs. To examine the construct validity of the measurement dimensions the authors used a multistage process. Additionally, the authors employed a competing models analytic design to determine the presence and strength of mediating effects of the EO construct.

Findings

– The findings empirically demonstrate the notion that firm cultural values embodied in a LO and translated into action behaviors by an EO is positively related to SME growth and adaptation. The research also supports the notion that learning is an important element in opportunity recognition insofar as opportunity recognition is entrepreneurial or reflecting an EO. SMEs that are open to learning may identify opportunities to exploit through an EO that facilitates growth. In the face of dynamic external environments and competitive conditions SMEs are well served by being more creative and entrepreneurial.

Research limitations/implications

– The design of the study is limited by single source, key respondents in SMEs, and has the potential for common method bias even though the authors tested for this effect successfully.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to the literature by examining how learning and an orientation toward entrepreneurial behavior affect the growth of firms. These findings will be of value to both scholars and entrepreneurs.
Impact of leader adaptability on organizational change and adaptation: the case of Savecom Communication
Authors: Seah Melody , Hsieh Ming Huei
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the impact of leadership on organizational change and adaptability in a Chinese business context. Drawing on case data, this study seeks to uncover the factors that would predispose the leaders of Chinese family firms to initiate and implement organizational change and adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is based on 16 in-depth interviews held with key informants from the case firm. Evidence is presented in the form of interview extracts.

Findings

– Research findings indicate that Chinese firm leaders can successfully facilitate organizational change by adapting their styles to match the changes in the business environment.

Research limitations/implications

– The issues identified are explored within a single case study setting, hence future research might replicate these findings to other samples or settings.

Practical implications

– To lead organizational change, leaders must first be able and willing to adjust their leadership styles to match the demands of their changing business environments.

Originality/value

– This paper adds insight to existing literature on leadership, organizational change and firm turnarounds. This paper also provides an in-depth insight into the factors that influence the leadership and management Chinese family firms.
Place brand love and marketing to place consumers as tourists
Authors: Swanson Kathryn
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purposes of this paper are to outline the theoretical context for the study of brand love in the context of places and to report preliminary findings from an extensive study on place brand love.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three places were chosen for the research: Orlando, Florida; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Las Vegas, Nevada. A study sample of 20 consumers engaged in a variety of methodological techniques including semi-structured consumer interviews, volunteer-employed photography and consumer collage creation.

Findings

– Thirteen primary themes through which participants articulated their love in respect of the places under study were identified. These can be grouped into four categories: antecedents, relational themes (involving relationships between others, oneself and the place), experiential themes (relating to the experience of being at the place) and outcomes.

Originality/value

– ‘Brand love’ is an aspect of branding that has not been explored in the context of places, and preliminary results indicate that this may be a useful concept for both academics and practitioners to investigate further.
Places, users, and place uses: a theoretical approach to place market analysis
Authors: Rozhkov Kirill Lvovich , Skriabina Natalya Il’inichna
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop a theoretical approach to place market analysis that aims to identify the ways in which specific places are used and to further enable the identification of distinct segments and products.

Design/methodology/approach

– Typology construction was chosen as the main study method. Eight polar place demand patterns were classified on the abstract level, using a set of binary variables of spatial behaviour (migration, natural growth and settling). Based on this typology, eight abstract places were deductively described. In conjunction with this deductive study, the authors conducted focus groups, and the results showed considerable similarity in the interpretation of the achieved types.

Findings

– This paper arrives at interdependent typologies of place demand, place product and place use patterns that allow the ways of using specific places to be identified and distinctive segments and products to be distinguished as particular, consistent combinations of the achieved types.

Practical implications

– The typologies obtained expand the scope of competitive analysis and planning in framing place marketing. Distinct uses of specific places unambiguously point to the features of certain segments and could thereby enable a lucid marketing strategy.

Originality/value

– Empirically driven place market research has not precisely defined the distinct ideas and concepts of investigated places, which might reflect the different segments of the population that have different intentions for the use of these places. This paper offers important insights into product differentiation and market segmentation in the frame of simultaneous product use.
Pricing competitiveness of jump-diffusion option pricing models: evidence from recent financial upheavals
Authors: Singh Vipul Kumar
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the forecasting performance of jump-diffusion option pricing models of (Merton and Bates) with the benchmark Black–Scholes (BS) model relative to market, for pricing Nifty index options of India. The specific period chosen for this study canvasses the extreme up and down limits (jumps) of the Indian capital market. In addition, equity markets keep on facing high and low tides of financial flux amid new economic and financial considerations. With this backdrop, the paper focuses on finding an impeccable option-pricing model which can meet the requirements of option traders and practitioners during tumultuous periods in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

– Envisioning the fact, the all option-pricing models normally does wrong valuation relative to market. For estimating the structural parameters that governs the underlying asset distribution purely from the underlying asset return data, we have used the nonlinear least-square method. As an approach, we analyzed model prices by dividing the option data into 15 moneyness-maturity groups – depending on the time to maturity and strike price. The prices are compared analytically by continuously updating the parameters of two models using cross-sectional option data on daily basis. Estimated parameters then used to figure out the forecasting performance of models with corresponding BS and market – for pricing day-ahead option prices and implied volatility.

Findings

– The outcomes of the paper reveal that the jump-diffusion models are a better substitute of classical BS, thus improving the pricing bias significantly. But compared to jump-diffusion model of Merton’s, the model of Bates’ can be applied more uniquely to find out the pricing of three popularly traded categories: deep-out-of-the-money, out-of-the-money and at-the-money of Nifty index options.

Practical implications

– The outcome of this research work reveals that the jumps are important components of pricing dynamics of Nifty index options. Incorporation of jump-diffusion process into option pricing of Nifty index options leads to a higher pricing effectiveness, reduces the pricing bias and gives values closer to the market. As the models have been tested in extreme conditions to determine the dominant effectuality, the outcome of this paper helps traders in keeping the investment protected under normal conditions.

Originality/value

– The specific period chosen for this study is very unique; it canvasses the extreme up and down limits (jumps) of the Indian capital market and provides the most apt situation for testifying the pricing competitiveness of the models in question. To testify the robustness of models, they have been put into a practical implication of complete cycle of financial frame.
Financial development and economic growth: empirical evidence from India
Authors: Sehrawat Madhu , Giri A K
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial development and economic growth in India using annual data from 1982 to 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

– The stationarity properties are checked by ADF, DF-GLS, KPSS and Ng–Perron unit root tests. The long- and short-run dynamics are examined by using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration.

Findings

– The co-integration test confirms a long-run relationship in financial development and economic growth for India. The analysis of ARDL test results reveals that both bank-based and market-based indicators of financial development have a positive impact on economic growth in India. Hence, the results support the supply-leading hypothesis and highlight the importance of financial development in economic growth. The findings also indicate that the Indian bank-centric financial sector has the potential for economic growth through credit transmission.

Research limitations/implications

– The present study recommends appropriate reforms in financial markets to attain sustainable economic growth. The findings are useful for policy-makers who want to maintain a parallel expansion of financial development and growth.

Originality/value

– To date, there are hardly any studies that use both market-based and bank-based indicators as proxies of financial development and analyze their role in economic growth in India. So, the contribution of the paper is to fill this gap in literature.
Beneficial effect of botulinum toxin A on Raynaud's phenomenon in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis: A prospective, case series study
Authors: Motegi Sei‐ichiro , Yamada Kazuya , Toki Sayaka , Uchiyama Akihiko , Kubota Yuka , Nakamura Tetsuya , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: July 2015

Currently, there is no satisfactory treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Recently, it has been reported that botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) injection was effective for the treatment of RP in SSc patients. The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of BTX‐A on RP in Japanese SSc patients. In the prospective, case series study, 10 Japanese SSc patients with RP received 10 U of BTX‐A injections into the hand. The change in severity of RP, including the frequency of attacks/pain, color changes, duration time of RP and the severity of pain, was assessed by Raynaud's score and pain visual analog scale (VAS) at each visit during 16 weeks. The recovery of skin temperature 20 min after cold water stimulation was examined by thermography at baseline and 4 weeks after injection. The number of digital ulcers (DU) and adverse effects were assessed at each visit. BTX‐A injection decreased Raynaud's score and pain VAS from 2 weeks after injection, and the suppressive effect was continued until 16 weeks after injection. Skin temperature recovery after cold water stimulation at 4 weeks after injection was significantly enhanced compared with that before injection. All DU in five patients were healed within 12 weeks after injection. Neither systemic nor local adverse effects were observed in all cases. We conclude that BTX‐A injection significantly improved the activity of RP in SSc patients without any adverse events, suggesting that BTX‐A may have possible long‐term preventive and therapeutic potentials for RP in Japanese SSc patients.
Parasite‐induced inversion of geotaxis in a freshwater amphipod: a role for anaerobic metabolism?
Authors: Perrot‐Minnot Marie‐Jeanne , Maddaleno Matthieu , Cézilly Frank
Published: July 2015

Many parasites with complex life cycles alter the phenotype of their intermediate hosts in ways that seem to favour transmission to a final host. Although there is a large literature on host manipulation, how parasites alter the phenotype of their hosts remains poorly known.

The bird acanthocephalanPolymorphus minutusis known to alter geotaxis in its amphipod host,Gammarus roeseli. Here, we examine the potential roles of low oxygen availability and the excretion, by the parasite, of two products from its own anaerobic metabolism (lactate and succinate) in altered geotaxis.

Under hypoxia, uninfectedG. roeselishowed negative geotaxis and lower metabolic rate, two traits also altered by infection withP. minutus, albeit with different intensities. The injection of a mixture of lactate and succinate in uninfected amphipods mimicked the parasite‐induced reversion of geotaxis, without affecting the metabolic rate.

In addition, bothP. minutus‐infected gammarids and uninfected ones conditioned to hypoxia for 2 days showed elevated levels of lactate in the brain, but not in the haemolymph.

Overall, our results indicate that the pathways involved in anaerobic metabolism and hypoxia signalling might be responsible for the changes in geotaxis and metabolic rate induced byP. minutusinfection.

Our study emphasizes the need to consider the tight and complex connections between physiological processes and behavioural adjustments, in particular at the brain level, in the understanding of parasitic manipulation, and more broadly of behavioural changes in infected hosts.
Differential contribution of demographic rate synchrony to population synchrony in barn swallows
Authors: Schaub Michael , von Hirschheydt Johann , Grüebler Martin U.
Published: July 2015

Populations of many species show temporally synchronous dynamics over some range, mostly caused by spatial autocorrelation of the environment that affects demographic rates. Synchronous fluctuation of a demographic rate is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for population synchrony because population growth is differentially sensitive to variation in demographic rates. Little is known about the relative effects of demographic rates to population synchrony, because it is rare that all demographic rates from several populations are known.

We develop a hierarchical integrated population model with which all relevant demographic rates from all study populations can be estimated and apply it to demographic data of barn swallows Hirundo rustica from nine sites that were between 19 and 224 km apart from each other. We decompose the variation of the population growth and of the demographic rates (apparent survival, components of productivity, immigration) into global and local temporal components using random effects which allowed the estimation of synchrony of these rates.

The barn swallow populations fluctuated synchronously, but less so than most demographic rates. The highest synchrony showed the probability of double brooding, while fledging success was highly asynchronous. Apparent survival, immigration and total productivity achieved intermediate levels of synchrony. The growth of all populations was most sensitive to changes in immigration and adult apparent survival, and both of them contributed to the observed temporal variation of population growth rates.

Using a simulation model, we show that immigration and apparent survival of juveniles and adults were able to induce population synchrony, but not components of local productivity due to their low population growth rate sensitivity. Immigrants are mostly first‐time breeders, and consequently, their number depends on the productivity of neighbouring populations. Since total productivity was synchronized, we conclude that it contributed to population synchrony in an indirect way through dispersing individuals which appear as immigrants at the local scale.

The hierarchical integrated population model is promising for achieving an improved mechanistic understanding of population synchrony.
Resveratrol attenuates hyperoxia‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis and suppresses Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in lungs of neonatal rats
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhao Ying , Zhang Binglun , Xu Bo , Yang Yang , Wang Yujing , Liu Chunfeng
Published: July 2015

Although survival rate of infants born prematurely has been raised by supplemental oxygen treatment, it is followed by high morbidity of hyperoxia‐induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In this study, the effect of resveratrol on the lung injury was evaluated in hyperoxia‐exposed rats of preterm birth. The results demonstrated that hyperoxia led to thickened alveolar wall, simplified alveolar architecture and fibrosis. In addition, elevated methane dicarboxylic aldehyde level, decreased glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity were also found in hyperoxic lungs, as well as the increased tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Fibrotic‐associated proteins transforming growth factor‐β1, α‐smooth muscle actin, collagen I and fibronectin deposition were also found in interstitial substance of lungs. Furthermore, Wnt/β‐catenin signalling was found to be active in hyperoxia‐induced lungs. In addition, expression of SP‐C was increased and T1α was decreased in hyperoxia‐exposed lungs. Resveratrol intraperitoneal administration alleviated hyperoxia‐induced histological injury of lungs, regulated redox balance, decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokine release, and down‐regulated expression of fibrotic‐associated proteins. Furthermore, Wnt/β‐catenin signalling was also suppressed by resveratrol, as represented by diminished expression of lymphoid enhancer factor‐1, Wnt induced signalling protein‐1 and cyclin D1. In addition, the increase of SP‐C and decrease of T1α expression was prevented as well. The present study showed that resveratrol could protect lungs from hyperoxia‐induced injury through its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrotic effects. The transdifferentiation of alveolar epithelial type II cells to alveolar epithelial type I cells promotion and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling suppression are also involved in the protective effect.
Not all hours are equal: could time be a social determinant of health?
Authors: Strazdins Lyndall , Welsh Jennifer , Korda Rosemary , Broom Dorothy , Paolucci Francesco
Published: July 2015

Time can be thought of as a resource that people need for good health. Healthy behaviour, accessing health services, working, resting and caring all require time. Like other resources, time is socially shaped, but its relevance to health and health inequality is yet to be established. Drawing from sociology and political economy, we set out the theoretical basis for two measures of time relevant to contemporary, market‐based societies. We measure amount of time spent on care and work (paid and unpaid) and the intensity of time, which refers to rushing, effort and speed. Using data from wave 9 (N = 9177) of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia Survey we found that time poverty (> 80 h per week on care and work) and often or always rushing are barriers to physical activity and rushing is associated with poorer self‐rated and mental health. Exploring their social patterning, we find that time‐poor people have higher incomes and more time control. In contrast, rushing is linked to being a woman, lone parenthood, disability, lack of control and work–family conflicts. We supply a methodology to support quantitative investigations of time, and our findings underline time's dimensionality, social distribution and potential to influence health.
Effect of flaxseed supplementation of dairy cows' forage on physicochemical characteristic of milk and Raclette cheese
Authors: Bocquel Dimitri , Marquis Raphaël , Dromard Michel , Salamin Paul‐André , Rey‐Siggen Janine , Héritier Julien , Kosińska‐Cagnazzo Agnieszka , Andlauer Wilfried
Published: July 2015

The composition of bovine milk depends on breed, lactation stage, age of cows and dietary factors. The effect of flaxseed supplementation of forage diet on the chemical composition of milk and the physicochemical and sensory characterisation of Raclette cheese were investigated in this study. As a result of diet supplementation, the proportion of saturated fatty acids in milk decreased and the content of α‐linolenic and oleic acids increased. Concerning the cheese samples, the hardness was significantly reduced due to the flaxseed supplementation, which can positively affect the quality of the cheese due to the diminished risk of crack formation. Sensory characteristics of melted Raclette cheese were not affected by the dietary treatments.
Do social media enhance constructive employee voice all of the time or just some of the time?
Authors: Martin Graeme , Parry Emma , Flowers Paul
Published: July 2015

Social media are becoming widely adopted by organisations to encourage collaboration and communication. We seek to understand how social media can enhance employee voice and employees' willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with both colleagues and managers. By drawing on literature on employee voice, signalling theory and personal control to analyse qualitative data from research into three strategic business units in a major global telecommunications corporation, we find that (a) employee perceptions of personal control and autonomy influence whether and how employees' exercise voice through social media, and (b) these perceptions vary according to different organisational/field‐level contexts evident in the corporation.
Microbial Safety and Shelf Life of UV‐C Treated Freshly Squeezed White Grape Juice
Authors: Unluturk Sevcan , Atilgan Mehmet R.
Published: July 2015

The effects of UV‐C irradiation on the inactivation of Escherichia coli K‐12 (ATCC 25253), a surrogate of E. coli O157:H7, and on the shelf life of freshly squeezed turbid white grape juice (FSWGJ) were investigated. FSWGJ samples were processed at 0.90 mL/s for 32 min by circulating 8 times in an annular flow UV system. The UV exposure time was 244 s per cycle. The population of E. coli K‐12 was reduced by 5.34 log cycles after exposure to a total UV dosage of 9.92 J/cm2 (1.24 J/cm2 per cycle) at 0.90 mL/s flow rate. The microbial shelf life of UV‐C treated FSWGJ was extended up to 14 d at 4 °C. UV exposure was not found to alter pH, total soluble solid, and titratable acidity of juice. There was a significant effect (P < 0.05) on turbidity, absorbance coefficient, color, and ascorbic acid content. Furthermore, all physicochemical properties were altered during refrigerated storage. The microbial shelf life of FSWGJ was doubled after UV‐C treatment, whereas the quality of juice was adversely affected similarly observed in the control samples.