bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multiplex-PCR Method for Strain Identification and Detailed Phylogenetic Analysis of AY-Group Phytoplasmas
Authors: Kakizawa Shigeyuki , Kamagata Yoichi
Published: October 2013

Phytoplasmas are plant pathogenic bacteria that cause devastating losses in the yield of diverse crops worldwide. Specific detection and strain identification of phytoplasmas is important to prevent the spread of phytoplasma-induced diseases. Hence, methods to rapidly detect these organisms are important for pest control. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods using phytoplasma-specific primers are widely used to detect phytoplasmas from infected plants and insects because they are highly sensitive, easily handled, and have a variety of analytical secondary applications. The phytoplasma 16S rDNA was widely used as a target of the PCR detection method; however, further target genes and more rapid methods have been required for more specific detection of phytoplasmas. Here, we developed a multiplex-PCR system to amplify several phytoplasma genes. We designed 36 primers, based on the genome sequence of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’, to amplify 18 single-copy genes covering wide regions of the phytoplasma genome. Nine genes could be simultaneously amplified in a single PCR. This multiplex-PCR was applied to DNAs from 10 phytoplasma strains belonging to the AY-group, and different amplification patterns were obtained between strains, suggesting that this method would allow us to differentiate phytoplasmas at the strain level. Direct sequencing was also possible after the multiplex-PCR amplification by a modified sequencing method. Detailed phylogenetic analysis was performed using concatenated sequences, and evolutionary relationships among four Japanese isolates were revealed, where these strains could not be distinguished by their 16S rDNA. Thus, this multiplex-PCR system is useful for rapid strain identification and detailed phylogenetic analysis of phytoplasmas.
Differences of Three Ampeloviruses' Multiplication in Plant May Explain Their Incidences in Vineyards
Authors: Velasco Leonardo , Bota Josefina , Montero Rafael , Cretazzo Enrico
Published: October 2013

Grapevine leafroll ampeloviruses have been recently grouped into two major clades, one for Grapevine leafroll associated virus (GLRaV) 1 and 3 and another one grouping GLRaV-4 and its variants. In order to understand biological factors mediating differential ampelovirus incidences in vineyards, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions were performed to assess virus populations in three grapevine varieties in which different infection status were detected: GLRaV-3 + GLRaV-4, GLRaV-3 + GLRaV-4 strain 5, and GLRaV-4 alone. Specific primers based on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domains of GLRaV-3, GLRaV-4, and GLRaV-4 strain 5 were used. Absolute and relative quantitations of the three viruses were achieved by normalization of data to the concentration of the endogenous gene actin. In spring, the populations of GLRaV-4 and GLRaV-4 strain 5 were 1.7 × 104 to 5.0 × 105 genomic RNA copies/mg of petiole tissue whereas, for GLRaV-3, values were significantly higher, ranging from 5.6 × 105 and 1.0 × 107 copies mg–1. In autumn, GLRaV-4 and GLRaV-4 strain 5 populations increased significantly, displaying values for genome copies between 4.1 × 105 and 6.3 × 106 copies mg–1, whereas GLRaV-3 populations displayed a less pronounced boost but were still significantly higher, ranging from 4.1 × 106 to 1.6 × 107 copies mg–1. To investigate whether additional viruses may interfere in the quantifications the small RNA populations, vines were analyzed by Ion Torrent high-throughput sequencing. It allowed the identification of additional viruses and viroids, including Grapevine virus A, Hop stunt viroid, Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 1, and Australian grapevine viroid. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Timing of Infection and Development of Alternaria Diseases in the Canopy of Apple Trees
Authors: Harteveld D. O. C. , Akinsanmi O. A. , Chandra K. , Drenth A.
Published: October 2013

Alternaria leaf blotch and fruit spot of apple caused by Alternaria spp. cause annual losses to the Australian apple industry. Erratic control using protectant fungicides is often experienced and may be due to the lack of understanding of the timing of infection and epidemiology of the diseases. We found that Alternaria leaf blotch infection began about 20 days after bloom (DAB) and the highest disease incidence occurred from 70 to 110 DAB. Alternaria fruit spot infection occurred about 100 DAB in the orchard. Fruit inoculations in planta showed that there was no specific susceptible stage of fruit. Leaves and fruit in the lower canopy of trees showed higher levels of leaf blotch and fruit spot incidence than those in the upper canopy and the incidence of leaf blotch in shoot leaves was higher than in spur leaves. Temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall affected leaf blotch and fruit spot incidence. The gained knowledge on the timing of infection and development of disease may aid in the development of more effective disease management strategies.
Identification and Detection of Fusarium striatum as a New Record of Pathogen to Greenhouse Tomato in Northeastern America
Authors: Moine Lauriane M. , Labbé Caroline , Louis-Seize Gerry , Seifert Keith A. , Bélanger Richard R.
Published: October 2013

Recently, a new disease was reported on greenhouse tomato plants in both Quebec, Canada and Maine, United States. Symptomatic plants bore brown lesions at graft points and pruning sites, resulting in expanding cankers with clearly delineated margins. Diseased plants eventually wilted and died within a few weeks following the appearance of the first symptoms. The symptoms are reminiscent of infection by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici, with the notable difference of a discoloration of the pith area rather than the vascular tissues. A homothallic Fusarium sp. was consistently recovered from these lesions. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer and the partial translation elongation factor 1-α gene identified the species as F. striatum. Pathogenicity tests with F. striatum isolates from diseased tissues reproduced disease symptoms in tomato similar to those observed on tomato plants in the greenhouses. Specific detection of F. striatum from mycelia and diseased and disease-free plant tissues was achieved by developing a polymerase chain reaction-based test. These results establish, for the first time, that the species F. striatum is the cause of crown and stem rot affecting tomato in North America. In addition F. striatum was detected from all sampled tissues of plants delivered by the nursery common to both growers, suggesting that the transplants would be the source of the inoculum.
Inoculum Sources, Infection Periods, and Effects of Environmental Factors on Alternaria Brown Spot of Mandarin in Mediterranean Climate Conditions
Authors: Bassimba D. D. M. , Mira J. L. , Vicent A.
Published: October 2013

Alternaria brown spot (ABS), caused by Alternaria alternata, is a serious disease affecting mandarin in humid and in semi-arid regions. The information available from Florida cannot be easily extrapolated to Mediterranean regions; thus, epidemiological studies were conducted during two consecutive years in Spain. Pathogenic isolates were found in the canopy and leaf litter and on weeds of the genus Sonchus. The pathogen survived in fallen immature leaves for up to 76 days, until complete leaf decay. Conidia of Alternaria spp. were captured continuously and pathogenic isolates were detected in all sampling dates. However, the number of pathogenic isolates was not correlated with the total captured, indicating that morphological identification is not sufficient for airborne inoculum monitoring. In contrast to humid areas, infections occurred mainly in spring and autumn. Classification tree analysis indicated that virtually all infections occurred on weeks with rainfall ≥2.5 mm and average temperature ≥12.5°C. Based on regression quantiles, the amount of rainfall, number of rain days, and total wetness duration were considered important factors increasing ABS incidence during infection periods. The development of decision support systems for ABS control in Mediterranean conditions may benefit from the restricted periods of infection and the strong influence of weather factors in disease onset.
‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ Strains Associated with Oil Palm Lethal Wilt in Colombia
Authors: Alvarez Elizabeth , Mejía Juan F. , Contaldo Nicoletta , Paltrinieri Samanta , Duduk Bojan , Bertaccini Assunta
Published: October 2013

The distribution of lethal wilt, a severe disease of oil palm, is spreading throughout South America. An incidence of about 30% was recorded in four commercial fields in Colombia. In this study, phytoplasmas were detected in symptomatic oil palm by using specific primers, based on 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences, in nested polymerase chain reaction assays. The phytoplasmas were then identified as ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’, ribosomal subgroup 16SrI-B, through the use of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and sequencing. Cloning and sequencing of 16S rDNA from selected strains, together with phylogenetic analysis, confirmed the classification. Moreover, collective RFLP characterization of the groEL, amp, and rp genes, together with sequence data, distinguished the aster yellows strain detected in Colombian oil-palm samples from other aster yellows phytoplasmas used as reference strains; in particular, from an aster yellows strain infecting corn in the same country.
Role of Blossom Colonization in Pepper Seed Infestation by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria
Authors: Dutta B. , Gitaitis R. , Sanders H. , Booth C. , Smith S. , Langston D. B.
Published: October 2013

Colonization of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria was investigated in pepper blossoms and the relationship between inoculum concentrations and seed infestation was determined. Inoculation of blossoms resulted in asymptomatic pepper fruit. However, real-time polymerase chain reaction detected X. euvesicatoria in 39% of the seed lots assayed and viable colonies were recovered from 35% of them. Successful transmission occurred in 16% of the seed lots tested. In a separate experiment, X. euvesicatoria reached populations of up to 1 × 105 CFU/blossom on stigmas 96 h after inoculation. Bacteria colonized stylar and ovary tissues with populations ranging from 1 × 105 to 1 × 106 CFU/blossom 96 h after inoculation. A positive correlation existed between inoculum concentration and percentage of infested seedlots. Blossoms inoculated with Acidovorax citrulli also resulted in infested pepper seedlots. Furthermore, A. citrulli colonized pepper blossoms significantly better than X. euvesicatoria by 96 h postinoculation. It was concluded that pepper blossoms can be a potential site of ingress for X. euvesicatoria into seed, and blossom colonization may be involved in pepper seed infestation. Data also indicated that seed infestation via blossoms may be nonspecific because nonhost plants can be colonized by incompatible pathogens. Thus, host–pathogen interactions may not be important for bacterial ingress through blossoms.
Geospatial and Temporal Analyses of Bean pod mottle virus Epidemics in Soybean at Three Spatial Scales
Authors: Byamukama E. , Eggenberger S. K. , Coelho-Netto R. A. , Robertson A. E. , Nutter F. W.
Published: October 2013

A statewide survey was carried out from 2005 through 2007 to quantify, map, and analyze the spatial dynamics and seasonal patterns of Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) prevalence and incidence within Iowa. In all, 8 to 16 soybean fields were arbitrarily sampled from 96 counties in 2005 and all 99 counties in 2006 and 2007. Field- and county-scale BPMV prevalence and incidence data were mapped using geographic information systems software. BPMV prevalence was highest in the 2006 soybean growing season, when BPMV was detected in 38.7% of all soybean fields, 91.9% of all counties, and 100% of the agricultural climate districts. BPMV incidence at the field scale was highest in 2006, when mean statewide end-of-season incidence was 24.4%. Spatial analyses indicated that BPMV incidence was spatially clustered at the county scale in all three growing seasons. Prevalence at the county scale was clustered in 2005 and 2007 but not in 2006. Semivariogram analyses at the field scale indicated the presence of significant (P ≤ 0.05) spatial dependence (clustering) at distances ≤23.4 km in 2005, 297.7 km in 2006, and 45.2 km in 2007. Data for county-scale incidence displayed a north (low incidence) to south (high incidence) BPMV gradient in each year of the survey. High county-scale BPMV prevalence and incidence levels in 2006 were significantly associated with BPMV prevalence and incidence in 2007 (P ≤ 0.05). Soybean fields with narrow row spacings (≤38 cm) were associated with higher levels of BPMV incidence. Soybean fields infected with BPMV had a higher probability of infection by Phomopsis pod and stem blight than did non-BPMV-infected fields. This study provides new quantitative tools and information to better understand the seasonal, temporal, and geographical distribution of BPMV disease risk at several spatial scales.
Variation of Arterial and Central Venous Catheter Use in United States Intensive Care Units
Authors: Gershengorn Hayley B. , Garland Allan , Kramer Andrew , Scales Damon C. , Rubenfeld Gordon , Wunsch Hannah
Published: October 2013

Background:

Arterial catheters (ACs) and central venous catheters (CVCs) are common in intensive care units (ICUs). Few data describe which patients receive these devices and whether variability in practice exists.

Methods:

The authors conducted an observational cohort study on adult patients admitted to ICU during 2001–2008 by using Project IMPACT to determine whether AC and CVC use is consistent across U.S. ICUs. The authors examined trends over time and patients more (mechanically ventilated or on vasopressors) or less (predicted risk of hospital mortality ≤2%) likely to receive either catheter.

Results:

Our cohort included 334,123 patients across 122 hospitals and 168 ICUs. Unadjusted AC usage rates remained constant (36.9% [2001] vs. 36.4% [2008]; P = 0.212), whereas CVC use increased (from 33.4% [2001] to 43.8% [2008]; P < 0.001 comparing 2001 and 2008); adjusted AC usage rates were constant from 2004 (35.2%) to 2008 (36.4%; P = 0.43 for trend). Surgical ICUs used both catheters most often (unadjusted rates, ACs: 56.0% of patients vs. 22.4% in medical and 32.6% in combined units, P < 0.001; CVCs: 46.9% vs. 32.5% and 36.4%, P < 0.001). There was a wide variability in AC use across ICUs in patients receiving mechanical ventilation (median [interquartile range], 49.2% [29.9–72.3%]; adjusted median odds ratio [AMOR], 2.56), vasopressors (51.7% [30.8–76.2%]; AMOR, 2.64), and with predicted mortality of 2% or less (31.7% [19.5–49.3%]; AMOR, 1.94). There was less variability in CVC use (mechanical ventilation: 63.4% [54.9–72.9%], AMOR, 1.69; vasopressors: 71.4% (59.5–85.7%), AMOR, 1.93; predicted mortality of 2% or less: 18.7% (11.9–27.3%), AMOR, 1.90).

Conclusions:

Both ACs and CVCs are common in ICU patients. There is more variation in use of ACs than CVCs.
Phylogenetic analysis of Merkel cell polyomavirus based on full-length LT and VP1 gene sequences derived from neoplastic tumours in Japanese patients
Authors: Hashida Yumiko , Imajoh Masayuki , Kamioka Mikio , Taniguchi Ayuko , Kuroda Naoto , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Nakajima Hideki , Sano Shigetoshi , Daibata Masanori
Published: October 2013

Most Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) gene sequences have been reported from Western countries and few data are available for the virus sequences from other geographical areas, especially Asia. Thus, we performed phylogenetic analyses based on the nucleotide sequences of the full-length large T-antigen (LT) and viral protein 1 (VP1) genes derived from a variety of cancers in Japanese patients and compared them with sequences from Caucasians. The LT and VP1 gene-based phylogenetic trees identified two main genetic clades. One clade comprised strains isolated from Caucasians, whereas all of the Japanese tumour-derived MCPyV strains belonged to another clade. These findings confirm that most of the MCPyV strains present in Japan form a clade, distinct from Caucasian strains.
Gene duplication and neofunctionalization: POLR3G and POLR3GL
Authors: Renaud Marianne , Praz Viviane , Vieu Erwann , Florens Laurence , Washburn Michael P. , l'Hôte Philippe , Hernandez Nouria
Published: October 2013

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) occurs in two versions, one containing the POLR3G subunit and the other the closely related POLR3GL subunit. It is not clear whether these two Pol III forms have the same function, in particular whether they recognize the same target genes. We show that the POLR3G and POLR3GL genes arose from a DNA-based gene duplication, probably in a common ancestor of vertebrates. POLR3G- as well as POLR3GL-containing Pol III are present in cultured cell lines and in normal mouse liver, although the relative amounts of the two forms vary, with the POLR3G-containing Pol III relatively more abundant in dividing cells. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitations followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) reveal that both forms of Pol III occupy the same target genes, in very constant proportions within one cell line, suggesting that the two forms of Pol III have a similar function with regard to specificity for target genes. In contrast, the POLR3G promoter—not the POLR3GL promoter—binds the transcription factor MYC, as do all other promoters of genes encoding Pol III subunits. Thus, the POLR3G/POLR3GL duplication did not lead to neo-functionalization of the gene product (at least with regard to target gene specificity) but rather to neo-functionalization of the transcription units, which acquired different mechanisms of regulation, thus likely affording greater regulation potential to the cell.
Capillary-based micro-battery cell forin situX-ray powder diffraction studies of working batteries: a study of the initial intercalation and deintercalation of lithium into graphite
Authors: Johnsen Rune E. , Norby Poul
Published: October 2013

A novel capillary-based micro-battery cell forin situX-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) has been developed and used to study the initial intercalation and deintercalation of lithium into graphite in a working battery. The electrochemical cell works in transmission mode and makes it possible to obtain diffraction from a single electrode at a time, which facilitates detailed structural and microstructural studies of the electrode materials. The micro-battery cell is potentially also applicable forin situX-ray absorption spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments. Thein situXRPD study of the initial intercalation and deintercalation process revealed marked changes in the diffraction pattern of the graphitic electrode material. After the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase layer, thedspacing of the diffraction peak corresponding to the 002 diffraction peak of graphite 2H changes nearly linearly in two regions with slightly different slopes, while the apparent half-width of the diffraction peak displays a few minima and maxima during charging/discharging.DIFFaX+refinements based on the initial XRPD pattern and the one after the initial discharging–charging cycle show that the structure of the graphite changes from an intergrown structure of graphite 2H and graphite 3R to a nearly ideal graphite 2H structure.DIFFaX+was also used to refine a model of the stacking disorder in an apparent stage III compound withAαAB- andAαAC-type slabs.
Temperature dependence of ion track formation in quartz and apatite
Authors: Schauries D. , Lang M. , Pakarinen O. H. , Botis S. , Afra B. , Rodriguez M. D. , Djurabekova F. , Nordlund K. , Severin D. , Bender M. , Li W. X. , Trautmann C. , Ewing R. C. , Kirby N. , Kluth P.
Published: October 2013

Ion tracks were created in natural quartz and fluorapatite from Durango, Mexico, by irradiation with 2.2 GeV Au ions at elevated temperatures of up to 913 K. The track radii were analysed using small-angle X-ray scattering, revealing an increase in the ion track radius of approximately 0.1 nm per 100 K increase in irradiation temperature. Molecular dynamics simulations and thermal spike calculations are in good agreement with these values and indicate that the increase in track radii at elevated irradiation temperatures is due to a lower energy required to reach melting of the material. The post-irradiation annealing behaviour studied for apatite remained unchanged.
YBa2Cu3Oyliquid-phase epitaxy films ofaorientation grown under ultra-low supersaturation caused by a homogeneous nucleation catastrophe
Authors: Guo L. S. , Chen Y. Y. , Cheng L. , Rao Q. L. , Yao Xin
Published: October 2013

Using liquid-phase epitaxy, a novel approach is reported for preparing a purea-axis-oriented YBa2Cu3Oyfilm (a-film) on a (110) NdGaO3substrate in ambient air, which is hard to achieve through conventional processes since its formation requires an extremely low supersaturation state. In the new process, instead of commonly used growth processes in a metastable zone,a-films were grown in an unstable zone of the Y–Ba–Cu–O solution. Under that circumstance, a homogeneous nucleation catastrophe occurred in the solution, leading to instantaneous consumption of most of the supersaturated Y solute. Thus a high degree of supersaturation rapidly relaxed to an ultra-low level. By controlling either the cooling rate or the growth temperature, a wide window for the formation of thea-film was gained. In principle, this new method should be universally valid for more crystal or film growth processes, particularly when an ultra-low supersaturation is required in solution.
Orientation domains in the intermediate product Na3TiOF5during the synthesis of anatase TiO2nanosheets with exposed reactive {001} facets
Authors: Xiong Yi , Jia Shuangfeng , Wang Jianbo , Peng Shang , Lu Lu , Zheng He , Jia Zhiyong
Published: October 2013

A powder of oxyfluorotitanate Na3TiOF5crystals is acquired as an intermediate product during the synthesis of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanosheets with a large percentage of exposed reactive {001} facets. By application of transmission electron microscopy techniques, mainly energy dispersive spectroscopy and selected-area electron diffraction, coherent domain variants of Na3TiOF5are shown to possess monoclinic structure with space groupP21/n. The occurrence of these orientation domain variants is attributed to the reduction of crystal symmetry as a result of the phase transition from the high-temperature cubic phase to the low-temperature monoclinic phase. Through a detailed group theory analysis, the orientation domains are shown to exhibit 12 variants and 11 domain boundaries, which can be categorized into three types of perpendicular twins and two types of antiparallel twins. This work may provide meaningful insight for understanding the growth mechanism of anatase TiO2with a high percentage of reactive facets.
Equity financing constraints and corporate capital structure: a model
Authors: Wang Zhengwei , Zhu Wuxiang
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The “supply-side effect” brought about by the imperfection of the capital market has increasingly been concerned. The purpose of this paper is to study how will the uncertainty of equity financing brought about by the equity financing regulations in emerging capital market affect company's capital structure decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper establishes a theoretical model and tries to introduce equity financing uncertainty into the company's capital structure decision-making. The paper uses mathematical derivation method to get some basic conclusions. Next, in order to characterize the quantitative impact of specific factor on capital structure, numerical solution methods are used.

Findings

– The model shows that firm's value would decrease with the uncertainty of equity financing, because of the relationship between firm's future cash and their financing policies. The numerical solution of the model suggests that the uncertainty of equity financing is one of the important factors affecting the choice of optimal capital structure, the greater the uncertainty is, the lower optimal capital structure is.

Originality/value

– The research of this paper has certain academic value for further understanding of the issues.
Development of entrepreneurial intention in higher education and the effect of gender – a latent growth curve analysis
Authors: Joensuu Sanna , Viljamaa Anmari , Varamäki Elina , Tornikoski Erno
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The objectives of this study are threefold: first, to analyze the development of intentions of individuals over time; second, to explore potential gender differences in intention development; and third, to analyze the relatedness of the initial level and development of the antecedents of intentions to the initial level and the development of intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Ajzen's Theory of Planned behavior is applied. Longitudinal data were collected in the fall of 2010, 2011 and 2012 in seven different universities of applied sciences, with students representing seven different study fields. In our data, there are 192 individuals with all three measurement waves and 104 individuals with two measurement waves. The analysis of change on multi-wave panel data is done using latent growth curve analysis with structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Our empirical results are threefold. First, entrepreneurial intentions of higher education seem to decrease during their studies. Second, there is a gender difference in the initial level of entrepreneurial intentions and how intentions develop over time. Third, the initial level of intentions does not affect the future development of intentions.

Practical implications

– In sum, the authors believe that the paper makes an important contribution to the field of entrepreneurial education by concluding that intention development in higher educational context is not a simple matter, but a rather complicated process during which young people can realize their true potential vis-à-vis entrepreneurial opportunities. From an educators’ point of view, such realization generally means a decrease in an individual's entrepreneurial intentions, which is a phenomenon that does not provide much encouragement for educators. On the other hand, one of the aims of any entrepreneurship education is to give younger people a more realistic picture about entrepreneurship. When someone is willing to start a new business in this kind of context, the authors, as educators, can be a degree more confident that such an individual is not launching his/her venture because of idealistic dreams.

Originality/value

– By using a longitudinal design, the paper is one of the first to provide empirical evidence about the intention development over time. Ultimately, the paper hopes to have added richness to the ongoing discussion among academics and educators alike regarding the importance of intention development in entrepreneurship education.
Resistances to gender mainstreaming in organizations: toward a new approach
Authors: Lee-Gosselin Hélène , Briere Sophie , Ann Hawo
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– For decades, numerous mechanisms have been adopted to accelerate the progression of women in decision-making levels, and many organizations have developed programs to promote gender mainstreaming. In practice however, literature has shown that experience in gender mainstreaming faces many important challenges and under-representation persists at higher organizational levels. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research brings together the results of two case studies on gender equality in the higher echelons of public and private sector organisations in Canada (Québec) and Morocco. Based on the analytical framework used as a theoretical basis for the analysis of change and resistance to gender mainstreaming, the data were revisited to explore common trends and patterns, despite the differences in context.

Findings

– The analysis shows that common factors support and limit women's progress in organizations. Equity initiatives are limited to the technical agenda and scant effort goes to managing political and cultural dimensions. The study shows that those dimensions play a central role in the production of gender inequality and that actions and measures targeting political and cultural dimensions must be prioritized.

Originality/value

– An improved conceptual framework is proposed for practical interventions and theory building. The new matrix feeds into the reflection for a new learning approach for organizations who want to achieve gender mainstreaming, to better identify the dimensions that should be addressed or to assess the measures taken and their impact and also offers a basis for new studies and research to test the matrix, its usefulness for theory building for intervention.
Modeling of needle penetration force in denim fabric
Authors: Haghighat Ezzatollah , Mohammad Etrati Seyed , Shaikhzadeh Najar Saeed
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to predict the needle penetration force (NPF) in denim fabrics using the artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple linear regression (MLR) models based on the effects of various sewing parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to design the ANN and MLR models, four parameters including fabric weight, number of fabric layers, weave pattern, and sewing needle size are taken into account as the input parameters and NPF as the output parameter. According to these parameters, 140 samples of data were resulted. Each sample was tested five times. From these 140 data (input-output data pairs), 112 were used for training the ANN and MLR models and 28 samples were used to test the performance of ANN and MLR. Also, the NPF was measured on the Instron tensile tester to simulate sewing process.

Findings

– The results indicated that the NPF in denim fabrics can be well predicted in terms of sewing parameters by using ANN and MLR models, in which the ANN model exhibits greater performance than MLR (RANN=0.989> RMLR=0.901).

Research limitations/implications

– The NPF measurement method is limited at low speed.

Originality/value

– Using the ANN model for forecasting NPF in denim fabrics can help the garment manufactures to produce high-quality denim products and improve the sewing process through reducing seam damage. The NPF could be also measured in the cycle loading conditions similar to sewing machine process by using a special designed tools mounted on the Instron tensile tester.
The synergism of design and technology for the optimisation of embroidery motifs in clothing
Authors: Daukantienë Virginija , Laurinavićiūtë Inga
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of embroidering technological parameters, of knitted material structure and of either using or not nonwoven material for backing on the quality of restangular embroidered element; based on the obtained results to select the optimal technological parameters for the embroidering of original clothing element avoiding the higher time expenses for the technical development process of new product.

Design/methodology/approach

– The new methodology for the optimization of technology of original embroidered clothing element is based on the measurements of simple geometric element.

Findings

– The methodology of technology optimisation based on the measurement of restangular element geometric parameters can also be applied for the optimization of the embroidering technology of advanced design elements.

Research limitations/implications

– The present study was carried out investigating knitted materials, but its methodology may be used for woven fabrics also, as their elongation rate is lower than one of knitted materials.

Originality/value

– Development of the embroidering technology of original clothing element is based on the scientific approach and industrial experience.
Developing a hybrid intelligent model for constructing a size recommendation expert system in textile industries
Authors: Shahrabi Jamal , Hadavandi Esmaeil , Salehi Esfandarani Maryam
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– In shopping, for selecting the appropriate garments, people have to try on multiple garments. This problem is due to lack of a sizing system based on updated anthropometric data and the classification system that introduces the appropriate size from the sizing chart to each person. To solve this problem, as a first study in the literature, a hybrid intelligent classification model as a size recommendation expert system is proposed. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three stages for developing a hybrid intelligent classification system based on data clustering and probabilistic neural network (PNN) are proposed. In the first stage, the clustering algorithm is used for specifying the sizing chart. In the second stage, the resulting sizing chart is used as a reference for developing a new intelligent classification system by using a PNN. At the last stage, the accuracy of the proposed model is evaluated by using the Iranian male's body type data set.

Findings

– Experimental results show that the proposed model has a good accuracy and can be used as a size recommendation expert system to specify the right size for the customers. By using the proposed model and designing an interface for it, a decision support system was developed as a size recommendation expert system that was used by an apparel sales store. The results were time saving and more satisfying for the customers by selecting the appropriate apparel size for them.

Originality/value

– In this paper, as a first study in literature, a hybrid intelligent model for developing a size recommendation expert system based on data clustering and a PNN to enable the salesperson to help the consumer in choosing the right size is proposed. In the first stage, the clustering algorithm is used for specifying the sizing chart. In the second stage, the resulting sizing chart is used as a reference to develop a new intelligent classification system by using a PNN. In the last stage, the accuracy of the proposed model is evaluated by using testing data. The proposed model achieved an 87.2 percent accuracy rate that is very promising.
Undocumented childhood immigrants, the Dream Act and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in the USA
Authors: L. Schmid Carol
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to critically examine two possible solutions to the lack of citizenship rights of children who lack documentation. Many industrialized countries must deal with undocumented children who have resided in the country most of their lives. In the USA, immigrants brought as children by their parents illegally are not eligible to receive financial help in most states for higher education, receive federal health care, or obtain driver's licenses. Even if they are qualified, they cannot legally work.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article provides an in-depth analysis of the Dream Act and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The benefit of this study is to critically examine two possible solutions to the problem of undocumented children who have lived most of their lives in the USA.

Findings

– The two solutions are analyzed in terms of broader conceptions of citizenship and human rights. Citizen rights are contested rights in the USA for undocumented immigrants and their children. It is found that theories of immigration and citizenship do not adequately explain the situation of undocumented childhood arrivals. After compulsory public education, undocumented students’ lives are at the mercy of state and federal administration policies. Citizenship theory is analyzed as it applies to undocumented immigrants brought as children to the USA.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper is limited to undocumented children in the USA.

Practical implications

– The results point to the need for universal policies that will ensure young adults will have the critical resources and associated rights.

Social implications

– As Latinos become a large proportion of the US population, barriers to their continued education will impose significant economic and personal costs for individuals who have “identity without citizenship”.

Originality/value

– This is among the first academic paper to link undocumented childhood arrivals in the USA, citizenship theory and public policy.
The effectiveness of remuneration committees in European banks
Authors: Dell'Atti Antonio , Intonti Mariantonietta , Patrizia Iannuzzi Antonia
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Following the subprime crisis and the detrimental role played by remuneration practices, an important reform concerned bank remuneration committees, especially in “significant financial institutions”. In light of this consideration, this paper aims to investigate the scope and format of this renewal in order to verify whether and how those bodies are conforming to the new regulatory framework while improving their efficiency and functionality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was carried out on 30 top European banks through the elaboration of a qualitative analysis model that takes into account both the procedural and the compositional aspects of remuneration committees. The model was used as a benchmark for assessing the effectiveness of the remuneration committees operating within a sample. This assessment was carried out according to the content analysis approach.

Findings

– The results show a high diffusion of these bodies within the banks and a gradual expansion, during the time under investigation (three years 2008-2010), of the information provided by them on their tasks and decision-making. In the same time, the study highlights some important criticalities concerning both the composition of the banks' remuneration committees, how they carry out their functions, and the level of disclosure addressed to shareholders and the market in order to formalize the results of their work.

Originality/value

– The added value of the analysis is related to the implementation of an “effectiveness remuneration committee rating” applied to a sample of top European banks during the financial crisis.
Bancassurance: an insurance concept from a Irish perspective
Authors: Brophy Richard
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to chart the development of bancassurance as a method of selling insurance and how it fits within the regulatory environment in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

– General review of the leading financial institutions retailing insurance in Ireland and their respective processes in retail distribution.

Findings

– Unlike in Europe where bancassurance involves the bank creating insurance products, in Ireland many banks engage insurers to create product to be sold via banking network, call centre or online. Whitelabeling insurance products allow the bank and insurer to enter or exit the market. In developing a bancassurance product, fundamentals need to be in place for success. The regulatory environment also does not favour banks creating insurance products; hence, this method is suited to the Irish market based on market size and existing distribution channels.

Research limitations/implications

– Based on a general review of the market, past and present, it does not take into account future developments of the banking sector which is subject to change post the EU banking crisis.

Practical implications

– The paper establishes the current trend of banks entering the insurance market in Ireland.

Originality/value

– Based on observation, general literature review and the current regulatory requirements to retail insurance in Ireland, the paper offers a perspective of market entry for a bank to sell insurance.
Flowers in a Greenhouse: profiling excellence in leadership in Singapore
Authors: Selvarajah Christopher , Meyer Denny , Jeyakumar Nathan Robert , Denis Donovan Jerome
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the changing cultural values that influence the perception of managers to leadership excellence in their organisations in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

– Summated scales for the importance of excellent leader, personal qualities, managerial behaviours, organisational demands and environmental influences were developed using most of the items categorised by Selvarajahet al.(1995) and several other items rated highly in this study. A structural model was constructed to explain the relationship in excellence in leadership.

Findings

– In all, 249 managers, from the three main ethnic groups: Chinese, Indians and Malays participated in this research. The findings suggest that ethnic differences are not strong determinants of managerial values in organisations in Singapore. However, gender is seen as a differentiating factor in the behavioural values of Singapore managers.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is purely an exploratory study and the size of the sample is not large enough to create purposeful causal relationships. Certainly the effect of ethnicity on the study should be explored further with a larger sample.

Practical implications

– Singapore is a highly globalised country that attracts international investments. Statistics in Singapore clearly suggests that there is a sharp increase in women managers in employment. Therefore, understanding the changing behavioural values of managers of both sexes are important for a foreigner engaging with Singapore nationals.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that looks at behavioural values of Singapore managers with regard to leadership excellence. The masculinity-femininity dimension is pronounced in the gender split.
Ethnographic performance and its flexibility in researching a traditional healing system in southern Thailand
Authors: Suwankhong Dusanee , Liamputtong Pranee
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the experience of carrying out an ethnographic research in the real world with six different participant groups from different backgrounds and embodying different expertise in traditional medicine. The paper will discuss why some approaches do not go well with some key informant groups and will demonstrate a suitable method that function better with those groups. The paper also argues that there is unpredictability of doing research in the real world, and this is crucial knowledge for novice researchers, and researchers who wish to embark on their research in different communities.

Design/methodology/approach

– Ethnography comprising of in-depth interviews, participant observation, focus group and unobtrusive methods.

Findings

– Listening to traditional healers’ explanation of their roles, patients’ perspectives of their treatments and the views of other participant groups will help us to understand the role of traditional healers, how effective their treatment is, and the possibilities for, and barriers to co-operation with the modern health care system. Ethnographic approach addresses deep understanding about cultural phenomena and issues in the real world because it captures everyday life and practices among local people.

Practical implications

– The principle of ethnography requires a researcher being in the field and living with the local people for a long period of time. This provides the researcher with the opportunity to learn and experience a new world on his/her own.

Originality/value

– Although the process of carrying out an ethnographic study is unpredictable, the methodological approach the paper employs in this study has resulted in valuable outcomes to a novice ethnographer. The paper would suggest to other novice ethnographers that this methodology is a very worthwhile approach in terms of exploring, learning and understanding the new world.
Forced Convection Heat Transfer From a Bank of Circular Cylinders Embedded in a Porous Medium
Authors: Al-Sumaily Gazy F.
Published: October 2013

The characteristics of fluid flow and forced convection heat transfer around a bank of four circular cylinders embedded in a metallic or non-metallic porous materials have been investigated numerically. Both a staggered and an in-line arrangement have been studied. The governing continuity, Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer momentum, and local thermal non-equilibrium energy equations are solved by the spectral-element method. Attention is focused on how the spacing parameter SP ∈ [1.5, 3.0] (the space between cylinder centers) affects the local and average heat transfer from the cylinders at three different solid-to-fluid thermal conductivity ratios kr = 1.725, 57.5, 248, and at different Reynolds numbers ReD ∈ [1, 250] in both arrangements. Perhaps not surprisingly, the results show that both the average Nusselt number, Nuf, and the local Nusselt number, Nufφ, are dependent strongly on ReD, SP, and the cylinder arrangement. However, it is found that the trend of the variations of Nuf with SP is not considerably altered by kr in both cylinders’ configurations. The results also show that the thermal performance of the staggered arrangement is higher than that for the in-line one, with less occupied space; therefore, it is practically and economically recommended that this arrangement to be used in manufacturing tubular heat exchangers for applications involving porous media.
RTEL1 Is a Replisome-Associated Helicase That Promotes Telomere and Genome-Wide Replication
Authors: Vannier Jean-Baptiste , Sandhu Sumit , Petalcorin Mark IR. , Wu Xiaoli , Nabi Zinnatun , Ding Hao , Boulton Simon J.
Published: October 2013

RTEL1 in DNA Replication

Genome stability requires the coordinate action of a variety of DNA maintenance systems. The DNA helicase, RTEL1 (regulator of telomere length 1), disassembles recombination intermediates to avoid dangerous by-products. RTEL1 also limits excessive meiotic crossing over and disassembles telomere T loops.

Vannier
et al.

(p.
239
) now show that mammalian RTEL1 is part of the DNA replication machinery. RTEL1 binds to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), an interaction that was important for normal DNA replication, replication fork stability, and telomere stability. The RTEL1-PCNA interaction was also critical for protecting cells against tumorigenesis but was not required for telomere T-loop disassembly.
RNA Interference Functions as an Antiviral Immunity Mechanism in Mammals
Authors: Li Yang , Lu Jinfeng , Han Yanhong , Fan Xiaoxu , Ding Shou-Wei
Published: October 2013

Viral Defenses

In plants and invertebrates, RNA interference (RNAi) functions as an innate antiviral defense mechanism. Viruses that infect plants and invertebrates have evolved viral suppressors of RNAi (VSRs) that disable the RNAi pathway. Whether mammals use RNAi as a defense against viruses has been less clear (see the Perspective by

Sagan
and

Sarnow

).

Li
et al.

(p.
231
) and

Maillard
et al.

(p.
235
) studied mammalian cell lines and baby mice productively infected with RNA viruses and observed the production of virus-derived small RNAs (vsRNAs). When the putative VSR proteins of the infecting viruses were disabled, host RNAi-derived vsRNAs were much increased and the viruses were rapidly cleared and unable to mount a full-blown infection. Thus, RNAi also has an innate antiviral function in mammals.