bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformer-specific characterization of nonnative protein states using hydrogen exchange and top-down mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Guanbo , Abzalimov Rinat R. , Bobst Cedric E. , Kaltashov Igor A.
Published: November 2013

Significance

Structure and dynamic features of nonnative protein conformations are critically important for a variety of processes, such as folding, recognition, binding, aggregation, and enzyme catalysis to name just a few. Nevertheless, detailed structural characterization of these elusive species is difficult, because they almost always coexist in equilibrium with other conformers and cannot be isolated prior to analysis. As a result, most studies report structural features that are averaged across the entire protein ensemble, rather than unique features of individual conformers. This paper reports structural characterization of an individual nonnative protein conformer without interference from other states coexisting in solution under equilibrium.
Self-organization of axial polarity, inside-out layer pattern, and species-specific progenitor dynamics in human ES cell–derived neocortex
Authors: Kadoshima Taisuke , Sakaguchi Hideya , Nakano Tokushige , Soen Mika , Ando Satoshi , Eiraku Mototsugu , Sasai Yoshiki
Published: November 2013

Significance

Using 3D culture of human ES cells, we show new self-organizing aspects of human corticogenesis: spontaneous development of intracortical polarity, curving morphology, and complex zone separations. Moreover, this culture generates species-specific progenitors, outer radial glia, which are abundantly present in the human, but not mouse, neocortex. Our study suggests an unexpectedly wide range of self-organizing events that are driven by internal programs in human neocortex development.
Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses identify a family of chlorhexidine efflux proteins
Authors: Hassan Karl A. , Jackson Scott M. , Penesyan Anahit , Patching Simon G. , Tetu Sasha G. , Eijkelkamp Bart A. , Brown Melissa H. , Henderson Peter J. F. , Paulsen Ian. T.
Published: November 2013

Significance

Drug resistance is an increasing problem in clinical settings with some bacterial pathogens now resistant to virtually all available drugs. Chlorhexidine is a commonly used antiseptic and disinfectant in hospital environments, and there is increasing resistance to chlorhexidine seen in some pathogenic bacteria, such asAcinetobacter baumannii. This paper examines the global gene expression ofA. baumanniiin response to chlorhexidine exposure and identifies a gene that we demonstrate to mediate chlorhexidine resistance. Biochemical investigation reveals that this gene encodes a previously uncharacterized type of drug efflux pump that actively transports chlorhexidine out of the cell.
Solar water splitting in a molecular photoelectrochemical cell
Authors: Alibabaei Leila , Brennaman M. Kyle , Norris Michael R. , Kalanyan Berç , Song Wenjing , Losego Mark D. , Concepcion Javier J. , Binstead Robert A. , Parsons Gregory N. , Meyer Thomas J.
Published: November 2013

Significance

Solar water splitting into H2and O2with visible light has been achieved by a molecular assembly. The dye sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell configuration combined with core–shell structures with a thin layer of TiO2on transparent, nanostructured transparent conducting oxides (TCO), with the outer TiO2shell formed by atomic layer deposition. In this configuration, excitation and injection occur rapidly and efficiently with the injected electrons collected by the nanostructured TCO on the nanosecond timescale where they are collected by the planar conductive electrode and transmitted to the cathode for H2production. This allows multiple oxidative equivalents to accumulate at a remote catalyst where water oxidation catalysis occurs.
Extinction during reconsolidation of threat memory diminishes prefrontal cortex involvement
Authors: Schiller Daniela , Kanen Jonathan W. , LeDoux Joseph E. , Monfils Marie-H. , Phelps Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2013

Significance

An advantage of targeting reconsolidation to control reactions to learned threats is that the memory appears to be persistently altered, not inhibited. When these memories are diminished through extinction, the amygdala’s representation remains largely intact and the prefrontal cortex inhibits its expression, thus allowing the learned responses to recover. Targeting reconsolidation, therefore, should eliminate the necessity of prefrontal inhibition. We tested this hypothesis by contrasting standard extinction with extinction occurring during reconsolidation. We observed that behavioral interference of reconsolidation appears to bypass the prefrontal circuitry of extinction, inducing a more persistent loss of learned responses. Application of this strategy, which targets underlying learned threat processes, to fear and anxiety disorders may provide a more effective approach to treatment.
Social exclusion and self-esteem: The impact of the identity – bureaucracy nexus on employed people experiencing homelessness in Calgary, Canada
Authors: Jones Marion E. , Shier Micheal L. , Graham John R.
Published: November 2013

This article argues that homelessness in Calgary, Canada is entrenched, in part, due to a systemic cycle of exclusion and defensive tactics carried out by those who are homeless and employed. A major proportion of this systemic exclusion occurs via a number of societal institutions: the provincial welfare structure in place to assist those in need; the provincial registry system for identification and licensing; the banking system, employment service providers; and the civil society organizations that provide shelter. Through one-to-one interviews with employed people experiencing homelessness in Calgary (n= 61) we found four identifiers that contribute to maintaining the adverse situation facing those who find themselves homeless: security of, and access to, replacement identification; access to banking; access to a mailing address; and accessibility to stable, permanent employment. Without access to these elements re-establishing social inclusion and navigating the transition to stable housing and non-vulnerable employment is far more difficult.
Effect of Preoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Surgical Site Infections Complicating Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Finkelstein Renato , Rabino Galit , Mashiach Tania , Bar-El Yaron , Adler Zvi , Kertzman Victor , Cohen Oved , Milo Simcha
Published: November 2013

Objective.

To evaluate the effect of an optimized policy for antibiotic prophylaxis on surgical site infection (SSI) rates in cardiac surgery.

Design.

Prospective cohort study.

Setting.

Tertiary medical center in Israel.

Methods.

SSIs were recorded during a 10-year study period and ascertained through routine surveillance using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) methodology. Multivariable analyses were conducted to determine which significant covariates, including the administration of preoperative prophylaxis, affected these outcomes.

Results.

A total of 2,637 of 3,170 evaluated patients were included, and the overall SSI rate was 8.4%. A greater than 50% reduction in SSI rates was observed in the last 4 years of the study. Overall and site-specific infection rates were similar for patients receiving cefazolin or vancomycin. SSIs developed in 206 (8.1%) of the 2,536 patients who received preoperative prophylaxis (within 2 hours of the first incision) compared with 14 (13.9%) of 101 patients who received antibiotic prophylaxis at a different time (P= .04; odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–3.3). After accounting for covariates, preoperative hospital stay (5 days or more), an NHSN risk category (2 or 3), age (60 years or more), surgeon's role, and the period of measurement were significantly associated with SSIs. Emergency surgery, age, surgeon's role, and nonpreoperative prophylaxis were found to be independent predictors of superficial SSI.

Conclusions.

We observed a progressive and significant decrease in SSI rates after the implementation of an infection control program that included an optimized policy of preoperative prophylaxis in cardiac surgery.
Tropical Healthcare Epidemiology: Weather Determinants of the Etiology of Bloodstream Infections in a Brazilian Hospital
Authors: Fortaleza Carlos Magno Castelo Branco , Caldeira Silvia Maria , Moreira Rayana Gonçalves , Akazawa Renata Tamie , Corrente José Eduardo , Souza Lenice do Rosário de , Cunha Antônio Ribeiro da
Published: November 2013

We studied the influence of weather on the etiology of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections in a hospital in Brazil during the years 2005–2010. Monthly average temperatures were positively associated with higher incidence of gram-negative bacilli as a whole, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterobacter species. The same groups presented seasonal behavior in stochastic models.
Alignment in star–debris disc systems seen by Herschel
Authors: Greaves J. S. , Kennedy G. M. , Thureau N. , Eiroa C. , Marshall J. P. , Maldonado J. , Matthews B. C. , Olofsson G. , Barlow M. J. , Moro-Martín A. , Sibthorpe B. , Absil O. , Ardila D. R. , Booth M. , Broekhoven-Fiene H. , Brown D. J. A. , Cameron A. Collier , Burgo C. del , Francesco J. Di , Eislöffel J. , Duchêne G. , Ertel S. , Holland W. S. , Horner J. , Kalas P. , Kavelaars J. J. , Lestrade J.-F. , Vican L. , Wilner D. J. , Wolf S. , Wyatt M. C.
Published: November 2013

Many nearby main-sequence stars have been searched for debris using the far-infrared Herschel satellite, within the DEBRIS, DUNES and Guaranteed-Time Key Projects. We discuss here 11 stars of spectral types A–M where the stellar inclination is known and can be compared to that of the spatially resolved dust belts. The discs are found to be well aligned with the stellar equators, as in the case of the Sun's Kuiper belt, and unlike many close-in planets seen in transit surveys. The ensemble of stars here can be fitted with a star–disc tilt of ≲ 10°. These results suggest that proposed mechanisms for tilting the star or disc in fact operate rarely. A few systems also host imaged planets, whose orbits at tens of au are aligned with the debris discs, contrary to what might be expected in models where external perturbers induce tilts.
Differences between cotranscriptional and free riboswitch folding
Authors: Lutz Benjamin , Faber Michael , Verma Abhinav , Klumpp Stefan , Schug Alexander
Published: November 2013

Riboswitches are part of noncoding regions of messenger RNA (mRNA) that act as RNA sensors regulating gene expression of the downstream gene. Typically, one out of two distinct conformations is formed depending on ligand binding when the transcript leaves RNA polymerase (RNAP). Elongation of the RNA chain by RNAP, folding and binding all occurs simultaneously and interdependently on the seconds’ timescale. To investigate the effect of transcript elongation velocity on folding for the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-I and adenine riboswitches we employ two complementary coarse-grained in silico techniques. Native structure-based molecular dynamics simulations provide a 3D, atomically resolved model of folding with homogenous energetics. Energetically more detailed kinetic Monte Carlo simulations give access to longer timescale by describing folding on the secondary structure level and feature the incorporation of competing aptamer conformations and a ligand-binding model. Depending on the extrusion scenarios, we observe and quantify different pathways in structure formation with robust agreements between the two techniques. In these scenarios, free-folding riboswitches exhibit different folding characteristics compared with transcription-rate limited folding. The critical transcription rate distinguishing these cases is higher than physiologically relevant rates. This result suggests that in vivo folding of the analyzed SAM-I and adenine riboswitches is transcription-rate limited.
Identification of the immunoproteome of the meningococcus by cell surface immunoprecipitation and MS
Authors: Newcombe Jane , Mendum Tom A. , Ren Chuan-peng , McFadden Johnjoe
Published: November 2013

Most healthy adults are protected from meningococcal disease by the presence of naturally acquired anti-meningococcal antibodies; however, the identity of the target antigens of this protective immunity remains unclear, particularly for protection against serogroup B disease. To identify the protein targets of natural protective immunity we developed an immunoprecipitation and proteomics approach to define the immunoproteome of the meningococcus. Sera from 10 healthy individuals showing serum bactericidal activity against both a meningococcal C strain (L91543) and the B strain MC58, together with commercially available pooled human sera, were used as probe antisera. Immunoprecipitation was performed with each serum sample and live cells from both meningococcal strains. Immunoprecipitated proteins were identified by MS. Analysis of the immunoproteome from each serum demonstrated both pan-reactive antigens that were recognized by most sera as well as subject-specific antigens. Most antigens were found in both meningococcal strains, but a few were strain-specific. Many of the immunoprecipitated proteins have been characterized previously as surface antigens, including adhesins and proteases, several of which have been recognized as vaccine candidate antigens, e.g. factor H-binding protein, NadA and neisserial heparin-binding antigen. The data demonstrate clearly the presence of meningococcal antibodies in healthy individuals with no history of meningococcal infection and a wide diversity of immune responses. The identification of the immunoreactive proteins of the meningococcus provides a basis for understanding the role of each antigen in the natural immunity associated with carriage and may help to design vaccination strategies.
Diethyl [4-(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-4′-yl)phenyl]phosphonate
Authors: Chyba Jan , Necas Marek , Pinkas Jiri
Published: November 2013

The title compound, C25H24N3O3P, was obtained by catalytic phosphonation of 4′-(4-bromphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine. The terpyridine moiety is nearly planar, the dihedral angles between the central and the outer rings being 4.06 (9) and 5.39 (9)°. The N atoms in the two pyridine rings are oriented nearly antiperiplanar to that of the central ring. The benzene ring is rotated out of the plane of the central ring of the terpyridine unit by 34.65 (6)°.
2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1-pentyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Marzouk Adel A. , Singh Kuldip , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: November 2013

The central imidazole ring in the title compound, C28H30N2O2, makes dihedral angles of 28.42 (13), 71.22 (15) and 29.50 (14)°, respectively, with the phenyl rings in the 4- and 5-positions and the 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl group. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, weak π–π stacking interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.760 (2) Å] and C—H...π contacts, forming a three-dimensional network.
Improving Chinese soybean meal demand estimation by addressing the non-commercial
Authors: Xing Lei , Goldsmith Peter
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– Two effects simultaneously shape the future soybean meal (SBM) demand in China: the income effect on meat consumption and the transition effect due to commercial feed usage in animal production. The income effect has been studied intensively in previous research and results in rapidly growing animal product consumption. The commercial feed transition effect, however, is not well understood. The accurate forecast of SBM demand requires an integration of both effects. This study aims to contribute to the commodity forecast literature: by estimating the non-commercial to commercial feed effect and then comparing to the income effect.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research addresses the gap in the literature by considering the diffusion path of commercial feeding technology when forecasting China's future SBM demand. The paper addresses the following five objectives to accomplish this goal. Objective 1: estimate income elasticity of demand for meat; Objective 2: estimate the current commercial feeding gap; Objective 3: analyze the reasons for low SBM feeding ratios; Objective 4: estimate future SBM feeding ratios; Objective 5: forecast future soybean demand in China.

Findings

– China needs 33 years from 2009 to achieve the SBM feeding ratio of 98 percent. The difference in future derived demand for SBM mainly comes from the transition effect of animal production industry in China. The income effect only contributes on average 2.1 percent of the theoretical SBM consumption quantity over the next 20 years. The feeding technology diffusion effect, however, causes an additional 3.6 percent annual compound growth rate on the demand increase for SBM over the same time periods. The livestock industry's transition effect is roughly equivalent to 1.5 times the income effect.

Practical implications

– Policy makers, industry managers, and analysts will now have not only a more accurate estimate of future SBM demand, but also a better understanding of the structural components of that estimation. In particular, the role of commercial feed adoption is explicitly estimated.

Originality/value

– This research is the first to estimate the effect of the shift from non-commercial to commercial feeding systems on overall SBM demand. The results show that not accounting for the diffusion of new commercial feeding technology creates under the estimates of future SBM demand.
Clarifying Islamic perspectives on leadership
Authors: Almoharby Darwish , Neal Mark
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This study aims to clarify current thinking about Islamic leadership by returning to the original texts of Islam, theQur'anand thehadith. These are analysed to identify foundational Islamic leadership prototypes, concepts and ideas. In so doing, the article provides original analysis of the foundations of Islamic leadership, so as to inform current debates about leadership in Islamic regions and communities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study consists of content analysis of theQur'anand thehadith, to identify key concepts within these texts, concerning the nature of leadership. The methodological aim is to develop characterisations of Islamic leadership prototypes that are recognisable to practising Muslims today. In order to ensure this, the content analyses have been presented to academic seminar groups and conferences and refined through subsequent discussions.

Findings

– Islamic leadership does not rely for its legitimacy upon traditional authority, but rather on rational-legal systems based on unity of purpose, acknowledgement of the one God, and the foundational example of Prophet Muhammad, whose referent and charismatic authority lives on in discussions of thesunnahand thehadith. It is thus vital to refine external or “etic” characterisations of Islamic leadership with an appreciation of leadership prototypes in theQur'an, thesunnahandhadith.

Research limitations/implications

– The scope of this study is limited by the subject matter, the investigation of leadership prototypes in theQur'anand thehadith. This means that the consideration of historically more recent Islamic thinking about leadership has been left to subsequent study.

Practical implications

– Implications for subsequent researchers are the need for critical clarity in discussions of “Islamic” or “Muslim” leadership. Another significant implication comes with the recognition of the overwhelming importance of the Prophet Muhammad's life and sayings in laying the parameters for the subsequent Muslim discussions of leadership.

Originality/value

– This is the first use of content analysis to examine the foundational leadership prototypes and concepts embedded in theQur'anand thehadith, and thus to analyse the Prophet Muhammad as a referent and charismatic leader, whose life set the parameters for the subsequent understanding of Islamic leadership.
Competitive advantage in the new contrived social care marketplace: do we need a new theoretical framework?
Authors: Dearnaley Patricia
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how far existing theories around contingency for competitive advantage are compatible with the “contrived market” in social care. The paper argues that the complexity of competing interests, especially for social housing as potential providers, require new tools for market analysis and particularly the need to become a “learning organisation”, to manage the particular characteristics of this specific quasi-market.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws upon original research developed through a single holistic case study of a UK social housing service, using qualitative research methods including document analysis, interviews, secondary data, observations and facilitated meetings.

Findings

– Changes in the social care sector over the past 20 years have effected a fundamental shift in commissioning and delivery relationships, creating new markets for social care services. Yet existing business theory and models around contingency and competitive advantage do not suit this “contrived” New Public Management market. A new framework or model will be needed for analysis and business planning in this new environment.

Originality/value

– This series of papers adds to existing knowledge by critiquing current business models, and positing a potential development to existing contingency theory.
Direct modeling of material deposit and identification of energy transfer in gas metal arc welding
Authors: Bellet Michel , Hamide Makhlouf
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present original methods related to the modeling of material deposit and associated heat sources for finite element simulation of gas metal arc welding (GMAW).

Design/methodology/approach

– The filler deposition results from high-frequency impingements of melted droplets. The present modeling approach consists of a time-averaged source term in the mass equation for selected finite elements in the fusion zone. The associated expansion of the mesh is controlled by means of adaptive remeshing. The heat input includes a volume source corresponding to the droplets energy, for which a model from the literature is expressed in coherency with mass supply. Finally, an inverse technique has been developed to identify different model parameters. The objective function includes the differences between calculations and experiments in terms of temperature, but also shape of the fusion zone.

Findings

– The proposed approach for the modeling of metal deposition results in a direct calculation of the formation of the weld bead, without any a priori definition of its shape. Application is shown on GMAW of steel 316LN, for which parameters of the model have been identified by the inverse method. They are in agreement with literature and simulation results are found quite close to experimental measurements.

Originality/value

– The proposed algorithm for material deposit offers an alternative to the element activation techniques that are commonly used to simulate the deposition of filler metal. The proposed inverse method for parameter identification is original in that it encompasses an efficient and convenient technique to take into account the shape of the fusion zone.
DTC drug advertising ethics: laboratory for medical marketing
Authors: Mackert Michael , Guadagno Marie , Mabry Amanda , Chilek Lindsay
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to call for an increased focus on the ethics of direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertising. This is important, not only to improve DTC prescription drug advertising, but also to inform DTC advertising of future medical advances.

Design/methodology/approach

– This conceptual paper discusses two examples of medical advances – personal genetic testing services and surgically implanted medical devices – to explain how investigating the research of DTC prescription drug advertising can set the stage for more ethical advertising of future medical advances.

Findings

– Specific issues related to health literacy, at-risk populations impacted by health disparities, and medicalization of issues common to aging relate to the DTC advertising of prescription drugs and other medical advances. Creative approaches to investigating these issues in the context of prescription drug advertising can enrich the debate about drug advertising, but also prepare researchers, policymakers, and consumers for future advertising of new medical developments.

Originality/value

– The value of this paper is its call for increased focus on the ethics of DTC prescription drug advertising, to improve the current marketing environment but also lay the foundation for other healthcare marketing in the future.
Resell versus direct models in brand drug distribution
Authors: Iacocca Kathleen , Zhao Yao , Fein Adam
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare the effectiveness of the Buy-and-Hold (BNH), Fee-for-Service (FFS), and Direct-to-pharmacy (DTP) agreements for the US pharmaceutical industry and its individual participants. There have been mixed responses to these agreements and the industry is currently under debate as to which contract would be best for the industry and its individual participants. The question is answered by comparing the agreements and settling the industry debate regarding the impact of these distribution agreements.

Design/methodology/approach

– The model features multi-period production-inventory planning with time varying parameters in a decentralized setting. Under each distribution agreement, mathematical programming models are formulated to determine the profit maximizing production, inventory, and ordering decisions for the manufacturer and the wholesaler in a finite time horizon. The applicability of the model in the US pharmaceutical industry using real-world data is demonstrated.

Findings

– It is shown that the DTP agreement always outperforms the BNH and FFS agreements. Furthermore, the DTP agreement is flexible because it allows the manufacturer and the wholesaler to split the additional profit in an arbitrary way. The findings reveal that the DTP agreement can improve total profit by about 0.08 - 1 percent (relative to FFS) and 5 percent (relative to BNH).

Originality/value

– Considering the size of the pharmaceutical industry, efficient distribution agreements are imperative. Unfortunately, the existing literature provides insufficient guidance to help managers make this important decision. This knowledge gap is addressed in literature, and provides important insight for practitioners on what agreement is most beneficial for this industry.
The support experiences of older people who have been abused in Ireland
Authors: Lafferty Attracta , Pearl Treacy Margaret , Fealy Gerard
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the support experiences of older people who have been abused in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

– Recruited through dedicated elder abuse services, nine older people who had experienced elder abuse participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Findings

– The study highlighted the help-seeking pathways of abused older people and revealed that few older people sought help for themselves and most were unaware of the services available to support and protect older people. Data analysis identified the range and type of help received from family, friends, voluntary and statutory services, as well as the perceived barriers to accessing help and support.

Research limitations/implications

– The research did not include abused older people who lacked mental capacity or who had experienced self-neglect, criminal victimisation by strangers or who had not received statutory support services. This field may benefit from future research that seeks to examine the support experiences of these groups.

Practical implications

– Family, staff and professionals who care for older people need to be cognisant of the signs of elder abuse, and bring them to the attention of older people should they have concerns, as older people may not always recognise that they are being abused.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to our understanding of the support needs of older people in Ireland and the perceived barriers to accessing help and support.
Exploring purchasing preferences: local and ecologically labelled foods
Authors: Cholette Susan , Özlük Özgür , Özşen Leyla , R. Ungson Gerardo
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The growing presence of foods that are labelled “locally/ecologically produced” leads to the question of how many consumers consider the impact of their food purchases. Do they value local/ecologically-produced food sufficiently to drive their purchasing behaviour, even if such foods are more costly? Can consumer segments be identified and, if so, what are their characteristics? This paper aims to focus on these questions.

Design/methodology/approach

– In an exploratory study, the authors surveyed over 400 students from a public university in California asking them to select between apples based on a combination of price, origin and presence/absence of an ecological indicator. The authors collected information on their shopping attitudes, their affinity for international trade and demographic identifiers.

Findings

– Evidence is found for three consumer segments: the deep green, the price conscious and switchers. The latter are the most prevalent category across demographic and attitudinal indicators, but with increased age, employment/shopping responsibilities, the preponderance of switchers diminishes and more deep green consumers appear. Deep green consumers tend to be both more information and variety seeking than the price conscious ones.

Originality/value

– By identifying demographic and other characteristics that are likely to qualify consumers as belonging to a specific segment, marketers of local and ecologically produced foods can better target and influence appropriate consumers.
Does consumers' personal involvement have an influence on store brand buying proneness?
Authors: Gendel-Guterman Hanna , Levy Shalom
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This study's aim is to apply the personal involvement approach to store brand products' buying proneness. With respect to the conflicting perspectives of narrow “latitudes of acceptance” and “extensive search”, are presumed different levels and different types of personal involvement. The aim is to formulate a conceptual framework integrating three types of relevant consumer values: functional involvement, symbolic involvement and economic involvement, along with two well established mediating variables, and two consumer characteristics as exogenous variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected through a survey of 914 shoppers randomly recruited from 11 grocery stores. The study employs an exploratory factor analysis method following path analysis, using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

– The results show the significance of a multifaceted perspective of consumers' personal involvement in grocery shopping conditions. This perspective leads to the possibility of high personal involvement in grocery products shopping. Regarding consumers' store brand buying intention, personal involvement facets have only a marginal effect, while the direct substantial effects are derived from familiarity and value for money.

Practical implications

– Retailers are advised to go beyond their efforts to persuade consumers that their products have economic value; they should encourage consumers to compare and evaluate the functional attributes of their store brands. For the social-symbolic consumer, they should employ different products' quality layers and different appealing brand names.

Originality/value

– The originality of this study lies in the multifaceted alternative approach of consumers' personal involvement in grocery shopping processes, and the conceptual framework proposed to examine the effect of personal involvement facets on store brand buying intentions.
Ask us equally if we want to go
Authors: Gripenberg Pernilla , Niemistö Charlotta , Alapeteri Carla
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore gender differences in career prospects and changes in attitudes to international assignments over recent decades in Finland. This is relevant in light of the international immobility trend among staff with which MNCs especially are struggling, coupled with the persistent unequal ratio of male to female expatriates. The paper aims to increase the understanding of how gender and family relations affect international career prospects and what changes have evolved over time.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper compares differences and changes in opportunities to and preferences for long-term international assignments between male and female business graduates in Finland. It uses survey data on attitudes to expatriation from 1994 to 2008.

Findings

– A general shift from individual career centeredness towards family centeredness was detected between the two points in time. Paradoxically, this research shows that while gender equality seems to be increasing between spouses, it seems to be decreasing in who is being offered international assignments. The results give valuable insights into how the trend of international immobility has occurred and how the gender relations and gendered values are developing in society.

Practical implications

– While the international immobility trend persists, women apparently remain as an under-utilized resource when searching for employees to send on long-term expatriate assignments. Global HR professionals should pay more attention to whom expatriate assignments are offered and to how dual career couples and families can be better supported in the expatriation process.

Originality /value

– The paper contributes to the understanding of gendered careers and women's opportunities in international assignments with a unique comparison of changes over time.
The narrative for person-centred coordinated care
Authors: Redding Don
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a narrative to redefine integrated care from the user's perspective, which is being promoted across England.

Design/methodology/approach

– The content of the narrative for person-centred coordinated care, recently launched in England, is described. The need for the narrative is explained in the context of the failure of previous integrated care programmes to identify and deliver clear benefits to service users. The sources and stages of development of the narrative are described. The author considers its place in national policy, further content development and its potential to help those planning programmes of integration.

Findings

– A clear consensus on the need to define integrated care from the service user perspective now exists in England, and a narrative now exists to fulfil this purpose which has been developed by service users, patient groups, care professionals and system leaders. It has radical potential to change service delivery but this will be subject to the degree of local adoption.

Originality/value

– The paper is the first journal publication describing the narrative for person-centred coordinated care and creates a record of its developmental stages which will be of interest to system leaders, professionals and researchers in England and internationally.
Transition and integration – changing our starting point
Authors: John Duffy Simon , Murray Pippa
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer a hypothesis about the core elements of an effective transition process in a system of self-directed support and to suggest that the approach to integration in public services may need to radically change.

Design/methodology/approach

– This a reflective piece, drawing on decades of practical work by the authors, combined with an understanding of the literature and the social policy context.

Findings

– Typical solutions to the problem of transition focus on system change instead of ensuring that power and control shifts to families and young people. A change in starting point opens up more empowering and practical solutions for the real world.

Originality/value

– This paper goes deeper than others on the same subject by moving beyond the outcomes and issues, to suggest some lessons for social policy makers, professionals and citizens.
Psychological supervision and consultation for nurses in a Learning Disability Forensic Service
Authors: Whitton Clare , Collinson Rachel , Adams Thomas
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to conduct a preliminary evaluation of psychological-based supervision and consultation provided by a clinical psychologist to nursing staff working in a low-secure Learning Disability Forensic Service.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire was completed by 22 staff members, to gather information about their experiences of receiving this service and its impact on the motivation, stress and the care they provide for patients within the service.

Findings

– The most common reasons for staff to attend were to discuss patient issues (n=10), needing space to reflect (n=10) and wanting to discuss service issues (n=9). Staff found these sessions to be supportive (n=13), useful (n=11), helpful (n=11) and informative (n=11). A majority of staff reported an increase in positive interactions (60 per cent, n=9) and in motivation (60 per cent, n=9) and a reduction in stress (43.7 per cent, n=7). Of staff answering the question 87.5 per cent (n=16) would recommend these sessions to others.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that staff benefitted from having this opportunity to discuss patient and service issues and that this had a positive impact on their role and the care they provide.

Originality/value

– Therefore, the paper suggests that by offering psychological supervision and consultation will provide support to nurses working in Learning Disability Forensic Service, increase motivation and reduce stress. These findings could also be used by management in service development, for example to reduce staff sickness and subsequently reduce costs within the service.
Organizational justice and innovation in the workplace: the case of the UAE
Authors: Suliman Abubakr
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper to aim at exploring the links between employees’ perceptions of distributive, procedural and interactional justice on one hand and innovation climate and readiness to innovate on the other hand. The role of innovation climate in predicting readiness to innovate is also examined. Further, the study attempts to test the mediating role of innovation climate in justice-readiness to innovate relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper aims at exploring the links between employees’ perceptions of distributive, procedural and interactional justice on one hand and innovation climate and readiness to innovate on the other hand. The role of innovation climate in predicting readiness to innovate is also examined. Further, the study attempts to test the mediating role of innovation climate in justice-readiness to innovate relationship.

Findings

– The findings revealed that perception of justice played a key role in employees’ perception of innovation climate. Innovation climate was found to be positively and significantly related to readiness to innovate. Employees’ readiness to try new ways of doing things and question the existing habits of the work tended to show significant and positive relationship to organizational justice. Innovation climate played a significant yet a partial role in mediating the link between justice and readiness to innovate.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample represented only governmental sector and only one emirate of the UAE's seven emirates. The implications of the findings for researchers together with some future guidelines are discussed in the paper.

Practical implications

– The paper provides practitioners with some advice about understanding and managing justice and innovation.

Originality/value

– The paper is the first study in the UAE and the Middle East that examines the links between justice, innovation climate and readiness to innovate.
FINRA gives member firms a thumbs up on suitability rule compliance
Authors: Nathan Daniel , Ignat Ana-Maria
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to interpret Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Regulatory Notice 13-31, which provides practical advice to member firms about how FINRA will be examining for compliance with the rule, some findings about failures to comply and a set of best practices for compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper explains the three suitability obligations set forth in Rule 2111, the mechanics of FINRA's suitability examinations, overall findings from FINRA's recent suitability examinations, and some measures and practices FINRA has highlighted that could bolster a firm's suitability-focused supervisory and compliance procedures.

Findings

– The Notice provides a wealth of information on the types of approaches, systems, procedures and practices that member firms have been using and that FINRA has determined to be most effective in ensuring compliance with the suitability rule.

Practical implications

– Although other ways to comply with the rule certainly exist, member firms should review the Notice and consider incorporating the practices discussed or practices likely to achieve similar outcomes.

Originality/value

– The paper provides practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
Ready or not: lost securityholders, uncashed checks and dormant accounts
Authors: Smith Holly
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to summarize the new rules requiring broker-dealers with customer accounts to search for lost securityholders.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper explains the requirement under SEC Rule 17Ad-17, beginning January 23, 2014, for any broker-dealer with customer security accounts to conduct database searches if the broker-dealer receives returned undeliverable correspondence from a securityholder; explains the requirement for any paying agent (including issuers, transfer agents, brokers, dealers, investments advisers, trustees, custodians, etc.) to send written notice to any securityholder to whom the paying agent has sent a check when the check has been uncashed for a period of 180 days.

Findings

– The new rules will impact more than a thousand entities in the US.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a practical explanation by experienced financial services lawyers.
Extraversion as a stimulus for user-generated content
Authors: Pagani Margherita , E. Goldsmith Ronald , F. Hofacker Charles
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– User-generated content comprises an important asset for many web sites. The purpose of this study is to show how extraversion, a basic dimension of human personality, is positively related to this activity, both directly and through its impact on social identity expressiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data come from an online survey of 1,308 online users who actively contribute content to social media.

Findings

– The results support hypotheses that extraversion and social identity expressiveness are positively related to active use of social media web sites, and that extraversion is related to active use both directly and indirectly through social identity expressiveness.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings are limited to the selection of social media to which the participants belong and provide only a partial picture of the motives behind active use of such web sites. Despite the limitations, the findings do identity two active user motivations.

Practical implications

– An understanding of the psychology underlying active social media use can aid managers in developing marketing strategies to encourage such use. Strategies that emphasize one's ability to express oneself freely should enhance active use, especially for the more extraverted active users.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to combine both extraversion with social identity expressiveness to partially explain active use of social media, thus enhancing the understanding of the motivations for active use of social media.
Adapting a learning tool for specialized nursing
Authors: L. Nygård Kathrine , I. Mørch Anders , Moen Anne
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– Nursing has for a long time used a variety of technological tools to improve and support patient care. Tool use changes knowledge processes, offering opportunities to explore processes of specialization in this field. The purpose of this paper is to report from a collaborative process to achieve shared meaning potential while adapting a generic learning tool to meet learning needs of specialized nursing. A complex chain of actions, interactions and negotiations during the adaptation process is disentangled. The paper draws from the theoretical construct known as trajectories of participation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The method employed in data analysis is interaction analysis, allowing detailed studies of the actions represented in the participants' intersecting trajectories.

Findings

– The analysis shows how project members seek to combine different modes of knowledge when they sort out and establish shared meaning potential. Typically the negotiations start with a concrete problem arising from the current practice's use of tools. The participants clarify and specify a shared object of activity by mobilizing three different modes of knowledge (practical, diagnostic and technical). During this process, the participants' trajectories converge toward consensus. This consensus is a process of constructing and reconstructing tools and practices and an interdependency of tools and practices that is “materialized” in the adapted learning tool.

Originality/value

– This analysis shows the importance of taking account of processes in the concrete settings when developing new tools for change in specialist nursing. Different trajectories of participation that intersected in the planning activities give insight into how knowledge is mobilized when tools and practices co-evolve on an interactional level.