bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing long‐term impacts of carbon tax based on the imputed price, applying the AIM/CGE model
Authors: Matsumoto Ken'ichi , Masui Toshihiko
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze long‐term (up to 2100) impacts of carbon tax based on the imputed price of carbon (ICT) from environmental and economic perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

ICT is an international tax with tax rates that differ among countries according to their economic levels. It is evaluated by comparing it with an internationally common carbon tax (CCT), applying the AIM/CGE [Global] model, a dynamic computable general equilibrium model. The ICT rates are determined from a certain formula and the CCT rates are set to achieve global GDP changes equal to the case of ICT.

Findings

According to the results, the world CO2abatement amount is almost the same between the two taxes. However, the economic impact on each country is different. Although the negative influence is smaller in the case of CCT in developed countries, it is smaller in the case of ICT in developing countries. Moreover, ICT narrows economic disparities among developed and developing countries further. In the light of significance of the worldwide introduction of CO2abatement policies and avoidance of excessive economic burdens on developing countries, it is concluded that ICT is a more feasible carbon tax policy than CCT.

Originality/value

Although the impacts of ICT have been analyzed from static and mid‐term perspectives, understanding the long‐term dynamic impacts is still essential, considering the features of the tax and possible socioeconomic and technological changes, especially in developing countries. This study proposes a new policy method that will contribute to efforts to combat climate change in the long run.
The role of education in protected area sustainable governance
Authors: Orlović‐Lovren Violeta
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Global challenges that the world faces today call into question people's understanding of sustainability and the actions to be taken to meet that ideal. The role assigned to education in promoting sustainability by international documents has yet to be applied to national strategies in many countries. This paper aims to promote a strategic approach and to identify techniques for analysis to be used in development of quality education programs, tailored to specific needs in protected areas and to sustainability goals in a particular social context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an adult education approach and social science methodology, a proposal for a research framework is offered, seeking a better understanding of the role of education in improving sustainable protected area governance. Within the framework of sustainable development and lifelong learning concepts, the existing gap in the field is discussed and a brief review of the issues present in Serbia as a country in transition is given.

Practical implications

This approach may be modified to specific contexts and goals, and applied with this purpose to other similar social environments, especially in countries in transition within the region. It may lead to creating more adequate education programs and increased capacities for managing protected areas.

Originality/value

The paper moves away from a project‐driven, ad hoc and rather scholarly to an integral approach to capacities for sustainable protected area governance, including an institutional, organizational and individual level and a lifelong learning perspective. It also promotes a specific, contextual and participatory definition of sustainability, rather than seeking for a universal one.
The evolution of marine protected areas (MPAs): the North Adriatic case
Authors: Camuffo Monica , Soriani Stefano , Zanetto Gabriele
Published: December 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to consider the recent evolution of the Italian policy in the field of marine protected areas (MPAs). In particular, it aims to point out the increasing role played by Italian regions in establishing and managing MPAs. This evolution is to be described by focusing attention on the North Adriatic case.

Design/methodology/approach

After a brief introduction on the legislative framework, points of weakness and strength of the Italian experience in the field of MPAs are discussed. Different initiatives for promoting and implementing an MPA strategy are analyzed through the North Adriatic case study, pointing out the increasing role played by the regions in the design and implementation of protection policies.

Findings

The analysis shows how regions direct greater attention to the involvement of the public and economic sector in the design and implementation of protection policies, and to the definition of more flexible management tools. This element clearly confirms the general and overall tendency towards more regional‐based forms of environmental policy, even in coastal and marine affairs. However, in order to improve the environmental gains and implement sustainable forms of economic development, these regional initiatives should be better linked to a more comprehensive coastal zone management framework, which is still lacking. From this perspective, a national strategy for the Italian coast system could strongly contribute to increasing the role and effectiveness of regional initiatives aimed at protecting coastal and marine ecosystems.

Originality/value

The North Adriatic case shows the growing need for integrated policies in different scale projects, enhancing the involvement of local communities toward their own territory.
Greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions and options for reducing from the Kosovo transportation sector‐dynamic modelling
Authors: Kabashi Skender , Bekteshi Sadik , Ahmetaj Skender , Kabashi Gazmend , Blinc Robert , Zidanšek Aleksander , Šlaus Ivo
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is the dynamic modelling of greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollution emissions, to identify technology and policy options for reducing GHG and air pollution, and to explain how these options might affect the different variables of mobile source emission systems in Kosovo.

Design/methodology/approach

For modelling impacts of the technology and policy options for reducing GHG and air pollution, the model STELLA software has been used. The annual total emission for air pollutants (CO, NOx, CHx, SO2 and dust) and GHG (CO2) from the year 2000 up to 2025 is calculated. 2000 is taken as the base year for emission. Initial data value for vehicle population is taken from MEM and from World Bank ESTAP Project for Kosovo. Projection for the total number of vehicles in Kosovo is calculated with the WB Atlas Method, while the projection for emission factors and total annual emission for Air Pollutants and GHG (CO2) are calculated with US EPA methodology.

Findings

From the results obtained using this model, the variables that drive GHG and air pollutant emissions and reduction in transport are identified. This model, predicts high emission of air pollutions and GHG in the short term from 2000 to 2010. After 2015, due to implementing the emission reduction policies and introducing new technologies in transportation, a continual reduction in air pollution will take place, whereas the CO2 output up to 2025 will be reduced by 25 percent in comparison with the emission values of 2007.

Originality/value

Models presented here are the first, together with original data and results, with the predictions which are regional, but accepted globally. This work is original, since no such analysis has been carried out about mobile source emission systems in Kosovo. The paper provides data and results on which further research could be carried out.
Future changes of freshwater needs in European power plants
Authors: Flörke Martina , Teichert Ellen , Bärlund Ilona
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyze future changes of freshwater needs in the electricity production sector and to identify hotspots where future cooling water needs may not be fulfilled.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the goals of this study, a scenario and simulation approach was selected to estimate water availability and water uses in Europe up to 2050. Two SCENES scenarios were selected to cover a wide range of water‐related driving forces including future developments in population, GDP, electricity production, technological and structural changes, as well as climate change.

Findings

Depending on the scenario, water withdrawals in the electricity production would increase by 68 percent or decrease by 33 percent between 2000 and 2050. At the same time, water availability at low flow (Q90) would decrease because of climate change in southern and south‐eastern parts of Europe as well as in Ireland and the UK. Especially in these regions hotspots were identified where water is scarce and where growing water demand promotes water stress that may cause economic losses.

Originality/value

This paper presents hotspots of the thermal electricity production sector in Europe. In these regions water shortages were expected to lead to water stress due to climate change accompanied by increasing water demand for cooling purposes and by competing water use sectors.
Analysis of a sustainable system for energy recovery from municipal waste in Croatia
Authors: Schneider Daniel R. , Bogdan Željko
Published: December 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to focus on energy recovery from municipal solid waste (MSW) in Croatia. The state strategy is based on the mechanical and biological treatment of waste in the future waste management centers (WMC). Left over after the treatment is waste that can be used as fuel (e.g. RDF).

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the geographical distribution of waste generation (quantities and transport distances), taking into account the costs of collection, transfer and thermal treatment, recommendations on optimal number and size of the dedicated waste‐to‐energy (WtE) plants in Croatia as well as their potential locations are given. The opportunity of the cement industry to utilize ash from thermal treatment of waste in the process of the cement production and the RDF as a substitute fuel is also examined.

Findings

By varying the number of WMCs, the minimal specific cost of waste collection of €33 is obtained, for maximal number of WMCs, which is 21. The optimal capacity of WtE facility is approximately 300,000 t/year, for expected quantity of 600,000 t/year of waste available for energy recovery. However, the geographical shape of Croatia and traffic connections suggest that its area could be better covered by four WtE facilities, each with the capacity of 150,000 t/year. The alternative solution could include the existing cement industry. In this case one bigger WtE plant (preferably near the city of Zagreb) could be built, with the capacity of 400,000 t/year, while the rest of the waste would be used in the cement industry, which capacity amounts to 167,000 tons of RDF annually.

Originality/value

This analysis gives another view of a possible system for energy recovery from MSW in Croatia. MSW has never been used in Croatia for the purpose of energy generation on a wider scale.
Reforming the world monetary system
Authors: Connell Carol M.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Fritz Machlup's method and use of scenario analysis in the policy discussions around exchange rate solutions to balance of payments problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research on which this paper is based is the sociohistorical biographical approach, based on a close examination of published works and archival materials.

Findings

What makes Machlup unique is his focus on the impact to an economic system of discrete human actions, each set of actions associated with a change in exchange rate policy and the operations and institutions necessary to implement it. Impact on the system was evaluated in terms of three values – balance of payments adjustment, liquidity and confidence. In his use of a system's approach, his focus on change and adjustment to change, and most particularly his focus on human action, Machlup is also distinctively Austrian.

Research limitations/implications

This is the first paper generated from the author's far larger planned study of Fritz Machlup and the Bellagio Group.

Practical implications

The collaborative exploration of alternative futures by senior teams has become increasingly important to strategic planning by governments and corporations.

Originality/value

The story of the Fritz Machlup's contribution to exchange rate regimes, international trade and the balance of payments has remained largely untold.
Frank George Woollard: forgotten pioneer of flow production
Authors: Emiliani M.L. , Seymour P.J.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce management historians to the long‐forgotten work of Frank George Woollard (1883‐1957), who in the mid‐1920s established flow production in the British motor industry, and its remarkable similarity to current‐day production principles and practices used by Toyota Motor Corporation, also known as lean production.

Design/methodology/approach

Overview of Frank Woollard's life and work obtained from newly discovered journal papers, his 1954 book,Principles of Mass and Flow Production, newly discovered archives, and new first‐hand testimony from a close friend and from a long‐time family friend.

Findings

Frank Woollard was a pioneer in the establishment of flow production in the British motor industry in the mid‐1920s and the principal developer of automatic transfer machinery. His accomplishments are comparable to Taiichi Ohno, regarded as the architect of Toyota's production system.

Research limitations/implications

Woollard's accomplishments in flow production are a fruitful area for future research given the speed and completeness with which flow production was established at Morris Motors Ltd, Engines Branch. Newly discovered papers describing his flow production system have yet to be studied in detail by academics.

Practical implications

Woollard's application of flow production beginning in 1923 means that timelines for discoveries and attributions of key accomplishments in lean management must be reexamined and revised.

Originality/value

Woollard's work fills important gaps in the literature on the history of flow production generally and in the British motor industry in particular. His work constitutes an early application of current‐day lean principles and practices, and is therefore noteworthy and relevant to management historians and the operations and production management community. It is hoped that this paper will inspire management historians to study Woollard's work and place him in the context of other early twentieth‐century pioneers in industrial management and flow production.
Integrating Barnard's and contemporary views of industrial relations and HRM
Authors: Novicevic Milorad M. , Hayek Mario , Fang Tony
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to juxtapose the contemporary views of industrial relations (IR) and human resource management (HRM) with the ideas expressed by Chester Barnard.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes Chester Barnard's views along the four premises that underlie contemporary perspectives on the fields of IR and HRM.

Findings

Barnard's main points: that sincerity and honesty of management is crucial to developing an individual employee's will to collaborate, and that collective cooperation is superior to collective bargaining are found to resonate well with the contemporary views and provide a clear indication for Barnard's preference of human resource perspective to the IR perspective.

Practical implications

This paper provides Barnard's practical insights into why managing IR and HR by policies leads to poor management.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to recognize Barnard's unique contribution to contemporary perspectives on IR and HRM disciplines.
Ansoff revisited
Authors: Moussetis Robert
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revisit Igor Ansoff's work and how it interfaces with the various schools of strategic management.

Design/methodology/approach

Ansoff's work of 40 years is reviewed and related to other schools of thought in strategic management.

Findings

Ansoff's work is much more comprehensive than the literature suggests. His later work (after 1990) is largely unnoticed by academics, nevertheless, it is the empirical findings of his theoretical postulations. Moreover, his work interfaces with virtually all schools of thought in strategic management.

Research limitations/implications

It will provide a broader view of Ansoff's work and perhaps trigger additional research as a result of his later work. Most researchers continue to associate Ansoff with his early thoughts.

Practical implications

Ansoff's work has found wide applications in a variety of industries. His work was mostly with industries that used his propositions in order to better strategies.

Social implications

Ansoff's later research and empirical findings could provide a launchpad for re‐examining the method by which organizations assess their environment, strategic behaviour, and internal capability. Therefore, organizations may have an alternative method to develop strategy.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to provide a historical view of Ansoff's work and perhaps his timeliness. The recent economic crisis only further supports Ansoff's basic position that companies must create custom strategies to fit their environment, culture, and capabilities.
Improvisation versus rigid command and control at Stalingrad
Authors: Brady Malcolm
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The merit of improvisation over command and control as an organizational approach is the subject of much debate in the management and emergency literatures. The purpose of this paper is to examine tactics employed by the two leading protagonists at the Battle of Stalingrad – Field Marshall Friedrich Paulus on the German side and General Vasily Chuikov on the side of Russia – and seek to identify the reasons for Chuikov's victory over Paulus and draw lessons from this for practicing managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research project examined over a dozen publicly available texts on the battle, in the light of the crisis management and strategy literatures.

Findings

The paper shows how Chuikov improvised to meet the demands of the situation, relaxed the command and control structure of the Russian 62nd Army and developed a collective mind among Russian troops and that this triple approach played a significant role in his victory over Paulus.

Originality/value

The case provides support for the view that improvisation is important in crisis response and can be applied within a hierarchical command and control structure. The paper puts forward a framework for managers to respond to crisis based on two continua: mode of response (improvised or planned) and means of control (via the hierarchy or via rules embedded in a collective mind).
Modern innovation management theory and the evolving US lighting industry
Authors: Unger Darian
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a series of disruptive innovations in the 150‐year history of the US lighting industry to test whether two key innovation management theories retain their explanatory power as market structures change.

Design/methodology/approach

Historical case studies of four successive disruptive lighting innovations are used: incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFBs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs). Descriptions of each innovation include the new technologies, the evolving market structures, and how the innovating companies managed their risks during the transitions.

Findings

This paper finds that two contemporary theories on absorptive capacity and disruptive innovations retain validity and remain broadly applicable even as market structures change overtime from oligopoly and cartel to free market competition.

Originality/value

By juxtaposing historic incandescent and fluorescent bulb innovations in constrained market conditions with modern CFB and LED innovations in free market conditions, this paper expands understanding of the lighting history to include the past two decades. It also expands the applicability of innovation theories by showing that they apply to various and changing market structures.
Quality strategy for transformation: a case study
Authors: Breja S.K. , Banwet D.K. , Iyer K.C.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to address the issue of sustainability of excellence in today's turbulent environment and evaluates the effectiveness (to achieve objectives) of quality strategy in a DAP‐winning company.

Design/methodology/approach

A face‐to‐face interview and a literature review were carried out in a case study mode.

Findings

The paper finds that total quality management (TQM) implemented in the Deming Application Prize (DAP) framework has a positive effect on business performance. To sustain excellence, it is important to maintain strategic focus, match strategic options with aspirations, link the human resource mission with the company vision, and work for transformation.

Research limitations/implications

Information provided/reported by the case company is fully relied upon and the required data are extracted.

Originality/value

Working definitions of TQM and business excellence are presented and the issue of “transformation” is explored. The study adopts creative approach for identifying critical success factors, discovers the possibility of including “flexibility” as the fifth angle in DAP examination, and proposes a framework for further research.
Business excellence models and the path ahead …
Authors: Talwar Balvir
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Quality research has paved the way for the evolution of several business excellence models/national quality awards (BEMs/NQAs). This paper aims to review the evolution of BEMs/NQAs and takes a comparative view on these models. It also throws some light on the emerging scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on information gathered through an extensive literature review using print media and research databases like Emerald, EBSCO and Pro‐Quest. Discussions with experts helped in reviewing the effectiveness of BEMs and visualising the emerging scenario.

Findings

A paradigm shift has been witnessed in the understanding of quality. Although MBNQA, EFQM and the Deming Prize are the three globally accepted major BEMs, some unique models are also emerging. The paper identifies 100 BEMs/NQAs being used across the world. They are subject to changes according to the evolution of the external environment and are considered a contemporary way to attain excellence. The benefits and limitations of BEMs are identified. BEMs need to be fine‐tuned by incorporating lessons from ancient teachings to attain “sustained business results”.

Research limitations/implications

Although this paper identifies 100 BEMs/NQAs, the author has limited access to the details of these models. While details of some NQAs are available on the web in the native languages of their respective countries, many BEMs/NQAs have limited information in the public domain. Further to this, rapid changes in BEMs/NQAs in line with the evolution of the external environment makes this study even more difficult. Future research may attempt to overcome some of these limitations.

Practical implications

The study is expected to help in reviewing national business excellence strategies. The effectiveness of BEMs/NQAs needs to be examined empirically for sustained results. Ancient teachings provide the clues for sustainable growth.

Originality/value

This paper is based on literature review and interaction with experts. The paper provides a worldwide analysis of BEMs/NQAs and suggests a few emerging dimensions of excellence.
TQM success factors in North Indian manufacturing and service industries
Authors: Kumar Raj , Garg Dixit , Garg T.K.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Total quality management (TQM) is a modern management philosophy and a journey, not a destination. TQM is a systematic management approach to meet the competitive and technological challenges which has been accepted by both service and manufacturing organizations globally. It defines the quality with emphasis on top management commitment and customer satisfaction. It focuses on attaining and maintaining impeccable quality in manufacturing as well as services, by improving the performance of products, processes and services to satisfy customers' expectations. Manufacturing and service industries recognize TQM differently. The purpose of this study is to find the benefits of TQM, shortcomings of TQM and significant difference, if any in the understanding of seven success factors of TQM in manufacturing and service industries of North India.

Design/methodology/approach

Success factors have been identified with a critical literature review and a survey approach has been used to collect relevant data from manufacturing and service industries. In total, 30 manufacturing industries and 30 service industries from North India were chosen for study, whom and all responded

Findings

The paper finds that success factors have different rankings in manufacturing and service industries, but both sectors comprehend that implementation of TQM success factors is very important. The results also verified were by rejection of the null hypotheses.

Originality/value

The paper can be useful for those manufacturing and service industries which are in the starting phase of TQM implementation.
Practices of robust design methodology in practice
Authors: Gremyr Ida , Hasenkamp Torben
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a design of experiments application in a company that works with robust design management (RDM) reflects the principles and practices of RDM.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings of this paper are based on an empirical study of a medium‐sized Swedish enterprise that develops and manufactures consumer products for domestic use and actively uses RDM. The study is comprised of an analysis of internal company documents, semi‐structured interviews and e‐mail correspondence.

Findings

The study reveals a gap between principles and tool use; a feasible tool is applied but in a suboptimal mode with a low contribution in terms of increased robustness. This gap could be bridged by practices that describe, on an activity‐based level, what needs to be done in order to fulfil the principles.

Originality/value

The results of this case explain the difficulties that companies face when trying to introduce RDM. It also provides insights into RDM implementation work at the company in question.
ISO 9001:2000 implementation in the public sector
Authors: To W.M. , Lee Peter K.C. , Yu Billy T.W.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the implementation of ISO 9001:2000 in the public sector, using data obtained from a small‐scale and service‐oriented economy – i.e. Macao SAR, the People's Republic of China.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review on ISO 9001 development, a measurement instrument was established using the management principles of ISO 9001:2000 and hypotheses were developed to test the applicability and effectiveness of ISO 9001:2000. The instrument and hypotheses were tested using responses from managers and executives in public organizations.

Findings

The results show that ISO 9001:2000 is useful in enhancing organizational performance in public organizations.

Research implications

Mangers in public organizations must realize that simply adopting and maintaining the ISO 9001:2000 certificate is not enough. More resources and commitment are needed to achieve better organizational performance.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by developing a measurement instrument using the quality management principles of ISO 9001:2000 and offering new empirical evidence on the applicability and effectiveness of ISO 9001:2000 in the public sector.
Synergies in standardized management systems: some empirical evidence
Authors: Casadesús Martí , Karapetrovic Stanislav , Heras Iñaki
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Management system standards (MSSs) have spread in an unprecedented manner in the last few years. Thus, there are now many companies that rely on more than one such standard to establish the criteria for organizational management systems (MSs). The objective of this article is to analyze the existence of possible synergies in the application of a wide range of MSSs through an examination of the benefits obtained from the implementation of one particular MSS, namely ISO 9001.

Design/methodology/approach

The starting point is a set of results from an empirical survey of more than 500 Spanish companies. Specifically, the differences between the benefits recognized by companies implementing a single MSS, namely ISO 9001:2000 for quality MSs, and those that implemented a second standard, in this case ISO 14001:2004 for environmental MSs, are discussed. An additional comparison is made between those organizations that have integrated the two MSSs into a single MS and those organizations that have developed separate quality and environmental MSs.

Findings

The results show that organizations with multiple MSSs actually perceive more benefits from the implementation of ISO 9001 than those that implemented that standard only. Furthermore, organizations with integrated management systems (IMSs) also report higher levels of ISO 9001 benefits compared to those organizations with the ISO 9001 certificate only, but generally not when compared to their counterparts with separate standardized MSs.

Originality/value

Relatively little is known about the synergies yielded by the use of multiple MSSs or by integrating standardized MSs in organizations. Using the benefits obtained from the implementation of ISO 9001 as a measure, this paper contributes empirical results from a large number of organizations to the study of both of these issues. Therefore, it is of value to researchers and practitioners in quality, environmental, safety, security and other such MSs, but also specifically in the area of IMSs.
Weight loss induced by 6‐month lifestyle intervention improves early endothelial activation and fibrinolysis in obese adolescents
Authors: Huang F. , del‐Río‐Navarro B. E. , de Castro G. T. M. , Alcántara S. T. , Sienra Monge J. J. L. , Ontiveros J. A. P. , Olivos E. N. , Barron M. F. , Lopéz A. R. , Villafaña S. , Hong E.
Published: December 2010

Background  Adolescent obesity is associated with an increased risk of adult obesity and subsequent cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to assess the effect of weight loss after 6‐month lifestyle intervention in obese adolescents on biomarkers of endothelial activation and fibrinolytic system.

Methods  Eighty‐five obese adolescents aged 10 to 16 years were assigned to a 6‐month lifestyle intervention and 61 completed the programme. We examined the effect of the intervention on adhesion molecules (selectin E, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and soluble vascular adhesion molecule 1) and fibrinolytic parameters [plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) and fibrinogen]. Thirty‐six lean adolescents were studied only at baseline as a comparison group.

Results  Compared with lean participants, obese adolescents at baseline demonstrated significantly higher levels of triglycerides, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, PAI‐1 and fibrinogen. After 6‐month lifestyle intervention, those obese adolescents with decreased standard deviation score‐body mass index (SDS‐BMI) displayed significant decreases in insulin (19.2 ± 11.2 vs. 26.8 ± 13.2 mU/L, P≤ 0.01), homeostasis model assessment (4.24 ± 3.19 vs. 6.58 ± 4.08, P≤ 0.01), selectin E (100.2 ± 60.9 vs. 116.0 ± 69.0 ng/mL, P≤ 0.01) and PAI‐1 (39.6 ± 38.0 vs. 51.8 ± 25.6 ng/mL, P≤ 0.05) with respect to the baseline levels. No changes in these parameters were observed in the obese adolescents with stable or increased SDS‐BMI. The changes of triglycerides after intervention in subgroup with decreased SDS‐BMI were significantly greater than those in subgroup with stable SDS‐BMI.

Conclusions  The present study demonstrated increased endothelial activation and impairment of the fibrinolytic system in early life, which is in part reversible by a 6‐month lifestyle intervention.
Concentration matters!! ppGpp, from a whispering to a strident alarmone
Authors: Balsalobre Carlos
Published: December 2010

Bacteria have developed sophisticated signal transduction pathways to sense and respond to environmental stresses. These pathways include intracellular regulators that elicit adaptive changes in the physiology of the cell. Extensive work, mostly performed in Escherichia coli, showed that the modified nucleotide ppGpp plays a key regulatory role by co‐ordinating the cellular responses to adverse environmental conditions. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Traxler et al. define two sets of ppGpp‐dependent genes that are expressed at different times after induction of ppGpp synthesis. Their results suggest that quantitative differences in the ppGpp intracellular concentration determine the precise pattern of gene expression during adaptation process: low levels of ppGpp suffice to activate the Lrp regulon, which, by activating the synthesis of some amino acid pathways, can generate a negative feedback loop while high levels activate RpoS and a feed‐forward amplification of the general stress response. These dose‐dependent effects on gene expression open new perspectives on the complex regulatory pathways mediated by ppGpp during environmental adaptation.
A phage‐encoded inhibitor of Escherichia coli DNA replication targets the DNA polymerase clamp loader
Authors: Yano Sho T. , Rothman‐Denes Lucia B.
Published: December 2010

Coliphage N4 infection leads to shut‐off of host DNA replication without inhibition of host transcription or translation. We report the identification and characterization of gp8, the N4 gene product responsible for this phenotype. N4 gp8 is an Escherichia coli bacteriostatic inhibitor that colocalizes with the E. coli replisome in a replication‐dependent manner. Gp8 was purified and observed to cross‐link to complexes containing the replicative DNA polymerase, DNAP III, in vivo. Purified gp8 inhibits DNA polymerization by DNA polymerase III holoenzyme in vitro by interfering with polymerase processivity. Gp8 specifically inhibits the clamp‐loading activity of DNAP III by targeting the delta subunit of the DNAP III clamp loader; E. coli mutations conferring gp8 resistance were identified in the holA gene, encoding delta. Delta and gp8 interact in vitro; no interaction was detected between gp8 inactive mutants and wild‐type delta or between delta gp8‐resistant mutants and wild‐type gp8. Therefore, this work identifies the DNAP III clamp loader as a new target for inhibition of bacterial growth. Finally, we show that gp8 is not essential in N4 development under laboratory conditions, but its activity contributes to phage yield.
Nuclear insertions and heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA as two sources of intra‐individual genomic variation in grasshoppers
Authors: BERTHIER KARINE , CHAPUIS MARIE‐PIERRE , MOOSAVI SEYED M. , TOHIDI‐ESFAHANI DONYA , SWORD GREGORY A.
Published: December 2010

We examined the level of intra‐individual variation in a region of the mitochondrial genome coding for cytochrome oxydase 1 (COI) in two grasshopper species using a clone‐and‐sequence analysis of hundreds of sequences. In both Locusta migratoria and Chortoicetes terminifera, we found that 60–65% of the clones were unique COI‐like sequences. Among these COI‐like sequences, 70–75% diverged by less than 1% from the real mitochondrial haplotypes, and were likely to represent microheteroplasmic molecules. About 20% of the COI‐like sequences diverged by more than 9% from the mitochondrial haplotypes, and generally included stop codons, suggesting that these sequences were nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes (NUMTs). Only six sequences, diverging by 2–6% from the mitochondrial haplotypes, were identified as potentially misleading in phylogenetic studies. In addition, we found that five sequences from C. terminifera were associated with mobile elements or repetitive DNA families.
Data partitioning in Bayesian analysis: molecular phylogenetics of metalmark moths (Lepidoptera: Choreutidae)
Authors: ROTA JADRANKA
Published: December 2010

In this study a multilocus phylogenetic analysis of metalmark moths (Lepidoptera: Choreutidae) focused on resolving the higher‐level phylogeny of this group is presented. Through the analysis of this dataset, I explore different data‐partitioning strategies in Bayesian phylogenetic inference, and find that a partitioning strategy can have a large influence on the results of phylogenetic analysis. Depending on how the data are partitioned, there can be significant differences in branch support. I also test for the existence of the Bayesian star tree paradox, and its importance in this dataset, and find that it appears to inflate support for the clade including Rhobonda gaurisana, Hemerophila houttuinialis, H. diva and H. felis, but plays no role in other cases where the differences between maximum‐likelihood bootstraps and Bayesian posterior probabilities are large. The results of all the phylogenetic analyses strongly suggest that including Millieriinae in Choreutidae renders the family polyphyletic. The monophyly of the other two subfamilies, Brenthiinae and Choreutinae, as well as their sister‐group relationship, is strongly supported. Similarly, the monophyly of all the genera examined except Hemerophila is also well supported. To bring the classification of Choreutidae in line with our current understanding of the phylogenetic relationships in the family, I propose to exclude Millieriinae from Choreutidae, elevate it to Millieriidae Heppner, and place it as incertae sedis within Ditrysia.
Phylogeny and biogeography of Thyridosmylus (Neuroptera: Osmylidae)
Authors: WANG YONGJIE , WINTERTON SHAUN L. , LIU ZHIQI
Published: December 2010

The first phylogenetic analysis of the genus Thyridosmylus Krüger is presented. All species from China were scored in a morphological analysis, along with extralimital species from India (Thyridosmylus pustulatus Kimmins) and Madagascar (Thyridosmylus marmoratus Fraser), and were compared with out‐group exemplars from Spilosmylus Kolbe, Thaumatosmylus Krüger and Osmylus Latreille. A monophyletic Thyridosmylus sister to Spilosmylus is confirmed based on this analysis, with the Malagasy Thyridosmylus marmoratus as sister to the Oriental Thyridosmylus species. Based on the results of this analysis, the biogeography of world Thyridosmylus is discussed. It is proposed that the genus originated in Gondwana no later than the Late Cretaceous (88 Ma) before the break‐up of the Madagascar–India continent. A new species, Thyridosmylus paralangiisp.n., is described from Guangxi Province, whereas two species [Thyridosmylus langii (McLachlan) and Thyridosmylus perspicillaris minor Kimmins] are recorded from China for the first time. Four synonyms are identified: Thyridosmylus laetus Yang et al.syn.n., Thyridosmylus similaminor Yang syn.n., Thyridosmylus vulgatus Yang syn.n. and Thyridosmylus mimoroides Yang syn.n. A key to the species of the world is provided.
An integrated genomic, proteomic and biochemical analysis of (+)‐3‐carene biosynthesis in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) genotypes that are resistant or susceptible to white pine weevil
Authors: Hall Dawn E. , Robert Jeanne A. , Keeling Christopher I. , Domanski Dominik , Quesada Alfonso Lara , Jancsik Sharon , Kuzyk Michael A. , Hamberger Britta , Borchers Christoph H. , Bohlmann Jörg
Published: December 2010

Conifers are extremely long‐lived plants that have evolved complex chemical defenses in the form of oleoresin terpenoids to resist attack from pathogens and herbivores. In these species, terpenoid diversity is determined by the size and composition of the terpene synthase (TPS) gene family and the single‐ and multi‐product profiles of these enzymes. The monoterpene (+)‐3‐carene is associated with resistance of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) to white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi). We used a combined genomic, proteomic and biochemical approach to analyze the (+)‐3‐carene phenotype in two contrasting Sitka spruce genotypes. Resistant trees produced significantly higher levels of (+)‐3‐carene than susceptible trees, in which only trace amounts were detected. Biosynthesis of (+)‐3‐carene is controlled, at the genome level, by a small family of closely related (+)‐3‐carene synthase (PsTPS‐3car) genes (82–95% amino acid sequence identity). Transcript profiling identified one PsTPS‐3car gene (PsTPS‐3car1) that is expressed in both genotypes, one gene (PsTPS‐3car2) that is expressed only in resistant trees, and one gene (PsTPS‐3car3) that is expressed only in susceptible trees. The PsTPS‐3car2 gene was not detected in genomic DNA of susceptible trees. Target‐specific selected reaction monitoring confirmed this pattern of differential expression of members of the PsTPS‐3car family at the proteome level. Kinetic characterization of the recombinant PsTPS‐3car enzymes identified differences in the activities of PsTPS‐3car2 and PsTPS‐3car3 as a factor contributing to the different (+)‐3‐carene profiles of resistant and susceptible trees. In conclusion, variation of the (+)‐3‐carene phenotype is controlled by copy number variation of PsTPS‐3car genes, variation of gene and protein expression, and variation in catalytic efficiencies.
Establishing RHD zygosity in India: a step into the future of foetal and neonatal haemolytic disease prevention
Authors: Aggarwal S. , Arya V. , Agarwal S.
Published: December 2010

Background: Determination of RHD zygosity is important for the prevention of haemolytic disease of foetus and neonate. There is no data from India regarding the prevalence of RHD genotypes.

Objectives: We conducted this study to investigate RHD zygosity in phenotypically RhD positive (RhD+) Indians. We have also investigated the utility and concordance of two different genotyping techniques.

Methods: Hundred serologically RhD+ Indians were genotyped at the RHD gene using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) and polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific primer (PCR–SSP) techniques.

Results: Of the 100 RhD+ individuals, 26 (25%) were D heterozygous by both methods and 74 (71·2%) were D homozygous. There was no discordance in the results from the two techniques.

Conclusion: At least 25% of RhD+ Indians are heterozygous at the RHD gene. Both the genotyping techniques were equally robust and their complete concordance indicates RHD deletion as the main mechanism underlying RhD negativity in Indians.
Effect of education on racial disparities in access to kidney transplantation
Authors: Goldfarb‐Rumyantzev Alexander S. , Sandhu Gurprataap S. , Baird Bradley , Barenbaum Anna , Yoon Joo Heung , Dimitri Noelle , Koford James K. , Shihab Fuad
Published: December 2010

Goldfarb‐Rumyantzev AS, Sandhu GS, Baird B, Barenbaum A, Yoon JH, Dimitri N, Koford JK, Shihab F. Effect of education on racial disparities in access to kidney transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 74–81.  © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Higher education level might result in reduced disparities in access to renal transplantation. We analyzed two outcomes: (i) being placed on the waiting list or transplanted without listing and (ii) transplantation in patients who were placed on the waiting list. We identified 3224 adult patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in United States Renal Data System with education information available (mean age of ESRD onset of 57.1 ± 16.2 yr old, 54.3% men, 64.2% white, and 50.4% diabetics).

Compared to whites, fewer African Americans graduated from college (10% vs. 16.7%) and a higher percentage never graduated from the high school (38.6% vs. 30.8%). African American race was associated with reduced access to transplantation (hazard ratio [HR] 0.70, p < 0.001 for wait‐listing/transplantation without listing; HR 0.58, p < 0.001 for transplantation after listing). African American patients were less likely to be wait‐listed/transplanted in the three less‐educated groups: HR 0.67 (p = 0.005) for those never completed high school, HR 0.76 (p = 0.02) for high school graduates, and HR 0.65 (p = 0.003) for those with partial college education. However, the difference lost statistical significance in those who completed college education (HR 0.75, p = 0.1).

In conclusion, in comparing white and African American candidates, racial disparities in access to kidney transplantation do exist. However, they might be alleviated in highly educated individuals.
Good outcome of kidney transplants in recipients of young donors: a NAPRTCS data analysis
Authors: Moudgil Asha , Martz Karen , Stablein Donald M. , Puliyanda Dechu P.
Published: December 2010

Moudgil A, Martz K, Stablein DM, Puliyanda DP. Good outcome of kidney transplants in recipients of young donors: a NAPRTCS data analysis. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:167–171. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  NAPRTCS data were analyzed to assess outcome of TX recipients from YDs (<5 yr) in comparison with IDs (6–35 yr) and ODs (36–55 yr). Of 9854 TX in NAPRTCS (1987–2003), 469 were YD. Patient survival (PS) and graft survival (GS) were compared between DD TX after 1995; 81YD, 1324 ID, and 429 OD and eGFR were compared among functioning grafts (YD 31, ID 439, OD 174) at three yr. PS was comparable in all groups; GS at one, two, and three yr in TX of YD (91.1%, 83.8%, 79.7%), ID (93.5%, 89.7%, 83.6%), and OD (92.2%, 87.2%, 82.4%) was comparable. The eGFR in YD was comparable to ID but better than OD (86.5 vs. 79.7 vs. 67.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, p 0.139 and <0.0003). Primary graft non‐function was more frequent in TX from YD than ID and OD (3.7% vs. 0.3 and 0.7%, p = 0.004); the incidence of vascular thrombosis was similar. The aforementioned data show that pediatric recipients of YD had equivalent patient and graft survival. Although primary graft non‐function was higher, eGFR of functioning grafts was comparable to ID. With further improvements in care, kidneys from YD may present a viable option for transplantation.
Cytomegalovirus risk, prevention, and management in pediatric solid organ transplantation
Authors: Martin Judith M. , Danziger‐Isakov Lara A.
Published: December 2010

Martin JM, Danziger‐Isakov LA. Cytomegalovirus risk, prevention, and management in pediatric solid organ transplantation. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 229–236. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children who have received organ transplants. Patients have been reported to be at differential risk for CMV disease based on the serostatus of the donor and recipient with highest risk reported for CMV seronegative recipients who receive an organ from a CMV seropositive donor. Prophylaxis with ganciclovir and/or oral valganciclovir is reasonable to attempt to prevent CMV infections. A hybrid strategy bridging prophylaxis and pre‐emptive therapy appears to be emerging as an additional method to prevent CMV disease. However, there is no agreement on the optimal schedule of testing, duration and dosing of antiviral medications or the role of immunoglobulin therapy. This manuscript will review the most recent literature and recommendations for the prophylaxis and treatment of CMV infections and disease in pediatric transplant recipients. Multicenter, randomized, clinical studies involving several pediatric transplant centers are needed to determine the best strategies to prevent and treat CMV infections in these patients.