bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasticity of thermal tolerance and its relationship with growth rate in juvenile mussels (Mytilus californianus)
Authors: Gleason Lani U. , Strand Emma L. , Hizon Brian J. , Dowd W. Wesley
Published: April 2018

Complex life cycles characterized by uncertainty at transitions between larval/juvenile and adult environments could favour irreversible physiological plasticity at such transitions. To assess whether thermal tolerance of intertidal mussels (Mytilus californianus) adjusts to post-settlement environmental conditions, we collected juveniles from their thermally buffered microhabitat from high- and low-shore locations at cool (wave-exposed) and warm (wave-protected) sites. Juveniles were transplanted to unsheltered cages at the two low sites or placed in a common garden. Juveniles transplanted to the warm site for one month in summer had higher thermal tolerance, regardless of origin site. By contrast, common-garden juveniles from all sites had lower tolerance indistinguishable from exposed site transplants. After six months in the field plus a common garden period, there was a trend for higher thermal tolerance at the protected site, while reduced thermal tolerance at both sites indicated seasonal acclimatization. Thermal tolerance and growth rate were inversely related after one but not six months; protected-site transplants were more tolerant but grew more slowly. In contrast to juveniles, adults from low-shore exposed and protected sites retained differences in thermal tolerance after common garden treatment in summer. Both irreversible and reversible forms of plasticity must be considered in organismal responses to changing environments.
Axon growth regulation by a bistable molecular switch
Authors: Padmanabhan Pranesh , Goodhill Geoffrey J.
Published: April 2018

For the brain to function properly, its neurons must make the right connections during neural development. A key aspect of this process is the tight regulation of axon growth as axons navigate towards their targets. Neuronal growth cones at the tips of developing axons switch between growth and paused states during axonal pathfinding, and this switching behaviour determines the heterogeneous axon growth rates observed during brain development. The mechanisms controlling this switching behaviour, however, remain largely unknown. Here, using mathematical modelling, we predict that the molecular interaction network involved in axon growth can exhibit bistability, with one state representing a fast-growing growth cone state and the other a paused growth cone state. Owing to stochastic effects, even in an unchanging environment, model growth cones reversibly switch between growth and paused states. Our model further predicts that environmental signals could regulate axon growth rate by controlling the rates of switching between the two states. Our study presents a new conceptual understanding of growth cone switching behaviour, and suggests that axon guidance may be controlled by both cell-extrinsic factors and cell-intrinsic growth regulatory mechanisms.
The effect of sexual selection on adaptation and extinction under increasing temperatures
Authors: Parrett Jonathan M. , Knell Robert J.
Published: April 2018

Strong sexual selection has been reported to both enhance and hinder the adaptive capacity and persistence of populations when exposed to novel environments. Consequently, how sexual selection influences population adaption and persistence under stress remains widely debated. Here, we present two empirical investigations of the fitness consequences of sexual selection on populations of the Indian meal moth,
Plodia interpunctella,
exposed to stable or gradually increasing temperatures. When faced with increasing temperatures, strong sexual selection was associated with both increased fecundity and offspring survival compared with populations experiencing weak sexual selection, suggesting sexual selection acts to drive adaptive evolution by favouring beneficial alleles. Strong sexual selection did not, however, delay extinction when the temperature became excessively high. By manipulating individuals' mating opportunities during fitness assays, we were able to assess the effect of multiple mating independently from the effect of population-level sexual selection, and found that polyandry has a positive effect on both fecundity and offspring survival under increasing temperatures in those populations evolving with weak sexual selection. Within stable temperatures, there were some benefits from strong sexual selection but these were not consistent across the entire experiment, possibly reflecting changing costs and benefits of sexual selection under stabilizing and directional selection. These results indicate that sexual selection can provide a buffer against climate change and increase adaptation rates within a continuously changing environment. These positive effects of sexual selection may, however, be too small to protect populations and delay extinction when environmental changes are relatively rapid.
Rapid comeback of males: evolution of male-killer suppression in a green lacewing population
Authors: Hayashi Masayuki , Nomura Masashi , Kageyama Daisuke
Published: April 2018

Evolutionary theory predicts that the spread of cytoplasmic sex ratio distorters leads to the evolution of host nuclear suppressors, although there are extremely few empirical observations of this phenomenon. Here, we demonstrate that a nuclear suppressor of a cytoplasmic male killer has spread rapidly in a population of the green lacewing
Mallada desjardinsi
. An
M. desjardinsi
population, which was strongly female-biased in 2011 because of a high prevalence of the male-killing
Spiroplasma
endosymbiont, had a sex ratio near parity in 2016, despite a consistent
Spiroplasma
prevalence. Most of the offspring derived from individuals collected in 2016 had 1 : 1 sex ratios in subsequent generations. Contrastingly, all-female or female-biased broods appeared frequently from crossings of these female offspring with males derived from a laboratory line founded by individuals collected in 2011. These results suggest near-fixation of a nuclear suppressor against male killing in 2016 and reject the notion that a non-male-killing
Spiroplasma
variant has spread in the population. Consistently, no significant difference was detected in mitochondrial haplotype variation between 2011 and 2016. These findings, and earlier findings in the butterfly
Hypolimnas bolina
in Samoa, suggest that these quick events of male recovery occur more commonly than is generally appreciated.
Sepsis secondary to complicated skin and soft tissue infection caused by Ignatzschineria indica. First case report in Latin America.
Authors: Cipolla Lucía , Derdoy Laura , Archuby Daniela , Tarzia Adriana , Govedic Francisco , Prieto Mónica
Published: April 2018

Introduction.
Ignatzschineria is a recently recognized genus associated with larvae infestation Members of this genus are pathogens infrequently implicated in human disease. During the last decade, fewer than 10 cases of infection with Ignatzchineria species have been reported around the world. Bacteria of the genera Ignatzchineria and Wohlfahrtiimonas have been isolated from larvae of the parasitic fly Wohlfahrtia magnifica, which is found in Europe, Asia and North Africa, and is associated with myiasis in several animal species, but rarely in humans.

Case presentation. We report the first case of sepsis associated with complicated skin and soft tissue infection caused by I. indica in Latin America.

Conclusion. The clinical and molecular findings in our report add information to the accumulating data on emerging pathogens of this type, their geographic distribution, the correlation between the emergence of infectious diseases and social and economic inequalities, as well as the effects of global climate changes on potentially unusual distribution of vectors. We consider that fly larvae should be regarded as a potential source of specific arthropod-borne bacterial systemic infections.
Integrated deep visual and semantic attractor neural networks predict fMRI pattern-information along the ventral object processing pathway
Authors: Devereux Barry J. , Clarke Alex , Tyler Lorraine K.
Published: April 2018

Recognising an object involves rapid visual processing and activation of semantic knowledge about the object, but how visual processing activates and interacts with semantic representations remains unclear. Cognitive neuroscience research has shown that while visual processing involves posterior regions along the ventral stream, object meaning involves more anterior regions, especially perirhinal cortex. Here we investigate visuo-semantic processing by combining a deep neural network model of vision with an attractor network model of semantics, such that visual information maps onto object meanings represented as activation patterns across features. In the combined model, concept activation is driven by visual input and co-occurrence of semantic features, consistent with neurocognitive accounts. We tested the model’s ability to explain fMRI data where participants named objects. Visual layers explained activation patterns in early visual cortex, whereas pattern-information in perirhinal cortex was best explained by later stages of the attractor network, when detailed semantic representations are activated. Posterior ventral temporal cortex was best explained by intermediate stages corresponding to initial semantic processing, when visual information has the greatest influence on the emerging semantic representation. These results provide proof of principle of how a mechanistic model of combined visuo-semantic processing can account for pattern-information in the ventral stream.
Burst firing and spatial coding in subicular principal cells
Authors: Simonnet Jean , Brecht Michael
Published: April 2018

The subiculum is the major output structure of the hippocampal formation and is involved in learning and memory as well as in spatial navigation. Little is known about how the cellular diversity of subicular neurons is related to function. Primed by in vitro studies, which identified distinct bursting patterns in subicular cells, we asked how subicular burst firing is related to spatial coding in vivo. Using high-resolution juxtacellular recordings in freely moving rats, we analyzed the firing patterns of 51 subicular principal neurons and distinguished two populations based on their bursting behavior, i.e. sparsely bursting (∼80%) and dominantly bursting neurons (∼20%). Dominantly bursting neurons had significantly higher firing rates than sparsely bursting neurons. Furthermore, the two clusters had distinct spatial properties, sparsely bursting cells showing strong positional tuning and dominantly bursting cells being only weakly tuned. Additionally, the occurrence of bursts in sparsely bursting neurons defined well-defined spatial fields. In contrast, isolated spikes contained less spatial information. We conclude that burst firing distinguishes subicular principal cell types and constitutes a distinct unit encoding spatial information in sparsely bursting spatial cells. Overall, our results demonstrate that burst firing is highly relevant to subicular space coding.
Dynamic and causal contribution of parietal circuits to perceptual decisions during category learning
Authors: Zhong Lin , Zhang Yuan , Duan Chunyu A. , Pan Jingwei , Xu Ning-long
Published: April 2018

Making perceptual decisions to categorize unknown sensory stimuli is a fundamental cognitive function, known as category learning. The posterior parietal cortex (PPC), although has been intensively studied for its role in decision-making and other cognitive functions, its causal link with behavior remains controversial. Here we combine in vivo two-photon imaging, circuit manipulation and auditory psychophysics behavior in mice to probe the role of PPC and its connectivity with sensory cortex in decision-making during category learning. We show that PPC neuronal populations exhibit coding dynamics characteristic of category learning, showing representations for both new sensory stimuli and prior learned categories. Circuit-specific perturbations of PPC and its projections to auditory cortex impaired decision performance specifically for categorizing new auditory stimuli. These data reveal a dynamic and causal role of the parietal-auditory circuit in decision-making, integrating prior knowledge to guide categorical decisions on new sensory stimuli.
Using genetic drug-target networks to develop new drug hypotheses for major depressive disorder
Authors: Gaspar Héléna A , Gerring Zachary , Hübel Christopher , Middeldorp Christel M , Derks Eske M , Breen Gerome
Published: April 2018

The major depressive disorder (MDD) working group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) has published a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for MDD in 130,664 cases, identifying 44 risk variants. We used these results to investigate potential drug targets and repurposing opportunities. We built easily interpretable bipartite drug-target networks integrating interactions between drugs and their targets, genome-wide association statistics and genetically predicted expression levels in different tissues, using our online tool Drug Targetor (drugtargetor.com). We also investigated drug-target relationships and drug effects on gene expression that could be impacting MDD. MAGMA was used to perform pathway analyses and S-PrediXcan to investigate the directionality of tissue-specific expression levels in patients vs. controls. Outside the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, 25 druggable genes were significantly associated with MDD after multiple testing correction, and 19 were suggestively significant. Several drug classes were significantly enriched, including monoamine reuptake inhibitors, sex hormones, antipsychotics and antihistamines, indicating an effect on MDD and potential repurposing opportunities. These findings require validation in model systems and clinical examination, but also show that GWAS may become a rich source of new therapeutic hypotheses for MDD and other psychiatric disorders that need new – and better – treatment options.
Structural analysis of the active site and DNA binding of human cytidine deaminase APOBEC3B
Authors: Hou Shurong , Slivas Tania V. , Leidner Florian , Nalivaika Ellen A. , Matsuo Hiroshi , Yilmaz Nese Kurt , Schiffer Celia A.
Published: April 2018

APOBEC3s proteins (A3s), a family of human cytidine deaminases, protect the host cell from endogenous retro-elements and exogenous viral infections by introducing hypermutations. However, the ability to mutate genomic DNA makes A3s a potential cancer source. Of the 7 human A3s, A3B has been implicated as an endogenous cause for multiple cancers. Despite overall similarity, A3s have distinct deamination activity with A3B among the least catalytically active. Over the past few years, several structures of apo as well as DNA-bound A3 proteins have been determined. These structures revealed the molecular determinants of nucleotide specificity and the importance of the loops around the active site in DNA binding. However, for A3B, the structural basis for regulation of deamination activity and the role of active site loops in coordinating DNA had remained unknown. In this study, using a combination of advanced molecular modelling followed by experimental mutational analysis and dynamics simulations, we investigated molecular mechanism of A3B regulating activity and DNA binding. We identified a unique auto-inhibited conformation of A3B that restricts access and binding of DNA to the active site, mainly due to the extra PLV residues in loop 1. We modelled DNA binding to fully native A3B and found that Arg211 in the arginine patch of loop1 is the gatekeeper while Arg212 stabilizes the bound DNA. This model also identified the critical residues for substrate specificity, especially at the -1 position. Our results reveal the structural basis for relatively lower catalytic activity of A3B and provide opportunities for rational design of inhibitors that specifically target A3B to benefit cancer therapeutics.
Non-intravenous, carbapenem-sparing antibiotics for the treatment of bacteremia due to ESBL or AMP-C β-lactamase: A propensity score study
Authors: Meije Yolanda , Pigrau Carles , Fernandez-Hidalgo Nuria , Clemente Mercedes , Ortega Lucia , Sanz Xavier , Loureiro-Amigo Jose , Sierra Montserrat , Morales-Cartagena Alejandra , Ribera Alba , Ayestarán Ana , Rodríguez-Baño Jesús , Martínez-Montauti Joaquín
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Carbapenems are considered the treatment of choice for extended-spectrum β–lactamase (ESBL) or Amp-C β–lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae bacteremia. Data on the effectiveness of non-intravenous carbapenem-sparing antibiotic options are limited. Objective: To compare the 30 day-mortality and clinical failures associated with the use of carbapenems vs an alternative non-intravenous antibiotic for the definitive treatment of ESBL/Amp-C positive Enterobacteriaceae bacteremia. Methods: This is a 12-year retrospective study (2004 - 2015) including all patients with bacteremia due to ESBL/Amp-C-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Given the lack of randomization of the initial therapies, a propensity score for receiving carbapenems was calculated. Results: There were 1115 patients with a first episode of bacteremia due to E. coli or K. pneumoniae, of which 123 were ESBL/Amp C-positive (11%). There were 101 eligible patients: 59 in the carbapenem group and 42 in the alternative treatment group (cotrimoxazole 59.5%, quinolones 21.4%). The most frequent sources of infection were urinary (63%) and biliary (15%). Compared to the carbapenem group, patients treated with the alternative regimen had a shorter hospital stay (median [IQR]: 7 days [5-10] vs 12 days [9-18], p<0,001). The use of an alternative non-IV treatment did not increase mortality (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.05-1.61; p=.15). After controlling for confounding factors with the propensity score, the adjusted OR of carbapenem treatment was 4.95; 95% CI (0.94-26.01, p=.059). Conclusion: Alternative non-IV carbapenem-sparing antibiotics could have a role in the definitive treatment of ESBL/Amp-C-positive Enterobacteriaceae bloodstream infections, allowing a reduction in carbapenem use. The use of cotrimoxazole in this setting has shown favourable results.
Chiral one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded architectures constructed from single-enantiomer phosphoric triamides
Authors: Eghbali Toularoud Mahsa , Pourayoubi Mehrdad , Dušek Michal , Eigner Václav , Damodaran Krishnan
Published: April 2018

The two single-enantiomer phosphoric triamides N-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)-N′,N′′-bis[(S)-(−)-α-methylbenzyl]phosphoric triamide, [2,6-F2-C6H3C(O)NH][(S)-(−)-(C6H5)CH(CH3)NH]2P(O), denoted L-1, and N-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)-N′,N′′-bis[(R)-(+)-α-methylbenzyl]phosphoric triamide, [2,6-F2-C6H3C(O)NH][(R)-(+)-(C6H5)CH(CH3)NH]2P(O), denoted D-1, both C23H24F2N3O2P, have been investigated. In their structures, chiral one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded architectures are formed along [100], mediated by relatively strong N—H...O(P) and N—H...O(C) hydrogen bonds. Both assemblies include the noncentrosymmetric graph-set motifs R
2
2(10), R
2
1(6) and C
2
2(8), and the compounds crystallize in the chiral space group P1. Due to the data collection of L-1 at 120 K and of D-1 at 95 K, the unit-cell dimensions and volume show a slight difference; the contraction in the volume of D-1 with respect to that in L-1 is about 0.3%. The asymmetric units of both structures consist of two independent phosphoric triamide molecules, with the main difference being seen in one of the torsion angles in the OPNHCH(CH3)(C6H5) part. The Hirshfeld surface maps of these levo and dextro isomers are very similar; however, they are near mirror images of each other. For both structures, the full fingerprint plot of each symmetry-independent molecule shows an almost asymmetric shape as a result of its different environment in the crystal packing. It is notable that NMR spectroscopy could distinguish between compounds L-1 and D-1 that have different relative stereocentres; however, the differences in chemical shifts between them were found to be about 0.02 to 0.001 ppm under calibrated temperature conditions. In each molecule, the two chiral parts are also different in NMR media, in which chemical shifts and P–H and P–C couplings have been studied.
N,N,N-Trimethyl-5-[(2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenoxy)carbonyl]pyridin-2-aminium trifluoromethanesulfonate a precursor for the synthesis of 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl 6-[18F]-fluoronicotinate
Authors: Davis Ryan A. , Fettinger James C.
Published: April 2018

The synthesis, recrystallization, and X-ray deterimination of N,N,N-trimethyl-5-[(2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenoxy)carbonyl]pyridin-2-aminium trifluoromethanesulfonate (PyTFP-precursor), C15H13F4N2O2
+·CF3SO3
−, is described. This triflate salt precursor is required for the synthesis of 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl 6-[18F]-fluoronicotinate ([18F]FPyTFP), a prosthetic group used to radiolabel peptides for positron emission tomography (PET), as peptides are increasingly being used as PET-imaging probes in nuclear medicine. Radiolabeling of peptides is typically done using a `prosthetic group', a small synthon to which the radioisotope is attached in the first step, followed by attachment to the peptide in the second step. During the synthesis of the PyTFP-precursor, displacement of a Cl atom with trimethylamine gas and anion replacement with a triflate counter-ion is critical, as incomplete replacement would hinder radioisotopic incorporation of nucleophilic fluorine-18 and result in diminished radiochemical yields. The structural determination of the PyTFP-precursor by X-ray crystallography helped confirm the anion exchange of chloride with triflate.
Governance implications of the UN higher education sustainability initiative
Authors: Moon Christopher J. , Walmsley Andreas , Apostolopoulos Nikolaos
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to review the progress of a sample of (n = 307) signatories in the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative which commits higher education institutions (HEIs) to make smart commitments to achieve one or more of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

A preliminary survey of n = 307 HEIs via online questionnaire and database search was conducted.

Findings

Findings reveal a difference between HEI governance, that is “instrumental”, and governance, that is “holistic”, in relation to sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

Implications identified for achieving SDGs in general and for academic–business partnerships, in particular.

Practical implications

Practical implications for enterprise (developing a tool to measure sustainability mindset) and for enterprise education (sharing of best practices from other HEIs).

Social implications

Improved understanding of the sustainability mindset will inform decisions about approaches to governing and operationalising sustainability in organisations.

Originality/value

The survey is not original but the emphasis on sustainability mindset (compassion, empathy and connectedness to SDGs) is.
The role of the board in voluntary disclosure
Authors: Bueno Giovana , Marcon Rosilene , Pruner-da-Silva Andre Leonardo , Ribeirete Fabio
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Since 2012, the Brazilian Stock Exchange has recommended that listed companies inform them if they have conducted voluntary disclosure. The purpose of this study is to describe the voluntary disclosure by companies listed in the B3 in Brazil and to analyze which characteristics of the board of directors influence this disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves quantitative research using a sample of 285 companies and 575 reports from 2011 to 2014. A fixed-effects regression model with panel data was used for the analysis.

Findings

The results were statistically significant for gender and duality variables, which confirms the theory that the presence of women as members of the board positively influences voluntary disclosure and that chief executive officer and chairman of the board positions have a negative effect. The age and independence of the board variables did not present statistical significance.

Research limitations/implications

As a theoretical contribution, the authors aim to complement sustainability, finance and strategy research by using agency theory and measuring the variable of voluntary disclosure and the board, which is rarely studied in this context.

Practical implications

As social and empirical contributions, a better understanding of this theme in the context of emerging countries, which is the peculiarities of Brazil with little information transparency and well-known corruption scandals, is likely to aid investors. Increased access to company information can help investors better select their investment portfolios and assist in the choice of their board representatives in companies in which they have participation and voting rights.

Originality/value

The fact that Brazil is an emerging country, where the lack of transparency of information and corruption in these environments stand out the importance of studying the subject of voluntary disclosure in this context. All data were collected manually specifically for this research.
Effect of the critical human resource attributes on operating performances
Authors: Lee Chia-Chi , Cheng Pei-Yi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between human resource attributes and the operating performances of accounting firms by sampling data from the 2012-2013 Survey Report on Accounting Firms, as compiled by the Financial Supervisory Commission in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression analysis is conducted to measure operating performances with various measurements, such as operating profits and business diversification. The independent variables include male to female ratio, percentage of senior executives, percentage of employees with higher education backgrounds, organizational vitality, human resource diversity, percentage of employees with certified public accountant (CPA) qualifications and human resource costs (HRCs). The control variables are the firm history, market shares and ownership structures since the inception of the firms.

Findings

The empirical results regarding the operating profits model suggest that the higher the male to female ratio, the percentage of employees with higher education backgrounds, organizational vitality, human resource diversity, percentage of employees with CPA qualifications and HRCs, the greater the operating profits. Meanwhile, the findings regarding the business diversification model indicate that the higher the male to female ratio, percentage of senior executives and human resource diversity, the greater the business diversification.

Originality/value

It is intended that the research findings can assist the management of accounting firms to understand the human resource attributes critical to operating performances, which will help to enhance the competitiveness of employees, mitigate the operating risks and improve the operating performances of the firms.
Social-economic contribution of vocational education and training: an evidence from OECD countries
Authors: Asadullah Muhammad Ali , Zafar Ullah Aamir
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of national investment in vocational education and training (VET) on the economic growth through the mediating role of social inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a panel data of 31 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries for 15 years collected through secondary sources.

Findings

The statistical results of the study have supported the entire hypotheses. Particularly, the results demonstrate that the social inclusion strengthens the contribution of VET in the economic growth.

Practical implications

This study offers various policy implications for the policy makers of developing countries. Particularly, the policy makers of developing countries need to emphasize on social inclusion to enhance the contribution of national investment in VET while following the vocational education models of developed nations.

Originality/value

This study offers its theoretical contribution in the literature of VET by highlighting a mediating mechanism to explain how national investment in VET can contribute in economic growth through social inclusion.
Islamic ethical values of corporate top leadership and real earnings management
Authors: Abdul Rahman Rahayu , Hj Omar Normah , Rahman Asheq , Muda Ruhaini
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the roles of Muslim CEO, Muslim Chairman and Muslim board of directors in mitigating earnings management via real activities manipulation.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 656 firm year-observations from 2007 to 2014 of Malaysian Top 100 firms listed on Bursa Malaysia is used to examine the relationship between real earnings management (REM) and the religious ethical values of Muslim top leadership of the firms.

Findings

The study provides evidence that there was no significant relationship between ethical values and REM measures among Muslim top corporate leaders. However, through additional analysis on sub-sample firms, this study finds that Muslim CEO and Muslim Chairman have a significant and negative association with proxies of REM: RCFO and RPC.

Research limitations/implications

The results show that Muslim CEO and Muslim Chairman are the actors that contribute more control in limiting REM especially in family-owned firms in Malaysia.

Originality/value

This is the first published paper that focuses on Islamic ethical values of corporate top leadership and REM in Malaysia, as previous studies have focused more on accruals earnings management.
The interpretative approach to bankruptcy law
Authors: Nsubuga Hamiisi Junior
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight how an interpretative approach to law as posited by Dworkin may be used to remedy the tension between employment protection and corporate rescue laws.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a doctrinal and theoretical approach to law.

Findings

The tension between corporate rescue and employment protection laws affects both employees’ and business owners’ policy objectives on corporate insolvency. The theoretical perspectives of both the traditionalists and proceduralists have so far failed to provide a clear approach on how this tension may be balanced or remedied. This paper proposes that this tension may be remedied through interpretation, that is, by adopting Dworkin’s Interpretative Approach to Law.

Originality/value

Most researchers and academics have written extensively about the tension between corporate rescue and employment protection, but this paper is the first of its kind to propose a remedy to this tension through interpretation.
Administrative disciplinary and grievance procedures for public employees in Kuwait and UK
Authors: Al-Haidar Faisal
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to clarify the importance of the system of administrative disciplinary procedures against the public employee in the State of Kuwait and the UK in light of the laws regulating the work in the public sector and, in particular, the statement of the disciplinary procedures that the public employee is subjected to.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper will examine the disciplinary procedures in Kuwait and the UK as follows: disciplinary procedures in Kuwait and disciplinary procedures in UK, which consists of ; disciplinary procedures in the UK, disciplinary penalties in UK, grievance procedures in the UK, failure to follow the disciplinary procedures in the UK and standard procedure of discipline in the UK.

Findings

The duties and privileges of public employees stipulated in the Kuwait Civil Service Law are not sufficiently balanced as the penalties for higher ranked employees are lesser than those of employees in the lower rank. Public employees in the State of Kuwait need the establishment of an independent administrative court with its specialty and its own nature. There is also a need for a detailed list that specifies all the civil disciplinary offences. The discipline procedures in the UK are preferable than that in Kuwait.

Originality/value

The stages of discipline procedures for an offending employee have serious consequences and will affect the productivity of the work. Administrative investigation procedures may require public employees to be suspended from employment or have their employment terminated. It is, therefore, imperative for the administration to brief the public employee about all disciplinary actions that may be taken against him or her. As a consequence, the employee referred for an administrative investigation would be able to exercise his/her right to a fair trial and defend himself/herself.
Lean Six Sigma in policing services
Authors: Antony Jiju , Rodgers Bryan , Coull Inness , Sunder M. Vijaya
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper is based on a single case study carried out as part of a change programme but is used as a reflective tool to draw on some of the wider organisational learning which can be considered when implementing, reviewing or re-energise a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Programme. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach has been used and referenced throughout the paper with references to literature to support the wider learning points drawn which are then applied to any continuous improvement (CI) programmes.

Findings

The paper presents a range of learning points which are drawn from a successful deployment of LSS within a change project carried out as part of an overall programme in Scottish policing services.

Research limitations/implications

The points are drawn from a single case study which was deployed within a wider change programme and is supported by wider literature but is used as a vehicle for informing strategic considerations within an organisation.

Originality/value

This case study is drawn from policing services in the public sector which alone is an area that has not been significantly studied. It is used to explore wider implications in terms of strategic alignment, organisational performance and project management and presents the argument that the design of a CI programme is much wider than the implementation of LSS itself.
Mediating role of process simplification in process integration and upstream supply chain flexibility
Authors: Goyal Gaurav , Samalia Harsh Vardhan , Verma Piyush
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of process simplification on the relationship between process integration and upstream supply chain flexibility in Indian automotive organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The three-step mediation analysis was performed using SPSS macro PROCESS to assess the mediating role of process simplification on the relationship between process integration constructs: top management commitment and supplier relationship; and upstream supply chain flexibility.

Findings

The results indicate a complete mediation effect of process simplification between supplier relationship and upstream supply chain flexibility, while partial mediation effect is noticed between top management commitment and upstream supply chain flexibility.

Practical implications

For Indian automotive managers, the study suggests that for improving the upstream supply chain flexibility, organizations must have a strategy towards improving the simplification of supply chain processes by upgrading technology and providing training to their suppliers. This understanding will help the automotive managers to simplify their upstream supply chain processes for gaining competitive positioning and maximizing the organizational profit.

Originality/value

This study has considered the mediating role of process simplification (a relatively less studied variable) specifically in the context of its impact on upstream supply chain flexibility. Also, the presented study explores this role in the Indian automotive domain which further enhances its value for both practitioners and researchers alike.
Lean awareness and potential for lean implementation in the Indian coal mining industry
Authors: Khaba Sorokhaibam , Bhar Chandan
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the degree of lean awareness and implementation and to identify the perception on tools, enablers, barriers and potential benefits of lean in the Indian coal mining industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of lean literature and expert opinion was used to design the survey instrument. Data were collected through electronic survey and traditional pencil and paper approach. In order to test the research hypotheses, independent samplet-tests were done.

Findings

The study reveals that there is a certain degree of lean awareness although the level of lean implementation is still at a nascent stage in the Indian coal mining sector. The main applicable tools, barriers, enablers and benefits have also been identified based on 54 respondents out of 109 suitable respondents.

Research limitations /implications

In this study, relatively the maximum participants were from the mines located in Eastern India. Thus, a certain level of bias can be anticipated. The findings would help the decision makers, researchers and practitioners to better utilize the available resources for lean implementation and support the existing academic research on lean.

Originality/Value

The concept of lean in mining industry is relatively a new paradigm and there is a lack of empirical study that explores applicable tools, barriers, enablers and benefits of lean in Indian mining industry. The study addresses this gap in the lean literature.
A validation of the performance management scale
Authors: Na-nan Khahan , Chaiprasit Kanokporn , Pukkeeree Peerapong
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a performance management (PM) scale questionnaire that encompasses the pre-requisite, performance planning, performance evaluation, performance review, and performance application dimensions of PM.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, the 33 questionnaire questions were first validated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and then by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) along the three performance dimensions. The research sample consists of 330 entrepreneurs. The factor analysis results confirm the validity of the questionnaire as a reliable entrepreneur PM evaluation tool, as evidenced by the composite reliability of 0.845 and the average variance extracted of 0.532.

Findings

All constructs revealed the acceptable internal consistency reliability. A good model fit was found for the measurement model using several fit index likeχ2=449.983, degree of freedom=415,p-value (p)=0.114, goodness of fit index=0.927, adjusted goodness of fit index=0.901, root mean square error of approximation=0.016, and root of mean square residuals=0.032.

Research limitations/implications

The PM model was examined using EFA and CFA only. A sample with only SMEs entrepreneurs and large sample size and sample area can be used in future research.

Practical implications

This research paper is an endeavor to explore only the reliability and validity of the PM model. Thus all the five dimension, namely “pre-requisite” “performance planning,” “performance evaluation,” “performance review,” and “performance application” proved out of be reliable and validated when it will be tested in case of SMEs’ high-growth sectors and high-impact sectors.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this research is that all factors have a good fit and acceptable reliability value; each factor can be measured individually depending on the nature of the research.
Degradation modelling and life expectancy using Markov chain model for carriageway
Authors: Tee Kong Fah , Ekpiwhre Ejiroghene , Yi Zhang
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Automated condition surveys have been recently introduced for condition assessment of highway infrastructures worldwide. Accurate predictions of the current state, median life (ML) and future state of highway infrastructures are crucial for developing appropriate inspection and maintenance strategies for newly created as well as existing aging highway infrastructures. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes Markov Chain based deterioration modelling using a linear transition probability (LTP) matrix method and a median life expectancy (MLE) algorithm. The proposed method is applied and evaluated using condition improvement between the two successive inspections from the Surface Condition Assessment of National Network of Roads survey of the UK Pavement Management System.

Findings

The proposed LTP matrix model utilises better insight than the generic or decoupling linear approach used in estimating transition probabilities formulated in the past. The simulated LTP predicted conditions are portrayed in a deterioration profile and a pairwise correlation. The MLs are computed statistically with a cumulative distribution function plot.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that MLE is ideal for projecting half asset life, and the LTP matrix approach presents a feasible approach for new maintenance regime when more certain deterioration data become available.
Facilitating quality project manager selection for Indian business environment using analytical hierarchy process
Authors: Sharma Keshav Kumar , Kumar Anup
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop criteria for project manager selection based on desired skills of a project manager and facilitate the selection of a suitable candidate from a pool of potential candidates for the implementation of projects in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes three major skills, namely human skill, conceptual and organizational skills; technical skill along with their sub-skills to develop criteria for project manager selection. Based on the responses of project professionals from industry, the study uses analytical hierarchy process to prioritize and identify the relative importance of different skills in the criteria in order to develop a hierarchical structure for project manager selection.

Findings

The study finds that at the first level of project manager selection criteria, conceptual and organizational skills are the most important selection criteria followed by human skills and technical skills. At the second level of project manager selection criteria, planning, delegating authority and understanding methods, processes, and procedures are some of the important sub-selection criteria. The weights indicating the relative importance of major selection criteria and sub-selection criteria can be used to evaluate the relative weight of a given candidate for selection as a project manager.

Research limitations/implications

The results in this study are derived from specific demographic conditions in India. Future research with larger samples from other countries is needed for generalizations of the proposed criteria.

Practical implications

The proposed method quantifies the intangible qualitative criteria to select a project manager, which can aid decision-makers in a multi-criteria decision-making environment.

Originality/value

This research paper is focused on the identification of critical skills for the selection of a project manager, which is almost neglected by the researchers.
SWOT analysis of indigenous and foreign contractors in a developing economy
Authors: Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Aghimien Douglas , Adedoyin Abiola
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The call for more engagement of local contractors has been gaining support by construction stakeholders especially as a result of the recent economy recession in Nigeria. However, due to the increasing complexity of the construction industry and technological advancement, the influx and engagement of foreign contractors has been on the increase and their contribution is also germane to the economy development of the country. In view of this, the purpose of this paper is to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of indigenous and foreign contractors in the country with a view to understanding their differences in the quest of improving their service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study research was carried out through the use of interview and questionnaire administered on management staff and professionals in selected construction firms, respectively. In order to obtain a balance view of the subject, professionals from construction consultancy firms selected through Delphi method were also included in the study and sampled accordingly. Appropriate statistical tools were employed in analysing the data gathered and result was presented with the aid of a SWOT template.

Findings

Findings of the research show that foreign contractors have better strengths than their indigenous counterparts, and this has made them gain better expertise. Also, they enjoyed more opportunities than the threats they are faced with, but the reverse is the case for indigenous contractors.

Originality/value

There is a need for the two categories of contractors to identify their SWOT as indicated in this study and leverage their strengths, correct their weaknesses, capitalise on golden opportunities and avoid potentially devastating threats to enhance their effectiveness and success in the industry.
The effect of cultural tightness–looseness on fraud perception in insurance services
Authors: Zourrig Haithem , Park Jeongsoo , El Hedhli Kamel , Zhang Mengxia
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how cultural tightness may influence consumers’ attitudes toward insurance services and occurrence of insurance fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on Gelfand et al.’s (2011) theory of tight and loose cultures, the authors theorize that perceived wrongness of insurance fraud, fraud occurrence and perceived risk of being caught depend on the cultural tightness. Using field data from a global European social survey (ESS), the authors investigate these differences across two fairly different European countries – Norway (i.e. tight culture) and Ukraine (i.e. loose culture).

Findings

Consumers from tight culture report less tolerance for insurance fraud (inflating insurance claim) are less likely to commit an insurance fraud, and they perceive higher level of risk of being caught than their counterparts from loose culture (Ukraine).

Practical implications

Understanding cultural variability in attitude toward insurance fraud, the occurrence of insurance fraud and the sensitivity to the risk of being caught could enrich the authors knowledge about how to prevent insurance fraud.

Social implications

Consumer protection agencies, consumer educators and policymakers could all benefit from understanding cultural variability in attitude toward fraud. This will potentially help to design effective learning and education programs to sensitize customers to the illegal and unethical aspects of fraudulent behaviors.

Originality/value

Insurance fraud is a universal issue and exists in many European countries, yet no previous work has investigated the effect of cultural tightness–looseness on fraud perception.