bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dedicated Type II NADPH Dehydrogenase Performs the Penultimate Step in the Biosynthesis of Vitamin K1 in Synechocystis and Arabidopsis
Authors: Fatihi Abdelhak , Latimer Scott , Schmollinger Stefan , Block Anna , Dussault Patrick H. , Vermaas Wim F.J. , Merchant Sabeeha S. , Basset Gilles J.
Published: May 2015

Mutation of Arabidopsis thaliana NAD(P)H DEHYDROGENASE C1 (NDC1; At5g08740) results in the accumulation of demethylphylloquinone, a late biosynthetic intermediate of vitamin K1. Gene coexpression and phylogenomics analyses showed that conserved functional associations occur between vitamin K biosynthesis and NDC1 homologs throughout the prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages. Deletion of Synechocystis ndbB, which encodes for one such homolog, resulted in the same defects as those observed in the cyanobacterial demethylnaphthoquinone methyltransferase knockout. Chemical modeling and assay of purified demethylnaphthoquinone methyltransferase demonstrated that, by virtue of the strong electrophilic nature of S-adenosyl-l-methionine, the transmethylation of the demethylated precursor of vitamin K is strictly dependent on the reduced form of its naphthoquinone ring. NDC1 was shown to catalyze such a prerequisite reduction by using NADPH and demethylphylloquinone as substrates and flavine adenine dinucleotide as a cofactor. NDC1 displayed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and was markedly inhibited by dicumarol, a competitive inhibitor of naphthoquinone oxidoreductases. These data demonstrate that the reduction of the demethylnaphthoquinone ring represents an authentic step in the biosynthetic pathway of vitamin K, that this reaction is enzymatically driven, and that a selection pressure is operating to retain type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenases in this process.
Crystal structure, atomic net charges and electric moments in pyroelectric LiNaSO4at 296 K
Authors: Karppinen Markku
Published: May 2015

The crystal structure and electric charge distribution in LiNaSO4have been studied at 296 K by X-ray diffraction using a spherical crystal. LiNaSO4is pyroelectric, nonferroelectric and an optically uniaxial insulator which crystallizes in the space groupP31c. Least-squares refinement (MOLLY) was based on 13 026 reflections. The asymmetric unit contains Li+, Na+and three SO42−ions, where one O and S lie on a threefold axis about which three O atoms are related with a threefold symmetry in each sulfate ion. Two of the O—S—O groups suffer from disorder. The net charges of the atoms in three independent sulfate ions were determined under ionic charge constraints. The S atoms have positive net electric charges and O atoms are negative. The components of the significant electric multipole moments in the principal axis directions are determined from the distribution of net atomic charges in each sulfate ion. Electric moments in the unit cell generate macroscopic electric moments in the crystal which interact with light. This interaction results in two axial vectors of second rank associated with an optical indicatrix. The ratio of the calculated axial vector components in the principal axis directions originating from the asymmetric unit is 1.0061 (1), which compares well with the ratio of 1.006 for the corresponding optical refractive indices of LiNaSO4for λNa= 589.29 nm.
Structures beyond superspace
Authors: Senechal Marjorie
Published: May 2015

Once a contradiction in terms, aperiodic crystals show instead that `long-range order' has never been defined. Whatever it means, decades of intense research have shown it to be more complex and surprising than anyone suspected.
Crystal structure of [1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-dicarbonitrile
Authors: Kang Gihaeng , Kim Tae Ho , Jeon Youngeun , Kim Jineun
Published: May 2015

The complete molecule of the title compound, C14H8N2, is generated by a twofold rotation axis located at the midpoint of the biphenyl C—C bond. The dihedral angle between the symmetry-related phenyl rings is 46.16 (3)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by slipped parallel π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.9451 (7) Å, normal distance = 3.6293 (5) Å, slippage 1.547 Å], forming columns along theb-axis direction.
Crystal structure of methyl (2Z)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[(3-methyl-1H-indol-1-yl)methyl]prop-2-enoate
Authors: Selvanayagam S. , Sridhar B. , Kathiravan S. , Raghunathan R.
Published: May 2015

In the title indole derivative, C20H18ClNO2, the chlorophenyl ring is almost perpendicular to the indole moiety, making a dihedral angle of 87.6 (1)°. The molecular packing is stabilized by C—H...π interactions, which form aC(9) chain motif along [10-1]. In addition, there are weak π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distance 3.851 (1) Å] between the chains, involving inversion-related chlorophenyl rings.
Crystal structure of (E)-4-ethyl-2-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one
Authors: Akhazzane Mohamed , Al Houari Ghali , El Yazidi Mohamed , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: May 2015

In the title compound, C20H20O2, the exocyclic C=C double bond has anEconformation. The ethyl substituent on the cyclohexanone ring is in an axial orientation. The cyclohexanone ring adopts a screw-boat conformation, with the methylene C atom and the C atom bearing the 4-methoxybenzylidene group displaced from the other atoms by 0.812 (1) and 0.334 (1) Å, respectively. The dihedral angle between the planes of the benzene rings is 42.20 (8)°. In the crystal, no directional interactions beyond van der Waals contacts are observed.
Crystal structure and biological evaluation of 4-methylmorpholin-4-ium 1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-5-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-4-olate
Authors: Gomathi Jeganathan , Kalaivani Doraisamyraja
Published: May 2015

The title molecular salt, C5H12NO+·C12H8N5O9−[common name: 4-methylmorpholin-4-ium 1,3-dimethyl-5-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)barbiturate], possesses noticeable anticonvulsant and hypnotic activity. In the anion, the 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid ring and the symmetrically substituted trinitrophenyl ring, linkedviaa C—C bond, are not coplanar but subtend an angle of 44.88 (7)°. The six-membered ring of the 4-methylmorpholin-4-ium cation has a chair conformation. In the crystal, the cation and anion are linkedviaan N—H...O hydrogen bond. The cation–anion units are linked by a number of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of (1E,1′E)-N,N′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methanimine]
Authors: Abdoh Muneer , Warad Ismail , Naveen S. , Lokanath N. K. , Salghi Rachid
Published: May 2015

The whole molecule of the title compound, C14H14N4, is generated by twofold rotation symmetry. The twofold axis bisects the central –CH2-CH2– bond and the planes of the pyridine rings are inclined to one another by 65.60 (7)°. In the crystal, there are no significant intermolecular interactions present.
Crystal structure of 1,3,6,8-tetrabromo-9-ethyl-9H-carbazole
Authors: Bezuglyi Mykola , Grybauskaite Gintare , Bagdziunas Gintautas , Grazulevicius Juozas Vidas
Published: May 2015

In the title compound, C14H9Br4N, the tricyclic ring system is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation for the 13 non-H atoms = 0.017 Å) and the methyl C atom deviates from the mean plane of the ring system by 1.072 (17) Å. In the crystal, Br...Br contacts [3.636 (3) and 3.660 (3) Å] slightly shorter than the van der Waals contact distance of 3.70 Å are seen.
Crystal structure of seleno-L-cystine dihydrochloride
Authors: Görbitz Carl Henrik , Levchenko Vladimir , Semjonovs Jevgenijs , Sharif Mohamed Yusuf
Published: May 2015

Numerous crystal structures are available for the dimeric amino acid cystine. In proteins it is formed by oxidation of the –SH thiol groups of two closely spaced cysteine residues, resulting in the formation of a familiar disulfide bridge. The title compound [systematic name: (R,R)-1,1′-dicarboxy-2,2′-(diselanediyl)diethanaminium dichloride], C6H14N2O4Se22+·2Cl−, is the first example of a small molecule structure of the biologically important analogue with a —CH2—Se—Se—CH2— bridging unit. Bond lengths and angles of seleno-L-cystine dihydrochloride and its isotypic sulfur analogue L-cystine dihydrochloride are compared.
Dechlorination of large marine iron artifact using a novel technique involving impressed current
Authors: Batis Georgios , Zacharopoulou Angeliki , Zacharopoulou Evgenia , Siova Helene , Argyropoulos Vasilike
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop an electrochemical dechlorination method for large objects in a short time, which were for a long time in the sea. Traditionally, in conservation, chlorides are extracted from marine iron artifacts using complete immersion of those objects in alkaline solutions with or without electrolysis. However, these techniques are time-consuming and very costly, especially when applied to large marine artifacts such as cannons and anchors.

Design/methodology/approach

– An appropriate sponge was chosen based on resistance to NaOH and the rate of exacted chlorides. Application of electrochemical dechlorinationin situand removal of chloride were measured by the scanning electron microscope (SEM)-EDAX method on the corrosion products and by titration of the electrolysis solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) method is used for identification of corrosion products before and after application of electrochemical chloride extraction.

Findings

– The electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE) method is applied against the corrosion of reinforced concrete. From the authors’ research, it is obvious that ECE can successfully extract chlorides from dried large metallic objects exported from the sea. The method of ECE removes the majority of chlorides from the metal during conservation treatment so that the application of organic coating will allow the object to remain stable over a long period.

Originality/value

– A new methodology was developed for dechlorination of metallic objects exported from the sea in a short time and thus the consumption of chemical reagents was cut down.
Three years outdoor exposure of low carbon steel in Mauritius
Authors: Surnam Baboo Y. R.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the corrosion behaviour of carbon steel in the Mauritian atmosphere over a three-year period. Atmospheric corrosion is a serious problem in Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

– Carbon steel samples were exposed outdoors at various sites. Mass loss analysis was performed to determine the corrosion behaviour of the metal over the exposure period. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman tests were performed to investigate the formation of the corrosion products on the carbon steel surface.

Findings

– It was found that the corrosion loss at two of the sites considered did not vary clearly according to the bilogarithmic law. Time of wetness was found to be a main factor affecting atmospheric corrosion in Mauritius. The corrosivity of the atmosphere was found to lie between categories C3 and C4, according to ISO 9223.

Originality/value

– The results can be of essential help to the construction industry, especially as steel buildings are becoming very common in Mauritius. Moreover, as Mauritius is a tropical island, the results obtained can be useful in other tropical islands.
Preparation and characterization of a cerium conversion film on magnesium alloy
Authors: Sun Jie , Wang Gang
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to prepare the cerium-based conversion coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy, and its compositions, micro-morphology, corrosion resistance and the chemical valence state of the film elements were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology comprised preparation of coatings at different temperatures, which then were characterized using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, an electrochemistry workstation and by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Findings

– The conversion coating had a micro-cracked morphology. The conversion coatings were composed of MgO (or Mg-OH), CeO2 and Ce2O3. The best corrosion resistance of the cerium passivation film appeared when the treatment temperature was about 35°C.

Originality/value

– The corrosion current densities of conversion coatings were lower by one to two orders of magnitude than the corrosion current density of the blank sample. The rare earth passivation coating prepared under the best condition could reduce the corrosion current to 3.548 × 10−6 A/cm2.
Corrosion inhibitory effect of thiourea on recrystallized E-34 microalloyed steels in acidic media
Authors: Seikh Asiful Hossain , Karim Mohammad Rezaul
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of thiourea (TU) on corrosion resistance property for rolled and recrystallized E-34 microalloyed steels by using electrochemical polarization techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

– To perceive the effect of TU on the corrosion inhibition efficiency, various concentrations of TU (from 1 × 10 − 4 to 1 × 10 − 2M) and different temperatures (20, 30 and 400°C) in 1N sulfuric acid are used.

Findings

– It is found that TU has significant inhibition effect on corrosion process. Moreover, it reveals that both the inhibitor concentrations and temperatures have a strong influence on the corrosion prevention efficiency of inhibitor. Thermodynamics studies confirm that the inhibitor adsorption follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first work that has been disclosed the corrosion inhibitory effect of TU for recrystallized E-34 microalloyed steels in acidic media.
The impact of territory of origin on product authenticity perceptions
Authors: Zhang Mohua , Merunka Dwight
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of territory of origin (TOO) associations for consumers’ perception of product authenticity and empirically tests the chain of effects, from TOO associations to perceived authenticity, and to consumers’ self-brand connections.

Design/methodology/approach

– An experimental method and a partial least square approach were adopted. Hypotheses were tested on data collected across 665 Chinese consumers.

Findings

– Results demonstrate that TOO exerts a positive impact on perceived product authenticity, which in turn leads to stronger consumers’ self-brand connections. In addition, compared with country of origin (COO) information, TOO has a unique positive impact on perceived authenticity and a direct positive effect on consumers’ self-brand connections. Also, the positive impact of TOO on perceived authenticity is enhanced through consumers’ familiarity with the TOO and through congruence between the product category and the TOO.

Research limitations/implications

– One possible outcome of TOO (perceived authenticity) and one product category (lavender soap) were considered in this study.

Originality/value

– Given the diminishing relevance of COO associations, this study demonstrates that TOO is an appealing alternative strategy for strengthening brand equity.
How to be a host leader
Authors: McKergow Mark
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– To look at what we do, as hosts.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper looks at what we do as hosts, what it means to lead and leadership as engagement.

Findings

– Host leadership offers an alternative. Leadership seems to put the focus on the leader. The authors think this is a mistake. Leading is about a relationship – between the leader and the others.

Originality/value

– Host leadership is a natural way to take a leading position, in a manner that draws in others. This builds engagement, leading to performance and results.
Organizational learning: a road map to evaluate learning outcomes in knowledge intensive firms
Authors: Purushothaman Arunprasad
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and measure the organizational learning outcomes in a sample of knowledge-intensive firms like software companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample chosen for this study comprised software professionals; the software companies were chosen based on the listing in the National Association of Software and Services Companies annual report with financial turnover as a base for classification. The learning outcomes discussed in this study are grounded on the dimensions of the building blocks of learning organization, which are classified as learning dynamics, organization transformation, knowledge management, people empowerment and technology application.

Findings

– Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in learning outcomes based on the organization’s age. The organizational learning orientation for medium- and very large-scale companies are on the higher side with reduced organization hierarchy; better technology-based learning; structured knowledge management practices; learning-centric talent acquisition, talent management and total rewards. Small-scale companies fared well in organization transformation dimension and large-scale companies constantly nurture the congenial learning environment.

Practical implications

– The tool can help knowledge-intensive firms to analyze the extent to which organizational practices aligned with learning initiatives are visibly seen in terms of learning outcomes. Thus, the learning culture can be articulated and associated with the growing needs of an organization.

Originality/value

– Organizational learning initiatives can be enhanced and reinforced through customized organization practices by observing the measures of learning dimensions.
Theory into practice in Australian progressive education
Authors: Hughes John P.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the avowedly progressive curriculum delivered in the 1930s at the Enmore Activity School. Through this examination it delineates a gap in Australia between the theoretical formulations of progressive education and school practice. The study of this curriculum is used to locate historical trends and influences that aided or hindered the application of progressive education in Australia during the 1930s.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through a review of the archival and historical literature on the curriculum at the Enmore Activity School the paper defines the ways progressive education was understood in Australia at that time.

Findings

– The analysis reveals that Enmore delivered a type of progressive education Tyack dubs “administrative progressivism” in a programme that remained essentially orthodox. Yet although an authentically progressive curriculum proved elusive at Enmore the school did, by example, influence several later curriculums.

Originality/value

– This close up study provides insights into how central tenets of progressive education were understood, accepted, or rejected at the local level in Australia in the 1930s. It offers fresh perspectives on contemporary educational debates about progressive education.
The research methods used in “doing gender” literature
Authors: Jännäri Jatta , Kovalainen Anne
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to study the kinds of methodologies used in studying “doing gender” in working life and organisations. To do so, articles that use empirical research materials from different academic peer-reviewed journals have been analysed. By methodologies, both data gathering tools and the analysing techniques using and concerting the data have been largely understood. In the articles analysed, interviews were the main methodological tool in extracting the “doing gender”, while studies using naturally occurring data, e.g. historical materials and methods in relation to this type of data were in the minority. The following question has been proposed for further exploration: What impact does the domination of interviews as a research method have on the concept of “doing gender”?

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative content analysis, close reading and data were collected from academic peer-reviewed journals with the applied principles of literature review.

Findings

– The research methodologies adopted in the articles on “doing gender” mostly deal with interview data and their analysis. Interview data are used most often as the primary source for ethnographic analysis. These method choices limit the potential interpretations available for the analysis of the conceptual idea of “doing gender”.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations of this article relate to the journals chosen for the analysis.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes toward a deeper understanding of the “doing gender” approach, particularly by exploring the research methodologies that have been used when studying “doing gender” approach empirically.
Economical information and communication design for multi-national projects
Authors: Fox Stephen , Grösser Stefan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to inform information and communication design (ICD) for multi-national projects through the presentation of an example that does not rely on expensive expertise in graphic design.

Design/methodology/approach

– Action research involving participants from five different sectors.

Findings

– Successful ICD is not necessarily dependent upon costly graphic design of elaborate explanatory methods such as storyboards.

Research limitations/implications

– The action research involved participants from only five differect sectors.

Practical implications

– Economical ICD can facilitate development of understanding among multi-sector multi-national project participants.

Originality/value

– The originality of this research note is that it addresses recent developments in ICD. The value of this research note is that an example is provided of application in a multi-sector multi-national project.
Project management and leadership education facilitated as projects
Authors: Shelley Arthur W.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and reflections of delivering postgraduate project management (PM) education by structuring the courses as projects with milestones and incorporating the “language of projects” into the course lexicon.

Design/methodology/approach

– An action research approach was taken to use learner reflections to assess the effectiveness of interactive learning environment and project management language to stimulate richer learning experiences.

Findings

– Participating students apply the principles of learning to their own practice as they learn to incorporate theories and reflect on their impact for their projects, within their own contexts. They report this to be an effective approach as it reinforces their learning and highlights practical outcomes. Success of this approach is attributed to integrating principles from a wide range of interdependent disciplines including action learning, leadership, project management, reflective practice, sense-making, stakeholder engagement, problem-based learning and knowledge management. Reflecting on the impacts of soft skills in their own projects enhances learning outcomes and develops their professional capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

– The new teaching approach and extended model have evolved through adaptations over three successive semesters with moderate student numbers. Feedback has been through subjective self-assessment by participating students. Further evaluation will build a more robust assessment of the effectiveness of the approach and model.

Practical implications

– Structuring postgraduate project management education as a project can be adopted by other educators to enhance the learning outcomes.

Social implications

– Enhanced project management capabilities will reduce failure and costs.

Originality/value

– A new approach to learning is proposed and a new model, “Iron Triangle Plus” is presented, that together enhance learning for project leadership education and applied as a more effective way to lead projects.
Inclusion of strategic management theories to project management
Authors: Parker David W. , Parsons Nicholas , Isharyanto Fitri
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits of integrating the theory of constraints (TOC), resources-based theory (RBT), resource advantage theory (RAT), with a structured project-based methodology e.g., Project Management Body of Knowledge. This paper describes each theory and explores what benefits a unified model would bring to project management. This paper represents the conceptual development of an integrated framework that will be tested in a range of project management scenarios in various industrial sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

– Extant literature is used to develop a conceptual framework of an integrated model that will be tested in the field for robustness. The model has been applied to published projects to identify its strengths and weaknesses.

Findings

– The work shows important implications for improved success of projects from the use of TOC, RAT and resource dependence theory (RDT). Specifically, it emphasizes the need for application of strategic theories to project management.

Research limitations/implications

– While TOC, RAT and RDT are well established in the context of organization theory, there is limited application in project management. Moreover, the model has yet to be applied in the field. The hypotheses identified in this research are currently being tested using field-based surveys.

Practical implications

– The research falls short in addressing some resources, e.g. innovation, tacit knowledge and decision making methods in traditional project management context. Therefore, identifying these critical resources in future work and exploiting them as the means of improving project performance would enhance the success of project-based management.

Social implications

– Project management is an emergent discipline and a project is temporary in nature. Therefore, new ideas and development of theories for project management practices are required. This innovative research, for example, may change the way projects are executed in future.

Originality/value

– This paper examines the components of a successful project according to the iron triangle, i.e. scope, quality, time and cost. However, through the application of TOC, RAT and RDT into an integrated project-based management framework gives new insights to resources management.
Factors influencing medical travel into the United States
Authors: Johnson Tricia J. , Youngquist Jaymie S. , Garman Andy N. , Hohmann Samuel , Cieslak Paola R.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate the potential of 24 country-level measures for predicting the number of outbound international medical travelers into the USA, including health and healthcare system, economic, social and diplomatic and travel pattern factors. Medical travel is recognized as a growing global market and is an important subject of inquiry for US academic medical centers, hospitals and policy makers. Few data-driven studies exist to shed light on efficient and effective strategies for attracting international medical travelers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of the 194 member and/or observer countries of the United Nations. Data for medical traveler volume into the USA between 2008 and 2010 were obtained from the USA Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, Survey of International Air Travelers. Data on country-level factors were collected from publicly available databases, including the United Nations, World Bank and World Health Organization. Linear regression models with a negative binomial distribution and log link function were fit to test the association between each independent variable and the number of inbound medical travelers to the USA.

Findings

– Seven of the 24 country-level factors were significantly associated with the number of outbound medical travelers to the USA These factors included imports as a per cent of gross domestic product, trade in services as a per cent of gross domestic product, per cent of population living in urban areas, life expectancy, childhood mortality, incidence of tuberculosis and prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus.

Practical implications

– Results of this model provide evidence for a data-driven approach to strategic outreach and business development for hospitals and policy makers for attracting international patients to the USA for medical care.

Originality/value

– The model developed in this paper can assist US hospitals in promoting their services to international patients as well as national efforts in identifying “high potential” medical travel markets. Other countries could also adapt this methodology for targeting the international patient market.
Consumer ambivalence toward contraception – towards an integrative framework
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Erramilli M. Krishna , Chung Cindy , Sivakumaran Bharadhwaj
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to introduce a comprehensive conceptual framework to study the influence of “consumer ambivalence towards contraception” and “intercourse frequency” along with attitudes toward contraception and satisfaction with most familiar contraceptive method, on contraceptive usage and intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A team of trained female interviewers used a structured questionnaire to conduct a clinic-intercept survey with 588 sexually active female consumers in two major hospitals and six randomly chosen clinics in Singapore (response rate = 29 per cent).

Findings

– Consumer attitudes toward contraception, satisfaction with most familiar contraceptive method and intercourse frequency have a positive effect on contraceptive usage. Consumer ambivalence toward contraception has a negative effect on usage and intentions and it negatively moderates the effects of attitudes, satisfaction and intercourse frequency.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper explores the role of consumer ambivalence toward contraception in general and not toward specific contraceptive methods. Moreover, it does not measure differences in the impact of personal cultural values and orientations of the participants on contraceptive usage. These could be useful avenues for future research.

Practical implications

– By clarifying the reasons for inconsistent contraception usage, this research will help health-care professionals, social workers and welfare organizations develop more focused consumer education programs and communication campaigns to reduce consumer ambivalence about contraception and improve contraception usage rates.

Originality/value

– This paper extends prior research on consumer ambivalence by exploring its direct and moderating impact on contraceptive usage, an important issue for female health and well-being. The authors also show intercourse frequency as a moderator in this process.
Designing social living labs in urban research
Authors: Franz Yvonne
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a more socially centred understanding of living labs for urban research questions by reflecting on current technologically centred and innovation-driven approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper takes the form of literature review complemented by conceptual knowledge from practical experiences.

Findings

– Urban living labs, as they were introduced from a technological and economic point of view, have to be translated into the context of social sciences. By doing so, they may be a promising tool to stimulate co-creation and collaboration also in urban research projects that focus on social research questions and include diverse target groups. Socially centred living labs take into account the local context by developing a space of encounter for the participants in the urban living lab and by implementing a set of living methods that suit both the research design and the local requirements.

Originality/value

– This paper argues that urban living labs can be a valuable tool in urban research to include researchers, politicians, local stakeholders and residents in an open concept of co-creation. It argues that a locally contextualised design in terms of space and methods is necessary to create an environment of trust and collaboration.
Innovate dementia: the development of a living lab protocol to evaluate interventions in context
Authors: Brankaert Rens , Ouden Elke den , Brombacher Aarnout
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a Living Lab protocol to evaluate interventions for people with dementia in context. The number of people with dementia is continuously growing, resulting in all kinds of societal challenges. As there is no cure for the diseases today, there is a need to look at alternative ways to combat these challenges, like the design of suitable interventions. These can support people with dementia to live more independent, with a higher quality of life. The protocol is developed over three Living Lab cases. In this, the authors focus on how to involve people living with dementia and the Living Lab stakeholder network.

Design/methodology/approach

– Over three Living Lab cases, 26 people with dementia, and their caregivers, participated. In these cases, the authors focussed on three different interventions, namely: a reminder system, a daylight lamp and a mobile interface. Yet, a similar protocol was implemented that was built upon insights from its previous case. Hereby, the authors gathered hands-on insights concerning the design and implementation of a Living Lab protocol. Finally, the authors propose a protocol for those interested in pursuing similar goals.

Findings

– For the resulting proposal, the authors found that it is important to actively involve the relevant Living Lab stakeholders from the start of the process. Because, first, care stakeholders protect participants as gatekeepers, and have a general interest in the interventions. Second, for industry stakeholders, the in-context Living Lab set-up needs to be aligned with their needs to gather usable insights for their interventions. Finally, the authors propose to keep the users engaged beyond the studies by facilitating a Living Lab community. This leads to a higher user engagement and a wider pool to select from for future Living Lab sessions.

Research limitations/implications

– However, the authors have to be careful to base conclusions on this protocol, due to the limited number of participants and, therefore, the authors suggest this is investigated further. Additionally, the authors feel the role of stakeholders, and who is in the lead, should be investigated further.

Practical implications

– By reflecting on three Living Lab cases, the authors propose a ready-to-use Living Lab protocol that can be applied by anybody who is interested to design more suitable interventions for impaired users.

Social implications

– The building of a community as a basis of a Living Lab provides opportunities for all relevant stakeholders, and could reach beyond the development of interventions.

Originality/value

– The paper provides hands-on insights on applying and developing a Living Lab protocol. This is done by structurally involving relevant stakeholders, while continuously adapting to the user’s needs. Only by continuing to do so, the societal challenges can successfully be addressed.
Unfolding the concept of a TMT-diversification strategy fit
Authors: Weiss Martin , Schneider Dirk , Lebid Jekaterina
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop a conceptual foundation of a fit between top management teams (TMTs) and their company’s corporate strategy. The authors fortify the importance of the concept of fit if the impact of upper echelons on organizational performance is trying to be explained. Yet, a constitutive concept of fit for the corporate strategy, a particularly important dimension of strategy, was previously neglected.

Design/methodology/approach

– In a conceptual/theoretical approach, the authors selected demographic managerial characteristics from previous empirical studies from the research stream on upper echelons and combined them with other promising characteristics. To analyze them in respect to the requirements of low and highly diversified companies, the authors applied the concept of the dominant logic, an important theory in the field of corporate strategy.

Findings

– The authors establish two distinct profiles of TMT members for low and high degrees of diversification and provide guidance on how to measure the TMT-corporate strategy fit – for individual TMT members and for the entire TMT – as a degree of fit on a ratio scale.

Originality/value

– This work constitutes the first exhaustive concept of a TMT-corporate strategy fit. It provides a profound research foundation for scholars in the field of TMTs and the upper echelons theory as well as a promising and complementary perspective for practitioners when assessing their TMT composition.
Climate change and social strain: strategic enterprise responses
Authors: Edgeman Rick L. , Wu Zhaohui
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Enterprise activities are often harmful to the natural environment or societal fabric, yet approaches that are environmentally constructive or socially responsible can be challenging and may not be rewarded by the marketplace. Enterprises that are not sufficiently financially successful perish. The purpose of this paper is to present a model and methodology referred to as sustainable enterprise excellence, resilience and robustness (SEER2) that provides enterprises with a means of balancing financial, social, and environmental considerations. These considerations form the classic elements of the triple bottom line and are central formation of enterprise responses to climate change and social strain.

Design/methodology/approach

– A model referred to as the Springboard to SEER2 is introduced. SEER2 explicitly considers societal and environmental performance and impacts that are driven by strategy and implemented through processes. As such criteria associated with the Springboard that address strategy, processes, performance, and impact are also introduced.

Findings

– Humanity is at individual, enterprise, and societal levels partially or wholly responsible for many critical and time-sensitive social and environmental challenges. Due to their vast collective resource consumption and resource base, enterprises should also contribute to solving such challenges. The presented Springboard to SEER2 model and associated criteria provide a rigorous, yet defined path for enterprises that have the determination to confront such challenges.

Originality/value

– This is among the first explorations of enterprise self-assessment in general and SEER2 in particular that explicitly consider strategies, processes and activities important to mitigation of climate change and social strain.
Introducing a concept for efficient design of EFQM excellence model
Authors: Bolboli Seyed Amir , Reiche Markus
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a roadmap for operationalizing EFQM excellence model based on the RADAR logic and in parallel develop a new concept for selecting the firm-specific EFQM measures based on the level of maturity and the prevailing corporate culture.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comprehensive review of literature leads to a clarification of the relation between EFQM measures and RADAR logic and also identification of the requirements for assessment of culture and determination of maturity level in the context of EFQM excellence model. Based on these requirements, existing culture assessment approaches and maturity assessment methods have been evaluated.

Findings

– The main outcome of this research is a new concept for efficient design of EFQM excellence model. This concept consist of three main parts: assessment of culture types in context of EFQM; assessment of maturity level; and design of EFQM measures based on RADAR logic. The findings are expected to reduce the effort for implementation of EFQM by designing tailored measures that fit to the existing culture and maturity level.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study are relevant to multinational large firms that deal with EFQM or similar excellence models.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a new concept for designing EFQM in the light of prevailing corporate culture and maturity level, which in one hand needs fewer resources and on the other hand it is more effective in implementation.
Success factors and organizational approaches for the implementation of energy management systems according to ISO 50001
Authors: Karcher Phillip , Jochem Roland
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify main success factors for the effective implementation, operation and certification of an energy management system (EnMS) in accordance with ISO 50001, which represents the fastest growing standard for management systems in the world (International Organization for Standardization, 2013).

Design/methodology/approach

– Due to rising energy costs, increasing global competitive pressure and the demand for environmentally friendly products companies all over the world consider the implementation of an EnMS to meet future challenges. For that reason a survey (Jochem et al., 2013) among already certified German companies has been conducted focussing on organizational, teambuilding and technical aspects.

Findings

– Results indicate that EnMSs are most commonly built on already existing management structures and therefore staff organization is crucial for the success of the project. Still, monetary aspects such as energy related cost savings seem to be the decisive criterion for the operation of an EnMS. Regarding teambuilding aspects specific technical expertise is required which leads to cross-functional teams focussing on the field of production. In addition key technical and administrative measures for an effective EnMS were identified.

Originality/value

– The study provides best practice knowledge and gives interested companies the advantage to benefit from both the positive experiences of the participants as well as to prevent potential contra productive activities during the implementation, certification and operation of an EnMS.
Application of the IEC80001 standard towards integration of a real time alarm communication and management system
Authors: Eckhardt Kyle , Hayes Andrew , Hamilton Michael , Gaamangwe Tidimogo
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on use of the IEC80001 standard, Application of Risk Management for Information Technolody (IT) Networks Incorporating Medical Devices, to deploy a wireless alarm management solution in a long-term care home facility.

Design/methodology/approach

– The standard suggests the use of a unique responsibility matrix and a continuous quality improvement approach for analysis, evaluation and control of risks. A unique leadership committee and workgroup were formed to develop processes and procedures for integrating medical devices with IT systems; as well as execution of the project itself. The leadership committee oversaw the phased approach of assessing the technology, the clinical environment, proponent technology-based solutions and a specified risk management file. The project expanded its scope beyond the standard to include a risk focussed analysis of clinical workflow to evaluate the usability of the solution.

Findings

– The standard focussed approach identified numerous risks associated with the technical and network solution and the future state workflow. Medical devices proved to be the most limiting technology needing to be incorporated into the solution. Although faced with a daunting list of network related risks, it was concluded that all residual risks would have been acceptable. The analysis of the future state workflow identified various risks related to usability (human factors), battery management and the absence of additional operating dollars for supplementary staffing duties and new operational expenses.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors knowledge, this paper is the first one to detail the process of following the IEC80001 standard in Canada. It offers insight into building an organizational framework around the standard and identifies gaps that should be considered by executive and project sponsors before proceeding with a project.
Assessing indicators of motivation for learning in a TQM class
Authors: Tetteh Godson Ayertei
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The average mark in the mid-semester examination of a group of total quality management students turned out to be 52 percent with a SD of 11 percent. They are to score a minimum of 60 percent to enable them graduate with a diploma. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the vitalXs or variables that will help improve a student’s score from 52 to 60 percent.

Design/methodology/approach

– The main objective of the study is to relate variables that will improve the learning outcome, hence the author chose a structural equation modeling using 15 latent constructs (Pintrichet al., 1991) to identify the vitalXs.

Findings

– Results show that students study time, learning motive, and learning strategy will have significant effect on the learning outcome.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is restricted to students in a particular university in Ghana, and may not necessarily be applicable universally.

Practical implications

– This study used the (Pintrichet al., 1991) Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire to gather information about student’s study habits, learning skills, and motivation for schoolwork. Students who participated in the study were provided with the necessary feedback to help improve on their examination scores.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to literature by examining how the attitude(s) of the student in the classroom has a significant effect on the learning outcome.
Laboratory rearing of solitary bees and wasps
Authors: Becker Mira C. , Keller Alexander
Published: May 2015

Ecological experiments often require standardized methods that exclude natural variation and allow manipulation of a single parameter. It has been shown that domesticated honey bee larvae are raisable in a controlled environment. Here we demonstrate that this approach is also transferable to wild solitary bees and wasps without inducing negative effects on their development. Wells may also be supplemented with the antibiotic substance oxytetracycline to control the presence of bacteria. The method thus provides a useful tool to investigate offspring recruitment and larval development in solitary bees and wasps, plus their responses to manipulation of factors as for example diets, toxins and microbiota.