bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformation behavior of micro-indentation defects under uniaxial and biaxial loads
Authors: Ma Zhichao , Zhao Hongwei , Lu Shuai , Li Hailian , Liu Changyi , Liu Xianhua
Published: September 2015

The microdefects of structure frequently act as the source to generate initial cracks and lead to the fracture failure. Study on the deformation behaviors of embedded defects would be conducive to better understand the failure mechanisms of structural materials. Micro-indentation technique was applied to prepare the initial indentations as embedded surface defects at the gauge length section and central section of a cross-shaped AZ31B magnesium alloy specimen. A novel in situ biaxial tensile device was developed to apply the synchronous biaxial loads. Via the observation by an optical microscope with three-dimensional imaging and measurement functions, the changing laws of the indentation topographies under uniaxial and biaxial tensile loads were discussed. Compared with the gauge length section, the increasing trend of the indentation length of the central section was relatively flat, and the decreasing trend of the indentation depth was more significant. The changes of indentation topographies were explained by the Poisson effect, and the significant plastic tensile stress has led to the releasing of the residual stress around the indentation location and also promoted the planarization of the pileup.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Multi-Layer Graphene Quantum Dots with Oxygen-Rich Functional Groups
Authors: Hou Xiaobei , Li Yibing , Zhao Chuan
Published: September 2015

Strong green-luminescent nitrogen-doped multi-layer graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) have been prepared via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method using glucose and urea as the starting materials. The fabricated N-GQDs show a highly crystalline structure and consist of ~3–10 graphene layers with an N/C atomic ratio 5.7 %. The wavelength-dependent luminescence emission behaviour is observed with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 5.2 %. The combination of the unique optical properties introduced by nitrogen doping with the high solubility in aqueous medium offered by the surface oxygen-rich functional groups in N-GQDs provides additional advantages for their potential applications in biolabelling and bioimaging.
Spatial variability of dimethylsulfide (DMS) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in the southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Espinosa María de la Luz , Martínez Amparo , Peralta Oscar , Castro Telma
Published: September 2015

Environmental context Dimethylsulfide (DMS), the main biogenic sulfur compound in the atmosphere, is produced by the marine biosphere and plays an important role in the atmospheric sulfur cycle. This study recorded the spatial variability of DMS and dissolved and particulate dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in the water column of the southern Gulf of Mexico. The results suggest that the spatial variability of DMS and DMSP is directly related to the hydrodynamics of the study area. Abstract The spatial variability of dimethylsulfide (DMS) and dissolved and particulate dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSPd and DMSPp) was recorded in the southern Gulf of Mexico at three different depths (10, 30 and 60m) in January 2013. DMS and DMSP values were recorded through solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography. Average concentrations of DMS (2.8±1.5nM), DMSPd (1.7±0.9nM) and DMSPp (352±157nM) were significantly correlated with chlorophyll-a concentrations and the depth of the mixed layer. Vertical concentration profiles were similar, indicating a well-mixed water column with a thermocline at a depth of 50–100m. Average DMS sea-to-air flux was 5.0±1.7µmolm–2day–1. The greatest fluxes were recorded at the stations in the western region of the study area, owing to the combined effect of high DMS concentrations (3.7–7.21nM) and a high wind speed (4.4–6.8ms–1). The greatest concentrations were recorded at the stations nearest the coast. The distribution of DMS and DMSP was apparently related to the oceanic hydrodynamics.
Comparative mitogenomic analyses reveal cryptic diversity of the bryozoan Bugula neritina Linnaeus, 1758, in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Shen Xin , Tian Mei , Chu Ka Hou , Wang Jin Feng , Chen Shuai , Liu Hui Lian , Zhao Xiao Heng , Zhao Fang Qing
Published: September 2015

The bryozoan Bugula neritina Linnaeus, 1758, is known to be a complex of three cryptic species, namely Types S, D and N. In the present study, we determined the mitochondrial genomic features of B. neritina sampled from Qingdao (QD), China, and compared them with those of the genome reported for a specimen sampled from Taean Gun (TG), South Korea. The B. neritina QD mitochondrial genome has a duplication of trnL2 and lacks trnV compared with B. neritina TG. Five tRNAs (trnL1, trnA, trnE, trnY and trnV) are encoded on the light-strand of B. neritina TG mitochondrial genome, but only one tRNA (trnA) is identified on the B. neritina QD mitochondrial light strand. In contrast to the B. neritina TG mitochondrial genome, deletion of trnV and duplication of trnL2 are identified in the B. neritina QD mtDNA, and three tRNAs (trnE, trnL1 and trnY) exhibit translocation and inversion. The genetic distance in 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs) (amino acids) between the two B. neritina was 0.079, which is higher than interspecific values of 10 lophotrochozoan genera selected for comparison. All these results from comparison between the two B. neritina clearly indicate that they are genetically distinct species. Phylogenetic analysis based on cox1 and lrRNA sequences suggested that B. neritina TG belongs to the widely distributed Type S and B. neritina QD represents a new cryptic type closely related to Type N. This new type is designated as Type Y, for its occurrence in the Yellow Sea. The geographical range of the different types of B. neritina awaits further studies.
Group management influences reproductive function of the male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Authors: Koester Diana C. , Freeman Elizabeth W. , Wildt David E. , Terrell Kimberly A. , Franklin Ashley D. , Meeks Karen , Crosier Adrienne E.
Published: September 2015

Although the free-ranging cheetah is generally socially solitary, as many as 60% of males live in same-sex (usually sibling) coalitions. Under ex situ conditions, the cheetah experiences low reproductive success with only ~18% of males having ever produced young. Most male cheetahs (85%) are managed in captivity in coalitions, but with no data on the influence of social grouping on reproductive parameters. We examined the influence of singleton versus coalition management on various male cheetah physiological traits, including ejaculate quality and gonadal and adrenal hormone metabolite concentrations. We also assessed behaviour within coalitions for evidence of social hierarchy through initiation of interactions with group mates and relatedness to physiological traits. Ejaculate quality (including total motile and structurally normal spermatozoa per ejaculate) and androgen concentration profiles were higher (P < 0.05) in coalition compared with singleton males. These results support the conclusion that testis function in the cheetah, specifically related to the development of normal, motile spermatozoa and androgen production, is influenced by management with same-sex conspecifics. The findings have implications for ex situ conservation breeding programs by suggesting that reproductive quality can be enhanced through group maintenance of cheetah males.
The use of shadows in high spatial resolution, remotely sensed, imagery to estimate the height of individual Eucalyptus trees on undulating land
Authors: Verma Niva Kiran , Lamb David W.
Published: September 2015

The shadows cast by 180 individual Eucalyptus trees, of varying canopy condition, on undulating land in south-eastern Australia were used to infer their heights from 50-cm spatial resolution, multispectral aerial imagery (blue = 0.4–0.5 μm; green = 0.5–0.6 μm; red = 0.6–0.7 μm; near infrared = 0.7–1 μm). A geometrical shadow model was developed incorporating the local slope and aspect of the ground from a digital elevation model at each tree location. A method of deriving ‘local tree time’ to infer the solar elevation angle, in situations where the image acquisition time is not available, was also developed. Based on a measurement of the shadow length from the geometric centre of the tree crowns, and ignoring the role of the crown periphery in distorting the shadow shape, the tree heights were estimated with a root mean square error of ±5.6 m (~±27%) with some overestimated by as much as 50%. A geometric correction for shadow distortion assuming spherical crown geometry provided an improved estimate with a root mean square error of ±4.8 m (~±23%).
Search for aflatoxin and trichothecene production inhibitors and analysis of their modes of action
Authors: Sakuda Shohei , Yoshinari Tomoya , Furukawa Tomohiro , Jermnak Usuma , Takagi Keiko , Iimura Kurin , Yamamoto Toshiyoshi , Suzuki Michio , Nagasawa Hiromichi
Published: September 2015

Mycotoxin contamination of crops is a serious problem throughout the world because of its impact on human and animal health as well as economy. Inhibitors of mycotoxin production are useful not only for developing effective methods to prevent mycotoxin contamination, but also for investigating the molecular mechanisms of secondary metabolite production by fungi. We have been searching for mycotoxin production inhibitors among natural products and investigating their modes of action. In this article, we review aflatoxin and trichothecene production inhibitors, including our works on blasticidin S, methyl syringate, cyclo(l-Ala-l-Pro), respiration inhibitors, and precocene II.
Diffusion of GPI-anchored proteins is influenced by the activity of dynamic cortical actin
Authors: Saha Suvrajit , Lee Il-Hyung , Polley Anirban , Groves Jay T. , Rao Madan , Mayor Satyajit
Published: September 2015

Molecular diffusion at the surface of living cells is believed to be predominantly driven by thermal kicks. However, there is growing evidence that certain cell surface molecules are driven by the fluctuating dynamics of cortical cytoskeleton. Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we measure the diffusion coefficient of a variety of cell surface molecules over a temperature range of 24–37°C. Exogenously incorporated fluorescent lipids with short acyl chains exhibit the expected increase of diffusion coefficient over this temperature range. In contrast, we find that GPI-anchored proteins exhibit temperature-independent diffusion over this range and revert to temperature-dependent diffusion on cell membrane blebs, in cells depleted of cholesterol, and upon acute perturbation of actin dynamics and myosin activity. A model transmembrane protein with a cytosolic actin-binding domain also exhibits the temperature-independent behavior, directly implicating the role of cortical actin. We show that diffusion of GPI-anchored proteins also becomes temperature dependent when the filamentous dynamic actin nucleator formin is inhibited. However, changes in cortical actin mesh size or perturbation of branched actin nucleator Arp2/3 do not affect this behavior. Thus cell surface diffusion of GPI-anchored proteins and transmembrane proteins that associate with actin is driven by active fluctuations of dynamic cortical actin filaments in addition to thermal fluctuations, consistent with expectations from an “active actin-membrane composite” cell surface.
Activation of G proteins by GIV-GEF is a pivot point for insulin resistance and sensitivity
Authors: Ma Gary S. , Lopez-Sanchez Inmaculada , Aznar Nicolas , Kalogriopoulos Nicholas , Pedram Shabnam , Midde Krishna , Ciaraldi Theodore P. , Henry Robert R. , Ghosh Pradipta
Published: September 2015

Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic disorder characterized by impaired insulin signaling and cellular glucose uptake. The current paradigm for insulin signaling centers upon the insulin receptor (InsR) and its substrate IRS1; the latter is believed to be the sole conduit for postreceptor signaling. Here we challenge that paradigm and show that GIV/Girdin, a guanidine exchange factor (GEF) for the trimeric G protein Gαi, is another major hierarchical conduit for the metabolic insulin response. By virtue of its ability to directly bind InsR, IRS1, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase, GIV serves as a key hub in the immediate postreceptor level, which coordinately enhances the metabolic insulin response and glucose uptake in myotubes via its GEF function. Site-directed mutagenesis or phosphoinhibition of GIV-GEF by the fatty acid/protein kinase C-theta pathway triggers IR. Insulin sensitizers reverse phosphoinhibition of GIV and reinstate insulin sensitivity. We also provide evidence for such reversible regulation of GIV-GEF in skeletal muscles from patients with IR. Thus GIV is an essential upstream component that couples InsR to G-protein signaling to enhance the metabolic insulin response, and impairment of such coupling triggers IR. We also provide evidence that GIV-GEF serves as therapeutic target for exogenous manipulation of physiological insulin response and reversal of IR in skeletal muscles.
Incorporating longitudinal pediatric patient-centered outcome measurement into the clinical workflow using a commercial electronic health record: a step toward increasing value for the patient
Authors: Carberry Kathleen , Landman Zachary , Xie Michelle , Feeley Thomas , Henderson John , Fraser Charles
Published: September 2015

Patient-centered outcomes measurement provides healthcare organizations with crucial information for increasing value for patients; however, organizations have struggled to obtain outcomes data from electronic health record (EHR) systems. This study describes how Texas Children’s Hospital customized a commercial EHR system and assembled a cross-functional team to capture outcomes data using existing functionality. Prior to its installation and customization, no surgical subspecialties besides the congenital heart and transplant surgery groups conducted prospective, patient outcomes measurement, but by 2015, the outcomes of over 1300 unique patients with supracondylar fractures, cleft lip and/or palate, or voiding dysfunction had been tracked. Key factors for integrating outcomes measurement into the clinical workflow include ongoing communication between cross-functional teams composed of clinicians and technical professionals, an iterative design process, organizational commitment, and prioritizing measurement as early as possible during EHR optimization.
Trends in Pain Medicine Liability
Authors: Pollak Kelly A. , Stephens Linda S. , Posner Karen L. , Rathmell James P. , Fitzgibbon Dermot R. , Dutton Richard P. , Michna Edward , Domino Karen B.
Published: September 2015

AbstractAbstract

In a review of the Anesthesia Closed Claims Project database, the proportion of malpractice claims in pain medicine increased from 3% in 1980–1989 to 18% in 2000–2012, accompanied by increasing severity of injury, including death and permanent disabling injury. Claims related to cervical procedures were out of proportion to the frequency with which they are performed.

Background

The authors examined changes in the frequency of pain medicine malpractice claims and associated treatment modalities and outcomes over time.

Methods

The authors analyzed trends in pain medicine claims from 1980 to 2012 in the Anesthesia Closed Claims Project database by binary logistic regression on year of event. Pain procedures in claims from 2000 to 2012 were compared with the proportion of pain procedures reported to the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry in 2010–2014.

Results

Malpractice claims for pain medicine increased from 3% of 2,966 total malpractice claims in the Anesthesia Closed Claims Project database in 1980–1989 to 18% of 2,743 anesthesia claims in 2000–2012 (odds ratio [OR], 1.088 per year; 95% CI, 1.078 to 1.098; P < 0.001). Outcomes in pain claims became more severe over time, with increases in death and permanent disabling injury (OR, 1.094 per year; P < 0.001). Nonneurolytic cervical injections increased to 27% of pain claims in 2000–2012 (OR, 1.054; P < 0.001), whereas National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry demonstrates that lumbar injections are a more common procedure. Claims associated with medication management increased to 17% of pain claims in 2000–2012 (OR, 1.116 per year; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pain medicine claims have increased over time and have increased in severity. Claims related to cervical procedures were out of proportion to the frequency with which they are performed. These liability findings suggest that pain specialists should aggressively continue the search for safer and more effective therapies.
Azacitidine-Induced Interstitial Pneumonitis
Authors: Verriere Benjamin , Ferreira Vanessa , Denis Eric , Zahreddine Khaled , Deletie Emmanuelle , Quinsat Denis , Re Daniel
Published: September 2015

Azacitidine is a demethylating and cytotoxic drug for the treatment of adult patients with (1) myelodysplastic syndromes, (2) chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and (3) acute myeloid leukemia who are not eligible for induction treatment or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Widely described in the literature, the main adverse events are hematotoxicity, digestive toxicity, asthenia, cutaneous toxicity, and infections such as neutropenic sepsis and pneumonia. The pivotal phase III comparative and supporting studies did not point out interstitial pneumonitis as a significant adverse event. Rare clinical data from literature report interstitial lung disease secondary to azacitidine administration, which should therefore be considered as a serious potential adverse event. We, herein, report a case of an 86-year-old white woman with acute myeloid leukemia and azacitidine-induced interstitial pneumonitis.
Treatment for Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia
Authors: Salazar Adum Juan Pablo , Arora Rohit
Published: September 2015

Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST) is a chronic medical condition with a wide variety of clinical presentations making it, sometimes, very insidious at the time of the diagnosis. Several therapeutic options, including, pharmacotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and modification or ablation of the sinus node, have been proposed for the management of IST, but because of the complexity and lack of understanding of pathophysiology, it can be difficult to manage, despite the numerous treatment options currently available. The purpose of this review is to analyze the treatment for IST, focusing on the role of newer therapy and the potential benefits in the management of this cardiac rhythm disturbance.
Relationships Among Daytime Napping and Fatigue, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients
Authors: Sun Jia-Ling , Lin Chia-Chin
Published: September 2015

Background:

The relationships among napping and sleep quality, fatigue, and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients are not clearly understood.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to determine whether daytime napping is associated with nighttime sleep, fatigue, and QOL in cancer patients.

Methods:

In total, 187 cancer patients were recruited. Daytime napping, nighttime self-reported sleep, fatigue, and QOL were assessed using a questionnaire. Objective sleep parameters were collected using a wrist actigraph.

Results:

According to waking-after-sleep-onset measurements, patients who napped during the day experienced poorer nighttime sleep than did patients who did not (t = −2.44, P = .02). Daytime napping duration was significantly negatively correlated with QOL. Patients who napped after 4 PM had poorer sleep quality (t = −1.93, P = .05) and a poorer Short-Form Health Survey mental component score (t = 2.06, P = .04) than did patients who did not. Fatigue, daytime napping duration, and sleep quality were significant predictors of the mental component score and physical component score, accounting for 45.7% and 39.3% of the variance, respectively.

Conclusions:

Daytime napping duration was negatively associated with QOL. Napping should be avoided after 4 PM.

Implications for Practice:

Daytime napping affects the QOL of cancer patients. Future research can determine the role of napping in the sleep hygiene of cancer patients.
Characterizing transcriptional heterogeneity through pathway and gene set overdispersion analysis
Authors: Fan Jean , Salathia Neeraj , Liu Rui , Kaeser Gwen , Yung Yun , Herman Joseph , Kaper Fiona , Fan Jian-Bing , Zhang Kun , Chun Jerold , Kharchenko Peter V.
Published: September 2015

Single-cell transcriptome measurements are being applied at rapidly increasing scales to study cellular repertoires underpinning functions of complex tissues and organs, including mammalian brains. The transcriptional state of each cell, however, reflects a variety of biological factors, including persistent cell-type specific regulatory configurations, transient processes such as cell cycle, local metabolic demands, and extracellular signals. Depending on the biological setting, all such aspects of transcriptional heterogeneity can be of potential interest, but detecting complex heterogeneity structure from inherently uncertain single-cell data presents analytical challenges. We developed PAGODA to resolve multiple, potentially overlapping aspects of transcriptional heterogeneity by identifying known pathways or novel gene sets that show significant excess of coordinated variability among the measured cells. We demonstrate that PAGODA effectively recovers the subpopulations and their corresponding functional characteristics in a variety of single-cell samples, and use it to characterize transcriptional diversity of neuronal progenitors in the developing mouse cortex.
A collection explosion: finding our collection roots and examining how we got from there to here
Authors: Laskowski Mary S. , Maddox Abbott Jennifer A. , Norman Michael A.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present research findings from a project to identify, locate and examine the first collection of a large academic research institution. The article also examines changes in collections over time and some of the factors influencing changing collection development policies and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Methodology included historical archival research, collection discovery and item by item comparison.

Findings

– As electronic access, shared repositories and access to shared content reshape the collection development landscape, the emphasis is shifting toward global access and unique local content. And yet, we see that this new model is built on a solid foundation of collection development almost 150 years in the making.

Originality/value

– Understanding how the University Library got to where it is will help inform future decisions and directions regarding collection development, and allow others to compare our findings against their own institutional growth and forward trajectory.
Cross-country technology gap in Latin America
Authors: Misra Kaustav , Memili Esra , Welsh Dianne H.B. , Reddy Surender , Sype Gail E.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the total factor productivity (TFP) gap between the USA and eight Latin American countries for the period of 1970-2000.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper provides an explicit application of TFP estimation by employing a growth accounting approach (Solow Residual) in the presence of non-constant returns to scale and a non-parametric approach (DEA – Malmquist Index) while relaxing the scale-related constraint. A macro-based economic model of innovator and follower countries is employed to explore the linkage between technology gaps and innovations, labor productivity, trade openness, foreign direct investment, and adult workforce illiteracy rates. A pooled model and a fixed effects model are used to determine the factors of the technology gap between the innovator and the follower countries.

Findings

– The results show that the labor productivity gap, adult work force illiteracy rates, patent filing gap, and trade openness are significant determinants of the technology gap between innovator and follower country.

Practical implications

– Latin American countries would benefit from the technology diffusion from an innovator country; but a minimum threshold of human capital, such as adult workforce illiteracy rates and patent filing has to be met. The authors find government policies on trade openness also have large effects on technology limitations in foreign countries.

Originality/value

– This paper is of value to researchers, policy makers, and economic development specialists trying to improve the rate of technology adoption and innovation.
An ontology-based web service framework for construction supply chain collaboration and management
Authors: Das Moumita , Cheng Jack C.P. , Law Kincho H.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for integrating construction supply chain in order to resolve the data heterogeneity and data sharing problems in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– Standardized web service technology is used in the proposed framework for data specification, transfer, and integration. Open standard SAWSDL is used to annotate web service descriptions with pointers to concepts defined in ontologies. NoSQL database Cassandra is used for distributed data storage among construction supply chain stakeholders.

Findings

– Ontology can be used to support heterogeneous data transfer and integration through web services. Distributed data storage facilitates data sharing and enhances data control.

Practical implications

– This paper presents examples of two ontologies for expressing construction supply chain information – ontology for material and ontology for purchase order. An example scenario is presented to demonstrate the proposed web service framework for material procurement process involving three parties, namely, project manager, contractor, and material supplier.

Originality/value

– The use of web services is not new to construction supply chains (CSCs). However, it still faces problems in channelizing information along CSCs due to data heterogeneity. Trust issue is also a barrier to information sharing for integrating supply chains in a centralized collaboration system. In this paper, the authors present a web service framework, which facilitates storage and sharing of information on a distributed manner mediated through ontology-based web services. Security is enhanced with access control. A data model for the distributed databases is also presented for data storage and retrieval.
A 4D automatic simulation tool for construction resource planning: a case study
Authors: Li Heng , Chan Greg , Skitmore Martin , Huang Ting
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Traditional construction planning relies upon the critical path method and bar charts. Both of these methods suffer from visualization and timing issues that could be addressed by 4D technology specifically geared to meet the needs of the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new construction planning approach based on simulation by using a game engine.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 4D automatic simulation tool was developed and a case study was carried out. The proposed tool was used to simulate and optimize the plans for the installation of a temporary platform for piling in a civil construction project in Hong Kong. The tool simulated the result of the construction process with three variables: equipment, site layout and schedule. Through this, the construction team was able to repeatedly simulate a range of options.

Findings

– The results indicate that the proposed approach can provide a user-friendly 4D simulation platform for the construction industry. The simulation can also identify the solution being sought by the construction team. The paper also identifies directions for further development of the 4D technology as an aid in construction planning and decision making.

Research limitations/implications

– The tests on the tool are limited to a single case study and further research is needed to test the use of game engines for construction planning in different construction projects to verify its effectiveness. Future research could also explore the use of alternative game engines and compare their performance and results.

Originality/value

– The authors proposed the use of game engine to simulate the construction process based on resources, working space and construction schedule. The developed tool can be used by end-users without simulation experience.
Differentials in child nutrition and immunization among migrants and non-migrants in Urban India
Authors: Prusty Ranjan Kumar , Keshri Kunal
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand disparities in child immunization and nutritional status among children by migration status in urban India.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study utilized third round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS, 2005-2006) data, which is the Indian version of Demographic and Health Survey. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were used to study the levels and factors associated with child nutrition and immunization by migration status.

Findings

– Results suggest that malnutrition and no immunization are very high among children of rural-urban migrants and full immunization is lower than urban non-migrants and urban-urban migrants. More than half of the children from marginalized households suffer from the problem of undernutrition among rural-urban migrants. Multivariate results show economic status, age of the mother, education, caste and media exposure are negatively associated with malnutrition and positively associated with immunization. Children from south, north-east and east are found to have lesser chance of being malnourished than north region of India.

Practical implications

– The challenges experienced by rural-urban migrants are reflected over their children and needs a greater attention among policy makers in India.

Originality/value

– The finding of this study that children of the rural-urban migrants are in a disadvantageous position in terms of nutrition and immunization. This reflects the precarious condition of rural-urban migrants who initially settles in poor neighbourhoods, which are characterized by lack of adequate sanitation and clean water, poor housing and overcrowding, and difficulty in access to modern health services brought out by many researchers.
Global managers
Authors: Barakat Livia L. , Lorenz Melanie P , Ramsey Jase R. , Cretoiu Sherban L
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of cultural intelligence (CQ) on the job performance of global managers.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 332 global managers were surveyed from multinational companies operating in Brazil. The mediating effect of job satisfaction was tested on the CQ-job performance relationship.

Findings

– The findings suggest that job satisfaction transmits the effect of CQ to job performance, such that global managers high in CQ exhibit more job satisfaction in an international setting, and therefore perform better at their jobs.

Practical implications

– Results imply that global managers should increase their CQ in order to improve their job satisfaction and ultimately perform better in an international context.

Originality/value

– The authors make three primary contributions to the international business literature. First, the authors introduce job satisfaction as a possible outcome variable of CQ. Thus, this work is the first empirical study to test the effect of CQ on the job satisfaction of global managers. Second, although the job satisfaction-job performance relationship is recurrently discussed in the organizational behavior literature, it is not often explicitly associated with global managers that are working in cross-cultural settings. Finally, the authors posit that job satisfaction mediates the relationship between CQ and job performance.
A helping hand: examining the effect of foreign banks on the business environment
Authors: Hartwell Christopher A. , Michael Bryane
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The penetration of foreign banks into emerging markets has been linked with financial sector deepening and expansion of credit. However, there is little research into the interaction of financial sector institutions with broader transition and development dynamics. The purpose of this paper is to examine if the presence of foreign financial institutions helped to shape a better business environment over the long-run in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use aggregate, country-level annual data for 107 developed and emerging market countries over a shifting 30-year time span (1983-2012). The authors use Prais-Winsten and System-GMM techniques on stationary variables to highlight linkages between foreign banks and the overall business environment. Where data were found to be non-stationary, the authors applied panel cointegration approaches, including Granger Causality and full-modified OLS, to research the same relationship.

Findings

– The results show that foreign bank entry in emerging markets has had a positive effect in the broader business environment, with the biggest effects on legal protection, competitiveness, and time to import/export.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper does not consider the broader effects of foreign bank entry on competition within emerging markets, an area that the authors are considering as fruitful for future research.

Originality/value

– The issue of financial sector impact on broader business environment issues has not been studied in the extant literature. Moreover, this study makes an important contribution for policymakers who are grappling with issues related to financial sector regulation in the post-global financial crisis world.
The role of financial development in economic growth: empirical evidence from Indian states
Authors: Sehrawat Madhu , Giri A K
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial development and economic growth in Indian states using annual data from 1993 to 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

– The stationarity properties are checked by Levin-Lin-Chu and Im-Pesaran-Shin panel unit root tests. The study employed the Pedroni’s panel co-integration test to examine the existence of long-run relationship and the coefficients of co-integration are examined by fully modified ordinary least squares. The short term and long-run causality is checked by panel granger causality.

Findings

– The co-integration test confirms a long-run relationship between financial development and economic growth for Indian states. The results support the supply leading hypothesis and highlight the importance of financial development in economic growth in Indian states. The findings also indicate that bank-centric financial sector of India has the potential of economic growth through credit transmission.

Research limitations/implications

– The present study recommends for appropriate reforms in financial market to attain economic growth in India. The findings will be useful for India’s policymakers in order to maintain the parallel expansion of financial development and economic growth.

Originality/value

– Till date, there is no study that includes all 28 states in analyzing the role of financial development in economic growth for Indian economy by applying latest econometric techniques. Further, the study uses gross domestic state product instead of net domestic state product as proxy for economic growth because of the presence of different depreciation rates.
Market structure, efficiency and profitability of insurance companies in Ghana
Authors: Alhassan Abdul Latif , Addisson George Kojo , Asamoah Michael E.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the regulatory-driven market structure on firm pricing behaviour by testing the structure-conduct-performance (S-C-P) hypothesis for both life and non-life insurance markets in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a panel data on 14 life and 22 non-life insurers from 2007 to 2011, the authors employed the Herfindahl Hirschman Index and concentration ratio as proxies for the S-C-P hypothesis while efficiency scores were estimated using the data envelopment analysis technique to proxy for the efficient structure (ES) hypothesis. The dependent variable, profitability was measured as return on assets while controlling for size, underwriting risk, leverage, GDP growth rate and inflation. The models were estimated using the panel corrected standard errors of Beck and Katz (1995) and random effects estimations.

Findings

– The results from the empirical estimation provide ample evidence in support for ES hypothesis for both life and non-life insurance markets. While conflicting results was found for SCP hypothesis in the non-life insurance market, it was rejected in the life insurance market. The findings also point to an increasing level of competition in both life and non-life insurance industry in Ghana though they still remain concentrated with the life insurance sector having high levels of efficiency compared to the non-life sector.

Practical implications

– The findings of the study will enhance the understanding of firm behaviour in the new markets created to shape regulatory and competition policies of the regulator to promote consumer welfare while ensuring a stable industry to enhance its role in economic development.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to test the market power and efficient hypotheses on the insurance industry in Ghana. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to examine the determinants of profitability in the non-life insurance market.
Advanced and emerging economies Generation Y’s perception towards country-of-origin
Authors: Tjandra Nathalia C. , Omar Maktoba , Ensor John
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of Generation Y from advanced and emerging economies towards the country-of-origin (COO) of fashion products.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was conducted by employing a qualitative research method. Virtual interviews in a chat room and e-mail interviews were conducted with 53 participants from 21 advanced and emerging economies.

Findings

– The findings indicated that most Generation Y consumers perceive that fashion products made in advanced economies are of better quality compared to those made in emerging economies. However, most Generation Y consumers from advanced economies did not only pay attention to the quality of the products but also to associated ethical issues. In contrast, most Generation Y consumers from emerging economies only paid attention to functional issues. Furthermore, Generation Y’s perceptions of COO also influence their attitudes and behaviour towards the fashion products made in their own country.

Practical implications

– This research brings a valuable insight to global fashion marketers about different perceptions between Generation Y consumers in advanced and emerging economies towards COO.

Originality/value

– The majority of COO research has been conducted quantitatively and based on one or a small number of nationalities. Qualitative studies which investigate the perceptions of Generation Y from advanced and emerging economies towards COO are still limited. Thus, this study can contribute to the development of research into COO.
Market structure-performance hypothesis in Kenyan banking industry
Authors: Giorgis Sahile Solomon W. , Tarus Daniel Kipkirong , Cheruiyot Thomas Kimeli
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test market structure-performance hypothesis in banking industry in Kenya. Specifically, the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) and market efficiency hypotheses were examined to determine how market concentration and efficiency affect bank performance in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used secondary data of 44 commercial banks operating from 2000 to 2009. Three proxies to measure bank performance were used while market concentration and market share were used as proxies for market structure. Market concentration was measured using two concentration measures; the concentration ratio of the four largest banks (CR4) and Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, while market share was used as a proxy for efficiency. The study made use of generalized least square regression method.

Findings

– The empirical results confirm that market efficiency hypothesis is a predictor of firm performance in the banking sector in Kenya and rejects the traditional SCP hypothesis. Thus, the results support the view that efficient banks maximize profitability.

Practical implications

– The study provides insights into the role of efficiency in enhancing profitability in commercial banks in Kenya. It has managerial implication that profitable banks ought to be efficient and dispels the notion of collusive behavior as a precursor for profitability.

Originality/value

– The paper fills an important gap in the extant literature by proving insights into what determines bank profitability in banking sector in Kenya. Although this area is rich in research, little work has been conducted in the developing economies and in particular no study in the knowledge has addressed this critical issue in Kenya.
Exploring technological process innovation from a lifecycle perspective
Authors: Milewski Simon Korwin , Fernandes Kiran Jude , Mount Matthew Paul
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Technological process innovation (TPI) is a distinctive organizational phenomenon characterized by a firm-internal locus and underlying components such as mutual adaptation of new technology and existing organization, technological change, organizational change, and systemic impact. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the management of these components at different stages of the innovation lifecycle (ILC) in large manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors adopt an exploratory case-based research design and conduct a multiple case study of five large successful manufacturing companies operating in different industries in Germany. The authors build the study on 55 semi-structured interviews, which yielded 91.5 hours of recorded interview data. The authors apply cross-case synthesis and replication logic to identify patterns of how companies address process innovation components at different ILC stages.

Findings

– The study uncovers the content of four central TPI components across the ILC and identifies differences between the development of core and non-core processes. Based on the findings the authors describe asymmetric adaptation as a theoretical construct and propose that companies seek different levels of process standardization depending on the type of process they develop, which in turn affects whether there is a greater extent of technological or organizational change.

Practical implications

– Awareness of existing structures, processes, and technologies, as well as their value in relation to the company’s core and non-core operations is imperative to determining the adequate structure of mutual adaptation.

Originality/value

– The authors provide detailed insight on the management of mutual adaptation, technological, and organizational change, as well as systemic impact at the different stages of the ILC. The authors extend prior research by adopting an ILC perspective for the investigation of these four TPI components and by proposing a construct of asymmetric adaptation to capture key mechanisms of process development and implementation.
Making a meaningful contribution to theory
Authors: Boer Harry , Holweg Matthias , Kilduff Martin , Pagell Mark , Schmenner Roger , Voss Chris
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The need to make a “theoretical contribution” is a presumed mandate that permeates any researcher’s career in the Social Sciences, yet all too often this remains a source of confusion and frustration. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on, and further develops, the principal themes discussed in the “OM Theory” workshop in Dublin in 2011 and the special sessions at the 2011 and the 2013 EurOMA Conferences in Cambridge and Dublin.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents six short essays that explore the role and use of theory in management research, and specifically ask what is a good or meaningful contribution to theory. The authors comment on the current state of theory in Operations Management (OM) (Harry Boer), the type of theories the authors have in OM (Chris Voss), the role of theory in increasing the general understanding of OM problems (Roger Schmenner), whether the authors can borrow theories from other fields or actually have theory “of our own” (Matthias Holweg), the different ways in which a contribution to theory can be made (Martin Kilduff), and how to construct a theoretical argument (Mark Pagell).

Findings

– The authors argue that theory is fundamental to OM research, but that it is not the inevitable starting point; discovery and observation are equally important and often neglected avenues to contributing to theory. Also, there is no one right way to making a contribution, yet consistency between ontology, epistemology, and claimed contribution is what matters. The authors further argue that the choice of theory is critical, as a common mistake is trying to contribute to high-level theories borrowed from other fields. Finally, the authors recommend using theory parsimoniously, yet with confidence.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a collection of viewpoints of senior scholars on the need for, and use of, theory in OM research.
From implementation to appropriation: understanding knowledge management system development and introduction as a process of translation
Authors: Diedrich Andreas , Guzman Gustavo
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the complexities emerging in the attempts to develop a sophisticated IT-based knowledge management system (KMS) for sharing knowledge. Using actor-network theory, the authors conceptualise this as continuous processes of translation, whereby heterogeneous human and non-human (e.g. technologies, methods and plans) elements are drawn together and mobilised to produce stable networks through associations between them.

Design/methodology/approach

– The case study method was adopted using a narrative approach that studies the ways of organising work in organisations. Shadowing, field notes, diary studies and participant observation were the main data collection methods used.

Findings

– The development and introduction of a KMS is a contingent and local process shaped by messy translations whereby the original idea, human and other non-human elements are reconfigured. By considering humans and non-humans symmetrically, the intended and unintended actions, and the role of unexpected events, this approach overcomes the deterministic view of human nature of the conventional KMS approaches.

Research limitations/implications

– A conceptual framework is presented as a means to improve the understanding of the complex associations emerging within networks of people, objects and machines during the development and introduction of KMS.

Practical implications

– The translation approach helps practitioners to consider their taken-for-granted assumptions about people, machines and the associations among them. This assists practitioners to uncover emerging conflicting issues between human and machines, among machines and among humans. Furthermore, this allows practitioners to recognise the different identities humans and non-humans take, overtime, as a result of emerging associations.

Originality/value

– The originality of this paper lies in the use of alternative conceptual lenses to understand KMS development and introduction as processes of translation. Additionally, rather than exploring the success stories, it focuses on a failed attempt to introduce a KMS.