bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clostridium algifaecis sp. nov., an anaerobic bacterial species from decomposing algal scum
Authors: Wu Yu-Fan , Zheng Hui , Wu Qing-long , Yang Hong , Liu Shuang-Jiang
Published: August 2014

Two anaerobic bacterial strains, MB9-7T and MB9-9, were isolated from decomposing algal scum and were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains MB9-7T and MB9-9 are closely related to each other (99.7 % similarity) and they are also closely related to

Clostridium tyrobutyricum

(96.5 %). The two strains were Gram-stain positive and rod-shaped. Growth occurred at 20–45 °C, at pH 4.0–8.0 and at NaCl concentrations of up to 2 % (w/v). Acid was produced from glucose, xylose and mannose. Products of fermentation in PYG medium were mainly butyrate, acetate, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C14 : 0 and C16 : 0. The cellular polar lipids comprised phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two glycolipids, one phospholipid, one aminophospholipid and two aminolipids. The DNA G+C contents of strain MB9-7T and MB9-9 were 27.9 and 28.7 mol%, respectively. These results support the assignment of the new isolates to the genus

Clostridium

and also distinguish them from other species of the genus

Clostridium

. Hence, it is proposed that strains MB9-7T and MB9-9 represent a novel species of the genus

Clostridium

, with the suggested name Clostridium
algifaecis sp. nov. The type strain is MB9-7T ( = CGMCC 1.5188T = DSM 28783T).
Amino acid and carbohydrate tradeoffs by honey bee nectar foragers and their implications for plant-pollinator interactions
Authors: Hendriksma Harmen P. , Oxman Karmi L. , Shafir Sharoni
Published: August 2014

Honey bees are important pollinators, requiring floral pollen and nectar for nutrition. Nectar is rich in sugars, but contains additional nutrients, including amino acids (AAs). We tested the preferences of free-flying foragers between 20 AAs at 0.1% w/w in sucrose solutions in an artificial meadow. We found consistent preferences amongst AAs, with essential AAs preferred over nonessential AAs. The preference of foragers correlated negatively with AA induced deviations in pH values, as compared to the control. Next, we quantified tradeoffs between attractive and deterrent AAs at the expense of carbohydrates in nectar. Bees were attracted by phenylalanine, willing to give up 84 units sucrose for 1 unit AA. They were deterred by glycine, and adding 100 or more units of sucrose could resolve to offset 1 unit AA. In addition, we tested physiological effects of AA nutrition on forager homing performance. In a no-choice context, caged bees showed indifference to 0.1% proline, leucine, glycine or phenylanaline in sucrose solutions. Furthermore, flight tests gave no indication that AA nutrition affected flight capacity directly. In contrast, low carbohydrate nutrition reduced the performance of bees, with important methodological implications for homing studies that evaluate the effect of substances that may affect imbibition of sugar solution. In conclusion, low AA concentrations in nectar relative to pollen suggest a limited role in bee nutrition. Most of the 20 AAs evoked a neutral to a mild deterrent response in bees, thus it seems unlikely that bees respond to AAs in nectar as a cue to assess nutritional quality. Nonetheless, free choice behavior of foraging bees is influenced, for instance by phenylalanine and glycine. Thus, AAs in nectar may affect plant-pollinator interactions and thereby exhibit a selective pressure on the flora in the honey bee habitat.

HIGHLIGHTS

–

Amino acids in artificial nectar elicit preferences from honey bee foragers

–

Amino acid identity, pH, and essentiality explain preferences of bees

–

A honey bee forager is willing to pay a premium of carbohydrates for amino acids

–

Carbohydrate nutritional state affects flight performance of foraging bees
Nascent RNA interaction keeps PRC2 activity poised and in check
Authors: Kaneko Syuzo , Son Jinsook , Bonasio Roberto , Shen Steven S. , Reinberg Danny
Published: August 2014

Polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2) facilitates the maintenance and inheritance of chromatin domains repressive to transcription through catalysis of methylation of histone H3 at Lys27 (H3K27me2/3). However, through its EZH2 subunit, PRC2 also binds to nascent transcripts from active genes that are devoid of H3K27me2/3 in embryonic stem cells. Here, biochemical analyses indicated that RNA interaction inhibits SET domain-containing proteins, such as PRC2, nonspecifically in vitro. However, CRISPR-mediated truncation of a PRC2-interacting nascent RNA rescued PRC2-mediated deposition of H3K27me2/3. That PRC2 activity is inhibited by interactions with nascent transcripts supports a model in which PRC2 can only mark for repression those genes silenced by transcriptional repressors.
Satellite tobacco mosaic virusrefined to 1.4 Å resolution
Authors: Larson Steven B. , Day John S. , McPherson Alexander
Published: August 2014

Satellite tobacco mosaic virus(STMV) is among the smallest viruses, having 60 identical subunits arranged withT= 1 icosahedral symmetry. Its crystal structure was solved at 290 K and was refined using, in part, crystals grown in microgravity. Electron-density maps revealed nearly 57% of the genomic ssRNA. Using six flash-cooled crystals, diffraction data were recorded to 1.4 Å resolution and independent refinements of the STMV model were carried outversusthe previous 1.8 Å resolution data representing merged data from 21 crystals (271 689 unique reflections), data consisting of corresponding reflections to 1.8 Å resolution from the cooled crystals and 1.4 Å resolution data from the cooled crystals comprised of 570 721 unique reflections. Models were independently refined with full NCS constraints using the programCNSand in restrained mode using the programsCNS,REFMAC5 andSHELX-97, with the latter two procedures including anisotropic temperature factors. Significant additional structural detail emerged from the analyses, including a unique cation and anion arrangement on fivefold axes and a precise assessment of icosahedral symmetry exactness in the crystal lattice. STMV represents the highest resolution native virus structure currently known by a substantial margin, and it permits the evaluation of a precise atomic model of a spherical virus at near-atomic resolution for the first time.
Expression, crystal structure and cellulase activity of the thermostable cellobiohydrolase Cel7A from the fungusHumicola griseavar.thermoidea
Authors: Momeni Majid Haddad , Goedegebuur Frits , Hansson Henrik , Karkehabadi Saeid , Askarieh Glareh , Mitchinson Colin , Larenas Edmundo A. , Ståhlberg Jerry , Sandgren Mats
Published: August 2014

Glycoside hydrolase family 7 (GH7) cellobiohydrolases (CBHs) play a key role in biomass recycling in nature. They are typically the most abundant enzymes expressed by potent cellulolytic fungi, and are also responsible for the majority of hydrolytic potential in enzyme cocktails for industrial processing of plant biomass. The thermostability of the enzyme is an important parameter for industrial utilization. In this study, Cel7 enzymes from different fungi were expressed in a fungal host and assayed for thermostability, includingHypocrea jecorinaCel7A as a reference. The most stable of the homologues,Humicola griseavar.thermoideaCel7A, exhibits a 10°C higher melting temperature (Tmof 72.5°C) and showed a 4–5 times higher initial hydrolysis rate thanH. jecorinaCel7A on phosphoric acid-swollen cellulose and showed the best performance of the tested enzymes on pretreated corn stover at elevated temperature (65°C, 24 h). The enzyme shares 57% sequence identity withH. jecorinaCel7A and consists of a GH7 catalytic module connected by a linker to a C-terminal CBM1 carbohydrate-binding module. The crystal structure of theH. griseavar.thermoideaCel7A catalytic module (1.8 Å resolution;RworkandRfreeof 0.16 and 0.21, respectively) is similar to those of other GH7 CBHs. The deviations of several loops along the cellulose-binding path between the two molecules in the asymmetric unit indicate higher flexibility than in the less thermostableH. jecorinaCel7A.
Structure of the double-stranded DNA-binding type IV secretion protein TraN fromEnterococcus
Authors: Goessweiner-Mohr Nikolaus , Eder Markus , Hofer Gerhard , Fercher Christian , Arends Karsten , Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Grohmann Elisabeth , Keller Walter
Published: August 2014

Conjugative transfer through type IV secretion multiprotein complexes is the most important means of spreading antimicrobial resistance. Plasmid pIP501, frequently found in clinicalEnterococcus faecalisandEnterococcus faeciumisolates, is the first Gram-positive (G+) conjugative plasmid for which self-transfer to Gram-negative (G−) bacteria has been demonstrated. The pIP501-encoded type IV secretion system (T4SS) protein TraN localizes to the cytoplasm and shows specific DNA binding. The specific DNA-binding site upstream of the pIP501 origin of transfer (oriT) was identified by a novel footprinting technique based on exonuclease digestion and sequencing, suggesting TraN to be an accessory protein of the pIP501 relaxase TraA. The structure of TraN was determined to 1.35 Å resolution. It revealed an internal dimer fold with antiparallel β-sheets in the centre and a helix–turn–helix (HTH) motif at both ends. Surprisingly, structurally related proteins (excisionases from T4SSs of G+ conjugative transposons and transcriptional regulators of the MerR family) resembling only one half of TraN were found. Thus, TraN may be involved in the early steps of pIP501 transfer, possibly triggering pIP501 TraA relaxase activity by recruiting the relaxosome to the assembled mating pore.
Structure of Rot, a global regulator of virulence genes inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhu Yuwei , Fan Xiaojiao , Zhang Xu , Jiang Xuguang , Niu Liwen , Teng Maikun , Li Xu
Published: August 2014

Staphylococcus aureusis a highly versatile pathogen that can infect human tissue by producing a large arsenal of virulence factors that are tightly regulated by a complex regulatory network. Rot, which shares sequence similarity with SarA homologues, is a global regulator that regulates numerous virulence genes. However, the recognition model of Rot for the promoter region of target genes and the putative regulation mechanism remain elusive. In this study, the 1.77 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of Rot is reported. The structure reveals that two Rot molecules form a compact homodimer, each of which contains a typical helix–turn–helix module and a β-hairpin motif connected by a flexible loop. Fluorescence polarization results indicate that Rot preferentially recognizes AT-rich dsDNA with ∼30-base-pair nucleotides and that the conserved positively charged residues on the winged-helix motif are vital for binding to the AT-rich dsDNA. It is proposed that the DNA-recognition model of Rot may be similar to that of SarA, SarR and SarS, in which the helix–turn–helix motifs of each monomer interact with the major grooves of target dsDNA and the winged motifs contact the minor grooves. Interestingly, the structure shows that Rot adopts a novel dimerization model that differs from that of other SarA homologues. As expected, perturbation of the dimer interface abolishes the dsDNA-binding ability of Rot, suggesting that Rot functions as a dimer. In addition, the results have been further confirmedin vivoby measuring the transcriptional regulation of α-toxin, a major virulence factor produced by mostS. aureusstrains.
Structural basis for the substrate selectivity of PvuRts1I, a 5-hydroxymethylcytosine DNA restriction endonuclease
Authors: Shao Chen , Wang Chengliang , Zang Jianye
Published: August 2014

5-Hydroxymethylation is a curious modification of cytosine that was discovered some decades ago, but its functional role in eukaryotes still awaits elucidation. 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine is an epigenetic marker that is crucial for multiple biological processes. The profile is altered under certain disease conditions such as cancer, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Using the DNA-modification-dependent restriction endonuclease AbaSI coupled with sequencing (Aba-seq), the hydroxymethylome can be deciphered at the resolution of individual bases. The method is based on the enzymatic properties of AbaSI, a member of the PvuRts1I family of endonucleases. PvuRts1I is a modification-dependent endonuclease with high selectivity for 5-hydroxymethylcytosine over 5-methylcytosine and cytosine. In this study, the crystal structure of PvuRts1I was determined in order to understand and improve the substrate selectivity. A nuclease domain and an SRA-like domain are located at the N- and C-termini, respectively. Through comparison with other SRA-domain structures, the SRA-like domain was proposed to be the 5-hmC recognition module. Several mutants of PvuRts1I with enzymatic activity restricted to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine only were generated based on the structural analysis, and these enzyme variants are appropriate for separating the hydroxymethylome from the wider methylome.
Crystal structure of 1-cyclopropanecarbonyl-3-methyl-2,6-di-p-tolylpiperidin-4-one
Authors: Kamaraj A. , Ranjith S. , Rajkumar R. , Mohanraj G. , Krishnasamy K.
Published: August 2014

The title compound, C24H27NO2, crystallizes with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. The two molecules have very similar conformations and each exhibits an intramolecular C—H...π interaction. The central piperidine rings adopt boat conformations and thep-tolyl rings are inclined to the mean plane of the piperidine ring by 71.21 (11) and 89.86 (12)° in moleculeAand by 68.01 (12) and 89.33 (12)° in moleculeB. The cyclopropanecarbonyl group is oriented at an angle of 68.5 (2)° with respect to the mean plane of the piperidine ring in moleculeAand 66.2 (2)° in moleculeB. In the crystal, theAandBmolecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, enclosingR21(6) ring motifs, forming ribbons running along thea-axis direction.
Crystal structure of diethyl [(4-nitrophenylamino)(2-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]phosphonate methanol monosolvate
Authors: Wang QingMing , Su Feng , Yang TingTing , Lu LiPing , Zhu MiaoLi
Published: August 2014

In the title compound, C17H21N2O6P·CH3OH, the planes of the 4-nitroaniline and 2-hydroxyphenyl groups form a dihedral angle of 84.04 (8)°. The P atom exhibits tetrahedral geometry involving twoO-ethyl groups, a Cα atom and a double-bonded O atom. In the crystal, O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the α-aminophosphonic acid and methanol molecules into chains that propagate parallel to theaaxis.
Crystal structure of bis(propane-1,3-diammonium) hexafluoridoaluminate fluoride trihydrate
Authors: Abdi I. , Al-Sadhan K. A. , Ben Ali A.
Published: August 2014

The title compound, (C3H10N2)2[AlF6]F·3H2O, was obtained using the solvothermal method with aluminium hydroxide, HF and propane-1,3-diamine as precursors in ethanol as solvent. The structure consists of isolated [AlF6]3−octahedra, diprotonated propane-1,3-diamine cations [(H2dap)2+], free fluoride ions and water molecules of solvation. The Al—F bond lengths in the octahedral [AlF6]3−anions range from 1.7690 (19) to 1.8130 (19) Å, with an average value of 1.794 Å. Each [AlF6]3−anion is surrounded by three water molecules and by six diprotonated amine cations. The `free' fluoride ion is hydrogen bonded to four H atoms belonging to four dications and has a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The three water molecules are connected by hydrogen bonds, forming trimers that connect the AlF6octahedra and dications into a three-dimensional framework.
Crystal structure of 3-[4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-ium-1-yl]butanoate
Authors: Yamuna Thammarse S. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Kaur Manpreet , Anderson Brian J. , Yathirajan H.S.
Published: August 2014

The title compound, C12H18N4O2, crystallizes in the zwitterionic form with protonation at the N atom of the piperazine ring bearing the carboxylate group. The piperazine ring adopts a slightly distorted chair conformation. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds are observed, forming chains along [010]. The packing is consolidated by C—H...O interactions, which generate a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of 4-ethoxy-N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-N-phenylaniline
Authors: Wu Liang-Tao , Kong Ming , Wu Jie-Ying
Published: August 2014

In the title compound, C22H23NO2, the planes of the ethoxybenzene rings are oriented with respect to that of the phenyl ring at dihedral angles of 61.77 (8) and 84.77 (8)°, and they are twisted with respect to one another, with a dihedral angle of 80.37 (7)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...π interactions link the molecules into supramolecular chains propagating along [101].
Crystal structure of bis{N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]quinolin-8-amine-κ3N,N′,N′′}nickel(II) dichloride 3.5-hydrate
Authors: Kariuki Benson M. , Al-Sudani Abdul-Razak H.
Published: August 2014

In the title compound, [Ni(C13H17N3)2]Cl2·3.5H2O, the geometry of the NiN6complex cation is slightly distorted octahedral, with a facial arrangement of the two tridentateN-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]quinolin-8-amine ligands around the metal ion. The asymmetric unit consists of two independent complex half-molecules located on centres of inversion, together with two chloride counter-anions and 3.5 water molecules of solvation, one of which is disordered across an inversion centre. In the crystal, O—H...O, O—H...Cl and N—H...Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions form a three-dimensional network structure.
Crystal structure of 3,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1-propyl-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane
Authors: Lefrada Leila , Bouchemma Ahcene , Bouacida Sofiane , Claiser Nicolas , Souhassou Mohamed
Published: August 2014

In the title molecule, C18H21Cl2N3, the triazacyclohexane ring adopts a chair conformation with both 4-chlorophenyl substituents in axial positions and the propyl group in an equatorial site. The dihedral angle between the planes of the benzene rings is 49.5 (1)°. In the crystal, molecules are arranged in a head-to-tail fashion, forming columns along [010], and pairs of weak C—H...π interactions form inversion dimers between columns.
5-Chloro-3-(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-2,7-dimethyl-1-benzofuran
Authors: Choi Hong Dae , Lee Uk
Published: August 2014

In the title compound, C16H12ClFO3S, the dihedral angle between the plane of the benzofuran ring system [r.m.s. deviation = 0.007 (1) Å] and that of the 4-fluorophenyl ring is 76.11 (5)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked into [010] chainsviatwo different inversion-generated pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure also exhibits weak π–π interactions between the benzene and furan rings of neighbouring molecules [centroid–centroid distance = 3.820 (2) Å].
Application of Patterson-function direct methods to materials characterization
Authors: Rius Jordi
Published: August 2014

The aim of this article is a general description of the so-called Patterson-function direct methods (PFDM), from their origin to their present state. It covers a 20-year period of methodological contributions to crystal structure solution, most of them published inActa Crystallographica Section A. The common feature of these variants of direct methods is the introduction of the experimental intensities in the form of the Fourier coefficients of origin-free Patterson-type functions, which allows the active use of both strong and weak reflections. The different optimization algorithms are discussed and their performances compared. This review focuses not only on those PFDM applications related to powder diffraction data but also on some recent results obtained with electron diffraction tomography data.
Contemporary X-ray electron-density studies using synchrotron radiation
Authors: Jørgensen Mads R. V. , Hathwar Venkatesha R. , Bindzus Niels , Wahlberg Nanna , Chen Yu-Sheng , Overgaard Jacob , Iversen Bo B.
Published: August 2014

Synchrotron radiation has many compelling advantages over conventional radiation sources in the measurement of accurate Bragg diffraction data. The variable photon energy and much higher flux may help to minimize critical systematic effects such as absorption, extinction and anomalous scattering. Based on a survey of selected published results from the last decade, the benefits of using synchrotron radiation in the determination of X-ray electron densities are discussed, and possible future directions of this field are examined.
Structural basis for the inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases 1 and 2 by BMN 673, a potent inhibitor derived from dihydropyridophthalazinone
Authors: Aoyagi-Scharber Mika , Gardberg Anna S. , Yip Bryan K. , Wang Bing , Shen Yuqiao , Fitzpatrick Paul A.
Published: August 2014

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases 1 and 2 (PARP1 and PARP2), which are involved in DNA damage response, are targets of anticancer therapeutics. BMN 673 is a novel PARP1/2 inhibitor with substantially increased PARP-mediated tumor cytotoxicity and is now in later-stage clinical development for BRCA-deficient breast cancers. In co-crystal structures, BMN 673 is anchored to the nicotinamide-binding pocketviaan extensive network of hydrogen-bonding and π-stacking interactions, including those mediated by active-site water molecules. The novel di-branched scaffold of BMN 673 extends the binding interactions towards the outer edges of the pocket, which exhibit the least sequence homology among PARP enzymes. The crystallographic structural analyses reported here therefore not only provide critical insights into the molecular basis for the exceptionally high potency of the clinical development candidate BMN 673, but also new opportunities for increasing inhibitor selectivity.
Structure ofToxoplasma gondiifructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase
Authors: Boucher Lauren E. , Bosch Jürgen
Published: August 2014

The apicomplexan parasiteToxoplasma gondiimust invade host cells to continue its lifecycle. It invades different cell types using an actomyosin motor that is connected to extracellular adhesinsviathe bridging protein fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase. During invasion, aldolase serves in the role of a structural bridging protein, as opposed to its normal enzymatic role in the glycolysis pathway. Crystal structures of the homologousPlasmodium falciparumfructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase have been described previously. Here,T. gondiifructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase has been crystallized in space groupP22121, with the biologically relevant tetramer in the asymmetric unit, and the structure has been determinedviamolecular replacement to a resolution of 2.0 Å. An analysis of the quality of the model and of the differences between the four chains in the asymmetric unit and a comparison between theT. gondiiandP. falciparumaldolase structures is presented.
Evaluating the business value of IT requirements
Authors: Thakurta Rahul , Gupta Mayank
Published: August 2014

Subject area

The case “Evaluating Business Value of IT Requirements” addresses a software/information technology (IT) project management concern of assessing value of specified project requirements upfront.

Study level/applicability

This newly designed case is suitable for the students of an undergraduate programme, an MBA programme and practitioners. Assignment questions are designed from the perspective of teaching this case to a business student audience. The case is ideally suited for the IT strategy course where approaches to identifying business value of software investments are discussed.

Case overview

Set in November 2011, the case begins with the dilemmas facing Mr Suneel as he tries to come up with an approach that could facilitate evaluation of business value of software at a relatively early stage of its development. Based on a review of available literary sources, he proposed a six-step approach that incorporates responses of both the project representatives and business representatives. The final result is a quantitative representation of business value that is expected to facilitate both the business and the project organisation to finalise on software features that contribute significantly in realising the intended business objectives.

Expected learning outcomes

To introduce the concept of business value and its associated dimensions; to introduce the concept of project scenarios and its constituents; to highlight the benefits of an early assessment of the business value; and to demonstrate how one can link software requirements to business value and the difficulties associated with the estimation process.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Wooing fans back into Ghana stadia – in the wake of the globalization of football
Authors: Frimpong Kwabena
Published: August 2014

Subject area

Marketing Strategy and Marketing Management. It can also be used to illustrate the application of specific concepts and frameworks, such as “revenue (demand/Capacity) management” in services marketing and “Integrated Marketing Communication” under marketing communication.

Study level/applicability

Postgraduate and Final Year Marketing Majors.

Case overview

The case describes how the Ghana Premier League (GPL), the flagship football product of the Ghana Football Association, continues to record low attendances at various league centres since the turn of the new millennium. The case highlights the effects of global forces (both macro and micro factors) on the patronage of GPL matches. It also brings into focus the effects of professionalization and commercialization of the league, especially, on traditional football clubs. It presents discussions on the need for football clubs to adopt sound management principles, such as market-orientation in response to the dynamic global forces. Apart from illustrating the effects of globalization on football, the case can also be used for teaching topics on integrated marketing communication/brand management and revenue management for perishable services.

Expected learning outcomes

To enable students to appreciate how the forces of globalization affect businesses in developing countries; to enable students to apply strategic marketing frameworks (PEST, Porter's five forces Model, SWOT, etc.) to analyse business situations; to enable candidates/students to understand the use of services management principles to address problems relating to perishable demand and unused capacity; students should understand the importance of quality products/services and branding to an organization's ability to deliver exceptional customer experience; to enable students apply the elements of integrated marketing communication to address organizational problems; andto sharpen students' critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Loyalty intentions
Authors: Mathew Veeva , Thirunelvelikaran Mohammed Ali Rofin , Thomas Sam
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to present a model linking loyalty intention, brand commitment, brand credibility and brand awareness. The model shows the mediating role of brand commitment and brand credibility on loyalty intention. The researchers also investigated the changes in the given model under high and low involvement conditions, explicitly considering involvement as between-subject differences rather than between-product differences. The change in customer loyalty intention under varying levels of product involvement is a highly debated topic among researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The model was tested on a sample of 318 executives who have bought and are using deodorants. The respondents had given responses for loyalty intentions, brand commitment, brand credibility, brand awareness and involvement towards the brand of deodorant that they use. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the tool for measurement of constructs and multi-group structural equation modelling for testing the hypotheses and comparing the nested models.

Findings

– The difference between high and low involvement groups in the given model supports the hierarchy-of-effects view. We found that attitude precedes behaviour for highly involved individuals but followed a different hierarchy among the individuals with low involvement.

Research limitations/implications

– This research investigates the proposed model for a single product category and so the scope of generalisability is limited to the product selected. This research has considered behavioural intention rather than the behaviour in this study.

Practical implications

– The study demonstrates the differences in the hierarchy-of-effects among low/high involvement groups. Thus, the findings will have an impact on the approach of practitioners, as different strategies will have to be adopted for the enhancement of loyalty intentions based on the difference in perceived involvement of consumers.

Originality/value

– This paper shows the need to differently target consumers with different levels of perceived involvement, within the same product class and thus between-subject involvement can be used as a segmentation variable.
Use of information and communication technology to support employee-driven innovation in organizations: a knowledge management perspective
Authors: Jarle Gressgård Leif , Amundsen Oscar , Merethe Aasen Tone , Hansen Kåre
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organizations focusing on employee-driven innovation (EDI) use information and communication technologies (ICT)-based tools in their innovation work. EDI involves systematic exploitation of knowledge resources in organizations. Thus, the role of ICT for efficient knowledge management is important in this respect.

Design/methodology/approach

– In-depth interviews with employees, managers and union representatives from 20 organizations focusing on EDI were conducted. The sample included organizations from eight different industries, representing both private and public sectors.

Findings

– The results show that ICT-based tools can support the processes of acquisition, dissemination and exploitation of knowledge, which are important aspects of EDI. However, use of ICT-based tools has to be aligned with organizational structures and professional role conduct to be efficient.

Practical implications

– This study contributes to practice by highlighting several factors that organizations should emphasize to succeed with application of external and internal knowledge in their innovation work.

Originality/value

– This study applies a knowledge management perspective on the role of ICT-based tools to support EDI in organizations. The findings contribute to an improved understanding of organizational conditions for succeeding with use of ICT-based tools in innovation work, and emphasize that perspectives on knowledge management, technology management and human resource management have to be combined to understand how EDI can be promoted by using ICT in organizations.
Outsourcing of knowledge processes: a literature review
Authors: Runar Edvardsson Ingi , Durst Susanne
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to review research on outsourcing of knowledge processes to establish the current body of knowledge and, on this basis, to identify gaps in our understanding. This action will justify further research activities and clarify where no future research is currently needed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study consists of a systematic review of 24 refereed empirical articles on outsourcing of knowledge processes.

Findings

– Five themes were identified: outsourcing of knowledge processes, outsourcing and collaborative agreements between knowledge-based firms, factors affecting successful knowledge outsourcing, knowledge management and knowledge outsourcing and other outsourcing issues. There seems to be a lack of understanding concerning knowledge process outsourcing.

Research limitations/implications

– This study may not have enabled a complete coverage of all empirical articles in the field of knowledge process outsourcing. Yet, it seems reasonable to assume that the review process covered a large share of studies available.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no systematic literature review on this topic has previously been published in academic journals.
Structural social capital and innovation. Is knowledge transfer the missing link?
Authors: Filieri Raffaele , Alguezaui Salma
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to address the gap that, to date, no systematic review has been carried out on the role that structural social capital (SC) plays for knowledge transfer and innovation at the interpersonal, inter-unit and inter-firm levels. Individuals and organisations are becoming increasingly involved in collaboration networks to share knowledge and generate innovation. SC theory has been adopted in several areas of study to explain how individuals, groups and organisations manage relationships to generate innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

– This review covers studies of SC in organisational behaviour, strategy and management over a period of 20 years.

Findings

– The literature review shows that knowledge types and knowledge transfer processes are the missing links in the relationship between structural SC and innovation. Moreover, the paper demonstrates that seemingly opposite configurations of SC are complementary to each other (structural holes vs dense networks; strong vs weak ties) and that contextual factors should be considered when discussing the effects of SC on knowledge transfer and innovation. In addition, it is the balance of different configurations of SC which enables an individual or a company to explore, access, assimilate and combine different knowledge types, which will lead to improved innovation outcomes.

Originality/value

– This review facilitates understanding of the role of SC for knowledge transfer processes and the mediating role of knowledge transfer processes and knowledge types in the relationship between structural SC and innovation.
Classification of supply chain knowledge: a morphological approach
Authors: Sudhindra S. , Ganesh L.S. , Arshinder K.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the article is to create a knowledge classification model that can be used by knowledge management (KM) practitioners for establishing a knowledge management framework (KMF) in a supply chain (SC) network. Epistemological and ontological aspects of knowledge have been examined. SC networks provide a more generic setting for managing knowledge due to the additional issues concerning flow of knowledge across the boundaries of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Morphological analysis has been used to build the knowledge classification model. Morphological approach is particularly useful in exploratory research on concepts/entities having multiple dimensions. Knowledge itself has been shown in literature to have many characteristics, and the methodology used has enabled a comprehensive classification scheme based on such characteristics.

Findings

– A single comprehensive classification model for knowledge that exists in SC networks has been proposed. Nine characteristics, each possessing two or more value options, have been finally included in the model.

Research limitations/implications

– Knowledge characteristics have been mostly derived from past research with the exception of three which have been introduced without empirical evidence. Although the article is primarily about SC knowledge, the results are fairly generic.

Practical implications

– The proposed model would be of use in developing KM policies, procedures and establishing knowledge management systems in SC networks. The model will cater to both system and people aspects of a KMF.

Originality/value

– The proposed knowledge classification model based on morphological analysis fills a gap in a vital area of research in KM as well as SC management. No similar classification model of knowledge with all its dimensions has been found in literature.
Multi-level analysis of knowledge transfer: a knowledge recipient’s perspective
Authors: Kang Minhyung , Sauk Hau Yong
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to adopt the recipient’s perspective to explore multi-level antecedents’ effects on knowledge transfer using social capital and social network theories.

Design/methodology/approach

– Social network and general attribute survey responses from 331 employees were analyzed through hierarchical linear modeling to verify the study’s multi-level research model and hypotheses.

Findings

– A recipient’s trust in colleagues positively influences knowledge transfer and company tenure has a negative impact. At a dyadic level, the perceived expertise of a source, in addition to strength of ties, exerts a positive effect on knowledge transfer. Additionally, a recipient’s network centrality moderates the effects of dyadic relationships on knowledge transfer.

Research limitations/implications

– This study deepened the current understanding of the role of social capital in knowledge transfer from a recipient’s perspective. Three dimensions of a recipient’s social capital respectively showed significant, but different types of influence on knowledge transfer. Interaction effects between individual and dyadic level antecedents should be considered as well.

Practical implications

– Both a strong tie at a dyadic level and a diverse network at an individual level should be nurtured to facilitate knowledge transfer. In addition, bi-directional knowledge transfer between seasoned employees and new employees should be promoted.

Originality/value

– Most studies have focused on motivating a knowledge source, assuming that a recipient is always ready to adopt a source’s knowledge. To reduce this bias, the current study examined social capital’s role in knowledge transfer from a recipient’s perspective.
Provision of an integrated data analysis platform for computational neuroscience experiments
Authors: Munir Kamran , Liaquat Kiani Saad , Hasham Khawar , McClatchey Richard , Branson Andrew , Shamdasani Jetendr
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrated analysis base to facilitate computational neuroscience experiments, following a user-led approach to provide access to the integrated neuroscience data and to enable the analyses demanded by the biomedical research community.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design and development of the N4U analysis base and related information services addresses the existing research and practical challenges by offering an integrated medical data analysis environment with the necessary building blocks for neuroscientists to optimally exploit neuroscience workflows, large image data sets and algorithms to conduct analyses.

Findings

– The provision of an integrated e-science environment of computational neuroimaging can enhance the prospects, speed and utility of the data analysis process for neurodegenerative diseases.

Originality/value

– The N4U analysis base enables conducting biomedical data analyses by indexing and interlinking the neuroimaging and clinical study data sets stored on the grid infrastructure, algorithms and scientific workflow definitions along with their associated provenance information.
Electronic service quality in online shopping and risk reduction strategies
Authors: Vos Angeliki , Marinagi Catherine , Trivellas Panagiotis , Eberhagen Niclas , Giannakopoulos Georgios , Skourlas Christos
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate risk reduction strategies in online shopping through the perspective of buyer’s trust.

Design/methodology/approach

– An explanatory research approach is adopted to identify cause-and-effect relationships between e-quality and customers’ loyalty, satisfaction and trust. This approach is accomplished through field research, which is based on a structured questionnaire that utilizes the E-S-QUAL tool, which is a multiple-item general scale for measuring electronic service quality. The sample is consisted of 92 e-buyers (consumers).

Findings

– The field research revealed that three e-quality dimensions, namely, ease of use, customization and assurance, e-scape and responsiveness, have significant positive effects on e-loyalty and e-satisfaction. Regarding e-trust, only customization and assurance exerts a significant positive effect.

Research limitations/implications

– The field research provides in-depth understanding of relationships among e-loyalty, e-satisfaction and e-trust. The majority of the respondents are young people living in Athens, Greece, highly educated, with a relative low monthly income.

Originality/value

– This study investigates how trust is affecting the consumers’ engagement to e-commerce, suggesting the appropriate security that should be taken to mitigate perceived risks. Reviewing security measures can help reduce risks of an e-company and simultaneously enforce the level of trust and customers' intentions to buy.
Developing and managing digital service ecosystems: a service science viewpoint
Authors: Kutsikos Konstadinos , Konstantopoulos Nikolaos , Sakas Damianos , Verginadis Yiannis
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The need for modern enterprises to seamlessly interoperate poses significant challenges on their capabilities for engaging in multiple business networks. This paper considers a particular type of business network, namely, “service ecosystems”, and proposes architecture for enabling business firms to: control dissemination and usage of the resources they contribute to the ecosystem; and develop corresponding service offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review informed our research work and contextualized the development of relevant research questions. The research questions were based on unstructured, creative techniques (e.g. brainstorming), combined with rigorous requirements specification for software tools developed as part of this research. Overall development was based on service science and enterprise interoperability research, distilled in four principles that provided the context and direction for this work.

Findings

– Three key components of the proposed architecture were developed: service map, which identifies the building blocks needed to construct a service ecosystem; interoperability model, as a decision-making mechanism for dynamic (re-) arrangement of a service map’s building blocks; and shared service infrastructure for the provision of support services to all ecosystem participants.

Originality/value

– This research has advanced current thinking in developing and managing service ecosystems. By adopting a service science viewpoint (service value co-creation, value-in-use), a holistic approach for building collaboration capabilities is described: at the enterprise level, it pertains to decision-making mechanisms for service provision; at the ecosystem level, it pertains to a software platform for managing common collaboration tasks.
Intangible-driven value creation: supporting and obstructing factors
Authors: Shakina Elena , Molodchik Mariya
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the factors that support or obstruct market value creation through intangible capital.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper explores the impact of intangibles and exogenous shocks on corporate attractiveness for investors measured by market value added. Specifically, the relationship between intangible-driven outperformance of companies, measured by economic value added (EVA) and a number of intangible drivers on macro-, meso- and micro-levels is analyzed. It is supposed that the process of value creation is not only confined to companies’ performances. The empirical research was conducted on > 900 public companies from Europe and the USA during the period of 2005-2009.

Findings

– The study establishes that investment attractiveness is affected by intangibles. It is found that a company’s experience, size and innovative focus facilitate value creation. An unexpected result was revealed concerning countries’ education level, which appears to be an obstructive condition for intangible-driven value creation.

Research limitations/implications

– The study reveals the significance of industry belonging for intangible-driven value creation. Nevertheless, it does not discover the particular characteristics of industry that influence corporate attractiveness for investors. These issues could be addressed in future research.

Practical implications

– The findings established in this study extend the understanding of the phenomenon of intangible capital and enable the improvement of investment decision-making.

Originality/value

– The study emphasizes the holistic framework of market value creation by analyzing a number of strategic crucial factors in line with EVA.
Consumer confusion proneness: insights from a developing economy
Authors: Tjiptono Fandy , Arli Denni , Bucic Tania
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine young consumers’ general tendency to become confused and its effect on the word of mouth, trust, and consumer satisfaction in Indonesia – the largest smartphone market in Southeast Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

– A combination of convenience and purposive sampling were used to select the sample of young adults in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY), Indonesia.

Findings

– The results confirm that consumer confusion proneness comprises three dimensions; similarity confusion, overload confusion, and ambiguity confusion among young consumers in the smartphone market. Furthermore, each dimension has different consumer behavioural implications.

Practical implications

– In the context of Indonesia and when targeting young consumers, companies should focus on defining unique product features instead of simply imitating competitor offerings, because similarity confusion negatively affects consumer trust. Moreover, managers should consistently emphasize unique and value-adding features to overload the product. This will lead to increased positive word of mouth, especially with the growing trend of social media usage among young consumers in Indonesia.

Originality/value

– This paper represents a replication of Walsh and Mitchell's (2010) study. It is unique in that it is set in the context of the Indonesian smartphone market – the largest smartphone market in Southeast Asia, and concentrates specifically on the young consumer market. It provides valuable insights into the impact of consumer confusion proneness on the word of mouth, trust, and consumer across this age group and in this market.