bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐Infrared Spectroscopic Evaluation of Single‐Kernel Deoxynivalenol Accumulation and Fusarium Head Blight Resistance Components in Wheat
Authors: Peiris Kamaranga H. S. , Bockus William W. , Dowell Floyd E.
Published: June 2015

Fusarium head blight (FHB) symptoms, single‐kernel deoxynivalenol (DON) levels, and distribution of DON levels among kernels in response to artificial FHB inoculation were investigated in three selected wheat cultivars that had different reported levels of FHB resistance. DON levels were estimated with near‐infrared spectroscopy. The percentages of DON‐containing spikelets per spike of 15.2, 49.7, and 89.1% were significantly different among point‐inoculated spikes of Everest, Karl 92, and Overley, respectively. The percentage of visually Fusarium‐damaged kernels in point‐inoculated Karl 92 and Overley spikes was significantly higher than for Everest. However, the DON‐containing spikelets per spike and visually Fusarium‐damaged kernels values for spray‐inoculated spikes were not significantly different among the three cultivars. In spray‐inoculated spikes, DON levels in kernels ranged from 0 to 291.3 ppm, whereas the variation of DON levels in spikelet positions was random. In contrast, DON levels in spikelets below the inoculated spikelet in point‐inoculated spikes showed marked differences among the three cultivars. Overley had the highest DON accumulation in kernels. This near‐infrared spectroscopy method may be used as a novel way to evaluate wheat cultivars for FHB resistance to toxin accumulation. Other resistance components such as resistance to pathogen infection and resistance to pathogen spread may also be evaluated.
Changes in Semolina Yellow Pigment Content and Carotenoid Composition During Pasta Processing
Authors: Chiremba Constance , Pozniak Curtis J. , Fu Bin Xiao
Published: June 2015

Changes in total yellow pigment (TYP) content and carotenoid composition were examined at different stages of pasta processing. Semolina samples were milled from durum genotypes with and without the Lpx‐B1.1 gene deletion and then processed into dry pasta. Significant pigment loss (12.8–15.3%) based on TYP content was observed from semolina to dough in genotypes without the gene deletion. Such loss remained low (2.0–2.8%) for genotypes with the Lpx‐B1.1 gene deletion. Extrusion and drying processes did not result in substantial pigment loss. The overall pigment loss (from semolina to dried pasta) of genotypes with the gene deletion was 9.1–12.8%, in comparison with 19.0–21.7% in genotypes without the deletion. Changes in carotenoids examined by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography showed that lutein decreased gradually from representing 80% of total carotenoids to 70% of total carotenoids during pasta processing. The reduction of lutein was mostly during dough mixing, with a decrease of 16.7% in genotypes with the Lpx‐B1.1 deletion and 27.8% in genotypes without the deletion. Minor carotenoids increased during pasta drying, possibly at the expense of lutein. Results of this study showed that although breeding for elevated yellow pigments is the key, pasta color can be further improved by reducing pigment losses at different stages of pasta processing through selection of genotypes with Lpx‐B1.1 deletion and applying a vacuum during mixing and extrusion processes.
Influence of Malting on the Protein Composition of Spelt (Triticum spelta L.) ‘Frankenkorn’
Authors: Munoz‐Insa Alicia , Gastl Martina , Becker Thomas
Published: June 2015

Although spelt has promising aptitudes for beer and beverage production, almost no investigation about its protein modifications during malting has been conducted. Spelt proteins during the malting process were separated and analyzed, first, according to the isoelectric point and molecular weight (MW) and, second, according to solubility and MW. Moreover, the composition of the free amino acid was determined. Spelt proteins could be divided into a total of 13 zones according to their isoelectric point and MW. Most of the present proteins (90%) had a MW between 35,000 and 60,000 and an isoelectric point between 5.84 and 9.52. The most prominent protein fraction was defined by an isoelectric point between 5.84 and 6.89 and a MW between 35,000 and 55,000. Generally, a protein degradation process during malting was found. The Osborne fractionation revealed an albumin band pattern between 14,000 and 131,700, globulin ranging from 13,400 to 130,500, gliadin from 14,500 to 220,800, and glutenin from 19,800 to 215,300. The free amino acid composition increased in concentration except for asparagine, which decreased during malting. This paper contributes to the understanding of the protein modifications and metabolic changes during the malting process of spelt and facilitates the determination of the potential of this cereal for the production of cereal‐based products.
Recent Progress in RXLR Effector Research
Authors: Anderson Ryan G. , Deb Devdutta , Fedkenheuer Kevin , McDowell John M.
Published: June 2015

Some of the most devastating oomycete pathogens deploy effector proteins, with the signature amino acid motif RXLR, that enter plant cells to promote virulence. Research on the function and evolution of RXLR effectors has been very active over the decade that has transpired since their discovery. Comparative genomics indicate that RXLR genes play a major role in virulence for Phytophthora and downy mildew species. Importantly, gene-for-gene resistance against these oomycete lineages is based on recognition of RXLR proteins. Comparative genomics have revealed several mechanisms through which this resistance can be broken, most notably involving epigenetic control of RXLR gene expression. Structural studies have revealed a core fold that is present in the majority of RXLR proteins, providing a foundation for detailed mechanistic understanding of virulence and avirulence functions. Finally, functional studies have demonstrated that suppression of host immunity is a major function for RXLR proteins. Host protein targets are being identified in a variety of plant cell compartments. Some targets comprise hubs that are also manipulated by bacteria and fungi, thereby revealing key points of vulnerability in the plant immune network.
Risk of False Positives during Sampling for Heterobasidion annosum s.l.
Authors: Gunulf Åberg Anna , Witzell Johanna , Rönnberg Jonas
Published: June 2015

A standard method to detect infection by Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato (s.l.) in stumps or stems is to cut a disc and examine it under a microscope. Concerns have been raised that spores can be transferred from the bark to the cut surface, thus contaminating the sample. The aims of this study were to test whether viable basidiospores of H. annosum s.l. can be transferred from the bark onto disc surfaces by a chainsaw and to investigate the impacts of different sampling procedures on the extent of contaminations. Logs were cut with or without adding basidiospores to the bark prior to the cut. Infection measurements were significantly greater for discs with treated bark (100% infected, infection coverage 40 cm2 dm−2 of disc area) compared with control discs (47% infected, infection coverage 0.2 to 0.3 cm2 dm−2). In addition, trees were sampled under authentic field conditions using different procedures. The infection measurements differed significantly depending on the procedure; sampling involving debarking or disinfection of the bark with 70% ethanol prior to cutting had lower measurements (6 to 19% and 13% infected, respectively) compared with leaving the bark on untreated (63 to 75% infected). Consideration of the contamination risk is warranted when evaluating the results of earlier studies and when planning new experiments.
Distribution of Hoplolaimus Species in Soybean Fields in South Carolina and North Carolina
Authors: Holguin Claudia M. , Ma Xinyuan , Mueller John D. , Agudelo Paula
Published: June 2015

Hoplolaimus columbus is an important nematode pest of soybean in South Carolina and North Carolina. Tolerant cultivars are available for the management of this plant-parasitic nematode; however, variation in the response of soybean cultivars to H. columbus populations has been observed. This variation may be due to the presence of different species or high genetic diversity of H. columbus populations. The objective of this study was to identify the Hoplolaimus spp. present in fields representing the main soybean-growing regions in South Carolina and North Carolina and to examine the genetic variability of these populations. In South Carolina, the only species found associated with soybean was H. columbus but, in North Carolina, H. stephanus was the dominant species. The two species were never found together. Genetic variability analyses of a mitochondrial and a nuclear marker showed that only one haplotype was shared by the H. columbus populations. H. stephanus showed higher genetic variability, with private haplotypes per sampling location. Knowledge of the distribution and genetic variability of these two Hoplolaimus spp. is valuable to growers to determine potentially damaging infestations of these plant-parasitic nematodes in soybean fields.
The Prognostic Significance of c-MET and EGFR Overexpression in Resected Gastric Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Paliga Aleksandra , Marginean Horia , Tessier-Cloutier Basile , Purgina Bibianna , Jonker Derek , Marginean Esmeralda C.
Published: June 2015

Objectives:

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-MET are tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors implicated in gastric cancer (GC), and their pathways appear to be interdependent. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of EGFR and c-MET protein overexpression by immunohistochemistry in Canadian patients with resected GC and correlate it with clinicopathologic characteristics and overall survival (OS).

Materials and Methods:

Tissue microarray blocks were constructed from 120 resected GCs stained with EGFR and c-MET and scored semiquantitatively (0 to 3+). Each receptor’s expression was compared with clinicopathologic characteristics and survival. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meyer, and Cox regression were used for statistical analyses.

Results:

Of the 113 interpretable cases, overexpression of EGFR and c-MET was noted in 17 (15%) and 65 (57%), respectively; coexpression of EGFR and c-MET was observed in 12 (10%) of GC. EGFR and c-MET overexpression correlated with poor OS: median 13 versus 30 months in EGFR positive versus negative GC (hazard ratio [HR]=1.67, P=0.11); 27 versus 49 months in c-MET positive versus negative GC (HR=1.17, P=0.49), respectively. GC coexpressing EGFR and c-MET was significantly correlated with poor survival: 12 versus 29 months in double-positive versus rest of tumors both in univariate (HR=2.62, P=0.003) and multivariate analyses (HR=2.58, P=0.01).

Conclusions:

This study describes the prevalence and prognostic value of EGFR and c-MET in a Canadian population of patients undergoing curative intent resection for GC. Both c-MET and EGFR overexpression trended toward poor OS, but only the group with EGFR+/c-MET+ GC reached statistical significance on multivariate analysis.
External Compression Versus Intravascular Injection: A Mechanistic Animal Model of Filler-Induced Tissue Ischemia
Authors: Chang Shu-Hong , Yousefi Sivash , Qin Jia , Tarbet Kristin , Dziennis Suzan , Wang Ruikang , Chappell Michael C.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Soft tissue ischemia is a devastating and unpredictable complication following dermal filler injection. Multiple mechanisms to explain this complication have been proposed, including vascular compression, vessel damage, and intraarterial filler emboli. To elucidate the mechanism of injury, the authors introduce a mouse model, imaged with optical microangiography and laser speckle contrast imaging technologies, to demonstrate in vivo microvascular response to soft tissue and intravascular filler injection.

Methods:

To determine the effect of external vascular compression on distal perfusion, the authors attempted to occlude vessels with subcutaneous hyaluronic acid gel (HAG) bolus injections into the pinna of hairless mice. The authors also performed suture ligation of a major vascular bundle. Following these interventions, laser speckle and optical microangiography were performed serially over 1 week follow up. To determine the effect of intravascular HAG injection, the authors devised and validated a novel method of cannulating the mouse external carotid artery for intraarterial access to the pinna vasculature. Using this model, the authors performed intraarterial HAG injections and completed optical microangiography and laser speckle contrast imaging.

Results:

Despite large HAG bolus injections directly adjacent to vascular bundles, the authors were unable to induce compressive occlusion of the mouse pinna vessels. Vascular occlusion was successfully performed with suture ligation, but optical microangiography and laser speckle contrast imaging confirmed undisturbed distal capillary bed perfusion. With intravascular HAG injection, large segments of pinna showed distinct perfusion reduction along a vascular distribution when compared with preinjection images, most noticeably at the capillary level.

Conclusions:

The novel mouse pinna model combining intravascular access and in vivo microvascular perfusion imaging has furthered the understanding of the mechanism of filler-induced tissue ischemia. Distal capillary perfusion was maintained despite external vascular compression. Intraarterial HAG filler injection, however, resulted in large areas of capillary nonperfusion and is the most likely etiology for filler-induced tissue necrosis that is observed clinically.
Spectral presheaves as quantum state spaces
Authors: Döring Andreas
Published: June 2015

For each quantum system described by an operator algebraof physical quantities, we provide a (generalized) state space, notwithstanding the Kochen–Specker theorem. This quantum state space is the spectral presheaf. We formulate the time evolution of quantum systems in terms of Hamiltonian flows on this generalized space and explain how the structure of the spectral presheafgeometrically mirrors the double role played by self-adjoint operators in quantum theory, as quantum random variables and as generators of time evolution.
Evolution of organismal stoichiometry in a 50,000-generation experiment withEscherichia coli
Authors: Turner Caroline B. , Wade Brian D. , Meyer Justin R. , Lenski Richard E.
Published: June 2015

Organismal stoichiometry refers to the relative proportion of chemical elements in the biomass of organisms, and it can have important effects on ecological interactions from population to ecosystem scales. Although stoichiometry has been studied extensively from an ecological perspective, little is known about rates and directions of evolutionary changes in elemental composition in response to nutrient limitation. We measured carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content ofEscherichia colievolved under controlled carbon-limited conditions for 50,000 generations. The bacteria evolved higher relative nitrogen and phosphorus content, consistent with selection for increased use of the more abundant elements. Total carbon assimilated also increased, indicating more efficient use of the limiting element. Altogether, our study shows that stoichiometry evolved over a relatively short time-period, and that it did so in a predictable direction given the carbon-limiting environment.
Mitotic chromosome compaction via active loop extrusion
Authors: Goloborodko Anton , Marko John F. , Mirny Leonid A.
Published: June 2015

During cell division chromosomes are compacted in length by more than a hundred-fold. A wide range of experiments demonstrated that in their compacted state, mammalian chromosomes form arrays of closely stacked consecutive ∼100Kb loops. The mechanism underlying the active process of chromosome compaction into a stack of loops is unknown. Here we test the hypothesis that chromosomes are compacted by enzymatic machines that actively extrude chromatin loops. When such loop-extruding factors (LEF) bind to chromosomes, they progressively bridge sites that are further away along the chromosome, thus extruding a loop. We demonstrate that collective action of LEFs leads to formation of a dynamic array of consecutive loops. Simulations and an analytically solved model identify two distinct steady states: a sparse state where loops are highly dynamic but provide little compaction, and a dense state with more stable loops and dramatic chromosome compaction. We find that human chromosomes operate at the border of the dense steady state. Our analysis also shows how the macroscopic characteristics of the loop array are determined by the microscopic properties of LEFs and their abundance. When number of LEFs are used that match experimentally based estimates, the model can quantitatively reproduce the average loop length, the degree of compaction, and the general loop-array morphology of compact human chromosomes. Our study demonstrates that efficient chromosome compaction can be achieved solely by an active loop-extrusion process.

Significance Statement

During cell division chromosomes are compacted in length more than a hundred-fold and are folded in arrays of loops. The mechanism underlying this essential biological process is unknown. Here we test whether chromosome compaction can be performed by molecular machines that actively extrude chromatin loops. These machines bind to DNA and progressively bridge sites that are further and further away along the chromosome. We demonstrate that the collective action of loop-extruding machines can fold a chromosome into a dynamic array of loops. Simulated chromosome agrees with compact human chromosomes in its degree of compaction, loop size and the general loop-array morphology. Our study demonstrates that efficient chromosome compaction can be achieved solely by such active loop-extrusion process.
Life history evolution in response to changes in metapopulation structure in an arthropod herbivore
Authors: De Roissart A , Wybouw N , Renault D , Van Leeuwen T , Bonte D
Published: June 2015

The persistence and dynamics of populations largely depends on the way they are configured and integrated into space and the ensuing eco-evolutionary dynamics.

We manipulated spatial and temporal variation in patch size in replicated experimental metapopulations of the herbivore mite Tetranychus urticae and followed evolutionary dynamics over approximately 30 generations.

A significant divergence in life history traits, physiological endpoints and gene expression was recorded in the spatially and spatiotemporally variable metapopulation, but also a remarkable convergence relative to the stable reference metapopulation in traits related to size and fecundity and in its transcriptional regulation.

The observed evolutionary dynamics are tightly linked to demographic changes, more specifically frequent episodes of resource shortage that increased the reproductive performance of mites on tomato, a challenging host plant. This points towards a general, adaptive stress response in stable spatial variable and spatiotemporal variable metapopulations that pre-adapts a herbivore arthropod to novel environmental stressors.
Structure of protease-cleavedEscherichia coliα-2-macroglobulin reveals a putative mechanism of conformational activation for protease entrapment
Authors: Fyfe Cameron D. , Grinter Rhys , Josts Inokentijs , Mosbahi Khedidja , Roszak Aleksander W. , Cogdell Richard J. , Wall Daniel M. , Burchmore Richard J. S. , Byron Olwyn , Walker Daniel
Published: June 2015

Bacterial α-2-macroglobulins have been suggested to function in defence as broad-spectrum inhibitors of host proteases that breach the outer membrane. Here, the X-ray structure of protease-cleavedEscherichia coliα-2-macroglobulin is described, which reveals a putative mechanism of activation and conformational change essential for protease inhibition. In this competitive mechanism, protease cleavage of the bait-region domain results in the untethering of an intrinsically disordered region of this domain which disrupts native interdomain interactions that maintainE. coliα-2-macroglobulin in the inactivated form. The resulting global conformational change results in entrapment of the protease and activation of the thioester bond that covalently links to the attacking protease. Owing to the similarity in structure and domain architecture ofEscherichia coliα-2-macroglobulin and human α-2-macroglobulin, this protease-activation mechanism is likely to operate across the diverse members of this group.
From bacterial to human dihydrouridine synthase: automated structure determination
Authors: Whelan Fiona , Jenkins Huw T. , Griffiths Samuel C. , Byrne Robert T. , Dodson Eleanor J. , Antson Alfred A.
Published: June 2015

The reduction of uridine to dihydrouridine at specific positions in tRNA is catalysed by dihydrouridine synthase (Dus) enzymes. Increased expression of human dihydrouridine synthase 2 (hDus2) has been linked to pulmonary carcinogenesis, while its knockdown decreased cancer cell line viability, suggesting that it may serve as a valuable target for therapeutic intervention. Here, the X-ray crystal structure of a construct of hDus2 encompassing the catalytic and tRNA-recognition domains (residues 1–340) determined at 1.9 Å resolution is presented. It is shown that the structure can be determined automatically byphenix.mr_rosettastarting from a bacterial Dus enzyme with only 18% sequence identity and a significantly divergent structure. The overall fold of the human Dus2 is similar to that of bacterial enzymes, but has a larger recognition domain and a unique three-stranded antiparallel β-sheet insertion into the catalytic domain that packs next to the recognition domain, contributing to domain–domain interactions. The structure may inform the development of novel therapeutic approaches in the fight against lung cancer.
Enantioselective oxidation of galactitol 1-phosphate by galactitol-1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase fromEscherichia coli
Authors: Benavente Rocío , Esteban-Torres María , Kohring Gert-Wieland , Cortés-Cabrera Álvaro , Sánchez-Murcia Pedro A. , Gago Federico , Acebrón Iván , de las Rivas Blanca , Muñoz Rosario , Mancheño José M.
Published: June 2015

Galactitol-1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase (GPDH) is a polyol dehydrogenase that belongs to the medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (MDR) superfamily. It catalyses the Zn2+- and NAD+-dependent stereoselective dehydrogenation of L-galactitol 1-phosphate to D-tagatose 6-phosphate. Here, three crystal structures of GPDH fromEscherichia coliare reported: that of the open state of GPDH with Zn2+in the catalytic site and those of the closed state in complex with the polyols Tris and glycerol, respectively. The closed state of GPDH reveals no bound cofactor, which is at variance with the conformational transition of the prototypical mammalian liver alcohol dehydrogenase. The main intersubunit-contacting interface within the GPDH homodimer presents a large internal cavity that probably facilitates the relative movement between the subunits. The substrate analogue glycerol bound within the active site partially mimics the catalytically relevant backbone of galactitol 1-phosphate. The glycerol binding mode reveals, for the first time in the polyol dehydrogenases, a pentacoordinated zinc ion in complex with a polyol and also a strong hydrogen bond between the primary hydroxyl group and the conserved Glu144, an interaction originally proposed more than thirty years ago that supports a catalytic role for this acidic residue.
Structural plasticity inMycobacterium tuberculosisuracil-DNA glycosylase (MtUng) and its functional implications
Authors: Arif S. M. , Geethanandan K. , Mishra P. , Surolia A. , Varshney U. , Vijayan M.
Published: June 2015

17 independent crystal structures of family I uracil-DNA glycosylase fromMycobacterium tuberculosis(MtUng) and its complexes with uracil and its derivatives, distributed among five distinct crystal forms, have been determined. Thermodynamic parameters of binding in the complexes have been measured using isothermal titration calorimetry. The two-domain protein exhibits open and closed conformations, suggesting that the closure of the domain on DNA binding involves conformational selection. Segmental mobility in the enzyme molecule is confined to a 32-residue stretch which plays a major role in DNA binding. Uracil and its derivatives can bind to the protein in two possible orientations. Only one of them is possible when there is a bulky substituent at the 5′ position. The crystal structures of the complexes provide a reasonable rationale for the observed thermodynamic parameters. In addition to providing fresh insights into the structure, plasticity and interactions of the protein molecule, the results of the present investigation provide a platform for structure-based inhibitor design.
MicroED data collection and processing
Authors: Hattne Johan , Reyes Francis E. , Nannenga Brent L. , Shi Dan , de la Cruz M. Jason , Leslie Andrew G. W. , Gonen Tamir
Published: June 2015

MicroED, a method at the intersection of X-ray crystallography and electron cryo-microscopy, has rapidly progressed by exploiting advances in both fields and has already been successfully employed to determine the atomic structures of several proteins from sub-micron-sized, three-dimensional crystals. A major limiting factor in X-ray crystallography is the requirement for large and well ordered crystals. By permitting electron diffraction patterns to be collected from much smaller crystals, or even single well ordered domains of large crystals composed of several small mosaic blocks, MicroED has the potential to overcome the limiting size requirement and enable structural studies on difficult-to-crystallize samples. This communication details the steps for sample preparation, data collection and reduction necessary to obtain refined, high-resolution, three-dimensional models by MicroED, and presents some of its unique challenges.
How can teachers’ entrepreneurial competences be developed? A collaborative learning perspective
Authors: Peltonen Katariina
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of collaborative learning in the development of teachers’ entrepreneurial competences in the school context at primary, secondary and vocational levels of education.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is based on an interpretative and collaborative learning approach to teachers’ entrepreneurial competence development. The empirical work relies on teachers’ written learning reflections collected during the chosen training programme and applies an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method to analyze the data.

Findings

– The findings demonstrate that collaborative learning can help teachers to adopt a more entrepreneurial teaching approach. The findings highlight that social interaction and collegial support are important “drivers” for building self-confidence, further showing that conceptual and pedagogical renewal leads to an in-depth understanding of the work role and its meaning in society.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is of an explorative nature and bound to a specific contextual setting in Finland. Therefore further empirical research is needed to affirm the study’s suggestions on the effects of other collaborative learning interactions.

Practical implications

– The research findings provide new insights for teacher trainers and policy makers on how to enhance entrepreneurial teaching competences. The study concludes with new directions for designing and managing teacher training programmes.

Originality/value

– The paper enhances the understanding of teachers’ entrepreneurial competences, the role of collaborative peer learning in this process and thus bridges the gap between teacher research and entrepreneurial competence literature.
Entrepreneurial learning environments: supporting or hindering diverse learners?
Authors: Hietanen Lenita
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This study focuses on the implementation of entrepreneurship education in non-business education at the basic education level and in class-teacher education in Finland. The subject to learn was music, which did not include any entrepreneurial content. Accordingly, this study looks closely at the way learners behave when studying music. The purpose of this paper is to see whether entrepreneurial behaviour is appropriate in non-business education.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used the action research approach; in particular, it used the special teacher-as-researcher method. The analysis was based on content analysis.

Findings

– In this study, the teacher-researcher looked at entrepreneurial learning as experimenting with alternative learning methods and different learning contents. To ensure that every learner received the support they needed in their self-chosen tasks, peer learning was encouraged. Learners got the support they needed both from each other and from the teacher-researcher.

Practical implications

– Although this study was only carried once during some music lessons in one particular comprehensive school and once in one class-teacher education in Finland, the findings may prompt teachers in other subjects and other countries to add entrepreneurial activities to their learning environments.

Originality/value

– There is a lack of research into entrepreneurship education practices at lower educational levels and where education is not business-oriented. Using the entrepreneurial approach in general education raises another question: is the approach suitable for every learner? Neither of these facets has been studied in depth.
Gen Y recruitment
Authors: Warmerdam Amanda , Lewis Ioni , Banks Tamara
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework, the purpose of this paper is to explore whether the standard TPB constructs explained variance in Generation Y (Gen Y) individuals’ intentions to join their ideal organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed methods approach was used featuring qualitative and quantitative methods.

Findings

– The overall TPB model accounted for a significant 51.6 per cent of the variance in intention to join one’s ideal organisation in the next six months with the significant predictors in the model being subjective norm and perceived behaviour control but not attitude.

Research limitations/implications

– Using graduating students from a single Australian university sample may mean that the current findings may not extend to all Gen Y individuals. The current study has demonstrated the explanatory utility of the TPB in relation to graduate Gen Y’s intention to join their ideal organisation, providing further evidence of the robustness of the TPB framework in an organisational setting.

Practical implications

– These findings have implications for enhancing understanding of the most effective recruitment processes for Gen Y students entering the workforce. The findings could inform recruitment policies and strategies to attract Gen Y applicants.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge this study is the first application of the TPB to this topic. The current research extends the recruitment literature with a theoretically based investigation. Identification of factors which inform organisational recruitment strategies, allow organisations to stand out from their competitors and potentially achieve a larger application pool from which to select the best human capital and sustain competitive advantage.
Becoming digital – passages to service in the digitized bureaucracy
Authors: Pors Anja Svejgaard
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of e-government reforms on street-level bureaucrats’ professionalism and relation to citizens, thus demonstrating how the bureaucratic encounter unfolds in the digital era.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on an ethnographic study of frontline work at a citizen service centre in a Danish municipality, and draws on empirical material generated through observations, field notes, interviews and policy documents.

Findings

– The paper shows that e-government changes the mode of professionalism in citizen service from service to support. An ethnographic account of how digital reforms are implemented in practice shows how street-level bureaucrat’s classic tasks such as specialized casework are being reconfigured into educational tasks that promote the idea of “becoming digital”. In the paper, the author argues that the work of “becoming digital” in client processing entails two interconnected changes in frontline agents’ practice: de-specialization of the task and intensified informality in relation to citizens. As a result, the frontline agent works as an explorative generalist whose professional skills and personal competencies are blurred.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to ethnographic research in public administration by combining two separate subfields, e-government and street-level bureaucracy, to discern recent transformations in public service delivery. In the digital era, tasks, control and equality are distributed in ways that call for symmetrical and relational approaches to studying street-level bureaucracy. The argument goes beyond technological or social determinism to find a fruitful intermediary position pointing at technological change as having both constraining and enabling effects.
SEC “claws back” bonuses and stock sale profits from CFOs of public company charged with accounting fraud
Authors: Hansen Mary P , Trego Garrett
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– To explain an increasingly common practice of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by which it seeks to “claw back” bonus and incentive compensation paid to CFOs of companies charged with accounting fraud, regardless of the personal involvement, knowledge, or culpability of the CFOs.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article details the facts underlying a recent SEC accounting fraud settlement through which two former CFOs of a company charged with fraud agreed to repay their bonuses and incentive compensation, despite not having been accused of any wrongdoing. The article goes on to outline the historic use of Section 304(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), the provision that endows the SEC with this enforcement authority, in search of guidance for when and why the SEC may choose to exercise its authority under this provision.

Findings

– The SEC’s inconsistent use of its enforcement authority under Section 304(a) leaves chief financial officers potentially subject to individual liability and ill-equipped to modify their behaviour in order to prevent it.

Originality/value

– This article intends to raise industry awareness about the potential exercise of the broad enforcement power available to the SEC under Section 304(a) and call attention to the lack of guidance provided to corporate officers to avoid liability under this provision.
SEC’s authority to interpret the securities laws comes under fire in criminal enforcement
Authors: Boryshansky Joseph , Asaro Michael A. , Benjamin James , Connolly Charles F.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– To examine a statement issued by Justice Antonin Scalia on November 10, 2014, concurrently with the Supreme Court
'
s denial of certiorari in a criminal insider trading case, which raises profound questions about how the courts interpret the federal securities laws and the degree of deference they give to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the context of criminal enforcement.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article discusses the points raised in the justice
'
s statement and their potential implications for future securities enforcement cases.

Findings

– The statement suggests that the traditional deference courts accord the SEC under the landmark decision in Chevron USA Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 467 US 837 (1984) may be inappropriate and potentially inconsistent with the rule of lenity, which requires that ambiguous criminal laws be interpreted in a defendant
'
s favor.

Originality/value

– Expert guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
Heightened supervision of branch offices
Authors: Nathan Daniel A. , Navarro Lauren , Matta Kevin
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– To explain expectations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) as to what constitutes successful branch inspection programs for broker-dealers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Summarizes FINRA’s rules requiring firms to implement branch inspection programs; examines the SEC’s and FINRA’s joint 2011 National Examination Risk Alert, which expanded upon FINRA’s rules, requiring firms to conduct risk-based analyses on each branch office to determine the appropriate frequency, intensity, and focus of inspections; discusses FINRA’s expectation that firms examine their registered representatives’ financial circumstances to reduce the risk of fraud; explains how FINRA’s Comprehensive Automated Risk Data System may impact branch inspections; and recommends several sources that firms should review when implementing a successful branch inspection program.

Findings

– Regulators have heightened their expectations as to what constitutes successful branch inspection programs for broker-dealers.

Practical implications

– To avoid regulatory intervention and discipline, firms should continue to review their policies and procedures to ensure that their programs are sufficiently comprehensive.

Originality/value

– This article will encourage firms with branch offices to review their branch inspection programs, and assist those firms in implementing sufficiently comprehensive policies and procedures.
Looking through the fraud triangle: a review and call for new directions
Authors: Free Clinton
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This article aims to review popular frameworks used to examine fraud and earmarks three areas where there is considerable scope for academic research to guide and inform important debates within organisations and regulatory bodies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article reviews published fraud research in the fields of auditing and forensic accounting, focusing on the development of the dominant framework in accounting and fraud examination, the fraud triangle. From this review, specific avenues for future research are identified.

Findings

– Three under-researched issues are identified: rationalisation of fraudulent behaviours by offenders; the nature of collusion in fraud; and regulatory attempts to promote whistle-blowing. These topics highlight the perspective of those directly involved in fraud and draw together issues that have interested researchers in other disciplines for decades with matters that are at the heart of contemporary financial management across the globe.

Originality/value

– In spite of the profound economic and reputational impact of fraud, the research in accounting remains fragmented and emergent. This review identifies avenues offering scope to bridge the divide between academia and practice.
Accounting historiography: looking back to the future
Authors: Parker Lee
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to contextualise and critically evaluate the state of accounting historiography, its past and future agenda as a foundation for future scholars’ design and pursuit of accounting history research.

Design/methodology/approach

– Focussing on the historiographic accounting history literature, the paper draws on prior state-of-the-art reviews as well as a range of contemporary accounting history research studies to provide an overview of the accounting history community internationally, its emergence, institutions, theories and methodologies.

Findings

– Accounting history researchers are identified now as an established and growing international community of scholars, increasingly diverse in national origins and focus, yet still on the threshold of moving beyond its specialist literature into general accounting and history research literatures. Nonetheless, their historiography exhibits a vibrant theoretical and methodological discourse that has laid the foundations for expanding opportunities in both research subjects and approaches available for study.

Research limitations/implications

– Theoretical and methodological proliferation offers a wealth of options for further research in this field, in terms of subject matter focus and in terms of innovative and insightful approaches to their investigation.

Practical implications

– Findings already available in the accounting history literature offer useful foundational understandings that have the potential to better inform contemporary policy and practice decision-makers.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a reference point for emerging and established scholars in accounting history, presenting a summary of their underlying historical institutional and historiographic development contexts and offering a research agenda based on theoretical and methodological diversity.
International brand promotion standardization and performance
Authors: Hofer Katharina Maria
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the impact of branding aspects on firm performance in several markets of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Specifically, the question of brand promotion standardization is the focus of attention.

Design/methodology/approach

– After literature review, a conceptual model suggests that the standardization of brand promotion, as well as a long-term brand vision provided by management, positively influences firm performance in the target market. Furthermore, the model considers the external environmental factors of media infrastructure and customer homogeneity. Data gathered from a survey with managers allow testing the hypotheses through structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The results of the quantitative study largely support the hypotheses. A positive relationship between media infrastructure and promotion standardization was found. Promotion standardization and brand vision both have a significant impact on firm performance in the target market. The relationship between customer homogeneity and promotion standardization could not be supported.

Research limitations/implications

– The conceptual model depicts a highly specific area of investigation. Future research may include other variables and/or focus on different markets or regions to further add to the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

– The existing media infrastructure in the foreign target markets of Central and Eastern Europe should be thoroughly considered. A standardized approach toward brand promotion is recommended for Central and Eastern European markets to enhance firm performance.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature by considering branding in an international context which is still underrepresented in international management and marketing research.
Supply chain flexibility: a comprehensive review
Authors: Tiwari Atul Kumar , Tiwari Anunay , Samuel Cherian
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Changes are inevitable in risky and uncertain business environments of today’s volatile supply chains. The concept of flexibility originates from this need to mitigate the ill-effects of risks and uncertainty in supply chains. In this paper, an attempt is made to present an exhaustive review on supply chain flexibility (SCF) and its implementation to gain strategic advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

– A citation analysis method is employed in this paper to discuss, analyse and apprehend the conceptual, empirical, analytical and simulation studies done in this field. In this paper, about 110 papers on flexibility from many reputed journals are examined to study and assimilate various aspects of flexibility.

Findings

– SCF embraces a unified process-based view including the core processes such as procurement, sourcing, distribution and logistics and mitigates uncertainty or risks involved. The review helps to assimilate the key knowledge about relevant practices in SCF and helps to draw implementing strategies while offering managerial insight on the subject.

Research limitations/implications

– Citation and co-citation analysis is done to review the SCF literature. Efforts are made to investigate relevant papers from various journals regarding its ability to mitigate risk or aid in making strategic decision. The study, however, is limited to certain industries in the papers as per chosen approach here. The strategies described in here may further be verified by the researchers and practitioners pertaining to their study or industries focused.

Practical implications

– It provides managerial insight for practitioners on how to use flexibility within the firm and across supply chain while considering various trade-offs.

Originality/value

– This paper is unique as a review paper, as it encompasses various kinds of studies done on SCF from conceptual models to mathematical models. Further, it briefs with the current practices in industries/SC towards being flexible. It talks of various trade-offs in pursuit of flexibility and concludes while suggesting numerous research gaps and opening new dimensions for SCF research. It offers many managerial and academic implications.
The factors affecting e-commerce adoption by Jordanian SMEs
Authors: Al-Bakri Anas A. , Katsioloudes Marios I.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore internal and external organizational factors affecting electronic commerce or e-commerce systems adoption by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors developed a model containing factors that might support e-commerce adoption. The model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis and then used to explore the relationships between factors. The authors used qualitative and quantitative approaches, including interviews, to explore awareness and adoption of e-commerce systems by Jordanian SMEs. SMEs in Jordan were identified from the Annual Handbook Index of 2012, compiled by the Jordanian Chamber of Commerce, and 500 in the industrial and services sectors were randomly selected as the study sample.

Findings

– The effect of the adoption of e-commerce systems by SMEs is affected by both internal and external organizational factors, particularly readiness, strategy, managers’ perceptions and external pressure by trading partners. Readiness and external pressure are most important for achieving maximum benefit from e-commerce adoption.

Research limitations/implications

– The relative importance of factors affecting e-commerce adoption may vary depending on local business conditions. SME managers in Jordan who wish to benefit from e-commerce introduction must therefore invest in activities to improve SME readiness, especially information technology infrastructure.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to explore both internal and external organizational factors important for e-commerce adoption by Jordanian SMEs. It tells SME managers which factors are likely to affect e-commerce adoption.