bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multivariate association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms in Alzgene linkage regions and structural changes in the brain: discovery, refinement and validation
Authors: Szefer Elena , Lu Donghuan , Nathoo Farouk , Beg Mirza Faisal , Graham Jinko ,   for the Alzheimers Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2016

Both genetic variants and brain region abnormalities are recognized to play a role in cognitive decline. We explore the association between singlenucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in linkage regions for Alzheimer’s disease and rates of decline in brain structure using data from the Alzheimers Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).

In an initial discovery stage, we assessed the presence of linear association between the minor allele counts of 75,845 SNPs in the Alzgene linkage regions and predicted rates of change in structural MRI measurements for 56 brain regions using an RV test. In a second, refinement stage, we reduced the number of SNPs using a bootstrap-enhanced sparse canonical correlation analysis (SCCA) with a fixed tuning parameter. Each SNP was assigned an importance measure proportional to the number of times it was estimated to have a nonzero coefficient in repeated re-sampling from the ADNI-1 sample. We created refined lists of SNPs based on importance probabilities greater than 50% and 90%, respectively. In a third, validation stage, we assessed the multivariate association between these refined lists of SNPs and the rates of structural change in the independent ADNI-2 study dataset.

There was strong statistical evidence for linear association between the SNPs in the Alzgene linkage regions and the 56 imaging phenotypes in both the ADNI-1 and ADNI-2 samples (p< 0.0001). The bootstrap-enhanced SCCA identified 1,694 priority SNPs with importance probabilities > 50% and 22 SNPs with importance probabilities > 90%. The 1,694 prioritized SNPs in the ADNI-1 data were associated with imaging phenotypes in the ADNI-2 data (p= 0.0021).

This manuscript presents an analysis that addresses challenges in current imaging genetics studies such as biased sampling designs and highdimensional data with low-signal. Genes corresponding to priority SNPs having the highest contribution in the validation data have previously been implicated or hypothesized to be implicated in AD, including GCLC, IDE, and STAMBP1andFAS. We hypothesize that the effect sizes of the 1,694 SNPs in the priority set are likely small, but further investigation within this set may advance understanding of the missing heritability in late-onset Alzheimers disease. Multivariate analysis; Linkage regions; Imaging genetics; Endophenotypes; Inverse probability weighting; Variable importance probabilities
High-throughput CRISPRi phenotyping inStreptococcus pneumoniaeidentifies new essential genes involved in cell wall synthesis and competence development
Authors: Liu Xue , Gallay Clement , Kjos Morten , Domenech Arnau , Slager Jelle , van Kessel Sebastiaan P. , Knoops Kèvin , Sorg Robin A. , Zhang Jing-Ren , Veening Jan-Willem
Published: November 2016

Genome-wide screens have discovered a large set of essential genes in the opportunistic human pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniae. However, the functions of many essential genes are still unknown, hampering vaccine development and drug discovery. Based on results from transposon-sequencing (Tn-Seq), we refined the list of essential genes inS. pneumoniaeserotype 2 strain D39. Next, we created a knockdown library targeting 348 potentially essential genes by CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) and show a growth phenotype for 254 of them (73%). Using high-content microscopy screening, we searched for essential genes of unknown function with clear phenotypes in cell morphology upon CRISPRi-based depletion. We show that SPD1416 and SPD1417 (renamed to MurT and GatD, respectively) are essential for peptidoglycan synthesis, and that SPD1198 and SPD1197 (renamed to TarP and TarQ, respectively) are responsible for the polymerization of teichoic acid (TA) precursors. This knowledge enabled us to reconstruct the unique pneumococcal TA biosynthetic pathway. CRISPRi was also employed to unravel the role of the essential Clpproteolytic system in regulation of competence development and we show that ClpX is the essential ATPase responsible for ClpP-dependent repression of competence. The CRISPRi library provides a valuable tool for characterization of pneumococcal genes and pathways and revealed several promising antibiotic targets.
Structural phase transition in polycrystalline SnSe: a neutron diffraction study in correlation with thermoelectric properties
Authors: Serrano-Sánchez F. , Nemes N. M. , Dura O. J. , Fernandez-Diaz M. T. , Martínez J. L. , Alonso J. A.
Published: November 2016

SnSe has been recently reported as a promising and highly efficient thermoelectric intermetallic alloy. The present material has been prepared by arc melting, as mechanically robust pellets, consisting of highly oriented polycrystals. The evolution of its orthorhombic GeS-type structure (space group Pnma) and phase transition to TlI-type structure (space group Cmcm) at high temperature has been studied in situ by neutron powder diffraction (NPD) in the temperature range 295–873 K. This transition has been identified by differential scanning calorimetry measurements, yielding sharp peaks at 795 K. In addition, thermal transport properties were measured in a similar temperature range, and large Seebeck coefficients, as high as 1050 µV K−1 at 625 K, were found. The analysis from NPD data demonstrates an almost perfect stoichiometry, Sn0.998(8)Se, that does not evolve with temperature, and a progressive decrease of the anharmonicity of the chemical bonds upon entering the domain of the Cmcm structure.
COMPaRS: a stand-alone program for map comparison using quantile rank scaling
Authors: Urzhumtseva Ludmila , Urzhumtsev Alexandre
Published: November 2016

The usual metrics for comparison of two crystallographic or cryoEM maps, for example the overall map correlation coefficient, measure the similarity of two sets of values with no consideration of their position in space. In contrast, when analyzing the maps visually it is the positions of sets of points with map values equal to or greater than some cutoff level that is of interest. An intrinsic and scale-invariant characteristic of such a set is the quantile rank defining the fraction of grid nodes (or of the unit-cell volume) with values less than this cutoff level. Comparison of the quantile ranks associated with the same point in the two maps is very similar to a comparison of the isosurfaces. The program COMPaRS uses new metrics for map comparison based on this idea: this gives quantitative results that agree with the qualitative results obtained from a visual analysis.
FOURIER2D and FOURIER3D: programs to demonstrate Fourier synthesis in crystallography
Authors: Glazer A. M.
Published: November 2016

FOURIER2D and FOURIER3D are stand-alone computer programs that demonstrate for teaching purposes the summation of plane waves from lists of structure amplitudes and phases.
Crystal structure of the toxin Msmeg_6760, the structural homolog ofMycobacterium tuberculosisRv2035, a novel type II toxin involved in the hypoxic response
Authors: Bajaj R. Alexandra , Arbing Mark A. , Shin Annie , Cascio Duilio , Miallau Linda
Published: November 2016

The structure of Msmeg_6760, a protein of unknown function, has been determined. Biochemical and bioinformatics analyses determined that Msmeg_6760 interacts with a protein encoded in the same operon, Msmeg_6762, and predicted that the operon is a toxin–antitoxin (TA) system. Structural comparison of Msmeg_6760 with proteins of known function suggests that Msmeg_6760 binds a hydrophobic ligand in a buried cavity lined by large hydrophobic residues. Access to this cavity could be controlled by a gate–latch mechanism. The function of the Msmeg_6760 toxin is unknown, but structure-based predictions revealed that Msmeg_6760 and Msmeg_6762 are homologous to Rv2034 and Rv2035, a predicted novel TA system involved inMycobacterium tuberculosislatency during macrophage infection. The Msmeg_6760 toxin fold has not been previously described for bacterial toxins and its unique structural features suggest that toxin activation is likely to be mediated by a novel mechanism.
Crystal structure of bis(3,5-dimethylpyridine-κN)bis(methanol-κO)bis(thiocyanato-κN)cobalt(II)
Authors: Suckert Stefan , Jess Inke , Näther Christian
Published: November 2016

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, [Co(NCS)2(C7H9N)2(CH3OH)2], comprises of one CoIIcation located on a centre of inversion, one thiocyanate ligand, one methanol ligand and one 3,5-dimethylpyridine ligand. The CoIIcation is octahedrally coordinated by two terminal N-bonding thiocyanate anions, two methanol molecules and two 3,5-dimethylpyridine ligands into a discrete complex. The complex molecules are linked by intermolecular O—H...S hydrogen bonding into chains that elongate in the direction parallel to thebaxis.
4,5-Dichloro-3H-1,2-dithiol-3-one
Authors: Boukebbous Khaled , Laifa El Adoui , De Mallmann Aimery , Taoufik Mostafa
Published: November 2016

The crystallization from an ethyl acetate solution of the title compound, also known as dichloro-1,2-dithiacyclopentenone, C3Cl2OS2, leads to a monoclinic system withP21/nspace group. The molecule displays an almost planar geometry, with a torsion angle of −2.1 (1)° for the endocyclic C—C—S—S fragment. The S—S and C=O bond lengths are 2.0521 (8) and 1.212 (3) Å, respectively. The endocyclic S—C—C angle sustained by the carbonyl group, 110.94 (16)°, deviates from the expected value of 120° for ansp2-hybridized C atom. In the crystal, short S...S, S...Cl, S...O and Cl...Cl contacts are observed.
Does managerial myopia explain Bowman’s Paradox?
Authors: Holder Anthony Dewayne , Petkevich Alexey , Moore Gary
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate if Bowman’s Paradox (negative association between risk and return) is caused by managerial myopia. It also attempts to disentangle whether results are more consistent with one or more potential explanations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses univariate statistics and OLS regressions. Empirically examines the relationship between four risk and return proxies, across a wide ranging time period and utilizing a number of model specifications. Results hold after using three-way clustered errors and using a more robust rolling five year, fixed regression methodology measure.

Findings

Confirms the existence of the Paradox. Also documents that the association between risk and return is positive in “winner” firms and negative in “loser” firms. Upon further analysis, the earlier negative risk-return relationship is found to entirely be due to the volatility of the (short term) income statement component of the performance terms. Results imply that executives of winner (loser) firms are less (more) likely to manage earnings or engage in other value destroying activities.

Research limitations/implications

The study is confined by the typical archival study limitations; including potential endogeneity, selection biases and generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

Anecdotal evidence indicates that the business community makes extensive use of these performance measures. These performance measures are also pervasive in academic research. Given the importance of controlling for both managerial and firm performance, a good performance proxy is quintessential.

Originality/value

Although over 30 years have passed since Bowman (1980) first observed the negative correlation, to date, no consensus explanation exists. Findings suggest that Bowman’s Paradox, is potentially a manifestation of managerial myopia. Thus, this result contributes to several existing research streams.
Corporate ecological transparency: theories and empirical evidence
Authors: Tang Qingliang , Luo Le
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how firm- and country-level determinants affect corporate ecological transparency.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes multiple theories that are commonly used by corporate social responsibility studies to explain the corporate ecological transparency. Based on a sample of 243 Global 500 firms, the authors examine the impact of shareholders’ interest in ecological information, creditors’ concern, firm size, industry membership, the presence of emission trading scheme (ETS), stringency of environmental regulations on corporate ecological transparency.

Findings

The paper documents evidence that larger firms, firms in GHG-intensive sectors, and highly leveraged firms tend to produce more ecological disclosures. In addition, ecological transparency is higher in countries with an ETS and increases with more stringent environmental regulation. Finally, the authors find little evidence that shareholders of these firms are concerned with this information.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is restricted to the largest firms with relevant carbon profile information. Thus, caution should be exercised when generalizing the inferences.

Practical implications

Sustainability has become one of the most importance topics in business agenda. Firms’ attitude and decision about the ecological transparency will affect internal firm performance, external stakeholder engagement, and policy makers’ attention. It determines the firms’ long-term operation and development.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by utilizing multiple theories to explain ecological transparency. Each of the theories provided only a partial explanation for ecological transparency. Thus, we need to consider the firms’ behaviors from multiple dimensions. In particular, stakeholder theory and institutional theory are the dominant perspectives accounting for managers’ propensity to disclose a firm’s ecological footprint.
The value relevance of financial instruments disclosure: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Tahat Yasean , Dunne T. , Fifield S. , Power D.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to: examine the value relevance of financial instruments disclosure (FID) provided by Jordanian listed companies under International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS 7) as compared to that supplied under IAS 30/32; provide evidence about the value relevance of high vs low levels of FID; and investigate which components of FI-related information are more value relevant.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 70 Jordanian listed companies is used in this monograph. A disclosure index checklist was constructed to measure FI information provided by the sample companies. In addition, a valuation model is employed to test the association between FID and market value.

Findings

Although evidence is provided that FI information was value relevant over the two periods of investigation, the information supplied after the implementation of IFRS 7 was more strongly associated with market values. An analysis of the sub-components of FID reveals that the details about balance sheet, fair value and risk information matter when valuing equity. Overall, the results indicate that investors value FI-related information when making their equity pricing decisions. The result suggests that compliance with IFRS mandatory disclosure requirements does produce relevant financial statements.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the current study have a number of implications for policy makers. First, they provide a great deal of insight for the IASB about the relevance of its standards to countries outside the western context. In addition, the findings provide valuable insights for policy makers in Jordan who are concerned about the implications of mandatory disclosures.

Originality/value

The analysis of FID in developing countries in general, and in Jordan in particular, has been overlooked by the extant literature and therefore this study is the first of its kind to examine this research issue for a sample of Jordanian firms.
Assessing lean conformance by first-grade contractors in the Jordanian construction industry
Authors: Sweis Ghaleb J. , Hiyassat Mohammad , Al-Hroub Fares F.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

There is little information existing about the spread of lean among Jordanian construction companies. Building on a report by Diekmann et al. (2004), this paper aims to perform a similar investigation among first-grade Jordanian construction companies to assess the extent of implementation of lean techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a quantitative approach to measuring contractors’ conformance to lean practices was adopted. A survey of 61 contractors was conducted using both e-mails and personally delivered surveys that were completed on the spot. The results were analysed, and a practice value index, which indicates the level of implementation, was figured out for lean practices. In addition, an analysis of variance was conducted to determine whether there were differences among respondents from different construction fields.

Findings

The survey indicated that some procedures used by Jordanian contractors were consistent with lean construction practices. However, there was no proof that lean concepts were used on a company-wide basis. Furthermore, the survey revealed that the Jordanian construction industry lacks a “continuous improvement“ mentality, suffers from the absence of error proofing devices and provides minimal training at several levels of the organisation.

Originality/value

The outcomes of the study are valuable for contractors and developers of management practices, as it will encourage them to adopt lean construction holistically and identify features that are not exploited in the Jordanian construction industry.
Innovation orientation in architectural firms
Authors: Lai Kong Seng , Yusof Nor’Aini , Kamal Ernawati Mustafa
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Innovation is defined as the creation and adoption of changes that are new to an organisation or industry. The high probability of failure and the lack of innovation in the construction industry have highlighted the importance of innovation (both creation and adoption) as a business orientation. Although they are related to the construction industry, architectural firms receive little attention from an innovation perspective despite being perceived as important drivers of innovation. Thus, this paper aims to examine the distinctive characteristics of various innovation orientations and determine the state of innovation among architectural firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A postal survey was sent to 1,004 registered architectural firms in Malaysia. The data were processed using descriptive analysis. A factor analysis was conducted to categorise innovation creation and adoption, and a paired samples t-test was performed to examine the innovation orientations of architectural firms.

Findings

Innovation creation and innovation adoption are two distinct orientations with different characteristics. Architectural firms in Malaysia are oriented towards innovation creation, which intersects with innovation adoption.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a questionnaire survey that generated only statistical results. Future research should conduct interviews or focus group discussions to obtain comprehensive findings.

Practical implications

The innovation concept is expanded in terms of its orientations.

Originality/value

This study illustrates significant differences between innovation creation and innovation adoption in the architectural firms of a developing country, i.e. Malaysia.
Does the reputation mechanism of media coverage affect earnings management?
Authors: Wu Peng , Gao Lei , Li Xiao
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between earnings management and media reports, assess the roles played by the media in determining the reputation mechanism and examine whether the media has an influence on executives’ behavior in the case of earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses Chinese A-share listed firms from the period 2008 to 2012 to test the research questions using regression analyses.

Findings

Although the Chinese Stock Markets are still immature compared to those of developed countries, the media seems to play a role in affecting executives’ decisions about dabbling in earnings management. Specifically, firms receiving more media attention are more likely to undertake earnings management. Furthermore, negative media reports result in even higher levels of earnings management activities, indicating that managers tend to use earnings management to achieve earnings goals to reduce or relieve the pressure they feel from the media and to remedy any reputation loss. Moreover, the authors have found that firms whose CEOs have higher reputations are more likely to manage earnings and they are more likely to be affected by negative media reports. Similar results were found for state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Originality/value

This study analyzes how the level and tone of media coverage affect earnings management rather than just assessing the overall effect of media coverage on earnings management. This paper verifies that the reputation mechanism of the media works in China, but it leads to different results than those experienced in developed countries. Reputational benefits have been introduced into the equation for measuring the governance effect of the media to derive a more in-depth analysis of the reputation mechanism. This paper is among the first to link news coverage and state ownership with earnings management.
Direct synthesis of equivalent circuits from reduced FE models using proper orthogonal decomposition
Authors: Shimotani Toshihito , Sato Yuki , Igarashi Hajime
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a fast synthesis method of the equivalent circuits of electromagnetic devices using model order reduction. Finite element method (FEM) has been widely used to design electromagnetic devices. For FE analysis of these devices connected to control and deriving circuits, FE equations coupled with the circuit equations have to be solved for many times in their design processes. If the FE models are replaced by equivalent circuit models, computational time could be drastically reduced.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed method, a reduced FE model is obtained using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) in which the size of FE equation is effectively reduced so that the computational time for FE analysis is shortened. Then, the equivalent circuits are directly synthesized from the admittance function of the reduced system.

Findings

Accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed method are compared with those of another POD-based method in which the equivalent circuits are synthesized from fitting of frequency characteristics using optimization algorithm. There are no significant differences in the accuracy of both methods, while the speedup ratio of the former method is found larger than that for the latter method for the same sampling points.

Originality/value

The equivalent circuits of electric machines and devices have been synthesized on the basis of physical insight of engineers. This paper proposes a novel method by which the equivalent circuits are automatically synthesized from FE model of the electric machines and devices using POD.
Multiphase permanent magnet synchronous motors with fractional slot windings
Authors: Jedryczka Cezary , Szelag Wojciech , Piech Zbigniew Jerry
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate advantages of multiphase permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) with fractional slot concentrated windings (FSCW). The investigation is based on comparative analysis and assessment of FSCW PMSM wound as 3, 6, 9 and 12 phase machines suited for low speed applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigations are focussed on distortions of back electromotive (emf) and magnetomotive force (mmf) with the torque ripples and motors’ performance taken into account. The finite element models with the aid of customized computer code have been adopted for motor winding design and back emf, mmf and motor performance analyses.

Findings

The novel multiphase winding layouts were found to offer lower content of sub-harmonics in the mmf waveforms compared with the traditional three-phase machine designs. Moreover, the investigated multiphase machines exhibited higher average value of the electromagnetic torque, while the multiphase PMSM machines with FSCW were further characterized by significantly lower torque pulsations.

Originality/value

The analyses presented in this paper demonstrate that PMSM with FSCW are advantageous to their counterpart three-phase machines. Specifically, they offer higher performance and are more suitable to work with multiple drives supplying segmented winding system. This ability of using multi-drive supply for one motor offers flexibility and cost reduction while increasing fault tolerant power train system.
The prediction of iron losses under PWM excitation using the classical Preisach model
Authors: Hussain Sajid , Lowther David
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The losses incurred in ferromagnetic materials under PWM excitations must be predicted accurately to optimize the design of modern electrical machines. The purpose of this paper is to employ mathematical hysteresis models (i.e. classical Preisach model) to predict iron losses in electrical steels under PWM excitation without compromising the computational complexity of the model.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a novel approach based on the dynamic inverse Preisach model is proposed to model the iron losses. The PWM magnetic flux density waveform is decomposed into its harmonic component using Fourier series and a weighted Everett function is computed based on these harmonic components. The Preisach model is applied for the given flux waveform and results are validated against the measurements.

Findings

The paper predicts the total iron loss by computing a weighted Everett function based on the harmonics present in PWM waveform. Moreover, it formulates the possibility of utilizing the classical Preisach model to predict iron losses under PWM excitation.

Research limitations/implications

The approach is still limited in terms of its application at high frequencies. This work may eventually lead toward the accurate prediction of iron loss under PWM excitation in electromagnetic machine design.

Practical implications

The paper provides a simple approach applying the Preisach model for the prediction of iron losses under PWM excitation. The proposed approach does not require additional experimental data beyond B-H loops measured under sinusoidal excitation.

Originality/value

A novel approach is presented to incorporate the frequency dependence into a static inverse Preisach model. The approach extends the ability of the static Preisach model to compute total iron loss under PWM excitation using a weighted Everett function.
Leading change towards sustainable green coal mining
Authors: Mathu Kenneth M. , Scheepers Caren
Published: November 2016

Subject area

The dilemma falls within the Change Management, Leadership, Organizational Development subject areas. In addition, the case highlights typical issues in “green” or sustainable supply chain, corporate social responsibility and sustainability courses.

Study level/applicability

The target audience is includes post-graduate diploma-level or master’s level students, such as in Masters in Business Administration.

Case overview

The case focuses on the dilemma that Phiwokuhle Mhlangu in Mpumalanga, South Africa, faced when his company’s board had not signed off on capital expenditure to improve his colliery’s clean coal technology initiatives. He had to influence his colleagues’ mindsets to adapt to changes in the environment. The case highlights the global coal landscape and South African mining industry’s challenges in terms of infrastructure and strained labour relations, as well as the focus of the South African Government to enhance alternative energy resources. Although a clear business case for investment in clean coal technologies was evident, Mhlangu could still not persuade his colleagues to support these initiatives. A different approach was required […]

Expected learning outcomes

The learning objectives in this case are: gaining insight into the dilemmas of sustainability in coal mining by exploring various interest groups in difficult sustainability situations and enhancing understanding of getting a buy-in from various stakeholders when leading change in the coal-mining sector.

Supplementary materials

A teaching plan and particular teaching methodologies is included. The two learning outcomes are posed as questions for groups to discuss and model answers are provided and to relevant literature.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management Science
Explaining small business InfoSec posture using social theories
Authors: Rohn Eli , Sabari Gilad , Leshem Guy
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study aims to investigate information technology security practices of very small enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform a formal information security field study using a representative sample. Using the Control Objectives for IT (COBIT) framework, the authors evaluate 67 information security controls and perform 206 related tests. The authors state six hypotheses about the findings and accept or reject those using inferential statistics. The authors explain findings using the social comparison theory and the rare events bias theory.

Findings

Only one-third of all the controls examined were designed properly and operated as expected. About half of the controls were either ill-designed or did not operate as intended. The social comparison theory and the rare events bias theory explain managers’s reliance on small experience samples which in turn leads to erroneous comprehension of their business environment, which relates to information security.

Practical implications

This information is valuable to executive branch policy makers striving to reduce information security vulnerability on local and national levels and small business organizations providing information and advice to their members.

Originality/value

Information security surveys are usually over-optimistic and avoid self-incrimination, yielding results that are less accurate than field work. To obtain grounded facts, the authors used the field research approach to gather qualitative and quantitative data by physically visiting active organizations, interviewing managers and staff, observing processes and reviewing written materials such as policies, procedure and logs, in accordance to common practices of security audits.
Inter-organisational information security: a systematic literature review
Authors: Karlsson Fredrik , Kolkowska Ella , Prenkert Frans
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey existing inter-organisational information security research to scrutinise the kind of knowledge that is currently available and the way in which this knowledge has been brought about.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are based on a literature review of inter-organisational information security research published between 1990 and 2014.

Findings

The authors conclude that existing research has focused on a limited set of research topics. A majority of the research has focused management issues, while employees’/non-staffs’ actual information security work in inter-organisational settings is an understudied area. In addition, the majority of the studies have used a subjective/argumentative method, and few studies combine theoretical work and empirical data.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that future research should address a broader set of research topics, focusing especially on employees/non-staff and their use of processes and technology in inter-organisational settings, as well as on cultural aspects, which are lacking currently; focus more on theory generation or theory testing to increase the maturity of this sub-field; and use a broader set of research methods.

Practical implications

The authors conclude that existing research is to a large extent descriptive, philosophical or theoretical. Thus, it is difficult for practitioners to adopt existing research results, such as governance frameworks, which have not been empirically validated.

Originality/value

Few systematic reviews have assessed the maturity of existing inter-organisational information security research. Findings of authors on research topics, maturity and research methods extend beyond the existing knowledge base, which allow for a critical discussion about existing research in this sub-field of information security.
Does the use of recycled concrete lower the carbon footprint in humanitarian construction?
Authors: Kuittinen Matti
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study investigates the carbon footprint of the alternative structure types and materials used for the reconstruction of schools in Haiti. Are recycled construction materials more environmental than virgin materials? To estimate which alternative construction solution has the smallest carbon footprint, a survey was made for the school model used for the reconstruction programme in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

Design/methodology/approach

The carbon footprint was calculated using life cycle assessment methodology for five different concrete structure alternatives and five different cement mixes for the same design of a school building. In addition, the uptake of CO2through the carbonation of concrete during 50 years was calculated.

Findings

The carbon footprint of recycled materials can be either the best or worst option, depending on how the materials are used. The difference to using virgin materials is not big. This is mainly due to the lower structural performance of recycled materials, which needs to be compensated for by using additional reinforcements. Using cement mixes that have high amounts of substitutes for cement seems to lower the carbon footprint of structures considerably. The uptake of CO2in carbonation has potential but requires an optimal design and environment.

Originality/value

The findings give information for humanitarian project managers and designers on lowering the carbon footprint of their construction projects.
Assessment of major causes: nuclear power plant disasters since 1950
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sayanti , Halligan Jessica , Hastak Makarand
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the major causes of the nuclear power plant (NPP) disasters since 1950, elucidates the commonalities between them and recommends strategies to minimize the risk of NPP disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes facts from five case studies: Chernobyl disaster, USSR 1986; Fukushima Daiichi disaster, Japan 2011; Three Mile Island incident, USA 1979; Chalk River Accident, Canada 1952; and SL-1 Accident, USA 1961. A qualitative approach is adopted to compare and contrast the major reasons that led to the accidents, and consequent social and technological impacts of the disasters on environment, society, economy and nuclear industry are analyzed.

Findings

Although each of the nuclear accidents is unique in terms of its occurrence and impacts, this research study found some common causes behind the accidents. Faulty system design, equipment failure, inadequate safety and warning systems, violation of safety regulations, lack of training of the nuclear operators and ignorance from the operators and regulators side were found to be the major common causes behind the accidents.

Originality/value

This paper recommends some of the nuclear disaster risk reduction strategies in terms of “lessons learned from the past accidents”. The findings of the research paper would serve as an information tool for the nuclear professionals for informed decision-making and planning for proper preventive measures well in advance so that the mistakes which led to the occurrence of accidents in the past are not repeated in the future.
Health service system in transition
Authors: Sodhi Chhavi , Singh Pushpendra
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a historical overview of the health service sector in India. The development in the healthcare sector from the late eighteenth century into current times is examined from the prism of the role played by British and US healthcare systems in influencing change in the Indian setup.

Design/methodology/approach

Online databases searched were PubMed and JSTOR, using the search terms, “Indian health service system in transition”, “British influence on the Indian healthcare setup” and “American neo-liberal influence on Indian healthcare sector”. The authors then examined titles and abstracts of selected articles for short-listing relevant articles. Reference lists of selected articles were examined for further locating related studies. While this constituted the secondary literature for the current paper, reports by governmental and non-governmental organisation reports on the Indian health service system too were utilised as primary data sources.

Findings

Influenced by the British and later by the American healthcare system, the Indian healthcare network has undergone numerous changes. In the present era, the Indian healthcare system is increasingly veering towards the American model of healthcare delivery. Health is increasingly being conceived of as a commodity to be traded in the market, with the state’s role curtailed towards provisioning for and facilitating access of the weakest sections of the society through a means-tested insurance system. This has happened without adequate checks and balances on the private sector to ensure that the needs of the people accessing the system are adequately met.

Social implications

By tracing the development of the health service sector in India and the motives that guide such change, the paper depicts how the thrust of the system has altered from one providing universal healthcare services to the people, irrespective of their ability to pay, at the time of independence to commercialisation in present times. With the marketisation of healthcare, the focus has shifted from serving people to profiting from the provisioning of healthcare.

Originality/value

The paper throws light on the underlying inadequacies of the Indian healthcare setup and the need for more active participation by the government in this sector in the future if it aims to make healthcare more equitably accessible to its vast population.
Indigenous health systems governance
Authors: Reading Jeffrey , Loppie Charlotte , O’Neil John
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Almost 20 years after the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, indigenous peoples living in Canada continue to pursue their legitimate aspirations for greater control over factors affecting their lives. The purpose of this paper is to summarize two major policies (the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)) that aimed to create equity for indigenous peoples’.

Design/methodology/approach

Commentary and rapid communication to inform and clarify evolving high-priority policy and governance issues related to indigenous peoples’ of Canada.

Findings

A need exists to create a platform for implementing the TRC actions to protect and promote education, language and culture, justice, youth programming, and professional training and development.

Research limitations/implications

Innovative intervention research needs to develop solutions to multi-generational disparities in health and well-being for indigenous peoples of Canada and globally.

Practical implications

Failure to implement longstanding changes to improve indigenous health and well-being will result if a growing burden of premature morbidity and mortality among indigenous population of Peoples’ of Canada, the fastest growing population group with the most challenging health status in Canada.

Social implications

Indigenous peoples continue to experience profound health vulnerability leading to high health risks, growing health disparities and unequal access to health care services.

Originality/value

Connecting policy over two decades, for implementation to proceed, sharing of knowledge is essential to formulate innovative approaches, to engage research and build capacity to implement policy actions related to closing educational gaps, to developing culturally appropriate curricula acknowledging and protecting Aboriginal languages, as well as skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution and respect for human dignity and human rights equality in settings of anti-racism and free of all forms of prejudice and discrimination.
Corporate social responsibility domains and related activities in Nepalese companies
Authors: Adhikari Dev Raj , Gautam Dhruba Kumar , Chaudhari Manoj Kumar
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to assess the corporate social responsibility (CSR) domains in Nepalese companies and explain the active CSR activities related to concerned domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is descriptive and is based on a review of previous research findings and focus group discussion.

Findings

It has three major findings. First, there is a gradual shift from philanthropic domain of CSR to the economic domain. Second, a number of CSR activities have emerged from within the domains. Finally, some of the CSR intents are even linked to the Millennium Development Goals of the country.

Research limitations/implications

This study is mainly based on qualitative analysis (focus group discussions) of the participants in three different discussion programs.

Practical implications

This paper is useful to academicians and companies seeking to understand what kind of CSR activities are undergoing in Nepalese companies in different domains.

Originality/value

This is perhaps the very first investigation of its kind in the Nepalese context.
Functional analysis of organizational designs
Authors: Worren Nicolay
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an analytical approach – functional analysis – that can be used to evaluate the current design of an organization and identify alternative designs that may increase the ability to realize strategic and operational goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach described in this paper is based on key concepts in systems theory and axiomatic design theory (Suh, 1990, 2001). A brief case example is used to illustrate the practical application of the approach.

Findings

It is shown that functional analysis can be used to map the design of an organization and identify key design challenges (e.g. related to overlapping or conflicting functions).

Research limitations/implications

The case study that is described is considered to be a pilot application of the approach as it is based on a limited number of interviews.

Practical implications

This paper should be relevant for applied researchers, management consultants, project managers and others who are analyzing the current structure of an organization and/or are involved in re-designing an organization.

Social implications

Application of the functional approach may improve design processes and thereby enhance the effectiveness of social systems, including public and private sector organizations.

Originality/value

This paper describes how key concepts in systems theory and axiomatic design theory can provide the basis for a new framework for analyzing organization designs.
Evaluating undergraduate research conferences as vehicles for novice researcher development
Authors: Kneale Pauline , Edwards-Jones Andrew , Walkington Helen , Hill Jennifer
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the undergraduate research conference as its sphere of study and investigate the impact of significance of participation and socialisation in such activities on student attitudes and professional development. Using situated learning to theoretically position the undergraduate research conference as an authentic learning context, connection is also made with the concept of graduate attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

The Vitae (2014) Researcher Development Framework (RDF) is used to provide a template for charting the experiences and development of undergraduate students as researchers. This can be applied to short-term activities and programmes and to long-term career plans. The insights from 90 undergraduate students participating in three national undergraduate research conferences were obtained through interviews, and thematically analysed to map the students’ skills development against the RDF criteria.

Findings

Three main aspects of undergraduate research conference participation were considered particularly important by the students: the value of paper presentations, the value of poster presentations and the value of the overall conference experience. Within these themes, participants identified a wide range of skills and attributes they felt they had developed as a result of either preparing for or participating in the conferences. The majority of these skills and attributes could be mapped against the different domains of the RDF, using a public engagement lens for comparing actual with expected developmental areas.

Research limitations/implications

This research helps undergraduate research conference organisers construct programme content and form it in such a way that students’ skill development can be maximised prior to, and during, the course of an event. Learning developers can also use these findings to help understand the support needs of students preparing to deliver papers at such conferences. So far, little empirical research has examined students’ skills development within the undergraduate research conference arena.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this study show the diversity of the skills that students developed and the value of the conference format for offering networking practice and enhancing the communication skills which employers value.
Factors associated with novice graduate student researchers’ engagement with primary literature
Authors: Urquhart Sarah M. , Maher Michelle A. , Feldon David F. , Gilmore Joanna
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Using the threshold concepts framework, this paper aims to explore how differences in the ability to meaningfully apply relevant literature to one’s research are reflected in descriptions of graduate training undertaken in an academic year.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a sequential-explanatory mixed method design. Phase I analysis used quantitative performance data to differentiate research skill threshold crossers from non-crossers. Phase II analysis used qualitative interview data to identify common and differentiating themes across and between the two groups.

Findings

Participants identified coursework, research activities and teaching assignments as primary research skill development sites. However, only the patterns of mentorship and engagement with literature within the context of supervised research activities consistently differentiated threshold crossers from non-crossers. All non-crossers reported having full autonomy in their research endeavors, whereas all crossers articulated reliance on supervising mentor guidance. Similarly, most non-crossers did not frame research as incremental contributions to existing literature, while most crossers did.

Research limitations/implications

The study sample size is small (n = 14), and the study is exploratory in nature.

Practical implications

The importance of exploring the factors that actually indicate and lead to research skill development is highlighted.

Originality/value

Few studies address graduate student research skill development, although this skill development is a core goal of many graduate programs. This study does so, using performance rather than self-report data.