bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐specific Optimism Bias in Belief Updating Is Associated with High Trait Optimism
Authors: Kuzmanovic Bojana , Jefferson Anneli , Vogeley Kai
Published: November 2014

People learn more from new information when it leads to favorable future outlooks and thus can maintain optimism despite conflicting evidence. In two studies (N = 20 and 26), we investigated whether this optimism bias in belief updating is self‐specific by modifying a recently introduced learning paradigm. In each trial, participants had to estimate the probability of experiencing a negative future event, were then presented with the population base rate of that event, and were subsequently asked for a second, updated estimation. In half of the 88 trials with varying events, estimations were made for oneself, in the other half for a similar other. We tested whether the updates (differences between the first and second estimates) following undesirable base rate were lower than those following desirable base rates, and whether this difference was greater for self relative to other. In both studies, the overall results support the presence of a self‐specific optimism bias in belief updating. However, taking into account trait optimism (TO) as a moderator variable revealed that this was the case only in participants with high TO, whereas those with low TO showed optimistic belief updating for both self and other. In Study 2, we additionally controlled for possible misclassifications of base rate desirability. Taken together, the optimism bias in belief updating was demonstrated by a selective neglect of unfavorable information. A self‐specific influence of this bias in individuals with high TO may ultimately cause the impression of a more positive future outlook relative to others. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metalation Kinetics of the Human α‐Metallothionein 1a Fragment Is Dependent on the Fluxional Structure of the apo‐Protein
Authors: Irvine Gordon W. , Duncan Kelly E. R. , Gullons Meredith , Stillman Martin J.
Published: November 2014

Mammalian metallothioneins are cysteine rich metal‐binding proteins comprising, when fully metalated, two metal‐binding domains: the α‐domain binds with ${{\rm M}{{{\rm II}\hfill \atop 4\hfill}}}$S stoichiometry and the β domain binds as ${{\rm M}{{{\rm II}\hfill \atop 3\hfill}}}$S stoichiometry. While the fully metalated species have been widely studied, the metalation of the apoprotein is poorly understood. Key to a description of the metalation pathway(s) is the initial conformation of the apoprotein and the arrangement of the metal‐coordinating cysteines prior to metalation. We report the effect of the ill‐defined, globular structure of apoMT on metalation rates. In order to overcome the experimental limitations inherent in structural determinations of a fluxional protein we used a detailed analysis of the apo‐α‐metallothionein conformation based on the differential rate of cysteine modification with benzoquinone. The ESI mass spectral data show the presence of two distinct conformational families: one a folded conformational family at neutral pH and a second an unfolded family of conformations at low pH. The CdII metalation properties of these two conformationally distinct families were studied using stopped‐flow kinetics. Surprisingly, the unfolded apoprotein metalated significantly slower than the folded apoprotein, a result interpreted as being due to the longer time required to fold into the cluster structure when the fourth CdII binds. These results provide the first evidence for the role of the structure of the apo‐αMT in the metalation reaction pathways and show that cysteine modification coupled with ESI‐MS can be used to probe structure in cysteine‐rich proteins.
Sequential Analysis of Myeloperoxidase for Prediction of Adverse Events After Suspected Acute Coronary Ischemia
Authors: Koch Christian , Henrich Michael , Heidt Martin Clemens
Published: November 2014

Background

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) plasma values predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in cases of acute coronary syndrome. The effect of serial testing in patients who are suspected for acute coronary ischemia is unclear.

Hypothesis

We hypothesize that sequential MPO measurement may improve prediction of MACE in patients with suspected acute coronary ischemia.

Methods

The present prospective observational study examined the prognostic significance of MPO in 917 patients with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome. Blood samples were taken at cardiac catheter laboratory admission and the day after coronary angiography. We recorded patients' mortality, the occurrence of cardiac ischemia, and repeated percutaneous coronary intervention through the next 6 months.

Results

Mortality among patients with increased MPO plasma levels the day after coronary angiography was increased significantly (P < 0.01). Patients with MPO values above 306.3 pmol/L had a significantly higher incidence of 6‐month MACE (P < 0.0001) than patients with lower plasma values. Cox proportional hazards multivariate regression analyses revealed that MPO was an independent marker for MACE after suspected acute coronary ischemia (P = 0.048). However, MPO plasma levels at cardiac catheter laboratory admission showed no prognostic significance.

Conclusions

In patients with suspected myocardial infarction, MPO levels above 306.3 pmol/L measured 24 hours after onset of symptoms were independent predictors of 6‐month mortality and MACE.
Curcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles ameliorate adjuvant‐induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Arora R. , Kuhad A. , Kaur I.P. , Chopra K.
Published: November 2014

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic and systemic inflammation, results in destruction of joints and cartilages. Effectiveness of curcumin has been established in a wide variety of inflammatory disorders, but its utility as a therapeutic agent is limited by its poor absorption, rapid metabolism and fast systemic elimination. To apprehend these limitations, we propose to use highly bioavailable curcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (C‐SLNs) for the treatment of RA.

Methods

In the present study, the protective effect of curcumin and its SLNs was evaluated in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐induced arthritis in rats.

Results

Arthritic rats exhibited marked decrease in paw withdrawal threshold in Randall–Selitto and von Frey hair test along with decreased reaction time in hot plate. Arthritic rats also showed significant joint hyperalgesia, joint stiffness and increased paw volume along with marked decrease in mobility score. Arthritic rats showed a significant increase in blood leukocyte count, oxidative‐nitrosative stress, tumour necrosis factor‐α, C‐reactive protein, cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody levels and radiological alterations in tibiotarsal joint. C‐SLN administration (10 and 30 mg/kg), when compared with free curcumin (10 and 30 mg/kg), significantly and dose dependently ameliorated various symptoms of arthritis in rats, improved biochemical markers and preserved radiological alterations in joints of arthritic rats.

Conclusions

The current findings suggest the protective potential of curcumin‐SLNs in ameliorating CFA‐induced arthritis in rats through attenuation of oxido‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory cascade. Further, the results emphasize that SLNs are a novel approach to deliver curcumin into the inflamed joints and improve its biopharmaceutical performance.
Doing good by doing nothing? The role of social norms in explaining default effects in altruistic contexts
Authors: Everett Jim A.C. , Caviola Lucius , Kahane Guy , Savulescu Julian , Faber Nadira S.
Published: November 2014

We explore whether the known preference for default options in choice contexts—default effects—occur in altruistic contexts and the extent to which this can be explained through appeal to social norms. In four experiments, we found that (i) participants were more likely to donate money to charity when this was the default option in an altruistic choice context; (ii) participants perceived the default option to be the socially normative option; (iii) perceptions of social norms mediated the relationship between default status and charitable donations; and (iv) a transfer effect, whereby participants translated social norms they inferred from the default option in one domain into behavior in a second, related domain. Theoretically, our analysis situates default effects within a comprehensive body of social psychological research concerning social norms and the attitude‐behavior relationship, providing novel empirical predictions. Practically, these findings highlight that the way donation policies are framed can have an important impact on donation behavior: in our third study, we found that 81% donated half of their earnings for taking part in the experiment to charity when this was the default option, compared with only 19% when keeping the money was the default. Our work suggests that making use of default effects could be an effective tool to increase altruistic behavior without compromising freedom. © 2014 The Authors. European Journal of Social Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative enantiomer affinity pattern of β‐blockers in aqueous and nonaqueous CE using single‐component anionic cyclodextrins
Authors: Feng Ying , Wang Tingting , Jiang Zhengjin , Chankvetadze Bezhan , Crommen Jacques
Published: November 2014

A series of eight chiral β‐blocker drugs, acebutolol, atenolol, carazolol, carteolol, carvedilol, propranolol, sotalol, and talinolol, have been enantioseparated using two single‐component anionic β‐CD derivatives, namely heptakis (2,3‐di‐O‐methyl‐6‐sulfo)‐β‐CD (HDMS‐β‐CD) and heptakis (2,3‐di‐O‐acetyl‐6‐sulfo)‐β‐CD (HDAS‐β‐CD), in aqueous CE and NACE. The influence of the nature of substituents (methyl or acetyl) in positions 2 and 3 on the CD derivatives and of the electrophoretic medium (water or methanol) on the enantioselectivity and enantiomer affinity pattern (EAP) of these structurally related compounds was systematically studied. All eight β‐blockers could be enantioseparated at least partially in the four CE systems, except sotalol with HDMS‐β‐CD in NACE. In general, lower affinity and enantioselectivity were obtained in the presence of HDMS‐β‐CD compared to HDAS‐β‐CD. Reversals of EAPs were observed for all compounds. EAPs toward these two CDs were found to be opposite to each other in NACE for all compounds except carvedilol and in aqueous CE for atenolol, carteolol, talinolol, and sotalol. It is particularly noteworthy that opposite EAPs were also observed using the same CD derivative when the aqueous BGE was replaced with the methanolic one: for carazolol, carvedilol, and propranolol in the presence of HDMS‐β‐CD and for acebutolol and carvedilol with HDAS‐β‐CD.
Convenient synthesis of 18F‐radiolabeled R‐(−)‐N‐n‐propyl‐2‐(3‐fluoropropanoxy‐11‐hydroxynoraporphine
Authors: Sromek Anna W. , Zhang Shaohui , Akurathi Vamsidhar , Packard Alan B. , Li Wei , Alagille David , Morley Thomas J. , Baldwin Ronald , Tamagnan Gilles , Neumeyer John L.
Published: November 2014

Aporphines are attractive candidates for imaging D2 receptor function because, as agonists rather than antagonists, they are selective for the receptor in the high affinity state. In contrast, D2 antagonists do not distinguish between the high and low affinity states, and in vitro data suggests that this distinction may be important in studying diseases characterized by D2 dysregulation, such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Accordingly, MCL‐536 (R‐(−)‐N‐n‐propyl‐2‐(3‐[18F]fluoropropanoxy‐11‐hydroxynoraporphine) was selected for labeling with 18F based on in vitro data obtained for the non‐radioactive (19F) compound. Fluorine‐18‐labeled MCL‐536 was synthesized in 70% radiochemical yield, >99% radiochemical purity, and specific activity of 167 GBq/µmol (4.5 Ci/µmol) using p‐toluenesulfonyl (tosyl) both as a novel protecting group for the phenol and a leaving group for the radiofluorination.
Conceptual and empirical confounds in the organizational sciences: An explication and discussion
Authors: Martinko Mark J. , Harvey Paul , Mackey Jeremy D.
Published: November 2014

Confounding occurs when the definitions and measurements of constructs overlap. It is considered a fundamental flaw in both conceptualizing and testing relationships between variables. Although this logical and methodological error is well known, we argue that a significant amount of the published research and models of organizational behavior is undermined by definitional (i.e., conceptual) and subsequent measurement confounds. Throughout this article, examples of confounding are described. The article ends with a discussion of preventive measures that can be taken to reduce both the conceptual and measurement errors that result from confounding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competency‐based education will redefine how future degrees are attained
Authors: Neal Shelly
Published: November 2014

A new disruptive force in higher education promises to cut down the time and cost of obtaining degrees while providing employers with a skilled workforce. This new way of obtaining a college degree is beginning to replace the old credit‐hour model that equated learning to seat time.
Entropy dissipative one‐leg multistep time approximations of nonlinear diffusive equations
Authors: Jüngel Ansgar , Milišić Josipa‐Pina
Published: November 2014

New one‐leg multistep time discretizations of nonlinear evolution equations are investigated. The main features of the scheme are the preservation of the non‐negativity and the entropy dissipation structure of the diffusive equations. The key ideas are to combine Dahlquist's G‐stability theory with entropy dissipation methods and to introduce a nonlinear transformation of variables, which provides a quadratic structure in the equations. It is shown that G‐stability of the one‐leg scheme is sufficient to derive discrete entropy dissipation estimates. The general result is applied to a cross‐diffusion system from population dynamics and a nonlinear fourth‐order quantum diffusion model, for which the existence of semidiscrete weak solutions is proved. Under some assumptions on the operator of the evolution equation, the second‐order convergence of solutions is shown. Moreover, some numerical experiments for the population model are presented, which underline the theoretical results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1119–1149, 2015
Comparing two correlated C indices with right‐censored survival outcome: a one‐shot nonparametric approach
Authors: Kang Le , Chen Weijie , Petrick Nicholas A. , Gallas Brandon D.
Published: November 2014

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve is often used as a summary index of the diagnostic ability in evaluating biomarkers when the clinical outcome (truth) is binary. When the clinical outcome is right‐censored survival time, the C index, motivated as an extension of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, has been proposed by Harrell as a measure of concordance between a predictive biomarker and the right‐censored survival outcome. In this work, we investigate methods for statistical comparison of two diagnostic or predictive systems, of which they could either be two biomarkers or two fixed algorithms, in terms of their C indices. We adopt a U‐statistics‐based C estimator that is asymptotically normal and develop a nonparametric analytical approach to estimate the variance of the C estimator and the covariance of two C estimators. A z‐score test is then constructed to compare the two C indices. We validate our one‐shot nonparametric method via simulation studies in terms of the type I error rate and power. We also compare our one‐shot method with resampling methods including the jackknife and the bootstrap. Simulation results show that the proposed one‐shot method provides almost unbiased variance estimations and has satisfactory type I error control and power. Finally, we illustrate the use of the proposed method with an example from the Framingham Heart Study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MiR‐20a regulates the PRKG1 gene by targeting its coding region in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zeng Yan , Pan Yanping , Liu Hongtai , Kang Kang , Wu Yike , Hui Gang , Peng Wenda , Ramchandran Ramaswamy , Raj J. Usha , Gou Deming
Published: November 2014

Chronic hypoxia triggers pulmonary vascular remodeling, which is associated with de‐differentiation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Here, we show that miR‐20a expression is up‐regulated in response to hypoxia in both mouse and human PASMC. We also observed that miR‐20a represses the protein kinase, cGMP‐dependent, type I (PRKG1) gene and we identified two crucial miR‐20a binding sites within the coding region of PRKG1. Functional studies showed that miR‐20a promotes the proliferation and migration of human PASMC, whereas it inhibits their differentiation. In summary, we provided a possible mechanism by which hypoxia results in decreased PRKG1 expression and in the phenotypic switching of PASMC.
Crystal structure of the rigor‐like human non‐muscle myosin‐2 motor domain
Authors: Münnich Stefan , Pathan-Chhatbar Salma , Manstein Dietmar J.
Published: November 2014

We determined the crystal structure of the motor domain of human non‐muscle myosin 2B (NM‐2B) in a nucleotide‐free state and at a resolution of 2.8 Å. The structure shows the motor domain with an open active site and the large cleft that divides the 50kDa domain in a closed state. Compared to other rigor‐like myosin motor domain structures, our structure shows subtle but significant conformational changes in regions important for actin binding and mechanochemical coupling. Moreover, our crystal structure helps to rationalize the impact of myosin, heavy chain 9 (MYH9)‐related disease mutations Arg709Cys and Arg709His on the kinetic and functional properties of NM‐2B and of the closely related non‐muscle myosin 2A (NM‐2A).
A novel packing arrangement of AcrB in the lipid bilayer membrane
Authors: Ly K. , Bartho J.D. , Eicher T. , Pos K.M. , Mitra A.K.
Published: November 2014

The central component AcrB of the Escherichia coli drug efflux complex AcrA–AcrB–TolC has been extensively investigated by X‐ray crystallography of detergent–protein 3‐D crystals. In these crystals, AcrB packs as trimers – the functional unit. We visualized the AcrB–AcrB interaction in its native environment by examining E. coli lipid reconstituted 2‐D crystals, which were overwhelmingly formed by asymmetric trimers stabilized by strongly‐interacting monomers from adjacent trimers. Most interestingly, we observed lattices formed by an arrangement of AcrB monomers distinct from that in traditional trimers. This hitherto unobserved packing, might play a role in the biogenesis of trimeric AcrB.
Self‐rated and informant‐rated everyday function in comparison to objective markers of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Rueda Alicia D. , Lau Karen M. , Saito Naomi , Harvey Danielle , Risacher Shannon L. , Aisen Paul S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Saykin Andrew J. , Farias Sarah Tomaszewski ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2014

It is recognized that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) already demonstrate difficulty in aspects of daily functioning, which predicts disease progression. This study examined the relationship between self‐ versus informant‐report of functional ability, and how those reports relate to objective disease measures across the disease spectrum (i.e. cognitively normal, MCI, Alzheimer's disease). A total of 1080 subjects with self‐ and/or informant‐rated Everyday Cognition questionnaires were included. Objective measures included cognitive functioning, structural brain atrophy, cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities, and a marker of amyloid deposition using positron emission tomography with [18F]AV45 (florbetapir). Overall, informant‐report was consistently more associated with objective markers of disease than self‐report although self‐reported functional status may still have some utility in early disease.
Ebola Virus Disease: Preparedness in Japan
Authors: Ashino Yugo , Chagan-Yasutan Haorile , Egawa Shinichi , Hattori Toshio
Published: November 2014

The current outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) is due to a lack of resources, untrained medical personnel, and the specific contact-mediated type of infection of this virus. In Japan’s history, education and mass vaccination of the native Ainu people successfully eradicated epidemics of smallpox. Even though a zoonotic virus is hard to control, appropriate precautions and personal protection, as well as anti-symptomatic treatment, will control the outbreak of EVD. Ebola virus utilizes the antibody-dependent enhancement of infection to seed the cells of various organs. The pathogenesis of EVD is due to the cytokine storm of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the lack of antiviral interferon-α2. Matricellular proteins of galectin-9 and osteopontin might also be involved in the edema and abnormality of the coagulation system in EVD. Anti-fibrinolytic treatment will be effective. In the era of globalization, interviews of travelers with fever within 3 weeks of departure from the affected areas will be necessary. Not only the hospitals designated for specific biohazards but every hospital should be aware of the biology of biohazards and establish measures to protect both patients and the community. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-5)
Osteocutaneous free flaps for mandibular reconstruction: systematic review of their frequency of use and a preliminary quality of life comparison
Authors: Moubayed S P , L'Heureux-Lebeau B , Christopoulos A , Sampalis J S , Letourneau-Guillon L , Bissada E , Guertin L , Harris P G , Danino A M , Ayad T
Published: November 2014

Objectives:

To determine whether the fibula free flap is the most frequently used osteocutaneous flap for mandible reconstruction, and whether it provides quality of life, depression and anxiety advantages.

Methods:

A systematic review of the public Medline database was conducted. Thirteen patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction at our hospital centre completed questionnaires to evaluate quality of life, depression and anxiety outcomes.

Results:

The most frequently used free flaps are those of the fibula (n = 982), radial forearm (n = 201), iliac crest (n = 113), subscapular system (n = 50) and rib–serratus (n = 7). In our patient population, there was a trend towards a better quality of life in those with a fibula free flap. However, patients in this group were significantly younger than patients with other flap types (p = 0.025). Patients with a subscapular system free flap were more depressed (p = 0.031); however, they had large through-and-through defects.

Conclusion:

The flap used most frequently in the literature is the fibula free flap. Comparative quality of life data are lacking, and homogeneous populations should be used to reach significant conclusions.
Trace phase detection and strain characterization from serial X-ray free-electron laser crystallography of a Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3 powder
Authors: Beyerlein Kenneth R. , Jooss Christian , Barty Anton , Bean Richard , Boutet Sébastien , Dhesi Sarnjeet S. , Doak R. Bruce , Först Michael , Galli Lorenzo , Kirian Richard A. , Kozak Joseph , Lang Michael , Mankowsky Roman , Messerschmidt Marc , Spence John C. H. , Wang Dingjie , Weierstall Uwe , White Thomas A. , Williams Garth J. , Yefanov Oleksandr , Zatsepin Nadia A. , Cavalleri Andrea , Chapman Henry N.
Published: November 2014

We report on the analysis of virtual powder-diffraction patterns from serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) data collected at an X-ray free-electron laser. Different approaches to binning and normalizing these patterns are discussed with respect to the microstructural characteristics which each highlights. Analysis of SFX data from a powder of Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3 in this way finds evidence of other trace phases in its microstructure which was not detectable in a standard powder-diffraction measurement. Furthermore, a comparison between two virtual powder pattern integration strategies is shown to yield different diffraction peak broadening, indicating sensitivity to different types of microstrain. This paper is a first step in developing new data analysis methods for microstructure characterization from serial crystallography data.
Mycoplasma genitalium and its resistance to azithromycin in incarcerated men from Far North Queensland
Authors: Daley Gemma Maree , Russell Darren B. , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Twin Jimmy , McBride William J. H.
Published: November 2014

This study examined the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in incarcerated men from Far North Queensland as well as the prevalence of macrolide resistance in identified isolates. Overall, eight out of 140 [5.71% (95% CI 1.82–9.60)] urine samples tested positive and two out of eight (25%) samples carried a mutation in the 23S rRNA gene associated with macrolide resistance.
Regulation of Sufu activity by p66β and Mycbp provides new insight into vertebrate Hedgehog signaling
Authors: Lin Chuwen , Yao Erica , Wang Kevin , Nozawa Yoko , Shimizu Hirohito , Johnson Jeffrey R. , Chen Jau-Nian , Krogan Nevan J. , Chuang Pao-Tien
Published: November 2014

Control of Gli function by Suppressor of Fused (Sufu), a major negative regulator, is a key step in mammalian Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, but how this is achieved in the nucleus is unknown. We found that Hh signaling results in reduced Sufu protein levels and Sufu dissociation from Gli proteins in the nucleus, highlighting critical functions of Sufu in the nucleus. Through a proteomic approach, we identified several Sufu-interacting proteins, including p66β (a member of the NuRD [nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase] repressor complex) and Mycbp (a Myc-binding protein). p66β negatively and Mycbp positively regulate Hh signaling in cell-based assays and zebrafish. They function downstream from the membrane receptors, Patched and Smoothened, and the primary cilium. Sufu, p66β, Mycbp, and Gli are also detected on the promoters of Hh targets in a dynamic manner. Our results support a new model of Hh signaling in the nucleus. Sufu recruits p66β to block Gli-mediated Hh target gene expression. Meanwhile, Mycbp forms a complex with Gli and Sufu without Hh stimulation but remains inactive. Hh pathway activation leads to dissociation of Sufu/p66β from Gli, enabling Mycbp to promote Gli protein activity and Hh target gene expression. These studies provide novel insight into how Sufu controls Hh signaling in the nucleus.
The financing of terror in the age of the Internet: wilful blindness, greed or a political statement?
Authors: Baldwin Fletcher N.
Published: November 2014

Begins with the Staff Report to the National Commission on Terrorist Attack on the United States, which indicates the methods used to trace, seize and freeze terrorist assets, and the informal methods used by al‐Qaeda to transfer money. Questions the amount of progress made since September 11 to freeze funds. Focuses on encryption technology and how it allows illegal use of the Internet in the form of cyber laundering and e‐cash, and on the move by terrorists into narcotics production and trafficking ‐ which is defined as nacre‐terrorism. Describes efforts to proscribe cyber crime, including cyber laundering and cyber terrorism, including controls on privacy and encryption. Shows how business corporations can become involved with terrorism, including a case study on tanzanite.
The activity of Natura from the perspective of sustainable development and of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Fabiano Sambiase Lombardi Marta , Camargo Leal Carla , Basso Leonardo F.C.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether it is possible to reconcile the objectives of sustainable development (SD) with a company's socially responsible performance in the Brazilian Amazon. The relationship between the concepts of SD and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method was used, based on the analysis of the Saboaria (soaps factory) of the Brazilian cosmetics company Natura.

Findings

The study demonstrated the coexistence and integration of both concepts, translated into strategies and practices of organizational management.

Research limitations/implications

The fundamental limitation of the paper is that it is formed using secondary data, collected from the internet and printed media. Conducting further research using primary data, such as interviews or surveys with Natura's managers, Natura's consumers, or Natura's employees/community, and for a longer period to analyze the Natura Saboaria experience is necessary.

Practical implications

The major implication for practice is that a sustainable strategy is necessary on a wide sense, not just in line with economic dimension.

Originality/value

This study integrates the literatures on SD and CSR to a series of business projects geared towards the sustainable use of the Amazon's resources, in pursuit of socially responsible behavior.
Impact of information technology certifications in Puerto Rico
Authors: Félix Rodríguez Orlando , Fernández Fernando , Soto Torres René
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if the professional information technology (IT) in Puerto Rico has had an impact during the job search process, financial compensation and success in the industry, from the point of view of management, with the emergence of certification.

Design/methodology/approach

The design used in this research was the cross‐sectional and not experimental. To analyze the data in this study the authors used descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Findings

In accordance with the views expressed by managers, IT professionals with experience are more likely to be selected during the recruitment process and achieve success in their industry compared to professional certification or degree. When managers evaluate the compensation of professionals, certification, academic degree or work experience do not significantly affect the attitude of managers.

Research limitations/implications

The research questions were answered based on the views of managers about the phenomenon studied and did not consider the professionals themselves.

Practical implications

The mechanisms for certification are expensive and tend to be time consuming. The results of this study provide practical benefits to IT professionals because they can be used as a reference.

Originality/value

The results of this research provide valuable information to industries, organizations or businesses and IT professionals in Puerto Rico because they may be used as a reference concerning Puerto Rico's IT industry.
The downsizing effects on survivors: a structural equation modeling analysis
Authors: Marques Tânia , Suárez‐González Isabel , Pinheiro da Cruz Pedro , Portugal Ferreira Manuel
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The extant scholarly research has been delving into several effects of downsizing, such as job insecurity, organizational commitment and innovative behavior. The purpose of this paper is to develop a model proposing organizational commitment as a mediator between job insecurity and innovative behavior. Downsizing survivors – or the individuals who remain when others exit a firm – may have higher job insecurity and lower organizational commitment post‐downsizing, thus lowering their innovative efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected 224 questionnaires from Portuguese employees and analyzed simultaneous relations with a structural equation modeling.

Findings

The analysis of mediating effects suggests that the lack of commitment is not a mediating construct between job insecurity and innovative behavior. However, downsizing directly affects both organizational commitment and innovative behavior.

Practical implications

The innovative behavior seems to be directly affected by job insecurity, raising implications regarding the use of downsizing as a short‐term practice, without acknowledging the long‐term impact on organizational innovative capabilities.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by testing the moderating role of organizational commitment in the relationship between job insecurity and innovative behaviors.
Environmental human resource management and competitive advantage
Authors: Carmona‐Moreno Eva , Céspedes‐Lorente José , Martinez‐del‐Rio Javier
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the moderating effect of environmental human resource management on the relationship between firms' environmental management practices and competitive advantages of cost and differentiation.

Design/methodology/approach

CEOs of Spanish chemical firms were asked to respond to a questionnaire containing the measures of the study variables. The final sample consists of 94 firms and the hypotheses were tested using partial least square methodology.

Findings

Empirical evidence showed that companies with a high level of human resource environmental practices can benefit from the advantages in costs and differentiation derived from the implementation of pollution prevention technologies.

Originality/value

From a theoretical standpoint, the paper discusses the moderating role of environmental human resource management practices in the relationship between pollution prevention technologies and economic performance. Empirically, it provides evidence of the role of human resource management practices and proactive environmental management practices in supporting competitive advantages of cost and differentiation.
Maria José Tonelli: rigor and relevance in research
Authors: Ibarreche Santiago
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper is a conversation with Maria José Tonelli, conducted by Santiago Ibarreche, about her career as an Iberoamerican scholar.

Design/methodology/approach

Interview.

Findings

The interview explores Tonelli's career, her achievements and continued search for excellence in her institution, the IAM, and her country Brazil, as well as the way she has coped with life's demands.

Originality/value

The interview in this special section, A Life in Research, brings out an individual scholar's experience and history, not only as recognition of scholarly impact, but also as recognition of the person.
The effects of climate change on tourism in small states: evidence from the Barbados case
Authors: Cashman Adrian , Cumberbatch Janice , Moore Winston
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Since the decline of export agriculture and the loss of trade preferences, most Caribbean countries have shifted their economies towards the provision of tourism services. Barbados, for example, receives more than two‐thirds of its foreign exchange earnings from tourism. The sustainability of tourism in the Caribbean can potentially be affected by climate change. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an assessment of the likely effects of climate change in the small state of Barbados and suggests some recommended adaptations. Climate change is expected to impact on temperature, rainfall and severe weather, sea levels and sea surface temperatures, biodiversity loss, and lead to erosion and seasonal shifts on the island.

Findings

The paper finds that, in relation to tourism demand, as travellers from source markets become more conscious of their carbon footprint and the implementation of green taxes, there might be some alteration in demand for long‐haul destinations such as Barbados. On the supply‐side, increased operating costs, due to higher insurance premiums (particularly for beachfront properties) and greater cooling costs, to name a few could all impact on the profitability of hotels in the island. As climate change impacts on the water table, there is also likely to be some competition for water resources for residential and tourism purposes.

Originality/value

The paper supplies useful information on sustainability of tourism in the Caribbean and the effects of climate change.
Vacation stress: the development of a vacation stress model among US vacation travelers
Authors: Zehrer Anita , Crotts John C.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a vacation stress model that shows the influence exerted by internal and external stressors on the overall stress appraisal of US residents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper undertakes a review of the relevant literature and develops a SEM model for vacation stress, which is tested with data from a national panel of 110 US residents who report on taking a recent vacation.

Findings

The model shows that vacation stress is a multi‐dimensional concept. Vacation stress can be operationalized by pre‐trip stressors, travel stressors and destination stressors, which again can be internally or externally caused and correlate with one another. Destination stressors are the strongest dimension determining overall vacation stress. Vacation stress has more impact on the willingness to revisit than on the willingness to recommend the same destination to friends and relatives.

Practical implications

The study presents some practical implications for tourism marketers revealing that stress is multi‐dimensional and influenced by several types of stressors.

Originality/value

The notion that leisure activities such as taking a vacation may act as a means of coping with stress, is a common belief. However, research framed under transactional theory suggests that taking a vacation trip may actually cause stress. The paper attempts to provide a model to determine which factors cause overall vacation stress.
Tips & Toes: a total reward strategy fuels growth
Authors: Adrienne A. Isakovic , Fatima Al Mansoori
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Human resources (compensation, total rewards, employee engagement, training and development), strategy.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate HRM majors and postgraduate business and management.

Case overview

This case highlights the strong growth and expansion of a former small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) in the United Arab Emirates, Tips & Toes. The company is a leader in the beauty and fitness service industry, and much of its growth and success is attributable to the leadership of its general manager and her implementation of a differentiation strategy, a market innovator in concepts, products and services, and a total rewards system for engaging and retaining employees. Tips & Toes is planning for continued, aggressive growth and expansion over the next five years. This case also highlights an underrepresented area of focus for case studies: women-led businesses, SMEs, and entrepreneurship and innovation.

Expected learning outcomes

The main focus of this case is for students to examine the beneftts of using a total rewards strategy to engage and retain employees, and more importantly to see the links between such a strategy and business and revenue growth. This is particularly a salient learning point for students in emerging markets, where more traditional types of compensation and views of the employment contract tend to prevail. In addition, this case could be used as a supplementary learning experience regarding strategy and strategic focus of an organization (i.e. the Treacy and Wiersema model of product leadership, customer intimacy, or operational excellence as a strategic discipline for a firm). And finally, this case provides an example of a woman-led organization which grew out of SME status into a market leader; this example provides students with insight into workable entrepreneur opportunities to which they might not see a direct linkage when reading case studies of large multinational organizations or conglomerates.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available; please consult your librarian for access.
Social media marketing at Reebok India — the dilemma of ROMI and beyond
Authors: Dasgupta Pinaki , Mathew Jones
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Marketing management, digital marketing, advertising and promotion management, and technology management.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for BBA and MBA students. It can also be considered in executive education programs.

Case overview

Venkatesh Kothapalli, the marketing head at Reebok India headquarters at Gurgaon, was in a decision dilemma about the effectiveness of using social media marketing and its employment in the current scheme of marketing strategy being planned. He had been able to generate a fair amount of awareness and excitement amongst potential users on Reebok's social media sites. However, these often fail to convert into topline sales. In addition, Alex his superior had given clear instructions that no separate budget would be earmarked for this type of medium. So Venkatesh had to divert some parts of his existing budgets (which he did from the PR budget and the DM budget) and channel these into the new area of social media marketing. This had also created concerns in Venkatesh's mind about the possibility of the new media not showing favourable results while budgets of the traditional and tried and tested media like PR and direct marketing were being chopped.

Expected learning outcomes

These include: understanding the dilemma of an organization's adoption of newer marketing tools as opposed to traditional marketing practices; evaluating the role of newer mediums like social media marketing and its long term and short term relevance; understanding the origins and development of social media marketing to grasp the full scale of its usefulness; and appreciating the complexities of measuring the effectiveness of social media marketing initiatives.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available, please consult your librarian for access.
Training and development at BPOLAND
Authors: Ashish Malik , Martin Fitzgerald
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Human resource development/management and change management.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for final year undergraduate human resource development/management or specialist HRM Master's programs (strategic HRM/HRD).

Case overview

The case study highlights the challenges of managing change and growth in India's dynamic business process outsourcing sector. The choice of a large and complex organisation brings to the fore the complexity of decision making and how various factors shape the development of critical organisational capabilities and training provision.

Expected learning outcomes

Depending on the level of the class and the emphasis, one or more of the following learning outcomes can be achieved from this case study. Following thecase analysis, students should be able to: discuss the key challenges faced by BPOLAND; identify and analyse the various influences of internal and external factors on training provision; understand the importance of forging partnerships with key functional groups for shaping training and organisational capabilities; analyse the dynamic interactions between the various factors and training provision; analyse the relationship between BPOLAND's competitive strategy and its training choices (make versus buy); evaluate the role of training in developing organisational capabilities; and strategise a way forward for the person responsible for learning and development.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available; please contact your librarian for access.
Janalakshmi Financial Services Private Limited: strategic innovation to achieve financial inclusion
Authors: Dolphy M. Abraham , Gopinath Mohan , Castelino Edwin
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Strategic innovation through the deployment of a sophisticated collection of information systems and technologies to help accomplish financial inclusion for the urban poor.

Study level/applicability

This case is suitable for graduate courses on strategic planning and innovation.

Case overview

Janalakshmi Financial Services (JFS) is a microfinance company that seeks to serve the financial service needs of the urban poor, a market segment with huge growthpotential. This operation involves large numbers of cash transactions making effective control mechanisms necessary. However, small margins make an innovative strategy necessary. JFS states that information technology (IT) is its DNA. The way in which the leadership team used a variety of ITsolutions to create an integrated set of well managed operations provides a very useful lesson in managing the process of strategic innovation.

Expected learning outcomes

The primary learning objective is to help the student understand the impact of strategic innovation through the use of information systems and technologies. This is achieved by helping the student to: connect the abilities provided by information technology to the social objective of financial inclusion; understand what financial inclusion means to the urban poor and how this segment differs from other microfinance and banking segments; assess the approach (related to organizational design as well as systems) JFS has employed to accomplish the objective of financial inclusion among the urban poor in India; analyse the systems and processes JFS has used to deliver services to its target market while making processes more transparent and efficient at JFS; and assess the risks to which JFS is exposed throughits business activity as well as the use of information technology.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available; please consult your librarian for access.
Drop-offs in the Asian electronics market: unloading Bolipps and Canssonic
Authors: Reddy K. Srinivasa , Agrawal Rajat , Nangia Vinay Kumar
Published: November 2014

Subject area

International business – sell-off and joint venture.

Study level/applicability

This case is suitable for graduation and post graduation (BBA, MBA) and other management programs. The courses include multinational business environment and strategic management

Case overview

A significant increase in the Asian electronics business has created a global platform for international vendors and customers. Indeed, Chinese and Korean firms have become the foremost manufacturing and fabrication nucleus for electronic supplies in the world economy. In fact, it is an example of success from Asian emerging markets. This case presents the strategies of Asian rivals in the electronics business that shows both Bolipps and Canssonic redesigning and restructuring global tactics for long-term sustainable success in the given market. It also discusses the reasons behind their current mode of business and post-deal issues.

Expected learning outcomes

The case describes a way to impart managerial and leadership strategies from regular business operations happening in and around the world. Solely it focuses on designing inorganic choices such as sell-offs, joint ventures, shuffle and merging strategies through theory to application.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.