bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcription repressor Bach2 is required for pulmonary surfactant homeostasis and alveolar macrophage function
Authors: Nakamura Atsushi , Ebina-Shibuya Risa , Itoh-Nakadai Ari , Muto Akihiko , Shima Hiroki , Saigusa Daisuke , Aoki Junken , Ebina Masahito , Nukiwa Toshihiro , Igarashi Kazuhiko
Published: October 2013

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) results from a dysfunction of alveolar macrophages (AMs), chiefly due to disruptions in the signaling of granulocyte macrophage colony–stimulating factor (GM-CSF). We found that mice deficient for the B lymphoid transcription repressor BTB and CNC homology 2 (Bach2) developed PAP-like accumulation of surfactant proteins in the lungs. Bach2 was expressed in AMs, and Bach2-deficient AMs showed alterations in lipid handling in comparison with wild-type (WT) cells. Although Bach2-deficient AMs showed a normal expression of the genes involved in the GM-CSF signaling, they showed an altered expression of the genes involved in chemotaxis, lipid metabolism, and alternative M2 macrophage activation with increased expression of Ym1 and arginase-1, and the M2 regulator Irf4. Peritoneal Bach2-deficient macrophages showed increased Ym1 expression when stimulated with interleukin-4. More eosinophils were present in the lung and peritoneal cavity of Bach2-deficient mice compared with WT mice. The PAP-like lesions in Bach2-deficient mice were relieved by WT bone marrow transplantation even after their development, confirming the hematopoietic origin of the lesions. These results indicate that Bach2 is required for the functional maturation of AMs and pulmonary homeostasis, independently of the GM-CSF signaling.
Down-regulation of PLCγ2–β-catenin pathway promotes activation and expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer
Authors: Capietto Aude-Hélène , Kim Seokho , Sanford Dominic E. , Linehan David C. , Hikida Masaki , Kumosaki Tomohiro , Novack Deborah V. , Faccio Roberta
Published: October 2013

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) favor tumor promotion, mainly by suppressing antitumor T cell responses in many cancers. Although the mechanism of T cell inhibition is established, the pathways leading to MDSC accumulation in bone marrow and secondary lymphoid organs of tumor-bearing hosts remain unclear. We demonstrate that down-regulation of PLCγ2 signaling in MDSCs is responsible for their aberrant expansion during tumor progression. PLCγ2−/− MDSCs show stronger immune-suppressive activity against CD8+ T cells than WT MDSCs and potently promote tumor growth when adoptively transferred into WT mice. Mechanistically, PLCγ2−/− MDSCs display reduced β-catenin levels, and restoration of β-catenin expression decreases their expansion and tumor growth. Consistent with a negative role for β-catenin in MDSCs, its deletion in the myeloid population leads to MDSC accumulation and supports tumor progression, whereas expression of β-catenin constitutively active reduces MDSC numbers and protects from tumor growth. Further emphasizing the clinical relevance of these findings, MDSCs isolated from pancreatic cancer patients show reduced p-PLCγ2 and β-catenin levels compared with healthy controls, similar to tumor-bearing mice. Thus, for the first time, we demonstrate that down-regulation of PLCγ2–β-catenin pathway occurs in mice and humans and leads to MDSC-mediated tumor expansion, raising concerns about the efficacy of systemic β-catenin blockade as anti-cancer therapy.
Transient regulatory T cell ablation deters oncogene-driven breast cancer and enhances radiotherapy
Authors: Bos Paula D. , Plitas George , Rudra Dipayan , Lee Sue Y. , Rudensky Alexander Y.
Published: October 2013

Rational combinatorial therapeutic strategies have proven beneficial for the management of cancer. Recent success of checkpoint blockade in highly immunogenic tumors has renewed interest in immunotherapy. Regulatory T (T reg) cells densely populate solid tumors, which may promote progression through suppressing anti-tumor immune responses. We investigated the role of T reg cells in murine mammary carcinogenesis using an orthotopic, polyoma middle-T antigen-driven model in Foxp3DTR knockin mice. T reg cell ablation resulted in significant determent of primary and metastatic tumor progression. Importantly, short-term ablation of T reg cells in advanced spontaneous tumors led to extensive apoptotic tumor cell death. This anti-tumor activity was dependent on IFN-γ and CD4+ T cells but not on NK or CD8+ T cells. Combination of T reg cell ablation with CTLA-4 or PD-1/PD-L1 blockade did not affect tumor growth or improve the therapeutic effect attained by T reg cell ablation alone. However, T reg cell targeting jointly with tumor irradiation significantly reduced tumor burden and improved overall survival. Together, our results demonstrate a major tumor-promoting role of T reg cells in an autochthonous model of tumorigenesis, and they reveal the potential therapeutic value of combining transient T reg cell ablation with radiotherapy for the management of poorly immunogenic, aggressive malignancies.
Sensing charges of the Ciona intestinalis voltage-sensing phosphatase
Authors: Villalba-Galea Carlos A. , Frezza Ludivine , Sandtner Walter , Bezanilla Francisco
Published: October 2013

Voltage control over enzymatic activity in voltage-sensitive phosphatases (VSPs) is conferred by a voltage-sensing domain (VSD) located in the N terminus. These VSDs are constituted by four putative transmembrane segments (S1 to S4) resembling those found in voltage-gated ion channels. The putative fourth segment (S4) of the VSD contains positive residues that likely function as voltage-sensing elements. To study in detail how these residues sense the plasma membrane potential, we have focused on five arginines in the S4 segment of the Ciona intestinalis VSP (Ci-VSP). After implementing a histidine scan, here we show that four arginine-to-histidine mutants, namely R223H to R232H, mediate voltage-dependent proton translocation across the membrane, indicating that these residues transit through the hydrophobic core of Ci-VSP as a function of the membrane potential. These observations indicate that the charges carried by these residues are sensing charges. Furthermore, our results also show that the electrical field in VSPs is focused in a narrow hydrophobic region that separates the extracellular and intracellular space and constitutes the energy barrier for charge crossing.
Ecological value of coastal habitats for commercially and ecologically important species
Authors: Seitz Rochelle D. , Wennhage Håkan , Bergström Ulf , Lipcius Romuald N. , Ysebaert Tom
Published: October 2013

Many exploited fish and macroinvertebrates that utilize the coastal zone have declined, and the causes of these declines, apart from overfishing, remain largely unresolved. Degradation of essential habitats has resulted in habitats that are no longer adequate to fulfil nursery, feeding, or reproductive functions, yet the degree to which coastal habitats are important for exploited species has not been quantified. Thus, we reviewed and synthesized literature on the ecological value of coastal habitats (i.e. seagrass beds, shallow subtidal and intertidal habitats, kelp beds, shallow open water habitats, saltmarshes, mussel beds, macroalgal beds, rocky bottom, and mariculture beds) as feeding grounds, nursery areas, spawning areas, and migration routes of 59 taxa, for which the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) gives management advice, and another 12 commercially or ecologically important species. In addition, we provide detailed information on coastal habitat use for plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), cod (Gadus morhua), brown shrimp (Crangon crangon), and European lobster (Homarus gammarus). Collectively, 44% of all ICES species utilized coastal habitats, and these stocks contributed 77% of the commercial landings of ICES-advice species, indicating that coastal habitats are critical to population persistence and fishery yield of ICES species. These findings will aid in defining key habitats for protection and restoration and provide baseline information needed to define knowledge gaps for quantifying the habitat value for exploited fish and invertebrates.
Robertkochia marina gen. nov., sp. nov., of the family Flavobacteriaceae, isolated from surface seawater, and emended descriptions of the genera Joostella and Galbibacter
Authors: Hameed Asif , Shahina Mariyam , Lin Shih-Yao , Lai Wei-An , Liu You-Cheng , Hsu Yi-Han , Cheng I-Chen , Young Chiu-Chung
Published: October 2013

A Gram-staining-negative, orange-pigmented, strictly aerobic, carotenoid-producing, rod-shaped, non-flagellated, non-spore-forming bacterium, motile by gliding, designated strain CC-AMO-30DT, was isolated from surface seawater collected near Taichung harbour, Taiwan. Strain CC-AMO-30DT shared pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 94.8, 93.7 and 92.5 % with the type strains of the type species of the genera

Joostella

,

Pustulibacterium

and

Galbibacter

, respectively, and formed a distinct monophyletic lineage in phylogenetic trees. The major fatty acids (≥5 % of total) were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified lipids, two unidentified aminolipids and an unidentified phospholipid. The major polyamine was the triamine sym-homospermidine. The DNA G+C content was 47.1 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 (MK-6). Based on the phylogenetic distinctiveness and distinguishing phenotypic characteristics, strain CC-AMO-30DT represents a novel genus and species of the family

Flavobacteriaceae

, for which the name Robertkochia marina gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain of the type species Robertkochia marina is CC-AMO-30DT ( = JCM 18552T = BCRC 80469T). Emended descriptions of the genera

Joostella

and

Galbibacter

are also proposed.
Ethylenediammonium sodium tetrakis[bis(ethylenediamine-κ2N,N′)(oxalato-κ2O1,O2)cobalt(III)] [pentahydrogen di(phosphatooctadecatungstate)] tetradecahydrate
Authors: Zhang Shuzhuo , Wang Jing , Xu Yun
Published: October 2013

The title compound, Na(C2H10N2)[Co(C2O4)(C2H8N2)2]4[H5(P2W18O62)2]·14H2O, prepared under hydrothermal conditions, consists of two Dawson-type [P2W18O62]6−anions, four isolated [Co(en)2(ox)]+cations (en = ethylenediamine and ox = oxalate), one Na+cation, one [H2en]2+cation, and a number of ordered (14) and disordered solvent water molecules. The [P2W18O62]6−polyoxidometalate anion has site symmetry 1 and contains two structurally distinct types of W atoms:viz.six W atoms on vertical pseudo-mirror planes grouped in two sets of three, and 12 equatorial W atoms that do not lie in the pseudo-mirror planes grouped in two sets of six. In each [Co(en)2(ox)]+cation, the CoIIIion is coordinated by four N atoms from two en ligands and two O atoms from the ox ligands, completing a distorted octahedral structure. The sodium cation lies on an inversion centre and additionally links the complex cations and anions. In the crystal, the various units are linked by N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, which together with C—H...O hydrogen bonds form a three-dimensional structure. The contribution of a region of disordered electron density, possibly highly disordered solvent water molecules, to the scattering was removed with the SQUEEZE option ofPLATON[Spek (2009).Acta Cryst.D65, 148–155]. To equilibrate the charges five H+ions have been added to the polyoxidometalate. These H+ions and the disordered solvent contribution were not included in the reported molecular weight and density.
Bis(μ-diphenylphosphanyl)bis[(trimethylphosphane)cobalt(I)](Co—Co)
Authors: Beck Robert , Klein Hans-Friedrich
Published: October 2013

The title compound, [Co2{P(C6H5)2}2(C3H9P)4], was obtained by the addition of diphenylphosphane to a solution of Co(CH3)(C3H9P)4. The dinuclear complex molecule exhibits inversion symmetry with the inversion centre located between the two CoIatoms. The short Co—Co distance of 2.3670 (8) Å lies within the range of metal–metal double bonds. As a result of inversion symmetry, the four-membered Co2P2core is rigorously planar, and the two bridging P(C6H5)2-ligands and the terminal C3H9P ligands are arranged in a pseudo-tetrahedral fashion about the CoIatom.
4-Dichloromethyl-4-methyl-5-(nitromethyl)cyclohex-2-enone
Authors: Novaković Sladjana B. , Rodić Marko V. , Jaćimović Željko K. , Ratković Zoran , Sukdolak Slobodan
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, C9H11Cl2NO3, the six-membered ring adopts a screw-chair conformation. In the crystal, two different C—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the same acceptor atom connect the molecules into a chain extending along thec-axis direction.
(Dimethylphosphoryl)methanaminium nitrate
Authors: Bianga Claudia M. , Eggeling Julia , Reiss Guido J.
Published: October 2013

In the crystal of the title salt, C3H11NOP+·NO3−, dicationic inversion dimers are head-to-tail connected by a pair of strong N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The resulting graph-set descriptor of this ring system isR22(10). The nitrate counter-anions connect the dicationic dimersviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming two-dimensional networks in thebcplane.
3-Methyl-4-(2-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl)furazan
Authors: Suponitsky Kyrill Yu. , Chernyshev Victor M. , Palysaeva Nadezhda V. , Sheremetev Aleksei B.
Published: October 2013

In the title molecule, C14H10N6O, the planes of the methylfurazan fragment and the phenyl ring attached to the triazolopyrimidine bicycle are twisted from the mean plane of the bicycle at angles of 45.92 (5) and 5.45 (4)°, respectively. In the crystal, π–π interactions, indicated by short distances [in the range 3.456 (3)–3.591 (3) Å] between the centroids of the five- and six-membered rings of neighbouring molecules, link the molecules into stacks propagating along thec-axis direction.
(5Z,7Z,9Z)-5,10-Dibromobenzo[8]annulene
Authors: Bender Christopher O. , Boeré René T.
Published: October 2013

In the structure of the title compound, C12H8Br2, the two bromine substituents are orientedexoto the boat-shaped cyclooctatetraene at the two ring sites that are β to the ring fusion positions. The average Br—C bond distance is 1.919 (2) Å, the average distance for C=C double bonds that are Br substituted is 1.328 (2) Å, while the other two double-bond distances are 1.327 (2) and 1.398 (2) Å for the non-fused and fused bonds, respectively. Each type of ring interatomic distance is within s.u. of the average values for the four known structures, including the title compound, of benzo-fused cycloocatatetraenes that are not coordinated to a metal atom. The crystal structure features short Br...Br [3.6620 (3) Å] and C...H [2.834 (2) and 2.841 (2) Å] contacts.
Di-μ-hydroxido-κ4O:O-di-μ-perchlorato-κ4O:O′-bis[(2,2′-bipyridine-κ2N,N′)copper(II)]
Authors: Saravanan B. , Jayamani A. , Sengottuvelan N. , Chakkaravarthi G. , Manivannan V.
Published: October 2013

In the title binuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu2(ClO4)2(OH)2(C10H8N2)2], the CuIIion is coordinated in the form of a Jahn–Teller distorted octahedron by two bipyridine N atoms, two perchlorate O atoms and two hydroxide O atoms, and displays a distorted octahedral geometry. The molecule belongs to the symmetry point groupC2h. The CuIIion is located on a twofold rotation axis and the hydroxide and perchlorate ligands are located on a mirror plane. Within the dinuclear molecule, the Cu...Cu separation is 2.8614 (7) Å. The crystal structure exhibits O—H...O, C—H...O and π–π [centroid–centroid distance = 3.5374 (13) Å] interactions.
4-Benzylsulfanyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine
Authors: El Fal Mohammed , Ramli Youssef , Essassi El Mokhtar , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: October 2013

The pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine ring system of the title compound, C12H10N4S, is essentially planar [maximum deviation = 0.025 (1) Å for the C atom bearing the S atom] and almost perpendicular to the phenyl ring [dihedral angle = 71.42 (6)°]. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviapairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers.
(2R,3R,4S,5R)-2-(4-Amino-5-iodo-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-yl)-5-methyltetrahydrofuran-3,4-diol
Authors: Flörke Ulrich , Drewes Birte
Published: October 2013

The molecular structure of the title compound, C11H13IN4O3, shows a ribofuranosyl–pyrrolo O—C—N—C torsion angle of 59.1 (3)°, with the central C—N bond length being 1.446 (3) Å. The C—I bond length is 2.072 (2) Å. The amino group is coplanar with the attached aromatic ring [C—N—C—N torsion angle = −178.8 (2)°] and forms an intramolecular N—H...I hydrogen bond. In the crystal, O—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into puckered layers parallel to (001). These layers are bound to each other by secondary I...O interactions [3.2250 (17) Å], forming a three-dimensional framework.
Remuneration committee independence and CEO remuneration for firm financial performance
Authors: Cybinski Patti , Windsor Carolyn
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– As a result of the Australian Government Productivity Commission's recommendation to mandate remuneration committee independence for ASX300 companies, this study aims to investigate whether voluntary remuneration committee independence aligns chief executive officer (CEO) total pay and bonuses with firm financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A series of hypotheses test the research question using multiple regressions for a sample of 143 ASX300 companies during 2001. This time was prior to strengthen corporate governance regulation, but after mandated executive remuneration disclosure, thus capturing varying levels of voluntary remuneration committee independence.

Findings

– This study shows firm size is an influential factor in the relationship under investigation. ASX300 large firm remuneration committees link CEO total remuneration and bonuses to firm financial performance. Smaller ASX firm remuneration committees do not link either type of CEO remuneration to performance despite remuneration committee independence. Findings are mixed for medium-sized ASX300 firms.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations include the necessary time restriction to 2001 for sampling the ASX300 firms. The implication of this study's findings is that the proposed public policy for mandatory remuneration committee independence is not universally effective in linking CEO remuneration to firm financial performance for ASX300 firms.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the limited research on voluntary remuneration committee independence in relation to CEO remuneration and firm financial performance in the Australian context.
Coincident and forecast relevance of accounting numbers
Authors: Marek Klimczak Karol , Szafranski Grzegorz
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Value relevance studies, in particular international comparative studies, use market values sampled at different dates relative to the fiscal year-end. This paper aims to contribute a theoretical and empirical analysis of the relationship between value relevance and the month of market value sampling.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper examines two components of value relevance, coincident relevance and forecast relevance, which the paper develops on the basis of the Ohlson model. The paper measures value relevance by estimating separate panel-data regressions for each of the 12 months around fiscal year-end. The sample consists of companies listed in two continental European countries, France and Germany, over the 1989-2008 period.

Findings

– In both country panels, the paper finds that overall value relevance is higher when market value is sampled before or close to fiscal year-end, but incremental value relevance varies between domestic and International Financial Reporting (IFRS) accounting standards. Regression results reveal significant variations in coefficients over the following months of market value in French panel and its IFRS sub-sample only.

Research limitations/implications

– The scope of the study is limited to the average value relevance parameters of companies listed on stock exchanges in France and Germany. Future research may be devoted to other countries and study additional determinants of value relevance.

Practical implications

– The study shows that the selection of the month of market value sampling can have significant impact on value relevance regression results. Therefore, sensitivity analysis needs to be included in research studies which rely on the value relevance approach.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes the first systematic analysis of the variation in value relevance parameters in response to the selection of the month in which market value is sampled.
Re-visiting the supply chain: a communication perspective
Authors: C. Gambetti Rossella , Giovanardi Mattia
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This study is aimed at revisiting the supply chain (SC) of a company, highlighting how communication supports SC management, emphasising how SC relationship-based processes are fostered by communication flows, and exploring how SC performance may be enhanced through coordinated management of interpersonal and internet-mediated communication forms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study follows a two-step qualitative methodological approach encompassing the building of a preliminary conceptual mapping, and preliminary testing, integration and revision of the conceptual mapping.

Findings

– The findings highlight communication's primary role in identity management and image building of the SC, and its supporting role enhancing strategic and operational SC processes. Communication seems to act as a “cultural glue”, a “trade-off and compensation”, a “knowledge creation and dissemination”, a “relationship development and maintenance”, and an “alignment and integration” activity along the SC, fostering knowledge, managerial, relational and competitive SC performance dimensions.

Practical implications

– The combination of SC and corporate communication academic knowledge with field SC managerial expertise allows the proposal of a preliminary conceptual framework illustrating the potential links among SC processes, communication and SC performance. The study provides also a set of research propositions to guide both future research and managerial practice in communication management along the SC.

Originality/value

– This study offers a first exploratory “communicational view” of the SC, which beyond analysing communication in the corporate locus of the typical communication function explores the value of communication that is embedded in manufacturing processes and routines at the basis of corporate performance by developing a cross-functional communication approach.
Enhancing access to library resources at Northern Caribbean University through an e-library initiative
Authors: Knight Natalee
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to examine the impact of the e-library on the usage of library resources at Northern Caribbean University. The objective was also to determine whether or not it is worthwhile to continue to invest in electronic resources in a period of declining library budgets and easy access to electronic resources via the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from library statistical reports as well as from a survey administered to students and faculty on both the main and extension campuses over a four-week period. The population studied in the survey was 280 faculty members and 5,340 students. Of this number, a stratified random sample of 50 faculty members and 200 students was selected.

Findings

– The study shows that the provision of e-library resources has increased overall usage of library materials as patrons continue to use print resources in tandem with electronic versions. The study also found that the electronic library resources are helpful to patrons and play an important role in enhancing access to library resources necessary for quality research papers and academic excellence on a whole.

Originality/value

– It is hoped that the findings of this paper will serve to assist the librarians and faculty at Northern Caribbean University and other similar institutions in selecting and acquiring the most appropriate format of information resources that will both satisfy the needs of their library users and fit within their library budget. Recommendations for improving the e-library service include continuous collaboration between librarians and faculty in selecting and acquiring the most appropriate format of resources to support the curriculum and satisfy the users' needs, constant marketing of the resources and on-going training in their use, and periodic assessment of the collection to ensure quality and competitiveness in light of other readily available electronic resources on the internet.
Use of social networks for academic purposes: a case study
Authors: Nández Gemma , Borrego Ángel
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyse various aspects of an academic social network: the profile of users, the reasons for its use, its perceived benefits and the use of other social media for scholarly purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors examined the profiles of the users of an academic social network. The users were affiliated with 12 universities. The following were recorded for each user: sex, the number of documents uploaded, the number of followers, and the number of people being followed. In addition, a survey was sent to the individuals who had an email address in their profile.

Findings

– Half of the users of the social network were academics and a third were PhD students. Social sciences scholars accounted for nearly half of all users. Academics used the service to get in touch with other scholars, disseminate research results and follow other scholars. Other widely employed social media included citation indexes, document creation, edition and sharing tools and communication tools. Users complained about the lack of support for the utilisation of these tools.

Research limitations/implications

– The results are based on a single case study.

Originality/value

– This study provides new insights on the impact of social media in academic contexts by analysing the user profiles and benefits of a social network service that is specifically targeted at the academic community.
Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar
Authors: S. Adriaanse Leslie , Rensleigh Chris
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The research aim for this study was to compare three citation resources with one another to identify the citation resource with the most representative South African scholarly environmental sciences citation coverage. This paper focuses on the results of the content verification process which measured amongst others the citation counts, multiple copies and inconsistencies encountered across the three citation resources ISI Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research, the first phase of a longitudinal study, used a comparative research design method with a purposive, non-probability sample. Data from the South African scholarly environmental sciences journals for the year range 2004-2008 (first phase) were extracted from the three citation resources and compared.

Findings

– It became evident during the verification process that the citation resources retrieved varied results. The total citation counts indicated that ISI Web of Science (WOS) retrieved the most citation results, followed by Google Scholar (GS) and then Scopus. WOS performed the best with total coverage of the journal sample population and also retrieved the most unique items. The investigation into multiple copies indicated that WOS and Scopus retrieved no duplicates, while GS retrieved multiple copies. Scopus delivered the least inconsistencies regarding content verification and content quality compared to the other two citation resources. Additionally, GS also retrieved the most inconsistencies, with WOS retrieving more inconsistencies than Scopus. Examples of these inconsistencies include author spelling and sequence, volume and issue number.

Originality/value

– The findings of the study contribute to the understanding of the completeness of citation results retrieved from different citation resources. In addition it will raise awareness amongst academics to check citations of their work.
Technological foresight model for the identification of business opportunities (TEFMIBO)
Authors: Güemes Castorena David , Romero Rivera Geovanny , Villarreal González Amado
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The objective of this study is to provide a support tool for managers to identify future business opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed model consists of eight-steps. For the first step the authors propose two studies: trends analysis and change drivers' identification; these help to identify the most relevant trends in areas that may affect the business activities. All this information is put into a Delphi process with the help of experts in order to find the common denominator of where the future is going; afterwards, with this information, the authors can build events and scenarios for the business opportunities. Then, a diagnostic of the study area, sector or organization through the dynamic diagnostic methods is performed.

Findings

– Once the opportunities have been identified, a strategic analysis that allows decision making to prioritize and define the activities or projects that may be achievable in the future is done, and the result of the process is a portfolio of business opportunities projects fully defined and ready to be planned with a roadmap.

Originality/value

– The proposed model allows the managers to consistently organize their development processes targeted to real business opportunities.
Bibliometrics-based foresight on renewable energy production
Authors: Paananen Aija , J. Mäkinen Saku
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate whether news media as a form of social communication regarding pressing, important, and contemporary issues could be used as a leading indicator of technology adoption. For technology foresight, monitoring and analyzing energy technologies is in the spotlight due to their strategic importance to the agenda of competitive and sustainable economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

– The trends in renewable energy production and news media are determined and compared to draw inferences in foresight concerning the use of renewable energy technologies in energy production. Consequently, the data concern wind and solar energy production and their representation in news media in Germany and the UK. The analysis proceeds as a quasi-experiment treating each yearly observation of energy production as a function of news media data with lagged variables.

Findings

– The study reveals consistent dynamics in the lag in the primary production of energy in related technologies compared to the media visibility of the respective technologies.

Originality/value

– This study explores the prospects of using news media data in foresight analysis concerning renewable energy production and provides many fruitful avenues for foresight research in investigating relationships between technology adoption and media exposure.
Customer segmentation based on buying and returning behaviour
Authors: Hjort Klas , Lantz Björn , Ericsson Dag , Gattorna John
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to empirically test whether a “one size fits all” strategy fits the fashion e-commerce business and second, to evaluate whether consumer returns are a central aspect of the creation of profitability and, if so, to discuss the role of returns management (RM) in the supply chain strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

– Transactional sales and return data were analysed and used to categorise customers based on their buying and returning behaviours, measuring each customer's net contribution margins.

Findings

– The e-commerce business collects a vast quantity of data, but these data are seldom used for the development of service differentiation. This study analysed behaviour patterns and determined that the segmentation of customers on the basis of both sales and return patterns can facilitate a differentiated service delivery approach.

Research limitations/implications

– This research empirically supports the theory that customer buying and returning behaviours can be used to appropriately categorise customers and thereby guide the development of a more differentiated service approach.

Practical implications

– The findings support a differentiated service delivery system that utilises a more dynamic approach, conserving resources and linking the supply chain and/or organisational strategies with customers' buying and returning behaviours to avoid over and underservicing customers.

Originality/value

– Consumer returns are often viewed as a negative aspect of doing business; interestingly, however, the authors revealed that the most profitable customer is a repeat customer who frequently returns goods.
Seasonality of cargo theft at transport chain locations
Authors: Ekwall Daniel , Lantz Björn
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the seasonal patterns of reported cargo theft value and frequency in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) countries with respect to different transport chain locations.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is based on a system-theoretical approach, which emphasizes a holistic rather than an atomistic view. The research method used in this paper is deductive; the analysis is based on the data taken from Incident Information Service (IIS), a transport-related crime database of Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) EMEA; and the result is analyzed and discussed within a frame of reference based on supply chain risk management and criminology theories.

Findings

– There are seasonal variations in cargo thefts at different transport chain locations during particular months of the year as well as days of the week; however, each transport chain location has a different pattern. Indeed, hot spots, modus operandi, theft-endangered objects, and handling methods change frequently during the period under study. However, the basic theoretical frame of reference continues to be the same.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is based on theoretical deduction using official statistics regarding antagonistic threats. Its geographical limitation to the EMEA is owing to the limitations of the utilized database, although the frame of reference can be applied to analyze antagonistic threats against transport chains globally.

Practical implications

– This study is limited by the content and classification within the TAPA EMEA IIS database; nevertheless, this database is the best available one, with reports originating mainly from the industry itself, as different TAPA members anonymously report their losses.

Originality/value

– This paper is one of the first on supply chain risk management that uses actual crime statistics reported by the industry itself to analyze the occurrence of cargo theft by focusing on the value of the vehicle/goods stolen from transport chain locations.
Exploring the impact of supply chain counterproductive work behaviors on supply chain relationships
Authors: M. Thornton LaDonna , L. Esper Terry , L. Morris Michael
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this research is to investigate the dynamics and dimensions of behaviors of supply chain employees that may impede the success of supply chain relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

– A grounded theory qualitative method was used to explore the concept of counterproductive work behavior in a supply chain context.

Findings

– Through analysis and evaluation of the data, five key supply chain counterproductive work behaviors (avoiding, withholding, emoting, confounding, and shifting) emerged. Overall, these behaviors are associated with perceived contract breaches, which undermines trust within supply chain relationships.

Research limitations/implications

– This work provides a basis for researchers to explore counterproductive work behaviors within supply chain management and managers to consider these behaviors in relational exchange. Future research can build on the insights provided here by applying quantitative methods to exploring the phenomenon and investigating counterproductive behaviors from the actor's perspective.

Originality/value

– This research provides an overarching framework for relationship management behaviors that may detract from supply chain relationships. Research has previously explored these types of behaviors in a segmented fashion. This work takes a comprehensive look at behaviors and through evaluation of the data, relational and informational contract breaches emerge. The data suggests these contract breaches may undermine the trust within supply chain relationships.
Luxury web atmospherics: an examination of homepage design
Authors: Kluge Philipp Nikolaus , Königsfeld Jerome Alexander , Fassnacht Martin , Mitschke Ferdinand
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the on-going debate in research on how a luxury brand
'
s image of exclusiveness and uniqueness may be preserved in the ubiquitous mass medium internet. Specifically, the study aims to provide insights on how luxury brand homepages should be designed to evoke perceptions of luxury.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, desk research on 81 existing luxury brand homepages and expert interviews are used to empirically detect specifics of luxury homepage design. Second, a randomised laboratory experiment is conducted to analyse the effects of luxury versus conventional homepage design on perceived luxury.

Findings

– First, luxury homepage design differs from conventional homepage design in four main aspects: the use of darker background colours, the use of a larger or full screen space to present the stage content, a horizontal navigation bar, and a substantial reduction of elements. Second, experimental results indicate that luxury homepage design significantly affects consumers
'
perceptions of conspicuousness and uniqueness.

Research limitations/implications

– The experiment was conducted in a laboratory setting. Future research could use this work as a framework and extend it to a field environment, analysing the effect of luxury homepage design on key performance indicators, such as site traffic and conversion rates.

Practical implications

– The results of the study provide luxury managers with guidance for designing luxury brand homepages.

Originality/value

– While previous research has mainly addressed luxury homepage design conceptually, this paper is the first to empirically identify key characteristics of luxury homepage design and empirically examine the effect of luxury homepage design on consumer perceptions of luxury.
Corporate social responsibility in luxury manufacturer supply chains
Authors: Towers Neil , Perry Patsy , Chen Rong
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a central part of the sourcing and supply activity in the textile industry. The role of supply chain management is fundamental to CSR implementation as it has become a key customer requirement and business driver. This research seeks to investigate how the luxury sector is addressing these demands through a single in-depth exploratory study of a Scottish based luxury own-brand and branded cashmere garment manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses an exploratory approach through a single qualitative case study.

Findings

– Corporate social responsibility has become an increasingly important part of the luxury garment producer
'
s operation. The luxury brands are now placing additional demands on the cashmere producer to demonstrate compliance with CSR standards which in turn requires the company to adjust its operating procedure and management processes. The current levels of transparency and auditability of the CSR management process throughout the layers of the business were less sophisticated than currently found in many mid-market garment manufacturers and retailers.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings of the paper are based on a single qualitative exploratory study and therefore analytic generalisations are possible from interpreting the results.

Practical implications

– The contribution of the paper is a greater understanding of CSR management in the work and information flows for a specialised international luxury manufacturing business throughout its geographically extended supply chain.

Originality/value

– The contribution of the paper is a greater understanding of CSR management in the work and information flows for a specialised international luxury manufacturing business throughout its geographically extended supply chain.
Development of a new type of passively adaptive compliant gripper
Authors: Petković Dalibor , D. Pavlović Nenad , Shamshirband Shahaboddin , Badrul Anuar Nor
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Passively compliant underactuated mechanisms are one way to obtain the gripper which could accommodate to any irregular and sensitive grasping object. The purpose of the underactuation is to use less active inputs than the number of degrees of freedom of the gripper mechanism to drive the open and close motion of the gripper. Another purpose of underaction is to reduce the number of control variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– The underactuation can morph shapes of the gripper to accommodate different objects. As a result, the underactuated grippers require less complex control algorithms. The fully compliant mechanism has multiple degrees of freedom and can be considered as an underactuated mechanism.

Findings

– This paper presents a new design of the adaptive underactuated compliant gripper with distributed compliance. The optimal topology of the gripper structure was obtained by optimality criteria method using mathematical programming technique. Afterwards, the obtained model was improved by iterative finite element optimization procedure. The gripper was constructed entirely of silicon rubber.

Originality/value

– The main points of this paper are the explanation of the development and production of the new compliant gripper structure.
Effectiveness of volatility models in option pricing: evidence from recent financial upheavals
Authors: Kumar Singh Vipul
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the forecasting effectiveness of Black-Scholes (BS) focussing parity analysis of time series econometric and implied volatility (IV) numerical techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

– To analyze the comparative competitiveness of econometric time series and IV models this paper consolidated the study with their inter-relations leading toward multilayered moneyness-maturity correlation of model and market option prices, thoroughly determined the moneyness-maturity combinations of error metrics of Nifty index options.

Findings

– Out of six models tested and critically examined here, the paper procures only a single model, IV, which best caters to the requirements of option traders and as a result the paper ended up that only IV supports to multifarious moneyness-maturity dimension of option pricing of Nifty index options. The analysis also confirms that the standard VIX is not a reliable tool for determining the base price of Nifty index options (via BS). As the IV landmarks during the most dynamic phase of Indian capital market which is a touchstone to justify the quality of any model, the paper can deduce that IV could continue to perform in hardships of financial contraction par smoothly and effectively.

Practical implications

– The final outcome of this research which ended successfully in exploring a dominant model, guided successfully through the most volatile period of Indian economy can be used to safe guard investor's faith and to figure a design which could compete on the canvass of option pricing.

Originality/value

– As equity market is always subject to highly unpredictable conditions and may keep on experiencing it through all times to come, the unified objective of research is to find out the most impeccable volatility model to meet out the requirements of option practitioners, specifically contributing upto the satisfaction and expected results during tumultuous period.
Broker use and the cost of liquidity in commercial real estate investment
Authors: Devaney Steven , Scofield David
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Commercial real estate is a highly specific asset: heterogeneous, indivisible and with less information transparency than most other commonly held investment assets. These attributes encourage the use of intermediaries during asset acquisition and disposal. However, there are few attempts to explain the use of different brokerage models (with differing costs) in different markets. This study aims to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study analyses 9,338 real estate transactions in London and New York City from 2001 to 2011. Data are provided by Real Capital Analytics and cover over $450 billion of investments in this period. Brokerage trends in the two cities are compared and probit regressions are used to test whether the decision to transact with broker representation varies with investor or asset characteristics.

Findings

– Results indicate greater use of brokerage in London, especially by purchasers. This persists when data are disaggregated by sector, time or investor type, pointing to the role of local market culture and institutions in shaping brokerage models and transaction costs. Within each city, the nature of the investors involved seems to be a more significant influence on broker use than the characteristics of the assets being traded.

Originality/value

– Brokerage costs are the single largest non-tax charge to an investor when trading commercial real estate, yet there is little research in this area. This study examines the role of brokers and provides empirical evidence on factors that influence the use and mode of brokerage in two major investment destinations.
Greenbuilding sustainability and market premiums in Italy
Authors: Morri Giacomo , Soffietti Federico
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Real estate sustainability can be best demonstrated through a “green” certification such as leadership in energy and environmental design, but, in markets where little precedent is available, quantification of costs and premiums related to green buildings is still ridden with uncertainty. The aim of this study is to shed some light on market rent and price premiums as perceived by professional operators in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey of two cohorts of real estate stakeholders, either members of the Green Building Council Italia or commercial real estate investors, was carried out by means of an online questionnaire.

Findings

– Based on 270 responses, it can be inferred that, while the importance of green building is widely acknowledged, caution is still prevalent regarding expected gains. In fact, the majority of respondents perceive the increase in rent and price premiums as being equivalent to additional costs.

Originality/value

– This is the first attempt to analyze perceived importance of greenbuilding in Italy.