bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear Growth Faltering Among HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children
Authors: Sudfeld Christopher R. , Lei Quanhong , Chinyanga Yvonne , Tumbare Esther , Khan Nealia , Dapaah-Siakwan Fredrick , Sebaka Abia , Sibiya Jacinta , van Widenfelt Erik , Shapiro Roger L. , Makhema Joseph , Fawzi Wafaie W. , Powis Kathleen M.
Published: April 2016

Background:

HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children experience increased mortality compared with their HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) peers. It is unclear whether HEU children are also at increased risk for undernutrition, a modifiable risk factor for mortality.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based survey of children <5 years of age in 5 health districts in Botswana. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess continuous outcomes, and generalized estimating equations were used to estimate relative risks of stunting, wasting, and underweight between HEU (n = 396) and HUU (n = 1109) children. Secondary analyses examined potential mediation by low birth weight.

Results:

The association between maternal HIV exposure and child stunting varied significantly by child age (P < 0.01). HEU children <1 and ≥2 years of age had 1.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 3.31; P = 0.04] and 1.41 (95% CI: 1.06 to 1.88; P = 0.02) times the risk of stunting compared with HUU children after multivariate adjustment, respectively. During the period of 1–2 years of age, when breastfeeding cessation occurred among HUU children, HUU children had increased risk of stunting compared with HEU children who were predominantly formula fed (relative risk: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.32; P = 0.03). A mediation analysis estimated that 67% of the excess risk of stunting among HEU children ≥2 years was attributable to low birth weight (P = 0.02). There was no difference in risk of wasting or underweight.

Conclusion:

HEU children are at increased risk of stunting compared with their HUU peers; however, interventions to increase birth weight may significantly ameliorate this excess risk. Interventions to support optimal growth during weaning are needed for all breast-fed children.
Predictability of Genetic Interactions from Functional Gene Modules
Authors: Young Jonathan H. , Marcotte Edward M.
Published: April 2016

Characterizing genetic interactions is crucial to understanding cellular and organismal response to gene-level perturbations. Such knowledge can inform the selection of candidate disease therapy targets. Yet experimentally determining whether genes interact is technically non-trivial and time-consuming. High-fidelity prediction of different classes of genetic interactions in multiple organisms would substantially alleviate this experimental burden. Under the hypothesis that functionally-related genes tend to share common genetic interaction partners, we evaluate a computational approach to predict genetic interactions in Homo sapiens, Drosophila melanogaster, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By leveraging knowledge of functional relationships between genes, we cross-validate predictions on known genetic interactions and observe high-predictive power of multiple classes of genetic interactions in all three organisms. Additionally, our method suggests high-confidence candidate interaction pairs that can be directly experimentally tested. A web application is provided for users to query genes for predicted novel genetic interaction partners. Finally, by subsampling the known yeast genetic interaction network, we found that novel genetic interactions are predictable even when knowledge of currently known interactions is minimal.
Cell Painting, an image-based assay for morphological profiling
Authors: Bray Mark-Anthony , Singh Shantanu , Han Han , Davis Chadwick T. , Borgeson Blake , Hartland Cathy , Kost-Alimova Maria , Gustafsdottir Sigrun M. , Gibson Christopher C. , Carpenter Anne E.
Published: April 2016

In morphological profiling, quantitative data are extracted from microscopy images of cells to identify biologically relevant similarities and differences among samples based on these profiles. This protocol describes the design and execution of experiments using Cell Painting, a morphological profiling assay multiplexing six fluorescent dyes imaged in five channels, to reveal eight broadly relevant cellular components or organelles. Automated image analysis software identifies individual cells and measures ~1,500 morphological features (various measures of size, shape, texture, intensity, etc.) to produce a rich profile suitable for detecting subtle phenotypes. Profiles of cell populations treated with different experimental perturbations can be compared to suit many goals, such as identifying the phenotypic impact of chemical or genetic perturbations, grouping compounds and/or genes into functional pathways, and identifying signatures of disease. Cell culture and image acquisition takes 2 weeks; feature extraction and data analysis take an additional 1-2 weeks.
Novel GluN2B selective NMDA receptor antagonists: relative configuration of 7-methoxy-2-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepin-1-ols
Authors: Tewes Bastian , Frehland Bastian , Fröhlich Roland , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: April 2016

The title compounds, C22H29NO2(3) and C22H29NO2(4) [systematic names: (1S*,2R*)-7-methoxy-2-methyl-3-(4-phenylbutyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepin-1-ol and (1R*,2R*)-7-methoxy-2-methyl-3-(4-phenylbutyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepin-1-ol, are diastereomers with the relative configuration of the adjacent hydroxyl and methyl groups at the seven-membered azepine ring beingtransin (3) andcisin (4). In the crystals the orientation of these groups is−anti-periplanar(3) and+syn-clinal(4). In both cases, the crystals studied proved to be of a racemic mixture, with relative configurations (R*,S*)-3and (R*,R*)-4. In both compounds, the seven-membered azepine ring has a chair-like conformation, and the 4-phenylbutyl side chain adopts a extended conformation in (R*,S*)-3, but a twisted conformation in (R*,R*)-4. In the crystal of (S*,R*)-3, molecules are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming slabs parallel to theacplane. In the crystal of (R*,R*)-4, molecules are linkedviaO—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along thec-axis direction. The chains are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming slabs parallel to theacplane.
Crystal structure of (1S*,2R*)-7-benzyloxy-2-methyl-3-tosyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepin-1-ol: elucidation of the relative configuration of potent allosteric GluN2B selective NMDA receptor antagonists
Authors: Tewes Bastian , Frehland Bastian , Fröhlich Roland , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: April 2016

In the title compound, C25H27NO4S, which crystallized as a racemate, the relative configuration of the adjacent OH and CH3groups on the azepine ring istrans. The seven-membered azepin ring has a chair-like conformation. The planar aromatic rings of the benzyl and tosylate moiety are inclined to the planar 3-benzazepine ring by 78.39 (15) and 77.03 (14)°, respectively, and to each another by 13.82 (15)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaO—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming double-stranded chains along thea-axis direction. The chains are linkedviaC—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional architecture.
Crystal structures of 4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromene-7,8-diyl diacetate and 4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromene-7,8-diyl bis(pent-4-ynoate)
Authors: Akinyemi Akintunde , Thomas Courtney , Marsh Willis , Butcher Ray J. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Maynard-Smith Lystranne A.
Published: April 2016

In the structures of the two title coumarin derivatives, C14H12O6, (1), and C20H16O6, (2), one with acetate and the other with pent-4-ynoate substituents, both the coumarin rings are almost planar. In (1), both acetate substituents are significantly rotated out of the coumarin plane to minimize steric repulsions. One acetate substituent is disordered over two equivalent conformations, with occupancies of 0.755 (17) and 0.245 (17). In (2), there are two pent-4-ynoate substituents, the C[triple-bond]C group of one being disordered over two positions with occupancies of 0.55 (2) and 0.45 (2). One of the pent-4-ynoate substituents is in an extended conformation, while the other is in a bent conformation. In this derivative, the planar part of both pent-4-ynoate substituents deviate from the coumarin plane. The packing of (1) is dominated by π–π stacking involving the coumarin rings and weak C—H...O contacts link the parallel stacks in the [101] direction. In contrast, in (2) the packing is dominated byR22(24) hydrogen bonds, involving the acidicspH atom and the oxo O atom, which link the molecules into centrosymmetric dimers. The bent conformation of one of the pent-4-ynoate substituents prevents the coumarin rings from engaging in π–π stacking.
Synthèse, étude et validation structurale d'un triple bis-molybdate en couches, Ag0.60Na0.40Fe(MoO4)2lié à yavapaiite
Authors: Souilem Amira , Zid Mohamed Faouzi
Published: April 2016

The title compound, Ag0.60Na0.40Fe(MoO4)2{silver sodium iron(III) bis[molybdate(VI)]}, was synthesized by a solid-state reaction. The structure is built up from FeO6octahedra and MoO4tetrahedra sharing corners to form a two-dimensional framework parallel to the (001) plane. The occupationally disordered (Ag/Na)+cations are located in the interlayer space. These [Fe(MoO4)2−]nlayers are similar to those in the isotypic yavapaiite-related structure of NaFe(MoO4)2. All atoms are on general positions except for Fe (site symmetry -1) and Ag/Na (site symmetry 2). The Ag/Na occupancies of the latter site were refined to 0.597 (4):0.403 (5). The title structure is compared to similar structures.
RNA protects a nucleoprotein complex against radiation damage
Authors: Bury Charles S. , McGeehan John E. , Antson Alfred A. , Carmichael Ian , Gerstel Markus , Shevtsov Mikhail B. , Garman Elspeth F.
Published: April 2016

Radiation damage during macromolecular X-ray crystallographic data collection is still the main impediment for many macromolecular structure determinations. Even when an eventual model results from the crystallographic pipeline, the manifestations of radiation-induced structural and conformation changes, the so-called specific damage, within crystalline macromolecules can lead to false interpretations of biological mechanisms. Although this has been well characterized within protein crystals, far less is known about specific damage effects within the larger class of nucleoprotein complexes. Here, a methodology has been developed whereby per-atom density changes could be quantified with increasing dose over a wide (1.3–25.0 MGy) range and at higher resolution (1.98 Å) than the previous systematic specific damage study on a protein–DNA complex. Specific damage manifestations were determined within the largetrpRNA-binding attenuation protein (TRAP) bound to a single-stranded RNA that forms a belt around the protein. Over a large dose range, the RNA was found to be far less susceptible to radiation-induced chemical changes than the protein. The availability of two TRAP molecules in the asymmetric unit, of which only one contained bound RNA, allowed a controlled investigation into the exact role of RNA binding in protein specific damage susceptibility. The 11-fold symmetry within each TRAP ring permitted statistically significant analysis of the Glu and Asp damage patterns, with RNA binding unexpectedly being observed to protect these otherwise highly sensitive residues within the 11 RNA-binding pockets distributed around the outside of the protein molecule. Additionally, the method enabled a quantification of the reduction in radiation-induced Lys and Phe disordering upon RNA binding directly from the electron density.
Structural analysis of cofactor binding for a prolyl 4-hydroxylase from the pathogenic bacteriumBacillus anthracis
Authors: Schnicker Nicholas J. , Dey Mishtu
Published: April 2016

The prolyl 4-hydroxylases (P4Hs) are mononuclear nonheme iron enzymes that catalyze the formation of 4R-hydroxyproline from many different substrates, with various biological implications. P4H is a key player in collagen accumulation, which has implications in fibrotic disorders. The stabilization of collagen triple-helical structureviaprolyl hydroxylation is the rate-limiting step in collagen biosynthesis, and therefore P4H has been extensively investigated as a potential therapeutic target of fibrotic disease. Understanding how these enzymes recognize cofactors and substrates is important and will aid in the future design of inhibitors of P4H. In this article, X-ray crystal structures of a metallocofactor- and α-ketoglutarate (αKG)-bound form of P4H fromBacillus anthracis(BaP4H) are reported. Structures of BaP4H were solved at 1.63 and 2.35 Å resolution and contained a cadmium ion and αKG bound in the active site. The αKG–Cd–BaP4H ternary complex reveals conformational changes of conserved residues upon the binding of metal ion and αKG, resulting in a closed active-site configuration required for dioxygen, substrate binding and catalysis.
Optimal load shedding by a new binary PSO
Authors: Ahmadi Ahmad , Alinejad Beromi Yousef , rezai soleymanpour Hassan
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The voltage stability is a basic principle in the power system operation. Different short circuits, load growth, generation shortage, and other faults which disturb the voltage stability are serious threats to the system security. The voltage instability causes dispersal of a power system into sub-systems, and leads to blackout as well as heavy damages of the system equipments. Optimum load shedding during contingency situations is one of the most important issues in power system security analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a New Binary Particle Swarm Optimization technique (NB-PSO) is proposed for solving the integer-valued modeling of under-voltage load shedding (UVLS) problem. The updating mechanisms for the position and velocity of binary particles are amended in the proposed NB-PSO by using a new velocity definition, which has an excellent efficiency for solving complex binary optimization problems.

Findings

The effectiveness and capability of the proposed NB-PSO optimization algorithm were illustrated according to the simulation results of applying it to the IEEE 118-bus test system. In addition, the performance of the proposed NB-PSO based method was compared with other optimization algorithms, such as the Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO) and Hybrid Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (HDPSO) techniques. It was perceived that the NB-PSO performs superior than the BPSO and HDPSO for determining the best location and the minimum level of load shedding in order to prevent voltage instability.

Originality/value

The proposed NB-PSO has novel modifications and techniques to enhance both exploration and exploitation capabilities to find the optimal feasible solution. The simulation results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method in determining the best location and the minimum amount of load shedding for voltage collapse prevention.
Analytical method for forces between current carrying infinite bars
Authors: Compter John , Giaccone Luca
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The calculation of forces between rectangular conductors with a uniform current density as can be found in the long coils as used in linear actuators and planar motors.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology relies on a single analytical equation that is used to compute all the force components.

Findings

Several comparisons with other available techniques are provided. All the comparisons confirm the validity of the proposed analytical method.

Originality/value

In the literature, other analytical methods for the force computation can be found. However, these often have limitations (e.g. only adjacent conductors or non-adjacent conductors).
This paper adds a new compact expression that covers all the possible configurations at the same time. This new tool holds for all the analytical expression found in the literature.
New control technique for performance improvement of static Kramer induction generator
Authors: Elsonbaty nadia , enany mohamed abdelfattah , mohamed mustafa
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper presents the mathematical models of Static Kramer Induction Generator (SKIG) that greatly improves its performance to be competitor for wind energy and hydraulic power generation.

Design/methodology/approach

Two models of control strategies are proposed, the first is to control the imposed rotor voltage, thus an angular relationship between stator voltage and rotor voltage vectors over the operating speed range is established. which may be achieved by regulating the slip of the machine through the Grid Side Converter (GSC) to fix the operating technique. The second one is to control the rotor current via GSC. GSC is a PWM Voltage Source Converter

Findings

A comparison between the two techniques is given and very good matching is obtained. Both control strategies can be achieved in terms of the GSC firing angle as shown. In addition to the greatly improved power factor. The paper illustrates the availability of extending the operating speed range up to twice of the synchronous speed, however, the speed range must be limited by the GSC ratings to achieve the slip recovery advantage of lowering the interfacing grid converter rating in analogy the system may be applied for electric drives as well.

Originality/value

The operational advantages of the proposed system can be summarized as follows:
1- The system is capable of increasing the operating speed range up to twice of synchronous speed. For slip energy recovery system the required super synchronous speed range is given by 1/3 synchronous speed.
2- The system provides significant improved power factor controllability over the operating speed range.
3- The system provides controllability for either excitation rotor voltage or rotor current through the firing angle control of the grid side converter.
4- Near constant stator and rotor currents overall the speed range.
5- Near constant magnetization current.
6- Higher efficiency and reliability.
Study of different optimization strategies for analogue circuits
Authors: Zemliak Alexander , Reyes Fernando , Vergara Sergio
Published: April 2016

Purpose

In this paper, we propose further development of the generalized methodology for analogue circuit optimization. This methodology is based on optimal control theory. This approach generates many different circuit optimization strategies. We lead the problem of minimizing the CPU time needed for circuit optimization to the classical problem of minimizing a functional in optimal control theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The process of analogue circuit optimization is defined mathematically as a controllable dynamical system. In this context, we can formulate the problem of minimizing the CPU time as the minimization problem of a transitional process of a dynamical system. To analyse the properties of such a system, we propose to use the concept of the Lyapunov function of a dynamical system. This function allows us to analyse the stability of the optimization trajectories and to predict the CPU time for circuit optimization by analysing the characteristics of the initial part of the process.

Findings

We present numerical results that show that we can compare the CPU time for different circuit optimization strategies by analysing the behaviour of a special function. We establish that, for any optimization strategy, there is a correlation between the behaviour of this function and the CPU time that corresponds to that strategy.

Originality/value

The analysis shows that Lyapunov function of optimization process and its time derivative can be informative sources for searching a strategy, which has minimal processor time expense. This permits to predict the best optimization strategy by analyzing only initial part of the optimization process.
Modelling and fixed order robust H∞ control of aerial vehicle: simulation and experimental results
Authors: Chabir Alaa , Boukhnifer Moussa , bouteraa yassine , chaibet ahmed , ghommam jawhar
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This work focuses on modelling, robust controller design and real time control of 3-DOF Helicopter.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents an improved H∞ controller for this aerial vehicle

Findings

Simulation and experiment results are addressed to demonstrate the capability of this proposed control strategy to counteract the effect of this disturbance

Originality/value

In order to reduce the complexity of the standard H∞ structure, a fixed order control design is proposed as original approach
Fast balancing method for an AC bridge based on a novel phase matching technique
Authors: Ida Nathan , Pasdar Amir Mehdi
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Development of a method of balancing an AC bridge with minimum computation time. The applications envisioned are in power system monitoring and sensing

Design/methodology/approach

The method is based on a recursive algorithm, first matching the phase followed by that of amplitude. Each phase step requires three samples per steps.Voltage matching is based on halving the range of measured amplitudes in each step, resulting in an n-step recursive algorithm.

Findings

Computation is minimal - only requires 4 phase matching steps for an error of 1º. Further steps improve on this error. Matching of amplitude is equally fast. The resolution in amplitude is directly proportional to the number of steps. An example and experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of the method.

Research limitations/implications

Balancing of AC bridges in conjunction with automated measurement systems is a fairly complex process requiring either extensive computation or dedicated hardware (tunable devices, microprocessors, etc.). The current method is recursive and very light on computation. This means the method can be used in sensing systems where neither extensive hardware nor computational resources are readily available.

Practical implications

The method has been developed for power line AC impedance sensing as part of a power line monitoring system. It is however a general method that can be used in any AC bridge application.

Originality/value

The methods used as well as the implementation are entirely original. These have been developed as part of a research in instrumentation of power line monitoring.
Current and radiated electromagnetic fields due to lightning return strokes when hitting elevated objects
Authors: Hajebi Maryam , Khosravi-Farsani Mojtaba , Sadeghi Seyed Hossein Hesamedin , Moini Rouzbeh Mazandarani
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Tall towers have a high potential for being struck by lightning which is a major source of electromagnetic radiation with adverse effects on electric, electronic and telecommunication instruments. The paper aims to present an accurate method for predicting the radiated electromagnetic fields and current distribution along the lightning channel and the tower hit by the lightning.

Design/methodology/approach

The electromagnetic model is utilized to model the lightning channel and the tower is represented by lossy conducting wires. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is used to solve for the governing Maxwell’s equations. Due to the large computational space, the FDTD code is paralleled between several computer processors. To enhance the efficiency of the code, a non-uniform mesh is used, reducing the mesh length in the air-ground interface. For model evaluation, simulated current distribution along the lightning channel and tower, and the radiated electromagnetic fields are compared with the measurement data and those obtained using the engineering models.

Findings

The proposed modeling technique has proved to be more accurate than the conventional methods, particularly in the prediction of current distribution along the tall tower and the vertical component of the radiated electric field.

Originality/value

The main feature of the proposed technique is its ability to consider the impact of metallic structures in a large space around lightning channel on the predicted radiated electromagnetic fields, having no concern on computer memory requirements.
Data recovery algorithm in space charge measurement by PEA method
Authors: Han Zhengyi , Chen George , Cao Junzheng , He Zhiyuan , Wang Haitian , Li Wenpeng , Tang Chao
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) method is widely applied for space charge measurement in solid dielectrics. The signals, however, can be seriously distorted during transmission, especially in non-planar specimens. The aim of this work is to find an efficient algorithm to correctly recover the space charge profile for different types of specimens.

Design/methodology/approach

The distortion can be associated with both geometry and material (attenuation and dispersion). Hence the recovery algorithm consists of two parts respectively. The influences of geometries, causing the divergences of electric force and acoustic waveform, can be corrected by sets of factors. The attenuation and dispersion of the material can be suppressed based on the transfer function matrix in frequency domain, which could be obtained from calibration.

Findings

A general algorithm applicable to three kinds of specimens (single-layer, multi-layer and coaxial-geometry dielectrics) has been proposed. Compared with the other two algorithms in literature, the present one offers the most accurate solution while taking relatively shorter time. In addition, this algorithm is applied on signals measured from a planar LDPE sample and the results show that the new algorithm is fairly effective with excellent stability in a real system.

Originality/value

As one of the most accurate algorithms, the present one is theoretically one third quicker than the others. This algorithm would be helpful in applications calling for large calculations, i.e. 3-D imaging of space charge distribution in XLPE cable.
A real-time estimation approach of the electric power harmonics by measuring discrete spectrum energy center of symmetric windows
Authors: Tang Yi , Li Xue , Fang Yongli , Liu Hao
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Significant amount of harmonics and inter-harmonics are being injected into the power system because of the increasing use of power electronics and large non-liner loads. Therefore, analyzing their contents in real time is necessary.

Design/methodology/approach

The frequency and phase of an electric power harmonic or inter-harmonic can be estimated by using the discrete spectrum energy center of symmetric windows, the amplitude calculation of an electric power harmonic or inter-harmonic can be calculated by using the Pasival theorem, and their relative estimation error is only decided by the distribution of windows’ energy in the frequency domain, which equals the proportion of the spectrum energy occupied in the side lobe to the whole.

Findings

The results of the digital simulation and experimental tests show that the method proposed in this paper has the same measurement precision as and more advantages in computational complexity and burden over other methods, which are based on multipoint interpolation or interpolation polynomial windowed.

Originality/value

The method is very suitable to be used to real-time measurement in a single chip DSP micro-processor.
Learning Jam
Authors: Pässilä Anne , Owens Allan , Pulkki Maiju
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise “Learning Jam” as a way of organising space, time and people through arts-based pedagogies in work-based learning. This form of encounter originated in Finland to challenge functional silo mentality by prioritising polyphony. Through the use of a “kaleidoscopic pedagogy”, arts-based initiatives are used to collectively and subjectively reconsider practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research design is grounded in one of a series of Learning Jams co-created by practitioners from the field of arts and arts-based consultancy and academics from the field of arts, arts education, innovation and management, learning and development. The focus was on exploring the value of each participants work-based learning practice through the lens of an Arts Value Matrix. Rancière’s critical theory was used to frame the exploration. The research questions asked; what are the ingredients of this creative, transformative learning space and in what ways can the polyphonic understandings that emerge in it impact on work-based learning?

Findings

– Findings of this study centre around alternative ways of being in a learning setting where we do not defer to the conventional figures of authority, but collectively explore ways of organising, where the main idea is to lean on something-which-is-not-yet.

Research limitations/implications

– A key research implication is that teaching in this context demands reflexive and dialogical capabilities for those who hold the role of organising and facilitating spaces for learning and transformation. The main limitation is in stopping short of fully articulating detailed aspects of these capabilities.

Originality/value

– The originality and value of the practice of Learning Jam is that managers and artists explore the potential of operating as partners to develop new ways of working to realise organisational change and innovation.
Workplaces and policy spaces: insights from third sector internships Scotland
Authors: Pegg Ann , Caddell Martha
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Understanding the relationship between learning and work is a key concern for educational researchers and policy makers at the local, national and international level. The way that learning and the economic environment are framed impacts upon policy and funding decisions and has significant implications for the HE sector. The purpose of this paper is to explore how internships have become a key site in which policy and funding mechanisms seek to address concerns about graduate employability and graduate skills in relation to Scottish national economic plans and perceived business needs.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing from five years data generated from the Third Sector Internships Scotland programme, the authors adopt an approach to the analysis of policy and internship experiences based on a spatial perspective. The authors explore two spatial arenas in play; the conceptual space where discussion and policy making occur and the physical places of education and the workplace where learning takes place. The authors trace shifts in the policy and funding of higher education internship and work placement schemes and consider how these shifts respond to internship experiences of the workplace.

Findings

– The authors argue that changes within the conceptual and physical spaces intersect and that identifying contrasts and overlaps helps them to focus on particular questions about how internships develop learning for students.

Originality/value

– Taking the national approach within Scotland as a bounded case offers a unique opportunity to explore the ways in which internships have played an increasingly significant place as a pedagogic device operating at the borderlands between educational organisations and the physical spaces of employment.
A comparative study of manufacturing and service sector supply chain integration via the uncertainty circle model
Authors: Aitken James , Childerhouse Paul , Deakins Eric , Towill Denis
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences and similarities between the manufacturing and services sectors in order to develop a methodology that can provide the opportunity for the transfer of best practice between the two sectors. This paper aims to describe an audit methodology capable of yielding objective comparisons of supply chain integration performance that can assist practitioners and academics to transfer learned solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A robust, site-based, multi-method supply chain diagnostic for detecting manufacturing supply chain system uncertainty was amended for the service sector in order to yield objective comparisons of the (normalised) supply chain integration performances of 119 organisations.

Findings

– The research confirms the value of using a lens enabled by the uncertainty circle model (UCM) for generating meaningful comparative supply chain performances. The research found that services do not always exhibit unique attributes which effectively bar manufacturing-based supply chain best practice from being adopted within the service sector.

Originality/value

– Combining the UCM and Quick Scan Audit Methodology approach has the potential to assist the spread of proven good practice across both sectors. The framework provides realistic and repeatable performance vectors, capable of aligning estimates of value stream health status even when comparing supply chains with differing objectives, configurations, and performance goals.
Relationships among supply chain strategies, organizational performance, and technological and market turbulences
Authors: Arora Amit , Arora Anshu Saxena , Sivakumar K.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a relational view of supply chain management strategy (RSCMS) and its impact on organizational performance and examine the moderating role of technological and market turbulences on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors propose a conceptual model that links supply chain (SC) strategies to operational and relational outcomes of organizational performance. The authors follow an interdisciplinary approach by integrating insights from domains such as supply chain management (SCM), operations, marketing, management, management information systems, and technology management.

Findings

– The proposed RSCMS framework presents 15 propositions that examine SCM strategies and their interrelationships, and examine how these strategies result in superior organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Through the RSCMS framework, the authors conceptualize transformation as a higher order SC strategy resulting from collaborative and integrative SCs, and tie the relational SC mix first to operational and relational outcomes and then to organizational performance.

Practical implications

– The research provides a better understanding of SC strategies of collaboration, integration, and transformation, along with market and technological turbulences for more efficient and effective SCs.

Originality/value

– In this research, the authors propose a unified RSCMS framework of SC mix strategies of collaboration, integration, and transformation and their influence on organizational performance; and explore how the RSCMS framework contributes to theory development, provide insights for managers, and explore avenues for further research.
Are workers less absent when wage dispersion is small?
Authors: Mahy Benoît , Rycx François , Volral Mélanie
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of wage dispersion on sickness absenteeism observed in Belgian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use detailed linked employer-employee panel data for the period 1999-2006 that allow the authors to compute a conditional wage dispersion indicator following the Winter-Ebmer and Zweimüller (1999) methodology and to estimate the relationship between sickness absenteeism and wage dispersion while controlling for time-invariant workplace characteristics.

Findings

– The authors find a positive and hump-shaped relationship between intra-firm wage dispersion and sickness absenteeism, the turning point of this relation being extremely high. In addition, the magnitude of the influence of wage dispersion on sickness absenteeism is found to be stronger in firms employing a larger share of blue-collar workers.

Practical implications

– The results could therefore suggest that wage dispersion, suggestive of larger pay-for-performance mechanisms, decreases worker satisfaction and the workplace climate in general. Only a minority of workers, who are less sensitive to equity and cohesion considerations, would be less absent as pay-for-performance increases.

Originality/value

– While numerous approaches analyse the link between wage dispersion and firm productivity, very few studies we are aware of are devoted to the relationship between wage dispersion and sickness absenteeism. Yet, the outcomes in terms of productivity and sickness absenteeism may be different. Furthermore, the influence of wage dispersion on sickness absenteeism does not seem unambiguous from a theoretical point of view. To the authors knowledge, it is the first time that this relation is analysed with Belgian data.
Establishment heterogeneity, rent sharing and the rise of wage inequality in Germany
Authors: Ohlert Clemens
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role wage dispersion across establishments has played in recent increases in total wage inequality in Germany and compares it to inequality changes at the individual level. It is queried whether the contribution of establishment heterogeneity to the rise of wage inequality stems from changes of institutional settings or from structures such as establishment size and the composition of the workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

– Applying regression-based decompositions of variance to German linked employer-employee panel data for the years 2000-2010 it is analysed to what extent changes associated to firm structures contribute to the rise of total wage inequality.

Findings

– Results show that the rise in wage inequality in Germany to a great extent is associated to rising wage variance across establishments, implying that establishment specific wage premiums have grown. By further decomposing across firm components of wage inequality, it is found that changes in across establishment wage inequality related to collective bargaining, worker co-determination and internal labour markets together account for about 3 per cent of the rise in total inequality. Inequality changes related to establishments’ skill and occupational composition account for about 11 per cent and establishment size alone accounts for about 18 per cent of the rise in total inequality.

Originality/value

– The main contribution is to quantify the relation of specific establishment characteristics to the rise in total wage inequality over time. Conclusions are drawn about the importance of mechanisms of rent sharing at the firm level in comparison to the determination of wages by individual qualification.
International rent sharing and takeovers
Authors: Konings Jozef , Marcolin Luca , van Beveren Ilke
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence of international rent sharing in multinational enterprises. It looks at changes in rent sharing before and after the acquisition of a company by a foreign entity, and assesses the role of target and acquirer profitability in the wage setting process for the target firm. It therefore contributes to the evaluation of the impact of a form of globalization (inward foreign direct investment (FDI)) onto wages.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a unique firm level longitudinal dataset of M & As in Belgium between 1998 and 2010. The authors construct a micro-level dataset containing takeover and accounting information for target and acquiring firms. The empirical set up permits to net the estimates from selection effects in the choice of target firm, using propensity score matching and a difference-in-difference approach.

Findings

– The authors find evidence that the deal does not significantly affect the degree of domestic rent sharing, but it enables international rent sharing. The authors qualify the results in terms of the acquirer’s location, industry link with the target and controlling stake. Further robustness specifications include different profits and controls, and a comparison with a sample of domestic acquisitions.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample of matches for acquired firms is constructed using propensity scores, which may not perfectly capture the differences between targeted and non-targeted companies. Although estimates should be net of selection effects, other sources of endogeneity may still make the estimates inconsistent.

Practical implications

– Updating the discussion on the labor market consequences of globalization, and on foreign takeovers in particular.

Social implications

– The discussion on international takeover should take into account not only the extensive margin (i.e. labor adjustments) but also salaries. The authors argue that through a precise channel (rent sharing) international takeovers of domestic companies may benefit the domestic labor force.

Originality/value

– The dataset was constructed for the purposes of this analysis; rent sharing is tested in a takeover scenario for the first time, thus avoiding selection biases.
Productivity, wages and profits among Belgian firms: do fixed-term contracts matter?
Authors: Garnero Andrea , Giuliano Romina , Mahy Benoit , Rycx François
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to estimate the impact of fixed-term contracts (FTCs) on labour productivity, wages (i.e. labour cost), and productivity-wage gaps (i.e. profits).

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors apply dynamic panel data techniques to detailed Belgian linked employer-employee panel data covering the period 1999-2006.

Findings

– Results indicate that FTCs exert stronger positive effects on productivity than on wages and (accordingly) that the use of FTCs increases firms’ profitability.

Originality/value

– This paper is one of the first to examine the FTC-productivity-wage nexus while addressing three important methodological issues related to the state dependency of the three explained variables, to firm time-invariant heterogeneity, and to the endogeneity of FTCs.
Micro-evidence on product and labor market regime differences between Chile and France
Authors: Dobbelaere Sabien , Lauterbach Rodolfo , Mairesse Jacques
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Institutions, social norms and the nature of industrial relations vary greatly between Latin American and Western European countries. Such institutional and organizational differences might shape firms’ operational environment in general and the type of competition in product and labor markets in particular. The purpose of this paper is to identify and quantify industry differences in product and labor market imperfections in Chile and France.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors rely on two extensions of Hall’s econometric framework for estimating price-cost margins by nesting three labor market settings (LMS) (perfect competition (PC) or right-to-manage bargaining, efficient bargaining (EB) and monopsony). Using an unbalanced panel of 1,737 firms over the period 1996-2003 in Chile and 14,270 firms over the period 1994-2001 in France, the authors first classify 20 comparable manufacturing industries in six distinct regimes that differ in the type of competition prevailing in product and labor markets. The authors then investigate industry differences in the estimated product and labor market imperfection parameters.

Findings

– Consistent with differences in institutions and in the industrial relations system in the two countries, the authors find regime differences across the two countries and cross-country differences in the levels of product and labor market imperfection parameters within regimes.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to compare the type and the degree of industry-level product and labor market imperfections inferred from consistent estimation of firm-level production functions in a Latin American and a Western European country. Using firm-level output price indices, the microeconomic production function estimates for Chile are not subject to the omitted output price bias, as is often a major drawback in microeconometric studies of firm behavior.
Maximizing and personalizing e-learning support for students with different backgrounds and preferences
Authors: Mironova Olga , Amitan Irina , Vendelin Jelena , Vilipõld Jüri , Saar Merike
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to present a teaching approach to achieve the most personal support for students with different backgrounds and preferences in studying an Informatics course.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented methodology is based on the main principles of flexible and blended learning. The authors considered three main aspects: student’s background, the level of knowledge and the most suitable style of learning. At the beginning of the course, students were randomly divided into reference and test group. The test group students were continuously supported by different tools within an e-learning environment. The learning process for the reference group students was held in a traditional form.

Findings

The success of the experiment presented in this paper is demonstrated by comparing the results of the test group who were taught using the new strategy with the reference group who were taught in a common way. The statistical analysis shows that the test group students had better achievements compared to the reference group.

Research Limitations/implications

This presented study was carried out with non-IT first-year university students from social sciences, economics and technical faculties. Each year the number of students varied from 150 to 300.

Originality/value

Based on developed methodology, the model of individualization of the educational process in an e-environment was created and implemented in the course of Informatics in Tallinn University of Technology.
Benefits, barriers and prerequisites for Web 2.0 learning activities in the classroom
Authors: Palaigeorgiou George , Grammatikopoulou Athina
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the learning benefits and the challenges of Web 2.0 educational activities when applied in typical learning settings and as perceived by pioneer educators with extensive Web 2.0 experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The testimonies of 26 Greek primary and secondary education teachers were collected. All teachers had an extensive involvement with Web 2.0 in their classrooms. The interviews were semi-structured and focused on personal case studies, students' views of Web 2.0, problems and prerequisites and educational opportunities of Web 2.0.

Findings

The teachers indicated that Web 2.0 learning activities promote the learner to the center of the learning process, open the schools’ doors to society and help students learn how to cooperate and create digital content, while enabling them to reflect more on their thoughts, extend the time-space of the educational dialogue and promote trust between students and teachers. The participants had also to cope with challenges which concerned their colleagues’ attitude and the educational environment, the parents’ attitude, the amount of time and effort required, the unpredictable character of the activities, the limitations imposed by the curriculum, the overestimation of students’ skills and the lack of training opportunities.

Practical implications

The findings can be transformed to a set of critical guidelines for policy makers and for educating the educators.

Originality/value

The set of findings are derived from teachers with a long-term, intensive, daily practice with Web 2.0 and offer an holistic systematic view of problems and opportunities.