bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Property Rights over Marital Transfers *
Authors: Anderson Siwan , Bidner Chris
Published: March 2015

In developing countries, the extent to which women possess property rights is shaped in large part by transfers received at the time of marriage. Focusing on dowry, we develop a simple model of the marriage market with intrahousehold bargaining to understand the incentives for brides’ parents to allocate the rights over the dowry between their daughter and her groom. In doing so, we clarify and formalize the “dual role” of dowry—as a premortem bequest and as a market clearing price—identified in the literature. We use the model to shed light on the intriguing observation that in contrast to other rights, women’s rights over the dowry tend to deteriorate with development. We show how marriage payments are utilized even when they are inefficient, and how the marriage market mitigates changes in other dimensions of women’s rights even to the point where women are worse off following a strengthening of such rights. We also generate predictions for when marital transfers will disappear and highlight the importance of female human capital for the welfare of women.
What Explains the Stagnation of Female Labor Force Participation in Urban India?
Authors: Klasen Stephan , Pieters Janneke
Published: March 2015

Female labor force participation rates in urban India between 1987 and 2011 are surprisingly low and have stagnated since the late 1980s. Despite rising growth, fertility decline, and rising wage and education levels, married women's labor force participation hovered around 18 percent. Analysis of five large cross-sectional micro surveys shows that a combination of supply and demand effects have contributed to this stagnation. The main supply side factors are rising household incomes and husband's education as well as the falling selectivity of highly educated women. On the demand side, the sectors that draw in female workers have expanded least, so that changes in the sectoral structure of employment alone would have actually led to declining participation rates.
Psychogenic Low-Back Pain and Hysterical Paralysis in Adolescence
Authors: Kanchiku Tsukasa , Suzuki Hidenori , Imajo Yasuaki , Yoshida Yuichiro , Nishida Norihiro , Taguchi Toshihiko
Published: March 2015

Study Design:

A retrospective review.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes in adolescents diagnosed with psychogenic low-back pain and hysterical paralysis and to evaluate the efficacy of differential diagnosis methods.

Summary of Background Data:

The incidence of low-back pain in adolescence is similar to that in adults, but the causes of low-back pain are difficult to determine in most cases. For these patients, a definitive diagnosis of psychogenic low-back pain and hysterical paralysis as well as adequate treatment are clinically important to avoid unnecessary surgical treatment.

Methods:

Eleven patients (3 males and 8 females; mean age, 16.5 years; range, 13–19 y) diagnosed with psychogenic low-back pain and hysterical paralysis were followed up for 2–10.25 years (mean, 4.67 y). Nonorganic signs were observed in almost all patients. For the purpose of excluding organic disorders, the thiopentone pain study was used in patients who complained mainly of pain, and motor evoked potentials using transcranial magnetic stimulation were measured in patients experiencing primarily muscle weakness.

Results:

The psychiatric diagnosis was neurosis in 9 patients, whereas it was psychosomatic disorder in 2 patients. Conservative treatment, such as physiotherapy, was performed, and at the final follow-up evaluation, outcomes were regarded as excellent in 7 patients and good in 4 patients.

Conclusions:

The prognosis of psychogenic low-back pain and hysterical paralysis in adolescence is relatively good. However, it is important to understand the characteristics of psychogenic low-back pain and hysterical paralysis in childhood and young adulthood and to perform accurate diagnosis by screening for nonorganic signs and excluding organic disorders by using the thiopentone pain study and motor evoked potentials obtained using transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Is 1-stage Posterior Corpectomy More Favorable Compared With Decompression With Fusion to Control Thoracic Cord Compression by Metastasis?
Authors: Kim Dae Geun , Ha Jung-Ki , Hwang Chang Ju , Lee Dong-Ho , Lee Choon Sung , Cho Jae Hwan
Published: March 2015

Study design:

A retrospective comparative study

Objective:

To compare 1-stage posterior corpectomy to decompression with fusion for the control of thoracic cord compression due to a metastatic tumor.

Summary of Background Data:

Thoracic cord compression by a metastatic tumor can cause back pain, paralysis, and urinary/bowel dysfunction and is generally treated by palliative decompressive surgery. However, no studies have assessed the advantages of 1-stage posterior corpectomy compared with decompression with fusion.

Methods:

We studied 18 patients who underwent surgery for thoracic cord compression due to metastatic tumors between September 2009 and August 2013. Neurological examination was performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Data on operative time, blood loss during surgery, postoperative complications, and survival time were retrospectively retrieved from electronic medical records. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on treatment: decompression and corpectomy (corpectomy group, n=8) and decompression with fusion (decompression-fusion group, n=10). Data were statistically compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 61±12 years. Motor weakness and urinary/bowel dysfunction were observed in 15 and 9 cases, respectively. Five patients, who could walk before surgery, could walk at 1 month following surgery. However, only 3 of the 13 patients who could not walk before surgery regained the ability to walk. No difference was found in the degree of muscle strength recovery between the 2 groups. However, the corpectomy group showed higher blood loss (2200 vs. 710 mL, P=0.037) and longer operative time (281 vs. 217 min, P=0.029) than the decompression-fusion group.

Conclusions:

There is no significant advantage of 1-stage posterior corpectomy over decompression with fusion. Furthermore, more blood loss and longer operative time may increase the risk of postoperative complications following corpectomy. For this reason, 1-stage posterior corpectomy to control thoracic metastasis should be considered with caution.
Onset of Thrombin Generation Occurs More Rapidly in Pediatric Patients With Celiac Disease
Authors: Deutschmann Andrea , Schlagenhauf Axel , Leschnik Bettina , Hoffmann Karl M. , Hauer Almuthe , Muntean Wolfgang
Published: March 2015

Objective:

Celiac disease (CD) is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and stroke, but the mechanisms are unclear. Continuous measurement of thrombin generation in plasma is a feasible way to detect hypercoagulable changes. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate thrombin generation in pediatric patients with CD compared with pediatric controls.

Methods:

Plasma samples were collected from 19 pediatric patients with CD and 20 healthy controls. In each patient diagnosed as having CD, thrombin generation was determined twice by means of calibrated automated thrombography. The first measurement was undertaken when CD was diagnosed; the second measurement was undertaken after normalization of their IgA antitissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG‐Ab) titers following a gluten‐free diet. In the controls, measurement for TTG‐Ab and thrombin generation was undertaken once during recruitment.

Results:

Patients with CD at diagnosis showed a significantly shorter lag time compared with controls (P < 0.001) and a shorter time‐to‐peak compared with controls (P < 0.02). These differences were no longer detectable after normalization of TTG‐Ab values. The overall amount of generated thrombin, represented by the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), showed no significant difference between the study groups.

Conclusions:

Our results show that alterations in coagulation can be found in untreated CD that may help to explain the described increased risk of stroke or VTE. A shorter lag time in patients with untreated CD indicates a more rapid onset of thrombin generation as a sign of hypercoagulability. ETP, the best predictive parameter for thromboembolic disease, however, was not altered.
Usefulness of Gastric Biopsy–Based Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children
Authors: Kalach Nicolas , Gosset Pierre , Dehecq Eric , Decoster Anne , Spyckerelle Claire , Papadopolos Stephan , Dupont Christophe , Raymond Josette
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of gastric biopsy‐based quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection and the identification of clarithromycin‐resistant strains in children.

Methods:

A gastric biopsy–based qPCR for the detection of H pylori infection and the identification of clarithromycin‐resistant strains in children was evaluated in 62 children with infection and 341 children without infection. H pylori infection was considered by the “reference method” when culture was positive for both histology and rapid urease test (RUT). Results were compared with those obtained using the qPCR.

Results:

The reference method versus H pylori qPCR positivity showed 95% confidence interval sensitivity 100% versus 100%, specificity 93.2% (86.9–99.4) versus 100%, positive predictive value 59.7% (47.4–71.9) versus 100%, negative predictive value 100% versus 100%, and, finally, test accuracy of 59.6% (47.3–71.8) versus 100%. Sixty‐two children were found to be H pylori positive, based on the qPCR results. Among those, 31 children had both positive qPCR and culture with concordant antimicrobial susceptibility testing results, whereas 31 children had negative culture and positive qPCR. The qPCR showed a bacterial load ≥103 copies per milliliter when culture, histology, and RUT were all positive (29/31 children) versus <103 copies per milliliter when culture, histology, and RUT were all negative (25/31 children). Grades 2 and 3 histological gastritis were associated with a bacterial load ≥103 copies per milliliter for 28/35 of children versus 27/27 of grade 0 to 1 <103 copies per milliliter.

Conclusions:

H pylori qPCR positivity is a more precise test than the routine culture, histology, RUT alone and allows detecting low bacterial loads.
The diatom-derived aldehyde decadienal affects life cycle transition in the ascidianCiona intestinalisthrough nitric oxide/ERK signalling
Authors: Castellano Immacolata , Ercolesi Elena , Romano Giovanna , Ianora Adrianna , Palumbo Anna
Published: March 2015

Polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) are fatty-acid-derived metabolites produced by some microalgae, including different diatom species. PUAs are mainly produced as a wound-activated defence mechanism against microalgal predators or released from senescent cells at the end of a bloom. PUAs, including 2,4-trans-decadienal (DD), induce deleterious effects on embryonic and larval development of several planktonic and benthic organisms. Here, we report on the effects of DD on larval development and metamorphosis of the ascidianCiona intestinalis. Cionalarval development is regulated by the cross-talking of different molecular events, including nitric oxide (NO) production, ERK activation and caspase 3-dependent apoptosis. We report that treatment with DD at the competence larval stage results in a delay in metamorphosis. DD affects redox balance by reducing total glutathione and NO levels. By biochemical and quantitative gene expression analysis, we identify the NO-signalling network affected by DD, including the upregulation of ERK phosphatasemkp1and consequent reduction of ERK phosphorylation, with final changes in the expression of downstream ERK target genes. Overall, these results give new insights into the molecular pathways induced in marine organisms after exposure to PUAs during larval development, demonstrating that this aldehyde affects key checkpoints of larval transition from the vegetative to the reproductive life stage.
Self-organization of Computation in Neural Systems
Authors: Tetzlaff Christian , Dasgupta Sakyasingha , Kulvicius Tomas , Wörgötter Florentin
Published: March 2015

When learning a complex task our nervous system self-organizes large groups of neurons into coherent dynamic activity patterns. During this, a cell assembly network with multiple, simultaneously active, and computationally powerful assemblies is formed; a process which is so far not understood. Here we show that the com- bination of synaptic plasticity with the slower process of synaptic scaling achieves formation of such assembly networks. This type of self-organization allows executing a difficult, six degrees of freedom, manipulation task with a robot where assemblies need to learn computing complex non-linear transforms and – for execution – must cooperate with each other without interference. This mechanism, thus, permits for the first time the guided self-organization of computationally powerful sub-structures in dynamic networks for behavior control.
Unique Aspects of the Structure and Dynamics of Elementary Iβ Cellulose Microfibrils Revealed by Computational Simulations
Authors: Oehme Daniel P. , Downton Matthew T. , Doblin Monika S. , Wagner John , Gidley Michael J. , Bacic Antony
Published: March 2015

The question of how many chains an elementary cellulose microfibril contains is critical to understanding the molecular mechanism(s) of cellulose biosynthesis and regulation. Given the hexagonal nature of the cellulose synthase rosette, it is assumed that the number of chains must be a multiple of six. We present molecular dynamics simulations on three different models of Iβ cellulose microfibrils, 18, 24, and 36 chains, to investigate their structure and dynamics in a hydrated environment. The 36-chain model stays in a conformational space that is very similar to the initial crystalline phase, while the 18- and 24-chain models sample a conformational space different from the crystalline structure yet similar to conformations observed in recent high-temperature molecular dynamics simulations. Major differences in the conformations sampled between the different models result from changes to the tilt of chains in different layers, specifically a second stage of tilt, increased rotation about the O2-C2 dihedral, and a greater sampling of non-TG exocyclic conformations, particularly the GG conformation in center layers and GT conformation in solvent-exposed exocyclic groups. With a reinterpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance data, specifically for contributions made to the C6 peak, data from the simulations suggest that the 18- and 24-chain structures are more viable models for an elementary cellulose microfibril, which also correlates with recent scattering and diffraction experimental data. These data inform biochemical and molecular studies that must explain how a six-particle cellulose synthase complex rosette synthesizes microfibrils likely comprised of either 18 or 24 chains.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the interaction ofAeromonas hydrophilaMtaN-1 withS-adenosylhomocysteine
Authors: Xu Yongbin , Quan Chun-Shan , Jin Xiaoling , Jin Xuanzhen , Zhao Jing , Jin Liming , Kim Jin-Sik , Guo Jianyun , Fan Shengdi , Ha Nam-Chul
Published: March 2015

Prokaryotic 5′-methylthioadenosine/S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase (MtaN) is a multifunctional enzyme that can hydrolyzeS-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) andS-methyl-5′-thioadenosine (MTA) to giveS-ribosyl-L-homocysteine (SRH) andS-methyl-5′-thioribose (MTR), respectively. This reaction plays a key role in several metabolic pathways, including biological methylation, polyamine biosynthesis, methionine recycling and bacterial quorum sensing. Structurally, MtaN belongs to the MtnN subfamily of the purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP)/uridine phosphorylase (UDP) phosphorylase family.Aeromonas hydrophilahas two MtnN subfamily proteins: MtaN-1, a periplasmic protein with an N-terminal signal sequence, and MtaN-2, a cytosolic protein. In this study, MtaN-1 fromAeromonas hydrophilawas successfully expressed and purified using Ni–NTA affinity, Q anion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. Crystals of the protein in complex with the substrate SAH were obtained and diffracted to a resolution of 1.4 Å. The crystals belonged to the trigonal space groupP3121 orP3221, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 102.7,c= 118.8 Å. The asymmetric unit contained two molecules of MtaN-1 complexed with SAH.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the periplasmic haem-binding protein HutB fromVibrio cholerae
Authors: Agarwal Shubhangi , Biswas Maitree , Dasgupta Jhimli
Published: March 2015

The mechanism of haem transport across the inner membrane of pathogenic bacteria is currently insufficiently understood at the molecular level and no information is available for this process inVibrio cholerae. To obtain structural insights into the periplasmic haem-binding protein HutB fromV. cholerae(VcHutB), which is involved in haem transport through the HutBCD haem-transport system, at the atomic level, VcHutB was cloned, overexpressed and crystallized using 1.6 Mammonium sulfate as a precipitant at pH 7.0. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.4 Å resolution on the RRCAT PX-BL-21 beamline at the Indus-2 synchrotron, Indore, India. The crystals belonged to space groupP43212, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 62.88,c= 135.8 Å. Matthews coefficient calculations indicated the presence of one monomer in the asymmetric unit, with an approximate solvent content of 45.02%. Molecular-replacement calculations withPhaserconfirmed the presence of a monomer in the asymmetric unit.
Crystallization of mutants ofTurnip yellow mosaic virusprotease/ubiquitin hydrolase designed to prevent protease self-recognition
Authors: Ayach Maya , Bressanelli Stéphane
Published: March 2015

Processing of the polyprotein ofTurnip yellow mosaic virusis mediated by the protease PRO. PRO cleaves at two places, one of which is at the C-terminus of the PRO domain of another polyprotein molecule. In addition to this processing activity, PRO possesses an ubiquitin hydrolase (DUB) activity. The crystal structure of PRO has previously been reported in its polyprotein-processing mode with the C-terminus of one PRO inserted into the catalytic site of the next PRO, generating PRO polymers in the crystal packing of the trigonal space group. Here, two mutants designed to disrupt specific PRO–PRO interactions were generated, produced and purified. Crystalline plates were obtained by seeding and cross-seeding from initial `sea urchin'-like microcrystals of one mutant. The plates diffracted to beyond 2 Å resolution at a synchrotron source and complete data sets were collected for the two mutants. Data processing and analysis indicated that both mutant crystals belonged to the same monoclinic space group, with two molecules of PRO in the asymmetric unit.
Cloning, expression, crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of a superfolder GFP fusion of cyanobacterial Psb32
Authors: Liauw Pasqual , Kannchen Daniela , Gasper Raphael , Dyczmons-Nowaczyk Nina , Nowaczyk Marc M. , Hofmann Eckhard
Published: March 2015

A fusion of Psb32 from the thermophilic cyanobacteriumThermosynechococcus elongatusBP-1 (TePsb32) with superfolder GFP was created for enhanced solubility and improved detection and purification. The fusion protein readily formed large hexagonal crystals belonging to space groupP6122. A full data set extending to 2.3 Å resolution was collected at the Swiss Light Source. The phase problem could be solved by using only the sfGFP fusion partner or by using GFP andAtTLP18.3 fromArabidopsis thalianaas search models. Based on this expression construct, a versatile library of 24 vectors combining four different superfolder GFP variants and three affinity tags was generated to facilitate expression and screening of fluorescent fusion proteins.
The relationship between justice and commitment: the moderation of trust
Authors: Jiang Zhou
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether distributive justice interacts with procedural justice to influence affective commitment; whether organizational trust moderates the relationships of affective commitment with these two justice perceptions; and whether organizational trust moderates the interactive effect of justice perceptions on affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study administered both paper and online surveys to university employees from China, South Korea, and Australia, obtaining 706 usable responses from 65 universities. Hierarchical regressions were employed to test hypotheses for each country. The patterns of results were compared across nations.

Findings

– It was found that in Australia, but not in South Korea and China, distributive justice interacted with procedural justice to influence affective commitment. Results also revealed that in Australia, organizational trust moderated the relationship between affective commitment and distributive justice but not the relationship between affective commitment and procedural justice. By contrast, in South Korea and China, organizational trust had no moderating effect on justice-commitment relationships.

Research limitations/implications

– Although this study was limited due to the use of self-report data and the focus of a single type of organization, it provides relatively new cross-cultural evidence regarding justice effects and the role of trust in the Asia Pacific region.

Originality/value

– This study is among the first to provide empirical evidence of a moderating effect of trust on justice-outcome relationships. It is also one of the first to cross-culturally investigate the interactive effect of distributive justice and procedural justice, with an additional focus on trust’s moderation role.
Justice and employee engagement
Authors: Gupta Manish , Kumar Yln
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of trust in the relationship of justice and employee engagement (EE) in Indian B-schools.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multiple regression was carried out on the responses obtained from 320 academics working in different Indian B-schools.

Findings

– The results showed that vertical trust (VT) partially mediates the procedural justice (PJ) and the EE relationship. Distributive justice, PJ, VT and EE were found to be significantly correlated with each other.

Research limitations/implications

– A very important implication from the findings is that the research will help the Indian B-schools engage their employees in a better manner and face the challenging environment. Future research can be carried out on finding the mediating effects of leader member exchange on VT-EE relationships with other levels of higher education.

Originality/value

– The current study empirically proved that a good level of PJ leads to a high level of VT and which ultimately results in engaged academics in Indian B-schools.
Organizational culture profile of Malaysian high-tech industries
Authors: Naqshbandi M Muzamil , Kaur Sharan , Sehgal Rashmi , Subramaniam Indra Devi
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The role of organizational culture in determining success or failure of firms stands proven beyond doubt in numerous studies. The purpose of this paper is to examine organizational culture of the Malaysian high-tech sector and highlights the organizational culture dimensions most and least dominant in this sector. The study also examines differences with respect to organizational culture across the high-tech industries and different ownership types.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaire survey method is used to collect the data from middle and top managers working in Malaysian high-tech industries.

Findings

– Five dimensions of organizational culture emerge in this study. Results indicate that harmony and social responsibility are the most and least dominant dimensions of organizational culture respectively. Significant differences are found in organizational culture across industries and ownership types.

Originality/value

– While organizational culture seems to be a fairly well-researched topic in Malaysia, there seems to be a dearth of studies investigating the issue of culture prevalent in the high-tech industries in Malaysia; this despite the paramount contribution of the high-tech industries to the Malaysian economy. This study identifies the culture of Malaysian high-tech industries, examines what cultural dimensions they focus on and do not, and compares organizational culture differences across industries and ownership structures.
Militarization of the Syrian revolution: was this the wrong choice?
Authors: Tokmajyan Armenak
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to question the effectiveness of violence, armed rebellion in this case, as a means to topple oppressors. It takes the Syrian armed rebellion as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper empirically examines arguments about nonviolent actions and their effectiveness and how violent action harmed the Syrian revolution. The paper adopts the Syrian revolution as a case study.

Findings

– The paper finds that the shift from nonviolent to violent action harmed the revolution. However, the Syrian case remains hypothetical because the uprising tuned violent already in late 2011. Nevertheless, based on statistical and academic observations the paper finds that the impact of the militarization has been destructive without fulfilling the uprising's goals.

Research limitations/implications

– Because the Syrian conflict is a recent one, still ongoing, and there is a time lag in the publication of academic papers and books, this paper necessarily draws on newspaper articles and online sources in presenting the case study.

Originality/value

– The paper looks at the developments of the Syrian conflict from a different angle than the mainstream narratives. Furthermore, it contributes to the field of nonviolence studies by investigating the new Syrian case, which has not been well-systematically researched from this perspective.
Inequalities in school climate in California
Authors: Jain Sonia , Cohen Alison K. , Huang Kevin , Hanson Thomas L. , Austin Gregory
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– School climate, or the physical and social conditions of the learning environment, has implications for academic achievement. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors examine how school climate varies by school-level characteristics in California using administrative data and the California School Climate Survey.

Findings

– Teachers/staff at secondary schools, schools in large cities, schools that serve low-income populations, Hispanic- and black-majority schools, and/or low-performing schools reported less positive school climates, including staff/student relationships, norms and standards, student facilitative behaviors, and perceived safety, than their counterparts, paralleling other education inequity trends.

Originality/value

– The authors encourage educators and school leaders to use data-driven and evidence-based strategies to overcome systematic inequities in positive school climate in order to create social contexts that nurture students’ academic progress and teacher retention particularly in historically under-resourced schools.
Creating communities of professionalism: addressing cultural and structural barriers
Authors: Murphy Joseph
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The goal of this narrative synthesis is twofold. The purpose of this paper is to understand the barriers and constraints that hinder or prevent the growth of professional community. The author also want to form an empirical understanding of how educators can be successful in meeting these challenges. In both cases, the author wish to grow this knowledge in the complexity of schooling and the rapids of continuous school improvement. The conceptual architecture for the review is a mixture of research on change and implementation, school improvement, and community.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper can best be described as an integrative review or a narrative synthesis – an interpretation of the literature (Vescioet al., 2008), a method that is especially useful when combing qualitative and quantitative research findings. The author follow guidance from Hallinger in explaining the construction of the paper. The goal is to explore the broadest landscape possible to distill knowledge and understanding on the one hand and provide usable material on the other. In the words of Battistich, the aim is “to develop integrative explanatory concepts that provide people with a useful framework for considering action under particular circumstances.”

Findings

– The paper concludes that there are dynamic cultural and well-entrenched structural barriers that make the realization of professional community problematic. Some of these elements are visible. Many others are deeply buried in the meta-narrative of school improvement. The author also finds that absent direct attention to these conditions, efforts to nurture professional community in schools will be seriously handicapped.

Research limitations/implications

– Narrative syntheses offer the hope of deep understanding of domains of school improvement. They permit the inclusion of findings garnered from an array of methodologies. At the same time, this mode of investigation lacks the precision associated with more structured methods of knowledge accumulation. Even when done well, it places considerable responsibility on investigators in making sense of findings.

Originality/value

– By examining research from a wide area of domains, the author is able to construct a comprehensive map of the world of bringing professional community to life in schools for researches, policy actors, developers, and practitioners.
Procurement of a supply information system
Authors: Essig Michael , Glas Andreas H. , Gutsmiedl Josef
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Given the high importance of information systems for procurement, surprisingly there have been little efforts to analyze the process and the relevant reasons for the procurement decision of such systems from a stakeholder perspective. The purpose of this paper is to explore these aspects in the context of low-value (C-)parts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Research is based on a case study in a pre-fabricator company in Germany and analyzes the process to procure a system for sourcing low-value parts.

Findings

– As a finding, the procurement process and decision attributes have been integrated into a framework which supports corporate decision-making considering the procurement reasons of all involved stakeholders (internal departments, external customers and suppliers).

Research limitations/implications

– Research is based on case study analysis. Findings are specific to case companies and the environment in which they operate. The framework should be tested further in different contexts.

Practical implications

– The developed decision frame supports the evaluation of different sourcing information systems, including clearly measurable criteria but also qualitative or company-strategic decision attributes.

Originality/value

– The combination of financial and other perspectives (operations, information technology (IT)-administration, system users, etc.), is used to evolve a robust ex-ante instrument for supporting buying decisions for procurement information systems. The case description also illustrates the findings and develops new insights about stakeholders and buying groups decision-making for information systems.
The adoption of software-as-a-service (SaaS): ranking the determinants
Authors: Safari Fariba , Safari Narges , Hasanzadeh Alireza
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has the potential to provide substantial opportunities for organizations to improve their information technology without cost and management concerns. However, organizations have not utilized it to the desired level because it is very challenging for them to completely transform their basic conventional methods of running software into SaaS as a high-tech method. On the other hand, organizations have doubt which factors should be mostly considered if they want to move to SaaS. Therefore, investigating the adoption of SaaS can contribute organizations to benefit from this technology. The purpose of this paper is to provide a good insight into SaaS technology adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

– Considering Technology, Organization and Environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory as the basis, 22 university experts expressed their idea about the proposed model of SaaS adoption. Then, 30 IT professional in 15 IT enterprises that had adopted SaaS were asked to fill the questionnaire related to fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based on linguistic preference relations (LinPreRa) in order to rank the submitted criteria.

Findings

– The findings demonstrate that all attributes of Technology (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability and security and privacy), Organization (IT resource, sharing and collaboration culture) and environment (competitive pressure, social influence) are influential in the adoption of SaaS. Moreover, the top five influential factors are relative advantage, competitive pressure, security and privacy, sharing and collaboration culture and social influence based on adopter’s opinions.

Research limitations/implications

– For researchers, this study provides a useful literature, which can help them in related subject. In addition, it applies IT adoption theories in SaaS context that can be extended in future studies. For organizations, this study derives priority of factors by which they can make strong decisions about adoption of SaaS.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the adoption of SaaS technology using well-known IT adoption theories. A version of Fuzzy AHP based on LinPreRa was used in order to cover the limitations of previous methodologies of ranking the criteria.
User acceptance of SaaS-based collaboration tools: a case of Google Docs
Authors: Tan Xin , Kim Yongbeom
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and understand factors that influence users’ acceptance of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) collaboration tools in organizational settings.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper develops a research model based on the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM). Using data collected from a field study of Google Docs, the research model and related hypotheses are tested by structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Users’ confirmation with expectations positively affect their perceived usefulness and satisfaction level; Users’ perceived usefulness and satisfaction positively affect their intention to continue using such collaboration tools. Users’ prior experience with such tools and their IT skills have a moderating effect on the relationships among confirmation, perceived usefulness, satisfaction, and continuance intention.

Research limitations/implications

– This study identifies the theoretical foundations of user acceptance of SaaS collaboration tools in the context of mandatory adoption. This empirical study, based on an established theoretical foundation, will help the research community to gain a deeper understanding of user acceptance of cloud computing technologies, in particular, SaaS collaboration tools.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study can provide vendors and implementing organizations with useful strategies and tactics to enhance users’ acceptance of SaaS collaboration tools.

Originality/value

– With the increasing popularity of cloud computing technologies, there have been ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of SaaS collaboration tools in organizational settings. This study is one of the first empirical research to examine the factors influencing users’ acceptance of SaaS collaboration tools.
Financing small and medium enterprises in Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Abe Masato , Troilo Michael , Batsaikhan Orgil
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose policy suggestions for the financing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Asia-Pacific region. Recent literature suggests that lack of capital is the most severe constraint for SME survival and growth. Enabling policymakers to assist SMEs in their search for financing will boost economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology includes both quantitative and qualitative components. Current World Bank data on the strength of various financial institutions in the countries of interest is analyzed to discover areas of improvement. Additionally, 32 experts from East and South Asia were interviewed several times to determine areas of concern in financing SMEs. Their responses and the evidence from the World Bank data form the basis of the policy prescriptions in the paper.

Findings

– Financing is a critical constraint for SMEs for several reasons. Many SME owners do not manage working capital effectively, information asymmetry between banks and SMEs retards the loan application and approval process, and underdeveloped equity markets deny SMEs future growth opportunities. Policymakers can ameliorate conditions by serving as facilitators and communicators; governments should not provide financing directly if possible.

Practical implications

– It is hoped and expected that the policy prescriptions offered herein will enhance the growth and survival prospects of SMES, thereby creating more employment, innovation, and economic growth.

Originality/value

– The main contribution of this work is its scope. While the financing of SMEs is a familiar topic, the review of issues and policies in East and South Asia, and their distillation into practical advice for officialdom, is what makes this manuscript unique.
A state-space model of a three tier APVIOBPCS supply chain
Authors: White Anthony S , Censlive Michael
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate a control engineering-based system model that allows for any value of production delay for a three-tier supply chain with information delays between tiers or systems with epos.

Design/methodology/approach

– A discrete z transform model of automatic pipeline, variable inventory and order based production control system three-tier supply chain is obtained using a state-space model using a reachable control formulation. This model provides a discrete time state-space model conversion using an exponential production delay with no loss of generality.

Findings

– This work allows a three-tier supply chain model to be computed via a spreadsheet using any production delay and can be modified to include different sales smoothing procedures. The model is fully controllable and observable. Stability of these models is obtained from the system eigenvalues and agrees with our previously published stability boundaries.

Practical implications

– The system is described by a linear control model of the production process and does not include production limits or other resource limitations, including history of sales demand and response.

Originality/value

– This present model is an extension of the model devised by White and Censlive, in that it allows accurate modelling of multi-tier inventory production systems by permitting flexible selection of delay parameter values for real systems.
ANP based sustainable concept selection
Authors: K Jayakrishna , K.E.K Vimal , Vinodh Sekar
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report a study in which analytical network process (ANP) was used for selecting the best concept from sustainability view point.

Design/methodology/approach

– The concept selection in the sustainability viewpoint is a typical multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem involving complex interrelationship among the decision criteria. The formulated MCDM problem of sustainable concept selection was solved using ANP. The sensitivity analysis was also being conducted to validate the results.

Findings

– The interrelationship among the decision criteria was analyzed using ANP, and the best alternative was selected based on the computation of Product Sustainability Weighted Index (PSWI). The selected best alternative was subjected to implementation in the case organization.

Research limitations/implications

– The study deals with the formulation of sustainable concept selection as a typical MCDM problem and providing solutions using ANP. The best alternative “weight reduction” was subjected to implementation. The developed MCDM problem also could be solved using hybrid MCDM methods.

Practical implications

– The study focuses on selecting the best sustainability concept for an Indian automotive component manufacturing organization. Hence, the inferences being derived from the study are practically feasible and contribute toward the improvement of product sustainability.

Originality/value

– The formulation of a hierarchical model for sustainable concept selection as MCDM problem and generating solution using ANP is the contribution of the authors.
Event tourism in remote areas: an examination of the Birdsville Races
Authors: Buultjens Jeremy , Cairncross Grant
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to examine the direct economic and social benefits accruing from the Birdsville Races. The paper also explores how strategic place marketing has been used to shape the image of the destination, and how this has provided a boost to tourism visitation to periods outside of the event.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study was based around a textual analysis of online discourse, interviews with local residents and business owners and a survey of visitors.

Findings

– The data indicate that the Races make a solid contribution to the local, regional and state economy; however the local economic benefits are relatively limited due to the high level of leakages. It is also clear that the Races provide important social benefits by generating a strong sense of history, togetherness and engagement among the local community. Another important benefit is the national and international exposure the event receives, enabling the generation of additional economic benefits.

Research limitations/implications

– The practical implications of this study are that regardless of its size and/or location, the staging of a high-quality event or festival can help a destination to market itself effectively, both nationally and internationally. This exposure will generate additional benefits to the destination, region, state and nation. A successful event can also enable a destination attract substantial government funding that can further enhance the event experience.

Originality/value

– This paper illustrates that an event hosted in a very remote destination in outback Australia can provide direct benefits as well as indirect benefits. Place marketing can also allow the generation of an “iconic” image for a destination.
Place branding: are we wasting our time? Report of an AMA special session
Authors: Medway Dominic , Swanson Kathryn , Delpy Neirotti Lisa , Pasquinelli Cecilia , Zenker Sebastian
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on a special session entitled “Place branding: Are we wasting our time?”, held at the American Marketing Association’s Summer Marketing Educators’ conference in 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

– The report details the outcome of an Oxford-style debate with two opposing teams of two persons – one team supporting and one team opposing the motion. The opening speaker of each team had 10 minutes to put their case across, and the closing speaker had 8 minutes. Teams took to the stand alternately, matching up against each other’s arguments.

Findings

– The outcome of the debate points towards a need for place brands to develop as more inclusive and organic entities, in which case it may be best for place practitioners to avoid creating and imposing a place brand and instead help shape it from the views of stakeholder constituencies. This shifts the notion of place branding towards an activity centred on “curation”.

Originality/value

– The use of a competitive debating format as a means for exploring academic ideas and concepts in the place management field.
Risk management in SMEs: a systematic review of available evidence
Authors: Falkner Eva Maria , Hiebl Martin R.W.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review of available research evidence on risk management in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The authors aim to reveal ambiguities, gaps and contradictions in the literature, and to sketch avenues for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors follow the tenets of Tranfieldet al.(2003) for conducting a systematic literature review. Following a key word search and an assessment of fit for this review, 27 papers were analyzed with respect to bibliographical information, research design and findings.

Findings

– The review identified various types of risks that may occur in SMEs. In addition, the publication analysis demonstrates the importance of a risk management process in SMEs and that the characteristics of SME owners have a significant impact on their business strategies.

Research limitations/implications

– Additional empirical research on risk identification, risk analysis, strategy implementation and control in the SME risk management process is needed.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first comprehensive review of the body of literature on risk management in SMEs.
Hedging and debt overhang: a conceptual note
Authors: Schnabel Jacques A.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the nexus between hedging, which reduces the volatility of corporate assets, and the anomaly of debt overhang, whereby corporate management is motivated to reject positive net present value (NPV) projects. The question of whether hedging ameliorates or aggravates debt overhang is addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Black–Scholes isomorphism between common shares and call options is exploited to determine the allocation of a project’s NPV between debt- and stock-holders. The effect of hedging on this NPV-partitioning is then gauged to determine the resulting likelihood of debt overhang.

Findings

– If the volatility of corporate assets is below a critical maximum, hedging ameliorates debt overhang consistent with extant theoretical research. However, above that critical value of volatility, hedging aggravates debt overhang.

Originality/value

– The novel result of this note, namely, hedging may exacerbate debt overhang, is demonstrated both analytically and intuitively. The latter is explained by allusion to a second agency-theoretic conflict between debt- versus stock-holders, namely, risk shifting. The disparate effects of hedging on debt overhang imply a non-monotonic relationship between metrics for these two variables, which is a phenomenon that extant empirical studies have failed to take into account.