bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo biochemical analyses reveal distinct roles of β-importins and eEF1A in tRNA subcellular traffic
Authors: Huang Hsiao-Yun , Hopper Anita K.
Published: April 2015

Bidirectional tRNA movement between the nucleus and the cytoplasm serves multiple biological functions. To gain a biochemical understanding of the mechanisms for tRNA subcellular dynamics, we developed in vivo β-importin complex coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays using budding yeast. Our studies provide the first in vivo biochemical evidence that two β-importin family members, Los1 (exportin-t) and Msn5 (exportin-5), serve overlapping but distinct roles in tRNA nuclear export. Los1 assembles complexes with RanGTP and tRNA. Both intron-containing pre-tRNAs and spliced tRNAs, regardless of whether they are aminoacylated, assemble into Los1–RanGTP complexes, documenting that Los1 participates in both primary nuclear export and re-export of tRNAs to the cytoplasm. In contrast, β-importin Msn5 preferentially assembles with RanGTP and spliced, aminoacylated tRNAs, documenting its role in tRNA nuclear re-export. Tef1/2 (the yeast form of translation elongation factor 1α [eEF1A]) aids the specificity of Msn5 for aminoacylated tRNAs to form a quaternary complex consisting of Msn5, RanGTP, aminoacylated tRNA, and Tef1/2. Assembly and/or stability of this quaternary complex requires Tef1/2, thereby facilitating efficient re-export of aminoacylated tRNAs to the cytoplasm.
CARMing down the SINEs of anarchy: two paths to freedom from paraspeckle detention
Authors: Elbarbary Reyad A. , Maquat Lynne E.
Published: April 2015

A subset of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that contain inverted Alu elements in their 3′ untranslated region are inefficiently exported to the cytoplasm and retained in subnuclear bodies called paraspeckles. The arginine methyltransferase CARM1 (coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1) promotes the nuclear export of these mRNAs by methylating the paraspeckle component p54nrb, which reduces the binding of p54nrbto the inverted Alu elements, and down-regulating synthesis of another paraspeckle component, the long noncoding RNANEAT1, which inhibits paraspeckle formation.
Synchrotron radiation Mössbauer spectra of a rotating absorber with implications for testing velocity and acceleration time dilation
Authors: Friedman Y. , Yudkin E. , Nowik I. , Felner I. , Wille H.-C. , Röhlsberger R. , Haber J. , Wortmann G. , Arogeti S. , Friedman M. , Brand Z. , Levi N. , Shafir I. , Efrati O. , Frumson T. , Finkelstein A. , Chumakov A. I. , Kantor I. , Rüffer R.
Published: April 2015

Many Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) experiments have used a rotating absorber in order to measure the second-order transverse Doppler (TD) shift, and to test the validity of the Einstein time dilation theory. From these experiments, one may also test the clock hypothesis (CH) and the time dilation caused by acceleration. In such experiments the absorption curves must be obtained, since it cannot be assumed that there is no broadening of the curve during the rotation. For technical reasons, it is very complicated to keep the balance of a fast rotating disk if there are moving parts on it. Thus, the Mössbauer source on a transducer should be outside the disk. Friedman and Nowik have already predicted that the X-ray beam finite size dramatically affects the MS absorption line and causes its broadening. We provide here explicit formulas to evaluate this broadening for a synchrotron Mössbauer source (SMS) beam. The broadening is linearly proportional to the rotation frequency and to the SMS beam width at the rotation axis. In addition, it is shown that the TD shift and the MS line broadening are affected by an additional factor assigned as thealignment shiftwhich is proportional to the frequency of rotation and to the distance between the X-ray beam center and the rotation axis. This new shift helps to align the disk's axis of rotation to the X-ray beam's center. To minimize the broadening, one must focus the X-ray on the axis of the rotating disk and/or to add a slit positioned at the center, to block the rays distant from the rotation axis of the disk. Our experiment, using the57Fe SMS, currently available at the Nuclear Resonance beamline (ID18) at the ESRF, with a rotating stainless steel foil, confirmed our predictions. With a slit installed at the rotation axis (reducing the effective beam width from 15.6 µm to 5.4 µm), one can measure a statistically meaningful absorption spectrum up to 300 Hz, while, without a slit, such spectra could be obtained up to 100 Hz only. Thus, both the broadening and the alignment shift are very significant and must be taken into consideration in any rotating absorber experiment. Here a method is offered to measure accurately the TD shift and to test the CH.
Synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic properties oftrans-dibromidobis(2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine-κ2N,N′)chromium(III) perchlorate
Authors: Moon Dohyun , Choi Jong-Ha
Published: April 2015

The title complex salt,trans-anti-[CrBr2(Me2tn)2]ClO4(where Me2tn = 2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine, C5H14N2), was prepared and its structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 100 K. The asymmetric unit contains three conformationally similar complex cations and three perchlorate anions. In each complex cation, the CrIIIcentre is coordinated by four N atoms of two chelating Me2tn ligands in the equatorial plane and by two Br atoms in atrans-axial arrangement, to give a distorted octahedral geometry. Interionic contacts are dominated by extensive hydrogen bonding, involving the NH groups of the Me2tn ligand as donors and the anion O atoms or coordinated Br atoms as acceptors, resulting in two-dimensional layers in thebcplane. Ligand field analysis based on the angular overlap model, and IR and electronic spectroscopic properties, are also discussed.
Export barriers and business confidence: a quasi-longitudinal examination
Authors: Kahiya Eldrede Tinashe , Dean David L
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of export barriers at two different points in time, 1995 (t0) and 2010 (t1), respectively. Using “confidence” as a surrogate for affect, the study proposes an inverse relationship between affect and export barrier intensity with the influence of export barriers increasing as exporter confidence subsides.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study draws two random probabilistic samples (1995/2010) of New Zealand’s SME exporters, from the same working population, using an identical survey instrument. Preliminary analysis combines exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis techniques. The research proposition is tested using binary logistic regression.

Findings

– The results found that the influence of export barriers changes substantially across time. There was support for the proposition in that the 2010 sample of exporters were two to nine times more likely to consider export barriers influential than the 1995 group. Such evidence was particularly strong in the context of logistics and distribution factors, internal resource constraints, trade-related barriers, home market factors and currency and payments obstacles.

Practical implications

– This research suggests managerial evaluation of the prevailing business atmosphere, as captured by exporter’s confidence, can influence perception of export barriers. Specifically, barriers tend to be evaluated as influential when there is a sense of pessimism within the export sector. Thus over time export barrier influence can be traced to the manager’s evaluation of export prospects as opposed to the frequently researched organizational and internationalization variables.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to use theory to predict and empirically test the change in export barrier influence across time. While the majority of export barrier research adopts the cognitive or “objective-verifiable” view, the study supports the contention that export barrier influence can also be understood in the context of the emotive or “subjective-moot” perspective. Additionally, export managers should adopt long-term orientation towards exports while policymakers are encouraged (contrary to mainstream research) to move from targeted export support programs to inclusive or mass market approaches.
How perceived institutional pressures impact market orientation
Authors: Zhang Jing , Jiang Yanxin , Shabbir Rizwan , Duan Yanling
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Literature has not paid enough attention to the antecedents of market orientation in the context of transitional economy and many authors focus on internal antecedent factors which could be controlled by the organizations. To address the research gaps, the purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of institutional pressures upon market orientation implementation in mainland China.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on multiple case studies of four large B2B manufacturing firms, this paper presents a conceptual framework incorporating three kinds of institutional antecedents of market orientation. Then the developed framework is empirically tested and the impacts of antecedent factors are compared by a fully structured questionnaire survey of 235 Chinese manufacturing firms.

Findings

– The research findings indicate that during the market-oriented organizational change, normative and mimetic institutional pressures are important driving forces. In addition, the significant institutional antecedent factors are pressures arising from strategic partnership, system certification requirements, industry benchmarking, management consultation and intensive competition.

Originality/value

– This research is first of its kind as it probes into institutional antecedents of market orientation among Chinese firms by combining cross-case study and large-scale survey. It contributes greatly to the literature of market orientation and institutional theory, and also provides relevant managerial implications for firms as to how to improve market-orientation degree.
Evaluating customer-perceived service quality in business management education in India
Authors: Choudhury Koushiki
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the question of service quality in the higher education sector in the business management area, with the research objective to explore the dimensions of service quality and assess performance of higher educational institutes (HEIs) in business management across customer-perceived service quality dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A modified SERVQUAL instrument was used to capture customers’ perceptions of service quality with a sample size of 1,152 customers. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was used to holistically evaluate the performance of the HEIs.

Findings

– The current research develops a scale for measuring service quality in the area of business management education and reinforces the fact that service quality is a multidimensional construct. It suggests that customers distinguish four dimensions of service quality in the case of the higher education industry in business management. TOPSIS analysis provides an effective framework for ranking competing HEIs holistically in terms of their overall performance with respect to multiple service quality factors.

Research limitations/implications

– Continued refinement of the scale for measuring service quality in higher education, proposed in this study, is certainly possible based on further research and trends in higher education.

Practical implications

– HEIs are finding themselves in an increasingly integrated competitive market. Consequently they are facing challenges due to the evaluation of the results of the services of education and training that they offer. In competitive environments, student perceptions of quality and their satisfaction level have become very important in order to attract and retain them. Identifying the underlying dimensions of service quality is the first step in the definition and provision of quality service and instilling of a customer-service culture. Having access to how consumers evaluate service quality in the higher educational sector in business management and evaluating the positions of the players in the market on service quality parameters, can help the organization to carry out its mission with more efficiency, aid in strategic planning and contend the initiatives that HEIs managers can take to enhance employees’ skills and attitudes and instill a culture of service excellence.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this research has been in terms of its scale development and modeling methodology. A methodological innovation in this research has been in the use of TOPSIS in the field of customer-perceived service quality in higher education.
Viable strategy configurations and new product development capability and performance
Authors: Racela Olimpia C.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify firm groups pursuing different configurations of customer-, entrepreneurial-, and information technology (IT) orientation and to compare their new product development (NPD) capability and NPD performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hierarchical cluster analysis was used on the sample of 156 firms on the basis of their mix of customer-, entrepreneurial-, and IT- orientation. Then, analysis of variance was used to compare the groups’ NPD capability (NPDCAP), NPD process efficiency (NPDPROC), new product effectiveness (NPEFF), and new product financial performance (NPPERF).

Findings

– Of the seven strategy configurations posited, four emerge and two unexpected configurations are revealed. Overall, firms simultaneously pursuing multiple strategic orientations have higher NPDCAP, NPEFF, and NPPERF. Interestingly, all six strategy groups have equally low levels of NPDPROC.

Practical implications

– To enhance NPDCAP and NPD performance, managers should consider more complex strategy configurations that act in complementary ways, in particular, customer-orientation complemented by either entrepreneurial- and/or IT-orientation. Moreover, more attention is needed to improving NPDPROC, as achieving gains in this area would contribute positively to firm performance.

Originality/value

– This study presents initial evidence that, at least for firms in Thailand, resources must be configured by pursuing several strategic orientations simultaneously to enhance their dynamic capabilities in NPD, a strategic issue that has not been given much attention in previous literature.
Traceability systems in the Western Australia halal food supply chain
Authors: Poniman Delma , Purchase Sharon , Sneddon Joanne
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence and implementation of traceability systems in the Western Australian (WA) Halal food industry. In particular, to understand how individuals in facilitating organizations perceive the Halal idea logic and the benefits that a traceability system can provide to the Halal food processing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– An empirical qualitative approach was employed to examine these issues utilizing in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was carried out using Leximancer software.

Findings

– Findings suggest that individual’s perception of Halal idea logic is aligned to the roles they perform. These perceptions were impacted by the specific objectives or business interests of each organization. Facilitating organizations also perceive that traceability systems are a strategic tool in the Halal food processing industry.

Practical implications

– The research provides insights into how to improve existing understanding of the Halal idea logic within Halal food business networks and the benefits of implementing traceability systems in Halal food production. Joint activity between firms creates a network effect, where the value created is greater than that which the firms alone can create.

Originality/value

– Though traceability systems have become increasingly popular in the food industry, little research has been undertaken to understand how individuals in facilitating organizations perceive these systems, particularly in the growing Halal food industry. Hence, the study contributes to the literature of traceability studies and the area of change and process adaptation in business relationships in the context of halal food production.
Metachoice for benchmarking: a case study
Authors: Laise Domenico , Marraro Laura , Iazzolino Gianpaolo
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– In a previous paper the authors emphasized the advantages of multicriteria methodologies to evaluate business performance. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the metachoice problem that always arises in a benchmark multicriteria analysis that can be synthesized as follows: “how to choose an algorithm to choose?”

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to perform a benchmark analysis, a set of criteria must be chosen. In the Balanced Scorecard approach, for example, key performance indicators (KPIs) are grouped in four different perspectives: financial, customer, internal processes and learning and growth. In this paper, the authors focus on multicriteria benchmark analysis applied to KPIs of the financial perspective. The paper considers a set of criteria used in financial statement analysis based on balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. A case study is described.

Findings

– The main findings of the paper are when the evaluation of a firm is based on different genuine criteria, a metachoice problem arises: multicriteria ranking algorithms cannot be selected using a multicriteria algorithm; the choice of an algorithm ultimately depends on the subjective preference of the policy maker; and the authors metachoice solution to the benchmarking problem is in accordance with Simon’s satisfacing solution, describing a non-maximizing performance measurement methodology.

Practical implications

– The paper provides several practical implications in all cases in which a ranking has to be assigned to a group of firms based on financial performances. More in general the problem is very relevant when a ranking has to be carried out with respect to a set of projects, a set of strategies, a set of organizational units, etc.

Originality/value

– The adoption of a set of criteria is certainly an advantage to avoid uni-criterial myopic evaluation. However, this also creates some methodological problems. The paper demonstrates the “relativity” (subjectivity) of results of the evaluation process when there are many evaluation criteria, as in a benchmark context. This is a metachoice problem that cannot be solved by using another multicriteria algorithm.
Performance improvement of manufacturing supply chain using back-up supply strategy
Authors: Jaipuria Sanjita , Mahapatra S. S.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a simulation modelling framework to examine the behaviour of a serial make-to-stock (MTS) manufacturing system under the influence of various uncertainties. Further, the study analyses effect of propagation uncertainties from lower to upper stream of supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

– System dynamics modelling approach has been adopted for modelling and analysing the behaviour of a serial MTS manufacturing system under the influence of different uncertainties such as demand, supplier acquisition rate, raw material (RM) supply lead time, processing time and delay due to machine failure. The backup supply strategy has been proposed to mitigate the adverse effect of the RM supply uncertainty.

Findings

– The effect of variations of various factors on the performance of a MTS manufacturing supply chain in measured through various performance measures like work-in-progress (WIP) inventory, backlog and RM shortage at both manufacturer’s and supplier’s end. The benefit of adopting backup supply strategy under RM supply uncertainty is demonstrated.

Research limitations/implications

– This work is limited to analysis of a serial MTS manufacturing system dealing with a single product having two machines only. The study can be easily extended to a more complex system with multiple machines, lines and products.

Practical implications

– A simple simulation framework has been proposed to analyse the effect of various uncertainties on the performance of a MTS manufacturing system. The managers can simulate complex systems using simulation approaches to generate if-then scenarios to gain insight into practical problems and formulate strategies to mitigate adverse effect of uncertainties at various level of supply chain.

Originality/value

– The study analyses behaviour of MTS manufacturing system under the effect of various uncertainties operating simultaneously in the system. A backup supplier strategy is proposed to improve the service level at the customer’s end through improving service level at the supplier’s end. Similarly, effective strategies can be tested with the proposed simple model to reduce the effect of uncertainty at different levels of the supply chain.
Untangling the relationship between gender and leadership
Authors: Rhee Kenneth S. , Sigler Tracey H.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to empirically explore the perceptions of leader effectiveness and preference on gender and leadership style.

Design/methodology/approach

– The interaction between authoritarian and participative leadership style and gender roles was examined for effectiveness and preference using video samples of dramatized leaders.

Findings

– The results showed that although subjects found participatory leaders to be more effective and also preferred such a style over authoritarian leaders, male leaders were rated to be more effective and more preferred over female leaders. Women leaders who go against their gender stereotype were perceived as even less effective and less preferred than male leaders who exhibited the same style that was identified as a more masculine style.

Research limitations/implications

– The results suggest that women leaders continue to face challenges overcoming both sexual bias and stereotypes. Women leaders, regardless of style, face an uphill battle in terms of perceptions of effectiveness and preference regardless of who their followers might be. In addition, women leaders who go against the typical gender stereotype might be penalized even more.

Practical implications

– Despite making progress on gender equity, the study demonstrated the continuing existence of sexual stereotyping and bias in people’s perceptions, even with “younger” subjects. Thus, we need to maintain our focus on actively changing the rules of the workplace (e.g. a recent Harvard Business School experiment) and changing the status quo. Until we level the playing field, we need to continue to play an active role in creating an organizational culture and shaping an environment that is fair and equitable.

Originality/value

– This paper highlights the current status of gender bias and stereotyping using an innovative methodology of video case studies. The results also highlight the persistence of gender bias and stereotype even in a “neutral” setting with the younger subjects. In addition, the paper empirically demonstrates the double standards women often face in the workplace. Women leaders have often been expected to demonstrate more masculine traits at workplace (as exhibited by the authoritarian style), but when they do, they are penalized for acting out of their gender role.
Women doctors, on working with each other
Authors: Jogulu Uma , Vijayasingham Lavanya
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This exploratory study aims to explore the perceptions and experience of women doctors on working with each other and draw attention to their ‘voice’ on this issue. The equivocal and limited nature of relevant literature piqued our curiosity on how women perceive working with each other in work settings, particularly within the medical profession.

Design/methodology/approach

– Twelve women doctors within Australian public hospitals were interviewed through semi-structured informal interviews to “voice” their experiences and views on the comforts and discomforts of working with other women doctors. Their responses were compared to literature to determine similarities and uniqueness of their experiences to women in other settings.

Findings

– Insights from the respondent’s perceptions and experiences highlight several constructive and negative aspects of working alongside women doctors. Social and psychological constructs of being a “woman” and being a “woman doctor” as well as systemic/cultural issues of the medical fraternity formed how the women in this series of interviews perceived and related to the women doctors they worked with.

Research limitations/implications

– This exploratory provides initial insights into the experiences of women doctors on working with each other. Many themes identified have been explored in other settings. Hospital as a workplace, presents many similar work dynamics when considering the work interactions of women in other settings. This study should be used to drive more rigorous enquiry and a larger sample size.

Practical implications

– The working relationships women build with each other influence individual careers and organizational outcomes. Understanding the dynamics that improve and hinder the development of constructive work relationships between women can strengthen women-focused managerial and organizational policies and practices.

Originality/value

– The consolidation of literature coupled with the exploratory insights of this research contributes to a limited depth of existing literature not only in the medical profession, but in other industries and settings as well.
Making just tenure and promotion decisions using the objective knowledge growth framework
Authors: Chitpin Stephanie
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to utilize the Objective Knowledge Growth Framework (OKGF) to promote a better understanding of the evaluating tenure and promotion processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– A scenario is created to illustrate the concept of using OKGF.

Findings

– The framework aims to support decision makers in identifying the challenges they face, encourages them to act on their tentative theories, and to be attentive to the outcomes. It requires a deeper understanding of the problem by shifting the spotlight to the teaching scores; multiple perspectives for reaching a solution; testing different options (solutions/theories) by seeking out information that challenges ones beliefs and biases so as not to overlook a viable solution; and ensuring a fair and just process.

Research limitations/implications

– Research can be expanded by developing an empirical research study and to validate the findings.

Practical implications

– It is a high stakes evaluation that may result in unjustified dismissal.

Originality/value

– The paper is original in that the tenure process has not come under scrutiny under a conceptual framework such as the OKGF.
School leadership preparation and development in Kenya
Authors: Asuga Gladys , Eacott Scott , Scevak Jill
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of the current provision for school leadership in Kenya, the extent to which they have an impact on student outcomes and the return on school leadership preparation and development investment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws from educational leadership, management and administration courses delivered by universities and other institutions to aspiring and practising educational leaders in Kenya. It employs a method for evaluating return on leadership development investment first articulated by Eacott (2013).

Findings

– While there is growth in provision, consistent with international trends, this provision is more recognised for its standardisation than points of distinction; there is minimal attention to identified dimensions of leadership leading to higher student outcomes which raises questions regarding the universality of school leadership preparation and development curriculum; and the high course costs of current provision is an inhibiting factor in assessing the return on investment in school leadership preparation and development.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was limited to publicly available documents from a limited sample of institutions. There is a need for more studies in the area.

Practical implications

– Institutions seeking to offer school leadership development have grounds on which to make decision about what programs their school leaders should undertake in terms of cost and quality. The study provides institution offering school leadership development courses evidence on which to base future policy direction.

Social implications

– The findings provide a case for investing in school leadership development given the impact courses may have on student outcomes.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current provision on school leadership preparation and development in Kenya. It contributes to its understanding in Africa in terms of quality, performance impact and return on investment.
A “coalesced framework” of talent management and employee performance
Authors: Mensah James Kwame
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework that demonstrates the mechanisms through which talent management (TM) leads to the various dimensions of employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature-based analysis was employed by combining concepts from TM and employee performance. The syntheses of these two concepts lead to the development of the conceptual framework.

Findings

– The findings show that, implementation of a TM system leads to employee performance, but a TM output mediates the relationship between TM and employee performance.

Originality/value

– This paper has contributed to the conceptualisation of TM and employee performance which will help to improve theory, research and practice in all fields concerned with individual work performance.
A new approach to talent management in law firms
Authors: Lopes Susana Almeida , Sarraguça Jorge Miguel Gonçalves , Lopes João Almeida , Duarte Maria Eduarda
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach to talent management that consists of averaging performance appraisal and assessment center ratings for in-depth identification of lawyers’ talents.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach’s adjustment was examined using a 61 senior-lawyer sample from a Portuguese law firm. Comparisons between assessment center and performance appraisal ratings were analyzed using paired-samplet-tests and a kernel density function, and predictive validity was assessed with Pearson correlations. Evidence of both a general performance factor and two additional factors was verified using principal component analysis. Varimax rotation was used to verify three broad factors with job profile’s three broad areas.

Findings

– Results suggest support for the assessment center’s predictive validity. Its lower and more variable ratings overcome performance appraisal rating bias. Adjustment of the new approach to lawyers’ overall talent identification (the general factor) and each lawyer’s relative talents (three broad factors) was observed.

Research limitations/implications

– This study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the substantive existence of a general performance factor, and adds to empirical research concerning talent management, which is lacking. However, generalizability requires broader samples and replication.

Practical implications

– The approach is a methodology that informs career management, high-flyers’ identification, talent mapping, development, succession planning, team composition, and diversity analysis. For lawyers, objective feedback allows benchmarking talent and managing one’s career.

Originality/value

– This study pioneers empirical research that develops methods for identifying talent in law firms, vital for firm sustainability.
Early assessments of the gap between integrated reporting and current corporate reporting
Authors: Stent Warwick , Dowler Tuyana
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide early assessments of the changes for corporate reporting processes, which an emerging initiative like integrated reporting (IR) will require. The authors also consider the potential for these changes to contribute towards resolving major problems such as financial and environmental crises. IR is gaining momentum globally, and the implementation of some form of future mandatory requirement in this regard appears likely.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors begin by developing a reporting checklist based on the requirements for IR, which they use to assess the gap between current “best practice” reporting processes and IR. They then propose systems thinking, a widely accepted approach to problem-solving, as a theoretical basis for assessing the IR Framework and for deeper consideration of the gap analysis. They demonstrate, at a paradigm level, how systems thinking can be used to assess IR and find that IR has the potential to offer specific and implementable strategies for operationalising systems thinking principles.

Findings

– The authors assess 2011 annual reports and related online reporting practices for four New Zealand “best practice reporting entities”, using their reporting checklist. Although none of their sample entities published a full integrated report for 2011, reporting scores range from 70 to 87 per cent. The findings suggest that current reporting processes lack the integration, oversight and due attention to future uncertainties required by IR. While this appears to be a relatively small gap, systems thinking principles indicate that these deficiencies may be critical to sustainability and financial stability, the stated aims of IR.

Research limitations/implications

– The normal limitations which apply to small sample studies.

Practical implications

– The IR reporting checklist and systems thinking proposal could be used by policymakers, standard setters and firms to assist in assessing IR’s potential and the additional requirements it will impose for corporate reporting.

Originality/value

– This study answers calls in the literature for a reactivation of the normative research agenda by assessing IR against systems thinking, a widely accepted approach to problem-solving. It contributes further to an understanding of IR through the development of a unique reporting checklist and by offering empirical evidence derived from application of this checklist.
Uses and gratifications of members of communities of practice
Authors: Lev-On Azi
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present findings from a large-scale study which examined the uses and gratifications of communities of practice of the Israeli Ministry of Social Services.

Design/methodology/approach

– A twofold research methodology was applied: content analysis of 7,248 posts, as well as 71 semi-structured interviews with community members.

Findings

– Cognitive uses were perceived by community members as the key uses and gratifications from the communities of practice. The implications of these uses and gratifications, such as the de-isolation of isolated workers and personal empowerment, are studied.

Originality/value

– Contrary to much recent literature, the study presents the communities not mainly as platforms for social relations or emotional support, but rather as exchange platforms where information is transmitted between providers and consumers to the benefit of all community members.
Evaluating search features of Google Knowledge Graph and Bing Satori
Authors: Uyar Ahmet , Aliyu Farouk Musa
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to better understand three main aspects of semantic web search engines of Google Knowledge Graph and Bing Satori. The authors investigated: coverage of entity types, the extent of their support for list search services and the capabilities of their natural language query interfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors manually submitted selected queries to these two semantic web search engines and evaluated the returned results. To test the coverage of entity types, the authors selected the entity types from Freebase database. To test the capabilities of natural language query interfaces, the authors used a manually developed query data set about US geography.

Findings

– The results indicate that both semantic search engines cover only the very common entity types. In addition, the list search service is provided for a small percentage of entity types. Moreover, both search engines support queries with very limited complexity and with limited set of recognised terms.

Research limitations/implications

– Both companies are continually working to improve their semantic web search engines. Therefore, the findings show their capabilities at the time of conducting this research.

Practical implications

– The results show that in the near future the authors can expect both semantic search engines to expand their entity databases and improve their natural language interfaces.

Originality/value

– As far as the authors know, this is the first study evaluating any aspect of newly developing semantic web search engines. It shows the current capabilities and limitations of these semantic web search engines. It provides directions to researchers by pointing out the main problems for semantic web search engines.
Infrared thermography – evaluation of the results reproducibility
Authors: Bauer Elton , de Freitas Vasco Peixoto , Mustelier Niubis , Barreira Eva , de Freitas Sara Stingl
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Infrared thermography is increasingly being used to diagnose pathologies in buildings, such as façade defects. The purpose of this paper is to assess the results reproducibility and the equipment influence on the measurements. To do so, it was defined as case study the assessment of rendering delamination.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two infrared cameras of different makers were used to detect the presence of defects deliberately created in specimens. The tests were done in the laboratory with a heat source. The defects were detected through a temperature gradient between the zones with and without defect.

Findings

– With this thermographic imaging, it was possible to identify the defects in the specimen both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results were found to be reproducible in the three cycles performed. The influence of the equipment on the results was of little significance for the quantitative assessment criterion “temperature difference between zones with and without defect”, but for the criterion “absolute surface temperature”, the difference in the results yielded by the two cameras was around 1.8°C.

Originality/value

– The results suggest that there is reproducibility of the measurements, considering both the qualitative and quantitative approach, when assessing delamination, irrespective of the maker of the equipment used. The influence of the equipment on the results depends on the quantitative assessment criterion used.
Life cycle costing: evaluating its use in UK practice
Authors: Higham Anthony , Fortune Chris , James Howard
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish the extent to which life cycle costing (LCC) is used as an early stage project evaluation tool by practitioners in the UK construction industry. The use of this evaluation tool has long been advocated by academics as a means of ensuring best value rather than lowest cost is a driver for business decisions related to potential built environment projects. Therefore there is a need to appraise its current uptake levels amongst built environment professionals and assess whether there are any barriers affecting its use in UK practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a mixed methods approach, the authors present the findings from a survey of construction professionals located in the UK and the results from a series of follow up semi-structured interviews designed to further explore the factors found to affect the use of LCC in practice.

Findings

– The study shows that LCC is still not widely used by built environment professionals in the UK. The greatest inhibitor on the take up of the tool is the need of clients to budget on short-term horizons. Other factors such as a lack awareness of the tool by practitioners and clients, unreliability of data into the long term and the overriding need for commercially driven projects to achieve maximum return on investment continue to inhibit the widespread adoption of LCC as an early stage project evaluation tool. These findings have implications for the capability of the UK construction industry to deliver on its commitment to enhance the sustainability of the built environment.

Originality/value

– The paper offers insights into the current use of LCC and the factors affecting its use in the UK.
How green is my industry? The case of Turkey
Authors: Aksoy Tolga , Gonel Feride
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to give a good overview of the relationship between industrial growth and industrial pollution in Turkey. The question is to what extent dirty industries have been affected by the regulations on the control of environmental degradation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach for this study uses all regulations which serve for protecting human and its environment from danger arising from dirty industries in Turkey. After presenting brief explanations on green industry, next sessions explain and compare the situations of the Turkish dirty industries and its relationship with related regulations in the European Union (EU).

Findings

– The authors offer three solutions. First, clean consumption should be stimulated in Turkish society. Second, Turkish Government should conduct more joint projects with the EU. Third, EU funds should be directed to cleaner production technologies to subsidize dirty industries during the negotiation process.

Originality/value

– Green industry can be assessed as a steep road to build a sustainable future. For a long time, the unsustainability of current forms of industrial production has been discussed in Turkey. As a solution some argue that if governments support, industries can finance their own transformation more rapidly. However, these arguments do not mean that industries voluntarily accept these changes.
Corporate sustainability practices among Malaysian REITs and property listed companies
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Ghazali Zulkipli
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of corporate sustainability (CS) practice by Malaysian Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and property listed companies, following the three dimensional (economic, environmental, and social) framework of CS.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative content analysis procedure was undertaken using 113 reports, including 23 REITs and 90 property companies. For the data collection company websites, annual reports, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainability reports were employed. The global reporting initiative (GRI), reporting framework was used for data collection and recording. The content analysis examined the level of disclosures for three dimensions of sustainability, namely economic, social and environmental.

Findings

– The content analysis indicates that the majority of companies among the sample have their social responsibility and sustainability strategies for the satisfaction of stakeholders and legitimizing firm practices. However, there are variations in their approaches and reporting processes. Among the three dimensions, environmental disclosures are on its least and social dimension has priority in the level of disclosures. Though the overall reporting is low, but having upward trends over time.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has a limitation that it investigates the level of CS practices in REITs and property companies among Malaysian listed companies. The findings of the study are helpful for the government of Malaysia, practitioners, academia, researchers, banks, Bursa Malaysia, security commission and CEO’s of the listed companies to improve their organizational practices and reporting quality of CS.

Originality/value

– There has been limited literature on CS practices among Malaysian REITs and property industry. The previous studies have only focused top companies or a single dimension of CS, while this study addressing all the three dimensions of sustainability. This is the first study addressing all the three dimensions (economic, environmental, and social) of CS after the 10th Malaysian Plan (2010-2015). The study using a large sample of REITs and property companies during 2011-2013. The study will significantly add value to CS practices in emerging economies like Malaysia.
Drought tolerance as predicted by leaf water potential at turgor loss point varies strongly across species within an Amazonian forest
Authors: Maréchaux Isabelle , Bartlett Megan K. , Sack Lawren , Baraloto Christopher , Engel Julien , Joetzjer Emilie , Chave Jérôme
Published: April 2015

Amazonian droughts are predicted to become increasingly frequent and intense, and the vulnerability of Amazonian trees has become increasingly documented. However, little is known about the physiological mechanisms and the diversity of drought tolerance of tropical trees due to the lack of quantitative measurements.

Leaf water potential at wilting or turgor loss point (πtlp) is a determinant of the tolerance of leaves to drought stress and contributes to plant‐level physiological drought tolerance. Recently, it has been demonstrated that leaf osmotic water potential at full hydration (πo) is tightly correlated with πtlp. Estimating πtlp from osmometer measurements of πo is much faster than the standard pressure–volume curve approach of πtlp determination. We used this technique to estimate πtlp for 165 trees of 71 species, at three sites within forests in French Guiana. Our data set represents a significant increase in available data for this trait for tropical tree species.

Tropical trees showed a wider range of drought tolerance than previously found in the literature, πtlp ranging from −1·4 to −3·2 MPa. This range likely corresponds in part to adaptation and acclimation to occasionally extreme droughts during the dry season.

Leaf‐level drought tolerance varied across species, in agreement with the available published observations of species variation in drought‐induced mortality. On average, species with a more negative πtlp (i.e. with greater leaf‐level drought tolerance) occurred less frequently across the region than drought‐sensitive species.

Across individuals, πtlp correlated positively but weakly with leaf toughness (R2 = 0·22, P = 0·04) and leaf thickness (R2 = 0·03, P = 0·03). No correlation was detected with other functional traits (leaf mass per area, leaf area, nitrogen or carbon concentrations, carbon isotope ratio, sapwood density or bark thickness).

The variability in πtlp among species indicates a potential for highly diverse species responses to drought within given forest communities. Given the weak correlations between πtlp and traditionally measured plant functional traits, vegetation models seeking to predict forest response to drought should integrate improved quantification of comparative drought tolerance among tree species.