bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selenium Supplementation Affects Insulin Resistance and Serum hs-CRP in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Farrokhian A. , Bahmani F. , Taghizadeh M. , Mirhashemi S. M. , Aarabi MH , Raygan F. , Aghadavod E. , Asemi Z.
Published: January 2016

To our knowledge, this study is the first indicating the effects of selenium supplementation on metabolic status of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selenium supplementation on metabolic profiles, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress of patients with T2DM and CHD. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed among 60 patients with T2DM and CHD aged 40–85 years. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A received 200 μg selenium supplements (n=30) and group B received placebo per day (n=30) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning of the study and after 8-week intervention to quantify metabolic profiles. After 8 weeks, compared with the placebo, selenium supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in serum insulin levels (− 2.2±4.6 vs. + 3.6±8.4 μIU/ml, p=0.001), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (− 0.7±1.3 vs. + 0.9±2.4, p=0.004), homeostatic model assessment-beta cell function (HOMA-B) (− 7.5±17.2 vs. + 15.1±34.5, p=0.002) and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+0.01±0.03 vs. − 0.01±0.03, p=0.02). In addition, patients who received selenium supplements had a significant reduction in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (− 1 372.3±2 318.8 vs. − 99.8±1 453.6 ng/ml, p=0.01) and a significant rise in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentrations (+ 301.3±400.6 vs. − 127.2±428.0 mmol/l, p<0.001) compared with the placebo. A 200 μg/day selenium supplementation among patients with T2DM and CHD resulted in a significant decrease in insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, serum hs-CRP, and a significant increase in QUICKI score and TAC concentrations.
High-speed modulation from the fast mode extraction of a photonic crystal light-emitting diode
Authors: Yin Yu-Feng , Lan Wen-Yi , Hsu Yen-Hsiang , Hsu Yuan-Fu , Wu Chao-Hsin , Huang JianJang
Published: January 2016

Using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for visible light communication has become an alternative choice of radio source due to channel crowding of the radio-frequency (RF) signal. The modulation bandwidth of LEDs is usually limited by the spontaneous carrier lifetime in multiple quantum wells. Here, sub-GHz modulation of GaN-based LED employing photonic crystal (PhC) nanostructure is demonstrated. The guided photonic modes of the LEDs are modulated by the RF signal. Both carrier lifetime of lower- and higher-order modes are studied in time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) at room temperature. The f-3dB-J curve of the PhC LED exhibits a higher bandwidth than the typical LED structure. At 11.41 kA/cm2, the optical −3-dB bandwidth (f-3dB) up to 234 MHz of the PhC LED (PhCLED) is achieved. Our studies on TRPL at different wavelengths and frequency response at different injection current densities conclude that the higher operation speed is attributed to faster radiative carrier recombination of extracted guided modes from the PhC nanostructure.
Study on efficiency droop in InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes based on differential carrier lifetime analysis
Authors: Meng Xiao , Wang Lai , Hao Zhibiao , Luo Yi , Sun Changzheng , Han Yanjun , Xiong Bing , Wang Jian , Li Hongtao
Published: January 2016

Efficiency droop is currently one of the most popular research problems for GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In this work, a differential carrier lifetime measurement system is optimized to accurately determine carrier lifetimes (τ) of blue and green LEDs under different injection current (I). By fitting the τ-I curves and the efficiency droop curves of the LEDs according to the ABC carrier rate equation model, the impact of Auger recombination and carrier leakage on efficiency droop can be characterized simultaneously. For the samples used in this work, it is found that the experimental τ-I curves cannot be described by Auger recombination alone. Instead, satisfactory fitting results are obtained by taking both carrier leakage and carriers delocalization into account, which implies carrier leakage plays a more significant role in efficiency droop at high injection level.
Winter Diets of Brown Trout Populations in Southeastern Minnesota and the Significance of Winter‐Emerging Invertebrates
Authors: Anderson A. M. , Mittag E. , Middleton B. , Vondracek B. , Ferrington L. C.
Published: January 2016

Winter is a critical period for stream‐dwelling trout, and the need to extend investigations into this period has long been recognized. The intent of this research was to investigate the winter diet of Brown TroutSalmo trutta, as only a limited number of studies have focused on winter dynamics and how the winter macroinvertebrate community affects trout during winter. Our specific objectives were to assess variability in winter diet of different size‐classes of trout, determine whether fish exhibit size‐selective predation, quantify the extent that trout differentially exhibit drift or benthic feeding, and assess the importance of winter‐emerging insects in the winter diet. Stomach contents from 30 Brown Trout were collected from three streams on six occasions during the winter of 2010 and compared with macroinvertebrates collected in the drift and from the benthos. Trout in each stream exhibited distinct diets, and diets of larger fish differed from those of smaller fish; larger trout consumed greater amounts of Trichoptera andPhysellaand smaller fish ingested moreGammarusand Chironomidae larvae. Stomach contents of both sizes of fish were more similar to the benthos than drift, indicating fish had a greater reliance on benthic feeding in winter. When considered across all streams, trout preferentially selected Trichoptera and Chironomidae and maintained size‐selective predation throughout the winter, selecting largerGammarusand Chironomidae larvae than typically found in the environment. However, winter‐emerging Chironomidae appeared to enhance diets in all three streams, and chironomid larvae were particularly dominant in the diet of one trout population. Variations in abundance of winter‐emerging insects between streams may impact the winter condition of Brown Trout, particularly in smaller fish, which were found to feed more heavily on these organisms. These findings may have important implications for fisheries management.
Joseph Mitchell and Names: A Postscript
Authors: Adams Michael
Published: January 2016

Recent installments of Joseph Mitchell’s uncompleted memoir, published in The New Yorker, strongly support and extend claims made by Michael Adams in “‘The Course of a Particular’: Names and Narrative in the Works of Joseph Mitchell,” published in Names 63 (2015). Mitchell explicitly describes lists of names as possessing a lyrical quality, so that such lists — lyrical inserts — would exhibit prosodic features out of tempo with the surrounding narrative. And the fragment of memoir titled “Days in the Branch” suggests — in the dissonance between topographical and genealogical views of experience and personal history — why names had the epistemological, ontological, and finally affective significance Adams claimed they had for Mitchell.
Don’t stop believing
Authors: Carr Jennifer Rose
Published: January 2016

It’s been argued that there are no diachronic norms of epistemic rationality. These arguments come partly in response to certain kinds of counterexamples to Conditionalization, but are mainly motivated by a form of internalism that appears to be in tension with any sort of diachronic coherence requirements. I argue that there are, in fact, fundamentally diachronic norms of rationality. And this is to reject at least a strong version of internalism. But I suggest a replacement for Conditionalization that salvages internalist intuitions, and carves a middle ground between (probabilist versions of) conservatism and evidentialism.
Occurrence and Survival of Apothecia of the Eyespot Pathogens Oculimacula acuformis and O. yallundae on Wheat Stubble in the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Authors: Vera D. I. , Murray T. D.
Published: January 2016

Eyespot is a chronic disease of wheat caused by Oculimacula yallundae and O. acuformis that results in premature ripening of grain, lodging, and reduced grain yield. Discovery of the sexual stage of these Oculimacula spp. in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) of the United States is relatively recent and the role of apothecia in the epidemiology of eyespot is unclear. Our goals were to determine whether and when apothecia of these Oculimacula spp. are found in the PNW, and monitor their ability to survive over summer and over winter. Seventy-three harvested commercial wheat fields in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington were surveyed for apothecia during spring and fall 2012 and spring 2013. Apothecia of both species were found in both spring and fall in 19% of fields. Apothecia survived on straw placed on the soil surface over the summer but not the winter. This is the first report of O. yallundae apothecia in commercial wheat fields in the PNW. Occurrence of apothecia in spring and fall demonstrates that sexual reproduction of both species occurs regularly in the PNW and at a time when ascospores could serve as primary inoculum for infection of winter wheat. Results of this study are consistent with previous population genetic studies that found high genotypic diversity of both eyespot pathogens in winter wheat fields and provides a baseline for understanding the influence of sexual reproduction on population dynamics and genetics of both pathogens.
Trunk Muscle Training Augmented With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Appears to Improve Function in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Hicks Gregory E. , Sions Jaclyn M. , Velasco Teonette O. , Manal Tara J.
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

To assess the feasibility of a trial to evaluate a trunk muscle training program augmented with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (TMT+NMES) for the rehabilitation of older adults with chronic low back pain (LBP) and to preliminarily investigate whether TMT+NMES could improve physical function and pain compared with a passive control intervention.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a single-blind, randomized feasibility trial. Patients aged 60 to 85 years were allocated to TMT+NMES (n=31) or a passive control intervention (n=33), consisting of passive treatments, that is, heat, ultrasound, and massage. Outcomes assessed 3- and 6-month postrandomization included Timed Up and Go Test, gait speed, pain, and LBP-related functional limitation.

Results:

Feasibility was established by acceptable adherence (≥80%) and attrition (<20%) rates for both interventions. Both groups had similar, clinically important reductions in pain of >2 points on a numeric pain rating scale during the course of the trial. But, only the TMT+NMES group had clinically important improvements in both performance-based and self-reported measures of function. In terms of the participants’ global rating of functional improvement at 6 months, the TMT+NMES group improved by 73.9% and the passive control group improved by 56.7% compared with baseline. The between-group difference was 17.2% (95% confidence interval, 5.87-28.60) in favor of TMT+NMES.

Discussion:

It seems that a larger randomized trial investigating the efficacy of TMT+NMES for the purpose of improving physical function in older adults with chronic LBP is warranted.
Monothermal Caloric Screening to Improve Healthcare Value
Authors: Thatcher Aaron L. , Beckerman Margot L. , Telian Steven A. , King William Michael
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

To evaluate whether monothermal caloric screening can reduce the number of caloric irrigations required in the vestibular testing battery while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Design:

Prospective controlled cohort study. Three hundred and ninety patients referred for vestibular testing at this tertiary referral health system over a 1-year period were evaluated; 24 patients met exclusion or failure criteria and 366 patients were included in the study. Population was 35.6% male; average age was 50.4 years old. Each patient underwent caloric testing using either warm or cool water irrigation initially and this data was used for monothermal screening data. All patients then completed bithermal binaural caloric testing to obtain the “gold standard” bithermal data for comparison. The sensitivity and specificity of monothermal cool or monothermal warm caloric tests were calculated using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results:

Using a monothermal interear difference threshold of 25%, warm monothermal screening had sensitivity of 98.0%, specificity of 91.3%, false negative rate of 2%, and false positive rate of 8.7%. Cool monothermal screening also had excellent sensitivity (92.3%) and specificity (95.3)%, with a false negative rate of 7.7%, and a false positive rate of 4.7%. The diagnosis associated with the single false negative warm monothermal caloric test was compensated vestibular paresis. In the study population, 71.9% had a negative monothermal screen; if the monothermal data were accepted, 2 fewer irrigations would have been performed resulting in an average saving of $264 (typical Medicare reimbursement for 2 irrigations) billed per patient screened as well as shortening the average testing battery by about 15 min.

Conclusions:

Warm monothermal caloric screening can reduce time and cost of vestibular testing while nearly matching the diagnostic accuracy of bithermal testing.
Different Doses of Clazosentan for Aneurismal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Rong Wei-lin , Xiao Xi , Zhao Jian-lan , Yang Xiong-wen , Hu Zu-li , Li Mei-hua
Published: January 2016

Clazosentan therapy has been found to be effective in reducing the incidence of vasospasm after aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether different doses of clazosentan treatment significantly reduced the incidence of delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DINDs) and new cerebral infarction (NCI). We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and Medline from inception until October, 2015. All randomized controlled trials related to the functions of clazosentan in aSAH were included. Analyses were performed following the method guideline of Cochrane Back Review Group. Four randomized placebo-controlled trials met eligibility criteria and enrolled a total of 2159 patients. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in the incidence of DINDs (relative risk, 0.49 and 95% CI, 0.33–0.73) and NCI (relative risk, 0.42 and 95% CI, 0.25–0.71) in patients treated with a high dose of clazosentan (15 mg/h) after aSAH. In addition, a high dose of clazosentan (15 mg/h) had no more effect on the incidence of adverse events than that of a low dose (1–5 mg/h). The results of the present meta-analysis show that a high dose of clazosentan significantly reduced the incidence of the vasospasm-related DINDs and NCI. Further study is required to fully understand the potential usefulness of clazosentan in patients with aSAH.
Crystal structure of piperazine-1,4-diium bis(4-aminobenzenesulfonate)
Authors: Kumar K. Sathesh , Ranjith S. , Sudhakar S. , Srinivasan P. , Ponnuswamy M. N.
Published: January 2016

The asymmetric unit of the title salt, C4H12N22+·2C6H6NO3S−, consists of half a piperazindiium dication, located about an inversion centre, and a 4-aminobenzenesulfonate anion. The piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. In the crystal, the cations and anions are linkedviaN—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional framework. Within the framework there are C—H...π interactions and the N—H...O hydrogen bonds result in the formation ofR44(22) andR34(13) ring motifs.
Crystal structure of bis(quinolin-1-ium) tetrachloridoferrate(III) chloride
Authors: Boudjarda Azzedine , Bouchouit Karim , Arroudj Samiha , Bouacida Sofiane , Merazig Hocine
Published: January 2016

The asymmetric unit of the title hybrid compound, (C9H8N)[FeCl4]Cl, comprises a tetrahedral tetrachloridoferrate(III) anion, [FeCl4]−, a Cl−anion and two quinolinium cations. There are N—H...Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions between the protonated N atoms of the quinolinium cations and the chloride anion, which together with π–π stacking between adjacent quinolinium rings [centroid-to-centroid distances between C6and C5N rings in adjacent stacked quinolinium cations of 3.609 (2) and 3.802 (2) Å] serve to hold the structure together.
Crystal structure offac-tricarbonyl(quinoline-2-carboxylato-κ2N,O)(triphenylarsane-κAs)rhenium(I)
Authors: Triantis Charalampos , Shegani Antonio , Kiritsis Christos , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis , Pelecanou Maria , Pirmettis Ioannis , Papadopoulos Minas
Published: January 2016

In the title compound, [Re(C10H6NO2)(CO)3{As(C6H5)3}], the coordination environment of ReIis that of a distorted octahedron. Three coordination sites are occupied by three carbonyl groups in a facial arrangement and the remaining three sites by triphenylarsane and deprotonated quinaldic acid inAs-mono- andN,O-bidentate fashions, respectively. In the crystal, the complexes are linked through weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. It worth noting that, as far as we know, this complex is the first ReItriphenylarsane tricarbonyl compound to be reported.
Crystal structure of 4-methyl-N-{(E)-methyl[(3aR,8aS)-2-oxo-3,3a,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-indeno[1,2-d][1,3]oxazol-3-yl]-λ4-sulfanylidene}benzenesulfonamide
Authors: Pereira Patrícia A. , Noll Bruce C. , Oliver Allen G. , Silveira Gustavo P.
Published: January 2016

The formulation that the title compound, C18H18N2O4S2, adopts is a zwitterionic core with the charge separated to the sulfilimine S and N atoms and is supported by the two different S—N bond distances about the sulfinimine N atom [1.594 (2) and 1.631 (2) Å, respectively] that are typical for such bonds. The notably unusual bond is S—N(oxazolidinone) [1.692 (2) Å] that is longer than a typical S—N bond [1.603 (18) Å,Mogulanalysis; Macraeet al.(2008).J. Appl. Cryst.41, 466–470]. The bond-angle sum about sulfilimine sulfur (308.35°) reflects the trigonal–pyramidal geometry of this atom. Two of the angles are less than 100°. Despite the pyramidalization of this sulfur, there are no significant intermolecular interactions, beyond usual van der Waals contacts, in the crystal packing.
Supramolecular hydrogen-bonding patterns in the N(9)—H protonated and N(7)—H tautomeric form of anN6-benzoyladenine salt:N6-benzoyladeninium nitrate
Authors: Karthikeyan Ammasai , Jeeva Jasmine Nithianantham , Thomas Muthiah Packianathan , Perdih Franc
Published: January 2016

In the title molecular salt, C12H10N5O+·NO3−, the adenine unit has anN9-protonated N(7)—H tautomeric form with non-protonated N1and N3atoms. The dihedral angle between the adenine ring system and the phenyl ring is 51.10 (10)°. The typical intramolecular N7—H...O hydrogen bond with anS(7) graph-set motif is also present. The benzoyladeninium cations also form base pairs through N—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the Watson–Crick face of the adenine ring and the C and O atoms of the benzoyl ring of an adjacent cation, forming a supramolecular ribbon withR22(9) rings. Benzoyladeninum cations are also bridged by one of the oxygen atoms of the nitrate anion, which acts as a double acceptor, forming a pair of N—H...O hydrogen bonds to generate a second ribbon motif. These ribbons together with π–π stacking interactions between the phenyl ring and the five- and six-membered adenine rings of adjacent molecules generate a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.
Crystal structure of 5-tert-butyl-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin
Authors: Flanagan Keith J. , Mothi Ebrahim Mohamed , Kötzner Lisa , Senge Mathias O.
Published: January 2016

In the title free base porphyrin, C42H34N4, the neighbouring N...N distances in the center of the ring vary from 2.818 (8) to 2.998 (8) Å and the phenyl rings are tilted from the 24-atom mean plane at angles varying between 62.42 (2)–71.63 (2)°. The NH groups are involved in intramolecular bifurcated N—H...(N,N) hydrogen bonds. The Ca—Cm—Caangles vary slightly for the phenyl rings, between 124.19 (18)–126.17 (18)°. The largest deviation from the mean plane of the 24-atom macrocycle is associated with themesocarbon at the substitutedtert-butyl position, which is displaced from the mean plane by 0.44 (2) Å. The free base porphyrin is characterized by a significant degree ofruffled (B1u) distortion with contributions fromdomed (A2u) andwave[Eg(y) andEg(x)] modes. In the crystal, molecules are linked by a number of weak C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional framework. The structure was refined as a two-component inversion twin.
A study on collection development and its organizational pattern of university libraries in Uttar Pradesh (India)
Authors: Khan Abdul Mannan
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of the study is to know the collection development and its organizational pattern of university libraries in India.

Design/methodology/approach

– For the purpose of the study, three sets of questionnaire were prepared by the researcher and furnished to librarians and acquisition librarians (collection development in charge) of these referred libraries.

Findings

– The survey reveals that the old centralized universities are better placed in terms of all the parameters of collection development. It is also being revealed that there is a difference between the two old centralized and newly centralized universities especially in Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, the de-novo centralized university. It has to do a lot in the sphere of information technology (IT) application and IT-enabled services to the users. Furthermore, there is a conspicuous difference between the two categories that the newly centralized universities are highly lagging behind the old centralized universities in organizational patter of collection development.

Originality/value

– There are a number of studies on collection development in the world, but this is the first of its kind within Indian Universities.
Citation analysis for core journals in educational leadership
Authors: Griffin Karin L
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish a core serials list for “Single doctoral”, Carnegie classification universities offering Doctor of Education (EdD) programs in educational leadership based on a sample of six institutions over a six-year period.

Design/methodology/approach

– A citation analysis was used using a descriptive research design. The population was all dissertations accepted for the award of the EdD degree in Educational Leadership from 2005 to 2010 at six peer institutions. From this population, 20 dissertations from each institution were randomly selected during the period under study. Data were extracted from the title pages and reference lists. Extracted data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Serial titles were ranked according to a frequency-weighted index formula, which recorded the serial titles cited by the greatest percentage of students.

Findings

– It was found that the serials with the highest frequency weight depended, in part, on the period studied. The findings also showed that 84.2 per cent of the serial citations were represented by four Library of Congress classification areas: education (L); social sciences (H); medicine (R) and philosophy, psychology and religion (B). In addition, it was found that EdD students cited serials aged 10 years or less more than other sources of information materials.

Originality/value

– While other citation analyses of dissertations have been done, including some that compare dissertations at more than one institution, the author could find no other study of EdD dissertations, specifically, across a nationwide group of peer institutions. Further, the author could find no other citation analysis covering as many as six continuous years, which made a difference in the most frequently cited serial titles.
E-resources: use and search strategies adopted by users of Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry
Authors: Bhat Nazir Ahmad , Ganaie Shabir  A
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the most popular places, gadgets, searching tools and techniques adopted by users of Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (DYSPUH
&
F), Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, while searching electronic information resources (EIRs).

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was conducted with the help of a structured questionnaire used as a data collection tool.

Findings

– It is found that department/office chamber (42 per cent), hostel (29 per cent) and home (26 per cent) prove to be the most popular places of access. Majority of users use laptops to access and read EIRs. Among all popular platforms, users of DYSPUH
&
F library prefer to use “search engines”, and “Google” proves to be the number one search engine. Majority of users search the information through “title” followed by “keywords/subject terms”. The users are not yet well-versed with most of the advanced search techniques, as less than half of them are able to use only Boolean operators, and less than 10 per cent of them claim to know other search techniques. Majority of users have learnt to use information search and retrieval skills through self-study.

Research limitations/implications

– Only one agricultural university of northern India was surveyed; hence, the results cannot be generalised for the entire northern region of the country.

Practical implications

– The findings will help the library authorities to see what are the prime areas of concern so far as the search discourse and accessibility of e-resources is concerned.

Originality/value

– No such survey has been conducted in the University till date.
Reciprocal benefits, legacy and risk
Authors: Campbell Paul , Evans Peter
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the beliefs held by managers about their roles as facilitators of learning with their employees in a public utilities organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research was based on Ellinger and Bostrom’s (2002) study on managers’ beliefs on their role as facilitators of learning in learning-orientated firms. Abductive research logic was used in a small sample in depth qualitative study using critical incident interviews.

Findings

– Managers in the study conveyed strong self-efficacy and outcome beliefs confirming the central role in workplace learning of line managers who adopt a coaching approach. Key new insights were also found in managers’ beliefs on acting as role models within the organisation and their beliefs on the need to manage skills-related organisational risk.

Research limitations/implications

– A key limitation of the research is inherent in the use of critical incident technique, as it provides information on the nature of “atypical events” as opposed to more gradual, tacit and typically ongoing learning at work.

Practical implications

– The managers’ belief map derived from the data provides a context-specific “target of change” with which to challenge the wider organisation regarding learning facilitation. The research also shows how industry-specific contexts may provide specific pathways for developing managers in their role as facilitators of learning.

Originality/value

– The value of the research is twofold: first, providing further validation of the findings from Ellinger and Bostrom’s (2002) research on managers’ beliefs on the effective facilitation of workplace learning; second, additional insights on managerial beliefs regarding role modelling and succession planning are identified, and the implications for management development are discussed.
The role of cultural diplomacy in nation branding
Authors: Hurn Brian J.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to emphasise the importance of effective cultural diplomacy in increasing influence abroad, both commercially and politically. It covers the institutions used to advance cultural diplomacy and focuses on their use in nation branding as a form of “soft power”.

Design/methodology/approach

– Review of the various key institutions involved, with examples.

Findings

– Increasing use of cultural diplomacy by companies and nations to enhance their profile to assist in gaining competitive advantage in exports, foreign trade, attracting inward investment and tourism. Emphasises its value and methods as an important part of training and development.

Research limitations/implications

– Selective review of recent good practice.

Practical implications

– Highlights key areas of success and also examines areas where success has been tempered by altered circumstances at a later date.

Originality/value

– The review is backed by critical examination and analysis of the recent use of institutions involved.
How diverse is your pipeline? Developing the talent pipeline for women and black and ethnic minority employees
Authors: Stewart Carol
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Research shows that companies with a diverse leadership perform better financially. Having a diverse board encourages constructive and challenging dialogue which is key to the effective functioning of any board. However, in the UK, women and black and minority ethnic (BAME) employees still lag behind when it comes to representation at senior management and board level. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of having a diverse talent pipeline of women and BAMEs and offer practical solutions on how this can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixture of data, analysis, experience and practice forms the basis of the paper, drawing from research on diversity, leadership development, executive boards and developing the talent pipeline. It looks at current initiatives being used in organisations to develop aspiring leaders.

Findings

– Executive boards are ill representative of the diversity of the working population. Having diversity in the boardroom allows for rich dialogue and better business decisions. In order to address the issue, organisations need to develop a talent pipeline that includes women and BAMEs. There are practical solutions that can be applied to achieve this. Not only does this make good business sense from an economical perspective, it also helps to maintain empowered, motivated and engaged employees.

Originality/value

– This paper outlines initiatives that organisations can apply to develop the talent pipeline for women and BAME employees and in doing so, retain high performing, aspiring leaders, whilst supporting action to increase diversity and inclusion in the boardroom.
Talent development in the digital age: a neuroscience perspective
Authors: McFarland Walter , Jestaz David
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest a relationship between talent development and organizational change, and to invite more research on this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a viewpoint of the authors and not a research paper. It is designed to stimulate thinking and research.

Findings

– There are no findings. The paper suggests that the expanded use of talent development interventions may improve workforce engagement in organizational change and invites more thinking and research.

Research limitations/implications

– It is not a research piece, a viewpoint only.

Practical implications

– One practical implication of future research is to better understand the link between neuroscience, talent development and change if any.

Social implications

– Several indicators– including Gallup’s most recent Global Workforce Study are suggesting profoundly low levels of employee engagement globally. One reason suggested in sheer volume and complexity of organizational change. In effect, people may be overwhelmed. Better understanding how to engage people generally, and specifically during times of large-scale organizational change may contribute to both the working lives of people and to overall organizational performance. For this reason, more research is needed.

Originality/value

– The link between talent development and organizational change has, for the most part, not been explored in the research literature. The potential value of brain science in informing this link has not been explored either. For the most part, the connections discussed here are original and, with rigorous research, could inform employee engagement and organizational change.
Corporate climate change mitigation: a systematic review of the existing empirical evidence
Authors: Glienke Nele , Guenther Edeltraud
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The present paper aims to identify, map and assess the existing empirical evidence on this body of knowledge to examine what actions for corporate climate change mitigation (3CM hereafter) decision-makers undertake, under what circumstances and with what results. Firm-level activities conducted to mitigate climate change are increasingly becoming a strategic issue for all corporations worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

– By using a systematic review, and a vote-counting approach, the vastly dispersed collection of qualitative and quantitative data available in the literature is integrated, to explore how 3CM is conceptualised and measured in empirical research. In particular, common trends and contradictory findings are illustrated.

Findings

– The present review demonstrates that no researchers have yet analysed the role of 3CM in corporate management control systems. Furthermore, three shortcomings of existing empirical research were identified and some directions for future research were outlined. These regard analysing the positioning of 3CM in corporate management control systems, the further development of measurements of 3CM performance and a consideration of the evolution of 3CM over time.

Originality/value

– Firm-level activities carried out to mitigate climate change are increasingly becoming a strategic issue for all corporations worldwide. However, the growing stream of management literature on climate change has not yet diffused across disciplinary boundaries, as it suffers from a remarkably diverse terminology and differing conceptualisations and measurements of its research objectives. The present review elaborates on the existing empirical evidence and suggests recommendations for future research.
“My Grandfather kept one of these tins on top of the bookshelf”
Authors: Ryynänen Toni , Joutsela Markus , Heinonen Visa
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This explorative paper aims to identify the dimensions of recalled consumption experiences involving packaging by means of interpretive analysis. Scholarly interest towards experiential aspects of consumption started in the beginning of 1980s.

Design/methodology/approach

– The memory-based research materials were collected from 97 Finnish consumers within a two-day weblog session. The consumers were asked to describe personally meaningful packaging-related experiences and to submit a photograph of the relevant packages. The analysis focused on common dimensions associated with the described meaningful experiences.

Findings

– The authors built a conceptual framework incorporating “nostalgic” and “accessible” experiences. The dimensions of nostalgic experience, which although anchored in the present can be re-lived only in the memory, include the involvement of key persons; the places and physical spaces in which the experience happened; and actions or practices involving packaging during an experience. Accessible experiences include the following dimensions: lasting product and packaging encounters; individual personal experiences; culturally meaningful celebrations and rituals; and packaging that appeals to the senses. It is proposed that meaningful consumption experiences involving packaging may reflect both nostalgic and accessible dimensions.

Originality/value

– Although there is a growing interest towards consumers’ role in the packaging value chain, their packaging experiences are addressed rarely. It is proposed that the consumption experiences involving packaging are a mix of nostalgic and accessible dimensions.
Finding supply chain talent: an outreach strategy
Authors: Leon Steven , Uddin Nizam
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify when students choose their major and when students become interested in a career field, to devise a supply chain management (SCM) talent outreach strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was administered to undergraduate students in SCM classes, and the responses were explored through multinomial logistic regression analyses.

Findings

– The paper revealed that interest in the career field is a major factor in choosing a college degree, among other factors. The timing of when a student chooses a major is influenced by interest in the field and whether or not the student lived abroad. The career field chosen is influenced by race, by whether or not the student lived abroad and by prior experience. Outreach strategies to attract new talent to supply chain-related fields should start prior to a student entering college.

Research limitations/implications

– Results are based on a survey research with a limited geographic coverage, and the research is limited to investigating student whose college major is other than SCM, leaving opportunities for further research where the college major is SCM.

Originality/value

– The authors provide original findings that improve outreach strategies to attract next generation supply chain talent. They also further the development of theory for the determinants of when a college major is selected and when interest in a career field begins.
The social supply chain and the future high street
Authors: Fletcher Gordon , Greenhill Anita , Griffiths Marie , McLean Rachel
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how independent social and commercial activities have developed in response to the perceived decline in the UK High Street and in response to the challenges of increasing digital retailing opportunities. This examination is undertaken through the lens of the social supply chain as a means to understanding, suggesting and expanding on current research regarding retailing and the UK High Street. The authors reveal some of the challenges being posed by the changing patterns of growth and consumption in cities and couple these with shifting supply chain trends.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study approach is used to explore the rapid advances and influence of digital technologies on businesses operating on the primary business street of suburban centre, towns or cities (described in the UK collectively as the “high street”). The research is conducted through the analytical lens of the social supply chain.

Findings

– Theoretically extending the “social” in the social supply chain, the authors illustrate the usefulness of the nuanced concept of the “social supply chain” with two related strategies concerning delivery and balance. These strategies are themselves interlinked with the actions of co-creation, co-production and co-consumption. Examples of social supply chain strategies presented include retail businesses giving away something as an incentive, where the underlying requirement from the customer is that they will bring their own specialist product, skill or social network to a specified location (real or virtual).

Originality/value

– For the purpose of this paper, the authors use two distinct strategies relating to delivery and balancing and in relation to the actions of co-creation, co-production and co-consumption to emphasise and analyse changes currently occurring in the UK High Street. The authors take a social supply chain management (SCM) perspective to undertake a systematic critical review of the various recent efforts undertaken by local governments, communities and trader groups to revitalise the High Street.
Embracing supply chain agility: an investigation in the electronics industry
Authors: Tse Ying Kei , Zhang Minhao , Akhtar Pervaiz , MacBryde Jill
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify the antecedents of firm’s supply chain agility (SC agility) and how SC agility impacts on firm’s performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a comprehensive literature review, a conceptual model was proposed, in which the interrelated hypotheses were tested by structural equation modelling methodology using a dataset collected from 266 Chinese electronics firms.

Findings

– Initially, it was found that SC integration and external learning positively influenced SC agility. Second, the results indicated that firm’s performance is positively impacted by SC agility. Moreover, SC agility also fully mediated the effect of SC integration on firm’s performance and the effect of external learning on firm’s performance.

Research limitations/implications

– The generalizability of this research sample might be the major limitation of this study. Therefore, future research can adopt other industry sectors samples, such as automobile manufacturing, or other country samples to validate the research model.

Practical implications

– This research outlines strategies for better preparedness to achieve SCs to be agile which is a core competency of electronic firms in emerging market. Findings reveal that the external coordination practices – external learning and SC integration – are important factors of SC agility. In addition, the findings contribute to understanding the important role of SC agility in improving firm’s performance.

Originality/value

– This research examines the impact of two antecedents (i.e. SC integration and external learning) on SC agility and is the first empirical research to analyze the mediation effect of SC agility on the relationship between SC integration and firm performance and the relationship between external learning and firm performance.
Understanding butanol tolerance and assimilation in Pseudomonas putida BIRD‐1: an integrated omics approach
Authors: Cuenca María del Sol , Roca Amalia , Molina‐Santiago Carlos , Duque Estrella , Armengaud Jean , Gómez‐Garcia María R. , Ramos Juan L.
Published: January 2016

Pseudomonas putida BIRD‐1 has the potential to be used for the industrial production of butanol due to its solvent tolerance and ability to metabolize low‐cost compounds. However, the strain has two major limitations: it assimilates butanol as sole carbon source and butanol concentrations above 1% (v/v) are toxic. With the aim of facilitating BIRD‐1 strain design for industrial use, a genome‐wide mini‐Tn5 transposon mutant library was screened for clones exhibiting increased butanol sensitivity or deficiency in butanol assimilation. Twenty‐one mutants were selected that were affected in one or both of the processes. These mutants exhibited insertions in various genes, including those involved in the TCA cycle, fatty acid metabolism, transcription, cofactor synthesis and membrane integrity. An omics‐based analysis revealed key genes involved in the butanol response. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies were carried out to compare short and long‐term tolerance and assimilation traits. Pseudomonas putida initiates various butanol assimilation pathways via alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases that channel the compound to central metabolism through the glyoxylate shunt pathway. Accordingly, isocitrate lyase – a key enzyme of the pathway – was the most abundant protein when butanol was used as the sole carbon source. Upregulation of two genes encoding proteins PPUBIRD1_2240 and PPUBIRD1_2241 (acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase and acyl‐CoA synthetase respectively) linked butanol assimilation with acyl‐CoA metabolism. Butanol tolerance was found to be primarily linked to classic solvent defense mechanisms, such as efflux pumps, membrane modifications and control of redox state. Our results also highlight the intensive energy requirements for butanol production and tolerance; thus, enhancing TCA cycle operation may represent a promising strategy for enhanced butanol production.
The ‘Fair Sex’: Skin Colour, Gender and Narratives of Embodied Identity in Eighteenth‐Century British Non‐Fiction
Authors: Woods Kathryn
Published: January 2016

During the eighteenth century the phrase ‘fair sex’ was a pervasive feature of contemporary writing intended for female consumption and texts that discussed issues concerning women. Even today, scholars still employ this expression to characterise experiences of femininity during this period. This article extrapolates the embodied meanings of ‘fair sex’ from a range of popular non‐fictional printed discourses, including medical advice books, conduct literature, advice guides and cosmetic manuals. Specifically, it examines how, why and in what ways ‘fairness’ was conceptualised as a mutually reinforcing moral, physiological, aesthetic and social ideal for elite British women during the eighteenth century.
Virus and calcium: an unexpected tandem to optimize insecticide efficacy
Authors: Apaire‐Marchais Véronique , Ogliastro Mylène , Chandre Fabrice , Pennetier Cédric , Raymond Valérie , Lapied Bruno
Published: January 2016

The effective control of insect pests is based on the rational use of the most efficient and safe insecticide treatments. To increase the effects of classical insecticides and to avoid the ability of certain pest insects to develop resistance, it is essential to propose novel strategies. Previous studies have shown that calcium‐dependent phosphorylation/dephosphorylation is now considered as a new cellular mechanism for increasing the target sensitivity to insecticides. Because it is known that virus entry is correlated with intracellular calcium concentration rise, this report attempts to present the most important data relevant to the feasibility of combining an insect virus such as baculovirus or densovirus with an insecticide. In this case, the insect virus is not used as a bioinsecticide but acts as a synergistic agent able to trigger calcium rise and to activate calcium‐dependent intracellular signalling pathways involved in the increase of the membrane receptors and/or ion channels sensitivity to insecticides. This virus–insecticide mixture represents a promising alternative to optimize the efficacy of insecticides against insect pests while reducing the doses.