bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Staff Perceptions about Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase–Producing Enterobacteriaceae Control Efforts in Chicago Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Lyles Rosie D. , Moore Nicholas M. , Weiner Shayna B. , Sikka Monica , Lin Michael Y. , Weinstein Robert A. , Hayden Mary K. , Sinkowitz-Cochran Ronda L. ,   CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: March 2014

Objective.

To identify differences in organizational culture and better understand motivators to implementation of abundle intervention to control Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase–producing Enterobacteriaceae (KPC).

Design.

Mixed-methods study.

Setting.

Four long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) in Chicago.

Participants.

LTACH staff across 3 strata of employees (administration, midlevel management, and frontline clinical workers).

Methods.

Qualitative interviews or focus groups and completion of a quantitative questionnaire.

Results.

Eighty employees (frontline, 72.5%; midlevel, 17.5%; administration, 10%) completed surveys and participated in qualitative discussions in August 2012. Although 82.3% of respondents felt that quality improvement was a priority at their LTACH, there were statistically significant differences in organizational culture between staff strata, with administrative-level having higher organizational culture scores (ie, more favorable responses) than midlevel or frontline staff. When asked to rank the success of the KPC control program, mean response was 8.0 (95% confidence interval, 7.6–8.5), indicating a high level of agreement with the perception that the program was a success. Patient safety and personal safety were reported most often as personal motivators for intervention adherence. The most convergent theme related to prevention across groups was that proper hand hygiene is vital to prevention of KPC transmission.

Conclusions.

Despite differences in organizational culture across 3 strata of LTACH employees, the high degree of convergence in motivation, understanding, and beliefs related to implementation of a KPC control bundle suggests that all levels of staff may be able to align perspectives when faced with a key infection control problem and quality improvement initiative.
Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Rectal Screening during an Outbreak of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase–Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae at an Acute Care Hospital
Authors: Pisney Larissa M. , Barron M. A. , Kassner E. , Havens D. , Madinger N. E.
Published: March 2014

We describe the results of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) screening as part of an outbreak investigation of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase–producing CRE at a tertiary care university teaching hospital. The manual method for CRE screening was useful for detecting patients with asymptomatic CRE carriage but was time-consuming and costly.
Frequency of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC)–Producing and Non-KPC-Producing Klebsiella Species Contamination of Healthcare Workers and the Environment
Authors: Rock Clare , Thom Kerri A. , Masnick Max , Johnson J. Kristie , Harris Anthony D. , Morgan Daniel J.
Published: March 2014

We examined contamination of healthcare worker (HCW) gown and gloves after caring for patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)–producing and non-KPC-producing Klebsiella as a proxy for horizontal transmission. The rate of contamination with Klebsiella species is similar to that of contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, with 31 (14%) of 220 of HCW-patient interactions resulting in contamination of gloves and gowns.
Extended-Spectrumβ-Lactamase–Producing Enterobacteriaceae in French Nursing Homes: An Association between High Carriage Rate among Residents, Environmental Contamination, Poor Conformity with Good Hygiene Practice, and Putative Resident-to-Resident Transmission
Authors: Cochard Hélène , Aubier Benjamin , Quentin Roland , van der Mee-Marquet Nathalie ,   Réseau des Hygiénistes du Centre
Published: March 2014

Objective.

We evaluated the spread of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in 38 nursing homes (NHs) in the Centre region of France.

Methods.

We conducted a multicenter prevalence study and evaluated extended-spectrumβ-lactamase- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBLE and CPE, respectively) colonization of 1,155 residents. The colonizing isolates were studied by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA typing. We observed hygiene practices and studied the contamination of the environment in 8 NHs.

Results.

A total of 114 residents were ESBLE carriers (9.9%); none were CPE carriers. A total of 82.6% of the ESBLE wereEscherichia coli. ESBLE colonization was associated with poor health status (P= .002), malignancy (P= .006), urinary incontinence (P= .007), fecal incontinence (P= .002), previous hospitalization (P= .033), and carbapenem treatment (P= .040). The clonal relationship between isolates within NHs suggested resident-to-resident ESBLE transmission in 15 NHs. ESBLE isolates were recovered from 6 of 232 bedrooms studied. A total of 1,533 observations revealed low rates of conformity for hand hygiene (25.7%), the use of gloves (45.9%) and protective clothing (13.3%), and waste management (46.7%). Conformity rates correlated inversely with ESBLE carriage rates.

Conclusions.

In most of the participating NHs, improved application of standard precautions during incontinence care is needed, and greater efforts to clean the environment of residents are required.
Variation in Definitions and Isolation Procedures for Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria: A Survey of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Research Network
Authors: Drees Marci , Pineles Lisa , Harris Anthony D. , Morgan Daniel J.
Published: March 2014

Objective.

To assess definitions, experience, and infection control practices for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB), including Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas species, in acute care hospitals.

Design.

Cross-sectional survey.

Participants.

US and international members of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Research Network.

Methods.

Online survey that included definitions, infection control procedures, and microbiology capability related to MDR-GNB and other MDR bacteria.

Results.

From November 2012 through February 2013, 66 of 170 SHEA Research Network members responded (39% response rate), representing 26 states and 15 countries. More than 80% of facilities reported experience with each MDR-GNB isolate, and 78% had encountered GNB resistant to all antibiotics except colistin (62% Acinetobacter, 59% Pseudomonas, and 52% Enterobacteriaceae species). Participants varied regarding their definitions of “multidrug resistant,” with 14 unique definitions for Acinetobacter, 18 for Pseudomonas, and 22 for Enterobacteriaceae species. Substantial variation also existed in isolation practices. Although isolation was commonly used for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), approximately 20% of facilities did not isolate for MDR Pseudomonas or Acinetobacter. The majority of those that isolated MDR organisms also removed isolation using a wide variety of criteria.

Conclusion.

Facilities vary significantly in their approach to preventing MDR-GNB transmission. Although practices for MRSA and VRE are relatively standardized, emerging pathogens CRE and other MDR-GNB have highly varied definitions and management. This confusion makes communication difficult, and varied use of isolation may contribute to emergence of these organisms. Public health agencies need to promote standard definitions and management to enable broader initiatives to limit emergence of MDR-GNB.
Environmental Exposure to Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii as a Risk Factor for Patient Acquisition of A. baumannii
Authors: Rosa Rossana , Arheart Kristopher L. , Depascale Dennise , Cleary Timothy , Kett Daniel H. , Namias Nicholas , Pizano Louis , Fajardo-Aquino Yovanit , Munoz-Price L. Silvia
Published: March 2014

We aimed to determine the association between environmental exposure to carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and the subsequent risk of acquiring this organism. Patients exposed to a contaminated hospital environment had 2.77 times the risk of acquiring carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii than did unexposed patients (relative risk, 2.77 [95% confidence interval, 1.50–5.13]; P = .002).
Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Producing New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase at an Acute Care Hospital, Colorado, 2012
Authors: Epson Erin E. , Pisney Larissa M. , Wendt Joyanna M. , MacCannell Duncan R. , Janelle Sarah J. , Kitchel Brandon , Rasheed J. Kamile , Limbago Brandi M. , Gould Carolyn V. , Kallen Alexander J. , Barron Michelle A. , Bamberg Wendy M.
Published: March 2014

Objective.

To investigate an outbreak of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)–producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and determine interventions to interrupt transmission.

Design, Setting, and Patients.

Epidemiologic investigation of an outbreak of NDM-producing CRE among patients at a Colorado acute care hospital.

Methods.

Case patients had NDM-producing CRE isolated from clinical or rectal surveillance cultures (SCs) collected during the period January 1, 2012, through October 20, 2012. Case patients were identified through microbiology records and 6 rounds of SCs in hospital units where they had resided. CRE isolates were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction for blaNDM. Medical records were reviewed for epidemiologic links; relatedness of isolates was evaluated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Infection control (IC) was assessed through staff interviews and direct observations.

Results.

Two patients were initially identified with NDM-producing CRE during July–August 2012. A third case patient, admitted in May, was identified through microbiology records review. SC identified 5 additional case patients. Patients had resided in 11 different units before identification. All isolates were highly related by PFGE. WGS suggested 3 clusters of CRE. Combining WGS with epidemiology identified 4 units as likely transmission sites. NDM-producing CRE positivity in certain patients was not explained by direct epidemiologic overlap, which suggests that undetected colonized patients were involved in transmission.

Conclusions.

A 4-month outbreak of NDM-producing CRE occurred at a single hospital, highlighting the risk for spread of these organisms. Combined WGS and epidemiologic data suggested transmission primarily occurred on 4 units. Timely SC, combined with targeted IC measures, were likely responsible for controlling transmission.
Comparison of Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza and Noninfluenza Acute Respiratory Illness in Healthcare Personnel during the 2010–2011 Influenza Season
Authors: Henkle Emily , Irving Stephanie A. , Naleway Allison L. , Gaglani Manjusha J. , Ball Sarah , Spencer Sarah , Peasah Sam , Thompson Mark G.
Published: March 2014

Objective.

Compare the severity of illnesses associated with influenza and noninfluenza acute respiratory illness (ARI) in healthcare personnel (HCP).

Design.

Prospective observational cohort.

Participants.

HCP at 2 healthcare organizations with direct patient contact were enrolled prior to the 2010–2011 influenza season.

Methods.

HCP who were fewer than 8 days from the start of fever/feverishness/chills and cough were eligible for real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction influenza virus testing of respiratory specimen. Illness severity was assessed by the sum of self-rated severity (0, absent; 3, severe) of 12 illness symptoms, subjective health (0, best health; 9, worst health), activities of daily living impairment (0, able to perform; 9, unable to perform), missed work, and duration of illness.

Results.

Of 1,701 HCP enrolled, 267 were tested for influenza, and 58 (22%) of these tested positive. Influenza compared with noninfluenza illnesses was associated with higher summed 12-symptom severity score (mean [standard deviation], 17.9 [5.4] vs 14.6 [4.8]; P < .001), worse subjective health (4.5 [1.8] vs 4.0 [1.8]; P < .05), greater impairment of activities of daily living (4.9 [2.5] vs 3.8 [2.5]; P < .01), and more missed work (12.1 [10.5] vs 7.8 [10.5] hours; P < .01). Differences in symptom severity, activities of daily living, and missed work remained significant after adjusting for illness and participant characteristics.

Conclusions.

Influenza had a greater negative impact on HCP than noninfluenza ARIs, indicated by higher symptom severity scores, less ability to perform activities of daily living, and more missed work. These results highlight the importance of efforts to prevent influenza infection in HCP.
PKCβII acts downstream of chemoattractant receptors and mTORC2 to regulate cAMP production and myosin II activity in neutrophils
Authors: Liu Lunhua , Gritz Derek , Parent Carole A.
Published: March 2014

Chemotaxis is a process by which cells polarize and move up a chemical gradient through the spatiotemporal regulation of actin assembly and actomyosin contractility, which ultimately control front protrusions and back retractions. We previously demonstrated that in neutrophils, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) is required for chemoattractant-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase 9 (AC9), which converts ATP into cAMP and regulates back contraction through MyoII phosphorylation. Here we study the mechanism by which mTORC2 regulates neutrophil chemotaxis and AC9 activity. We show that inhibition of protein kinase CβII (PKCβII) by CPG53353 or short hairpin RNA knockdown severely inhibits chemoattractant-induced cAMP synthesis and chemotaxis in neutrophils. Remarkably, PKCβII-inhibited cells exhibit specific and severe tail retraction defects. In response to chemoattractant stimulation, phosphorylated PKCβII, but not PKCα, is transiently translocated to the plasma membrane, where it phosphorylates and activates AC9. mTORC2-mediated PKCβII phosphorylation on its turn motif, but not its hydrophobic motif, is required for membrane translocation of PKCβII. Inhibition of mTORC2 activity by Rictor knockdown not only dramatically decreases PKCβII activity, but it also strongly inhibits membrane translocation of PKCβII. Together our findings show that PKCβII is specifically required for mTORC2-dependent AC9 activation and back retraction during neutrophil chemotaxis.
Dynamics of Cryphonectria hypovirus Infection in Chestnut Blight Cankers
Authors: Bryner Sarah Franziska , Prospero Simone , Rigling Daniel
Published: March 2014

Virulent strains of the chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica cause lethal bark cankers on chestnut trees. Infection of C. parasitica with Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 in Europe biologically controls this disease, leading to nonlethal and inactive cankers. Unexpectedly, virus-free C. parasitica strains have been isolated from inactive cankers. In this study, we compared the virulence of virus-infected and virus-free C. parasitica strains isolated from either inactive or active cankers on chestnut seedlings and sprouts. In the seedling experiment, we assessed canker growth and seedling mortality. In the sprout experiment, we also assessed canker growth and made fungal reisolations to determine virus infection and immigration of foreign vegetative compatibility (vc) types over a period of 13 years in a coppice forest. Overall, the virulence of virus-free C. parasitica strains isolated from inactive versus active cankers did not differ. Significant differences were only attributed to virus infection. Virus infection and fungal strain composition in cankers changed over time. Foreign vc types immigrated into cankers and virus-free cankers became virus-infected within a few years. Most of the cankers were callused over time and became inactive. However, we observed that the virus did not always persist in these cankers. This study demonstrates that virus spread occurs effectively in European chestnut forests and that this biocontrol system is highly dynamic.
Yr36Confers Partial Resistance at Temperatures Below 18°C to U.K. Isolates ofPuccinia striiformis
Authors: Segovia Vanesa , Hubbard Amelia , Craze Melanie , Bowden Sarah , Wallington Emma , Bryant Ruth , Greenland Andy , Bayles Rosemary , Uauy Cristobal
Published: March 2014

Wheat yellow (stripe) rust, caused by the obligate biotrophic fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is a continual threat to wheat fields worldwide. New isolates with increased virulence have recently emerged driving breeding efforts to incorporate disease resistance genes which confer potentially more durable, albeit partial, resistance. Yr36 is one such locus which was recently cloned (WKS1) and described as a high-temperature adult-plant gene being effective only at temperatures above 25°C. We examined the potential use of Yr36 at temperatures below 25°C. Field experiments in the United Kingdom across 2 years show that lines carrying Yr36 provide slow rusting resistance to the yellow rust pathogen. Juvenile and adult Yr36 isogenic lines showed partial resistance at temperatures below 18°C under control environment conditions in tetraploid and hexaploid genetic backgrounds, but not at seedling stage, when inoculated with U.K. P. striiformis isolates. This partial resistance phenotype was similar to that observed previously at temperatures ≥25°C. Transgenic complementation tests and ethyl methanesulfonate mutants showed that the low-temperature partial resistance was due to the WKS1 gene. This study indicates that Yr36 has the potential to be an effective source of partial resistance in temperate wheat growing regions.
Inhibition of triosephosphate isomerase by phosphoenolpyruvate in the feedback-regulation of glycolysis
Authors: Grüning Nana-Maria , Du Dijun , Keller Markus A. , Luisi Ben F. , Ralser Markus
Published: March 2014

The inhibition of triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) in glycolysis by the pyruvate kinase (PK) substrate phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) results in a newly discovered feedback loop that counters oxidative stress in cancer and actively respiring cells. The mechanism underlying this inhibition is illuminated by the co-crystal structure of TPI with bound PEP at 1.6 Å resolution, and by mutational studies guided by the crystallographic results. PEP is bound to the catalytic pocket of TPI and occludes substrate, which accounts for the observation that PEP competitively inhibits the interconversion of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Replacing an isoleucine residue located in the catalytic pocket of TPI with valine or threonine altered binding of substrates and PEP, reducing TPI activity
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Confirming a TPI-mediated activation of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), transgenic yeast cells expressing these TPI mutations accumulate greater levels of PPP intermediates and have altered stress resistance, mimicking the activation of the PK–TPI feedback loop. These results support a model in which glycolytic regulation requires direct catalytic inhibition of TPI by the pyruvate kinase substrate PEP, mediating a protective metabolic self-reconfiguration of central metabolism under conditions of oxidative stress.
Mesoflavibacter aestuarii sp. nov., a zeaxanthin-producing marine bacterium isolated from seawater
Authors: Lee Ji Hee , Hwang Yeoung Min , Baik Keun Sik , Choi Kap Seong , Ka Jong-Ok , Seong Chi Nam
Published: March 2014

An orange, rod-shaped, Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic and gliding bacterial strain devoid of flagella, designated strain KYW614T, was isolated from seawater collected from Gwangyang Bay, Republic of Korea. Zeaxanthin was the major carotenoid pigment produced and flexirubin-type pigments were not produced. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain KYW614T belonged to the family

Flavobacteriaceae

and it was most closely related to

Mesoflavibacter zeaxanthinifaciens

TD-ZX30T (96.5 %, sequence similarity). The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain KYW614T were iso-C15 : 1 G (10.5 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c; 10.0 %), iso-C15 : 0 (9.5 %), C15 : 0 (7.5 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (7.4 %). MK-6 was the only isoprenoid quinone and the DNA G+C content was 32.6 mol%. Data from a polyphasic taxonomic study suggested that the isolate represents a novel species in the genus

Mesoflavibacter

, for which the name Mesoflavibacter aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KYW614T ( = KCTC 32269T = JCM 19524T).
Distribution of carbapenem resistance determinants among epidemic and non-epidemic types of Acinetobacter species in Japan
Authors: Matsui Mari , Suzuki Satowa , Yamane Kunikazu , Suzuki Masato , Konda Toshifumi , Arakawa Yoshichika , Shibayama Keigo
Published: March 2014

We performed a comparative molecular analysis on three types of clinically isolated Acinetobacter spp.: epidemic sequence types (STs) of Acinetobacter baumannii (epidemic ST-AB), non-epidemic sequence types of A. baumannii (non-epidemic ST-AB) and non-baumannii Acinetobacter spp. A total of 87 isolates – 46 A. baumannii, 25 A. pittii and 16 A. nosocomialis – from 43 hospitals were analysed. Of these, 31 A. baumannii isolates were ST1 or ST2 according to the Pasteur Institute multilocus sequence typing scheme and were defined as epidemic ST-AB. The other 15 A. baumannii isolates were defined as non-epidemic ST-AB. The epidemic ST-AB isolates harboured the bla
OXA-23-like gene or had an ISAba1 element upstream of bla
OXA-51-like, or both, whereas non-epidemic ST-AB and non-baumannii Acinetobacter spp. isolates harboured bla
OXA-58-like or metallo-β-lactamase genes, or both. The proportion of multidrug-resistant isolates was significantly higher in the epidemic ST-AB isolates (48 %) than that in the other types of Acinetobacter isolates (5 %) (P<0.05). In addition, epidemic ST-AB isolates exhibited a relatively higher proportion of fluoroquinolone resistance. We demonstrated that, in terms of genotypes and phenotypes of antimicrobial resistance, non-epidemic ST-AB isolates shared more similarity with non-baumannii Acinetobacter spp. isolates than with epidemic ST-AB isolates, regardless of bacterial species. In addition, this study revealed that, even in Japan, where IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase producers are endemic, epidemic ST-AB harbouring bla
IMP have not yet emerged.
Overexpression of an antisense RNA, ArrS, increases the acid resistance of Escherichia coli
Authors: Aiso Toshiko , Kamiya Shigeru , Yonezawa Hideo , Gamou Shinobu
Published: March 2014

The antisense RNA ArrS is complementary to a sequence in the 5′ untranslated region of thegadET3 mRNA, the largest transcript ofgadE, which encodes a transcriptional activator of the glutamate-dependent acid resistance system inEscherichia coli. Expression ofarrSis strongly induced during the stationary growth phase, particularly under acidic conditions, and transcription is dependent on σSand GadE. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of ArrS in controllinggadEexpression by overexpressingarrSinE. coli. The results showed a marked increase in the survival ofarrS-overexpressing cells at 2 h after a shift to pH 2.5. This was accompanied by increased expression ofgadA,gadBCandgadE. The level ofgadET3 mRNA decreased markedly in response toarrSoverexpression, and was accompanied by a marked increase ingadEmRNA T2. T2 mRNA had a monophosphorylated 5′ terminus, which is usually found in cleaved mRNAs, and no T2 mRNA was observed in an RNase III-deficient cell strain. In addition, T2 mRNA was not generated by a P3-deletedgadE–luctranslational fusion. These results suggest strongly that T2 mRNA is generated via the processing of T3 mRNA. Moreover, the T2 mRNA, which was abundant inarrS-overexpressing cells, was more stable than T3 mRNA in non-overexpressing cells. These results suggest that overexpression of ArrS positively regulatesgadEexpression in a post-transcriptional manner.
Phylogenetic tree shapes resolve disease transmission patterns
Authors: Colijn Caroline , Gardy Jennifer
Published: March 2014

Background and Objectives

Whole genome sequencing is becoming popular as a tool for understanding outbreaks of communicable diseases, with phylogenetic trees being used to identify individual transmission events or to characterize outbreak-level overall transmission dynamics. Existing methods to infer transmission dynamics from sequence data rely on well-characterised infectious periods, epidemiological and clinical meta-data which may not always be available, and typically require computationally intensive analysis focusing on the branch lengths in phylogenetic trees. We sought to determine whether the topological structures of phylogenetic trees contain signatures of the transmission patterns underlying an outbreak.

Methodology

We use simulated outbreaks to train and then test computational classifiers. We test the method on data from two real-world outbreaks.

Results

We show that different transmission patterns result in quantitatively different phylogenetic tree shapes. We describe topological features that summarize a phylogeny’s structure and find that computational classifiers based on these are capable of predicting an outbreak’s transmission dynamics. The method is robust to variations in the transmission parameters and network types, and recapitulates known epidemiology of previously characterized real-world outbreaks.

Conclusions and implications

There are simple structural properties of phylogenetic trees which, when combined, can distinguish communicable disease outbreaks with a super-spreader, homogeneous transmission, and chains of transmission. This is possible using genome data alone, and can be done during an outbreak. We discuss the implications for management of outbreaks.
Singlet Oxygen Signatures Are Detected Independent of Light or Chloroplasts in Response to Multiple Stresses
Authors: Mor Avishai , Koh Eugene , Weiner Lev , Rosenwasser Shilo , Sibony-Benyamini Hadas , Fluhr Robert
Published: March 2014

The production of singlet oxygen is typically associated with inefficient dissipation of photosynthetic energy or can arise from light reactions as a result of accumulation of chlorophyll precursors as observed in fluorescent (flu)-like mutants. Such photodynamic production of singlet oxygen is thought to be involved in stress signaling and programmed cell death. Here we show that transcriptomes of multiple stresses, whether from light or dark treatments, were correlated with the transcriptome of the flu mutant. A core gene set of 118 genes, common to singlet oxygen, biotic and abiotic stresses was defined and confirmed to be activated photodynamically by the photosensitizer Rose Bengal. In addition, induction of the core gene set by abiotic and biotic selected stresses was shown to occur in the dark and in nonphotosynthetic tissue. Furthermore, when subjected to various biotic and abiotic stresses in the dark, the singlet oxygen-specific probe Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green detected rapid production of singlet oxygen in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root. Subcellular localization of Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green fluorescence showed its accumulation in mitochondria, peroxisomes, and the nucleus, suggesting several compartments as the possible origins or targets for singlet oxygen. Collectively, the results show that singlet oxygen can be produced by multiple stress pathways and can emanate from compartments other than the chloroplast in a light-independent manner. The results imply that the role of singlet oxygen in plant stress regulation and response is more ubiquitous than previously thought.
Supply chain collaboration index: an instrument to measure the depth of collaboration
Authors: Kumar Gopal , Nath Banerjee Rabindra
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop and measure supply chain collaboration index and to arrange collaborative activities in terms of its importance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses data from industries in India to compute the collaboration index. Weight for each activity of collaboration was calculated by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and this weight was used to compute the index combined with the formula proposed by Fornell et al.

Findings

– Supply chain collaboration index is computed as 40.44 on a scale of 1-100. The study also arranges collaborative activities in decreasing order of importance.

Practical implications

– By using model of this study, a firm can benchmark its collaborative practice. They can also identify extent of practice of internal and external focus areas. Further, firms can identify which activities should require more attention and improvement.

Originality/value

– The study proposed a supply chain collaboration index model and calculated the index using the proposed model and data collected from India. The study used model as proposed by Fornell et al. to compute collaboration index combined with the weight computed by employing AHP.
A discriminant model for measuring competition intensity of construction market
Authors: Ye Kunhui , Shen Liyin , Lu Weisheng
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– “Competition intensity” is a factor in addressing competitiveness. The understanding on competition intensity is prerequisite to the formulation of industrial competition policies as well as firms’ competition strategies. In the construction context, whereas competition intensity can be measured using a number of traditional approaches (e.g. competitor number, concentration), the measurement is often criticized for poor efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new model for measuring competition intensity in light of the theory of discriminant analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed model is composed of predictor variables concerned with market operation as well as criterion variables that classify markets into a few predefined groups based on the values of competition intensity. Empirical data of China's local construction markets were collected to verify the proposed model.

Findings

– The research findings indicate that the model can offset the drawbacks of traditional measures in the construction market.

Research limitations/implications

– It is recommended using the proposed model to predict the competition trend of construction market especially when data for the traditional approaches are poor or not readily available.

Originality/value

– The proposed model is a development of the literature in examining competition intensity.
Cash flow modeling for construction projects
Authors: Zayed Tarek , Liu Yaqiong
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Construction projects are well known for their complexity and ambiguity. These projects carry out higher risk than traditional ones because they entail high capital outlays and intricate site conditions. Poor financial management of these projects may lead to bankruptcy; therefore, effective cash flow management is essential. Although the peculiar characteristics of construction projects, the accuracy of cash flow forecasting has been a long lasting problem. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Many unforeseen factors affect the cash flow forecasting of construction projects. Therefore, the objective of the presented research in this paper is to examine the impact of these factors on contractor's cash flow. A model has been established by integrating analytic hierarchy process and simulation to examine the impact of various factors on cash flow. Data on the selected factors have been collected through questionnaires from various agencies in North America and China.

Findings

– Results show that the most significant factors are: change of progress payment, payment duration, financial position of the contractor, project delays, and poor planning. It also shows that the effect of cash inflow factors varied approximately from 9.7 to 16.3 percent with a mean value of 12.4 percent.

Research limitations/implications

– The implementation of the developed models are limited to few case study projects in testing the models. However, the developed models and framework are sound for future improvement. They are considered as a major step toward a broader cash flow planning.

Practical implications

– The developed methodology and models play essential roles in decision-making process.

Originality/value

– The developed model is expected to help contractors realistically forecast project cash flow under uncertainty. This may lead to more dependable and professional cash flow management, which might substantially reduce failures in construction business.
Service interaction and dignity in cleaning work: how important is the organizational context?
Authors: Alexandra Cruz Sofia , Abrantes Manuel
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which the nature of a particular work activity – cleaning – changes across organizational contexts, considering specific industry characteristics and working conditions in urban settings in Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on the qualitative analysis of data collected between 2010 and 2013 using open-ended interviews with employees and direct observation in two shopping malls.

Findings

– The empirical evidence illuminates how the contexts under study shape the behavior of actors and their power relations. By placing the perspective of employees at the core of the analysis, the paper demonstrates that workplaces provide a major site of conflict and negotiation regarding dignity in cleaning work, but this dispute takes on different contours and sources of tension across organizational contexts.

Originality/value

– The seminal comparative analysis of commercial cleaning and housecleaning undertaken in this paper sheds light on the varying distribution of roles and authority at work. Differently than in earlier studies, the actual modes of service interaction in this industry are documented in a detailed and critical manner.
Developing corporate accounting regulation in Libya past and future challenges
Authors: El-Firjani Essa , Menacere Karim , Pegum Roger
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and development of corporate accounting regulation in Libya.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaire survey and semi-structured interview methods were used to collect data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with external auditors, financial managers, accounting academics and regulators.

Findings

– This paper found general agreement that the accounting regulation of public corporations and banks is strongly influenced by the Libyan Commercial Code and the Income Tax Law. Although listed companies and the banking sector in Libya are required to comply with International Accounting Standards (IASs), the majority of them still comply with the US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP). Moreover, the conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that the enforcement of IASs through the Libyan Accountants and Auditors Association (LAAA), local auditors and the Libyan Stock Market has not achieved its purpose. The results also indicate that the accounting profession in Libya is still in its infancy and still lacks clear structure in order to develop corporate accounting practice and it appears to play only an important role in retaining external influences on the accounting practice. The empirical results of this research show that the Salter and Niswander (1995) criteria (longevity, setting exam and auditors’ opinion on companies’ financial reports) found that the level of professionalism in Libya is below the required standard.

Originality/value

– This paper focuses on corporate accounting regulation and practices and the role of the LAAA in the development of corporate accounting in Libya. This paper, therefore, aims to contribute to the literature by examining the corporate accounting regulation in Libya and fills a gap in international accounting research.
Board characteristics, external auditing quality and earnings management
Authors: Boulila Taktak Neila , Mbarki Ibtissem
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of board characteristics and external audit quality on earnings management among major Tunisian banks over the period 2003-2007.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multivariate regressions are employed to test the effect of board structure and external audit quality on discretionary provisions as a proxy for earnings management.

Findings

– Results indicate that among the characteristics of the board, CEO duality is associated with higher levels of discretionary provisions. However, the presence of directors affiliated to the largest shareholder tends to constrain earnings management practices. The results reveal also that a co-audit belonging to the BIG 4 provides incentives to manage earnings while the capacity of the external auditor to disclose reservations impacts negatively the manager's discretion.

Practical implications

– First, it is not desirable to appoint a co-audit both belonging to the BIG 4. Second, the presence of affiliated directors reduces the discretionary practices except in cases where directors are affiliated to families. In this case, banks should strengthen the presence of independent directors. Finally, the delineation of the leeway left in the Tunisian accounting standards would provide more transparent financial information.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature on governance and its impact on earnings management among Tunisian banks by introducing two variables that have not been tested before which are affiliated directors and co-audit. The paper will be of value to banks willing to comply with the Governance Good Practice Guide adopted recently in Tunisia.
The quasi-moderating role of organizational culture in the relationship between rewards and knowledge shared and gained
Authors: Durmusoglu Serdar , Jacobs Mark , Zamantili Nayir Dilek , Khilji Shaista , Wang Xiaoyun
Published: March 2014

Purpose

–The purpose of this paper is to clarify the role of organizational culture and rewards in stimulating the sharing and gaining of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

–Hierarchical regression using survey data.

Findings

–The analyses show that rewards and organizational culture of knowledge transfer influence the knowledge shared and knowledge gained. Moreover, culture and rewards interact to influence knowledge gained, but not knowledge shared which leads to the conclusion knowledge gaining can be induced by rewards, even in the absence of a supportive culture.

Research limitations/implications

–The findings are consistent with socio-technical theory (STT) and the discussion positions this perspective as useful for future knowledge management studies. This research confirms that knowledge sharing and gaining are uniquely different activities that respond differently to culture and rewards.

Originality/value

–This study combines the work of different fields by focusing on knowledge sharing and gaining in a single study. Through this process, a bridge between organizational learning theory and STT is revealed.
Trailing organizational knowledge paths through social network lens: integrating the multiple industry cases
Authors: Kim Young-Gul , Sauk Hau Yong , Song Seulki , Ghim Ghi-Hoon
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This study aims at analyzing the features of knowledge flow and the role-specific nodes in knowledge networks among individuals and business units of six organizations in different industries, and suggesting prescriptions to prevent the organizational knowledge sclerosis.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research conducts multiple case studies on the organizational knowledge paths of six companies in the multiple industries through social network analysis (SNA) tool developed by the authors of this paper.

Findings

– This study provides four major findings which shed a new light on how to comprehend the features of knowledge flow and the role-specific nodes in knowledge networks in organizations: the within-business unit knowledge flows are more dominant over the inter-business units knowledge flow; the downward knowledge flows are dominant over the horizontal and upward knowledge flows in the management levels; distributions of knowledge owners and providers are like L-shape and the gap between knowledge owing and providing expands as the management levels go up; and the top 20 percent people in an organization dominate over a large portion of the knowledge brokerage activities.

Research limitations/implications

– Cultural difference issue might arise because data collection was limited to Korean organizations. Therefore, the findings from this study needs to be cautiously interpreted considering the cultural difference/deeper understanding of the organizational knowledge paths through social network lens can make it possible for more context-specific KM strategies (e.g. suitable for a specific functional unit, management level, or industry type) to be identified and implemented.

Practical implications

– Managers can have a solid grasp about knowledge flows and knowledge node roles in their organization through social network analysis in order to facilitate the knowledge transfer and eliminate the knowledge link lapse in organizations.

Originality/value

– This study could be a stepping stone for further empirical research since it expanded the level of organizational knowledge network analysis from individual and team to inter-unit and inter-management level through the block modeling analysis of knowledge network.
Interviewers' perceptions of impression management in employment interviews
Authors: Roulin Nicolas , Bangerter Adrian , Levashina Julia
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Applicants often use impression management (IM) in employment interviews, and such tactics can considerably influence interviewers' evaluations of their performance. Yet, little research has examined interviewers' perceptions of such behaviors. This paper aims to examine if interviewers' perceptions of various IM behaviors converge with applicants' self-reports and the impact of interviewers' IM perceptions on interview outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Findings are based on data from a field study of 164 real employment interviews, conducted in recruiting agencies in Switzerland.

Findings

– Interviewers' perceptions do not converge with self-reported applicant IM. Interviewers' perceptions of self-promotion and perceived applicant transparency are positively related to interview evaluations, while perceptions of slight image creation tactics are negatively related to interview evaluations. Perceptions of deceptive ingratiation, image protection, and extensive image creation were not related to evaluations.

Practical implications

– It may not be that easy for interviewers to identify when applicants use IM, partly because they may be prone to overconfidence in their judgments and may (wrongly) believe they can “see through the applicant”. Also, what may actually matter in interviews is not the impression applicants think they are making, but interviewers' perceptions of applicant IM.

Originality/value

– This study investigates interviewers' perceptions in addition to applicants' self-reports of five types of IM in real employment interviews, and how such perceptions are related to interview outcome.
Electronic commerce adoption, entrepreneurial orientation and small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) performance
Authors: Abebe Michael
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to contribute to the literature by addressing two research questions: is there a relationship between e-commerce adoption and performance of SMEs? And, more importantly, does the degree of entrepreneurial orientation moderate the relationship between e-commerce adoption and SME performance?

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from a sample of 55 manufacturing and service SMEs located in the state of Texas, USA, between 2008 and 2009 using a structured questionnaire. Customized questionnaires were mailed out to the owner-managers of 55 SMEs. A moderated regression analysis was conducted to test the two hypotheses.

Findings

– The results suggest that e-commerce adoption has a significant, positive influence on SMEs' average sales growth rate and that adopters of e-commerce technology have significantly higher average sales growth rate than non-adopters. The results also indicate that e-commerce adoption positively affects SMEs' annual sales growth rate even more when the sample firms have higher level of entrepreneurial orientation. Overall, the results of this analysis indicate the importance of e-commerce adoption as well as SMEs' entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings of this study can be useful for SMEs in general as a means of understanding how e-commerce adoption positively affects the firm's performance. Such a relationship suggests that e-commerce adoption is an important factor that can enhance firm's internal processes and ultimately performance. Therefore, e-commerce adopters should continue to utilize this technology while non-adopters should consider harnessing the potential of this technology to further streamline their operations and effectiveness.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the role of e-commerce adoption and entrepreneurial orientation in small firm performance.
Customer based brand equity (CBBE) and the competitive performance of SMEs in Ghana
Authors: Selase Asamoah Emmanuel
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper has three main objectives. The first objective examines the degree of interrelationship between the level of brand equity and the performance of SMEs, while the second objective examines the extent of the antecedents of brand equity (brand awareness, brand association, perceived quality and brand loyalty) in predicting SME performance. The last objective examines the effect of brand equity on the performance of SMEs when the level of brand loyalty is high.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaires were used in collecting data from managers and customers of SMEs. The sample comprises 98 managers and 311 customers of SMEs. In order to ensure that various sectors of SMEs were covered, stratified random sampling was used; thus, 40 per cent of the SMEs were from the trade sector, 30 per cent from the agriculture sector, and 30 per cent from the small manufacturing sector. However, a simple random sampling method was used in the selection of customers.

Findings

– It was found that there is a positive relationship between the various dimensions of brand equity and SME performance. Results from the regression analysis indicate a strong predictive power of SME performance by brand association and brand loyalty compared to brand awareness and perceived quality. The study concludes that the performance of SMEs and brand equity is high when there is high brand loyalty among customers.

Research limitations/implications

– This study did not examine the level of control and the major decision-making factors when deciding on the focus of brand building in both small and large enterprises. Studies could be conducted to compare the predictive power of the antecedents of brand equity in different industries (services, manufacturing and trade) for both SMEs and large enterprises.

Practical implications

– Managers of SMEs must devote their attention to the building of brand loyalty among customers irrespective of the industry in which they operate. Strategies must also be developed for brand associations as it is a prerequisite for the growth and continuous survival of businesses in a highly competitive market.

Originality/value

– The originality and value of this paper lies in the cross-sectional survey method (different industries) that was used as well as the use of the CBBE model in examining the competitiveness and performance of SMEs.