bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative extension of the EC′ Zone Diagram to a molecular catalyst for a multi-electron, multi-substrate electrochemical reaction
Authors: Martin Daniel J. , McCarthy Brian D. , Rountree Eric S. , Dempsey Jillian L.
Published: March 2016

Traverse the EC′ Zone Diagram with a molecular H2-evolving electrocatalyst through systematic variation of the acid pKa, scan rate, acid concentration and catalyst concentration.
Room temperature synthesis of Bi4O5I2 and Bi5O7I ultrathin nanosheets with a high visible light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Liu Chao , Wang Xiao-jing
Published: March 2016

Bi4O5I2 and Bi5O7I ultrathin nanosheets with a high visible-light photocatalytic activity for phenol degradation are prepared via a facile route at room temperature.
Main group transformations
Authors: Melen Rebecca L. , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: March 2016

Welcome to this themed issue of Dalton Transactions focusing on main group transformations.
Optofluidic lens with low spherical and low field curvature aberrations
Authors: Zhao H. T. , Yang Y. , Chin L. K. , Chen H. F. , Zhu W. M. , Zhang J. B. , Yap P. H. , Liedberg B. , Wang K. , Wang G. , Ser W. , Liu A. Q.
Published: March 2016

Optofluidic lens with hyperbolic secant index profile, leading to low spherical and low field curvature aberrations.
Synthesis, regioselective aerobic Pd(ii)-catalyzed C–H bond alkenylation and the photophysical properties of pyrenylphenylpyrazoles
Authors: Flamholc Rafał , Zakrzewski Janusz , Makal Anna , Brosseau Arnaud , Métivier Rémi
Published: March 2016

This paper reports the synthesis, regioselective aerobic Pd(ii)-catalyzed C–H bond alkenylation and the photophysical properties of pyrenylphenylpyrazoles.
Preparation and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity of Pancake Rocks-like WO3−x/C nanocomposite
Authors: Liu Cheng , Yang Zhanxu , Li Yue
Published: March 2016

The Pancake Rocks-like WO3−x/C nanocomposite was synthesized via the in situ solid state thermolysis of dedocylamine–intercalated H2W2O7 (H2W2O7/DDA), leading to the in situ production of interlayered carbon.
Design of novolac resin-based network polymers for adsorptive removal of azo dye molecules
Authors: Ghosh Samaresh , Acharyya Mridula
Published: March 2016

Novolac resin based two polymer networks were synthesized for the effective removal of azo dye molecules from aqueous solution.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of three-dimensionally-ordered macroporous La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ perovskite oxide for Li–O2 battery application
Authors: Oh Mi Young , Lee Jong Ju , Zahoor Awan , Gnana kumar G. , Nahm Kee Suk
Published: March 2016

The 3DOM LSC exhibited a better catalytic performance than Powder LSC and improved the reversibility of the O2 electrode.
A calcium catalysed regioselective (5-exodig) tandem process for the synthesis of fully substituted furans
Authors: Yaragorla Srinivasarao , Dada Ravikrishna , Pareek Abhishek , Singh Garima
Published: March 2016

An efficient and highly regioselective synthesis of fully substituted furans has been described using Ca(OTf)2. The reaction proceeds through tandem alkylation, 5-exodig cyclisation and isomerization under solvent free conditions.
Single fluorescent probe for reversibly detecting copper ions and cysteine in a pure water system
Authors: Liu Yong , Meng Fangfang , Lin Weiying
Published: March 2016

In this work, we have engineered a novel fluorescent probe PI, which remarkably can reversible detect copper ion and cysteine in pure water system for the first time.
Synthesis, characterization and aggregation induced enhanced emission properties of tetraaryl pyrazole decorated cyclophosphazenes
Authors: Mukundam Vanga , Dhanunjayarao Kunchala , Mamidala Ramesh , Venkatasubbaiah Krishnan
Published: March 2016

We report the synthesis, characterization and aggregation induced enhanced emission (AIEE) properties of a series of tetraaryl pyrazole decorated cyclotriphosphazenes. The hexa-substituted cyclotriphosphazene was tested for its usefulness as a probe for the explosive picric acid.
The Effect of Stimulus Intensity and Carrier Frequency on Auditory Middle- and Long-Latency Evoked Potentials Using a Steady-State-Response Approach
Authors: Tlumak Abreena I. , Durrant John D. , Delgado Rafael E.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to measure magnitude changes of auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) and respective transient middle- and long-latency responses as a function of stimulus intensity and carrier frequency. The literature lacks clear consensus, including relationship to loudness.

Method

A cohort of 48 adults with normal hearing was examined from a companion study (Tlumak, Durrant, & Delgado, 2015) on effects of aging. ASSRs were elicited by repeated tone-burst stimuli presented at rates of 40 and 0.75 Hz at 3 frequencies and 5 levels of stimulus intensity. The design also permitted scrutiny of any gender bias to the results.

Results

Similar to derived transient response findings, ASSR magnitude (harmonic sum) systematically increased with intensity. Input–output function only at 0.75 Hz approximated a log–log linear function. However, slopes fell well below that of doubling of loudness per 10 dB SPL. Results failed to demonstrate significance as a function of carrier frequency and gender for both repetition rates.

Conclusion

Effects of stimulus intensity, carrier frequency, and gender on ASSRs were similar to those of their transient counterparts. Findings remain disappointing for objective loudness estimation. Results suggest only a clear linkage to the long-latency response and the 0.75-Hz magnitude but require careful consideration of limitations/underlying mechanisms when measuring loudness-related effects.
Multilevel summation with B-spline interpolation for pairwise interactions in molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Hardy David J. , Wolff Matthew A. , Xia Jianlin , Schulten Klaus , Skeel Robert D.
Published: March 2016

The multilevel summation method for calculating electrostatic interactions in molecular dynamics simulations constructs an approximation to a pairwise interaction kernel and its gradient, which can be evaluated at a cost that scales linearly with the number of atoms. The method smoothly splits the kernel into a sum of partial kernels of increasing range and decreasing variability with the longer-range parts interpolated from grids of increasing coarseness. Multilevel summation is especially appropriate in the context of dynamics and minimization, because it can produce continuous gradients. This article explores the use of B-splines to increase the accuracy of the multilevel summation method (for nonperiodic boundaries) without incurring additional computation other than a preprocessing step (whose cost also scales linearly). To obtain accurate results efficiently involves technical difficulties, which are overcome by a novel preprocessing algorithm. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the resulting method offers substantial improvements in accuracy and that its performance is competitive with an implementation of the fast multipole method in general and markedly better for Hamiltonian formulations of molecular dynamics. The improvement is great enough to establish multilevel summation as a serious contender for calculating pairwise interactions in molecular dynamics simulations. In particular, the method appears to be uniquely capable for molecular dynamics in two situations, nonperiodic boundary conditions and massively parallel computation, where the fast Fourier transform employed in the particle–mesh Ewald method falls short.
A critical appraisal of the zero-multipole method: Structural, thermodynamic, dielectric, and dynamical properties of a water system
Authors: Wang Han , Nakamura Haruki , Fukuda Ikuo
Published: March 2016

We performed extensive and strict tests for the reliability of the zero-multipole (summation) method (ZMM), which is a method for estimating the electrostatic interactions among charged particles in a classical physical system, by investigating a set of various physical quantities. This set covers a broad range of water properties, including the thermodynamic properties (pressure, excess chemical potential, constant volume/pressure heat capacity, isothermal compressibility, and thermal expansion coefficient), dielectric properties (dielectric constant and Kirkwood-G factor), dynamical properties (diffusion constant and viscosity), and the structural property (radial distribution function). We selected a bulk water system, the most important solvent, and applied the widely used TIP3P model to this test. In result, the ZMM works well for almost all cases, compared with the smooth particle mesh Ewald (SPME) method that was carefully optimized. In particular, at cut-off radius of 1.2 nm, the recommended choices of ZMM parameters for the TIP3P system are α ≤ 1 nm−1 for the splitting parameter and l = 2 or l = 3 for the order of the multipole moment. We discussed the origin of the deviations of the ZMM and found that they are intimately related to the deviations of the equilibrated densities between the ZMM and SPME, while the magnitude of the density deviations is very small.
The closo-Si12C12 molecule from cluster to crystal: A theoretical prediction
Authors: Duan Xiaofeng F. , Burggraf Larry W.
Published: March 2016

The structure of closo-Si12C12 is unique among stable SinCm isomers (n, m > 4) because of its high symmetry, π–π stacking of C6 rings and unsaturated silicon atoms at symmetrical peripheral positions. Dimerization potential surfaces reveal various dimerization reactions that form between two closo-Si12C12 molecules through Si–Si bonds at unsaturated Si atoms. As a result the closo-Si12C12 molecule is capable of polymerization to form stable 1D polymer chains, 2D crystal layers, and 3D crystals. 2D crystal structures formed by side-side polymerization satisfy eight Si valences on each monomer without large distortion of the monomer structure. 3D crystals are formed by stacking 2D structures in the Z direction, preserving registry of C6 rings in monomer moiety.
Acoustic gradient-index lens using orifice-type metamaterial unit cells
Authors: Park Choon Mahn , Kim Cho Hee , Park Hee Tack , Lee Sang Hun
Published: March 2016

A gradient-index (GRIN) lens made of acoustic metamaterial is described that is assembled of unit cells with specific orifice characteristics. The GRIN distribution of the lens is established using different hole sizes for the unit cells. The intensity of the sound waves is demonstrated through simulations and confirmed by an experiment in a frequency band that satisfies the homogeneous medium constraints for the metamaterial. Experimental results from the focusing of sound waves of various frequencies agreed well with the expected values from the GRIN lens equation. This face-centered-orifice-cubic unit cell, which is nearly non-dispersive but asymmetric, appears to be a useful acoustic metamaterial for various acoustic devices operating with broadband frequencies.
Nonlinear dielectric spectroscopy in a fragile plastic crystal
Authors: Michl M. , Bauer Th. , Lunkenheimer P. , Loidl A.
Published: March 2016

In this work we provide a thorough examination of the nonlinear dielectric properties of a succinonitrile-glutaronitrile mixture, representing one of the rare examples of a plastic crystal with fragile glassy dynamics. The detected alteration of the complex dielectric permittivity under high fields can be explained considering the heterogeneous nature of glassy dynamics and a field-induced variation of entropy. While the first mechanism was also found in structural glass formers, the latter effect seems to be more pronounced in plastic crystals. Moreover, the third harmonic component of the dielectric susceptibility is reported, revealing a hump-like spectral shape as predicted, e.g., within a model considering cooperative molecular dynamics. If assuming the validity of this model, one can deduce the temperature dependence of the number of correlated molecules Ncorr from these data. In accord with the fragile nature of the glass transition in this plastic crystal, we obtain a relatively strong temperature dependence of Ncorr, in contrast to the much weaker temperature dependence in plastic-crystalline cyclo-octanol, whose glass transition is of strong nature.
Excitation of surface and volume plasmons in a metal nanosphere by fast electrons
Authors: Gildenburg V. B. , Kostin V. A. , Pavlichenko I. A.
Published: March 2016

Collective multipole oscillations (surface and volume plasmons) excited in a metal nanosphere by moving electron and corresponding inelastic scattering spectra are studied based on the hydrodynamic approach. Along with the bulk (dielectric) losses traditionally taken into account, the surface and radiative ones are also considered as the physical mechanisms responsible for the plasmon damping. The second and third mechanisms are found to be essential for the surface plasmons (at small or large cluster radii, respectively) and depend very differently on the multipole mode order. The differential equations are obtained which describe the temporal evolution of every particular mode as that one of a linear oscillator excited by the given external force, and the electron energy loss spectra are calculated. The changes in spectrum shape with the impact parameter and with the electron passage time are analyzed; the first of them is found to be in good enough agreement with the data of scanning transmission electron microscopy experiments. It is shown that, in the general case, a pronounced contribution to the formation of the loss spectrum is given by the both surface and volume plasmons with low and high multipole indices. In particular, at long electron passage time, the integral (averaged over the impact parameter) loss spectrum which is calculated for the free-electron cluster model contains two main peaks: a broad peak from merging of many high-order multipole resonances of the surface plasmons and a narrower peak of nearly the same height from merged volume plasmons excited by the electrons that travel through the central region of the cluster. Comparatively complex dependences of the calculated excitation coefficients and damping constants of various plasmons on the order of the excited multipole result in wide diversity of possible types of the loss spectrum even for the same cluster material and should be taken into account in interpretation of corresponding electron energy loss spectroscopy experiments.
Femtosecond terahertz time-domain spectroscopy at 36 kHz scan rate using an acousto-optic delay
Authors: Urbanek B. , Möller M. , Eisele M. , Baierl S. , Kaplan D. , Lange C. , Huber R.
Published: March 2016

We present a rapid-scan, time-domain terahertz spectrometer employing femtosecond Er:fiber technology and an acousto-optic delay with attosecond precision, enabling scanning of terahertz transients over a 12.4-ps time window at a waveform refresh rate of 36 kHz, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 1.7 × 105/Hz. Our approach enables real-time monitoring of dynamic THz processes at unprecedented speeds, which we demonstrate through rapid 2D thickness mapping of a spinning teflon disc at a precision of 10 nm/Hz. The compact, all-optical design ensures alignment-free operation even in harsh environments.
Enhanced performance of wind energy harvester by aerodynamic treatment of a square prism
Authors: Hu Gang , Tse K. T. , Kwok K. C. S.
Published: March 2016

This letter presents the effects that fitting fins to various corners of a square-prism galloping-based piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) has on its performance, based on results from a series of wind tunnel model tests. The results show that attaching fins to the leading edge significantly improves the efficiency of the harvester, achieving a maximum power 2.5 times that attained by a plain square prism PEH. Furthermore, a length that is 1/6 of the prism's cross-sectional width is found to be optimal for fins that are attached to the harvester.
Coherent perfect absorption in an all-dielectric metasurface
Authors: Zhu Weiren , Xiao Fajun , Kang Ming , Premaratne Malin
Published: March 2016

We design and analyze an ultra-thin metasurface consists of mono-layer all-dielectric fishnet structure. It is demonstrated that coherent perfect absorption (CPA) can be achieved in such a metasurface, and the coherent absorptivity is controllable from 0.38% to 99.85% by phase modulation. The angular selectivity of the metasurface shows the feasibility of CPA in oblique incidence circumstances, where the CPA frequency splits into two frequency bands for TE and TM polarizations. Further study reveals that while retaining CPA, the CPA frequency of the metasurface can be manipulated from 8.56 to 13.47 GHz by solely adjusting the thickness of the fishnet metasurface.
Single-molecule detection of proteins with antigen-antibody interaction using resistive-pulse sensing of submicron latex particles
Authors: Takakura T. , Yanagi I. , Goto Y. , Ishige Y. , Kohara Y.
Published: March 2016

We developed a resistive-pulse sensor with a solid-state pore and measured the latex agglutination of submicron particles induced by antigen-antibody interaction for single-molecule detection of proteins. We fabricated the pore based on numerical simulation to clearly distinguish between monomer and dimer latex particles. By measuring single dimers agglutinated in the single-molecule regime, we detected single human alpha-fetoprotein molecules. Adjusting the initial particle concentration improves the limit of detection (LOD) to 95 fmol/l. We established a theoretical model of the LOD by combining the reaction kinetics and the counting statistics to explain the effect of initial particle concentration on the LOD. The theoretical model shows how to improve the LOD quantitatively. The single-molecule detection studied here indicates the feasibility of implementing a highly sensitive immunoassay by a simple measurement method using resistive-pulse sensing.
Laser microsurgery reveals conserved viscoelastic behavior of the kinetochore
Authors: Cojoc Gheorghe , Roscioli Emanuele , Zhang Lijuan , García-Ulloa Alfonso , Shah Jagesh V. , Berns Michael W. , Pavin Nenad , Cimini Daniela , Tolić Iva M. , Gregan Juraj
Published: March 2016

Accurate chromosome segregation depends on proper kinetochore–microtubule attachment. Upon microtubule interaction, kinetochores are subjected to forces generated by the microtubules. In this work, we used laser ablation to sever microtubules attached to a merotelic kinetochore, which is laterally stretched by opposing pulling forces exerted by microtubules, and inferred the mechanical response of the kinetochore from its length change. In both mammalian PtK1 cells and in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, kinetochores shortened after microtubule severing. Interestingly, the inner kinetochore–centromere relaxed faster than the outer kinetochore. Whereas in fission yeast all kinetochores relaxed to a similar length, in PtK1 cells the more stretched kinetochores remained more stretched. Simple models suggest that these differences arise because the mechanical structure of the mammalian kinetochore is more complex. Our study establishes merotelic kinetochores as an experimental model for studying the mechanical response of the kinetochore in live cells and reveals a viscoelastic behavior of the kinetochore that is conserved in yeast and mammalian cells.
Smoothened determines β-arrestin–mediated removal of the G protein–coupled receptor Gpr161 from the primary cilium
Authors: Pal Kasturi , Hwang Sun-hee , Somatilaka Bandarigoda , Badgandi Hemant , Jackson Peter K. , DeFea Kathryn , Mukhopadhyay Saikat
Published: March 2016

Dynamic changes in membrane protein composition of the primary cilium are central to development and homeostasis, but we know little about mechanisms regulating membrane protein flux. Stimulation of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway in vertebrates results in accumulation and activation of the effector Smoothened within cilia and concomitant disappearance of a negative regulator, the orphan G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR), Gpr161. Here, we describe a two-step process determining removal of Gpr161 from cilia. The first step involves β-arrestin recruitment by the signaling competent receptor, which is facilitated by the GPCR kinase Grk2. An essential factor here is the ciliary trafficking and activation of Smoothened, which by increasing Gpr161–β-arrestin binding promotes Gpr161 removal, both during resting conditions and upon Shh pathway activation. The second step involves clathrin-mediated endocytosis, which functions outside of the ciliary compartment in coordinating Gpr161 removal. Mechanisms determining dynamic compartmentalization of Gpr161 in cilia define a new paradigm for down-regulation of GPCRs during developmental signaling from a specialized subcellular compartment.
Ca2+/H+ exchange by acidic organelles regulates cell migration in vivo
Authors: Melchionda Manuela , Pittman Jon K. , Mayor Roberto , Patel Sandip
Published: March 2016

Increasing evidence implicates Ca2+ in the control of cell migration. However, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Acidic Ca2+ stores are fast emerging as signaling centers. But how Ca2+ is taken up by these organelles in metazoans and the physiological relevance for migration is unclear. Here, we identify a vertebrate Ca2+/H+ exchanger (CAX) as part of a widespread family of homologues in animals. CAX is expressed in neural crest cells and required for their migration in vivo. It localizes to acidic organelles, tempers evoked Ca2+ signals, and regulates cell-matrix adhesion during migration. Our data provide new molecular insight into how Ca2+ is handled by acidic organelles and link this to migration, thereby underscoring the role of noncanonical Ca2+ stores in the control of Ca2+-dependent function.
Cutting edge science: Laser surgery illuminates viscoelasticity of merotelic kinetochores
Authors: Cabello Simon , Gachet Yannick , Tournier Sylvie
Published: March 2016

Increasing evidence in eukaryotic cells suggests that mechanical forces are essential for building a robust mitotic apparatus and correcting inappropriate chromosome attachments. In this issue, Cojoc et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol., http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201506011) use laser microsurgery in vivo to measure and study the viscoelastic properties of kinetochores.
Balanced harvesting in a variable and uncertain world: a case study from the Barents Sea
Authors: Howell Daniel , Hansen Cecilie , Bogstad Bjarte , Skern-Mauritzen Mette
Published: March 2016

Balanced fishing proposes a considerable change to current fisheries management to increase overall biomass harvested while reducing the ecosystem impacts of large-scale fisheries. However, to date, the work to a large degree has focused on simplified models, which exclude much of the variability in real ecosystems, as well as basing harvesting rates on a perfect, but unrealistic, knowledge on stock productivity. Furthermore, the published studies have avoided examining the practicalities of implementing balanced fishing in a real world. This has resulted in a gap that remains to be overcome before balanced fishing can be considered a viable management strategy for large marine ecosystems. We discuss variability in recruitment, in biology and life history characteristics, in data quality, and in fishing practice and management, and their implications for implementation of balanced fishing, using examples from the Barents Sea. We try to outline the complexities that need to be investigated as a precursor to moving balanced fishing from an academic exercise to a practical management scheme. Given the difficulties in moving to “full” balanced fishing, we highlight the importance of investigating to what extent benefits can be gained by implementing only the most achievable parts of a balanced fishing regime.
The Opposing Effect of Hedonic and Eudaimonic Happiness on Gene Expression is Correlated Noise
Authors: Walker Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2016

Background

This paper presents a re-analysis of the gene set data from Fredrickson et al. 2013 and Fredrickson et al. 2015 which purportedly showed opposing effects of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness on the expression levels of a set of genes that have been correlated with social adversity. Fredrickson et al. 2015 used a linear model of fixed effects with correlated error (using GLS) to estimate the partial regression coefficients.

Methods

The standardized effects of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness on CTRA gene set expression estimated by GLS was compared to estimates using multivariate (OLS) linear models and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. The OLS estimates were tested using a bootstrapt-test, O’Brien’s OLS test, a permutationttest, and the rotationz-test. The GEE estimates were tested using a Wald test with robust standard errors. The performance (type I, type II, and type M error) of all tests was investigated using a Monte Carlo simulation of data modeled after the 2015 dataset.

Results

Standardized OLS effects (mean partial regression coefficients) of Hedonia and Eudaimonia on gene expression levels are very small in both the 2013 and 2015 data, as well as the combined data.Thep-values from all tests fail to reject any of the null models. The GEE estimates and tests are nearly identical to the OLS estimates and tests. By contrast, the GLS estimates are inconsistent between data sets, but in each dataset, at least one coefficient is large and highly statistically significant. The Monte Carlo simulation of error rates shows inflated type I error from the GLS test on data with a similar correlation structure to that in the 2015 dataset, and this error rate increases as the number of outcomes increases relative to the number of subjects. Bootstrap and permutation GLS distributions suggest that the GLS model not only results in downward biased standard errors but also inflated coefficients. Both distributions also show the expected, strong, negative correlation between the coefficients forHedoniaandEudaimonia.

Discussion

The results fail to support opposing effects, or any detectable effect, of hedonic and eudaimonic well being on the pattern of gene expression. The apparently replicated pattern of hedonic and eudaimonic effects on gene expression is most parsimoniously explained as "correlated noise" due to the geometry of multiple regression. A linear mixed model for estimating fixed effects in designs with many repeated measures or outcomes should be used cautiously because of the potentially inflated type 1 and type M error.
Analysis of cost escalations in pharmaceutical projects
Authors: Nasina Jigeesh , Nallam Sai Nandeswara Rao
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine different possible issues that can contribute to cost escalations in pharmaceutical capital projects and identify remedial measures to control them.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is supported by a detailed survey performed around some big pharmaceutical companies of Indian sub-continent. Various issues that lead to cost escalations of projects have been identified. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes have been applied to the feedback data.

Findings

– The study derived and validated four prominent factors leading to cost escalations. The paper discusses these factors along with the remedies identified to control project cost. Convergent and discriminant validity have been well established for the model.

Research limitations/implications

– The data needful for the study were collected from only four big pharmaceutical companies established in Southern India. Through frequent and elaborate interactions with senior project managers of those companies, it became possible to get a consolidated list of reasons that contribute to cost escalations in pharmaceutical projects. The list and the feedback data may be more exhaustive if some more companies would have been surveyed. Future research is committed to cover some more notable pharmaceutical companies both nationally and internationally and enhance the sample size. This would add more strength to the analysis and derive more consistent and validated results.

Practical implications

– This study provides necessary support to the project people to analyze different issues that stand as hurdles for project success and enable them to look for remedies to resolve them. The results would help the project managers to enhance their awareness in controlling the project costs. The study stands as a stepping stone and a roadmap to embed further research in this direction.

Originality/value

– Since several significant issues impact the progress of the projects, this work focussed on analyzing cost-related issues in projects; since there is meager research work done in the area of pharmaceutical project management, as an attempt to fill the research gap, this work carried out detailed analysis of different issues leading to cost escalations in pharmaceutical capital projects; factor analysis, including exploratory and confirmatory, has been applied to the data collected and several important factors derived and the measurement model well validated; the research work was done in close interaction with the project people working in four big Indian pharmaceutical companies and useful information was collected; in addition to generation of important factors from the factor analysis, the study was further extended to collect various remedies to mitigate the issues that lead to cost escalations; the research work has enough strength to act as a role model to motivate researchers and project people to further their research on other issues and also refine the present work.
Risk management in IT projects – a case of the South African public sector
Authors: Javani Blessing , Rwelamila Pantaleo Mutajwaa Daniel
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the recognition, application and understanding (status) of risk management in information technology (IT) projects in the South African public sector and thus contribute to the research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative approach in the form of a survey design was adopted, with data being collected through a questionnaire. The results from the study are compared to the theory and practice of risk management before drawing conclusions on the status of risk management in IT projects.

Findings

– The findings provide significant statistical support for the conclusion that risk management is being applied in current IT projects and that it is understood by the respective project clients.

Research limitations/implications

– Though risk management has been studied by several authors, very little is known about its status in the South African public sector. This study sheds light on its application in IT projects and its understanding by IT project clients.

Practical implications

– The study findings encourage project executives to develop knowledge bases for risk management in IT projects, as well as the corresponding tools. This will ultimately assist in knowledge sharing, which increases chances of IT project success. Importantly, the study also highlights that the relationship between project clients and project teams can be accelerated through knowledge sharing and continuous project communication.

Originality/value

– The research addresses one of the questions held by many scholars on the status of risk management in IT projects. It advances the recognition of risk management as a knowledge base and the practical implications thereof.
The Project Management Office: it’s just not what it used to be
Authors: Darling Eric John , Whitty Stephen Jonathan
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The Project Management Office (PMO) phenomenon is a dynamic and regularly evolving feature of the project landscape. The functions and practices expected of the PMO differ as widely as the industries and organisations, which host them. By uncovering the documented and undocumented history of the PMO and its practices the authors see how PMOs have developed to current times, how PMOs develop their ideas, how useful PMOs are, and what associated activities they partake in. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the authors conduct an extensive literature review of the academic and non-academic literature. The first phase involved searching academic journals and published theses. The second, deep searches with Google Scholar and Books using a variety of parameters to capture the changing nomenclature of the PMO over many years. These searches discovered lost academic literature within university libraries, examples of very early essays on the project office and numerous government reports on PMO and project office undertakings.

Findings

– This research reveals how the form and use of the structure we now call the PMO has evolved and adapted over time. In recent history the PMO has evolved to be the central repository for tools and methodologies for this non-operational work. The PMO has become an asset, a commodity to be traded upon and a badge to be worn to attain certain privileges.

Research limitations/implications

– This research identifies a number of deficiencies in existing literature. Particularly highlighting that many practices, methods and PMO typologies exist, frequently their custodians tout these as “best practice”. Although some research has been conducted by academics on PMOs vast gaps exist in PMO literature.

Practical implications

– This research identifies a number of assumptions in practitioner literature and professional practice. Organisations both private and public are investing enormous resources in the pursuit of enhancing project management outcomes often turning to the PMO concept to resolve their problems. However there is limited evidence to suggest PMOs create a favourable return. If the authors were to use medicine as an example, prior to a scientific approach in medicine the field relied on potions and magic, however medicine changed to evidence-based practice this has lead to enhanced life prospects. An evolution in project management doctrine may enhance outcomes.

Originality/value

– This review of the PMO which possesses archaeological attributes in it’s historical context adds a rich understanding to organisational knowledge by considering the history of the PMO and the dramatic shifts in its purpose over a prolonged period of time. The discussion draws out the critical PMO topics to be addressed and includes a critique of practitioner and academic knowledge.
Strategic consensus on manufacturing strategy content
Authors: Edh Mirzaei Nina , Fredriksson Anna , Winroth Mats
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Strategic consensus between operators and managers is an important means to accomplish a successful manufacturing strategy (MS) process. Previous studies largely left out individual operators from this concept. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the level of strategic consensus on the MS within the operations function, that is, the operators’ and managers’ perceptions of MS.

Design/methodology/approach

– Interviews were conducted with both operators and managers at three small- and medium-sized enterprises in Sweden. The MS dimensions were selected based on previous research; the data were analysed by using thematic coding.

Findings

– The study shows that the levels of strategic consensus on the MS vary among companies. Even when strategic consensus exists between operators and managers, their underlying reasons often differ. Furthermore, the levels of strategic consensus vary among MS dimensions. The companies’ usage of information-sharing channels, along with their size and position in the supply chain, can be important for the level of strategic consensus.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the body of knowledge in three ways. First, it expands the scope of the MS dimensions under study, thus offering a stronger, resource-based perspective on MS and strategic consensus than what earlier studies showed. Second, it goes beyond the management level by including both managers and operators as the unit of analysis. Third, compared to previous research, it focuses on a new context and is based on in-depth case studies.
A start-up in interaction with its partners
Authors: Oukes Tamara , Raesfeld von Ariane
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Start-ups are companies that are not yet embedded in a pre-existing network of relationships. Studies that researched how start-ups act in their relationships focused on just one type of action and assumed that start-ups are autonomous in how they choose to act. However, organisational action in relationships is both interactive and dynamic. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how a start-up interacts with its partners over time.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research aim is addressed through a longitudinal case study of a start-up in the medical device business. It was analysed how this start-up and its six key partners acted and reacted during 18 interactions episodes, what triggered these actions and what the outcomes of their actions were. In addition, the researchers explored if and how the subsequent episodes were related.

Findings

– First, the case shows that the past and the future affect current episodes. Second, it shows that action was triggered by both internal and external events which could expand or constrain opportunities for future interactions. Third, the findings show that there was a pattern in the interaction modes used during the relationship. Fourth, the findings show that the initial mode of interaction was often imitated by the counterparty. Finally, it is shown that there are clear links between the trigger, interaction process and outcome in an interaction episode.

Research limitations/implications

– The results indicate that besides the focal firm, partners should always be actively and directly involved in any research into organisational action. Moreover, action in relationships should be characterised as a dynamic process that is in a state of continual change.

Practical implications

– Managers of start-ups: can influence the outcomes of their relationships through their actions; have to react to both opportunities and conflicts in their relationships; can rely on their network to solve conflicts; and should closely consider their own actions and their counterparty’s actions.

Originality/value

– The research is valuable because it studies the interactive and dynamic nature of start-ups’ action in relationships.
Corporate associations in B2B: coping with multiple relationship-specific identities
Authors: La Rocca Antonella , Snehota Ivan
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how corporate associations emerge in business networks focusing on mutually attributed identities in customer-supplier relationships. The role of the mutually perceived identities for interaction behaviours of the parties is examined and consequences of multiple emergent identities for management are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is a conceptual one starting from an overview of prior research on corporate associations in marketing, findings on distinctive features of business markets and review of studies on identity in interaction processes.

Findings

– Departing from various strands of research on the origin and role of corporate associations in the literature the authors argue that corporate associations, in business networks are relationship specific and continuously emergent, and that businesses acquire multiple identities in relation to main stakeholders as customers and suppliers. The relationship specificity, emergent nature and multiplicity of relationship-specific identities have consequences for management.

Originality/value

– This study is among the few that explore the role of corporate associations in business-to-business context. It results in two propositions: first, that corporate associations are relationship specific and continuously emergent and, second, that businesses operating in business networks have to cope with multiple relationship-specific identities. Both propositions are original and contribute to the understanding of dynamics of business relationships and networks.
The impact of brand gender on brand equity
Authors: Lieven Theo , Hildebrand Christian
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of brand gender on brand equity across countries and cultures in various product domains.

Design/methodology/approach

– Consumers from ten countries on four continents rated 20 global brands, leading to a total of 16,934 cross-clustered observations. Linear mixed effect models examined a series of nested models, testing three novel brand gender effects with respect to the impact of androgynous brands on brand equity and the moderating role of consumers’ biological sex as well as individualistic and collectivistic cultures. Additional robustness tests provide support on form, metric, and scalar invariance of the measurements and the robustness of the observed effects across countries and cultures.

Findings

– The current research reveals that androgynous brands generate higher brand equity relative to exclusively masculine, exclusively feminine, and undifferentiated brands. The authors also show a brand gender congruence effect such that male consumers value masculine brands higher than females while female consumers value more feminine brands higher than males. Finally, highly masculine brands generate higher brand equity in more individualistic countries whereas highly feminine brands generate higher brand equity in more collectivistic countries.

Originality/value

– This is the first research examining and demonstrating the positive influence of androgynous brand gender perceptions on brand equity. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is also the first paper examining brand gender effects across countries and cultures.
Determinants of investment behaviour of investors towards mutual funds
Authors: Kaur Inderjit , Kaushik K.P.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Mutual funds in India have not been as favourable investment alternatives as in developed countries, as assets under management of mutual funds to gross domestic product in India have been 7-8 per cent compared to 37 per cent globally. Further, investor base of mutual funds has been narrow, as retail investors constitute 98 per cent of folios but contributed only 58 per cent of investments in September 2014. To broaden the investor base for mutual funds in India, it remains imperative to understand the determinants of investment behaviour of investors towards mutual funds. This study aims to achieve this objective.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theory of planned behaviour, the study examined the effect of awareness, attitude (perception for outcome) and socioeconomic conditions of an investor on his investment behaviour towards mutual funds with the logit model. The results are based on 450 valid responses from the primary survey in Delhi-NCR.

Findings

The research provided that investment behaviour could be explained with awareness, perception and socioeconomic characteristics of individual investors. Better awareness related to various aspects of mutual funds will have a positive effect on investment in mutual funds. Contrary to belief, risk perception for mutual funds had no effect on the investment decision. Further, socioeconomic characteristics such as age, gender, occupation, income and education of investors had an impact on the awareness about mutual funds.

Research limitations/implications

As the study has been confined to Delhi-NCR, it should be considered a pilot study and needs to be replicated in other states of India to have more robust results.

Practical implications

The study has implications for mutual funds and regulators. The study highlights a lack of awareness about mutual funds among particular sections of society as a reason for non-investment in mutual funds. The mutual funds and regulators need to focus on females, older age groups and middle-income groups in their efforts to improve their awareness about mutual funds. This would improve their investor base and flow of funds in mutual funds. Furthermore, the process of investment in mutual funds needs to simplified.

Originality/value

In an Indian context, this study has been the first attempt to understand the systematic relation between actual investment behaviour towards mutual funds and various determinants such as socioeconomic characteristics, awareness and attitude (perception) about mutual funds.
Authorised property appraisers’ perceptions of commercial property valuation
Authors: Bellman Lina , Öhman Peter
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the thought patterns of authorized property appraisers (APAs) when valuing commercial properties, and draw conclusions about their collective thinking in terms of content, complexity, and homogeneity.

Design/methodology/approach

– A standard set of value-adding factors and bipolar constructs was included in a grid form used for data collection. The repertory grid technique and principal component analysis were used to map and analyze the thought patterns of nearly half of the APAs in Sweden.

Findings

– Analysis of the mean grid for all respondents revealed three dimensions in the aggregated APA thought pattern: property object – property market focus, abstract – specific information, and expert – superficial assessments. The aggregated thought pattern was found to be moderately complex, and the APAs demonstrated relatively strong homogeneity in their thought patterns.

Practical implications

– Based on the moderate complexity and relatively strong homogeneity in respondent thought patterns, this study discusses the upcoming establishment of a profession.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first study using the repertory grid technique to map and analyze APA thought patterns at an aggregated level.
Electronic identity (eID) and electronic signature (eSig) for eGovernment services – a comparative legal study
Authors: Lentner Gabriel M. , Parycek Peter
Published: March 2016

Purpose

This paper aims at providing an overview of different approaches toward identity management pertaining to citizen to government (C2G) eGovernment applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a comparative law methodology. It asks how different legal systems deal with the same problem. The different legal frameworks of Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and the Swiss Canton of Zug are analyzed and compared pertaining to identification and authentication. The process of comparison involves three phases: the descriptive phase (describing and analyzing the legislation to be compared), the identification phase (identifying the differences and similarities between the systems compared) and the explanatory phase (attempting to explain the resemblances and similarities between the systems).

Findings

Each of the four countries adopted different legal solutions. This is due to the different legal culture and the existing legal framework in which the legislator, in most cases, seeks to fit in the respective eGovernment solution, rather than adopting a completely new solution.

Originality/value

This study reveals different possibilities for legislatures to regulate electronic C2G procedures, ranging from a combination of electronic identity (eID) and electronic signature to pragmatic eID models in combination with further electronic authentication functionalities. The focus of the study is the legal framework and not the technical solution.