bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical force effect on the two-state equilibrium of the hyaluronan-binding domain of CD44 in cell rolling
Authors: Suzuki Takashi , Suzuki Miho , Ogino Shinji , Umemoto Ryo , Nishida Noritaka , Shimada Ichio
Published: May 2015

Significance

Rolling is a first step for cells to transmigrate across the endothelium and is mediated by specialized adhesion receptors. Although it has been demonstrated that the mechanical force positively regulates rolling mediated by selectins and integrins, it remains elusive how force affects the rolling mediated by a hyaluronan receptor, CD44. Here, we demonstrate that the force applied from the C terminus of the hyaluronan-binding domain of CD44 stabilized the CD44-mediated rolling. We also found that the effect of force is to shorten the transition time from the low- to the high-affinity state. The mechanism described here provides the structural basis for the CD44-mediated rolling, which is important for lymphocyte trafficking and the stem cell homing.
Kinetochore-localized BUB-1/BUB-3 complex promotes anaphase onset in C. elegans
Authors: Kim Taekyung , Moyle Mark W. , Lara-Gonzalez Pablo , De Groot Christian , Oegema Karen , Desai Arshad
Published: May 2015

The conserved Bub1/Bub3 complex is recruited to the kinetochore region of mitotic chromosomes, where it initiates spindle checkpoint signaling and promotes chromosome alignment. Here we show that, in contrast to the expectation for a checkpoint pathway component, the BUB-1/BUB-3 complex promotes timely anaphase onset in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. This activity of BUB-1/BUB-3 was independent of spindle checkpoint signaling but required kinetochore localization. BUB-1/BUB-3 inhibition equivalently delayed separase activation and other events occurring during mitotic exit. The anaphase promotion function required BUB-1’s kinase domain, but not its kinase activity, and this function was independent of the role of BUB-1/BUB-3 in chromosome alignment. These results reveal an unexpected role for the BUB-1/BUB-3 complex in promoting anaphase onset that is distinct from its well-studied functions in checkpoint signaling and chromosome alignment, and suggest a new mechanism contributing to the coordination of the metaphase-to-anaphase transition.
Bub3 promotes Cdc20-dependent activation of the APC/C in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Yang Yang , Tsuchiya Dai , Lacefield Soni
Published: May 2015

The spindle checkpoint ensures accurate chromosome segregation by sending a signal from an unattached kinetochore to inhibit anaphase onset. Numerous studies have described the role of Bub3 in checkpoint activation, but less is known about its functions apart from the spindle checkpoint. In this paper, we demonstrate that Bub3 has an unexpected role promoting metaphase progression in budding yeast. Loss of Bub3 resulted in a metaphase delay that was not a consequence of aneuploidy or the activation of a checkpoint. Instead, bub3Δ cells had impaired binding of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) with its activator Cdc20, and the delay could be rescued by Cdc20 overexpression. Kinetochore localization of Bub3 was required for normal mitotic progression, and Bub3 and Cdc20 colocalized at the kinetochore. Although Bub1 binds Bub3 at the kinetochore, bub1Δ cells did not have compromised APC/C and Cdc20 binding. The results demonstrate that Bub3 has a previously unknown function at the kinetochore in activating APC/C-Cdc20 for normal mitotic progression.
Intercondylar Notch Width as a Risk Factor for Medial Femoral Condyle Osteochondritis Dissecans in Skeletally Immature Patients
Authors: Chow Roxanne M. , Guzman Maurice S. , Dao Quang
Published: May 2015

Background:

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) is one of the most common causes of knee pain in adolescents. Wilson sign reproduces knee pain with internal rotation of the tibia during extension of the knee from 90 to 30 degrees due to impingement of the tibial eminence on the MFC. This impingement may result in microtrauma and contribute to lesion formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate anatomic factors that may increase the likelihood of impingement by using magnetic resonance imaging scans of patients with MFC OCD lesions to measure tibial eminence height and femoral notch width.

Methods:

A retrospective, case-control study was performed using the radiology database at our institution between July 2009 and February 2014. Magnetic resonance imagings of patients with MFC OCD lesions and matched controls were identified. For each patient, tibial eminence height and femoral notch width were measured and then normalized for patient size [creating the tibial eminence height normalized, and the notch width index (NWI), respectively]. Values for OCD and control knees were compared using Student t test. Interrater and intrarater reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results:

Thirty-five MFC OCD patients and matched controls were identified. Comparison of the groups showed a significantly smaller NWI in MFC OCD knees than in the matched controls (0.2620±0.0248 vs. 0.2886 ±0.0323, P=0.0003). There was no difference in tibial eminence height normalized between groups (0.1387±0.0161 vs. 0.1428±0.0108, P=0.21). Interrater and intrarater reliability of all measurements was good to excellent (0.81 to 1.00) when measurements were made using bony margins.

Conclusions:

Knees with MFC OCD lesions have significantly smaller NWIs than matched controls. This anatomic factor may increase the likelihood of tibial eminence impingement and contribute to OCD lesion formation.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—case-control study.
Poor Efficiency of Eight-Plates in the Treatment of Lower Limb Discrepancy
Authors: Gaumétou Elodie , Mallet Cindy , Souchet Philippe , Mazda Keyvan , Ilharreborde Brice
Published: May 2015

Background:

Among the numerous existing epiphysiodesis procedures, the eight-plate–guided growth technique, initially described for angular deformities correction, has progressively gained popularity among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons to treat lower limb discrepancy (LLD). The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of eight-plates in LLD.

Methods:

All children treated for LLD with eight-plates were prospectively included and followed until skeletal maturity. Efficacy of the epiphysiodesis was calculated 6 and 18 months postoperatively and at latest follow-up, according to a method previously validated for percutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screws (PETS). Radiologic measurements were performed using 3-dimensional low-dose stereoradiography. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported.

Results:

Thirty-two patients were included (average age at surgery, 12.5 y). For femoral epiphysiodesis, efficacy was only 23% at 6 months and 68% at latest follow-up. The procedure was even less efficient on the proximal tibia, with only 42% of the expected growth arrest at latest examination. Eight patients (20%) experienced plate-related pain during follow-up, and 5 physes (12.5%) required unplanned revision surgery.

Conclusions:

Results of the current series show that the eight-plate technique procedure was associated with few perioperative complications, but the growth arrest observed at follow-up was unpredictable and lower than that achieved with PETS in previous reports. Eight-plate procedures cannot be considered as an efficient epiphysiodesis technique in comparison with standard technique.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Hepatitis B Virus Revaccination With Standard Versus Pre‐S Vaccine in Previously Immunized Patients With Celiac Disease
Authors: Heshin‐Bekenstein Merav , Turner Dan , Shamir Raanan , Bar‐Meir Maskit , Dagan Ron , Zevit Noam , Silbermintz Ari
Published: May 2015

Objective:

Previous studies have suggested that hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines may be less immunogenic in individuals with celiac disease (CD). A pre‐S vaccine (Sci‐B‐Vac) has demonstrated superior immunogenicity compared with standard HBV vaccines in several diseases. We compared the short‐term immunogenicity of a pre‐S vaccine with a HBV vaccine (Engerix B) for repeat vaccination of seronegative, previously immunized patients with CD.

Methods:

Participants were 1 to 18‐year‐old children with CD who despite standard HBV vaccines in infancy had nonprotective hepatitis B surface antibody (HBs‐Ab) concentrations (≤10 mIU/mL). Patients were randomized to receive either Engerix B or pre‐S vaccine. HBs‐Ab concentrations were measured 1 month after the first dose. For those who had not responded after 1 dose, measurement was repeated after the third dose.

Results:

Children (n = 82) were analyzed (42 pre‐S vaccine and 40 Engerix B). Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups, including gluten‐free diet status. Both arms showed high response rates following the first injection: 41 (98%) versus 35 (87%) for pre‐S vaccine and Engerix B recipients, respectively (P = 0.08). All other patients responded when measured after dose 3. HBs‐Ab concentrations (mIU/mL) were higher in the pre‐S vaccine group (median 925, interquartile range [IQR] 424–1000) than the Engerix B group (median 363, IQR 106–996, P = 0.005). Twenty (48%) of the pre‐S vaccine recipients were “high responders” (>1000 mIU/mL) versus 10 (25%) in Engerix B recipients (P = 0.008).

Conclusions:

Both vaccines elicited adequate booster responses in most previously vaccinated patients with CD with nonprotective HBs‐Ab concentrations. Pre‐S vaccine administration resulted in higher Hbs‐Ab concentrations. Our data suggest that a single dose of either vaccine is sufficient to raise titers to protective levels in most patients with CD.
Omega‐3 Fatty Acid–Rich Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Kyrana Eirini , Dhawan Anil
Published: May 2015

Parenteral nutrition (PN) has been strongly associated with intestinal failure–associated liver disease. Cholestasis, liver steatosis, and liver fibrosis are features of this liver injury, which can progress to end stage liver disease. Omega‐3 fatty acid rich PN has been shown to alleviate cholestasis and steatosis. There have been reports although suggesting that it may not be able to arrest or reverse the progression to liver fibrosis. In this article, we develop a hypothesis of the mechanism of how Ω‐3 fatty acid rich PN may influence the progression of fibrosis.
Excitons and the lifetime of organic semiconductor devices
Authors: Forrest Stephen R.
Published: May 2015

While excitons are responsible for the many beneficial optical properties of organic semiconductors, their non-radiative recombination within the material can result in material degradation due to the dumping of energy onto localized molecular bonds. This presents a challenge in developing strategies to exploit the benefits of excitons without negatively impacting the device operational stability. Here, we will briefly review the fundamental mechanisms leading to excitonic energy-driven device ageing in two example devices: blue emitting electrophosphorescent organic light emitting devices (PHOLEDs) and organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. We describe strategies used to minimize or even eliminate this fundamental device degradation pathway.
Magnetic field dependence of singlet fission in solutions of diphenyl tetracene
Authors: Thompson Nicholas J. , Hontz Eric , Chang Wendi , Van Voorhis Troy , Baldo Marc
Published: May 2015

Magnetic field effects provide a convenient and specific probe of singlet exciton fission within optoelectronic devices. Here, we demonstrate that this tool may also be applied to screen potential fission material candidates in solution. We characterize the phenomenon in diphenyl tetracene (DPT), which shows strong fluorescence modulation and the expected field dependence in its transient decay as a function of concentration. Solution measurements may also be used to test for the presence of an intermediate charge transfer state, but we observe no changes to the field dependence of DPT singlet exciton fission in toluene relative to chloroform.
Singlet fission of hot excitons in
π
-conjugated polymers
Authors: Zhai Yaxin , Sheng Chuanxiang , Vardeny Z. Valy
Published: May 2015

We used steady-state photoinduced absorption (PA), excitation dependence (EXPA(
ω
)) spectrum of the triplet exciton PA band, and its magneto-PA (MPA(
B
)) response to investigate singlet fission (SF) of hot excitons into two separated triplet excitons, in two luminescent and non-luminescent
π
-conjugated polymers. From the high energy step in the triplet EXPA(
ω
) spectrum of the luminescent polymer poly(dioctyloxy)phenylenevinylene (DOO-PPV) films, we identified a hot-exciton SF (HE-SF) process having threshold energy at
E
≈2
E
T
(=2.8 eV, where
E
T
is the energy of the lowest lying triplet exciton), which is about 0.8 eV above the lowest singlet exciton energy. The HE-SF process was confirmed by the triplet MPA(
B
) response for excitation at
E
>2
E
T
, which shows typical SF response. This process is missing in DOO-PPV solution, showing that it is predominantly interchain in nature. By contrast, the triplet EXPA(
ω
) spectrum in the non-luminescent polymer polydiacetylene (PDA) is flat with an onset at
E
=
E
g
(≈2.25 eV). From this, we infer that intrachain SF that involves a triplet–triplet pair state, also known as the ‘dark’ 2A
g
exciton, dominates the triplet photogeneration in PDA polymer as
E
g
>2
E
T
. The intrachain SF process was also identified from the MPA(
B
) response of the triplet PA band in PDA. Our work shows that the SF process in
π
-conjugated polymers is a much more general process than thought previously.
Marinobacter halophilus sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from a salt lake
Authors: Zhong Zhi-Ping , Liu Ying , Liu Hong-Can , Wang Fang , Zhou Yu-Guang , Liu Zhi-Pei
Published: May 2015

A Gram-staining-negative bacterium, strain XCD-X12T, was isolated from Xiaochaidan Lake, a salt lake (salinity 9.9 %, w/w) in Qaidam basin, Qinghai Province, China. Its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain XCD-X12T were non-spore-forming rods, 0.4–0.7 μm wide, 2.1–3.2 μm long and motile with a single polar flagellum. Strain XCD-X12T was strictly aerobic and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth was observed in the presence of 0–20.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 4.0–8.0 %), at 4–35 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at pH 6.5–10.5 (optimum, pH 8.5). It contained Q-9 as the predominant respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids (>10.0 %) were C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω9c and C18 : 1ω9c. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, two unknown phospholipids and an uncharacterized aminophospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 55.6 mol% (T
m). Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain XCD-X12T was associated with the genus Marinobacter, and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus ATCC 49840T (97.4 %), M. vinifirmus FB1T (96.8 %), M. excellens KMM 3809T (96.8 %) and M. antarcticus ZS2-30T (96.7 %). DNA–DNA relatedness of strain XCD-X12T to M. hydrocarbonoclasticus CGMCC 1.7683T was 34 ± 5 %. Based on these data, it is concluded that strain XCD-X12T represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter halophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XCD-X12T ( = CGMCC 1.12481T = JCM 30472T).
Novosphingobium gossypii sp. nov., isolated from Gossypium hirsutum
Authors: Kämpfer Peter , Martin Karin , McInroy John A. , Glaeser Stefanie P.
Published: May 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (strain JM-1396T) producing a yellow pigment, was isolated from the healthy internal stem tissue of post-harvest cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, cultivar ‘DES-119’) grown at the Plant Breeding Unit at the E. V. Smith Research Center in Tallassee (Macon county), AL, USA. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain JM-1396T showed high sequence similarity values to the type strains of Novosphingobium mathurense, Novosphingobium panipatense (both 98.6 %) and Novosphingobium barchaimii (98.5 %); sequence similarities to all other type strains of species of the genus Novosphingobium were below 98.3 %. DNA–DNA pairing experiments of the DNA of strain JM-1396T and N. mathurense SM117T, N. panipatense SM16T and N. barchaimii DSM 25411T showed low relatedness values of 8 % (reciprocal 7 %), 24 % (reciprocal 26 %) and 19 % (reciprocal 25 %), respectively. Ubiquinone Q-10 was detected as the dominant quinone; the fatty acids C18 : 1ω7c (71.0 %) and the typical 2-hydroxy fatty acid, C14 : 0 2-OH (11.7 %), were detected as typical components. The polar lipid profile contained the diagnostic lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid and phosphatidylcholine. The polyamine pattern contained the major compound spermidine and only minor amounts of other polyamines. All these data revealed that strain JM-1396T represents a novel species of the genus Novosphingobium. For this reason we propose the name Novosphingobium gossypii sp. nov. with the type strain JM-1396T ( = LMG 28605T = CCM 8569T = CIP 110884T).
AN ACCURATE GENETIC CLOCK
Authors: Hamilton D. H.
Published: May 2015

Molecular clocks give“Time to most recent common ancestor” TMRCAof genetic trees. By Watson-Galton17most lineages terminate, with a few overrepresentedsingular lineagesgenerated by W. Hamilton’s “kin selection”13. Applying current methods to this non-uniform branching produces greatly exaggeratedTMRCA.We introduce an inhomogenous stochastic process which detectssingular lineagesby asymmetries, whosereductiongives trueTMRCA.This implies a new method for computing mutation rates. Despite low rates similar to mitosis data,reductionimplies youngerTMRCA,with smaller errors. We establish accuracy by a comparison across a wide range of time, indeed this is only clock giving consistent results for both short and long term times. In particular we show that the dominant European y-haplotypes R1a1a & R1b1a2, expand from c3700BC, not reaching Anatolia before c3300BC. While this contradicts current clocks which date R1b1a2 to either the Neolithic Near East4or Paleo-Europe20, our dates support recent genetic analysis of ancient skeletons by Reich23.
Worldwide population structure, long term demography, and local adaptation of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Montano Valeria , Didelot Xavier , Foll Matthieu , Linz Bodo , Reinhardt Richard , Suerbaum Sebastian , Moodley Yoshan , Jensen Jeffrey David
Published: May 2015

Helicobacter pylori is an important human pathogen associated with serious gastric diseases. Owing to its medical importance and close relationship with its human host, understanding genomic patterns of global and local adaptation in H. pylori may be of particular significance for both clinical and evolutionary studies. Here we present the first such whole-genome analysis of 60 globally distributed strains, from which we inferred worldwide population structure and demographic history and shed light on interesting global and local events of positive selection, with particular emphasis on the evolution of San-associated lineages. Our results indicate a more ancient origin for the association of humans and H. pylori than previously thought. We identify several important perspectives for future clinical research on candidate selected regions that include both previously characterized genes (e.g. transcription elongation factor NusA and tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Inducing Protein Tipα) and hitherto unknown functional genes.
Crystal structure of 4-benzamido-2-hydroxybenzoic acid
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Choudhary Muhammad Aziz , Butt Arshad Farooq , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Salim Muhammad
Published: May 2015

In the title compound, C14H11NO4, the dihedral angle between the mean planes of the aromatic rings is 3.96 (12)° and an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond closes anS(6) ring. A short intramolecular C—H...O contact is also seen. In the crystal, carboxylic acid inversion dimers linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds generateR22(8) loops. Conversely, the N—H group does not form a hydrogen bond. Aromatic π–π interactions exist at a centroid–centroid distance of 3.8423 (15) Å between the benzene rings. An extremely weak C—H...π interaction also is present.
Crystal structure of pentapotassium dihydrogen nonavanadato(V)platinate(IV) nonahydrate
Authors: Joo Hea-Chung , Lee Uk
Published: May 2015

The title compound, K5[H2PtV9O28]·9H2O, containing the nonavanadoplatinate(IV) polyanion, was obtained by hydrothermal reaction at pH = 4.2. The polyanion has approximatemm2 (C2v) symmetry. The two platinum-bound μ2-O atoms are protonated in the polyanion. The heteropolyanions form inversion-generated dimers, {[H2PtV9O28]2}10−, held together by μ2-O–H...μ2-O and μ2-O–H...μ3-O hydrogen bonds. All K+cations are located on general positions of the space groupP-1.
Crystal structure of benzyltriphenylphosphonium chloride monohydrate
Authors: Ahmad Jimmy , Abdul Halim Siti Nadiah , How Fiona N.-F.
Published: May 2015

The title compound, Ph3(PhCH2)P+·Cl−·H2O, was obtained unintentionally as the product of an attempted synthesis of a silver dithiocarbamate complex using benzyltriphenylphosphonium as the counter-ion. The asymmetric unit consists of a phosphonium cation and a chloride anion, and a water molecule of crystallization. In the crystal, the chloride ion is linked to the water molecule by an O—H...Cl hydrogen bond. The three units are further linkedviaC—H...Cl and C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H... π interactions, forming a three-dimensional structure.
Crystal structure oftrans-bis(ethane-1,2-diamine-κ2N,N′)bis(thiocyanato-κN)chromium(III) perchlorate from synchrotron data
Authors: Moon Dohyun , Choi Jong-Ha
Published: May 2015

The structure of the title compound, [Cr(NCS)2(C2H8N2)2]ClO4, has been determined from synchroton data. The asymmetric unit consists of one half of a centrosymmetric CrIIIcomplex cation and half of a perchlorate anion with the Cl atom on a twofold rotation axis. The CrIIIion is coordinated by the four N atoms of two ethane-1,2-diamine (en) ligands in the equatorial plane and two N-bound thiocyanate (NCS−) anions in atrans-axial arrangement, displaying a slightly distorted octahedral geometry with crystallographic inversion symmetry. The Cr—N(en) bond lengths are in the range 2.053 (16)–2.09 (2) Å, while the Cr—N(thiocyanate) bond length is 1.983 (2) Å. The five-membered en rings are disordered over two sites, with occupancy ratios of 0.522 (16):0.478 (16). Each ClO4−anion is disordered over two sites with equal occupancy. The crystal structure is stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the en NH2groups as donors and perchlorate O and thiocyanate S atoms as acceptors.
Crystal structure oftrans-dichlorido(4-nitroaniline-κN1)(piperidine-κN)platinum(II)
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Chi , Hoang Van Truong , Pham Van Thong , Nguyen Bich Ngan , Van Meervelt Luc
Published: May 2015

In the title complex, [PtCl2(C5H11N)(C6H6N2O2)], the PtIImetal atom displays a slightly distortedtrans-PtN2Cl2square-planar coordination geometry. The dihedral angle between the mean plane of the benzene and piperidine rings is 89.03 (3)°. In the crystal structure, inversion dimers are formedviaN—H...Cl hydrogen-bond interactions, resulting in chains parallel to the [001] direction. The benzene rings within the chains show π–π stacking interactions [centroid-to-centroid distances of 3.801 (3) Å] and neighbouring chains interactviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Crystal structure of 3-(3,4-dimethylanilino)-2-benzofuran-1(3H)-one
Authors: Salim Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Shahid Muhammad , Munawar Munawar Ali
Published: May 2015

In the title compound, C16H15NO2, the 2-benzofuran-1(3H)-one and 3,4-dimethylaniline fragments are oriented with a dihedral angle of 89.12 (5)°. N—H...O hydrogen-bond interactions join molecules intoC(6) chains propagating along theaaxis. In addition, there are π–π stacking interactions between the 2-benzofuranone benzene rings [centroid–centroid distance = 3.7870 (13) Å] and C—H...π interactions between one of the methyl groups and the 3,4-dimethylaniline benzene ring.
Green building projects: schedule performance, influential factors and solutions
Authors: Hwang Bon-Gang , Zhao Xianbo , Tan Lene Lay Ghim
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purposes of this paper are to: investigate schedule performance of new and retrofitting green building projects; identify the critical factors that influence the schedule performance of new and retrofitting green building projects; and provide solutions to improve schedule performance of new and retrofitting green building projects.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire survey were conducted and responses were received from 34 firms experienced in green building projects in Singapore. After the data from the survey had been analyzed, face-to-face interviews were conducted with two senior project managers to solicit comments on the survey results.

Findings

– This study identified the degree of project delay in 98 new green building projects and 51 retrofitting green building projects in Singapore. The result indicated that 22 percent of the Singaporean green building projects were plagued with delay and retrofitting projects had a significantly higher likelihood of delay and significantly longer extension than new projects. In addition, “consultant cooperation to solve problems” was the most influential to schedule performance of both new and retrofitting green building projects, and the two project groups agreed on the overall ranking of the factors affecting schedule performance.

Research limitations/implications

– There may be geographical limitation on the conclusions drawn from the findings. Also, the sample size was still small, despite a relatively high response rate. In addition, the majority of the respondents were contractors as other project players were reluctant to respond to the survey.

Practical implications

– This study provides a clear understanding of the schedule performance of green building projects as well as the critical factors that should be highlighted when constructing green building projects. Also, strategies to overcome the negative impact of these factors allow practitioners to better deal with the potential causes of delay and to attain the schedule performance.

Originality/value

– Although construction delays have been widely investigated in previous studies relating to construction management, few have attempted to analyze the schedule performance of new and retrofitting green buildings. Thus, this study adds significantly to the existing research on both green building and construction delay.
Researching migrants who hold nomadic identities
Authors: Psoinos Maria
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how the researcher can critically reflect on his/her own identities when interacting with participants who hold nomadic identities and analyses the dynamic discourses of power unfolding at different levels.

Design/methodology/approach

– Autobiographical narrative data derived from a research study on highly educated refugees in the UK are analysed in order to highlight the multi-level dynamic discourses of power unfolding between researcher, participants, the community context and the broader socio-cultural context.

Findings

– The findings shed light not only on the power relations unfolding at different levels but also on inequalities which arise – particularly in organisational settings - and put at a disadvantage certain groups of highly educated refugees.

Research limitations/implications

– The thorough analysis demonstrates how a researcher can be critically reflexive – that is, challenges his/her own authority and gives “voice” to the participants – when studying groups with nomadic identities.

Originality/value

– The originality of the paper lies in revealing through a critical reflexive analysis how and why certain migrant groups may be disadvantaged and/or marginalised in organisational settings.
Travelling inner landscapes: a longitudinal study on transcultural identity development
Authors: Mayer Claude-Hélène
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate insights into the identity construction and development of a selected single male individual in Cape Town, South Africa. It aims at increasing the in-depth understanding of the complexities of identity construction in a transcultural setting and provides emic perspectives on a micro-individual level over a period of ten years.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research study is based on the post-modernist premise by considering phenomenological and interpretative paradigms most relevant. It is a longitudinal study, conducted with a single individual over a period of ten years by using various research methods as well as triangulation of methods, theories and data. Data were analysed through content analysis.

Findings

– This research provides in-depth information on the struggle of a single person to construct and re-construct his identity and find answers to the question “Who am I?” in the multifaceted and hypercomplex transcultural environment of Cape Town. It shows the attempts to developing a coherent multiple identity over a period of ten years, reconstructing the past, creating the present and envisioning the future.

Practical implications

– This research has practical implications for practitioners working with identity (development) in transcultural settings. It provides important in-depth information on “nomadic identities” for coaching, counselling or therapies in transcultural settings.

Originality/value

– This paper provides new and original insights into long-term identity development of an individual in a transcultural urban space.
Third-country graduates and their transition to the German labor market
Authors: Mahadevan Jasmin , Zeh Jana Sibylle
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how non-EU university graduates (third-country graduates, TCGs) experience the intended transition to the German labor market. Through a critical analysis across multiple contexts, the authors intend to increase the reflexive scope of HRM research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The explorative study is based on social constructivism. It relies on qualitative data, specifically problem-centered narrative-biographical interviews with ethnic Russian TCGs at three different stages of transition. The authors interpret social identity processes and related ascriptions of strangerness critically and link them to wider contexts and dominant categories of identity.

Findings

– Identity processes between social self and other require (dis-) identification with larger identity categories. TCGs as an example of skilled self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) face obstacles when seeking employment, yet, might utilize ascribed strangerness for reclaiming agency. To identify exclusive practices, individual career aspirations and organizational strategy and practice need to be linked to wider societal, institutional and national contexts.

Research limitations/implications

– Through a critical analysis across multiple contexts, HRM research and practice is enabled to reflect upon its own implicit assumptions. To identify critical intersections between interpersonal identity-making and dominant identity-categories, HRM researchers need to differentiate between emic self-perception and etic ascriptions, to move beyond individual and organizational levels of analysis and to consider the interrelations between structure and agency.

Practical implications

– HRM practitioners performing a critical analysis across multiple contexts are enabled to reflect upon their own implicit assumptions. This allows for improved organizational strategies and practices when trying to identify and secure global talents.

Originality/value

– The originality of the paper lies in providing a multi-context critical analysis of TCGs seeking employment, thereby enabling HRM research and practice to reflect upon implicit assumptions, to move beyond dominant categories and to truly identify and secure global talents.
From store brands to store brandscapes: the emergence of a time and money saving heuristic
Authors: Collins Alan M , Cronin James Martin , Burt Steve , George Richard J.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the role of store brands as a time- and money-saving heuristic in the context of an omnipresent store brand hierarchy. Drawing on the work of Tversky and Kahneman (1982), it proposes that the store brand hierarchy is characterised by many of the traits of frequently used heuristics employed by grocery shoppers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on Chaiken’s (1980) model of information processing and Stigler’s (1961) perspective on the economics of information search, the study deductively establishes a model of store brand proneness to reveal the role of store brands as time- and money-saving heuristic. The model is tested on a sample of 535 US households using structural equation modelling and subsequent multigroup analysis based on two subsamples of households experiencing high financial pressure but who differ in terms of time pressure.

Findings

– The findings provide strong support for store brands as a time- and money-saving heuristic and as a substitute for price search among households experiencing financial and time pressures.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation is that the study is based on a sample of households located in one region of the US market.

Practical implications

– Retailers need to be aware that any extension of the store brand portfolio beyond the traditional multi-tiered price/quality hierarchy risks undermining what has emerged to be a valuable heuristic used by certain shoppers.

Originality/value

– This study extends our understanding of the role of store brands in the marketplace by going beyond their conceptualisation as a competitive device used by retailers to instead position them as a decision-making tool used by consumers. It also deepens our understanding of the boundary between rational search activities and the transition to the use of frequently flawed heuristics within the shopping process.
Siblings as socialization agents
Authors: Kerrane Ben , Bettany Shona M , Kerrane Katy
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper explores how siblings act as agents of consumer socialisation within the dynamics of the family network.

Design/methodology/approach

– Key consumer socialisation literature is reviewed, highlighting the growing role that siblings play in the lives of contemporary children. The authors’ interpretive, exploratory study is introduced which captures the voices of children themselves through a series of in-depth interviews.

Findings

– A series of socialisation behaviours are documented, with children working in both positive and negative ways to develop the consumer skills of their siblings. A fourfold typology of sibling relationships is described, capturing the dynamic of sibling relationships and parental approaches to parenting vis-à-vis consumption. This typology is then used to present a typology of nascent child consumer identities that begin to emerge as a result of socialisation processes within the family setting.

Research limitations/implications

– The role siblings play in the process of consumer socialisation has potentially important implications in terms of the understanding of the socialisation process itself, and where/how children obtain product information. Scope exists to explore the role siblings play as agents of consumer socialisation across a wider variety of family types/sibling variables presented here (e.g. to explore how age/gender shapes the dynamics of sibling–sibling learning).

Originality/value

– Through adopting a networked approach to family life, the authors show how the wider family dynamic informs sibling–sibling relationships and resulting socialisation behaviours. The findings problematise the view that parents alone act as the main conduits of consumer learning within the family environment, highlighting how parent–child relationships, in turn, work to inform sibling–sibling socialisation behaviour and developing consumer identities.
A novel approach for bidding on keywords in newly set-up search advertising campaigns
Authors: Abou Nabout Nadia
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This purpose of this article is to solve the problem of bidding on keywords in newly set-up search engine advertising campaigns. Advertisers setting up search engine advertising campaigns for the first time need to place bids on keywords, but typically lack experience and data to determine ranks that maximize a keyword’s profit (generally referred to as a cold-start problem).

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors suggest that advertisers collect data from the Google Keyword Planner to obtain precise estimates of the percentage increases in prices per click and click-through rates, which are needed to calculate optimal bids (exact approach). Together with the profit contribution per conversion and the conversion rate, the advertiser might then set bids that maximize profit. In case advertisers cannot afford to collect the required data, the authors suggest two proxy approaches and evaluate their performance using the exact approach as a benchmark.

Findings

– The empirical study shows that both proxy approaches perform reasonably well, the easier approach to implement (Proxy 2) sometimes performs even better than the more sophisticated one (Proxy 1). As a consequence, advertisers might just use this very simple proxy when bidding on keywords in newly set-up search engine advertising campaigns.

Originality/value

– This research extends the stream of literature on how to determine optimal bids, which so far focuses on campaigns that are already running and where the required data to calculate bids are already available. This research offers a novel approach of determining bids when advertisers lack the aforementioned information.
Relationships between students’ mental health and their perspectives of life at school
Authors: Askell-Williams Helen , Lawson Michael J.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore relationships between students’ self-reported mental health and their perspectives about life at school in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and a purpose designed Living and Learning at School Questionnaire (LLSQ) were administered to 1,715 early adolescents in school Years 7-9. Correspondence analysis, which is a perceptual mapping technique available in SPSS, was used to examine relationships between students’ SDQ subscale scores (Emotional Symptoms, Hyperactivity, Conduct Problems, Pro-social Skills) and the LLSQ subscale scores (Motivation, Learning Strategies, Coping with Schoolwork, Bullying, Numbers of Friends, Safety at School and Teacher Intervention in Bullying Events).

Findings

– The correspondence analysis produced a two-dimensional visual display (a perceptual map) showing that students’ abnormal, borderline and normal SDQ subscale scores were closely related to their low, medium and high LLSQ subscale scores, respectively. A clear Dimension (factor) emerged, showing a progression from mental health difficulties to strengths, in close association with students’ reports about their school experiences.

Research limitations/implications

– Caution should be exercised when using the results to interpret events in other contexts. The limitations of self-report methods must be considered.

Practical implications

– The two-dimensional visual display provides a powerful tool for dissemination of the findings of this study about students’ perspectives to system-level and school-based personnel. This can inform the selection of intervention programs, such as strategies for self-regulation of emotions and learning behaviours, fostering friendships, and supporting academic achievement, that are related to positive mental health.

Social implications

– This paper can inform school-level policies and practices, such as those relating to professional development to support teachers’ and students’ capabilities (e.g. to manage and prevent bullying) and thus influence the nature of the school experiences that shape students’ perceptions.

Originality/value

– This paper adds students’ perspectives to the emerging field concerned with designing programs for mental health promotion in schools.
A multiple-case study of intersectoral collaboration in comprehensive school health promotion using the DIagnosis of Sustainable Collaboration (DISC) model
Authors: Pucher K.K. , Candel M.J.J.M. , Boot N.M.W.M. , van Raak A.J.A. , de Vries N. K.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Intersectoral collaboration is often a prerequisite for effective interventions in public health. The purpose of this paper is to assess the facilitating and hindering conditions regarding intersectoral collaboration between health authorities, public health services (PHSs), public services stakeholders (PPSs) and the education sector in comprehensive school health promotion (CSHP) in the Netherlands.

Design/methodology/approach

– CSHP collaborations in five Dutch regions were studied using a questionnaire based on the DIagnosis of Sustainable Collaboration (DISC) model, focusing on: change management; perceptions, intentions and actions of collaborating parties; project organization; and factors in the wider context. Univariate and multivariate analyses with bootstrapping were applied to 106 respondents (62 percent response).

Findings

– A similar pattern of facilitating and hindering conditions emerged for the five regions, showing positive perceptions, but fewer positive intentions and actions. An overall favorable internal and external context for collaboration was found, but limited by bureaucratic procedures and prioritizing stakeholders’ own organizational goals. Change management was rarely applied. Some differences between sectors emerged, with greatest support for collaboration found among the coordinating organizations (PHSs) and least support among the financing organization (municipalities).

Research limitations/implications

– The generalization of the findings is limited to the initial formation stage of collaboration, and may be affected by selection bias, small sample size and possible impact of interdepartmental collaboration within organizations.

Practical implications

– The authors recommend establishing stronger change management to facilitate translation of positive perceptions into intentions and actions, and coordination of divergent organizational structures and orientations among collaborating parties.

Originality/value

– The results show that it is valuable for collaborating parties to conduct DISC analyses to improve intersectoral collaboration in CSHP.
Teaching classroom management – a potential public health intervention?
Authors: Marlow Ruth , Hansford Lorraine , Edwards Vanessa , Ukoumunne Obioha C , Norman Shelley , Ingarfield Sara , Sharkey Siobhan , Logan Stuart , Ford Tamsin
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of a classroom management course as a public health intervention. Improved socio-emotional skills may boost children’s developmental and academic trajectory, while the costs of behaviour problems are enormous for schools with considerable impact on others’ well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 40 teachers attended the Incredible Years (IY) Teacher Classroom Management (TCM) intervention in groups of ten. Afterwards teachers attended focus groups and semi-structured interviews were completed with headteachers to explore whether TCM was feasible, relevant and useful, research processes were acceptable and if it influenced teachers’ practice and pupils. Teachers completed standardised questionnaires about their professional self-efficacy, burnout and well-being before and after attendance.

Findings

– In all, 37/40 teachers completed the course. Teachers valued sharing experiences, the support of colleagues in the group and time out to reflect on practice and rehearse new techniques. Most teachers reported that they applied the strategies with good effect in their classrooms. Teachers’ questionnaires suggested an improvement in their self-efficacy in relation to classroom management (p=0.03); other scales changed in the predicted direction but did not reach statistical significance.

Research limitations/implications

– Although preliminary and small, these feasibility study findings suggest that it was worthwhile proceeding to a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Practical implications

– Should the RCT demonstrate effectiveness, then the intervention is an obvious candidate for implementation as a whole school approach.

Originality/value

– Successful intervention with one teacher potentially benefits every child that they subsequently teach and may increase the inclusion of socio-economically deprived children living in challenging circumstances in mainstream education.
Cyprus Health Education Curriculum from “victim blaming to empowerment”
Authors: Ioannou Soula , Kouta Christiana , Andreou Angeliki
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Health promotion can fall into a victim blaming approach and put social pressure on particular students who could be marginalized due to their personal, economical, cultural, social or ethnic characteristics, for example, students who are obese, drug users or HIV carriers. The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss ways in which the design of the newly reformed Cyprus Health Education Curriculum (CHEC) attempted to protect learners from victim blaming.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper describes and reflects on the learning objectives, teaching methods and teaching activities of the CHEC.

Findings

– The paper gives specific examples of how the design of the CHEC attempts to ensure that the curriculum does not promote victim blaming. It describes learning objectives, content, suggested teaching methods and activities from three thematic areas of the curriculum which are particularly susceptible to victim blaming: “food and health”, “emotional health” and “family planning, sexual and reproductive health”. It discusses how the design of the CHEC attempts to encourage educators to address the underlying social and environmental determinants of health and thus avoid stigmatization.

Practical implications

– The paper can be useful for curriculum designers and school educators. It describes how the design of a health education curriculum and health education lessons can refrain from burdening the individual with total personal responsibility for health behaviour and lifestyle.

Social implications

– Understanding and implementing the basic learning themes and objectives of the CHEC has social and community implications. It promotes collective responsibility, emphasizing a non-blaming and community approach. The design of the CHEC challenges the idea of free choice, acknowledges the social determinants of health and promotes students’ empowerment as active members of society.

Originality/value

– The originality of this paper lies in the description and reflection of the design of the first health education curriculum in Cyprus, which attempts to secure learners from victim blaming in its implementation. The aspects of the design of the CHEC described in this paper may be applicable to other European countries.