bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green information technology adoption towards a sustainability policy agenda for government-based institutions
Authors: Anthony Jnr. Bokolo , Abdul Majid Mazlina , Romli Awanis 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the key Green information technology (IT) components needed to be considered by government-based institutions and to develop a Green policy framework based on the identified Green IT components to facilitate government-based institutions achieve sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe Green policy framework and associated propositions are developed to facilitate government-based institutions achieve sustainability. In addition, a case study approach was adopted to verify the proposed framework based on data collected from open-ended interviews and sustainability report documents from two government-based institutions in Malaysia. Furthermore, the collected data were analyzed based on content analysis using descriptive and narrative method to present the findings of Green IT components adopted in the selected case studies.FindingsFindings show that sustainability considerations are increasingly being deliberated in institutions. Moreover, finding from the analyzed data also indicates that there is an increased interest towards implementation of Green IT initiatives for developing, operating and usage by practitioners and staff within government-based institutions.Research limitations/implicationsFindings from this study suggest that the Green policy framework components have implications to support only government-based institutions address environmental, social and economic-related issues.Practical implicationsThe developed Green IT components serve as robust indicators or constructs to measure management of Green IT initiatives currently being implemented and thereby provide a framework for sustainability committee members to benchmark their current Green IT practice.Social implicationsThis study provides an agenda to guide government-based institutions achieve sustainability goals. Accordingly, government-based institutions can adopt the framework’s components to evaluate their progress, hence improving their target of attaining sustainability. Besides, this research provides an approach for assessing current practices adopted in government-based institutions against the Green IT components.Originality/valueThe originality of this study is attributed to the fact that this study presents Green IT policy framework to be considered by government-based institutions in achieving sustainability. The framework provides an agenda to simultaneously consider all three dimensions of sustainability the people, planet and profit (social, environment and economic). Moreover, this is one of the first studies to explore Green IT practices in government-based institutions.
Dominant actor and reflection within learning paths
Authors: Franken Barbara , Yates Jennifer , Russell Cynthia , Marsick Victoria 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the possible relationships between the dominant actor and levels of reflection within learning paths. Learning-network theory, the framework of individual learning paths (Poell and Van der Krogt, 2013), suggests that organizational actors create different learning processes through their interactions. The second theoretical perspective emphasizes the influence of interactions on the depth of the reflective process of an individual (Kemper et al., 2000).

Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines a thesis that dominant actors within four ideal learning paths may influence one of four anticipated levels of reflection for individuals. Two prior qualitative, interview-based data sets were reanalyzed and coded for pattern matching.

Findings
Reflection levels were higher than anticipated for several ideal learning paths and lower in others. Findings indicate that contextual variables impact the level of reflection, importantly the role of coaches, mentors, feedback and reflective learning programs.

Research limitations/implications
Data sets were reanalyzed from prior studies with relatively small numbers of participants. Further research is necessary to draw conclusions about the relationships between the two constructs.

Practical implications
This research shows the impact of incorporating reflective practices in workplace learning programs to increase levels of reflection. This study did not find fixed relationships, but rather discovered more fluid, dynamic relationships. Those responsible for creating learning programs might consider the potential of including reflective practices even in highly structured learning arrangements.

Social implications
In the complex, rapidly changing organizational environment, where employees need to adapt and change, reflective practices seem to influence desired behavioral change and learning.

Originality/value
This study sheds new light on the potential impact of reflective practices in workplace learning arrangements.
Bargaining with the devil? A politicized view on cross-sector partnerships targeting the BoP
Authors: Hussler Caroline , Payaud Marielle 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate whether and how cross-sector partnerships (a growing yet controversial phenomenon) contribute to both non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and multinational companies (MNCs) political powers.Design/methodology/approachThe method consists of a single case study on a partnership involving a large MNC and a small NGO, in the delivery of lighting and cooking devices to BoP (bottom of the pyramid) populations.FindingsThanks to economic compromises and structural arrangements, both partners succeed to take advantage of the partnership to strengthen their respective (local and transnational) political power and to serve deprived populations’ needs.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper contributes to the political corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature by presenting cross-sector partnerships as a potential means to reconcile the “brother enemies” and increase both firms’ and nonprofit organizations’ political roles.Practical implicationsThe results help both NGOs and MNCs in understanding the political stakes of cross-sector partnerships and in envisioning mechanisms to handle those collaborations so as to deepen their respective goals and build public goods.Originality/valueWhile most of the literature focuses on the strategic rationales, this paper provides political rationales for cross-sector partnerships linking MNCs and NGOs.
Aqua-gel pH sensor: intelligent engineering and evaluation of pH sensor based on multi-factorial testing regimes
Authors: Mir Mariam , Ali Murtaza Najabat , Ansari Umar , Smith Patrick J. , Zahoor Amber , Qayyum Faisal , Abbas Sabtain 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThe fabrication and characterization of a hydrogel-based conductometric sensor have been carried out. The purpose of this research is to fabricate a small robust hydrogel-based conductometric sensor for real-time monitoring of pH in the physiological range.Design/methodology/approachA pH-responsive Chitosan/Gelatin composite hydrogel has been used for this purpose. This study reports and analyzes the sensing response obtained from four hydrogel compositions with varying Chitosan/Gelatin ratios. The pH-responsive nature of the hydrogel has been mapped out through volumetric and conductometric tests. An attempt has been made to correlate these characteristics with the physico-chemical nature of the hydrogel through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques.FindingsThe four hydrogel compositions differed on the basis of gel composition ratios; the conductometric analysis results prove that the sensor with the hydrogel composition (Chitosan 2 per cent, Gelatin 7 per cent, ratio 1:2) produces the best pH resolution in the pH range of 4 to 9. The sensing mechanisms and the differences obtained between individual sensor outputs have been discussed in detail. On the basis of this extensivein vitroassessment, it has been concluded that while key pendant functional groups contribute to pH-responsive characteristics of the hydrogel, the overall sensitivity of the sensors gel component to surrounding pH is also determined by the crystalline to amorphous ratio of the hydrogel composite, its interpenetrating cross-linked structure and the relative ratio of the hydrophilic to the pH-sensitive components.Practical implicationsThe conductometric sensor results prove that the fabricated sensor with the shortlisted hydrogel composition shows good sensitivity in the physiological pH range (4 to 9) and it has the potential for use in point of care medical devices for diagnostic purposes.Originality/valueThis is the first reported version of the fabrication and testing and analysis/comparison of a hydrogel-based conductometric sensor based on this composition. The work is original and has not been replicated anywhere.
Population‐level responses to temperature, density and clonal differences in Daphnia magna as revealed by integral projection modelling
Authors: Bruijning Marjolein , ten Berge Anne C. M. , Jongejans Eelke 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Raising global temperatures are predicted to have strong consequences for ectotherms, as metabolic rates depend directly on external temperatures. To understand consequences for population fitness, a full life cycle approach is important because (a) temperature can have opposite effects on different vital rates (growth, survival, reproduction) and (b) sensitivities of population growth rate to changes in vital rates can vary in magnitude. As vital rates are concurrently influenced by other factors, adequately predicting temperature effects requires factors such as body size, population density and genetics to be taken into account.

The aim of this study was to quantify the role of temperature on all vital rates of Daphnia magna individuals and their integrated effects on population dynamics. In addition, we evaluated how clonal lineages differed in their temperature response, both on the vital rate and population level.

We performed a laboratory experiment, in which we followed 40 populations (five clonal lineages × eight temperatures) during 80 days. Due to our novel set‐up, we were able to quantify vital rates of individuals within those populations. We identified relations between vital rates and body size, lineage, temperature and population density and used a size‐structured integral projection model to integrate the experimental effects over all vital rates.

We found negative density dependence in growth and reproduction, resulting in lineage‐specific carrying capacities. Population fitness showed a thermal optimum that differed among genotypes. It is interesting that we found that clones had different life‐history strategies, optimizing population fitness via different routes. As no lineage outperformed the others in all vital rates, we identified trade‐offs between vital rates, which had strong effects on the dynamics of the population. Moreover, simulations suggest that the genetic composition of mixed populations is temperature‐dependent.

Our results underscore the importance of studying individuals within their population when predicting responses to environmental change. The observed density effects, which were as strong as temperature effects but explained considerably more variation in population growth, would have been overlooked in life table experiments. Furthermore, differential temperature responses emphasize the importance of genetic variation in the ability of ectotherm species such as Daphnia magna to respond to climate change.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Exploring the microbiome of the “star” freshwater diatom Asterionella formosa in a laboratory context
Authors: Kojadinovic‐Sirinelli Mila , Villain Adrien , Puppo Carine , Fon Sing Sophie , Prioretti Laura , Hubert Pierre , Grégori Gérald , Zhang Yizhi , Sassi Jean‐François , Claverie Jean‐Michel , Blanc Guillaume , Gontero Brigitte 
Published: July 2018

SummaryMost of our knowledge on the mechanisms underlying diatom–bacterial interactions has been acquired through studies involving isolation of culturable partners. Here, we established a laboratory model of intermediate complexity between complex natural communities and laboratory pure culture models. We investigated the whole community formed by the freshwater diatom Asterionella formosa and its associated bacteria in a laboratory context, including both culturable and unculturable bacteria. Combining cellular and molecular approaches, we showed that in laboratory cultures, A. formosa microbiome was dynamic and comprised of numerous bacterial species (mainly Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes). Using metagenomics, we explored several metabolic potentials present within the bacterial community. Our analyses suggested that bacteria were heterotrophic although a third of them (Alpha‐ and Beta‐proteobacteria) could also be phototrophic. About 60% of the bacteria, phylogenetically diverse, could metabolize glycolate. The capacity to synthesize molecules such as B vitamins appeared unevenly distributed among bacteria. Altogether, our results brought insights into the bacterial diversity found in diatom–bacterial communities and hinted at metabolic interdependencies within the community that could result in diatom–bacterial and bacterial–bacterial interactions. The present work allowed us to explore the functional architecture of the bacterial community associated with A. formosa in culture and is complementary to field studies.
The regulator of G‐protein signalling Thn1 links pheromone response to volatile production in Schizophyllum commune
Authors: Wirth Sophia , Kunert Maritta , Ahrens Lisa‐Marija , Krause Katrin , Broska Selina , Paetz Christian , Kniemeyer Olaf , Jung Elke‐Martina , Boland Wilhelm , Kothe Erika 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe regulator of G‐protein signalling, Thn1, is involved in sexual development through pheromone signalling in the mushroom forming basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune affecting hyphal morphology and mating interactions. Thn1 plays a key role in coordinating sesquiterpene production, pheromone response and sexual development. The gene thn1 is transcriptionally regulated in response to mating with a role in clamp cell development and hydrophobin gene transcription. Further, it negatively regulates cAMP signalling and secondary metabolism. Disruption of thn1 affects dikaryotization by reducing clamp fusion and development with predominant non‐fused pseudoclamps. Enhanced protein kinase A (PKA) activities in Δthn1 strains indicate that Thn1 regulates pheromone signalling by de‐activating G‐protein α subunits, which control cAMP‐dependent PKA. The repressed formation of aerial hyphae could be linked to a reduced metabolic activity and to a transcriptional down‐regulation of hyd6 and sc3 hydrophobin genes. Thn1 was also shown to be necessary for the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes and an altered spectrum of sesquiterpenes in Δthn1 is linked to transcriptional up‐regulation of biosynthesis genes. Proteome analysis indicated changes in cytoskeletal structure affecting actin localization, linking the major regulator Thn1 to growth and development of S. commune. The results support a role for Thn1 in G‐protein signalling connecting development and secondary metabolism.
Does Taxation Stifle Corporate Investment? Firm‐Level Evidence from ASEAN Countries
Authors: Cevik Serhan , Miryugin Fedor 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis article conducts a firm‐level analysis of the effect of taxation on corporate investment, using large‐scale panel data on non‐financial firms over the period 1990–2014, and controlling for macrostructural differences among ASEAN countries. We find a significant degree of persistence in fixed investment over time, which varies with firm characteristics, such as size, growth prospects, profitability and leverage. The non‐linear estimations indicate that taxation facilitates business investment (possibly by enabling public investment in infrastructure and human capital, and the proper functioning of government institutions), but this effect turns negative and stifles private investment growth as the tax burden increases.
Work Me Not Into Temptation: Exploring the Relationship between Work and Healthy Eating in Dieters Using Data from the HILDA Survey
Authors: Brown Heather , Presseau Justin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe explore if competing demands measured in terms of market and non‐market activities impact on dieters’ resolve to eat healthily. The analysis uses data from 2007 and 2009 of the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia (HILDA) survey. The estimation strategy employs a random effects maximum likelihood estimator. For women, being unemployed is negatively associated with healthy eating whereas having young children is positively associated with healthy eating. For both genders, being divorced is negatively associated with healthy eating. Working in higher socioeconomic occupations is positively associated with healthy eating.
Policy Options to Reduce Electricity Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Freebairn John 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe design and effects of different schemes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and consumption of electricity are modelled. The tax scheme achieves the lowest cost per unit emission reduction because it encourages both businesses and consumers to reduce emissions, and the recycled windfall revenue can meet equity objectives. Comparing the Emissions Intensity Scheme (EIS), Clean Energy Target (CET) and Renewable Energy Target (RET) schemes with common government revenue neutral and emissions reduction design outcomes, the EIS provides better incentives to generators to find the lower cost per unit emissions reduction.
How Financial Freedom and Integration Change Public Debt Impact on Financial Development in the Asia‐Pacific: A Panel Smooth Transition Regression Approach
Authors: Bui Duy‐Tung 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study investigates the non‐linear effect of fiscal policy (measured by total domestic public sector debt) on the level of financial development, using a balanced panel of 22 economies in the Asia‐Pacific region. Governments in less developed financial institutional infrastructure (for instance, emerging markets) tend to abuse their power by intervening in the domestic debt market. This study shows that better financial institutional infrastructure helps to discipline governments. The results suggest a negative effect of domestic public sector debt on financial development, but only at low level of financial freedom and integration. Higher financial freedom and financial integration would reduce the crowding‐out effect of domestic public sector debt.
Contesting Interests: Rethinking Pressure, Parliament, Nation, and Empire
Authors: Huzzey Richard 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis introduction argues for the need to study ‘pressure’ and the Westminster parliament across three centuries, from roughly 1660 to 1914. While no definition will satisfy all researchers, this essay suggests that the category of ‘representative pressure’ is useful in highlighting those claims for special consideration by parliament which fell outside either the electoral system of representation or outright defiance of parliamentary sovereignty. By considering the historiography of ‘pressure’ and the influence of social science models of ‘interest groups’, the essay argues for a more fluid understanding of pressure as a dynamic rather than a force on parliament from without. A further section examines ways in which those pressuring parliament often championed their interests as national, not selfish or sectional, through examples of imperial pressures and particularly the West India lobby and its enemies. Assaying the contributions of other essays in this volume, the introduction concludes by pointing to the multiplication and institutionalisation of avenues of pressure across this period, rather than a teleological rise of popular sovereignty over parliamentary deliberation.
Genome‐wide association study of body morphological traits in Sudanese goats
Authors: Rahmatalla S. A. , Arends D. , Reissmann M. , Wimmers K. , Reyer H. , Brockmann G. A. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryLong‐term selection of goats for a certain production system and/or different environmental conditions will be reflected in the body morphology of the animals under selection. To investigate the variation contributing to different morphological traits and to identify genomic regions that are associated with body morphological traits in Sudanese goats, we genotyped 96 females belonging to four Sudanese goat breeds with the SNP52 BeadChip. After quality control of the data, the genome‐wide association study was performed using 95 goats and 24 027 informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Bicoastal diameter was significantly associated (LOD = 6.32) with snp10185‐scaffold1365‐620922 on chromosome 2. The minor allele has an additive effect, increasing the bicoastal diameter by 2.6 cm. A second significant association was found between body length and snp56482‐scaffold89‐467312 on chromosome 3 (LOD = 5.65). The minor allele is associated with increased body length. Additionally, five regions were suggestive for cannon bone, head width, rump length and withers height (LOD > 5). Only one gene (CNTNAP5) is located within the 1‐Mb region surrounding the significant SNP for bicoastal diameter on chromosome 2. The body length QTL on chromosome 3 harbors 49 genes. Further research is required to validate the observed associations and to prioritize candidate genes.
Ovine keratome: identification, localisation and genomic organisation of keratin and keratin‐associated proteins
Authors: Yu Z. , Plowman J. E. , Maclean P. , Wildermoth J. E. , Brauning R. , McEwan J. C. , Maqbool N. J. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryWool is composed primarily of proteins belonging to the keratin family. These include the keratins and keratin‐associated proteins (KAPs) that are responsible for the structural and mechanical properties of wool fibre. Although all human keratin and KAP genes have been annotated, many of their ovine counterparts remain unknown and even less is known about their genomic organisation. The aim of this study was to use a combinatory approach including comprehensive cDNA and de novo genomic sequencing to identify ovine keratin and KAP genes and their genomic organisation and to validate the keratins and KAPs involved in wool production using ovine expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries and proteomics. The number of genes and their genomic organisation are generally conserved between sheep, cattle and human, despite some unique features in the sheep. Validation by protein mass spectrometry identified multiple keratins (types I and II), epithelial keratins and KAPs. However, 15 EST‐derived genes, including one type II keratin and 14 KAPs, were identified in the sheep genome that were not present in the NCBI gene set, providing a significant increase in the number of keratin genes mapped on the sheep genome.
Canine MAS1: monoallelic expression is suggestive of an imprinted gene
Authors: Nolan C. M. , Shiel R. E. , Buchan J. G. , O'Sullivan F. M. , Callanan J. J. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryImprinted genes are epigenetically modified in a parent‐of‐origin dependent manner and as a consequence are differentially expressed, with one allele typically expressed while the other is repressed. In canine, the insulin like growth factor 2 receptor gene (IGF2R) is imprinted with predominant expression of the maternally inherited allele. Because imprinted genes usually occur in clusters, we examined the allelic expression pattern of the gene encoding the canine Mas receptor (MAS1), which is located upstream of IGF2R on canine chromosome 1 and is highly conserved in mammals. In this report we describe monoallelic expression of canine MAS1 in the neonatal umbilical cord of several individuals and we identify the expressed allele as maternally inherited. These data suggest that canine MAS1 is an imprinted gene.