bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dorsal Ruffles Enhance Activation of Akt by Growth Factors
Authors: Yoshida Sei , Pacitto Regina , Sesi Catherine , Kotula Leszek , Swanson Joel A. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIn fibroblasts, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulates macropinocytosis and PI 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent phosphorylation of Akt, leading to activation of mTORC1, a protein complex controlling metabolism and cell growth. PIP3, the phosphoinositide product of PI3K that activates Akt, is frequently concentrated within the macropinocytic cups of growth factor-stimulated cells, which suggests that cup structure enhances phosphorylation of Akt by facilitating PI3K activity. However, inhibitors of the cytoskeleton which block cup formation do not reduce Akt phosphorylation in response to high concentrations of PDGF. Because the dynamics of Akt phosphorylation after stimulation by PDGF can differ from those that follow stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF), we analyzed the contributions of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton to activation of Akt by these two growth factors. Actin-rich, circular dorsal ruffles (CDR), analogous to macropinocytic cups, appeared within several minutes of adding EGF or PDGF and often closed to form macropinosomes. Nocodazole, an inhibitor of microtubule polymerization, blocked both PDGF- and EGF-induced CDR formation, and inhibited phosphorylation of Akt in response to EGF but not PDGF. At concentrations that saturate their cognate receptors, EGF stimulated lower maximal levels of Akt phosphorylation than did PDGF. We hypothesized that weak signals elicited by EGF receptors require cytoskeleton-dependent amplification of PI3K for maximal phosphorylation of Akt. In both PDGF- and EGF-stimulated cells, quantitative immunofluorescence showed increased Akt phosphorylation in cells containing CDR, with PIP3and Akt concentrated in CDR and ruffles. Stimulation with low concentrations of PDGF elicited lower levels of Akt phosphorylation, which, like responses to EGF, were inhibited by nocodazole. These results indicate that when receptor signaling generates low levels of PI3K activity, CDR facilitate local amplification of PI3K, PIP3synthesis and phosphorylation of Akt.
Studying effect of plantain extract behavior as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor on the mild steel in 1 M HCl solution
Authors: Es’haghi Moosa , Amjad Amirhossein , Asghari Sorayya , Lotfi Ali 
Published: May 2018

PurposeCorrosion inhibitors most commonly are used in the acid pickling, cleaning and etching solutions. Plant extracts as rich and cheap resources are among the eco-friendly inhibitors. This study aims to investigate the inhibition effect of plantain extract on mild steel corrosion.Design/methodology/approachThe inhibition influence of plantain extract on mild steel corrosion was investigated through Tafel polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and weight loss techniques in 1 M HCl solution. Furthermore, the sample surface morphology was verified by scanning electron microscopy.FindingsThe inhibition effect of the plantain extract was increased with the increase in the inhibitor concentration due to its adsorption on the surface of samples. The adsorption mechanism of the plantain extract on mild steel is physical adsorption and follows Langmuir isotherm.Originality/valueThe results obtained from different methods showed that the plantain extract has good inhibition performance on corrosion mild steel in 1 M HCl solution as a green inhibitor.
Director workloads, attendance and firm performance
Authors: Gray Stephen , Nowland John 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThis paper examines whether increased director workloads are benefiting firms or are causing directors to become too busy, resulting in lower director attendance and weaker firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducts empirical analysis of the relationships between meeting frequency, director attendance rates and firm performance using archival data from Australia.FindingsAttendance rates for both outside and inside directors decrease as they are required to attend more meetings. The benefits firms obtain from holding additional meetings are significantly eroded by lower director attendance.Originality/valueThis study brings together the literatures on meeting frequency, director busyness and firm performance to show that increased director workloads are only beneficial to firms if directors do not become too busy to fulfill their obligations to shareholders.
Security market regulation: antecedents for capital market confidence in frontier markets
Authors: Outa Erick Rading , Waweru Nelson Maina , Ozili Peterson Kitakogelu 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the capital market effects of corporate governance (CG) practices of a “comply or explain” environment on stock market liquidity in a frontier market.Design/methodology/approachUsing secondary data from Nairobi Securities Exchange, the liquidity position is analyzed using panel data random effects regression against CG guidelines.FindingsThe results show a negative and significant relationship between CG compliance and stock market liquidity, suggesting that regulated CG practices improve market liquidity in Kenya. The results are remarkably robust to different measures of liquidity and supports agency and signaling theory.Practical implicationsThe authors provide evidence to show that security regulation improves stock market liquidity in a frontier market whose characteristics are thought not to favor regulation. Therefore, regulators and stakeholders could be motivated by the benefits of regulation, and this could lead to renewed effort to improve CG compliance.Originality valueThe findings show that security market regulation through CG guidelines can improve stock market liquidity in frontier markets. This offers regulators and policymakers a strong motivation to enhance security regulation to improve capital market confidence.
Sustainability performance assessment of an aircraft manufacturing firm
Authors: Raj Alok , Srivastava Samir K. 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a composite index (CI) to evaluate the sustainability performance of an aircraft manufacturing firm using Fuzzy Best Worst Multi Criteria (FBWM) decision-making approach. It identifies a wide range of sub-dimensions and their attributes to measure sustainability in a multi-echelon supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach
FBWM, a hybrid multi-criteria decision making method, relies on multiple sub-dimensions and attributes for assessment of sustainability. Sub-dimensions and attributes are identified from a detailed literature review and inputs from 17 experts. The weights are evaluated using best worst method (BWM). Quantitative measurements are very difficult for attributes like living conditions, noise emission, etc., so the performance of attributes are assessed using Fuzzy logic. The proposed methodology is validated with the case study of a single unit of an Indian aircraft manufacturing firm.

Findings
Economic concerns emerge as the most influential dimension of sustainability in the aerospace sector. The results reveal that the firm considered in the case study is “Very Sustainable.” Firm’s performance ratings are excellent in three out of 79 attributes considered for the study. Further, 24 weaker (least performing) attributes are identified with the help of fuzzy performance index. These require managerial action for improvements.

Research limitations/implications
The present study is based on inputs from a small group of managers in a single firm in India. It can be extended to a large group of executives in other firms like Boeing, Airbus, etc. for testing the validity of the proposed methodology and generalization of the findings.

Practical implications
Managers, consultants and audit agencies can use the proposed CI developed in this paper for evaluating the sustainability performance of a firm. It assists managers to identify weaker attributes for which they may plan and prioritize their activities for improvements.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to measure sustainability in an aircraft manufacturing firm. The paper proposes a novel framework based on fuzzy BWM, for assessing sustainability performance.
Modelling the factors affecting Indian medical tourism sector using interpretive structural modeling
Authors: Jain Vineet , Ajmera Puneeta 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
Medical tourism encourages the traveling of patients, expert healthcare professionals and promotes cross-border trade in healthcare services. The Indian medical tourism sector is facing new challenges as well as certain ethical and legal issues because of continuous market changes and patient’s requirements while at the same time advancements in current health services have also been observed. It is therefore very important to understand and address the issues of the medical tourists. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the important factors which can make India an affordable medical tourism destination.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the factors influencing Indian medical tourism sector have been explored by conducting literature review, they are ranked according to the results of a questionnaire-based survey and further analyzed by using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach. The mutual relationships between these factors were identified to develop an ISM model so as to find out the important factors which can make India an affordable place for medical tourism.

Findings
The results of the survey and the model show that cost of medical procedures, facilitation, and care, the infrastructure of Indian hospitals, clinical excellence and the competence of doctors and staff are the top level factors.

Practical implications
It is very important to address the concerns of the patients coming to a developing country like India for availing medical services. This research has evaluated the important factors which can make India an affordable medical tourism destination.

Originality/value
This research assesses the effects of globalization on delivery of healthcare services in India by conducting critical analysis of the medical tourism industry by collecting original data from the international patients coming to India for different types of medical procedures so that a comprehensive model can be prepared which will help the hospitals and policymakers to improve the processes related to medical tourism.
Role of strategic alliance and innovation on organizational sustainability
Authors: Islam Majidul , Hossain Ashrafee Tanvir , Mia Lokman 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of strategic alliance (SA) and innovation on organizational sustainability using data from North American organizations listed in the Dunn-Bradstreet database. While organizational economic sustainability could be achieved in several ways, this research investigates the relationship of engagement in SA, product life cycle (PLC) and innovation with organizational sustainability from the perspective of the strategy-based balanced scorecard (BSC) that incorporates the mix of financial as well as environmental and social concerns in an environment.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper reports the results of an empirical study investigating the above relationships in Canadian and American organizations listed in the Dunn & Bradstreet database. The authors analyze the responses to the survey consisting of the questions about firm’s internal process, external environment, strategy, BSC perception and corporate performance of the companies who indicated that they use the BSC.

Findings
Consistent with the authors’ predictions, results show that there are positive and significant relationships between PLC and SA, between innovation and sustainability, and between innovation and SA (though positive but not significant), thus providing support for the hypotheses. Though the methodology the authors applied is acceptable in management accounting research, the authors recognize that there are limitations of this study and further studies are necessary before the results can be generalized.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence encompassing the areas of SA, innovation and performance leading toward sustainability.
An indisputable “holy trinity”? On the moral value of equality, diversity, and inclusion
Authors: Köllen Thomas , Kakkuri-Knuuttila Marja-Liisa , Bendl Regine 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThere seems to exist a widespread, unquestioned and unquestionable consent, both in research and practice, that there is a moral value inherent in equality and related initiatives toward diversity and inclusion. However, this consent is primarily based on political convictions and emotional reasons, and is without any strong ethical grounding. Whilst a considerable volume of research has been carried out into different facets of the economic value of initiatives toward equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), comparatively little research has been undertaken into its moral value. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to structure the moral perspectives on EDI more precisely and more critically.Design/methodology/approachAfter discussing the interrelation of the three concepts equality, diversity and inclusion, the authors discuss the way in which initiatives toward diversity and inclusion are justified morally in literature. The authors point out the crucial position of equality, and then, subsequently, outline how different approaches to equality try to achieve moral legitimacy. Being an important group of initiatives in this debate, the authors subsequently reflect upon the moral (il)legitimacy of affirmative action (AA). The concluding section of this paper provides a brief summary of the findings.FindingsThe moral evaluation of equality, diversity and inclusion remains an under-theorized field. Within the discourse on equality, diversity and inclusion, the term “justice” is largely used in an intuitive way, rather than being rooted in a specific moral philosophy. As there are several conceivable, differing moral perspectives on EDI, one cannot expect an indisputable answer to the question as to whether a given approach toward equality, diversity and inclusion is morally praiseworthy or just. However, the widespread assumption that equality is morally praiseworthyper se, and that striving for equality morally justifies any initiative toward diversity and inclusion, is untenable.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the lack of theorizing on the moral value of initiatives toward equality, diversity, and inclusion, such as diversity management, AA or various equal opportunity approaches. Future research could enrich the discourse on the moral evaluation of diversity management, inclusion programs and organizational equality approaches with new philosophical facets and perspectives, perspectives that might differ from those taken in the predominantly American discourse.
Remarks on disability rights legislation
Authors: Gordon John-Stewart , Tavera-Salyutov Felice 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine and comment on disability rights legislation by focusing on international documents on people with impairments of the last decades, in order to provide more information on the dynamics of the disability rights movement and their moral plea for full inclusion.Design/methodology/approachBy analyzing the international legislation and most important guidelines with respect to people with impairments, it is possible to portray a socio-political change by unfolding the agenda of the historical dimension of the decisive events.FindingsThe long and difficult struggle of people with impairments to beneficiaries of full human rights protection is a fundamental socio-political change that is documented by adhering to important international legislation and guidelines.Originality/valueThe examination of recent international legislation with respect to people with impairments provides historical context for current developments in the context of disability and full inclusion by conceding human rights as their moral and legal foundation.
Older workers’ education and earnings among OECD countries
Authors: Lim Doo Hun , Jeong Shin-hee , Yoo Sangok , Yoo Min Hee 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify to what extent individual-level factors (age, gender, participation in formal and non-formal education and levels of skills use at work) and country-level factors (social capital factors, national competitiveness and gross domestic product [GDP]) have contributed to older generations’ earnings in developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing the data from the Organizational Economic Co-operation and Development Skills Outlook 2013 survey, GDP and the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Competitiveness Report, this study adopted a multilevel path analysis method to measure cross-country-level effect of the study variables on older workers’ earnings.

Findings
Study results indicated that age, gender, non-formal education, use of influencing and task discretion skills at work at the individual level, and GDP, social trust, and higher education and training at the country level were identified as influential factors for older workers’ monthly earnings.

Originality/value
With more aging societies worldwide, the traditional view of the aging workforce has been affected by the desires and needs of the elderly. This study contributes to the literature by identifying what individual- and country-level factors should be considered for policymakers to improve the economic benefits of older generations living in developed countries.
Seven decades of industrial relations in Germany
Authors: Müller-Jentsch Walther 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reconstruct the development of industrial relations (IR) in Germany since the end of the Second World War and discusses the current challenges posed by economic globalisation und European integration.

Design/methodology/approach
Combining a political economy, identifying Germany as a coordinated market economy (social market economy), and actor-centred historical institutionalism approach, outlining the formation and strategies of the main social actors within a particular institutional setting, the paper draws on the broad range of research on IR in Germany and its theoretical debates, including own research in the field.

Findings
The legacy of the key institutional settings in the post-war era – primarily the social market economy, co-determination at supervisory boards, works councils and sector-based non-ideological unions with their analogously organised employer counterparts, as well as the dual system of interest representation – has shaped the German IR and still underlie the bargaining processes and joint learning processes although trade unions and employers’ associations have been weakened because of loss of membership. In consequence the coverage scope of collective agreements is now somewhat reduced. Despite being declared dead many times, the “German model” of a “conflictual partnership” of capital and labour has survived many turbulent changes affecting it to the core.

Originality/value
The paper presents an original, theoretical informed reconstruction of the German IR and allows an understanding of the current institutional changes and challenges in the light of historical legacies. Additionally the theoretical debates on path dependence and learning processes of collectivities are enriched through its application to the German case.
Industrial relations in Italy in the twenty-first century
Authors: Pulignano Valeria , Carrieri Domenico , Baccaro Lucio 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the developments which have characterized Italy’s industrial relations from post-war Fordism to neo-liberal hegemony and recent crisis, with a particular focus on the major changes occurred in the twenty-first century, especially those concerning concertative (tripartite) policy making between the government, the employers’ organizations and the trade unions.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is a conceptual paper which analysis of main development trends.

Findings
Italy’s industrial relations in the twenty-first century are characterized by ambivalent features which are the heritage of the past. These are summarized as follows: “collective autonomy” as a classical source of strength for trade unions and employers’ organization, on the one hand. On the other hand, a low level of legislative regulation and weak institutionalization, accompanied by little engagement in a generalized “participative-collaborative” model. Due to the instability in the socio-political setting in the twenty-first century, unions and employers encounter growing difficulties to affirm their common points of view and to build up stable institutions that could support cooperation between them. The result is a clear reversal of the assumptions that had formed the classical backdrop of the paradigm of Italy’s “political exchange.” This paradigm has long influenced the way in which the relationships between employers, trade unions and the state were conceived, especially during 1990s and, to some extent, during 2000s, that is the development of concertative (tripartite) policy making. However, since the end of 2000s, and particularly from 2010s onwards national governments have stated their intention to act independently of the choices made by the unions (and partially the employers). The outcome is the eclipse of concertation. The paper explores how the relationships among the main institutional actors such as the trade unions (and among the unions themselves), the employers, and the state and how politics have evolved, within a dynamic socio-political and economic context. These are the essential factors needed to understand Italy’s industrial relations in the twenty-first century.

Originality/value
It shows that understanding the relationship among the main institutional actors such as the trade unions (and among the unions themselves), the employers and the state and their politics is essential to understand the change occurred in contemporary Italy’s industrial relations.