bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validating a framework of stakeholders in connection to business sustainability efforts in supply chains
Authors: Ferro Carlos , Padin Carmen , Svensson Göran , Sosa Varela Juan Carlos , Wagner Beverly , Høgevold Nils M. 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study is two-fold: to determine the extent to which companies’ efforts aimed at sustainable business practices consider stakeholders in their organisations and business networks, the marketplace and society; and to validate or refute a stakeholder framework of business sustainability efforts within focal companies, the marketplace, society and business networks.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a questionnaire survey targeting large companies across industries and sectors in Spain. The sample consisted of 231 companies generating a useable response rate of 38.5 per cent. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on a cross-industry sample to test a five-dimensional framework.FindingsThis study reports on the validation of initial and refined factor solutions. The factor analysis confirmed five stakeholder dimensions related to business sustainability efforts of organisations, their business networks, marketplace and society. The validated results indicate satisfactory convergent, discriminant and nomological validity and reliability through time and across contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThe stakeholder framework in connection with business sustainability efforts in supply chains consisting of five factors was validated: the focal company, downstream stakeholders, societal stakeholders, market stakeholders and upstream stakeholders. Suggestion for further research is provided.Practical implicationsThe validated framework of stakeholders allows an insight into the environment in which stakeholders operate and how they influence the focal company.Originality/valueThe manuscript contributes to the validation of a stakeholder framework of business sustainability efforts within focal companies, their business networks, the marketplace and society. The measurement properties provide support for acceptable validity and reliability across contexts and through time.
The evolving gift-giving practices of bicultural consumers
Authors: Aung May , Zhang Xiying , Teng Lefa 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to offer a better understanding of contemporary consumer behaviour. This study relates to the complex and value-laden phenomenon of “gift-giving” from the perspective of bicultural consumers. The focus was on the gift-giving practices of Chinese immigrants in Canada within both their current and their past residencies (Canada and China, respectively).

Design/methodology/approach
Conceptual guidelines for this study embodied the gift-giving conceptual framework of Sherry (1983) and Chinese cultural values on gift giving (Yau et al., 1999). A qualitative research study was implemented. Specifically, in-depth interviews with Chinese immigrant women mainly from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada, offered empirical evidence relating to the gestation stage of gift giving.

Findings
The findings indicate the complexity of acculturation in gift-giving practices. In terms of gift-giving occasions, Chinese immigrants in Canada, for the most part, adopted the Canadian gift-giving occasions. However, the important role of ethnicity in decision-making is found through their strong sense of differentiation between Chinese and Canadian gift receivers. The results also indicate some Chinese cultural values such as relationship, reciprocity and group orientation as being still important in shaping gift-giving practices, even after immigration to a new country quite distant from the homeland. One cautionary note is that some cultural values such as relationship can be common to both Chinese and Canadian cultural groups.

Research limitations/implications
This research was conducted mainly in the GTA in Ontario, Canada. Future studies could address other large Canadian cities with significant bicultural Chinese populations such as Vancouver in British Columbia and Motreal in Quebec.

Practical implications
This research extends the knowledge of bicultural consumers by examining the evolving gift-giving practices of Chinese immigrants living in Canada. A good understanding of the cultural values important to bicultural consumers will help marketers to efficiently and effectively allocate their marketing resources in attracting these niche consumers.

Social implications
This study has contributed to the broader field of marketing research. Specifically, the current study offers the importance of understanding values transference of bicultural consumers and their behaviours in integrating into the mainstream gift-giving cultural context.

Originality/value
This study has contributed by offering evidence of how a minority consumer group formed complex acculturation realities within a gift-giving consumption context. This contribution can be counted as a step towards theoretical advancement in the field of acculturation and of understanding bicultural consumers.
Entrepreneurship and ethics under extreme conditions of poverty: “Exploring the realities”
Authors: Chikweche Tendai , Fletcher Richard 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This article investigates the relationship between entrepreneurship and ethics under extreme poverty conditions to unearth context-specific nuances faced by entrepreneurs in these conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study, research method approach was used to collect data from established firms engaged in some form of entrepreneurship and new entrepreneurs.

Findings
Findings from the study indicate that a different mindset is required for entrepreneurs to conduct business in conditions of extreme poverty, and therefore a different approach is needed to evaluate business ethics instead of a wholesale adaptation of Western-based ethical values and practices. The study identifies and provides evidence of imitative entrepreneurship undertaken by both new entrepreneurs and established firms to address basic human needs such as for food and personal hygiene.

Research limitations/implications
The emic focus on Zimbabwe, which has its own inherent circumstances, has the potential to minimise the generalisability of findings from the study. However, this does not detract from the findings of the study but actually provides a basis for further research in other markets that have extreme poverty conditions.

Practical implications
Coping strategies are outlined for managing constraints faced by entrepreneurs and opportunities for interacting with consumers. A conceptual framework is developed for use in understanding and managing the relationship between entrepreneurship and ethics in markets where there are conditions of extreme poverty.

Originality/value
Previous studies have largely focused on Western developed markets. This article extends the debate to markets under conditions of extreme poverty.
Protein‐arginine deiminase 2 suppresses proliferation of colon cancer cells through protein citrullination
Authors: Funayama Ryo , Taniguchi Hajime , Mizuma Masamichi , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Kobayashi Minoru , Ohnuma Shinobu , Unno Michiaki , Nakayama Keiko 
Published: February 2017

Expression of the gene for protein‐arginine deiminase 2 (PADI2) has been shown to be downregulated in colon cancer, with such downregulation being indicative of a poor prognosis in individuals with this disease. We have now examined the expression of PADI2 in matched colon cancer and normal colon tissue specimens as well as in colon cancer cell lines. We found that isoform 1 of PADI2 is the predominant isoform in colon tissue and is downregulated during colon carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that PADI2 is expressed in normal colonic epithelial cells. Overexpression of PADI2 isoform 1 suppressed the proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro in association with increased protein citrullination. Expression of a catalytically inactive mutant (C647A) of PADI2 or of PADI2 isoform 2 did not induce such effects, indicating that the protein citrullination activity of PADI2 is required for inhibition of cell growth. The growth defect induced by PADI2 was not attributable to increased apoptosis but rather was accompanied by arrest of cell cycle progression in G1 phase. Finally, we detected citrullinated proteins in normal colon tissue by immunoblot analysis. Our data thus suggest that PADI2 suppresses the proliferation of colonic epithelial cells through catalysis of protein citrullination, and that downregulation of PADI2 expression might therefore contribute to colon carcinogenesis.
Novel Word Learning in Bilingual and Monolingual Infants: Evidence for a Bilingual Advantage
Authors: Singh Leher , Fu Charlene S. L. , Tay Zhi Wen , Golinkoff Roberta Michnick 
Published: February 2017

Previous studies revealing that monolingual and bilingual infants learn similar sounding words with comparable success are largely based on prior investigations involving single‐feature changes in the onset consonant of a word. There have been no investigations of bilingual infants' abilities to learn similar sounding words differentiated by vowels. In the current study, 18‐month‐old bilingual and monolingual infants (n = 90) were compared on their sensitivity to a vowel change when learning the meanings of words. Bilingual infants learned similar sounding words differing by a vowel contrast, whereas monolingual English‐ and Mandarin‐learning infants did not. Findings are discussed in terms of early constraints on novel word learning in bilingual and monolingual infants.
Enhanced fitness of a Bactrocera cucurbitae genetic sexing strain based on the addition of gut‐isolated probiotics (Enterobacter spec.) to the larval diet
Authors: Yao Mingyan , Zhang Hehe , Cai Pumo , Gu Xiaohong , Wang Dan , Ji Qinge 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is polyphagous and an important fruit and vegetable pest. Sterile insect technique (SIT) is a ‘hot’ research field for pest control, particularly in fruit flies. A B. cucurbitae genetic sexing strain (GSS) was established for SIT. Mass rearing and superior‐fit target species are crucial components of SIT. Some reports have demonstrated that the irradiation used for SIT damages the midgut and tissues of target species, which can impair SIT success. Other studies have found that probiotics in the fruit fly larval diet can enhance host fitness. We used culture‐based approaches to isolate and characterize gut‐associated bacterial species from the B. cucurbitae GSS during mass rearing and applied one of the isolated bacteria, Enterobacter spec., as a probiotic mixed into the larval diet to examine its effect on B. cucurbitae. The results indicate that pupal weight, survival rate, and some morphological indices were significantly increased.
The Conundrum of Solving ‘Too Big to Fail’ in the European Union: Supranationalization at Different Speeds
Authors: Quaglia Lucia , Spendzharova Aneta 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn the aftermath of the international financial crisis, the European Union (EU) adopted a series of regulatory reforms concerning capital adequacy, bank structures and resolution in order to tackle the risks created by financial institutions that were ‘too big to fail’. This article demonstrates different degrees of progress towards a supranational framework in two important areas of reform: Limited harmonization of the rules on bank structures, but robust progress toward the supranationalization of bank resolution, where the euro area dimension is also considered. What accounts for this variation? We draw on a synthesis of neofunctionalism and liberal intergovernmentalism to explain the diverging outcomes. We explain the low supranationalization in bank structural reforms with the absence of strong spillovers and availability of domestic options to unilaterally contain financial instability. In bank resolution, we examine the causal mechanisms through which significant spillovers modified the government preferences of key Member States.
Minor collagens of the skin with not so minor functions
Authors: Theocharidis Georgios , Connelly John T. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe structure and function of the skin relies on the complex expression pattern and organisation of extracellular matrix macromolecules, of which collagens are a principal component. The fibrillar collagens, types I and III, constitute over 90% of the collagen content within the skin and are the major determinants of the strength and stiffness of the tissue. However, the minor collagens also play a crucial regulatory role in a variety of processes, including cell anchorage, matrix assembly, and growth factor signalling. In this article, we review the expression patterns, key functions and involvement in disease pathogenesis of the minor collagens found in the skin. While it is clear that the minor collagens are important mediators of normal tissue function, homeostasis and repair, further insight into the molecular level structure and activity of these proteins is required for translation into clinical therapies.
Term Structure of Consumption Risk Premia in the Cross Section of Currency Returns
Authors: ZVIADADZE IRINA 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTI relate the downward‐sloping term structure of currency carry returns to compensation for currency exposures to macroeconomic risk embedded in the joint dynamics of U.S. consumption, inflation, nominal interest rate, and their stochastic variance. The interest rate and inflation shocks play a prominent role. Higher yield currencies exhibit higher multiperiod exposures to these shocks. The prices of these risk exposures are positive and sizeable across all investment horizons. The interest rate shock is qualitatively similar to the long‐run risk of Bansal and Yaron.
POSTCLAIMUNDERWRITING AND THEVERIFICATION OFINSUREDINFORMATION: EVIDENCEFROM THELIFEINSURANCEINDUSTRY
Authors: Bisco Jill M. , McCullough Kathleen A. , Nyce Charles M. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTThis research investigates information verification by life insurers with respect to postclaim underwriting through denied and resisted claims. We provide a theoretical model to explore the optimal strategy for insurers regarding preloss versus postclaim underwriting. Using differential cost structures, the model predicts that it is possible for some insurers to follow a strategy of postclaim underwriting while others do not. Evidence of this is found in the empirical analysis. Insurers that postclaim underwrite are identified by a decrease in underwriting expenses and an increase in the claim investigation expense in conjunction with increases in denied and resisted claims.
Performance of 4 Point‐of‐Care Screening Tests for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Levy J.K. , Crawford P. Cynda , Tucker S.J. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundMore than 3 million cats in the United States are infected with FeLV or FIV. The cornerstone of control is identification and segregation of infected cats.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare test performance with well‐characterized clinical samples of currently available FeLV antigen/FIV antibody combination test kits.AnimalsSurplus serum and plasma from diagnostic samples submitted by animal shelters, diagnostic laboratories, veterinary clinics, and cat research colonies. None of the cats had been vaccinated against FIV. The final sample set included 146 FeLV+, 154 FeLV−, 94 FIV+, and 97 FIV− samples.MethodsProspective, blind comparison to a gold standard: Samples were evaluated in 4 different point‐of‐care tests by ELISA antigen plate tests (FeLV) and virus isolation (FIV) as the reference standards. All test results were visually read by 2 blinded observers.ResultsSensitivity and specificity, respectively, for FeLV were SNAP® (100%/100%), WITNESS® (89.0%/95.5%), Anigen® (91.8%/95.5%), and VetScan® (85.6%/85.7%). Sensitivity and specificity for FIV were SNAP® (97.9%/99.0%), WITNESS® (94.7%/100%), Anigen® (96.8%/99.0%), and VetScan® (91.5%/99.0%).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe SNAP® test had the best performance for FeLV, but there were no significant differences for FIV. In typical cat populations with seroprevalence of 1–5%, a majority of positive results reported by most point‐of‐care test devices would be false‐positives. This could result in unnecessary segregation or even euthanasia.
Larval and adult nutrition effects on reproductive traits in the red flour beetle
Authors: Plesnar‐Bielak A. , Woch K. R. , Małszycki M. A. , Alkhawlany A. T. H. , Hołysz A. , Assis Correia J. F. , Turk N. , Ugrin M. , Kramarz P. , Prokop Z. M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVariation in individual condition is probably one of the most critical factors affecting the high levels of diversity in animal fitness components, commonly observed in natural populations. Differential access to nutritional resources, in turn, is among the most important determinants of condition. However, our understanding of how resource access at different stages of life cycle shapes animal traits is still far from comprehensive. Here, we analyzed how larval and adult diet affects key reproductive components of males (mating activity) and females (fecundity) in red flour beetles Tribolium castaneum. Furthermore, we used path analysis to investigate whether the effects of nutritional conditions are mediated by body mass. In males, we found that juvenile, but not adult diet affected mating performance, with males developing on rich diet as larvae achieving higher mating success. In females, on the other hand, these effects interacted: malnutrition at larval stage led to fecundity decline, which was partially alleviated if dietary conditions were improved at the adult stage. Interestingly, the effects of diet on reproductive traits were mostly independent of body mass. These results suggest that larval nutrition may influence reproduction via effects on composition, rather than size, of the adult body.
The Political Economy of Hydropower in the Communist Space: Iron Gates Revisited
Authors: Creţan Remus , Vesalon Lucian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper proposes a critical discussion of the political economy of hydropower construction in the communist space. We use political economy, economic history and political ecology literature in order to reveal the economic and political relations in which hydropower is embedded in socialist states. The case analysed is the Iron Gates, a joint Romanian‐Yugoslav project which raises specific questions about the techno‐political framework of the new ‘hydraulic landscape’ and its place in socialist economies and societies. The case reveals important transformations in the political and economic relations within the Soviet bloc and provides a description of the complex institutional setting used in the construction of the hydropower system. In parallel, the paper explores the contribution of political power in the construction of the Iron Gates and especially its use in connection with the ideological production of the new communist regime.
Acute phase proteins response in cats naturally infected with Hepatozoon felis and Babesia vogeli
Authors: Vilhena Hugo , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Cerón José J , Vieira Lisete , Pastor Josep , Silvestre‐Ferreira Ana C 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe measurement of acute phase proteins (APP) is being increasingly used in human and veterinary medicine in diagnosis, prognosis, treatment monitoring, and in general health screening. However, information about the APP response in cats infected with agents of vector‐borne diseases is lacking.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to investigate the concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), and paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) in cats naturally infected with Hepatozoon felis and Babesia vogeli.MethodsSerum concentrations of SAA, Hp, and PON1 were determined in 19 cats naturally infected with H felis and in 11 cats naturally infected with B vogeli, and compared to concentrations in 10 healthy control cats.ResultsSerum Hp concentrations were significantly increased, and PON1 concentrations significantly decreased in symptomatic and asymptomatic cats infected with H felis and B vogeli when compared with healthy noninfected cats. In the H felis‐infected population, concentrations of SAA and Hp were significantly increased in symptomatic cats when compared with asymptomatic animals.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated differences in APP concentrations in cats infected with H felis and B vogeli. Therefore, Hp and PON1 concentrations could be helpful in discriminating healthy cats from cats with asymptomatic or symptomatic infection by these agents.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Four
Corynebacterium
CDC Group F-1 Strains Isolated from Urine
Authors: Bernier Anne-Marie , Peters Geoffrey A. , Bernard Kathryn 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Three draft and one complete genome sequence from strains isolated from urine and consistent with
Corynebacterium
CDC group F-1 were assembled and studied. Genome sizes ranged between 2.3 and 2.44 Mb, with G+C content between 60.4% and 60.7%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Campylobacter jejuni 11168H
Authors: Macdonald Sarah E. , Gundogdu Ozan , Dorrell Nick , Wren Brendan W. , Blake Damer , Stabler Richard 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter jejuni
is the most prevalent cause of food-borne gastroenteritis in the developed world. The reference and original sequenced strain
C. jejuni
NCTC11168 has low levels of motility compared to clinical isolates. Here, we describe the draft genome of the laboratory derived hypermotile variant named 11168H.
Spatio-Temporal parsing in spatial hypermedia
Authors: Schedel Thomas 
Published: February 2017

Since 2011 Thomas Schedel has been working as a research assistant at the Institute of Information Systems (iisys) at Hof University. In 2016 he successfully finished the Ph.D. program "Computer Science and Engineering" (CSE) at Aalborg University in Denmark.
In his thesis - supervised by Henrik Legind Larsen (Aalborg University) and Claus Atzenbeck (Institute of Information Systems, Hof University) - he claims that considering temporal aspects in addition to spatial and visual properties in spatial parser design will lead to significant increase in parsing accuracy, detection of richer structures and thus higher parser performance. For the purpose of providing evidence, parsers for recognizing spatial, visual and temporal object relations have been implemented and tested in a series of user surveys. It turned out, that in none of the test cases pure spatial or visual parser could outperform the spatio-temporal parser. Instead, the spatio-temporal parser was able to compensate limitations of conventional parsers. Furthermore, differences in parsing accuracy were successfully tested for statistical significance. The results indicate a non-trivial effect that is recognizable by humans. We have shown that the addition of a temporal parser shifts machine detected structures significantly closer to what knowledge workers intend to express.
Due to its significant contributions to the research area of spatial hypermedia the thesis has been awarded with the Informatikpreis 2016 (given by the German Fachbereichstag Informatik, FBTI).