bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing an ancestral genotype of two hexachlorocyclohexane-degrading Sphingobium species using metagenomic sequence data
Authors: Sangwan Naseer , Verma Helianthous , Kumar Roshan , Negi Vivek , Lax Simon , Khurana Paramjit , Khurana Jitendra P , Gilbert Jack A , Lal Rup 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Over the last 60 years, the use of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) as a pesticide has resulted in the production of &gt;4 million tons of HCH waste, which has been dumped in open sinks across the globe. Here, the combination of the genomes of two genetic subspecies (Sphingobium japonicum UT26 and Sphingobium indicum B90A; isolated from two discrete geographical locations, Japan and India, respectively) capable of degrading HCH, with metagenomic data from an HCH dumpsite (∼450 mg HCH per g soil), enabled the reconstruction and validation of the last-common ancestor (LCA) genotype. Mapping the LCA genotype (3128 genes) to the subspecies genomes demonstrated that &gt;20% of the genes in each subspecies were absent in the LCA. This includes two enzymes from the ‘upper’ HCH degradation pathway, suggesting that the ancestor was unable to degrade HCH isomers, but descendants acquired lin genes by transposon-mediated lateral gene transfer. In addition, anthranilate and homogentisate degradation traits were found to be strain (selectively retained only by UT26) and environment (absent in the LCA and subspecies, but prevalent in the metagenome) specific, respectively. One draft secondary chromosome, two near complete plasmids and eight complete lin transposons were assembled from the metagenomic DNA. Collectively, these results reinforce the elastic nature of the genus Sphingobium, and describe the evolutionary acquisition mechanism of a xenobiotic degradation phenotype in response to environmental pollution. This also demonstrates for the first time the use of metagenomic data in ancestral genotype reconstruction, highlighting its potential to provide significant insight into the development of such phenotypes.
High-fat diet alters gut microbiota physiology in mice
Authors: Daniel Hannelore , Gholami Amin Moghaddas , Berry David , Desmarchelier Charles , Hahne Hannes , Loh Gunnar , Mondot Stanislas , Lepage Patricia , Rothballer Michael , Walker Alesia , Böhm Christoph , Wenning Mareike , Wagner Michael , Blaut Michael , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Kuster Bernhard , Haller Dirk , Clavel Thomas 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The intestinal microbiota is known to regulate host energy homeostasis and can be influenced by high-calorie diets. However, changes affecting the ecosystem at the functional level are still not well characterized. We measured shifts in cecal bacterial communities in mice fed a carbohydrate or high-fat (HF) diet for 12 weeks at the level of the following: (i) diversity and taxa distribution by high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing; (ii) bulk and single-cell chemical composition by Fourier-transform infrared- (FT-IR) and Raman micro-spectroscopy and (iii) metaproteome and metabolome via high-resolution mass spectrometry. High-fat diet caused shifts in the diversity of dominant gut bacteria and altered the proportion of Ruminococcaceae (decrease) and Rikenellaceae (increase). FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that the impact of the diet on cecal chemical fingerprints is greater than the impact of microbiota composition. Diet-driven changes in biochemical fingerprints of members of the Bacteroidales and Lachnospiraceae were also observed at the level of single cells, indicating that there were distinct differences in cellular composition of dominant phylotypes under different diets. Metaproteome and metabolome analyses based on the occurrence of 1760 bacterial proteins and 86 annotated metabolites revealed distinct HF diet-specific profiles. Alteration of hormonal and anti-microbial networks, bile acid and bilirubin metabolism and shifts towards amino acid and simple sugars metabolism were observed. We conclude that a HF diet markedly affects the gut bacterial ecosystem at the functional level.
Feeling the force: Returning haptic signals influence effort inference during motor coordination
Authors: Ganesh G. , Osu R. , Naito E. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractOur brain is known to automatically optimize effort expenditure during motor coordination, such that for example, during bimanual braking of a bicycle, a well-oiled brake will automatically be used more than a corroded, heavy brake. But how does our brain infer the effort expenditure? All previous motor coordination models have believed that the effort in a task is known precisely to our brain, solely from the motor commands it generates. Here we show that this belief is incorrect. Through experiments and simulation we exhibit that in addition to the motor commands, the returning haptic signals play a crucial role in the inference of the effort during a force sharing task. Our results thus elucidate a previously unknown sensory-motor association that has major ramifications for our understanding of motor coordination and provides new insights into how sensory modifications due to ergonomics, stroke and disease can affect motor coordination in humans.
A variation of the fraction of stars that form in bound clusters within M83
Authors: Silva-Villa E. , Adamo A. , Bastian N. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Recent observations, as well as theoretical studies, have suggested that stellar cluster formation may depend on local and global environmental properties. In particular, the fraction of stars that form within long-lived bound clusters (Γ) may depend on environment, with indications that it may be higher in the more extreme environments of high star formation rate density galaxies. How Γ varies has important implications on the use of clusters to determine the star formation histories of galaxies as well as our understanding of the star formation process itself. Previous studies have estimated Γ over full galaxies, making it difficult to discern the physical cause of the reported variations. Here, we use existing star cluster catalogues and Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 V and I images of the grand design, face-on spiral galaxy M83 in order to see if and how Γ varies within a single galaxy. We find that Γ decreases strongly as a function of galactocentric radius, by a factor of ∼5 over the inner ∼6 kpc, in agreement with recent theoretical predictions and decreasing trends observed in the gas surface density of the galaxy.
Developing a teaching restaurant as an R&D&I environment
Authors: Tikkanen Irma , Vakkuri Miia 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The aim of this paper is to explore how a teaching restaurant could be developed as an internal research (R), development (D) and innovation (I) environment based on the ideas of the students and the teachers.

Design/methodology/approach
– Theoretical framework is composed of constructivist pedagogy. The four types of internal environments, namely learning, development, research, and innovation are described. A case organization's pedagogical model of Learning by Developing is illustrated. Empirical data were collected by utilizing a sentence completion method from the students and the teachers at the case teaching restaurant.

Findings
– The empirical results illustrated that a teaching restaurant could be developed from the viewpoints of all four environments. However, the students and the teachers do not necessarily perceive a great difference between the aforementioned environments. Furthermore, the students identify more innovative research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) opportunities when compared to the teachers. The socio-cultural constructivist pedagogy was emphasized in the form of team work.

Practical implications
– When developing a teaching restaurant, both the students’ and teachers’ ideas could be collected. Also both cognitive and socio-cultural constructivist pedagogy proved applicable.

Originality/value
– A teaching restaurant offers possibilities for constructive learning, R&D&I which can be applied to skills, processes, and services for both individual students and students as team members.
Exploring “Meka's method” to achieve effective teaching and training outcomes
Authors: Rao M.S. 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore Meka's method – an innovative teaching and training tool to teach and train students and trainees effectively to achieve desired teaching and training takeaways.

Design/methodology/approach
– The methodology is gleaned from the author's 31 years of practical experience in industry, teaching, training, research and consultancy. It places emphasis on the need to take feedback from students through their body language and mould their teaching style accordingly during the teaching session to create a compatibility and chemistry with the students. It explains humor quotient and elaborates Just a minute (JAM) session. It enlightens 80:20 teaching based on Pareto's Principle.

Findings
– The paper unveils tools to inspire students and unfolds teaching techniques. It implores teachers to unlearn, relearn and learn to remain relevant and competent in the current context.

Research limitations/implications
– Qualitative/action research inevitably needs to be backed up by more formal research into the topic. This paper offers an agenda for action and further qualitative/quantitative research in teaching and training methodologies.

Practical implications
– The tool can be applied in teaching and training sessions. It enables improvement of training and teaching pedagogy. It is transferable wholly or partially to educational institutions and organizations.

Social implications
– This innovative teaching and training tool is essential for teachers and trainers to bring out the behavioral changes among the audiences and impact the society as a whole.

Originality/value
– The article offers a unique concept to add value to teaching and training so as to benefit students and participants with the help of a diagram.
Participation in decision making: a case study of job satisfaction and commitment (part two)
Authors: H. Appelbaum Steven , Louis Damien , Makarenko Dmitry , Saluja Jasleena , Meleshko Olga , Kulbashian Sevag 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– When employees believe in and trust their management, it motivates and encourages employees' participation in decision making which improves employees' efforts, and benefits their job satisfaction and commitment to work. All of these factors, in turn, contribute to a trustworthy manager-employee relationship. While the literature supports this premise, there is little empirical evidence that patterns of causal inference in the relationship are clearly understood. This three-part empirical case aims to focus on studying the relations between employee trust in management in a Quebec manufacturing company and their job satisfaction, intention to quit, level of employee participation in decision making and their commitment.

Design/methodology/approach
– This empirical case will test five hypotheses regarding seven variables influencing the level of employee engagement and commitment, employee turnover, employee participation in decision-making processes and job satisfaction.

Findings
– The article finds that employee trust in management is an important determinant of their willingness to participate in decision making. Insufficient employee participation in decision making in turn leads to low level of employee job satisfaction and employee commitment. Lack of employee commitment and engagement affects the employee's intention to quit.

Research limitations/implications
– The sample size of the office workers was not sufficient in order to have statistically significant results of the correlations between the variables for the production department employees, and for the office/administrative staff. This could have helped to determine the level of internal communication specifically, but also the level of all of the other variables for the two different groups of employees.

Practical implications
– This article offers useful insights for management in relation to strengthening interpersonal trust within an organization, introducing employee empowerment practices and increasing employee job satisfaction and commitment.

Social implications
– Due to lack of trust in management, there will be high employee turnover. This in its turn will have a negative effect on both the performance of management and employees' welfare.

Originality/value
– The findings provide empirical evidence to support theoretical models that link employee trust in management, participation in decision making, job satisfaction, commitment, and turnover intentions and highlight the impact of these factors on organizational performance.
Six Sigma in healthcare delivery
Authors: J. Liberatore Matthew 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the extant Six Sigma healthcare literature, focusing on: application, process changes initiated and outcomes, including improvements in process metrics, cost and revenue.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were obtained from an extensive literature search. Healthcare Six Sigma applications were categorized by functional area and department, key process metric, cost savings and revenue generation (if any) and other key implementation characteristics.

Findings
– Several inpatient care areas have seen most applications, including admission, discharge, medication administration, operating room (OR), cardiac and intensive care. About 42.1 percent of the applications have error rate as their driving metric, with the remainder focusing on process time (38 percent) and productivity (18.9 percent). While 67 percent had initial improvement in the key process metric, only 10 percent reported sustained improvement. Only 28 percent reported cost savings and 8 percent offered revenue enhancement. These results do not favorably assess Six Sigma's overall effectiveness and the value it offers healthcare. Results are based on reported applications. Future research can include directly surveying healthcare organizations to provide additional data for assessment.

Practical implications
– Future application should emphasize obtaining improvements that lead to significant and sustainable value. Healthcare staff can use the results to target promising areas.

Originality/value
– This article comprehensively assesses Six Sigma healthcare applications and impact.
Clinical quality improvement: eliminating unplanned extubation in the CCU
Authors: Chia Pow-Li , Rapi Santos Deanna , Chai Tan Tit , Leong Candice , Foo David 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– This article aims to explore coronary care unit (CCU) extubation structures, processes and outcomes. There were 13 unplanned-extubation cases (UE) among 251 intubated patients (5.2 per cent) in a cardiologist-led CCU in 2008. Seven did not require re-intubation, implying possible earlier extubation. A quality improvement project was undertaken with a goal to eliminate CCU UE within 12 months.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using the clinical practice improvement (CPI) method, the most significant root causes were missing sedation/analgesia protocol, no ventilator weaning protocol and absent respiratory therapist during the CCU morning rounds. Non-physician directed sedation/analgesia and ventilation weaning protocols were created and put on trial in Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles before formal implementation. Arrangements were made to allocate a respiratory therapist to the CCU daily for morning rounds.

Findings
– For 12 months after fully implementing the interventions, UE incidence dropped from 5.2 per cent to 0.9 per cent (p=0.006). There were no adverse outcomes, re-intubation and/or readmission to CCU within 48 hours.

Practical implications
– Through a multi-disciplinary CPI approach, adopting non-physician directed protocols has successfully streamlined and improved airway management in mechanically ventilated patients in a cardiologist-led CCU.

Originality/value
– There is little published data on improving intubated patient care in cardiologist-led CCUs. Previous studies centered on intensive care units managed by critical care specialists.
The value of group affiliation: evidence from the 2008 financial crisis
Authors: Zhang Tianshu , Huang Jun 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to observe listed firms in China during the 2008 financial crisis and investigates how group affiliation affects firm value when the economy turns down. The paper focusses the study on answering the following questions: during the crisis, do affiliated firms have higher or lower stock returns than independent firms? Does corporate governance relate to the value of group firms? How does group affiliation influence firm value? Does performance of affiliated entrepreneurial firms differ from affiliated state-owned enterprises (SOEs)?

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper uses non-parametric tests and regression analysis on a sample of 1,469 Chinese listed companies to investigate the research questions.

Findings
– Affiliated firms have lower stock returns than independent firms by 1.91 percent during September to December of 2008. This poor performance is even worse for firms seriously shocked by the crisis. Good corporate governance can mitigate the negative effects of group affiliation on firm value. The lower valuation of affiliated firms lies in the fact that controlling shareholders undertake more related party transactions at the expense of minority shareholders. Finally, although business groups can provide internal financing for entrepreneurial firms in China, affiliated entrepreneurial firms experience a larger value decrease than affiliated SOEs due to the conflict interest between controlling and minority shareholders.

Originality/value
– This research provides unique evidence about the performance of group-affiliated firms during the 2008 financial crisis and documents the mechanisms through which group affiliation influences firm value.
IPO lockups, founder power, and executive compensation
Authors: He Lerong , Wan Hong 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between IPO lockups and founder-CEOs’ compensation and incentives in newly public firms. The paper argues that existence and length of lockup agreements are affected by bargaining power of founders, which will consequently influence the determination of their compensation contracts.

Design/methodology/approach
– Multivariate tests are constructed to examine the relationship between IPO lockups and executive compensation. OLS, fixed-effect panel data model, and the Heckman two-stage model are all utilized to conduct the tests.

Findings
– The study finds that lockup existence and lockup length are negatively related to founder-CEOs’ total compensation and positively related to founder-CEOs’ equity incentives. The results hold after controlling for the endogenous decision to sign a lockup agreement at the IPO.

Research limitation/implications
– The paper's results suggest that the power of founders and other insiders is a crucial factor in the lockup determination process besides economic factors identified in previous studies. The paper's results also echo the political power theory in the management literature which suggests that an organization's decision making is heavily influenced by relative power of organizational members and reflects their preference.

Originality/value
– The paper raises a new explanation for the determinant of IPO lockups that supplements the extant theories. The paper argues that existence and length of lockup agreements could be affected by bargaining power of insiders.
“Punching above their weight”
Authors: J. Contractor Farok 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the sources of competitive strength of emerging market multinationals (EMMs). Since most lack firm-specific assets such as internalized knowledge or globally recognized brands, especially in their early international growth, and emanate from less-developed nations, the success of EMMs has to be explained by identifying factors in their home nations and international scope which make these firms internationally competitive.

Design/methodology/approach
– A comprehensive review of the extant literature and company cases identified several sources of competitive advantage for emerging market firms. Since conclusive evidence is still unavailable, many of these factors are proposed as hypotheses for future empirical research. Where needed, contrary viewpoints are also discussed and cited.

Findings
– This paper identifies several possible location-specific assets of emerging market companies including the mindset of top management of EMMs (such as long term orientation, global or cosmopolitan perspectives, a degree of humility that recognizes the need to catch-up by learning from foreign allies and customers, tolerance for ambiguity, and frugality) and home country cultural traits such as emphasis on relationships, family control, and private equity capital. Other sources of competitiveness may lie in the home country pool of technical talent and cheap labor, the extensive diasporas of persons of Chinese, Indian and Brazilian origin, and the role of common language as determinants for the geographical pattern of FDI from emerging nations.

Originality/value
– This paper serves the dual purpose of providing a comprehensive literature review of this topic for doctoral or Masters students, and specifying hypotheses (as well as opposing views) for further investigation.
Fashion product display
Authors: Wu Juanjuan , Won Ju Hae , Kim Jieun , Damminga Cara , Kim Hye-Young , K.P. Johnson Kim 
Published: September 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of three virtual fashion stores using product display methods dominant by colour, visual texture and style coordination on consumers' retailer interest, retail pleasure, perception of merchandise quality, patronage intention, and purchase behaviour to provide empirically tested, actionable product display methods to visual merchandising researchers and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors used mixed methods for this exploratory study, combining experimental and focus group methods to gather data. For the experiment, data were collected via a between-subjects design reflecting manipulation of three variables (i.e. colour, style coordination, visual texture). After the experiment, participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire. A segment of the participants also participated in focus group discussions of the virtual stores.

Findings
– Participants who shopped in the style coordination store spent significantly more money than those who shopped in colour or visual texture stores. Participants who shopped in the colour store experienced significantly more retail pleasure and showed significantly higher patronage intention than those who shopped in the visual texture and style coordination stores; and they showed more retailer interest than subjects in the visual texture store. Retail pleasure and interest were found to mediate the link between methods of product display and patronage intention. Participants' fashion involvement moderated the relationship between fashion product display methods and retail interest.

Originality/value
– This research is one of the first to create three virtual stores featuring product display methods dominant by colour, visual texture, and style coordination using 3D technology – a Mockshop software package. The effect of these different display methods on shoppers' reactions and responses was tested, which provided actionable results for visual merchandising practitioners, not only in the physical but also in the virtual store environment.