bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel chimeric phage lysin with high in vitro and in vivo bactericidal activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Díez-Martínez Roberto , De Paz Héctor D. , García-Fernández Esther , Bustamante Noemí , Euler Chad W. , Fischetti Vincent A. , Menendez Margarita , García Pedro 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Streptococcus pneumoniae is becoming increasingly antibiotic resistant worldwide and new antimicrobials are urgently needed. Our aim was new chimeric phage endolysins, or lysins, with improved bactericidal activity by swapping the structural components of two pneumococcal phage lysozymes: Cpl-1 (the best lysin tested to date) and Cpl-7S.

Methods
The bactericidal effects of four new chimeric lysins were checked against several bacteria. The purified enzymes were added at different concentrations to resuspended bacteria and viable cells were measured after 1 h. Killing capacity of the most active lysin, Cpl-711, was tested in a mouse bacteraemia model, following mouse survival after injecting different amounts (25–500 μg) of enzyme. The capacity of Cpl-711 to reduce pneumococcal biofilm formation was also studied.

Results
The chimera Cpl-711 substantially improved the killing activity of the parental phage lysozymes, Cpl-1 and Cpl-7S, against pneumococcal bacteria, including multiresistant strains. Specifically, 5 μg/mL Cpl-711 killed ≥7.5 log of pneumococcal R6 strain. Cpl-711 also reduced pneumococcal biofilm formation and killed 4 log of the bacterial population at 1 μg/mL. Mice challenged intraperitoneally with D39_IU pneumococcal strain were protected by treatment with a single intraperitoneal injection of Cpl-711 1 h later, resulting in about 50% greater protection than with Cpl-1.

Conclusions
Domain swapping among phage lysins allows the construction of new chimeric enzymes with high bactericidal activity and a different substrate range. Cpl-711, the most powerful endolysin against pneumococci, offers a promising therapeutic perspective for the treatment of multiresistant pneumococcal infections.
Systematic analysis of the role of bacterial Hfq-interacting sRNAs in the response to antibiotics
Authors: Kim Taeyeon , Bak Geunu , Lee Juyeon , Kim Kwang-sun 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Objectives
To systematically analyse the interplay between the expression of Hfq-associated small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) and antibiotic susceptibility in Gram-negative bacteria.

Methods
To identify the roles of sRNAs in the antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli and Salmonella species, susceptibility tests, growth analyses and viability assays were performed using E. coli Hfq-associated sRNAs from overexpression libraries. Prediction, susceptibility testing of gene knockouts and expression analysis of target genes under conditions of sRNA overexpression or knockout were performed to identify candidate targets for modulating antibiotic susceptibility.

Results
The susceptibilities of E. coli strains overexpressing each of the 26 known Hfq-dependent sRNAs to major classes of antibiotics were determined. Induced expression of 17 sRNAs modulated the susceptibility of E. coli to antibiotics. Among them, four sRNA knockout strains partially or completely reversed susceptibility phenotypes of sRNA overexpression. The phenotype of OxyS, RseX or MicF was not entirely dependent on the presence of Hfq protein, in contrast to the dependency of previously characterized roles. The function of eight of nine sRNAs was found to be conserved in the response to antibiotics in Salmonella. Some MicF- or RyeB-mediated cellular target genes and pathways that may be important for the regulation of antibiotic susceptibility were identified. Finally, the overexpression of RyeB potentiated the efficacy of levofloxacin against MDR strains.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that Hfq-associated sRNAs potentially enable bacteria to adapt to antibiotic challenges via multifaceted approaches. Therefore, sRNA-based applications will form a new antibiotic arsenal for combating the rise in antibiotic resistance.
Revisiting the Structure/Function Relationships of H/ACA(-like) RNAs: A Unified Model for Euryarchaea and Crenarchaea
Authors: Toffano-Nioche Claire , Gautheret Daniel , Leclerc Fabrice 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA structural and functional classification of H/ACA and H/ACA-like motifs is proposed from the analysis of the H/ACA guide RNAs which have been identified previously in the genomes of Euryarchaea (Pyrococcus) and Crenarchaea (Pyrobaculum). A unified structure/function model is proposed based on the common structural determinants shared by H/ACA and H/ACA-like motifs in both Euryarchaea and Crenarchaea. Using a computational approach, structural and energetic rules for the guide-target RNA-RNA interactions are derived from structural and functional data on the H/ACA RNP particles. H/ACA(-like) motifs found in Pyrococcus are evaluated through the classification and their biological relevance is discussed. Extra-ribosomal targets found in both Pyrococcus and Pyrobaculum are presented as testable gene candidates which might support the hypothesis of a gene regulation mediated by H/ACA(-like) guide RNAs.
“Care from the heart”: older minoritised women's perceptions of dignity in care
Authors: Saltus Roiyah , Pithara Christalla 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– Drawing findings from a large mixed-method study on perceptions of dignity, care expectations, and support in relation to older women from Black and minority-ethnic backgrounds, the purpose of this paper is to explore the interrelationships between life course events and the multiple roles adopted by women at different points in time that have shaped their perceptions of care and their care expectations in old age.

Design/methodology/approach
– In total, 32 semi-structured interviews were undertaken, allowing for the collection of data on the participants’ understanding of growing old, and the meaning and attributes of care and what care with dignity “looked and felt like”. The theoretical framework is guided by a life-course approach and grounded within an intersectionality perspective. The majority of the participants were migrants.

Findings
– Social markers such as ethnicity and cultural identity were found to influence the participants’ understanding and expectations of care with factors such as gender identity and integration in the local community also of importance. How women felt they were perceived and “recognised” by others in their everyday lives with particular focus at the time of old age with the increased potential of loss of dignity due to declining capabilities, raised the importance of the family involvement in care provision, and perceived differences in the attributes of paid and non-paid care. The notion of “care from the heart” emerged as a key attribute of care with dignity. Care with dignity was understood as a purposeful activity, undertaken with intent to show respect and to acknowledge the participants’ sense of worth and value.

Practical implications
– The implications of this study are relevant in the current debate taking place at the EU level about the lived experiences of ageing migrant groups and care expectations.

Originality/value
– The study highlights the importance of the social nature of dignity, how wider societal structures can impact and shape how care is understood for older women of migrant and minoritised backgrounds, and the need to explore migration and care across the life course.
Bridging the social divides: a school-based model from India
Authors: Chattopadhay Tamo 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the transformative potential of a school-based model in India that makes middle class students active stakeholders in the well-being of underprivileged children.

Design/methodology/approach
– Employing a qualitative case study method, data were collected through a survey – containing close-ended and open-ended questions – that was administered to all students in grades 6 through 10.

Findings
– Overall, the data suggest that socialization with underprivileged children had a profound impact on the views of middle class children about social inequalities and their own agency in addressing them. While younger children observed more manifest differences between them and the poor children they engaged; the older children articulated those differences in terms of inequalities of opportunity and violations of rights.

Research limitations/implications
– The research was based on a single school where the intervention was conceived and implement by its visionary leader. It would be important to examine the robustness of the model in a broader sample of schools.

Social implications
– The study demonstrates that with purposive strategies and intentional organizational culture, schools for privileged can promote social inclusion of all children.

Originality/value
– This paper makes the counter-intuitive case – analytically and empirically – that for social policies designed for poor children to be a force for social transformation, they should be purposively conceived in conjunction with the educational and developmental imperatives of children from more privileged backgrounds.
Smart for whom? Cost ambiguity as corporate strategy in the 21st century telco sector
Authors: Gould Anthony Morven , Desjardins Guillaume 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to expose techniques that telco vendors use for maximising revenue from their clients. Although the five-point strategy unearthed was based on the Canadian telco industry, it is interpreted as generic to the digital-age.

Design/methodology/approach
– Findings are based on focus groups with telco vendors and client perception data. Inductive reasoning is used to generalise findings to other distinctively digital-age industries.

Findings
– This paper finds five generic techniques that are used within the Canadian telecommunications (telco) industry to ensure that customers cannot control the cost of a smartphone. These techniques are described as an array of telco hybrid offerings, each with its own cost-structure and pricing strategy; the underestimation problem; devices are not geostationary; third-party agreements; and death-by-a-thousand-qualifications.

Research limitations/implications
– The research develops theory about modularity and platform technologies.

Practical implications
– Findings and insights have implications for strengthening consumer protection arrangements in the teleco industry, as well as other distinctively digital-age industries.

Originality/value
– This paper elaborates theory (particularly with respect to platform technologies and modularity). It interprets the flexibility that comes with modern technology as having a specific downside for consumers, namely, the removal of their capacity to control cost. As far as the authors have been able to ascertain, such an interpretation has not hitherto been presented. It is hoped that the classification of findings will become something of a public policy template for ensuring consumer protection.
Multidimensionality: redefining the digital divide in the smartphone era
Authors: Park Eun-A , Lee Sangwon 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– In a converged and smart media environment, it no longer makes sense to talk only of a digital divide based on access to a platform – instead, a new “smartphone divide” is created based on a user’s ability to access and use an array of different services. Although there is an extensive literature on the digital divide in broadband access and use, zero research efforts have addressed the digital divide in mobile phone usage. Therefore, this research study aims to fill the gap in the literature by looking into new dimensions of the smartphone divide.Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected from a college student sample through an online survey and some hypotheses were framed and tested for intergroup (smartphone users vs non-users) and intragroup (active smartphone users vs inactive users) differences based on access, experience and persistence of usage.Findings– Findings are: first, smartphone users were more active online as expected. Although no significant difference was detected in the amount of time spent on social networking sites (SNSs) between smartphone users and non-users, smartphone users had more friends online and more “online-only” friends than non-users. Second, smartphone users seem to participate more actively in social and political issues than non-users do. Third, active users were adopting digital technologies faster than less active users, and active users were inclined to spend longer time on SNSs than less active users. Also, active users used more free and paid applications on their smartphones compared to less active users.Originality/value– This research study aims to fill the gap in the literature by looking into new dimensions of the smartphone divide and exploring the differential usage of smartphone users in terms of usage level, awareness and usability levels, usage scope and consequential uses controlling for demographics and socioeconomic status. The ensuing pilot study validates some of speculations suggested in the previous literature.
The politics of margin squeeze in telecommunications: diverging paths of the US and EU
Authors: Oğuz Fuat 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to study the historical origins of margin squeeze cases in the USA and Europe.Design/methodology/approach– The author compares and contrasts major margin squeeze investigations in the USA and the European Union (EU) in terms of the role of efficiency and fairness and shows their roots in the socialist calculation debate of the 1940s.Findings– It was found that the USA and EU diverge in their approaches towards margin squeeze claims. While the USA case law focuses more on efficiency, the European Commission makes decisions based more on fairness and “protection of rivals”. This shows that political and ideological preferences influence legal decision-making.Research limitations/implications– The paper is limited to major cases in telecommunications. It leaves aside cases in other areas. Thus, the author cautions that the generalization of the findings of the paper to all margin squeeze cases, or competition policy in general, may be difficult.Originality/value– While there is extensive literature on margin squeeze cases in the USA and EU, there is little work on the historical and ideological connections. The paper contributes to the literature by drawing attention to political influences over technical decisions.
Bribery and corruption in telecommunications – the Kingdom of Morocco
Authors: Sutherland Ewan 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to analyse telecommunications in Morocco and the control exercised by the absolute monarch who also owns one of three mobile operators.Design/methodology/approach– The single country case study provides a detailed picture of legislative, market and policy developments over a period of 15 years.Findings– Severe conflicts of interests with the king as absolute monarch, head of the judiciary, chairman of the cabinet of ministers and owner of one of the largest operators exist. Market entry has only been possible with his sanction and only by acquiring in a stake in one of the existing operators. Investment is predominantly by domestic and Gulf Arabs. No attention has been given to competition and market bottlenecks. Expansion of the royal operator was observed.Research limitations/implications– This is a single-country case study of an absolute monarchy.Practical implications– Short of ending the monarchy, it is difficult to see a means to remove the conflicts of interest.Social implications– The interests of the citizens take second place to royal profit-seeking.Originality/value– This is the first critical assessment of telecommunications in Morocco. It adds to the small stock of case studies about bribery, corruption and patrimonialism in telecommunications.
Service role and outcome as moderators in intercultural service encounters
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Tam Jackie L.M. , Kim Namwoon 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to introduce a comprehensive framework incorporating service roles (customer vs employee) and outcomes (failure vs success) as moderators in the process by which perceived cultural distance (PCD) affects customers and employees in intercultural service encounters (ICSEs).

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors used a 2×2×3 between-subjects experimental design with Chinese undergraduate students, manipulating service role (customer and employee), outcome (failure and success) and PCD (low, medium and high).

Findings
– Compared to service employees, customers perceive higher cultural distance and lower interaction comfort (IC), service quality and satisfaction; and stronger negative moderating effect of PCD in ICSEs. Compared to service success, failure results in lower IC; perceived service quality and satisfaction, and these effects are stronger for customers (vs employees).

Research limitations/implications
– The authors used shorter versions of all the scales to minimize participant fatigue and to increase their involvement along with an experimental design with imaginary service scenario, both of which may restrict the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications
– Service managers should focus on customer education and employee training to reduce the negative impact of PCD and prevent service failure rather than try to improve service quality and satisfaction beyond customers’ expectations.

Originality/value
– The authors extend prior research by exploring the moderating effects of service role (customer vs employee) and outcome (success vs failure) on the direct and indirect effects of PCD on IC, service quality and satisfaction.
Perceptions are relative
Authors: Keiningham Timothy Lee , Cooil Bruce , Malthouse Edward C , Lariviere Bart , Buoye Alexander , Aksoy Lerzan , De Keyser Arne 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– There is general agreement among researchers and practitioners that satisfaction is relative to competitive alternatives. Nonetheless, researchers and managers have not treated satisfaction as a relative construct. The result has been weak relationships between satisfaction and share of wallet in the literature, and challenges by managers as to whether satisfaction is a useful predictor of customer behavior and business outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to explore the best approach for linking satisfaction to share of wallet.Design/methodology/approach– Using data from 79,543 consumers who provided 258,743 observations regarding the brands that they use (over 650 brands) covering 20 industries from 15 countries, various models such as the Wallet Allocation Rule (WAR), Zipf-AE, and Zipf-PM, truncated geometric model, generalization of the WAR and hierarchical regression models are compared to each other.Findings– The results indicate that the relationship between satisfaction and share of wallet is primarily driven by the relative fulfillment customers perceive from the various brands that they use (as gauged by their relative ranked satisfaction level), and not the absolute level of satisfaction.Practical implications– The findings provide practical insight into several easy-to-use approaches that researchers and managers can apply to improve the strength of the relationship between satisfaction and share of wallet.Originality/value– This research provides support to the small number of studies that point to the superiority of using relative metrics, and encourages the adoption of relative satisfaction metrics by the academic community.
Owners and employees wages: a question of rent appropriability
Authors: Díaz-Díaz Nieves L. L. , De Saá-Pérez Petra 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to studuy how the owner identity affects the investment in human capital, measured by wage intensity, as well as the moderating effect of firm’s performance.Design/methodology/approach– A balanced panel of 1,266 Spanish firms that respond to the Survey of Business Strategies for a five-years period was used, which represents a total of 6,330 observations. The dynamic models are estimated using the general method of moments.Findings– The state ownership has a positive and significant effect on specific wage intensity. However, when ownership is in private hands – foreign shareholders, other companies-, the effect is significant but negative. In firms with state ownership, greater economic performance has a negative influence on human capital investment. The results also reveal that while privately owned firms – those with foreign shareholders – tend to invest less in human capital, that tendency diminishes when the firm obtains higher economic performance.Practical implications– Different owners may have different objectives and decision-making horizons, which affect the firm’s investment on human capital. The results obtained regarding the owner identity-wage intensity relationship may serve as a reference for the non-listed firms of continental Europe. The influence of ownership structure on the firm’s decision to invest in human capital is conditioned by the firm’s economic performance.Originality/value– The paper reveals the importance of considering each of the firm’s owners, since their influence on wage intensity differs according to the identity of the owner. There are little empirical papers which analyze the impact of ownership structure on wage intensity, depending on the identity of firm’s owners in a civil context. Moreover, a dynamic panel model is needed due to the firm’s wage intensity does not adjust immediately as their wages are often referring to the previous year rather than being fully negotiated. This paper can be considered a step forward in understanding owner identity characteristics in Spanish-European context.
Behavioral and societal drivers of an obesogenic environment worldwide
Authors: Abbade Eduardo Botti , Dewes Homero 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to present an ecological study that analyzed the impact of societal and behavioral factors on the obesogenic situation worldwide. The societal variables included urbanization, motorization and educational and economic developments, while the behavioral variables consisted of nutritional intake and insufficient physical activity (IPA).Design/methodology/approach– This investigation was based on official data concerning 99 countries, in the first part of the reference model, and 92 countries, in the second part. The constructs were measured through urban population (per cent), energy/protein/fat supply, expected years of schooling, gross domestic product and gross national income per capita, vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants, average body mass index and IPA level of the populations. Data, obtained through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Health Organization, World Bank and United Nations, were analyzed mainly through descriptive, factor and multiple regression analyses.Findings– The results suggested that nutritional supply/intake, IPA and educational-level impact significantly and positively on the obesogenic situation (p< 0.01,p< 0.001 andp< 0.001, respectively). In addition, urbanization significantly affects the IPA (p< 0.01). Evidence also suggested that economic development impacts negatively on obesogenic severity (p< 0.01).Originality/value– Developing economies might face severe obesogenic problems in the future, given their limited access to healthy food and their growing urbanization; thus, nutritional intake should not be seen as the main antecedent of the obesogenic environment. This paper provides comprehensive information to policymakers and researchers interested in the severity of the global obesogenic environment.