bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Workforce nationalization in the UAE: image versus integration
Authors: Forstenlechner Ingo 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis exploratory study aims to analyse the conditions under which Emiratisation – the process of nationalizing the workforce in the UAE – can enable organizations to capitalize on local human capital.Design/methodology/approachRelying on an initial literature review, this study is based on a series of interviews with UAE national as well as expatriate managers, both from the public and private sector. Questions for the semi‐structured interviews were based on a review of practice and policy‐oriented literature in order to further the understanding of the topic.FindingsWith limited literature available on the topic, the initial aim of this study was to identify HR processes relevant to Emiratisation, however, it soon became evident that success could be attributed to very basic decisions taken long before HR processes became relevant. This paper concludes that there are mainly two ways of approaching Emiratisation: one is an effort geared at producing statistics for PR or avoidance of negative consequences, the other is a serious commitment to the integration of UAE nationals into the workforce. Evidence from interviews suggests the choice between these two ways determines the chances for successful Emiratisation.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature review proved difficult due to the relative absence of the topic in scholarly journals, therefore the author had to rely on commercial publications as much as on official statistics. Another limitation is the author's use of interviews leading to theoretical saturation earlier than expected.Practical implicationsThe lack of honesty regarding the motivation to invest in Emiratisation is a significant hindrance for the overall success of such programs. The waste of time, effort and ultimately the waste of human resources resulting from Emiratisation programs meant to produce only statistics or avoid negative consequences mandate a reorientation of the approach towards Emiratisation.Originality/valueThis study aimed to be the first into Emiratisation related HR processes but was – due to preliminary analysis of interviews – refocused towards the commitment to Emiratisation.
Cohesiveness within teamwork: the relationship to performance effectiveness – case study
Authors: Al‐Rawi Khalid 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the nature and the function of teamwork cohesiveness in organizations in the UAE.Design/methodology/approachWhile many organizations are successful at managing the materials and machinery of the organization, they fall short in managing the human side of their business. This research addresses and assesses how teams can progress to be of maximum use through teamwork and to view teams as performing organizational units which is similar to other studies that focus on teamwork processes. Teamwork cohesiveness is defined as a small number of people with complimentary skills who are committed to common purposes, performance goals, and approaches for which they hold themselves mutually accountable. These include being a team player with participation propensity, cooperative behaviors, and leadership skills. A model was tested, relating teamwork cohesiveness with intelligence and skills; reduce conflict, and 2D of organizational commitment, i.e. value, and performance. Survey data from 76 teams (n=294) were collected in three industrial institutions in the UAE.FindingsThe results are supportive of a multi‐component structure for cohesiveness and of its importance to the functioning of teams and organizations. Teamwork cohesiveness appeared strongly related with team member's attitudes towards the organization. Cohesiveness between team members was positively associated with value commitment and negatively with performance commitment. In addition, intelligence and skills appeared strongly related to team satisfaction.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into cohesiveness within teamwork.
Women in management in the Arab context
Authors: Omair Katlin 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the position of Arab women in management by examining the existing research on gender and management in the Arab region in order to obtain an overall picture of the advancement of Arab women in their professional lives, point out coherent clusters of research and identify knowledge gaps in existing research.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducts a content analysis of academic articles in order to provide a quantitative as well as qualitative thematic overview of the topics emerged from the literature.FindingsThe statistical analysis of researches shows that, the topic of women in management is gaining more importance. The thematic overview of researches shows that authors have concentrated only on few and very broad topics, without much diversity or depth.Practical implicationsThe paper provides practitioners some understanding of the position of Arab women in management and factors that influence their professional lives. The paper sets a solid base of previous studies for future researchers studying women in management in the Arab region.Originality/valueThe paper might be considered as the first study to give a systematic overview of the literature on women in management in the Arab region.
The business curriculum and the future employment market: UAE business leaders' views
Authors: Barhem Belal , Salih Adel H. , Yousef Darwish A. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to capture some of the challenges and emerging trends in business education.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 155 business leaders who work in the UAE has responded to the survey.FindingsThe results of this study revealed the most important skills and competencies that local business leaders would like to see university graduates now and five years from now. In addition business leaders have pointed out the important level of the management areas to their companies now and five years from now.Originality/valueThe paper highlights business leaders' opinions and views in relation to the relative importance of skills needed in their companies.
Sharia law and the Qur'an: providing Islamic jurisprudential modules
Authors: Van Hoorebeek Mark , Gale Chris 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the challenges and potential solutions of initiating a Sharia law module within a UK law school.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is practical with focus placed on the local and international dimensions.FindingsSharia law is a popular module which adds to a law graduate's portfolio of international legal experience alongside the supplementary benefits provided to students attending from other disciplines. The advantages of interactions with local communities are also discussed.Originality/valueOnly a relatively small number of UK law schools run a module concerning Sharia or Islamic law, thus the paper facilitates other schools furthering the international aspects involved in the teaching and practice of law.
Influence of culture on accounting uniformity among Arabic nations
Authors: Askary Saeed , Pounder James S. , Yazdifar Hassan 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of cultural values on accounting uniformity and consistency among Arabic nations.Design/methodology/approachA combination of a survey and analysis of published data on accounting information. Cluster analysis is used to classify the countries on the basis of accounting consistency and uniformity.FindingsThe study indicates that the Hofstede‐Gray hypothesis of accounting uniformity in Arab countries is supported by actual examination of accounting practice.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an initial study and the results need to be confirmed in future research. Nevertheless, the finding should be of interested to global investors, international accounting organizations (e.g. IFAC) and other academics who are researching accounting in the Middle East.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that in Arabic nations with a Muslim majority, cultural factors affect accounting development generally and accounting uniformity particularly. The study also shows that accounting practice in Saudi Arabia is less strict in term of uniformity in comparison with other Arabic countries.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the few attempting to assess the effects of culture on accounting uniformity in the Middle East.
Enhanced protein expression in mammalian cells using engineered SUMO fusions: Secreted phospholipase A2
Authors: Peroutka Raymond J. , Elshourbagy Nabil , Piech Tara , Butt Tauseef R. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSUMOylation, the covalent attachment of SUMO (small ubiquitin‐like modifier), is a eukaryotic post‐translational event that has been demonstrated to play a critical role in several biological processes. When used as an N‐terminal tag or fusion partner, SUMO has been shown to enhance functional protein production significantly by improving folding, solubility, and stability. We have engineered several SUMOs and, through their fusion, developed a system for enhancing the expression and secretion of complex proteins. To demonstrate the fidelity of this fusion technology, secreted phospholipase A2 proteins (sPLA2) were produced using HEK‐293T and CHO‐K1 cells. Five mouse sPLA2 homologs were expressed and secreted in mammalian cell cultures using SUMO or SUMO‐derived, N‐terminal fusion partners. Mean and median increases of 43‐ and 18‐fold, respectively, were obtained using novel SUMO mutants that are resistant to digestion by endogenous deSUMOylases.
Chemically synthesized human survivin does not inhibit caspase‐3
Authors: Li Changqing , Wu Zhibin , Liu Min , Pazgier Marzena , Lu Wuyuan 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSurvivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family that blocks cell death by inhibiting the caspase activation pathways. Overexpressed in all common human neoplasms but undetectable in most normal adult tissues, survivin confers tumor resistance to apoptosis and represents an ideal molecular target for therapeutic intervention. How survivin blocks apoptosis, however, has been a subject of intense debate, as evidenced by conflicting reports regarding whether or not survivin can directly bind and inactivate effector caspases. We chemically synthesized large amounts of highly pure human survivin of 142 amino acid residues using native chemical ligation and functionally compared synthetic survivin and a recombinant XIAP—the most intensively studied member of the IAP family. Inhibition assays showed that, while caspase‐3 could be effectively inhibited by XIAP, survivin had no detectable inhibitory activity against the enzyme, even at concentrations several thousand‐fold higher than XIAP. Our finding supports the premise that survivin does not directly inhibit effector caspases.
NR2A‐containing NMDA receptors depress glutamatergic synaptic transmission and evoked‐dopamine release in the mouse striatum
Authors: Schotanus Sietske M. , Chergui Karima 
Published: June 2008

AbstractNMDA receptors play essential roles in the physiology and pathophysiology of the striatum, a brain nucleus involved in motor control and reward‐motivated behaviors. NMDA receptors are composed of NR1 and NR2A–D subunits. Functional properties of NMDA receptors are determined by the type of NR2 subunit they contain. In this study, we have examined the involvement of NR2B and NR2A in the modulatory effect of NMDA on glutamatergic and dopaminergic synaptic transmission in the striatum. We found that bath application of NMDA decreased the amplitude of the field excitatory post‐synaptic potential/population spike (fEPSP/PS) measured in corticostriatal mouse brain slices. This depression was not affected by the NR2B‐selective antagonists Ifenprodil and Ro 25‐6981, but was abolished by the NR2A antagonist NVP‐AAM077. Activation of corticostriatal neurons by NMDA did not contribute to synaptic depression because similar results were obtained in decorticated striatal slices. Synaptic depression was not dependent on GABA release because the GABAAreceptor antagonist bicuculline did not affect NMDA‐induced decrease of the fEPSP/PS. NMDA also depressed evoked‐dopamine release through NR2A‐ but not NR2B‐containing NMDA receptors. Our results identify an important role for NR2A‐containing NMDA receptors intrinsic to the striatum in regulating glutamatergic synaptic transmission and evoked‐dopamine release.
Plasmalogen deficiency in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and its modulation by lovastatin
Authors: Khan Mushfiquddin , Singh Jaspreet , Singh Inderjit 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD), an accumulation of very long chain fatty acids stems from a defect of the peroxisomal ALD protein (ALDP) and results in the loss of myelin/oligodendrocytes, induction of inflammatory disease and mental deterioration. In brain white matter of cALD patients, we observed not only increased levels of very long chain fatty acid but also reduced levels of plasmenylethanolamine (PlsEtn) and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The loss of PlsEtn was greatest in the plaque area and lesser but significant at histologically normal‐looking areas of the cALD brain. The reduction in PlsEtn was related to oxidative stress, as supported by increased levels of reactive lipid aldehydes (4‐hydroxynonenal and acrolein) and deleterious oxidized proteins (protein carbonyl) in all areas of the cALD brain. This inverse relationship between the levels of PlsEtn and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was further supported in an in vitro study using gene‐silencing for dihydroxyacetone phosphate‐acyl transferase, a key enzyme for PlsEtn biosynthesis. Levels of PlsEtn were also found decreased in vitro following gene‐silencing for the ALDP/ALD‐related protein. Furthermore, low levels of PlsEtn were detected in brain white matter of ALDP knock out (KO) mice. A treatment of ALDP KO mice with lovastatin increased PlsEtn levels in the brain. Further, in an in vitro study, lovastatin treatment of rat C6 glial cells increased PlsEtn biosynthesis and reduced the cytokine‐induced ROS accumulation. In summary, this study reports that altered metabolism of PlsEtn and ROS in cALD may be corrected by lovastatin treatment.
Genome Sequence and Characteristics of Lrm1, a Prophage from Industrial
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Strain M1
Authors: Durmaz Evelyn , Miller Michael J. , Azcarate-Peril M. Andrea , Toon Stephen P. , Klaenhammer Todd R. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Prophage Lrm1 was induced with mitomycin C from an industrial
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
starter culture, M1. Electron microscopy of the lysate revealed relatively few intact bacteriophage particles among empty heads and disassociated tails. The defective
Siphoviridae
phage had an isometric head of approximately 55 nm and noncontractile tail of about 275 nm with a small baseplate. In repeated attempts, the prophage could not be cured from
L. rhamnosus
M1, nor could a sensitive host be identified. Sequencing of the phage Lrm1 DNA revealed a genome of 39,989 bp and a G+C content of 45.5%. A similar genomic organization and mosaic pattern of identities align Lrm1 among the closely related
Lactobacillus casei
temperate phages A2, ΦAT3, and LcaI and with
L. rhamnosus
virulent phage Lu-Nu. Of the 54 open reading frames (ORFs) identified, all but 8 shared homology with other phages of this group. Five unknown ORFs were identified that had no homologies in the databases nor predicted functions. Notably, Lrm1 encodes a putative endonuclease and a putative DNA methylase with homology to a methylase in
Lactococcus lactis
phage Tuc2009. Possibly, the DNA methylase, endonuclease, or other Lrm1 genes provide a function crucial to
L. rhamnosus
M1 survival, resulting in the stability of the defective prophage in its lysogenic state. The presence of a defective prophage in an industrial strain could provide superinfection immunity to the host but could also contribute DNA in recombination events to produce new phages potentially infective for the host strain in a large-scale fermentation environment.
Babesia
Species Occurring in Austrian
Ixodes ricinus
Ticks
Authors: Blaschitz Marion , Narodoslavsky-Gföller Melanie , Kanzler Michaela , Stanek Gerold , Walochnik Julia 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Babesiosis is a tick-transmitted disease of veterinary and medical importance. The first Austrian case of human babesiosis was recently recorded. In the current study, ticks at all life cycle stages (instars), including 853
Ixodes ricinus
and 11
Haemaphysalis concinna
ticks, from sampling sites throughout Austria were examined for the presence of
Babesia
spp. by using 18S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing, and the overall mean infection rate was 51.04%. The infection rates for sampling sites were highly variable, ranging from 0% to almost 100%. Different instars and different sexes were infected almost equally.
Babesia
isolates occurring in Austrian ticks were identified as
Babesia divergens
,
Babesia divergens
-like, and
Babesia
sp. strain DD by sequencing a fragment of the heat shock protein 70 gene and internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of
Babesia
spp. in Austrian ticks.
Analysis of the Genome Sequence ofLactobacillus gasseriATCC 33323 Reveals the Molecular Basis of an Autochthonous Intestinal Organism
Authors: Azcarate-Peril M. Andrea , Altermann Eric , Goh Yong Jun , Tallon Richard , Sanozky-Dawes Rosemary B. , Pfeiler Erika A. , O'Flaherty Sarah , Buck B. Logan , Dobson Alleson , Duong Tri , Miller Michael J. , Barrangou Rodolphe , Klaenhammer Todd R. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTThis study presents the complete genome sequence ofLactobacillus gasseriATCC 33323, a neotype strain of human origin and a native species found commonly in the gastrointestinal tracts of neonates and adults. The plasmid-free genome was 1,894,360 bp in size and predicted to encode 1,810 genes. The GC content was 35.3%, similar to the GC content of its closest relatives,L. johnsoniiNCC 533 (34%) andL. acidophilusNCFM (34%). Two identical copies of the prophage LgaI (40,086 bp), of the Sfi11-likeSiphoviridaephage family, were integrated tandomly in the chromosome. A number of unique features were identified in the genome ofL. gasserithat were likely acquired by horizontal gene transfer and may contribute to the survival of this bacterium in its ecological niche.L. gasseriencodes two restriction and modification systems, which may limit bacteriophage infection.L. gasserialso encodes an operon for production of heteropolysaccharides of high complexity. A unique alternative sigma factor was present similar to that ofB. caccaeATCC 43185, a bacterial species isolated from human feces. In addition,L. gasseriencoded the highest number of putative mucus-binding proteins (14) among lactobacilli sequenced to date. Selected phenotypic characteristics that were compared between ATCC 33323 and other humanL. gasseristrains included carbohydrate fermentation patterns, growth and survival in bile, oxalate degradation, and adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells, in vitro. The results from this study indicated high intraspecies variability from a genome encoding traits important for survival and retention in the gastrointestinal tract.
Improved Cloning Vectors for Bifidobacteria, Based on the
Bifidobacterium catenulatum
pBC1 Replicon
Authors: Álvarez-Martín Pablo , Belén Flórez Ana , Margolles Abelardo , del Solar Gloria , Mayo Baltasar 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

This study reports the development of several cloning vectors for bifidobacteria based on the replicon of pBC1, a cryptic plasmid from
Bifidobacterium catenulatum
L48 thought to replicate via the theta mode. These vectors, in which antibiotic resistance genes encoding either erythromycin or tetracycline resistance acted as selection markers, were able to replicate in a series of eight
Bifidobacterium
species at frequencies ranging from 4.0 × 10
1
to 1.0 × 10
5
transformants μg
−1
but not in
Lactococcus lactis
or
Lactobacillus casei
. They showed a relative copy number of around 30 molecules per chromosome equivalent and a good segregational stability, with more than 95% of the cells retaining the vectors after 80 to 100 generations in the absence of selection. Vectors contain multiple cloning sites of different lengths, and the
lacZ
α peptide gene was introduced into one of the molecules, thus allowing the easy selection of colonies harboring recombinant plasmids in
Escherichia coli
. The functionality of the vectors for engineering
Bifidobacterium
strains was assessed by cloning and examining the expression of an α-
l
-arabinofuranosidase gene belonging to
Bifidobacterium longum. E. coli
and
Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum
recombinant clones were stable and showed an increase in α-arabinofuranosidase activity of over 100-fold compared to that of the untransformed hosts.
Variations in the Degree of
d
-Alanylation of Teichoic Acids in
Lactococcus lactis
Alter Resistance to Cationic Antimicrobials but Have No Effect on Bacterial Surface Hydrophobicity and Charge
Authors: Giaouris Efstathios , Briandet Romain , Meyrand Mickael , Courtin Pascal , Chapot-Chartier Marie-Pierre 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

An increase of the degree of
d
-alanylation of teichoic acids in
Lactococcus lactis
resulted in a significant increase of bacterial resistance toward the cationic antimicrobials nisin and lysozyme, whereas the absence of
d
-alanylation led to a decreased resistance toward the same compounds. In contrast, the same variations of the
d
-alanylation degree did not modify bacterial cell surface charge and hydrophobicity. Bacterial adhesion to polystyrene and glass surfaces was not modified either.
Specific Interaction of the Unmodified Bacteriocin Lactococcin 972 with the Cell Wall Precursor Lipid II
Authors: Martínez Beatriz , Böttiger Tim , Schneider Tanja , Rodríguez Ana , Sahl Hans-Georg , Wiedemann Imke 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Lactococcin 972 (Lcn972) is a nonlantibiotic bacteriocin that inhibits septum biosynthesis in
Lactococcus lactis
rather than forming pores in the cytoplasmic membrane. In this study, a deeper analysis of the molecular basis of the mode of action of Lcn972 was performed. Of several lipid cell wall precursors, only lipid II antagonized Lcn972 inhibitory activity in vivo. Likewise, Lcn972 only coprecipitated with lipid II micelles. This bacteriocin inhibited the in vitro polymerization of lipid II by the recombinant
S. aureus
PBP2 and the addition to lipid II of the first glycine catalyzed by FemX. These experiments demonstrate that Lcn972 specifically interacts with lipid II, the substrate of both enzymes. In the presence of Lcn972, nisin pore formation was partially hindered in whole cells. However, binding of Lcn972 to lipid II could not compete with nisin in lipid II-doped 1,2-dioleoyl-
sn
-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) liposomes, possibly indicating a distinct binding site. The existence of a putative cotarget for Lcn972 activity is discussed in the context of its narrow inhibitory spectrum and the localized action at the division septum. To our knowledge, this is the first unmodified bacteriocin that binds to the cell wall precursor lipid II.