bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QUALX2.0: a qualitative phase analysis software using the freely available database POW_COD
Authors: Altomare Angela , Corriero Nicola , Cuocci Corrado , Falcicchio Aurelia , Moliterni Anna , Rizzi Rosanna
Published: February 2015

QUALX2.0is the new version ofQUALX, a computer program for qualitative phase analysis by powder diffraction data. The previous version ofQUALXwas able to carry out phase identification by querying the PDF-2 commercial database. The main novelty ofQUALX2.0is the possibility of querying also a freely available database, POW_COD. POW_COD has been built up by starting from the structure information contained in the Crystallography Open Database (COD). The latter is a growing collection of diffraction data, freely downloadable from the web, corresponding to inorganic, metal–organic, organic and mineral structures.QUALX2.0retains the main capabilities of the previous version: (a) automatically estimating and subtracting the background; (b) locating the experimental diffraction peaks; (c) searching the database for single-phase pattern(s) best matching to the experimental powder diffraction data; (d) taking into account suitable restraints in the search; (e) performing a semi-quantitative analysis; (f) enabling the change of default choices and strategiesviaa user-friendly graphic interface. The advances ofQUALX2.0with respect toQUALXinclude (i) a wider variety of types of importable ASCII file containing the experimental diffraction pattern and (ii) new search–match options. The program, written in Fortran and C++, runs on PCs under the Windows operating system. The POW_COD database is exported in SQLite3 format.
Dynamic strain propagation in nanoparticulate zirconia refractory
Authors: Jones Morgan E. , Fearn Steve , Winter Rudolf , Yuan Fajin , Lennie Alistair R. , Parker Julia E. , Thompson Stephen P. , Tang Chiu C.
Published: February 2015

Residual and intrinsic strains in granular materials have been studied extensively. However, understanding the dynamic strains that cause these resultant residual strains is key to developing better strain-resistant materials. This investigation demonstrates a method for characterizing dynamic strain propagation in granular materials. The specimen is a zirconia-based refractory composed of sol–gel-derived zirconia nanoparticles in a potassium silicate glass binder.In situsynchrotron X-ray powder diffraction in flat-plate geometry is used to characterize the sample structure on timescales of the order of 1 ms. A 125 W CO2laser is used to strain the sample with a 25 ms pulse length. To compensate for the poor flux on this timescale, a pump–probe method is repeated 1000 times and the resulting data are subsequently re-binned to improve statistics. A Gaussian weighting function is also used to introduce better contrast between strained and unstrained frames.TOPAS Academicis used for fitting with a Le Bail model in `batch mode'. Lattice parameters and sample height are refined during fitting, along with a Lorentzian line width for extracting microstrain broadening. Microstrains, ∊, in the range of 1.01 < ∊ < 1.46% are reported on a 1 ms timescale.
Structure determination and modeling of monoclinic trioctylphosphine oxide
Authors: Doan-Nguyen Vicky V. T. , Carroll Patrick J. , Murray Christopher B.
Published: February 2015

Trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), C24H51OP, was recrystallized from ambient evaporation in acetone. TOPO single crystals form with a monoclinicP21/cstructure. Fourier transform IR (FT–IR) spectroscopy captures the characteristic stretching modes from the seven methylene groups, the phosphoryl P=O bond, and the phosphoryl–carbon bond.
Crystal structure of 2-benzylamino-4-(4-bromophenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Nagalakshmi R. A. , Suresh J. , Maharani S. , Kumar R. Ranjith , Lakshman P. L. Nilantha
Published: February 2015

In the title compound C22H18BrN3, the cyclopentane ring adopts an envelope conformation with the central methylene C atom as the flap. The dihedral angles between the central pyridine ring and the pendant benzyl and and bromobenzene rings are 82.65 (1) and 47.23 (1)°, respectively. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N—H...Nn(n = nitrile) hydrogen bonds generateR22(12) loops. These dimers are linked by weak π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.7713 (14) Å] into a layered structure.
Crystal structure of 5,7-diphenyl-4,7-dihydrotetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine
Authors: Price Ivy K. , Rougeot Celine , Hein Jason E.
Published: February 2015

In the title molecule, C16H13N5, the plane of the tetrazole ring forms dihedral angles of 16.37 (7) and 76.59 (7)° with the two phenyl rings. The dihedral angle between the phenyl rings is 68.05 (6)°. The pyrimidine ring is in a flattened boat conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers.
Crystal structure of 2-methylpiperazine-1,4-diium bis(hydrogen maleate)
Authors: Wecharine Intissar , Valkonen Arto , Rzaigui Mohamed , Smirani Sta Wajda
Published: February 2015

In the title salt, C5H14N22+·2C4H3O4−, the asymmetric unit contains two independent 2-methylpiperazinium dications, which comprise a racemic pair, and four hydrogen maleate monoanions. In the roughly planar hydrogen maleate anions, intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds generateS(7) rings. In the crystal, the four independent anions are linked to the 2-methylpiperazinium cations through N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming two-dimensional layered structures lying parallel to (001).
Crystal structure of 4,6-diamino-2-(methylsulfanyl)pyridine-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Knight Kyle S. , Akkurt Mehmet , Hussein Bahgat R. M. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: February 2015

The title pyrimidine derivative, C7H8N4S, is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.029 (2) Å from the mean plane of the non-H atoms. In the crystal, molecules are linked by an intermolecular bifurcated N—H...N hydrogen bond between the cyano N atom and the two amino groups, an N—H...N hydrogen bond between the two amino groups and a weak C—H...π interaction, forming a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of 2,2′-bipyridine-1,1′-diium tetrachloridozincate
Authors: Govindaraj Jeyaraman , Thirumurugan Subramani , Clara Antoni Samy , Anbalagan Krishnamoorthy , SubbiahPandi Arunachalathevar
Published: February 2015

In the crystal structure of the title salt, (C10H10N2)[ZnCl4], the bipyridinediium dication is not planar, with a dihedral angle of 37.21 (9)° between the planes of the two pyridine rings. In the crystal, the slightly distorted [ZnCl4]2−anions are packed into rods parallel to [001], with the organic cations arranged in corrugated layers parallel to (100). Cations and anions are linked through N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming chains parallel to [20-1]. Additional C—H...Cl interactions consolidate the crystal packing.
Crystal structure of ethyl (2S,2′R)-1′-benzyl-3-oxo-3H-dispiro[1-benzothiophene-2,3′-pyrrolidine-2′,11′′-indeno[1,2-b]quinoxaline]-4′-carboxylate
Authors: Govindaraj J. , Raja R. , Suresh M. , Raghunathan R. , SubbiahPandi A.
Published: February 2015

In the title compound, C35H27N3O3S, the spiro-linked five-membered rings both adopt twisted conformations. The pyrrolidine ring makes dihedral angles of 80.5 (1) and 77.4 (9)° with the benzothiophene ring system and the quinoxaline ring system, respectively. The S atom and C=O unit of the benzothiophene ring system are disordered over two opposite orientations in a 0.768 (4):0.232 (4) ratio. The atoms of the ethyl side chain are disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.680 (16):0.320 (16) ratio. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O, C—H...N and π–π interactions [shortest centroid–centroid distance = 3.4145 (19) Å], resulting in a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of 2-{[(naphthalen-1-yl)oxy]methyl}-5-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole
Authors: Govindhan Muniyappan , Subramanian Kathavarayan , Viswanathan Vijayan , Velmurugan Devadasan
Published: February 2015

In the title compound C19H11F3N2O2, the oxadiazole ring and the naphthalene ring system are approximately planar (r.m.s. deviations of 0.001 and 0.020 Å, respectively) and the oxadiazole ring makes dihedral angles of 13.11 (1) and 7.59 (1)° with the naphthalene ring system and the trifluorophenyl ring, respectively. In the crystal, C—H...N hydrogen bonds link molecules into chains along thea-axis direction, while C—H...F contacts form additional chains along theacdiagonal. These contacts generate sheets of molecules approximately parallel to the (011) plane.
Crystal structure of methyl (E)-2-(1-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)acetate
Authors: Savithri M. P. , Yuvaraj P. S. , Reddy B. S. R. , Raja R. , SubbiahPandi A.
Published: February 2015

The title compound, C12H11NO3, is essentially planar, with the mean plane of the acetate side chain [–C—C(=O)—O—C] being inclined to the mean plane of the indole ring system by 12.49 (7)°. The five- and six-membered rings of the indole group are almost coplanar, making a dihedral angle of 1.76 (8)°. The conformation about the C=C bond isEand there is an intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond present. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds forming inversion dimers, with anR22(16) ring motif. The dimers are linked by a second pair of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, enclosingR22(16) ring motifs, forming ribbons lying parallel to (-114). The ribbons are linkedviaC—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional structure.
Synthèse et structure cristalline d'un matériau noir AgMnII3(MnIII0,26Al0,74)(MoO4)5
Authors: Bouzidi Chahira , Frigui Wafa , Zid Mohamed Faouzi
Published: February 2015

A new silver aluminium trimanganese pentamolybdate {silver(I) trimanganese(II) aluminium pentakis[tetraoxidomolybdate(VI)]}, AgMnII3(MnIII0,26Al0,74)(MoO4)5, has been synthesized using solid-state methods. The structure is composed ofM2O10dimers,M3O14(M= Mn, Al) trimers and MoO4tetrahedra sharing corners and forming three types of layersA,BandB′. The sequence of the constituting layers isA–BB′–A–BB′, withB′ obtained fromBby inversion symmetry, forming a three-dimensional structure with large channels in which the positionally disordered and partially occupied Ag+ions reside. The MnIIIand AlIIIatoms share the same site,M. AgMnII3(MnIII0,26Al0,74)(MoO4)5is isotypic with the NaMg3X(MoO4)5(X= Al, In) family and with NaFe4(MoO4)5. A comparative structural description is provided between the structure of the title compound and those of related phases containing dimers, trimers and tetramers.
Crystal structures of two hydrazinecarbothioamide derivatives: (E)-N-ethyl-2-[(4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylidene]hydrazinecarbothioamide hemihydrate and (E)-2-[(4-chloro-2H-chromen-3-yl)methylidene]-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Gangadharan Rajeswari , Haribabu Jebiti , Karvembu Ramasamy , Sethusankar K.
Published: February 2015

The title compounds, C13H13N3O2S·0.5H2O, (I), and C17H14ClN3OS, (II), are hydrazinecarbothioamide derivatives. Compound (I) crystallizes with two independent molecules (AandB) and a water molecule of crystallization in the asymmetric unit. The chromene moiety is essentially planar in moleculesAandB, with maximum deviations of 0.028 (3) and 0.016 (3) Å, respectively, for the carbonyl C atoms. In (II), the pyran ring of the chromene moiety adopts a screw-boat conformation and the phenyl ring is inclined by 61.18 (9)° to its mean plane. In the crystal of (I), bifurcated N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the two independent molecules formingA–Bdimers with twoR21(6) ring motifs, andR22(10) andR22(14) ring motifs. In addition to these, the water molecule forms tetrafurcated hydrogen bonds which alternately generateR44(12) andR66(22) graph-set ring motifs. There are also π–π [inter-centroid distances = 3.5648 (14) and 3.6825 (15) Å] interactions present, leading to the formation of columns along thec-axis direction. In the crystal of (II), molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(8) ring motif. The dimers are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming ribbons lying parallel to (210).
Market orientation and business results among small‐scale service firms
Authors: Polo Peña Ana Isabel , Frías Jamilena Dolores María , Castañeda García José Alberto
Published: February 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate market orientation (MO) and business results scales in an area of significant interest for the literature: namely, service firms of a small and micro‐scale in a market sharing many similarities with Latin America (cultural, social and economic), specifically the Spanish rural tourism market.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of a literature review covering works specializing in MO and its impact on the service sector, and in the characteristics of small‐ and micro‐sized service firms (SMSF), a qualitative and a quantitative study are carried out in Spain, at a national level.

Findings

The results validate the scales and identify that MO comprises the following dimensions: information‐gathering, dissemination of information, and response to the market. The validated business results scale includes economic/financial results and others of a more personal nature linked to the entrepreneur business owner.

Practical implications

The work provides knowledge regarding the activities undertaken by SMSF in the area of MO. Professionals from the small‐ and micro‐sized service sector can use this knowledge to plan and design market‐focussed actions that will lead to improved business performance.

Originality/value

The work validates MO and business results scales that have been widely studied throughout the literature but that leave a significant gap in the case of SMSF operating in Latin American countries. The business base in these countries comprises a large percentage of such small‐scale operations.
Heterogeneous research networks in Latin American schools of business management
Authors: Orozco Luis Antonio , Luis Villaveces José
Published: February 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate the effect of heterogeneity in inter‐organizational collaboration networks on international high‐quality scientific performance of the most reputed business management schools in Latin America according toAméricaEconomíaranking.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the debate between advantages and disadvantages of heterogeneity in scientific performance framed in the debate between organizational population ecology and organizational institutionalism theories, this research explores the relationship between heterogeneity, reputation and the most important features for doing research. Using a binomial negative regression, the paper evaluates the partial effect of those variables in the count of scientific production.

Findings

There is an isomorphical tendency from the most reputed schools to establish heterogeneous networks, showing empirical evidence to normative proposals from Latin America, specially formulated in the light of Sabato triangle. Also there are differentiations between schools in aspects like human capital, double‐degree agreements, and schools’ trajectories.

Research limitations/implications

It is necessary to choose a wider sample of schools and to include Latin American journals. The study of diversity (between researchers) and its relationship with heterogeneity (between organizations) is also needed.

Practical implications

The research shows that elite business management schools in Latin America that present better performance also present high levels of heterogeneity in their inter‐organizational collaboration. Therefore, the promotion of heterogeneity could enhance scientific performance and improve techno‐economical networks.

Social implications

This research hopes to aim the research policy design to be able to steer and promote heterogeneity that could improve the relationship between producers and users of knowledge.

Originality/value

The relationships between reputation, heterogeneity, and scientific performance in administration in Latin America had not been addressed empirically. The worth of this research is the empirical confirmation to the advantages of heterogeneity, rather than intellectual capital features of schools, in research collaboration that contribute to the debate about heterogeneity and performance.
Characteristics and effectiveness of university spin‐off support programmes
Authors: Beraza‐Garmendia José María , Rodríguez‐Castellanos Arturo
Published: February 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify different program models supporting the creation of spin‐offs at universities, analyzes the characteristics that differentiate them, and identifies the factors that determine their effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was performed using data collected through a survey targeting the heads of spin‐off support programs at universities in the UK and Spain. The authors then applied factorial and cluster analysis techniques and a logistic regression analysis to the data to confirm the results.

Findings

The analysis identified three types of spin‐off support programs in these universities. Among these, the authors found one that appears to be the most effective model. The authors also found a certain “country effect” on the characteristics of the most effective model. Finally, the authors noted the importance the literature places on university R&D activity and the existence of a favorable environment for the performance of spin‐off programs.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by the use of number of spin‐offs and survival rate as performance indicators for support programs. Future research should consider the effective contributions to economic growth and the extent to which such effects are related to university‐level policies.

Practical implications

The typology of the spin‐off support programs identified here provides insight for recommendations to improve less‐effective models.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the role of university policy measures in spin‐off support program effectiveness, and of how the environment influences these policies.
Assessing value co-creation and value capture potential in services: a management framework
Authors: Töytäri Pekka
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the managerial practices to assess value creation and value capture potential in longitudinal buyer-seller relationships, and proposes a framework for evaluating such potential for maximizing sales function efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is based on an exploratory multi-case study with seven internationally operating companies from a variety of industries, with the aim of building the framework for sales opportunity management. The framework is then refined in eight workshops with 21 companies.

Findings

– The findings suggest that industrial companies need to develop new capabilities to efficiently manage value selling opportunities at different stages of the opportunity lifecycle.

Research limitations/implications

– The underlying sales approach of the research is proactive value selling in a service business context. The findings may not be generalizable into other sales contexts.

Practical implications

– The paper provides practicing managers with an actionable sales opportunity management framework for an effective management of sales quality.

Originality/value

– The research contributes to a previously unexplored area of sales management, and suggests a managerial practice linking strategy to implementation at the customer interface.
Strategic roles of service sites: application of Ferdows’s model
Authors: Hallavo Ville , Kuula Markku , Putkiranta Antero
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the applicability to the service business of general models used in the manufacturing environment. This is done by applying Ferdows’s model, “the strategic role of the plant”, in two cases.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses the case approach. One case (IBM Nordic) is based on an interview, while the other case (Google) relies on secondary data. In each case the operations are mapped on Ferdows’s model.

Findings

– The cases indicate that the same kind of roles can be found in the service business as in traditional manufacturing environments, and that these roles are widely used. However, for communicative purposes, the model was terminologically slightly modified.

Research limitations/implications

– Although this study presents the findings of only two cases, the knowledge of material available from public sources leads us to believe that these findings are universal. The model is easy to communicate in the service sector and is thus a very valuable tool.

Originality/value

– Models used in the traditional manufacturing and operations management environment have not yet been fully discovered by, nor sufficiently applied in, the service sector. Academics and practitioners are busy trying to create new models in this sector, without noticing that the “old” tools are still usable. Benchmarking against the models used in other sectors might be a worthwhile exercise.
“Expect the unexpected”
Authors: Ellert Guido , Schafmeister Guido , Wawrzinek David , Gassner Heike
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse event management by using three value creation logics, value chain, value network and value shop. In event management, value is generated through intermediation where the dominant creation logic is a value network. However, the complexity of events and danger of unexpected problems is increasing, which, in the worst case, leads to event failure. This fact makes it necessary to change the general attitude towards this topic from risk management to uncertainty management and use the value shop in order to solve problems efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on the methodology of phenomenological hermeneutics which analyzes the object of study by interpreting the facticity and provides basics to generate a conceptual model.

Findings

– The dominant value creation logic must be changed to prevent the value network from failure in generating value, since only the value shop provides high quality problem solving. Trust not only in planning but also in the own problem-solving competence and available tools is a major part of the value shop. As a practical example of high quality problem solving, the performance of high reliability organisations can be used by event managers.

Research limitations/implications

– Using these hermeneutical gained logic, additional empirical research projects in event management, leadership and problem-solving competence of top managers, are promptly intended. Additionally, studies concerning competences and structures of the uncertainty management team have to be determined and developed as well as education and coaching has to be generated in order to achieve best results in problem solving.

Practical implications

– Practical implications of this paper are: considering the value shop as the dominant value creation logic in uncertainty management; establishing a specially trained Complex Problem-Solving Team; and considering trust to be an essential element of the value shop.

Social implications

– The basic job requirements a successful value net (event-) manager has to provide in such a complex system are: acting as integrator, mediator and problem solver simultaneously. Additionally event managers need to be trained to rethink the value creation logic and use the value shop within the value net to stay flexible and work successfully during their events.

Originality/value

– Derived from this new perspective the necessity of enhancing the implemented value creation logic according to uncertainties allows event managers to solve unexpected problems faster and more efficiently.
Adapting the SERVQUAL model to a physical activity break satisfaction scale
Authors: Santos Cristian Roberto , Contreras Ana María , Faúndez Cesar , Palomo-Vélez Gonzalo Francisco
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to create a “physical activity break” (PAB) satisfaction scale, for this, the RATER dimensions of the service quality model SERVQUAL were used.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study opted for a correlational study and used a psychometric approach. Totally, 69 administrative workers at a public university of Chile participated in a physical activity programme and completed a satisfaction questionnaire including sections adapted from the SERVQUAL model.

Findings

– The study created a PAB satisfaction scale, which shows appropriate psychometric indicators. Furthermore, satisfaction scores were positively correlated with perceived psychological and physical benefits, attendance motivation and intention to participate again in future programmes.

Research limitations/implications

– Because measures perceived psychological and physical benefits, attendance motivation and intention to participate again in future programmes are measured by single items, futures studies should evaluate association of the satisfaction scale with more consistent measures, as well as include anthropometric measures (e.g. body mass index and weight).

Practical implications

– This study created a PAB satisfaction scale, using appropriate psychometric indicators which enable the evaluation of the quality of these programmes from the participant’s perspective.

Originality/value

– Despite the popularity of PAB programmes, to the authors knowledge, up to day there is no way of evaluating these programmes from the participant’s perspective.
Impact of changes in medical condition burden index and stress on absenteeism among employees of a US utility company
Authors: Marzec Mary L , Scibelli Andrew , Edington Dee
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of changes of medical condition burden index (MCBI) and stress on absenteeism and discuss implications for policy/program design.

Design/methodology/approach

– Sample: US utility employees that participated in Health Risk Appraisals (HRA) during 2009 and 2010 (n=3,711). Methods: the MCBI was created by summing number of medical conditions. Absenteeism was measured from administrative records. Change in MCBI and stress and impact on absenteeism was assessed according to incremental change, by low/high categorizations, and by using multivariate regression.

Findings

– Incrementally, greater changes in MCBI or stress generally resulted in corresponding absenteeism change. For both MCBI and stress, high categories were associated with greater absenteeism compared to those in low categories. Those remaining in the low MCBI category decreased absenteeism (−0.10 days/year; p=0.01). Changes from low to high MCBI resulted in increased absenteeism (+0.12 days/year; p=0.04. Changes in stress from low to high or from high to low categories resulted in concurrent changes in absenteeism (+0.21 days/year; p=0.04 and −0.31 days/year; p=0.01, respectively). Regression analyses indicated the interaction between stress and MCBI as a significant contributor to absenteeism change.

Research limitations/implications

– Conclusions: MCBI, stress and their interaction appear to be direct determinants of absenteeism. Companies should consider both physical and emotional health simultaneously in program interventions in order to reduce absenteeism.

Originality/value

– Unlike most studies illustrating cross-sectional relationships, this study shows how changes in stress and medical conditions relate to changes in absenteeism. The interaction between MCBI and stress in this context is also a novel addition.
Strategies of active dissemination of workplace health promotion
Authors: Friedrich Verena , Hoffmann Susanne , Bauer Georg
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– A growing body of literature provides evidence for the efficacy of workplace health promotion (WHP). However, little is known about effective dissemination strategies for WHP interventions. The purpose of this paper is to describe how a WHP agency in Zurich, Switzerland, used bulk mailings, information events, telephone marketing and free initial consultations for the large-scale geographic marketing of WHP services, with a focus on tobacco prevention (TP).

Design/methodology/approach

– To analyze the number of companies responding positively to solicitation, examine the predictors of positive responses and explore the reasons for negative responses, the authors used both quantitative (e.g. a standardized questionnaire) and qualitative (telephone interviews) methods.

Findings

– The results show that except for telephone marketing (69 percent), the success rates of dissemination activities were very low (3-9 percent). Predictors for a positive response were institutionalization of WHP, the representative’s personal concern about TP, and problems with environmental tobacco smoke within the company. The most prominent reason for a negative response was that the companies had already implemented TP measures by themselves and needed no further external support.

Practical implications

– It is suggested that TP was the wrong emphasis for a WHP program to be disseminated at that particular time, because a law on protection from passive smoking was introduced in Switzerland shortly afterwards.

Originality/value

– The study examines dissemination strategies under real-life consulting conditions. It builds on on a large sample of companies and uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods. It reports specific numbers and success rates of marketing activities and thereby contributes to the knowledge about an important issue for intervention planning in the field of WHP.
Internal mimetic behavior of MNCs with respect to foreign subsidiary staffing
Authors: Ando Naoki
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to fill the following research gaps. First, few studies have examined isomorphic behavior of multinational corporations (MNCs) with respect to foreign subsidiary staffing. Second, the adoption by an MNC of its internally preferable practices, which is referred to as internal mimetic behavior, has been less extensively investigated when compared with the imitation of practices adopted by a large number of peer firms. Lastly, factors that facilitate internal mimetic behavior have not been extensively explored.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study hypothesizes that internal mimetic behavior is affected by both formal and informal institutional distance. The hypotheses are tested using the panel data set that consists of 3,981 foreign subsidiaries of Japanese MNCs.

Findings

– This study finds that as the formal institutional distance between the host country and the home country increases, MNCs are more likely to adopt internal mimetic behavior. Furthermore, it demonstrates that as the informal institutional distance increases, the likelihood that MNCs adopt internal mimetic behavior decreases.

Practical implications

– This study suggests that MNCs need to consider the consequences of internal mimetic behavior when they adopt it without having economic rationale. It also suggests that when uncertainty can be mitigated, MNCs should avoid internal mimetic behavior.

Originality/value

– This study fills the aforementioned research gaps by examining what factors facilitate internal mimetic behavior. It suggests that both economic rationale and isomorphic behavior need to be considered to advance an understanding of foreign subsidiary staffing.
The Cognistat (neurobehavioural cognitive status exam): Administering the full test in stroke patients for optimal results
Authors: Rice Danielle , Campbell Nerissa , Friedman Lauren , Speechley Mark , Teasell Robert W.
Published: February 2015

Background

One of the most commonly administered tools occupational therapists use for stroke patients is the Cognistat, which was designed as a brief screening tool of cognitive functioning. Evaluations in samples of patients have identified a high false‐negative rate if the Cognistat is administered using the ‘screen metric’ approach. Assessing the Cognistat based on its intended design can ensure consistency and accuracy among occupational therapists for this commonly administered tool. Thus, this study examined the accuracy of administering the entire Cognistat in comparison to the screen‐metric approach and the factor analytic structure within stroke patients.

Methods

The full Cognistat was administered to stroke patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation.

Results

Seventy‐five patients who experienced a recent stroke met inclusion criteria. An inconsistency between the screen and metric items was found for five of 10 subscales. Additionally, a principal component analysis (PCA) found the Cognistat to be a two factor structure with six of the subscales loading on Factor 1, while the remaining subscales loaded on Factor 2.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that occupational therapists should administer the full Cognistat to stroke patients rather than the original screen‐metric approach. A two‐factor structure was also supported in our results, suggesting that occupational therapists' scoring practices should reflect this finding and use the differentiated score out of 10 rather than a global sum. However, additional research is necessary to consider the clinical and theoretical significance of the Cognistats' subscale clustering.
Sources of Business Cycles in a Low Income Country
Authors: Houssa Romain , Mohimont Jolan , Otrok Christopher
Published: February 2015

We examine the role of global and domestic shocks in driving macroeconomic fluctuations for Ghana. We are able to study the impact of exogenous shocks, including productivity, credit supply and commodity price shocks. We identify the shocks using a combination of sign and recursive restrictions within Bayesian vector autoregressive models. As a benchmark we provide results for South Africa to document the difference between two economies with similar structures but at different stages of development. We find that global shocks play a more dominant role in South Africa than in Ghana. These shocks operate through three channels: trade, credit and commodity prices.
Foreign Institutional Ownership and the Global Convergence of Financial Reporting Practices
Authors: FANG VIVIAN W. , MAFFETT MARK , ZHANG BOHUI
Published: February 2015

This paper investigates whether foreign institutional investors affect the global convergence of financial reporting practices. Using several measures of reporting convergence, we show that U.S. institutional ownership is positively associated with subsequent changes in emerging market firms’ accounting comparability to their U.S. industry peers. We identify this association using an instrumental variable approach that exploits exogenous variation in U.S. institutional investment generated by the JGTRRA Act of 2003. Further, we provide evidence of a specific mechanism—the switch to a Big Four audit firm—through which U.S. institutional investors affect reporting convergence. Finally, we show that, for emerging market firms, an increase in comparability to U.S. firms is associated with an improvement in the properties of foreign analysts’ forecasts.
Traceback Investigation for Salmonella Contamination at Egg Processing Plants in South Korea: Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance, and Epidemiological Tracing by Rep‐PCR Fingerprinting
Authors: Kim Young‐Jo , Chon Jung‐Whan , Lim Jong‐Soo , Song Bo Ra , Seo Kun‐Ho , Heo Eun‐Jeong , Park Hyun‐Jung , Wee Seong‐Hwan , Oh Deog Hwan , Moon Jin‐San
Published: February 2015

We conducted a survey of Salmonella from 8 egg‐breaking plants and a farm to determine the prevalence and the source of the bacteria. The contents of 2400 shell eggs (20 eggs per pool), 75 pasteurized liquid egg products, and 120 unpasteurized liquid egg products from 8 egg‐breaking plants in South Korea were examined. In liquid egg samples, 4 Salmonella‐positive samples from 120 unpasteurized ones (3.3%) and 5 positive samples from 75 pasteurized ones (6.7%) were identified; no eggs were positive for Salmonella among shell egg samples. To trace the source of Salmonella, we revisited the 2 Salmonella‐positive plants (plants A and C). We investigated the equipment and environments of the plants and a henhouse (farm A) that supplied shell eggs to plant A, and collected additional liquid eggs and shell eggs from plants A and C. All Salmonella isolates from plant A and the associated farm A, except for a single Typhimurium strain from farm A, were serotyped as Bareilly. Three serovars, including one Bareilly, four Tennessee, and one Richmond, were isolated from plant C. Most Salmonella isolates were susceptible to tested antibiotics. To identify differences between isolates, molecular subtyping by using the automated rep‐PCR system was conducted. All Salmonella Bareilly (S. Bareilly) strains from plant A exhibited high similarity, indicating possible contamination by Salmonella strains from the henhouse A. Meanwhile, 2 S. Bareilly strains from plant C, one from liquid egg at the 1st visit and the other from container at the 2nd visit, exhibited identical antibiotic resistance and similar subtyping pattern, but clearly discriminated from the ones of plant A.
Spontaneous postnatal growth is reduced in children with CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Dörr Helmuth G , Madeja Julia , Junghans Claudia
Published: February 2015

Aim

There is a scarcity of data on postnatal growth in children with CHARGE syndrome, a genetic disorder. This study analysed spontaneous growth and weight in German children with CHARGE from birth to the age of 6 years.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 19 children, nine females and 10 males, using data from child health records. Standard deviation scores (SDS) were calculated based on Swiss references.

Results

The median birthweight was 2950 g (−0.78 SDS), and the birth length was 49 cm (−0.5 SDS). There was a significant loss of median body length, at around 4 weeks of age from −0.5 to −2.3 SDS (p < 0.05). At 1 year, the median length was −2.6 SDS and it remained low until 5 years of age when the lowest value was found to be −2.8 SDS. There was a significant increase in median body mass index (BMI) from −1.15 SDS at 1 year to −0.15 SDS at 5 years (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Children with CHARGE syndrome displayed almost normal length and weight data at birth, with just one of the 19 infants having below average length for gestational age. However, postnatal growth was retarded during infancy and childhood, and the increase in BMI‐SDS did not correlate with growth.
Genetic variant of IL28B rs12979860, as predictive marker of interferon‐based therapy in Pakistani population
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Manzoor Sobia , Azam Sikandar , Resham Saleha
Published: February 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and genetic variants of interleukin 28B (IL28B) are significantly associated with interferon plus ribavirin treatment of HCV infection. We investigated the distribution of HCV genotypes and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL28B (rs12979860 and rs8099917) in Pakistani population. IL28B genotyping was performed by allele‐specific PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR in 140 chronic hepatitis C patients (CHC) and 120 healthy controls. HCV genotype 3 (HCVG3) was the most prevalent genotype, 71.4% (n = 100/140) and with the highest treatment response of 90% (n = 90/100). The overall treatment response of all the HCV genotypes was 82% (n = 115/140). The distribution of IL28B rs12979860CC genotype in treatment responder and non‐responder groups was 40.8% (n = 47/115) and 16% (n = 4/25) respectively. IL28B rs12979860CC genotype demonstrated a significant correlation (p = 0.019) with interferon‐based therapy of HCV infection. However, there was no observed association of IL28B rs8099917 polymorphism with treatment response in CHC patients (p = 0.264). In conclusion, HCV genotypes and IL28B rs12979860 are predictive markers for the efficiency of interferon plus ribavirin combinational therapy of HCV infection. We recommend the inclusion of testing for these markers in the clinical criteria for decision making for HCV therapy in Pakistani population.
Rock With Me: The Role of Movement Synchrony in Infants' Social and Nonsocial Choices
Authors: Tunçgenç Bahar , Cohen Emma , Fawcett Christine
Published: February 2015

Matching the timing of one's movements to the movements of others has been proposed to increase affiliation and prosociality. Although coordinated movements facilitate early social interactions, not much is known about the mechanisms and effects of movement synchrony throughout development. Two studies investigated 12‐month‐olds' (Study 1, N = 40) and 9‐month‐olds' (Study 2, N = 41) preferences for synchronous others in a social as opposed to a nonsocial context. It was found that movement synchrony exclusively guides infants' social choices at 12 months. In contrast, 9‐month‐olds did not show any preferences for synchronous movements in social or nonsocial contexts. Results suggest that movement synchrony is important in guiding infants' social preferences and its effects emerge toward the end of the 1st year of life.
Evaluating whether nature's intrinsic value is an axiom of or anathema to conservation
Authors: Vucetich John A. , Bruskotter Jeremy T. , Nelson Michael Paul
Published: February 2015

That at least some aspects of nature possess intrinsic value is considered by some an axiom of conservation. Others consider nature's intrinsic value superfluous or anathema. This range of views among mainstream conservation professionals potentially threatens the foundation of conservation. One challenge in resolving this disparity is that disparaging portrayals of nature's intrinsic value appear rooted in misconceptions and unfounded presumptions about what it means to acknowledge nature's intrinsic value. That acknowledgment has been characterized as vacuous, misanthropic, of little practical consequence to conservation, adequately accommodated by economic valuation, and not widely accepted in society. We reviewed the philosophical basis for nature's intrinsic value and the implications for acknowledging that value. Our analysis is rooted to the notion that when something possesses intrinsic value it deserves to be treated with respect for what it is, with concern for its welfare or in a just manner. From this basis, one can only conclude that nature's intrinsic value is not a vacuous concept or adequately accommodated by economic valuation. Acknowledging nature's intrinsic value is not misanthropic because concern for nature's welfare (aside from its influence on human welfare) does not in any way preclude also being concerned for human welfare. The practical import of acknowledging nature's intrinsic value rises from recognizing all the objects of conservation concern (e.g., many endangered species) that offer little benefit to human welfare. Sociological and cultural evidence indicates the belief that at least some elements of nature possess intrinsic value is widespread in society. Our reasoning suggests the appropriateness of rejecting the assertion that nature's intrinsic value is anathema to conservation and accepting its role as an axiom.

Evaluar si el Valor Intrínseco de la Naturaleza es un Axioma o un Anatema para la Conservación
Towards a framework for assessment and management of cumulative human impacts on marine food webs
Authors: Giakoumi Sylvaine , Halpern Benjamin S. , Michel Loïc N. , Gobert Sylvie , Sini Maria , Boudouresque Charles‐François , Gambi Maria‐Cristina , Katsanevakis Stelios , Lejeune Pierre , Montefalcone Monica , Pergent Gerard , Pergent‐Martini Christine , Sanchez‐Jerez Pablo , Velimirov Branko , Vizzini Salvatrice , Abadie Arnaud , Coll Marta , Guidetti Paolo , Micheli Fiorenza , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: February 2015

Effective ecosystem‐based management requires understanding ecosystem responses to multiple human threats, rather than focusing on single threats. To understand ecosystem responses to anthropogenic threats holistically, it is necessary to know how threats affect different components within ecosystems and ultimately alter ecosystem functioning. We used a case study of a Mediterranean seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) food web and expert knowledge elicitation in an application of the initial steps of a framework for assessment of cumulative human impacts on food webs. We produced a conceptual seagrass food web model, determined the main trophic relationships, identified the main threats to the food web components, and assessed the components’ vulnerability to those threats. Some threats had high (e.g., coastal infrastructure) or low impacts (e.g., agricultural runoff) on all food web components, whereas others (e.g., introduced carnivores) had very different impacts on each component. Partitioning the ecosystem into its components enabled us to identify threats previously overlooked and to reevaluate the importance of threats commonly perceived as major. By incorporating this understanding of system vulnerability with data on changes in the state of each threat (e.g., decreasing domestic pollution and increasing fishing) into a food web model, managers may be better able to estimate and predict cumulative human impacts on ecosystems and to prioritize conservation actions.
Measuring neuroplasticity in children using brain stimulation
Authors: Wu Steve W , Gilbert Donald L
Published: February 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Damji et al. on pages 548–555 of this issue.
Spine and test skeletal matrices of the Mediterranean sea urchin Arbacia lixula – a comparative characterization of their sugar signature
Authors: Kanold Julia M. , Guichard Nathalie , Immel Françoise , Plasseraud Laurent , Corneillat Marion , Alcaraz Gérard , Brümmer Franz , Marin Frédéric
Published: February 2015

Calcified structures of sea urchins are biocomposite materials that comprise a minor fraction of organic macromolecules, such as proteins, glycoproteins and polysaccharides. These macromolecules are thought to collectively regulate mineral deposition during the process of calcification. When occluded, they modify the properties of the mineral. In the present study, the organic matrices (both soluble and insoluble in acetic acid) of spines and tests from the Mediterranean black sea urchin Arbacia lixula were extracted and characterized, in order to determine whether they exhibit similar biochemical signatures. Bulk characterizations were performed by mono‐dimensional SDS/PAGE, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and an in vitro crystallization assay. We concentrated our efforts on characterization of the sugar moieties. To this end, we determined the monosaccharide content of the soluble and insoluble organic matrices of A. lixula spines and tests by HPAE‐PAD, together with their respective lectin‐binding profiles via enzyme‐linked lectin assay. Finally, we performed in situ localization of N‐acetyl glucosamine‐containing saccharides on spines and tests using gold‐conjugated wheatgerm agglutinin. Our data show that the test and spine matrices exhibit different biochemical signatures with regard to their saccharidic fraction, suggesting that future studies should analyse the regulation of mineral deposition by the matrix in these two mineralized structures in detail. This study re‐emphasizes the importance of non‐protein moieties, i.e. sugars, in calcium carbonate systems, and highlights the need to clearly identify their function in the biomineralization process.