bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison study of the sensing characteristics of FBG and TFBG
Authors: Qi Jiang
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the sensing characteristics of uniform fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) by presenting a detailed research review. Temperature, axial strain, bending, vibration and refractive index measurands of FBG and TFBG sensor are presented and some significant differences are found.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical analysis and practical application in engineering are investigated and compared from other authors' research papers and self analysis. Spectra behavior of both FBG and TFBG are discussed.

Findings

There are found to be significant differences in temperature, axial strain, bending, vibration and refractive index sensing characteristics of FBG and TFBG.

Originality/value

The paper's analysis is comprehensive and clear and provides readers with the sensing characteristics of FBG and TFBG in detail.
Performance analysis of the Faraday magnetic field point scanner
Authors: Petricevic Slobodan J. , Mihailovic Pedja M. , Radunovic Jovan B.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss results of laboratory tests performed on a point type Faraday magnetic field scanner device designed for monitoring applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Automated laboratory setup using a reference magnetic induction source was used to test key parameters such as spatial resolution and signal to noise ratio.

Findings

Volume scans of magnitude of the magnetic field induction vector prove applicability of the sensor and demonstrate its advantages.

Practical implications

Sensor is applicable for safe and accurate scanning of the magnetic induction spatial distribution.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel test setup.
Perceptions of quality of feedback in organizations
Authors: H. Mulder Regina , D. Ellinger Andrea
Published: January 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to overview the state of research on feedback and aspects of feedback that have been under-researched in the scholarly literature, particularly involving the theme of quality of the feedback. The paper seeks to draw on the existing literature, to develop a conceptual framework that identifies important aspects associated with quality of feedback that the articles in this special issue uniquely address.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual article that presents the results of an analysis of the feedback research literature and offers an abbreviated overview of it. It also develops a conceptual model that illustrates the complexity of the feedback process and identifies gaps that exist in the literature which the contributions of this special issue address.

Findings

– The provision of feedback is critical to individuals
'
learning and performance improvement in the context of their work. Coupled with the provision of feedback is the importance and need for high quality feedback. The quality of feedback and factors that influence it are the central themes of this issue.

Originality/value

– This paper introduces this special issue on “Perceptions of quality of feedback in organizations: characteristics, determinants, outcomes of feedback, and possibilities for improvement” by overviewing the concepts associated with feedback and feedback seeking and developing a conceptual model that highlights the complexity of the feedback process. It also identifies existing gaps in the knowledge base that the contributions within this special issue address.
Feedback perceptions and attribution by secretarial employees
Authors: Raemdonck Isabel , Strijbos Jan-Willem
Published: January 2013

Purpose

– Theoretical explanations for the diverse reactive feedback from secretarial employees in different career phases are relatively unexplored. However, research examining age differences in the impact of feedback suggests that the effects of performance feedback may differ for employees in the early career phase and employees in the late career phase. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– This contribution reports an experimental study on feedback perceptions and attribution by 173 secretarial employees of 12 Dutch organizations. Each participant responded to one of eight scenarios, which varied in terms of feedback content, sender status, and sender performance appraisal. Feedback perceptions were measured in terms of perceived fairness, acceptance, usefulness, willingness to improve and affect. An additional scale measured attribution.

Findings

– The results reveal that elaborated specific feedback is perceived as more adequate, irrespective of feedback sender status and appraisal. Complex three-way interaction effects were found for educational level on affect and attribution, and for career phase on willingness to improve and affect. Low-educated employees reacted more strongly to supervisor feedback. Employees in the late career phase were more oriented towards the content of the feedback than feedback sender status, whereas the latter was of more concern for employees in the early and middle career phase.

Practical implications

– In order for feedback to be considered as adequate, it is necessary to formulate the feedback as specific and as elaborated as possible. Employees in their late career phase especially react differently in comparison to employees in early and middle career phases. They are more inclined “to opt for quality” and appreciate elaborated feedback from a high experienced sender. Human resource managers should be aware of this in their policy towards employees in their late career phase

Originality/value

– The present study shows that feedback content and sender characteristics (status and performance appraisal) differentially affect feedback perceptions and attribution. In addition, the study reveals that perceptions and attributions of performance feedback might be mediated by educational level and career phase.
Developing customer-focused public sector reward schemes
Authors: Kealesitse Botshabelo , O'Mahony Barry , Lloyd-Walker Beverley , Jay Polonsky Michael
Published: January 2013

Purpose

– Governmental agencies are interested in improving the quality of their service delivery. One tool that has been used to manage their performance is performance based reward schemes (PBRS). The aim of this paper is to examine the degree to which a sample of these plans, used within the Botswana public sector, is customer-focused. Being more customer-focused should deliver improved public sector service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study carried out an evaluation of a sample of Botswana PBRS plans, using multidimensional content analysis undertaken by four expert “evaluators”, to identify the degree to which the PBRS were customer-focused.

Findings

– Classifying PBRS plans as being customer-focused was difficult, as the plans had few objectives related to customer experiences or outcomes. Those that did had poorly defined performance objectives, their targets were not specific, or there was limited explicit role responsibility. Thus, PBRS plans seemed not to focus on improving customer outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

– The PBRS evaluated do not appear to be customer-focused and, thus, would have limited ability to improve customer experiences (i.e. public sector quality). Further research is needed in other countries to see whether these results are generalisable, and whether service levels vary with more customer-focused PBRS plans.

Practical implications

– The results suggest improvements that could be adopted by organisations seeking to make their PBRS schemes customer-focused.

Originality/value

– Extensive research suggests that PBRS plans can be used to improve service quality. Most of the studies have focused on the employees' perspectives and have not looked at the degree of customer orientation within the plans.
Exploring patient satisfaction predictors in relation to a theoretical model
Authors: Abrahamsen Grøndahl Vigdis , Hall‐Lord Marie Louise , Karlsson Ingela , Appelgren Jari , Wilde‐Larsson Bodil
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim is to describe patients' care quality perceptions and satisfaction and to explore potential patient satisfaction predictors as person‐related conditions, external objective care conditions and patients' perception of actual care received (“PR”) in relation to a theoretical model.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional design was used. Data were collected using one questionnaire combining questions from four instruments: Quality from patients' perspective; Sense of coherence; Big five personality trait; and Emotional stress reaction questionnaire (ESRQ), together with questions from previous research. In total, 528 patients (83.7 per cent response rate) from eight medical, three surgical and one medical/surgical ward in five Norwegian hospitals participated. Answers from 373 respondents with complete ESRQ questionnaires were analysed. Sequential multiple regression analysis with ESRQ as dependent variable was run in three steps: person‐related conditions, external objective care conditions, and PR (p < 0.05).

Findings

Step 1 (person‐related conditions) explained 51.7 per cent of the ESRQ variance. Step 2 (external objective care conditions) explained an additional 2.4 per cent. Step 3 (PR) gave no significant additional explanation (0.05 per cent). Steps 1 and 2 contributed statistical significance to the model. Patients rated both quality‐of‐care and satisfaction highly.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the theoretical model using an emotion‐oriented approach to assess patient satisfaction can explain 54 per cent of patient satisfaction in a statistically significant manner.
Preparing politically savvy principals in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Winton Sue , Pollock Katina
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to argue that principal preparation programs should help candidates: recognize the political role of the school principal; develop political skills (including the ability to strategically appropriate policy); and understand that the political approach of the principal influences teaching, learning, relationships, governance, and reform efforts. In addition, the paper reports findings of the analysis of Ontario's Principal Qualification Program guidelines to determine if they require principal preparation programs to develop aspiring school leaders’ political skills.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews theoretical arguments and empirical studies from the fields of school micropolitics, business, educational leadership, and critical policy studies to establish five political skills principals require. The authors then conducted a content analysis of Ontario's Principal Qualification Program guidelines to determine if they require principal preparation programs to develop aspiring leaders’ political skills.

Findings

Ontario's Principal Qualification Program guidelines do not explicitly direct principal preparation programs to help candidates develop political skills. However, the guidelines recognize that principals pursue political goals and work in political environments, and they offer opportunities for appropriating the guidelines in ways that promote the development of principal candidates’ political skills.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to analyze Ontario's Principal Qualification Program guidelines to determine if they require principal preparation programs to develop aspiring leaders’ political skills. It also identifies policy appropriation as a political skill that should be developed in principal preparation programs and provides a model of how principal preparation policies themselves may be appropriated to support a focus on developing aspiring principals’ political skills.
A longitudinal study of the zone of tolerance
Authors: Stodnick Michael , Marley Kathryn A.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a longitudinal analysis of the zone of tolerance to reconcile the growing divide between the acceptance of the theoretical model and the lack of empirical support for it.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of simple linear regression and piece‐wise regression is used on a data set of 699 observations of a training program from the telecommunications industry.

Findings

This study demonstrates that the zone of tolerance model is a significantly better predictor of changes in customer satisfaction than the traditional linear model. Furthermore, the study supports early zone of tolerance propositions regarding the effect of negative quality perceptions.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study resolve the apparent disconnect between the acceptance of the zone of tolerance theory and the lack of empirical research support for it.

Practical implications

By demonstrating that customers are willing to accept some heterogeneity in service delivery, this research demonstrates to practicing managers that they do not need to micro‐manage service delivery. Furthermore, by validating an early zone of tolerance proposition regarding the relative magnitude of the effect of poor service quality, this research shows the importance of preventing service failures.

Originality/value

This research is the first to use a longitudinal methodology to investigate a growing research stream, namely, the zone of tolerance theory. This unique methodology allows us to explain the apparent divide between the conceptual theory and previous academic research.
Service responses to emotional states of business customers
Authors: Wang Yi‐Chieh , Beise‐Zee Rian
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the service responses of service providers to the affective states of business clients and to test whether they have a positive effect on the client's job performance, as well as their satisfaction and bonding to the service provider.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are based on a survey of 240 business travellers in Taiwan. Ordinary least square regression is applied to test the relationships.

Findings

Statistical tests confirm that service responses to emotional states have a positive effect on customer satisfaction, job performance and bonding. While service responses aimed at easing customers’ emotional problems increase satisfaction and job performance, true bonding is only facilitated through service responses that are centred on affection and social‐emotional support.

Research limitations/implications

The authors investigate the personal service encounter with business customers who are using the service to perform a task. The findings are applicable to services that deal with customers in a similar way.

Practical implications

The paper shows that appropriate service responses to emotional states of customers, including business customers, can lead to higher satisfaction and bonding to the service provider. Service responses enable business customers to perform better.

Originality/value

The authors apply the concept of pre‐consumption emotions of customers to business clients. While pre‐consumption emotional states of customers have been studied much less that the elicitation of customer emotions, in the business‐to‐business sector emotions are seldom addressed. However, the study demonstrates that emotions are an important input factor that clients bring into the service encounter, which service providers can deal with to their competitive advantage.
Aiming for the stars can bring an organization down to earth
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the author's five‐year investigation of various approaches to transforming performance. It aims to concentrate in particular on approaches to talent management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains that devoting large sums to obtain people with potential involves risks, such as whether they will fit in and whether in future years their attributes will still be in demand.

Findings

The paper advocates a shift of emphasis from recruiting and developing a cadre of high‐fliers for an uncertain future to helping people – especially those in front‐line roles – to excel at activities that are crucial today, remain current and handle challenges when and wherever they arise.

Practical implications

The paper advances the view that a cheaper approach, performance support, can quickly deliver multiple corporate objectives and measurable benefits for both people and organizations.

Social implications

The paper contends that average people can be helped to continually excel at difficult, complex and changing tasks as they evolve.

Originality/value

The paper warns that setting out to buy high performance can disappoint if a star in one context does not perform so well in a different one. Large amounts can be wasted on expensive individuals who are not engaged, effectively used or appropriately supported.
Antecedents and consequences of service quality in a higher education context
Authors: Sultan Parves , Yin Wong Ho
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to report on the perception of students in regard to critical antecedents, dimensions and consequences of service quality with an aim to develop a theoretical model in the context of a university in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used focus group discussions with 19 students who had been studying in undergraduate and postgraduate level programs at an Australian university.

Findings

The findings show that the critical antecedents to perceived service quality are information and past experience. There are three aspects of perceived service quality, namely, academic, administrative and facilities. Student satisfaction and student trust are found to have direct and positive relationships with perceived service quality as consequences; and brand performance and behavioural intention are found to have indirect relationships with perceived service quality mediated through satisfaction and trust.

Originality/value

This paper found three separate themes and their relationships with service quality in the context of a university. These themes are: information, past experience and brand performance. Perceived service quality was found playing an important role in this theoretical model. The model provides a good explanation of university brand performance and students' behavioural intentions.
Business writing on the go
Authors: Caron André H. , Hwang Jennie M. , Brummans Boris H.J.M. , Caronia Letizia
Published: January 2013

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how business executives perceive and account for their use of paratextual cues as a means of managing their professional impressions in business e‐mails on their smartphone (i.e. BlackBerry, iPhone, etc.) and office computer.Design/methodology/approach– Semi‐structured, audio‐recorded telephone interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 60 business executives from various sectors in Canada. The interviews examined executives' typical ways of writing e‐mails for business purposes, both on their smartphone and office computer. All interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using a mix of quantitative and qualitative analyses.Findings– This study shows how organizational leaders vary their ways of opening and closing business e‐mails when comparing their smartphone to their office computer communication. To account for these differences, they routinely use folk categories that suggest distinctions between formal and informal relationships, internal and external communication, as well as the recipient's identity and their own. Hence, executives are aware of the social meanings inscribed in paratextual cues and even the absence of these cues is frequently used as a cue in itself.Originality/value– E‐mailing is a crucial part of contemporary corporate communications, yet few studies have examined organizational leaders' e‐mail writing practices on their smartphone in relation to their office computer. While executives might seem very task‐oriented in their communication, this study shows that their everyday e‐mail‐writing practices play an important role in the co‐construction of professional identities and relationships.
Organizational communication in Malaysia organizations
Authors: Abu Bakar Hassan , Su Mustaffa Che
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Research on organizational communication has shown significant associations with many important outcomes. Although these researches are appealing, there have been criticisms and suggestions for improvement of the organizational communication scales, developed in Western organization settings, to make them applicable to collectivist culture‐based organizations. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to access the organizational communication construct through the development and validation of an organizational communication measure for Malaysian organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Item analysis for Malaysian organizational communication scale involves survey of 250 university employees, followed by construct and criterion‐related validation using 346 employees, representing three organizations in Malaysia, resulting in a Malaysian organizational communication scale.

Findings

Through the validation of a Malaysian organizational communication measure, support was found for the proposition that Malaysian organizations are composed of information flow, communication climate, message characteristics, and communication structure, as well as new dimensions, namely, the group bond and respect.

Research limitations/implications

One of the weaknesses of the study was the size of sample used for the focus group. Another weakness was the organizations involved in the validation segment of the study, which were service‐related organizations. Finally, current investigations limit themselves to job satisfaction. These results have to be handled carefully.

Practical implications

The paper shows that group bond and mutual respect are salient work relationships in Malaysian organizations.

Originality/value

The emergence of group bond and respect dimensions in the Malaysian organizational communication construct is consistent with the examination of organizational behavior.
Ku‐band high power internally matched GaN HEMTs with 1.5 GHz bandwidth
Authors: Ge Qin , Liu Xinyu , Chen Xiaojuan , Luo Weijun , Liu Guoguo
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report upon high power, internally matched GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) at Ku band with 1.5 GHz bandwidth, which employ a simple and cost‐effective lossless compensated matching technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Two 4 mm gate periphery GaN HEMTs are parallel combined and internally matched with multi‐section reactive impedance transformers at the input and output networks. The output matching network is designed at the upper frequency of the design band for a flat power of the circuit, while the input matching network is designed at the upper frequency for a flat gain.

Findings

With the reactively compensated matching technique, the internally matched GaN HEMTs exhibit a flat saturated output power of 43.2+0.7 dBm and an average power added efficiency of 15 per cent over 12 to 13.5 GHz.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information for the internally matched GaN HEMTs.
Embedded passive device technology for wireless mobile devices
Authors: Yi Sung , Kim Kyungo , Lee Dongwan , Kim Hongwon , Jung Taesung
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the design and manufacture of embedded passive devices in organic substrates.

Design/methodology/approach

Low cost and high performance duplexers have been designed for WiMAX front‐end modules with multi‐layered organic substrates. Band‐pass filters (BPFs) and duplexers for the WiMAX FEM have been embedded in organic substrates. In addition, a new organic substrate manufacturing process has been proposed in order to improve the tolerance of embedded passives in organic substrates.

Findings

The overall size of FEM, which includes PA and bypass capacitor, is 5.4×4×1.5 mm. BPFs and duplexer show good electrical performances with low insertion loss and high attenuation. The dual‐band FEM with embedded passive components incorporates the duplexers including 2 and 5 GHz BPFs. The dimensions of BPFs and duplexer are 1.65×1.8×0.12 mm, 1.32×1.2×0.12 mm and 2×2×0.6 mm, respectively. The integrated dual‐band BPFs show an insertion loss < 1.8 dB in path band and 22‐40 dB attenuation performance in rejection band. The newly proposed fabrication process improves the tolerance for embedded capacitors in the organic substrate. This new process provides two main advantages. First, the flat coating process is not required. Second, it has a better copper pattern tolerance since the pattern is achieved with the addictive process. The tolerance of capacitances produced by the newly proposed process is compared with one manufactured by the conventional etching process. The newly proposed process provides a better capacitance tolerance.

Research limitations/implications

In future studies, it is suggested that the tolerance study should include other variations such as thickness, alignment and material properties.

Practical implications

The paper's findings can be used for designing and manufacturing embedded passives devices for wireless applications.

Originality/value

This study shows a technology development in the area of embedded passive devices in organic substrates.
The effect of supply chain security management on security performance in container shipping operations
Authors: Yang Ching‐Chiao , Wei Hsiao‐Hsuan
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to empirically identify crucial dimensions of security management in the container shipping sector in Taiwan and assess their impacts on security performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected by questionnaire survey. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify crucial security management dimensions in the container shipping sector. Multiple regression analysis was then performed to examine the effect of security management on the security performance.

Findings

Four crucial security management dimensions were identified: facility and cargo management; accident prevention and processing; information management; and partner relationship management. Multiple regression analysis revealed that information management and partner relationship management had significant positive effects on safety performance, whereas partner relationship management had a significant positive effect on customs clearance performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study primarily focuses on the effect of security management on security performance. Future research could identify the drivers and barriers to comply with supply chain security initiatives.

Practical implications

Container shipping firms can improve safety and customs clearance performance by focusing security management efforts on facility and cargo management, accident prevention and processing, information management, and partner relationship management.

Social implications

Government administrators or other authorities may want to consider using crucial container shipping security management dimensions as criteria for assessing security performance in container shipping firms.

Originality/value

This study presented is the first to assess the effect of security management on security performance in the container shipping sector. Particularly, partner relationship management is found to be the key dimension for supply chain security success.
Opposites attract: organisational culture and supply chain performance
Authors: Cadden Trevor , Marshall Donna , Cao Guangming
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to expand the knowledge of buyer‐supplier relationships by investigating the extent to which organisational cultural fit between a buyer and supply chain participants influences performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in a FMCG supply chain. A cultural dimensions questionnaire was used in a focal organisation (the buyer) and it identified best and poorest performing supply chain. The results were analysed using a series of ANOVA's within the respective supply chains. The findings were then triangulated via qualitative methods.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that complementarity rather than congruence between the supply chain partners achieved successful performance outcomes. Organisations in the high‐performing supply chain had significantly different cultural profiles, reporting significant statistical differences across all six cultural dimensions. Organisations in the low‐performing supply chain had almost identical profiles across all six cultural dimensions with significantly lower mean scores across each dimension.

Research limitations/implications

The deconstruction of organisational culture into its constituent dimensions in a supply chain provides insights for academics. Propositions are presented which provide a platform for further studies. Future studies could develop these findings by using a larger sample, over a longer period of time, and adding mediating variables that impact supply chain outcomes.

Practical implications

Managers should pay attention to cultural evaluation within the supplier selection process as well as finance or strategic evaluations. A shared supply chain culture of norm‐based trust and openness may yield better outcomes and reduced conflict and uncertainty throughout the supply chain.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to deconstruct and measure organisational cultural fit empirically in a supply chain context.
RCF model of Indian Bank for micro credit
Authors: Dasgupta Rajaram , Malai Manickaraj
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Indian Bank, a major commercial bank in South India, has launched Rural Credit Franchisee (RCF) model for lending money to small borrowers in villages. The study aims to study the business model, the profile of ultimate borrowers and their credit requirements and to study the economics of the model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data used for the study are mostly primary in nature collected from the RCFs and the rural borrowers. In addition, bank officials were interviewed and also data on loan accounts of RCFs were collected from the sample bank branches and the RCFs.

Findings

The RCF scheme is a novel micro finance scheme and it has showcased that the informal institutions can be linked with the formal credit institutions. The scheme has benefited all the stakeholders including the bank, the RCFs and the rural poor.

Research limitations/implications

The study has covered majority of the RCFs of the bank in terms of number and volume of business under the scheme and hence the results indicate the performance of the entire portfolio of the bank under the scheme.

Practical implications

The study finds that the scheme has benefited all the stakeholders. It has particularly helped in creating competition amongst the rural moneylenders and thereby bringing down the cost of credit in rural hinterlands. Findings are strongly in favour of expanding/replicating the model by the other commercial banks and in all parts of the country, rather across the entire world.

Originality/value

The RCF model is one of its kind and the policy makers and regulators may encourage the scheme in order to attain inclusive economic growth. This is a first of its kind study investigating the operation of such a model.
The impact of internal service quality and learning organization on clinical leaders' job satisfaction in hospital care services
Authors: Pantouvakis Angelos , Mpogiatzidis Panagiotis
Published: January 2013

Purpose

This survey aims to investigate the perceptions of clinical leaders in hospital care services in the context of the Greek public health system, to define the impact of internal service quality characteristics and learning organization dimensions on job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised doctors – department heads of 123 clinical departments of basic medical specialties operating in 15 hospitals and was addressed by the use of a questionnaire specifically designed for the purposes of this research effort. The results were processed with the use of exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression was applied.

Findings

The research results revealed a positive impact of interactive internal service quality characteristics and learning organization dimensions, namely, empowerment and continuous learning, on job satisfaction in hospital care services.

Originality/value

This research effort focuses, for the first time, on clinical leadership perceptions in public hospital care services. The relationship between internal service quality, learning organization and job satisfaction, can be critical in all efforts attempting to improve clinical departments functionality, thus the results of this survey provide both researchers and public health policy makers with a useful tool for the design and implementation of such efforts.
Institutional investors' involuntary trading behaviors, commonality in liquidity change and stock price fragility
Authors: Chen Guojin , Xu Aihuan , Zhao Xiangqin
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to empirically analyze the source of commonality in liquidity change in China's stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used two‐step test method in Coughenour and Saad and empirically tested the relationship between institutional investors' involuntary trading behaviors and commonality in liquidity change in China's stock market.

Findings

The results showed that to take the open‐end fund as a representative of institutional investors, their involuntary trading behaviors were an important source of commonality in liquidity change in China's stock market.

Originality/value

For a long time, the domestic researchers have ignored the study about the source of commonality in liquidity change in China's stock market. But, this study's conclusion expanded the explanation about the source of commonality in liquidity change in China's stock market from a new point of view that the demand‐side explanation. Because there is no market‐maker trading behaviors in China's stock market, the paper cannot explain the source of commonality in liquidity change in China's stock market from the point of view of the supply‐side explanation.
Design Criteria for the Magnetized Dusty Plasma eXperiment
Authors: Thomas Edward , Merlino Robert , Rosenberg Marlene
Published: January 2013

This paper discusses the design of the new Magnetized Dusty Plasma eXperiment (MDPX) device that is currently under construction at Auburn University. This device, which is envisioned to be operated as a multiuser facility, has incorporated many of the features of current dusty plasma experiments that make use of strong magnetic fields while adding new features-such as an extended plasma volume, programmable linear magnetic field gradients, and variable magnetic field geometries-that will greatly extend the operating space of the new device. This paper discusses the physics criteria used to define the operating parameters of the MDPX device and presents a discussion of the initial configuration of the experiment.
Predicting responses to climate change requires all life‐history stages
Authors: Zeigler Sara
Published: January 2013

The bog fritillary butterfly (Bolaria eunomia) alights onto Persicaria bistorta. This species of butterfly can be found in bogs, moist tundra, and willow seeps throughout the north‐temperate region of the Northern
Hemisphere. Photo: Camille Turlure.

image

The bog fritillary butterfly (Bolaria eunomia) alights onto Persicaria bistorta. This species of butterfly can be found in bogs, moist tundra, and willow seeps throughout the north‐temperate region of the Northern
Hemisphere. Photo: Camille Turlure.

In Focus: Radchuk, V., Turlure, C. & Schtickzelle, N. (2013) Each life stage matters: the
importance of assessing response to climate change over the complete life cycle in butterflies.
Journal of Animal Ecology, 82, 275–285.

Population‐level responses to climate change depend on many factors, including unexpected interactions among life history attributes; however, few studies examine climate change impacts over complete life cycles of focal species. Radchuk, Turlure & Schtickzelle () used experimental and modelling approaches to predict population dynamics for the bog fritillary butterfly under warming scenarios. Although they found that warming improved fertility and survival of all stages with one exception, populations were predicted to decline because overwintering larvae, whose survival declined with warming, were disproportionately important contributors to population growth. This underscores the importance of considering all life history stages in analyses of climate change's effects on population dynamics.
Preparation and Use of Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Cryogels Containing L‐Histidine for β‐Casein Adsorption
Authors: Yavuz Murat , Baysal Zübeyde
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study was to determine β‐casein adsorption by using supermacroporous poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐N‐methacryloyl‐(l)‐histidine methyl ester) [p(HEMA‐MAH)] cryogel. β‐Casein adsorption properties of p(HEMA‐MAH) cryogel were studied for the application of β‐casein purification. The cryogel was produced by free radical polymerization initiated by N,N,N’,N’‐tetramethylene diamine and ammonium persulfate pairs in an ice bath. P(HEMA‐MAH) cryogel was characterized by swelling tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of the flow rate, pH, temperature, initial β‐casein concentration, and ionic strength on the adsorption efficiency of cryogel were studied. The equilibrium swelling degree of the p(HEMA‐MAH) cryogel was 6.73 g H2O/g cryogel. β‐Casein adsorption capacity of p(HEMA‐MAH) cryogel from aqueous solution was estimated as 31.17 mg/g cryogel. It was also observed that β‐casein could be repeatedly adsorbed and desorbed with p(HEMA‐MAH) cryogel without significant loss in the adsorption capacity.
Effect of Adulteration versus Storage on Volatiles in Unifloral Honeys from Different Floral Sources and Locations
Authors: Agila Amal , Barringer Sheryl
Published: January 2013

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was added at 5% to 40% to Indiana wildflower honey and added at 40% to Ohio and Indiana honeys from blueberry, star thistle, clover and wildflower, and an unknown source to simulate honey adulteration. Unadulterated honeys were also stored at 37 ºC from 1 to 6 mo. The volatile composition was measured by Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT‐MS). Most volatiles decreased in concentration with both increasing HFCS and storage time. Furfural significantly increased in concentration in all adulterated honeys and 1,3‐butanediol, acetonitrile, and heptane in some adulterated honeys. During storage, the volatiles that increased were maltol, furfural, 5‐methylfurfural, and 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural in all honeys and also acetic acid and 1‐octen‐3‐ol levels in some honeys. Soft independent modeling by class analogy (SIMCA) was used to differentiate the volatile profiles of adulterated honeys from fresh and stored honeys. The volatile profiles of honeys in accelerated storage for up to 4 mo and the honeys adulterated with 40% HFCS were significantly different. Acetic acid had the most discriminating power in Ohio star thistle and blueberry honeys and unknown honey while furfural had the greatest discriminating power in Indiana blueberry, star thistle, and clover honeys. Adulteration and storage of honey both reduced the volatile levels, but since they changed the volatile composition of the fresh honey differently, SIMCA was able to differentiate adulteration from storage.

Practical Application:  Analysis of adulterated and stored honeys determined that both decrease volatile levels, and no clear indicator volatiles were found. However, SIMCA can be used to distinguish the volatile profiles of fresh or stored honeys, from adulterated honeys.
In Vivo Genotoxicity Evaluation of an Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) Aqueous Extract
Authors: Zan Meriele A. , Ferraz Alexandre B. F. , Richter Marc F. , Picada Jaqueline N. , de Andrade Heloisa H. R. , Lehmann Mauricio , Dihl Rafael R. , Nunes Emilene , Semedo Juliane , Da Silva Juliana
Published: January 2013

The Cynara scolymus (artichoke) is widely consumed as tea or food and shows important therapeutic properties. However, few studies have assessed the possible toxic effects of artichoke extracts. This study evaluates genotoxic and mutagenic activities of artichoke leaf aqueous extract in mice using the comet assay and the micronucleus test. Leaf extracts were given by gavage (500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. Extract composition was investigated using phytochemical screening and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, antioxidant capacity was analyzed through the diphenyl‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and xanthine oxidase assay. Phytochemical screening detected the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and saponins. HPLC analyses indicated the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isoquercetrin, and rutin. Extracts showed a dose‐dependent free radical scavenging effect of DPPH and an inhibitory effect of xanthine oxidase. The genotoxic results showed that leaf extracts did not increase micronuclei in peripheral blood cells. Compared to the control group, a significant increase in comet assay values was observed only in bone marrow of group treated with 2000 mg/kg, the highest dose tested, indicating that artichoke tea should be consumed with moderation.

Practical Application:  This is the first report of in vivo mutagenic and genotoxic evaluation with C. scolymus. The present study revealed leaf aqueous extract from artichoke shows lack of mutagenicity in vivo, and low genotoxicity and antioxidant activity; indicating that artichoke tea should be consumed with moderation.
Fetal aortic isthmus Doppler measurements for prediction of perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with fetal growth restriction
Authors: Abdelrazzaq Khalil , Yeniel Ahmet Özgür , Ergenoglu Ahmet Mete , Yildirim Nuri , Akercan Fuat , Karadadaş Nedim
Published: January 2013

Objective

To identify the role of longitudinal measurements of fetal aortic isthmus blood flow using Doppler ultrasonography in the prediction of perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Setting

Obstetrics department of a university hospital.

Population and design

This prospective study includes women with fetal growth restriction and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler results, seen between November 2009 and January 2011.

Methods

31 women were divided into two groups according to the aortic isthmus blood flow pattern just before birth: anterograde (n = 12) or retrograde (n = 19).

Main outcome measure

Longitudinal measurements of fetal aortic isthmus in relation to perinatal outcome.

Results

Total morbidity and mortality rates were significantly higher in the retrograde flow group. There was no statistically significant difference for respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia or necrotizing enterocolitis, but the neonatal sepsis rate was significantly higher in the retrograde flow group. An abnormal aortic isthmus flow pattern was detected approximately 15–20 days after umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery Doppler flow abnormalities and 3–7 days before deterioration in ductus venosus blood flow.

Conclusion

We suggest that aortic isthmus Doppler measurements are useful for identifying fetal growth restriction before deterioration in ductus venosus blood flow and fetal acidosis.
Multinodular and Vacuolating Neuronal Tumors of the Cerebrum: 10 Cases of a Distinctive Seizure‐Associated Lesion
Authors: Huse Jason T. , Edgar Mark , Halliday John , Mikolaenko Irina , Lavi Ehud , Rosenblum Marc K.
Published: January 2013

We report 10 cases of a non‐neurocytic, purely neuronal tumor affecting adults. Situated in the cerebral hemispheres, with 7 of 10 confined to the temporal lobes, most presented with seizures as their principal clinical manifestations. On magnetic resosnance imaging (MRI), the tumors generally appeared solid and non‐contrast enhancing with minimal diffuse infiltration, edema, or mass effect. Six examples demonstrated internal nodularity. Microscopically, the tumor cells were largely distributed into discrete and coalescent nodules exhibiting varying degrees of matrix vacuolization, principally within the deep cortical ribbon and superficial subcortical white matter. Populating elements ranged from morphologically ambiguous to recognizably neuronal, with only two cases manifesting overt ganglion cell cytology. In all cases, tumor cells exhibited widespread nuclear immunolabeling for theHuC/HuDneuronal antigens, although expression of other neuronal markers, including synaptophysin, neurofilament and chromogranin was variable to absent. Tumor cells also failed to expressGFAP, p53,IDH1R132H, orCD34, althoughCD34‐labeling ramified neural elements were present in the adjoining cortex of seven cases. Molecular analysis in a subset of cases failed to revealDNAcopy number abnormalities orBRAF V600Emutation. Follow‐up data indicate that this unusual neuronal lesion behaves in benign, World Health Organization (WHO) gradeIfashion and is amenable to surgical control.
Efficacy of quadrivalent human papillomavirus (types 6, 11, 16 and 18) vaccine (GARDASIL) in Japanese women aged 18–26 years
Authors: Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Ebihara Keiko , Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Noda Kiichiro
Published: January 2013

A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled phase II trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a prophylactic quadrivalent vaccine targeting the human papillomavirus (HPV) types most frequently associated with cervical cancer (types 16/18) and genital warts (types 6/11) in Japanese women aged 18–26 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either quadrivalent HPV (types 6/11/16/18) L1 virus‐like particle vaccine (GARDASIL) (n = 509) or placebo (n = 512). Participants underwent regular gynecological examinations, cervicovaginal sampling for HPV DNA, testing for serum neutralizing antibodies to HPV and Papanicolau testing. The primary end‐point was the combined incidence of persistent infection with HPV types 6, 11, 16 or 18 and cervical or external genital disease (i.e. cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, cervical cancer or external genital lesions related to HPV 6, 11, 16 or 18. Primary analyses were done per protocol. Combined incidence of persistent infection or disease with HPV 6, 11, 16 or 18 fell by 87.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59.2–97.6; P < 0.001), with HPV 6 or 11 by 73.1% (95% CI, −1.1–97.3; P = 0.0756) and with HPV 16 or 18 by 94.5% (95% CI, 65.2–99.9; P < 0.001) in those assigned vaccine compared with those assigned placebo. The median duration of follow up after month 7 in subjects was 23 months. In addition, the vaccine was well tolerated in Japanese women aged 18–26 years. Quadrivalent HPV vaccine could significantly reduce the acquisition of infection and clinical disease caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.