bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchy of instabilities for two counter-streaming magnetized pair beams
Authors: Bret A.
Published: June 2016

The instabilities triggered when two counter-streaming pair beams collide are analyzed. A guiding magnetic field is accounting for, while both beams are considered identical and cold. The instability analysis is conducted over the full k-spectrum, allowing to derive the hierarchy map of the dominant unstable modes, in terms of the initial beams energy γ0 and a magnetic field strength parameter ΩB. Four different regions of the (ΩB,γ0) phase space are identified, each one governed by a different kind of mode. The analysis also unravels the existence of a “triple point,” where 3 different modes grow exactly at the same rate. A number of analytical expressions can be derived, either for the modes growth-rates or for the frontiers between the 4 regions.
Optical and electrical properties of narrow-bandgap infrared W-structure superlattices incorporating AlAs/AlSb/AlAs barrier layers
Authors: Olson B. V. , Kim J. K. , Kadlec E. A. , Klem J. F. , Hawkins S. D. , Coon W. T. , Fortune T. R. , Tauke-Pedretti A. , Cavaliere M. A. , Shaner E. A.
Published: June 2016

Optical and electrical properties of nBn photodetectors using InAs/AlAs/AlSb/AlAs/InAs/InAs0.61Sb0.39W-structure superlattice (W-SL) absorbers are reported. Minority carrier lifetimes of 500 ± 50 ns and 400 ± 30 ns, and Auger coefficients of 2.1 × 10−26 cm6/s and 1.6 × 10−25 cm6/s, for samples with bandgap energies of 5.3 μm (W-SL A) and 7.5 μm (W-SL B) are reported at 100 K, respectively. Shockley–Read–Hall defect states are identified at 65 meV and 45 meV above the W-SL valence band edges for W-SLs A and B, respectively. Dark currents are also reported and compared with diffusion currents calculated using the carrier lifetime data, suggesting low vertical heavy hole diffusivity.
Improvement of the electrochromic response of a low-temperature sintered dye-modified porous electrode using low-resistivity indium tin oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Watanabe Yuichi , Suemori Kouji , Hoshino Satoshi
Published: June 2016

An indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticle-based porous electrode sintered at low temperatures was investigated as a transparent electrode for electrochromic displays (ECDs). The electrochromic (EC) response of the dye-modified ITO porous electrode sintered at 150 °C, which exhibited a generally low resistivity, was markedly superior to that of a conventional dye-modified TiO2 porous electrode sintered at the same temperature. Moreover, the EC characteristics of the dye-modified ITO porous electrode sintered at 150 °C were better than those of the high-temperature (450 °C) sintered conventional dye-modified TiO2 porous electrode. These improvements in the EC characteristics of the dye-modified ITO porous electrode are attributed to its lower resistivity than that of the TiO2 porous electrodes. In addition to its sufficiently low resistivity attained under the sintering conditions required for flexible ECD applications, the ITO porous film had superior visible-light transparency and dye adsorption capabilities. We conclude that the process temperature, resistivity, optical transmittance, and dye adsorption capability of the ITO porous electrode make it a promising transparent porous electrode for flexible ECD applications.
Clinical pathways for suicidality in emergency settings: a public health priority
Authors: Wilhelm Kay , Korczak Viola , Tietze Tad , Reddy Prasuna
Published: June 2016

Rates of self-harm in Australia are increasing and constitute a concerning public health issue. Although there are standard treatment pathways for physical complaints, such as headache, abdominal pain and chest pain, in Emergency Medicine, there is no national pathway for self-harm or other psychiatric conditions that present to the emergency department. Herein we outline the difference between clinical practice guidelines and clinical pathways, discuss pathways we have identified on self-harm in Australia and overseas and discuss their applicability to the Australian context and the next steps forward in addressing this public health issue.
Residency and Movement of Juvenile Chinook Salmon at Multiple Spatial Scales in a Tidal Marsh of the Columbia River Estuary
Authors: McNatt Regan A. , Bottom Daniel L. , Hinton Susan A.
Published: June 2016

Use of the Columbia River estuary by juvenile Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. is garnering more attention as managers look to improve salmon survival through estuary restoration. Studies have shown that juvenile salmon are abundant in shallow‐water habitats within the Columbia River estuary, but information on how juveniles exploit specific estuarine habitats is lacking. We used a combination of physical marks and PIT tag technology to record residence time, movement, and growth of juvenile Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha, particularly subyearlings, within an emergent marsh of the Columbia River estuary during 2005, 2006, and 2008. We documented marsh‐scale residency and movement within the marsh complex and channel‐scale residency and movement within two small secondary channels. Many juvenile Chinook Salmon remained in the marsh for 2–4 weeks and increased in FL by 10–20 mm, with an average growth rate of 0.53 mm/d. Chinook Salmon entered secondary channels most frequently in late afternoon and occasionally did so against the tide. Our results indicate that subyearling Chinook Salmon take advantage of shallow estuarine habitat in the Columbia River to a greater extent than previously documented.

Received January 8, 2016; accepted March 21, 2016 Published online June 21, 2016
Pre-oxidation and its effect on reducing high-temperature corrosion of superheater tubes during biomass firing
Authors: Okoro S. C. , Kvisgaard M. , Montgomery M. , Frandsen F. J. , Pantleon K.
Published: June 2016

Superheater tubes in biomass-fired power plants experience high corrosion rates due to condensation of corrosive alkali chloride-rich deposits. To explore the possibility of reducing the corrosion attack by the formation of an initial protective oxide layer, the corrosion resistance of pre-oxidised Al and Ti-containing alloys (Kanthal APM and Nimonic 80A, respectively) was investigated under laboratory conditions mimicking biomass firing. The alloys were pre-oxidised at 900°C for 1 week. Afterwards, pre-oxidised samples, and virgin non-pre-oxidised samples as reference, were coated with a synthetic deposit of KCl and exposed at 560°C for 1 week to a gas mixture typical of biomass firing. Results show that pre-oxidation could hinder the corrosion attack; however, the relative success was different for the two alloys. While corrosion attack was observed on the pre-oxidised Kanthal APM, the pre-oxidised Nimonic 80A remained unaffected suggesting protection of the alloy from the corrosive environment.
Porous anodic alumina coating for optimisation of pool-boiling performance
Authors: Nazari A. , Saedodin S.
Published: June 2016

Studies on boiling show that this phenomenon is strongly influenced by geometry and chemistry of surface. One of the methods to control boiling and achieve optimum conditions for increasing the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) is to change the chemistry and structure of the surface by using coating. In this research, one of the techniques of electrochemical coating, that is called anodising, is used for coating aluminium oxide layer on the surface of aluminium samples. With pool-boiling test on anodised samples using deionised water and measuring HTC and critical heat flux (CHF), it can be concluded that porous anodic alumina coating can increase HTC and CHF of nucleate pool boiling, due to change wettability and geometrical structure of surface.
Powdery Mildew Resistance in Wheat Cultivar Mv Hombár is Conferred by a New Gene, PmHo
Authors: Komáromi Judit , Jankovics Tünde , Fábián Attila , Puskás Katalin , Zhang Zengyan , Zhang Miao , Li Hongjie , Jäger Katalin , Láng László , Vida Gyula
Published: June 2016

A new powdery mildew resistance gene designated as PmHo was identified in ‘Mv Hombár’ winter wheat, bred in Martonvásár, Hungary. It has exhibited a high level of resistance over the last two decades. Genetic mapping of recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross ‘Ukrainka’/Mv Hombár located this gene on chromosome 2AL. The segregation ratio and consistent effect in all environments indicated that PmHo is a major dominant powdery mildew resistance gene. The race-specific nature of resistance in Mv Hombár was shown by the emergence of a single virulent pathotype designated as 51-Ho. This pathotype was, to some extent, able to infect Mv Hombár, developing visible symptoms with sporulating colonies. Microscopic studies revealed that, in incompatible interactions, posthaustorial hypersensitivity reaction was the most prevalent but not exclusive plant defense response in Mv Hombár, and fungal growth was mostly arrested during haustorium formation or in the early stages of colony development. The delayed fungal development of the virulent pathotype 51-Ho may be explained by additional effects of other loci that were also involved in the powdery mildew resistance of Mv Hombár.
A temperature-dependent shift in dietary preference alters the viable temperature range ofDrosophila
Authors: Brankatschk M , Gutmann T , Grzybek M , Brankatschk B , Coskun U , Eaton S
Published: June 2016

How cold-blooded animals adapt their behaviour and physiology to survive seasonal changes in temperature is not completely understood - even for well-studied model organisms likeDrosophila melanogaster. Here, we show thatDrosophilacan extend their viable temperature range through temperature-dependent changes in feeding behaviour. Above 15°C,Drosophilafeed and lay eggs on yeast. In contrast, below 15°C,Drosophilaprefer to feed and lay eggs on plant material. The different lipids present in yeast and plants improve survival at high and low temperatures, respectively. Yeast lipids promote high tempera-ture survival by increasing systemic insulin signalling. This expands the range over which developmental rate increases with temperature, suggesting that faster nutrient utilization is required to fuel biochemical reactions driven faster by ki-netic energy. In addition to speeding development, yeast lipids increase fertility. Thus, yeast provide cues that could help Drosophila to exploit a transient summer food resource. Plant lipids, on the other hand, are required to maintain mem-brane lipid fluidity at low temperature, and increase cold-resistance of larvae and adults. The cold-resistance and lowered insulin signalling conferred by feeding on plants allows adults to survive for many months at temperatures consistent with overwintering in temperate climates. Thus, temperature-dependent changes in feeding behaviour produce physiological changes that could promote seasonal adaption.
Emergence of microbial diversity due to cross-feeding interactions in a spatial model of gut microbial metabolism
Authors: Van Hoek Milan JA , Merks Roeland MH
Published: June 2016

Background

The human gut contains approximately 1014bacteria, belonging to hundreds of different species. Together, these microbial species form a complex food web that can break down food sources that our own digestive enzymes cannot handle, including complex polysaccharides, producing short chain fatty acids and additional metabolites,e.g., vitamin K. The diversity of microbial diversity is important for colonic health: Changes in the composition of the microbiota have been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obestity and Crohn’s disease, and make the microbiota more vulnerable to infestation by harmful species,e.g., Clostridium difficile. To get a grip on the controlling factors of microbial diversity in the gut, we here propose a multi-scale, spatiotemporal dynamic flux-balance analysis model to study the emergence of metabolic diversity in a spatial gut-like, tubular environment. The model features genome-scale metabolic models of microbial populations, resource sharing via extracellular metabolites, and spatial population dynamics and evolution.

Results

In this model, cross-feeding interactions emerge readily, despite the species’ ability to metabolize sugars autonomously. Interestingly, the community requires cross-feeding for producing a realistic set of short-chain fatty acids from an input of glucose, If we let the composition of the microbial subpopulations change during invasion of adjacent space, a complex and stratifed microbiota evolves, with subspecies specializing on cross-feeding interactions via a mechanism of compensated trait loss. The microbial diversity and stratification collapse if the flux through the gut is enhanced to mimic diarrhea.

Conclusions

In conclusion, thisin silicomodel is a helpful tool in systems biology to predict and explain the controlling factors of microbial diversity in the gut. It can be extended to include,e.g., complex food source, and host-microbiota interactions via the gut wall.
Li4Ge2B as a new derivative of the Mo2B5and Li5Sn2structure types
Authors: Pavlyuk Volodymyr , Ciesielski Wojciech , Rozdzynska-Kielbik Beata , Dmytriv Grygoriy , Ehrenberg Helmut
Published: June 2016

Binary and multicomponent intermetallic compounds based on lithium andp-elements of Groups III–V of the Periodic Table are useful as modern electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries. However, the interactions between the components in the Li–Ge–B ternary system have not been reported. The structure of tetralithium digermanium boride, Li4Ge2B, exhibits a new structure type, in the noncentrosymmetric space groupR3m, in which all the Li, Ge and B atoms occupy sites with 3msymmetry. The title structure is closely related to the Mo2B5and Li5Sn2structure types, which crystallize in the centrosymmetric space groupR\overline{3}m. All the atoms in the title structure are coordinated by rhombic dodecahedra (coordination number = 14), similar to the atoms in related structures. According to electronic structure calculations using the tight-binding–linear muffin-tin orbital–atomic spheres approximation (TB–LMTO–ASA) method, strong covalent Ge—Ge and Ge—B interactions were established.
Conformational dimorphism ino-nitrobenzoic acid: alternative ways to avoid the O...O clash
Authors: Ibragimov Aziz , Ashurov Jamshid , Ibragimov Bakhtiyar , Wang Ai , Mouhib Halima , Englert Ulli
Published: June 2016

Polymorphism is a challenging phenomenon and the competitive packing alternatives which are characteristic for polymorphs may be encountered for essentially rigid molecules. A second crystal form of the well known compoundo-nitrobenzoic acid, C7H5NO4, an important intermediate in the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, is described. Although obtained serendipitously, its intra- and intermolecular features match expectations from database searches and theoretical calculations. O—H...O hydrogen-bonded carboxylic acid dimers represent the building blocks in both polymorphs. For steric reasons and in agreement with a calculated potential energy surface, the carboxylic acid and nitro groups cannot simultaneously be coplanar with the benzene ring but have to tilt. In the well established crystal form, this out-of-plane torsion is more pronounced for the nitro substituent. In contrast, the new polymorph is characterized by a major tilt of the carboxylic acid group. The molecules in both alternative crystal forms achieve a similar compromise with respect to acceptable intramolecular O...O contacts.
Crystal structures of bis(phenoxy)silicon phthalocyanines: increasing π–π interactions, solubility and disorder and no halogen bonding observed
Authors: Lessard Benoît H. , Lough Alan J. , Bender Timothy P.
Published: June 2016

We report the syntheses and characterization of three solution-processable phenoxy silicon phthalocyanines (SiPcs), namely bis(3-methylphenoxy)(phthalocyanine)silicon [(3MP)2-SiPc], C46H30N8O2Si, bis(2-sec-butylphenoxy)(phthalocyanine)silicon [(2secBP)2-SiPc], C44H24I2N8O2Si, and bis(3-iodophenoxy)(phthalocyanine)silicon [(3IP)2-SiPc], C52H42N8O2Si. Crystals grown of these compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and the π–π interactions between the aromatic SiPc cores were studied. It was determined that (3MP)2-SiPc has similar interactions to previously reported bis(3,4,5-trifluorophenoxy)silicon phthalocyanines [(345 F)2-SiPc] with significant π–π interactions between the SiPc groups. (3IP)2-SiPc and (2secBP)2-SiPc both experienced a parallel stacking of two of the peripheral aromatic groups. In all three cases, the solubility of these molecules was increased by the addition of phenoxy groups while maintaining π–π interactions between the aromatic SiPc groups. The solubility of (2secBP)2-SiPc was significantly higher than other bis-phenoxy-SiPcs and this was exemplified by the higher observed disorder within the crystal structure.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld-surface analysis of (benzenecarbothioamide-κS)bromidobis(triphenylphosphane-κP)silver(I)
Authors: Ruangwut Wattana , Saithong Saowanit , Pakawatchai Chaveng
Published: June 2016

The title complex, [AgBr(C7H7NS)(C18H15P)2], was obtained from the reaction of silver(I) bromide with benzenecarbothioamide (C7H7NS) and triphenylphosphane (C18H15P) in the mixed solvent of acetonitrile and ethanol. The mononuclear complex exhibits a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry about the metal atom, arising from one S atom of a benzenecarbothioamide ligand, two P atoms of two triphenylphosphane molecules and one bromide ion. An intramolecular N—H...Br hydrogen bond is observed and in the crystal structure, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N—H...Br and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds are observed. In addition, C—H...π interactions occur, leading to [101] chains. Hirshfeld-surface analyses are presented and discussed.
Synthesis and crystal structure of [2,7,12-trimethyl-3,7,11,17-tetraazabicyclo[11.3.1]heptadeca-1(17),13,15-triene-κ4N]copper(II) bis(perchlorate)
Authors: Hilvano Edward Gabrielle V. , Yang Guang , Emnacen Inno A. , Rybak-Akimova Elena V. , Billones Junie B. , Carrillo Maria Constancia O. , Noll Bruce C. , Organo Voltaire G.
Published: June 2016

The title copper(II) complex of a pyridine-containing macrocycle (PyMAC), [Cu(C16H28N4)](ClO4)2, has been prepared. The crystal structure reveals the CuIIatom to be octahedrally coordinated by a tetradentate aminopyridine macrocyclic ligand surrounding the metal cation in a square-planar geometry. Two weakly bound perchlorate counter-ions occupy the axial sites above and below the macrocyclic plane. The crystal studied was refined as a two-component pseudo-merohedral twin; the refined fractional contribution of the minor component is 38.77 (8)%
A second polymorph of 3,4-bis(6-bromopyridin-3-yl)-1,2,5-thiadiazole
Authors: Becker Lisanne , Altenburger Kai , Spannenberg Anke , Arndt Perdita , Rosenthal Uwe
Published: June 2016

The title compound, C12H6Br2N4S, a second polymorph in the triclinic space groupP-1, is presented. As in the earlier reported monoclinic polymorph in the space groupC2/c[Beckeret al.(2016).Chem. Eur. J.In the press], the thiadiazole ring is planar with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.004 Å. The five-membered ring is tilted with respect to the two pyridyl substituents by 23.16 (7) and 49.47 (9)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by a weak non-bonding Br...N interaction [3.056 (3) Å]. Furthermore, a column of molecules is established along thebaxis by π–π stacking interactions between the pyridine rings [centroid–centroid distances = 3.7014 (16) and 3.5934 (15) Å]. Additionally, a short intermolecular Br...Br contact [3.3791 (6) Å] and Br...π-aryl contacts [3.6815 (11)–3.7659 (12) Å] towards the thiadiazole and pyridine rings are found.
An autoregressive approach to modeling commodity prices as a quasi-fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Turvey Calum G. , Wongsasutthikul Paitoon
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to argue that a stationary-differenced autoregressive (AR) process with lag greater than 1, AR(q> 1), has certain properties that are consistent with a fractional Brownian motion (fBm). What the authors are interested in is the investigation of approaches to identifying the existence of persistent memory of one form or another for the purposes of simulating commodity (and other asset) prices. The authors show in theory, and with application to agricultural commodity prices the relationship between AR(q) and quasi-fBm.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper the authors develop mathematical relationships in support of using AR(q> 1) processes for simulating quasi-fBm.

Findings

– From theory the authors show that any AR(q) process is a stationary, self-similar process, with a lag structure that captures the essential elements of scaling and a fractional power law. The authors illustrate through various means the approach, and apply the quasi-fractional AR(q) process to agricultural commodity prices.

Research limitations/implications

– While the results can be applied to most time series of commodity prices, the authors limit the evaluation to the Gaussian case. Thus the approach does not apply to infinite-variance models.

Practical implications

– The approach to using the structure of an AR(q> 1) model to simulate quasi-fBm is a simple approach that can be applied with ease using conventional Monte Carlo methods.

Originality/value

– The authors believe that the approach to simulating quasi-fBm using standard AR(q> 1) models is original. The approach is intuitive and can be applied easily.
Price and volatility transmissions between natural gas, fertilizer, and corn markets
Authors: Etienne Xiaoli Liao , Trujillo-Barrera Andrés , Wiggins Seth
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the price and volatility transmission between natural gas, fertilizer (ammonia), and corn markets, an issue that has been traditionally ignored in the literature despite its significant importance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors jointly estimate a vector error correction model for the conditional mean equation and a multivariate generalized autoregressive heteroskedasticity model for the conditional volatility equation to investigate the interactions between natural gas, ammonia, and corn prices and their volatility.

Findings

– The authors find significant interplay between fertilizer and corn markets, while only a mild linkage in prices and volatility exist between those markets and natural gas during the period 1994-2014. There is not only a positive relationship between corn and ammonia prices in the short run, but both prices react to deviations from the long-run parity. Furthermore, the lagged conditional volatility of ammonia prices positively affects conditional volatility in the corn market and vice versa. This result is robust to a specification using crude oil price as an alternative to natural gas price to account for the large transportation cost built into ammonia prices. Results for the period of 2006-2014 indicate virtually no linkage between natural gas prices and those of fertilizer and corn during that period, while linkages in price level and volatility between the latter remain strong.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first in the literature to comprehensively examine the role of fertilizer on corn prices and volatility, and its relation to natural gas prices.
SEWA-competing in the Chikankari market
Authors: Mishra Jagriti
Published: June 2016

Subject area

This case is about SEWA – the Chikankari concept of Runa Banerjee, which started with the objectives of skill development, training and improving the livelihood conditions of Chikankari artisans by encouraging self-sustenance through employment opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures. In recent years, SEWA has been working for export and domestic orders and has been retailing through exhibitions and its only outlet in Hazratganj, Lucknow. The company over the years due to its social initiatives and good quality Chikankari work has become a known brand name but is also facing stiff competition from the organized market, various other retailers and substitute products. The case discusses the competitive and the market forces with respect to the brand.

Study level/applicability

The case has been designed for the students of business administration who have completed their basic module on marketing. The students need to have understood the concept of marketing mix, competition, segmentation, targeting and the basics of marketing strategy to ensure effective learning.

Case overview

The case discusses the competitive and market analysis for Lucknow-based firm SEWA in focus. SEWA started as a firm indulged in social upliftment of Chikankari workers which was achieved through trainings in skill upgradation, design and technical development, entrepreneurship development and linkages for social security. The various types of competition, such as direct competition from local retailers, secondary competition from unorganized markets of Chauk and Nazirabad and indirect competition from substitute products, have been studied and analysed. The problem of similar brand names adopted by various Chikankari retailers selling similar products has been highlighted as a major threat in the case. SEWA has adopted the strategy of product innovation to attain competitive advantage. SEWA has developed various traditional and contemporary designs which have fared well in the market.

Expected learning outcomes

Familiarizing management students with the concept of competitive analysis with the case of SEWA, Lucknow., and acquainting students with the basic understanding of market forces and competition with a firm supporting a traditional art form in focus, are the expected learning outcomes.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Exploring knowledge bridging and translation in lesson study using an inter-professional team
Authors: Norwich Brahm , Koutsouris George , Fujita Taro , Ralph Thomas , Adlam Anna , Milton Fraser
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– It is argued that the issues of translating basic science, including knowledge from neuroscience, into relevant teaching are similar to those that have been experienced over a long period by educational psychology. This paper proposes that such a translation might be achieved through lesson study (LS), which is an increasingly used technique to stimulate teacher enquiry. To explore these issues, the purpose of this paper is to present the findings from a modified LS approach that involved psychologists and mathematics lecturers working together with school-based teachers to prepare a series of lessons on mathematics.

Design/methodology/approach

– The LS team review and planning meetings and subsequent interviews were recorded and analysed for common themes, with reference to patterns of knowledge bridging. Particular attention was paid to translational issues and the kind of knowledge used.

Findings

– Overall, there was some successful bridging between theory and practice, and evidence of translation of theoretical knowledge into relevant teaching practice. However, the analysis of the team’s interactions showed that relatively little involved a useful applied neuroscience/neuropsychology element, whereas other psychological knowledge from cognitive, developmental, educational and clinical psychology was considered more relevant to planning the LS.

Originality/value

– This study illustrates how reference to brain functioning has currently little specific to contribute directly to school teaching, but it can arouse increased interest in psychological processes relevant to teaching and learning. This approach reaffirms the central role of teacher-led research in the relationship between theory and practice. The findings are also discussed in relation to the SECI model of knowledge creation.
You can only see what you have chosen to see
Authors: Lo Mun Ling
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest ways that we can widen our vision since our views are limited by our theoretical lens.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper first draws on articles in the current issue to illustrate how limitations imposed by our theoretical lens can be partly overcome. It then draws on the insights from two recent papers by Svensson (2016) and Lo and Chik (2016) to discuss some ways forward. Svensson’s paper argues for integrating research on teaching and learning using case-based studies and the contextual analysis approach. Lo and Chik’s paper is about how our learning can go beyond the single case through attending to fusion in the external horizon. The conceptual lens from these two papers which are from the phenomenography, variation theory and learning study tradition is applied to look at some of the papers in this issue which are from the lesson study tradition.

Findings

– Although there is an inherent limitation to what we can see as a consequence of the theoretical lens that we take, we can widen our vision by learning to see from others’ perspectives and gain insights that would be useful to us.

Originality/value

– The conceptual lenses from the phenomenography, variation theory and learning study tradition is applied to look at some of the papers which are from the lesson study tradition to reveal alternative ways of seeing.
Decomposing the relationship between wage and churning
Authors: Duhautois Richard , Gilles Fabrice , Petit Héloïse
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Applied research shows higher wages are associated with lower mobility at the establishment level. A usual interpretation is that high pay decreases labour turnover. The purpose of this paper is to test if such relationship holds for every type of worker in every type of firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis is based on a linked employer-employee panel dataset covering the French private sector from 2002 to 2005. The authors compute establishment wage effects and use them as explanatory variables in labour mobility equations (for churning rate and quit rate). Using spline regression models enables to investigate for potential non-linearities.

Findings

– The authors show that the relationship between churning rate and wage is non-linear and has the shape of an invertedJ: the relation is negative and intense for establishments with low wage effect, weaker for average paying establishments and even becomes positive for very high-paying ones. This is true whatever the skill group of workers. It is also true for large establishments while the relationship is still negative but linear for small ones. The relationship between wages and quit rates has a strikingly similar pattern. This suggests that the link between churning and establishment wage effect is strongly related to quit decisions.

Practical implications

– A possible interpretation of our results is that paying higher wages may be an effective stabilizing tool especially for employers in small establishments and when starting wages are relatively low.

Originality/value

– The paper is the first to decompose the relationship between wage and mobility. It shows the relationship differs across establishment size and is not linear. The paper also shows quits play a role in this relationship.
The effects of the motor vehicle industry on employment and research innovation in Australia
Authors: Valadkhani Abbas , Smyth Russell
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the likely economy-wide impacts of the complete shutdown of the motor vehicle industry on output and employment in Australia using the latest input-output (IO) table (2009-2010).

Design/methodology/approach

– Both supply- and demand-driven IO models are employed to determine the extent, and pattern, of the resulting output and job losses in upstream and downstream industries. An analysis of the first-order field of influence is also conducted to observe how output multipliers in other sectors respond to changes in the self-use-input-requirement of the professional, scientific and technical services (PSTS) industry.

Findings

– The PSTS industry (with a significant research and development (R
&
D) component and the highest forward linkage index) would be hardest hit with the collapse of the motor vehicle industry.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper identifies a number of industries that are more likely to be heavily influenced by the resulting lack of R
&
D in the PSTS industry in the near future. Unless more funding is allocated to other research and technology-intensive industries, the extinction of the motor vehicle industry, coupled with the recent budgetary cuts for strategic organisations such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, can reduce the positive spillover effects of R
&
D activities on the Australian economy.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to examine the effects of the shutdown of the motor vehicle industry on employment in Australia. The results also have broader implications for other developed countries that have declining motor vehicle industries. The findings suggest that the global decline in the motor vehicle industry can adversely affect investment in R
&
D in upstream and downstream industries. More generally, the results suggest that the shift in motor vehicle production to developing countries, will contribute to increased R
&
D intensity in them at the expense of developed countries.
Union pay premium in China: an individual-level analysis
Authors: Gunderson Morley , Lee Byron Y , Wang Hui
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to estimate the union-nonunion pay gap impact separately for wages and bonuses as well as total compensation to include both wages and bonuses in China. The way in which the impact varies as control variables are added is illustrated as is how the impact varies by the type of firm ownership. The overall pay gap is also decomposed into a component due to differences in their pay determining characteristics as well as a component due to differences in their returns to those characteristics. These separate components are also calculated throughout the pay distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the 2010 China Family Panel Studies Survey, a nationally representative survey in China, the methodology involves different estimation procedures as appropriate for the nature of the data and the dependent variables. First the authors estimate a single equation to determine the union-nonunion pay gap. Then the authors estimate the union impact on the various components of compensation (wages and bonuses). Next the authors decompose the relative contribution of each factor in explaining the wage gap. Finally, quantile regressions are used to examine the union impact across various levels of the pay distribution.

Findings

– The authors find a gross union-nonunion pay gap (wages + bonuses) of 42 percent, dropping to 12 percent after controlling for the effect of other pay determining factors. The union impact on wages is only 8 percent, but bonuses are about twice as high for union workers. The union impact is essentially zero for (state-owned firms) SOEs and for foreign-owned firms but it is large at 16 percent for private firms and even larger at 22 percent for government agencies. Of the overall pay gap of 42 percent, about three-quarters is attributable to differences in their endowments of pay determining characteristics and about one-quarter to differences in the returns for the same endowments of characteristics. Quantile regressions reveal that the pure or adjusted union wage premium exhibits a u-shaped pattern being highest in the bottom and to a lesser extent the top of the pay distribution.

Originality/value

– There are a dearth of studies examining the union-nonunion pay gap in China. Of the studies that examine this issue, all of them are at the enterprise level with no studies at the individual level. Taking a nationally representative dataset at the individual level, the authors are able to estimate the union-nonunion pay gap in China. The authors identify the portion of the gap that reflects differences in endowments of pay determining characteristics and the portion that reflects different returns to those characteristics, and the relative contribution of the different variables to those components; and how these components change over the pay distribution. The authors also offer explanations for many of these patterns.
Worker word of mouth on the internet
Authors: Melián-González Santiago , Bulchand-Gidumal Jacques
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the consequences of an unexplored and real worker behavior on the internet (worker electronic word of mouth (weWOM)) for human resource image, as well as to analyze its impact on job seekers and employee’s intentions and attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research objectives were tested through a web-based experiment based on real weWOM. Through a self-selected sample procedure, 238 individuals were exposed to three types of weWOM: positive, negative, and intermediate.

Findings

– Depending on the kind of weWOM people see on the internet, perceived HR image changes. Positive, intermediate, and negative weWOM produce different behavioral intentions with respect to different recruiting aspects. weWOM also influences two important employee attitudes and resulted more credible than firms’ recognitions.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample is a convenience one. Since managers may be reluctant to admit weWOM’s credibility the relationship between weWOM and other employees’ attitudes data should be analyzed.

Practical implications

– weWOM may constitute an indicator for anticipating applicants’ key behavior (intention to apply, intention to recommend a company, and compensation demands). In order to stimulate it companies should generate relevant information about the most common categories of weWOM and place it on the employer review websites. Additionally, if weWOM is positive it can be used to create a positive external constructed image among the staff.

Social implications

– weWOM is a current phenomenon without information about its implications. Most of the websites that host it are free accessible. This research offers specific data about how people react to it.

Originality/value

– Employer review websites are probably the preferred channels to express work-related WOM. Nevertheless the current spread of the internet only one study has been conducted about it. This research fits in the current social media age and sheds new information about this kind of communication. The findings contribute to strengthen the theory about how organizational image is built showing that WOM and social media exposure are significant determinants of two types of organizational images. Also we contribute to the theory about recruitment showing detailed information regarding what may occurs during the first phases of this practice.
Conflict resolution styles and personality
Authors: Canaan Messarra Leila , Karkoulian Silva , El-Kassar Abdul-Nasser
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Conflict in the workplace creates a challenge for many of present day managers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating effect of generations X and Y on the relationship between personality and conflict handling styles.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is conducted using a sample of 199 employees working in the electronic retail sector in a non-Western culture. The five-factor model of personality traits is used to measure personality, while conflict styles are measured using Rahim’s Organizational Conflict Inventory II.

Findings

– Results indicate that generations X and Y moderate the relationship between specific personality traits and conflict handling styles.

Research limitations/implications

– This study investigated the moderating effect of generations X and Y on a sample of employees within the electronic retail service sector in Lebanon. It is recommended that future research examine such a relationship in other sectors and cultures for generalizability. Since generation Z (born in the late 1990s) will soon be entering the job market, further studies should include this cohort when investigating the relationships. Finally, for a deeper understanding of the relationship, it is advisable to use both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.

Practical implications

– The understanding of what influences an individual’s choice regarding his/her choice of conflict resolution styles is of great use to supervisors in general and human resource managers in particular. This will assist in developing training programs that help employees acquire the appropriate skills necessary to control their impulses in a conflict situation. Training should comprise conflict resolution and communication skills that could help bridge the gap between generations. Effectively managing generational conflict in the workplace can positively contribute to the level and frequency of future conflicts, which in turn, can lead to favorable organizational outcomes.

Originality/value

– Earlier research that examined the relationship between personality and conflict management styles have found varying results ranging from weak to strong relationships. The understanding of what influences an individual’s choice of which management style he/she chooses is of great use for managers in general and human resource managers in particular. This study showed that the inconsistency could be the result of some factors that moderate this relationship. The age of individuals contributes to the strength or the weakness of the various relationships between personality and conflict handling styles. Findings suggest that generations X and Y do not moderate the relationships among the personality traits and the dominating and obliging conflict styles. They do, however, have varying moderating effects on the relationships between specific personality traits and the integrating, avoiding, and compromising styles.
Authentic leadership, work engagement and organizational citizenship behaviors in petroleum company
Authors: Al Sahi AL Zaabi Mohamed Saeed , Ahmad Kamarul Zaman , Hossan Chowdhury
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between authentic leadership (AL), work engagement (WE), and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) among United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals working in the petroleum sector. This study further intends to examine the mediating effect of psychological empowerment (PE) on above mentioned relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– Quantitative method involving self-reported questionnaire was used in this study. Data were collected from 189 UAE national employees from one of the major petroleum companies in the UAE. An extensive online questionnaire consisting of 70 questions was designed in Version 2.05+ of LimeSurvey, an open source-based survey tool. Structural equation modeling using Lisrel was deployed to examine the relationship between AL, PE, WE, and OCB.

Findings

– The results revealed that AL significantly increases WE and OCB. Results also indicated that PE increases the strength of relationship between AL with WE and OCB while acting as a mediator.

Practical implications

– The research results suggested that leaders and discussion makers in the petroleum sector in UAE should encourage their managers to adopt a more AL style. Given that AL is strongly related to WE, PE, and OCB, AL training programs is consequently important in building employees that would be more empowered and engaged.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to organizational behavior and industrial psychology literature. The study is unique in respect to the research model that was developed and validated. It’s one of the first attempts to empirically investigate the direct relationship among AL, PE, WE, and OCB in Middle-East context. This study was conducted in UAE, where AL concept has been rarely investigated and finding from this study may help in filling up the gap in knowledge.
Competing through employee engagement: a proposed framework
Authors: Al Mehrzi Nada , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework through which to understand, predict and control factors affecting employee engagement in the public sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper examines research conducted in the area of employee engagement and proposes a conceptual framework that can be used by practitioners to engage employees and motivate them toward organizational growth and sustainability.

Findings

– In line with the literature-based analysis, a framework of employee engagement was developed, illustrating the linkage between leader, team, perceived organizational support and organizational culture that is being mediated by employee motivation.

Research limitations/implications

– Employee engagement as exemplified in this study is well suited for use in the public sector in the UAE. Further empirical study should be undertaken to ascertain the effect of the proposed framework and hypotheses.

Practical implications

– The study incorporates determinants of employee engagement in a framework that practitioners can make use of to identify interventions with which to engage and retain talented employees for organizations’ benefit.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a comprehensive framework that contributes to the conceptualization of employee engagement and will help practitioners as well as academics to understand the underlying causes of disengagement in organizations.
Determinants of organizational performance: a proposed framework
Authors: Almatrooshi Bashaer , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Farouk Sherine
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on determinants that influence organizational performance and to develop a framework that could be beneficial for leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses a systematic review of articles on the factors that influence organizational performance. The purpose of this systematic review is to collect and summarize all empirical evidence from literature that fits the context of this study.

Findings

– The findings of the study have been weaved together in a proposed framework for the role of cognitive, emotional, and social competencies on leadership competencies that in turn influence both employee and organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper is a literature review, a framework on the determinants of organizational performance has been proposed but has not yet been tested empirically.

Practical implications

– Leaders can leverage the results of this study to enhance their leadership competencies for the purpose of improving the performance on both individual employee and organizational levels.

Originality/value

– There are few research-based studies on the determinants of organizational performance. This paper has identified key variables that play a significant role in helping organizations perform effectively.