bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering chemistry: integrating batch and flow reactions on a single, automated reactor platform
Authors: Fitzpatrick D. E. , Ley S. V.
Published: September 2016

Synthesis chemistry need not be limited to either only batch or only flow; rather, in the future we expect that it will consist of an amalgamation of the best and most appropriate methods.
Significant reduction in the operating temperature of the Mn(ii)/Mn(iii) oxide-based thermochemical water splitting cycle brought about by the use of nanoparticles
Authors: Dey Sunita , Rajesh S. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: September 2016

The use of Mn3O4 and Na2CO3 nanoparticles decreases the temperature of CO2 and H2 evolution with further increase in the reaction rate.
Parametrization of pair correlation function and static structure factor of the one component plasma across coupling regimes
Authors: Desbiens N. , Arnault P. , Clérouin J.
Published: September 2016

We present a parametrization of the pair correlation function and the static structure factor of the Coulomb one component plasma (OCP) from the weakly coupled regime to the strongly coupled regime. Recent experiments strongly suggest that the OCP model can play the role of a reference system for warm dense matter. It can provide the ionic static structure factor that is necessary to interpret the x-ray Thomson scattering measurements, for instance. We illustrate this with the interpretation of an x-ray diffraction spectrum recently measured, using a Bayesian method that requires many evaluations of the static structure factor to automatically calibrate the parameters. For strongly coupled dusty plasmas, the proposed parametrization of the Coulomb OCP pair correlation function can be related to the Yukawa one, including screening. Further prospects to parametrize the static structure of Yukawa systems are also discussed.
Probe of hydrogen atom in plasmas with magnetic, electric, and Aharonov-Bohm flux fields
Authors: Bahar M. K. , Soylu A.
Published: September 2016

In this study, for the first time, the combined effects of external magnetic, electric, and Aharonov-Bohm (AB) flux fields on quantum levels of the hydrogen atom embedded in Debye and quantum plasmas modeled by the more general exponential cosine screened Coulomb (MGECSC) potential are investigated within cylindrical coordinate formalism using the asymptotic iteration method. The MGECSC potential includes four different potential forms when considering different sets of the parameters in the potential. The corresponding Schrödinger equation is solved numerically in order to examine both strong and weak regimes and confinement effects of external fields. The influence of screening parameters of the MGECSC potential on quantum levels of the hydrogen atom is also studied in detail in the presence of external magnetic, electric, and AB flux fields. As it is possible to model both Debye and quantum plasmas by using screening parameters in the MGECSC potential, the effects of each plasma environment on quantum levels of the hydrogen atom are also considered in the external fields. It is observed that there are important results of external fields on the total interaction potential profile, and the most dominant one in these fields is the magnetic field. Furthermore, the effects of confinement on the physical state of the plasma environment is a subject of this study. These details would be important in experimental and theoretical investigations in plasma and atomic physics fields.
Electrostatic fluctuations in a magnetized two-component plasma with q-nonextensive electrons and thermal ions
Authors: Rufai O. R. , Bharuthram R.
Published: September 2016

The effect of ion temperature on nonlinear low frequency electrostatic potential structures is studied in a two component magnetized plasma with q-nonextensive hot electrons. The standard Sagdeev pseudo-potential approach is used to investigate the existence of ion acoustic solitons and double layers and their dependence on finite ion temperature. Only solitons are found to exist, with the amplitude decreasing as the ion temperature increases. For parameters typical of the auroral plasma, our model yields a soliton electric field amplitude of 22 mV/m, which is within the range measured by satellites, and as such can be helpful in understanding the electrostatic fluctuations phenomena in space environments.
The Relationship Between Lignification and Flavonoid Production In Subterranean Clover
Authors: Francis CM , D Hume I
Published: September 2016

The lignin content of both seed coat and burr of a white�seeded mutant of the Geraldton variety of subterranean clover was significantly less than the parent. Reduced lignification occurred in plants homozygous for the simple recessive gene ci which also inhibited flavonoid production. This dual effect is explained by a genetic blockage in that part of the biochemical pathway common to the synthesis of both lignin and flavonoid compounds.
Studies of Compatibility in Australian Isolates of Bipolaris Sorokiniana
Authors: Jones LC
Published: September 2016

Australian and Canadian isolates of B. 80rokiniana were used for studies on compatibility and perithecial development. Australian and Canadian isolates belonged to the same two compatibility groups, a and A. When two isolates, one from each compatibility group, were paired, perithecia (Cochliobolu8 sativus) were formed. Both groups occurred in close association at a number of localities in Victoria. Of the 16 Australian isolates collected at random, 8 were of group a and 8 of group A.
Common Regulation of Recombination at the Amination-1 and Histidine-2 Loci In Neurospora Crassa
Authors: Catcheside DG , Austin Barnbara
Published: September 2016

Recombination between alleles is reduced by rec-3+ at the am-J locus and by rec-x+ at the his-2 locus. The two recombination genes are both in the same region of the left arm of linkage group I between acr-3 and arg-3. All known stocks are either rec-3 rec-x or rec-3+ ree-x+. Recombination between ree-3 arid ree-x is less than 0�143%, with 95% probability. The evidence suggests that the two ree genes are the same, although they act on unrelated loci.
The Role of Progesterone in Implantation in the Sheep
Authors: Bindon BM
Published: September 2016

Merino ewes were ovariectomized on days 4, 8, or 12 of pregnancy and injected daily from that time with 1, 4, or 16 mg progesterone in oil. The ewes were killed on day 20 and examined for embryos. There was a clear effect of dose of progesterone on the number and viability of embryos. Of the ewes receiving 1, 4, and 16 mg progesterone there were 0 out of 12, 2 out of 11, and 11 out of 14 with viable embryos on day 20. The effect of increasing progesterone was also seen in significantly increased glandular and luminal epithelial cell heights in ewes receiving 16 mg per day.
Metabolite Transport in C4 Photosynthesis
Authors: Osmond CB
Published: September 2016

Recent experiments which demonstrate the limited and complementary photosynthetic capacity of mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts in the leaves of C4 plants emphasize the role of structural organization in this photosynthetic process (Slack, Hatch, and Goodchild 1969; Edwards et al. 1970; Woo et al. 1970). The current interpretation of C4 photosynthesis involves the cooperative activity of chloroplasts in both cell layers and demands the transport of photosynthetic metabolites between tissues during ,C02 fixation (Karpilov 1969; Downton 1970; Hatch and Slack 1970). This paper examines the rates of organic anion transport implied by this hypothesis, demonstrates the rapid appearance of label in bundle sheath cells during 14C02 fixation, and discusses structural aspects of the system relevant to transport.
Fertility of Ram Spermatozoa Following Pellet Freezing on Dry Ice At ?79 And ?140°C
Authors: Salamon S
Published: September 2016

The fertility obtained with ram semen pellet frozen on dry ice (-79�0) (Lightfoot and Salamon 1970; Salamon and Lightfoot 1970) has stimulated further investigation. Information was also needed on fertility of ram spermatozoa pelleted at a temperature below -79�C (Salamon 1970) and this communication presents the results of two experiments and treatment comparisons for each.
Catalysis at the nanoscale may change selectivity
Authors: Costentin Cyrille , Savéant Jean-Michel
Published: September 2016

Significance

The benefits of passing from massive catalytic electrodes to a set of nanoparticles of the same material is an issue of considerable current interest. This process relates to the domain of fuels cells and, more generally, to contemporary energy challenges. When several products are concurrently formed, the question arises regarding the possible effect of such nanoscaling on product selectivity. It is tempting to view these effects as relevant to the exclusive domain of purely chemical factors, such as creation of surface defects triggered by nanoparticle deposition. Although such factors might be important in some circumstances, it is shown that product selectivity may well result from the coupling of competitive chemical steps with short-distance transport of the reactants.
Preparation and microstructure of AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy complex curve coatings
Authors: Wang Yu-Sen , Wang Xiao-Rong , Wang Zhao-Qin , Lin Tie-Song , He Peng
Published: September 2016

For the preparation of complex curve coatings via the high-energy micro-arc spark-computer numerical control deposition (HEMAS-CNCD) process, an equi-arc length deposition approach is presented and realised by proposing a new interpolation method of the fixed step plus golden section interpolation (FS + GSI). The simulations and experiments show that the FS + GSI method can carry out the equi-arc length deposition of complex curve coatings with high precision. The AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy coatings are prepared via HEMAS-CNCD using three sets of process parameters. The results of scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction show that the three coatings are composed of hexagonal close packed solid solution (as a matrix phase) and body-centred cubic solid solution (as a minor phase).
Sex Ratios and Average Sperm per Female Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus in Six Tributaries of Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Rains Sarah A. M. , Wilberg Michael J. , Miller Thomas J.
Published: September 2016

Sperm limitation has been a concern for several crustacean species around the world. It may be of particular concern for blue crabs Callinectes sapidus in Chesapeake Bay due to the species’ reproductive biology and the sex-specific fishery regulations in place. Our objectives were to characterize the differences in sperm counts in mated females from six tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay and to determine whether sperm quantity was affected by the ratio of males to females in each system. Mature females were sampled 1–4 times in each tributary on a biweekly schedule from September to November 2011. We quantified sperm storage for each crab by microscopic examination and compared the sperm counts of females among river systems with the adult male : female sex ratios using ANOVA and linear regression. Total sperm quantity per female varied 16-fold (0.9–13.0 × 108) among tributaries. The sex ratio was also variable among tributaries. Total sperm quantity per female was not significantly related to sex ratio, tributary, or month but was negatively related to the development stage of the spermathecae. Estimated sperm : egg ratios varied from 153:1 to 2:1 but were always higher than 1:1. Our results suggest that sperm quantities are not affected by male : female sex ratios and that sperm limitation caused by low sex ratios is likely not a concern in tributaries similar to those in our study.

Received April 3, 2015; accepted June 24, 2016
Processing Mechanisms in Hearing-Impaired Listeners: Evidence from Reaction Times and Sentence Interpretation
Authors: Carroll Rebecca , Uslar Verena , Brand Thomas , Ruigendijk Esther
Published: September 2016

Objective:

The authors aimed to determine whether hearing impairment affects sentence comprehension beyond phoneme or word recognition (i.e., on the sentence level), and to distinguish grammatically induced processing difficulties in structurally complex sentences from perceptual difficulties associated with listening to degraded speech. Effects of hearing impairment or speech in noise were expected to reflect hearer-specific speech recognition difficulties. Any additional processing time caused by the sustained perceptual challenges across the sentence may either be independent of or interact with top-down processing mechanisms associated with grammatical sentence structure.

Design:

Forty-nine participants listened to canonical subject-initial or noncanonical object-initial sentences that were presented either in quiet or in noise. Twenty-four participants had mild-to-moderate hearing impairment and received hearing-loss-specific amplification. Twenty-five participants were age-matched peers with normal hearing status. Reaction times were measured on-line at syntactically critical processing points as well as two control points to capture differences in processing mechanisms. An off-line comprehension task served as an additional indicator of sentence (mis)interpretation, and enforced syntactic processing.

Results:

The authors found general effects of hearing impairment and speech in noise that negatively affected perceptual processing, and an effect of word order, where complex grammar locally caused processing difficulties for the noncanonical sentence structure. Listeners with hearing impairment were hardly affected by noise at the beginning of the sentence, but were affected markedly toward the end of the sentence, indicating a sustained perceptual effect of speech recognition. Comprehension of sentences with noncanonical word order was negatively affected by degraded signals even after sentence presentation.

Conclusion:

Hearing impairment adds perceptual processing load during sentence processing, but affects grammatical processing beyond the word level to the same degree as in normal hearing, with minor differences in processing mechanisms. The data contribute to our understanding of individual differences in speech perception and language understanding. The authors interpret their results within the ease of language understanding model.
Physeal bar equivalent
Authors: Peterson Hamlet A. , Shaughnessy William J. , Stans Anthony A.
Published: September 2016

Premature partial physeal arrest without the formation of an osseous bar – physeal bar equivalent (PBE) – is uncommon. Four children with a PBE had an infection near the distal femoral physis before the age of 11 months. Some growth was achieved after resection of the PBE in each case. Of two cases diagnosed and treated early, one required only contralateral physeal arrests to achieve limb-length equality at maturity. The other, currently 8 years and 4 months old, has a 1.1-cm limb-length discrepancy 6 years after PBE resection and will require observation until maturity. Of two cases diagnosed and treated late, one required ipsilateral femoral lengthening and contralateral femoral shortening and physeal arrests to treat the limb-length discrepancy and angular deformity. The other, currently 7 years and 1 month old, has a 4.8-cm discrepancy and will need future surgical limb-length equalization. Early recognition and treatment of PBE is required to avoid severe limb-length inequality and angular deformity.
Effects of UGT1A6 and GABRA1 on Standardized Valproic Acid Plasma Concentrations and Treatment Effect in Children With Epilepsy in China
Authors: Feng Weixing , Mei Shenghui , Zhu Leting , Yu Yazhen , Yang Weili , Gao Baoqin , Wu Xiaojuan , Zhao Zhigang , Fang Fang
Published: September 2016

Background:

Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used antiepileptic drug with acceptable safety and efficacy in treating pediatric patients with various kinds of seizures. However, interindividual variations in plasma concentrations and treatment effects of patients with epilepsy treated with VPA are observed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various genetic variations on normalized plasma concentration of VPA (NCVPA) and the treatment response in Chinese children with epilepsy administered with VPA.

Methods:

Pediatric patients (3 months to 18 years old) with epilepsy, taking VPA therapy, were enrolled in the study. Important genetic variations of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic pathways of VPA were evaluated using the MassARRAY system (Sequenom). The associations of genetic variations with NCVPA/drug response and the mean value of NCVPA in responsive and resistant patients were evaluated using SPSS (17.0) and Plink (1.07) software.

Results:

A total of 111 children with epilepsy (80 responsive and 31 resistant) were enrolled. rs28898617 (UGT1A6, A > G) was associated with an increase in NCVPA (β = 5.31, 95% confidence interval = 0.78–9.83, P = 0.024); therefore, patients with this variation need a lower dose of VPA. rs2279020 (GABRA1, G > A) was associated with a decreased risk of developing VPA-resistant epilepsy (odds ratio = 0.42, 95% confidence interval = 0.21–0.84, P = 0.014). Similar NCVPA was observed in resistant and responsive patients (P = 0.257).

Conclusions:

rs28898617 (UGT1A6, A > G) variation was associated with an increase in NCVPA. rs2279020 (GABRA1, G > A) variation was associated with a decreased risk of developing VPA-resistant epilepsy. Resistant and responsive patients to VPA treatment had a similar mean value of NCVPA. The findings may help clinicians to adjust the dose and predict treatment effect for children with epilepsy receiving VPA treatment.
Reconstruction after Anterior Chest Wall Keloid Resection Using Internal Mammary Artery Perforator Propeller Flaps
Authors: Ogawa Rei , Ono Shimpei , Akaishi Satoshi , Dohi Teruyuki , Iimura Takeshi , Nakao Junichi
Published: September 2016

Background:

It is difficult to completely resect huge anterior chest wall keloids and then close the wound directly. We report here our retrospective analysis of our case series of patients with such keloids who underwent reconstruction with internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) pedicled propeller flaps and then received postoperative high-dose-rate superficial brachytherapy.

Methods:

All consecutive patients with large/severe keloids on the anterior chest wall who underwent keloid resection followed by reconstruction with IMAP-pedicled propeller flaps and then high-dose-rate superficial brachytherapy in our academic hospital were identified. All cases were followed for >18 months. Donor site position, perforator pedicle, flap size, angle of flap rotation, complications, and recurrence were documented.

Results:

There were nine men and one woman. The average age was 37.9 years. The average follow-up duration was 28.7 months. The largest flap was 16 × 4 cm. The dominant perforators of the internal mammary artery were located in the sixth (n = 2), seventh (n = 5), eighth (n = 1), and ninth (n = 2) intercostal spaces. Twelve months after surgery, patients reported marked relief from keloid-associated pain and itching, except in two patients who underwent partial keloid resection; their remaining keloids were still troublesome but after conservative therapies, including steroid ointments/plasters, the keloids gradually ameliorated. Eighteen months after surgery, there was no keloid recurrence or new development of keloids on the donor site.

Conclusions:

IMAP-pedicled propeller flaps transfer skin tension from the anterior chest wall to the abdomen. Our series suggests that this approach combined with radiation therapy can control keloid recurrence.
Fluid resuscitation for acute kidney injury: an empty promise
Authors: Watkins Scott C. , Shaw Andrew D.
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review

The past decade has seen more advances in our understanding of fluid therapy than the preceding decades combined. What was once thought to be a relatively benign panacea is increasingly being recognized as a potent pharmacological and physiological intervention that may pose as much harm as benefit.

Recent findings

Recent studies have clearly indicated that the amount, type, and timing of fluid administration have profound effects on patient morbidity and outcomes. The practice of aggressive volume resuscitation for ‘renal protection’ and ‘hemodynamic support’ may in fact be contributing to end organ dysfunction. The practice of early goal-directed therapy for patients suffering from critical illness or undergoing surgery appears to offer no benefit over conventional therapy and may in fact be harmful. A new conceptual model for fluid resuscitation of critically ill patients has recently been developed and is explored here.

The practice of giving more fluid early and often is being replaced with new conceptual models of fluid resuscitation that suggest fluid therapy be ‘personalized’ to individual patient pathophysiology.
Comparing the persuasiveness and professionalism of newspaper, blog, and social media sources of information in marketing and reviewing theatre
Authors: Warne Russell Thomas , Drake-Brooks Malisa M.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence that newspaper, blog and social media sources of information about a play have on respondents’ willingness to purchase a ticket to a theatrical production.

Design/methodology/approach

Respondents saw two advertisements and one review for theatrical productions. The authors randomly varied the version of each advertisement and review so that information regarding the production appeared to originate from a newspaper, blog or social media site. The authors asked respondents to rate the professionalism of the review and advertisements and how likely they were to purchase a ticket. The authors also collected demographic information.

Findings

The authors found that newspapers, blogs and social media had similar influence on respondents’ willingness to purchase a ticket. Respondents also viewed the blog-based play review as being as professional as the review from a newspaper. However, respondents were more likely to say they would purchase a ticket to a well-known play than a new play. Female respondents were more willing to purchase a play ticket.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for marketers include the usefulness of non-traditional media (e.g. blogs, social media) in promoting a play – especially for new plays. Theater critics will find that their opinions are equally influential, regardless of whether the medium of publication is traditional (e.g. a newspaper) or digital (e.g. a blog). Principal limitations are the artificiality of a true experiment and an overly simplistic pricing method in the study.

Practical implications

Professionals selling tickets to theatrical productions should use favorable quotes and responses from social media and blogs when marketing tickets because audience members trust that these sources of information as much as newspapers. Internet-based theater critics should appreciate that they are perceived as being as reputable as newspaper-based critics.

Originality/value

Research on theater advertising is extremely limited (especially outside of Broadway), as are studies on the influence of theater critics. The study adds to this meager body of research and provides needed practical guidance to theater marketers.
Governance dynamics in multi-partner R&D alliances
Authors: Barbic Frano , Hidalgo Antonio , Cagliano Raffaella
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamics of contractual and relational mechanisms during different phases of multi-partner R&D alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a longitudinal single case study to gain in-depth understanding of which governance mechanisms are best suited for different phases of alliance collaboration. Applying a retrospective strategy for data collection, three rounds of interviews were conducted with representatives of all partner firms. The data were complemented by documentary analysis of both internal documents and publicly available information.

Findings

The findings suggest that the use of governance mechanisms in multi-partner alliances depends on the characteristics of alliance phases. Relational governance is most important in the exploration and development phases, while the importance of contractual governance comes to the fore during the development and finalization phases. Despite the predominance of one type of mechanism, the findings support a complementary perspective of governance mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

The results of a single case study offer limited generalizability and should thus be treated with caution. More cross-industry, cross-national studies should be conducted to verify the applicability of the findings to other industries, cultures and geographical contexts.

Practical implications

Managers should be aware that different phases of the alliance life cycle have different control and coordination needs, and should rely on different mechanisms during different phases of the alliance.

Originality/value

The authors have synthesized insights from various perspectives (transaction cost economics, organization theory, social exchange theory), and developed a multidisciplinary approach to multi-partner collaborations.
A parameterized lower confidence bounding scheme for adaptive metamodel-based design optimization
Authors: Zheng Jun , Li Zilong , Gao Liang , Jiang Guosheng
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to efficiently use as few sample points as possible to get a sufficiently explored design space and an accurate optimum for adaptive metamodel-based design optimization (AMBDO).

Design/methodology/approach

A parameterized lower confidence bounding (PLCB) scheme is proposed in which a cooling strategy is introduced to guarantee the balance between exploitation and exploration by varying weights of the predicting error and optimum of a metamodel. The proposed scheme is investigated by a set of test functions and a structural optimization problem, in which PLCB with four kinds of cooling control functions are studied. Moreover, other infill criteria (such as expected improvement and its extension versions) are taken into comparison.

Findings

Results show that the proposed PLCB (especially PLCB with the first cooling control function) based AMBDO method can find the optimum with fewer evaluations and maintain good accuracy, which means the proposed PLCB contributes to the excellent efficiency and accuracy in finding global optimal solutions.

Originality/value

The parameterized version of the lower confidence bound metric is proposed for AMBDO, typically used in the context of adaptive sampling in efficient global optimization.
A multi-level refinement adaptive scheme with high efficiency and accuracy
Authors: Ding Chensen , Cui Xiangyang , Li Chong , Li Guangyao , Wang Guoping
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Traditional adaptive analysis based on a coarse mesh, using finite element method (FEM) analysis, produces the original solution. Then post-processing the result and figuring out the regions should be refined and these regions refined once. Finally, this new mesh is used to get the solution of first refinement. After several iterations of above procedures, we can achieve the last result that is closer to the true solution, which takes time, making adaptive scheme inpractical to engineering application. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper based on FEM proposes a multi-level refinement strategy with a refinement strategy and an indicator. The proposed indicator uses value of the maximum difference of strain energy density among the elements that associated with one node, and divides all nodes into several categories based on the value. A multi-level refinement strategy is proposed according to which category the node belongs to refine different elements to different times rather than whether refine or not.

Findings

Multi-level refinement strategy takes full use of the numerical calculation, resulting in the whole adaptive analysis that only need to iterate twice while other schemes must iterate more times. Using much less times of numerical calculation and approaches, more accurate solution, making adaptive analysis more practical to engineering.

Originality/value

Multi-level refinement strategy takes full use of the numerical calculation, resulting in the whole adaptive analysis only need iterate twice while other schemes must iterate more times. using much less times of numerical calculation and approaches more accurate solution, making adaptive analysis more practical to engineering.
Rapid design optimization of antennas using variable-fidelity EM models and adjoint sensitivities
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bekasiewicz Adrian
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Development of techniques for expedited design optimization of complex and numerically expensive electromagnetic (EM) simulation models of antenna structures validated both numerically and experimentally. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization task is performed using a technique that combines gradient search with adjoint sensitivities, trust region framework, as well as EM simulation models with various levels of fidelity (coarse, medium and fine). Adaptive procedure for switching between the models of increasing accuracy in the course of the optimization process is implemented. Numerical and experimental case studies are provided to validate correctness of the design approach.

Findings

Appropriate combination of suitable design optimization algorithm embedded in a trust region framework, as well as model selection techniques, allows for considerable reduction of the antenna optimization cost compared to conventional methods.

Research limitations/implications

The study demonstrates feasibility of EM-simulation-driven design optimization of antennas at low computational cost. The presented techniques reach beyond the common design approaches based on direct optimization of EM models using conventional gradient-based or derivative-free methods, particularly in terms of reliability and reduction of the computational costs of the design processes.

Originality/value

Simulation-driven design optimization of contemporary antenna structures is very challenging when high-fidelity EM simulations are utilized for performance utilization of structure at hand. The proposed variable-fidelity optimization technique with adjoint sensitivity and trust regions permits rapid optimization of numerically demanding antenna designs (here, dielectric resonator antenna and compact monopole), which cannot be achieved when conventional methods are of use. The design cost of proposed strategy is up to 60 percent lower than direct optimization exploiting adjoint sensitivities. Experimental validation of the results is also provided.
Mlouma: to connect the agricultural products market players
Authors: Ndour Mamour , Gueye Birahim
Published: September 2016

Subject area

Social entrepreneurship/social innovation.

Study level/applicability

This real case targets license and master’s students as part of an ongoing course on social entrepreneurship, social innovation, in one word, on entrepreneurship.

Case overview

Mlouma is a platform based on Web, SMS, USSD, mobile application and call center. This social enterprise keeps farmers in contact with food buyers by displaying real-time market prices and localizations. The service will improve the efficiency of the agriculture supply chain, helping farmers to get a better price for their product. By introducing information and communication technology, Mlouma provides innovative solutions to the market failure by creating more value for producers and consumers.

Expected learning outcomes

This case shows the importance of the entrepreneurial orientation of social enterprises to adapt to its context and discuss theory of social entrepreneurship.

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 3: Entrepreneurship.
CareCross health: private healthcare for workers
Authors: Schweer Rayner Cynthia
Published: September 2016

Subject area

Impact investing, Social entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

MBA, EMBA, Executive Education.

Case overview

CareCross Health describes the impact due diligence leading up to an investment into CareCross Health by impact investor Palm Capital. The case follows the protagonist, Caitlin Stevens, CEO of Palm Capital, as she identifies CareCross Health as a potential investment target, performs an initial screening of the company and visits the company and its sites as part of an in-depth impact due diligence.

Expected learning outcomes

By the end of this case, the student should be able to consider the critical steps associated with conducting an impact due diligence; understand the challenges associated with conducting an impact due diligence, with a particular focus on due diligence in an emerging market scenario; analyse a potential impact investment, in this case CareCross Health, and make a preliminary recommendation on whether the investment is viable from an impact perspective; identify the trade-offs between private sector and public sector provision of services to low-income groups, and consider unintended consequences in analysing the impact of a social enterprise; and prepare possible scenarios and weigh the potential outcomes of various arrangements to ensure alignment of investor objectives.

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 1: Accounting and Finance.
The effects of pollution prevention on performance
Authors: Graham Stephanie , McAdam Rodney
Published: September 2016

Purpose

As pressure for companies to improve their environmental performance has intensified in recent years, research attention has shifted away from establishing a link between environmental practices and performance towards consideration of other factors that might facilitate performance improvements. The purpose of this paper is to: first, to investigate whether internal support processes interact with pollution prevention by positively moderating the relationship between pollution prevention and environmental performance; and, second, to assess whether the relationship between pollution prevention and cost performance is mediated by environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses a cross-sectional survey of 1,200 UK-based food processing firms to gather information on environmental practices and performance. Regression analysis was conducted on a sample of 149 responding firms to assess the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

Support was found for two of the four moderated relationships hypothesised namely, suggesting that internal support processes support the environmental performance of some pollution prevention practices. Strong support for a mediated relationship between pollution prevention, environmental performance and cost performance was provided by the results.

Originality/value

This study provides an original contribution to the literature on the performance outcomes of environmental practices by considering a number indirect relationships between environmental practices and performance. This has implications for the interpretation of the relationship between environmental practices and performance.
Absorptive capacity versus distributive capability
Authors: Whitehead Kimberly K. , Zacharia Zach G. , Prater Edmund L.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to disentangle the role of the source and recipient of knowledge in supply chain collaboration by providing evidence that the distributive capabilities of a source, working in conjunction with the absorptive capacity (AC) of a recipient, have direct and significant effects on levels of collaborative engagement between supply chain partners and indirect and significant effects on collaborative operational outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilises 310 surveys and structural equations modelling to provide empirical evidence to support the significance of the source of knowledge in collaborative activities.

Findings

The study provides evidence for source-based knowledge transfer constructs (distributive capabilities) in supply chain collaboration. Further, this research supports these capabilities working in conjunction with recipient AC both as necessary but insufficient requirements for successful knowledge transfer.

Practical implications

Firm interdependence within supply chains continues to grow. In today’s environment of outsourcing and increasing levels of inter-firm activities, this research provides a parsimonious model of collaboration that allows firms to understand knowledge transfer better and how to more aptly manage these types of activities and complex relationships.

Originality/value

Earlier research in this domain has focussed on the abilities of a recipient firm to absorb knowledge in order to understand successful collaborative knowledge transfer. By solely focussing on the recipient firm, the role of the source of knowledge has been largely overlooked in this stream of research.
Setting the stage for service experience: design strategies for functional services
Authors: Beltagui Ahmad , Candi Marina , Riedel Johann C.K.H.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify service design strategies to improve outcome-oriented services by enhancing consumers’ emotional experience, while overcoming customer variability.

Design/methodology/approach

An abductive, multiple-case study involves 12 service firms from diverse online and offline service sectors.

Findings

Overall, six service design strategies represent two overarching themes: customer empowerment can involve design for typical customers, visibility, and community building, while customer accommodation can involve design for personas, invisibility, and relationship building. Using these strategies helps set the stage for a service to offer an emotional experience.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers a first step toward combining investigations of service experience and user experience. Further research can strengthen these links.

Practical implications

The six design strategies described using examples from case research offer managerial recommendations. In particular, these strategies can help service managers address the customer-induced variability inherent in services.

Originality/value

Extant studies of experience staging have focused on particular sectors such as hospitality and leisure; this study contributes by investigating outcome-focused services and identifying strategies to create unique experiences that offset variability. It also represents a rare effort to combine research from service management and interaction design, shedding light on the link between service experience and user experience.
Rethinking professional learning for teachers and school leaders
Authors: Netolicky Deborah M.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Situated within the conversation of the global push for teacher quality and for professional learning that positively shapes teaching practice in order to improve student learning, the purpose of this paper is concerned with transformational learning that actively shifts cognition, emotion, and capacity (Drago-Severson, 2009).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is set against the backdrop of one independent, well-resourced Australian school during its professional learning intervention. It draws together findings from a narrative study that examined the lived experiences of 14 educators. The educators interviewed for this study included the researcher (also an educator at the school), two teachers, and 11 school leaders at middle and executive levels.

Findings

While the study set out to explore how educators’ experiences of professional learning (trans)form their senses of professional identity, it found that it is not just professional learning, but epiphanic life experiences that shape professional selves and practices. Learning is highly individualized, not one-size-fits-all. It is that which taps into who educators see and feel they are that has the most impact on beliefs, thoughts, behaviors, and practices.

Originality/value

This study suggests that transformational professional learning can occur in a wide range of life arenas. It recommends that the definition of professional learning be broadened, that teachers and schools think more expansively and flexibly about what it is that transforms educators, and about who drives and chooses this learning. Schools and systems can work from their own contexts to design and slowly iterate models of professional learning, from the bottom up and the middle out.
Improvement maintenance implementation based on downtime analysis approach
Authors: Koussaimi My Abdelbar , Bouami Driss , Elfezazi Saïd
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Improvement maintenance’s aim is identifying and implementing improvement action on equipment in service. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach based on downtime’s analysis to raise up equipment’s performance, such as reliability, maintainability, availability, and safety. Steps of this approach will be illustrated by industrial applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Furthermore, it proposes an approach based on a combination of several methods (FMECA, cause and effect diagrams, ABC analysis, 5W, RCA method, etc.). This approach is based on the downtime analysis and lead to improve maintenance’s performance and equipment’s reliability, maintainability, availability and safety. Those objectives have a strong correlation with the downtime.

Findings

This approach led to apply easily improvement maintenance by using known methods. In the industrial application, this approach helps the authors to choose the good solution with the better life durance.

Practical implications

After following the steps simulated by the proposed approach, actions and concrete measures will be deducted and illustrated by the industrial’s application.

Originality/value

At present, there is not an explicit improvement maintenance, to lead to specific maintenance actions on equipment in service, in order to improve the maintenance function goals.
Elderly consumers’ sensitivity to corporate social performance
Authors: Perera Chamila Roshani , Hewege Chandana
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the Japanese elderly consumer sensitivity to corporate social performance (CSP) and how this sensitivity influences their everyday consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a mixed method research approach, which was organised into two sequential stages: a survey (N= 199) and two focus group investigations (N= 16).

Findings

The study found that married, aged and high-income-earning consumers who have a higher media exposure to CSP information show high sensitivity towards CSP. The focus groups revealed that the elderly consumers have a myopic view of CSP which is subjected to context-specific factors relating to CSP of Japanese firms. Showing a high level of tolerance towards the firms with adverse CSP records, the elderly consumers tend to make their consumption decisions based on personal benefits, as opposed to CSP records of the firms. The focus groups’ findings are organised into four thematic categories.

Practical implications

The study highlights the predictability of consumer sensitivity to CSP using demographic factors. The practitioners targeting elderly consumers using CSP programmes should design them with a focus on social issues, including gender equality, employment opportunities for the disabled and new employment opportunities, as they constitute CSP sensitivities among elderly consumers.

Originality/value

Studies on consumers’ perceptions towards CSP in Japan are scarce. Specifically, studies aimed at the elderly consumer segment of the Japanese society are limited. Therefore, this study endeavours to bridge this gap by exploring the Japanese elderly consumer sensitivity to CSP and its role in everyday consumption practices.
Investigating the influence of religion, ethical ideologies and generational cohorts toward consumer ethics: which one matters?
Authors: Arli Denni , Pekerti Andre
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In the debate whether ethics should be separated from religion or otherwise, few have investigated the impact of religious beliefs and ethical ideologies on consumer ethics. Thus, the purpose of this study to investigate the influence of consumers’ religion, moral philosophy and generational cohort on their perception toward various consumers’ ethical behavior practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses sample from three different cohorts (Generation Y, Generation X and Baby boomers) in Australia. The final numbers of respondents are 251. Male and female respondents are almost equal in number (52 and 48 per cent, respectively). Most participants are single (56 per cent), and 24 per cent are married. The age cohorts are Gen-Y (70 per cent), Gen-X (16 per cent) and Baby boomers (14 per cent). In terms of religion, 46 per cent of the respondents were identified as Christian or Catholic, whereas 42 per cent reported having no religion.

Findings

The results show that religiosity had the strongest effect compared to moral ideologies and generation cohorts. It can be assumed that at least for religious consumers, when two ideas collide between religion and ethical ideologies, religious principles may supersede ethical ideologies. The study offers several implications for marketers, educators and public policy makers.

Research limitations/implications

The current study has several limitations, especially the use of convenience sampling that may limit the generalizability of the findings. Consumers in Australia may behave differently from general consumers or other cohorts with regard to their ethical judgments.

Originality/value

This is one of the first few studies exploring consumer ethics in Australia. We may conclude that in some ethical situations, religion will supersede ethical ideologies. Accordingly, it is important not to remove religion from ethics education, especially for religious consumers.
A tisket a tasket what happened to Market Basket?
Authors: Bosco Susan , Harvey Diane M.
Published: September 2016

Synopsis

The saga of Market Basket took place over a period of months during which a significant upheaval occurred in the long-successful business. The turmoil drew in a broad range of stakeholders. In a rare chain of events, non-unionized workers and managers engineered a change in senior management of the company. Their willingness to sacrifice their livelihoods in support of one person exemplifies the impact that can be made by a single, authentic, leader. This case draws upon secondary sources which provide insight into broad panoply of business and organizational behavior issues. The primary focus of the case, however, is leadership.

Research methodology

This case was developed using secondary sources and court documents that reported on the events that precipitated the problems at Market Basket as well as the strike and aftermath.

Relevant courses and levels

Management principles, organizational behavior. All undergraduate class levels would be appropriate.

Theoretical bases

This case exemplifies these three major theories in a real-life situation: stakeholder theory, corporate culture theory, organizational commitment.