bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unified model for the dynamics of driven ribbon with strain and magnetic order parameters
Authors: Sarmah Ritupan , Ananthakrishna G.
Published: February 2013

We develop a unified model to explain the dynamics of driven one dimensional ribbon for materials with strain and magnetic order parameters. We show that the model equations in their most general form explain several results on driven magnetostrictive metallic glass ribbons such as the period doubling route to chaos as a function of a dc magnetic field in the presence of a sinusoidal field, the quasiperiodic route to chaos as a function of the sinusoidal field for a fixed dc field, and induced and suppressed chaos in the presence of an additional low amplitude near resonant sinusoidal field. We also investigate the influence of a low amplitude near resonant field on the period doubling route. The model equations also exhibit symmetry restoring crisis with an exponent close to unity. The model can be adopted to explain certain results on magnetoelastic beam and martensitic ribbon under sinusoidal driving conditions. In the latter case, we find interesting dynamics of a periodic one orbit switching between two equivalent wells as a function of an ac magnetic field that eventually makes a direct transition to chaos under resonant driving condition. The model is also applicable to magnetomartensites and materials with two order parameters.
Annealing effects on the characteristics of AuCl3-doped graphene
Authors: Hee Shin Dong , Min Kim Jong , Wook Jang Chan , Hwan Kim Ju , Kim Sung , Choi Suk-Ho
Published: February 2013

Single-layer graphene sheets grown on Cu foils by chemical vapor deposition were transferred on 300 nm SiO2/n-type Si wafers and subsequently doped with 10 mM AuCl3 solution. The doped graphene sheets were annealed at various temperatures (TA) under vacuum below 10−3 Torr for 10 min and characterized by atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and 4-probe van der Pauw method. The XPS studies show that the compositions of Cl and Au3+ ions in doped graphene sheets increase slightly by annealing at 50 °C, but by further increase of TA above 50 °C, they monotonically decrease and become almost negligible at TA = 500 °C. These XPS results are consistent with the corresponding TA-dependent behaviors of the Raman scattering and the sheet resistance, implying that the doping efficiency is maximized at TA = 50 °C and the Cl and Au3+ ions play a major role in the doping/dedoping processes that are very reversible, different from the case of carbon nanotubes. These results suggest that the annealing temperature is a crucial factor to determine the structural and electrical properties of AuCl3-doped graphene. Possible mechanisms are discussed to explain the doping/dedoping processes of graphene sheets.
Increasing Curie temperature in tetragonal Mn2RhSn Heusler compound through substitution of Rh by Co and Mn by Rh
Authors: Alijani Vajiheh , Meshcheriakova Olga , Winterlik Juergen , Kreiner Guido , Fecher Gerhard H. , Felser Claudia
Published: February 2013

The tetragonal Mn2RhSn Heusler compound shows better lattice match with MgO than do Mn3−xGa and tetragonal Mn3−xCoxGa Heusler compounds and hence is better suited for spin transfer torque applications. Beside the improved lattice match, this compound shows a low saturation magnetic moment reduces the current to switch which makes it more relevant for application in spin transfer torque devices. This compound shows a low Curie temperature; introducing Co into this system and increasing the Rh content leads to an increase in the Curie temperature. Doping with Co retains the tetragonal structure, with improved lattice match with MgO and low magnetic moment, intact up to x = 0.6, although doping with Rh changes the structure from tetragonal to cubic.
Noncontact and simultaneous measurement of the d33 and d31 piezoelectric strain coefficients
Authors: Malakooti Mohammad H. , Sodano Henry A.
Published: February 2013

Here, digital image correlation is demonstrated to be an accurate tool for the noncontact, non-destructive, and rapid characterization of the converse effect of piezoelectric materials. The longitudinal (d33) and transverse (d31) piezoelectric strain coefficients of lead zirconate titanate-5H wafers are measured simultaneously by imaging the wafer's cross section. The results are validated through laser interferometry and the large piezoresponse at switching domains is observed in strain-electric field butterfly loops. The proposed technique is simple and low cost requiring only an optical microscope and unlike indirect measurement methods requires little sample preparation and no information regarding the mechanical properties of the specimen.
Performance of hybrid compact filter system in a down-draft gasifier: An experimental study
Authors: Ramasamy Rameshkumar , Kavandappa Gounder Mayilsamy
Published: February 2013

Tar formation in biomass gasification is a major problem which in subsequent stages decomposes under the conditions such as temperature, pressure drop, gas flow rate, and retention time. Crucial review of literature discloses that all existing systems have maximum 90% tar removal capability. However, an exemption, catalytic crackers have efficiency in the range of 90% to 95%, but it operates at very high temperatures. Considerable efforts have been directed to develop an efficient hybrid filter system and evaluate its performance characteristics that operate in a low temperature range of 41–60 °C. The potential of proposed hybrid filter for producing tar-free fuel gas is analyzed here. The performance of developed compact hybrid filter was successfully tested with a 20 kW open core downdraft gasifier. The concept of hybrid compact filter presented in this study is first of its kind and it claims maximum tar reduction rate than any other system reported and its magnitude varies from 92% to 96%. Moreover, the experiments reveal that the tar and particulate content are converged to 52 mg/Nm3 from an initial range of 1428 mg/Nm3 and further substantiate that proposed filter system is reliable, economical, eco-friendly, and greatly useful for biomass industry applications.
Comparing linear ion-temperature-gradient-driven mode stability of the National Compact Stellarator Experiment and a shaped tokamak
Authors: Baumgaertel J. A. , Hammett G. W. , Mikkelsen D. R.
Published: February 2013

One metric for comparing confinement properties of different magnetic fusion energy configurations is the linear critical gradient of drift wave modes. The critical gradient scale length determines the ratio of the core to pedestal temperature when a plasma is limited to marginal stability in the plasma core. The gyrokinetic turbulence code GS2 was used to calculate critical temperature gradients for the linear, collisionless ion temperature gradient (ITG) mode in the National Compact Stellarator Experiment (NCSX) and a prototypical shaped tokamak, based on the profiles of a JET H-mode shot and the stronger shaping of ARIES-AT. While a concern was that the narrow cross section of NCSX at some toroidal locations would result in steep gradients that drive instabilities more easily, it is found that other stabilizing effects of the stellarator configuration offset this so that the normalized critical gradients for NCSX are competitive with or even better than for the tokamak. For the adiabatic ITG mode, NCSX and the tokamak had similar adiabatic ITG mode critical gradients, although beyond marginal stability, NCSX had larger growth rates. However, for the kinetic ITG mode, NCSX had a higher critical gradient and lower growth rates until a/LT≈1.5 a/LT,crit, when it surpassed the tokamak's. A discussion of the results presented with respect to a/LT vs. R/LT is included.
Lanthanide impurities in wide bandgap semiconductors: A possible roadmap for spintronic devices
Authors: Caroena G. , Machado W. V. M. , Justo J. F. , Assali L. V. C.
Published: February 2013

The electronic properties of lanthanide (from Eu to Tm) impurities in wurtzite gallium nitride and zinc oxide were investigated by first principles calculations, using an all electron methodology plus a Hubbard potential correction. The results indicated that the 4f-related energy levels remain outside the bandgap in both materials, in good agreement with a recent phenomenological model, based on experimental data. Additionally, zinc oxide doped with lanthanide impurities became an n-type material, showing a coupling between the 4f-related spin polarized states and the carriers. This coupling may generate spin polarized currents, which could lead to applications in spintronic devices.
Gamma irradiation impact on electronic carrier transport in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Schwarz C. , Yadav A. , Shatkhin M. , Flitsiyan E. , Chernyak L. , Kasiyan V. , Liu L. , Xi Y. Y. , Ren F. , Pearton S. J. , Lo C. F. , Johnson J. W. , Danilova E.
Published: February 2013

AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors were irradiated with 60Co gamma-rays to doses up to 1000 Gy, in order to analyze the effects of irradiation on the devices' transport properties. Temperature-dependent electron beam-induced current measurements, conducted on the devices before and after exposure to gamma-irradiation, allowed for the obtaining of activation energies related to radiation-induced defects due to nitrogen vacancies. DC current-voltage measurements were also conducted on the transistors to assess the impact of gamma-irradiation on transfer, gate, and drain characteristics.
What do domestic livestock eat in northern Patagonian rangelands?
Authors: Villagra Edgar Sebastián , Pelliza Alicia , Willems Priscila , Siffredi Guillermo , Bonvissuto Griselda
Published: February 2013

The Patagonian rangelands are dominated by steppes interspersed with meadows (locally called mallines), which are small but permanently humid areas, characterised by high spring–summer quality and productivity of grasses and grasslikes. The region’s main economic activity is sheep ranching, either alone or mixed with goats and/or cattle, using horses as transportation animals. Overstocking has been signalled as one of the causes of rangeland degradation in this region. Knowledge of botanical composition of livestock diets provides valuable information helping in the design of management strategies to improve or maintain the forage resource. With this objective we studied the dietary botanical composition of domestic livestock on Patagonian ranches with and without mallines, at different seasons. It was found that the differences between diets of the same herbivore species on ranches with and without mallines were greater than the differences among the diets of the different herbivores species grazing in the same type of ranch.
Grasses were the forage class most consumed by livestock in 76% of ranches without mallines and in 38% of the diets of ranches with them, with Stipa spp. being the main species consumed. Grass-like species were important in ranches with mallines, specially Juncus spp., and woody plants (Chuquiraga spp. as the most consumed) in ranches without mallines. Forbs hardly exceeded 10% in some spring diets of sheep, at both ranch types. Grasslikes constituted the major component of the spring and summer cattle diets, and constituted one-third of winter diets. For the rest of the herbivores studied, this forage class was important in spring–summer diets, but insignificant in the winter samples. Goats showed a greater use of the shrub in the less productive ranches and they were the most important consumers of shrubs on ranches with mallines during winter, which is the critical season of forage production. We conclude that the presence of mallines strongly condition the diet composition of the studied domestic herbivores. And, since the use of forage classes is different between these animal species, given a ranch type, the replacement of single-species grazing by mixed grazing can achieve the optimal possible use of the Patagonian rangelands.
1,5-(1,7)-Biradicals and Nitrenes Formed by Ring Opening of Hetarylnitrenes
Authors: Wentrup Curt , Kvaskoff David
Published: February 2013

Several aromatic and heteroaromatic nitrenes and carbenes undergo photochemical and sometimes also thermal ring opening. Depending on benz-annelation, the ring-opened species may have the character of either nitrenes (for α-annelation) or 1,5-(1,7-)-biradicals (for β-annelation). Both types have been observed, and they are clearly distinguished by their characteristic electron spin resonance spectra. In addition, ring opening of hetarylnitrenes to nitrile ylides can be observed whenever there is a meta-relationship between a ring nitrogen atom and the nitrene (or carbene) centre. The factors governing the two types of ring opening have been investigated. The nitrenes and carbenes are generated by either low temperature Ar matrix photolysis or flash vacuum thermolysis of azides, tetrazoles, triazoles, or diazo compounds with matrix isolation of the products.
Expression profile of transcripts encoding cell wall remodelling proteins in tomato fruit cv. Micro-Tom subjected to 15°C storage
Authors: Müller Gabriela L. , Budde Claudio O. , Lauxmann Martin A. , Triassi Agustina , Andreo Carlos S. , Drincovich María F. , Lara María V.
Published: February 2013

To extend fruit market life, tomatoes are harvested before red ripe and kept at temperatures below optimum (20°C). In this work, Micro-Tom tomatoes stored at 20°C (normal ripening) were compared with those stored at 15°C or 4°C (chilling injury inducer) for 7 days. In contrast to 4°C, storage at 15°C delayed ripening with the benefit of not enhancing oxidative metabolism and of enabling ripening upon being transferred to 20°C. The transcriptional expression profile of enzymes related to cell wall metabolism was compared at the three temperatures. Although endo-β-1,4-glucanase (Cel1), which is associated with fruit decay, was largely increased after removal from 4°C storage, its expression was not modified in fruits stored at 15°C. Enhanced transcriptional expression of xyloglucan endotransgylcosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) XTH1, –2, –10 and –11, and of two β-xylosidases (Xyl1–2) was detected in fruits stored at 15°C with respect to those at 20°C. Following 2 days at 20°C, these transcripts remained higher in fruits stored at 15°C and XHT3 and –9 also increased. Ethylene evolution was similar in fruits kept at 15°C and 20°C; thus, the changes in the transcript profile and fruit properties between these treatments may be under the control of factors other than ethylene.
Heavy metal tolerance and multiple drug resistance of heterotrophic bacterial isolates from metal contaminated soil
Authors: Krishna M. P. , Varghese Rinoy , Hatha A. A. Mohamed
Published: February 2013

The development of multiple metal/antibiotic resistances among the bacterial population causes a potential risk to human health. Metal contamination in natural environments could have an important role in the maintenance and proliferation of antibiotic resistance. In the present study, a total of 46 heterotrophic bacterial isolates from metal contaminated soil were tested for their sensitivity to 10 widely used antibiotics such as ampicillin, erythromycin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, penicillin, amikacin, lincomycin, novobiocin, vancomycin and tetracycline. Metal tolerant ability of these isolates against five heavy metals such as lead, zinc, copper, cadmium and nickel were also determined. The results revealed that most of the bacterial isolates were resistant to one or more heavy metals/ antibiotics against which they are tested. Tolerance to heavy metal showed the following pattern; lead > zinc > nickel > copper > cadmium. Resistance to ampicillin (73.91%), penicillin
(60.8%), lincomycin (43.47%) and nalidixic acid (21.73%) were encountered frequently. None of the isolates were resistant to amikacin, while resistance to gentamicin and tetracycline were low (2.17%). Out of the 46 bacterial isolates, 36 isolates showed multiple metal and antibiotic resistances. Isolate LOC 10 showed significantly high tolerance (100-300�g/mL) to all the metals and was resistant to 6 antibiotics.
Lamb mulesing: impact on welfare and alternatives.
Authors: Edwards L. E.
Published: February 2013

Mulesing is a surgical procedure that is routinely performed without pain relief on Merino and Merino cross sheep to prevent flystrike in the breech region. Pain is apparent immediately following the procedure and persists for at least 2-3 days, and possibly up to 2 weeks, as reflected by changes in behaviour. A substantial stress response occurs for 1-2 days following mulesing, and an acute phase response occurs for up to 7 days. Lambs consistently lose weight in the week after mulesing, and this has been associated with increased mortality rates under field conditions. Using these measures, it has been ascertained that mulesing poses a severe and sustained stressor for lambs, resulting in very poor welfare for a prolonged period of time. Pain relief can be provided for a short period (8-12 h) after the procedure, but a pain-free experience is not possible with current methods of pain relief. Alternative methods of breech modification involve the application of plastic occlusive clips or the intradermal delivery of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) to the breech. Both of these alternatives cause necrosis of the breech tissue without creating an open wound, and pose a much smaller challenge to welfare than surgical mulesing. Selection for sheep with low susceptibility to breech strike is considered to be the best long-term option, as this will provide a permanent, pain-free solution in which the sheep do not require any interventions. These changes will require time to implement, possibly 10-15 years, and alternative methods and management practices (such as those reviewed here) that provide protection must be used in the interim.
Bomb Radiocarbon Validates Age and Long‐Term Growth Declines in American Plaice in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence
Authors: Morin Roderick , LeBlanc Sophie G. , Campana Steven E.
Published: February 2013

The growth rate and size composition of American Plaice Hippoglossoides platessoides in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence has changed markedly over the past 40 years. The size at age recorded in commercial fisheries and research survey data has declined, particularly through the mid‐1980s. Females of the 1969 cohort grew to an estimated maximum length of 59 cm (males, 42 cm); the 1994 cohort grew to a much smaller maximum of 37 cm (29 cm for males). There is no indication of any reverse trend in growth or size at age in the 2000s, despite reduced harvests and warmer water temperatures. Incorrect aging methods are not the reason for the observed growth trends. Ages were determined by counting the growth increments visible on the surface of whole otoliths, and there is no bias in ages determined by this method (as opposed to those from thin‐sectioned otoliths). The accuracy of ages determined by reading whole otoliths was validated to at least 27 years (±2 years) by bomb radiocarbon assays of 39 otoliths collected between 1971 and 1986. While commercial fishing may have contributed to past declines in plaice growth, ongoing natural mortality may be keeping size at age and the growth rate low despite the recent increases expected from low fishing mortality and higher water temperatures.
Density‐Dependence and Environmental Conditions Regulate Recruitment and First‐Year Growth of Common Carp in Shallow Lakes
Authors: Weber Michael J. , Brown Michael L.
Published: February 2013

Recruitment dynamics of fishes can determine their abundance and subsequent effects of adult populations on ecosystem properties. Common Carp Cyprinus carpio is a widespread invasive species that can exert negative density‐dependent effects on aquatic food webs. However, little is known concerning processes that regulate their recruitment. We used summer‐through‐fall electrofishing catch rates of age‐0 Common Carp to investigate the importance of biotic (stock size, prey availability, egg and juvenile predation, intraspecific competition) and abiotic (water level fluctuation, temperature, wind events) factors on recruitment and growth in 13 lakes across eastern South Dakota from 2008 to 2010. Mean relative abundance of age‐0 Common Carp was highly variable spatially and temporally, ranging from 0 to 152.2 fish per hour of electrofishing. Ricker stock–recruitment models indicated that peak production of age‐0 Common Carp occurred when adult Common Carp relative abundance was low. Recruitment also increased with spring–summer temperatures, decreased with wind events, and was affected by annual water level fluctuations. Age‐0 Common Carp growth, estimated by mean size in August, was highly variable (mean TL = 42–165 mm) and influenced by the abundance of conspecifics and wind events, indicating that density‐dependent interactions may have occurred during early life stages. Combined, our results suggest that the early life history of Common Carp is regulated by density‐dependent processes and abiotic environmental conditions, which provide new insights into mechanisms regulating recruitment of this widespread invasive species.
Developing discourses of knowledge and understanding: longitudinal studies of Ph.D. supervision
Authors: Kandiko Camille B. , Kinchin Ian M.
Published: February 2013

Competing notions of what a Ph.D. has been, is and should be are undercurrents in doctoral education. A longitudinal study of Ph.D. supervision based on interviews and concept mapping was used to surface understandings of the purpose of a Ph.D. This research tracks change over time
for both the student and the supervisor. The data were analysed using Bernstein's horizontal and vertical discourses, describing how students can focus on 'content' knowledge aspects and miss out on key 'process' understanding. A discussion follows on how the pedagogic discourse of supervision
can work towards a balance of knowledge and understanding.
Spaces in between us: a qualitative study into the impact of spatial practice when learning in Second Life
Authors: Savin-Baden Maggi
Published: February 2013

This paper will present a study that explored the perceived impact of spatial practice in Second Life (SL) on teaching and learning from the point of view of participants in higher education (lecturers, developers and researchers). Narrative inquiry was used to access stories and experiences
of space and spatial practice from staff perspectives. The findings indicated that ownership, spatial violation and replication were the concerns raised by participants in relation to spatial practice. However, participants also suggested that an understanding of social cues, spatial negotiation
and spatial consideration were important issues to address for effective teaching to occur in SL. The findings of this study suggest that there remains relatively little in-depth understanding of the way space is implicated in learning in SL and that spatial practice also requires further
research, in order to better understand their pedagogical implications when using SL as a learning space.
Erythropoietin: multiple targets, actions, and modifying influences for biological and clinical consideration
Authors: Broxmeyer Hal E.
Published: February 2013

Erythropoietin (EPO), a humoral regulator of erythropoiesis and replacement therapy for selected red blood cell disorders in EPO-deficient patients, has been implicated in a wide range of activities on diverse cell, tissue, and organ types. EPO signals via two receptors, one comprising EPO receptor (EPOR) homodimers and the other a heterodimer of EPOR and CD131—the common β chain component of the GM-CSF, interleukin (IL)-3, and IL-5 receptors. Ligation of EPORs triggers various signaling pathways, including the JAK2–STAT5 and MAPK–NF-κB pathways, depending both on the receptor and the target cell type. A new study in this issue reveals a novel EPO-triggered pathway involving a Spi2A serpin–lysosome–cathepsin cascade that is initiated through the homodimeric EPOR complex and is required for the survival of erythroid progenitors. A full understanding of EPO’s effects on various cell types and their potential clinical relevance requires more work on the signaling events initiated through both EPORs, the effects of other cytokines and growth factors that modulate EPO’s actions, and a comparison of the effects of full-length versus truncated forms of EPO.
Linking Issues to Ideology in the Supreme Court
Authors: Baum Lawrence
Published: February 2013

This article probes explanations for the linkages between Supreme Court justices’ broad ideological stances and their positions in specific issue areas. The justices’ votes in decisions on the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment showed no consistent ideological pattern in the 1937–79 terms but have fallen along clear ideological lines since then. Analysis of relevant evidence indicates that this shift reflected both changes in the content of takings cases and changes in the lineup of political and social groups on takings issues. The shift and its sources suggest a need to rethink the role of the justices’ policy preferences in shaping their choices.
2,2′-Anhydro-1-(3′,5′-di-O-acetyl-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil, a cyclouridine nucleoside with a C4′-endofuranosyl conformation
Authors: Fu Ying , He Yin-Xia , Hou Hong-Xia , Zhu Wen-Bo , Li Hu-Lin , Wu Chao , Xian Fang-Yan
Published: February 2013

2,2′-Anhydro-1-(3′,5′-di-O-acetyl-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil, C13H14N2O7, was obtained by refluxing 2′,3′-O-(methoxymethylene)uridine in acetic anhydride. The structure exhibits a nearly perfect C4′-endo(4E) conformation. The best four-atom plane of the five-membered furanose ring is O—C—C—C, involving the C atoms of the fused five-membered oxazolidine ring, and the torsion angle is only −0.4 (2)°. The oxazolidine ring is essentially coplanar with the six-membered uracil ring [r.m.s. deviation = 0.012 (5) Å and dihedral angle = −3.2 (3)°]. The conformation at the exocyclic C—C bond isgauche–transwhich is stabilized by various C—H...π and C—O...π interactions.
Microenterprise performance and microenterprise zones (MEZOs) in China
Authors: Welsh Dianne H.B. , Munoz J. Mark , Deng Shengliang , Raven Peter V.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine whether performance of microenterprises located in a microenterprise zone (MEZO) in China is positively related to key management practices, entrepreneurial orientation, marketing capability, and technology capability. The paper aims to introduce the concept of MEZOs as a supplemental tool for governments to strengthen microenterprise activity.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 150 randomly selected microenterprises located in a MEZO in Changchun, an industrial city in Northeast China, completed a survey consisting of a three‐part measure of microenterprise performance developed by Zingeret al.and entrepreneurial orientation. Factor analysis was performed on 11 management issues and correlation analysis was performed.

Findings

The study found that key management practices, marketing capability, and technology capability of microenterprises in MEZOs do have a positive impact on performance sales, net profit, and growth.

Research limitations/implications

The study's results are limited by a sample in one city in one province of China collected in one month. The data are cross‐sectional rather than longitudinal. Sample bias may exist.

Practical implications

This study is valuable to government officials, policy makers, non‐government organizations and consulting firms as they examine new measures to unleash the economic power of microenterprises.

Social implications

MEZOs need to be explored as one solution to aide microenterprise development to improve the poverty level, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first exploratory study of the performance of microenterprises located in a MEZO in China. Through research, the factors that contribute to microenterprise performance and success can be better understood and the impact that the MEZO model has on microenterprises can be better delineated.
Towards green trust
Authors: Chen Yu‐Shan , Chang Ching‐Hsun
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This study aims to combine the literature on green marketing and relationship marketing into a new managerial framework of green trust. In addition, this study seeks to elaborate the relationships among green perceived quality, green perceived risk, green satisfaction, and green trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The research object of this paper focuses on Taiwan's consumers who have the purchase experience of information and electronics products. This study undertakes an empirical study by means of the questionnaire survey method. The questionnaires were randomly mailed to consumers who had the purchase experience of information and electronics products. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to test the research framework.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that green perceived quality would positively affect green satisfaction and green trust, whereas green perceived risk would negatively influence both of them. In addition, this study points out that the relationships between green trust and its two antecedents – green perceived quality and green perceived risk – are partially mediated by green satisfaction. Hence, investing resources in the increase of green perceived quality and the decrease of green perceived risk is useful to enhance green satisfaction and green trust.

Originality/value

Although previous research has explored the relevant issues about trust, none highlights trust about green or environmental issues from the perspectives of perceived quality and perceived risk. This study proposes a research framework, which can help companies enhance their green trust via its three determinants: green perceived quality, green perceived risk, and green satisfaction.
Selection and institutional shareholder activism in Chinese acquisitions
Authors: Peng Fei , Kang Lili , Jiang Jun
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role that institutional shareholders play in acquisition decisions using micro data in the Chinese stock market during 2003‐2008.

Design/methodology/approach

Acquisition decision is the selection and coordination process of shareholders as strategic alliances, which is determined by corporate acquisition ability, composition of institutional shareholders and concentration of tradable share (TS) in China. The paper uses the Heckman selection model to surmount the selection biases in acquisition decision.

Findings

The paper finds that institutional shareholders, including qualified foreign institutional investors (QFII), social security funds (SSF), security firms (SF) and security investment funds (SIF), as well as TS concentration, affect acquisition probability rather than annual acquisition scale. SSF, SIF and TS concentration can increase acquisition probability while QFII decreases it.

Research limitations/implications

This paper suggests a strategic alliance model in which institutional shareholders choose whether to collaborate with controlling shareholders and management. However, detailed information of the selection and coordination process is unavailable in the authors' data. Future research need provide more evidence of this postulate.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the published literature in three ways. First, it offers a model to understand the selection and coordination process of acquisition decision. Second, it investigates whether institutional shareholders could effectively monitor annual acquisition scale. Third, it identifies the Heckman selection problem that institutional shareholders could affect PLCs' acquisition decision on whether to acquire rather than how much to acquire.
The growth performance of top African American businesses
Authors: Smith Delmonize A. , Tang Zhi
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the growth performance of top African American‐owned employer firms when compared with their White counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses longitudinal, revenue data from a sample of the largest African American‐owned employer firms in the USA with that of a comparable sample of White‐owned firms.

Findings

The paper finds that complex and volatile industry environments have a significantly greater negative impact on African American businesses than their White‐owned counterparts.

Social implications

The complexity and volatility associated with one of the most difficult US business environments since the 1940s may increase the performance disparity between established African American and White‐owned firms. On a macroeconomic level, such a performance disparity will have significant negative impact on US economy output and job creation, particularly as the number of new minority businesses continues to outpace the rate of all US business.

Originality/value

This is the only published research to date, which examines the growth of top African American businesses.
Managerial social networks and strategic flexibility: the role of strategic orientation
Authors: Fernández‐Pérez Virginia , José Verdú‐Jóver Antonio , Benitez‐Amado Jose
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the characteristics of CEOs' social networks, such as the size of the network and the strength of the ties, influence strategic flexibility from a strategic orientation perspective. External social networks can affect strategic flexibility positively. Different orientations could have repercussions for the relationship between external social networks and strategic flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The data came from surveys completed by the managers of 188 Spanish firms. The methodology used was regression analysis.

Findings

The authors observe that external social networks affect strategic flexibility positively, more strongly when the networks are greater in size. The sample was classified into three groups: conservative, intermediate and entrepreneurship firms. The authors find that other effects vary according to the kind of strategic orientation in the organization. Both findings support and extend social capital and network theory and flexibility literature.

Research limitations/implications

The interviews were held with Spanish CEOs, and the character of the research was cross‐sectional. This could have implications for the generalizability of the findings.

Originality/value

The authors' results extend previous research not only by highlighting the importance of CEOs' social networks in driving strategic flexibility but also by indicating how different strategic orientations either enhance or inhibit this relationship.
Engagement and assessment in a credit‐bearing information literacy course
Authors: Mayer Jennifer , Bowles‐Terry Melissa
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The authors teach a three‐credit, upper‐division, information literacy (IL) course to students in various majors. The purpose of this paper is to share the various philosophies and activities the authors use to engage their students and create a cohesive interdisciplinary course and to describe the various assessment tools utilized.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study, the authors give specific examples of engaging assignments and methods for evaluating student work in a credit‐bearing IL course.

Findings

It is found that if students are engaged, and effective assessment tools are employed, library credit instruction in a face‐to‐face setting with upper‐classmen from diverse majors is an impactful way to teach IL.

Practical implications

This article provides ideas on how to use a topical theme in teaching an interdisciplinary IL credit course; concrete approaches on engaging students in an IL course; and new strategies for assessing an IL credit‐bearing course. Many of the engagement and assessment methods the authors share may also be applied to one‐shot instruction sessions.

Originality/value

The paper provides a practical case study of the authors' experiences engaging students and assessing their work in an upper level, three‐credit, face‐to‐face class, a type of course not well represented in the information literacy literature at this point in time.
Reflections on teaching and tweaking a discovery layer
Authors: Fyn Amy F. , Lux Vera
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the hypotheses that led to the selection and implementation of a number of customizable features in Serials Solutions' “Summon” discovery layer tool.

Design/methodology/approach

Undergraduate students were surveyed to determine their preferences regarding certain customizable features in the Summon discovery layer tool.

Findings

The authors were most interested in asking students their preferences regarding the ability to add newspapers and outside resources into their search results, as well as their interest in the database recommendation feature. The default Summon settings were selected based on hypotheses grounded in the knowledge of information seeking behavior of undergraduate students. However, it was discovered that the student preferences uncovered through the use of the survey often ran counter to initial assumptions. The results of the case study indicate that this population of students is overwhelmingly interested in having Summon recommend databases in which students might continue their research. However, the results were not as clear regarding the inclusion of newspaper sources and sources from outside the institution in the search results.

Originality/value

The paper's ﬁndings demonstrate the importance of supplementing research‐driven hypotheses with specific data‐driven feedback from users when determining the customization and layout of library research tools and technology.
A new approach to online database instruction: developing the guide on the side
Authors: Sult Leslie , Mery Yvonne , Blakiston Rebecca , Kline Elizabeth
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and rationale for the creation of a scalable approach to online database instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the pedagogical, organizational, and technological considerations for developing an interactive, online tutorial that can be used by librarians for database instruction.

Findings

Database instruction during one‐shot library sessions is a cornerstone of information literacy programs, but with a move to online instruction, it has not been clear how to replicate many of the pedagogical advantages that take place in a face‐to‐face environment. Librarians along with programmers have developed a new type of scalable and pedagogically‐sound interactive tutorial.

Originality/value

The paper provides librarians with a history of the development of a tutorial that has been released as open‐source software program that can be easily modified by other libraries.
Qualitative analysis of student assignments: a practical look at ATLAS.ti
Authors: Scales B. Jane
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the basic principles of qualitative analysis, and examine the practical application of these principles to analyze student assignments using the ATLAS.ti software.

Design/methodology/approach

Student comments from an assignment are prepared for import into ATLAS.ti. The comments are coded, and then analyzed for patterns using ATLAS.ti and its mechanisms for exploring data and data patterns.

Findings

ATLAS.ti offers myriad analytic tools that allow the researcher to quantify qualitative information through coding, data query, cross‐tabulation, and networked visualization of project design. By developing both technical expertise with the software, and developing familiarity with qualitative methodology, librarians can wield an effective means to assess and evaluate text‐based data, such as student assignments or surveys.

Research limitations/implications

Because the ATLAS.ti software, and the qualitative analysis process itself is so complex, this article can only outline the most prominent aspects of the tool.

Practical implications

The document can serve as a “jumping‐off” point for other researchers wishing to either explore the qualitative analysis process, particularly as conducted with ATLAS.ti. The reader will become more familiar with the basic concepts of qualitative analysis as reflected in the organization and functions of the ATLAS.ti, as well as the process of preparing and analyzing textual information with ATLAS.ti.

Originality/value

Because there is a general lack of literature on setting up a project with the software, the article is potentially valuable to anyone wishing to expand and improve their evaluative skills using ATLAS.ti or similar tools.
Social media and international advertising: theoretical challenges and future directions
Authors: Okazaki Shintaro , Taylor Charles R.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The primary aim of this article is to identify theoretical foundations that can be used in research on social media in the context of international advertising research. An additional objective is to identify future research directions for theory building in this research area.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws on the extant literature to identify three key theoretical foundations that can be used in research on advertising in media from an advertising perspective: networking capability; image transferability; and personal extensibility. For each of these perspectives, the current state of knowledge, theoretical challenges, and future research directions are summarized.

Findings

The three key theoretical perspectives (networking capability, image transferability, and personal extensibility) provide strong potential for better understanding the advantages and disadvantages of social media use for advertisers. They are also useful for identifying important research gaps that need to be filled in the future.

Research limitations/implications

Research on social media advertising in an international context is still in its infancy, and needs further attention. As few cross‐cultural studies have been conducted, the theories and their application will likely evolve in the future.

Originality/value

A review and conceptual framework pertaining to theoretical perspective used in social media research in an international advertising context has been practically non‐existent. Thus, this article is designed to serve as a solid starting point for future research endeavors.
How service quality influences brand equity
Authors: Jahanzeb Sadia , Fatima Tasneem , Mohsin Butt Muhammad
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to test a holistic model that investigates the direct influence of service quality on building consumer based brand equity, along with the mediating role of corporate credibility and perceived value.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐administrated questionnaire was used to collect data from the customers of local and foreign banks in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi regions of Pakistan. The hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling procedure.

Findings

The results suggest that perceived value and corporate credibility fully mediate the relationship between perceived service quality and consumer based brand equity.

Practical implications

This study is managerially important for two reasons. First, it will help managers to focus on a more integrated and holistic approach in building consumer based brand equity of their service firms. Second, it will provide clear guidelines for managers regarding how investments in different aspects of important marketing constructs can influence consumer preferential relations with a brand.

Originality/value

This research is probably the first to investigate a holistic model that explores the causal relationships among service quality, perceived value, corporate credibility and consumer based brand equity of service organizations.
Work‐family conflicts, threat‐appraisal, self‐efficacy and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Glaser Wendy , Hecht Tracy D.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine associations between work‐family conflicts, threat appraisals, self‐efficacy, and emotional exhaustion. Threat appraisal was hypothesized to mediate relations between work‐family conflicts (work‐to‐family and family‐to‐work) and emotional exhaustion. Self‐efficacy was hypothesized to moderate relations between work‐family conflicts and threat appraisal, with relations expected to be weaker for individuals high in self‐efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

University employees (n=159; 67 percent female) participated in this non‐experimental study. Data were gathered via questionnaire. Two‐thirds of participants completed measures of work‐family conflicts and threat‐appraisal a few weeks prior to completing measures of self‐efficacy and emotional exhaustion; remaining participants completed one cross‐sectional survey.

Findings

Observed relations were consistent with predicted mediation hypotheses. Contrary to predictions, self‐efficacy did not moderate relations between work‐to‐family conflict and threat‐appraisal and the relation between family‐to‐work conflict and threat‐appraisal was stronger for those with higher self‐efficacy. Self‐efficacy was negatively related to emotional exhaustion.

Practical implications

Organizations should foster positive work‐family climates to help alleviate work‐family conflicts. Managers should demonstrate compassion when dealing with employees who have serious family concerns, as even efficacious individuals may find such situations threatening.

Originality/value

This research integrates stress theories with research on the work‐family interface. The relevance of threat appraisal and the role of self‐efficacy are highlighted.
Adopting self-service technology to do more with less
Authors: Hilton Toni , Hughes Tim , Little Ed , Marandi Ebi
Published: February 2013

Purpose

– Employees have traditionally played a major role in the customer ' s service experience. Yet self-service technology (SST) replaces the customer-service employee experience with a customer-technology experience. This paper seeks to use a service-dominant logic lens to gain fresh insight into the consumer experience of SST. In particular, it aims to consider the resources that are integrated when consumers use SSTs, their co-production role and what might constitute value.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents findings from 24 semi-structured interviews that focus on the everyday experiences of consumers in using SST. Both genders and all socio-economic categories within all adult age groups from 18 to 65+ were included.

Findings

– There is a danger that organizations embrace SST as an economic and efficient mechanism to “co-create” value with consumers when they are merely shifting responsibility for service production. The paper identifies risks when customers become partial employees and concludes that customers should perceive the value they gain from using SST to be at least commensurate with their co-production role.

Research limitations/implications

– The qualitative study was confined to the consumer perspective. Future research within organizations and among employees who support consumers using SST would extend understanding, as would research within the business-to-business (B2B) context. Quantitative studies could measure the frequency and extent of the phenomena the authors report and assist with market segmentation strategies.

Practical implications

– The application of service-dominant logic highlights potential risks and managerial challenges as self-service, and consequent value co-creation, relies on the operant resources of customers, who lack the tacit knowledge of employees and are less easy to manage. There is also the need to manage a new employee role: “self-service education, support and recovery”.

Originality/value

– The paper draws attention to managerial challenges for organizations to ensure that SST adoption enhances and does not destroy value. Additionally, it highlights the importance of distinguishing between co-production and co-creation.