bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negative ion extraction from hydrogen plasma bulk
Authors: Oudini N. , Taccogna F. , Minelli P. , Aanesland A. , Raimbault J.-L.
Published: October 2013

A two-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision model has been developed and used to study low electronegative magnetized hydrogen plasma. A configuration characterized by four electrodes is used: the left electrode is biased at Vl = −100 V, the right electrode is grounded, while the upper and lower transversal electrodes are biased at an intermediate voltage Vud between 0 and −100 V. A constant and homogeneous magnetic field is applied parallel to the lateral (left/right) electrodes. It is shown that in the magnetized case, the bulk plasma potential is close to the transversal electrodes bias inducing then a reversed sheath in front of the right electrode. The potential drop within the reversed sheath is controlled by the transversal electrodes bias allowing extraction of negative ions with a significant reduction of co-extracted electron current. Furthermore, introducing plasma electrodes, between the transversal electrodes and the right electrode, biased with a voltage just above the plasma bulk potential, increases the negative ion extracted current and decreases significantly the co-extracted electron current. The physical mechanism on basis of this phenomenon has been discussed.
Degeneracy and long-range correlations
Authors: Delignières D. , Marmelat V.
Published: October 2013

Degeneracy is a ubiquitous property of complex adaptive systems, which refers to the ability of structurally different components to perform the same function in some conditions and different functions in other conditions. Here, we suppose a causal link between the level of degeneracy in the system and the strength of long-range correlations in its behavior. In a numerical experiment, we manipulated degeneracy through the number of networks available in a model composed of a chain of correlated networks over which a series of random jumps are performed. Results showed that correlations in the outcome series increased with the number of available networks, and that a minimal threshold of degeneracy was required to generate long-range correlations. We conclude that degeneracy could underlie the presence of long-range correlations in the outcome series produced by complex systems. In turn, we suggest that quantifying long-range correlations could allow to assess the level of degeneracy of the system. Degeneracy affords a maybe more intuitive way than former hypotheses for understanding the effects of complexity on essential properties such as robustness and adaptability.
Gold shunt pads as a chirality filter for current-driven 360° domain wall motion in a ferromagnetic wire
Authors: Zhang Jinshuo , Ross Caroline A.
Published: October 2013

A non-magnetic conductive pad on top of a ferromagnetic nanowire will both shunt the current injected into the nanowire and generate an in-plane Oersted field perpendicular to the wire. Micromagnetic simulations have shown that a current-driven 360° transverse domain wall (DW) can annihilate, pass through, or be pinned at the shunt pad depending on the magnitude of the driving spin current and the geometry of the pad. The response of the 360° DW to the Oersted field depends on the chirality of the DW, enabling the shunt pad to function as a chirality filter for 360° DWs, which may be useful in DW-based memory devices.
Pressure effect on structural and vibrational properties of Sm-substituted BiFeO3
Authors: Wu Yu-Jie , Chen Xiao-Kun , Zhang Jing , Liu Jing , Xiao Wan-Sheng , Wu Zhigang , Chen Xiao-Jia
Published: October 2013

The structural and vibrational properties of 5% Sm-substituted BiFeO3 under pressure are investigated using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering measurements. The results yield the pressure-induced structural phase transitions from the polar R3c phase to the orthorhombic Pnma phase commencing at 3.9 and being complete at 7.6 GPa, where there is a region of the coexistence of the R3c and Pnma phases. This structural transition is companied by the ferroelectric-paraelectric transition for the Sm-substituted BiFeO3. We find that the Sm substitution leads to lower transition pressure compared to that of the pure BiFeO3 system due to the substitution-induced chemical pressure. Our results do not suggest the pressure-induced reentrance of ferroelectricity in the model multiferroic BiFeO3 in the pressure range studied.
Theoretical study of transport property in InAsSb quantum well heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Zhang Yang , Guan Min , Cui Lijie , Wang Chengyan , Zeng Yiping
Published: October 2013

Theoretical studies of transport properties in InAsSb-based quantum well heterostructures are presented. The concentration of two-dimensional electron gas is calculated self-consistently from our improved Schrödinger-Poisson model by taking into account of nonparabolicity effect and strain effect, and the results are used to obtain the electron mobility. All major scattering mechanisms by acoustic phonon, polar optical phonon, remote ionized impurity, background impurity, interface roughness, and alloy disorder have been included in our calculation. Particularly, dislocation scattering, intrasubband scattering, and intersubband scattering, which are always neglected in heterostructure systems, are considered. The calculated electron mobility is proved to be in good agreement with the experimental data for modulation-doped AlSb/InAsSb quantum well heterostructures. With a view to optimize the transport property, quantum well width, spacer thickness, barrier thickness, and remote doping concentration for AlSb/InAsSb heterostructures are discussed to examine their effect on total electron mobility. Intrinsic electron mobility exceeding 40 000 cm2/Vs is predicted at 300 K for AlSb/InAs0.4Sb0.6 heterostructures which is dominated by a combination of polar optical phonon scattering, remote ionized impurity scattering, and interface roughness scattering.
Direct band gap optical emission from compressively strained Ge films grown on relaxed Si0.5Ge0.5 substrate
Authors: Aluguri R. , Manna S. , Ray S. K.
Published: October 2013

Compressively strained Ge films have been grown on relaxed Si0.5Ge0.5 virtual substrate in ultra high vacuum using molecular beam epitaxy. Structural characterization has shown that the Ge films are compressively strained with partial strain relaxation in a film thicker than 3.0 nm, due to onset of island nucleation. Photoluminescence spectra exhibit the splitting of degenerate Ge valence band into heavy hole and light hole bands with a broad direct band gap emission peak around 0.81 eV. Temperature and excitation power dependent emission characteristics have been studied to investigate the mechanism of luminescence quenching at high temperatures and the role of non-radiative recombination centers.
Communication: Predictive partial linearized path integral simulation of condensed phase electron transfer dynamics
Authors: Huo Pengfei , Miller Thomas F. , Coker David F.
Published: October 2013

A partial linearized path integral approach is used to calculate the condensed phase electron transfer (ET) rate by directly evaluating the flux-flux/flux-side quantum time correlation functions. We demonstrate for a simple ET model that this approach can reliably capture the transition between non-adiabatic and adiabatic regimes as the electronic coupling is varied, while other commonly used semi-classical methods are less accurate over the broad range of electronic couplings considered. Further, we show that the approach reliably recovers the Marcus turnover as a function of thermodynamic driving force, giving highly accurate rates over four orders of magnitude from the normal to the inverted regimes. We also demonstrate that the approach yields accurate rate estimates over five orders of magnitude of inverse temperature. Finally, the approach outlined here accurately captures the electronic coherence in the flux-flux correlation function that is responsible for the decreased rate in the inverted regime.
Subwavelength light confinement and propagation: A numerical study of a two-layer silver film with perforated holes
Authors: Reed Jennifer M. , Wang Haining , Guo Yingnan , Zou Shengli
Published: October 2013

Confinement and propagation of light under the diffraction limit is a substantial challenge for the development of waveguides as components in subwavelength optical devices. Light confinement and propagation at optical frequencies in a two-layer silver film with a periodic array of holes is investigated in a numerical study using the discrete dipole approximation method. Extraordinary subwavelength confinement and propagation of light can be obtained along an extremely subwavelength cross section of a region as small as 10 × 20 nm2 at a distance of over 10 μm. This study provides rational design of waveguides under subwavelength dimensions.
The effect of high deposition energy of carbon overcoats on perpendicular magnetic recording media
Authors: Shakerzadeh M. , Piramanayagam S. N. , Ji R. , Varghese B. , Tan H. K. , Bosman M.
Published: October 2013

High-energy carbon deposition techniques provide thin overcoats with high corrosion and wear protection for magnetic recording media applications. The effect of high-energy (0–300 V substrate bias) deposition on the implantation induced changes in magnetic and structural properties of granular perpendicular magnetic recording media is studied. To observe subtle changes in a thin region of recording media, antiferromagnetically coupled layer structure was used. Clear changes in the magnetic properties, observed as a function of the carbon deposition energy, correlate with other measurements such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicating the need to consider such effects when designing media and overcoat.
Influence of A-site Cation on Structure and Dielectric Properties in A2DyBiO6 (A=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) Double Perovskites
Authors: Feraru Simona , Borhan Adrian I. , Samoila Petrisor , Nedelcu Gigel G. , Iordan Alexandra R. , Palamaru Mircea N.
Published: October 2013

Double perovskite metal oxides with formula A2DyBiO6 (A = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) were synthesised by a sol–gel auto-combustion method, using citric acid as the combustion agent. The effects of A-site cation on the structure, morphology, and dielectric properties were examined. The synthesis was monitored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to indicate the absence of organic phase. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the compounds have three different perovskite structures. Structural characterisation of the samples was evaluated using XRD patterns. Scanning electron microscopy showed that all samples are formed by agglomerated particles. Dielectric properties were evaluated using dielectric permittivity and dielectric losses. Cole–Cole plots show a single semicircle for all materials, indicating that the double perovskites obtained are composed of well conducting grain boundaries and poorly conducting grains.
Complex Micelles with Glucose-Responsive Shells for Self-Regulated Release of Glibenclamide
Authors: Ma Rujiang , Sun Xiaocheng , Liu Xiaojun , An Yingli , Shi Linqi
Published: October 2013

Complex micelles with a hydrophobic poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) core and a mixed P(Asp-co-AspPBA)/PEG shell were prepared through co-assembly of two block copolymers PCL-b- P(Asp-co-AspPBA) and PEG-b-PCL in basic aqueous solutions. The P(Asp-co-AspPBA) chains (Asp = aspartic acid; AspPBA = aspartamidophenylboronic acid) collapsed and formed a shell layer around the PCL core at neutral pH while the soluble PEG chains stabilised the micelles. The collapsed P(Asp-co-AspPBA) polymer becomes soluble under higher glucose concentration and collapses onto the PCL core reversibly at lower glucose concentration. Self-regulated release of glibenclamide from the complex micelles was achieved based on the reversible change of P(Asp-co-AspPBA) chain mobility in response to the change of glucose concentration. As a result, polymeric micelles with glucose-responsive on-off switches were successfully developed.
Investigation of the self-reported health and health-related behaviours of Victorian mothers of school-aged children
Authors: Bourke-Taylor Helen , Lalor Aislinn , Farnworth Louise , Pallant Julie F. , Knightbridge Elizabeth , McLelland Gayle
Published: October 2013

Lifestyle may influence many health-related issues currently facing Australian women. The extent to which women with school-aged children attend to their own health is unknown and the associations between health behaviours and health status requires investigation. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of health behaviours (alcohol consumption, health-promoting activities) and their impact on self-reported health (weight, sleep quality, mental health) among mothers of school-aged children in Victoria. Mail-out survey design (n = 263) including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) and Health Promoting Activities Scale was used to explore issues. The results indicated that substantial numbers of mothers reported moderate to extreme DASS scores: depression (n = 45, 17%); anxiety (n = 41, 15.6%); stress (n = 57, 21.7%). The majority participated in physical activity less often than daily. High rates of daily alcohol use (20%) and poor sleep quality were reported. Nearly one-half (n = 114, 46%) of the sample were overweight or obese and also reported poorer mental health than other women in the sample (P < 0.001). Significant associations were detected between maternal weight, mental health and participation in health-promoting activities. The findings indicate that there is a need for increased health education and services for women with school-aged children. Direct services and population-based health promotion strategies may be required to address healthy lifestyle issues and educate mothers about the possible health legacy of poor health behaviours.
The evolution of New Zealand's fisheries science and management systems under ITQs†
Authors: Mace Pamela M. , Sullivan Kevin J. , Cryer Martin
Published: October 2013

Mace, P. M., Sullivan, K. J., and Cryer, M. 2014. The evolution of New Zealand's fisheries science and management systems under ITQs. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 71: 204–215. New Zealand implemented a comprehensive management system using individual transferable quotas in 1986 that has been instrumental in guiding the roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of fisheries science, fisheries management, and the fishing industry ever since. However, at the time of the initial design, a number of issues were not adequately considered. These relate mainly to the dynamic nature of fish stocks, multispecies considerations, and environmental and other externalities. Subsequent efforts to address these issues have been challenging and many are not yet fully resolved. The outcomes for fisheries science, stock status, multispecies management, ecosystem effects, and fishing industry accountability have been mixed, although mostly positive. Fisheries science, fisheries management, and the fishing industry have all become much more professionalized and their activities have been increasingly streamlined. New initiatives to further improve the system continue to be researched and implemented. Overall, we believe that the positives considerably outweigh the negatives. The initial design has proved to be a system that can be built upon. Comparing New Zealand with most of the rest of the world, key positive outcomes for preventing overfishing are the current lack of significant overcapacity in most fisheries, the development of biological reference points and a harvest strategy standard, the favourable stock status for the majority of stocks with known status, and the development and implementation of comprehensive risk assessments and management plans to protect seabirds and marine mammals.
Optimal money creation in “pure currency” economies: a conjecture
*
Authors: Wallace Neil
Published: October 2013

In a pure-currency economy, money is the only durable object and people have private histories. In such economies, taxation is not feasible and in some of them trade is enhanced through the use of money. For economies of that kind in which a nondegenerate distribution of money, part of the state of the economy, affects trades and real outcomes, and in which trades affect the state at the next date, the conjecture is that there are transfer schemes financed by money creation that improve ex ante representative-agent welfare relative to what can be achieved holding the stock of money fixed.
Monitoring the Long-Distance Transport of Fusarium graminearum from Field-Scale Sources of Inoculum
Authors: Prussin Aaron J. , Li Qing , Malla Rimy , Ross Shane D. , Schmale David G.
Published: October 2013

The fungus Fusarium graminearum causes Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat. Little is known about dispersal of the fungus from field-scale sources of inoculum. We monitored the movement of a clonal isolate of F. graminearum from a 3,716 m2 (0.372 ha) source of inoculum over two field seasons. Ground-based collection devices were placed at distances of 0 (in the source), 100, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 m from the center of the clonal sources of inoculum. Three polymorphic microsatellites were used to identify the released clone from 1,027 isolates (790 in 2011 and 237 in 2012) of the fungus. Results demonstrated that the recovery of the released clone decreased at greater distances from the source. The majority (87%, 152/175 in 2011; 77%, 74/96 in 2012) of the released clone was recaptured during the night (1900 to 0700). The released clone was recovered up to 750 m from the source. Recovery of the released clone followed a logistic regression model and was significant (P < 0.041 for all slope term scenarios) as a function of distance from the source of inoculum. This work offers a means to experimentally determine the dispersal kernel of a plant pathogen, and could be integrated into management strategies for FHB.
Incidence and Phenotypic Characteristics of Pediatric IBD in Northeastern Slovenia, 2002–2010
Authors: Urlep Darja , Trop Tina K. , Blagus Rok , Orel Rok
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its subgroups in children in northeastern Slovenia (NE Slovenia) during the period 2002–2010, and to assess the phenotypic characteristics at the diagnosis and during the follow‐up.

Methods:

A retrospective investigation was conducted on a cohort of newly diagnosed children and adolescents with IBD ages 0 to 18 years between 2002 and 2010 and residing in NE Slovenia. The phenotypic characteristics were determined at presentation and during follow‐up. The location of Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) was assessed according to the Paris classification at diagnosis, and later in patients who had a follow‐up period >2 years. The type of therapy at diagnosis and during follow‐up, and the need for surgery were determined. The study covered approximately one‐third of the total pediatric population (0–18 years).

Results:

In total, 107 cases of IBD were diagnosed during the study period. The mean annual incidence (per 100,000) was 7.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.3–9.2) for all IBD, 4.6 (95% CI 3.6–5.9) for CD, and 2.8 (95% CI 1.9–3.8) for UC. The incidences of total IBD, CD, and UC increased from 5.7 (3.8–8.2), 3.9 (2.3–6.1), and 1.8 (0.8–3.5) in the period 2002–2004, respectively, to 8.9 (6.3–12.2), 5.0 (3.1–7.6), and 3.4 (1.9–5.6) in the period 2008–2010, respectively. During the follow‐up, the proportion of complicated CD disease behavior (stricturing/penetrating) had doubled. A total of 18.5% of patients with CD underwent bowel surgery.

Conclusions:

The incidence of childhood IBD in the northeastern part of the country is high and comparable with that reported from the developed western countries of Europe, and is probably still increasing. This increase may be the result of changes in the lifestyle, especially in dietary habits during the last 20 years.
Prebiotic Oligosaccharides in Premature Infants
Authors: Underwood Mark A. , Kalanetra Karen M. , Bokulich Nicholas A. , Mirmiran Majid , Barile Daniela , Tancredi Daniel J. , German J. Bruce , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Mills David A.
Published: October 2013

Objective:

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of increasing doses of 2 prebiotic oligosaccharides and of an “all‐human diet” on the intestinal microbiota of premature infants.

Methods:

Twelve premature infants receiving formula feedings were randomly assigned to receive either galacto‐oligosaccharide (F+GOS) or a pooled concentrated donor human milk product containing human milk oligosaccharides (F+HMO) in increasing doses during a 5‐week period. A second group of 15 premature infants received their mother's own milk fortified with either a concentrated donor human milk product (H+H) or a bovine powdered fortifier (H+B). Serial stool specimens from each infant were analyzed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for bacterial composition.

Results:

All of the infants studied had relatively low levels of bifidobacteria and no measurable Lactobacilli. Infants from the F+GOS and F+HMO groups demonstrated an increase in relative numbers of Clostridia with increasing doses. Compared with the H+B group, the infants in the F+HMO and the H+H groups showed an unexpected trend toward an increase in γ‐Proteobacteria over time/dose. Principal coordinate analyses and Shannon diversity scores were not significantly different among the 4 groups. Infants in the H+H group received more antibiotics during the study period than those in the other groups. Two of the infants receiving GOS developed feeding intolerance.

Conclusions:

None of the prebiotic interventions resulted in significant increases in bifidobacteria compared with baseline specimens or the H+B group; however, many of the infants did not receive the highest doses of GOS and HMO, and antibiotic use in the H+H group was high.
Forward Looking
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert , Mayer Johannes
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Structural economic shifts are a key sign of development in all stages globally; and these shifts may also result in the changing roles of institutions. The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively analyse trends that may be used for so-called forward looking and makes use of them to recommend strategies for reorganising institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The requirements and opportunities of environmental administrations in high-income countries are used as case studies to illustrate the overall context of institutional restructuring. Luxembourg, as a present-day centre of political and strategic power within the European Union and Austria, as a neutral country formerly situated between military blocks are shown to exhibit structural and strategic similarities.

Findings

– Two types of quantitative assessments may support any type of institutional restructuring: first, analyses of mega-trends within the global techno-socio-economic evolution and second, options for specific action at the local site of previously industrial settlements that may be converted into centres of innovative service orientation.

Practical implications

– On the occasion of the recent resettlement of the Luxembourg Environmental Administration at a new site in Esch-sur-Alzette – in an area of bolder modern urbanisation built on the foundations of the former local industrial use considered – this text deliberates options to propose strategically pioneering innovations on administrative levels.

Originality/value

– The paper combines global analyses and local experiences in an action-oriented manner.
TSI metamodels-based multi-objective robust optimization
Authors: Marco Congedo Pietro , Geraci Gianluca , Abgrall Rémi , Pediroda Valentino , Parussini Lucia
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to deal with an efficient strategy for robust optimization when a large number of uncertainties are taken into account.

Design/methodology/approach

– ANOVA analysis is used in order to perform a variance-based decomposition and to reduce stochastic dimension based on an appropriate criterion. A massive use of metamodels allows reconstructing response surfaces for sensitivity indexes in the design variables plan. To validate the proposed approach, a simplified configuration, an inverse problem on a 1D nozzle flow, is solved and the performances compared to an exact Monte Carlo reference solution. Then, the same approach is applied to the robust optimization of a turbine cascade for thermodynamically complex flows.

Findings

– First, when the stochastic dimension is reduced, the error on the variance between the reduced and the complete problem was found to be roughly estimated by the quantity (1−T¯

TSI
)×100, where T¯

TSI
is the summation of TSI concerning the variables respecting the TSI criterion. Second, the proposed strategy allowed obtaining a converged Pareto front with a strong reduction of computational cost by preserving the same accuracy.

Originality/value

– Several articles exist in literature concerning robust optimization but very few dealing with a global approach for solving optimization problem affected by a large number of uncertainties. Here, a practical and efficient approach is proposed that could be applied also to realistic problems in engineering field.
Academic employment and gender equity legislation in Australia and Japan, 1970-2010
Authors: Rawstron Kirsti
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the rate of change of men and women's employment as university academic staff in Australia and Japan; and, drawing on quantitative methods, show differences in the rate of change since the introduction of anti-sex discrimination legislation. The author also includes a discussion of programmes designed to increase female participation in academic positions to provide background to the existing changes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using statistics published by the Ministries of Education of both countries, a time series of female participation at each level of academic staff was constructed. Breakpoint analysis is used to model the changes in the rate of change before and after the legislation was introduced.

Findings

– Both Australia and Japan have seen an increase in female participation rates in academic employment at all levels since the introduction of anti-sex discrimination legislation. In addition, the rate of increase of female participation has increased at almost every level of academic staff in both countries between 1970 and 2010.

Originality value

– Through setting out the changes in female participation at individual levels of academic staff in Japan and Australia, this study sets the stage for future qualitative work exploring why differences in the numbers of female and male staff continue. A further use is the provision of a clear data set for use in teaching and policy construction through showing the increases in female participation in academia between 1970 and 2010.
Does a better business environment stimulate corporate investment in India?
Authors: Tokuoka Kiichi
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The paper aims to examine empirically whether the business environment, especially costs of doing business, affects corporate investment in India.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a firm-level panel data set (Prowess provided by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy) and estimates the impact of costs of doing business on corporate investment with panel regressions.

Findings

– The analysis of micro panel data suggests that improving the business environment by reducing costs of doing business, improving financial access, and developing infrastructure could stimulate corporate investment. More specifically, the estimates suggest that reducing the average of each cost of doing business to the lowest among Indian cities could boost aggregate corporate investment by as much as 10 percent.

Practical implications

– The government could play a role in reviving corporate investment in India, by improving the business environment.

Originality/value

– To the best of the author ' s knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the impact of costs of doing business (reported by the World Bank) on corporate investment, using firm-level micro data.
Negotiating meanings for security in the cyberspace
Authors: Radu Roxana
Published: October 2013

Purpose

–This paper aims to review the current debates regarding the role of the state in securing the cyberspace, with a particular focus on the negotiations taking place in the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

Design/methodology/approach

–This paper reflects on the evolution of the UNGA discourse on the role of the state in protecting the cyberspace, based on the textual analysis of all UNGA resolutions pertaining to the politico-military aspects of internet security.

Findings

–The paper finds that the lack of an officially adopted definition for internet security in the UNGA discussions led to agreement solely on informative, best practice sharing or voluntary activities addressing other states, rather than providing an integrated vision for protecting the cyberspace.

Research limitations/implications

–The analysis is limited to the negotiations taking place in one institutional venue, namely the UNGA between 1998 and 2011, complemented by three resolutions issued by the ITU in 2010; activities conducted in other institutional venues might influence or determine the overall discourse noted in the resolutions under investigation here.

Originality/value

–This represents the most comprehensive account of the discourse on the role of the state in securing the cyberspace as presented in the UNGA and ITU resolutions and its evolution over time.
Dimensioning the elephant: an empirical analysis of the IPv4 number market
Authors: Mueller Milton , Kuerbis Brenden , Asghari Hadi
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This article aims to quantify the emerging transfer market for internet protocol (IPv4) numbers and provides an initial assessment of factors and policies impacting those transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research draws on Regional Internet Registry records and conducts basic analysis of stocks, flows and proportions to assess the nature of this emerging market for IP number blocks and explore some of its implications for internet governance.

Findings

– There is a thriving and growing market for IPv4 number blocks. The market is improving the efficiency of IPv4 address allocation by moving numbers from unused or under-utilized holders to organizations that need them more. Buyers willingly pay for number blocks they could get for free in order to benefit from more liberal needs assessments and stronger property rights.

Research limitations/implications

– Information about prices is not available and some transfers may take place through leasing arrangements, which are not covered by this paper. Future research should continue to investigate the transfer market, including activity skirting or occurring outside the current RIR policy environment.

Practical implications

– RIRs should liberalize needs assessments and remove other sources of friction to the transfer market.

Originality/value

– No known prior assessment of the transfer market has been conducted. The research has value for policymakers and industry decision makers.
Organizational models of school health services in the WHO European Region
Authors: Baltag Valentina , Levi Miriam
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to produce a taxonomy of organizational models of school health services (SHS) in the WHO European Region, and to reflect upon the potential of each model to be effective, equitable, responsive and efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors used data from the WHO survey to identify organizational models. To produce a taxonomy of organizational models, three features of SHS organization were analyzed – the presence of health personnel specifically dedicated to school health services provision (school nurse and/or school doctor); the statutory involvement of other health professions in SHS provision; and the proximity of service provision to pupils (school-based or not school-based).

Findings

– There are five organizational models of school health services in the Member States of the WHO European Region: dedicated school-based, dedicated community-based, integrated with primary care, mixed school-based, and mixed community-based. Preliminary reflections show that school based models are more likely to produce better outcomes in terms of effectiveness, equity, responsiveness, and efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

– The WHO European Region has 53 Member States; the data are therefore incomplete and conclusions are limited to the 37 respondent countries.

Practical implications

– Knowledge on performance of various models of service provision may inform decision-makers in the process of reforms.

Originality/value

– This is the first attempt to produce a taxonomy of organizational models of school health services based on data from 37 countries, and to investigate the potential of each model to achieve desirable health system objectives.
A model of organisational dysfunction in the NHS
Authors: Pope Rachael , Burnes Bernard
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper explores the reasons for the sometimes seemingly irrational and dysfunctional organisational behaviour within the NHS. It seeks to provide possible answers to the persistent historical problem of intimidating and negative behaviour between staff, and the sometimes inadequate organisational responses. The aim is to develop a model to explain and increase understanding of such behaviour in the NHS.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is conceptual in nature based upon a systematic literature review. The concepts of organisational silence, normalised organisational corruption, and protection of image, provide some possible answers for these dysfunctional responses, as does the theory of selective moral disengagement.

Findings

– The NHS exhibits too high a level of collective ego defences and protection of its image and self-esteem, which distorts its ability to address problems and to learn. Organisations and the individuals within them can hide and retreat from reality and exhibit denial; there is a resistance to voice and to “knowing”. The persistence and tolerance of negative behaviour is a corruption and is not healthy or desirable. Organisations need to embrace the identity of a listening and learning organisation; a “wise” organisation. The “Elephant in the room” of persistent negative behaviour has to be acknowledged; the silence must be broken. There is a need for cultures of “respect”, exhibiting “intelligent kindness”.

Originality/value

– A model has been developed to increase understanding of dysfunctional organisational behaviour in the NHS primarily for leaders/managers of health services, health service regulators and health researchers/academics. Research, with ethical approval, is currently being undertaken to test and develop the conceptual model to further reflect the complexities of the NHS culture.
Managing between the agendas: implementing health care reform policy in an acute care hospital
Authors: Sorensen Roslyn , Paull Glenn , Magann Linda , Davis JanMaree
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to assess administrative and clinical manager stances on health system reform. Understanding these stances will help to identify cultural differences and competing agendas between these two key health service stakeholders and contribute to developing strategies to improve organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative methodology was used comprising in-depth open-ended interviews conducted in 2007 with 26 administrative and clinical managers who managed clinical units.

Findings

– This paper provides empirical insights into the ways that administrative and clinical mangers conceive of their managerial roles in relation to health care reform and performance improvement in health services. The findings suggest that developing a hybrid clinical manager culture as a means to bridge the gap between administrative and clinical manager stances on reform objectives, while possible, is not yet being realised.

Research limitations/implications

– The research has relevance for health services that are experiencing organisational transformation. However, its location in one health service limits the generalisability of findings to other sites. Further research is needed to assess the opportunities for a hybrid culture to emerge as well as its effect.

Practical implications

– While attention is predominantly directed to clinician groups as a key stakeholder in implementing health reform policies, this paper has implications for how administrative managers also structure their roles and responsibilities to create an organisational climate conducive to change. This will include strategies to support clinical managers to make the transition from a predominantly clinical, to a clinical managerial, orientation.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses a significant problem in health service governance, namely the divide between the value stances of dual hierarchies. This problem is only now gaining prominence as a significant barrier to health reform.
Preparing business students for the global workplace through study abroad
Authors: Charlotte Brandauer Samantha , Hovmand Susanne
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) International Business (IB) program as a case study to illustrate how experiential learning theory (ELT) can be put into practice in an education abroad context through pro-active intervention and through supporting immersion activities inside and outside the classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper will use the IB program at DIS as a case study to illustrate how a holistic approach to study abroad is put into practice and how it aligns with the current theories in experiential learning and intervention in student learning during the study abroad process. It will examine various elements of the IB program as well as self-assessment data gathered from students through evaluations and a unique survey.

Findings

– Through concerted intervention efforts, DIS is exposing students to different perspectives as well as professionals within the Danish and European business communities, utilizing real-world case examples, making students active participants in their learning, strengthening their intercultural skills and preparing students to be able to reflect on and articulate what it is they have learned abroad. Based on student self-assessment, students agree that DIS is helping them prepare for the global work place.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper is limited to the experiences and practices within DIS IB program and all student data come from their own self-assessment and do not do pre- and post-testing to measure students' intercultural gains.

Practical implications

– This paper should be useful to higher education institutions and study abroad programs looking to enhance the experiential learning opportunities for business students abroad.

Originality/value

– This case study serves to illustrate examples of ELT in practice and intervention in student learning abroad with a particular focus on skills needed for business students in a global work place.
Utilizing student affairs professionals to enhance student and faculty experiences and mitigate risk in short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs
Authors: Feldman Barr Terri
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to discuss the use of student affairs professionals in short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs to enhance student experiences, support faculty by taking over the “student support” role, and manage risk.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual paper that introduces the value that student affairs professionals can bring to the study abroad context. A short case study is embedded.

Findings

– Although conceptual, this paper identifies the benefits of a partnership between student affairs and academic affairs in the study abroad context.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper is not empirical.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of using student affairs professionals in the study abroad context include enhanced student experiences through both pre-departure preparation and ongoing reflection, increased support for faculty which may result in less faculty burnout and stress, and additional staff to help mitigate and manage risk.

Originality/value

– The collaboration between student affairs and academic affairs in the study abroad context has only been addressed in one other manuscript (from 2005). There is a great potential value in developing partnerships between these two divisions with respect to study abroad.
Enhancing academic skills for first-year overseas business students
Authors: Tuyet (June) Tran Thi
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This study reports on the academic support programs targeting first-year business students at La Trobe Melbourne. The at-risk students were offered both a general academic support class and a content-based program. This study was conducted to explore students' perception of the usefulness of these programs. The paper also aims to create a better intervention to attract more at-risk students by exploring the reasons behind the low rate of at-risk students making use of these services.

Design/methodology/approach

– The specific research uses a mixed method approach to explore a way to best address the academic needs of the first-year international business students, especially those identified as at-risk students in a college in Melbourne where both a general academic program and a discipline-based program were on offer.

Findings

– The findings indicate that although the content-based program was highly evaluated by students and also attracted more students than the general support module, many at-risk students did not use this service. The low level of English proficiency, the heavy workload, the passive and dependent learning style, the unclear information about the service and the desire to follow only teachers' guidance all prevented at-risk students from making use of the available services. These students need further help and guidance in this transitional period to recognise the assistance provided for them and to make use of these services to enhance their learning.

Originality/value

– Recently, various support activities have been designed to assist international students in enhancing their language and academic skills necessary for pursuing their study in Australia. These activities range from credit-based English for Academic Purposes courses, to optional general language and study programs, and more recently, discipline or content-based programs. There is also a tendency in several universities to move from offering general language and study programs to embedding disciplinary programs. Adopting disciplinary-based academic support activities seem to be the right direction in many universities as these activities are more likely to help increase the overall pass-rate and improve student learning outcomes. However, problems seem to remain when many at-risk international students do not seem to go for these services. This study has led some light on how to improve the future language and academic skills to support activities for first-year overseas business students.
Playing catch-up
Authors: Storti Craig
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper considers why many Americans are still playing catch-up when it comes to cultural competence and the role a business education can play in closing the gap. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A discussion of American cultural competencies and awareness of other cultures, taking into consideration the historical importance of the US manufacturing sector and also the USA as a melting pot for generations of immigrants who then became “Americans”.

Findings

– Americans did not historically have to make any effort to understand other cultures and markets as the USA used to be the world leader in manufacturing and also had a huge domestic market to sell to. Times have changed, however, and international business education is needed for those doing business overseas.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper mostly focuses on the US experience.

Originality/value

– A study of cultural attitudes of businessmen and women in the USA and how these can be improved through the medium of business education in an international context.
Managing and trading sovereign risk using credit derivatives and government markets
Authors: Pollege Samuel , N. Posch Peter
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The sovereign debt crisis in Europe increased the demand for asset manager worldwide to monitor and manage their sovereign risk. While using information from the credit derivatives and bond markets has been used widely in the corporate sector its usage for sovereign risk is novel. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The basis between a sovereign credit default swap (CDS) and the government bond contains valuable information for assets managers and traders alike. The paper demonstrates the use of the basis between the announcement date and the issue date of a new government bond to decide whether an investment in this bond is profitable.

Findings

– With this strategy, the authors are able to generate both over all excess returns with a European sovereign portfolio since 2008 as well as a constant outperformance of simple average euro government bond portfolios. The paper furthermore tests the economic rationale behind this trading strategy and confirms prior findings from the corporate market. CDS market liquidity is among the main driver and it follows that the CDS market is faster in anticipating risks than the bond market not only for corporate but also for sovereign entities.

Originality/value

– The authors are the first to study the sovereign basis in a sound trading and asset management environment. The paper provides economic explanations and checks for the robustness of the results before the primary issuance of a new government bond.