bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct observation of temperature dependent magnetic domain structure of the multiferroic La0.66Sr0.34MnO3/BiFeO3 bilayer system by x-ray linear dichroism- and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism-photoemission electron microscopy
Authors: Mix C. , Finizio S. , Buzzi M. , Kronast F. , Nolting F. , Jakob G. , Kläui M.
Published: May 2014

Low-thickness La0.66Sr0.34MnO3 (LSMO)/BiFeO3 (BFO) thin film samples deposited on SrTiO3 were imaged by high resolution x-ray microscopy at different temperatures. The ultra-thin thickness of the top layer allows to image both the ferromagnetic domain structure of LSMO and the multiferroic domain structure of the buried BFO layer, opening a path to a direct observation of coupling at the interface on a microscopic level. By comparing the domain size and structure of the BFO and LSMO, we observed that, in contrast to LSMO single layers, LSMO/BFO multilayers show a strong temperature dependence of the ferromagnetic domain structure of the LSMO. Particularly, at 40 K, a similar domain size for BFO and LSMO is observed. This indicates a persistence of exchange coupling on the microscopic scale at a temperature, where the exchange bias as determined by magnetometer measurements is vanishing.
Enhancing the optical transmittance by using circular silver nanowire networks
Authors: Xie Shouyi , Ouyang Zi , Stokes Nicholas , Jia Baohua , Gu Min
Published: May 2014

The optical transmittance of the circular and square silver nanowire networks with different surrounding dielectric environments is systematically investigated. Key parameters determining the plasmonic effect of the silver nanowires are identified and compared with the change of the nanowire density, the nanowire shape, the substrate materials, and the dielectric embedding materials. The total transmittance as a function of the sheet resistance of the nanowire networks for each case is evaluated. It is revealed that while the sheet resistance of the circular nanowire networks is maintained the same as that of the square networks, the optical transmittance in the former case is increased by up to 3% for the networks on glass, 15% on Si and 13% on Si covered with a 75 nm thick SiNx layer. These results give an improved guidance on the future design of the networks for various photovoltaic applications.
Large intrinsic inductance in strongly correlated GaAs two-dimensional holes in the integer quantum hall regime
Authors: Knighton Talbot , Tarquini Vinicio , Wu Zhe , Huang Jian , Pfeiffer Loren , West Ken
Published: May 2014

Quantum Hall measurements are performed for a two-dimensional hole system (2DHS) confined to a 20 nm quantum well in ⟨100⟩ GaAs. Quantum oscillations reveal a density of 4 - 5×1010 cm−2 with mobility μ = 1 × 106 cm2/V s. For temperatures less than ∼350 mK, anomalous insulating peaks are observed between integer fillings 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4. A large out-of-phase signal appears at these peaks, which indicates a substantial inductance inherent to the charge carriers.
The sidewall-localized mode in a resonant precessing cylinder
Authors: Kong Dali , Liao Xinhao , Zhang Keke
Published: May 2014

We investigate, via direct numerical simulation using a finite-element method, the precessionally driven flow of a homogeneous fluid confined in a fluid-filled circular cylinder that rotates rapidly about its symmetry axis and precesses about a different axis that is fixed in space. Our numerical simulation, after validating with the asymptotic analytical solution for a weakly precessing cylinder and with the constructed exact solution for the strongly nonlinear problem, focuses on the strongly precessing flow at asymptotically small Ekman numbers. An unusual form of the resonant precessing flow is found when the precessing rate is sufficiently large and the corresponding nonlinearity is sufficiently strong. The nonlinear precessing flow is marked by a sidewall-localized non-axisymmetric traveling wave and a wall-localized axisymmetric shear together with an overwhelmingly dominant interior rigid-body rotation whose direction and magnitude substantially reduce the angular momentum of the rotating fluid system.
Temperature effect on optical spectra of monolayer molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Soklaski Ryan , Liang Yufeng , Yang Li
Published: May 2014

Recently, measured optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra reveal substantial frequency shifts of both exciton and trion peaks as monolayer molybdenum disulfide, MoS2, is cooled from 363 K to 4 K. First-principles simulations using the GW-Bethe-Salpeter equation approach satisfactorily reproduce these frequency shifts by incorporating the thermal expansion effect. Studying these temperature effects in monolayer MoS2 is crucial for rectifying the results of available experiments with the previous predictions of zero-temperature-limit simulations. Moreover, our estimated thermal expansion coefficient of monolayer MoS2 is less than that of bulk counterpart by tracking the frequency shifts of the exciton peaks in optical spectra. This may serve as a convenient way to estimate thermal expansion coefficients of general two-dimensional chalcogenides.
High performance graphene field effect transistors on an aluminum nitride substrate with high surface phonon energy
Authors: Gun Oh Joong , Ki Hong Seul , Kim Choong-Ki , Hoon Bong Jae , Shin Jongwoo , Choi Sung-Yool , Jin Cho Byung
Published: May 2014

We demonstrate top-gate graphene field effect transistors (FETs) on an aluminum nitrite (AlN) substrate with high surface phonon energy. Electrical transport measurements reveal significant improvement of the carrier mobility of graphene FETs on AlN compared to those on SiO2. This is attributed to the suppression of surface phonon scattering due to the high surface phonon energy of the AlN substrate. The RF cut-off frequency of the graphene FET is also greatly increased when the AlN substrate is used. AlN can easily be formed on a Si or SiO2 substrate using a standard semiconductor process and thus provides a practical way to improve the performance of graphene FETs.
Unidirectional transmission using array of zero-refractive-index metamaterials
Authors: Fu Yangyang , Xu Lin , Hong Hang Zhi , Chen Huanyang
Published: May 2014

In this Letter, we find that high efficient unidirectional transmission occurs for an array of prisms made of zero-refractive-index metamaterials. As a specific demonstration, we further design the device using Dirac-cone-like photonic crystals. The device can function for a broadband of spectrum. Numerical simulations are performed to verify the one-way wave functionality.
Realization of polarization evolution on higher-order Poincaré sphere with metasurface
Authors: Liu Yachao , Ling Xiaohui , Yi Xunong , Zhou Xinxing , Luo Hailu , Wen Shuangchun
Published: May 2014

We present a simple and convenient method to yield cylindrical vector (CV) beams and realize its polarization evolution on higher-order Poincaré sphere based on inhomogeneous birefringent metasurface. By means of local polarization transformation of the metasurface, it is possible to convert a light beam with homogeneous elliptical polarization into a vector beam with any desired polarization distribution. The Stokes parameters of the output light are measured to verify our scheme, which show well agreement with the theoretical prediction. Our method may provide a convenient way to generate CV beams, which is expected to have potential applications in encoding information and quantum computation.
Study of “blind point” and mass sensitivity of a magnetostrictive biosensor with asymmetric mass loading
Authors: Zhang Kewei , Zhang Kehao , Chai Yuesheng
Published: May 2014

The existence of “blind point” lowers the mass sensitivity and reliability of magnetostrictive particle (MSP) based biosensors. In addition, asymmetric distribution of mass loading (e.g. bacteria) will cause the shift of “blind point” and change of mass sensitivity of an MSP based biosensor. In this work, a modal analysis method was introduced and conducted to derive the governing vibration equation for an MSP biosensor with asymmetric mass loading. The effects of asymmetric mass loading on the “blind point” shift and mass sensitivity were unveiled by solving the governing vibration equation. It was found that the plot of “blind point” shift showed an “M” shape with the valley located at a/l ∼ 0.5 and two peaks located at a/l ∼ 0.25 and a/l ∼ 0.75. In addition, the theoretical results showed that the resonance frequency shift (Δf) depends on the value of a/l (i.e. both the attached mass and mass distribution) and their relationship is nonlinear. Based on the definition of mass sensitivity (Sm), the values of Sm were derived for the selected values of a/l. The results showed that Sm decreased initially with increasing a/l, reaching the minimum, and then increased until a/l = 1. That is, the maximum mass sensitivity is obtained when a/l equals to a critical value Xc (0 < Xc < l). Based on the result, an optimal mass loading distribution design criterion for developing a more sensitive MSP based biosensor was proposed.
Guanidine Motif in Biologically Active Peptides
Authors: Alegre-Requena Juan V. , Marqués-López Eugenia , Herrera Raquel P.
Published: May 2014

In the past decade, guanidines have attracted attention as valuable hydrogen bond-based catalysts while they have long been considered as organic superbases with a broad scope of synthetic applicability. Their easy modification has also expanded their capacity to form complexes with a wide range of metal salts as effective metal scavengers. All these attractive aspects have promoted a huge growth in the field of organic synthesis involving guanidines and examples of such reactions have been collected in numerous reviews and some books. Moreover, this structural motif is also present in a large number of natural products and biologically active compounds that exhibit appealing properties and play important roles in medicinal chemistry. In this highlight, we will only cover the synthesis and properties of biologically active guanidine-containing peptides reported in the past 3 years.
Thermal limit of Euastacus sulcatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae), a freshwater crayfish from the highlands of central eastern Australia
Authors: Bone James William Parker , Wild Clyde Hamilton , Furse James Michael
Published: May 2014

Increased temperature as a potentially threatening process, and the need to investigate the thermal tolerance of the ‘highland-rainforest’ Euastacus were first identified 20 years ago; however, the thermal repertoire of Euastacus has still not been explored. Euastacus is the largest of Australia’s 10 freshwater crayfish genera with 52 species, and includes many of the largest, slowest-growing and longest-lived species (some >35 years) in the World. Several species have distributions consistent with being ‘climate refugees’, namely, being closely associated with cool, damp conditions and restricted to isolated mountain-top refuges. The present study investigated the critical thermal limit of a well known abundant species, Euastacus sulcatus, from central eastern Australia. Thermal limit was assessed using chronic, ongoing exposure to steadily increasing temperature, with the breakdown of physiological function tested by righting response. Distress was clearly evident in the crayfish at ~23°C (e.g. sluggish, lack of aggression), and the test criterion was met at ~27°C, with animals effectively incapacitated and unable to right themselves. Field water temperatures rarely exceed 21°C; however, any increases in environmental temperature may expose this species to temperatures where physiological stress may become problematic.
The human skin microbiome.
Authors: Tong J. , Li H. Y.
Published: May 2014

This chapter discusses the composition and diversity of microbial communities (i.e., bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses) of the human skin at different sites. Perturbations in skin microbial composition during various cutaneous disease states, such as acne vulgaris, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, are also described.
Historical-Clinical-Risk Management-20, Version 3 (HCR-20V3): Development and Overview
Authors: Douglas Kevin S. , Hart Stephen D. , Webster Christopher D. , Belfrage Henrik , Guy Laura S. , Wilson Catherine M.
Published: May 2014

The HCR-20 Version 3 (HCR-20V3) was published in 2013, after several years of development and revision work. It replaces Version 2, published in 1997, on which there have been more than 200 disseminations based on more than 33,000 cases across 25 countries. This article explains (1) why a revision was necessary, (2) the steps we took in the revision process, (3) key changes between Version 2 and Version 3, and (4) an overview of HCR-20V3's risk factors and administration steps. Recommendations for evaluating Version 3 are provided.
Adapting the HCR-20V3 for Pre-trial Settings
Authors: Smith Shannon Toney , Kelley Shannon E. , Rulseh Allison , Sörman Karolina , Edens John F.
Published: May 2014

The present study investigated the use of the HCR-20V3 (Douglas, Hart, Webster, & Belfrage, 2013 ) among a sample of 84 male inmates in a pre-trial correctional facility. Overall, results indicated that the newly revised instrument can be adapted for use in a pre-trial context, although some scoring obstacles (e.g., participants’ uncertain legal status) were encountered when attempting to rate certain HCR-20V3 items. Also, some group differences in risk ratings were found when comparing our sample to HCR-20V3 data collected from external psychiatric inpatient and post-adjudication samples. Implications for clinical forensic practice are reviewed, focusing on modifications that may be helpful or necessary for use in pre-trial settings.
Interrater Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the HCR-20 Version 3
Authors: Douglas Kevin S. , Belfrage Henrik
Published: May 2014

We evaluated the interrater reliability and concurrent validity of the HCR-20 Version 3 (HCR-20V3). Three sets of ratings were completed by experienced clinicians for 35 forensic psychiatric patients, for both HCR-20 Versions 2 and 3. Reliability analyses focused on ratings of the presence of Version 3 risk factors, presence of Version 3 risk factor sub-items, relevance ratings for Version 3 risk factors, and Version 3 summary risk ratings for future violence. Concurrent validity analyses focused on the correlational association between Versions 2 and 3 in terms of the number of risk factors present. Findings indicated that Versions 2 and 3 were strongly correlated (.69 – .90). Interrater reliability was consistently excellent for the presence of risk factors and for summary risk ratings. The majority of relevance and sub-item ratings were in the good to excellent range, although there was a minority of such ratings in the fair or poor categories. Findings support the concurrent validity and interrater reliability of HCR-20V3. Implications for use of HCR-20V3 by professionals and agencies are discussed.
The Validity of Version 3 of the HCR-20 Violence Risk Assessment Scheme Amongst Offenders and Civil Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Strub Diane S. , Douglas Kevin S. , Nicholls Tonia L.
Published: May 2014

The current study presents an empirical evaluation of the performance of the third version of the HCR-20. This prospective research project was conducted using a sample of 106 offenders and psychiatric patients who were transitioning out of institutions and into the community. Results provided strong support for the bivariate associations between the ratings of the presence and relevance of risk factors, as well as summary risk ratings, and violence at 4 to 6 weeks and 6 to 8 months. Although relevance ratings did not add incrementally to presence ratings, summary risk ratings added incrementally to both. Findings were not moderated by either sub-sample or gender. Version 3 of the HCR-20 was highly correlated with Version 2. Associations with violence were comparable between instruments. Findings were supportive of these basic elements of Version 3.
The GRW Flash Theory: A Relativistic Quantum Ontology of Matter in Space-Time?
Authors: Esfeld Michael , Gisin Nicolas
Published: May 2014

John Bell proposed an ontology for the GRW (Ghirardi, Rimini, and Weber) modification of quantum mechanics in terms of flashes occurring at space-time points. This article spells out the motivation for this ontology, inquires into the status of the wave function in it, critically examines the claim of its being Lorentz invariant, and considers whether it is a parsimonious but nevertheless physically adequate ontology.
The Role of the Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System in the Pathobiology of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (2013 Grover Conference Series)
Authors: Maron Bradley A. , Leopold Jane A.
Published: May 2014

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with aberrant pulmonary vascular remodeling that leads to increased pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and right ventricular dysfunction. There is now accumulating evidence that the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system is activated and contributes to cardiopulmonary remodeling that occurs in PAH. Increased plasma and lung tissue levels of angiotensin and aldosterone have been detected in experimental models of PAH and shown to correlate with cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular remodeling. These processes are abrogated by treatment with angiotensin receptor or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. At a cellular level, angiotensin and aldosterone activate oxidant stress signaling pathways that decrease levels of bioavailable nitric oxide, increase inflammation, and promote cell proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix remodeling, and fibrosis. Clinically, enhanced renin‐angiotensin activity and elevated levels of aldosterone have been detected in patients with PAH, which suggests a role for angiotensin and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in the treatment of PAH. This review will examine the current evidence linking renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system activation to PAH with an emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are modulated by aldosterone and may be of importance for the pathobiology of PAH.
Development and Validation of Standard Area Diagrams as Assessment Aids for Estimating the Severity of Citrus Canker on Unripe Oranges
Authors: Braido Ricardo , Gonçalves-Zuliani Aline M. O. , Janeiro Vanderly , Carvalho Sérgio A. , Junior José Belasque , Bock Clive H. , Nunes William M. C.
Published: May 2014

Asiatic citrus canker (ACC) is an important disease of citrus in Brazil and elsewhere in the world. Infection with the causal pathogen, Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, can cause severe disease on the fruit. Visual estimation of severity is the usual method used to quantify ACC on diseased fruit. The objective of this research was to construct and validate standard area diagram (SAD) sets as assessment aids for raters to improve the accuracy and reliability of visual estimates of ACC on unripe (green) fruit of sweet orange. Two SAD sets were constructed. A five-diagram SAD set had five severities depicted (0.5, 2.0, 8.0, 27.0, and 40.0%) and a six-diagram SAD set had six severities depicted (0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 9.0, 20.0, and 40.0%). Fifteen raters evaluated 40 images of cankered, unripe fruit. Both the five- and six-diagram SAD sets significantly improved the accuracy and reliability of estimates. Agreement, measured by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, was 0.220 to 0.913 when not using SADs, 0.814 to 0.955 when using five-diagram SAD sets, and 0.863 to 0.925 when using six-diagram SAD sets. The five-diagram SAD set was significantly more accurate and reliable compared with the six-diagram set. Possible reasons for this are discussed. Based on the results, the five-diagram SAD set is preferable to use. Although the SAD set was developed for sweet orange, it doubtless has applicability to other citrus, including grapefruit. These SAD sets should be useful for research endeavors where accurate and reliable estimates of the severity of ACC are required.
Efficacy and Application Methods of Oxathiapiprolin for Management of Black Shank on Tobacco
Authors: Ji Pingsheng , Csinos Alexander S. , Hickman Lara L. , Hargett Unessee
Published: May 2014

Black shank, caused by Phytophthora nicotianae, is responsible for serious yield and quality reduction in tobacco production. Application of effective fungicides continues to be a viable component in developing integrated disease management programs. Experiments were conducted in 2011 to 2013 to determine the efficacy and application methods of a new fungicide, Zorvec (a.i. oxathiapiprolin), for management of black shank under field conditions. Oxathiapiprolin is the first member of a new class of isoxazoline fungicide. Application of Zorvec (0.35 liter/ha) onto tobacco seedlings 1 week prior to transplanting in conjunction with directed applications of the product at 0.7 liter/ha at first cultivation and lay-by (last cultivation) reduced black shank significantly compared to the nontreated control in the experiments conducted in 2011 and 2012. Application of Zorvec at 1.4 liter/ha through transplant water followed by directed sprays at first cultivation and lay-by at 0.7 liter/ha reduced black shank significantly compared with the nontreated control in 2012 and 2013 studies. These treatments were not significantly different (P = 0.05) in disease reduction compared to mefenoxam. All treatments involving Zorvec increased tobacco yield significantly (P = 0.05) or showed a tendency to increase tobacco yield over the nontreated control in all experiments conducted in 2011 to 2013. The results indicated that the new fungicide oxathiapiprolin was effective in reduction of P. nicotianae on tobacco.
Margaret Cavendish and the Royal Society
Authors: Wilkins Emma
Published: May 2014

It is often claimed that Margaret Cavendish was an anti-experimentalist who was deeply hostile to the activities of the early Royal Society—particularly in relation to Robert Hooke's experiments with microscopes. Some scholars have argued that her views were odd or even childish, while others have claimed that they were shaped by her gender-based status as a scientific ‘outsider’. In this paper I examine Cavendish's views in contemporary context, arguing that her relationship with the Royal Society was more nuanced than previous accounts have suggested. This contextualized approach reveals two points: first, that Cavendish's views were not isolated or odd when compared with those of her contemporaries, and second, that the early Royal Society was less intellectually homogeneous than is sometimes thought. I also show that, although hostile to some aspects of experimentalism, Cavendish nevertheless shared many of the Royal Society's ambitions for natural philosophy, especially in relation to its usefulness and the importance of plain language as a means to disseminate new ideas.
Zwitterionic 1-{(E)-[(2-methylphenyl)iminiumyl]methyl}naphthalen-2-olate
Authors: Khelifa Baghdouche Ammar , Mosbah Salima , Belhocine Youghourta , Bencharif Leïla
Published: May 2014

The title Schiff base, C18H15NO, crystallizes in its zwitterionic form and an N—H...O hydrogen bond closes anS(6) ring. The dihedral angle between the aromatic ring systems is 36.91 (10)°. Weak aromatic π–π stacking occurs in the crystal [minimum centroid–centroid separation = 3.7771 (15) Å].
Ethyl 5-methyl-7-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate
Authors: AboulWafa Omaima M. , Farghaly Ahmed M. , Teleb Mohamed , Sinoussy Khaled S.
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C15H14N4O2, the triazolopyrimidine ring system is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.02 Å) and the phenyl ring is inclined to its mean plane by 42.45 (9)°. The carboxyl group is inclined to the triazolopyrimidine ring mean plane by 57.8 (3)°. In the molecule, there is a short C—H...O contact involving the carbonyl O atom and an H atom of the adjacent methyl substituent. In the crystal, neighbouring molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [010]. There are also weak π–π interactions present involving the pyridine and phenyl rings of neighbouring chains [intercentroid distance = 3.8580 (16) Å].
2-Phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole
Authors: Bunev Alexander S. , Sukhonosova Elena V. , Purygin Petr P. , Ostapenko Gennady I. , Khrustalev Victor N.
Published: May 2014

The title compound, C15H14N2S, crystallizes with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. The central imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole unit is planar (r.m.s. deviations of 0.010 and 0.008 Å for the two independent molecules). The fused tetrahydrohexane ring adopts a half-chair conformation. The phenyl substituent is twisted by 16.96 (13) and 22.89 (12)° relative to the central imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole unit in the two molecules. In the crystal, there are no significant intermolecular interactions present.
(2E)-4-(4-Bromophenyl)-2-{2-[(1E)-cyclopentylidene]hydrazin-1-ylidene}-3-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1,3-thiazole
Authors: Mague Joel T. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Hassan Alaa A. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C20H18BrN3S, the cyclopentane ring adopts a half-chair conformation. The 4-bromophenyl and phenyl rings make dihedral angles of 34.6 (1) and 68.52 (6)°, respectively, with the dihydrothiazole ring. In the crystal, the molecules pack in sheets approximately parallel to (101) which are formed by weak C—H...Br interactions
2-Benzoyl-4-chloroaniline thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Bandeira Katlen C. T. , Bresolin Leandro , Lehmann Ueslei Z. , Zambiazi Priscilla J. , Oliveira Adriano Bof de
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C14H13ClN4S, obtained from a reaction of 2-benzoyl-4-chloroaniline with thiosemicarbazide in ethanol, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 81.31 (13)°. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by three N—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming centrosymmetric rings with set-graph motifR22(8) andR22(18), and resulting in the formation of a two-dimensional network lying parallel to (010).
FeIIIin a low-spin state in caesium bis[3-ethoxysalicylaldehyde 4-methylthiosemicarbazonato(2–)-κ3O2,N1,S]ferrate(III) methanol monosolvate
Authors: Powell Robyn E. , Schwalbe Carl H. , Tizzard Graham J. , Koningsbruggen Petra J. van
Published: May 2014

The synthesis and crystal structure (at 100 K) of the title compound, Cs[Fe(C11H13N3O2S2)2]·CH3OH, is reported. The asymmetric unit consists of an octahedral [FeIII(L)2]−fragment, whereL2−is 3-ethoxysalicylaldehyde 4-methylthiosemicarbazonate(2−) {systematic name: [2-(3-ethoxy-2-oxidobenzylidene)hydrazin-1-ylidene](methylamino)methanethiolate}, a caesium cation and a methanol solvent molecule. EachL2−ligand binds through the thiolate S, the imine N and the phenolate O atoms as donors, resulting in an FeIIIS2N2O2chromophore. TheO,N,S-coordinating ligands are orientated in two perpendicular planes, with the O and S atoms incispositions and the N atoms intranspositions. The FeIIIcation is in the low-spin state at 100 K.
Institutional barriers in the diffusion of a high technology
Authors: Malik Tariq H.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine possible causes of failure of the commercialization of a high technology innovation, in order to explain the relationship between resource‐based view and institution‐based view as a contributing factor.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a case study in a high technology sector. Qualitative evidence and analysis are used to draw some conclusions related to the causes of the failure of the commercialization process.

Findings

The main limitation is that the findings cannot be generalized. Moreover, the analysis is based on the author's individual interpretation and biases.

Practical implications

The case provides guidelines to innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new technologies and their businesses.

Originality/value

The article is based on a real case and it can be used as a base for future research and as teaching material.
Rights and obligations in international humanitarian assistance
Authors: Kent George
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for understanding the rights and obligations of different parties in relation to international humanitarian assistance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Past discourse on rights and obligations of the parties in various types of humanitarian emergencies is critically reviewed. Various moral and legal principles are used to assess that discourse.

Findings

– Many governments emphasize their right to provide international humanitarian assistance, but appear reluctant to acknowledge any obligation to provide such assistance. Claims regarding the right to provide assistance under some conditions should be accompanied by acknowledgment of obligations to provide assistance under some conditions.

Originality/value

– This analysis encourages national governments and international agencies to go beyond asserting their rights to assist to also recognize obligations to assist under some conditions.
On the heterogeneity of Generation Y job preferences
Authors: Guillot-Soulez Chloé , Soulez Sébastien
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Based on generational theory, this research studies the preferences of French young graduates from Generation Y for job and organizational attributes of a future employer. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on the inter- vs intragenerational differences and discusses the common stereotype of an intragroup homogeneity within the Generation Y.

Design/methodology/approach

– Reviewing generation and job search literature, the paper update graduates’ preferences for job and organizational attributes in their initial job search by using conjoint analysis, a rarely used methodology in human resource management (HRM). To test the intragroup homogeneity and to overcome methodological difficulties inherent in examining differences within a generational cohort, the paper operationalized a homogeneous sample (n=592) composed of people of the same age, career stage, cohort and nationality.

Findings

– The authors demonstrate that, even if on the whole young graduates from Generation Y prefer job security and a relaxed work atmosphere, their preferences are heterogeneous.

Research limitations/implications

– This research leads to discuss the relevance of the concept of Generation Y for recruitment. Additional research is needed to improve the external validity of this study which must be reproduced in other contexts and with different populations.

Practical implications

– The results provide useful information to assist HR managers and recruitment specialists in improving the efficiency of the recruitment process and in considering the relevant segmentation criteria for recruitment.

Originality/value

– Using an original methodology, conjoint analysis, this paper focusses on the heterogeneity of Generation Y and its consequences in terms of HRM.
Transparency and performance in Islamic banking
Authors: Lahrech Nada , Lahrech Abdelmounaim , Boulaksil Youssef
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess whether Islamic banks are transparent regarding profit (and loss) sharing to investment account holders. Another objective is to appraise whether Islamic banks' performance affects management incentives to distribute profit (and loss) to investment account holders.

Design/methodology/approach

– To investigate the research issue, the authors conducted an empirical study. Data of 25 global operating Islamic banks have been collected and analyzed for the period 2006-2010. The authors also developed a mathematical model based on the generalized least-squares principle.

Findings

– The research results showed that enhancing transparency will prevent Islamic banks from shadowing their profit allocation practices and place investment account holders in a better position to manage their invested funds. The study also showed that bettering Islamic banks’performance will induce them to manager profit-sharing investment account holders’ funds under bonafides.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation is data availability. The maximum number of Islamic banks that disclose financial data covering the period of 2006-2010 limited the scope of the study to 25 banks.

Practical implications

– The findings are very valuable for designing policies and standards as well as for the enforcement of these standards to improve transparency in Islamic banking.

Originality/value

– The study outcome is vital to many parties involved in the Islamic banking field and can be taken as a strong foundation to make appropriate actions that would help grow and sustain Islamic banking development globally.
Discussing strategy in heritage conservation
Authors: Poulios Ioannis
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of strategy in the field of heritage conservation, with a focus on a new conservation approach that promotes the empowerment of local communities and sustainable development: a living heritage approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approaches to heritage conservation are outlined: a material-based approach defines the principles of western-based conservation, a values-based approach expands these principles, while a living heritage approach clearly challenges the established principles. These approaches are, then, analysed from the perspective of strategy, and a living heritage approach is seen as an example of strategic innovation. The process by which ICCROM develops a living heritage approach at an international level is also examined.

Findings

– Choosing the “appropriate” conservation approach depends on the specific conditions of each heritage place. Yet, for the cases of living heritage in particular (with communities with an original connection with heritage) a living heritage approach would be more preferable. Living heritage approach can be seen as an example of a strategic innovation in the field of heritage conservation: it proposes a different concept of heritage and conservation (a new WHAT), points at a different community group as responsible for the definition and protection of heritage (a new WHO), and proposes a different way of heritage protection (a new HOW).

Practical implications

– A living heritage approach (presented in the paper) may potentially influence the theory as well as the practice of heritage conservation in a variety of parts and heritage places in the world, especially in terms of the attitude towards local and indigenous communities.

Originality/value

– Developing a new approach is, in a sense, developing a new strategy. In this context, the paper aims at bringing the insight of business strategy into the field of heritage conservation.
From HRM practices to the practice of HRM: setting a research agenda
Authors: Björkman Ingmar , Ehrnrooth Mats , Mäkelä Kristiina , Smale Adam , Sumelius Jennie
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop an “HRM-as-practice” research agenda. The authors suggest that the HRM-performance literature would benefit from an actor-centric approach and a focus on activities, and that the HR roles research needs to shift its attention toward a more dynamic perspective of HR work and link this further to performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper first provides an overview of strategy-as-practice (SAP) literature, and then review how extant HRM literature deals with three core notions of SAP: practices, praxis and practitioners. Based on this, the paper outlines an “HRM-as-practice” research agenda.

Findings

– Focussing on the intersections between praxis, practitioners and practice, the paper suggests that an “HRM-as-practice” approach can give new insights into first, how people-related decisions are made, implemented and enacted in organizations; second, how employees and other HRM stakeholders interpret and engage with HRM; third, how HR actors become more effective and influential organizational agents; and fourth, what the short-term and long-term effects of these actions and activities are.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors acknowledge the fuzzy and intertwined nature of the practices, practitioners and praxis categories, but believe that their intersections provide a fruitful theoretical lens to examine the practice of HRM.

Originality/value

– The authors use the HRM-as-practice lens to suggest novel research approaches that can shed new light on several open questions within the HRM field.
Experimental investigation of FDM process for improvement of mechanical properties and production cost
Authors: Durgun Ismail , Ertan Rukiye
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The mechanical properties and surface finish of functional parts are important consideration in rapid prototyping, and the selection of proper parameters is essential to improve manufacturing solutions. The purpose of this paper is to describe how parts manufactured by fused deposition modelling (FDM), with different part orientations and raster angles, were examined experimentally and evaluated to achieve the desired properties of the parts while shortening the manufacturing times due to maintenance costs.

Design/methodology/approach

– For this purpose, five different raster angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°) for three part orientations (horizontal, vertical and perpendicular) have been manufactured by the FDM method and tested for surface roughness, tensile strength and flexural strength. Also, behaviour of the mechanical properties was clarified with scanning electron microscopy images of fracture surfaces.

Findings

– The research results suggest that the orientation has a more significant influence than the raster angle on the surface roughness and mechanical behaviour of the resulting fused deposition part. The results indicate that there is close relationship between the surface roughness and the mechanical properties.

Originality/value

– The results of this paper are useful in defining the most appropriate raster angle and part orientation in minimum production cost for FDM components on the basis of their expected in-service loading.
The role of facilities managers in sustainable practice in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Meng Xianhai
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of facilities managers in sustainable practice. It also analyzes the change in facilities management (FM) in terms of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research adopted a combination of literature review and expert interviews. Empirical data were collected through in-depth interviews with 40 industrial experts in the UK and Ireland.

Findings

– The analysis of interview results shows a sustainable movement in the context of FM. Facilities managers play important roles in sustainable practice, including integrating all sustainability considerations, linking strategic level with operational level, incorporating FM knowledge and experience into design, disseminating sustainable knowledge and educating people and encouraging sustainability through innovation.

Research limitations/implications

– This research goes beyond the limitations of existing studies that are characterized by a lack of positioning facilities managers in sustainability.

Practical implications

– Sustainable delivery represents a direction of FM development. This research describes what facilities managers can do and how they should do for sustainable delivery of FM, based on which improvements are made and benefits are maximized.

Originality/value

– This research provides a deeper insight into the FM role in the sustainable agenda. The findings of this research help industrial practitioners and academic researchers to better understand sustainable FM.
Positive development and assessment
Authors: Lynn Birkeland Janis
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– There has been a tendency in sustainability science to be passive. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an alternative positive framework for a more active and direct approach to sustainable design and assessment that de-couples environmental impacts and economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper deconstructs some systemic gaps that are critical to sustainability in built environment management processes and tools, and reframes negative “sustainable” decision making and assessment frameworks into their positive counterparts. In particular, it addresses the omission of ecology, design and ethics in development assessment.

Findings

– Development can be designed to provide ecological gains and surplus “eco-services,” but assessment tools and processes favor business-as-usual. Despite the tenacity of the dominant paradigm (DP) in sustainable development institutionalized by the Brundtland Report over 25 years ago, these omissions are easily corrected.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitation is that the author was unable to find exceptions to the omissions cited here in the extensive literature on urban planning and building assessment tools. However, exceptions prove the rule. The implication is that it is not too late for eco-positive retrofitting of cities to increase natural and social capital. The solutions are just as applicable in places like China and India as the USA, as they pay for themselves.

Originality/value

– Positive development (PD) is a fundamental paradigm shift that reverses the negative models, methods and metrics of the DP of sustainable development. This paper provides an example of how existing “negative” concepts and practices can be converted into positive ones through a PD prism. Through a new form of bio-physical design, development can be a sustainability solution.
Compassion Practices and HCAHPS: Does Rewarding and Supporting Workplace Compassion Influence Patient Perceptions?
Authors: McClelland Laura E. , Vogus Timothy J.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To examine the benefits of compassion practices on two indicators of patient perceptions of care quality—the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and systems (HCAHPS) overall hospital rating and likelihood of recommending.

Study Setting

Two hundred sixty‐nine nonfederal acute care U.S. hospitals.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Data Collection

Surveys collected from top‐level hospital executives. Publicly reported HCAHPS data from October 2012 release.

Principal Findings

Compassion practices, a measure of the extent to which a hospital rewards compassionate acts and compassionately supports its employees (e.g., compassionate employee awards, pastoral care for employees), is significantly and positively associated with hospital ratings and likelihood of recommending.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate the benefits for patients of specific and actionable organizational practices that provide and reinforce compassion.
Patient Selection and Volume in the Era Surrounding Implementation of Medicare Conditions of Participation for Transplant Programs
Authors: White Sarah L. , Zinsser Dawn M. , Paul Matthew , Levine Gregory N. , Shearon Tempie , Ashby Valarie B. , Magee John C. , Li Yi , Leichtman Alan B.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To evaluate evidence of practice changes affecting kidney transplant program volumes, and donor, recipient and candidate selection in the era surrounding the introduction of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conditions of participation (CoPs) for organ transplant programs.

Data

Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients; CMS ESRD and Medicare claims databases.

Design

Retrospective analysis of national registry data.

Methods

A Cox proportional hazards model of 1‐year graft survival was used to derive risks associated with deceased‐donor kidney transplants performed from 2001 to 2010.

Findings

Among programs with ongoing noncompliance with the CoPs, kidney transplant volumes declined by 38 percent (n = 766) from 2006 to 2011, including a 55 percent drop in expanded criteria donor transplants. Volume increased by 6 percent (n = 638) among programs remaining in compliance. Aggregate risk of 1‐year graft failure increased over time due to increasing recipient age and obesity, and longer ESRD duration.

Conclusions

Although trends in aggregate risk of 1‐year kidney graft loss do not indicate that the introduction of the CoPs has systematically reduced opportunities for marginal candidates or that there has been a systematic shift away from utilization of higher risk deceased donor kidneys, total volume and expanded criteria donor utilization decreased overall among programs with ongoing noncompliance.
ERK1/2 participates in regulating the expression and distribution of tight junction proteins in the process of reflux esophagitis
Authors: Tan Jia Cheng , Cui Wen Xia , Heng Ding , Lin Lin
Published: May 2014

Objective

To investigate the alterations of esophageal epithelial barrier during the process of reflux esophagitis (RE).

Methods

In total, 85 Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups, the sham‐operation group (n = 25) and the RE group induced by incomplete pyloric ligation (n = 60). The establishment of RE model and the severity of esophagitis were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin stain. Dilated intercellular spaces (DIS) in the esophageal epithelium were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The cellular distributions of ZO‐1, occludin and claudin‐1 were assessed by immunohistochemical stain. The expressions of these tight junction (TJ) proteins and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), myosin light chain (MLC) and nonmuscular myosin light chain kinase (nmMLCK) were analyzed by Western blot.

Results

DIS occurred gradually in the RE group. ZO‐1, occludin and claudin‐1 were incompletely or even not expressed in the RE group. TJ proteins were expressed in the membrane instead of the cytoplasm in many epithelial cells in RE. With Western, the expression of ZO‐1, occludin and claudin‐1 was increased gradually in the RE group (P < 0.05). The phosphorylation levels of nmMLCK, MLC and ERK1/2 were also increased (P < 0.05). There was no marked changes in the esophageal epithelium in the sham‐operation group.

Conclusions

TJ proteins could be used as sensitive markers of RE instead of DIS. ERK1/2 may participate in regulating TJ proteins in esophageal epithelia in RE.
The room temperature preservation of filtered environmental DNA samples and assimilation into a phenol–chloroform–isoamyl alcohol DNA extraction
Authors: Renshaw Mark A. , Olds Brett P. , Jerde Christopher L. , McVeigh Margaret M. , Lodge David M.
Published: May 2014

Current research targeting filtered macrobial environmental DNA (eDNA) often relies upon cold ambient temperatures at various stages, including the transport of water samples from the field to the laboratory and the storage of water and/or filtered samples in the laboratory. This poses practical limitations for field collections in locations where refrigeration and frozen storage is difficult or where samples must be transported long distances for further processing and screening. This study demonstrates the successful preservation of eDNA at room temperature (20 °C) in two lysis buffers, CTAB and Longmire's, over a 2‐week period of time. Moreover, the preserved eDNA samples were seamlessly integrated into a phenol–chloroform–isoamyl alcohol (PCI) DNA extraction protocol. The successful application of the eDNA extraction to multiple filter membrane types suggests the methods evaluated here may be broadly applied in future eDNA research. Our results also suggest that for many kinds of studies recently reported on macrobial eDNA, detection probabilities could have been increased, and at a lower cost, by utilizing the Longmire's preservation buffer with a PCI DNA extraction.