bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proton irradiation effects on deep level states in Mg-doped p-type GaN grown by ammonia-based molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Zhang Z. , Arehart A. R. , Kyle E. C. H. , Chen J. , Zhang E. X. , Fleetwood D. M. , Schrimpf R. D. , Speck J. S. , Ringel S. A.
Published: January 2015

The impact of proton irradiation on the deep level states throughout the Mg-doped p-type GaN bandgap is investigated using deep level transient and optical spectroscopies. Exposure to 1.8 MeV protons of 1 × 1013 cm−2 and 3 × 1013 cm−2 fluences not only introduces a trap with an EV + 1.02 eV activation energy but also brings monotonic increases in concentration for as-grown deep states at EV + 0.48 eV, EV + 2.42 eV, EV + 3.00 eV, and EV + 3.28 eV. The non-uniform sensitivities for individual states suggest different physical sources and/or defect generation mechanisms. Comparing with prior theoretical calculations reveals that several traps are consistent with associations to nitrogen vacancy, nitrogen interstitial, and gallium vacancy origins, and thus are likely generated through displacing nitrogen and gallium atoms from the crystal lattice in proton irradiation environment.
Anisotropic small-polaron hopping in W:BiVO4 single crystals
Authors: Rettie Alexander J. E. , Chemelewski William D. , Lindemuth Jeffrey , McCloy John S. , Marshall Luke G. , Zhou Jianshi , Emin David , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: January 2015

DC electrical conductivity, Seebeck and Hall coefficients are measured between 300 and 450 K on single crystals of monoclinic bismuth vanadate that are doped n-type with 0.3% tungsten donors (W:BiVO4). Strongly activated small-polaron hopping is implied by the activation energies of the Arrhenius conductivities (about 300 meV) greatly exceeding the energies characterizing the falls of the Seebeck coefficients' magnitudes with increasing temperature (about 50 meV). Small-polaron hopping is further evidenced by the measured Hall mobility in the ab-plane (10−1 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 300 K) being larger and much less strongly activated than the deduced drift mobility (about 5 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 300 K). The conductivity and n-type Seebeck coefficient is found to be anisotropic with the conductivity larger and the Seebeck coefficient's magnitude smaller and less temperature dependent for motion within the ab-plane than that in the c-direction. These anisotropies are addressed by considering highly anisotropic next-nearest-neighbor (≈5 Å) transfers in addition to the somewhat shorter (≈4 Å), nearly isotropic nearest-neighbor transfers.
Research on impact behaviour and silicon insert fracture phenomenon in microinjection moulding
Authors: Xu Zheng , Lv Zhi-bin , Wang Lin-gang , Jiang Kai-yu , Ji Zhi , Liu Chong , Liu Jun-shan
Published: January 2015

Silicon insert is a promising tool for microinjection moulding (MIM). However, its fracture problem induced by impact in MIM creates a bottleneck for application. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact behaviour in MIM and the effect on the fracture of silicon inserts. The finite element method is utilised to calculate the crack propagation of silicon inserts with pressure load and thermal load in the MIM process. The simulation result shows that the crack propagation is more easily induced by the increase of pressure load, while the temperature change has little effect on the crack propagation. An experimental platform, including a novel rotatable insert mould, is developed to investigate the dynamic pressure in the MIM process. The result shows that both the maximum pressure and the maximum loading rate occur in the initial period of MIM process. It indicates that the silicon insert is more prone to fracture at the beginning of the MIM process, and spatial pressure peaks are observed in the cavity as well. The nearly consistent distribution between the peak positions and the insert fracture zones shows that the pressure distribution is quite relevant to the fracture of the silicon insert. The result is helpful because it reveals the fracture phenomenon of silicon inserts.
Seeing Red on the Road
Authors: Díaz-Román Amparo , Megías Alberto , Díaz-Piedra Carolina , Catena Andrés , Di Stasi Leandro L
Published: January 2015

Human and animal research has found that red perception is associated with specific behavioral reactions, generally characterized by intense responses. Here, we explored whether red cars are perceived as more dangerous than other colored cars. One hundred Spanish drivers examined several road scenarios which involved hazardous cars with different colors: red, green, yellow, black, gray, and white. Driver's behavior (response time and probability of braking) and the perceived level of risk for each scenario were analyzed. Although car color affected participants' response times, contrary to expectations, red cars did not elicit faster responses or higher perceived levels of risk.
From Sensation to Perception: Using Multivariate Classification of Visual Illusions to Identify Neural Correlates of Conscious Awareness in Space and Time
Authors: Hogendoorn Hinze
Published: January 2015

An important goal of cognitive neuroscience is understanding the neural underpinnings of conscious awareness. Although the low-level processing of sensory input is well understood in most modalities, it remains a challenge to understand how the brain translates such input into conscious awareness. Here, I argue that the application of multivariate pattern classification techniques to neuroimaging data acquired while observers experience perceptual illusions provides a unique way to dissociate sensory mechanisms from mechanisms underlying conscious awareness. Using this approach, it is possible to directly compare patterns of neural activity that correspond to the contents of awareness, independent from changes in sensory input, and to track these neural representations over time at high temporal resolution. I highlight five recent studies using this approach, and provide practical considerations and limitations for future implementations.
Maternal treatment with fluoxetine promotes testicular alteration in male rat pups
Authors: Ramos Aline C. , H. dos Santos Alice , Silveira Kennia M. , Kiss Ana Carolina I. , Mesquita Suzana F. P. , Gerardin Daniela C. C.
Published: January 2015

Fluoxetine (FLX) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant commonly prescribed during pregnancy and lactation. Pre- and post-partum depression, as well as SSRI treatment during these periods, may change maternal care, interfering with offspring development. Moreover, it is known that SSRIs may alter testes structure and function in offspring. The present study investigated the effects of maternal FLX exposure on maternal behaviour and testes function in offspring. Female Wistar rats were treated with 7.5 mg kg–1 FLX or tap water (control group) by gavage from the Day 1 of pregnancy until 21 days after birth (postnatal Day (PND) 21). Maternal behaviour was evaluated and morphofunctional analyses of offspring testes were conducted on PND 21 and 50. There were no significant differences between the FLX-treated and control groups regarding maternal behaviour. Nor did maternal treatment with FLX have any effect on bodyweight gain, anogenital distance, day of preputial separation, testis weight and the gonadosomatic index in male offspring. However, there was a decreased number of Sertoli cells at both PND 21 and 50 in FLX-exposed male offspring. The findings of the present study demonstrate that maternal exposure to FLX can impair testicular function in weanling and pubertal animals.
Evidence of prehistoric wind erosion of the Mackenzie Basin, South Island, New Zealand: an assessment based on 137Cs and Kawakawa-Oruanui tephra
Authors: Leckie H. D. , Almond P. C.
Published: January 2015

Many authors have reported significant soil erosion resulting from the grazing of sheep, rabbit plagues and invasion of the exotic Hawkweed (Hieracium sp.) in the sub humid alpine region of Mackenzie Basin, South Island, New Zealand. In the present study, we investigated the soil redistribution of four study plots with varying vegetation depletion over historic (54 years) and long (25 ka) time scales. Historic soil loss, quantified by bomb fallout 137Cs, under plots of depleted short tussock and herbfield vegetation was no more than the adjacent undisturbed reference plot of red tussock (Chionochloa rubra). This indicates the present landscape characterised by soil and vegetation degradation is not due to erosion since 1953. There is no evidence from the present study to suggest that establishment and rapid invasion of Hieracium sp. and major periodic rabbit plagues have accelerated soil erosion over the past 54 years. By contrast, low topsoil thickness under Hieracium sp. indicates that Hieracium sp. is colonising bare ground and may have, at least in the short-term, a stabilising effect. Long-term soil loss was quantified by the profile distribution of volcanic glass originating from Kawakawa-Oruanui tephra (KOT). The peak concentration, and hence the tephra’s 25.4 ka isochron, occurred at a depth of 70–85 cm at the reference plot. The degraded plots showed significant decreases in glass concentration and depth to peak concentration with progressively shallower soils and vegetation depletion. This equated to a minimum erosion rate averaged over the past ~25.4 k years of 0.020 mm year–1 in the most eroded plot. The extent of bare ground and topsoil thickness were poor indicators of soil erosion status. The tephra results show a potentially long history of soil erosion that has predisposed soil and vegetation degradation within the European era.
Binding of water-extractable organic carbon to clay subsoil: effects of clay subsoil properties
Authors: Lim Shinhuey , Nguyen Trung-Ta , Marschner Petra
Published: January 2015

Addition of clay-rich subsoils to sandy soils can increase yield and may increase organic carbon (OC) retention in soils. The ability of clays to bind OC is likely to be influenced by clay properties, but little is known about the relative importance of properties of clay subsoils for binding of OC. A batch sorption experiment was conducted using seven clay subsoils collected from agricultural lands where claying was carried out. Clay subsoils were shaken for 17 h at 4°C with different concentrations of water-extractable OC (WEOC: 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 9.0 g kg–1 soil) derived from mature wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw at a 1 : 10 soil : extract ratio. Sorption of WEOC was positively correlated with clay content, specific surface area and concentration of iron oxides. Further, WEOC sorption was negatively correlated with total OC content, sodium absorption ratio and cation ratio of soil structural stability. However, the relative importance of these properties for WEOC sorption differed among soils. In conclusion, OC retention in clay-amended sandy soils will be positively related to clay soil properties such as clay and Fe oxide content and specific surface area.
Use of handheld mid-infrared spectroscopy and partial least-squares regression for the prediction of the phosphorus buffering index in Australian soils
Authors: Forrester Sean T. , Janik Les J. , Soriano-Disla José M. , Mason Sean , Burkitt Lucy , Moody Phil , Gourley Cameron J. P. , McLaughlin Michael J.
Published: January 2015

The development of techniques for the rapid, inexpensive and accurate determination of the phosphorus (P) buffer index (PBI) in soils is important in terms of increasing the efficiency of P application for optimum crop requirements and preventing environmental pollution due to excessive use of P fertilisers. This paper describes the successful implementation of partial least-squares regression (PLSR) from spectra obtained with bench-top and handheld mid-infrared (MIR) spectrometers for the prediction of PBI on 601 representative Australian agricultural soils. By contrast, poor predictions were obtained for available (Colwell) P. Regression models were successfully derived for PBI ranges of 0–800 and 0–150, the latter range resulting in the optimum model considering the dominance of low PBI soils in the sample set. Concentrations of some major soil minerals (mainly kaolinite and gibbsite content for high PBI, and smectites or illites for low PBI), quartz (representative of low surface area of soils) and, to a lesser extent, carbonate and soil organic matter were identified as the main drivers of the PBI models. Models developed with soils sieved to <2 mm presented an accuracy similar to those developed using fine-ground material. The accuracy of the PLSR for the prediction of PBI by using bench-top and handheld instruments was also similar. Our results confirm the possibility of using MIR spectroscopy for the onsite prediction of PBI.
Evaluation of Daily Creel and Minimum Length Limits for Black Crappie and Yellow Perch in Wisconsin
Authors: Mosel Kyle J. , Isermann Daniel A. , Hansen Jonathan F.
Published: January 2015

Harvest regulations for Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus and Yellow Perch Perca flavescens in the northern USA and Canada have not been thoroughly evaluated, and specific guidance regarding where minimum length limits (MLLs) might improve these fisheries is lacking. We examined whether: (1) transitioning from an aggregate statewide daily creel limit of 25 panfish to species-specific daily creel limits of <25 fish or implementing statewide MLLs could reduce harvest of Black Crappie and Yellow Perch in Wisconsin by ≥25%, and (2) MLLs would improve yield by ≥10% and mean TL of harvested fish by ≥25 mm in Wisconsin fisheries. Creel surveys indicated that ≥94% of Wisconsin anglers did not harvest a Black Crappie or Yellow Perch, and ≤0.12% of anglers harvested a daily creel limit of 25 fish. Daily creel limits would need to be ≤7 fish/ angler to reduce harvest by ≥25%. Statewide MLLs would need to be ≥229 mm for Black Crappie and ≥203 mm for Yellow Perch to reduce harvest by ≥25%, but predicted responses to MLLs varied among simulated populations. In general, MLLs were not predicted to improve yield, indicating that growth overfishing was not a widespread problem. Minimum length limits could improve mean TL of harvested fish, but increases ≥25 mm were only observed under 254-mm and 279-mm MLLs, and anglers would have to accept predicted reductions in harvest of ≥30% to achieve these improvements. A 229-mm MLL offered a more equitable trade-off between increases in mean TLs of harvested fish (11–21-mm improvements) and reductions in harvest (22–37% reductions). Our modeling provides a framework for managers to make more informed decisions regarding harvest regulations, but more information regarding angler preferences is needed for selecting appropriate management objectives and harvest regulations.

Received June 11, 2014; accepted September 4, 2014
Position 834 in TM6 plays an important role in cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine transport by ABCA1
Authors: Itoh Shimpei , Nagao Kohjiro , Kimura Yasuhisa , Matsuo Michinori , Kioka Noriyuki , Ueda Kazumitsu
Published: January 2015

ATP-binding cassette protein A1 (ABCA1) plays a key role in eliminating excess cholesterol from peripheral cells by generating nascent high-density lipoprotein (HDL). However, it remains unclear whether both phospholipids and cholesterol are directly loaded onto apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) by ABCA1. To identify the amino acid residues of ABCA1 involved in substrate recognition and transport, we applied arginine scan mutagenesis to residues L821–E843 of human ABCA1 and predicted the environment to which each residue is exposed. The relative surface expression of each mutant suggested that residues L821–E843 pass through the plasma membrane as TM6, and the four residues (S826, F830, L834, and V837) of TM6 are exposed to the hydrophilic internal cavity of ABCA1. Furthermore, we showed that L834 is critical for the function of ABCA1.
Collective memory, coloniality and resource ownership questions: the conflict of identities in postcolonial Nigeria
Authors: Umejesi Ikechukwu
Published: January 2015

The indigenous concepts of ‘public’, ‘identity’ and ‘ownership’ of natural resources in precolonial Nigeria were redefined with the evolution of the Nigerian nation state. In Eastern Nigeria, for example, the ‘public’ and ‘national identity’ revolved around small independent communities. These communities, within the ethnic space, owned the resources within their borders. However, the creation of the Nigerian state by British colonialism reconstituted ‘national identity’ and shifted ‘ownership’ from the community to the nation state. Using the framework of collective memory, the article examines identity constructions and ownership of natural resources. The article argues that while the nation state has become the dominant geospatial basis for individual and collective identity, the dynamics of power relations embedded in the Nigerian state since its creation often rehabilitates primordial identities, where communities find expression in resource control agitation. The article utilises both primary and secondary sources in its analysis. It focuses on perceptions of resource ownership among communities of South-eastern Nigeria.
Democratic constitutionalism in post-apartheid South Africa: the interim constitution revisited
Authors: Endoh Fabrice Tambe
Published: January 2015

The greatest challenge facing the contemporary South African society and its arguably promising constitutional democracy is that of securing greater levels of equality, socioeconomic and political justice amongst its citizens, especially the black majority. Approximately 20 years subsequent to the end of the apartheid system of racial injustices, the majority in contemporary South African society still remain excluded from the beneficial mainstream and the bill of rights expressed in the interim constitution. This paper seeks to review the role played by the constitution vis-à-vis the Constitutional Court in redressing the past imbalances created by the apartheid regime. Through an analysis of the relevant constitutional law jurisprudence and related legislations including case law, the paper will show that whilst progress had been initially made in addressing the past imbalances brought by apartheid, there is greater need to strengthen the legislative and judicial arms of government, including the courts’ attitude towards improving the recognition of the rights contained in the bill of rights for the benefit of all South Africans.
Transient DNMT1 suppression reveals hidden heritable marks in the genome
Authors: McGraw Serge , Zhang Jacques X. , Farag Mena , Chan Donovan , Caron Maxime , Konermann Carolin , Oakes Christopher C. , Mohan K. Naga , Plass Christoph , Pastinen Tomi , Bourque Guillaume , Chaillet J. Richard , Trasler Jacquetta M.
Published: January 2015

Genome-wide demethylation and remethylation of DNA during early embryogenesis is essential for development. Imprinted germline differentially methylated domains (gDMDs) established by sex-specific methylation in either male or female germ cells, must escape these dynamic changes and sustain precise inheritance of both methylated and unmethylated parental alleles. To identify other, gDMD-like sequences with the same epigenetic inheritance properties, we used a modified embryonic stem (ES) cell line that emulates the early embryonic demethylation and remethylation waves. Transient DNMT1 suppression revealed gDMD-like sequences requiring continuous DNMT1 activity to sustain a highly methylated state. Remethylation of these sequences was also compromised in vivo in a mouse model of transient DNMT1 loss in the preimplantation embryo. These novel regions, possessing heritable epigenetic features similar to imprinted-gDMDs are required for normal physiological and developmental processes and when disrupted are associated with disorders such as cancer and autism spectrum disorders. This study presents new perspectives on DNA methylation heritability during early embryo development that extend beyond conventional imprinted-gDMDs.
Primary and Radiation-induced Breast Angiosarcoma
Authors: Ghareeb Erica R. , Bhargava Rohit , Vargo John A. , Florea Anca V. , Beriwal Sushil
Published: January 2015

Background:

Mammary angiosarcoma (AS) is an aggressive malignancy with high recurrence rates and poor overall survival. Limited data exist to guide treatment. We aimed to identify patterns of failure in the context of adjuvant radiation and to identify prognostic indicators to better guide management.

Methods:

Thirty-five patients with breast AS at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital from June 1994 to March 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Pathology was rereviewed for 22 patients by an expert breast pathologist using an objective scoring system, partly based on the Rosen grading scheme. All patients completed R0 resection, with 14 of them receiving adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) (82% of which represented reirradiation for radiation-induced AS).

Results:

At a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 3 to 178 mo), the primary mode of failure was local with 32% local first failure. Tumor size >5 cm, radiation-induced etiology, and the omission of adjuvant RT were important prognostic factors of tumor control and survival. Histopathology including necrosis, number of mitotic figures, endothelial tufting, solid/spindle cell foci, and the combined scoring system were prognostic for recurrence patterns.

Conclusions:

Breast AS has high rates of local failure despite R0 resection, which may be improved with adjuvant RT, even in the reirradiation setting. Histopathology is prognostic for recurrence patterns.
Metformin Does Not Predict for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis, Grade, or Volume of Disease After Transperineal Template-guided Mapping Biopsy
Authors: Merrick Gregory S. , Bennett Abbey , Couture Travis , Butler Wayne M. , Galbreath Robert W. , Adamovich Edward
Published: January 2015

Objectives:

Previous studies have evaluated whether metformin is associated with prostate cancer incidence and outcomes with conflicting conclusions. In this study, we evaluate the incidence of prostate cancer in diabetic patients treated with and without metformin compared with nondiabetic patients.

Materials and Methods:

One thousand thirty-four patients underwent transperineal template-guided mapping biopsy secondary to either an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or a prior biopsy finding of atypical small acinar proliferation/prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. The cohort included 881 nondiabetic men, 65 diabetic men treated with metformin, and 88 diabetic men not receiving metformin. In metformin-treated patients, the median duration of usage was 6.0 years. Differences in prostate cancer diagnosis, histologic grade, and tumor volume were compared across the 3 cohorts.

Results:

There was no statistically significant differences discerned between the 3 cohorts in patient age, prebiopsy PSA, prostate volume, PSA density, PSA doubling time, PSA velocity, or the total number of prior transrectal ultrasound biopsy sessions. Five hundred eighty-four patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer. There was no difference in prostate cancer diagnosis (P=0.153), Gleason score (P=0.960), the number of positive biopsy cores (P=0.764), or risk group stratification (P=0.877) between the 3 cohorts. In multivariate analysis, only older age predicted for prostate cancer diagnosis. In terms of Gleason score ≥7, patient age, PSA velocity, and body mass index predicted for more aggressive histology. Neither diabetes, metformin use or duration was of statistical consequence.

Conclusion:

Metformin did not impact incidence of prostate cancer diagnosis, Gleason score distribution, or volume of disease.
The link between export relationship quality, performance and expectation of continuing the relationship
Authors: Ahamed A.F.M. Jalal , Skallerud Kåre
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is threefold: to investigate how relationship quality affects export performance; to see if and to what extent export performance affects exporter satisfaction; and to determine whether exporter satisfaction ultimately affects the expectation of continuing the export-import relationship in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reports the findings of a survey of 185 respondents from the ready-made garments industry in Bangladesh chosen from a convenience sample. The responding exporters were located in Dhaka city or nearby areas. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares technique.

Findings

– The results support four out of five hypotheses, indicating that there is a significant relationship between exporter relationship quality and financial and strategic export performance. Additionally, a positive relationship between financial export performance and exporter satisfaction and between exporter satisfaction and the expectation of continuing the relationship are shown. No significant relationship between strategic export performance and exporter satisfaction is found.

Practical implications

– The findings have practical implications for managers and policy-makers interested in developing effective strategies for building and maintaining high quality export-import relationships, especially in the context of an emerging market.

Originality/value

– In order to accomplish the research goal, the main constructs from two influential streams of literature – social exchange theory and the disconfirmation of expectation theory – are utilized. This is new in the context of an emerging economy perspective.
Inorganic growth of technology sector firms in emerging markets
Authors: Das Arindam , Kapil Sheeba
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Emerging economies and technology firms in these economies have witnessed significant increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to conduct an empirical research on Indian technology firms and analyze the influence of firm-specific factors on firms’ M&A decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A set of 372 Indian firms in the technology sector have been studied for the period 2001-2011, a decade when this sector has seen maximum number of M&A transactions.

Findings

– The results show that financially strong, low-debt firms with high market capitalization are the typical acquirers in this segment and they tend to be serial acquirer too.

Originality/value

– Contrary to established findings in developed economies, the authors find that Indian technology firms’ acquisition decisions are not associated with their R&D activities, opening up scope for investigations on role of technology assets in emerging market firms’ acquisition decisions.
The rise of the BRICS and their challenge to the G7
Authors: Mostafa Golam , Mahmood Monowar
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper attempts to assess the economic growth prospects of the BRICS countries and their potential ability to challenge and overtake the G7 countries. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to answer the following question: Do the BRICS represent a tangible economic threat to surpass the G7, and if so, how?

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors adopt a qualitative research method based on secondary data sources, such as journal publications, reports published by international organizations, and newspaper and magazine articles. Data from these different sources is compiled and presented in tabular form to provide logical support to the arguments.

Findings

– Based on the data analysis, the authors conclude that the BRICS have the potential to overtake the G7 in the long run. However, this objective is not likely to be as easy as presumed by economists, since a number of factors and uncertainties may deter the growing economic power and influence of the BRICS.

Originality/value

– At present, there is hardly any study or research in the available literature that compares these two blocs of countries. Hence, this comparative study will contribute significantly toward the advancement of future comparative economic studies.
Does explicit comparative advertising affect Indian consumers’ attitudes towards low and high-involvement product?
Authors: Jain Varsha , Trivedi Rohit H , Joshi Vikrant , Daswani Aarzoo
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– With increasing use of explicit comparative advertisement to get share of consumers’ mind and influence their purchase decision in western context, the same is now used extensively in emerging markets like India. However, there has not been sufficient research to understand the effectiveness of explicit comparative advertisement in low and high-involvement product categories. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to attempt to understand the effectiveness of explicit comparative advertising on consumers’ attitude and purchase intention (PI) towards high and low-involvement products.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study carried out experimental treatments with 2 × 2 factorial design among 200 Indian young consumers who were in the age group 18-25. The independent variables were product categories and type of advertising (comparative and non-comparative) and dependent variables were consumer attitude and PIs.

Findings

– It was found that the comparative form of advertisement developed favourable response towards the advertisement, rather than towards the brand or PI.

Research limitations/implications

– The study found that comparative advertising is effective for high as well as low-involvement product category in changing the consumer’s attitude towards the advertisement. The research has used print media for conducting the experiment.

Practical implications

– It can be inferred that comparisons should be supplemented with additional information in the form of the unique features and associated emotions and feeling of the product in order to develop favourable attitude towards the brand and PI.

Originality/value

– Comparative advertising is a growing domain and there has been very little contribution by the researchers specially on high and low-involvement product categories.
Consumer ethnocentrism and consumer animosity: antecedents and consequences
Authors: Fernández-Ferrín Pilar , Bande-Vilela Belén , Klein Jill Gabrielle , del Río-Araújo M. Luisa
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Consumer ethnocentrism and consumer animosity provide marketing management with two useful concepts to understand the reasons behind consumers’ purchase decisions concerning domestic vs imported products. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the antecedents and consequences of animosity and ethnocentrism within a single model, and respondents’ evaluations of a specific product category are solicited.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is conducted within an ideal context for the study of consumer animosity: data were collected in Belgrade shortly after the US-led NATO bombings of 1999. The surveys were carried out in person at the interviewees’ home. The sample was part of a regular omnibus panel composed of 270 adult respondents, of which 92.2 percent agreed to participate.

Findings

– The findings indicate that animosity and consumer ethnocentrism are distinct constructs. Also consistent with previous research, results obtained confirm that each construct has unique antecedents and consequences.

Practical implications

– Once consumer animosity and ethnocentrism levels have been measured, managers can then make decisions about whether to promote their country of origin or, alternatively, create more powerful local connections for their products. Thus, the consideration of animosity and ethnocentrism can be part of a firm’s international strategies.

Originality/value

– Previous studies on consumer animosity have demonstrated through structural equation modeling that the two constructs are distinct and have distinct antecedents, but research has not examined both the antecedents and the consequences of animosity and ethnocentrism in the same study. Thus, this study investigates the antecedents and consequences of animosity and ethnocentrism within a single model.
Making Hong Kong companies liable for foreign corruption
Authors: Michael Bryane
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to assess the extent to which Hong Kong’s laws deter its companies from engaging in corruption and bribery abroad.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mix of economics, public administration, management and legal analysis was used to assess weaknesses in Hong Kong’s laws governing the prohibition of bribe payments abroad.

Findings

– Hong Kong does not explicitly criminalise corporate bribery abroad. Companies – as legal persons – can not be found guilty of corruption. It is argued that Hong Kong’s Legislative Council should amend various laws to modernise Hong Kong’s approach to tackling corruption committed by its companies abroad. The various approaches lawmakers can take towards assigning responsibility for corruption to companies are presented. The approaches that prosecutors at the Department of Justice can take to adopt prosecutorial methods like those used in other upper-income jurisdictions and the ways that Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) can assist in this work are also described.

Practical implications

– This research has practical findings for Hong Kong’s policymakers, law firms and companies which operate in Hong Kong. For policymakers, we describe legal changes Hong Kong’s legislators will likely make in the years ahead and the preferred ways of engaging in such change. For law firms, we describe the legal changes coming to Hong Kong which legal advisors will need to advise their clients on. For companies, we describe changes that companies operating in Hong Kong will likely need to comply with in the future.

Social implications

– This paper shows that when Hong Kong adopts best practice in the field of corporate criminalisation, Hong Kong’s role in “exporting” corruption will likely fall.

Originality/value

– This article describes a set of legal changes which will change the way Hong Kong treats corruption. The literature tends to glamorise Hong Kong’s anti-corruption work. It is shown that its law falls far behind other jurisdictions, as well as how “treating companies like people” in the case of Hong Kong will likely change the way Hong Kong’s prosecutors think about crime and criminal perpetrators.
Legal questions on financial market abuse
Authors: Pera Alessandra
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to underline the impact that globalization of financial markets has on national punishment policies. The US financial crisis has strongly affected consumers’ lives, but the focus of this research is on the national provisions against the illegal and unfair behaviour of economic actors, with special regard to a phenomenon that took place abroad, but whose effects came to light in many different countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Different methodological approaches, both deductive and inductive, are combined in the present paper, together with comparative and philosophical insights on national Court decisions and scholar writings.

Findings

– As European Union (EU) member States experts are discussing about a lex mercatoria for the financial markets to govern the EU integration process, this study highlights some questions concerning mainly three aspects: the level of censorship; forms and nature of responsibility; punitive models and their micro- and macro-economic effects.

Originality/value

– The study offers insights into the possible answers in terms of criminal and private law remedies to fight financial market abuse in a global dimension, through the use of general principles of contractual and tort law, which are common among EU member State, as culpa in eligendo, culpa in vigilando, duty of information, duty of care, ecc […] .
Discretionary justice
Authors: Gilsinan James F. , Islam Muhammed , Seitz Neil , Fisher James
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the reasons why some financial crises do not result in extensive criminal prosecutions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors examine three major events: the crash of 1929 leading to the Great Depression, the collapse of the US Savings and Loan industry circa 1990 and the sub-prime mortgage meltdown. The authors explain how circumstances surrounding these financial collapses led to stark differences in criminal prosecutions.

Findings

– This review of prosecutions during three financial crises underscores the contingent nature of seeking criminal penalties for financial wrongdoing. The decision is influenced by a number of factors, including a prosecutor’s level of risk tolerance (probable win test); the potential economic impact of a successful conviction; the number of laws and regulations available in the prosecutorial tool kit; and the desired outcome which can range from new regulatory structures, to prosecutions that fix blame and satisfy the desire for scapegoats, to seeking financial penalties that shore up the government’s bottom line.

Research limitations/implications

– This study covers three crises and focuses on the US responses. A broader study could look across countries.

Practical implications

– Regulators and lawmakers are interested in avoiding future crises. Because crises are not anticipated, responses are determined by conditions of the moment. A frequent result is that laws and regulations are not in place. Decisions about likely preferred responses would allow anticipatory legislation and regulations.

Social implications

– Financial crises obviously have major implications for ordinary citizens far removed from the centers of finance. Improved responses to mitigate or avoid disasters would have profound impacts on people’s quality of life.

Originality/value

– The three crises have been studied individually. This work is different in that it examines the impact of a common set of factors over three crises covering a span of 80 years.
The vexing problem of defining financial exploitation
Authors: Jackson Shelly L.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to study the vexing problem of defining financial exploitation. Advocates and practitioners in the field who have been battling financial exploitation are pleased to observe the increased attention that financial exploitation is receiving at all levels of society. With this increased attention, however, there has been a conflation of terms used to describe financial exploitation, resulting in some confusion about what constitutes financial exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Fully recognizing that definitions serve different functions, this paper identifies three main purposes of a definition and then describes the myriad ways financial exploitation has been defined in the research literature, by organizations, and in civil and criminal statutes.

Findings

– Financial exploitation has been defined in multiple ways within and across categories. Furthermore, the definition has expanded over time. This paper proposes the need for greater definitional clarity around the concept of financial exploitation, and argues that at a minimum a distinction must be made between financial exploitation and financial fraud.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to comprehensively review the myriad ways in which financial exploitation has been defined in the literature, by organizations and within state civil and criminal statutes.
Corporate frauds in India – perceptions and emerging issues
Authors: Gupta P. K. , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and perception of corporate frauds in India and their consequences in the business and economic systems, and it highlights the emerging issues so that existing legal and regulatory obligations can be redefined and structured.

Design/methodology/approach

– An exploratory research was conducted through a combined mode of literature review; case studies; structured questionnaires from 346 sample companies; and 43 interviews with the corporate professionals, management, investors, government offices and authorities having wide experience.

Findings

– It was found that the regulatory system is weak, and there is dire need to redefine the role of auditors. Coordination among different regulatory authorities is poor, and after every scam, there is a blame game. Reporting of fraud and publication of fraud prevention policy are missing. Banks and financial institutions are ineffective on due diligence, and there is a lack of professionalism on the board and other executive levels in companies.

Research limitations/implications

– This study assumes that fraud could be mitigated by proactive and conscious action by auditors, and corporate executives are willing to avoid perpetrating financial fraud despite pressures from investors, government securities regulators and exogenous market fluctuations. The authors relied on the honesty of the respondents during the sample collection and recorded semi-structured interviews. A minimum level of five years’ work experience relative to preventing, detecting or investigating fraud has been considered a valid determinant in selecting the purposive sample.

Practical implications

– The study suggests mandatory publication of fraud prevention policy; constitution of special purpose corporate offence wing; recognition to companies for improved corporate governance; true adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards; due diligence by banks and financial institutions; compulsory appointment of professionals by shareholders and fixation of responsibility on independent professionals; intellectualisation of audit committee; and more powers to the regulators, especially Securities and Exchange Board of India.

Social implications

– Prevention of corporate frauds reduces anxiety, improves corporate image and builds up confidence of the investors, which is essential for resource channelling in financial markets.

Originality/value

– The research work is based on a thorough analysis of regulatory framework and fraud case studies and primary data collected from companies, banks and other government and developmental institutions.
Management models for international cybercrime
Authors: Smith G. Stevenson
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify how the management structure of cybercriminals has changed and will continue to be revised in the future as their criminal business models are modified. In the early days of hacktivism, a distinction was made between a “hacker” and a “cracker”. The hacker was considered someone who was interested in the vulnerabilities in a computer system, but they were not out to exploit these vulnerabilities for illicit gains. Today, this is no longer true, as loosely coordinated gangs of computer hackers exploit vulnerabilities of financial institutions and the public to steal and transfer money across borders without difficulty.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reviews legal cases dealing with the computer theft of assets from financial institutions and individuals. The focus is on external exploits of hackers not on employee’s theft of assets. It explores the management structure used by cybercriminals who have been caught and prosecuted by legal authorities in the USA and other countries. The paper discusses how this management structure has evolved from older traditional crime business models based on “family” relationships to morphing criminal gangs based in Russia, the Ukraine and other locations almost untouchable by the US legal authorities. These new criminal networks are based on knowledge relationships and quickly disappearing network connections. The paper concludes with a discussion regarding the management structure cybercriminals will follow in the future, as they continue their criminal activities.

Findings

– The study provides indications of a trend toward more complex management and organizational structures among cybergangs.

Originality/value

– Although there are many annual studies identifying the growth of cybercrime and the types of attacks being made, but there is not even a single study that shows how the cybercrime business model has changed over the past 20 years. From that perspective, the paper provides information of a changing and more effective business model for cyberattacks.
Applying criminological theory to academic fraud
Authors: Walker Nicholas , Holtfreter Kristy
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine academic dishonesty and research misconduct, two forms of academic fraud, and provides suggestions for future research informed by criminological theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– After reviewing prior literature, this paper outlines four general criminological theories that can explain academic fraud.

Findings

– While criminological theory has been applied to some studies of academic dishonesty, research misconduct has rarely been examined within a broader theoretical context.

Practical implications

– This paper provides a blueprint for future theoretically informed analyses of academic fraud.

Originality/value

– This paper represents a unique attempt to apply general criminological theories to diverse forms of fraud in higher education settings.
How do family ownership and founder management affect capital structure decisions and adjustment of SMEs?
Authors: Burgstaller Johann , Wagner Eva
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper s to study the financing behavior of family firms (FF), as these differ from their small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) counterparts in their capital structure decision, mainly due to an increased risk aversion and the desire to maintain control over the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 470 SMEs from a bank-based environment is examined for the period of 2005-2010. A dynamic panel data model is utilized to assess both the role of several capital structure determinants and the target-adjusting behavior for different subsamples of firms.

Findings

– The results show that FF, whether controlled by founders or not, are relatively more leveraged. The aim to maintain long-term control and limited financing options and other factors seem crucial to the observed differences in leverage and dominate risk considerations associated with higher debt. Presumed differences in agency costs across generations do not drive capital structure decisions, as overall leverage does not differ between founder- and descendant-controlled family firms (FCFF and DCFF, respectively). Firms with a founder-chief executive officer (CEO), however, adjust faster to deviations from a target debt ratio. The effects of many proposed capital structure determinants differ across firm types, but are highly consistent with predictions from the pecking order theory.

Practical implications

– Based on the results of this study, we suggest policy-makers in bank-based economies like Austria to strongly focus on mechanisms that facilitate the access to bank debt to ensure adequate allocation of finances to SMEs. This is especially important to stimulate growth and further innovation for the dominant group of FF, as they rely on debt the most to maintain family control.

Originality/value

– This paper makes a novel contribution to the literature, as it combines an analysis of the capital structure of non-listed family firms (NFF) in a bank-based economy, the respective role of founder management, the dynamic adjustment to a presumed debt target and joint tests of capital structure theories.