bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The resonant tunability, enhancement, and damping of plasma waves in the two-dimensional electron gas plasmonic crystals at terahertz frequencies
Authors: Wang Lin , Chen Xiaoshuang , Hu Weida , Yu Anqi , Lu Wei
Published: June 2013

The ability to manipulate plasma waves in the two-dimensional-(2D)-electron-gas based plasmonic crystals is investigated in this work. It is demonstrated that the plasmon resonance of 2D plasmonic crystal can be tuned easily at terahertz frequency due to the wavevector quantization induced by the size effect. After calculating self-consistently by taking into account several potential mechanisms for the resonant damping of plasma waves, it can be concluded that the plasmon-plasmon scattering plays the dominant role. Based on the calculations, we can predict the scattering or inter-excitation among the oblique plasmons in the 2D crystal. The results can be extended to study 2D-electron-gas plasmonic waveguides, terahertz modulators, and detectors with electrostatic gating.
Increased enzyme binding to substrate is not necessary for more efficient cellulose hydrolysis
Authors: Gao Dahai , Chundawat Shishir P. S. , Sethi Anurag , Balan Venkatesh , Gnanakaran S. , Dale Bruce E.
Published: June 2013

Substrate binding is typically one of the rate-limiting steps preceding enzyme catalytic action during homogeneous reactions. However, interfacial-based enzyme catalysis on insoluble crystalline substrates, like cellulose, has additional bottlenecks of individual biopolymer chain decrystallization from the substrate interface followed by its processive depolymerization to soluble sugars. This additional decrystallization step has ramifications on the role of enzyme–substrate binding and its relationship to overall catalytic efficiency. We found that altering the crystalline structure of cellulose from its native allomorph I

β

to III

I

results in 40–50% lower binding partition coefficient for fungal cellulases, but surprisingly, it enhanced hydrolytic activity on the latter allomorph. We developed a comprehensive kinetic model for processive cellulases acting on insoluble substrates to explain this anomalous finding. Our model predicts that a reduction in the effective binding affinity to the substrate coupled with an increase in the decrystallization procession rate of individual cellulose chains from the substrate surface into the enzyme active site can reproduce our anomalous experimental findings.
Exceptional rigidity and biomechanics of amyloid revealed by 4D electron microscopy
Authors: Fitzpatrick Anthony W. P. , Park Sang Tae , Zewail Ahmed H.
Published: June 2013

Amyloid is an important class of proteinaceous material because of its close association with protein misfolding disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and type II diabetes. Although the degree of stiffness of amyloid is critical to the understanding of its pathological and biological functions, current estimates of the rigidity of these β-sheet–rich protein aggregates range from soft (10
8
Pa) to hard (10
10
Pa) depending on the method used. Here, we use time-resolved 4D EM to directly and noninvasively measure the oscillatory dynamics of freestanding, self-supporting amyloid beams and their rigidity. The dynamics of a single structure, not an ensemble, were visualized in space and time by imaging in the microscope an amyloid–dye cocrystal that, upon excitation, converts light into mechanical work. From the oscillatory motion, together with tomographic reconstructions of three studied amyloid beams, we determined the Young modulus of these highly ordered, hydrogen-bonded β-sheet structures. We find that amyloid materials are very stiff (10
9
Pa). The potential biological relevance of the deposition of such a highly rigid biomaterial in vivo are discussed.
Use of Aluminum Sulfate to Reduce pH and Increase Survival in Fingerling Striped Bass Production Ponds Fertilized with Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Barkoh Aaron , Kurten Gerald L , Begley Drew C , Fries Loraine T
Published: June 2013

Previous studies revealed inorganic nitrogen (300 μg/L) and phosphorus (30 μg/L) additions thrice weekly is effective in controlling the density of Prymnesium parvum, a flagellated haptophytic golden alga with ichthyotoxicity in fish culture ponds. However, increased pH resulting from this treatment is also toxic to fry and fingerlings of Striped Bass Morone saxatilis. We evaluated the efficacy of aluminum sulfate (alum) in lowering pH in ponds fertilized for P. parvum control. The effects of alum on dissolved N and P concentrations, as well as the efficacy of this fertilization treatment for P. parvum control, were also examined. Striped Bass fingerlings (27.93 mm total length) were raised for 42 d in 10 plastic-lined ponds (0.1 ha) fertilized for P. parvum control. Five ponds received alum applications at a rate of 1 mg/L for each 1 mg/L phenolphthalein alkalinity when afternoon pH was ≥9.0. The remaining five ponds served as controls and received no alum. Among alum ponds, morning pH was reduced by an average of 1.2 units and afternoon pH by an average of 0.8 units compared with controls. However, the alum treatment did not maintain afternoon pH below 9.0. Alum reduced concentrations of total P, soluble reactive P, total Kjeldahl N, nitrite + nitrate N, and total N but not ammonium N. The fertilization regimen was not as aggressive in controlling P. parvum in alum ponds as it was in control ponds, which may be attributed to N and P removal by alum. Striped Bass production was poor in all ponds, probably because of high pH. Future studies should investigate higher alum treatment rates (e.g., phenolphthalein alkalinity : alum = 1:1.5 or 1:2) along with modification of the timing or frequency of fertilization.
DNA damage checkpoint and recombinational repair differentially affect the replication stress tolerance ofsmc6mutants
Authors: Chen Yu-Hung , Szakal Barnabas , Castellucci Federica , Branzei Dana , Zhao Xiaolan
Published: June 2013

DNA damage checkpoint and recombinational repair are both important for cell survival of replication stress. Because these two processes influence each other, isolation of their respective contributions is challenging. Research in budding yeast shows that removal of the DNA helicase Mph1 improves survival of cells with defective Smc5/6 complex under replication stress. mph1∆ is known to reduce the levels of recombination intermediates in smc6 mutants. Here, we show that mph1∆ also hyperactivates the Mec1 checkpoint. We dissect the effects of recombination regulation and checkpoint hyperactivation by altering the checkpoint circuitry to enhance checkpoint signaling without reducing recombination intermediate levels. We show that these approaches, similar to mph1∆, lead to better survival of smc6 cells upon transient replication stress, likely by ameliorating replication and chromosomal segregation defects. Unlike mph1∆, however, they do not suppress smc6 sensitivity to chronic stress. Conversely, reducing the checkpoint response does not impair survival of smc6 mph1∆ mutants under chronic stress. These results suggest a two-phase model in which smc6 mutant survival upon transient replication stress can be improved by enhancing Mec1 checkpoint signaling, whereas smc6 sensitivity to chronic stress can be overcome by reducing recombination intermediates.
2. Deliberate harm to the person
Authors: Hedley Steve , Padfield Nicola
Published: June 2013

Titles in the Core Text series take the reader straight to the heart of the subject, providing focused, concise, and reliable guides for students at all levels. This chapter discusses the types of harm to the claimant that are tortious if they are deliberate. These include assault, battery, false imprisonment, unlawful harassment, and invasion of privacy.
3. Negligent harm to the person: general considerations
Authors: Hedley Steve , Padfield Nicola
Published: June 2013

Titles in the Core Text series take the reader straight to the heart of the subject, providing focused, concise, and reliable guides for students at all levels. This chapter deals with negligence as it relates to claimants who have suffered personal injury. It discusses the general rules on establishing duty and breach of duty. It then describes the system of recovery for injuries in negligence. It also considers special categories of claimant: those who suffer nervous shock, those complaining of negligence in relation to birth, and rescuers.
9. Parties, and liability for others
Authors: Hedley Steve , Padfield Nicola
Published: June 2013

Titles in the Core Text series take the reader straight to the heart of the subject, providing focused, concise, and reliable guides for students at all levels. This chapter discusses liability for torts committed by others. The defendant may be liable for torts committed by others in a number of situations. These situations include: where the defendant’s employee commits a tort; where the defendant was under a duty to prevent others committing torts; and where the defendant’s duty was non-delegable. Where a number of different people are responsible for the same damage, then as between themselves, the law may make a rough apportionment of blame. But each one of them is liable to the claimant for the whole of the loss.
Distribution patterns and sexual segregation in chimaeras: implications for conservation and management
Authors: Holt Rebecca E. , Foggo Andrew , Neat Francis C. , Howell Kerry L.
Published: June 2013

Holt, R. E., Foggo, A., Neat, F. C., and Howell, K. L. 2013. Distribution patterns and sexual segregation in chimaeras: implications for conservation and management. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 1198–1205. Chimaeras such as Chimaera monstrosa and Hydrolagus mirabilis are commonly found in commercial bycatch of deep-sea fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic. Very little information exists on their life history, ecology or behaviour. Segregation of populations by sex and/or age classes has been demonstrated in several elasmobranchs, but whether segregation occurs in chimaeras, and if so what mechanisms are involved, remains unknown. This study investigates the distribution and sexual segregation of four species of chimaera (C. monstrosa, H. mirabilis, C. opalescens n. sp. and Harriotta raleighana) in relation to sex, size (maturity) class, bottom depth, and latitude. Data were obtained from annual trawl surveys undertaken by Marine Scotland, Aberdeen, from 1998–2009, at 400–2000 m in the Northeast Atlantic (55–59°N 5–11°W). A factorial General Linear Model (GLM) with planned contrasts indicated complex patterns of age- and sex-related segregation. All adult males and females were sexually segregated by depth: in all four species investigated females occurred at greater depths than males. Potential birthing grounds were identified for H. mirabilis. Latitudinal spatial segregation was not evident in relation to sex or maturity stage. The patterns of segregation reported here suggest a potential for differential exploitation of the sexes by spatially focused fisheries.
Deletion of MCL-1 causes lethal cardiac failure and mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Wang Xi , Bathina Madhavi , Lynch John , Koss Brian , Calabrese Christopher , Frase Sharon , Schuetz John D. , Rehg Jerold E. , Opferman Joseph T.
Published: June 2013

MCL-1 is an essential BCL-2 family member that promotes the survival of multiple cellular lineages, but its role in cardiac muscle has remained unclear. Here, we report that cardiac-specific ablation of Mcl-1 results in a rapidly fatal, dilated cardiomyopathy manifested by a loss of cardiac contractility, abnormal mitochondria ultrastructure, and defective mitochondrial respiration. Strikingly, genetic ablation of both proapoptotic effectors (Bax and Bak) could largely rescue the lethality and impaired cardiac function induced by Mcl-1 deletion. However, while the overt consequences of Mcl-1 loss were obviated by combining with the loss of Bax and Bak, mitochondria from the Mcl-1-, Bax-, and Bak-deficient hearts still revealed mitochondrial ultrastructural abnormalities and displayed deficient mitochondrial respiration. Together, these data indicate that merely blocking cell death is insufficient to completely overcome the need for MCL-1 function in cardiomyocytes and suggest that in cardiac muscle, MCL-1 also facilitates normal mitochondrial function. These findings are important, as specific MCL-1-inhibiting therapeutics are being proposed to treat cancer cells and may result in unexpected cardiac toxicity.
Loss of MCL-1 leads to impaired autophagy and rapid development of heart failure
Authors: Thomas Robert L. , Roberts David J. , Kubli Dieter A. , Lee Youngil , Quinsay Melissa N. , Owens Jarvis B. , Fischer Kimberlee M. , Sussman Mark A. , Miyamoto Shigeki , Gustafsson Åsa B.
Published: June 2013

Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) is an anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein that is up-regulated in several human cancers. MCL-1 is also highly expressed in myocardium, but its function in myocytes has not been investigated. We generated inducible, cardiomyocyte-specific Mcl-1 knockout mice and found that ablation of Mcl-1 in the adult heart led to rapid cardiomyopathy and death. Although MCL-1 is known to inhibit apoptosis, this process was not activated in MCL-1-deficient hearts. Ultrastructural analysis revealed disorganized sarcomeres and swollen mitochondria in myocytes. Mitochondria isolated from MCL-1-deficient hearts exhibited reduced respiration and limited Ca2+-mediated swelling, consistent with opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Double-knockout mice lacking MCL-1 and cyclophilin D, an essential regulator of the mPTP, exhibited delayed progression to heart failure and extended survival. Autophagy is normally induced by myocardial stress, but induction of autophagy was impaired in MCL-1-deficient hearts. These data demonstrate that MCL-1 is essential for mitochondrial homeostasis and induction of autophagy in the heart. This study also raises concerns about potential cardiotoxicity for chemotherapeutics that target MCL-1.
A double take on bivalent promoters
Authors: Voigt Philipp , Tee Wee-Wei , Reinberg Danny
Published: June 2013

Histone modifications and chromatin-associated protein complexes are crucially involved in the control of gene expression, supervising cell fate decisions and differentiation. Many promoters in embryonic stem (ES) cells harbor a distinctive histone modification signature that combines the activating histone H3 Lys 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) mark and the repressive H3K27me3 mark. These bivalent domains are considered to poise expression of developmental genes, allowing timely activation while maintaining repression in the absence of differentiation signals. Recent advances shed light on the establishment and function of bivalent domains; however, their role in development remains controversial, not least because suitable genetic models to probe their function in developing organisms are missing. Here, we explore avenues to and from bivalency and propose that bivalent domains and associated chromatin-modifying complexes safeguard proper and robust differentiation.
Frac-seq reveals isoform-specific recruitment to polyribosomes
Authors: Sterne-Weiler Timothy , Martinez-Nunez Rocio Teresa , Howard Jonathan M. , Cvitovik Ivan , Katzman Sol , Tariq Muhammad A. , Pourmand Nader , Sanford Jeremy R.
Published: June 2013

Pre-mRNA splicing is required for the accurate expression of virtually all human protein coding genes. However, splicing also plays important roles in coordinating subsequent steps of pre-mRNA processing such as polyadenylation and mRNA export. Here, we test the hypothesis that nuclear pre-mRNA processing influences the polyribosome association of alternative mRNA isoforms. By comparing isoform ratios in cytoplasmic and polyribosomal extracts, we determined that the alternative products of ∼30% (597/1954) of mRNA processing events are differentially partitioned between these subcellular fractions. Many of the events exhibiting isoform-specific polyribosome association are highly conserved across mammalian genomes, underscoring their possible biological importance. We find that differences in polyribosome association may be explained, at least in part by the observation that alternative splicing alters the cis-regulatory landscape of mRNAs isoforms. For example, inclusion or exclusion of upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in the 5′UTR as well as Alu-elements and microRNA target sites in the 3′UTR have a strong influence on polyribosome association of alternative mRNA isoforms. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the first time the potential link between alternative splicing and translational control of the resultant mRNA isoforms.
Schema-driven facilitation of new hierarchy learning in the transitive inference paradigm
Authors: Kumaran Dharshan
Published: June 2013

Prior knowledge, in the form of a mental schema or framework, is viewed to facilitate the learning of new information in a range of experimental and everyday scenarios. Despite rising interest in the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying schema-driven facilitation of new learning, few paradigms have been developed to examine this issue in humans. Here we develop a multiphase experimental scenario aimed at characterizing schema-based effects in the context of a paradigm that has been very widely used across species, the transitive inference task. We show that an associative schema, comprised of prior knowledge of the rank positions of familiar items in the hierarchy, has a marked effect on transitivity performance and the development of relational knowledge of the hierarchy that cannot be accounted for by more general changes in task strategy. Further, we show that participants are capable of deploying prior knowledge to successful effect under surprising conditions (i.e., when corrective feedback is totally absent), but only when the associative schema is robust. Finally, our results provide insights into the cognitive mechanisms underlying such schema-driven effects, and suggest that new hierarchy learning in the transitive inference task can occur through a contextual transfer mechanism that exploits the structure of associative experiences.
A three-dimensional supramolecular framework of silver(I), 2-phenylquinoline-4-carboxylate and 4,4′-bipyridine
Authors: Guo Jun-Fang , Guo Bing-Xin , Wu Jiang-Yu , Yan Guo-Ping
Published: June 2013

A novel supramolecular framework,catena-poly[[[aqua(2-phenylquinoline-4-carboxylato-κO)silver(I)]-μ-4,4′-bipyridine-κ2N:N′] dihydrate], {[Ag(C16H10NO2)(C10H8N2)(H2O)]·2H2O}n, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The AgIcentres are four-coordinated and bridged by 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) ligands to form a one-dimensional Ag–bipy chain. The Ag–bipy chains are further linked together by intermolecular O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen-bonding interactions between adjacent chains, resulting in a three-dimensional framework.
The advance of the MOOCs (massive open online courses)
Authors: Clarke Thomas
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the rapid development of the massive open online courses (MOOCs) and the implications for business education, to critically examine the educational and business models of the MOOCs, to assess their present scale and scalability, and to explore the responses of the universities to this challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an analysis of the origins, structure and orientation of the MOOCs, assesses their future trajectory and compares this development with earlier waves of e‐learning.

Findings

The massive open online courses have considerable potential for growth with high quality products supported by leading universities. However they still need to resolve issues other e‐learning organisations have faced including assessment, high drop out rates, and how to maintain viability.

Research limitations/implications

The MOOCs remain at a developmental stage, and it is not yet apparent whether their growth trajectories will be as ambitious as anticipated. However they are a definite advance over earlier online learning systems, and are worthy of further research regarding their performance.

Practical implications

The recent origin of the MOOCs involves an idealistic phase that is inspiring, but the question is will it last? Have the MOOCs the resilience to continue to develop as the universities have done over many decades? Further research will be required on this.

Social implications

The MOOCs have immense social implications for access to higher education in both the advanced and developing worlds.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies of the MOOCs to emerge which compares them with earlier initiatives in e‐learning, and considers the adaptive responses of the universities.
An aid to transition? The perceived utility of online resources for on‐campus first year management students
Authors: Lindorff Margaret , McKeown Tui
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to be a response to the “Call for Papers” on challenges for the practice of, and new modes of questioning and delivery in, business education. The authors seek to do this through an investigation of the disadvantages and benefits associated with the move towards using online technologies in an on‐campus undergraduate first year management subject.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey of 362 first year students undertaking a blended learning course in management.

Findings

Students prefer interactive tutorials over lectures or online material they can access themselves as needed. They also mainly access the online material they believe will be most useful in achieving higher grades, and prefer online material that is related to assessment outcomes, rather than that designed for greater understanding.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that the community of inquiry framework, although designed to evaluate online learning, can also be used to frame the comparative utility of online and other teaching strategies. The paper also explores issues related to the Technology Acceptance Model's prediction that ease of use of online learning resources is important, and finds that many students are restricted by the cost of downloading and printing online learning material in university libraries and laboratories.

Originality/value

The research focuses upon first year management students, and transition implications of the findings are discussed.
Systemwide reform in districts under pressure
Authors: Finnigan Kara S. , Daly Alan J. , Che Jing
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the way in which low‐performing schools and their district define, acquire, use, and diffuse research‐based evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed methods case study builds upon the prior research on research evidence and social networks, drawing on social network analyses, survey data and interview data to examine how educators in low‐performing schools and across the district use evidence (including which types and for what purposes), as well as the relationship between network structure and evidence use for school improvement.

Findings

Educators had narrow definitions of, and skepticism about, evidence, which limited its acquisition and use for school improvement. The authors found a lack of diffusion of evidence within schools and districtwide as a result of sparse connections among and between educators. Evidence was used in an instrumental, yet superficial, manner leading to weak interpretation of evidence and resulting in limited understanding of underlying problems and available solutions.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests the importance of using social network analyses to examine the diffusion of evidence, as well as the need to better understand how evidence is defined and used.

Practical implications

It is necessary to pay greater attention to how educators acquire evidence, as well as the ways in which it is used to impact school‐based decisions in low‐performing schools and districts. Moreover, the work suggests the influence of the district office on school‐level reform.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the research on low‐performing schools and accountability policy by examining the larger districtwide context and integrates social network, survey, and interview data.
Policy watch: a steady erosion of rights
Authors: Corlett Sophie
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The Policy Watch series reflects on recent and forthcoming developments in mental health policy across the UK. This paper aims to review recent trends in detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 in England and the relationship to trends in access to mental health services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews recent trends based on research sources and the findings of the Care Quality Commission, which monitors the Mental Health Act and regulates health and social care in England.

Findings

The paper suggests that a steady increase in coercion is related to tightening access to mental health care and that these form a toxic relationship that undermines people's mental health, recovery and rights. These trends might be reversed by a combination of rights‐based measures, shared decision‐making and commissioning a better level and mix of mental health services.

Originality/value

The paper updates and discusses knowledge on trends and cites recent evidence from the Care Quality Commission and from Mind.
Strategic factors and firm performance in an emerging economy
Authors: Berko O. Damoah Obi
Published: June 2013

Purpose

As a result of the lack of reliable data, systematic research that informs public policy and practice from Ghana seems to be lacking. Although the World Bank's survey concerning Ghana's manufacturing sub‐sector has been available for some time now, yet little is known as regards firm level research and so policy formulation has been affected exceedingly. The purpose of this paper is to identify the strategic factors which influence firm performance from Ghana (an emerging economy).

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs the World Bank data set relating to a panel of firms within the Ghanaian manufacturing sector from 1991‐2002.

Findings

By pooling the data and setting OLS regression, the results of the study indicate that joint venture (JVs) ownership predicts significant performance compared with similar counterparts that are wholly indigenously owned. Besides, firm size, workforce productivity and the location where a firm operates are strategic drivers of firm performance in a significant way.

Originality/value

The paper shows that alliances with foreign businesses by indigenous firms from Ghana boosts the capacity of the local firms with regard to human and financial capital resources, as well as linking them to international supply and distribution networks that greatly enhance their performance.
Perceived risk, risk-reduction strategies (RRS) and consumption occasions
Authors: Bruwer Johan , Fong Miranda , Saliba Anthony
Published: June 2013

Purpose

– This exploratory study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived risk, risk-reduction strategies (RRS), and the occasion-based purchase of wine, a product widely regarded as representing a complex buying situation for consumers in a retail setting.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data was collected in a specialty wine store in Adelaide, Australia using a self-administered questionnaire. A 22-item Perceived Risk Scale (PRS) was developed and operationalised in this study returning a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.717.

Findings

– The highest perceived risk dimension, namely financial risk, did not differ between risk segments, while the high perceived risk segment observed more social risk than the low perceived risk segment. The high-perceived risk segment also observed more psychological risk. Information seeking was the most important RRS used across seven different wine consumption occasions. The decreasing order of importance in consumption occasions had an inverse relationship to the closeness of the relationship the wine consumers had with those with whom they may consume the wine they had purchased.

Research limitations/implications

– Marketers and managers have the opportunity to target consumers mindful of their specific perceived risks, and help reduce these uncertainties through the use of individualised RRS management focused on consumers' occasion-based wine purchases.

Originality/value

– This study is of value to academic researchers and wine industry practitioners alike. It contributes to the knowledge base by developing a new Perceived Risk Scale (PRS) to investigate the relationship perceived risk has on the types of RRS wine consumers use when purchasing wine for various consumption occasions.
How do Muslim consumers perceive service quality?
Authors: Gayatri Gita , Chew Janet
Published: June 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to report the development of an Islamic service quality scale that is derived from the literature, verbal protocol method interviews, and survey. Design/methodology/approach

Design/methodology/approach

– Verbal protocol interviews were conducted with 24 men and 12 women from Indonesia. A pilot testing of the questionnaire was conducted with four Indonesian students. The items were further refined and pilot tested with six Indonesian students. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis (n

Findings

– The results indicate a robust measure of Islamic service quality: general Islamic values, Halal/Haram, attention to Islamic religious activities, honesty, modesty, and humaneness and trustworthiness. Future researchers can apply the Islamic service quality measure to Muslim consumers in other countries. Successful service providers need to be cognizant of the intrinsic roles played by Islamic values and practices among the Muslim consumers.

Research limitations/implications

– Major limitations include the recall ability of consumers during the verbal protocol method of interviewing, potential blending of Islamic values and Javanese culture, and the extent of separation of state and religion. Future researchers can apply the Islamic service quality measure to Muslim consumers in other countries.

Practical implications

– Successful service providers need to be cognizant of the intrinsic roles played by Islamic values and practices among the Muslim consumers.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the extant literature on Islamic marketing by developing a unique measure of service quality that is pertinent to Muslim consumers.
Modeling and assessment of competencies in urban local bodies for implementing PPP projects
Authors: Devkar Ganesh A. , Kalidindi Satyanarayana N.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The weak competencies in urban local bodies (ULBs) for implementing public private partnership (PPP) projects are recognized as a major hurdle in uptake of the PPP model in India. Competency‐based management provides a systematic solution for addressing the competency gap in ULBs, which comprises four components: competency identification, competency assessment, competency development and competency monitoring. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a PPP competencies assessment (PCA) tool for assessment of competencies in ULBs for implementing urban PPP projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used for modeling of competencies involved in urban PPP projects. The application of the PCA tool was showcased with a case study of PPP projects in the municipal solid waste management (MSW) sector.

Findings

The PCA tool is effective in assessment of competencies in ULBs. The outputs obtained from the PCA tool provided detailed information on competency profile of the ULB, competency gap and aggregate measure of PPP competencies index.

Originality/value

The study contributes towards the growing body of knowledge on competency development in ULBs for implementing urban PPP projects. The results would also help policy makers to formulate approaches to overcome the competency gap in ULBs.
Customer preference oriented product design using AHP‐modified TOPSIS approach
Authors: Gangurde Sanjay R. , Akarte Milind M.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) approach to evaluate product design alternatives in respect to the customer requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports a systematic approach developed to concurrently satisfy the product requirements as well as the customer requirements. Mobile phone example has been elected to demonstrate the approach. Mobile product features and customer preferences data have been collected and analyzed to obtain the commonalities from the designer and customer perspective. Regression analysis has been carried out to establish the relationship between the product independent features with the dependent feature (Ex. Cost, Talk time). Based on the equations developed, different product configurations have been defined from the designer's point of view. Modified TOPSIS – a multi attribute decision making (MADM) method – has been employed to facilitate the most suitable product configuration selection based on the customer requirements.

Findings

The method facilitates design of the best product configuration that will maximize customer satisfaction with minimum cost.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology will provide a useful tool to the decision maker, which may help to eliminate the associated risks in the product design configuration that closely satisfy customer's expectations and product launching decision.
Appraisement and selection of third party logistics service providers in fuzzy environment
Authors: Datta Saurav , Samantra Chitrasen , Sankar Mahapatra Siba , Mandal Goutam , Majumdar Gautam
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision‐making procedural hierarchy for evaluation as well as selection of third‐party reverse logistics provider (3PL) under fuzzy environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to uncertainty, vagueness arising from decision makers (DM) subjective judgment towards intangible (qualitative) selection criteria, fuzzy logic has been utilized to facilitate such a decision‐making process for 3PL evaluation and selection.

Findings

Evaluating and selecting 3PL providers can be regarded as a multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) process in which a decision maker chooses, under several selection criteria, the best suited alternative. The present study highlights a case study on evaluation and selection of 3PL service providers for a reputed Indian automobile part manufacturing company. The fuzzy based decision‐making tool applied here has been proved fruitful for its effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

There are many research issues remaining in the development of this approach. First, the definition of appropriate fuzzy linguistic variables, corresponding membership functions (MFs) and their numbers, and their universe of discourse for a general use in the algorithm. Second, a methodology for accumulating raw data and analyzing the appropriate MFs for the base linguistic variables. Third, the relative importance of every decision maker, the decision‐making environment and structure may affect the decision‐making process. These have been assumed negligible in this study.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this research are: first, an integrated criteria list (followed by sets of sub‐criteria) has been modeled for service quality evaluation and appraisement of 3PL providers. Each sub criteria set has been structured to be preceded by a main criteria. Second, priority weights of various main criteria as well as sub‐criteria; extent of successful performance (rating) of different sub‐criteria have been expressed in fuzzy numbers. It facilitates in accumulating DMs subjective judgments into a unique numerical evaluation score. Third, decision makers risk‐bearing attitude has been estimated and utilized in computing overall evaluation index for alternative candidates. The decision‐making framework presented here can be extended to solve any decision‐making problem designed under a complex and interconnected set of primary criteria followed by sub‐criteria or more extended elaborate criteria hierarchy.
Availability of e‐books in science: case study of University of Delhi
Authors: Jindal Suresh , Pant Ankur
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether a sufficient number of e‐books is available in science streams from different publishers to satisfy the need of an academic library to develop an e‐book collection based on its collection development policy. This study aims to identify e‐book equivalents for print books acquired by Central Science Library, University of Delhi.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides the in‐depth quantitative analysis according to title‐by‐title selection of e‐books from various international publishers compared to the recommended books for different science courses of the University of Delhi. The study was conducted following that of Price and McDonald which shows that around 30 per cent of print books have e‐book equivalents. The data collected were analyzed by using a simple method of calculation and percentages were calculated to interpret the results of the study.

Findings

The results show that only about 17per cent of print books have e‐book equivalents available from different publishers, fulfilling only 9‐15 per cent of the requirements of most of the courses – something that does not match the library's collection development policy.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is based on the books recommended in the curriculum of different science courses of the University of Delhi for the academic year 2009‐2010. According to subject‐wise distribution of e‐books variation of about 2 per cent in the findings occurred, as some books are mentioned in the curriculum of more than one course. This study provides some constructive suggestions which may help librarians to explore ways to spend the budget for collection development of e‐books in a more appropriate way.

Originality/value

As this paper is based on in‐depth quantitative analysis of availability of e‐books according to need of a particular academic library, generalization about availability of e‐books cannot be made. However, it contributes to trace the growth of e‐books and suggests some alternatives to develop e‐book collection. Further studies can be done for different library settings to find out their need for and availability of e‐books.
Journeys to the top: women university rectors in Vietnam
Authors: Funnell Robert , Chi Dao Hien
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to outline some of the social, cultural, political and economic conditions in which four of only seven women who have become rectors of public universities in Vietnam. Their experiences are described with a focus on the context of Vietnam in order to focus more clearly on non‐western starting points for theory about career development in higher education in Vietnam and other non‐western settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of historical and personal accounts is used to situate the points of view of Vietnamese women and to argue for the processes of becoming a rector as an important and significant point for understanding how women gain entry to high‐status and previously all‐male domains.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that while family/career relationships are crucial in reporting these women's experiences, too much emphasis on these aspects can divert attention away from the conditions historically blocking the initial journey into high‐status parts of an organisation. These processes in which this is initiated cannot be fully contained within western theory and literature.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size of four is a limitation and the interviews do not extend to colleagues and family members, but the four women represent over half of the total population of Vietnamese women rectors. On balance though, the research contains implicit material that would be of interest to others in the area to build on with further case studies either in Vietnam or other Asian countries.

Practical implications

The experiences of the women rectors could provide examples lacking in Vietnamese society and in literature there. The experiences could be a role model for other women's pursuits of careers in Vietnam.

Social implications

The paper contributes in identifying processes of becoming and their reliance on social conditions from the personal powers can be generated. For this framework to be effective, factors such as management style adopted when women are “at the top” must be separated from conditions that have made the “journeys to the top” possible in the first place.

Originality/value

The paper is the first of its type on women's careers in Vietnam and contributes to the development of further studies into individual women, for women's groups and academic debate in Vietnamese society. The paper could provide some discussion on where strategies might be most appropriately devised and implemented to counter loss of small gains made in women's careers and within the values in Vietnamese society.
The influence of the gender and race of the judge and the type of discrimination charge on court case outcomes
Authors: Terpstra David , Honorée André , Friedl John
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether the demographics of the US federal judiciary and the type of employment discrimination charge influence federal employment discrimination case outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The outcomes of 401 randomly selected employment discrimination cases were examined by utilizing chi square analysis to test the interaction effects of race and gender along with four different charges of employment discrimination.

Findings

The findings suggest that the outcomes of employment discrimination cases are a function of the interaction of the judges' gender and race along with the type of discrimination charge (e.g. gender, race, age, or disability discrimination) involved in the case.

Research limitations/implications

More research studies with larger cell sample sizes for certain discrimination claims should be conducted to ascertain the validity of the current results.

Practical implications

Potential litigants in employment discrimination cases (both plaintiffs and defendants) may find these results relevant in determining their chances for success in the courtroom.

Social implications

These findings could help judges become more aware of potential biases and help guard against being influenced by them. These findings may also have implications for the selection and appointment of judges and suggest that judicial bodies that are more diverse may render more unbiased rulings.

Originality/value

Previous research regarding the influence of the sex and race of the judge on court case outcomes has yielded contradictory and confusing findings. However, by controlling for the possible influence of the type of charge involved in the cases, the findings of the current study suggest that judges' rulings are a function of the interaction of the judges' demographic characteristics with the type of discrimination charge.
India's Right to Information Act, 2005: a catalyst for good governance
Authors: Babu Chennupati Divakara , Mouly Potluri Rajasekhara , Mangnale V.S.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and assess the efficacy of one of India's path‐breaking and trendsetting enactments of recent origin, namely, the Right to Information Act, 2005 in promoting transparency, accountability and probity in governance process at the national and sub‐national level and how it is useful as a potent legal tool in fighting against and preventing maladministration, bad governance and venality in the governance process at different levels of administration in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses purely on the doctrine study by tracing out the historical background of the Citizens' Right to Information and an overview of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It also comprehensively discusses the meaning of information and right to know under the Indian constitutional framework and how its boundaries have been further widened with the enactment and enforcement of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Further, the paper also deliberates on how the citizens are empowered to enjoy and exercise unhindered right to information under the Act on a par with the legislators.

Findings

The paper discloses that the Right to Information Act, 2005 has undoubtedly immense benefits for the Indian polity in the form of strengthening of democratic process and promoting good governance practices.

Practical implications

The study throws ample light on how the informed and empowered citizenry is imperative for a meaningful democracy and also in promoting good governance and further in exposing maladministration.

Originality/value

The study on the path‐breaking enactment of recent origin in a young democracy like India has paramount contemporary significance for young and transitional democracies across the world for strengthening democratic systems and promoting good governance.
The hardware and software aspects of energy consumption in the mobile development platform
Authors: Siebra Clauirton , Costa Paulo , da Silva Fabio Q.B. , Santos André L.M. , Mascaro Angélica
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The set of services provided by the mobile phone platform, is becoming increasingly complex and requiring more computing power, hence higher energy consumption, and compromising the autonomy of these devices. The purpose of this paper is to identify scenarios where methods could be applied to reduce such consumption and extend the mobile autonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

This mobile evolution has given rise to a lot of energy saving research activities, which mainly focus on the hardware side of computational systems. However, it is tempting to suppose that only hardware dissipates power, not software. This paper characterizes several hardware and software scenarios, which could be explored to develop energy‐efficient mobile techniques.

Findings

From this analysis, the authors argue that the development of applications that consider energy saving as one of their requirements, can result in a significant final energy saving because solutions will be part of their own software and they do not depend on external resources to obtain a lower consumption.

Originality/value

This paper provides a broad analysis about the different research directions in energy consumption optimization and stresses the important contributions that the software engineering area could offer to this subject.