bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation for singular integrals on Lipschitz graphs: 𝐿^{𝑝} and endpoint estimates
Authors: Mas Albert
Published: June 2013

Let

1
≤
n
>
d

1\leq n>d

be integers and let

μ
\mu

denote the

n
n

-dimensional Hausdorff measure restricted to an

n
n

-dimensional Lipschitz graph in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

with slope strictly less than

1
1

. For

ρ
>
2

\rho >2

, we prove that the

ρ
\rho

-variation and oscillation for Calderón-Zygmund singular integrals with odd kernel are bounded operators in

L

p

(
μ
)

L^{p}(\mu )

for

1
>
p
>
∞

1>p>\infty

, from

L
1

(
μ
)

L^1(\mu )

to

L

1
,
∞

(
μ
)

L^{1,\infty }(\mu )

, and from

L
∞

(
μ
)

L^\infty (\mu )

to

B
M
O
(
μ
)

BMO(\mu )

. Concerning the first endpoint estimate, we actually show that such operators are bounded from the space of finite complex Radon measures in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

to

L

1
,
∞

(
μ
)

L^{1,\infty }(\mu )

.
Alternative polyadenylation sites reveal distinct chromatin accessibility and histone modification in human cell lines
Authors: Lee Che-yu , Chen Liang
Published: June 2013

Motivation: In addition to alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation has also been identified as a critical and prevalent regulatory mechanism in human gene expression. However, the mechanism of alternative polyadenylation selection and the involved factors is still largely unknown.

Results: We use the ENCODE data to scan DNA functional elements, including chromatin accessibility and histone modification, around transcript cleavage sites. Our results demonstrate that polyadenylation sites tend to be less sensitive to DNase I. However, these polyadenylation sites have preference in nucleosome-depleted regions, indicating the involvement of chromatin higher-order structure rather than nucleosomes in the resultant lower chromatin accessibility. More interestingly, for genes using two polyadenylation sites, the distal sites show even lower chromatin accessibility compared with the proximal sites or the unique sites of genes using only one polyadenylation site. We also observe that the histone modification mark, histone H3 lysine 36 tri-methylation (H3K36Me3), exhibits different patterns around the cleavage sites of genes using multiple polyadenylation sites from those of genes using a single polyadenylation site. Surprisingly, the H3K36Me3 levels are comparable among the alternative polyadenylation sites themselves. In summary, polyadenylation and alternative polyadenylation are closely related to functional elements on the DNA level.

Contact:  liang.chen@usc.edu
Mediterranean fishery discards: review of the existing knowledge
Authors: Tsagarakis K. , Palialexis A. , Vassilopoulou V.
Published: June 2013

A considerable amount of the existing knowledge of discards in the Mediterranean Sea is presented. Discarding highly varies along the basin both geographically and among the different fishing gears with bottom trawls being responsible for the bulk of discards, since they are characterized by high discards ratios. Midwater trawls, purse-seines, and small-scale fisheries, despite their less proportion of discards per se, produce overall high discards quantities, since they are responsible for the majority of the landings. Based on the collected information, a rough Mediterranean-wide estimate of discards around 230 000 t or 18.6% (13.3–26.8%) of the catch is produced. Discarding in the Mediterranean is regulated by market demands rather than by legal constraints, and marketable bycatch may constitute an important supplemental source of income. A pattern in resource use related to socio-cultural characteristics is apparent, with welfare communities discarding more in terms of percentages. Natural conditions (e.g. environmental gradients) and fishers' strategies also substantially affect discarding. Mitigation tools mainly comprise selectivity improvement and spatio-temporal closures. Despite the progress in studying discards, needs are evident to expand monitoring schemes, apply analytical techniques, and establish objectives of the discards issue under the framework of ecosystem approach to fisheries.
Hypoxia-induced invadopodia formation: a role for β-PIX
Authors: Md Hashim Nur Fariesha , Nicholas Nicole S. , Dart Anna E. , Kiriakidis Serafim , Paleolog Ewa , Wells Claire M.
Published: June 2013

During tumour progression, oxygen tension in the microenvironment surrounding tumour cells is reduced, resulting in hypoxia. It is well established that cancer cells resist the negative effects of hypoxia by inducing angiogenesis predominantly via the activity of transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). However, more recently HIF-1α has also been linked to increased invasive potential, although the molecular mechanisms remain to be defined. Invasive cancer cells are thought to employ membrane protrusions, termed invadopodia, to achieve matrix degradation. While many invadopodia components have been identified, signalling pathways that link extracellular stimuli to invadopodia formation remain largely unknown. Indeed, the relationship between invadopodia formation and HIF-1α has not been explored. We now report that HIF-1α is a driver of invadopodia formation. Furthermore, we have identified an important, direct and novel link between the Rho family activator β-PIX, HIF-1α and invadopodia formation. Indeed, we find that β-PIX expression is essential for invadopodia formation. In conclusion, we identify a new HIF-1α mechanistic pathway and suggest that β-PIX is a novel downstream signalling mediator during invadopodia formation.
Clostridium difficile erm(B)-containing elements and the burden on the in vitro fitness
Authors: Wasels François , Spigaglia Patrizia , Barbanti Fabrizio , Mastrantonio Paola
Published: June 2013

In Clostridium difficile, resistance to the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B group of antibiotics generally relies on erm(B) genes. In this study, we investigated elements with a genetic organization different from Tn5398, the mobilizable non-conjugative element identified in C. difficile strain 630. Our results suggested that the elements most frequently found in strains isolated during the European surveillance study in 2005 were related to Tn6194, the conjugative transposon recently detected in different C. difficile types, including PCR-ribotype 027. We characterized a Tn6194-like and a novel element rarely found in clinical isolates. A burden on the in vitro fitness of C. difficile was observed after the acquisition of these elements as well as of Tn5398.
A 10 year surveillance for antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in community- and hospital-associated intra-abdominal infections in China
Authors: Yang Qiwen , Zhang Hui , Wang Yao , Xu Yingchun , Chen Minjun , Badal Robert E. , Wang Hui , Ni Yuxing , Yu Yunsong , Hu Bijie , Sun Ziyong , Huang Wenxiang , Wang Yong , Wu Anhua , Feng Xianju , Liao Kang , Shen Dingxia , Hu Zhidong , Chu Yunzhuo , Lu Juan , Cao Bin , Su Jianrong , Gui Bingdong , Duan Qiong , Zhang Shufang , Shao Haifeng , Kong Haishen , Hu Yunjian , Ye Huifen
Published: June 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the susceptibility of hospital-associated (HA) and community-associated (CA) Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from patients with intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) in China. From 2002 to 2011, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 12 antibiotics against 3074 E. coli and 1025 K. pneumoniae from 23 centres located in 16 cities were determined by the broth microdilution method. During the 10 year study period, ertapenem, imipenem, amikacin and piperacillin-tazobactam retained high and stable activity against E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates regardless of whether their source was HA or CA and regardless of their extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production. However, the susceptibility of E. coli to cephalosporins and ampicillin-sulbactam decreased dramatically during the 10 years, especially for the CA isolates. Fluoroquinolones showed low activity against E. coli. During the whole study period, the ESBL rates for E. coli isolates from IAIs increased from 36.1 % in 2002–2003 to 68.1 % in 2010–2011 (P<0.001). Correspondingly, the ESBL rates in HA isolates increased from 52.2 % in 2002–2003 to 70.0 % in 2010–2011 (P = 0.001), and in CA isolates from 19.1 % in 2002–2003 to 61.6 % in 2010–2011 (P<0.001). The ESBL-positive rate in K. pneumoniae remained between 30.1 and 39.3 % of the total isolates with no significant change during the 10 years. In conclusion, carbapenems retained the highest susceptibility rates against HA and CA E. coli and K. pneumoniae. High prevalence of ESBL in HA E. coli and fast-growing resistance in CA E. coli severely limit the empirical use of the third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins in the therapy of IAIs.
Porcine, murine and human sialoadhesin (Sn/Siglec-1/CD169): portals for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus entry into target cells
Authors: Van Breedam Wander , Verbeeck Mieke , Christiaens Isaura , Van Gorp Hanne , Nauwynck Hans J.
Published: June 2013

Porcine sialoadhesin (pSn; a sialic acid-binding lectin) and porcine CD163 (pCD163) are molecules that facilitate infectious entry of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) into alveolar macrophages. In this study, it was shown that murine Sn (mSn) and human Sn (hSn), like pSn, can promote PRRSV infection of pCD163-expressing cells. Intact sialic acid-binding domains are crucial, since non-sialic acid-binding mutants of pSn, mSn and hSn did not promote infection. Endodomain-deletion mutants of pSn, mSn and hSn promoted PRRSV infection less efficiently, but also showed markedly reduced expression levels, making further research into the potential role of the Sn endodomain in PRRSV receptor activity necessary. These data further complement our knowledge on Sn as an important PRRSV receptor, and suggest – in combination with other published data – that species differences in the main PRRSV entry mediators Sn and CD163 do not account for the strict host species specificity displayed by the virus.
Crack propagation and fracture in silicon wafers under thermal stress
Authors: Danilewsky Andreas , Wittge Jochen , Kiefl Konstantin , Allen David , McNally Patrick , Garagorri Jorge , Elizalde M. Reyes , Baumbach Tilo , Tanner Brian K.
Published: June 2013

The behaviour of microcracks in silicon during thermal annealing has been studied using in situ X-ray diffraction imaging. Initial cracks are produced with an indenter at the edge of a conventional Si wafer, which was heated under temperature gradients to produce thermal stress. At temperatures where Si is still in the brittle regime, the strain may accumulate if a microcrack is pinned. If a critical value is exceeded either a new or a longer crack will be formed, which results with high probability in wafer breakage. The strain reduces most efficiently by forming (hhl) or (hkl) crack planes of high energy instead of the expected low-energy cleavage planes like {111}. Dangerous cracks, which become active during heat treatment and may shatter the whole wafer, can be identified from diffraction images simply by measuring the geometrical dimensions of the strain-related contrast around the crack tip. Once the plastic regime at higher temperature is reached, strain is reduced by generating dislocation loops and slip bands and no wafer breakage occurs. There is only a small temperature window within which crack propagation is possible during rapid annealing.
In situX-ray crystallographic study of the structural evolution of colloidal crystals upon heating
Authors: Zozulya A. V. , Meijer J.-M. , Shabalin A. , Ricci A. , Westermeier F. , Kurta R. P. , Lorenz U. , Singer A. , Yefanov O. , Petukhov A. V. , Sprung M. , Vartanyants I. A.
Published: June 2013

The structural evolution of colloidal crystals made of polystyrene hard spheres has been studiedin situupon incremental heating of a crystal in a temperature range below and above the glass transition temperature of polystyrene. Thin films of colloidal crystals having different particle sizes were studied in transmission geometry using a high-resolution small-angle X-ray scattering setup at the P10 Coherence Beamline of the PETRA III synchrotron facility. The transformation of colloidal crystals to a melted state has been observed in a narrow temperature interval of less than 10 K.
Grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction of single GaAs nanowires at locations defined by focused ion beams
Authors: Bussone Genziana , Schott Rüdiger , Biermanns Andreas , Davydok Anton , Reuter Dirk , Carbone Gerardina , Schülli Tobias U. , Wieck Andreas D. , Pietsch Ullrich
Published: June 2013

Grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction measurements on single GaAs nanowires (NWs) grown on a (111)-oriented GaAs substrate by molecular beam epitaxy are reported. The positions of the NWs are intentionally determined by a direct implantation of Au with focused ion beams. This controlled arrangement in combination with a nanofocused X-ray beam allows the in-plane lattice parameter of single NWs to be probed, which is not possible for randomly grown NWs. Reciprocal space maps were collected at different heights along the NW to investigate the crystal structure. Simultaneously, substrate areas with different distances from the Au-implantation spots below the NWs were probed. Around the NWs, the data revealed a 0.4% decrease in the lattice spacing in the substrate compared with the expected unstrained value. This suggests the presence of a compressed region due to Au implantation.
Enhancement of field-effect mobility due to structural ordering in poly(3-hexylthiophene) films by the dip-coating technique
Authors: Ali Kamran , Pietsch Ullrich , Grigorian Souren
Published: June 2013

Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) were fabricated by depositing a regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) active layer using a dip-coating method. The field-effect mobility in OFETs depends on chain orientation and crystallinity and is related to direction and withdrawal speed with respect to the source/drain orientation. In this paper, how to control the structural and transport properties of P3HT films by coating parallel and perpendicular to the dipping direction is demonstrated. X-ray diffraction curves taken in the perpendicular direction exhibit a higher degree of crystalline ordering and edge-on conformation compared with those in the parallel direction; this finding correlates with the directional anisotropy of the OFET mobility. Both structural anisotropy and transport properties are enhanced upon thermal treatment.
Defect structure transformation after thermal annealing in a surface layer of Zn-implanted Si(001) substrates
Authors: Shcherbachev Kirill , Privezentsev Vladimir , Kulikauskas Vaclav , Zatekin Vladimir , Saraykin Vladimir
Published: June 2013

A combination of high-resolution X-ray diffractometry, Rutherford back scattering spectroscopy and secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) methods were used to characterize structural transformations of the damaged layer in Si(001) substrates heavily doped by Zn ions after a multistage thermal treatment. The shape of the SIMS profiles for Zn atoms correlates with the crystal structure of the damaged layer and depends on the presence of the following factors influencing the mobility of Zn atoms: (i) an amorphous/crystalline (a/c) interface, (ii) end-of-range defects, which are located slightly deeper than the a/c interface; (iii) a surface area enriched by Si vacancies; and (iv) the chemical interaction of Zn with Si atoms, which leads to the formation of Zn-containing phases in the surface layer.
Alloy formation during molecular beam epitaxy growth of Si-doped InAs nanowires on GaAs[111]B
Authors: Davydok Anton , Rieger Torsten , Biermanns Andreas , Saqib Muhammad , Grap Thomas , Lepsa Mihail Ion , Pietsch Ullrich
Published: June 2013

Vertically aligned InAs nanowires (NWs) doped with Si were grown self-assisted by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs[111]B substrates covered with a thin SiO
x
layer. Using out-of-plane X-ray diffraction, the influence of Si supply on the growth process and nanostructure formation was studied. It was found that the number of parasitic crystallites grown between the NWs increases with increasing Si flux. In addition, the formation of a Ga0.2In0.8As alloy was observed if the growth was performed on samples covered by a defective oxide layer. This alloy formation is observed within the crystallites and not within the nanowires. The Ga concentration is determined from the lattice mismatch of the crystallites relative to the InAs nanowires. No alloy formation is found for samples with faultless oxide layers.
Modified statistical dynamical diffraction theory: analysis of model SiGe heterostructures
Authors: Shreeman P. K. , Dunn K. A. , Novak S. W. , Matyi R. J.
Published: June 2013

A modified version of the statistical dynamical diffraction theory (mSDDT) permits full-pattern fitting of high-resolution X-ray diffraction scans from thin-film systems across the entire range from fully dynamic to fully kinematic scattering. The mSDDT analysis has been applied to a set of model SiGe/Si thin-film samples in order to define the capabilities of this approach. For defect-free materials that diffract at the dynamic limit, mSDDT analyses return structural information that is consistent with commercial dynamical diffraction simulation software. As defect levels increase and the diffraction characteristics shift towards the kinematic limit, the mSDDT provides new insights into the structural characteristics of these materials.
Three-wave X-ray diffraction in distorted epitaxial structures
Authors: Kyutt Reginald , Scheglov Mikhail
Published: June 2013

Three-wave diffraction has been measured for a set of GaN, AlN, AlGaN and ZnO epitaxial layers grown on c-sapphire. A Renninger scan for the primary forbidden 0001 reflection was used. For each of the three-wave combinations, θ-scan curves were measured. The intensity and angular width of both φ- and θ-scan three-wave peaks were analyzed. The experimental data were used to determine properties of the multiple diffraction pattern in highly distorted layers. It is shown that the FWHM of θ scans is highly sensitive to the structural perfection and strongly depends on the type of three-wave combination. The narrowest peaks are observed for multiple combinations with the largest l index of the secondary hkl reflection. An influence of the type of the dislocation structure on the θ-scan broadening was revealed. These experimental facts are interpreted by considering the scanning geometry in the reciprocal space and taking into account the disc-shaped reciprocal-lattice points. The total integrated intensities of all the three-wave combinations were determined and their ratios were found to be in only a qualitative agreement with the theory. For AlGaN layers, the presence of the nonzero 0001 reflection was revealed, in contrast to AlN and GaN films.
The business training in the automotive industry in Greece: the example of Opel
Authors: Brinia Vasiliki , Pefanis Konstantinos
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the views of the employees of GM Hellas (the subsidiary of Opel car manufacturer in Greece), with regards to the training they receive from their employer. More specifically, the research seeks to examine two types of training aspects: those related to the principles of adult education and those related to the business goals of the company, such as the improvement on trainees' qualifications and skills, the need to upgrade trainees' job prospects, the provision of knowledge on recent technological developments.

Design/methodology/approach

The research took place in 2012, the 4th consecutive year of recession in Greece (since the beginning of the 2008 debt crisis); it investigates a business sector which has been hit very hard due to falling consumer demand for cars. Therefore, the time and context of this research makes it almost unique in its field. The research followed a quantitative approach (questionnaires administered to a sample of 114 employees/trainees).

Findings

The researchers concluded that the training provided by GM Hellas is viewed in a very positive light by its employees. Several training aspects considered important in adult education, as well as some business goals achieved through training, were all very favorably evaluated.

Originality/value

In‐company training is a key factor for business growth and competitiveness. This is the first research of business education in the automotive sector in Greece, which is very important in the Greek economy.
An online path planning approach of mobile robot based on particle filter
Authors: Gao Yang , Sun Shu‐dong , Hu Da‐wei , Wang Lai‐jun
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Path planning in unknown or partly unknown environment is a quite complex task, partly because it is an evolving globally optimal path affected by the motion of the robot and the changing of environmental information. The purpose of this paper is to propose an online path planning approach for a mobile robot, which aims to provide a better adaptability to the motion of the robot and the changing of environmental information.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach treats the globally optimal path as a changing state and estimates it online with two steps: prediction step, which predicts the globally optimal path based on the motion of the robot; and updating step, which uses the up‐to‐date environmental information to refine the prediction.

Findings

Simulations and experiments show that this approach needs less time to reach the destination than some classical algorithms, provides speedy convergence and can adapt to unexpected obstacles or very limited prior environmental information. The better performances of this approach have been proved in both field and indoor environments.

Originality/value

Compared with previous works, the paper's approach has three main contributions. First, it can reduce the time consumed in reaching the destination by adopting an online path planning strategy. Second, it can be applied in such environments as those with unexpected obstacles or with only limited prior environmental information. Third, both motion error of the robot and the changing of environmental information are considered, so that the global adaptability to them is improved.
Control and programming of a multi‐robot‐based reconfigurable fixture
Authors: Zieliński Cezary , Kasprzak Włodzimierz , Kornuta Tomasz , Szynkiewicz Wojciech , Trojanek Piotr , Walęcki Michał , Winiarski Tomasz , Zielińska Teresa
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Machining fixtures must fit exactly the work piece to support it appropriately. Even slight change in the design of the work piece renders the costly fixture useless. Substitution of traditional fixtures by a programmable multi‐robot system supporting the work pieces requires a specific control system and a specific programming method enabling its quick reconfiguration. The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel approach to task planning (programming) of the reconfigurable fixture system.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi‐robot control system has been designed following a formal approach based on the definition of the system structure in terms of agents and transition function definition of their behaviour. Thus, a modular system resulted, enabling software parameterisation. This facilitated the introduction of changes brought about by testing different variants of the mechanical structure of the system. A novel approach to task planning (programming) of the reconfigurable fixture system has been developed. Its solution is based on constraint satisfaction problem approach. The planner takes into account physical, geometrical, and time‐related constraints.

Findings

Reconfigurable fixture programming is performed by supplying CAD definition of the work piece. Out of this data the positions of the robots and the locations of the supporting heads are automatically generated. This proved to be an effective programming method. The control system on the basis of the thus obtained plan effectively controls the behaviours of the supporting robots in both drilling and milling operations.

Originality/value

The shop‐floor experiments with the system showed that the work piece is held stiffly enough for both milling and drilling operations performed by the CNC machine. If the number of diverse work piece shapes is large, the reconfigurable fixture is a cost‐effective alternative to the necessary multitude of traditional fixtures. Moreover, the proposed design approach enables the control system to handle a variable number of controlled robots and accommodates possible changes to the hardware of the work piece supporting robots.
Mechanical equilibrium model of rubberless artificial muscle and application to position control of antagonistic drive system
Authors: Saito Naoki , Sato Takanori , Ogasawara Takanori , Takahashi Ryo , Sato Toshiyuki
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a mechanical equilibrium model of a one‐end‐fixed type rubberless artificial muscle and the feasibility of this model for control of the rubberless artificial muscle. This mechanical equilibrium model expresses the relation between inner pressure, contraction force, and contraction displacement. The model validity and usability were confirmed experimentally.

Design/methodology/approach

Position control of a one‐end‐fixed type rubberless artificial muscle antagonistic drive system was conducted using this mechanical equilibrium model. This model contributes to adjustment of the antagonistic force.

Findings

The derived mechanical equilibrium model shows static characteristics of the rubberless artificial muscle well. Furthermore, it experimentally confirmed the possibility of realizing position control with force adjustment of the rubberless artificial muscle antagonistic derive system. The mechanical equilibrium model is useful to control the rubberless artificial muscle.

Originality/value

This paper reports the realization of advanced control of the rubberless artificial muscle using the derived mechanical equilibrium model.
Rapid design and synthesis of robots using standard computer tools
Authors: Martínez Verdú Jaime , María Sabater Navarro José , José González Penella Vicente , Manuel García Aracil Nicolás , Miguel López Buendía Ángel
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Currently, the majority of designed robots are not well‐matched to their applications because designers do not employ a clear and organized design process. Additionally, the high cost of robotic systems makes it difficult to financially justify the use of this technology. The purpose of this paper is to present a new design process that gathers conceptual, kinematic and dynamic design, finite elements method (FEM), functional design and virtual reality control. Furthermore, kinematic and dynamic design can be obtained by traditional theory or standard computer tools (SCT) to accelerate the design. Through SCT fitted mathematical models and non‐mathematical virtual models may be acquired.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the design process of a robot. First, the entire methodology is presented (including two new techniques for solving the kinematic and dynamic questions via SCT). Second, a case study using Autodesk® Inventor™ has been analysed to assess the feasibility of the method and techniques.

Findings

The more stages of the design process are considered, the more successful solutions become. Designers can obtain a mathematical solution for an analytically unsolvable robot fitting a mathematical model by SCT. To obtain a rapid design, designers must consider using SCT and following just in need (JIN) philosophy to find a non‐mathematical virtual model.

Originality/value

This paper presents an innovative guide for robotic engineers and researchers which covers the whole design process and new techniques for obtaining mathematical and non‐mathematical solutions.
Training and organizational effectiveness: moderating role of knowledge management process
Authors: Abd Rahman Azmawani , Imm Ng Siew , Sambasivan Murali , Wong Florence
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Training alone is not sufficient to enhance organizational effectiveness to a greater level because not all knowledge obtained from the training is properly transferred and applied to the organization. This study aims to investigate whether efforts invested by Malaysian manufacturers in employee training and knowledge transfer affect organizational effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative research design. The questionnaire developed for this study captured the training related to individual/managerial skills, the knowledge management process in place to capture and apply the knowledge obtained through training, and the organizational effectiveness. A closed‐ended online survey was sent to 1,000 members of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) throughout Malaysia and 88 manufacturers responded. The unit of analysis was an organization.

Findings

The study found the following: training employees to acquire individual/managerial skills and process skills helps in improving organizational effectiveness; knowledge application and knowledge protection interact with individual/managerial skills training to improve organizational effectiveness; and knowledge acquisition, knowledge application and knowledge protection interact with process skills training to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Practical implications

Organizations are urged to devise training modules depending on the needs of individual employees, create an environment that will encourage the trained employees to apply their skills (knowledge), and develop policies to retain these employees.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an important and not so well researched issue. It analyzes the interactions between the dimensions of knowledge management practices and type of training in improving the organizational effectiveness of manufacturing firms in Malaysia.
The numbers need style
Authors: Cottrell Terry
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Budgetary and activity‐based data examination and analysis are core to planning for all organizations. This paper seeks to explore aspects of budgetary financial data and activity data focusing on how each is presented separately and in tandem for more productive decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

Correlations between how data are typically presented versus how they may possibly be presented serve as the basis for a discussion on advantages to a more journalistic and visual approach to looking at numerical analysis.

Findings

Using numbers to tell a story is the preferred method to inspire positive action when both presenting and beginning any and all discussions about budgetary and activity data. Library leaders wishing positive outcomes to stem from their data are advised to spend more time making data appealing in form for presentation to a variety of audiences.

Originality/value

Financial and outcomes measures data analysis is growing in popularity as a means for making data‐driven decisions. Many leaders, however, continue to show numbers in standardized tabular form to all of their stakeholders. This method of presentation attempting to encourage others to enjoy and respect data analysis is not preferred to a more dynamic and visual adoption of data styling. It is argued that attractive presentation of data makes data analysis more attractive, and therefore, more likely to occur.
Visualizing the value of library content
Authors: Steele Kirstin
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The aim of this article is to share ideas about, and examples of, visual representations of library collections.

Design/methodology/approach

The article takes the form of a literature review and opinion.

Findings

Although information visualization appears in the literature as a field of study at least as early as 1981, library catalogs and indexes remain overwhelmingly text‐based.

Originality/value

Since 2010, only about 10 percent of the full‐text, scholarly articles in EBSCO databases with thesaurus term “information visualization” are published in library science journals.
The institutional library committee, part I: a tool for garnering support
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This article's purpose is to explain the usefulness of the institutional library committee in supporting the library director's vision for the library.

Design/methodology/approach

The article describes the function and makeup of an institutional library committee and then discusses how the director can use his/her influence on the committee to garner support for library initiatives.

Findings

The article finds that the library director has influence on such a committee regardless of his/her position on the committee.

Practical implications

This committee provides a unique channel of influence for educating on and advancing library issues.

Social implications

This committee can be a great source of support for the library and its staff.

Originality/value

The value of the article is in showing how to get the most out of this committee.
Value fusion
Authors: Larivière Bart , Joosten Herm , Malthouse Edward C. , van Birgelen Marcel , Aksoy Pelin , Kunz Werner H. , Huang Ming‐Hui
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of Value Fusion to describe how value can emerge from the use of mobile, networked technology by consumers, firms, and entities such as non‐consumers, a firm's competitors, and others simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the combination of characteristics of mobile devices that enable Value Fusion and discusses specific value and benefits to consumers and firms of being mobile and networked. Value Fusion is introduced and defined and set apart from related, other conceptualizations of value. Examples are provided of Value Fusion and the necessary conditions for Value Fusion to occur are discussed. Also discussed are the conditions under which the use of mobile, networked technology by consumers and firms may lead to Value Confusion instead of Value Fusion. Several research questions are proposed to further enhance the understanding and management of Value Fusion.

Findings

The combination of portable, personal, networked, textual/visual and converged characteristics of mobile devices enables firms and consumers to interact and communicate, produce and consume benefits, and create value in new ways that have not been captured by popular conceptualizations of value. These traditional conceptualizations include customer value, experiential value, customer lifetime value, and customer engagement value. Value Fusion is defined as value that can be achieved for the entire network of consumers and firms simultaneously, just by being on the mobile network. Value Fusion results from producers and consumers: individually or collectively; actively and passively; concurrently; interactively or in aggregation contributing to a mobile network; in real time; and just‐in‐time.

Originality/value

This paper synthesizes insights from the extant value literature that by and large has focused on either the customer's or the firm's perspective, but rarely blended the two.
Beyond traditional word‐of‐mouth
Authors: Blazevic Vera , Hammedi Wafa , Garnefeld Ina , Rust Roland T. , Keiningham Timothy , Andreassen Tor W. , Donthu Naveen , Carl Walter
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Business and academia alike have become aware of the crucial role of customer‐to‐customer interactions. Facilitated by the increasing customer connectedness through online media possibilities, companies need to understand how customers influence each other and how to manage these customer interactions. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize an expanded model of customer‐driven influence (CDI) that presents an overview of the influence process and its determinants. The model covers important issues, such as deliberate versus unintentional sender actions, verbal and non‐verbal communication, and reflective and impulsive receiver reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is the result of the first Thought Leadership Conference on Service Marketing, held in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, June 2012.

Findings

The model shows the importance of considering goal theory in studying customer‐driven influence. Both sender and receiver can act and react in deliberate and unintentional ways. The mechanisms for customer‐driven influence are then contingent upon which particular goal (combination) is activated. Message reception is either verbal or non‐verbal. Furthermore, the receiver can react either by reflective processing or by impulsive processing leading to liking a particular product or wanting the product (respectively). Accordingly, the receiver builds behavioral intentions of purchasing and further talking about the particular product.

Originality/value

This paper synthesizes insights from the extant literature on word‐of‐mouth, social influence, and dual processing of information to develop a comprehensive model customer‐driven influence. The authors' framework is embedded in goal system theory, as it addresses fundamental self‐regulatory issues, such as the impact of implicit goal activation and essential contextual factors on preference formation and choice.
Diversifying higher education: facilitating different ways of learning
Authors: Virtanen Pasi , Myllärniemi Jussi , Wallander Heini
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate how higher education in Finland can benefit from using methods such as Web 2.0 technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes how different types of learners (auditory, visual, kinaesthetic) benefit from being exposed to new methods and tools in the tuition process (traditional teaching settings). The strengths and weaknesses of these alternative teaching methods and tools are assessed. The paper is based on a case study – a pilot project – where the Prezi presentation tool and Twitter were tested and used in a university teaching setting. Findings – The results of the study show that both students and faculty found the utilization of Prezi and Twitter in teaching improved the learning and teaching experience.

Originality/value

In Finland, the use of Prezi and Twitter in the classroom is not common. The results of this study should help encourage other teachers in Finland to implement new methods and tools in the tuition process.
Exploring motivations to stop injecting in English prisons: qualitative research with former male prisoners
Authors: Tompkins Charlotte N.E.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the cessation of injecting amongst male drug users when in prison in England and uncovers what influenced this behaviour and why.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 male drug users on release from prison to explore what happened to their injecting drug use in prison. The research was conducted from a pragmatic harm reduction approach using grounded theory.

Findings

Not injecting in prison was identified as a pertinent finding and nine overarching themes accounted for this decline. The themes often overlapped with one another, highlighting how the decision not to inject when last in prison was multi‐factorial. Running throughout the themes were participants' concerns regarding the health and social risks attributed to injecting in prison, alongside an appreciation of some of the rehabilitative measures and opportunities offered to injecting drug users when in prison.

Originality/value

This qualitative research offers an updated perspective on illicit drug injecting in prison in England from the view of drug users since health and prison policy changes in prescribing and practice. It contributes to evidence suggesting that prisons can be used as a time of reprieve and recovery from injecting drug use.
Effects of price and alcohol content on purchase behaviour: an analysis of Australian and New Zealand youth drinking
Authors: Parsons Andrew G. , Stephenson Nicola
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The excessive consumption of alcohol by young people is a current and controversial issue in New Zealand (NZ) and Australia. The literature suggests that such consumption is an accepted social norm, and that young people deliberately drink to reach a level of intoxication. Current public policies to reduce consumption, beyond education through media campaigns, include taxation to raise the price and movements to limit the allowable alcohol content in some beverages popular with youth. This paper aims to determine whether price or alcohol content changes will have any effect on youth drinking.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted in both Australia and NZ to examine the effects of price changes and alcohol content changes on behavioural intention. A third implied hypothesis was also examined ‐ do Australian students differ from NZ students in their behaviour? Students were assigned to one of eight treatment groups, and their purchase intent was measured for ready‐to‐drink (RTD) products. Chi‐squared analysis was undertaken to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results suggest that social norms are stronger than price effects in both countries, and that alcohol content has a significant effect in NZ. These findings contradict government emphases on fiscal and regulatory approaches to modify purchase behaviour.

Originality/value

This study is the first to specifically look at price and alcohol content manipulations and their potential effects on young consumers. As such it sheds light on a current marketing/social issue that has a potentially significant impact on young consumers worldwide.
Parental financial role modelling and fiscal behaviour of young home leavers
Authors: McNeill Lisa S. , Turner Lucy
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims not only to provide an insight into the nature of the relationship between parental financial role modelling and consumption behaviour of young people, but also to explore the consumer socialization process that children undergo in the parent‐child dyad.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research in the form of personal in‐depth interviews was conducted in order to extract new knowledge and reach a greater understanding regarding the impact that this relationship may have on future consumption behaviours within the youth market.

Findings

It is clear that parents are able to exert a huge amount of influence over the financial behaviour of their children (although this obviously differs between families) and are able to do so through the informal teaching of financial lessons, by allowing children to observe their own financial patterns and by guiding their children through significant financial decisions by offering advice and approval (or disapproval) when asked. Key financial attitudes and behaviours of young home‐leavers are almost directly related to the parental financial education they received whilst growing up and still living at home and in many cases parental influence is still present even once the child has moved away from home and is responsible for making their own financial decisions.

Research limitations/implications

Although there are limitations, the present study does have implications for the impact parents can have on the spending behaviour of their children; it may be that the most important thing parents can do is teach their children about financial responsibility and successful consumer decisions at a young age so that they grow up with these life skills.

Practical implications

In terms of practical implications, by identifying the specific areas where financial knowledge and awareness may be lacking, the research may help educational and financial institutions to design financial management courses in order to help young people achieve greater financial freedom.

Social implications

The paper reveals the characteristics of the consumption relationship children enjoy with their parents, describing the role of financial education within families and conceptualising the various forms of consumption relationships that exist between young consumers and their parents.

Originality/value

The relationship between parental influence and youth consumption behaviour has already been identified using quantitative research methods but very little is known about the actual extent of this relationship, which is addressed by this paper.
Branded product placement and pre‐teenaged consumers: influence on brand preference and choice
Authors: Toomey Deborah A. , Francis Alisha L.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

In an industry where billions of dollars are spent to place branded products within entertainment media, it is critical to understand if this form of promotional communication actually results in the preference of the branded product. The purpose of the current research is to contribute to this understanding relative to pre‐teenaged consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Three research questions related to brand preference and choice were investigated using a two‐group experimental design with a convenience sample. The impact of product placement on choice was assessed within minutes of the exposure. Preference and choice were also assessed two weeks later.

Findings

The findings suggest that branded product placement may not affect attitudes or behavior of pre‐teenaged consumers.

Originality/value

Although empirical findings suggest the practices may not lead to the intended attitudes and behaviors in adults, the theory of mere exposure and research related to social learning theory provide support for the effectiveness of the practice in reaching pre‐teens.