bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of nanocolumn formation in a plasma environment
Authors: Abraham J. W. , Kongsuwan N. , Strunskus T. , Faupel F. , Bonitz M.
Published: January 2015

Recent experiments and kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations [H. Greve et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 88, 123103 (2006), L. Rosenthal et al., J. Appl. Phys. 114, 044305 (2013)] demonstrated that physical vapor co-deposition of a metal alloy (Fe-Ni-Co) and a polymer (Teflon AF) is a suitable method to grow magnetic nanocolumns in a self-organized one-step process. While only thermal sources have been used so far, in this work, we analyze the feasibility of this process for the case of a sputtering source. For that purpose, we extend our previous simulation model by including a process that takes into account the influence of ions impinging on the substrate. The simulation results predict that metal nanocolumn formation should be possible. Furthermore, we show that the effect of ions that create trapping sites for the metal particles is to increase the number of nanocolumns.
Perpendicularly magnetized L1-FePt nanodots exchange-coupled with soft magnetic Ni81Fe19
Authors: Zhou W. , Seki T. , Iwama H. , Shima T. , Takanashi K.
Published: January 2015

We studied exchange-coupled bilayers consisting of a perpendicularly magnetized L10-FePt layer and a soft magnetic Ni81Fe19 (Permalloy; Py) layer, where the Py layer was thick enough to form spatially twisted magnetic structures. The Py layer showed in-plane magnetization in the case of unpatterned thin film because of its demagnetizing field even though Py was exchange-coupled to the perpendicularly magnetized L10-FePt layer at the interface. After patterning the FePt/Py bilayer into nanosized dots with cylindrical shape, the effective perpendicular magnetic anisotropy was induced. Exchange-coupling behavior, i.e., spring back behavior, was observed when the minor magnetization curves were measured. In addition to this behavior, the magnetic domain observation suggested that a spatially twisted magnetic structure was formed with sweeping the perpendicular magnetic field.
Multiple resonance peaks of FeCo thin films with NiFe underlayer
Authors: Zhong Xiaoxi , Soh Wee Tee , Phuoc Nguyen N. , Liu Ying , Ong C. K.
Published: January 2015

Under zero external magnetic fields, single-layer FeCo thin films exhibit no ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) peaks, while multiple FMR peaks were obtained by growing FeCo thin films on NiFe underlayers with various thicknesses up to 50 nm. Comprehensive investigations of the dynamic magnetic properties and origin of the peaks were conducted through measurements of microwave permeability via a shorted microstrip perturbation technique. Through fitted values of saturation magnetization Ms, uniaxial anisotropy HKsta, and rotatable anisotropy HKrot extracted from the FMR experiments, it was found that two of the three resonance peaks originate from FeCo, and the third from NiFe. The two magnetic phases of FeCo grains are found to have different values of HKrot and explained by the exchange interaction between FeCo and NiFe grains.
Broadband polarization-insensitive terahertz absorber based on heavily doped silicon surface relief structures
Authors: Lv Jing , Yuan Rui-yang , Song Xuemei , Yan Hui
Published: January 2015

Design, simulation, and measurement of a broadband polarization-insensitive terahertz absorber are presented. The absorber utilizes subwavelength surface relief grating structures on a heavily phosphorous-doped silicon substrate surface. Experimental results indicate that the absorber achieved over 90% absorption in a broad frequency range from 3 to 5.1 THz due to destructive interference of waves. Simulation results indicate that the design can be extended to a wider absorption bandwidth by optimizing the grating parameters, doping types, and doping concentration. This broadband polarization-insensitive absorber has potential applications in anti-reflection coatings and imaging systems.
Kinetic effect of toroidal rotation on the geodesic acoustic mode
Authors: Guo W. , Ye L. , Zhou D. , Xiao X. , Wang S.
Published: January 2015

Kinetic effects of the toroidal rotation on the geodesic acoustic mode are theoretically investigated. It is found that when the toroidal rotation increases, the damping rate increases in the weak rotation regime due to the rotation enhancement of wave-particle interaction, and it decreases in the strong rotation regime due to the reduction of the number of resonant particles. Theoretical results are consistent with the behaviors of the geodesic acoustic mode recently observed in DIII-D and ASDEX-Upgrade. The kinetic damping effect of the rotation on the geodesic acoustic mode may shed light on the regulation of turbulence through the controlling the toroidal rotation.
Cultural Activism, Hegemony, and the Search for Urban Autonomy in the City of Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Castillo Eduardo González , Martin Patricia M
Published: January 2015

In Mexico communal autonomy is a political concept that animates multiple forms of political mobilization at the margins of the state. While strongly associated with the Zapatista movement and indigenous rights, political struggles in favor of autonomy can be found in multiple settings and periods of Mexican history, rural and urban alike. In light of long-standing multiscaled patterns of state violence and impunity, the defense of autonomy as a political goal seems both morally justifiable and politically logical. We contend, nonetheless, that when examined in context, the project of autonomy is more ambivalent than it first appears. We build this argument through a critical examination of the spatialized practices of groups of cultural activists who have been very active in the city of Puebla, Mexico, over the last decade. The political actions of these cultural activists are anchored in two primary spatial strategies: the establishment of permanent yet semiprivate locations (cafeterias, workshops) coupled with the ephemeral political activities (meetings and protests) in public squares. Cultural activists have enacted these strategies almost exclusively in and around the historic center of Puebla. We suggest that this exclusive engagement with central spaces in the city of Puebla signals has complicated entanglements with power that may contribute to the reinscription and reproduction of power and space in the neoliberal city.
Use of functional traits to identify Australian forage grasses, legumes and shrubs for domestication and use in pastoral areas under a changing climate
Authors: Mitchell M. L. , Norman H. C. , Whalley R. D. B.
Published: January 2015

Considerable uncertainty exists about future climatic predictions but there is little doubt among experts that the future will be warmer. Climate change and the associated elevation in atmospheric CO2 level and temperatures will provide novel challenges and potential opportunities for cultivated plant species. Plant breeding and domestication can contribute to improvements in both yield and quality of native grasses, legumes and forage shrubs. This review explores the use of functional traits to identify native Australian grasses, legumes and forage shrubs suitable for domestication, to meet the challenges and opportunities under a changing climate in pastoral areas in Australia. The potential of these species in terms of life history, regenerative traits, forage quality and quantity, drought tolerance and invasiveness is examined. The paper focuses on three Australian pastoral regions (high-rainfall temperate south, tropical and subtropical grasslands, low-rainfall semi-arid shrublands), in terms of future climate predictions and potential of selected native species to meet these requirements. Selection for adaptation to new climatic environments is challenging but many native species already possess the traits required to cope with the environment under future climate scenarios.
Development of an Improved Electrical Resistance Method for Determining Emulsifying Capacity of Pulse and Soy Materials1
Authors: Wang Ning , Maximiuk Lisa
Published: January 2015

An electrical resistance method for objectively measuring oil emulsifying capacity (EC) of pulse and soy flours or their protein concentrates and isolates was modified to provide great improvement in precision. The electrical resistance method is based on the fact that oil is a nonconductor, whereas combinations of pulse or soy protein and water are good conductors. EC was determined at the inversion point at which an oil‐in‐water emulsion turns into a water‐in‐oil emulsion, as indicated by a sudden drop in conductivity. Measurement conditions (material concentration, blending speed, and oil addition rate) for the modified method were standardized. The modified method was found to be precise with an average coefficient of variation of 3.1%. The application of the modified method to various pulse and soy materials revealed differences in EC values among the samples evaluated. The modified method for measuring EC was simple, objective, precise, and reliable, and it can be applied to a variety of pulse and soy materials.
Pre- and Postinfection Activity of Fungicides in Control of Hop Downy Mildew
Authors: Gent David H. , Twomey Megan C. , Wolfenbarger Sierra N. , Woods Joanna L.
Published: January 2015

Optimum timing and use of fungicides for disease control are improved by an understanding of the characteristics of fungicide physical mode of action. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to quantify and model the duration of pre- and postinfection activity of fungicides most commonly used for control of hop downy mildew (caused by Pseudoperonospora humuli). In greenhouse experiments, control of downy mildew on leaves was similar among fungicides tested when applied preventatively but varied depending on both the fungicide and the timing of application postinfection. Disease control decreased as applications of copper were made later after inoculation. In contrast, cymoxanil, trifloxystrobin, and dimethomorph reduced disease with similar efficacy when applied 48 h after inoculation compared with preventative applications of these fungicides. When fungicides were applied 72 h after inoculation, only dimethomorph reduced the sporulating leaf area similarly to preinoculation application timing. Adaxial chlorosis, necrosis, and water soaking of inoculated leaves, indicative of infection by P. humuli, were more severe when plants were treated with cymoxanil, trifloxystrobin, and dimethomorph 48 to 72 h after inoculation, even though sporulation was suppressed. Trifloxystrobin and dimethomorph applied 72 h after inoculation suppressed formation of sporangia on sporangiophores as compared with all other treatments. In field studies, dimethomorph, fosetyl-Al, and trifloxystrobin suppressed development of shoots with systemic downy mildew to the greatest extent when applied near the timing of inoculation, although the duration of preventative and postinfection activity varied among the fungicides. There was a small reduction in efficacy of disease control when fosetyl-Al was applied 6 to 7 days after inoculation as compared with protective applications. Trifloxystrobin had 4 to 5 days of preinfection activity and limited postinfection activity. Dimethomorph had the longest duration of protective activity. Percent disease control was reduced progressively with increasing time between inoculation and application of dimethomorph. These findings provide guidance to the use of fungicides when applications are timed with forecasted or post hoc disease hazard warnings, as well as guidance on tank-mixes of fungicides that may be suitable both for resistance management considerations and extending intervals between applications.
Initiation and maintenance of pluripotency gene expression in the absence of cohesin
Authors: Lavagnolli Thais , Gupta Preksha , Hörmanseder Eva , Mira-Bontenbal Hegias , Dharmalingam Gopuraja , Carroll Thomas , Gurdon John B. , Fisher Amanda G. , Merkenschlager Matthias
Published: January 2015

Cohesin is implicated in establishing and maintaining pluripotency. Whether this is because of essential cohesin functions in the cell cycle or in gene regulation is unknown. Here we tested cohesin’s contribution to reprogramming in systems that reactivate the expression of pluripotency genes in the absence of proliferation (embryonic stem [ES] cell heterokaryons) or DNA replication (nuclear transfer). Contrary to expectations, cohesin depletion enhanced the ability of ES cells to initiate somatic cell reprogramming in heterokaryons. This was explained by increased c-Myc (Myc) expression in cohesin-depleted ES cells, which promoted DNA replication-dependent reprogramming of somatic fusion partners. In contrast, cohesin-depleted somatic cells were poorly reprogrammed in heterokaryons, due in part to defective DNA replication. Pluripotency gene induction was rescued by Myc, which restored DNA replication, and by nuclear transfer, where reprogramming does not require DNA replication. These results redefine cohesin’s role in pluripotency and reveal a novel function for Myc in promoting the replication-dependent reprogramming of somatic nuclei.
Common and distinct DNA-binding and regulatory activities of the BEN-solo transcription factor family
Authors: Dai Qi , Ren Aiming , Westholm Jakub O. , Duan Hong , Patel Dinshaw J. , Lai Eric C.
Published: January 2015

Recently, the BEN (BANP, E5R, and NAC1) domain was recognized as a new class of conserved DNA-binding domain. The fly genome encodes three proteins that bear only a single BEN domain (“BEN-solo” factors); namely, Insensitive (Insv), Bsg25A (Elba1), and CG9883 (Elba2). Insv homodimers preferentially bind CCAATTGG palindromes throughout the genome to mediate transcriptional repression, whereas Bsg25A and Elba2 heterotrimerize with their obligate adaptor, Elba3 (i.e., the ELBA complex), to recognize a CCAATAAG motif in the Fab-7 insulator. While these data suggest distinct DNA-binding properties of BEN-solo proteins, we performed reporter assays that indicate that both Bsg25A and Elba2 can individually recognize Insv consensus sites efficiently. We confirmed this by solving the structure of Bsg25A complexed to the Insv site, which showed that key aspects of the BEN:DNA recognition strategy are similar between these proteins. We next show that both Insv and ELBA proteins are competent to mediate transcriptional repression via Insv consensus sequences but that the ELBA complex appears to be selective for the ELBA site. Reciprocally, genome-wide analysis reveals that Insv exhibits significant cobinding to class I insulator elements, indicating that it may also contribute to insulator function. Indeed, we observed abundant Insv binding within the Hox complexes with substantial overlaps with class I insulators, many of which bear Insv consensus sites. Moreover, Insv coimmunoprecipitates with the class I insulator factor CP190. Finally, we observed that Insv harbors exclusive activity among fly BEN-solo factors with respect to regulation of Notch-mediated cell fate choices in the peripheral nervous system. This in vivo activity is recapitulated by BEND6, a mammalian BEN-solo factor that conserves the Notch corepressor function of Insv but not its capacity to bind Insv consensus sites. Altogether, our data define an array of common and distinct biochemical and functional properties of this new family of transcription factors.
Measuring the In Situ Kd of a Genetically Encoded Ca2+ Sensor
Authors: Park J. Genevieve , Palmer Amy E.
Published: January 2015

The use of genetically encoded Ca2+ sensors (GECIs) for long-term monitoring of intracellular Ca2+ has become increasingly common in the last decade. Emission-ratiometric GECIs, such as those in the Yellow Cameleon family, can be used to make quantitative measurements, meaning that their fluorescence signals can be converted to free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]free). This conversion is only as accurate as the sensor's apparent dissociation constant for Ca2+ (K′d), which depends on temperature, pH, and salt concentration. This protocol describes a method for performing a titration, in living cells (in situ), of cytosolic, nuclear, or mitochondrial sensors.
Poisoned Primer Extension
Authors: Nilsen Timothy W.
Published: January 2015

Poisoned primer extension is primarily used to distinguish between RNAs that are nearly identical in sequence but cannot be distinguished by standard primer extension because they are the same size (e.g., edited vs. nonedited transcripts). It is conceptually identical to the standard primer extension reaction but involves the use of a chain-terminating dideoxynucleotide (the “poison”) in the presence of the other three nucleotides. A radioactively labeled primer that hybridizes a short-distance downstream from the “changed” region of interest is extended by reverse transcription into this region of sequence variation. The reactions contain three of the four substrates for extension (e.g., dATP, dGTP, and dTTP) and a chain-terminating dideoxynucleotide (e.g., ddCTP). The extension reaction stops when reverse transcriptase adds a chain-terminating dideoxynucleotide to the template (e.g., it will add ddCTP when it encounters a G in the template sequence). RNAs that differ in sequence at that position will yield different-sized extension products that can be resolved on a denaturing gel.
Isolation of Microtubules and Microtubule-Associated Proteins Using Paclitaxel
Authors: Sloboda Roger D.
Published: January 2015

Paclitaxel binds to tubulin, strongly promotes microtubule assembly from subunits, and stabilizes the assembled polymer against disassembly. Because of its ability to drive the assembly reaction almost completely toward microtubules, the paclitaxel-dependent procedure outlined here is particularly useful for the isolation of microtubules from tissues in which the intracellular concentration of tubulin is low (e.g., nonneuronal sources, cultured cells, and invertebrate tissues). The microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) remain bound to the paclitaxel-stabilized microtubules. The isolation of these MAPs by salt extraction is also described here.
Separation of Tubulin and Microtubule-Associated Proteins by Ion Exchange Chromatography
Authors: Sloboda Roger D.
Published: January 2015

Conventional liquid chromatography on phosphocellulose (PC) can be used to separate tubulin and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). Tubulin is a highly acidic protein and thus does not bind to PC. MAPs, however, do bind to PC and can be eluted with a subsequent salt wash of the column.
Measuring Initiator Caspase Activation by Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation
Authors: Parsons Melissa J. , Bouchier-Hayes Lisa
Published: January 2015

Initiator caspases, including caspase-2, -8, and -9, are activated by the proximity-driven dimerization that occurs after their recruitment to activation platforms. Here we describe the use of caspase bimolecular fluorescence complementation (caspase BiFC) to measure this induced proximity. BiFC assays rely on the use of a split fluorescent protein to identify protein–protein interactions in cells. When fused to interacting proteins, the fragments of the split fluorescent protein (which do not fluoresce on their own) can associate and fluoresce. In this protocol, we use the fluorescent protein Venus, a brighter and more photostable variant of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), to detect the induced proximity of caspase-2. Plasmids encoding two fusion products (caspase-2 fused to either the amino- or carboxy-terminal halves of Venus) are transfected into cells. The cells are then treated with an activating (death) stimulus. The induced proximity (and subsequent activation) of caspase-2 in the cells is visualized as Venus fluorescence. The proportion of Venus-positive cells at a single time point can be determined using fluorescence microscopy. Alternatively, the increase in fluorescence intensity over time can be evaluated by time-lapse confocal microscopy. The caspase BiFC strategy described here should also work for other initiator caspases, such as caspase-8 or -9, as long as the correct controls are used.
Single- and Two-Photon Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching
Authors: Sullivan Kelley D. , Majewska Ania K. , Brown Edward B.
Published: January 2015

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a microscopy technique for measuring the kinetics of fluorescently labeled molecules and can be applied both in vitro and in vivo for two- and three-dimensional systems. This introduction discusses the three basic FRAP methods: traditional FRAP, multiphoton FRAP (MPFRAP), and FRAP with spatial Fourier analysis (SFA-FRAP). Each discussion is accompanied by a description of the mathematical analysis appropriate for situations in which the recovery kinetics is dictated by free diffusion. In some experiments, the recovery kinetics is dictated by the boundary conditions of the system, and FRAP is then used to quantify the connectivity of various compartments. Because the appropriate mathematical analysis is independent of the bleaching method, the analysis of compartmental connectivity is discussed last, in a separate section.
New concept of corrosion protection in the presence of water: V-active VCI. Concept and application
Authors: Genovez Mário Celso , Araújo Luiz Henrique , Pinto Tiago Dinis , Hrdina Radim
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This work describes test results that were obtained using a newly-developed type of organic inhibitor: V-active VCIs. The findings demonstrate that is possible to eliminate or reduce the oxidizing action of water, thereby extending the allowable time before painting after hydrojetting, and that the new corrosion inhibitor technology does not interfere with the final quality of paint adhesion.

Design/methodology/approach

– Metallic specimens were treated/washed by hydrojet (35000 Psi). It was employed as a 2 per cent V-active VCI SPH 1,712 water solution by dilution of the inhibitor in industrial water. Metal sample plates were examined after blasting and after subsequent drying, and were submitted to the paint adhesion tests, to evaluate the duration of temporary protection, oxidation prevention and influence on the adherence of paint (pull off).

Findings

– Using the V-active VCI proposed technology, it was possible to minimize or eliminate the oxidizing action of the water when the metal is exposed to the saline moisture in a closed environment, extending the acceptable time before painting without interference in the final quality of painting.

Practical implications

– The proposed technology allows to the area of prepared (wet blasted) steel surface to be increased during cleaning and preparation, thereby reducing labor and product costs, and reduces water consumption during the preparation process. Practical applications in the shipbuilding, ship maintenance and oil and gas production industries, include the preservation of internal tubes and pipes, protection during hydrostatic test processes and cleaning with water and corrosion prevention in diesel tanks contaminated with water.

Originality/value

– The intent of this paper is to present the obtained results for a new formulation of organic chemical inhibitors that use water medium as the application method. In addition to this property, this group of organic inhibitors maintains the property of volatile inhibitors. Thus, these compounds are generically known as V-active VCI.
The preparation and properties of a transparent coating based on organic silicone resins
Authors: Cheng Jia-Neng , Liu Yan , Che Hongwei , Yan Guoping , Liu Xinghai , Liu Xiaojing , Wang Xiaoyan , Bi Bo
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this investigation was to study a transparent coating based on organic silicone resins prepared by the hydrolysis and condensation of methyltriethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane.

Design/methodology/approach

– The coating film was characterized by IR, UV, thermal gravity analysis, scanning electron microscope and an automatic contact angle meter. Some properties of the coating film, such as adhesion, impact resistance and wear-resistance also were evaluated.

Findings

– These uniform, clear and smooth coating films possessed the high transparent and light transmittance, high density, high hydrophobicity, good adhesion, hardness and anti-corrosion.

Originality/value

– The coating may be considered as a protective film for the surfaces of the metals and plastics.
Use of the grey relational analysis method to determine the important environmental factors that affect the atmospheric corrosion of Q235 carbon steel
Authors: Cao Xianlong , Deng Hongda , Lan Wei
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to evaluate the grey relational analysis method as a way of determining quickly the important factors affecting the atmospheric corrosion of Q235 carbon steel in one year.

Design/methodology/approach

– Atmospheric corrosion exposure tests on Q235 steel were carried out at seven typical test sites in China. The test period lasted one year. The corrosion rate of the Q235 test panels was determined using the weight-loss method and environmental factors were monitored and recorded by standard methods. The importance of the various environmental factors was evaluated using the grey relational analysis method.

Findings

– The results obtained by the grey relational analysis method showed that the ranking order of factors affecting the corrosion of Q235 carbon steel from “slightly” to “severely” was as follows: relative humidity > dew days > SO3 > pH value of rain > rain precipitation > temperature > rainy days > Cl− > H2S > NO2. Furthermore, the initial atmospheric corrosion of Q235 carbon steel was recognized as being the corrosion of the smooth surface by water medium, or acidic aqueous solution.

Originality/value

– Materials corrosion can be defined as a grey system because corrosion has a clear outcome and complex but uncertain characteristics. The grey relational analysis method, a part of grey system theory, is an effective and quick data processing method that can be used to sort out the degree of correlation of environmental factors affecting atmospheric corrosion in terms of it being a grey system with a lot uncertain information.
Evaluating the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies in five Asian countries
Authors: Quah Jon S. T.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to ascertain the levels of effectiveness of the anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) in China, Japan, Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan; second, to explain why some of these ACAs are more effective than others; and third, to suggest some policy recommendations for addressing their limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper relies on three well-known international indicators to assess the perceived extent of corruption in the five countries. Similarly, their quality of governance is assessed by their total percentile rank on the World Bank’s six governance indicators in 2013.

Findings

– Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau is effective because of its government’s political will and favorable policy context. The Philippines and Taiwan rely on ineffective multiple ACAs, which are inadequately staffed and funded, and compete with each other for limited resources. China’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection is ineffective because corrupt party members are disciplined and not prosecuted, and the political leaders use corruption as a weapon against their opponents. Japan’s weak political will is reflected in its reluctance to address its structural corruption. This paper concludes with policy recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of the ACAs in the five countries.

Originality/value

– The comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the ACAs in the five Asian countries and the policy recommendations for addressing their limitations will be of interest to policy makers, scholars and anti-corruption practitioners.
Business advice strategies of immigrant entrepreneurs in Sweden
Authors: Yazdanfar Darush , Abbasian Saeid , Brouder Patrick
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether there are any significant differences between native Swedish and immigrant entrepreneurs in business advice sought at start-up.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study, based on a unique and large database consisting of 304 immigrant and 2,512 native-owned firms, applies several univariate and multivariate statistical methods including ANOVA and regression analysis.

Findings

– According to the results there are certain similarities and differences between Swedish native- and immigrant-owned firms concerning the type of external business advice they seek. The results suggest there are significant differences between native and immigrant-owned firms for four of 20 types of advice received. Native-owned firms, on average, tend to seek more advice on accounting and on the choice of business form as well as the help of a knowledgeable person. On the other hand, immigrants seek, on average, more advice on export questions than their native counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

– This research contributes to policy-making by helping authorities gain a better understanding of the impact of immigrant background on business network decisions at the nascent stage of development. Immigrant access to good advice in the nascent stage should increase new firm survival. This study does not, however, measure performance. As this research is based on aggregate level secondary data, more specific analysis has been impossible. This is an important limitation of this paper. In addition, immigrants are not homogenous groups and they differ in age, education, work experiences, etc. The results should therefore be interpreted carefully.

Originality/value

– This paper is one of the first and few empirical studies investigating the issue of immigrant business advice strategies in the Swedish context. The study provides a detailed overview of how ethnicity influences entrepreneurs’ use of external business advice in the firm formation stage for micro and small firms.
Idiosyncrasy, heterogeneity and evolution of managerial styles in contemporary Russia
Authors: Balabanova Evgeniya , Efendiev Azer , Ehrnrooth Mats , Koveshnikov Alexei
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine managerial styles of Russian managers in the context of institutional and economic environment of contemporary Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on a sample of 482 line and middle managers covering eight geographic regions, 14 industries and 80 organizations in Russia.

Findings

– Employing factor and cluster analyses the paper identifies four distinct managerial styles: paternalistic, exploitative, performance oriented and passive. In addition, the paper analyzes a number of contingent characteristics of these typological Russian managers such as their age, career development, regional, industrial and organizational presence.

Originality/value

– The analysis enriches the understanding of managerial style idiosyncrasy, heterogeneity and evolution in Russia. The identified plurality of managerial styles, differentially related to a number of contingency variables, indicates that it pays off for western companies to avoid using stereotypical ideas when dealing with their Russian counterparts and employ conscious strategies when recruiting managers to their Russian operations instead.
International joint venture strategies and performance in the Baltic States
Authors: Larimo Jorma Antero , Nguyen Huu Le
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse investment strategies and performance of Finnish firms in their international joint ventures (IJVs) established in Baltic States.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper analyse performance of IJVs in Baltic States based on the IJV theory, international business literature, and foreign direct investments in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) literature. The analysed factors include firm, investment, and inter-partner relationship-specific factors. To examine the propositions the paper used ten IJVs established by Finnish firms in various Baltic States between the period 1991 and 2005.

Findings

– The results show that the level of uncertainties in the countries and the differences between partners are not related to firms’ commitments and the entry mode choice. Several Finnish firms preferred cost leadership to compete with other firms in the local markets. In most cases there was a positive relationship between the level of partners’ equity share, commitment to the IJV, and the level of trust between partners. The results indicated differences in the IJV performance depending on parent firms’ objectives, their competitive strategies, mode of entry, age of IJVs, control strategies, level of trust, and commitment between partners, as well as depending on the performance measures used.

Practical implications

– This study suggests four observations that managers may need to take into consideration to improve IJV performance in the Baltic States. First, cost leadership strategy help to increase IJV performance in terms of sales. Second, social control mechanisms and narrow control leaded to better performance than formal and wide control. Third, minority ownership by Finnish firms in IJVs leaded to better performance based on sales, productivity and total performance whereas majority ownership had leaded to better performance in terms of total costs. Finally, the results confirmed that commitment to the IJV operation and trust on the other partner are very essential factors to IJV performance.

Originality/value

– The study is the first one to analyse in more detail based on several cases the IJV strategies and performance of Finnish firms in the Baltic States. The analysed factors include several such factors which have not been analysed related to IJV operations in Baltic States (some also limitedly in the CEE context).
Demand-driven acquisition and the sunk cost model
Authors: Proctor Julia
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine demand-driven acquisition (DDA) models that require an initial or minimum investment through the University of Wyoming’s experience with Elsevier’s Evidence-Based Selection model.

Design/methodology/approach

– In an attempt to avoid title-by-title selection and a desire to explore an alternative to all or nothing e-book packages, the University of Wyoming Libraries (UWL) participated in Elsevier’s Evidence-Based Selection purchase model for 2011 and 2012 e-book content in the 2013 calendar year. After an initial investment, the library was given access to the content. At the end of one year, UWL was provided with use data for the content and could choose an amount of content to retain up to Elsevier’s established “access fee”.

Findings

– Many studies have shown that print monographs in academic libraries do not circulate in high volumes. The use data for the titles included in the Evidence-Based Selection model was congruous with studies of print monograph circulation. Through a review of the literature and an account of the UWL’ experience with Elsevier’s Evidence-Based Selection model, this paper advocates for libraries to exercise caution when considering a DDA model requiring an initial investment.

Originality/value

– DDA is a purchase model that is becoming immensely popular, and in some libraries, the primary mode of acquisition. The value of this paper lies in the examination of a DDA model of a major academic publisher and the account of one library’s experience with that model.
Parents’ attitudes toward comprehensive and inclusive sexuality education
Authors: Peter Christina R. , Tasker Timothy B. , Horn Stacey S.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Parents are sometimes perceived as barriers to providing comprehensive and inclusive sexuality education to young people. However, little is known about parents’ actual attitudes towards providing such broad information to young people. The purpose of this paper is to examine two different approaches to measuring parents’ attitudes towards sexuality information, a programme title approach and a topic-centred approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– Illinois parents of adolescents (n=301) indicated their knowledge about and attitudes towards sexuality education programmes and 18 sexual health topics via online survey. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine whether parents’ attitudes were more consistent with a programme-centred (i.e. abstinence-only, comprehensive) or a topic-centred (i.e. physical health, sexual and gender identity, pleasure, and relationships) approach.

Findings

– Parents were uncertain about what form of sexuality education was offered but most were equally comfortable with both abstinence-only and comprehensive programmes. Parents’ ratings of topics grouped significantly better by the topic-centred than the programme-centred approach. Parents rated all four subjects as important, with the highest mean ratings given to physical health topics. Further, parents’ ratings of importance by subject matter were largely independent of their reported programming preference. Together these findings provide evidence that parents believe it is important for their children to have access to a broad range of sexual health education information.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the first to document parents’ support for information for young people that goes beyond being comprehensive to include topics such as identities and pleasure. In addition, parents’ lack of knowledge about sexuality education programming may obscure their support for sexual health information. Measuring support by specific topics, however, can help to overcome issues due to parents’ lack of knowledge about programming.
Sexuality education in different contexts: limitations and possibilities
Authors: Simovska Venka , Kane Ros
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Sexuality education is a controversial and contested issue that has evoked wide debate on the question of its aims, contents, methods, pedagogy and desired outcomes. This editorial aims to provide a brief commentary, positioning the contributions to this Special Issue of Health Education within the research landscape concerning sexuality education in schools internationally.

Design/methodology/approach

– The idea for this Special Issue was born in Odense, Denmark, in October 2012, during the 4th European Conference of Health Promoting Schools. The Conference Programme and the debates during the sessions demonstrated the need for a wider discussion of sexuality education, particularly within the framework of the health-promoting school. There was recognition of the need to endorse positive and wide socio-ecological views of health, including sexual health and a critical educational approach to sexuality education. The conference delegates and the members of the Schools for Health in Europe Research Network were invited to submit a paper for the Special Issue, and the invitation was also sent through other networks and research communities globally. The invitation resulted in papers being submitted beyond Europe and the Special Issue took an interesting global turn. This networking process also resulted in the identification of a number of key international subject-specific experts who took on the role of independent reviewers.

Findings

– Following the review and editorial process six papers were accepted for the Special Issue. The papers highlight contrasts, tensions, potentials and barriers embedded in the ways sexuality education is delivered to children and young people internationally. Examples are drawn from Russia, Wales, China and the USA; they identify historical and structural issues related to the implementation of comprehensive progressive approaches. Topics discussed include the importance of appropriate content, theoretical/conceptual frameworks, modes of delivery, timing, attitudes from key stakeholders and the need for comprehensive evaluation of innovative approaches to the delivery of sexual education.

Originality/value

– The Special Issue provides a unique blend of evaluations of practical examples of pioneering programmes, research using qualitative, quantitative and mixed method designs, and critical conceptual discussions related to sexuality education and factors that influence it. The Special Issue addresses sexuality education from a life course perspective; some of the individual papers focus on young children and some on lifelong learning. All the papers point to the importance of understanding structural, socio-historical, political and cultural factors influencing sexuality education.
Evaluating the impact of ERP systems in higher education
Authors: Abugabah Ahed , Sanzogni Louis , Alfarraj Osama
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impacts of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems on user performance (UP) in higher education institutions with a view to better understanding the ERP phenomenon in these institutions, and to determine whether or not these systems work well in such a complex environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative methodology was used in this study and data were collected by means of a written questionnaire. Measurement items used in the operationalization of the study instrument were adopted from relevant prior research.

Findings

– The findings indicated that system quality, task technology fit and information quality are the most important factors that lead to better end UP. The provides evidence of the appropriateness of extending IS models as a useful way to give more powerful insights into user aspects and system impact.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the study factors explained a large portion of the variance in UP, there is a part of the variance that still remains unexplained.

Practical implications

– Vendors and designers must consider user needs and concerns in the design of ERP packages. Understanding user characteristics and their interaction will lead to better benefits. For example, if ERP users are predominantly individuals with little computer experience, the system designers should invest more in making the systems easier to use to facilitate more system impacts and benefits.

Originality/value

– There has been a general lack of awareness about the importance of evaluating ERP systems from a user perspective. Rather, the main focus of previous studies was either on critical factors and implementation issues and/or on user acceptance and satisfaction. This study underscores the importance of this issue and presents some insights into the benefits of ERP systems in higher education by taking lessons from IS theory in general.
An exploratory analysis of counterfeiting strategies
Authors: Stevenson Mark , Busby Jerry
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify strategies employed by product counterfeiters in their exploitation of legitimate supply chains; to develop a theoretical understanding of counterfeiting and its impact on competitive resources; and, to propose counter-measures for increasing the resilience of supply chains to the counterfeiting threat.

Design/methodology/approach

– An inductive, qualitative analysis of secondary case data obtained from three sources.

Findings

– Initial searching and coding identified four sets of strategies: extraction strategies, for obtaining products or materials from the legitimate economy; production strategies, for manufacturing counterfeit goods; distribution strategies; and, infiltration strategies, for introducing counterfeits into the legitimate economy. Secondary, focused coding revealed that much of what the counterfeiting strategies set out to achieve involves the generation, suppression or exploitation of signals. A theoretical account of counterfeiting and its impact on competitive resources (quality, reputation and trademark) is then developed based on signalling theory and the resource-based view.

Research limitations/implications

– A set of counter-measures for dealing with the counterfeiting threat are proposed. There is scope for much further work on counterfeit resilience, including on establishing the effectiveness of these counter-measures.

Practical implications

– Counterfeiting is an increasingly significant supply chain problem. It provides a direct economic challenge to legitimate producers, undermines the value of trademarks and threatens consumer welfare. It affects many industries, including automotives, aerospace and pharmaceuticals, where counterfeits have sometimes proven fatal. The paper adds to the understanding of how this phenomenon takes place and how it might be tackled.

Originality/value

– Although many OM studies refer to the risks of patent and copyright infringements that arise in supply chains, the problem of product counterfeiting has received only limited attention, leaving a clear gap in the understanding.
The impact of ISO 9000 certification on firms’ financial performance
Authors: Chatzoglou Prodromos , Chatzoudes Dimitrios , Kipraios Nikolaos
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the acquisition of an ISO 9000 certification and the overall financial performance of the certified firms. More specifically, the study proposes a multidimensional conceptual framework, including “customers’ demand”, “ISO adoption”, “operation efficiency”, “market efficiency” and “overall financial performance”. Such a multidimensional approach has randomly been explored in the existing literature, making the examination of the proposed conceptual framework an interesting research topic.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed conceptual framework was tested on a sample of Greek ISO 9000-certified companies of various economic sectors. Quality managers were used as key respondents. The final sample consisted of 168 companies. The reliability and the validity of the questionnaire were thoroughly examined. Empirical data were analyzed using the structural equation modelling technique. The findings are based on the 2000 version of the ISO series, which is generally accepted and has widespread use, as it has eliminated most of the disadvantages of the 1994 version. The present study is empirical (it is based on primary data), explanatory (examines cause and effect relationships), deductive (tests research hypotheses) and quantitative (includes the analysis of quantitative data collected with the use of a structured questionnaire).

Findings

– The findings of the study provide strong evidence that ISO 9000 implementation is highly associated with improvements in overall financial performance. Moreover, it was found that ISO implementation is directly associated with significant improvements in quality awareness, operations execution, market share, customer satisfaction and sales revenue. Finally, customers’ demand was not found to be the most important motivation for implementing an ISO certification. Rather, it seems that companies seek for quality improvement due to internal motives.

Research limitations/implications

– A limitation stemming from the implemented methodology is the use of self-report scales to measure the constructs of the proposed model. Moreover, the present paper lacks a longitudinal approach, since it is cross-sectional and provides a static picture of ISO implementation.

Practical implications

– The paper makes an analytical effort in order to point out areas that companies should emphasize in order to successfully implement ISO 9000 and, therefore, harvest its potential benefits. Certain practical implications are offered in the final part of the paper.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes an enhanced conceptual framework that examines vital issues concerning the successful implementation of ISO 9000, thus, providing valuable outcomes for decision makers and academics. Moreover, the results of the study may be generalized in other developed countries whose economy faces similar significant challenges as Greece.