bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuneable PTC effect in polymer-wax-carbon composite resistors
Authors: Maeder Thomas , Jacq Caroline , Ammon Ludivine , Ryser Perer
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study tuneable positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect in polymer-wax-carbon composite resistors. The resistivity dependence on temperature of composite resistors made of carbon fillers dispersed in an organic matrix is known to be strongly affected by the matrix thermal expansion. High PTC effects, i.e. essentially switching from resistive to quasi-insulating behaviour, can be caused by phase changes in the matrix and the assorted volume expansion, a behaviour that has been previously shown with both simple organic waxes and semi-crystalline polymers. However, waxes become very liquid on melting, possibly resulting in carbon sedimentation, and tuneability of semi-crystalline polymers is limited.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors therefore study a ternary polymer-wax-conductor (ethylcellulose-octadecanol-graphite) composite resistor system, where polymer and wax fuse to a viscous liquid on heating, and re-solidify and separate by crystallisation of the wax on cooling.

Findings

– It is shown that with appropriate formulation, the resulting resistors exhibit strong PTC effects, linked with the melting and crystallisation of the wax component. The behaviour somewhat depends on sample history, and notably cooling speed.

Research limitations/implications

– The phase equilibria and transformation kinetics of the polymer-wax system (including possible wax polymorphism), as well as the exact mechanism of the conductivity transition, remain to be investigated.

Originality/value

– As many compatible polymer-wax systems with different melting/solidification behaviours are available, ternary polymer-wax-conductor composite PTC resistors allow a high tuneability of properties. Moreover, the high viscosity in the liquid state should largely avoid the sedimentation issues present with binary wax-conductor systems.
Stack of solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Dziurdzia Barbara , Magonski Zbigniew , Jankowski Henryk
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to present the innovative design of a planar multilayered high temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), which is easy to manufacture, and features high resistance to rapid temperature changes. Temperature resistance was accomplished thanks to easy to heat, thin flat ceramic structure of the cell and elimination of metallic interconnections.

Design/methodology/approach

– The ceramic fuel cell consists of the anode core made of six to eight layers of nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia tapes (Ni/YSZ) isostatically pressed into a laminate. Two networks of fuel distribution microchannels are engraved on both sides of the anode laminate. The microchannels are subsequently covered with a thin layer of the functional anode tape made of Ni/YSZ and a solid electrolyte tape made of YSZ.

Findings

– The single planar double-sided ceramic SOFC of dimensions 19 × 60 × 1.2 mm3 provides 3.2 Watts of electric power. The prototype of the battery which consists of four SOFCs provides an output power of > 12 W. Tests show that the stack is resistant to the rapid temperature change. If inserted into a chamber preheated to 800°C, the stack provides the full power within 5 minutes. Multiple cycling does not destroy the stack.

Originality/value

– This anode-supported fuel cell structure is provided with thin anode functional layers suspended on a large number of fine beams. The whole anode structure is made with the same ceramic material, so the mechanical stress is minimized during the cell operation.
Impact of firm ' s reputation and ethnocentrism on attitude towards foreign products
Authors: Deb Madhurima , Chaudhuri Himadri Roy
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of firm ' s reputation and ethnocentrism on young consumer ' s attitude toward products with foreign origin.

Design/methodology/approach

– To attain the above objective “Mixed Method Approach” is employed. In the present study mixed method research is proposed by integrating qualitative and quantitative technique for data analysis for better breadth and depth of understanding.

Findings

– Reputation of the firm is found to have a significant impact on young consumers as it minimizes animosity and develops positive attitude toward products with foreign origin.

Research limitations/implications

– To collect data from the respondents vignettes/story boards were used which led to certain manipulation and hence it could be a limitation.

Practical implications

– The findings will be useful for the marketers to design their positioning strategies more specific to their target segments for better results.

Originality/value

– The present study made two significant academic contributions. First, the present study added to the literature of consumer behavior by studying young consumer ' s product preference using an integrated model that depicts variables relevant to the context of globalization, with better predictability. Second, by integrating qualitative research method and quantitative research method to develop better breadth and depth of understanding on customer ' s product preference, the study also contributed to the literature of advanced research methodology in consumer behavior.
The impact of promotional mix on profit in the B2B sector
Authors: Siddhanta Somroop , Banerjee Neelotpaul
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose this paper is to analyze the causal relationship between promotional mix (PROMOMIX) which includes advertising, sales promotion, personal selling, direct marketing and gross profit (GRPROFIT) in the cement industry in India, while also trying to study their long-term and short-term relationship so as to understand the impact of one variable on another.

Design/methodology/approach

– Both the variables PROMOMIX and GRPROFIT were subjected to log transformations and then to stationarity testing and subsequently tested for the presence of cointegration after which the vector autoregressive (VAR) model was constructed to explain after how many time periods, the changes in one variable impact the other. The impulse response function (IRF) and forecast error variance decomposition (FEVD) were also studied to see the time path and proportion of variation in a variable, respectively, to shocks in the other.

Findings

– The results reveal the absence of cointegration but presence of unidirectional Granger causality running from GRPROFIT to PROMOMIX and highlight that current marketing communications budget is influenced by one-and-a-half year back profits. The VAR results are also supported by the IRF and FEVD results which show the response of PROMOMIX variables over time to a change in GRPROFIT.

Research limitations/implications

– The results imply that cement firms in India follow a top-down approach to budget allocation and increase their promotional budget when profit falls.

Originality/value

– This paper will help brand managers in the Indian Cement industry to be aware of the causal relation between marketing communication and profit when they take budget allocation decisions.
Thermo elastic-plastic transition of transversely isotropic thick-walled circular cylinder under internal and external pressure
Authors: Sharma Sanjeev , Sahay Ila , Kumar Ravindra
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide the guidance on a design and integrity evaluation of a cylinder under pressure, for which stress analysis has been done for transversely isotropic thick-walled circular cylinder under internal and external pressure with thermal effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– Transition theory has been used to evaluate plastic stresses based on the concept of generalized principal Lebesgue strain measure which simplifies the constitutive equations and helps to achieve better agreement between the theoretical and experimental results.

Findings

– It can be concluded that circular cylinder with thermal effects under internal and external pressure made of isotropic material (steel) is on the safer side of the design as compared to the cylinder made of transversely isotropic material (i.e. magnesium and beryl) because percentage increase in effective pressure required for initial yielding to become fully plastic is high for isotropic material (steel) as compared to transversely isotropic material (i.e. magnesium and beryl). It can also be concluded that out of two transversely isotropic materials, beryl is better choice for design of cylinder as compared to magnesium material because percentage increase in effective pressure required for initial yielding to become fully plastic is high for beryl as compared to magnesium.

Originality/value

– A detailed investigation of thermal transversely isotropic thick-walled circular cylinder under internal and external pressure has been done which leads to the idea of “stress saving” that minimizes the possibility of fracture of cylinder.
Improved gas metal arc welding multi-physics process model and its application to MIL A46100 armor-grade steel butt-welds
Authors: Grujicic M. , Snipes J.S. , Galgalikar R. , Ramaswami S. , Yavari R. , Yen C.-F. , Cheeseman B.A. , Montgomery J.S.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop multi-physics computational model for the conventional gas metal arc welding (GMAW) joining process has been improved with respect to its predictive capabilities regarding the spatial distribution of the mechanical properties (strength, in particular) within the weld.

Design/methodology/approach

– The improved GMAW process model is next applied to the case of butt-welding of MIL A46100 (a prototypical high-hardness armor-grade martensitic steel) workpieces using filler-metal electrodes made of the same material. A critical assessment is conducted of the basic foundation of the model, including its five modules, each dedicated to handling a specific aspect of the GMAW process, i.e.: first, electro-dynamics of the welding-gun; second, radiation/convection controlled heat transfer from the electric arc to the workpiece and mass transfer from the filler-metal consumable electrode to the weld; third, prediction of the temporal evolution and the spatial distribution of thermal and mechanical fields within the weld region during the GMAW joining process; fourth, the resulting temporal evolution and spatial distribution of the material microstructure throughout the weld region; and fifth, spatial distribution of the as-welded material mechanical properties.

Findings

– The predictions of the improved GMAW process model pertaining to the spatial distribution of the material microstructure and properties within the MIL A46100 butt-weld are found to be consistent with general expectations and prior observations.

Originality/value

– To explain microstructure/property relationships within different portions of the weld, advanced physical-metallurgy concepts and principles are identified, and their governing equations parameterized and applied within a post-processing data-reduction procedure.
Artificial neural network simulation and particle swarm optimisation of friction welding parameters of 904L superaustenitic stainless steel
Authors: Balamurugan K. , Abhilash A.P. , Sathiya P. , Naveen Sait A.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Friction welding (FW) is a solid state joining process. Super austenitic stainless steel is the preferable material for high corrosion resistance requirements. These steels are relatively cheaper than austenitic stainless steel and it is expensive than nickel base super alloys for such applications. The purpose of this paper is to deal with the optimization of the FW parameters of super austenitic stainless steel using artificial neural network (ANN) simulation and particle swarm optimization (PSO).

Design/methodology/approach

– The FW experiments were conducted based on Taguchi L-18 orthogonal array. In FW, rotational speed, friction pressure, upsetting pressure and burn-off length are the important parameters which determine the strength of the weld joints. The FW trials were carried out on a FW machine and the welding time was recorded for each welding trial from the computerized control unit of the welding machine. The left partially deformed zone (L.PDZ) and right partially deformed zone (R.PDZ) were identified from the macrostructure and their values are considered for the output variables. The tensile test was carried out, and the yield strength and tensile strength of the joints were determined and their fracture surfaces were analyzed through scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Findings

– The tensile test was carried out, and the yield strength and tensile strength of the joints were determined and their fracture surfaces were analyzed through SEM. An ANN was designed to predict the weld time, L.PDZ, R.PDZ and tensile strength of the joints accurately with respect to the corresponding input parameters. Finally, the FW parameters were optimized using PSO technique.

Research limitations/implications

– There is no limitations, difficult weld by fusion welding process material can easily weld by FW process.

Originality/value

– The research work described in the paper is original.
Physicochemical studies and rheological modelling of Albizia lebbeck (AL) gum exudates
Authors: Okon Eddy Nnabuk , Udofia Inemesit , Uzairu Adamu
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to determine the physicochemical and rheological parameters of Albizia lebbeck gum.

Design/methodology/approach

– Physicochemical analysis was carried out using recommended methods. Gas chromatography mass spectrophotometer and Fourier transformed infra red (FTIR) analyses were carried out using their respective spectrophotometer. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out using scanning electron microscope, while rheological measurements were carried out using Ubbelohde capillary viscometer, digital Brookfield DV 1 viscometer and a rheometer.

Findings

– Albizia zygia gum is an ionic gum with unique physical and chemical properties. Scanning electron micrograph revealed that the internal structure of the gum is porous with irregular molecular arrangement. Thermodynamic parameters of viscous flow indicated the existence of few inter- and intra-molecular interactions, and the attainment of transition state was linked to bond breaking. Coil overlap transition studies revealed the existence of dilute and concentrated regimes. The viscosity of the gum was also found to decrease with decrease in the charge of cation (such that Al3+ > Ca2+ > K+) and with increase in ionic strength.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper provided information on physicochemical and rheological characteristics/behaviour of Albizia zygia gum, of Nigerian origin. From this information, possible application of this gum in the food and pharmaceutical industries can be deduced.

Originality/value

– The paper is original since information concerning Albizia zygia gum of Nigerian origin are not well documented as established in the work. It also adds values on the use of Albizia zygia gum, either on its own or in combination with other gums for industrial purpose.
Ascribing meaning to quality cultures in the Portuguese context
Authors: Veiga Amélia , João Rosa Maria , Cardoso Sónia , Amaral Alberto
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to discuss Portuguese academics’ views on quality assessment and the elements that are important for a better understanding of what ascribes meaning to “quality cultures” in Portuguese higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

– The discussion was based on the results of a survey run in 2010 among Portuguese academics on quality assessment objectives and purposes. Descriptive statistics was used to investigate academics’ support to what quality assessment was supposed to guarantee (its purposes) and which should be its objectives. Furthermore, a factorial analysis using Promax rotation (oblique) was performed to investigate if the different purposes could be grouped according to the different areas they address in terms of quality assessment, helping to uncover a rationale that could explain the answers obtained. Theoretically, the results have been analysed in the light of the “quality culture” concept.

Findings

– Perceptions of Portuguese academics that support internal processes of quality assurance correspond either to the responsive quality culture or the regenerative quality culture. The viable form of ideal cultures is analytically limited, and the perceptions gathered encourage “quality cultures” biased by stronger group control.

Originality/value

– The paper offers new insights into academics’ perceptions on quality assessment, a theme that so far has been relatively absent from higher education quality assurance studies. Furthermore, the results obtained could be useful to policymakers and quality assurance agencies when setting up evaluation and accreditation systems capable of balancing improvement associated with the group dimension and accountability coupled with the grid dimension.
Contagion effects on stock and FX markets
Authors: I. Dimitriou Dimitrios , M. Simos Theodore
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the contagion effects of stock and FX markets for the USA and european monetary union (EMU) during the US subprime crisis of 2007-2009.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data sample is daily comprising a weighted Morgan Stanley Capital Index (MSCI) for US and EMU equity markets, as well as EUR/USD exchange rate and 3-month US and EMU interest rate indices. The authors model, simultaneously, the dynamic conditional correlations (DCC) for the triplet: US, EMU equity markets and euro – USD uncovered interest rate parity (UIP) via a multivariate GARCH(1,1)-DCC model. The authors also test for a level shift increase of DCCs during the crisis period by incorporating a dummy variable in a GARCH(1,1) model.

Findings

– Our results suggest the presence of contagion for the US stock market and UIP. These results indicate that possibilities for portfolio diversification exist even in periods of severe financial turmoil. This can be explained by the different monetary policies that followed during the crisis. While USA increased liquidity through stimulus packages in early 2009, EMU preferred a strict monetary policy and fiscal austerity measures. Consequently, the EUR/USD exchange rate was less volatile than the EMU equities, resulting in their weak co-movement.

Originality/value

– These findings confirm a specific pattern of contagion that provide important implications for international investors and policy-makers.
Investigating learning in social enterprises: a boundary perspective
Authors: Tandon Ankita
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to further theory development in the field of social entrepreneurship by developing a research agenda for examining organizational learning in social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper anchors in the interpretive paradigm of learning. It draws on social entrepreneurship literature to identify unique features of social enterprises. These characteristics are then investigated from a situated learning perspective to develop research questions around the following themes: social structures enabling learning, boundaries, boundary objects, boundary roles and boundary interactions.

Findings

– Boundaries are identified as loci around which critical learning interactions occur in social enterprises. The significance of studying implicit and explicit boundaries, knowledge brokering, boundary objects and boundary interactions for gaining novel insights into the social enterprise learning process is highlighted.

Originality/value

– This paper assists the progression of academic discussion in social entrepreneurship from definitional debates to critical organizational-level phenomena. It brings to attention the importance of studying organizational learning in the unique context of social entrepreneurship for advancing organization theory. It informs practice by highlighting critical social structures, boundaries, agents and objects which need to be identified and managed for promoting learning in social enterprises.
Variance in paint maintenance frequency in tropical salty environment
Authors: Oluwole Folorunso Clement , Hamdan Ahmad Mohd
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Paint that is used as exterior finish is subject to the stresses of the climate. The factors of climate such as sun and rain are major source of quick deterioration of paint. The existence of saline air and endogenic salt in substrates in any environment will increase the rate of failure and frequency of repainting of building exterior wall. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the difference in the frequency of repainting of exterior surface of buildings in areas at close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the hinterland.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research adopted a survey method that involved the administration of structured questionnaire on 384 respondents to elicit data for analysis. SPSS 15.0 software was used to analyse the data. The study area is divided into two zones.

Findings

– Paint of the same quality from the same manufacturer is found to perform differently. All defects that are caused by salt attack occur earlier in Zone B than Zone A. The frequency of repainting (maintenance) in Zone A is two years due to direct contact with the Atlantic Ocean and Zone B is four years because of the distance from the ocean.

Practical implications

– This study enlightens the stakeholders in the building industry in the preparation of maintenance schedule for buildings in salty environment. It will also assist the architects in decision making during specifications of exterior finishes in such environments. The maintenance challenges of paint that is applied as exterior finish in salty environment is made clear.

Originality/value

– It is a novel search into understanding the maintenance frequency of paint that is applied as exterior finish of buildings in areas with direct and indirect contact to salt attack.
Approaches to seniors’ tourist behaviour
Authors: Nielsen Karina
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to identify main approaches to seniors’ tourist behaviour. Population ageing has contributed to increasing interest in seniors’ tourist behaviour in the developed countries over the past decades. Over time, several aspects have been examined such as travel constraints, motivations, market segmentation or the dynamic nature of the senior market. Considering the wide-ranging scope of the literature on seniors’ tourist behaviour, as well as the differing views of an older person, the purpose of the paper is to identify main approaches to seniors’ tourist behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approaches to seniors’ tourist behaviour were identified through a literature review of empirical studies on the topic. The studies were examined in terms of three key elements: the temporal dimension, travel constraints and the segmentation criteria. The approaches were described in light of life cycle and generational theory, highlighting key variables and empirical results.

Findings

– Four approaches, that reflect intertwining characteristics of seniors’ tourist behaviour, are found: analysis of constraints, comparative analysis, analysis of heterogeneity and temporal analysis. Overall, how seniors’ tourist behaviour is approached is related to how seniors are viewed. Two broad views are suggested: seniors seen as an ageing group or as a heterogeneous group.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an overview of the literature on seniors’ tourist behaviour, which deepens understanding of the complexity of the topic, and describes different ways of approaching it. It contributes to the literature by proposing a synthesis of approaches, which can be useful for bridging the gap between different approaches in future research.
Assessing the future of housekeeping operations in Dubai’s five-star hotel industry – room for innovation?
Authors: Anthonisz Angela
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the need for innovation as a means of competitive advantage in the housekeeping (HK) department of five-star hotels in Dubai and consider how the nature of the industry in the region provides particular challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

– An initial White Paper produced by Amadeus served as the stimulus to conduct a preliminary literature review of innovation in the field of hospitality. The application of innovation was then considered via a content analysis of web sites in Dubai to identify potential candidates for interview. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Senior Housekeeping Executives in two internationally recognized chain hotels in Dubai to better understand whether there is a need for innovation, what types of innovation are important within these HK departments and understand the potential challenges confronting senior managers in fostering innovative practices.

Findings

– The key results of this study provide interesting insights into the problems of developing and managing innovation within HK operations, highlighting the issues that exist as potential barriers to innovation in terms of the organizational culture and the ownership structure within the industry in Dubai. The research also highlights the fact that much of the innovation introduced within the HK department is focused on utilization of technology and is very much “output”-orientated in terms of improving customer service and creating operational efficiencies.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper profiles the potential problems confronting the HK department when it comes to identifying and adopting innovation. The paper also highlights the ever-changing nature of the organizational culture and the ownership structure in the five-star hotel industry in Dubai as a critical influence in terms of the perceived importance of innovation as a success factor for the future.

Originality/value

– The study is the first in a series of research papers that explores the relationship between key stakeholders in the hospitality industry in Dubai as the customer demand alters and they try to identify and implement innovative ideas and concepts that provide return on investment, increased customer satisfaction, sustainability and competitive advantage. It is the first paper that identifies the context and the current internal and external environments and the drivers within the industry in Dubai (five-star) hotels with a particular focus on 2020. This is within an industry that is showing evidence of change management within the customization of the hotel build and specification, and within the adaption of IT, but is looking for innovation within the application of ideas into industry processes.
Responding to the tourism industry training and human resource challenges in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mohotti Chandra , (Chandi) Jayawardena Chandana , Teare Richard
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to explore the foremost training and human resource development challenges from the perspective of the Ministry of Economic Development funded Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (the institute).

Design/methodology/approach

– The first of two theme issue articles on industry training and human resource challenges, the paper is based on discussions with senior management and staff representing the Institute at its main campus in Colombo. The second article features responses from community leaders and from one of the Institute's provincial centres in Anuradhapura.

Findings

– The Institute has identified the need to commercialize its country-wide operations so as to minimize the amount of Government subsidy and ensure that its courses are aligned as closely as possible with the needs of Industry. Second, senior management spoke about the challenge of attracting Sri Lankans to engage in tourism and thereafter equipping them with the personal and professional skills needed to provide the level of service expected by international tourism visitors.

Practical implications

– The paper highlights the need for innovative thinking and action in response to practical challenges and business development pressures.

Originality/value

– The study draws on the views of senior industry practitioners who are actively engaged in responding to the challenges arising from Sri Lanka's ambitious plans for tourism development.
Responding to climate change through joint partnership
Authors: Dare Kolawole Oluwatoyin , Wolski Piotr , Ngwenya Barbara , Mmopelwa Gagoitseope , Thakadu Olekae
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Climate change continues to pose a serious challenge to mankind. Given their socio-economic and vulnerable situations, resource-poor farmers will be hard hit and likely to be the most affected group in Africa – a continent that will bear the full brunt of inclement weather conditions. The purpose of this paper is to address the questions of how local farmers read and predict the weather, and how best they can collaborate with weather scientists in adapting to climate change and variability in the Okavango Delta of Botswana.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in sampling a total of 592 households heads (both men and women) in eight rural communities in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

Findings

– Analysis indicates that about 80 per cent of the farmers had a good knowledge of weather forecasting. In a knowledge validation workshop organised and implemented in early August 2012, farmers and scientists identified a nine-point agenda and strategies for addressing the challenges posed by climate change to community well-being and agricultural production. Knowledge sharing, installation of community weather stations and local-level capacity building are amongst the strategies identified.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is only limited to the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

Originality/value

– The paper emanates from original field research. The outcome of the paper provides pertinent information for policy formulation on how best to enhance small farmers’ adaptation to climate change.
Fiscal incentives promoting REEE measures in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Khan Zaffar , Siriram Kathryn , Greigg Kyren
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Dependence on foreign energy supplies have resulted in some islands successfully harnessing alternative and renewable energy (RE) sources in order to provide a small degree of self-sufficiency. However, the development of Trinidad and Tobago's (T&T's) RE industry has stagnated largely due to the existence of substantial energy subsidies, which present cheap fuel and electricity prices thus providing a disincentive to RE investment. The purpose of this paper is to seek to re-enforce the necessity for an indissoluble government intervention in the establishment of well-designed, coordinated and innovative public-private partnerships for a successful RE industry in T&T.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on a review of relevant social and economic literary sources; the research topic has been meticulously investigated.

Findings

– Initial outcomes indicate that the principal facilitators of RE proliferation in the Caribbean, and more so T&T, will require: gradual reduction of the energy subsidy; declining project costs via fiscal incentives and grant financing; expectation of beneficial rates of return on investment through the guarantee of optimal prices for renewable electricity or the revenue gained from the sale of carbon credits; and capacity building, institutional strengthening and implementation of appropriate legislative and regulatory instruments which provide open access to the national grid.

Research limitations/implications

– With the exception of T&T, Caribbean nations are heavily dependent on oil and gas imports to meet their primary energy requirements. The investigation conducted has limited documentation on cases of a similar nature within the region. The outcome of the steps identified above are based on conjecture using information gained from international situations.

Practical implications

– The study helps clarify the crucial role of T&T's government in the successful development of the RE industry. Resources and earnings should be used to develop T&T's infant RE industry and hence reduce the carbon footprint of the nation.

Originality/value

– Past attempts by the government to promote RE an energy efficiency in T&T have been passive and prevaricated. In addition to outlining the existing fiscal initiatives available to the population, this paper provides short-, medium- and long-term recommendations for the sustainability of RE in T&T. While subsidy reform, among others, poses a challenge it is nonetheless imperative if T&T is to move forward. With the abundance of solar, wind and waste-to-energy resources there is great potential for a successful RE industry in T&T. More than just policy will be required to drive change; greater commitment by the government to ensure the sustainability and economic viability of T&T while also attempting to alter the mindset of the citizenry to act as effective stewards of the island's resources for the well-being of future generations.
Children’s price knowledge
Authors: Damay Coralie , Guichard Nathalie , Clauzel Amélie
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This research aims to evaluate young consumers’ knowledge of everyday product prices. Despite a large body of research on the child as consumer, few studies examine price.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employs a quantitative methodology and administered questionnaires that target a sample of 224 primary school French children.

Findings

– The various employed measures help shed light on the pricing aspect of children’s consumption processes. In particular, the results show that although price recall is relatively weak, children become familiar with the order of price magnitudes and classify products according to their price level.

Research limitations/implications

– A future research could integrate that the children should be affected by internal reference price in the various tasks. Future studies could introduce other variables in the tests, such as children’s commercial experience and their experience with the stores they know.

Practical implications

– Firms should adapt their pricing strategies to the expectations of children, not only adults or parents, both for the products that directly pertain to them and for those they might recommend. This research offers managers additional insights into how to communicate about prices, taking into account current customer heterogeneity.

Originality/value

– Realized measurements reflect children’s capacities to react to the prices of mass-consumed goods and clarify whether the child is able to identify or reduce his consideration set among some alternatives of choice according to his price knowledge level.
Advertising foods to Indian children: what is the appeal?
Authors: Soni Pavleen , Vohra Jyoti
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify the nature of themes/appeals used in food commercials shown on children’s networks in India. Marketers use various themes/appeals in TV advertisements to influence food consumption habits of children. Children are also found to focus on these appeals while selecting foods rather than using nutritional value as a criteria to select foods.

Design/methodology/approach

– For the present study, a content analysis of 114 discrete food commercials broadcast on children’s networks was done. These were further analysed to collect data on themes/appeals used in them. SPSS 19.0 was used to record the data and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Findings

– A majority of food advertisements which were broadcast during children’s programmes included confectionery, ice creams and dairy products, baked products and ready-to-cook food items. Grazing was found to be the most frequently used appeal in these food advertisements. This was followed by taste/flavour/smell/texture, fun/happiness, being “cool”, adult approval/disapproval, family ties and so on. However, a majority of these advertisements did not feature any health-related message.

Practical implications

– The study highlights the need for strategic actions by all stakeholders interested in protecting well-being of children. Taking account of the promotional tactics used by food marketers, parents as well as governmental agencies must strongly take steps to check these practices.

Originality/value

– As no such study has already been conducted in India (to the best of researcher’s knowledge), this study potentially helps in abridging gaps in literature.
Novel method to salvage a dislodged Memokath intraprostatic stent before deployment in obstructive prostate fossa
Authors: Wong Ka‐Wing , Ho Kwan‐Lun , Yiu Ming‐Kwong
Published: August 2014

Aim

Memokath intraprostatic stent insertion is an alternative intervention to manage male patients with bladder outlet obstruction. Occasionally, however, the insertion of a Memokath intraprostatic stent in an obstructive prostate fossa can be complicated with dislodgement. This is deemed to be a procedure failure and there is no suggested solution from the manufacturer concerned to salvage the dislodged stent. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe a novel method to salvage a dislodged Memokath intraprostatic stent before deployment in obstructive prostate fossa

Patients and Methods

The present study is a summary of our experience in salvaging dislodged Memokath intraprostatic stents during insertion for managing bladder outlet obstruction. The Memokath intraprostatic stents were all inserted with flexible cystoscope.

Results

When the intraprostatic stent is accidently dislodged before deployment, the insertion of a super‐stiff guidewire through the cystoscope judiciously can prevent failure.

Conclusion

The dislodgment of a Memokath intraprostatic stent before deployment should not be regarded as a procedure failure. We demonstrated a novel and feasible method to solve this situation effectively.
Retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes following reirradiation in locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer patients: A single institutional study
Authors: Kakria Anjali , Rawat Sheh , Bhutani Ritu , Gupta Gourav , Devnani Bharti , Wahi Inderjeet K , Ahlawat Parveen
Published: August 2014

Aim

To present a retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes following reirradiation in locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer patients at our institute.

Methods

Thirty‐one patients of head and neck cancer who presented with a locoregional recurrence from April 2007 to April 2012 underwent salvage reirradiation. Median dose of first‐time radiation was 70 Gy. Median duration of gap between the first and second course of radiation was 45.6 months. The median dose of reirradiation was 60 Gy. Conformal radiotherapy technique in the form of intensity modulated radiotherapy was used in 60% (17) of patients. Fourteen patients received concurrent chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 20.6 months, 12 patients were alive with no evidence of disease. The 3‐year disease‐free survival and overall survival were 28.7 and 48.5%, respectively. Acute and late toxicities were reported in 29 and 61% of patients, respectively. Severe grade 3 and 4 late complications were observed in nine patients but none of them led to mortality.

Conclusion

Reirradiation appears to be both feasible and well tolerated in patients treated with previous radiotherapy for recurrent and second primary head and neck cancer. Careful case selection for reirradiation based on patient's performance status and tumor characteristics is essential.
Regression analysis of correlated ordinal data using orthogonalized residuals
Authors: Perin J. , Preisser J. S. , Phillips C. , Qaqish B.
Published: August 2014

Semi‐parametric regression models for the joint estimation of marginal mean and within‐cluster pairwise association parameters are used in a variety of settings for population‐averaged modeling of multivariate categorical outcomes. Recently, a formulation of alternating logistic regressions based on orthogonalized, marginal residuals has been introduced for correlated binary data. Unlike the original procedure based on conditional residuals, its covariance estimator is invariant to the ordering of observations within clusters. In this article, the orthogonalized residuals method is extended to model correlated ordinal data with a global odds ratio, and shown in a simulation study to be more efficient and less biased with regards to estimating within‐cluster association parameters than an existing extension to ordinal data of alternating logistic regressions based on conditional residuals. Orthogonalized residuals are used to estimate a model for three correlated ordinal outcomes measured repeatedly in a longitudinal clinical trial of an intervention to improve recovery of patients' perception of altered sensation following jaw surgery.
Hierarchical functional data with mixed continuous and binary measurements
Authors: Li Haocheng , Staudenmayer John , Carroll Raymond J.
Published: August 2014

Motivated by objective measurements of physical activity, we take a functional data approach to longitudinal data with simultaneous measurement of a continuous and a binary outcomes. The regression structures are specified as smooth curves measured at various time‐points with random effects that have a hierarchical correlation structure. The random effect curves for each variable are summarized using a few important principal components, and the association of the two longitudinal variables is modeled through the association of the principal component scores. We use penalized splines to model the mean curves and the principal component curves, and cast the proposed model into a mixed effects model framework for model fitting, prediction and inference. Via a quasilikelihood type approximation for the binary component, we develop an algorithm to fit the model. Data‐based transformation of the continuous variable and selection of the number of principal components are incorporated into the algorithm. The method is applied to the motivating physical activity data and is evaluated empirically by a simulation study. Extensions for different types of outcomes are also discussed.
THE ALLOCATION OF OECD DIRECT INVESTMENT BETWEEN CEECS: A DISCRETE CHOICE APPROACH
Authors: Rasciute Simona , Puckett Sean , Pentecost Eric J.
Published: August 2014

The choice of the location of foreign direct investment is a complex phenomenon, depending not only on host‐country characteristics, but also on host‐industry and specific source‐firm characteristics. To capture these different influences for foreign investment location decisions into 13 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) over a twelve‐year period, this paper uses a Generalized Nested Logit (GNL) model with firm, industry, and country data. The novel empirical results show that the responsiveness of firms’ decisions regarding where to locate capital in CEECs to country‐level variables differs both across sectors and across firms of different sizes and profitability.
4‐bromopropofol decreases action potential generation in spinal neurons by inducing a glycine receptor‐mediated tonic conductance
Authors: Eckle V S , Grasshoff C , Mirakaj V , O'Neill P M , Berry N G , Leuwer M , Antkowiak B
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose

Impaired function of spinal strychnine‐sensitive glycine receptors gives rise to chronic pain states and movement disorders. Therefore, increased activity of glycine receptors should help to treat such disorders. Although compounds targeting glycine receptors with a high selectivity are lacking, halogenated analogues of propofol have recently been considered as potential candidates. Therefore we asked whether 4‐bromopropofol attenuated the excitability of spinal neurons by promoting glycine receptor‐dependent inhibition.

Experimental Approach

The actions of sub‐anaesthetic concentrations of propofol and 4‐bromopropofol were investigated in spinal tissue cultures prepared from mice. Drug‐induced alterations in action potential firing were monitored by extracellular multi‐unit recordings. The effects on GABAA and glycine receptor‐mediated inhibition were quantified by whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings.

Key Results

Low concentrations of 4‐bromopropofol (50 nM) reduced action potential activity of ventral horn neurons by about 30%, compared with sham‐treated slices. This effect was completely abolished by strychnine (1 μM). In voltage‐clamped neurons, 4‐bromopropofol activated glycine receptors, generating a tonic current of 65 ± 10 pA, while GABAA‐ and glycine receptor‐mediated synaptic transmission remained unaffected.

Conclusions and Implications

The highest glycine levels in the CNS are found in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, a region mediating pain‐induced motor reflexes and participating in the control of muscle tone. 4‐Bromopropofol may serve as a starting point for the development of non‐sedative, non‐addictive, muscle relaxants and analgesics to be used to treat low back pain.
Deciduousness Influences the Understory Community in a Semideciduous Tropical Forest
Authors: Souza Flaviana M. , Gandolfi Sergius , Rodrigues Ricardo R.
Published: August 2014

We investigated how deciduousness of overstory tree species influences the community structure and species composition in the understory. The results suggest that deciduous overstory trees have positive effects on light‐demanding species, and that the processes underlying such effects may involve reduced competition for light or facilitation through increased water availability.
Microclimate Fluctuation Correlated with Beta Diversity of Epiphyllous Bryophyte Communities
Authors: Kraichak Ekaphan
Published: August 2014

Site‐to‐site variation in community composition, or beta diversity, is a major component of regional diversity. While many mechanisms, such as dispersal limitation and habitat heterogeneity, have been shown to affect beta diversity, interactions between habitat heterogeneity and environmental fluctuation have not been thoroughly investigated. This study uses leaf‐colonizing (epiphyllous) bryophyte communities as a model system to investigate the effects of microclimate fluctuation on beta diversity. I hypothesized that beta diversity would increase with increasing microclimate fluctuation, as niche breadth of species was reduced with increasing fluctuation. A total of 354 leaf‐colonizing bryophyte communities from 18 sites on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia were collected and identified. At each site, temperature and relative humidity were measured and converted to vapor pressure deficit (VPD). My analyses showed that beta diversity among communities on different host types tended to increase with the increasing daily range of VPD at a given site. It is possible that high fluctuation in microclimate conditions augments the differences in habitat quality among host types, resulting in greater dissimilarities among epiphyllous communities. However, host niche breadths of major epiphyllous species did not decrease with increasing VPD range. Overall, the results suggest that beta diversity may increase with environmental fluctuation, but it is not likely to be the results of reduced niche breadth as theoretically suspected.