bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Context and cognition in Functional Discourse Grammar
Authors: Keizer Evelien
Published: February 2015

This paper discusses a recurring problem in the development and application of models of grammar: That of deciding which linguistically relevant contextual information forms part of (i.e. enters) the grammar, and which contextual information interacts with the grammar without being part of it. More specifically it considers the active-passive alternation in English within the framework of Functional Discourse Grammar. First, the possible factors recorded in the literature as determining the choice between an active and a passive construction are discussed. On the basis of an in-depth discussion of authentic examples it is concluded that the major determinant triggering the use of one of the two variants is not a single factor, but rather the composite notion of Speaker’s perspective, a systematically encoded cognitive notion covering a number of communicatively relevant (pragmatic and semantic) factors. Subsequently, it is argued that since the Speaker’s choice of perspective is the result of a cognitive process it is plausible to assume that this process takes place at a preverbal level, i.e. within the Conceptual Component. Since, however, in choosing the perspective the Speaker clearly draws on contextual information, stored in the Contextual Component, it can be concluded that information from the Contextual Component enters the Grammatical Component through the Conceptual Component), thereby indirectly influencing the choice of a particular grammatical construction.
‘Pivotage’ in French talk-in-interaction
Authors: Horlacher Anne-Sylvie , Pekarek Doehler Simona
Published: February 2015

French talk-in-interaction shows a recurrent patterning of utterances that can schematically be presented as [clause-NP-clause], as inelleiva s’effacer l’imageielleiva s’effacer(‘itiis going to fade away the image,iitiis going to fade away)’, whereisignals co-indexicality. In this pattern, the NP represents a pivot element which together with the preceding clause can be heard as forming a right dislocation ([clause-NP]), and together with the subsequent clause can be heard as forming a left dislocation ([NP-clause]). One interactionally consequential feature of the [clause-NP-clause] pattern is that it organizes specific types of units in specific ways during the temporal unfolding of talk: It allows speakers to proffer two subsequent predications about the same referent, typically within one TCU, whereby the temporally second predication may be either identical (mirror image-like pivot patterns) or different from the first. We demonstrate that speakers use the [clause-NP-clause] pivot pattern to accomplish a set of interactional jobs related to the management of repair, to stance taking, to the progressivity of talk, and to issues of recipiency. We also show that, recurrently, the pattern is configured on-line, following an emergent trajectory which is adapted to local interactional contingencies; this is what we refer to aspivotage(‘pivoting’), i.e. the grammatical shaping of pivot patterns ‘in the making’. Based on these findings, we argue that the [clause-NP-clause] pivot pattern testifies to the adaptive, emergent and thoroughly temporal nature of grammar.
A contrastive study of apologies performed by Greek native speakers and English learners of Greek as a foreign language
Authors: Bella Spyridoula
Published: February 2015

This paper investigates apologies produced by Greek native speakers and English learners of Greek as a foreign language in two informal (-P, -D) and two formal situations (+P, +D). Drawing on data elicited by means of an assessment questionnaire, a DCT and the participants’ verbal reports, the study attempts to explore the extent to which the two groups differ in their contextual assessments of the apology situations under examination and in strategy use. The results indicated that the learners of the study differed significantly from the native speakers in regard to their assessments of the contextual parameters (power, distance, severity of offence) involved in each apology situation. Furthermore, significant quantitative and qualitative differences were attested in relation of the two groups’ preferences in strategy use when performing apologies in Greek. On the basis of these results it is argued, that these learners interlanguage apology behavior is influenced both by their native cultural values and (negative) politeness orientation, as well as from lack of adequate socio-pragmatic development resulting mainly from their foreign language learner status.
Narrative styles of Palestinian Bedouin adults and children
Authors: Henkin Roni
Published: February 2015

This paper contrasts natural oral narratives of Bedouin adults and children (ages 8- 11) in the Negev Desert (South Israel). The analysis showed some striking stylistic differences, on both developmental and genre-related grounds. Adults, narrating tribal legends in a stylized, performed idiom. used distinct styles for the textual levels of orientation, plotline, and direct speech; the children told folktales and anecdotes in a relatively undifferentiated, near-conversational style. Adults set out from a concrete, non-past stage and shifted to a past plotline; whereas the childrens folkloristic openings, in the distant past, drifted to a concrete, relived present. There were significant differences in rhetorical means for perspectivizing, information packaging. connectivity, and tempo control. The children's narrative style was found to be much "flatter" and less evaluative than the adults, in keeping with developmental findings. However, some of the older children displayed global text organization, using diverse cohesive means typical of the folktale. This may show these children to be more sensitive to global genre structure than to local rhetorical means.
Growth, Female Size, and Sex Ratio Variability in American Eel of Different Origins in Both Controlled Conditions and the Wild: Implications for Stocking Programs
Authors: Côté Caroline L. , Pavey Scott A. , Stacey Joshua A. , Pratt Thomas C. , Castonguay Martin , Audet Céline , Bernatchez Louis
Published: February 2015

Freshwater eels Anguilla spp. are declining worldwide, and a major challenge is understanding why these panmictic species show contrasting patterns of intraspecific phenotypic variation and recruitment. We present results on studies of the American Eel A. rostrata to understand and discriminate the effects of origin and plasticity on growth and sex determination. We considered two separate growth and one length‐at‐age data sets. The first growth data set originated from a 34‐month rearing experiment starting from the glass eel life stage to test the effects of origin, salinity, and density on growth and sex determination. The second growth data set originated from a shorter rearing experiment of 18 months starting at the yellow eel stage (around 3 years old) and compared transplanted individuals in Lake Ontario (LO) with natural migrants to the LO area. The third data set compared transplanted individuals in LO sampled by electrofishing with naturally migrating individuals. Sex ratios were identical for all origins and treatments in the long‐term growth experiment (34–35% females). While male size distribution had little variability, certain female groups had a large variation in growth and presented fast‐ and slow‐growing clusters. On the other hand, both cases of natural migrants to the LO area were consistent with being only slow‐growing females. We found that wild individuals rearing in the LO area were nearly exclusively transplanted individuals and that males, as well as fast‐growing females, were present. Even though the entire species is panmictic, these results support a role for spatially varying selection in explaining the phenotypic variation observed among regions and among individuals of the same region, and such factors must be considered for any successful management strategies of American Eel.

Received December 17, 2013; accepted September 29, 2014
Convergence of nonlinear semigroups under nonpositive curvature
Authors: Bačák Miroslav
Published: February 2015

The present paper is devoted to gradient flow semigroups of convex functionals on Hadamard spaces. We show that the Mosco convergence of a sequence of convex lsc functions implies the convergence of the corresponding resolvents and the convergence of the gradient flow semigroups. This extends the classical results of Attouch, Brezis and Pazy into spaces with no linear structure. The same method can be further used to show the convergence of semigroups on a sequence of spaces, which solves a problem of Kuwae and Shioya [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 360, no. 1, 2008].
On the regularizing effect of nonlinear damping in hyperbolic equations
Authors: Todorova Grozdena , Yordanov Borislav
Published: February 2015

Global well-posedness in

H
2

(

R

3

)
×

H
1

(

R

3

)

H^2(\mathbb {R}^3)\times H^1(\mathbb {R}^3)

is shown for nonlinear wave equations of the form

◻

u
+
f
(
u
)
+
g
(

u
t

)
=
0
,

\Box u+f(u)+g(u_t)=0,

where

t
∈

R

+

.

t\in \mathbb {R}_+.

The main assumption is that the nonlinear damping

g
(

u
t

)

g(u_t)

behaves like

|

u
t

|

m
−
1

u
t

|u_t|^{m-1}u_t

with

m
≥
2

m\geq 2

and the defocusing nonlinearity

f
(
u
)

f(u)

is like

|

u

|

p
−
1

u

|u|^{p-1}u

with

p
≥
2.

p\geq 2.

The result also applies to certain exponential functions, such as

f
(
u
)
=
sinh
⁡
u
.

f(u)=\sinh u.

It is observed that the nonlinear damping gives rise to a new monotone quantity involving the second-order derivatives of

u
u

and leading to a priori estimates for initial data of any size.

Global well-posedness in

H
1

(

R

3

)
×

L
2

(

R

3

)

H^1(\mathbb {R}^3)\times L^2(\mathbb {R}^3)

is shown for the same equation in the critical case

f
(
u
)
=

u
5

f(u)=u^5

and

g
(

u
t

)
=

|

u
t

|

2

/

3

u
t

g(u_t)=|u_t|^{2/3}u_t

. The main tool is a new estimate for the solution of the nonlinear equation in

L
4

(

R

+

,

L

12

(

R

3

)
)
.

L^4(\mathbb {R}_+,L^{12}(\mathbb {R}^{3})).
Stability and compactness for complete 𝑓-minimal surfaces
Authors: Cheng Xu , Mejia Tito , Zhou Detang
Published: February 2015

Let

(
M
,

g
¯

,

e

−
f

d
μ
)

(M,\overline {g}, e^{-f}d\mu )

be a complete metric measure space with Bakry-Émery Ricci curvature bounded below by a positive constant. We prove that in

M
M

there is no complete two-sided

L
f

L_f

-stable immersed

f
f

-minimal hypersurface with finite weighted volume. Further, if

M
M

is a

3
3

-manifold, we prove a smooth compactness theorem for the space of complete embedded

f
f

-minimal surfaces in

M
M

with the uniform upper bounds of genus and weighted volume, which generalizes the compactness theorem for complete self-shrinkers in

R

3

\mathbb {R}^3

by Colding-Minicozzi.
Constructing regular ultrafilters from a model-theoretic point of view
Authors: Malliaris M. , Shelah S.
Published: February 2015

This paper contributes to the set-theoretic side of understanding Keisler’s order. We consider properties of ultrafilters which affect saturation of unstable theories: the lower cofinality

l
c
f

(

ℵ
0

,

D

)

\mathrm {lcf}(\aleph _0, \mathcal {D})

of

ℵ
0

\aleph _0

modulo

D

\mathcal {D}

, saturation of the minimum unstable theory (the random graph), flexibility, goodness, goodness for equality, and realization of symmetric cuts. We work in ZFC except when noted, as several constructions appeal to complete ultrafilters and thus assume a measurable cardinal. The main results are as follows. First, we investigate the strength of flexibility, known to be detected by non-low theories. Assuming

κ
>

ℵ
0

\kappa > \aleph _0

is measurable, we construct a regular ultrafilter on

λ
≥

2
κ

\lambda \geq 2^\kappa

which is flexible but not good, and which moreover has large

l
c
f

(

ℵ
0

)

\mathrm {lcf}(\aleph _0)

but does not even saturate models of the random graph. This implies (a) that flexibility alone cannot characterize saturation of any theory, however (b) by separating flexibility from goodness, we remove a main obstacle to proving non-low does not imply maximal. Since flexible is precisely OK, this also shows that (c) from a set-theoretic point of view, consistently, OK need not imply good, addressing a problem from Dow (1985). Second, under no additional assumptions, we prove that there is a loss of saturation in regular ultrapowers of unstable theories, and also give a new proof that there is a loss of saturation in ultrapowers of non-simple theories. More precisely, for

D

\mathcal {D}

regular on

κ
\kappa

and

M
M

a model of an unstable theory,

M
κ

/

D

M^\kappa /\mathcal {D}

is not

(

2
κ

)
+

(2^\kappa )^+

-saturated; and for

M
M

a model of a non-simple theory and

λ
=

λ

>
λ

\lambda = \lambda ^{>\lambda }

,

M
λ

/

D

M^\lambda /\mathcal {D}

is not

λ

+
+

\lambda ^{++}

-saturated. In the third part of the paper, we investigate realization and omission of symmetric cuts, significant both because of the maximality of the strict order property in Keisler’s order, and by recent work of the authors on

S
O

P
2

SOP_2

. We prove that if

D

\mathcal {D}

is a

κ
\kappa

-complete ultrafilter on

κ
\kappa

, any ultrapower of a sufficiently saturated model of linear order will have no

(
κ
,
κ
)

(\kappa , \kappa )

-cuts, and that if

D

\mathcal {D}

is also normal, it will have a

(

κ
+

,

κ
+

)

(\kappa ^+, \kappa ^+)

-cut. We apply this to prove that for any

n
>
ω

n > \omega

, assuming the existence of

n
n

measurable cardinals below

λ
\lambda

, there is a regular ultrafilter

D
D

on

λ
\lambda

such that any

D
D

-ultrapower of a model of linear order will have

n
n

alternations of cuts, as defined below. Moreover,

D
D

will

λ
+

\lambda ^+

-saturate all stable theories but will not

(

2

κ

)
+

(2^{\kappa })^+

-saturate any unstable theory, where

κ
\kappa

is the smallest measurable cardinal used in the construction.
Formation of C2 and CN in nova V2676 Oph around its visual brightness maximum
Authors: Kawakita Hideyo , Fujii Mitsugu , Nagashima Masayoshi , Kajikawa Tomoyo , Kubo Natsuki , Arai Akira
Published: February 2015

The slow nova V2676 Oph was unique in that both C2 and CN molecules were observed during its early phase around the visual brightness maximum. The absorption bands of these molecules were detected using spectroscopic techniques and disappeared within several days. The formation of CO was followed by dust formation, which was confirmed via observations in the latter phase of the nova. The formation of molecules is critically important in understanding the origin of dust grains in novae; however, the formation mechanism of C2 and CN molecules in the early phase of novae remain unclear. Here we report optical spectroscopic observations of the dust-forming nova V2676 Oph in the early phase, and we use these data in addition to spectroscopic observations reported previously to discuss the origin of diatomic molecules in the nova. We conclude that C2 and CN molecules formed in the nova outflow when the outer gas envelope cooled sufficiently and that they survived for more than 2 days but less than 7 days in the nova outflow.
Predictors of Clinically Significant Postoperative Events after Open Craniosynostosis Surgery
Authors: Goobie Susan M. , Zurakowski David , Proctor Mark R. , Meara John G. , Meier Petra M. , Young Vanessa J. , Rogers Gary F.
Published: February 2015

AbstractAbstract

Children undergoing craniosynostosis surgery are at increased risk for clinically significant postoperative events requiring intensive care unit admission if they are less than 10 kg body weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 3 or 4, require intraoperative transfusion of greater than 60 ml/kg of packed erythrocytes, receive hemostatic blood products, or if they develop a significant intraoperative complication.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Craniosynostosis surgery is associated with clinically significant postoperative events requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The authors investigate specific variables, which might influence the risk for these events, and thereby make recommendations regarding the need for postoperative ICU admission.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 225 children undergoing open craniosynostosis repair at a single center during a 10-yr period is reported. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of predefined clinically relevant postoperative cardiorespiratory and hematological events requiring ICU admission.

Results:

The incidences of postoperative cardiorespiratory and hematological events requiring ICU care were 14.7% (95% CI, 10.5 to 20.1%) and 29.7% (95% CI, 24.0 to 36.3%), respectively. Independent predictors of cardiorespiratory events were body weight less than 10 kg, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 3 or 4, intraoperative transfusion of greater than 60 ml/kg packed erythrocytes, and the occurrence of an intraoperative complication. The independent predictors of hematological events were body weight less than 10 kg, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 3 or 4, intraoperative transfusion of greater than 60 ml/kg packed erythrocytes, transfusion of hemostatic products (fresh-frozen plasma, platelets, and/or cryoprecipitate), and tranexamic acid not administered.

Conclusions:

Children undergoing craniosynostosis surgery are at increased risk for clinically significant postoperative events requiring ICU admission if they are less than 10 kg body weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 3 or 4, require intraoperative transfusion of greater than 60 ml/kg of packed erythrocytes, receive hemostatic blood products, or if they develop a significant intraoperative complication. Tranexamic acid administration was associated with fewer postoperative events. A predictive clinical algorithm for pediatric patients having major craniosynostosis surgery was developed and validated to risk stratify these patients.
Siderophore cooperation of the bacteriumPseudomonas fluorescensin soil
Authors: Luján Adela M. , Gómez Pedro , Buckling Angus
Published: February 2015

While social interactions play an important role for the evolution of bacterial siderophore productionin vitro, the extent to which siderophore production is a social trait in natural populations is less clear. Here, we demonstrate that siderophores act as public goods in a natural physical environment ofPseudomonas fluorescens: soil-based compost. We show that monocultures of siderophore producers grow better than non-producers in soil, but non-producers can exploit others' siderophores, as shown by non-producers' ability to invade populations of producers when rare. Despite this rare advantage, non-producers were unable to outcompete producers, suggesting that producers and non-producers may stably coexist in soil. Such coexistence is predicted to arise from the spatial structure associated with soil, and this is supported by increased fitness of non-producers when grown in a shaken soil–water mix. Our results suggest that both producers and non-producers should be observed in soil, as has been observed in marine environments and in clinical populations.
Indentation of a rigid sphere into an elastic substrate with surface tension and adhesion
Authors: Hui Chung-Yuen , Liu Tianshu , Salez Thomas , Raphael Elie , Jagota Anand
Published: February 2015

The surface tension of compliant materials such as gels provides resistance to deformation in addition to and sometimes surpassing that owing to elasticity. This paper studies how surface tension changes the contact mechanics of a small hard sphere indenting a soft elastic substrate. Previous studies have examined the special case where the external load is zero, so contact is driven by adhesion alone. Here, we tackle the much more complicated problem where, in addition to adhesion, deformation is driven by an indentation force. We present an exact solution based on small strain theory. The relation between indentation force (displacement) and contact radius is found to depend on a single dimensionless parameter:
ω
=
σ
(
μR
)
−2/3
((9
π
/4)
W
ad
)
−1/3
, where
σ
and
μ
are the surface tension and shear modulus of the substrate,
R
is the sphere radius and
W
ad
is the interfacial work of adhesion. Our theory reduces to the Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) theory and Young–Dupre equation in the limits of small and large
ω
, respectively, and compares well with existing experimental data. Our results show that, although surface tension can significantly affect the indentation force, the magnitude of the pull-off load in the partial wetting liquid-like limit is reduced only by one-third compared with the JKR limit and the pull-off behaviour is completely determined by
ω
.
Independent evolution of the sexes promotes amphibian diversification
Authors: De Lisle Stephen P. , Rowe Locke
Published: February 2015

Classic ecological theory predicts that the evolution of sexual dimorphism constrains diversification by limiting morphospace available for speciation. Alternatively, sexual selection may lead to the evolution of reproductive isolation and increased diversification. We test contrasting predictions of these hypotheses by examining the relationship between sexual dimorphism and diversification in amphibians. Our analysis shows that the evolution of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is associated with increased diversification and speciation, contrary to the ecological theory. Further, this result is unlikely to be explained by traditional sexual selection models because variation in amphibian SSD is unlikely to be driven entirely by sexual selection. We suggest that relaxing a central assumption of classic ecological models—that the sexes share a common adaptive landscape—leads to the alternative hypothesis that independent evolution of the sexes may promote diversification. Once the constraints of sexual conflict are relaxed, the sexes can explore morphospace that would otherwise be inaccessible. Consistent with this novel hypothesis, the evolution of SSD in amphibians is associated with reduced current extinction threat status, and an historical reduction in extinction rate. Our work reconciles conflicting predictions from ecological and evolutionary theory and illustrates that the ability of the sexes to evolve independently is associated with a spectacular vertebrate radiation.
Kinship, parental manipulation and evolutionary origins of eusociality
Authors: Kapheim Karen M. , Nonacs Peter , Smith Adam R. , Wayne Robert K. , Wcislo William T.
Published: February 2015

One of the hallmarks of eusociality is that workers forego their own reproduction to assist their mother in raising siblings. This seemingly altruistic behaviour may benefit workers if gains in indirect fitness from rearing siblings outweigh the loss of direct fitness. If worker presence is advantageous to mothers, however, eusociality may evolve without net benefits to workers. Indirect fitness benefits are often cited as evidence for the importance of inclusive fitness in eusociality, but have rarely been measured in natural populations. We compared inclusive fitness of alternative social strategies in the tropical sweat bee,
Megalopta genalis
, for which eusociality is optional. Our results show that workers have significantly lower inclusive fitness than females that found their own nests. In mathematical simulations based on
M. genalis
field data, eusociality cannot evolve with reduced intra-nest relatedness. The simulated distribution of alternative social strategies matched observed distributions of
M. genalis
social strategies when helping behaviour was simulated as the result of maternal manipulation, but not as worker altruism. Thus, eusociality in
M. genalis
is best explained through kin selection, but the underlying mechanism is likely maternal manipulation.
Peptide sequencing in an electrolytic cell with two nanopores in tandem and exopeptidase
Authors: Sampath G.
Published: February 2015

A nanopore-based approach to peptide sequencing without labels or immobilization is considered. It is based on a tandem cell (RSC Adv.,2015,5, 167-171) with the structure [cis1, upstream pore (UNP),trans1/cis2, downstream pore (DNP),trans2]. An amino or carboxyl exopeptidase attached to the downstream side of UNP cleaves successive leading residues in a peptide threading fromcis1 through UNP. A cleaved residue translocates to and through DNP where it is identified. A Fokker-Planck model is used to compute translocation statistics for each amino acid type. Multiple discriminators, including a variant of the current blockade level and translocation times throughtrans1/cis2 and DNP, identify a residue. Calculations show the 20 amino acids to be grouped by charge (+, −, neutral) and ordered within each group (which makes error correction easier). The minimum cleaving interval required of the exopeptidase, the sample size (number of copies of the peptide to sequence or runs with one copy) to identify a residue with a given confidence level, and confidence levels for a given sample size are calculated. The results suggest that if the exopeptidase cleaves each and every residue and does so in a reasonable time, peptide sequencing with acceptable (and correctable) errors may be feasible. If validated experimentally the proposed device could be an alternative to mass spectrometry and gel electrophoresis. Implementation-related issues are discussed.
Public policy makers
Authors: Sraha Gloria
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Although there is great deal of research on export assistance programmes in developed countries, studies on developing countries in Africa has received scant attention in the literature. Lack of detailed information in many developing African countries makes it difficult to assess the effect of export promotion programmes (EPPs) on the firm’s export performance in foreign markets. The purpose of this paper is to explore entrepreneurial development in the value-added export sector of Ghana and screen EPPs provided by public policy makers to examine the impact of these programmes on export performance of Ghanaian firms in foreign markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– A conceptual/exploratory paper is developed with discussion.

Findings

– The paper suggests that the ability of exporters to enhance their performance is driven by the usage of outside market access, export development/training and information related export assistance programmes offered by public policy makers. Utilisation of EPPs builds experiential knowledge which serves as a source of competitive advantage for exporters to implement effective marketing mix strategies to enhance performance.

Practical implications

– The study underscores the specific EPPs export managers can utilise to enhance performance and improve their international marketing strategy in foreign markets. Public policy makers need to work together with exporters to incorporate and develop programmes to suit the idiosyncrasies of foreign markets and boost the growth of value-added exports.

Originality/value

– The study explores past literature to screen and evaluate the effect of EPPs and entrepreneurial development to boost export growth in Ghana – Sub-Sahara Africa.
Technological learning mechanisms in Nigeria’s technology incubation centre
Authors: Adelowo Caleb Muyiwa , Ilori Matthew Olugbenga , Siyanbola Willie Owolabi , Oluwale Billy A
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The ability of tenant firms to survive after incubation is dependent on the relevant capabilities they acquired during the incubation process. Several studies have established the critical roles of incubation in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation at local, national and regional levels but the processes and mechanisms of technological learning and the capability building of the tenants has received much less attention. In response to the situation, the purpose of this paper is to assess various technological learning mechanisms through which tenant firms in the incubation system in Nigeria acquired the relevant capabilities (both technological and non-technological) that will sustain them after graduation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The information was gathered through a preliminary survey and questionnaires were administered to elicit information from the tenant firms and the incubator managers. Data collected were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics.

Findings

– The internal learning mechanisms of the tenant firms were found to be fair as firms possessed good internal capabilities that helped to absorb and adapt foreign technologies to suit their individual production needs and this was demonstrated by the quality of personnel employed by the tenant firms. The study revealed poor interaction between the tenants and knowledge institutions and training programmes and facilities also played significant roles in technological capability acquisition of tenants firms. The main factors that ranked highly and influenced technological learning among the firms included the need for product improvement, the need to increase production, turnover and profit, the need to reduce production costs and compete well after graduation, while the need to enter foreign market and commercialise technology ranked average with regards to success in technological learning.

Research limitations/implications

– The results of the study may not be generalised because of limited sample.

Practical implications

– The study concluded that the technological learning capabilities of the firms could be better enhanced with adequate training and training facilities, robust linkages with knowledge centres and compliance with incubation regulations.

Originality/value

– This study provided information on various technological learning mechanisms through which tenant firms in the incubation system in Nigeria acquire relevant capabilities (technological and non-technological) that sustain them after graduation. The study also contributed to the growing literature on incubation system and entrepreneurship.
Young consumers’ insights on brand equity
Authors: Sasmita Jumiati , Mohd Suki Norazah
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of brand association, brand loyalty, brand awareness, and brand image on brand equity among young consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from 200 young consumers were analysed using descriptive, correlation and multiple regression analysis via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer programme version 21.

Findings

– Empirical results via multiple regressions authenticated that brand awareness predominantly affects brand equity among young consumers. These young consumers get input and awareness of the particular product or brand from the social media. They can clearly recognize the particular product or brand in comparison to competing products or brands and know how it looks and its characteristics from the social media.

Research limitations/implications

– Respondents were randomly drawn from the population of the full time students in a public university in Malaysia. Consequently, they may not represent the entire population of Malaysia.

Practical implications

– Input regarding the effects of brand association, brand loyalty, brand awareness, and brand image on brand equity among young consumers would help marketers and practitioners to formulate strategies to enhance their brand equity in order to obtain competitive advantage and business sustainability, particularly among young consumer markets.

Originality/value

– Empirical findings offer academic contributions to the existing body of knowledge of consumer behaviour as the sophisticated quantitative data analyses used will eventually allow future researchers to explicate the contribution of the current study to understand the importance of brand equity among young consumers in Malaysia.
Retail evolution model in emerging markets: apparel store formats in Brazil
Authors: Miotto Ana Paula , Parente Juracy Gomes
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a taxonomy to describe and synthesize the retail strategies and store formats in the fast-changing modernization context of emerging markets. It identifies how these different formats are related to the existing literature about retail evolution. The paper proposes analogies between the empirical findings and the Big Middle Theory model developed by Levyet al. (2005).

Design/methodology/approach

– Structured observations and personal interviews were conducted with managers/owners of 108 apparel stores located in three unplanned shopping districts in São Paulo, Brazil. Cluster analysis was used to derive the store formats.

Findings

– The results identify four store formats – old fashioned, price focused, specialized, and consolidated – reflecting diverse marketing strategies and different stages in the retailing modernization cycle. There is a striking resemblance between these empirically derived formats and the four types of retail segments (Big Middle, Low price, Innovative, and in Trouble) proposed by the Big Middle model.

Research limitations/implications

– There are limitations due to the exploratory nature of the research: the specific context (São Paulo, apparel retail sector) where the empirical data was collected restricts the generalization of the results to other situations; lack of precision in the appraisal of the variables might limit the research replicability. Nevertheless, this research contributes to expanding the scarce knowledge about the retailing phenomenon in emerging markets. An extension of the Big Middle model is suggested to depict the existing retail formats in emerging markets, offering therefore a theoretical contribution to the retail literature.

Practical implications

– The study provides retailers with a framework against which to map their format, competitive strategy, and stages of the modernization cycle, enabling them to better adjust the configuration of their marketing mix variables. It also offers a classification scheme of stores formats which will help to describe the apparel retailing industry in emerging markets.

Social implications

– Public policies are suggested to technically assist the modernization process and survival of more vulnerable retail formats.

Originality/value

– Considering the fast-growing economic importance of the new “low-middle class” of emerging markets, and also the relevance of apparel retailing, this research is relevant and unique because it helps to bridge a gap in the limited literature and knowledge in this area.
Mnemonics in the Mouseion
Authors: Olesen-Bagneux Ole
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Mnemonics was a tool in classification and information seeking processes in pre-print libraries. The purpose of this paper is to study the role of spatial mnemonics in Hellenistic libraries, including the one in Alexandria.

Design/methodology/approach

– Since library- and information science has not explored this subject in depth, philology, rhetoric, book-history and archeology constitute the core literature. From this literature, the role of mnemonics in the libraries is discussed.

Findings

– A new description of the practice of classification and retrieval in Hellenistic libraries, based on spatial mnemonics.

Originality/value

– This paper is a new analysis of spatial mnemonics in the Hellenistic libraries. As will become clear, they blend easily and logically with each other.
Interpretative phenomenological analysis for LIS research
Authors: VanScoy Amy , Evenstad Solveig Beyza
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and evaluation of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) for the library and information science (LIS) community, as this method has only recently been used for exploring experiences of various phenomena related to LIS.

Design/methodology/approach

– IPA is discussed within the phenomenological tradition. Two examples of recent IPA studies are examined in parallel to show application of the IPA method. Issues and challenges of applying IPA to LIS research questions are discussed.

Findings

– IPA is an alternative phenomenological method, adding to the repertoire of qualitative methods used for LIS research. It was an effective method for exploring experience among information professionals: it was equally suitable for studying reference and information service work for academic library professionals and burnout experience for information and communication technology workers.

Originality/value

– Only a few LIS studies have used IPA and no discussion or evaluation of the method has been published for this field. This paper provides a discussion of the method for LIS researchers interested in this emerging phenomenological method.
Taking the long view of medical records preservation and archives
Authors: Dong Lorraine
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an argument for taking the long view of the retention and preservation of inactive medical records.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the theoretical framework of Actor-Network Theory, the author examines medical records, and especially mental health records, as actants that participate in the classification and treatment of patients, and in the development of psychiatry and mental hospitals as social institutions.

Findings

– The varied and profound roles of medical records demonstrate the ability for records to have multiple “lives” that can touch many individuals beyond a single human lifetime.

Practical implications

– As the current and future custodians of historical medical record collections, information professionals are in a position to be greater advocates for the increased preservation of and mindful access to these materials.

Social implications

– Medical records have potential to be cultural heritage documents, especially for emergent communities.

Originality/value

– This paper articulates the ways in which medical records are an embedded part of many societies, and affect the ways in which illness is defined and treated. It thus suggests that while laws regarding the retention and destruction of and access to medical records continue to be deliberated upon around the world, such records can have enduring value as information artifacts.
Can coase govern the Green Bay Packers?
Authors: Chen Jia-Yuh , Khadka Manish
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The agency problem inherent in governing public corporations predicts a management not acting in shareholders’ best interest. The purpose of this paper is to use the Green Bay Packers’ unique ownership structure as a case study to show that a disperse shareholder base does not necessarily lead to failures in corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Packers have been run by a great management team since 1992. The authors argue that the new management has become the de facto owners of the Packers organization and dealt away the agency costs as a result. This argument is in line with the Coase Theorem.

Findings

– The ownership of the Packers is a property. As would be argued with the Coase Theorem, if the property right is well defined, who controls the property, under certain circumstances, is irrelevant in regard of maximizing ownership value.

Research limitations/implications

– With only one sample point, the authors, however, cannot rule out the randomness of the Packers’ stellar performance and also the possibility that the new management acts in the best interest of Packers shareholders because they have well-designed employment contracts.

Originality/value

– Nevertheless, the findings offer a new perspective to the corporate governance literature.
Corporate environmental claims: a game theory model with empirical results
Authors: Amato Louis H. , Zillante Arthur , Amato Christie H
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examines whether firms’ eco-friendly advertising claims are supported by environmentally friendly behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper develops a game theory model to determine the circumstances under which firms’ environmental claims will be supported by the adoption of best environmental practice. Least squares regression is used to test major theoretical implications.

Findings

– The theoretical model suggests that the credence good nature of un-monitored environmental claims prohibits consumer validation; firms have an incentive to advertise green but no incentive to adopt best environmental practice. Third-party monitoring transforms the game, making eco-friendly outcomes possible. Empirical models based on North American data suggest that firm profit rates are related to verifiable environmental claims and to easily accessible external ratings of environmental performance.

Originality/value

– Unlike previous game theoretical models for similar goods, the eco-friendly outcome does not require a repeated game. The importance of the single period game is that continued patronage is not required for the firm to produce goods containing the desired attributes.
Social sustainability and urban mobility: shifting to a socially responsible pro-poor perspective
Authors: Grieco Margaret
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe global trends and policy responses with respect to the social sustainability of urban mobility which, put simply, refers to whether the benefits and costs of transport and travel services (mobility) and the spatial organisation of facilities and services (accessibility) are equally and equitably distributed in a society or community. Considering urban transport provision from a social sustainability framework raises critical issues of policy goals and purpose, not least of which is the consideration that policies aimed at stemming or reducing urban mobility should not accentuate existing inequities and inequalities in accessibility. It also raises issues of reshaping urban decision-making structures to better integrate the end-user, where the end-user includes both those who are presently included in mobility and accessibility provision and, most importantly, those who are presently and have been previously excluded.

Design/methodology/approach

– Comprehensive research into the global policy literature and urban practice around socially sustainable urban mobility under the auspices of an international agency.

Findings

– The databases and methodologies around social sustainability have not been sufficiently developed to permit ready operationalisation. The use of electronic technology and user feedback – which such technology makes possible – has not been adequately harnessed to develop the necessary methodologies for the measurement of social sustainability with respect to urban mobility.

Research limitations/implications

– The development of improved social sustainability methodologies will increase the probability of the building of pro-poor infrastructure.

Practical implications

– The development of improved social sustainability methodologies will proved improved frameworks for evaluating the social responsibility of transport options.

Social implications

– The development of participatory methodologies and evaluatory frameworks will lead towards more cohesive and better integrated cities, that is more socially sustainable cities.

Originality/value

– This paper makes the case that the participatory research necessary to the evaluation of transport projects, schemes and networks as socially sustainable has not yet been undertaken. It brings together a set of global evidence to make the case that current discussions of the social sustainability currently take place in an evidence and policy vacuum.
Consumers as employees: the impact of social responsibility on quality of work life among Australian engineers
Authors: Arndt Aaron D , Singhapakdi Anusorn , Tam Vivian
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to investigate whether consumer values influence work-related attitudes. Employees often feel conflict among different aspects of their lives. Although most extant research has focused on the effect of family values on work attitudes, we investigate whether a fit between employees’ socially responsible consumption orientation (SRCO) and firm corporate social responsibility (CSR) influences employee higher-order quality of work life.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data from 112 members of an engineering association in Australia.

Findings

– The results show that employees’ consumer life roles can influence their work-related perceptions. However, contrary to expectations, the positive influence of CSR on higher-order quality of work life is weaker for employees who are more socially responsible consumers.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research should examine other industry contexts and cultures. Also, because the SRCO construct is very broad, further research should examine specific social issues.

Practical implications

– CSR can be an important strategy for retaining employees, even those with lower SRCO.

Originality/value

– This research shows that customer values influence important work-related attitudes, such as higher-order quality of work life and organizational commitment. Furthermore, we show that “fit” between consumption orientation responsibility and firm CSR does not necessarily enhance work-related attitudes because employees high in SRCO likely hold the firm to a different standard of social responsibility.
Haemoconcentration of residual cardiopulmonary bypass blood using Hemosep®: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hogan M. , Needham A. , Ortmann E. , Bottrill F. , Collier T. J. , Besser M. W. , Klein A. A.
Published: February 2015

Cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass are associated with haemodilution, activation of haemostasis and blood transfusion. We undertook a randomised controlled trial that included 53 patients in order to compare autotransfusion of residual cardiopulmonary bypass blood with residual blood concentrated using the novel Hemosep® device. There was no difference in patients' mean (SD) haemoglobin concentration after autotransfusion of unprocessed blood compared with Hemosep; 103.5 (10.2) g.l−1 vs 106.2 (12.4) g.l−1, respectively, p = 0.40. The mean (SD) change in haemoglobin concentration after autotransfusion was 5.9 (5.3) g.l−1 in the control group compared with 4.9 (6.3) g.l−1 in the Hemosep group, p = 0.545. Adjusted for baseline haemoglobin concentrations, the estimated mean (95% CI) difference in change in haemoglobin concentration (control vs Hemosep) was 0.57 (−2.65 to 3.79) g.l−1, p = 0.72. This was despite Hemosep's reducing the weight of the blood from a mean (SD) of 778.7 (243.0) g to 607.3 (248.2) g, p < 0.001. The haemoglobin concentration in the processed blood increased from a mean (SD) of 87.0 (15.1) g.l−1 to 103.7 (17.4) g.l−1, p < 0.001. We conclude that Hemosep is capable of haemoconcentration when employed to process residual cardiopulmonary bypass blood, but that this is insufficient to increase patient haemoglobin.