bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione
Authors: Tahir M. Nawaz , Sirajuddin Muhammad , Ali Saqib , Munawar Khurram Shahzad
Published: July 2012

In the title compound, C15H11NO3, the dihedral angle between the methoxybenzene and isoindole ring systems is 70.21 (3)°. The methoxy C atom is close to being coplanar with its attached ring [deviation = 0.133 (2) Å] and is oriented away from the isoindole moiety. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds generateR22(10) loops. Further C—H...O interactions lead to (010) infinite sheets and weak aromatic π–π stacking [centroid–centroid separations = 3.6990 (10) and 3.7217 (10) Å] is also observed.
cis-Diiodido(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine-κ2N,N′)palladium(II)
Authors: Abellán-López Antonio , Chicote-Olalla María Teresa , Bautista-Cerezo Delia
Published: July 2012

In the title complex,cis-[PdI2(C6H16N2)], the PdIIatom lies on a crystallographic twofold rotation axis and is four-coordinated by the two N atoms of a chelatingN,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine ligand [Pd—N = 2.125 (3) Å] and two I atoms [Pd—I = 2.5833 (4) Å], displaying a distorted square-planar geometry (r.m.s. deviation = 0.005 Å), imposed by the small bite of the chelating ligand [N—Pd—N angle = 84.68 (18)°].
(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-Isopropylidenedioxy-2-(phenylsulfonylmethyl)pyrrolidin-1-ol
Authors: Flores Mari Fe , Garcia Pilar , Garrido Narciso M. , Sanz Francisca , Diez David
Published: July 2012

The title compound, C14H19NO5S, was prepared by nucleophilic addition of the lithium derivative of methylphenylsulfone to (3S,4R)-3,4-isopropylidenedioxypyrroline 1-oxide. There are four molecules in the asymmetric unit. The crystal structure determination confirms the configuration of the chiral centres as 2R,3S,4R. In the crystal, pairs of O—H...N hydrogen bonds link the molecules into dimers.
Dibromido(dimethyl sulfoxide-κO)(6-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine-κ2N,N′)cadmium
Authors: Shirvan Sadif A. , Haydari Dezfuli Sara
Published: July 2012

In the title compound, [CdBr2(C11H10N2)(C2H6OS)], the CdIIatom is five-coordinated in a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal geometry by two N atoms from a 6-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligand, one O atom from a dimethyl sulfoxide ligand and two Br atoms. An intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond occurs. The crystal structure is stabilized by C—H...Br hydrogen bonds and π–π contacts between the pyridine rings [centroid–centroid distances = 3.582 (5) and 3.582 (5) Å].
3-Aminobenzoic acid–4,4′-bipyridine (2/3)
Authors: Lhengwan Pornsuda , Achiwawanich Supakit , Duangthongyou Tanwawan
Published: July 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, 3C10H8N2·2C7H7NO2, consists of three molecules of 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy) and two molecules of 3-aminobenzoic acid (bza). Two molecules of bza and two molecules of bpy are connectedviaO—H...N, N—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming forming infinite double-stranded zigzag chains along thecaxis. The third molecule of bpy is linked to the chain by weak C—H...O interactions. Adjacent chains are linked via π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distances = 3.759 (3)–3.928 (3) Å] involving the pyridine rings of bpy molecules, resulting in a sheet-like structure parallel to (100). These sheets are stackedviaC—H...π interactions, resulting finally in the formation of a three-dimensional supramolecular structure.
(Z)-3-Benzyl-2-[(2-phenylcyclohex-2-enyl)imino]-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one
Authors: Ooi Chin Wei , Fun Hoong-Kun , Quah Ching Kheng , Sathishkumar Murugan , Ponnuswamy Alagusundaram
Published: July 2012

The title compound, C22H22N2OS, exists in aZconfiguration with respect to the N=C bond. The cyclohexene ring adopts a distorted sofa conformation. The thiazolidine ring is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.030 (2) Å, and forms dihedral angles of 76.66 (6) and 74.55 (6)° with the terminal phenyl rings. The dihedral angle between the phenyl rings is 71.55 (7)°. In the crystal, a C—H...π interaction is observed.
Hexaaquaaluminium(III) tris(methanesulfonate)
Authors: Trella Thomas , Frank Walter
Published: July 2012

The title compound, [Al(H2O)6](CH3SO3)3(common name: aluminium methanesulfonate hexahydrate), was crystallized from an aqueous solution prepared by the precipitation reaction of aluminium sulfate and barium methanesulfonate. Its crystal structure is the first of the boron group methanesulfonates to be determined. The characteristic building block is a centrosymmetric unit containing two hexaaquaaluminium cations that are connected to each other by two O atoms of the –SO3groups in an O—H...O...H—O sequence. Further O—H...O hydrogen bonding links these blocks in orthogonal directions – along [010] forming a double chain array, along [10-1] forming a layered arrangement of parallel chains and along [101] forming a three-dimensional network. As indicated by the O...O distances of 2.600 (3)–2.715 (3) Å, the hydrogen bonds are from medium–strong to strong. A further structural feature is the arrangement of two and four methyl groups, respectively, establishing `hydrophobic islands' of different size, all positioned in a layer-like region perpendicular to [101]. The only other building block within this region is one of the –SO3groups giving a local connection between the hydrophilic structural regions on both sides of the `hydrophobic' one. Thermal analysis indicates that a stepwise dehydration process starts at about 413 K and proceedsviathe respective penta- and dihydrate until the compound completely decomposes at about 688 K.
Dilead(II) trimanganese(II) bis(hydrogenphosphate) bis(phosphate)
Authors: Assani Abderrazzak , Saadi Mohamed , Zriouil Mohammed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: July 2012

The title compound, Pb2Mn3(HPO4)2(PO4)2, was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. All atoms are in general positions except for one Mn atom which is located on an inversion center. The framework of the structure is built up from PO4tetrahedra and two types of MnO6octahedra, one almost ideal and the other very distorted with one very long Mn—O bond [2.610 (4) Å compared an average of 2.161 Å for the other bonds]. The centrosymetric octahedron is linked to two distorted MnO6octahedra by an edge common, forming infinite zigzag Mn3O14chains running along thebaxis. Adjacent chains are linked by PO4and PO3(OH) tetrahedra through vertices or by edge sharing, forming sheets perpendicular to [100]. The Pb2+cations are sandwiched between the layers and ensure the cohesion of the crystal structure. O—H...O hydrogen bonding between the layers is also observed.
N-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-nitrobenzenesulfonamide
Authors: Chaithanya U. , Foro Sabine , Gowda B. Thimme
Published: July 2012

In the title compound, C12H9ClN2O4S, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 73.65 (7)°. The amide H atom shows bifurcated hydrogen bonding, generating an intramolecularS(7) and an intermolecularC(4) motif.
1-(2,6-Diisopropylphenoxy)-4-phenylphthalazine
Authors: Tong Bihai , Mei Qunying
Published: July 2012

In the title molecule, C26H26N2O, the phenyl and phenoxy rings form dihedral angles of 54.66 (7) and 84.83 (6)°, respectively, with the phthalazine mean plane. The crystal packing exhibits weak C—H...π interactions.
2-(1,2,3,4-Tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Oliveira Adriano Bof de , Silva Cecília Santos , Feitosa Bárbara Regina Santos , Näther Christian , Jess Inke
Published: July 2012

The molecular structure of the title compound, C11H13N3S, is not planar: the maximum deviation from the mean plane of the non-H atoms is 0.521 (2) Å for an aliphatic C atom, which corresponds to an envelope conformation for the non-aromatic ring. The hydrazinecarbothioamide substituent and the benzene ring have maximum deviations from the mean planes through the non-H atoms of 0.0288 (16) and 0.0124 (27) Å, respectively, and the dihedral angle between the two planes is 8.84 (13)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked into chains along [1-10] by pairs of N—H...S hydrogen bonds between molecules related by centres of symmetry.
Bis(2-bromoethyl)ammonium bromide
Authors: Padayachy Kamentheren , Fernandes Manuel A. , Marques Helder M. , Sousa Alvaro S. de
Published: July 2012

The title salt, C4H10Br2N+·Br−, crystallizes with four cations and four anions in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal, the bis(2-bromoethyl)ammonium cations and bromide anions are linked into chains by N—H...Br hydrogen bonds describing a binaryC21(4) motif along [010]. Each of these chains is formed by a unique cation and anion pair. The ammonium cations occur in the less preferredanticonformation, characterized by different NCCBr torsion angles. Adjacent chains are linked by weak C—H...Br interactions, forming a three-dimensional network. The crystal studied was a pseudo-merohedral twin with twin ratio 0.640 (2):0.360 (2).
2-(4-Methylphenyl)-7-(2-methylpropoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one–6-chloro-2-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(2-methylpropoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (19/1)
Authors: Barot Vijay M. , Jotani Mukesh M. , Maheta Jeshal G.
Published: July 2012

The title co-crystal, 0.95C20H20O3·0.05C20H19ClO3, arises as the chloride carried over during the synthesis shares a position with an aromatic H atom; the partial occupancies are 0.947 (2) and 0.053 (2) for H and Cl, respectively. The molecular structure is stabilized by intramolecular C—H...O contacts, forming pseudo five- and six-membered rings withS(5) andS(6) graph-set motifs, respectively. The crystal structure features π–π stacking interactions between the centroids of the central fused ring systems [centroid–centroid distance = 3.501 (2) Å].
2,7-Dimethoxy-1-(2-naphthoyl)naphthalene
Authors: Tsumuki Takehiro , Isogai Atsumi , Nagasawa Atsushi , Okamoto Akiko , Yonezawa Noriyuki
Published: July 2012

In the title molecule, C23H18O3, the dihedral angle between the two naphthalene ring systems is 80.44 (4)°. The mean plane of the bridging carbonyl C—C(=O)—C group makes a torsion angle of −68.55 (17)° with the naphthalene system of the 2,7-dimethoxynaphthalene unit and a torsion angle of −9.01 (19)° with the naphthalene ring system of the naphthoyl group. In the crystal, a weak C—H...O hydrogen bond occurs between the carbonyl O atom and an H atom of the naphthalene ring in the 2,7-dimethoxynaphthalene unit of a symmetry-related molecule.
1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexa-O-acetyl-scyllo-inositol
Authors: Kant Rajni , Gupta Vivek K. , Kapoor Kamini , Chib Renu , Shah Bhahwal A. , Taneja Subhash C.
Published: July 2012

The title molecule, C18H24O12, has crystallographic 2/msymmetry with two acetate group located on a mirror plane. The H—Csp3—O—Csp2torsion angles characterizing orientation of the acetyl groups with respect to the cyclohexane ring are 0.0, 23.9 and −23.9°. The cyclohexane ring is in a chair conformation with all substituents in equatorial positions. In the crystal, molecules are connected through C—H...O hydrogen bonds into a chain extending along thecaxis.
The effect of the ISO 9001 quality management system on the performance of SMEs
Authors: Sıtkı İlkay Mehmet , Aslan Emre
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is a difference between ISO 9001 certified and non‐certified companies in terms of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to determine the effect of certification on performance, motivations for certification and companies' quality practices have been considered as factors. A survey was carried out with 255 small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Turkey. The differences between certified and non‐certified companies in terms of performance and quality practices were examined by one‐way analysis of variance (one‐way ANOVA).

Findings

The results showed no statistically significant difference between certified and non‐certified companies in terms of performance. Certification showed no direct effect on performance. Also it has been claimed that the quality practices of certified companies was higher than those of non‐certified companies, according to results it is showing a statistically significant difference, in the 0.01 level of significance. However, higher quality practice does not necessarily mean higher performance. Motivations for certification also affect performance; it was found that companies that are internally motivated for certification have partially higher performance than companies externally motivated.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study examining the effect of the ISO 9001 quality management system on the performance of SMEs in Turkey.
Does cultural similarity matter? Extending the animosity model from a new perspective
Authors: Ma Jun , Wang Sijun , Hao Wei
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This research seeks to extend the animosity model of foreign product purchase by examining the direct and moderating effects of cultural similarity in consumers' product judgment and willingness to buy foreign products.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected from a sample (n=225) of Taiwanese consumers. The data analysis used bivariate correlations, repeated general linear modeling, and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Cultural similarity between consumers' home country (region) and a foreign product's country of origin has: a positive impact on consumers' product evaluation and willingness to buy foreign products; a weakening effect on the negative impact of war and economic animosity on willingness to buy foreign products; and a weakening effect on the negative impact of consumer ethnocentrism on their willingness to buy foreign products.

Originality/value

This study not only enriches the animosity model of foreign product purchase, but also offers additional insights for international market entry and international marketing strategies.
Offshore outsourcing of customer services – boon or bane?
Authors: Sharma Piyush
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Offshore outsourcing of customer services is growing rapidly but there is little known about its impact on customer perceptions and behavior. This paper aims to combine the learnings from the country‐of‐origin and service research to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted by contacting a sample of 5,000 customers randomly chosen out of a database of over 100,000 customers provided by a large American retail financial services company, immediately after they had an interaction with an offshore service representative, resulting in 548 complete and usable questionnaires.

Findings

Consumer ethnocentrism has a negative influence on the attitude towards offshore outsourcing and the perceived service quality and customer satisfaction with offshore call centers. Customer satisfaction also mediates the influence of perceived service quality on customer complaint behavior, brand image, brand loyalty, and repeat purchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the effects of consumer ethnocentrism and attitudes towards offshore outsourcing on several perceptual and behavioral variables in a B2C context with American customers and Indian customer service executives. Hence, its findings may not apply to the B2B context and other country settings.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the need for greater employee training as well as customer education for firms using offshore customer service centers, to minimize customer complaints and protect their brand image, loyalty, and repeat purchase intentions.

Originality/value

The study offers new insights on the impact of consumer ethnocentrism and attitude towards offshore outsourcing on customer perceptions and behavioral intentions, mediated by customer satisfaction and perceived service quality.
Interactions and consequences of inertia and switching costs
Authors: Lee Richard , Neale Larry
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Service research typically relates switching costs to customer loyalty, and portrays them as effective switching deterrents that engender harmful word‐of‐mouth (WOM). Rather than to customer loyalty, this paper aims to relate switching costs to consumer inertia, and show that while switching costs may result in customer retention, they can engender positive and negative WOM. This depends on whether the inertia stems from satisfaction or indifference.

Design/methodology/approach

A mall‐intercept survey investigated 518 customers' perceptions of their mobile phone service providers. Structural equation modelling fitted the data to the conceptual model.

Findings

Switching costs deterred switching and engendered negative WOM, but only with low‐inertia customers. With high‐inertia customers, retention and WOM behaviours depended on whether the inertia stemmed from satisfaction or indifference. Satisfied customers with high switching costs tended to stay, gave more positive and less negative WOM. With indifferent customers, switching costs were unrelated to retention or WOM behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

While they may be perceived negatively, switching costs can engender PWOM. Hence, research should not consider switching costs alone without considering the context that produces them.

Practical implications

Service providers should segment their customers into low‐inertia, high‐inertia/satisfied and high‐inertia/indifferent, and target each segment differently. By converting customers into the high‐inertia/satisfied segment, service providers can make the best use of switching costs – not only in the traditional sense as a barrier to defection, but also as a way of generating positive WOM.

Originality/value

This study is the first to consider the role of inertia with switching costs, positive WOM, and negative WOM. The findings suggest that past studies portraying switching costs as negative impediments that evoke only negative WOM might be misleading.
Electron beam effect on poly (ethylene terephthalate) fibres
Authors: Gisbert J. , Bonet M. , Díaz P. , Montava I. , Monllor P.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Electron beam is a way of radiation that can induce different reactions on polymers. The purpose of this work is to analyze the effect that the electron beam can produce on polyester fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibres were treated at 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 KGy. Later on surface modification was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Colorimetric and thermal measurements were studied too, as well as traction resistance.

Findings

Traction resistance showed no significant variations. As a result the authors could observe some changes in fabric witnesses and cristallinity increase, but no changes in traction resistance were observed. Moreover, when surface was studied, roughness was increased as oligomers moved towards fibre surface because of radiation dose.

Originality/value

The authors could appreciate roughness increased with radiation dose as well as yellowness and crystallinity.
Development of a 3D model of terry fabric
Authors: Nikolov Nikolay , Germanova‐Krasteva Diana , Kandzhikova Galya
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a 3D geometric model of terry fabric, taking into consideration structural and geometrical characteristics of the fabric and of the yarns: weave, yarn counts, distances between yarns, weavings‐in, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural and geometrical parameters of the fabric and of the yarns are obtained from the pattern by measuring, calculations and through geometric drawings. The model is worked out by means of SolidWorks and is directly compatible for processing using ANSYS. The proposed construction is checked for admission and for matching with the original structure.

Findings

A 3D computational model, which can be used for strength‐deformation simulation and analysis of terry fabrics, has been developed.

Originality/value

The study developed a 3D geometric model of a complex woven structure consisting of an additional pile warp system by means of non‐specialized CAD software. It can be used for strength‐deformation simulation and analysis.
Clothing similarity computation based on TLAC
Authors: Liu Zheng , Wang Jin , Chen Qijin , Lu Guodong
Published: July 2012

Purpose

To enhance the pleasure experience of clothes shopping online, finding satisfactory clothing and similar clothing recommendations to customers should be available and accurate. The purpose of this paper is to present a method for automatically computing the similarity between two apparels and giving an effective recommendation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a tabular layout of article characteristics the authors built a clothing information model to describe clothing. The clothing attributes are classified according to excavating features of the model. After the proposal of the computation algorithm for various attributes, an efficient similarity computation method is developed to obtain similar clothes with the given cloth. To prevent error and information omission during the computation, the analytic hierarchy process method and entropy method are adopted by the integrated weights as a control.

Findings

Clothing is a non‐rigid product which has a lot of crossover and complicated attributes and features. This paper found a tabular layout of article characteristics can explain the clothing clearly. Through experiments the authors found the weight of attributes to have a great influence on similar results during the similarity computation.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new way to describe clothing information, and present the algorithm for attributes computation.
Co‐creating customer‐focused solutions within business networks: a service perspective
Authors: Hakanen Taru , Jaakkola Elina
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Increased competition and more extensive customer needs have motivated companies to develop integrated solutions. In practice, companies struggle to co‐create effective solutions that meet customer needs. The purpose of this paper is to identify critical factors affecting the effective co‐creation of customer‐focused solutions within business networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates the co‐creation of two different types of solution. Data were collected from two business networks comprising 13 companies, including suppliers and their customers. The empirical data comprise 51 interviews and observations made at 21 company workshops.

Findings

Effective co‐creation of solutions requires a fit between the perceptions of multiple suppliers and their customers with regard to core content, operations and processes, customer experience and value of the solution. Co‐creation is affected by, e.g. customer's preferences for participation and value, and the degree of competition, clarity of role division and rapport among the suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

Further empirical research is needed to examine how companies could overcome the problems identified, and reap the opportunities arising from the factors affecting the co‐creation of solutions.

Practical implications

The paper presents a framework that outlines practical activities that help firms to reconcile the perspectives of different actors, and to facilitate the integration of resources when co‐creating solutions within business networks.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the solutions literature by studying solutions as a network‐level process of resource integration between multiple suppliers and their mutual customers, and by applying a service concept framework to the study of integrated solutions.
Dual/joint auditors and the level of compliance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS‐required disclosure)
Authors: Alanezi Faisal S. , Alfaraih Mishari M. , Alrashaid Eyad A. , Albolushi Saad S.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of a dual‐audit/joint‐audit process and the level of compliance with IFRS in listed Kuwaiti financial institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

An OLS‐regression model was used to test the relationship among dual‐audit/joint‐audit process and the level of compliance with IFRS‐disclosure. The sample was based on 33 firm observations in 2006.

Findings

The main results reveal that financial institutions audited by dual‐auditors were more compliant with IFRS‐required disclosure than financial institutions audited by joint‐auditors.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have assumed that the work done by both auditors is as per the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) circular which obligates both auditors to do their fieldwork independently and then consolidate their work before issuing the final audit report. In the authors’ opinion, it is less likely that both auditors will not comply with CBK regulation, especially because CBK has the right to ban a non‐compliant audit firm from auditing banks. The authors did not ask audit firms whether they are complying with this circular because it was believed that audit firms would not disclose a non‐compliance issue with regulators to outsiders.

Practical implications

This paper provides empirical evidence about the effectiveness of using dual‐auditors in promoting compliance with IFRS‐disclosure.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the association between the levels of compliance with IFRS‐disclosure and the dual/joint audit process in the financial institutions listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.
Structural and impedance spectroscopy study of Al‐doped ZnO nanorods grown by sol‐gel method
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Hashim Uda , Ali Eaqub , Saif Ala'eddin A. , Muhammad Usman Ali Syed , Willander Magnus
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the electrical transport mechanism of the Al‐doped ZnO nanorods at different temperatures by employing impedance spectroscopy.

Design/methodology/approach

Al‐doped ZnO nanorods were grown on silicon substrate using step sol‐gel method. For the seed solution preparation Zinc acetate dihydrate, 2‐methoxyethanol, monoethanolamine and aluminum nitrite nano‐hydrate were used as a solute, solvent, stabilizer and dopant, respectively. Prior to the deposition, P‐type Si (100) wafer was cut into pieces of 1 cm×2 cm. The samples were then cleaned in an ultrasonic bath with acetone, ethanol, and de‐ionized (DI) water for 5 min. The prepared seed solution was coated on silicon substrate using spin coater at spinning speed of 3000 rpm for 30 s and then dried at 250°C for 10 min followed by annealing at 550°C for 1 h. The hydrothermal growth was carried out in a solution of zinc nitrate hexahydrate (0.025M), Hexamethyltetramine (0.025M) in DI water.

Findings

Al‐doped ZnO nanorods were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and impedance spectroscopy. The impedance measurements were carried out at various temperatures (100°C‐325°C). The impedance results showed that temperature has great influence on the impedance; the impedance value decreased as the temperature increased. This decrement is attributed to the increase of the mobility of the defects, especially the oxygen vacancies. The surface morphology of the samples was measured by SEM and X‐ray diffraction. The SEM images show that the high density of Al‐doped ZnO nanorods covers the silicon substrate, whereas the XRD pattern shows the (002) crystal orientation.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the electron transport mechanism of Al‐doped ZnO nanorods, at different temperatures, to understand the charge transport model.
Finite element modeling of channel sag in LTCC
Authors: Horvath Eszter , Henap Gabor , Harsanyi Gabor
Published: July 2012

Purpose

In microfluidic channel fabrication in low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC), one of the biggest challenges is the elimination of channel deformation during lamination. The purpose of this paper is to describe the expected deformation of the substrate and the sacrificial layer (starch powder and 3D printed UV polymerized material) during the lamination process of microfluidic structure fabrication.

Design/methodology/approach

Uniaxial compression and Jenike shear test were used to obtain the mechanical parameters of starch sacrificial volume material (SVM). To determine the stress‐strain characteristics of LTCC a uniaxial compression experiment was conducted. The shape of the laminated LTCC containing embedded channel was modeled by finite element method using the mechanical parameters obtained by the measurements.

Findings

It was found that the choice of SVM plays an important role in channel deformation. A design rule is given considering the channel width and the choice of SVM based on the simulation results.

Originality/value

Until now the lamination step of LTCC technology was only optimized in an empirical way.
Understanding work‐related learning: the case of ICT workers
Authors: Gijbels David , Raemdonck Isabel , Vervecken Dries , Van Herck Jonas
Published: July 2012

Purpose

A central issue in the field of workplace learning is how work‐related learning can be stimulated so that a powerful learning work environment is created. This paper seeks to further enlarge understanding on this issue. Based on the demand‐control‐support the aim is to investigate the influence of job‐characteristics on the work‐related learning behaviour of the worker such as job demands, job control, social support at work on the one hand and self‐directed learning orientation on the other.

Design/methodology/approach

The study took place in the ICT‐department of a large company in Flanders. By means of an online questionnaire, all employees of the ICT‐department were asked to complete this questionnaire, which, apart from general information on the participants (age, gender, prior education, etc.), consisted of statements on five scales (job demands, job control, social support, self‐directed learning orientation, and work‐related learning behaviour) adapted from validated instruments. There was a total of 73 participants (response rate of 52 per cent, 73 per cent men, 27 per cent women, age varying from 20‐51 years old). In addition, all scales had Cronbach's alpha values above 0.79. Relations between the variables under study were tested using the Pearson correlation. The predictive value of the variables for the variance in work‐related learning was tested using the enter method of a multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The regression analyses show that job demands and job control were moderately positive and significantly linked with work‐related learning behaviour. Social support did not show a significant positive correlation with work‐related learning at all. Self‐directed learning orientation on the contrary had a strong and positive relation with work‐related learning. The results of the linear regression analyses indicated that only the self‐directed learning orientation scale significantly predicted the work‐related learning behaviour.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few investigations that takes into account both the role of personal and workplace‐related variables in order to better understand work‐related learning. The results stress that personal related variables such as self‐regulated learning orientation need to be taken into account in further research and in the daily practice of human resources development.
The effectiveness of storytelling on adult learning
Authors: Caminotti Enzo , Gray Jeremy
Published: July 2012

Purpose

As two doctoral students and adult learners, the authors strongly believe that story telling can be a great tool for educators working with adult learners. The purpose of this paper is to increase awareness of how effective storytelling can be for adult learners.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is one of gathering information from literature written on storytelling and adult learning. The paper is designed to introduce storytelling as an effective tool for adult educators while also pointing out the different types of storytelling and its implications on e‐learning.

Findings

The findings from the literature review completed confirmed the authors' view that storytelling is effective for adult learners.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, a more comprehensive qualitative study should be completed to enhance the research on the effectiveness of storytelling on adult learning.

Practical implications

The paper gives insight as to how some organizations are using storytelling, types of effective storytelling for educators and also the implications of storytelling on e‐learning.

Originality/value

This paper provides resources and information for adult educators and organizations to enhance or implement another way of instructing adult learners. The focus of the paper is to get adult educators and organizations to use storytelling as part of the learning process.
European real estate market convergence
Authors: Srivatsa Rahul , Lee Stephen L.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the extent of convergence in rents and yields in the European real estate office market.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the concepts of beta‐convergence and sigma‐convergence to evaluate empirically the hypothesis of rent and yield convergence in seven European office markets during the period 1982‐2009. Because of the introduction of a single currency in January 1999, the analysis is carried out sequentially, first for the overall sample period and then the periods before and after the introduction of the single currency.

Findings

The results indicate that, irrespective of the time period considered, there is not enough statistical evidence of beta‐convergence in either rents or yields but evidence of significant sigma‐convergence in rents and yields in the European office markets under review. Additionally, some evidence is found that the introduction of the single currency in 1999 has led to increasing signs of convergence, especially in the Continental European markets.

Practical implications

The results show that the real estate office markets in Europe are not fully integrated and so indicate that diversification across Europe is still a viable investment strategy.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to use beta and sigma convergence tests on European office market data.
Linkages between international REITs: the role of economic factors
Authors: Liu Jing , Loudon Geoffrey , Milunovich George
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study correlations between the national real estate investment trusts (REIT) markets in the USA and the four Asia‐Pacific countries of Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore, and document the extent to which the time variation present in these correlations can be explained from a set of 11 economic and financial factors. Both US dollar and local currency returns are used.

Design/methodology/approach

Time‐varying correlations are estimated using a DCC‐GARCH model that allows for asymmetries in both the correlations and volatilities. The correlations are then regressed on a set of four economic and seven financial factors, and tests of statistical significance are conducted in order to discriminate between relevant and irrelevant explanatory variables. The authors estimate a fixed‐effects panel regression as well as individual regressions for each dynamic correlation.

Findings

Significant time variation is found in the four REIT correlation series. Panel regressions suggest that REIT correlations rise with increases in the interaction of national inflation rates and with higher global equity market uncertainty. It is also found that REIT correlations fall with increases in the US default risk premium and global equity market volume. Relaxing the structure imposed by the panel data model, individual regressions confirm most of the results, although there are some exceptions. It is also found that there are no substantial differences in the dynamics of the correlation coefficients when switching from the US dollar to local currency denominated returns.

Practical implications

Investors in real estate securities across national markets should take into account information about the credit spread, the volatility and volume of global equity markets, and inflation rates when modeling correlations. These variables may alert the investors to the possibility that, under a set of circumstances, investing in real estate across different markets may not provide the expected diversification benefits. Another implication relates to the impact of currency hedging. It appears that the impact of switching from US dollar to local currency denominated returns does not substantially change the time dynamics of the correlations, or the importance of explanatory variables.

Originality/value

Although considerable progress has been made in modelling time‐varying correlations between various REIT markets, to the authors' knowledge, this is one of the first papers to investigate the underlying causes of the co‐movement, especially between the US and Asia‐Pacific markets. The paper's results will help investors and risk managers make better choices by identifying those factors that have more systematic effects on the change in the REIT correlations, rather than more transient forces.
Managerial problems of hospitals under Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme
Authors: Sakyi Emmanuel K. , Atinga Roger A. , Adzei Francis A.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Hospital and health system managers are facing several problems following the introduction of Ghana's national health insurance policy. This study aims to investigate the opinions of health managers about the problems emanating from the national health insurance policy for hospital managers in regard to reimbursement, claims management, service delivery and waiting time.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved key informants from 12 National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) accredited district hospitals, which were purposively selected from five regions in Ghana. Data were collected using in‐depth personal interviews with managers of pharmacy, supply/procurement, accounts and insurance scheme units of the hospitals. Data analysis was guided by the major themes that emerged during the interviews. A framework approach to analysis was used, grouping and incorporating themes and sub‐themes that emerged from the interview data.

Findings

The major findings identified by interviewees with regards to problems confronting hospital management were: cash flow delays from the health insurance authority; lack of capacity to procure essential drug and non‐drug consumables; and the inability to take initiatives and carry on effective administrative work. Other problems identified by the interviewee included inadequate logistics and human resources, limited space within the hospitals to cope with the increasing number of service users and “moral hazard” on the part of policy holders.

Originality/value

The NHIS has brought many organizational and service management challenges to hospitals. To overcome these challenges, services under the health insurance authority need to be streamlined to remove cash flow bottlenecks. Also, accredited hospitals need to adopt and use new technology, especially computerization and automation of the health insurance service delivery system. This would enable the authority to cope with the huge management problems confronting hospitals and the national insurance scheme. Above all, appropriate fund management systems would have to be established in the hospitals to reduce moral hazards.
Lean and queuing integration for the transformation of health care processes
Authors: Chadha Rajeev , Singh Amita , Kalra Jay
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Patient satisfaction and quality care are important indicators for the success of any health care enterprise. The critical nature of health care operations entails that some excess capacity is stored in the system to provide the necessary flexibility of response. To prepare health care organizations to deliver high quality services at lower costs, this paper aims to report a lean health care (LEAN‐HC) transformation model that integrates queuing theory and lean methodology to improve the dynamic performance of the health care system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews and evaluates an emergency department health care system that adopts a system dynamic model, redesigned the process using value stream mapping to eliminate non‐value‐added activities to achieve just‐in‐time (JIT) services. This study was conducted at SD Mission Hospital, India. The LEAN‐HC model includes three steps. First, the patient arrival flow is assessed and adjusted, using physicians at the front of the queue to separate patients at triage into major, medium, and minor injury classes. Second, a cross‐functional team consisting of process, information and clinical experts maps the hospital's current state to identify and eliminate wasteful non‐value‐added activities. Third, the process is continually de‐bottlenecked using a variety of lean techniques, such as 5S visual management, one‐piece‐flow to reduce service lead time, and adoption of standard operating procedures.

Findings

The authors' results reveal that a lean integration to queuing methodology frees up capacity in the health care system, providing necessary flexibility of response. The implementation of the LEAN‐HC model resulted in the following improvement. First, an improved process flow and increased capacity. Second, emergency department length of stay for all patient classes decreased. Third, value stream mapping was found to be useful in detecting opportunities to decrease patient turnaround. Fourth, the service bottleneck could be identified and shifted to where it could be most easily controlled, adhering to the principle of one piece flow. No changes in resource availability and safety or quality issues occurred during the implementation of lean methodology.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates how to apply lean methodology in conjunction with the queuing modeling in the health care industry, particularly with regards to the patient wait time and reduction in medical errors. The LEAN‐HC model delivers more efficient service by increasing hospital capacity while reducing non‐value‐added times and overhead costs.
A different kind of public healthcare system …
Authors: Birnbaum David
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize significant changes in Medicaid, a safety net health insurance program on which one in five Americans depend.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a narrative review.

Findings

During the same period that a downturn in its economy increased the number of uninsured and under‐insured Americans, falling government revenues led to decreases in Medicaid coverage and a shift from administration by non‐profit government to for‐profit health maintenance organization entities. Hospitals in the USA scored as better managed than those of other countries in one study, but wide variation in local health service performance between and within its states also has been documented, and too many American families are foregoing needed care because of insurance and affordability problems. Whether shifting a public safety net healthcare system from public to private administration will make the situation better or worse has become the subject of political debate and court cases.

Originality/value

Perhaps masked by political party rhetoric focusing news attention on the future of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ObamaCare”), America's public Medicaid system is increasingly being given over to control by private sector health maintenance organizations. This viewpoint article attempts to put that trend into perspective.
Tourism shopping in rural markets: a case study in rural Iowa
Authors: Hurst Jessica L. , Niehm Linda S.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the unique challenges of retail service delivery in rural tourism markets. This paper specifically seeks to address: factors attracting individuals to a rural tourism community; factors motivating resident and tourist customers to engage in tourism shopping; satisfaction of resident and tourist customers with local retailers; and strategies to assist retailers in successful service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Dillman's survey techniques, data were collected from two different groups: resident customers and tourist customers in a rural Iowa tourism community. Given the study's exploratory focus, a case study methodology was selected.

Findings

Shopping experiences were much less satisfying for resident customers than for tourist customers in this study. Tourism retailers may not be effectively differentiating their customer service and providing adequate attention during the shopping experience, particularly to resident customers.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation is that the study represents an initial test of self‐designed and/or modified scales to capture the variables of interest in a single rural tourism community in Iowa. Therefore findings may only be generalizable to the unique nature of an established tourist population in Midwestern regions of the USA.

Practical implications

An important implication from this study is rural tourism retailers need to develop a comprehensive customer relationship management strategy to encourage repeat shopping and sustained patronage behavior.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable strategic implications for rural tourism entrepreneurs, business consultants and economic development professionals in rural tourism communities, and fills a void in the tourism and patronage literature.
Tourist characteristics that influence shopping participation and expenditures
Authors: Alegre Joaquín , Cladera Magdalena
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze tourist and trip‐related characteristics and tourist motivations in connection with the decision to participate in shopping and for those tourists who decide to participate, the main determinants of the amount of expenditure.

Design/methodology/approach

By estimating a Heckman model this paper analyses characteristics relating to the decision to participate in shopping and characteristics related to the amount of corresponding expenditure. The explanatory variables included in the model are tourist motivations and tourist and trip‐related characteristics. Data used for the analysis come from a survey conducted in the high season of 2008 in Mallorca (Spain), a leading Mediterranean sun and sand destination.

Findings

The results indicate different motivations and tourist and trip‐related characteristics are associated with the decision whether or not to participate in shopping and with the level of shopping expenditure. This facilitates the identification of the type of tourist, which may be of more interest to the destination in terms of shopping behaviour.

Practical implications

The results are useful in identifying tourist profiles with a different propensity to participate in shopping and with different levels of expenditure. This information may be useful for destination managers interested in promoting shopping activities. Encouraging shopping behaviour may be a way of increasing tourist expenditure at destinations and of providing direct benefits for the local economy.

Originality/values

Tourism literature has given only very limited attention to research on characteristics related to shopping behaviour. This study deals with this subject and it provides information that can help promote shopping activities by tourists. The main contribution of this paper consists of the joint analysis of shopping participation and expenditure amount as a result of trip‐related characteristics and travel motivations.