bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Speech Training Methods With Deaf Adolescents
Authors: Ertmer David J. , Maki Jean E.
Published: July 2014

The effects of speech training with real-time spectrographic displays (SDs) were examined and compared to the effects of noninstrumental (NI) instruction (i.e., training without computerized displays of speech) for deaf adolescents. A singlecase modified alternating-treatment experimental design with replication across subjects and speech targets was used to examine within-subject performance in establishing, maintaining, and generalizing target consonants. Comparisons between the two approaches were accomplished by determining how frequently each method resulted in improvement, maintenance of improvement, and generalization to untrained words. Each of the 4 subjects demonstrated improvement under both forms of instruction in a relatively short time. Maintenance of improvement was observed 6 weeks post-treatment for two NI-trained targets and one SD-trained target. Two subjects showed better generalization for their SDtrained target than their NI target. There was little difference in generalization scores for the remaining subjects. All subjects either regained their highest previous levels of acceptability or maintained high-level acceptability following brief, independent practice with SDs 10 weeks after training was discontinued. The expediency of independent practice with SDs was discussed.
SIG 1 Perspectives Vol. 20, No. 2, March 2013
Authors: Karasinski Courtney
Published: July 2014

Sorry, this activity is no longer available for CEUs. Visit the SIG 1 page on the
ASHA Store
to see available CE activities.

Use the CE questions PDF here as study questions to guide your Perspectives reading.
Theoretical Considerations for Understanding “Understanding” by Adults With Right Hemisphere Brain Damage
Authors: Tompkins Connie A.
Published: July 2014

This article reviews and evaluates leading accounts of narrative comprehension deficits in adults with focal damage to the right cerebral hemisphere (RHD). It begins with a discussion of models of comprehension, which explain how comprehension proceeds through increasingly complex levels of representation. These models include two phases of comprehension processes, broad activation of information as well as pruning and focusing interpretation of meaning based on context. The potential effects of RHD on each processing phase are reviewed, focusing on factors that range from relatively specific (e.g., how the right versus the left hemisphere activate word meanings; how the right hemisphere is involved in inferencing) to more general (the influence of cognitive resource factors; the role of suppression of contextually-irrelevant information). Next, two specific accounts of RHD comprehension difficulties, coarse coding and suppression deficit, are described. These have been construed as opposing processes, but a possible reconciliation is proposed related to the different phases of comprehension and the extent of meaning activation. Finally, the article addresses the influences of contextual constraint on language processing and the continuity of literal and nonliteral language processing, two areas in which future developments may assist our clinical planning.
Monte Carlo computer simulation of sedimentation of charged hard spherocylinders
Authors: Viveros-Méndez P. X. , Gil-Villegas Alejandro , Aranda-Espinoza S.
Published: July 2014

In this article we present a NVT Monte Carlo computer simulation study of sedimentation of an electroneutral mixture of oppositely charged hard spherocylinders (CHSC) with aspect ratio L/σ = 5, where L and σ are the length and diameter of the cylinder and hemispherical caps, respectively, for each particle. This system is an extension of the restricted primitive model for spherical particles, where L/σ = 0, and it is assumed that the ions are immersed in an structureless solvent, i.e., a continuum with dielectric constant D. The system consisted of N = 2000 particles and the Wolf method was implemented to handle the coulombic interactions of the inhomogeneous system. Results are presented for different values of the strength ratio between the gravitational and electrostatic interactions, Γ = (mgσ)/(e2/Dσ), where m is the mass per particle, e is the electron's charge and g is the gravitational acceleration value. A semi-infinite simulation cell was used with dimensions Lx ≈ Ly and Lz = 5Lx, where Lx, Ly, and Lz are the box dimensions in Cartesian coordinates, and the gravitational force acts along the z-direction. Sedimentation effects were studied by looking at every layer formed by the CHSC along the gravitational field. By increasing Γ, particles tend to get more packed at each layer and to arrange in local domains with an orientational ordering along two perpendicular axis, a feature not observed in the uncharged system with the same hard-body geometry. This type of arrangement, known as tetratic phase, has been observed in two-dimensional systems of hard-rectangles and rounded hard-squares. In this way, the coupling of gravitational and electric interactions in the CHSC system induces the arrangement of particles in layers, with the formation of quasi-two dimensional tetratic phases near the surface.
A fast and accurate decoder for underwater acoustic telemetry
Authors: Ingraham J. M. , Deng Z. D. , Li X. , Fu T. , McMichael G. A. , Trumbo B. A.
Published: July 2014

The Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System, developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, has been used to monitor the survival of juvenile salmonids passing through hydroelectric facilities in the Federal Columbia River Power System. Cabled hydrophone arrays deployed at dams receive coded transmissions sent from acoustic transmitters implanted in fish. The signals’ time of arrival on different hydrophones is used to track fish in 3D. In this article, a new algorithm that decodes the received transmissions is described and the results are compared to results for the previous decoding algorithm. In a laboratory environment, the new decoder was able to decode signals with lower signal strength than the previous decoder, effectively increasing decoding efficiency and range. In field testing, the new algorithm decoded significantly more signals than the previous decoder and three-dimensional tracking experiments showed that the new decoder's time-of-arrival estimates were accurate. At multiple distances from hydrophones, the new algorithm tracked more points more accurately than the previous decoder. The new algorithm was also more than 10 times faster, which is critical for real-time applications on an embedded system.
Morphology-photovoltaic property correlation in perovskite solar cells: One-step versus two-step deposition of CH3NH3PbI3
Authors: Im Jeong-Hyeok , Kim Hui-Seon , Park Nam-Gyu
Published: July 2014

Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 light absorber is deposited on the mesoporous TiO2 layer via one-step and two-step coating methods and their photovoltaic performances are compared. One-step coating using a solution containing CH3NH3I and PbI2 shows average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.5%, while higher average PCE of 13.9% is obtained from two-step coating method, mainly due to higher voltage and fill factor. The coverage, pore-filling, and morphology of the deposited perovskite are found to be critical in photovoltaic performance of the mesoporous TiO2 based perovskite solar cells.
Experimentally validated finite element model of electrocaloric multilayer ceramic structures
Authors: Smith N. A. S. , Rokosz M. K. , Correia T. M.
Published: July 2014

A novel finite element model to simulate the electrocaloric response of a multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) under real environment and operational conditions has been developed. The two-dimensional transient conductive heat transfer model presented includes the electrocaloric effect as a source term, as well as accounting for radiative and convective effects. The model has been validated with experimental data obtained from the direct imaging of MLCC transient temperature variation under application of an electric field. The good agreement between simulated and experimental data, suggests that the novel experimental direct measurement methodology and the finite element model could be used to support the design of optimised electrocaloric units and operating conditions.
Holocene fire in Fennoscandia and Denmark
Authors: Clear Jennifer L. , Molinari Chiara , Bradshaw Richard H. W.
Published: July 2014

Natural disturbance dynamics, such as fire, have a fundamental control on forest composition and structure. Knowledge of fire history and the dominant drivers of fire are becoming increasingly important for conservation and management practice. Temporal and spatial variability in biomass burning is examined here using 170 charcoal and 15 fire scar records collated throughout Fennoscandia and Denmark. The changing fire regime is discussed in relation to local biogeographical controls, regional climatic change, anthropogenic land use and fire suppression. The region has experienced episodic variability in the dominant drivers of biomass burning throughout the Holocene, creating a frequently changing fire regime. Early Holocene biomass burning appears to be driven by fuel availability. Increased continentality during the mid-Holocene Thermal Maximum coincides with an increase in fire. The mid–late Holocene front-like spread of Picea abies (Norway spruce) and cooler, wetter climatic conditions reduce local biomass burning before the onset of intensified anthropogenic land use, and the late Holocene increase in anthropogenic activity created artificially high records of biomass burning that overshadowed the natural fire signal. An economic shift from extensive subsistence land use to agriculture and forestry as well as active fire suppression has reduced regional biomass burning. However, it is proposed that without anthropogenic fire suppression, the underlying natural fire signal would remain low because of the now widespread dominance of P. abies.
Multiyear predictability of tropical marine productivity
Authors: Séférian Roland , Bopp Laurent , Gehlen Marion , Swingedouw Didier , Mignot Juliette , Guilyardi Eric , Servonnat Jérôme
Published: July 2014

Significance

Phytoplankton is at the base of the marine food web. Its carbon fixation, the net primary productivity (NPP), sustains most living marine resources. In regions like the tropical Pacific (30°N–30°S), natural fluctuations of NPP have large impacts on marine ecosystems including fisheries. The capacity to predict these natural variations would provide an important asset to science-based management approaches but remains unexplored yet. In this paper, we demonstrate that natural variations of NPP in the tropical Pacific can be forecasted several years in advance beyond the physical environment, whereas those of sea surface temperature are limited to 1 y. These results open previously unidentified perspectives for the future development of science-based management techniques of marine ecosystems based on multiyear forecasts of NPP.
Experimental evolution of prepared learning
Authors: Dunlap Aimee S. , Stephens David W.
Published: July 2014

Significance

Learning is one of the most basic phenomena in the behavioral sciences. Animals learn some things better than others, and understanding what constrains this basic process is fundamental to our understanding of learning. Our paper applies an evolutionary approach to this question. We offer a simple model that considers the fitness of value of “prepared learning,” and we test this model using experimental evolution. In doing so, we created different lines of
Drosophila
that are prepared to learn from different experiences. To the best of our knowledge this is the first mathematical model explaining why some associations are learned more easily than others and to our knowledge is the first time that the evolution of prepared learning has been demonstrated experimentally.
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus LANA recruits the DNA polymerase clamp loader to mediate efficient replication and virus persistence
Authors: Sun Qiming , Tsurimoto Toshiki , Juillard Franceline , Li Lin , Li Shijun , De León Vázquez Erika , Chen She , Kaye Kenneth
Published: July 2014

Significance

Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) latently infects tumor cells, and viral episomal DNA replicates once each cell cycle. KSHV does not express DNA replication proteins during latency. Instead, KSHV latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) recruits host cell DNA replication machinery to the replication origin. However, the mechanism by which LANA mediates replication is uncertain. Here, we show LANA recruits replication factor C, the DNA polymerase clamp [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)] loader, in a critical step for viral DNA replication. Our findings suggest that PCNA loading is a rate-limiting step in DNA replication that is incompatible with KSHV persistence. LANA-enhanced PCNA loading is necessary for virus replication and persistent infection. These data reveal a therapeutic target for inhibition of KSHV persistence in malignant cells.
Network-level architecture and the evolutionary potential of underground metabolism
Authors: Notebaart Richard A. , Szappanos Balázs , Kintses Bálint , Pál Ferenc , Györkei Ádám , Bogos Balázs , Lázár Viktória , Spohn Réka , Csörgő Bálint , Wagner Allon , Ruppin Eytan , Pál Csaba , Papp Balázs
Published: July 2014

Significance

Understanding how new metabolic pathways emerge is one of the key issues in evolutionary and systems biology. The prevailing paradigm is that evolution capitalizes on the weak side activities of preexisting enzymes (i.e. underground reactions). However, the extent to which underground reactions provide novelties in the context of the entire cellular system has remained unexplored. In this study, we present a comprehensive computational model of the underground metabolism of
Escherichia coli
. Together with a high-throughput experimental survey across hundreds of nutrient environments we predicted and confirmed new functional states of metabolism in which underground reactions allow growth when their activity is increased. Our approach has important implications for biotechnological and medical applications, such as understanding gain-of-function mutations in tumor development.
Addiction to multiple oncogenes can be exploited to prevent the emergence of therapeutic resistance
Authors: Choi Peter S. , Li Yulin , Felsher Dean W.
Published: July 2014

Significance

The rationale of targeting specific genetic dependencies for the treatment of cancer has been validated by the promising clinical responses obtained with oncogene-targeted therapies. However, in most cases, the development of resistance remains a major obstacle toward achieving long-term or complete disease remission. Here, we identified mutant β-catenin as a common secondary oncogene addiction pathway in MYC-addicted lymphoma. We demonstrate that, although withdrawal or inhibition of either oncogene is sufficient to induce initial tumor regression, only combined inhibition of both oncogene addiction pathways results in sustained tumor regression. Our results suggest clinical outcomes can be dramatically improved through the simultaneous targeted inhibition of multiple oncogenic addiction pathways.
Dissecting the dynamic changes of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in T-cell development and differentiation
Authors: Tsagaratou Ageliki , Äijö Tarmo , Lio Chan-Wang J. , Yue Xiaojing , Huang Yun , Jacobsen Steven E. , Lähdesmäki Harri , Rao Anjana
Published: July 2014

Significance

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an epigenetic DNA modification produced through the enzymatic activity of TET proteins. Here we present the first genome-wide mapping of 5hmC in T cells during sequential steps of lineage commitment in the thymus and the periphery (thymic DP, CD4 SP, and CD8 SP cells; peripheral naive CD8 and CD4 T cells; and in vitro-differentiated Th1 and Th2 cells). We show that 5hmC is enriched at gene bodies and cell type-specific enhancers, that its levels in the gene body correlate strongly with gene expression and histone modifications, and that its levels change dynamically during the course of T-cell development and differentiation. Our analysis will facilitate increased understanding of the role of 5hmC in T-cell development and differentiation.
Paxillin inhibits HDAC6 to regulate microtubule acetylation, Golgi structure, and polarized migration
Authors: Deakin Nicholas O. , Turner Christopher E.
Published: July 2014

Polarized cell migration is essential for normal organism development and is also a critical component of cancer cell invasion and disease progression. Directional cell motility requires the coordination of dynamic cell–extracellular matrix interactions as well as repositioning of the Golgi apparatus, both of which can be controlled by the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton. In this paper, we have identified a new and conserved role for the focal adhesion scaffold protein paxillin in regulating the posttranslational modification of the MT cytoskeleton through an inhibitory interaction with the α-tubulin deacetylase HDAC6. We also determined that through HDAC6-dependent regulation of the MT cytoskeleton, paxillin regulates both Golgi organelle integrity and polarized cell invasion and migration in both three-dimensional and two-dimensional matrix microenvironments. Importantly, these data reveal a fundamental role for paxillin in coordinating MT acetylation-dependent cell polarization and migration in both normal and transformed cells.
A sterol-enriched vacuolar microdomain mediates stationary phase lipophagy in budding yeast
Authors: Wang Chao-Wen , Miao Yu-Hsuan , Chang Yi-Shun
Published: July 2014

Stationary phase (stat-phase) is a poorly understood physiological state under which cells arrest proliferation and acquire resistance to multiple stresses. Lipid droplets (LDs), organelles specialized for cellular lipid homeostasis, increase in size and number at the onset of stat-phase. However, little is known about the dynamics of LDs under this condition. In this paper, we reveal the passage of LDs from perinuclear endoplasmic reticulum association to entry into vacuoles during the transition to stat-phase. We show that the process requires the core autophagy machinery and a subset of autophagy-related (Atg) proteins involved in selective autophagy. Notably, the process that we term stat-phase lipophagy is mediated through a sterol-enriched vacuolar microdomain whose formation and integrity directly affect LD translocation. Intriguingly, cells defective in stat-phase lipophagy showed disrupted vacuolar microdomains, implying that LD contents, likely sterol esters, contribute to the maintenance of vacuolar microdomains. Together, we propose a feed-forward loop in which lipophagy stimulates vacuolar microdomain formation, which in turn promotes lipophagy during stat-phase.
Sickle Erythrocytes and Platelets Augment Lung Leukotriene Synthesis with Downregulation of Anti‐Inflammatory Proteins: Relevance in the Pathology of the Acute Chest Syndrome
Authors: Opene Michael , Kurantsin‐Mills Joseph , Husain Sumair , Ibe Basil O.
Published: July 2014

Initiation, progression, and resolution of vaso‐occlusive pain episodes in sickle cell disease (SCD) have been recognized as reperfusion injury, which provokes an inflammatory response in the pulmonary circulation. Some 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐lox) metabolites are potent vasoconstrictors in the pulmonary circulation. We studied stimulation of production of the inflammatory eicosanoids leukotrienes (LTs) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by isolated rat lungs perfused with sickle (HbSS) erythrocytes. Our hypothesis is that HbSS erythrocytes produce more LTs than normal (HbAA) erythrocytes, which can induce vaso‐occlusive episodes in SCD patients. Lung perfusates were collected at specific time points and purified by high‐pressure liquid chromatography, and LTC4 and PGE2 contents were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Rat lung explants were also cultured with purified HbAA and HbSS peptides, and 5‐lox, cyclooxygenase 1/2, and platelet‐activating factor receptor (PAFR) proteins were measured by Western blotting, while prostacyclin and LTs produced by cultured lung explants were measured by ELISA. Lung weight gain and blood gas data were not different among the groups. HbSS‐perfused lungs produced more LTC4 and PGE2 than HbAA‐perfused lungs: 10.40 ± 0.62 versus 0.92 ± 0.2 ng/g dry lung weight (mean ± SEM; P = 0.0001) for LTC4. Inclusion of autologous platelets (platelet‐rich plasma) elevated LTC4 production to 12.6 ± 0.96 and 7 ± 0.60 ng/g dry lung weight in HbSS and HbAA perfusates, respectively. HbSS lungs also expressed more 5‐lox and PAFR. The data suggest that HbSS erythrocytes and activated platelets in patient's pulmonary microcirculation will enhance the synthesis and release of the proinflammatory mediators LTC4 and PGE2, both of which may contribute to onset of the acute chest syndrome in SCD.
Decay estimates for one-dimensional wave equations with inverse power potentials
Authors: Costin O. , Huang M.
Published: July 2014

We study the one-dimensional wave equation with an inverse power potential that equals

c
o
n
s
t
.

x

−
m

const.x^{-m}

for large

|

x

|

|x|

, where

m
m

is any positive integer greater than or equal to 3. We show that the solution decays pointwise like

t

−
m

t^{-m}

for large

t
t

, which is consistent with existing mathematical and physical literature under slightly different assumptions.

Our results can be generalized to potentials consisting of a finite sum of inverse powers, the largest of which being

c
o
n
s
t
.

x

−
α

const.x^{-\alpha }

, where

α
>
2

\alpha >2

is a real number, as well as potentials of the form

c
o
n
s
t
.

x

−
m

+
O
(

x

−
m
−

δ
1

)

const.x^{-m}+O( x^{-m-\delta _1})

with

δ
1

>
3

\delta _1>3

.
Futures Market Failure?
Authors: Garcia Philip , Irwin Scott H. , Smith Aaron
Published: July 2014

In a well‐functioning futures market, the futures price at expiration equals the price of the underlying asset. This condition failed to hold in grain markets for most of 2005‐2010, calling into question the ability of these markets to perform their price discovery and risk management functions. During this period, futures contracts expired up to 35% above the cash grain price. We develop a dynamic rational expectations model of commodity storage that explains how these recent convergence failures were generated by the institutional structure of the delivery system. When delivery occurs on a grain futures contract, the firm on the short side of the market provides a delivery instrument (a warehouse receipt or shipping certificate) to the firm on the long side of the market. The firm taking delivery may hold the delivery instrument indefinitely, providing it pays a daily storage rate. The futures exchange sets the maximum allowable storage rate at a fixed value. We show that non‐convergence arises in equilibrium when the market price of physical grain storage exceeds the maximum storage rate on delivery instruments. We call the difference between the price of carrying physical grain and the maximum storage rate the wedge, and demonstrate theoretically and empirically that the magnitude of the non‐convergence equals the expected present discounted value of a function of future wedges.
Using the split Hopkinson pressure bar to validate material models
Authors: Church Philip , Cornish Rory , Cullis Ian , Gould Peter , Lewtas Ian
Published: July 2014

This paper gives a discussion of the use of the split-Hopkinson bar with particular reference to the requirements of materials modelling at QinetiQ. This is to deploy validated material models for numerical simulations that are physically based and have as little characterization overhead as possible. In order to have confidence that the models have a wide range of applicability, this means, at most, characterizing the models at low rate and then validating them at high rate. The split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) is ideal for this purpose. It is also a very useful tool for analysing material behaviour under non-shock wave loading. This means understanding the output of the test and developing techniques for reliable comparison of simulations with SHPB data. For materials other than metals comparison with an output stress
v
strain curve is not sufficient as the assumptions built into the classical analysis are generally violated. The method described in this paper compares the simulations with as much validation data as can be derived from deployed instrumentation including the raw strain gauge data on the input and output bars, which avoids any assumptions about stress equilibrium. One has to take into account Pochhammer–Chree oscillations and their effect on the specimen and recognize that this is itself also a valuable validation test of the material model.
Lysinibacillus varians sp. nov., an endospore-forming bacterium with a filament-to-rod cell cycle
Authors: Zhu Chunjie , Sun Guoping , Chen Xingjuan , Guo Jun , Xu Meiying
Published: July 2014

Six Gram-stain-positive, motile, filamentous and/or rod-shaped, spherical spore-forming bacteria (strains GY32T, L31, F01, F03, F06 and F07) showing polybrominated diphenyl ether transformation were investigated to determine their taxonomic status. After spore germination, these organisms could grow more than one hundred microns long as intact single cells and then divide into rod cells and form endospores in 33 h. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of these strains was type A4α, the predominant menaquinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0and C16 : 1ω7C. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine were detected in the polar lipid profile. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that these strains should be placed in the genusLysinibacillusand they were most closely related toLysinibacillus sphaericusDSM 28T(99 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). ThegyrBsequence similarity and DNA–DNA relatedness between strain GY32TandL. sphaericusJCM 2502Twere 81 % and 52 %, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain GY32Twas 43.2 mol%. In addition, strain GY32Tshowed differences in nitrate reduction, starch and gelatin hydrolysis, carbon resource utilization and cell morphology. The phylogenetic distance from its closest relative measured by DNA–DNA relatedness and DNA G+C content, and its phenotypic properties demonstrated that strain GY32Trepresents a novel species of the genusLysinibacillus, for which the nameLysinibacillus varianssp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GY32T( = NBRC 109424T = CGMCC 1.12212T = CCTCC M 2011307T).
Using a synchronous online learning environment to promote and enhance transactional engagement beyond the classroom
Authors: Wdowik Steven
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to create a synchronous online learning community through the use of Blackboard Collaborate! to promote and enhance transactional engagement outside the classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper employs a quantitative and qualitative approach where data were sourced from a third year finance unit across one semester using a survey instrument. SPSS v20 was used to perform basic descriptive analysis.

Findings

– The study revealed that by providing an online learning community through the use of Blackboard Collaborate! significantly enhances transactional engagement beyond the classroom. In particular the use of Blackboard Collaborate! allowed the teacher to be more accessible, supportive, expect and support high standards and provide challenging activities that generated rich and meaningful interactions and promoted higher order thinking skills.

Research limitations/implications

– The positive results emanating from this study may encourage other educators and their institutions to adopt a synchronous online learning community to enhance student's engagement levels and increase the quality of student learning and their university experience. This study was conducted at only one university so it may not be feasible to form generalisations resulting from the findings.

Originality/value

– This study adds new insights towards the scarce amount of literature on engagement in a blended learning environment. In particular the study adds a student perspective to the student engagement literature and to what constitutes quality in higher education and/or improved student experience.
The supervised as the supervisor
Authors: Stephens Simon
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The relationship between doctoral students and their supervisors impacts on degree completion rates; faculty research performance; and postgraduate satisfaction with their alma mater. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the experience of supervision and subsequent supervision practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– Totally, 40 supervisors who are doctoral students/graduates were approached to participate in the study, and 32 agreed. For each participant, data were collected to explore their development as a supervisor.

Findings

– Supervisors seek guidance from textbooks, workshops, peers, colleagues and their doctoral supervisor to develop as a supervisor. Their supervision style emerges as a reaction to both positive and negative experiences of supervision. A recurring theme in the data is that if there is something missing in the supervision experience, the student will emphasise this element in their approach to supervision.

Practical implications

– The changing nature of doctoral provision is changing the role of the supervisor. This paper explores the relationship between a student and their supervisor. The outcome is that insights are provided into how the experience of doctoral supervision is reflected in the supervisory practices of the supervised.

Originality/value

– The impact of the supervisor on the doctoral student's/graduate's subsequent approach to supervision can be mapped against previous research. Additional research is needed to identify the different styles of supervision practised, and how each style is valued within the academic community.
Dynamic information aggregation decision-making methods based on variable precision rough set and grey clustering
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhao Huan-huan
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to construct a dynamic information aggregation decision-making model based on variable precision rough set.

Design/methodology/approach

– To deal with the dynamic decision-making problems, the grey relational analysis method, grey fixed weight clustering based on the centre triangle whitening weight function and maximum entropy principle is used to establish the dynamic information aggregation decision-making model based on variable precision rough set. The method, to begin with, the grey relational analysis method is used to determine the attributes weights of each stage; taking the proximity of the attribute measurement value and positive and negative desired effect value and the uncertainty of time weight into account, a multi-objective optimisation model based on maximum entropy principle is established to solve the model with Lagrange multiplier method, so that time weights expression are acquired; what is more, the decision-making attribute is obtained by grey fixed weight clustering based on the centre triangle whitening weight function, so that multi-decision-making table with dynamic characteristics is established, and then probabilistic decision rules from multi-criteria decision table are derived by applying variable precision rough set. Finally, a decision-making model validates the feasibility and effectiveness of the model.

Findings

– The results show that it the proposed model can well aggregate the multi-stage dynamic decision-making information, realise the extraction of decision-making rules.

Research limitations/implications

– The method exposed in the paper can be used to deal with the decision-making problems with the multi-stage dynamic characteristics, and decision-making attributes contain noise data and the attribute values are interval grey numbers.

Originality/value

– The paper succeeds in realising both the aggregation of dynamic decision-making information and the extraction of decision-making rules.
A bioecological view of interracial/same-race couple conflict
Authors: A. MacNeil Theresa , Adamsons Kari
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose if this study is to examine differences in conflict management strategies, relational satisfaction and social support of individuals in same-race and interracial relationships. Additionally, the authors examined associations between self-reported and observed measures of conflict management strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The current study used Bronfenbrenner’s (2005) bioecological theory as an organizing framework. Twenty individuals in interracial and same-race relationships were recruited from a large Northeastern US university. Self-report and observational measures of conflict management strategies were obtained as were individuals’ self-reported levels of relational satisfaction and social support.

Findings

– Results indicated a few differences in conflict management strategies between individuals in same-race and interracial dyads and no differences in social support or satisfaction. Observational measures of conflict management were largely uncorrelated with their corresponding self-report measures.

Research limitations/implications

– The current sample was small and consisted of students from a predominately White region of the country; thus generalizability and statistical power are limited. However, the results suggest ways interracial and same-race dyads might manage conflict differently as well as how self-reported and observational methods might differ in terms of the results obtained.

Originality/value

– Interracial couple relationship processes are largely unexplored, but are important to study. The current findings further suggest that self-report and observational methods should be combined to more fully portray the conflict management strategies of individuals in interracial and same-race relationships.
Future directions in neutrality research: symmetry and transparency
Authors: Szejda Fehrenbach Keri , S. Ebesu Hubbard Amy
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the neutrality literature and suggests areas ripe for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors reviewed journal articles on the topic of neutrality in mediation, which included theoretical viewpoints and empirical research on practicing mediators’ understanding of neutrality.

Findings

– The review of literature revealed that party perspectives are largely missing from current neutrality literature. Two potential concepts emerged from the authors' review of literature that could potentially influence parties’ attributions of mediator neutrality: symmetry and transparency. Symmetry refers to the equal treatment of parties, whereas transparency refers to providing an explanation of past or future behavior. Research on whether symmetry and transparency are key influences on party assessment of mediator neutrality could make a significant contribution to the field.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors call on researchers with diverse methodological perspectives to examine, from the party’s perspective, important questions regarding the meaning of neutrality, mediator strategies to successfully enact neutrality and the impact of neutrality on mediation outcomes.

Originality/value

– Neutrality is arguably one of the most important concepts to the mediation field. Despite its significance to the field, only limited research has been conducted to better understand how neutrality is enacted in practice. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature and provides a launching point for future research.
Increasing business-to-business buyer word-of-mouth and share-of-purchase
Authors: A. Anaza Nwamaka , Rutherford Brian
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the satisfaction-loyalty framework on word-of-mouth communications (WOMC) and share-of-purchases in situations where business-to-business (b-t-b) buyers have a relationship with both the salesperson and the selling firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses an online panel to examine respondents with b-t-b purchasing authority for their given firm. Lisrel 8.52 was used to examine the proposed structural model.

Findings

– This study finds that satisfaction, loyalty and WOMC with regards to the salesperson directly impacts satisfaction, loyalty and WOMC with the selling firm, respectively. Also, the study finds that certain levels of buyer satisfaction and loyalty impact post purchase behavior and spending.

Research limitations/implications

– Several contributions emerge from the proposed model to advance relationships within b-t-b markets by examining methods in which salespeople can directly influence their company’s financial outcome in the form of increased customer spending; examining methods for increasing buyers’ WOMC; expanding the current body of knowledge examining the buyer–selling firm relationship as two unique, but related, relationships; and further revealing the dichotomy between consumer markets and b-t-b markets.

Originality/value

– This research authenticates the need to examine satisfaction, loyalty and WOMC from a multi-level perspective in b-t-b environments. Further, the understanding of share-of-purchases is advanced.
Sufficient challenges and a weekend ahead – Generation Y describing motivation at work
Authors: Kultalahti Susanna , Liisa Viitala Riitta
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine some perceptions of Millennials concerning what makes work motivating, and discuss their implications for human resource management (HRM) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– Empirical data were collected via Facebook using the method of empathy-based stories (MEBS). The theoretical framework is grounded in the literature on motivation.

Findings

– The full-time working Millennials wrote more about intrinsic motivators than extrinsic ones. Additionally, there were several dichotomies of positive and negative factors causing motivation/demotivation. Thus, the results contradict to some extent with the ones of Herzberg's. The stories revealed that the most important things having an effect on motivation were an interesting, varying and flexible job and good relationships with colleagues and supervisor.

Practical implications

– The results revealed some particular factors that should be considered when designing HRM practices to dovetail with the motivational drivers of the Millennials: flexibility, work-life balance, convenient social relationships, need for coaching-based leadership and the opportunity to develop.

Social implications

– Due to retirements and shrinking generations, the impact of Generation Y is increasing in the workforce. Thus, recognising its motivational factors is important.

Originality/value

– The originality of the study partly rests in its methodological innovativeness. Often adopted by sociologists, this study introduces the method of MEBS to the business field. Furthermore, Facebook is still seldom used in data gathering. While much of the extant research on Generation Y is quantitative in nature, the adoption of a qualitative approach allows for the voice of Generation Y to be heard.
Dealing with the “Grumpy Boomers”: re-engaging the disengaged and retaining talent
Authors: Duxbury Linda , Halinski Michael
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The aging of the workforce and the impending labour force shortage at the skilled end of the labour market increases the need for organizations to understand how to “re-engage” older workers with low commitment and reduce the turnover intentions of committed older knowledge workers. The current study addresses this issue by using employee commitment and intent to turnover scores to classify older knowledge workers into four groups: Disengaged-Exiters, Engaged-High-Performers, Retired-on-the-Job and Exiting-Performers. The purpose of this paper is to identify a set of work factors and practices that predispose older knowledge workers to fall into one or another of the four groups and offer suggestions on how organizations can increase commitment and decrease intent to turnover of their older workers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper used survey data (n=5,588) from a Canadian national study on work, family and caregiving to test the framework. Data analysis was performed using a MANCOVA with one independent variable (Boomer group), four dependent variables (job satisfaction, non-supportive culture, supportive manager, work-role overload) and one covariate (gender).

Findings

– The results support the framework. The findings suggest organizations that wish to retain committed Baby Boomers need to address issues with respect to workload. Alternatively, organizations who wish to increase the commitment levels of Boomers who have “Retired-on-the-Job” need to focus on supportive management, organizational culture and career development.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the literature on organizational commitment and intent to turnover by re-conceptualizing the relationship between these traditional concepts.
Interval grey numbers based multi-attribute decision making method for supplier selection
Authors: Xie Naiming , Xin Jianghui
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study a novel grey possibility degree approach, which is combined with multi-attribute decision making (MADM) and applied MADM model for solving supplier selection problem under uncertainty information.

Design/methodology/approach

– The supplier selection problem is a typical MADM problem, in which information of a series of indexes should be aggregated. However, it is relatively easy for decision makers to define information in uncertainty, sometimes as a grey number, rather than a precise number. By transforming linguistic scale of rating supplier selection attributes into interval grey numbers, a novel grey MADM method is developed. Steps of proposed model were provided, and a novel grey possibility degree approach was proposed. Finally, a numerical example of supplier selection is utilized to demonstrate the proposed approach.

Findings

– The results show that the proposed approach could solve the uncertainty decision-making problem. A numerical example of supplier selection is utilized to demonstrate the proposed approach. The results show that the proposed method is useful to aggregate decision makers’ information so as to select the potential supplier.

Practical implications

– The approach constructed in the paper can be used to solving uncertainty decision-making problems that the certain value of the decision information could not collect while the interval value set could be defined. Obviously it can be utilized for other MADM problem.

Originality/value

– The paper succeeded in redefining interval grey number, constructing a novel interval grey number based MADM approach and providing the solution of the proposed approach. It is very useful to solving system forecasting problem and it contributed undoubtedly to improve grey decision-making models.
Modeling credit scoring using neural network ensembles
Authors: Tsai Chih-Fong , Hung Chihli
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Credit scoring is important for financial institutions in order to accurately predict the likelihood of business failure. Related studies have shown that machine learning techniques, such as neural networks, outperform many statistical approaches to solving this type of problem, and advanced machine learning techniques, such as classifier ensembles and hybrid classifiers, provide better prediction performance than single machine learning based classification techniques. However, it is not known which type of advanced classification technique performs better in terms of financial distress prediction. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper compares neural network ensembles and hybrid neural networks over three benchmarking credit scoring related data sets, which are Australian, German, and Japanese data sets.

Findings

– The experimental results show that hybrid neural networks and neural network ensembles outperform the single neural network. Although hybrid neural networks perform slightly better than neural network ensembles in terms of predication accuracy and errors with two of the data sets, there is no significant difference between the two types of prediction models.

Originality/value

– The originality of this paper is in comparing two types of advanced classification techniques, i.e. hybrid and ensemble learning techniques, in terms of financial distress prediction.
On being informational: intertwining the communication and self-production flows
Authors: del Moral Raquel , Navarro Jorge , C. Marijuán Pedro
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to advocate a change of perspective in the development of information science. At stake is whether this science will be able to make sense of both the astounding new practices in the world of knowledge and the even more astounding social transformations that revolve around information technologies. Tentatively a new way of thinking could be articulated along the guidelines herein discussed. An initial and important aspect concerns the definition of information itself. Rather than continuing with the endless discussions on what is information, it will be proposed, first, that information is indefinable per se; and second, that a consensus notion(s) might be established on how information should be handled in the core fields – or at least in the analysis of some prototypical “informational entities”.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research strategy proposed, naturalistic and empirically oriented, is based on the intertwining of self-production and communication flows as fundamental characteristics of informational entities – about “being in the world” in the informational way. Living cells, organisms (nervous systems), individuals, enterprises-markets, and societies would manifest these characteristics. In all of these existential realms, it is the collective action of communicating, self-producing agents or entities (“informational” ones, for short), connected in multiple, flexible ways, what makes possible the unfathomable complexity and adaptability emerging at all functional scales.

Findings

– Along this new perspective, meaning, knowledge, and intelligence may be approached rather consistently. The new conceptualizations may also be linked with the information revolution and the extraordinary expansion of knowledge in the times; a parallel with the knowledge-fundamentals of biological complexity will be suggested.

Originality/value

– Among the many problems to tackle for a renewed information science, a relevant matter concerns the way to organize the dialogue among so many different disciplinary perspectives dealing with information: it becomes an open question, indeed.