bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terahertz emission from GaAs-AlGaAs core-shell nanowires on Si (100) substrate: Effects of applied magnetic field and excitation wavelength
Authors: John Ibanes Jasher , Herminia Balgos Ma. , Jaculbia Rafael , Salvador Arnel , Somintac Armando , Estacio Elmer , Que Christopher T. , Tsuzuki Satoshi , Yamamoto Kohji , Tani Masahiko
Published: February 2013

Terahertz (THz) emission from GaAs-AlGaAs core-shell nanowires (CSNW) on silicon (100) substrates was investigated using THz time-domain spectroscopy. The applied magnetic field polarity dependence strongly suggests that THz emission originated from photo-carriers in the CSNWs. Optical excitation of the GaAs-AlGaAs core-shell yielded a wider THz emission bandwidth compared with that of just the GaAs core material. This result is currently attributed to faster carrier lifetimes in the AlGaAs shell. The THz emission spectral data are supported by time-resolved photoluminescence studies.
Ferromagnetic resonance study of dual exchange bias field behavior in NiFe/IrMn/Co trilayers
Authors: Tafur M. , Sousa M. A. , Pelegrini F. , Nascimento V. P. , Baggio-Saitovitch E.
Published: February 2013

Magnetometry study of magnetron sputtered NiFe/IrMn/Co trilayers reveal that the exchange bias field at the NiFe/IrMn interface decreases with increasing NiFe layer thickness, up to 150 Å. At the IrMn/Co interface, a decrease also occurs when the NiFe layer thickness increases. Ferromagnetic resonance measurements at X and Q-band frequencies reveal that the same dependence at both interfaces, up to a 70 Å thick NiFe, is due to a spiraling interlayer coupling between the NiFe and Co layers. Unexpected increase with thicker NiFe layer is due to domain walls at the NiFe/IrMn interface in the presence of low static magnetic fields.
Structure of epitaxial L1-FePt/MgO perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Kohn Amit , Tal Nadav , Elkayam Ayala , Kovàcs Andras , Li Dalai , Wang Shouguo , Ghannadzadeh Saman , Hesjedal Thorsten , Ward Roger C. C.
Published: February 2013

Perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (p-MTJs) with MgO barriers are interesting for high-density information-storage devices. Chemically ordered L10-FePt is a potential electrode due to its large perpendicular magnetocrystalline anisotropy. To-date, a single theoretical study on L10-FePt/MgO p-MTJ based on an idealized structure reported significant dependence of spin-dependent tunneling on interface structure. [Y. Taniguchi et al., IEEE Trans. Magn. 44, 2585 (2008).] We report a structural study of epitaxial L10-FePt(001)[110]//MgO(001)[110]//L10-FePt(001)[110] p-MTJs, focusing on the interfaces using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. Interfaces are semi-coherent, with oxygen atomic-columns of MgO located opposite to iron atomic-columns in L10-FePt. Up to three lattice planes show atomic-column steps, the origin of which is attributed to antiphase boundaries in L10-FePt.
Intrinsic spin noise in MgO magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Delgado F. , Lopez K. , Ferreira R. , Fernández-Rossier J.
Published: February 2013

We consider two intrinsic sources of noise in ultra-sensitive magnetic field sensors based on MgO magnetic tunnel junctions, coming both from 25Mg nuclear spins (I = 5/2, 10% natural abundance) and S = 1 Mg-vacancies. While nuclear spins induce noise peaked in the MHz frequency range, the vacancies noise peaks in the GHz range. We find that the nuclear noise in submicron devices has a similar magnitude than the 1/f noise, while the vacancy-induced noise dominates in the GHz range. Interestingly, the noise spectrum under a finite magnetic field gradient may provide spatial information about the spins in the MgO layer.
P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) terpolymer thin-film for high performance nonvolatile memory
Authors: Chen Xin , Liu Lu , Liu Shi-Zheng , Cui Yu-Shuang , Chen Xiang-Zhong , Ge Hai-Xiong , Shen Qun-Dong
Published: February 2013

Vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene terpolymer, P(VDF-TrFE-CFE), with small amount of CFE is utilized for thin-film nonvolatile memory. Polarization switching voltage for a 50 nm-thick film can be as low as 1 V, and is well suited for integrated driving electronics. The writing-erasing procedure is completely reversible. High signal-to-noise and high capability for data storage are observed in this memory system. Polarization state of the terpolymer is rather stable, making it applicable for memory devices. Polarization switching behavior in the terpolymer can be ascribed to reduced polar domain size with respect to the P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer, and energy cost of domain wall motion during electrically polarization switching decreases.
Atmospheric-pressure plasma jets: Effect of gas flow, active species, and snake-like bullet propagation
Authors: Wu S. , Wang Z. , Huang Q. , Tan X. , Lu X. , Ostrikov K.
Published: February 2013

Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma jets have recently attracted enormous interest owing to numerous applications in plasma biology, health care, medicine, and nanotechnology. A dedicated study of the interaction between the upstream and downstream plasma plumes revealed that the active species (electrons, ions, excited OH, metastable Ar, and nitrogen-related species) generated by the upstream plasma plume enhance the propagation of the downstream plasma plume. At gas flows exceeding 2 l/min, the downstream plasma plume is longer than the upstream plasma plume. Detailed plasma diagnostics and discharge species analysis suggest that this effect is due to the electrons and ions that are generated by the upstream plasma and flow into the downstream plume. This in turn leads to the relatively higher electron density in the downstream plasma. Moreover, high-speed photography reveals a highly unusual behavior of the plasma bullets, which propagate in snake-like motions, very differently from the previous reports. This behavior is related to the hydrodynamic instability of the gas flow, which results in non-uniform distributions of long-lifetime active species in the discharge tube and of surface charges on the inner surface of the tube.
Suppressing longitudinal double-layer oscillations by using elliptically polarized laser pulses in the hole-boring radiation pressure acceleration regime
Authors: Wu Dong , Zheng C. Y. , Zhou C. T. , Yan X. Q. , Yu M. Y. , He X. T.
Published: February 2013

It is shown that well collimated mono-energetic ion beams with a large particle number can be generated in the hole-boring radiation pressure acceleration regime by using an elliptically polarized laser pulse with appropriate theoretically determined laser polarization ratio. Due to the J × B effect, the double-layer charge separation region is imbued with hot electrons that prevent ion pileup, thus suppressing the double-layer oscillations. The proposed mechanism is well confirmed by Particle-in-Cell simulations, and after suppressing the longitudinal double-layer oscillations, the ion beams driven by the elliptically polarized lasers own much better energy spectrum than those by circularly polarized lasers.
Defect states characterization of non-annealed and annealed ZrO2/InAlN/GaN structures by capacitance measurements
Authors: Kordoš P. , Stoklas R. , Gregušová D. , Hušeková K. , Carlin J.-F. , Grandjean N.
Published: February 2013

InAlN/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor structures with non-annealed and annealed ZrO2 gate insulators were characterized by capacitance-voltage (C−V) measurements. A significant capacitance hysteresis in both channel depletion and barrier accumulation regions was observed on the non-annealed structures. Fixed positive charge in the gate insulator was identified from the negative shift of the C−V curves. The C−V hysteresis was negligible and the threshold voltage decreased with a corresponding increase of the sheet charge density by 6 × 1012 cm−2 after annealing. The C−V slope in the accumulation region increased and the flat-band voltage decreased with decreased frequency. This confirms a decrease of the oxide/barrier interface trap state density with increased their activation energy. Capacitance saturation in the accumulation region occurs at lower values than it is in the insulator capacitance. Measurements at increased temperature up to 150 °C show a shift of the flat-band voltage to lower values. Both facts support an explanation that leakage current through the gate insulator occurs in the barrier accumulation region. This shows that evaluation of the trap states density from this part of the C−V curves might be difficult.
Electro-refractive effect in Ge/SiGe multiple quantum wells
Authors: Frigerio J. , Chaisakul P. , Marris-Morini D. , Cecchi S. , Roufied M. S. , Isella G. , Vivien L.
Published: February 2013

We report on the electro-refractive effect in Ge/SiGe multiple quantum wells grown by low energy plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The electro-refractive effect was experimentally characterized by the shift of Fabry-Perot fringes in the transmission spectra of a 64 μm long slab waveguide. A refractive index variation up to 1.3 × 10−3 was measured with an applied electric field of 88 kV/cm at 1475 nm, 50 meV below the excitonic resonance, with a VπLπ figure of merit of 0.46 V cm. The device performances are promising for the realization of Mach Zehnder modulators in the Ge-Si material platform.
Grain, sugar and biomass accumulation in photoperiod-sensitive sorghums. II. Biochemical processes at internode level and interaction with phenology
Authors: Gutjahr Sylvain , Clément-Vidal Anne , Soutiras Armelle , Sonderegger Nicole , Braconnier Serge , Dingkuhn Michaël , Luquet Delphine
Published: February 2013

Sugar accumulation in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) stems is a complex trait that is particularly plastic in response to photoperiod. This study investigated sucrose accumulation in a sterile (no grain filling) and fertile near-isogenic line of the photoperiod-sensitive cultivar IS2848 in two greenhouse experiments. Variable phenology was induced by applying a short (12-h PP) and a long (13-h PP) photoperiod. Dynamics of plant growth, phenology, sugar accumulation and related enzyme activities in internodes were investigated. Under 13-h PP, plants flowered 28 days later and attained threefold higher sucrose concentration at anthesis compared with those under 12-h PP. Sucrose accumulation in individual internodes was driven by organ physiological age, not by plant phenology. Competition with grain filling was marginal but greater under 12-h PP (i.e. when sucrose accumulation in internodes occurred after flowering). Enzyme activities showed marked developmental patterns but contributed little to explaining differences between treatments and genotypes. The study demonstrates that sucrose storage physiology in sweet sorghum resembles that of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) but is more complex due to photoperiod effects on phenology. It confirms the field results on 14 sorghum genotypes contrasting for phenology and photoperiod sensitivity presented in a companion paper. Perspectives for developing sorghum ideotype concepts for food and fuel crops are discussed.
Sap-flux density measurement methods: working principles and applicability
Authors: Vandegehuchte Maurits W. , Steppe Kathy
Published: February 2013

Sap-flow measurements have become increasingly important in plant science. Since the early experiments with dyes, many methods have been developed. Most of these are based on the application of heat in the sapwood which is transported by the moving sap. By measuring changes in the temperature field around the heater, sap flow can be derived. Although these methods all have the same basis, their working principles vary widely. A first distinction can be made between those measuring the sap-flow rate (g h–1) such as the stem heat balance and trunk sector heat balance method and those measuring sap-flux density (cm3 cm–2 h–1). Within the latter, the thermal dissipation and heat field deformation methods are based on continuous heating, whereas the compensation heat pulse velocity, Tmax, heat ratio, calibrated average gradient and Sapflow+ methods are based on the application of heat pulses. Each of these methods has its advantages and limitations. Although the sap-flow rate methods have been adequately described in previous reviews, recent developments in sap-flux density methods prompted a synthesis of the existing but scattered literature. This paper reviews sap-flux density methods to enable users to make a well founded choice, whether for practical applications or fundamental research questions, and to encourage further improvement in sap-flux density measurement techniques.
Grain, sugar and biomass accumulation in tropical sorghums. I. Trade-offs and effects of phenological plasticity
Authors: Gutjahr Sylvain , Vaksmann Michel , Dingkuhn Michaël , Thera Korothimi , Trouche Gilles , Braconnier Serge , Luquet Delphine
Published: February 2013

Grain and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) differ in their ability to produce either high grain yield or high sugar concentration in the stems. Some cultivars of sorghum may yield both grains and sugar. This paper investigates the trade-offs among biomass, grain and sugar production. Fourteen tropical sorghum genotypes with contrasted sweetness and PP sensitivity were evaluated in the field near Bamako (Mali) at three sowing dates under favourable rainfed conditions. Plant phenology, morphology, dry matter of different organs and stem sugar content were measured at anthesis and grain maturity. A panicle pruning treatment was implemented after anthesis. Late sowing (shorter days) led to a decrease in total leaf number, dry mass and sugar yield even in PP-insensitive genotypes because of an increased phyllochron. Dry matter production and soluble sugar accumulation were strongly correlated with leaf number. Sugar concentration varied little among sowing dates or between anthesis and maturity. This indicates that sugar accumulation happened mainly before anthesis, thus largely escaping from competition with grain filling. This was confirmed by the low impact of panicle pruning on sugar concentration. Changes in sugar concentration from anthesis to maturity were negatively correlated with harvest index but not with grain yield. Physiological trade-offs among sugar, biomass and grain production under favourable rainfall are small in late-maturing and PP-sensitive sweet sorghums cultivated under sudano-sahelian conditions. The results differ from earlier reports that focussed on early maturing, PP-insensitive germplasm. Further research is needed on the interactions of these traits with agricultural practices and drought.
Temporal and spatial patterns of soil water extraction and drought resistance among genotypes of a perennial C4 grass
Authors: Zhou Yi , Lambrides Christopher J. , Roche Matthew B. , Duff Alan , Fukai Shu
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate patterns of soil water extraction and drought resistance among genotypes of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) a perennial C4 grass. Four wild Australian ecotypes (1–1, 25a1, 40–1, and 81–1) and four cultivars (CT2, Grand Prix, Legend, and Wintergreen) were examined in field experiments with rainfall excluded to monitor soil water extraction at 30–190 cm depths. In the study we defined drought resistance as the ability to maintain green canopy cover under drought. The most drought resistant genotypes (40–1 and 25a1) maintained more green cover (55–85% vs 5–10%) during water deficit and extracted more soil water (120–160 mm vs 77–107 mm) than drought sensitive genotypes, especially at depths from 50 to 110 cm, though all genotypes extracted water to 190 cm. The maintenance of green cover and higher soil water extraction were associated with higher stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate and relative water content. For all genotypes, the pattern of water use as a percentage of total water use was similar across depth and time We propose the observed genetic variation was related to different root characteristics (root length density, hydraulic conductivity, root activity) although shoot sensitivity to drying soil cannot be ruled out.
Weathering, bauxitisation and soil genesis from the Nakobalevu Basalt, South-East Viti Levu, Fiji
Authors: Bonato J. A. , Morrison R. J.
Published: February 2013

The augite-olivine flows (5.3 Ma) capping Mount Nakobalevu, a few kilometres north-west of Suva, Fiji, have been subjected to rapid and deep weathering. The Nakobalevu K1 and K2 weathering profiles (at approximately 454 m altitude) show features of strong bauxitisation, and the attributes of a 'classical' lateritic profile. Aluminium and iron enrichment in the 2-3 m depth layers of the Nakobalevu weathering profiles is
marked, with the presence of abundant gibbsite (as gravels and nodules, and in the silt and clay-sized fractions), goethite, kaolinite, haematite and magnetite (grains); the presence of fragmented (goethitic and gibbsitic) crustal materials in each of the studied horizons, and the distribution pattern of the Al2O3, Fe2O3 and SiO2, would infer the occurrence of several erosion and weathering cycles, some of which would have evolved under drier climatic regimes. Using Soil Taxonomy, the Nakobalevu Pedon (JBK-1) is a Typic Kandihumult, clayey, kaolinitic, isohyperthermic, which does not give any indication of the gibbsitic materials present.
Crop loss analysis and global food supply: focusing now on required harvests.
Authors: Esker P. D. , Savary S. , McRoberts N.
Published: February 2013

Historically, the path of crop loss assessment research has known three phases: exploratory, development and implementation. These phases took place at different periods of agricultural research, with a common thread to improve our knowledge of the impact of diseases on crop yield quantity and quality. In this review, we provide a discussion on these phases. In particular, we emphasize the seminal research that has laid a foundation for a new phase to develop. We do this through an examination of the measurement of injury and crop losses, the current statistical models used to define thresholds and damage functions, and what is currently known regarding qualitative losses. Crop loss research enters a fourth phase of crop loss assessment, the multi-criteria assessment phase. In the latter portion of the review, we provide a brief discussion on the efforts, the concepts, and the necessary multidisciplinary dialogue, that the multi-criteria assessment phase requires in order for crop loss assessment to truly change the ways diseases are managed and how management itself is truly seen among the disciplinary fields that contribute to sustainable agricultural development.
Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics effects on immunity with emphasis on modulation of vaccine responses.
Authors: Baran M. M. , Kolida S. , Rastall R. A.
Published: February 2013

Over the last decade, research has provided a better understanding of the complexity and activity of the human gut microbiota. Molecular, culture-independent techniques made possible to identify health-promoting bacterial species in the human gut. This has intensified interest in the use of dietary approaches such as probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics targeting beneficial micro-organisms to maintain gut health or to improve disease states. Recently, research has focused on the ability to modulate the immune system by these strategies. Several studies to date support the ability of probiotics to enhance immunity and suggest potential mechanisms. Less is known about the prebiotic effects on immunity and the question has risen if the mechanism relies on direct interaction or through indirect changing in the composition of indigenous microbiota by prebiotic fermentation. The synbiotic approach merges the two individual strategies of probiotic and prebiotic; however, it is challenging to establish the mutual relationship between those components to evaluate the synbiotic functionality. Vaccination is a clinical marker to evaluate changes in immune functions by the coordinated, integrated immune response to a relevant challenge. Increasing number of studies describe the putative effects of dietary ingredients to improve the antibody response after vaccination. The outcome of such studies may contribute to the better understanding of relation between modulation of beneficial gut microbiota and clinical evident effects. This review highlights the recent knowledge on the modulation of immunity by probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics with specific emphasis on their effects on immune response to vaccination.
Timing of Population Fragmentation in a Vulnerable Minnow, the Umpqua Chub, and the Role of Nonnative Predators
Authors: O'Malley Kathleen G. , Markle Douglas F. , Ardren William R.
Published: February 2013

We examined the distribution of Umpqua Chub Oregonichthys kalawatseti, an endemic, vulnerable minnow in western Oregon, and whether six ecological populations (based on distribution patterns) had sufficient genetic cohesion to be considered evolutionary populations. We also evaluated the influence of Holocene geological events and recent nonnative predator introductions on the timing of population formation or fragmentation. Based on data from 10 microsatellite loci, we found evidence for four evolutionary populations of Umpqua Chub. One population, in the Smith River, is isolated by the Umpqua estuary and is more than 100 river kilometers from the other three populations: Elk Creek, Calapooya Creek–Olalla Creek, and Cow Creek–South Umpqua River. Quantile regression was used to examine the timing of genetic divergence among evolutionary populations assuming a genetic isolation‐by‐distance model. The quantile regression suggested that the genetic differentiation index (FST) should change by at least 0.0002/km; most fragmentation was recent and with similar timing, but the Smith River isolation event may have been about 2–4 times older. We could not distinguish whether the timing of the Smith River isolation corresponded to the last major tsunami event or the introduction of Striped Bass Morone saxatilis, a likely predator. All population fragmentation appears to be relatively recent, with the three upstream populations restricted to third‐ and fourth‐order streams, most likely fragmented by either nonnative Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu, which now dominate sixth‐order streams, or in the case of Elk Creek, a dam. The mid‐drainage Calapooya–Olalla population was the most genetically diverse and appeared to be a mix of the other populations, which showed a significant isolation‐by‐distance relationship to this population. We hypothesize that Umpqua Chub populations have formed and fragmented by peripheral isolation from a larger population, the remnant of which is the mid‐drainage Calapooya–Olalla population.
Russian Settlements in Iran in the Early Twentieth Century: Initial Phase of Colonization
Authors: Andreeva Elena , Nouraei Morteza
Published: February 2013

This article reveals the story of Russia's attempts to colonize Astarabad and Mazanderan provinces of Iran in the early twentieth century. By backing and sponsoring Russian settlements there, the Russian government sought to eventually annex the territories in the northeast of Iran. Drawing on Russian and Iranian sources, the article follows the development of the settlements from their spontaneous beginning in 1907 to a state-supported colonization project by 1914. After the Russian government tried to accelerate colonization of the occupied Iranian territories during the First World War, this ambitious project came to an end with the Bolshevik coup of 1917.
The problem of projects: understanding the theoretical underpinnings of project-led PBL
Authors: Hanney Roy , Savin-Baden Maggi
Published: February 2013

For many years there has been a sharp division between project-based learning, and problem-based learning, with the former adopting a more technical rationalist approach while the latter adopts a more Socratic or dialogic approach. This article argues that current notions of project-based
learning are too narrow and that combining the two approaches will improve student engagement and criticality. This article begins by outlining the key differences between project-based, and problem-based learning, suggesting a new constellation. It then provides an exemplar in the form of
a case study that sought to undertake such a combination, and reports on implications for practice.
Extended schooling and community education: mapping the policy terrain
Authors: Simon Catherine A.
Published: February 2013

New Labour's extended schools initiative added to existing models of community schooling. The paper identifies the key principles behind extended schooling, making comparisons with historical models and contemporary trends in community education. Part one examines New Labour's use of
extended schools to deliver their social policy agenda. Part two focuses on alternative models of community schooling used in England and Scotland, suggesting alternative solutions to issues of social disadvantage and educational underachievement. Part three examines the European tradition
of social pedagogy exploring the potential contributions it brings to educational and welfare practice in England given the new Government's approach to localism and the 'Big Society'.
Neutralizing antibodies to HIV-1 induced by immunization
Authors: McCoy Laura E. , Weiss Robin A.
Published: February 2013

Most neutralizing antibodies act at the earliest steps of viral infection and block interaction of the virus with cellular receptors to prevent entry into host cells. The inability to induce neutralizing antibodies to HIV has been a major obstacle to HIV vaccine research since the early days of the epidemic. However, in the past three years, the definition of a neutralizing antibody against HIV has been revolutionized by the isolation of extremely broad and potent neutralizing antibodies from HIV-infected individuals. Considerable hurdles remain for inducing neutralizing antibodies to a protective level after immunization. Meanwhile, novel technologies to bypass the induction of antibodies are being explored to provide prophylactic antibody-based interventions. This review addresses the challenge of inducing HIV neutralizing antibodies upon immunization and considers notable recent advances in the field. A greater understanding of the successes and failures for inducing a neutralizing response upon immunization is required to accelerate the development of an effective HIV vaccine.
How the Supreme Court Alters Opinion Language to Evade Congressional Review
Authors: Owens Ryan J. , Wedeking Justin , Wohlfarth Patrick C.
Published: February 2013

We argue that actors can attempt to shield their policy choices from unfavorable review by crafting them in a manner that will increase the costs necessary for supervisory institutions to review them. We apply this theory to the US Supreme Court and demonstrate how justices strategically obfuscate the language of majority opinions in the attempt to circumvent unfavorable review from a politically hostile Congress. The results suggest that Supreme Court justices can and do alter the language of their opinions to raise the costs of legislative review and thereby protect their decisions.
Trustee Courts and the Judicialization of International Regimes
Authors: Stone Sweet Alec , Brunell Thomas L.
Published: February 2013

The article focuses on judicial politics in three international regimes. The courts of these regimes are trustee courts, operating in an environment of judicial supremacy with respect to states. An international trustee court meets three criteria: (1) the court is the authoritative interpreter of the regime’s law; (2) the court’s jurisdiction is compulsory; and (3) it is virtually impossible, in practice, for contracting states to reverse the court’s important rulings. After developing a theory of trusteeship, we turn to how judges have used their powers. Although there is variation, each court has engaged in “majoritarian activism,” producing law that reflects standard practices or a high degree of state consensus but that would not have been adopted by states under unanimity decision rules. Majoritarian activism helps judges to develop the law progressively, to mitigate potential legitimacy problems, and to render efforts at curbing the growth of their authority improbable or ineffective.
Conceptualizing and Measuring Rule of Law Constructs, 1850–2010
Authors: Nardulli Peter F. , Peyton Buddy , Bajjalieh Joseph
Published: February 2013

Abstract

This article outlines an effort to gauge cross-national and intertemporal differences in law-based orders for 165 nations from 1850 to 2010. Despite the increasing importance attributed to “the rule of law,” there have been few efforts to develop objective measures of it. The conceptual foundations for this effort rest on a review of centuries of scholarship concerning the societal utility of law. Data are drawn from a variety of sources to create two composite measures. The derivation of these measures is reported and the measures are examined to determine whether they present reinforcing profiles of a country's legal order.
Policy Preferences and Legal Interpretation
Authors: Farnsworth Ward , Guzior Dustin , Malani Anup
Published: February 2013

This article presents an empirical study of statutory interpretation. Respondents were asked to read statutes and answer questions about how they should be applied to simple cases. The results suggest, first, that it is difficult to separate judgments about the linguistic meaning of a statute from policy preferences about it. Different ways of framing the interpretive question have consequences, however; asking how an ordinary reader would interpret a text helps produce answers that are distinct from a respondent’s own preferences about it. The article considers why this might be so and discusses implications for the interpretation of statutes by courts.
Law without the State
Authors: Hadfield Gillian K. , Weingast Barry R.
Published: February 2013

Most social scientists take for granted that law is defined by the presence of a centralized authority capable of exacting coercive penalties for violations of legal rules. Moreover, the existing approach to analyzing law in economics and positive political theory works with a very thin concept of law that does not account for the distinctive attributes of legal order as compared with other forms of social order. Drawing on a model developed elsewhere, we reinterpret key case studies to demonstrate how a theoretically informed approach illuminates questions about the emergence, stability, and function of law in supporting economic and democratic growth.
Is the adoption of environmental practices a strategical decision for small service companies?
Authors: Bagur‐Femenias Llorenç , Llach Josep , del Mar Alonso‐Almeida María
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of the decision to adopt environmental practices in small service companies given that most of the studies on environmental practices focus on the industrial sector and on larger companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is based on 448 personal surveys involving the managers of small travel agencies, using structural equation modeling to study the links between the dimensions studied.

Findings

The results of this paper suggest that being proactive on environmental issues can bring small service companies a great number of benefits that improve their competitiveness and firm performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to explore the impact of the adoption of environmental practices on a single service industry. It therefore provides useful empirical evidence for managerial practice in the industry concerned.
An examination of the relationships among budget emphasis, budget planning models and performance
Authors: Kung Fan‐Hua , Huang Cheng‐Li , Cheng Chia‐Ling
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationships among budget emphasis, budget planning models, and performance, to determine whether an emphasis on the budget has indirect effects on performance, in the presence of other budget planning characteristics as mediators.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed models among the constructs and related hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that while budget planning models entirely mediate the influence of budget emphasis on the performance of management and the organization, they partially mediate the influence of budget emphasis on budget satisfaction. In addition, it is determined that differentiation strategies have a significantly positive influence on budget emphasis, budget planning models and performance.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide a reference for organizations in the design of budgeting systems. During the design process, budget planning models should consider the degree of emphasis an organization places on the budget.
Guanxi, performance and innovation in entrepreneurial service projects
Authors: Arribas Iván , Hernández Penélope , Vila Jose E.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the role played by two dimensions of entrepreneurs' private social capital in the survival, growth and innovativeness of entrepreneurial service ventures: local size and preferential attachment degree.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by a questionnaire, the unit of investigation being the private entrepreneur in the service sector in the city of Shanghai. The questionnaire allows the authors to identify the social network of the entrepreneurs, estimate the empirical degree distribution for the entire sample, and estimate local size and preferential attachment degree.

Findings

There is empirical evidence that entrepreneurs do not create social networks with preferential attachment structure and a large local size of the network increases the chances of survival of new ventures; however, the chance to become a dynamic venture is only related to entrepreneurs' preferential attachment degree.

Social implications

Any entrepreneurial strategy should include an investment plan to generate a minimum level of social capital orguanxi. Additionally, efficient strategy to generate social capital for dynamic entrepreneurship should focus on the creation of quality social capital. The underestimation of the role of social capital seems to have a deeper impact when analyzing the phenomenon of entrepreneurial innovation.

Originality/value

This conclusion suggests that the role of social capital in the entrepreneurial process could be underestimated systematically, since most of the literature only considers local measures of social capital. This underestimation seems to have a deeper impact when analyzing the phenomenon of entrepreneurial innovation.
Do retirement anxieties determine bridge employment preference?
Authors: Mariappanadar Sugumar
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which perceived financial preparedness, social retirement anxieties, and level of income influence mature aged workers' preferences to enter different retirement employment options within the contingent and the flexible work arrangements (FWA) types of bridge employment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study was collected in 2008 using a questionnaire with 31 items. A total of 144 mature aged workers from multiple firms, aged 50 years and over, working full‐time, in the construction industry participated in the study. The collected data was analysed using correlation and regression analyses.

Findings

The results indicate that the study variables have positive and negative influences on pre‐retirees' preference for the retirement employment options within the contingent and the FWA bridge employment. It was also found that while income failed to moderate, social retirement anxieties did significantly moderate the relationship between perceived financial preparedness and the different employment options within the contingent bridge employment.

Practical implications

This study clearly provides practitioners and career counsellors a new insight that the work and non‐work predictors for the retirement employment options within each of the contingent and the FWA bridge employments vary between factors of perceived financial preparedness, social retirement anxieties and level of income.

Originality/value

In contradiction to the existing literature that “comfortable” social retirement adjustment as a determinant for bridge employment, this study's findings revealed that if pre‐retirees perceive that they are not adequately financially prepared for retirement, they would opt for bridge employment irrespective of levels of social retirement anxieties.
Competences as the foundation of employability: a qualitative study of German freelancers
Authors: Süß Stefan , Becker Johannes
Published: February 2013

Purpose

In recent years, the number of freelancers has increased considerably, especially in the IT and the media sectors. Additionally, the discussion around employability has intensified because of its relevance for employees in meeting labour market demands. Employability is especially important for freelancers as it has a key influence on their financial success. However, there is a lack of empirical research on the employability of freelancers and the competences associated with it. This article aims to reduce this research gap by presenting findings of an explanatory study on freelancer employability.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data in this article is based on 23 semi‐structured interviews which were conducted with freelancers in the IT and media sectors.

Findings

The results reveal that the employability of freelancers is shaped by technical, social and networking competences. Additionally, it is pointed out that the dynamics in the analyzed sectors are distinct and therefore the intensity of competence development and training is varying.

Originality/value

The presented study contributes to research on freelancers as it stresses the necessity of employability for success at work. The link between employability and freelancers has not received prior attention in research.
A systematic approach to performative and authentic assessment
Authors: Whitlock Brandy , Nanavati Julie
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the learning outcomes assessment process and a five‐step, systematic approach for incorporating learning outcomes assessment into information literacy instruction. The paper focuses specifically on using performative and authentic assessments to measure higher‐level skills and ensure that students are able to perform the information literacy skills that library instruction programs intend to teach.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed current assessment literature from both the information literacy and instructional design fields and pulled successful examples from their respective institutions in order to provide an overview of how best to incorporate performative and authentic assessment into the information literacy instruction process. This also includes discussions of assessment terminology, tools, and strategies.

Findings

Engaging in learning outcomes assessment can be invaluable when performed as part of the information literacy instruction process. Following a systematic approach and incorporating tools that allow for performative and authentic assessment will enable librarians to successfully ascertain if students can do what we teach them to do.

Practical implications

This paper provides instruction librarians with a structured way to integrate learning outcomes assessment into their information literacy programs, and it includes an extensive exploration of assessment strategies and tools as they relate to fostering information literacy skills.

Originality/value

There is limited literature on the use of performative and authentic assessment in information literacy instruction. The exploration of a wide selection of possible assessment tools, specifically – their benefits and drawbacks – is especially valuable.
Use what you have: authentic assessment of in‐class activities
Authors: Carter Toni M.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share a practical approach to formative, authentic assessment of Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) outcomes within individual sessions of course‐integrated information literacy. This method does not require extra class time and assists librarians in modifying their teaching techniques to improve student learning.

Design/methodology/approach

By implementing authentic assessment of worksheets already integrated into library instruction sessions, librarians measure student learning of ACRL outcome 2.2.b “identify keywords, synonyms, and related terms for the information needed.”

Findings

Librarians consider this initial foray into authentic assessment a success, with the methodology only requiring a few adjustments. Results of student learning revealed an overall understanding by students of how to identify keywords and synonyms, but uncovered a weakness in topic development.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on a three‐class sequence of information literacy for freshman composition students. Because of this, librarians can limit the number of outcomes per class, not always an option in one‐shot sessions.

Practical implications

This technique provides a realistic means of assessing student learning of outcomes. Due to the popularity of active learning, many librarians should already have in‐class activities they could easily convert into assessments.

Originality/value

Much research exists on the value and results of authentic assessment. Fewer studies focus on formative, authentic assessment of a specific ACRL outcome, particularly at the individual session‐level.
Not at your service: building genuine faculty‐librarian partnerships
Authors: Nalani Meulemans Yvonne , Carr Allison
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The old relationship of librarians serving the faculty as research assistants is long gone. The purpose of this paper is to ask, how can librarians and faculty become genuine partners in student learning and move towards the common goal of getting students to think critically? The authors discuss the need for librarians to initiate more collaborative conversations with professors in order to establish true partnerships with them and go on to describe how they did this using a strikingly and alarmingly frank approach. Building on this foundation, the authors discuss the need to shift from a service orientation to a partnership in student learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors describe their work with the New Faculty Institute, a multi‐day workshop that serves as an introduction to the university, to build upon their assertions regarding the need for instruction librarians to shift from a service orientation to a partnership with professors.

Findings

The paper offers an action plan to develop and implement a value system that can guide collaboration with faculty. The pieces of the plan include articulating a teaching philosophy, craft and clarify personal policies, develop and practice responses and have confidence in your expertise.

Originality/value

Developing partnerships with professors may sometimes require librarians to respond differently to requests from professors that are problematic. Doing so requires a move away from a service orientation, but towards collaborative efforts to support student learning.
LOEX‐of‐the‐West 2012: creative landscapes in southern California
Authors: Rosenfeld Jennifer , Gatten Raida
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue of Reference Services Review entitled “LOEX‐of‐the‐West 2012: creative landscapes in southern California”.

Design/methodology/approach

Over 160 librarians from across the USA and Canada attended the biennial LOEX‐of‐the‐West (LOTW) conference on the campus of Woodbury University in Burbank, California from June 6‐8, 2012. LOTW strives for an atmosphere in which speakers can share innovative ideas and open a dialog with other librarians.

Findings

Traditionally, after each LOEX‐of‐the‐West (LOTW) conference a number of papers based on session presentations are submitted to Reference Services Review (RSR) for publication. Building on their work at the 2012 preconference, Editors of RSR, Ms Eleanor Mitchell and Ms Sarah Barbara Watstein, have worked closely with presenters to transform their talks to published papers. After going through a double blind peer review process, seven papers have been selected for publication in this issue.

Originality/value

The authors/Guest Editors are excited to share these papers in this special LOEX‐of‐the‐West issue of Reference Services Review. It is indeed just as the conference theme stated “Information Literacy for all Terrains”.
An updated overview of research published in the International Marketing Review
Authors: Malhotra Naresh K. , Wu Lan , Whitelock Jeryl
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the 29 years of research published in International Marketing Review (IMR) since its inception.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief editorial history of the journal is chronicled, and its output is discussed. Special attention is focused upon journal content, authorship analysis, and methodological issues.

Findings

The authors find: IMR publishes articles that often focus on export and global marketing, with consumer behavior and branding being the fastest growing content areas; IMR's frequent contributors consist of world renowned experts in international marketing and business and have become more diverse; and the authors of IMR use a wide variety of data collection and analysis methods.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conclude that IMR exhibits the characteristics of a mature and leading journal in the field of international business. To assist IMR in maintaining its significant impact on marketing scholarship, the paper outlines some possible directions for the future.

Originality/value

This article analyzes the 29 years of research published in International Marketing Review (IMR) since its inception. To assist IMR in maintaining its significant impact on marketing scholarship, it also outlines some possible directions for the future.