bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced critical heat flux by capillary driven liquid flow on the well-designed surface
Authors: Kim Dong Eok , Park Su Cheong , Yu Dong In , Kim Moo Hwan , Ahn Ho Seon
Published: July 2015

Based on the unique design of the surface morphology, we investigated the effects of gravity and capillary pressure on Critical heat flux (CHF). The micro-structured surfaces for pool boiling tests were comprised with both the rectangular cavity and microchannel structures. The microcavity structures could intrinsically block the liquid flow by capillary pressure effect, and the capillary flow into the boiling surface was one-dimensionally induced only through the microchannel region. Thus, we could clearly establish the relationship between the CHF and capillary wicking flow. The driving potentials for the liquid inflow can be classified into the hydrostatic head by gravitational force, and the capillary pressure induced by the interactions of vapor bubbles, liquid film, and surface solid structures. Through the analysis of the experimental data and visualization of vapor bubble behaviors, we present that the liquid supplement to maintain the nucleate boiling regime in pool boiling condition is governed by the gravitational pressure head and capillary pressure effect.
Viscous flow separation caused by the Marangoni effect in competition with capillary flow
Authors: Babaie A. , Stoeber B.
Published: July 2015

This letter provides an analytical model that describes the viscous flow separation in a drying thin polymer solution film. While conventional flow separation occurs due to an adverse pressure gradient opposing fluid inertia, here we show that flow separation can also be caused by the Marangoni effect in an evaporation-driven creeping flow. The flow separation behavior strongly depends on the surface tension distribution and the interface profile. Viscous flow separation adds to the current understanding of flow physics during the drying of thin films, in addition to the well-known capillary transport and the Marangoni effect.
Optical field emission from resonant gold nanorods driven by femtosecond mid-infrared pulses
Authors: Kusa F. , Echternkamp K. E. , Herink G. , Ropers C. , Ashihara S.
Published: July 2015

We demonstrate strong-field photoelectron emission from gold nanorods driven by femtosecond mid-infrared optical pulses. The maximum photoelectron yield is reached at the localized surface plasmon resonance, indicating that the photoemission is governed by the resonantly-enhanced optical near-field. The wavelength- and field-dependent photoemission yield allows for a noninvasive determination of local field enhancements, and we obtain intensity enhancement factors close to 1300, in good agreement with finite-difference time domain computations.
Franck-Condon Factors and Band Origins for MgH in the A2Π-X2Σ+ System
Authors: Cheng Xu , Bai Jiao , Yin Jian-ping , Wang Hai-ling
Published: July 2015

We measure the dispersed spectrum of the A2Π-X2Σ+ system of MgH using laser ablation/laser induced Fluorescence method and obtain the Frank-Condon factors and related transition frequencies of the A2Π(υ′=0)-X2Σ+(υ″=0,1) system by analyzing the experimental spectrum. Also, we calculate the Franck-Condon factors and transition frequencies of the A2Π-X2Σ+ system of MgH. A comparison of our theoretical calculation and experimental results with other reported theoretical results was carried out as well.
Sorbitol Hydrogenolysis to Glycols over Baisic Additive Promoted Ni-based Catalysts
Authors: Cao Xiao-feng , Zhang Qi , Jiang Dong , Liu Qi-ying , Ma Long-long , Wang Tie-jun , Li De-bao
Published: July 2015

A series of Ni based catalysts with different supports and basic additives were prepared by sequential impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, H2-TPR and CO2-TPD techniques. It was found that the introduction of basic additives enhanced the basicities of catalyats and promoted the dispersities of Ni particles by strong interaction between Ni2+ and basic additives. Among the Ni based catalysts, 10%Ni/10%La2O3 /ZrO2 showed the superior performance in sorbitol hydrogenolysis. The synergistic effect of Ni and La2O3 was proven to play an essential role in selective synthesis of EG and 1,2-PG. In the optimal reaction condition, the catalyst presented 100% sorbitol conversion and over 48% glycols (EG and 1,2-PG) yield. The kinetics study of polyols (sorbitol, xylitol and glycerol) hydrogenolysis showed that polyols with more hydroxyl number have higher activity and products distribution was final results of kinetic balance, which could give us some inspiration about how to change the products selectivity.
Electrochemical Performance and Capacity Fading Mechanism of LiFePO4 at Different pH Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Yin Yuan , Wen Yue-hua , Lu Yong-lai , Cheng Jie , Cao Gao-ping , Yang Yu-sheng
Published: July 2015

The electrochemical stability of LiFePO4 in a Li+-containing aqueous electrolyte solution is critically dependent on the pH value of the aqueous solution. It shows a considerable decay in capacity of LiFePO4 upon cycling when the pH value is increased to 11. The mechanism responsible for the capacity fading is extensively investigated by means of cyclic voltammogram, ac impedance, charge/discharge, ex situ X-ray diffraction, and chemical analysis. LiFePO4 is relatively electrochemically stable in LiNO3 aqueous solution with pH=7. But the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 in aqueous electrolyte is inferior to that in organic electrolyte. It is attributed to the loss of Li and the Fe, P dissolution during prolonged charge-discharge in aqueous medium. A precipitate is formed on the surface of LiFePO4 electrodes. It results in the change of crystalline structure, a large electrode polarization, and capacity fading.
Upconversion Luminescence from Ho3+ and Yb3+ Codoped α-NaYF4 Single Crystals
Authors: Zhang Jia-zhong , Xia Hai-ping , Yang Shuo , Jiang Yong-zhang , Xue-mei Gu , Zhang Jian-li , Jiang Hao-chuan , Chen Bao-jiu
Published: July 2015

The Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped α-NaYF4 single crystal was grown successfully for the first time by a modified Bridgman method in which KF was used as assisting flux and a large temperature gradient (70–90 °C/cm) of solid-liquid interface was adopted. Upconversion emissions at green ∼544 nm, red ∼657 and ∼751 nm were obtained under 980 nm laser diode excitation. The intensity at ∼544 nm was much stronger than those of ∼657 and ∼751 nm. The mechanisms of the upconversion emissions were investigated by studying the relationship between the upconversion intensity and pump power. The optimized Yb3+ concentration was about 8.08mol% when Ho3+ concentration was hold at about 1.0mol%. The results showed that Ho3+/Yb3+ doped α-NaYF4 single crystal was a possible candidate upconversion material for the green solid-state laser.
Effects of elevated temperature on sucrose metabolism and cellulose synthesis in cotton fibre during secondary cell wall development
Authors: Dai Yanjiao , Chen Binglin , Meng Yali , Zhao Wenqing , Zhou Zhiguo , Oosterhuis Derrick M. , Wang Youhua
Published: July 2015

Global warming has the potential to increase air temperatures by 1.8 to 4.0°C by the end of the 21st century. In order to reveal the effects of increased temperatures on the sucrose metabolism and cellulose synthesis in cotton fibre during its flowering and boll formation stage, field experiments with elevated temperature regimes (32.6/28.6°C, mean daytime/night-time temperature during flowering and boll formation stage during 2010–12, the same below) and ambient temperature regimes (30.1/25.8°C) were conducted. Activities of sucrose synthase and acid/alkaline invertase decreased under elevated temperature in fibre, but activities of sucrose phosphate synthase were increased. Callose content increased, but sucrose content decreased within the cotton fibre under elevated temperature. The disparity of callose content and sucrose content between the two temperature regimes decreased with the number of days post anthesis, indicating that the effects of elevated temperature on both sucrose content and cellulose content were diminished as the boll matured. Due to the dynamics of the carbohydrate content and associated enzyme activities, we hypothesise that the restrained sucrose metabolism and cellulose biosynthesis under elevated temperatures were mainly attributed to the changed activities of sucrose synthase and invertase. Furthermore, 32.6/28.6°C had a negative effect on the cellulose synthesis compared with 30.1/25.8°C.
Effects of birthweight on reproductive system development and onset of puberty in gilts
Authors: Almeida F. R. C. L. , Laurenssen B. , Pereira L. X. , Teerds K. J. , Soede N. M.
Published: July 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of birthweight on bodyweight development, development of the genital tract, onset of puberty and their associations with insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 and leptin concentrations. Pairs of littermate gilts from 51 litters were selected: one piglet with the highest birthweight (HW; 1.5 ± 0.2 kg) and the other with the lowest birthweight (LW; 1.0 ± 0.2 kg). Gilt pairs were killed at either fixed ages (80.8 ± 1.2 days; AG; 16 pairs), fixed bodyweight (35.2 ± 1.4 kg; WG; 16 pairs) or after first oestrus (EG; 19 pairs). In the AG group, HW gilts were 5.6 kg heavier at the time of death than LW gilts. In the WG group, LW gilts were 5.9 days older at the time of death (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the number or size of total antral follicles or in the follicle population among birthweight classes. Age at puberty was similar between the HW and LW gilts, but bodyweight at time of death was greater for HW gilts (P < 0.05). Birthweight did not affect the development of the genital tract, ovulation rate or hormone plasma concentrations. These results suggest that birthweight does not affect the development of the genital tract before puberty and puberty onset.
Rho1- and Pkc1-dependent phosphorylation of the F-BAR protein Syp1 contributes to septin ring assembly
Authors: Merlini Laura , Bolognesi Alessio , Juanes Maria Angeles , Vandermoere Franck , Courtellemont Thibault , Pascolutti Roberta , Séveno Martial , Barral Yves , Piatti Simonetta
Published: July 2015

In many cell types, septins assemble into filaments and rings at the neck of cellular appendages and/or at the cleavage furrow to help compartmentalize the plasma membrane and support cytokinesis. How septin ring assembly is coordinated with membrane remodeling and controlled by mechanical stress at these sites is unclear. Through a genetic screen, we uncovered an unanticipated link between the conserved Rho1 GTPase and its effector protein kinase C (Pkc1) with septin ring stability in yeast. Both Rho1 and Pkc1 stabilize the septin ring, at least partly through phosphorylation of the membrane-associated F-BAR protein Syp1, which colocalizes asymmetrically with the septin ring at the bud neck. Syp1 is displaced from the bud neck upon Pkc1-dependent phosphorylation at two serines, thereby affecting the rigidity of the new-forming septin ring. We propose that Rho1 and Pkc1 coordinate septin ring assembly with membrane and cell wall remodeling partly by controlling Syp1 residence at the bud neck.
Sessions 5–7
Authors: Ladouceur Robert , Lachance Stella
Published: July 2015

Chapter 6 presents outlines for treatment sessions five to seven. It explores the differences between games of chance and games of skill, and aims to help the client become aware of their inner dialogue regarding gambling using the ABCD model, and the influence that this dialogue has on decisions to gamble. The client is encouraged to identify their own ‘gambling traps’.
Posttreatment Assessment
Authors: Ladouceur Robert , Lachance Stella
Published: July 2015

Chapter 9 outlines the posttreatment assessment that concludes the regular sessions of this treatment program. Tools and assessments such as the Diagnostic Interview for Pathological Gambling (DIPG) will be revisited in order to gauge progress that has been made.
Antagonists of the TMEM16A Calcium-activated Chloride Channel Modulate Airway Smooth Muscle Tone and Intracellular Calcium
Authors: Danielsson Jennifer , Perez-Zoghbi Jose , Bernstein Kyra , Barajas Matthew B. , Zhang Yi , Kumar Satish , Sharma Pawan K. , Gallos George , Emala Charles W.
Published: July 2015

AbstractAbstract

Four different TMEM16A antagonists had significant bronchorelaxant properties in human airway smooth muscle, guinea pig tracheal rings, or mouse peripheral airways. In particular, benzbromarone relaxed both central and peripheral airways, worked synergistically with β agonists possibly through hyperpolarization of the airway smooth muscle cell and attenuation of calcium flux at the both plasma membrane and sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Perioperative bronchospasm refractory to β agonists continues to challenge anesthesiologists and intensivists. The TMEM16A calcium-activated chloride channel modulates airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction. The authors hypothesized that TMEM16A antagonists would relax ASM contraction by modulating membrane potential and calcium flux.

Methods:

Human ASM, guinea pig tracheal rings, or mouse peripheral airways were contracted with acetylcholine or leukotriene D4 and then treated with the TMEM16A antagonists: benzbromarone, T16Ainh-A01, N-((4-methoxy)-2-naphthyl)-5-nitroanthranilic acid, or B25. In separate studies, guinea pig tracheal rings were contracted with acetylcholine and then exposed to increasing concentrations of isoproterenol (0.01 nM to 10 μM) ± benzbromarone. Plasma membrane potential and intracellular calcium concentrations were measured in human ASM cells.

Results:

Benzbromarone was the most potent TMEM16A antagonist tested for relaxing an acetylcholine -induced contraction in guinea pig tracheal rings (n = 6). Further studies were carried out to investigate the clinical utility of benzbromarone. In human ASM, benzbromarone relaxed either an acetylcholine- or a leukotriene D4–induced contraction (n = 8). Benzbromarone was also effective in relaxing peripheral airways (n = 9) and potentiating relaxation by β agonists (n = 5 to 10). In cellular mechanistic studies, benzbromarone hyperpolarized human ASM cells (n = 9 to 12) and attenuated intracellular calcium flux from both the plasma membrane and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (n = 6 to 12).

Conclusion:

TMEM16A antagonists work synergistically with β agonists and through a novel pathway of interrupting ion flux at both the plasma membrane and sarcoplasmic reticulum to acutely relax human ASM.
Impact Assessment of Perioperative Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training on Anesthesiology Residents
Authors: Ramsingh Davinder , Rinehart Joseph , Kain Zeev , Strom Suzanne , Canales Cecilia , Alexander Brenton , Capatina Adriana , Ma Michael , Le Khanh-Van , Cannesson Maxime
Published: July 2015

AbstractAbstract

This study highlights that a novel “whole-body” point-of-care ultrasound examination (Focused periOperative Risk Evaluation Sonography Involving Gastroabdominal Hemodynamic and Transthoracic ultrasound) can be taught to anesthesiology residents using a model/simulation-guided curriculum, and with this appropriate training, one can impact clinical management of patients in the perioperative setting.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

The perioperative surgical home model highlights the need for trainees to include modalities that are focused on the entire perioperative experience. The focus of this study was to design, introduce, and evaluate the integration of a whole-body point-of-care (POC) ultrasound curriculum (Focused periOperative Risk Evaluation Sonography Involving Gastroabdominal Hemodynamic and Transthoracic ultrasound) into residency training.

Methods:

For 2 yr, anesthesiology residents (n = 42) received lectures using a model/simulation design and half were also randomly assigned to receive pathology assessment training. Posttraining performance was assessed through Kirkpatrick levels 1 to 4 outcomes based on the resident satisfaction surveys, multiple-choice tests, pathologic image evaluation, human model testing, and assessment of clinical impact via review of clinical examination data.

Results:

Evaluation of the curriculum demonstrated high satisfaction scores (n = 30), improved content test scores (n = 37) for all tested categories (48 ± 16 to 69 ± 17%, P < 0.002), and improvement on human model examinations. Residents randomized to receive pathology training (n = 18) also showed higher scores compared with those who did not (n = 19) (9.1 ± 2.5 vs. 17.4 ± 3.1, P < 0.05). Clinical examinations performed in the organization after the study (n = 224) showed that POC ultrasound affected clinical management at a rate of 76% and detected new pathology at a rate of 31%.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that a whole-body POC ultrasound curriculum can be effectively taught to anesthesiology residents and that this training may provide clinical benefit. These results should be evaluated within the context of the perioperative surgical home.
Lactate Level Is More Significant Than Carboxihemoglobin Level in Determining Prognosis of Carbon Monoxide Intoxication of Childhood
Authors: Damlapinar Rukiye , Arikan Fatma Inci , Sahin Sanliay , Dallar Yildiz
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the demographics, risk factors, correlation between carbon monoxide (CO) level and clinical findings, and laboratory findings determining the prognosis and ischemic myocardial injury due to CO intoxication in patients admitted to pediatric emergency department.

Materials and Methods

Six hundred seventy-four patients were admitted with CO intoxication between May 2007 and October 2009, 288 patients who required hospitalization were enrolled into the study prospectively.

Results

Incidentally, 144 (50%) of the patients were evenly distributed as girls and boys. Their age ranged between 7 months and 17 years; mean age was 8.6 years. The mean CO level was 26.8. The high levels were detected regarding lactate in 199 (90.1%) patients, creatine kinase (CK)-MB in 130 (45.1%) patients, CK in 80 (27.8%) patients, cardiac Troponin I in 35 (17.2%) patients, and lactate dehydrogenase in 34 (15.7%) patients. There was a significant positive correlation when symptoms like syncope, loss of consciousness, and convulsion were compared with carboxyhemoglobin, lactate, CK, CK-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase levels (P < 0.05), whereas there was no correlation when compared with cardiac Troponin I (P > 0.05). To determine the accuracy of predicting severe CO intoxication, sensitivity of 52.6% and specificity of 85.7% were found in receiver operating characteristic analysis when the lactate level was 3.85 mmol/L, whereas sensitivity of 70.5% and specificity of 59.6% were found when the carboxyhemoglobin level was 27.1%. One hundred forty-six (%50.8) of the patients had normal electrocardiographic findings, whereas 135 (46.8%) had sinus tachycardia, 6 (2%) had right branch block, and 1 (0.34%) had atrioventricular block. In 34 patients who had high CK-MB and Troponin I levels, only sinus tachycardia was detected in electrocardiography, and there were no ST changes. Hyperbaric oxygen was necessary in 2 patients admitted with coma.

Conclusions

In children admitted because of CO intoxication, the blood lactate levels may give more accurate information in terms of loss of consciousness and convulsion, lactate level could be taken as a measure of severe poisoning and may help to decide for hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
Evolution-Based Functional Decomposition of Proteins
Authors: Rivoire Olivier , Reynolds Kimberly A. , Ranganathan Rama
Published: July 2015

The essential biological properties of proteins - folding, biochemical activities, and the capacity to adapt - arise from the global pattern of interactions between amino acid residues. The statistical coupling analysis (SCA) is an approach to defining this pattern that involves the study of amino acid coevolution in an ensemble of sequences comprising a protein family. This approach indicates a functional architecture within proteins in which the basic units are coupled networks of amino acids termed sectors. This evolution-based decomposition has potential for new understandings of the structural basis for protein function, but requires broad further testing by the scientific community. To facilitate this, we present here the principles and practice of the SCA and introduce new methods for sector analysis in a python-based software package. We show that the pattern of amino acid interactions within sectors is linked to the divergence of functional lineages in a multiple sequence alignment - a model for how sector properties might be differentially tuned in members of a protein family. This work provides new tools for understanding the structural basis for protein function and for generally testing the concept of sectors as the principal functional units of proteins.
Transactional dynamics in European R & D networks: an assessment of Eureka
Authors: Fischer Bruno Brandão , Molero José
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to verify the impacts of the transaction costs rationale on economic agents’ innovative results when they engage in European R & D networks, supplying both firms and policymakers with empirical support for improved decision making toward economic competitiveness and construction of the European research area. Furthermore, unlike many transaction cost economics assessments, the authors evaluate the existence of transaction costs following a dynamic framework of analysis (instead of using solelyex antegovernance choice as a driver of inter-firm “friction” management), offering a novel perspective on these phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data consist of firm-level information from Eureka’s Final Reports (1995-2006) for Spanish, Italian, French, British and German firms. Empirical assessments were performed through a two-step approach of direct and indirect effects of network management and potential sources of disturbances. Ordinal regressions were applied in order to identify transaction costs’ relevance as drivers of firms’ technological and commercial outcomes, as well as on managerial quality of alliances. Statistical controls include microeconomic and project-specific variables.

Findings

– Results highlight the role played by transactional aspects as drivers of companies’ outcomes and managerial complexity. Furthermore, the authors find robust evidence that formalex antegovernance structures are incapable of satisfactorily addressing dynamic disturbances that take place within R & D networks. Whereas such findings are directly related to existing transaction costs, the authors find no support for the usual variables attributed to increased complexity in international inter-firm relationships.

Research limitations/implications

– Self-selection issues are inherently related to the research instrument (i.e. Eureka’s Reports), while further firm-level data could not be obtained since confidentiality issues protected companies’ names and sectors. Also, network-level data are not available, allowing the evaluation of individual perceptions only.

Originality/value

– While literature addresses the issue of transaction costs in R & D networks via theoretical assumptions and rough proxies, this assessment offers an in-depth evaluation of a set of valuable indicators with direct implications for researchers, managers and policymakers. Main contributions concern the identification of dynamic interactions (and their respective disturbances) as a key feature of the overall performance of R & D networks, stressing the non-linearity of economic processes in these hybrid relationships, an issue that has been poorly tackled by previous empirical investigations.
Four basic models of GM(1, 1) and their suitable sequences
Authors: Liu Sifeng , Zeng Bo , Liu Jiefang , Xie Naiming , Yang Yingjie
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a foundational reference and practical guidance for modelling small and poor data with incomplete information.

Design/methodology/approach

– The definitions of four basic models of GM(1, 1), such as Even Grey Model (EGM), Original Difference Grey Model (ODGM), Even Difference Grey Model (EDGM) and Discrete Grey Model (DGM), are put forward. The properties and characteristics of different models are studied and their equivalence are proved. The suitable sequences of different models are studied by simulation and analysis with homogeneous exponential sequences, nonhomogeneous exponential increasing sequences and vibration sequences.

Findings

– The main conclusions have been obtained as follows: first, the three discrete models of ODGM, EDGM and DGM are suitable for homogeneous exponential sequences or sequences which close to a homogeneous exponential sequence; and second the EGM are suitable for nonhomogeneous exponential increasing sequences and vibration sequences.

Practical implications

– The outcome obtained in this paper can be consulted for model selection in the course of practical modelling.

Originality/value

– This paper systematically defined the four basic forms of model GM(1, 1) and studied their properties and characteristics, especially their suitable sequences. Although significant progress has been made in this field, such a systematic study on these models and their suitable sequences is still missing as far as we know. It can provide reference and basis for people to choose the correct model in the actual modelling process.
Grey systems theory in economics – a historical applications review
Authors: Camelia Delcea
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– As the grey systems theory has been used over the time in different economic areas, in the following, a short literature review will be put forward, starting from the usage of these theory in the supply chain management, decision-making process, financial performance evaluation, credit risk, energy consumption, investment efficiency, etc. The purpose of this paper is to identify some key studies from all the economic areas in which the grey systems can be used in order to open and to bring to the researchers new domains in which they can manifest their interest and in which they can successfully use the methods offered by the grey systems theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the search engine offered by the Web of Science, a literature review has been performed for the economic grey systems applications developed over the time on both economic diagnosis and system’s forecasting. In addition, some hybrid grey systems theory – artificial intelligence techniques models have also been presented.

Findings

– The grey systems theory has brought its contribution to numerous economic application from various fields such as: supply chain management, decision-making process, financial performance evaluation, credit risk, energy consumption, investment efficiency, firms’ bankruptcy, product development, consumer income, monetization ratio, etc.

Research limitations/implications

– The present paper identifies the some of the most representative examples in which the grey theory has been used, but, in the same time, there are a lot of studies that have not been mentioned here due to the lack of space.

Originality/value

– Unlike other review papers written on the grey systems theory area, the present paper is only focusing on the economic applications in which this theory has been successfully used, bringing to the reader a general overview on this field and, in the same time, enabling new research perspectives.
Female online shoppers
Authors: Chou Shihyu , Chen Chi-Wen , Lin Jiun-You
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– As the number of female customers shopping in online clothing stores increases, understanding how female customers’ e-loyalty is formed and fostered in this type of online store becomes very pivotal. Yet, despite its importance, little research has been done on this issue. The purpose of this paper is to focus on female online clothing shoppers and aim to examine the mediators of e-loyalty in the context of online clothing stores: e-satisfaction and e-trust.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 482 subjects who are female and have online clothing store shopping experience in Taiwan were obtained and structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the measurement and structural models.

Findings

– The results show that both perceived online privacy and security are positively associated with e-trust, whereas web design is not. Furthermore, perceived delivery time and web site design are positively associated with e-satisfaction. Both e-trust and e-satisfaction in turn positively influence e-loyalty for female online clothing shoppers.

Research limitations/implications

– On the basis of the literature review, there is a lack of theoretical knowledge of the relationships between e-loyalty, e-satisfaction, and e-trust among female online clothing shoppers. The research fulfills this important theoretical gap by extending prior studies on e-loyalty to further examine the factors that form e-satisfaction and e-trust, and how they, as mediators, influence the development of female customers’ e-loyalty in the context of online clothing stores. The result provides a model that contributes to understanding the formation of female customers’ e-loyalty.

Practical implications

– The results of this study are helpful to online store managers in increasing their customers’ loyalty. Specifically, online clothing store managers have to create quick item delivery methods and friendly online shopping web sites that provide all necessary information and are easy to navigate and use so as to increase customers’ e-satisfaction. They also need to establish reliable and trustworthy web sites by letting their customers easily perceive the web sites’ privacy and security features to enhance customers’ e-trust. As e-satisfaction and e-trust increase, e-loyalty is fostered.

Originality/value

– The contributions of this study are threefold. First, this study focusses on an important but previously neglected group in the context of online clothing stores: female online clothing shoppers. Second, the authors’ investigation extends the literature on e-loyalty by identifying important mediators (e-satisfaction and e-trust) and probing into their relationships to e-loyalty in the context of online clothing stores. Third, the findings contribute to academia and to future research by increasing understandings of the importance of the concerns and experiences of female online clothing shoppers and by suggesting that future research pay more attention to female online shoppers.
Young consumers’ responses to suspected covert and overt blog marketing
Authors: Liljander Veronica , Gummerus Johanna , Söderlund Magnus
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the responses of young consumers to suspected covert and overt product-brand recommendations in a blog.

Design/methodology/approach

– Experimental design was applied to investigate the effect of covert and overt marketing on young consumers’ perceptions of blogger credibility and their behavioural intentions.

Findings

– Overt marketing had a negative effect on behavioural intentions, such as future interest in the blogger, intention to engage in word-of-mouth, and purchase intention. Covert marketing did not affect the intended behaviour. Neither covert nor overt marketing influenced the blogger’s credibility.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was delimited to a small sample; one blog, one type of product recommendation, and a well-known brand. Young, well-educated consumers with experience in reading blogs may be able to filter the brand recommendations and focus on the content of the blog.

Practical implications

– This study has implications for bloggers, companies, and policy makers. Although overt marketing is the most open and the recommended form of blog marketing, the study showed that overt marketing has negative effects. Therefore, bloggers need to carefully consider how they present a sponsorship.

Originality/value

– The study makes three important contributions. First, it answers the call for research on consumer reactions to covert (deceptive) and overt marketing tactics. Second, it contributes to blog marketing research by studying a case of suspected covert marketing where consumers do not know whether the blog is sponsored or not. Third, the study contributes to knowledge around young consumers, demonstrating that covert and overt tactics do not affect blogger credibility.
Why do the design stage elemental cost plan and final tender sum differ in New Zealand?
Authors: Adafin Johnson , Rotimi James O.B. , Wilkinson Suzanne
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to investigate the reasons for disparity between design stage elemental cost plan and final tender sum (contract sum) in building procurement. A number of risk factors responsible for such variation were identified through case study projects from which data were extracted.

Design/methodology/approach

– Literature review determined the risk factors inherent in the preparation of design stage elemental cost plan. Interviews and thematic analysis identified the risk factors responsible for the disparity between design stage elemental cost plans and final tender sums. Analysis of documents obtained from the archives of study participants (consultant quantity surveyors) complemented responses from the interviews.

Findings

– The review revealed a number of inherent risks in the design stage elemental cost plan development. The interviews further indicated that risks have an impact on and are responsible for the deviations experienced. The assessment of these risk elements could assist in determining the final tender sum from cost plans.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings revealed disparity between elemental cost plans and final tender sums in the region of −14 and +16 per cent. The risk factors identified were responsible for the deviations observed. With this information, Quantity Surveyors are more able to accurately forecast final tender sums of building projects from cost plans through proper risk identification and analysis, thus increasing the accuracy of design stage elemental costing.

Originality/value

– To the best of the knowledge of the researchers, there is no recent documentary evidence of an investigation into the reasons for disparity between design stage elemental cost plan and final tender sum in traditional building procurement in New Zealand construction.
Library Web sites for people with disability: accessibility evaluation of library websites in Pakistan
Authors: khan Arif , Idrees Haroon , Mudassir Khan
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to assess the accessibility of library Web sites of top ten universities of Pakistan. The study also explores commonly identifies accessibility barriers in the subject Web sites. Accessibility analysis of library Web sites has been conducted using Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAET) to examine compliance of the library Web site with Web Content Accessibility Guideline 2.0. The study also attempts to rank each Web site according to number of quality issues identified. Based on literature review, the study also proposes a framework to conduct Web accessibility evaluation of library Web sites. Web accessibility encompasses all disabilities that affect access to the Web, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive and aging (old-age).

Design/methodology/approach

– This study examines accessibility of subject Web sites using automated accessibility evaluation tool based on Library Web site Accessibility Evaluation Framework (LWAEF). Commercial WAET SortSite® was used to assess accessibility issues in library Web sites. The tool was also tested to validate components of the LWAEF.

Findings

– Result shows that 70 per cent of library Web sites do comply with World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards. It means that compliance to essential guidelines of priority A level of WCAG 2.0 are finely met by 70 per cent library Web sites of Pakistan. However, important accessibility issues still exist in the subject Web sites. Moreover, in terms of accessibility issues, overall quality of university library Web sites in Pakistan is in better condition.

Originality/value

– Equal access to information by all citizens is an important UN charter supported by all developing countries. Assessing the needs of all citizens has been of great importance and value to developing countries like Pakistan, with 19.2 per cent population consisting of disabled people. The paper presents the overall status of accessibility to information and is conducted to focus the library Web sites of Pakistan for the first time. Focusing the library Web sites for accessibility evaluation, this research study will help improve accessibility elements of library Web sites in other developing countries also.
Consumer ethics among young consumers in developing countries: a cross national study
Authors: Arli Denni , Tjiptono Fandy , Winit Warat
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The present study aims to examine the similarities and differences between young consumers in Indonesia and Thailand based on actionable and strategy-yielding marketing variables (e.g. Machiavellianism, ethical orientations, trust, opportunism and materialism) and, second, it examined the impact of these variables on consumer ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

– A convenience sample of university students from a large private university in Yogyakarta (Indonesia) and a large public university in Chiang Mai (Thailand) were asked to complete a survey that incorporated scales to measure consumers’ ethical beliefs, specifically, Machiavellianism, ethical orientation, opportunism, trust and materialism, as well as demographic classification questions.

Findings

– The findings showed that young Indonesian and Thai consumers display similarities on most of the constructs. Moreover, the study found that personal moral philosophies (i.e. idealism and relativism) and trust strongly influence their judgment in ethically intense situations in both countries.

Research limitations/implications

– The current study has several limitations, especially the use of convenience sampling that may limit the generalizability of the findings. Students in Indonesia and Thailand may behave differently from general consumers or other cohorts with regards to their ethical judgments.

Practical implications

– Because personal ethical positions are developed over a lifetime of experiences in dealing with and resolving moral issues, schools and universities should intervene and educate youth on acting in ways that are consistent with moral rules. Currently, universities and schools in Indonesia and Thailand and many other countries in developing countries do not promote this knowledge to students.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first studies exploring consumer ethics in Indonesia and Thailand.
Beyond corporate social responsibility. Towards a model for managing sustainable mining operations. Qualitative research based upon best practices
Authors: Ventura Jose , Saenz Cesar Sandro
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The aim of the study is to propose a model for conducting socially responsible operations in the mining industry, thriving to reach and sustain world-class standards in regard to profitability and environmental sustainability. The model uses a framework built upon a set of best practices in social responsibility by some of the largest mining companies in Peru.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology adopted emphasizes the scrutiny of best practices among 92 initiatives undertaken by 10 companies – 5 large and 5 mid-sized companies as measured by the ratio “amount of investment” – which contributed most to prevent social conflict escalation. Data set received input from in-depth interviews to managers in charge of social affairs as well as from interviews to social constituents – beneficiaries and local authorities. Content analysis supported data processing and analysis of results.

Findings

– Main findings comprise the following: distinct schemes for managing social responsibility in dependence upon impact evaluation indicators were found, which help to organize three models for conducting mining operations: traditional mining, up-to-date mining, and sustainability-oriented mining; evidence of distinct pathways undergone by large- and mid-sized companies in their quest to up-scale their corporate social responsibility profile.

Originality/value

– Overall results from this study suggest the feasibility to modeling the social responsibility of mining companies in accordance to three dimensions – social, economic, and environmental – that draw from the analysis of best practices undertaken by large- and mid-sized companies.
The accountants’ perspective on sustainable business practices in SMEs
Authors: Williams Belinda Rachael , O'Donovan Gary
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the accountants’ perspective towards their role and function as business advisors in assisting with the adoption of sustainable business practices (SBPs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire-based study was conducted on members from one of Australia’s leading professional accounting organizations.

Findings

– Key findings from this research highlighted deficiencies in the effectiveness of the accounting profession in assisting SMEs in implementing SBPs despite a desire from clients for accountants to provide this advice and a belief that accountants are best placed to do so. Further, an expectations gap is evident between the level of involvement accountants believe they should be having in assisting SMEs and the level of involvement that is currently occurring.

Research limitations/implications

– This finding has implications for the accounting profession, with accountants needing to examine their current business approaches in an effort to close this gap. If this does not occur, SMEs will most likely seek this much-needed advice and support from outside the profession.

Originality/value

– Little attention has been given to the accountant’s role in respect of sustainability from an accountant’s perspective. The findings contribute to understanding the accountant’s importance in advancing their involvement in assisting SMEs in the uptake of SBPs.
Results of second‐stage screening for skin cancers in Oita Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Kai Yoshitaka , Ishikawa Kazushi , Goto Mayuko , Sakai Takashi , Ito Akiko , Shono Tomoko , Shimada Hiromitsu , Shimizu Fumiaki , Goto Mizuki , Hatano Yutaka , Okamoto Osamu , Katagiri Kazumoto , Aono Hiroshi , Eshima Nobuoki , Fujiwara Sakuhei
Published: July 2015

We performed skin cancer screenings for 2 or 3 days annually from 2006 through 2013 in Oita Prefecture, Japan. Screening of approximately 3000 people in total allowed us to identify and treat several skin cancers, including five cases of malignant melanoma, four of squamous cell carcinoma, 16 of basal cell carcinoma, 11 of Bowen's disease, 17 of actinic keratosis, one of extramammary Paget's disease and one of metastatic breast carcinoma. The sensitivity and specificity for the category defined by an identified lesion associated with risk of cancer and requiring further examination (category C) were 92.7% and 95%, respectively. We cannot estimate the outcome of our skin cancer screenings in terms of cancer mortality because of the small number of subjects examined and the brief follow‐up period. However, we did estimate the effectiveness of these screenings in terms of stages or sizes of cancerous lesions. The relative numbers of subjects with malignant melanoma at various clinical stages, identified during skin cancer screenings and during a routine visit to our hospital, were significantly different. We also compared, statistically, the sizes of lesions in Bowen's disease that were found during cancer screenings and during a direct visit to our hospital. The former lesions were smaller than the latter. Our data suggest the benefits of our skin cancer screenings and the importance of campaigns and education to encourage people to visit dermatologists for the detection of skin cancers at an early stage.
Development and characterization of a catalytically inactive cysteine protease domain of RtxA1/MARTXVv as a potential vaccine for Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Lee Tae Hee , Chung Kyung Min
Published: July 2015

Recent studies have defined several virulence factors as vaccine candidates against Vibrio vulnificus. However, most of these factors have the potential to cause pathogenic effects in the vaccinees or induce incomplete protection. To overcome these drawbacks, a catalytically inactive form, CPDVv(C3725S), of the well‐conserved cysteine protease domain (CPD) of V. vulnificus multifunctional autoprocessing repeats‐in‐toxin (MARTXVv/RtxA1) was recombinantly generated and characterized. Notably, active and passive immunization with CPDVv(C3725S) conferred protective immunity against V. vulnificus strains. These results may provide a novel framework for developing safe and efficient subunit vaccines and/or therapeutics against V. vulnificus that target the CPD of MARTX toxins.
Socioeconomic determinants of childhood overweight and obesity in China: the long arm of institutional power
Authors: Fu Qiang , George Linda K.
Published: July 2015

Previous studies have widely reported that the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and childhood overweight and obesity in China is significant and positive, which lends little support to the fundamental‐cause perspective. Using multiple waves (1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006) of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) (N = 2,556, 2,063, 1,431 and 1,242, respectively) and continuous BMI cut‐points obtained from a polynomial method, (mixed‐effect) logistic regression analyses show that parental state‐sector employment, an important, yet overlooked, indicator of political power during the market transformation has changed from a risk factor for childhood overweight/obesity in 1997 to a protective factor for childhood overweight/obesity in 2006. Results from quantile regression analyses generate the same conclusions and demonstrate that the protective effect of parental state sector employment at high percentiles of BMI is robust under different estimation strategies. By bridging the fundamental causes perspective and theories of market transformation, this research not only documents the effect of political power on childhood overweight/obesity but also calls for the use of multifaceted, culturally‐relevant stratification measures in testing the fundamental cause perspective across time and space.
Bullying as an institutionally exclusionary practice – implications of ignoring culturally specific support needs of Black male students in further education (FE)
Authors: Peart Sheine
Published: July 2015

Stereotypical bullying is usually configured as actions that occur between individuals where there is an ‘imbalance of power or strength’ (Kowalski, Lomber and Agatston). However, bullying can also be conceived as an organisational process, where systemised institutional practices results in ‘the collective failure … of an organization to provide an appropriate and professional service’ (Macpherson), leaving some groups feeling voiceless and powerless. Macpherson identified Black people as being at risk of this type of discrimination ‘because of their colour’ (ibid). The 2010 Equality Act explicitly requires all public organisations including further education (FE) colleges to find ways to meet the unique cultural needs of minority ethnic populations groups so that no group should feel isolated or unsupported. This paper explores how bullying may be an institutional act that excludes some groups and how colleges may meet their commitment to provide a culturally relevant support service to Black male students studying in FE.