bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological correlates of semantic dissimilarity reflect the comprehension of natural, narrative speech
Authors: Broderick Michael P. , Anderson Andrew J. , Di Liberto Giovanni M. , Crosse Michael J. , Lalor Edmund C.
Published: September 2017

Understanding natural speech requires that the human brain convert complex spectrotemporal patterns of acoustic input into meaning in a rapid manner that is reasonably tightly time-locked to the incoming speech signal. However, neural evidence for such a time-locked process has been lacking. Here, we sought such evidence by using a computational model to quantify the meaning carried by each word based on how semantically dissimilar it was to its preceding context and then regressing this quantity against electroencephalographic (EEG) data recorded from subjects as they listened to narrative speech. This produced a prominent negativity at a time-lag of 200– 600 ms on centro-parietal EEG electrodes. Subsequent EEG experiments involving time-reversed speech, cocktail party attention and audiovisual speech-in-noise demonstrated that this response was exquisitely sensitive to whether or not subjects were understanding the speech they heard. These findings demonstrate that, when successfully comprehending natural speech, the human brain encodes meaning as a function of the amount of new information carried by each word in a relatively time-locked fashion.
Effector-dependent response deterioration by stochastic transformations reveals mixed reference frames for decisions
Authors: Scott Murdison T. , Standage Dominic , Lefèvre Philippe , Blohm Gunnar
Published: September 2017

Recent psychophysical and modeling studies have revealed that sensorimotor reference frame transformations (RFTs) add variability to motor output by decreasing the fidelity of sensory signals. How RFT stochasticity affects the sensory input underlying perceptual decisions, if at all, is unknown. To investigate this, we asked participants to perform a simple two-alternative motion direction discrimination task under varying conditions of head roll and/or stimulus rotation while responding either with a saccade or button press, allowing us to attribute behavioral effects to eye-, head- and shoulder-centered reference frames. We observed a rotation-induced, increase in reaction time and decrease in accuracy, indicating a degradation of motion evidence commensurate with a decrease in motion strength. Inter-participant differences in performance were best explained by a continuum of eye-head-shoulder representations of accumulated decision evidence, with eye- and shoulder-centered preferences during saccades and button presses, respectively. We argue that perceptual decision making and stochastic RFTs are inseparable, consistent with electrophysiological recordings in neural areas thought to be encoding sensorimotor signals for perceptual decisions. Furthermore, transformational stochasticity appears to be a generalized phenomenon, applicable throughout the perceptual and motor systems. We show for the first time that, by simply rolling one’s head, perceptual decision making is impaired in a way that is captured by stochastic RFTs.

Significance statement

When exploring our environment, we typically maintain upright head orientations, often even despite increased energy expenditure. One possible explanation for this apparently suboptimal behavior might come from the finding that sensorimotor transformations, required for generating geometrically-correct behavior, add signal- dependent variability (stochasticity) to perception and action. Here, we explore the functional interaction of stochastic transformations and perceptual decisions by rolling the head and/or stimulus during a motion direction discrimination task. We find that, during visuomotor rotations, perceptual decisions are significantly impaired in both speed and accuracy in a way that is captured by stochastic transformations. Thus, our findings suggest that keeping one’s head aligned with gravity is in fact ideal for making perceptual judgments about our environment.
Predictive orientation remapping maintains a stable retinal percept
Authors: Murdison T. Scott , Blohm Gunnar , Bremmer Frank
Published: September 2017

Despite motion on the retina with every saccade, we perceive the world as stable. But whether this stability is a result of neurons constructing a spatial map or continually remapping a retinal representation is unclear. Previous work has focused on the perceptual consequences of shifts in the horizontal and vertical dimensions, but torsion is another key component in ocular orienting that – unlike horizontal and vertical movements – produces a natural misalignment between spatial and retinal coordinates. Here we took advantage of oblique eye orientation-induced retinal torsion to examine perisaccadic orientation perception. We found that orientation perception was largely predicted by the retinal image throughout each trial. Surprisingly however, we observed a significant presaccadic remapping of the percept consistent with maintaining a stable (but spatially inaccurate) retinotopic perception throughout the saccade. These findings strongly suggest that our seamless perceptual stability relies on retinotopic signals that are remapped with each saccade.
Gain-of-function mutant p53 activates small GTPase Rac1 through SUMOylation to promote tumor progression
Authors: Yue Xuetian , Zhang Cen , Zhao Yuhan , Liu Juan , Lin Alan W. , Tan Victor M. , Drake Justin M. , Liu Lianxin , Boateng Michael N. , Li Jun , Feng Zhaohui , Hu Wenwei
Published: September 2017

Tumor suppressor p53 is frequently mutated in human cancer. Mutant p53 often promotes tumor progression through gain-of-function (GOF) mechanisms. However, the mechanisms underlying mutant p53 GOF are not well understood. In this study, we found that mutant p53 activates small GTPase Rac1 as a critical mechanism for mutant p53 GOF to promote tumor progression. Mechanistically, mutant p53 interacts with Rac1 and inhibits its interaction with SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1), which in turn inhibits SENP1-mediated de-SUMOylation of Rac1 to activate Rac1. Targeting Rac1 signaling by RNAi, expression of the dominant-negative Rac1 (Rac1 DN), or the specific Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 greatly inhibits mutant p53 GOF in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, mutant p53 expression is associated with enhanced Rac1 activity in clinical tumor samples. These results uncover a new mechanism for Rac1 activation in tumors and, most importantly, reveal that activation of Rac1 is an unidentified and critical mechanism for mutant p53 GOF in tumorigenesis, which could be targeted for therapy in tumors containing mutant p53.
Double crystallographic groups and their representations on the Bilbao Crystallographic Server
Authors: Elcoro Luis , Bradlyn Barry , Wang Zhijun , Vergniory Maia G. , Cano Jennifer , Felser Claudia , Bernevig B. Andrei , Orobengoa Danel , de la Flor Gemma , Aroyo Mois I.
Published: September 2017

A new section of databases and programs devoted to double crystallographic groups (point and space groups) has been implemented in the Bilbao Crystallographic Server (http://www.cryst.ehu.es). The double crystallographic groups are required in the study of physical systems whose Hamiltonian includes spin-dependent terms. In the symmetry analysis of such systems, instead of the irreducible representations of the space groups, it is necessary to consider the single- and double-valued irreducible representations of the double space groups. The new section includes databases of symmetry operations (DGENPOS) and of irreducible representations of the double (point and space) groups (REPRESENTATIONS DPGandREPRESENTATIONS DSG). The toolDCOMPRELprovides compatibility relations between the irreducible representations of double space groups at differentkvectors of the Brillouin zone when there is a group–subgroup relation between the corresponding little groups. The programDSITESYMimplements the so-called site-symmetry approach, which establishes symmetry relations between localized and extended crystal states, using representations of the double groups. As an application of this approach, the programBANDREPcalculates the band representations and the elementary band representations induced from any Wyckoff position of any of the 230 double space groups, giving information about the properties of these bands. Recently, the results ofBANDREPhave been extensively applied in the description of and the search for topological insulators.
Extended model for the reconstruction of periodic multilayers from extreme ultraviolet and X-ray reflectivity data
Authors: Svechnikov Michael , Pariev Dmitry , Nechay Andrey , Salashchenko Nikolay , Chkhalo Nikolay , Vainer Yuly , Gaman Dmitry
Published: September 2017

An extended model for the reconstruction of multilayer nanostructures from reflectometry data in the X-ray and extreme ultraviolet ranges is proposed. In contrast to the standard model approach, where the transitional region is defined in advance as a specific function, the transition layer is sought as a linear combination of several functions at once in the extended model. This allows one to describe a much wider class of multilayer structures with different dominant physical mechanisms for the formation of transition regions. The extended model occupies an intermediate position between the classical model approach and the so-called model-free methods. The efficiency of the described method is illustrated in detail in numerical simulations and in a real experiment on the annealing of a multilayer Mo/Be mirror.
Crystal structure of 4-methoxy-N-(piperidine-1-carbonothioyl)benzamide
Authors: Suhud Khairi , Hasbullah Siti Aishah , Ahmad Musa , Heng Lee Yook , Kassim Mohammad B.
Published: September 2017

In the title compound, C14H18N2O2S, the piperidine ring has a chair conformation. Its mean plane is twisted with respect to the 4-methoxybenzoyl ring, with a dihedral angle of 63.0 (3)°. The central N—C(=S)—N(H)—C(=O) bridge is twisted with an N—C—N—C torsion angle of 74.8 (6)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along thec-axis direction. Adjacent chains are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming layers parallel to theacplane. The layers are linked by offset π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.927 (3) Å], forming a supramolecular three-dimensional structure.
A monoclinic polymorph of 1,2-bis[(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)sulfanyl]ethane (BMTTE)
Authors: Argibay-Otero Saray , Gómez-Paz Olaya , Carballo Rosa
Published: September 2017

The synthesis and crystal structure of a monoclinic (P21/c) polymorph of the title compound, C6H10S2N8, are reported. The molecule has pseudo-twofold rotational symmetry, with the tetrazole rings being inclined to one another by 5.50 (6)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [101] and enclosingR22(20) ring motifs. The chains are linked by offset π–π interactions involving the tetrazole rings [intercentroid distances vary from 3.3567 (7) to 3.4227 (7) Å], forming layers parallel to theacplane. The crystal structure of the triclinic polymorph (P\overline{1}) has been described previously [Liet al.(2011).Acta Cryst.E67, o1669].
Crystal structure of an AgIintercalation compound:catena-poly[[silver(I)-μ-N-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)pyridin-3-amine-κ2N:N′] hexafluoridophosphate acetonitrile disolvate]
Authors: Moon Suk-Hee , Kang Youngjin , Park Ki-Min
Published: September 2017

The asymmetric unit in the title compound, [Ag(C11H11N3)]PF6·2CH3CN or {[AgL]·PF6·2CH3CN}n,L=N-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)pyridin-3-amine, comprises one AgIatom, oneLligand, two acetonitrile solvent molecules and one PF6−anion disordered over two orientations in a 0.567 (11):0.433 (11) ratio. Each AgIatom is coordinated by two pyridine N atoms from twoLligands in a slightly distorted linear coordination geometry [N—Ag—N = 170.55 (8)°]. EachLligand bridges two AgIions, resulting in the formation of a zigzag chain propagating along the [101] direction. In the crystal, Ag...Ag contacts [3.3023 (5) Å] and intermolecular π–π stacking interactions [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.5922 (15) Å] between the pyridine rings link these chains into a corrugated layer parallel to the (\overline{1}01) plane. The layers are stacked with a separation of 10.4532 (5) Å, and acetonitrile solvent molecules and PF6−anions as guests are intercalated between the layers. The layers are connected through several N/C—H...F hydrogen bonds and P—F...π interactions [F...ring centroid = 3.241 (8) Å] between the layer and the intercalated guests and between the intercalated guests, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular network.
Crystal structure of 2,2′-bipyrrole
Authors: Michaels Christopher A. , Zakharov Lev N. , Lamm Ashley N.
Published: September 2017

The complete molecule of the title compound, C8H8N2, is generated by a crystallographic center of symmetry. In the crystal, short N—H...π [H...π = 2.499 (19) Å] interactions link the molecules into a herringbone structure.
A new approach for describing pitting corrosion of steel bars in concrete
Authors: Guan Xinchun , Miao Lianjuan , Li Hui , Ou Jinping
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to quantitively characterize pitting or local corrosion of steel bars. Characterization of pitting or local corrosion is important for steel bar corrosion research in concrete, which is still an unsolved problem for the reason that the pitting on corroded steel is distributed irregularly, besides the varied pitting depths. To solve this problem in a certain degree, two parameters were collectively used to find the pitting distribution and pitting depth distribution of corroded steel bar surface.

Design/methodology/approach

Corroded reinforcement bars were subjected to two different corrosive conditions to obtain the profile of the surface of corroded steel bar. The arithmetic mean deviation of the profile, Ra, also a roughness parameter, and the fractal dimension, D, were computed using MATLAB software from the data on corroded steel bar profiles scanned by a profile tester. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the parameters distribution of Ra.

Findings

Ra and D can assist gravimetric technique in defining the degree of pitting corrosion and make further understanding about the characterization of local or pitting corrosion.

Originality/value

Two parameters were collectively used to find the pitting distribution and pitting depth distribution of corroded steel bar surface, while many studies only study the fractal dimension of pitting corrosion. And, the relationship between these two parameters is studied when using them to describing the non-uniformity of pitting corrosion degree. Using these two parameters can much better describe the non-uniform degree of pitting corrosion.
Effects of alternating stray current on the corrosion behaviours of buried Q235 steel pipelines
Authors: Guo Yanbao , Tan Hai , Wang Deguo , Meng Tao
Published: September 2017

Purpose

With the rapid development of rail transportation and energy-delivery systems, such as buried oil and gas pipelines and high-voltage transmission lines, the alternating current (AC) corrosion of buried steel pipelines is becoming more serious. This paper aims to study the corrosion behaviours of Q235 buried steel pipelines induced by the alternating stray current, with a set of indoor simulated experiment apparatuses.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion of the coating holidays of the buried steel pipelines at various AC current densities from 0 to 200 A/m2 in the soil-simulating environment was revealed by the electrochemical and weight-loss methods.

Findings

The results showed that the corrosion potential of the steel shifted negatively obviously and the corrosion rate of the steel increased with the increasing of AC current density. At a low AC current density, the negative deviation of the corrosion potential of the steel was small and the increase of corrosion rate was slight. However, the negative deviation of the corrosion potential was remarkable and the corrosion rate was greatly increased at a relative higher AC current density. The geometrical shape of the corrosion images indicated the corrosion forms changed from uniform corrosion to local corrosion due to the increase of AC interference.

Originality/value

Investigation results are of benefit to provide a new strategy to forecast and evaluate the AC-induced corrosion of the buried pipelines which could improve the safety of pipeline transportation.
The brazing effect on the corrosion mechanism of a multilayer material with Cu
Authors: Yuan Ting , Zhang Min-da , Ni Jia-hui , Chen Ya-xuan , Geng Fei
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare corrosion behavior of a modified multilayer material with Cu before and after brazing process.

Design/methodology/approach

Sea water acidified accelerated tests (SWAATs), potentiodynamic polarization tests and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the corrosion behavior and macro/micro structures. Results indicate that the corrosion mechanisms of the sheets before and after brazing process are completely different.

Findings

The un-brazed material is uniform corrosion, while the brazed material has a high sensitivity to localized corrosion and loses cathodic protection to the core. It is found that brazing process causes copper transition from the core alloy into eutectic phases in the cladding, leading to higher Ecorr and different potential distribution compared with those of un-brazed materials.

Originality/value

For the modified multilayer material after brazing, there are two stages of corrosion. First, corrosion attack takes place along eutectic phases in the cladding material, and then core alloy dissolves by forming a galvanic couple with the nobler residual cladding.
The influence of arabic gum on the catalytic properties of Ni-Mo alloy coatings to intensify hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Guettaf Temam Elhachmi , Elkhanssa Aidaoui , Ben Temam Hachemi , Kermiche Fouad , Bentrah Hamza
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Because of its wide applications in the industry, the electrodeposition of Ni/Mo as corrosion barrier and decorative coating took the attention of numerous researchers. This paper aims to study the effect of electroplating current density on different characteristics of Ni/Mo alloy coatings, especially on the morphology and electrochemical comportment in 3.5 per cent NaCl corrosion medium.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors have used electrodeposition technique to codeposite molybdenum particles in nickel matrix as protective coating against corrosion attacks, in addition to test the intensification of hydrogen reaction of this alloy coatings using EIS technique.

Findings

Ni-Mo alloy coating is well adherent to the substrate. The deposited Ni-Mo was observed to be fissured and porous in morphology. The main phases identified in different exposed coatings are MoNi4, Ni3Mo and Mo1.24Ni0.76. The effect of applied current density on electrochemical properties was studied. Inhibitory efficiency of gum arabic was controlled by the electroplating current density.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors report on the presence of Mo particles in Ni matrix also the effect of electroplating current density on different properties of alloy coatings Ni/Mo. This is significant because it reports on the effect of current density on Ni/Mo electrodeposited at economic conditions like low temperature and moderate pH. Moreover, this paper gives a solution to the corrosion of crude oil desalter by using Ni-Mo coatings and then injecting a small amount of gum arabic in the oil pipeline before dissalement which gives long life to the reactor.
Evaluation of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4nanoparticles as anti-corrosion pigment in organic coatings for carbon steel
Authors: Chaudhry A.U. , Mittal Vikas , Hashmi M.I. , Mishra Brajendra
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Inorganic oxide addition can be synergistically beneficial in organic coatings if it can impart anti-corrosion properties and also act as an additive to enhance physical and/or chemical properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-corrosion benefits of nano nickel zinc ferrite (NZF) in the polymer film.

Design/methodology/approach

The time-dependent anti-corrosion ability of NZF (0.12-1.0 per cent w/w NZF/binder), applied on API 5L X-80 carbon steel, was characterized by electrochemical techniques such as open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear polarization resistance and potentiodynamic. Characterization of corrosion layer was done by removing coatings after 216 h of immersion in 3.5 per cent w/v NaCl. Optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to characterize the corroded surface.

Findings

Corrosion measurements confirm the electrochemical activity by metallic cations on the steel surface during corrosion process which results in improvement of anti-corrosion properties of steel. Moreover, surface techniques show compact corrosion layer coatings and presence of different metallic oxide phases for nanocomposite coatings.

Originality/value

The suggested protection mechanism was explained by the leaching and precipitation of metallic ion on the corroded surface which in turn slowed down the corrosion activity. Furthermore, improvement in barrier properties of rubber-based coatings was confirmed by the enhanced pore resistance. This work indicates that along with a wide range of applications of NZF, anti-corrosion properties can be taken as an addition.
Examining the economic consequences of concise integrated reports: a pitch
Authors: Sinnewe Elisabeth
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion of the application of the Faff (2015) pitch template to a financial accounting research topic.

Design/methodology/approach

The author recounts her personal experience with completing the template for a pitch that examines reporting conciseness in the context of integrated reporting.

Findings

The template was found useful in refining a research idea in a structured manner.

Originality/value

The letter also demonstrates how the template was used as a research collaboration tool when engaging with collaborators on research projects.
Related party transactions disclosure in the emerging market of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: ElKelish Walaa Wahid
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the extent of related party transactions disclosure and investigates their determinants across all listed companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stock market during 2010 to 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

An index was manually constructed for related party transactions disclosure in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) (IAS 24) using company financial statements.

Findings

Empirical results show relatively low level of related party transactions disclosure in the UAE emerging market. Furthermore, the multiple regression analysis (OLS) shows that related party transactions disclosure has significant relationships with the number of board members, audit quality, block-holders’ ownership, company size, leverage and product market competition. The multiple regression analysis (OLS) also highlights that industry type plays a significant and crucial role in disclosure levels across companies.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not control for some corporate governance mechanisms such as audit committee characteristics.

Practical implications

This paper provides useful guidelines for several stakeholders including policy makers, accounting standard setters and corporate managers.

Originality/value

IFRS (IAS 24) standards were used to measure the strength of related party transactions disclosure. In addition, several variables were tested such as corporate governance mechanisms, ownership structure and product market competition on related party transactions disclosure over time; in an emerging market such as the UAE.
Enhancing ICT infrastructure in public services
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors which influence mobile government (m-government) services adoption in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Adoption behavior of m-government services by 311 respondents is probed by using a multiple set of constructs drawn from technology acceptance model (TAM), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), theory of planned behavior (TPB) and hierarchical regression analysis. Specifically, eight hypotheses were tested around constructs like Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (EOU), Compatibility (COM), Trust (T), Influence (I), Self-Efficacy (SE), Facilitating Conditions (FC), Attitude (ATT) and Behavioral Intention to Adopt m-government services (BI).

Findings

Results show that PU, EOU, T and ATT were found to have significant influence on the adoption of m-government services. Furthermore, demographic variables (age, marital status, occupation, educational qualification and frequency of using m-government services) were not found to be significant predictors for the adoption of m-government services in India.

Originality/value

While most of the technology adoption studies are focused on commercial activities, studies on internet interfaces vis-à-vis the public services are limited to investigation of e-government services. Besides, there are more studies contextualized in the developed countries as compared to developing countries. Academic research on m-government adoption is scant and the present paper is a significant contribution in the Indian context.
International diffusion of digital innovations: mapping the mobile telephony of the Arab States
Authors: AlMutairi Shihanah Mohammad , Yen Dorothy
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to measure the Arab States? innovation and imitation levels to understand the factors affecting their diffusion processes. The authors argue that sampling Arab States provides the literature on international diffusion with the ability to contrast between developing and developed countries regarding the diffusion process and to represent a different region with different characteristics both economic and cultural. As such, the authors investigated the diffusion patterns of seven Arab States, namely, Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya and Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study mapped the respective Arab States’ diffusion patterns by applying the Bass model on their mobile cellular subscriptions data.

Findings

The paper’s contributions include estimating the Arab States diffusion patterns and distinguishing them according to their innovation and imitation coefficients. Findings indicate Kuwait and Libya as the most innovative countries, whereas Egypt and Lebanon ranked as laggards. The present study also reviewed each Arab State’s telecommunication sector which provided a theoretical interpretation for the differences found in their diffusion patterns.

Originality/value

The paper extends diffusion theory to encompass a region otherwise excluded from the literature’s generalizable findings. The present study’s sampling of countries from the Middle East and North African region and subsequent findings provide a stronger basis to draw empirical generalizations about international product diffusion process than previously suggested by the literature.
Controlling innovation and innovating control: insights from a knowledge intensive network
Authors: Spanò Rosanna , Allini Alessandra , Caldarelli Adele , Zampella Annamaria
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deepen the countervailing relationship between control and innovation in knowledge-intensive complex organizations. It adopts a middle range theory perspective (Broadbent and Laughlin, 2013) to explore how control systems and innovation dynamics interact and shape each other in the contexts of high complexity and intensive knowledge creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs single case study of a research-intensive biotech network located in Southern Italy, focusing on the change in the management accounting practices fostered by evolving environmental conditions and regulations that the network has faced in recent years.

Findings

The paper finds out how successful organizational changes are facilitated by the implementation of innovative control devices, favoring informal collaborative relationships, which in turn contribute to further innovate and to share knowledge and capabilities within the organization.

Practical implications

The findings are relevant to all organizations involved in complex processes of co-production of knowledge and innovation. They allow for unpacking the “black box” of the interplay between innovation and control, which is becoming increasingly central to these organizations and to policy makers.

Originality/value

The value of the study lies in its ability to depict how contrasting and molding forces in control systems and innovation dynamics contribute to re-shape a complex organizational setting. The study offers a newer perspective of analysis to interpret the role of control systems in innovative networks, thus contributing to the growing academic debate on the antecedents and facilitators of knowledge sharing and knowledge integration.
Achieving innovation through supplier collaboration: the role of the purchasing interface
Authors: Patrucco Andrea Stefano , Luzzini Davide , Ronchi Stefano
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the contribution of suppliers and the purchasing department in affecting a firm’s ability to innovate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a theoretical framework (tested through an international survey on a sample of 524 companies) grounded on the resource-based view theory, innovation management and operations management literature.

Findings

The results show that innovation is positively affected by supplier collaboration, which in turn is favored by purchasing absorptive capacity. Empirical evidence also shows that purchasing status and innovation objectives enable the development of greater absorptive capacity.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the survey approach, the research results are limited to the data collected. Researchers are encouraged to verify propositions with complementary methodologies (e.g. case studies).

Practical implications

The findings confirm the relevant role of the purchasing interface in innovation as well as the positive impact of supplier collaboration, contributing both to existing literature and managerial practice in terms of successful collaborative new product development (NPD) processes.

Originality/value

The study integrates three different research fields (innovation, operations, and purchasing management), providing a synergistic vision on the topic and considering, as a unit of analysis, the purchasing category level (rather than the NPD project level).
Open innovation in specialized SMEs: the case of supercars
Authors: Ramirez-Portilla Andres , Cagno Enrico , Brown Terrence E.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence that adopting open innovation (OI) has on the innovativeness and performance of specialized small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper also examines the adoption of OI within a firm’s practices and models, and within the three dimensions of firm sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 48 specialized SMEs manufacturing supercars were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. SmartPLS software was used to conduct a path analysis and test the proposed framework.

Findings

The findings suggest that high adoption of OI models tends to increase firm innovativeness. Similarly, the adoption of OI practices has a positive effect on innovativeness but to a lesser extent than OI models. The moderation results of innovativeness further show that OI models and practices can benefit the performance of SMEs. Specifically, two dimensions of performance – environmental and social performance – were found to be greatly influenced by OI.

Research limitations/implications

Due to parsimony in the investigated model, this study only focuses on OI adoption as practices and models without considering its drivers or other contingency factors.

Practical implications

This paper could help practitioners in SMEs better understand the benefits of adopting OI to be more innovative but also more sustainable.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the role of OI practices and models regarding the dimensions of firm sustainability performance by being the first paper to investigate this relationship in the context of small and medium manufacturers of supercars.
Developing absorptive capacity for recombinant innovation
Authors: Bessant John , Trifilova Anna
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to understand recombinant innovation (RI) as a potentially significant part of an open innovation (OI) strategy and second, to suggest key routines which would underpin a capability for RI, locating these within the context of enhanced absorptive capacity (AC). Finally, the paper considers how such routines could be developed, drawing on some case examples.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors start with a literature review on OI and use the lens of AC to explore challenges in finding, assimilating and deploying external knowledge posed by the emerging knowledge-rich context of OI. The authors then explore one OI route – RI – and suggest a model framework for operationalizing it based on routines for search, acquisition, assimilation and deployment.

Findings

The authors suggest three sets of routines required for RI, around abstract-driven search (ADS), brokerage and cyclic adaptation. As with much of the now widely available toolkit for OI, the challenge is one of moving from potential to realized opportunity and this will require investments in learning and capability building.

Originality/value

The authors suggest that for organizations to enhance their AC around RI, three core routines are needed: ADS, brokerage and cyclic adaptation.
Taking the “culture” out of “culture shock” – a critical review of literature on cross-cultural adjustment in international relocation
Authors: Fitzpatrick Frank
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the use of the term “culture shock” in international management studies and cross-cultural research and to propose a paradigmatic shift in how the term is understood for future research. The experience of “culture shock” is an established concept within international management studies, engendering an industry of training designed to combat difficulties in relocation. This paper argues that the use of concept is based on a flawed understanding of “culture” and proposes an alternative perspective to help organisations prepare their employees for overseas assignments.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opts for a critical review of literature to examine models of culture shock through time and theories relating to success factors in cross-cultural adjustment. In so doing, the paper revisits the notion of culture shock from a social constructionist perspective within a dialectical framework.

Findings

The paper challenges the notion of culture as an essential, reified concept, arguing that culture shock is not about culture, but about the dynamics of context and how individuals deal with life changes to navigate the challenges that they face.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should focus on context-related, interactive behaviour, framed in discourse processes, rather than predetermined a priori typologies based on cultural stereotypes. This would recognise the discursive nature of social interaction within a dialectical framework, where relational tension emerges as a result of disparity.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to an understanding of the complex range of factors influencing the success of relocation to guide international companies in their policies.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a paradigm shift in the treatment of culture shock towards a more discourse-based concept created through universal cultural and dialectical processes.
Board gender diversity and firms’ equity risk
Authors: Jizi Mohammad Issam , Nehme Rabih
Published: September 2017

Purpose

There is a growing attention toward the importance of women’s participation on corporate boards in enhancing board governance and decision-making quality. The literature lacks sufficient empirical evidence on the relationship between women’s involvement on boards and firms’ risk. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of board gender diversity on firms’ risk.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the influence of women’s participation on corporate boards on firms’ stock return volatility. The examined firms are all non-financial firms listed on the FTSE 350 index between 2008 and 2013. The Bloomberg database is used to collect the needed variables. Panel data are employed through a regression model to estimate relationships. One-step Arellano and Bond and the generalized method of moments are used to control for reverse causality and the existence of endogenous variables.

Findings

The results suggest that women’s participation on corporate boards favorably impacts firms’ risk by reducing firms’ stock return volatility. The authors also find that the influence of women on reducing stock return volatility is higher in four particular industries recognized by their close proximity to consumers (consumer goods, consumer services, health care, and utilities).

Originality/value

The study contributes to the growing literature on women on boards and offers solid empirical evidence of the correlation between board gender diversity and firms’ risk. The empirical results provide economical and statistical validity to the “voluntary business-led” approach of Davies reports and to the recommendation by the UK Corporate Governance Code 2014 on the favorable influence of board gender diversity for effective functioning.
Two-fluid flow under the constraint of external magnetic field
Authors: Marioni Luca , Khalloufi Mehdi , Bay Francois , Hachem Elie
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a robust set of advanced numerical tools to simulate multiphase flows under the superimposition of external uniform magnetic fields.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow has been simulated in a fully Eulerian framework by a {\it variational multi-scale} method, which allows to take into account the small-scale turbulence without explicitly model it. The multi-fluid problem has been solved through the convectively re-initialized level-set method to robustly deal with high density and viscosity ratio between the phases and the surface tension has been modelled implicitly in the level-set framework. The interaction with the magnetic field has been modelled through the classic induction equation for 2D problems and the time step computation is based on the electromagnetic interaction to guarantee convergence of the method. Anisotropic mesh adaptation is then used to adapt the mesh to the main problem’s variables and to reach good accuracy with a small number of degrees of freedom. Finally, the variational multiscale method leads to a natural stabilization of the finite elements algorithm, preventing numerical spurious oscillations in the solution of Navier–Stokes equations (fluid mechanics) and the transport equation (level-set convection).

Findings

The methodology has been validated, and it is shown to produce accurate results also with a low number of degrees of freedom. The physical effect of the external magnetic field on the multiphase flow has been analysed.

Originality/value

The dam-break benchmark case has been extended to include magnetically constrained flows.
Work-life conflict of married and childless single female workers
Authors: Kim Hye Kyoung , Kim Young Hyung
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to examine differences in the level of work-life conflict (WLC) experienced by married female workers and childless single female workers, to investigate the difference in the level of commitment to the organization between married female workers and childless single female workers, and to explore the relationship between WLC and organizational commitment and the moderating role of mentoring support in the relationship between WLC and the female workers’ organizational commitment in a highly male-dominated culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Four hypotheses developed based on a review of the literature were tested using t-tests, a linear regression analysis, and hierarchical moderated regressions.

Findings

First, no significant differences were found in the level of WLC and the organizational commitment of married and childless single female workers. Second, WLC was negatively related to organizational commitment. Finally, the results showed that mentoring support mitigated the negative effect of WLC on organizational commitment.

Originality/value

The significance of this study includes its investigation of the perceptual differences in WLC and organizational commitment between married and childless single female workers in a highly male-dominated culture. In addition, this study helps readers better understand childless single female workers’ WLC in a highly male-dominant culture.
Work-family conflict among Hindu mothers in South Africa
Authors: Jaga Ameeta , Bagraim Jeffrey
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the interplay between cultural values and work-family conflict (WFC) among Hindu mothers in South Africa (SA).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 20 Hindu mothers in full-time paid employment participated in individual in-depth interviews. The authors used thematic analysis to analyze the interview transcripts.

Findings

Three themes emerged from the participants’ work-family narratives: a strong collective identity in relation to family, traditional gender beliefs, and family deference. These themes reflect core Hindu cultural values and demonstrate that culture helps shape perceptions of WFC.

Research limitations/implications

The results highlight the importance of considering cultural values in work-family research and contribute to the limited knowledge on work-family experiences among ethnic minority groups, particularly in diaspora communities.

Practical implications

The findings should assist managers in designing work-family initiatives that will help alleviate the WFC experienced by mothers from ethnic minority groups.

Social implications

Understanding the work-family dynamics of mothers from ethnic minority groups facilitates the development of effective family-friendly policies, which may encourage them to enter and remain in the world of work. Such developments will help improve the skewed representation of previously disadvantaged groups in the workplace and promote the social transformation of South African society.

Originality/value

This study is one of very few that has explored cultural values and WFC among mothers from an ethnic minority group in a diaspora community. It contributes to the limited body of culture-sensitive work-family literature and establishes a base for further research on the topic.
Healthcare quality and medicine reimbursement criteria in Iran
Authors: Khalili Hamidreza , Sameti Ardalan
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This study aims to measure the quality of services provided to elderly people at the most crowded governmental ambulatory clinics of Tehran Province using the SERVQUAL scale (Study 1). Moreover, the research indicates the medicine reimbursement criteria to inform the decision-makers of public health insurance organizations using the Borda method (Study 2).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was done as a cross-sectional research on 425 elderly patients who came to the clinics during 2014 and 2015. Finally, using the paired t-test, Friedman test, Borda method, SPSS, Matlab software and Delphi method, the collected data were analysed.

Findings

Regarding the perceived quality, the services assurance dimension was ranked as having the highest quality (4.48) and the accessibility dimension as the lowest one (3.22). Based on the Borda method, the most important criterion for the Iranian health insurance companies to accept a medicine in their reimbursement list is the “life-threatening conditions” factor. On the other hand, “evidence quality” is accounted as the fifth important factor.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation was the senility of participants that makes it difficult for understanding and completing the questionnaires.

Practical implications

The results can be useful for healthcare policy makers and related authorities. Besides, public health insurers can use the findings for decision-making about the elderly diseases and the problems such as the medical expenses.

Originality/value

The present research has been done in a two-year time frame, and it is more recent than other related studies. Thus, the results are far more authentic and applicable.
Pre-launch forecasting of a pharmaceutical drug
Authors: Guseo Renato , Dalla Valle Alessandra , Furlan Claudia , Guidolin Mariangela , Mortarino Cinzia
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The emergence of a pharmaceutical drug as a late entrant in a homogeneous category is a relevant issue for strategy implementation in the pharmaceutical industry. This paper aims to suggest a methodology for making pre-launch forecasts with a complete lack of information for a late entrant.

Design/methodology/approach

The diffusion process of the emerging entrant is estimated using the diffusion dynamics of pre-existing drugs, after an appropriate assessment of the drug’s entrance point. The authors’ methodology is applied to study the late introduction of a pharmaceutical drug in Italy within the category of ranitidine. Historical data of seven already active drugs in the category are used to assess and estimate ex ante the dynamics of a late entrant (Ulkobrin).

Findings

The results of applying the procedure to the ranitidine market reveal a high degree of accuracy between the ex post observed values of the late entrant and its ex ante mean predicted trajectory. Moreover, the assessed launch date corresponds to the actual date.

Research limitations/implications

The category has to be homogeneous to ensure a high degree of similarity among the existing drugs and the late entrant. For this reason, radical innovations cannot be forecast with this methodology.

Originality/value

The proposed approach contributes to the still challenging research field of pre-launch forecasting by estimating the dynamic features of a homogeneous category and exploiting them for forecasting purposes.