bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Azaacenes as active elements for sensing and bio applications
Authors: Gu Pei-Yang , Wang Zilong , Zhang Qichun
Published: September 2016

Recent progress in the application of azaacenes in sensing and bio-fields has been summarized.
Engineered design and fabrication of long lifetime multifunctional devices based on electrically conductive diamond ultrananowire multifinger integrated cathodes
Authors: Saravanan Adhimoorthy , Huang Bohr-Ran , Manoharan Divinah , Kathiravan Deepa , Lin I.-Nan
Published: September 2016

Multi-functional vacuum electron field emission (VEFE) devices were developed using a laterally arranged multi-finger configuration with negative biased ultrananocrystalline-diamond graphite (NBG-UNDG) cathode/anode materials.
Quinacridone-based π-conjugated electronic materials
Authors: Wang Chenguang , Zhang Zuolun , Wang Yue
Published: September 2016

The structural modification of quinacridone, a widely used industrial pigment, produced a series of fascinating organic electronic materials that were used in OLEDs, OSCs and OFETs.
Komplikationen in der Kniechirurgie des Rheumatikers
Authors: Biehl C. , Thormann U. , Heiß C.
Published: September 2016

Im Langzeitverlauf der Rheumatoiden Arthritis (RA) ist das Kniegelenk nahezu immer in das Krankheitsgeschehen mit einbezogen. Gleichzeitig sind entzündlich destruierte Kniegelenke der häufigste Grund für schwere Beeinträchtigungen der ADL (Verschlechterung der sozialen Teilhabe!!) unserer Patienten. Erschwerend kommt hinzu, dass es gegenüber Komplikationen nach therapeutischen Maßnahmen besonders anfällig ist. Diese Übersicht zeigt mögliche Komplikationen im Zusammenhang mit Interventionen auf und bietet Lösungsansätze. Jede Abteilung, die sich um diese Patienten bemüht, benötigt ein stadienadaptiertes Konzept und perioperatives Management um mögliche Risiken so gering wie möglich zu halten.
Begutachtung von Doppelbildern – eine Betrachtungsweise
Authors: Burggraf M.
Published: September 2016

Dargestellt werden für die private Unfallversicherung die Doppelbildzonen und deren Ansatz für verschiedene Augenmotilitätsstörungen mit Doppelbildwahrnehmungen.
Electronic properties of the charge transfer material MnPc/F4TCNQ
Authors: Rückerl Florian , Mahns Benjamin , Dodbiba Eni , Nikolis Vasileios , Herzig Melanie , Büchner Bernd , Knupfer Martin , Hahn Torsten , Kortus Jens
Published: September 2016

We present electronic properties of a charge transfer material consisting of Manganese(ii)Phthalocyanine (MnPc) and 2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ), investigated by means of photoemission spectroscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy, as well as supporting density functional theory calculations. We report the successful formation of a bulk material characterized by a strong interaction of the molecular compounds which affects the optical properties significantly. Our investigations reveal a significant charge transfer, whereas the MnPc molecule is oxidized and F4TCNQ is reduced. The valence band data indicate a full charge transfer between the two partners. The electronic excitation spectrum reveals a relatively small energy gap of MnPc/F4TCNQ of about 0.7 eV, which is related to a charge transfer excitation.
Large-scale calculations of gas phase thermochemistry: Enthalpy of formation, standard entropy, and heat capacity
Authors: Ghahremanpour Mohammad M. , van Maaren Paul J. , Ditz Jonas C. , Lindh Roland , van der Spoel David
Published: September 2016

Large scale quantum calculations for molar enthalpy of formation (ΔfH0), standard entropy (S0), and heat capacity (CV) are presented. A large data set may help to evaluate quantum thermochemistry tools in order to uncover possible hidden shortcomings and also to find experimental data that might need to be reinvestigated, indeed we list and annotate approximately 200 problematic thermochemistry measurements. Quantum methods systematically underestimate S0 for flexible molecules in the gas phase if only a single (minimum energy) conformation is taken into account. This problem can be tackled in principle by performing thermochemistry calculations for all stable conformations [Zheng et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 13, 10885–10907 (2011)], but this is not practical for large molecules. We observe that the deviation of composite quantum thermochemistry recipes from experimental S0 corresponds roughly to the Boltzmann equation (S = RlnΩ), where R is the gas constant and Ω the number of possible conformations. This allows an empirical correction of the calculated entropy for molecules with multiple conformations. With the correction we find an RMSD from experiment of ≈13 J/mol K for 1273 compounds. This paper also provides predictions of ΔfH0, S0, and CV for well over 700 compounds for which no experimental data could be found in the literature. Finally, in order to facilitate the analysis of thermodynamics properties by others we have implemented a new tool obthermo in the OpenBabel program suite [O’Boyle et al., J. Cheminf. 3, 33 (2011)] including a table of reference atomization energy values for popular thermochemistry methods.
Comb mode filtering silver mirror cavity for spectroscopic distance measurement
Authors: Šmíd R. , Hänsel A. , Pravdová L. , Sobota J. , Číp O. , Bhattacharya N.
Published: September 2016

In this work we present a design of an external optical cavity based on Fabry-Perot etalons applied to a 100 MHz Er-doped fiber optical frequency comb working at 1560 nm to increase its repetition frequency. A Fabry-Perot cavity is constructed based on a transportable cage system with two silver mirrors in plano-concave geometry including the mode-matching lenses, fiber coupled collimation package and detection unit. The system enables full 3D angle mirror tilting and x-y off axis movement as well as distance between the mirrors. We demonstrate the increase of repetition frequency by direct measurement of the beat frequency and spectrally by using the virtually imaged phased array images.
An algorithm for circular test and improved optical configuration by two-dimensional (2D) laser heterodyne interferometer
Authors: Tang Shanzhi , Yu Shengrui , Han Qingfu , Li Ming , Wang Zhao
Published: September 2016

Circular test is an important tactic to assess motion accuracy in many fields especially machine tool and coordinate measuring machine. There are setup errors due to using directly centring of the measuring instrument for both of contact double ball bar and existed non-contact methods. To solve this problem, an algorithm for circular test using function construction based on matrix operation is proposed, which is not only used for the solution of radial deviation (F) but also should be applied to obtain two other evaluation parameters especially circular hysteresis (H). Furthermore, an improved optical configuration with a single laser is presented based on a 2D laser heterodyne interferometer. Compared with the existed non-contact method, it has a more pure homogeneity of the laser sources of 2D displacement sensing for advanced metrology. The algorithm and modeling are both illustrated. And error budget is also achieved. At last, to validate them, test experiments for motion paths are implemented based on a gantry machining center. Contrast test results support the proposal.
Pulse shaping techniques for a high-g shock tester based on collision principle
Authors: Duan Zhengyong , Tang Chuansheng , Li Yang , Han Junliang , Wu Guoxiong
Published: September 2016

Pulse shaping techniques are discussed in this paper for the practicability of a developed high-g shock tester. The tester is based on collision principle where there is a one-level velocity amplifier. A theoretical and experimental study of pulse shaping techniques is presented. A model was built and theoretical formulae were deduced for the shock peak acceleration and its duration. Then theoretical analysis and some experiments were conducted. The test results verify the validity of theoretical model and show that the shock tester can generate the expected high-g shock pulses by integrated usage of different impact velocities and pulse shapers made from different materials. This is important in practical applications where the items under test can be shown to excite specific resonances at predetermined acceleration levels using the shock tester.
Design and demonstration of ultra-wide bandgap AlGaN tunnel junctions
Authors: Zhang Yuewei , Krishnamoorthy Sriram , Akyol Fatih , Allerman Andrew A. , Moseley Michael W. , Armstrong Andrew M. , Rajan Siddharth
Published: September 2016

Ultra violet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) face critical limitations in both the injection efficiency and the light extraction efficiency due to the resistive and absorbing p-type contact layers. In this work, we investigate the design and application of polarization engineered tunnel junctions for ultra-wide bandgap AlGaN (Al mole fraction >50%) materials towards highly efficient UV LEDs. We demonstrate that polarization-induced three dimensional charge is beneficial in reducing tunneling barriers especially for high composition AlGaN tunnel junctions. The design of graded tunnel junction structures could lead to low tunneling resistance below 10−3 Ω cm2 and low voltage consumption below 1 V (at 1 kA/cm2) for high composition AlGaN tunnel junctions. Experimental demonstration of 292 nm emission was achieved through non-equilibrium hole injection into wide bandgap materials with bandgap energy larger than 4.7 eV, and detailed modeling of tunnel junctions shows that they can be engineered to have low resistance and can enable efficient emitters in the UV-C wavelength range.
Generation of self-healing and transverse accelerating optical vortices
Authors: Wei Bing-Yan , Chen Peng , Ge Shi-Jun , Duan Wei , Hu Wei , Lu Yan-Qing
Published: September 2016

Self-healing and transverse accelerating optical vortices are generated via modulating Gaussian beams through subsequent liquid crystal q-plate and polarization Airy mask. We analyze the propagation dynamics of these vortex Airy beams, and find that they possess the features of both optical vortices and Airy beams. Topological charges and characteristics of nondiffraction, self-healing, and transverse acceleration are experimentally verified. In addition, vortex Airy beams with both topological charge and radial index are demonstrated and mode switch among Gaussian, vortex, vector, Airy beams and their combinations can be acquired easily. Our design provides a flexible and highly efficient way to generate unique optical vortices with self-healing and transverse acceleration properties, and facilitates prospective applications in optics and photonics.
Selective epitaxial growth of stepwise SiGe:B at the recessed sources and drains: A growth kinetics and strain distribution study
Authors: Koo Sangmo , Jang Hyunchul , Kim Sun-Wook , Ko Dae-Hong
Published: September 2016

The selective epitaxial growth of Si1-xGex and the related strain properties were studied. Epitaxial Si1-xGex films were deposited on (100) and (110) orientation wafers and on patterned Si wafers with recessed source and drain structures via ultrahigh vacuum chemical vapor deposition using different growing steps and Ge concentrations. The stepwise process was split into more than 6 growing steps that ranged in thicknesses from a few to 120 nm in order to cover the wide stages of epitaxial growth. The growth rates of SiGe on the plane and patterned wafers were examined and a dependence on the surface orientation was identified. As the germanium concentration increased, defects were generated with thinner Si1-xGex growth. The defect generation was the result of the strain evolution which was examined for channel regions with a Si1-xGex source/drain (S/D) structure.
Magneto-transport studies on Bi2Te2+xSe1–x (x = 0.05 and 0.10) topological insulators
Authors: Irfan Bushra , Chatterjee Ratnamala
Published: September 2016

Bi2Te2Se is one of the most promising three dimensional topological insulators, for the study of surface states. In this work, we report the results of transport and magneto-transport behavior of Bi2Te2+xSe1–x (x=0.05 and 0.10) single crystals grown using modified Bridgeman technique. Resistance versus temperature measurements show semiconducting behavior for x = 0.05 and 0.10 crystals. Linear magnetoresistance is observed for Bi2Te2.05Se0.95 (i.e. x=0.05) whereas, Bi2Te2.10Se0.90 (x=0.10) single crystal shows a conductance fluctuations at low magnetic field.
Compiling computer-mediated spoken language corpora
Authors: Diemer Stefan , Brunner Marie-Louise , Schmidt Selina
Published: September 2016

This paper discusses key issues in the compilation of spoken language corpora in a computer-mediated communication (CMC) environment, using data from the Corpus of Academic Spoken English (CASE), a corpus ofSkypeconversations currently being compiled at Saarland University, Germany, in cooperation with European and US partners. Based on first findings,Skypeis presented as a suitable tool for collecting informal spoken data. In addition, new recommendations concerning data compilation and transcription are put forward to supplement existing best practice as presented in Wynne (2005). We recommend the preservation of multimodal features during anonymisation, and the addition of annotation elements already at the transcription stage, particularly CMC-related discourse features, English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) features (e.g. non-standard language and code-switching), as well as the inclusion of prosodic, paralinguistic, and non-verbal annotation. Additionally, we propose a layered corpus design in order to allow researchers to focus on specific annotation features.
Flexible multi-layer spoken dialogue corpora
Authors: Sauer Simon , Lüdeling Anke
Published: September 2016

This paper describes the construction of deeply annotated spoken dialogue corpora. To ensure a maximum of flexibility — in the degree of normalization, the types and formats of annotations, the possibilities for modifying and extending the corpus, or the use for research questions not originally anticipated — we propose a flexible multi-layer standoff architecture. We also take a closer look at the interoperability of tools and formats compatible with such an architecture. Free access to the corpus data through corpus queries, visualizations, and downloads — including documentation, metadata, and the original recordings — enables transparency, verifiability, and reproducibility of every step of interpretation throughout corpus construction and of any research findings obtained from this data.
Intralingual intertemporal translation as a relevant category in translation studies
Authors: Karas Hilla
Published: September 2016

This article argues for intralingual intertemporal translations as a separate category within the field of translation studies. Not only do these translations seem to have common characteristics and behaviors, but it is precisely their particularities that make them a key to understanding more ‘typical’ translations. Two main sets of examples will serve as demonstration: translations from Old French into Middle and Modern French, and a Modern Hebrew translation of the Old Testament, originally written in Biblical Hebrew, as well as the public discussion following its publication.
Distinct G protein–coupled receptor recycling pathways allow spatial control of downstream G protein signaling
Authors: Bowman Shanna Lynn , Shiwarski Daniel John , Puthenveedu Manojkumar A.
Published: September 2016

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are recycled via a sequence-dependent pathway that is spatially and biochemically distinct from bulk recycling. Why there are two distinct recycling pathways from the endosome is a fundamental question in cell biology. In this study, we show that the separation of these two pathways is essential for normal spatial encoding of GPCR signaling. The prototypical β-2 adrenergic receptor (B2AR) activates Gα stimulatory protein (Gαs) on the endosome exclusively in sequence-dependent recycling tubules marked by actin/sorting nexin/retromer tubular (ASRT) microdomains. B2AR was detected in an active conformation in bulk recycling tubules, but was unable to activate Gαs. Protein kinase A phosphorylation of B2AR increases the fraction of receptors localized to ASRT domains and biases the downstream transcriptional effects of B2AR to genes controlled by endosomal signals. Our results identify the physiological relevance of separating GPCR recycling from bulk recycling and suggest a mechanism to tune downstream responses of GPCR signaling by manipulating the spatial origin of G protein signaling.
Transition zone assembly and its contribution to axoneme formation in Drosophila male germ cells
Authors: Vieillard Jennifer , Paschaki Marie , Duteyrat Jean-Luc , Augière Céline , Cortier Elisabeth , Lapart Jean-André , Thomas Joëlle , Durand Bénédicte
Published: September 2016

The ciliary transition zone (TZ) is a complex structure found at the cilia base. Defects in TZ assembly are associated with human ciliopathies. In most eukaryotes, three protein complexes (CEP290, NPHP, and MKS) cooperate to build the TZ. We show that in Drosophila melanogaster, mild TZ defects are observed in the absence of MKS components. In contrast, Cby and Azi1 cooperate to build the TZ by acting upstream of Cep290 and MKS components. Without Cby and Azi1, centrioles fail to form the TZ, precluding sensory cilia assembly, and no ciliary membrane cap associated with sperm ciliogenesis is made. This ciliary cap is critical to recruit the tubulin-depolymerizing kinesin Klp59D, required for regulation of axonemal growth. Our results show that Drosophila TZ assembly in sensory neurons and male germ cells involves cooperative actions of Cby and Dila. They further reveal that temporal control of membrane cap assembly by TZ components and microtubule elongation by kinesin-13 is required for axoneme formation in male germ cells.
Why endosomes recycle GPCRs
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: September 2016

G protein–coupled receptor recycling pathways allow cells to modulate downstream signaling.
Dpy30 is critical for maintaining the identity and function of adult hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Yang Zhenhua , Shah Kushani , Khodadadi-Jamayran Alireza , Jiang Hao
Published: September 2016

As the major histone H3K4 methyltransferases in mammals, the Set1/Mll complexes play important roles in animal development and are associated with many diseases, including hematological malignancies. However, the role of the H3K4 methylation activity of these complexes in fate determination of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSCs and HPCs) remains elusive. Here, we address this question by generating a conditional knockout mouse for Dpy30, which is a common core subunit of all Set1/Mll complexes and facilitates genome-wide H3K4 methylation in cells. Dpy30 loss in the adult hematopoietic system results in severe pancytopenia but striking accumulation of HSCs and early HPCs that are defective in multilineage reconstitution, suggesting a differentiation block. In mixed bone marrow chimeras, Dpy30-deficient HSCs cannot differentiate or efficiently up-regulate lineage-regulatory genes, and eventually fail to sustain for long term with significant loss of HSC signature gene expression. Our molecular analyses reveal that Dpy30 directly and preferentially controls H3K4 methylation and expression of many hematopoietic development-associated genes including several key transcriptional and chromatin regulators involved in HSC function. Collectively, our results establish a critical and selective role of Dpy30 and the H3K4 methylation activity of the Set1/Mll complexes for maintaining the identity and function of adult HSCs.
Dual T cell– and B cell–intrinsic deficiency in humans with biallelic RLTPR mutations
Authors: Wang Yi , Ma Cindy S. , Ling Yun , Bousfiha Aziz , Camcioglu Yildiz , Jacquot Serge , Payne Kathryn , Crestani Elena , Roncagalli Romain , Belkadi Aziz , Kerner Gaspard , Lorenzo Lazaro , Deswarte Caroline , Chrabieh Maya , Patin Etienne , Vincent Quentin B. , Müller-Fleckenstein Ingrid , Fleckenstein Bernhard , Ailal Fatima , Quintana-Murci Lluis , Fraitag Sylvie , Alyanakian Marie-Alexandra , Leruez-Ville Marianne , Picard Capucine , Puel Anne , Bustamante Jacinta , Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie , Malissen Marie , Malissen Bernard , Abel Laurent , Hovnanian Alain , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Jouanguy Emmanuelle , Tangye Stuart G. , Béziat Vivien , Casanova Jean-Laurent
Published: September 2016

Combined immunodeficiency (CID) refers to inborn errors of human T cells that also affect B cells because of the T cell deficit or an additional B cell–intrinsic deficit. In this study, we report six patients from three unrelated families with biallelic loss-of-function mutations in RLTPR, the mouse orthologue of which is essential for CD28 signaling. The patients have cutaneous and pulmonary allergy, as well as a variety of bacterial and fungal infectious diseases, including invasive tuberculosis and mucocutaneous candidiasis. Proportions of circulating regulatory T cells and memory CD4+ T cells are reduced. Their CD4+ T cells do not respond to CD28 stimulation. Their CD4+ T cells exhibit a "Th2" cell bias ex vivo and when cultured in vitro, contrasting with the paucity of "Th1," "Th17," and T follicular helper cells. The patients also display few memory B cells and poor antibody responses. This B cell phenotype does not result solely from the T cell deficiency, as the patients’ B cells fail to activate NF-κB upon B cell receptor (BCR) stimulation. Human RLTPR deficiency is a CID affecting at least the CD28-responsive pathway in T cells and the BCR-responsive pathway in B cells.
The scaffolding function of the RLTPR protein explains its essential role for CD28 co-stimulation in mouse and human T cells
Authors: Roncagalli Romain , Cucchetti Margot , Jarmuzynski Nicolas , Grégoire Claude , Bergot Elise , Audebert Stéphane , Baudelet Emilie , Menoita Marisa Goncalves , Joachim Anais , Durand Stéphane , Suchanek Miloslav , Fiore Frédéric , Zhang Lichen , Liang Yinming , Camoin Luc , Malissen Marie , Malissen Bernard
Published: September 2016

The RLTPR cytosolic protein, also known as CARMIL2, is essential for CD28 co-stimulation in mice, but its importance in human T cells and mode of action remain elusive. Here, using affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry analysis, we showed that RLTPR acts as a scaffold, bridging CD28 to the CARD11/CARMA1 cytosolic adaptor and to the NF-κB signaling pathway, and identified proteins not found before within the CD28 signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that RLTPR is essential for CD28 co-stimulation in human T cells and that its noncanonical pleckstrin-homology domain, leucine-rich repeat domain, and proline-rich region were mandatory for that task. Although RLTPR is thought to function as an actin-uncapping protein, this property was dispensable for CD28 co-stimulation in both mouse and human. Our findings suggest that the scaffolding role of RLTPR predominates during CD28 co-stimulation and underpins the similar function of RLTPR in human and mouse T cells. Along that line, the lack of functional RLTPR molecules impeded the differentiation toward Th1 and Th17 fates of both human and mouse CD4+ T cells. RLTPR was also expressed in both human and mouse B cells. In the mouse, RLTPR did not play, however, any detectable role in BCR-mediated signaling and T cell-independent B cell responses.
Wild ramification and the cotangent bundle
Authors: Saito Takeshi
Published: September 2016

We define the characteristic cycle of a locally constant étale sheaf on a smooth variety in positive characteristic ramified along the boundary as a cycle in the cotangent bundle of the variety, at least on a neighborhood of the generic point of the divisor on the boundary. The crucial ingredient in the definition is the commutative group structure on the boundary induced by the groupoid structure of multiple self-products.

We prove a compatibility with pull-back and local acyclicity in non-characteristic situations. We also give a relation with the cohomological characteristic class under a certain condition and a concrete example where the intersection with the

0
0

-section computes the Euler-Poincaré characteristic.
Trichoderma asperellum Induces Maize Seedling Growth by Activating the Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase
Authors: López-Coria M. , J. L. Hernández-Mendoza  , Sánchez-Nieto S.
Published: September 2016

Although Trichoderma spp. have beneficial effects on numerous plants, there is not enough knowledge about the mechanism by which they improves plant growth. In this study, we evaluated the participation of plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase, a key enzyme involved in promoting cell growth, in the elongation induced by T. asperellum and compared it with the effect of 10 μM indol acetic acid (IAA) because IAA promotes elongation and PM H+-ATPase activation. Two seed treatments were tested: biopriming and noncontact. In neither were the tissues colonized by T. asperellum; however, the seedlings were longer than the control seedlings, which also accumulated IAA and increased root acidification. An auxin transport inhibitor (2,3,5 triiodobenzoic acid) reduced the plant elongation induced by Trichoderma spp. T. asperellum seed treatment increased the PM H+-ATPase activity in plant roots and shoots. Additionally, the T. asperellum extracellular extract (TE) activated the PM H+-ATPase activity of microsomal fractions of control plants, although it contained 0.3 μM IAA. Furthermore, the mechanism of activation of PM H+-ATPase was different for IAA and TE; in the latter, the activation depends on the phosphorylation state of the enzyme, suggesting that, in addition to IAA, T. asperellum excretes other molecules that stimulate PM H+-ATPase to induce plant growth.
Evaluating the implementation performance of a supplier development program
Authors: Routroy Srikanta , Pradhan Sudeep Kumar , Sunil Kumar C.V.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify, evaluate and compare the implementation performance of a supplier development (SD) program using graph theoretic approach (GTA).

Design/methodology/approach

Broadly 13 critical success factors (CSFs) were identified and they were classified into four significant categories (SCs). Featuring these SCs and CSFs under each SC, GTA was proposed for evaluating the implementation performance of SD programs. The analysis was further extended to evaluate the performance of a SD program along the timeline to capture the other influences (if any), eventually compare the results with different performance situations and accordingly set the future targets.

Findings

In order to demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach it was applied to an Indian manufacturing company. The results obtained shown that there has been a significant growth achieved in the implementation performance of a SD program over a period of three years (i.e. 12 quarters) along the chosen SCs and CSFs under each SC. It was also found that still there was a performance gap and scope for improvement in the SD program of the case company.

Practical implications

The proposed approach is aimed at providing a procedure for evaluating the implementation performance of a SD program. This study is an attempt to assist a manufacturer to assess its SD program and accordingly define its course of actions.

Originality/value

Although many issues related to SD have been widely recognized and studied, there are no specific studies available in the literature to assess the implementation performance of SD programs along the timeline. The proposed model has the ability to capture the performance and interdependencies of SCs, CSFs under each SC and also to quantify the implementation performance of a SD program along the timeline.
Social stratification, materialism, post-materialism and consumption values
Authors: Wang Ying
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The increased income and modernity have greatly impacted Chinese consumers’ attitudes and purchasing behavior, making them more sophisticated than ever before. The purpose of this paper is to examine the interrelationship among social stratification, materialism, post-materialism, and consumption values contributing uniquely to understanding Chinese consumers in the context of drastic economic and social changes.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey method was used to test the proposed model and answer the research questions. The data were collected in Shanghai, the largest city on the eastern coast of China. A multi-stage random sampling strategy was employed to acquire a representative sample of the population in the city. A total of 2,910 completed questionnaires were used for data analysis.

Findings

The results show that objective social status has a negative effect on post-materialism, whereas subjective social status has a positive effect. Social status does not seem to have a significant effect on materialism. Post-materialism also has a strong positive effect on the consumption orientations of emotional value and social value.

Practical implications

China was chosen as the research context in this study. As a booming emerging market, China provides an intriguing platform to examine social stratification and materialism. At the macro level, China is developing a new social structure due to the drastic social and economic changes. At the individual consumer level, as China moves further into a market-oriented economy, traditional Chinese values have changed rapidly. Western consumption values and phenomena such as overspending and conspicuous consumption have begun to take hold in China, especially among young people. It is critical for business managers to understand the shift of consumption values among Chinese in order to successfully capture this market.

Originality/value

A cursory review of past literature reveals that researchers have examined materialism primarily along two avenues: one puts materialism within a macro framework involving political interest or civic engagement (e.g. Davis et al., 1999; Inglehart, 1990); the other one takes a micro perspective exploring the impact of materialism on consumer attitudes and behavior (e.g. Park and Rabolt, 2009; Xiao and Kim, 2009). However, little research has been conducted linking the two approaches. The present study intends to examine the interrelationship among social stratification, materialism, post-materialism, and consumption values. Hopefully, it will shed some light on the connection between macro environment and micro consumer behavior. Furthermore, the current research provides evidences for the emerging transformation to a post-materialistic marketplace.
Culture and corporate governance convergence
Authors: Ntongho Rachael Ajomboh
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the link between culture and corporate governance. In particular, it demonstrates the impact of culture in inhibiting convergence of corporate governance. Overall, the paper provides an appraisal of corporate governance laws in stakeholder-oriented states that have endured market pressure for convergence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises historical trend in analyzing changes in corporate governance regulation in six countries covering three continents with stakeholder-oriented corporate governance model to determine the effect of culture in the convergence or divergence of corporate governance.

Findings

The view that corporate governance is converging towards the shareholder model largely ignores cultural differences in states. An appraisal of corporate governance rules and principles that have endured Anglo-American influence reveals a strong propensity for cultural norms to dictate areas where changes occur. This paper demonstrates nominal changes in corporate governance regulation and ideologies, as states still turn to design corporate governance rules around their cultural philosophy. The paper also reveals weak political authority for convergencevis-à-vismarket forces.

Practical implications

Laws are strongly embedded in the corporate philosophies of states. Thus, the market and managers need to incorporate national culture into corporate practices for effective implementation.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined the effect of culture on the convergence of corporate governance regulation, especially across different countries. This study does not only analyze corporate governance in developed countries but also examines emerging nations in Africa where research on convergence is very scarce.
Electricity generation as a determinant of unemployment in Pakistan
Authors: Rashid Adnan , Ul Haq Anwaar
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The area about unemployment and its participation in the economic progress has been widely debated in literature. A significant number of studies on this impediment of economic boom have been found to consider the concept through Okun’s law. This study aims to apply some different approach and re-define the model about determinants of unemployment via inclusion of electricity generation in it. The purpose here for such consideration is the redefinition of determinants to clearly examine the role of each participant in solution of the problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This study for accomplishment of subject matter considers macroeconomic determinants of unemployment and includes electricity generation process in model. Such model is then empirically tested via structural vector autoregression (VAR) and impulse response function.

Findings

The empirical analysis of the study by stating the presence of long-run association comprehend the findings of most of the previously held studies on the subject matter. In addition to such co-integration, the presence of long-run restriction validates the main research question by explaining the negative relationship of GDP and electricity generation with unemployment of the country. Additionally, the responses of impulse function further validate the hypothesis by stating the more response of both electricity generation and GDP than any other variable in elucidating the problem of unemployment.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is its restrictive use of electricity generation as a source of power generation. One can use other sources of power generation in addition to electricity generation in the study. Furthermore, this study only applies the concept of macroeconomic variables for getting the solution of problem. Besides macroeconomic factors, a number of microeconomic factors are also present that in addition to above mentioned macroeconomic variables help the policy makers to elucidate the problem.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in its concept about involvement of electricity generation in determinants of unemployment. To date, no such study has been found in existing body of literature that has investigated the problem from this perspective, and, hence, this study represents contribution of authors to the area of literature.
A novel study on OFDI and home country exports: implications for the ASEAN region
Authors: Ahmad Fayyaz , Draz Muhammad Umar , Yang Su-Chang
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on the home country exports for selected ASEAN countries during 1981-2013.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have used OLS regression based on the unit root analysis, correlation technique and a series of specification tests applied to annual time series data.

Findings

The results reveal that the complementary effects of OFDI on exports of the home country outweigh the substitution effects for four ASEAN countries. Furthermore, trade openness, currency fluctuations and inward foreign direct investment (FDI) are also important factors for progressive home country exports.

Originality/value

This study provides a thorough analysis of the links between OFDI and exports of the home country on a macro level. With a data set of more than three decades from the ASEAN region, this study is the first attempt of its kind to analyze the relationship of these two variables on the aggregate level.
Utilization of a microstructure sensitive fatigue model for additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Torries Brian , Sterling Amanda J. , Shamsaei Nima , Thompson Scott M. , Daniewicz Steve R.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to calibrate a microstructure-based fatigue model for its use in predicting fatigue life of additively manufactured (AM) Ti-6Al-4V. Fatigue models that are capable of better predicting the fatigue behavior of AM metals is required to further the adoption of such metals by various industries. The trustworthiness of AM metallic material is not well characterized, and fatigue models that consider unique microstructure and porosity inherent to AM parts are needed.

Design/methodology/approach

Various Ti-6Al-4V samples were additively manufactured using Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS), a direct laser deposition method. The porosity within the LENS samples, as well as their subsequent heat treatment, was varied to determine the effects of microstructure and defects on fatigue life. The as-built and heat-treated LENS samples, together with wrought Ti-6Al-4V samples, underwent fatigue testing and microstructure and fractographic inspection. The collected microstructure/defect statistics were used for calibrating a microstructure-sensitive fatigue model.

Findings

Fatigue lives of the LENS Ti-6Al-4V samples were found to be consistently less than those of the wrought Ti-6Al-4V samples, and this is attributed to the presence of pores/defects within the LENS material. Results further indicate that LENS Ti-6Al-4V fatigue lives, as predicted by the used microstructure-sensitive fatigue model, are in close agreement with experimental results. The used model could predict upper and lower prediction bounds based on defect statistics. All the fatigue data were found to be within the bounds predicted by the microstructure-sensitive fatigue model.

Research limitations/implications

To further test the utility of microstructure-sensitive fatigue models for predicting fatigue life of AM samples, future studies on additional material types, additive manufacturing processes and heat treatments should be conducted.

Originality/value

This study shows the utility of a microstructure-sensitive fatigue model for use in predicting the fatigue life of LENS Ti-6Al-4V with various levels of porosity and while in a heat-treated condition.
Development, printability and post-curing studies of formulations of materials resistant to microbial attachment for use in inkjet based 3D printing
Authors: Begines Belen , Hook Andrew L. , Alexander Morgan R. , Tuck Christopher J. , Wildman Ricky D.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to print 3D structures from polymers that resist bacterial attachment by reactive jetting of acrylate monomers.

Design/methodology/approach

The first step towards printing was ink development. Inks were characterised to carry out an estimation of their potential printability using the Z parameter to predict stable jetting conditions. Printability conditions were optimised for each ink using a Dimatix DMP-2800, which enabled 3D structures to be fabricated.

Findings

UV photo-initiated polymers, which resist bacterial attachment, were found to be printable using piezo-based inkjet printers. The waveform required for each ink depends on the value of the Z parameter. Once the waveform and the printability parameters were optimised, 3D objects were fabricated.

Research limitations/implications

This methodology has been confirmed as an effective method to 3D print materials that have been demonstrated to be bacteria resistant. However, ink curing depends on modification of some parameters (such as photoinitiator concentration or UV exposure time) which would result in an improvement of the curing process post jetting.

Social implications

The combination of inkjet based 3D printing with new materials resistant to bacterial attachment means the possibility of building customised medical devices with a high level of complexity and bespoke features can be fully realised. The scope and variability of the devices produced will exceed what can be achieved using standard fabrication methodologies and can be applied to reduce the incidence of device associated infections and to address increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs associated with nosocomial infections.

Originality/value

In this paper, the novel use of materials that resist bacterial attachment has been described to build 3D structures using material jetting. Its value lies on the potential impact this methodology could produce in the biomedical device and research fields.
Rethinking microaggressions and anti-social behaviour against LGBTIQ+ youth
Authors: Roffee James A. , Waling Andrea
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further the understanding of experiences of anti-social behaviour in LGBTIQ+ youth in university settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion reflects on qualitative interviews with LGBTIQ+ young people studying at university (n=16) exploring their experiences of anti-social behaviour including harassment, bullying and victimisation in tertiary settings.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that attention should be paid to the complex nature of anti-social behaviour. In particular, LGBTIQ+ youth documented experiences of microaggressions perpetrated by other members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Using the taxonomy of anti-social behaviour against LGBTIQ+ people developed by Nadal et al. (2010, 2011), the authors build on literature that understands microaggressions against LGBTIQ+ people as a result of heterosexism, to address previously unexplored microaggressions perpetrated by other LGBTIQ+ people.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could seek a larger sample of participants from a range of universities, as campus climate may influence the experiences and microaggressions perpetrated.

Practical implications

Individuals within the LGBTIQ+ community also perpetrate microaggressions against LGBTIQ+ people, including individuals with the same sexual orientation and gender identity as the victim. Those seeking to respond to microaggressions need to attune their attention to this source of anti-social behaviour.

Originality/value

Previous research has focused on microaggressions and hate crimes perpetrated by non-LGBTIQ+ individuals. This research indicates the existence of microaggressions perpetrated by LGBTIQ+ community members against other LGBTIQ+ persons. The theoretical taxonomy of sexual orientation and transgender microaggressions is expanded to address LGBTIQ+ perpetrated anti-social behaviour.
Building God's City: The Political Economy of Prayer Camps in Nigeria
Authors: Ukah Asonzeh
Published: September 2016

The proliferation of religious spaces is a relatively recent development in Nigeria. Nowadays there are more than a hundred religious camps belonging to different religious groups in the country. The most popular of these camps, the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is located 42 kilometres outside of Lagos and measures several thousand acres. Although initially not designed as such, developments in and around Lagos have compelled the managers of the Redemption Camp to present it as an urban alternative to the city of Lagos, which is generally deemed chaotic. The prestige of this camp and its activities have led to expansive urban development that involves the creation of numerous residential estates stretching from Lagos to beyond the Redemption Camp. Based on a recent ethnographic study of the Redemption Camp, this article argues that the process of urban expansion in and around Lagos is propelled by an aggressive form of religious revival that transcends the borders between economics, spirituality and territorial conquest. This article thus illustrates how church‐driven, religio‐urban developments follow a different logic of city making than often presumed by theorists of African cities, who generally neglect the religious forces that inform urban transformations in Africa.
Ideas and agency in immigration policy: A discursive institutionalist approach
Authors: BOSWELL CHRISTINA , HAMPSHIRE JAMES
Published: September 2016

Political science literature tends to depict the role of ideas in policy in two distinct ways: as strategic tools mobilised by agents to achieve pre‐given preferences; or as structures imposing constraints on what is considered legitimate or feasible. Discursive institutionalism seeks to combine these insights, suggesting that while actors are indeed constrained by deeply entrenched ideas, they nonetheless enjoy some autonomy in selecting and combining ideas. This article seeks to further develop this approach in two ways. First, it identifies three discursive strategies through which policy actors can selectively mobilise ideas: they may foreground one level over others; exploit ambivalence in public philosophies; or link programme ideas over time by invoking ‘policy legacies’. Second, the article elucidates the mechanisms through which such strategic selections can in turn modify existing public philosophies and programme ideas, thereby influencing policy change. These claims are examined by comparing discourse on immigration policy liberalisation in Germany and the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2008. Evidence is found of all three discursive strategies. Moreover, the article shows how, in the German case, these discursive representations led to longer‐term adjustments in underlying programme ideas and public philosophies on immigration.
Psychiatric Medication Intake in Suicide Victims: Gender Disparities and Implications for Suicide Prevention
Authors: Paraschakis Antonios , Michopoulos Ioannis , Christodoulou Christos , Koutsaftis Filippos , Douzenis Athanassios
Published: September 2016

Frequency and gender differences of psychiatric medication intake in a sample of suicide victims from the Athens Greater Area were investigated with a particular focus on the implications for suicide prevention. Data were collected from the toxicological analyses of the suicide cases of the period November 2007–October 2009. Information was available for 262 individuals, 196 men (74.8%) and 66 women (25.2%); 109 of these (41.6%) were receiving psychiatric medication(s). Women were statistically more frequently under treatment: antidepressants (32.8% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.001), antiepileptics (9.1% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.001), antipsychotics (24.2% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.003), and benzodiazepines (16.7% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.024). Campaigns aiming to bring men with psychological difficulties in contact with mental health services and to lessen the stigma of mental illness, together with better training of nonpsychiatrists into “suspecting” “male” depression, could be particularly helpful for decreasing male suicides. More thoughtful choice of psychiatric medication could possibly already prevent a number of female suicides.