bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetotransport properties of quasi-one-dimensionally channeled vertically aligned heteroepitaxial nanomazes
Authors: Chen Aiping , Zhang Wenrui , Khatkhatay Fauzia , Su Qing , Tsai Chen-Fong , Chen Li , Jia Q. X. , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L. , Wang H.
Published: March 2013

A unique quasi-one-dimensionally channeled nanomaze structure has been self-assembled in the (La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)1−x:(ZnO)x vertically aligned nanocomposites (VANs). Significantly enhanced magnetotransport properties have been achieved by tuning the ZnO composition x. The heteroepitaxial VAN thin films, free of large angle grain boundaries, exhibit a maximum low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR) of 75% (20 K and 1 T). The enhanced LFMR close to the percolation threshold is attributed to the spin-polarized tunneling through the ferromagnetic/insulating/ferromagnetic vertical sandwiches in the nanomazes. This study suggests that the phase boundary in the nanomaze structure is an alternative approach to produce decoupled ferromagnetic domains and thus to achieve enhanced magnetoresistance.
New approach of (G′/G)-expansion method and new approach of generalized (G′/G)-expansion method for nonlinear evolution equation
Authors: Naher Hasibun , Abdullah Farah Aini
Published: March 2013

In this article, new (G′/G)-expansion method and new generalized (G′/G)-expansion method is proposed to generate more general and abundant new exact traveling wave solutions of nonlinear evolution equations. The novelty and advantages of these methods is exemplified by its implementation to the KdV equation. The results emphasize the power of proposed methods in providing distinct solutions of different physical structures in nonlinear science. Moreover, these methods could be more effectively used to deal with higher dimensional and higher order nonlinear evolution equations which frequently arise in many scientific real time application fields.
New Elements on the Behaviour of a Bissulfinylmethyl Radical
Authors: Mallorquin Rocio Martinez , Vincent Guillaume , Derat Etienne , Malacria Max , Goddard Jean-Philippe , Fensterbank Louis
Published: March 2013

In this article, we have studied the generation of a bissulfinylmethyl radical from the corresponding TEMPO and phenylselenyl bissulfoxide precursors. No univocal formation of the bissulfinylmethyl radical has been observed. Instead, complex mixtures have been obtained in thermal or photochemical conditions, showing prominent C–S homolytic bond cleavage.
Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Lifetime Substance Use among a Rural and Diverse Sample of Adolescents
Authors: McDermott Michael J. , Drescher Christopher F. , Smitherman Todd A. , Tull Matthew T. , Heiden Laurie , Damon John D. , Hight Terry L. , Young John
Published: March 2013

Background

Data are limited regarding the prevalence of substance use among adolescents in rural and ethnically diverse communities. This study examined rates and sociodemographic correlates of lifetime substance use among adolescents in Mississippi, a rural state that is the poorest in the country (21.3% poverty rate) and has the largest proportion of African Americans per capita (36.3%).

Methods

Participants in this cross-sectional study were 6349 adolescents (6th through 12th grade) who reported on lifetime tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalant, hallucinogen, and methamphetamine use.

Results

Lifetime smoking (10.2% to 44.5%), alcohol (23.2% to 72.0%), and marijuana use (7.9% to 39.2%) increased steadily when comparing students in 6th to 12th grade. Substances with more serious abuse potential (cocaine [6.7% to 11.1%], inhalants [12.2% to 17.9%], hallucinogens [4.4% to 12.1%], and methamphetamine [3.0% to 6.7%]) displayed more modest increases across grade. Adolescents who classified their race/ethnicity as “Other” (i.e., not white, black/African American, Asian, or Hispanic/Latino/Latina) demonstrated more than 2-fold increased likelihood of methamphetamine use (odds ratio [OR] = 2.42), and increased risk for use of any illicit substance (OR = 1.49). In general, males demonstrated an increased risk for use across substances (OR = 1.15–1.94), and higher income was associated with a decreased likelihood of illicit substance use (OR = 0.51–0.67). Living in a more populated area was associated with an increased likelihood of alcohol (OR = 1.43), marijuana (OR = 2.11), and cocaine use (OR = 2.06), and use of any illicit substance (OR = 1.54).

Conclusions

Mississippi adolescents reported higher rates of lifetime cocaine, inhalant, hallucinogen, and methamphetamine use across all grade levels compared with national surveys. Male gender, low income, and residence in more populated areas were associated with increased use of several substances. Findings demonstrate the need for prevention and intervention programs targeting impoverished rural and ethnically diverse communities.
The Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex has a specific role in the activation of Chk1 in response to stalled replication forks
Authors: Lee Joon , Dunphy William G.
Published: March 2013

The activation of Chk1 in response to stalled replication forks in Xenopus egg extracts involves a complex pathway containing ATM and Rad3-related (ATR), topoisomerase IIβ-binding protein 1 (TopBP1), Rad17, the Rad9-Hus1-Rad1 (9-1-1) complex, and Claspin. We have observed that egg extracts lacking the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex show greatly, although not completely, reduced activation of Chk1 in response to replication blockages. Depletion of both Rad17 and MRN leads to a further, essentially complete, reduction in the activation of Chk1. Thus, Rad17 and MRN act in at least a partially additive manner in promoting activation of Chk1. There was not an obvious change in the binding of RPA, ATR, Rad17, or the 9-1-1 complex to chromatin in aphidicolin (APH)-treated, MRN-depleted extracts. However, there was a substantial reduction in the binding of TopBP1. In structure–function studies of the MRN complex, we found that the Mre11 subunit is necessary for the APH-induced activation of Chk1. Moreover, a nuclease-deficient mutant of Mre11 cannot substitute for wild-type Mre11 in this process. These results indicate that the MRN complex, in particular the nuclease activity of Mre11, plays an important role in the activation of Chk1 in response to stalled replication forks. These studies reveal a previously unknown property of the MRN complex in genomic stability.
Intramolecular interactions control Vms1 translocation to damaged mitochondria
Authors: Heo Jin-Mi , Nielson Jason R. , Dephoure Noah , Gygi Steven P. , Rutter Jared
Published: March 2013

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the development of many age-related human diseases. Therefore recognizing and correcting the early signs of malfunctioning mitochondria is of critical importance for cellular welfare and survival. We previously demonstrated that VCP/Cdc48-associated mitochondrial stress responsive 1 (Vms1) is a component of a mitochondrial surveillance system that mediates the stress-responsive degradation of mitochondrial proteins by the proteasome. Here we propose novel mechanisms through which Vms1 monitors the status of mitochondria and is recruited to damaged or stressed mitochondria. We find that Vms1 contains a highly conserved region that is necessary and sufficient for mitochondrial targeting (the mitochondrial targeting domain [MTD]). Of interest, MTD-mediated mitochondrial targeting of Vms1 is negatively regulated by a direct interaction with the Vms1 N-terminus. Using laser-induced generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, we also show that Vms1 is preferentially recruited to mitochondria subjected to oxidative stress. These studies define cellular and biochemical mechanisms by which Vms1 locali­zation to mitochondria is controlled to enable an efficient protein quality control system.
Old Farmer Pension Program and Farm Succession: Evidence from a Population‐Based Survey of Farm Households in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hung-Hao
Published: March 2013

This article examines the effect of the old farmers' pension program on farm succession in Taiwan. Using an agricultural census survey of 160,380 crop farms in 2005 and an analytical framework of regression discontinuity design, we find evidence that the pension program induced elderly farmers to work more on the farm and less off the farm. Although the primary policy objective of the pension program is to secure the well‐being of elderly farmers, an undesired negative effect on farm succession is found.
Changes in Beef Packers' Market Power after the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act: An Agent‐based Auction
Authors: Boyer Christopher N. , Brorsen B. Wade
Published: March 2013

Controversy remains about the effectiveness of the 1999 Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act (MPRA). We determine the likely changes in beef packers' market power after the MPRA by using an agent‐based, first‐price common‐value auction. Past research has employed Cournot models, but we use an auction model, which more closely resembles the actual cattle procurement process. We find that feeders benefit from the MPRA regardless of whether price uncertainty decreases for packers and/or feeders. If the packers' price uncertainty is reduced, the feeder benefits from an increase in competition between the packers. If the feeder's price uncertainty is reduced, the feeder benefits from imposing more accurate reserve prices.
Impact of Anesthesia and Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease on the Vitamin D Status of Infants and Children
Authors: McNally J. Dayre , Menon Kusum , Chakraborty Pranesh , Fisher Lawrence , Williams Kathryn A. , Al-Dirbashi Osama Y. , Girolamo Tara , Maharajh Gyaandeo , Doherty Dermot R.
Published: March 2013

Background:

Vitamin D is recognized as a pleiotropic hormone important for the functioning of organ systems, including those central to critical illness pathophysiology. Recent studies have reported associations between vitamin D status and outcome among critically ill adults and children. Preoperative vitamin D status, impact of operative techniques, and relationship between immediate postoperative vitamin D levels and clinical course have not been described in the pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD) population. The objective of this study was to describe the impact of CHD surgery on vitamin D status and relationship between postoperative levels and clinical course.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2009 to 2011 at a single tertiary care pediatric hospital. A total of 58 children with CHD were enrolled and blood collected preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results:

The mean preoperative 25OHD was 58.0 nm (SD, 22.4), with 42% being deficient (<50 nm). Postoperatively, we identified a 40% decline in 25OHD to 34.2 nm (SD, 14.5) with 86% being deficient. Intraoperative measurements determined that initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass coincided with abrupt decline. CHD patients requiring catecholamines had lower postoperative 25OHD (38.2 vs. 26.5 nm, P = 0.007), findings confirmed through multivariate logistic regression. Lower postoperative 25OHD was associated with increased fluid requirements and intubation duration.

Conclusions:

Most CHD patients are vitamin-D deficient postoperatively due to low preoperative levels and a significant intraoperative decline. Interventional studies will be required to determine whether prevention of postoperative vitamin D deficiency improves outcome.
An insect cell line derived from the small brown planthopper supports replication of rice stripe virus, a tenuivirus
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Wu Wei , Chen Hongyan , Liu Qifei , Jia Dongsheng , Mao Qianzhuo , Chen Qian , Wu Zujian , Wei Taiyun
Published: March 2013

A cell line from the small brown planthopper (SBPH; Laodelphax striatellus) was established to study replication of rice stripe virus (RSV), a tenuivirus. The SBPH cell line, which had been subcultured through 30 passages, formed monolayers of epithelial-like cells. Inoculation of cultured vector cells with RSV resulted in a persistent infection. During viral infection in the SBPH cell line, the viral non-structural protein NS3 co-localized with the filamentous ribonucleoprotein particles of RSV, as revealed by electron and confocal microscopy. The knockdown of NS3 expression due to RNA interference induced by synthesized double-stranded RNAs from the NS3 gene significantly inhibited viral infection in the SBPH cell line. These results demonstrated that NS3 of RSV might be involved in viral replication or assembly. The persistent infection of the SBPH cell line by RSV will enable a better understanding of the complex relationship between RSV and its insect vector.
A fourfold interpenetrating diamondoid three-dimensional coordination polymer: poly[[[μ2-1,2-bis(pyridin-4-yl)ethene-κ2N:N′](μ2-5-hydroxyisophthalato-κ2O1:O3)zinc(II)] 1,2-bis(pyridin-4-yl)ethene hemisolvate]
Authors: Wang Guan-Hua , Lei Yong-Qian
Published: March 2013

In the title compound, {[Zn(C8H4O5)(C12H10N2)]·0.5C12H10N2}nor {[Zn(HO-BDC)(bpe)]·0.5bpe}n[HO-H2BDC is 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid and bpe is 1,2-bis(pyridin-4-yl)ethene], the asymmetric unit contains a ZnIIatom, one HO-BDC ligand, one coordinated bpe ligand and half a noncoordinating bpe molecule with crystallographic inversion symmetry. Each ZnIIcentre is four-coordinated by two O atoms from two distinct HO-BDC ligands and two N atoms from two different bpe ligands in a ZnO2N2coordination environment. The three-dimensional topology of the title compound corresponds to a fourfold interpenetrating diamondoid coordination polymer network, with the uncoordinated bpe ligands located in the cavities, hydrogen bonded to the main networkviathe hydroxy group of the HO-H2BDC ligand.
Adult vocational training and the project technique
Authors: Dukakis Nick , Valkanos Efthymios , Brinia Vasiliki
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the benefits of implementing the Project method, by applying the technique in adult vocational training environments.

Design/methodology/approach

While the central idea of this method stems from Greek antiquity, the method itself began to evolve within American pragmatism based on the principles of cognitive and Gestalt psychology. In the present paper, the assessment process of the Project method was undertaken with the multi‐methodical approach and use of combined levels of triangulation to determine whether it can be applied to a group of adults, training in the subject of marketing communications.

Findings

Since the projected conditions from the bibliography are observed through the implementation of the Project technique it appears that adult trainees activate learning skills and competencies of emotional intelligence. Thus, the creation of knowledge operates as a “spiral” process starting from the individual level and expanding to the business and social environment with significant benefits for participants.

Practical implications

This application proposes fertile speculation about alternative, practical instruction, in the future environments of the broader vocational education, as well as their effective connection with society and the economy in general.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical results from the application of Project technique in vocational training for adults. It highlights the benefits of this method in teaching standards, personal and social development, human resource development and, consequently, in the development of the business, economic and wider environment.
Building on models of information behaviour: linking information seeking and communication
Authors: Robson Andrew , Robinson Lyn
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to gain insights from existing models of information behaviour, building on them to develop a new model which, unlike most others, encompasses both information seeking and communication. By identifying key factors affecting the successful communication and use of information, it is hoped that the model will be of practical value both to information providers and to users.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature search and analysis of well‐established models of information seeking and of communication, from which a new conceptual model is constructed.

Findings

Existing models have elements in common, though most models in library and information science focus on information seeking and the information user, while those from the field of communications focus on the communicator and the communication process. A new model is proposed that includes key elements of existing models and takes into account not just the information seeker but also the communicator or information provider.

Originality/value

The model developed in this paper is the first to combine elements from both information seeking and communication models. Being built on previous research, it can be used to investigate the practical value of the model itself and the elements that it has in common with other models.
Continuing education in library management: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Matteson Miriam L. , Schlueter Elizabeth , Hidy Morgan
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current state of continuing education in management for librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

Directors from public and academic libraries were surveyed to explore their perceptions of the need for and value of management knowledge in librarians.

Findings

The results show that library directors consider a wide range of management areas important for librarians to possess and believe that having above average management knowledge is a significant factor in hiring and promotion decisions. Respondents perceive that applicants for mid to senior positions in libraries are more likely to have average or low levels of management knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations to the study are the small sample and the exclusive focus on library directors. Future research on the need for and value of management knowledge for librarians should also examine the perceptions of early to mid career librarians and should explore associations between employees' levels of management knowledge and promotion and hiring decisions.

Practical implications

Results suggest that librarians who wish to move up professionally would benefit from pursuing continuing education in management. Libraries should look for ways to offer management training to staff through collaborations with other libraries and community organizations. Library and information science education programs should offer strategically designed continuing education in specific areas of management.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates a gap in the field of librarianship in the development of highly knowledgeable, trained managers, and offers some solutions to librarians, library institutions, and schools of library and information science toward closing that gap.
The moderating role of supply network structure on the customer integration‐efficiency relationship
Authors: Danese Pamela , Romano Pietro
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study whether a fast supply network structure interacts with customer integration (CI) by positively moderating the relationship between CI and efficiency performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed two hypotheses, incorporating dimensions of CI, fast supply network structure and efficiency performance. The hypotheses are tested through a hierarchical regression analysis using data from a sample of 200 manufacturing plants.

Findings

CI alone is not enough to guarantee cost reductions because a fast supply network structure acts as a moderator of the CI‐efficiency relationship. The role of this moderator is twofold. On the one hand, it interacts with CI, strengthening the positive impact of CI on efficiency through a positive complementary effect. On the other hand, if the supply network structure is not intended to support fast lead times, the impact of CI on efficiency can be hindered and, in extreme cases, CI can even make efficiency worse.

Practical implications

Efficiency maximization requires levering simultaneously on CI and the supply network structure, rather than investing and acting on CI only. Managers should carefully weigh up the supply network structural context before embracing a CI program, because adopting CI in a wrong context could amplify a series of problems (e.g. nervousness of plans) and offset CI benefits in terms of efficiency.

Originality/value

This study provides an original contribution to the literature on the relationship between CI and efficiency by adopting a contingency perspective, namely assuming that the relationship between supply chain practices and performance is contingent upon how supply networks have been designed. Accordingly, this research questions the assumption that CI always improves efficiency, by analysing the complementary effect between CI and a fast supply network structure. This provides a number of original implications for the interpretation of the relationship between CI, supply network structure and efficiency.
Appointment system design with interruptions and physician lateness
Authors: Klassen Kenneth J. , Yoogalingam Reena
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Physician lateness and service interruptions are a significant problem in many health care environments but have received little attention in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to design appointment systems that reduce waiting times of the patient while maintaining utilization of the physician at a high level.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data from time studies and surveys of medical professionals from multiple outpatient clinics are used to motivate the study. Simulation optimization is used to simultaneously account for uncertainty and to determine (near) optimal scheduling solutions.

Findings

As lateness increases, it is shown that, in general, appointment slots should be shorter and pushed later in the session. Conversely, as interruptions rise, appointments in the middle of the session should be longer. These findings are fairly consistent over a variety of environmental conditions, including clinic sizes, service time variance, and costs of physician time compared to patients' time.

Practical implications

This paper demonstrates that the dome/plateau‐dome scheduling patterns that have been found in prior studies work well under many of the new factors modeled here. This is encouraging because it suggests that a generalizable pattern is emerging in the literature for the range of environments studied in these papers and this research provides guidance as to how to adjust the pattern to account for the factors studied here. In addition, it is shown that some environments will perform better with a different pattern, which the authors denote a “descending step” pattern.

Originality/value

This paper differs from most prior studies in that the complexity of environmental variables and stochastic elements of the model are simultaneously accounted for by the simulation optimization algorithm. The (very few) prior papers that have used simulation optimization have not addressed the factors studied here.
Reliability in lean systems
Authors: Keyser Robert S. , Sawhney Rapinder S.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a contemporary reliability model for lean systems through the development of an innovative lean system reliability model (LSRM).

Design/methodology/approach

LSRM models the reliability of lean subsystems as a basis for determining the reliability of lean systems as a whole. Lean subsystems, in turn, consist of reliability measures for lean components. Once principal components analysis techniques are employed to determine critical subsystems, Monte Carlo simulations for lean components, subsystems, and the overall lean system are then compared with historical data to determine the adequacy of the LSRM model. If simulation results are accurate to within the researcher's objective of 2.5 per cent of historical data results, the LSRM model is determined to be a validated model.

Findings

A literature search shows limited practical methodologies to assess the reliability of lean systems.

Research limitations/implications

Reliability computations involve many tedious calculations and, hence, require reliability software.

Originality/value

This paper defines lean system reliability, develops a conceptual model to assess the reliability of lean systems, demonstrates how to decompose a lean system into subsystems and components, and compares simulation results versus actual results to validate the LSRM model.
Developing a Six Sigma framework: perspectives from financial service companies
Authors: Chakraborty Ayon , Leyer Michael
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Six Sigma is considered to be an important management philosophy to obtain satisfied customers, but financial service organisations have been slow to adopt Six Sigma issues so far. Despite the extensive effort that has been invested and benefits that can be obtained, the systematic implementation of Six Sigma in financial service organisations is limited. As a companywide implementation framework is missing so far, the purpose of this paper is to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a conceptual framework derived from literature and evaluated by experts, with a focus on financial services.

Findings

The results show that it is very important to link Six Sigma with the strategic as well as the operations level. Furthermore, although Six Sigma is a very important method for improving quality of processes, others such as Lean Management are also used. This requires a superior project portfolio management to coordinate resources and projects of Six Sigma with the other methods used.

Research limitations/implications

The developed framework provides a new contribution to the theory of applying Six Sigma in financial service institutions.

Practical implications

Beside the theoretical contribution, the framework can be used by financial service companies to evaluate their Six Sigma activities. Thus, the framework grounded through literature and empirical data will be a useful guide for sustainable and successful implementation of a Six Sigma initiative in financial service organisations.

Originality/value

The paper contributes, by empirical research through expert interviews, to develop a Six Sigma implementation framework for financial institutions.
Do auditors perceive that there exists earnings management in goodwill accounting under IFRS?
Authors: Pajunen Kati , Saastamoinen Jani
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore auditors' perceptions of goodwill accounting under international financial reporting standards (IFRS). More specifically, the authors surveyed auditors to see if they believe that IFRS enables earnings management in goodwill accounting. Further the paper explores background factors behind opinions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a survey of KHT certified Finnish auditors. The electronic questionnaire was sent to 523 KHT‐auditors. The authors received 123 responses yielding a response rate of 23.5 percent.

Findings

The survey indicates that there are two lines of thought regarding goodwill accounting under IFRS. According to the first line of thought, managers of listed Finnish companies behave opportunistically in goodwill write‐off decisions. The other line of thought suggests that there is a favorable attitude towards the IFRS procedures of goodwill accounting. Big Four auditors seem to favor goodwill accounting under IFRS.

Research limitations/implications

This study is conducted in Finland. Larger data collection would enhance the reliability of the results.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by providing the perspective of auditors on fair value and goodwill as very few studies have examined goodwill issues from this viewpoint.
A study of voluntary disclosure of listed Chinese firms – a stakeholder perspective
Authors: Qu Wen , Leung Philomena , Cooper Barry
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate stakeholder power changes and their impact on firms' disclosure decisions in the Chinese stock market. Using legitimacy theory and stakeholder theory, the paper identifies newly emerged stakeholder groups for listed Chinese firms during three distinguished periods of the development of the Chinese stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data analysis was undertaken over a period from 1995‐2006 with an aim to examine the influence of stakeholder power changes on voluntary disclosures made by 297 listed firms in their 12 years of annual reports. A voluntary disclosure checklist has been used for hand‐collecting data from annual reports.

Findings

The finding shows that different stakeholder groups exert different degrees of influence on firms' decision‐making in respect of information disclosure during different stages of the development of the Chinese stock market.

Research limitations/implications

The impact of a stakeholder power changes on corporate disclosure has not been well addressed and how listed Chinese firms respond to these changes is still a significant gap in the Chinese corporate disclosure literature. In this study, the paper uses proxies to represent each stakeholder group, discuss power changes of each group and predict the impact of power changes on firms' voluntary disclosure.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the new content of the “social contract” between listed firms and Chinese society and identifies various stakeholder groups of listed Chinese firms in the context of a new “social contract”. The paper predicts that voluntary corporate disclosure is the result of stakeholder pressures and firms use voluntary disclosure as one of their strategies to manage the firm‐stakeholder relationship.
Influence of curcumin natural dye colorant with PMMA‐acrylic polyol blended polymer
Authors: Abidin Z.H.Z. , Naziron N.N. , Nasir K.M. , Rusli M.S. , Lee S.V. , Kufian M.Z. , Majid S.R. , Vengadaesvaran B. , Arof A.K. , Taha R.M. , Yahya R.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to investigate the influence of curcumin dye natural colorant on adhesion, mechanical, thermal and electrochemical properties of blend poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) – acrylic polyol.

Design/methodology/approach

Extracted curcumin yellow dye colorant from Curcuma Demostica was mixed with PMMA‐acrylic polyol blended polymer in the volume ratios of 9:1, 8:2 and 7:3. The mixtures were applied on pre‐treated cold‐roll mild steel panels. All of the paint coating samples were subjected to potential time measurement (PTM), rapid impact deformation, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), cross hatch and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests.

Findings

The addition of curcumin dye colorant was able to improve the adhesion, flexibilities and resistance against electrolytes penetration of the blended poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) – acrylic polyol polymer paint system. Cross hatch test studies showed that high amount of curcumin dye colorant (AP30 paint system) had the lowest peel‐off coating area from the substrate. The FTIR test had confirmed the high concentration of hydroxyl group in the AP30 sample. The hydroxyl group was able to promote hydrogen bonding between coating substrate interface. The AP30 sample had the highest coating flexibilities when tested with rapid impact test. This was due to the lowest glass transition value Tg which indicated lowest cross linking density in the coating molecules structure. In the PTM test, AP30 paint system had shown the highest rate electrolytes penetration within the AP sample.

Research limitations/implications

The composition of curcumin dye colorant in the polymer blend is limited from 10 percent to 30 percent pigment volume concentration. Increasing the amount of lawsone pigment will result inhomogeneous mixtures.

Originality/value

The AP paint system is suitable for interior applications. This paint system has to be mixed with suitable additive materials to improve its performance for exterior purpose.
The characteristics of a coating system containing lawsone dye colorant and PMMA‐acrylic polyol blended resin
Authors: Abidin Z.H.Z. , Nasir K.M. , Jamari S.K.M. , Saidon N. , Lee S.V. , Halim N.A. , Yahya R.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to investigate the correlation characteristics in mechanical, thermal and optical properties of PMMA‐acrylic polyol polymer blends mixed with lawsone natural dye for coating paint application.

Design/methodology/approach

Natural brownish dye colorant was extracted from Lawsonia Inermis leaves used as a dye colorant in this paint coating system by using ethanol as the solvent. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), blended with acrylic polyol was used as the binder system. The ratio of PMMA to acrylic polyol was varied with PMMA dominance. The dye colorant was fixed at 10 wt percent.

Findings

The potential time measurement tests showed that the dye colorant paint system with 10 wt percent of acrylic polyol has the highest coating resistance against electrolyte penetration. The dye colorant paint system with 30 wt percent acrylic polyol performed better in mechanical tests such as cross‐hatch and impact resistance. The dye colorant paint system molecular crosslinks were analysed by using the fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy.

Research limitations/implications

The ratio of lawsone dye colorant in the polymer blends is found limited to 10 percent. Increasing in the percentage of lawsone dye colorant will cause inhomogeneity in coating paint sample.

Originality/value

A new formulation of natural dye colorant paint system with 10 percent wt dye volume concentration of lawsone as pigment was obtained.
The effect of PMMA on physical properties of dammar for coating paint application
Authors: Nasir K.M. , Halim N.A. , Tajuddin H.A. , Arof A.K. , Abidin Z.H.Z.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to describe the preparation and characterisation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (Mw: 996,000) and dammar mixtures to obtain a new series of natural coating materials for application on mild steel substrates. Dammar is a natural resin extracted from Dipterocarpus Grandiflorus sp., or kruing trees, which grow mainly in the tropical Asia Pacific forest.

Design/methodology/approach

Natural dammar resin was mixed with PMMA at different weight percentages in xylene as a solvent and dammar as dominant component. The mixtures were applied on mild steel Q‐panels to form dry coating films. The coating films were investigated under Attenuated Total Reflection‐Fourier Transforms Infrared (ATR‐FTIR) technique to observe the presence of functional groups from PMMA and dammar. Resistivity of coating films against corrosive agents from electrolytes was measured by using potential time measurement (PTM) technique. ASTM D3359 (cross‐hatch) technique was used to measure the coating film adhesion strength on the substrate. The entire tests were conducted at 28°C.

Findings

Natural dammar resins is potentially applicable for coating on cold rolled mild steel Q‐panel when mixed with PMMA. Blended dammar resin with PMMA in 5:5 ratio (coded as DP50) was found to give the highest energy of rapid impact indenter. Cross‐hatch test under ASTM D3359 revealed that 50 percent w/w of dammar in PMMA had increased the adhesion strength of the coating film where there was no coating area peeling off from the substrate after the test. DP50 also had the longest time to resist penetration of electrolytes through the coating film when immersed in salt water.

Research limitations/implications

Decreasing the amount of dammar lower than 50 percent weight ratio with PMMA will cause high viscosity and inhomogeneous mixtures.

Originality/value

Natural dammar resin mixed with PMMA (behaviour naturally in free standing film) for coating paint application was formulated.
Characterisation of poly(vinyl alcohol) coating mixed with anthocyanin dye extracted from roselle flower with different nitrate salt
Authors: Lee S.V. , Halim N.A. , Arof A.K. , Abidin Z.H.Z.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new water‐based coating system composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) and anthocyanin colourant extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and to characterise the system.

Design/methodology/approach

Anthocyanin from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle) calyxes was extracted by using distilled water and filtered to remove insoluble particle. Salts introduced into the extract were 5wt percent calcium nitrate, 5wt percent magnesium nitrate, and 5wt percent zinc nitrate. The solution was mixed with poly(vinyl alcohol) in ratio of 3:1. The mixtures were coated on glass substrate and allowed to cure for approximately one day. Colour of the extract systems was determined by CIELab colourimetry. FTIR spectroscopy was conducted on the samples to identify their functional groups and changes upon addition of salt. Thermal stability was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to measure the glass transition temperature Tg of the samples. XRD was employed to determine the amorphous properties of the coating samples.

Findings

From FTIR spectroscopy, shifting in the OH stretching and CH2 bending bands was attributed to hydrogen bonds formation between PVA and nitrate salt. Shifting in the main decomposition step in samples with addition of nitrate salts in TGA was due to interaction of PVA and nitrate. Increase in glass transition temperature of samples with salts was attributed to the formation of hydrogen bonding. From XRD study, increase in the amorphous properties was due to the incorporation of nitrate salts into PVA coating.

Research limitations/implications

Limitation of implementating poly(vinyl alcohol) as coating is caused by its weak water resistance and hydrophilic properties. This study could bring about research towards incorporation of different natural colourant with different binder materials to form coatings which are environmental‐friendly and low cost.

Practical implications

Mixture of PVA and anthocyanin colourant from roselle for use as coating has been developed. The coating can find usage in various applications such as coloured coating for furniture and wooden materials for decorative purposes, biodegradable design materials for interior purposes. It can be practically applied on a variety of substrates such as glass and wood.

Originality/value

Development of water‐based coating from PVA binder with anthocyanin colourant is introduced in this study.
Corporate social responsibility, upward influence behavior, team processes and competitive intelligence
Authors: Trong Tuan Luu
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The cumulative pool of data piling through the empirical expedition around hospitals in Vietnam provides the clue on whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) influences upward influence behavior, which in turn catalyzes team processes and competitive intelligence scanning. The aim of this paper is to journey through the review of the constructs of CSR, upward influence behavior, and team processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling (SEM) approach served as an analyst for 349 responses returned from self‐administered structured questionnaires despatched to 522 hospital members in the middle‐management position.

Findings

A model of team processes and competitive intelligence evolved along the process of hypothesis testing. Ethical CSR was found to cultivate organizationally beneficial upward influence behavior in the healthcare service organizations.

Originality/value

The research findings provide the insight into the CSR‐based model of team processes which underscores the role of ethical CSR initiatives and organizationally beneficial upward influence tactics in the activation of competitive intelligence scanning deeds in hospitals in Vietnam business setting.
Starting new team operations: lessons from greenfield managers
Authors: Becker Wendy S.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Greenfields are new plants, typically but not exclusively manufacturing, that belong to an existing organization; as such, they offer an organizational strategy for understanding knowledge transfer. Greenfields are important to understand because they offer advantages for expansion into new economic and labor markets. But the overall challenges starting up a new greenfield cannot be overlooked. The aim of this paper is to try to better understand how knowledge transfer occurs in these interesting team operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Plant and human resource managers representing 33 greenfield organizations from food and beverage, consumer products, heavy manufacturing, pharmaceutical and automotive industries were contacted. Managers discuss greenfield rationale, vision, work practices, and business characteristics. Both opportunities and risks are described, along with examples from the research literature.

Findings

Greenfields can be successful as experiments in knowledge transfer but are unlikely by themselves to create large‐scale organizational change. Greenfields offer long‐term potential if team work practices and culture can be sustained and ultimately transferred to other parts of the organization, but this requires strong senior management support.

Practical implications

Opportunities and risks involved in greenfield start‐ups are discussed, along with practical examples from managers from diverse industries.

Originality/value

This paper helps to fill the gap between greenfield promise and reality.
Linking Six Sigma to business strategy: an empirical study in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Jung‐Lang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Six Sigma and business strategy. The Six Sigma approach requires managers to examine processes from the customers' perspective, thus ensuring long‐term success.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews the literature on the relationship between Six Sigma and business strategy, and examines how integrating business strategy with Six Sigma improvement action planning can produce competitive advantages. Moreover, a preliminary exploratory framework for linking Six Sigma to business strategy is presented, based on an empirical study of a Taiwan firm.

Findings

Six Sigma implementations must be integrated with a company's business strategy. Six Sigma is a structured and disciplined way of solving critical business problems that cannot be addressed using other methods.

Research limitations/implications

The linking of Six Sigma and business strategy framework is an advanced and coherent form of strategic thinking, which extends a strategic vision throughout all units of an organization and to meet core customer requirements.

Originality/value

The paper shows that, as a strategic‐oriented initiative, the context of Six Sigma activities must be adapted and modified to fit a firm's organizational strategy, Consequently, Six Sigma is central to the strategic drive of a company.
Trust among supply chain partners: a review
Authors: Tejpal Gaurav , Garg R.K. , Sachdeva Anish
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to develop a context‐dependent, multi‐perspective and multilevel concept called “trust” among supply chain members (SCM); second, to classify trust; third, to classify available literature and finally, to propose areas for future research. The field related to trust among supply chain partners has historically been collected through studies in micro‐ functional areas. While some effort towards producing a broader organizational perspective has been made, nonetheless, trust in SCM continues to be largely eclectic, with little consensus on its conceptualization and research methodological bases. This paper seeks to clarify aspects of this emerging perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 100 papers/articles were systematically perused and analyzed.

Findings

A number of key findings emerged: the field is a relatively “new” one for supply chain management; several disciplines claim ownership of the field; consensus is lacking on the definition of the term; research on trust emphasizes to focus on characteristic trust and negligible attention is given to other forms of trust, such as, rational and institutional trust, and decision to trust‐required multiple judgments. Contextual focus is mostly on the buyer‐supplier trust development and the predominant key perspectives of trust in supply chain relationship are; characteristic trust, rational trust (cost and benefit, dynamic capabilities, technology) and institutional trust/security system; lack of theories related to economic aspect and competitive advantages of trust.

Practical implications

This review paper has attempted to identify various conceptual and research methodological characteristics of trust. It has also developed a context to comprehend a multi perspective, multilevel concept called trust for the complex multi‐dimensional construct of supply chain partner's relationship.

Originality/value

This review may be one of the first to develop a context for multi‐perspective multilevel concept and trust among supply chain members.
The purpose and focus of environmental performance measurement systems in logistics
Authors: Björklund Maria , Forslund Helena
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Environmental performance measurement systems (EPMS) in supply chains are increasingly important. The aim of this paper is to investigate the purposes of having an EPMS in logistics and in what ways the purpose of an EPMS can influence its focus in the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a survey of shippers and logistics service providers in Sweden. Exploratory factor analysis grouped the EPMS purposes. Regression analysis investigated the relation between EPMS purpose and supply chain focus.

Findings

Those companies that had an EPMS had several purposes. The most common EPMS purpose was target setting. The seven purposes could be grouped into one external demand and one internal management factor. The most common focus was company‐internal, and the least common was to have a downstream focus. Significant relationships were verified between EPMS purpose and supply chain focus; companies seem to design their EPMS mainly out of internal management purposes.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributed to theory on performance measurement in logistics by expanding it to include environmental performance. The richest theoretical contribution is related to the descriptive first research question, which provided theoretical structures and empirical knowledge on EPMS, which to the best of our knowledge has not been published before. Logical, valid and reliable factors or scales for measuring the purpose of EPMS were provided. The conceptualized relation between EPMS purpose and focus is an additional theoretical contribution.

Practical implications

Managers are provided with descriptions, structure and input to EPMS design. This paper has increased the understanding on EPMS design, related both to the own company's and other supply chain actors’ EPMS. It indicates the complex practices of having many purposes for the EPMS and offers explanation to why companies may be reluctant to expand EPMS beyond their company boundaries.

Originality/value

Despite the increasing importance of environmental performance, few studies on EPMS are conducted. This study expands performance measurement knowledge by providing empirical evidence in a Swedish context.