bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave synthesizer using an on-chip Brillouin oscillator
Authors: Li Jiang , Lee Hansuek , Vahala Kerry J.
Published: June 2013

Low-phase-noise microwave oscillators are important to a wide range of subjects, including communications, radar and metrology. Photonic-based microwave-wave sources now provide record, close-to-carrier phase-noise performance, and compact sources using microcavities are available commercially. Photonics-based solutions address a challenging scaling problem in electronics, increasing attenuation with frequency. A second scaling challenge, however, is to maintain low phase noise in reduced form factor and even integrated systems. On this second front, there has been remarkable progress in the area of microcavity devices with large storage time (high optical quality factor). Here we report generation of highly coherent microwaves using a chip-based device that derives stability from high optical quality factor. The device has a record low electronic white-phase-noise floor for a microcavity-based oscillator and is used as the optical, voltage-controlled oscillator in the first demonstration of a photonic-based, microwave frequency synthesizer. The synthesizer performance is comparable to mid-range commercial devices.
Synthesis of a phosphine imide bearing a hydrosilane moiety, and its water-driven reduction to a phosphine
Authors: Kano Naokazu , Yanaizumi Kazuhide , Meng Xiangtai , Havare Nizam , Kawashima Takayuki
Published: June 2013

Reaction of a hydrosilane bearing a phosphine imide moiety with water caused hydrolytic oxidation of the Si–H moiety accompanied by reduction of the phosphine imide moiety.
Monte Carlo and theoretical calculations of the first four perturbation coefficients in the high temperature series expansion of the free energy for discrete and core-softened potential models
Authors: Zhou Shiqi , Solana J. R.
Published: June 2013

The first four perturbation coefficients in the expansion of the Helmholtz free energy in power series of the inverse of the reduced temperature for a number of potential models with hard-sphere cores plus core-softened and discontinuous tails are obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. The potential models considered include square-well, double square-well, and square-shoulder plus square-well, with different potential parameters. These simulation data are used to evaluate the performance of a traditional macroscopic compressibility approximation (MCA) for the second order coefficient and a recent coupling parameter series expansion (CPSE) for the first four coefficients. Comprehensive comparison indicates the incapability of the MCA for the second order coefficient in most non-stringent situations, and significance of the CPSE in accurately calculating these four coefficients.
Chemically reacting mixtures in terms of degenerated parabolic setting
Authors: Mucha P. B. , Pokorný M. , Zatorska E.
Published: July 2013

The paper analyzes basic mathematical questions for a model of chemically reacting mixtures. We derive a model of several (finite) component compressible gas taking rigorously into account the thermodynamical regime. Mathematical description of the model leads to a degenerate parabolic equation with hyperbolic deviation. The thermodynamics implies that the diffusion terms are non-symmetric, not positively defined, and cross-diffusion effects must be strongly marked. The mathematical goal is to establish the existence of weak solutions globally in time for arbitrary number of reacting species. A key point is an entropy-like estimate showing possible renormalization of the system.
Making novel bio-interfaces through bacterial protein recrystallization on biocompatible polylactide derivative films
Authors: Lejardi Ainhoa , López Aitziber Eleta , Sarasua José R. , Sleytr U. B. , Toca-Herrera José L.
Published: July 2013

Fabrication of novel bio-supramolecular structures was achieved by recrystallizing the bacterial surface protein SbpA on amorphous and semicrystalline polylactide derivatives. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) for (poly-L-lactide)-PLLA, poly(L,D-lactide)-PDLLA, poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-PLGA and poly(lactide-co-caprolactone)-PLCL was 63 °C, 53 °C, 49 °C and 15 °C, respectively. Tensile stress-strain tests indicated that PLLA, PLGA, and PDLLA had a glassy behaviour when tested below Tg. The obtained Young modulus were 1477 MPa, 1330 MPa, 1306 MPa, and 9.55 MPa for PLLA, PLGA, PDLLA, and PLCL, respectively. Atomic force microscopy results confirmed that SbpA recrystallized on every polymer substrate exhibiting the native S-layer P4 lattice (a = b = 13 nm, γ = 90°). However, the polymer substrate influenced the domain size of the S-protein crystal, with the smallest size for PLLA (0.011 μm2), followed by PDLLA (0.034 μm2), and PLGA (0.039 μm2), and the largest size for PLCL (0.09 μm2). quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) measurements indicated that the adsorbed protein mass per unit area (∼1800 ng cm−2) was independent of the mechanical, thermal, and crystalline properties of the polymer support. The slowest protein adsorption rate was observed for amorphous PLCL (the polymer with the weakest mechanical properties and lowest Tg). QCM-D also monitored protein self-assembly in solution and confirmed that S-layer formation takes place in three main steps: adsorption, self-assembly, and crystal reorganization. Finally, this work shows that biodegradable polylactide derivatives films are a suitable support to form robust biomimetic S-protein layers.
A combined electron-ion spectrometer for studying complete kinematics of molecular dissociation upon shell selective ionization
Authors: Saha K. , Banerjee S. B. , Bapat B.
Published: July 2013

A combined electron-ion spectrometer has been built to study dissociation kinematics of molecular ions upon various electronic decay processes ensuing from ionization of neutral molecules. The apparatus can be used with various ionization agents. Ion time-of-flight (ToF) spectra arising from various electronic decay processes are acquired by triggering the ToF measurement in coincidence with energy analyzed electrons. The design and the performance of the spectrometer in a photoionization experiment is presented in detail. Electron spectra and ion time of flight spectra resulting from valence and 2p1/2 ionization of Argon and those from valence ionization of CO are presented to demonstrate the capability of the instrument. The fragment ion spectra show remarkable differences (both kinematic and cross sectional) dependent on the energy of the ejected electron, corresponding to various electron loss and decay mechanisms in dissociative photoionization of molecules.
Pyroelectric origin of the carrier density modulation at graphene-ferroelectric interface
Authors: Morozovska Anna N. , Strikha Maksym V.
Published: July 2013

Using continuous media theory approach we study the static and high-frequency heat dissipation in multi-layer graphene on a ferroelectric. Performed calculations have proved that the pyroelectric effect can modify essentially the free carrier density at the graphene-ferroelectric interface and consequently the conductivity of multi-layer graphene channel. Pyroelectric mechanism can be critical for understanding of the complex thermal and electrical processes taking place across and along graphene-ferroelectric interfaces at terahertz frequencies.
Tomography from diffuse waves: Passive shear wave imaging using low frame rate scanners
Authors: Catheline S. , Souchon R. , Rupin M. , Brum J. , Dinh A. H. , Chapelon J.-Y.
Published: July 2013

We present an approach to extract from the local measurement of a complex field a wavelength tomography. In contrast with noise correlation techniques developed in recent years in seismology or ultrasound, field measurement is under-sampled which opens applications to slow imaging devices. Through simulations and experiments, it is demonstrated that the loss of time and/or spatial coherence of the field measurement is not an obstacle for tomography reconstruction. We present an application in shear wave imaging: a conventional ultrasonic scanner working at 25 Hz is tested in a medical phantom and in the thyroid of a healthy volunteer.
Arctic center offers extreme hands-on education
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: June 2013

From petrology to paleontology to physics, research at the world’s northernmost education institute involves the Arctic and much, if not all of it, bears on climate change.
Chips may replace corn for harvesting solar fuels
Authors: Kramer David
Published: June 2013

Researchers hunt for appropriate semiconductors and molecules to power self-contained systems that can improve on photosynthesis.
Using Skype to Mother: Bodies, Emotions, Visuality, and Screens
Authors: Longhurst Robyn
Published: June 2013

This research examines how a group of mothers in Hamilton, Aotearoa New Zealand are developing and maintaining emotional and familial links with their children of a variety of ages via video calls using Skype. More specifically it seeks to deepen understanding of how seeing one's child or children as part of the communication affects mothers' feelings towards their children. The research is informed by Sara Ahmed's work on ‘queer phenomenology’ and the ‘cultural politics of emotions’, which enabled a critical engagement on mothers' and children's embodied and emotional relationships via screens that convey ‘real-time’ images. Interviews with thirty-five mothers, twenty-four of whom use Skype to contact their children or maintain contact with their own mothers, revealed that the dwelling places of bodies are no longer just rooms in homes where mothers, and children's flesh and emotions rub up against each other on a daily basis but screens across which voices and, even more importantly, images are shared. More than half the mothers who were interviewed reported that using Skype with real-time video to see their children reduced feelings of distance. They also reported that ‘seeing’ their child or children enables them to assess their children's well-being more accurately. In this way the computer screen, as object, by portraying moving visual images, is ‘reorientating’ mothers' and children's bodies offering a seemingly closer physical and emotional proximity than in the past.
Morphology, physiology and AFLP markers validate that green box is a hybrid of Eucalyptus largiflorens and E. gracilis (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Koerber Georgia R. , Anderson Peter A. , Seekamp Jack V.
Published: June 2013

Prolonged drought and salinity on the Chowilla floodplain of the Murray River have caused deterioration of E. largiflorens F.Muell. A putative hybrid with E. gracilis F.Muell, green box, withstands the saline conditions. We aimed to substantiate that green box is a hybrid and to test for agreement between morphological and physiological characters with amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP). Mature stands were measured for leaf, trunk, floral, cotyledon, carbon and nitrogen isotope discrimination, specific leaf area (SLA) and AFLP. Green box was placed between E. largiflorens and E. gracilis according to categorical principal components analysis (CATPCA) of 21 morphological and physiological characters and character states. The hybrid index of 11 AFLP markers that were 78% species specific separated E. gracilis and E. largiflorens, and the majority of green box plants displayed indices ranging from 0.42 to 0.53, reflecting mostly additive inheritance. Calculation of the hybrid index with all 232 AFLP markers, using maximum likelihood, similarly placed green box between E. gracilis and E. largiflorens. Our morphological, physiological and AFLP-marker observations substantiated that green box is a hybrid between E. largiflorens and E. gracilis.
Community event-based outreach screening for syphilis and other sexually transmissible infections among gay men in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Read Phillip J. , Knight Vickie , Bourne Christopher , Guy Rebecca , Donovan Basil , Allan Warwick , McNulty Anna M.
Published: June 2013

Objectives Increased testing frequency is a key strategy in syphilis control, but achieving regular testing is difficult. The objective of this study is to describe a sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing outreach program (the Testing Tent) at a gay community event. Methods: Gay men attending the testing tent in 2010–11 completed a computer-assisted self-interview and were screened for STIs. Clinical, demographic, behavioural and diagnostic data were compared with gay men attending a clinic-based service during 2009. The Testing Tent was marketed on social media sites and data were extracted on the number of times the advertisements were viewed. Staffing, laboratory, marketing and venue hire expenses were calculated to estimate the cost of delivering the service. Results: Ninety-eight men attended the Testing Tent. They were older (median age: 42 years v. 30 years; P < 0.001), had more sex partners (median: five in 3 months v. two; P < 0.001) and more likely to inject drugs (9% v. 4%; P = 0.034) than the 1006 clinic attendees, but were more likely to have previously tested for STIs (81% v. 69%; P = 0.028) and to always use condoms for anal sex (59% v. 43%; P = 0.005). Five cases of STIs were detected; the diagnostic yield was not significantly different from that of the clinic. The cost of the Testing Tent was A$28 440. Conclusion: Nonclinical testing facilities are an acceptable option and are accessed by gay men requiring regular testing, and may be an important addition to traditional testing environments.
Measuring self-efficacy to use vaginal microbicides: the Microbicide Use Self-Efficacy instrument
Authors: Fava Joseph L. , van den Berg Jacob J. , Rosen Rochelle K. , Salomon Liz , Vargas Sara , Christensen Anna L. , Pinkston Megan , Morrow Kathleen M.
Published: June 2013

Objectives
To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Microbicide Use Self-Efficacy (MUSE) instrument and to examine correlates of self-efficacy to use vaginal microbicides among a sample of racially and ethnically diverse women living in the north-eastern United States. Methods: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic methods were used to explore and determine the dimensionality and psychometric properties of the MUSE instrument. Construct validity was assessed by examining the relationships of the MUSE instrument to key sexual behaviour, partner communication, relationship and psychosocial variables. Results: Two dimensions of self-efficacy to use microbicides were psychometrically validated and identified as ‘Adherence and Access’ and ‘Situational Challenges.’ The two four-item subscales measuring Adherence and Access and Situational Challenges had reliability coefficients of 0.78 and 0.85, respectively. Correlates of the two measures were tested at a Bonferroni-adjusted α level of P = 0.001, and 19 of 43 variables analysed were found to significantly relate to Adherence and Access, whereas 16 of 43 variables were significantly related to Situational Challenges. Of the 35 significant relationships, 32 were in the domains of partner communication, partner relationships, and behavioural and psychosocial variables. Conclusions: The MUSE instrument demonstrated strong internal validity, reliability and initial construct validity. The MUSE instrument can be a useful tool in capturing the multidimensional nature of self-efficacy to use microbicides among diverse populations of women.
Intervocalic lenition and word-boundary effects
Authors: Hualde José Ignacio
Published: June 2013

The lenition of intervocalic consonants is typically phonologized in sound change only within word domains. At first blush, this morphological restriction might seem to contradict the Neogrammarian hypothesis of exclusively phonetic conditioning in sound change. In this paper I examine the weakening of intervocalic voiced stops/affricates in Istanbul Judeo-Spanish. Comparison with Old Spanish shows that in the native lexicon intervocalic lenition has affected only word-internal consonants. Even consonants following a prefix boundary remain unaffected.

I argue that, at the time of the expulsion of the Spanish Jews, the language already had the spirantization process, at least in incipient form. This process, which continues to operate across the board in Mainstream Spanish, became restricted at the word level in Judeo-Spanish. This interpretation, consistent with the Neogrammarian hypothesis, is the only one that offers an explanatory account and is supported by the evidence from other similar developments in the history of the Romance languages and with results from recent acoustic studies on incipient or optional lenition processes.
An ethnographic study of language socialization and choice in a first and second grade English medium classroom in Finland
Authors: Mökkönen Alicia Copp
Published: June 2013

In this ethnographic study of language socialization I investigate how a monolingual language norm is instituted, maintained, monitored, resisted, and subverted by participants in a first and second grade English medium class in Finland. In this setting language choice and use are an integral part of membership in this class. This study foregrounds the social implications of managing a monolingual norm by examining student agency, resistance, the achievement of voice, the uptake of a teacher-like discourse, and the practice of repair. The end result is a detailed exploration of peer-talk among students engaged in a variety of activities, highlighting the diverse trajectories of individuals, and giving evidence of the creative and agentive use of language among young learners.
On the cultural character of metaphor
Authors: Bernárdez Enrique
Published: June 2013

The paper is devoted to an analysis of the relation between language and culture in the context of
Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT). Section 2 deals in an explicitly critical way with some problems in the concept of “culture” as used in “mainstream” schools of CL. Section 3 offers a brief review of the problems involved in the studies on the concept of “time” and its metaphors. Section 4 reviews some interpretations of the concept of “time” in Amerindian cultures. Section 5 analyses the linguistic expression of time in Quechua, in an attempt to (dis)confirm the “past in front” conceptualisation proposed by some researchers for the (geographically and culturally close, but genetically unrelated) Aymara language. Some final conclusions follow.
The Problem of Measure Sensitivity Redux
Authors: Brössel Peter
Published: June 2013

Fitelson demonstrates that the validity of various central arguments within Bayesian confirmation theory depends on which confirmation measure is adopted. This article adds to the results set out by Fitelson, expanding on them in two principal respects. First, it considers more confirmation measures. Second, it shows that there are important arguments within Bayesian confirmation theory and that there is no confirmation measure that renders them all valid. Finally, the article reviews the ramifications that this “strengthened problem of measure sensitivity” has for Bayesian confirmation theory and discusses whether it points at pluralism about notions of confirmation.
Does functional redundancy stabilize fish communities?
Authors: Rice Jake , Daan Niels , Gislason Henrik , Pope John
Published: June 2013

Rice, J., Daan, N., Gislason, H., and Pope, J. Does functional redundancy stabilize fish communities? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 734–742. Functional redundancy of species sharing a feeding strategy and/or maximum size has been hypothesized to contribute to increased resilience of marine fish communities (the “portfolio effect”). A consistent time-series of survey data of fish in the North Sea was used to examine if trophic functional groups or maximum length of species (Lmax) groups with larger numbers of species had lower coefficients of variation in abundance and biomass over time than did groupings with fewer species. Results supported this hypothesis. However, the stabilizing effect of numbers of species in a group on variation in abundance or biomass could be accounted for by the Law of Large Numbers, providing no evidence that specific ecological processes or co-adaptations are necessary to produce this effect. This implies that successful conservation policies to maintain the resilience of a marine fish community could be based on strategies to maintain the number of species in functional groups, without having to know the detailed ecological interactions between the species.
Can fisheries-induced evolution shift reference points for fisheries management?
Authors: Heino Mikko , Baulier Loїc , Boukal David S. , Ernande Bruno , Johnston Fiona D. , Mollet Fabian M. , Pardoe Heidi , Therkildsen Nina O. , Uusi-Heikkilä Silva , Vainikka Anssi , Arlinghaus Robert , Dankel Dorothy J. , Dunlop Erin S. , Eikeset Anne Maria , Enberg Katja , Engelhard Georg H. , Jørgensen Christian , Laugen Ane T. , Matsumura Shuichi , Nusslé Sébastien , Urbach Davnah , Whitlock Rebecca , Rijnsdorp Adriaan D. , Dieckmann Ulf
Published: June 2013

Heino, M., Baulier, L., Boukal, D. S., Ernande, B., Johnston, F. D., Mollet, F. M., Pardoe, H., Therkildsen, N. O., Uusi-Heikkilä, S., Vainikka, A., Arlinghaus, R., Dankel, D. J., Dunlop, E. S., Eikeset, A. M., Enberg, K., Engelhard G. H., Jørgensen, C., Laugen, A. T., Matsumura, S., Nusslé, S., Urbach, D., Whitlock, R., Rijnsdorp, A. D., and Dieckmann, U. 2013. Can fisheries-induced evolution shift reference points for fisheries management? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 707–721. Biological reference points are important tools for fisheries management. Reference points are not static, but may change when a population's environment or the population itself changes. Fisheries-induced evolution is one mechanism that can alter population characteristics, leading to “shifting” reference points by modifying the underlying biological processes or by changing the perception of a fishery system. The former causes changes in “true” reference points, whereas the latter is caused by changes in the yardsticks used to quantify a system's status. Unaccounted shifts of either kind imply that reference points gradually lose their intended meaning. This can lead to increased precaution, which is safe, but potentially costly. Shifts can also occur in more perilous directions, such that actual risks are greater than anticipated. Our qualitative analysis suggests that all commonly used reference points are susceptible to shifting through fisheries-induced evolution, including the limit and “precautionary” reference points for spawning-stock biomass, Blim and Bpa, and the target reference point for fishing mortality, F0.1. Our findings call for increased awareness of fisheries-induced changes and highlight the value of always basing reference points on adequately updated information, to capture all changes in the biological processes that drive fish population dynamics.
Dehydration and Clearing of Adult Drosophila for Ultramicroscopy
Authors: Becker Klaus , Jährling Nina , Saghafi Saiedeh , Dodt Hans-Ulrich
Published: July 2013

This protocol describes the preparation of adult flies for ultramicroscopy (UM), a powerful imaging technique that achieves precise and accurate three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of intact macroscopic specimens with micrometer resolution. In UM, a specimen in the size range of ∼1–15 mm is illuminated perpendicular to the observation pathway by two thin counterpropagating sheets of laser light. Thus, specimens for UM need to be sufficiently transparent, which requires chemical clearing in most cases. In this protocol, Drosophila melanogaster adults are fixed, dehydrated in ethanol, and then cleared in a solution of benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate.
How to thrive in change and uncertainty
Authors: Stockdale Sue
Published: June 2013

Purpose

As training professionals, it is likely that there are many occasions where they have to step into unfamiliar environments and deliver highly effective results. So the importance of understanding the factors that influence how individuals respond to uncertainty should not be underestimated. The purpose of this paper is to use two well‐known models (the Johari window and the change curve) to explore this issue and consider how to develop an effective mindset and behaviour when entering unknown or unfamiliar environments at work.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework was designed in order to deliver a workshop on change for an academic audience, and bring together two unrelated concepts.

Findings

Mindset is the critical element to pay attention to when entering an unknown environment, as it drives behaviour.

Practical implications

Trainers should be cognisant of their own beliefs and mindset and recognise how they can help or interfere with how they perform at work.

Originality/value

This is original research bringing together these two models.
The miracle of coaching
Authors: Ingleton Coral
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the author's viewpoint on coaching and its benefits. It also aims to cover using coaching as a development tool and how reciprocal coaching can be of benefit to organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The author's approach to this paper is to consider how she became involved in coaching and the developments that evolved.

Findings

The paper provides insights into coaching as a development tool and how to “grow” coaches within organisations.

Practical implications

The paper includes development of a coach as manager strategy, as well as the development of a coaching and mentoring network.

Originality/value

The paper describes the value of coaching within organisations.
Predictors of internet banking adoption
Authors: Mzoughi Nabil , M’Sallem Wafa
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This research aims to describe three profile segments (postponers, opponents and rejectors) of non‐adopters of internet banking in Tunisia, and attempts to predict consumers’ willingness to adopt this new technology using a range of factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical background was mainly based on dispositional resistance to change theory, as well as previous literature on internet banking. A total of 595 surveys were collected via face‐to‐face interviews. In order to predict consumers’ intentions, selective factors were proposed (i.e. perceived usefulness, perceived risk, dispositional resistance to change, demographics). Data was assessed through multinomial logistic regression.

Findings

Significant differences were observed between the three segments (postponers, opponents and rejectors) on the basis of the proposed predictors. Moreover, dispositional resistance to change as a personality trait plays a significant role in behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

Dispositional resistance to change as a personality trait is still underdeveloped in marketing research studies. This paper provides managerial recommendations for Tunisian bank practitioners to better profile their targets.
Supply‐side strategic flexibility capabilities in container liner shipping
Authors: Mason Robert , Nair Rawindaran
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which supply side flexibility tactics are deployed by operators in the container liner shipping sector in 2009/200 to restrict supply in a market which is characterised by over‐supply (as well as under demand).

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a case study approach using the Far East‐Europe trade lane, secondary data are reviewed for each type of internal flexibility capability. This is supplemented by a qualitative Delphi‐based research method so that findings are iteratively verified with leading practitioner personnel.

Findings

In 2009, directly after the severe imbalance between demand and supply emerged, liner shipping providing companies were only partially able to exploit the flexibility tactics that were available to them. This improved in 2010 and contributed to an upturn in performance.

Research limitations/implications

Ocean freight logistics provides a vital foundation for contemporary international commerce. However, the viable provision of this service has become significantly more challenging and this research examines why this is the case and what supply side responses are being deployed. Taking a case study approach focussing on 2009/2010 restricts the generalisability of the research that could now be examined on a longer time scale across the whole sector.

Originality/value

This research is novel as there has been no previous research which has looked at the deployment of supply side flexibility tactics in the container liner shipping sector. The findings have considerable bearing on how the industry is run and understood by its providers, customers and regulators.
Ensuring good governance in Singapore
Authors: Quah Jon S.T.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attribute Singapore's good governance to the effective policies implemented by the People's Action Party (PAP) government and contend that it will be difficult to transfer Singapore's experience to other countries because of Singapore's unique circumstances and favourable policy context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses four policies initiated by the PAP government: comprehensive reform of the Singapore Civil Service; anti‐corruption measures; decentralization of the Public Service Commission; and payment of competitive salaries to attract and retain the best candidates to the government. The effectiveness of these policies is assessed by referring to Singapore's performance on eight governance indicators.

Findings

The four policies are effective, as reflected in Singapore's superior rankings and scores on eight indicators: Global Competitiveness Report's (GCR's) competence of public officials; World Bank's indicator on government effectiveness; Political Economic Risk Consultancy's (PERC's) survey on bureaucratic effectiveness; Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index; PERC's survey on corruption; World Bank's indicator on control of corruption; World Bank's ease of doing business survey; and GCR's public trust of politicians survey. However, as Singapore's good governance is the result of the PAP government's political will and its favourable policy context, it is difficult to transfer Singapore's experience elsewhere because of the limited political will and unfavourable policy contexts in many Asian countries.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful to those interested in learning how Singapore succeeded in promoting good governance.
Does accreditation promote organizational learning? A multiple case study of Canadian university business schools
Authors: Elliott Catherine J. , Goh Swee C.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential learning consequences of AACSB accreditation as perceived by administrators and faculty members at four Canadian university business schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, multiple case study approach was employed. A purposive sample of four Canadian business schools was selected and data were collected from multiple sources. The data were analyzed using NVivo7 and a cross case analysis was performed.

Findings

The results indicate that AACSB accreditation facilitated organizational learning in three of the four schools. Respondents felt that accreditation promoted strategic alignment, a re‐assessment of the school's mission, and an emphasis on performance management; others identified an increased focus on quality and/or research. Accreditation also served as a catalyst for change, one which motivated program improvement. In terms of contextual factors, leadership was found to be the most pervasive influence on organizational learning effects. Resource dependence was also found to be influential.

Research limitations/implications

This research highlights the importance of educational leadership in facilitating organizational learning through evaluative inquiry. Because of the qualitative methodology, the sample size is limited to four university business schools.

Practical implications

This study has practical implications for management education internationally, as AACSB accreditation is increasingly a global phenomenon. The findings will be of interest to educational administrators, policy makers, managers, and accrediting bodies who are interested in facilitating learning through accreditation

Originality/value

This research offers a novel approach to studying the question of AACSB accreditation and its learning effects. By using a qualitative multiple case study method, this research provided a unique opportunity to focus more keenly on context and its role in influencing the potential learning consequences of accreditation.
Exploring trends in the codes of ethics of the Fortune 100 and Global 100 corporations
Authors: Sharbatoghlie Ahmad , Mosleh Mohsen , Shokatian Taha
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore emerging trends in the content of codes of ethics of US Fortune 100 and Global 100 corporate web sites through a longitudinal study.

Design/methodology/approach

The web sites of the 200 companies were surfed and the relevant documents of the codes of ethics were extracted to separate text files. The computer files were then mined using the customized developed software and each ethical keyword was counted. The number of filed codes of ethics was 95 for both the 100 US‐based and the 100 Global‐based companies.

Findings

In addition to the content analysis of the ethic codes of the studied groups and finding high‐frequency ethical keywords, the results of this study indicate a convergence of the contents. Moreover, the results also show that the ethical codes are now more readily available on corporations’ web sites; that is a sign of higher level of disclosure of ethical codes compared to that in 2006. Finally, this research proposes some hypotheses to explain the changes from 2006 to 2009.

Practical implications

Many smaller corporations and start‐up companies can benefit from the results of this study by comparing their codes of ethics with those of the major US and global companies, using key ethical phrases that are discussed here. Moreover, US companies wanting to establish new subsidiaries in other countries can also take advantage of the results of this study. They can find out what are the common dissimilarities between American corporates and other international firms, from ethical point of view, when they want to reach a uniform code of ethics.

Social implications

Longitudinal study of the content of codes of ethics can help in encouraging firms to give consideration to ethical issues. This research is the first attempt to study the ethical standards adopted by the major US and global corporations, before and after the global financial crisis.

Originality/value

This study analyses the content of codes of ethics of the world's top firms and compares Fortune 500 and global 500 companies, considering the frequency of ethical keywords on their codes. It also compares the similarities and differences and indicates whether the content is divergent or convergent. The study also shows how the disclosure of codes of ethics has changed in the time‐span of research.
Employee involvement and organizational effectiveness
Authors: Amah Edwinah , Ahiauzu Augustine
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which employee involvement influences organizational effectiveness and to examine the extent to which employee involvement influences profitability, productivity, and market share.

Design/methodology/approach

The correlational study was conducted as a cross‐sectional survey. Research questionnaires were administered and interviews were held with managers in the organizations studied. A total of 388 managers were randomly drawn from a population of 13,339 managers of all the 24 banks in Nigeria. The independent variable, “employee involvement” was measured by empowerment, team orientation, and capacity development. The dependent variable, “organizational effectiveness” was measured by profitability, productivity, and market share. The measures all used a five‐point Likert scale (ranging from 1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree) and Spearman's rank correlation statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The descriptive statistics of the study variables indicate that employee involvement positively influences organizational effectiveness. The result (Rho=0.515, p<0.05) shows a positive significant relationship between employee involvement and profitability. The result (Rho=0.126, p<0.05) shows a positive relationship between employee involvement and productivity. The result (Rho=0.256, p<0.05) shows a positive relationship between employee involvement and market share.

Research limitations/implications

The result cannot be generalized because the study was carried out only in the banking industry. Not all the questionnaires given out were retrieved. Some respondents were reluctant to give out information about their organizations because of fear that such information will get to their competitors. Relevant literature on the topic of African origin were scarce, thus most of the literature reviewed was from Europe and America.

Practical implications

The results imply that increase in the level of employee involvement in organizations will enhance profitability, productivity, and market share. This means that employee involvement is associated with organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

The study provides increased understanding, prediction, and appreciation of human behaviour. It enables us analyze the relationship that exist between employee involvement and organizational effectiveness. The study significantly enhances the body of knowledge in this area of management, as it provides reliable empirical results that can be used by scholars and practitioners. It will also help to alert managers to the implications of cultivating a culture of employee involvement that can serve as a competitive advantage. The study will be a challenge to further research because of its findings.
Growing older together: ageing and people with learning disabilities and their family carers
Authors: Walker Carol , Ward Cally
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This article aims to explore the new challenge posed by the first generations of people with learning disabilities who are now living into older age in significant numbers. Most are living with family carers, who are themselves ageing. This represents a major transition in people's lives and one to which services must respond if a normal life event is not to be turned into a crisis. Though this issue has been acknowledged by government, much more needs to be done to provide people with learning disabilities and their families with the necessary support to enjoy a healthy and active old age.

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws on the work of the authors for over a decade in this field.

Findings

Learning disabled people are likely to experience the age discrimination common in much older people provision and practice and the caring relationship is undermined in the short and long term. Evidence on the extension of personalisation indicates that it presents very considerable challenges for this group of families.

Practical implications

More information is needed on this growing population. More preventative support is needed to sustain the caring relationship while the family is living together, to support families to plan for the future, and to provide support when the caring relationship breaks down.

Originality/value

The article draws together data from the fields of ageing, learning disability and family care to highlight the increasing challenge, which this growing, but neglected, population presents both for policy and practice. It examines the implications for both the older people themselves and for the ageing family carers with whom the majority live and of current government policy in social care and welfare benefits for this very vulnerable group.
Estimating how many deaths of people with learning disabilities in England could be prevented by better medical care
Authors: Glover Gyles , Emerson Eric
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the findings of the Confidential Inquiry into Premature Deaths of People with Learning Disabilities, to estimate the likely annual number of deaths of people with learning disabilities in England that would be amenable to healthcare, or both amenable and preventable.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses two scaling approaches, one based on age profiles of the population of the study area and of the country, the other on General Practice Quality and Outcome Framework (QOF) learning disability register statistics.

Findings

National estimates of the annual number of deaths either amenable to healthcare or both amenable and preventable were 1,413 using the age‐based scaling approach and 1,238 using the QOF‐based approach. The two estimates are reasonably close, and represent about three and a half people a day or 25 a week.

Originality/value

The likely accuracy of the estimates depends on how representative of the country the study area is. There are reasons for thinking that people with learning disability are, if anything, likely to be more accurately recognised and better treated there. Both influences would have the effect of reducing national estimates using the authors’ methods. This suggests they should be seen as a minimum.
Commentary on “Communication is the key: improving outcomes for people with learning disabilities”
Authors: Bradshaw Jill
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a commentary on Lewer and Harding's article about the use of “the open communication tool”(OCT).

Design/methodology/approach

This article reviews the OCT as a method of both developing shared goals and understandings and identifying implementation issues.

Findings

The OCT can provide a useful model when working in services. It might be enhanced by also including ways of systematically addressing the views of the person with a learning disability and their family members.

Originality/value

Indirect interventions delivered in the way described may be problematic in that some research suggests that staff teams place greater value on knowledge that is directly gained by experience of working with the person. This raises questions relating to the model within which clinical services are often delivered to supported housing settings and whether this needs to change.
Selecting for the phenotypic optimum: size‐related trade‐offs between mortality risk and reproductive output in female sockeye salmon
Authors: Cunningham Curry J. , Courage Mira G. , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: June 2013

Selection drives evolutionary changes but is often difficult to quantify and tightly link to phenotypic trait distributions in wild populations.

Sampling a single population of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) for over a decade, we calculated the expected spawning success for females resulting from: (i) increased fecundity with body length, (ii) the mortality cost of prolonged marine residency necessary to achieve large size, (iii) size‐selective natural mortality on the spawning grounds from biotic (bear and gull predation) and abiotic (stranding) processes and (iv) exploitation by a size‐selective commercial fishery. We quantified the size‐specific probability of different modes of death and the resultant potential for successful spawning, and then modelled the theoretical relationship between female length and fitness (spawning success) in the population.

This optimal distribution closely matched the observed length distribution of the focal population, when removals by the size‐selective commercial fishery were included. We then used a likelihood‐based approach to compare competing model predictions to length distributions from other populations in the watershed with different levels of size‐selective freshwater mortality, as determined by the physical characteristics of the spawning grounds.

This study provides a quantitative framework for assessing female spawning success in wild populations, as represented by the expected number of eggs deposited per spawning female. These results advance previous analyses of natural selection in that predictions for phenotypic distributions were generated and then compared to those observed in situ, rather than assuming the adaptive nature of observed distributions.
Critical importance of large native trees for conservation of a rare Neotropical epiphyte
Authors: Kartzinel Tyler R. , Trapnell Dorset W. , Shefferson Richard P.
Published: June 2013

The distribution of rare plants may be limited by environmental or density‐dependent factors that reduce population growth and persistence. The relative importance of environmental limitations vs. the degree to which conspecifics influence recruitment may determine optimal management strategies for plants of conservation concern.

We sowed seeds of a rare epiphytic orchid in trees from agricultural Costa Rican landscapes to ask how recruitment is influenced by established conspecific plants and the environment. We hypothesized that recruitment is positively influenced by conspecific plants. Conspecific adults were expected to be associated with favourable microhabitats and mycorrhizal fungi for germinating seeds, without creating unfavourably competitive conditions. Alternatively, we hypothesized that recruitment varies due to environmental differences among study sites or host trees, irrespective of adult proximity.

We experimentally added 240 packets of seeds from 2 source populations into four naturally established populations. Germination was evaluated after five months. We used mixed models and conditional inference trees to evaluate results.

Proximity to conspecific adults neither increased nor decreased germination. Instead, large native trees and microsites with more closed canopies supported significantly greater germination than smaller cultivated trees and microsites with more open canopies.

Synthesis. Landscape changes that replace large native trees with a more homogenous array of cultivated species may not only reduce rare epiphyte populations directly, but also limit their ability to colonize disturbed secondary habitats. Because the habitat is the prime determinant of recruitment, large and often isolated native trees that act as refuges for rare epiphytes in disturbed landscapes should be a top priority for local conservation efforts.
Parental account of support for specific learning difficulties in Hong Kong
Authors: Poon‐McBrayer Kim Fong , McBrayer Philip Allen
Published: June 2013

Parents play a significant role in the education of children with special needs. Recent national policies have aimed to improve support for students with specific learning difficulties and their families in Hong Kong. Literature on the experiences of children with specific learning difficulties in Hong Kong is scarce. This study, by Kim Fong Poon‐McBrayer of the Hong Kong Institute of Education and Philip Allen McBrayer of the University of Guam, attempts to capture a glimpse of the support for students with specific learning difficulties through their parents' account of experiences with school practices. Findings indicated parents' frustration over the use of grade retention as a remedial method, the use of expulsion as a disciplinary strategy, limited instructional support, and a lack of school‐initiated communication to inform, engage or support parents in the special education process which in turn resulted in a poor home–school relationship. Recommendations centred on policy enforcement, reducing class size and teacher workload, and improving home–school relationships.