bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of temperature on grain size, phase composition, and electrical properties in the relaxor-ferroelectric-system Pb(Ni1∕3Nb2∕3)O3-Pb(Zr,Ti)O3
Authors: Wagner S. , Kahraman D. , Kungl H. , Hoffmann M. J. , Schuh C. , Lubitz K. , Murmann-Biesenecker H. , Schmid J. A.
Published: July 2005

Relaxor ferroelectrics near the morphotropic phase boundary were prepared by pressureless sintering at various temperatures in order to study the influence of grain size on phase composition and electrical properties. Investigations of the microstructure indicate an increase in grain size from 0.5to3.7μm when the sintering temperature is increased from 1050to1290°C. The corresponding phase composition is changed from predominantly rhombohedral for small grain sizes to more than 80% tetragonal for larger grain sizes. Low-voltage measurements of poled and unpoled samples correlate well with the x-ray diffraction results. An increase of the permittivity after poling is found for samples with a high tetragonal phase content, while samples with a predominantly rhombohedral composition show a slight decrease. The remanent polarization as well as uni- and bipolar strain increase with increasing sintering temperature by a factor larger than 2, whereas the coercive field EC remains nearly constant for all sintering conditions.
Intense electron beam propagation through insulators: Ionization front structure and stability
Authors: Krasheninnikov S. I. , Kim A. V. , Frolov B. K. , Stephens R.
Published: July 2005

The structure and stability of the ionization front, which occurs as a high intensity electron beam propagates through an insulator, are considered. It is found that, due to the electric field ionization, the velocity of the front, Vf, has a nonmonotonic dependence on the beam density, nb, and in some particular beam density range Vf increases with increasing nb. Two instabilities of the ionization front associated with the electric field ionization process of the insulator are found: a long wavelength (⪞fewμ) and relatively slow (∼1013s−1) corrugation instability and a short wavelength (∼subμ) and relatively fast (∼few×1013s−1) electric field ionization instability.
Fluorine-doping concentration and fictive temperature dependence of self-trapped holes in SiO2 glasses
Authors: Wang R. P. , Tai N. , Saito K. , Ikushima A. J.
Published: July 2005

Fictive temperature (Tf) and fluorine (F)-doping concentration dependences of self-trapped holes (STHs) in silica glasses created by UV irradiation at low temperatures have been studied by the electron-paramagnetic-resonance method. It was found that the yield of STH decreases with decreasing Tf and increasing F-doping concentration. In combination with infrared spectra measurements, the correlation among Tf, F-doping concentration, Si–O bond length, and Si–O–Si bond angle was elucidated. We conclude that the change in both Tf and F doping can modify the network of SiO2 glass, leading to the suppression of the formation of STHs.
Charge trap levels in sulfur-doped chemical-vapor-deposited diamond with applications to ultraviolet dosimetry
Authors: Trajkov E. , Prawer S. , Butler J. E. , Hearne S. M.
Published: July 2005

Electrically active defects and traps in sulfur-doped polycrystalline diamond films synthesized by microwave-assisted chemical-vapor deposition are evaluated using thermally stimulated conductivity measurements after ultraviolet (UV) illumination. The measurements are found to be consistent with the latest theoretical predictions for the role of sulfur dopants in diamond. The suitability of S-doped diamond as a UV dosimeter is discussed.
Molecular-beam study of the water-helium system: Features of the isotropic component of the intermolecular interaction and a critical test for the available potential-energy surfaces
Authors: Cappelletti David , Aquilanti Vincenzo , Cornicchi Elena , Teixidor Marc Moix , Pirani Fernando
Published: July 2005

We report molecular-beam measurements of the total integral cross sections for the scattering of water molecules by helium atoms. A combined analysis of the new experimental data together with available differential cross section results has allowed an accurate determination of the isotropic component of the interaction potential for this prototypical system. The potential well shows a depth of 0.265±0.010kJ∕mol at a distance between He and the center of mass of the water molecule of 0.345±0.02nm. An effective isotropic long-range attraction constant CLR=(6.3±0.3)×10−4kJmol−1nm−6, including both dispersion and induction contributions, has also been determined. The most recent and accurate ab initio potential-energy surfaces have been tested against these new experimental results.
Multi-channel homodyne detection of continuous-wave terahertz radiation
Authors: Gregory I. S. , Tribe W. R. , Evans M. J. , Drysdale T. D. , Cumming D. R. S. , Missous M.
Published: July 2005

We demonstrate the principle of multichannel spectral data capture using an all-optoelectronic terahertz photomixing system. Two independent laser diodes, each emitting in multiple longitudinal modes, are used to generate and detect over ten terahertz frequencies simultaneously. The spectral composition can be altered by tuning the lasers, and filtering is achieved through the use of resonant antennas and tunable photonic crystal filters. Potential applications include gas phase spectroscopy and explosives detection.
Effect of annealing on leakage current in Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 and Ba0.96Ca0.04Ti0.84Zr0.16O3 thin films with Pt electrodes
Authors: Cramer N. , Mahmud Ali , Kalkur T. S.
Published: July 2005

Ba 0.96 Ca 0.04 Ti 0.84 Zr 0.16 O 3 (BCTZ) and Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST) thin films were deposited at a substrate temperature of 450°C via rf magnetron sputtering to form Pt∕BCTZ∕Pt and Pt∕BST∕Pt capacitors. BCTZ thin films hold promise as an alternative to BST in capacitor applications due to the resistance of BCTZ to reducing atmospheres. In order to produce BST films with low dc leakage current, oxygen is routinely used during film growth and often afterwards during anneals. The effect of postannealing the capacitors in either forming gas or oxygen at temperatures up to 700°C (BST) and 800°C (BCTZ) were studied. The leakage mechanism is shown to be dominated by Schottky emission and the Schottky barrier height is reported as a function of anneal gas composition and anneal temperature.
Experimental and theoretical studies of the quenching of Li(3p,4p) by N2
Authors: Komaragiri Vivek , McCarter Benjamin , Bililign Solomon , Hagebaum-Reignier Denis , Ledentu Vincent , Jeung Gwang-Hi
Published: July 2005

Quenching mechanisms of the Li(3p) and Li(4p) states in collision with the nitrogen molecule are studied by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and by a quantum chemical calculation. The Li(3p) state is observed to be efficiently quenched to the Li(3s) state detected as intense 3s→2p emission. The Li(4p) state is efficiently quenched to the Li(4s) and Li(3d) states detected as 4s-2p and 3d-2p emissions, respectively. The potential-energy surfaces for the Li(2s-4p)N2 states show a large number of conical intersections and avoided crossings resulting from the couplings between the ionic [Li+(N2)−] and covalent configurations. There are a large number of stable excited states, and we give here the spectroscopic constants for the lowest two stable isomers correlating to Li(2p)+N2.
Internal high-reflectivity omni-directional reflectors
Authors: Xi J.-Q. , Ojha Manas , Plawsky J. L. , Gill W. N. , Kim Jong Kyu , Schubert E. F.
Published: July 2005

An internal high-reflectivity omni-directional reflector (ODR) for the visible spectrum is realized by the combination of total internal reflection using a low-refractive-index (low-n) material and reflection from a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1D PC). The low-n layer limits the range of angles in the 1D PC to values below the Brewster angle, thereby enabling high reflectivity and omni-directionality. This ODR is demonstrated using GaP as ambient, nanoporous SiO2 with a very low refractive index (n=1.10), and a four-pair TiO2/SiO2 multilayer stack. The results indicate a two orders of magnitude lower angle-integrated transverse-electric-transverse-magnetic polarization averaged mirror loss of the ODR compared with conventional distributed Bragg reflectors and metal reflectors. This indicates the high potential of the internal ODRs for optoelectronic semiconductor devices, e.g., light-emitting diodes.
Ca Cu 3 Ti 4 O 12 ∕ Ca Ti O 3 composite dielectrics: Ba∕Pb-free dielectric ceramics with high dielectric constants
Authors: Kobayashi W. , Terasaki I.
Published: July 2005

We have measured dielectric properties of Ca1+xCu3−xTi4O12 (x=0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.9 and 3), and have found that Ca2Cu2Ti4O12 (a composite of CaCu3Ti4O12 and CaTiO3) exhibits a high dielectric constant of 1800 with a low dissipation factor of 0.02 below 100kHz from 220to300K. These are comparable to (or even better than) those of the Pb∕Ba-based ceramics, which could be attributed to a barrier layer of CaTiO3 on the surface of the CaCu3Ti4O12 grains. The composite dielectric ceramics reported here are environmentally benign as they do not contain Ba∕Pb.
Electro-generation of single femtoliter- and picoliter-volume aqueous droplets in microfluidic systems
Authors: He Mingyan , Kuo Jason S. , Chiu Daniel T.
Published: July 2005

This letter presents a new method to generate individual femtoliter- to picoliter-volume aqueous droplets in oil using single voltage pulses. With high-speed imaging, we characterized the displacement of the water-oil interface as a function of the time and amplitude of the voltage pulse. At high voltages where jetting and droplet formation occurred, we observed the ratio of droplet-to-jet diameter to be ∼1.84, which suggested Rayleigh instability as the primary mechanism responsible for droplet breakup. Droplets with volumes ranging from 14 fl to 8 pl were produced using this method.
Quantitative copper measurement in oxidized p-type silicon wafers using microwave photoconductivity decay
Authors: Väinölä H. , Saarnilehto E. , Yli-Koski M. , Haarahiltunen A. , Sinkkonen J. , Berenyi G. , Pavelka T.
Published: July 2005

We propose a method to measure trace copper contamination in p-type silicon using the microwave photoconductivity decay (μ-PCD) technique. The method is based on the precipitation of interstitial copper, activated by high-intensity light, which results in enhanced minority carrier recombination activity. We show that there is a quantitative correlation between the enhanced recombination rate and the Cu concentration by comparing μ-PCD measurements with transient ion drift and total reflection x-ray fluorescence measurements. The results indicate that the method is capable of measuring Cu concentrations down to 1010cm−3. There are no limitations to wafer storage time if corona charge is used on the oxidized wafer surfaces as the charge prevents copper outdiffusion. We briefly discuss the role of oxide precipitates both in the copper precipitation and in the charge carrier recombination processes.
Optical-feedback-induced stability and instability in broad-area semiconductor lasers
Authors: Fujita Yasuhiro , Ohtsubo Junji
Published: July 2005

Stable and unstable oscillations of broad-area semiconductor laser with optical feedback are experimentally examined. We observe stable oscillations and also coexistent states between stable oscillations and low-frequency fluctuations depending on the feedback positions of the laser beam in the active layer. The laser shows single mode operations both for the oscillation frequency and the spatial mode when it is stabilized.
Electronic structure of wurtzite quantum dots with cylindrical symmetry
Authors: Lew Yan Voon L. C. , Galeriu C. , Lassen B. , Willatzen M. , Melnik R.
Published: July 2005

This paper presents a six-band k∙p theory for wurtzite semiconductor nanostructures with cylindrical symmetry. Our work extends the formulation of Vahala and Sercel [Phys. Rev. Lett. 65 239 (1990)] to the Rashba-Sheka-Pikus Hamiltonian for wurtzite semiconductors, without the need for the axial approximation. Comparisons of our formulation for studying the electronic structure of wurzite quantum dots with the conventional formulation are given.
Gating of proton and water transfer in the respiratory enzyme cytochrome
c
oxidase
Authors: Wikström Mårten , Ribacka Camilla , Molin Mika , Laakkonen Liisa , Verkhovsky Michael , Puustinen Anne
Published: July 2005

The membrane-bound enzyme cytochrome
c
oxidase is responsible for cell respiration in aerobic organisms and conserves free energy from O
2
reduction into an electrochemical proton gradient by coupling the redox reaction to proton-pumping across the membrane. O
2
reduction produces water at the bimetallic heme
a
3
/Cu
B
active site next to a hydrophobic cavity deep within the membrane. Water molecules in this cavity have been suggested to play an important role in the proton-pumping mechanism. Here, we show by molecular dynamics simulations that the conserved arginine/heme
a
3
Δ-propionate ion pair provides a gate, which exhibits reversible thermal opening that is governed by the redox state and the water molecules in the cavity. An important role of this gate in the proton-pumping mechanism is supported by site-directed mutagenesis experiments. Transport of the product water out of the enzyme must be rigidly controlled to prevent water-mediated proton leaks that could compromise the proton-pumping function. Exit of product water is observed through the same arginine/propionate gate, which provides an explanation for the observed extraordinary spatial specificity of water expulsion from the enzyme.
Altered retinoid homeostasis catalyzed by a nicotine metabolite: Implications in macular degeneration and normal development
Authors: Brogan Andrew P. , Dickerson Tobin J. , Boldt Grant E. , Janda Kim D.
Published: July 2005

Retinoids (vitamin A) serve two distinct functions in higher animals: light absorption for vision and gene regulation for growth and development. Cigarette smoking is a contributing factor for diseases that affect vision such as age-related macular degeneration and increases the risk of birth defects; however, altered retinoid homeostasis has received little attention as a potential mechanism for smoking-associated toxicities. Herein, we demonstrate that nornicotine, a nicotine metabolite and component of cigarette smoke, catalyzes the
Z
-to-
E
alkene isomerization of unsaturated aldehydes and ketones, including retinals. Despite the recent explosion in the use of organic compounds as chemical catalysts, minimal effort has been devoted to biologically relevant organocatalysis. Our study demonstrates a system in which a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital-lowering intermediate similar to the endogenous protein rhodopsin effectively catalyzes isomerization under biologically relevant conditions. The product of retinal isomerization is
all-E
-retinal, which in the eye is a biosynthetic precursor to
N
-retinylidene-
N
-retinylethanolamine, a hallmark of age-related macular degeneration. Furthermore, 9-
Z
- and
all-E
-retinal isomers are biosynthetic precursors to 9-
Z
- and
all-E
-retinoic acids, ligands that mediate specific cellular responses by binding to transcriptional regulatory proteins critical in growth and development. Strict maintenance of retinal isomer composition is essential for proper transcriptional regulation. Nornicotine-catalyzed retinal isomerization implies an underlying molecular mechanism for age-related macular degeneration, the birth defects associated with smoking, and other smoking-associated abnormalities that stem from disruption of retinoid metabolism.
Cyclic mechanical strain‐induced proliferation and migration of human airway smooth muscle cells: role of EMMPRIN and MMPs
Authors: Hasaneen Nadia A. , Zucker Stanley , Cao Jian , Chiarelli Christian , Panettieri Reynold A. , Foda Hussein D.
Published: July 2005

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) proliferation and migration are major components of airway remodeling in asthma. Asthmatic airways are exposed to mechanical strain, which contributes to their remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) plays an important role in remodeling. In the present study, we examined if the mechanical strain of human ASM (HASM) cells contributes to their proliferation and migration and the role of MMPs in this process. HASM were exposed to mechanical strain using the FlexCell system. HASM cell proliferation, migration and MMP release, activation, and expression were assessed. Our results show that cyclic strain increased the proliferation and migration of HASM; cyclic strain increased release and activation of MMP‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 and membrane type 1‐MMP; MMP release was preceded by an increase in extracellular MMP inducer; Prinomastat [a MMP inhibitor (MMPI)] significantly decreased cyclic strain‐induced proliferation and migration of HASM; and the strain‐induced increase in the release of MMPs was accompanied by an increase in tenascin‐C release. In conclusion, cyclic mechanical strain plays an important role in HASM cell proliferation and migration. This increase in proliferation and migration is through an increase in MMP release and activation. Pharmacological MMPIs should be considered in the pursuit of therapeutic options for airway remodeling in asthma.
Gene essentiality and the topology of protein interaction networks
Authors: Coulomb Stéphane , Bauer Michel , Bernard Denis , Marsolier-Kergoat Marie-Claude
Published: July 2005

The mechanistic bases for gene essentiality and for cell mutational resistance have long been disputed. The recent availability of large protein interaction databases has fuelled the analysis of protein interaction networks and several authors have proposed that gene dispensability could be strongly related to some topological parameters of these networks. However, many results were based on protein interaction data whose biases were not taken into account. In this article, we show that the essentiality of a gene in yeast is poorly related to the number of interactants (or degree) of the corresponding protein and that the physiological consequences of gene deletions are unrelated to several other properties of proteins in the interaction networks, such as the average degrees of their nearest neighbours, their clustering coefficients or their relative distances. We also found that yeast protein interaction networks lack degree correlation, i.e. a propensity for their vertices to associate according to their degrees. Gene essentiality and more generally cell resistance against mutations thus seem largely unrelated to many parameters of protein network topology.
The effect of host heterogeneity and parasite intragenomic interactions on parasite population structure
Authors: Hamilton Ruth , Boots Mike , Paterson Steve
Published: July 2005

Understanding the processes that shape the genetic structure of parasite populations and the functional consequences of different parasite genotypes is critical for our ability to predict how an infection can spread through a host population and for the design of effective vaccines to combat infection and disease. Here, we examine how the genetic structure of parasite populations responds to host genetic heterogeneity. We consider the well-characterized molecular specificity of major histocompatibility complex binding of antigenic peptides to derive deterministic and stochastic models. We use these models to ask, firstly, what conditions favour the evolution of generalist parasite genotypes versus specialist parasite genotypes? Secondly, can parasite genotypes coexist in a population? We find that intragenomic interactions between parasite loci encoding antigenic peptides are pivotal in determining the outcome of evolution. Where parasite loci interact synergistically (i.e. the recognition of additional antigenic peptides has a disproportionately large effect on parasite fitness), generalist parasite genotypes are favoured. Where parasite loci act multiplicatively (have independent effects on fitness) or antagonistically (have diminishing effects on parasite fitness), specialist parasite genotypes are favoured. A key finding is that polymorphism is not stable and that, with respect to functionally important antigenic peptides, parasite populations are dominated by a single genotype.
Ravens,
Corvus corax
, differentiate between knowledgeable and ignorant competitors
Authors: Bugnyar Thomas , Heinrich Bernd
Published: July 2005

Human social behaviour is influenced by attributing mental states to others. It is debated whether and to what extent such skills might occur in non-human animals. We here test for the possibility of ravens attributing knowledge about the location of food to potential competitors. In our experiments, we capitalize on the mutually antagonistic interactions that occur in these birds between those individuals that store food versus those that try to pilfer these caches. Since ravens' pilfer success depends on memory of observed caches, we manipulated the view of birds at caching, thereby designing competitors who were either knowledgeable or ignorant of cache location and then tested the responses of both storers and pilferers to those competitors at recovery. We show that ravens modify their cache protection and pilfer tactics not simply in response to the immediate behaviour of competitors, but also in relation to whether or not they previously had the opportunity of observing caching. Our results suggest that the birds not only recall whom they had seen during caching, but also know that obstacles can obstruct the view of others and that this affects pilfering.
Enhanced schooling performance in lateralized fishes
Authors: Bisazza Angelo , Dadda Marco
Published: July 2005

The occurrence of functional left–right cerebral asymmetries has been documented in a wide range of animals, suggesting that the lateralization of cognitive functions enjoys some kind of selective advantage over the bilateral control of the same functions. Here, we compared schooling performance of fishes with high or low degree of lateralization, which were obtained through selective breeding. Schools of lateralized fishes moving in a novel environment showed significantly more cohesion and coordination than schools of non-lateralized (NL) fishes. Pairs of fishes lateralized in opposite directions were as efficient as pairs of same laterality, suggesting that the performance of lateralized fishes derives from a computational advantage rather than being the consequence of a behavioural similarity among schoolmates. In schools composed of both lateralized and NL fishes, the latter were more often at the periphery of the school while lateralized fishes occupied the core, a position normally safer and energetically less expensive.
Geographical variation in sound production in the anemonefish
Amphiprion akallopisos
Authors: Parmentier E , Lagardère J.P , Vandewalle P , Fine M.L
Published: July 2005

Because of pelagic-larval dispersal, coral-reef fishes are distributed widely with minimal genetic differentiation between populations.
Amphiprion akallopisos
, a clownfish that uses sound production to defend its anemone territory, has a wide but disjunct distribution in the Indian Ocean. We compared sounds produced by these fishes from populations in Madagascar and Indonesia, a distance of 6500 km. Differentiation of agonistic calls into distinct types indicates a complexity not previously recorded in fishes' acoustic communication. Moreover, various acoustic parameters, including peak frequency, pulse duration, number of peaks per pulse, differed between the two populations. The geographic comparison is the first to demonstrate ‘dialects’ in a marine fish species, and these differences in sound parameters suggest genetic divergence between these two populations. These results highlight the possible approach for investigating the role of sounds in fish behaviour in reproductive divergence and speciation.
The evolution of fossoriality and the adaptive role of horns in the Mylagaulidae (Mammalia: Rodentia)
Authors: Hopkins Samantha S.B
Published: July 2005

Ceratogaulus, a member of the extinct fossorial rodent clade Mylagaulidae, is the only known rodent with horns and the smallest known horned mammal. The function of the large, dorsally projecting nasal horns on this burrowing animal has been the subject of wide speculation among palaeontologists; suggested uses range from sexual combat to burrowing. Mammals have evolved adaptations for digging repeatedly; horns and other cranial appendages have also evolved numerous times. These two adaptations co-occur in mammals extremely rarely: only two fossil genera (Ceratogaulusand the xenarthranPeltephilus) and no extant mammals are both horned and fossorial. Tracing the evolution of fossoriality in aplodontoid rodents (the larger clade to whichCeratogaulusbelongs) reveals thatCeratogaulusdescended from ancestors who dug by head-lifting. Whereas this suggests an obvious explanation for the horns of this rodent, evidence from functional morphology, anatomy, phylogeny and geologic context indicates that the horns inCeratogauluswere used for defence, rather than digging, and evolved to offset increased predation costs associated with spending more time foraging above ground as body size increased.
Consumer food safety knowledge
Authors: Kennedy Jean , Jackson Valerie , Cowan Cathal , Blair Ian , McDowell David , Bolton Declan
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Consumers have an important role to play in preventing food‐borne disease. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that consumers could be segmented successfully based on their food safety knowledge and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to data on food safety knowledge and practice, collected by individual face‐to‐face questionnaires with domestic food preparers (n=1,020) and refrigerator swabs (n=726).

Findings

From the food safety questionnaires four factors were identified as important for inclusion in the HCA. This analysis identified three groups of consumers based on the knowledge factors; they were “Conscientious” (21 per cent), “Cavalier” (25.4 per cent) and “Careful” (53.3 per cent) food handlers. In terms of food safety knowledge, the higher risk consumers were found to be in the Cavalier food handler group. This group of food handlers also engaged in less hygienic food handling practices. This group were more likely than the other groups to be less than 45 years of age, male, living in urban environments and those with higher levels of formal education.

Originality/value

The identification of consumer groups with respect to food safety is important as it can inform more effective tailoring and targeting of food consumer safety education programmes to reach higher risk groups and individuals. This is the first study to not only identify the demographic characteristics of higher risk groups, but also to relate the levels of food safety knowledge/practice to levels of contamination in the fridges of such at risk groups using HCA and PCA.
Bacterial contamination of domestic kitchens over a 24‐hour period
Authors: Haysom I.W. , Sharp A.K.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Many cases of food poisoning originate in the domestic environment and can be associated with improper food handling and ineffective cleaning by consumers. These practices could lead to the introduction and spread of bacterial contamination in the kitchen and if not subsequently removed could present an infection risk. This study proposes investigating changes in levels of bacterial contamination at five key sites in ten domestic kitchens during a period of 24 hours.

Design/methodology/approach

Microbiological swabs were used to provide an aerobic colony count and an Enterobacteriacea count. A record was kept of cooking, cleaning and other activities within the kitchen.

Findings

Results showed that contamination levels varied during the day, peaking after meal preparation and generally falling overnight. There was also indirect evidence of cross contamination, particularly from hands to other surfaces. Sites such as the refrigerator handle, kettle handle and taps, which generally only come into contact with hands, show increases in the levels of contamination recorded. Levels of microbiological contamination were lower in vegetarian than non‐vegetarian households. A variety of data showed that non‐food preparation activities also take place in the kitchen. These could also introduce bacterial contamination into the kitchen and facilitate their spread.

Originality/value

The implications of these results are that the most important time for cleaning in the kitchen is immediately after food has been prepared, with attention focussing on high risk areas such as the work surface, chopping board, taps and other hand contact surfaces.
Small unions and mergers: evidence from two case studies
Authors: Palmer Gerry , Parry Jeff , Webb Mike
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Seeks to investigate decisions by small unions to engage in “transfers of engagement” whereby they are in effect “absorbed” by a larger union.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses case study evidence from two small unions in the UK carpet industry. The study is based on interviews with officials who were involved in the merger decisions, and on supporting documentary evidence.

Findings

The findings show that small unions have significant bargaining strength in merger negotiations and that they use this power to determine when merger is right for them, with whom they merge, and the terms of their transfer.

Research limitations/implications

The case studies rely heavily on evidence from union officials and officers – the authors acknowledge that the attitudes and influence of the wider union membership were beyond the scope of the research. They also propose that it would be valuable to carry out a longitudinal study of the impact of mergers over time.

Practical implications

Suggests that the actions and motivations of small unions, and barriers to their merger, need to feature more centrally in explanations of mergers in the UK.

Originality/value

The paper shows how structural influences interact with individual and group decisions in merger situations. Also provides a useful survey of the literature on aspects of union mergers.
Comparing segregation by gender in the labor force across ten European countries in the 1990s
Authors: Deutsch Joseph , Silber Jacques
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a normative approach to the measurement of segregation in the labor force, thus ascertaining whether segregation is due mainly to the existence of very “male‐intensive” occupations or to the presence of very “female‐intensive” occupations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an empirical illustration, based on data for ten European countries during the last decade of the twentieth century.

Findings

Confirms the usefulness of this new approach to the study of segregation by gender. Shows in particular that one has to be very careful in drawing conclusions since the results depend in part on whether the population analyzed is that of self‐employed, employees, employees working full time or employees working part time.

Research limitations/implications

This new normative approach to the study of segregation by gender gives much more flexibility to the policy makers whose aim is to reduce occupational segregation by gender because it gives enough information to give them the possibility to focus the attention on specific segments of the labor force. However, the results were often quite sensitive to the choice of the value taken by a parameter that characterizes this normative approach.

Practical implications

This new approach extends the way segregation by gender in the labor force is apprehended.

Originality/value

The normative segregation index derived in this paper has never been used previously.
The changing structure of male self‐employment in Switzerland
Authors: Falter Jean‐Marc
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The increase in self‐employment is probably one of the most important change that occurred on the Swiss labour market in the past 20 years. Using newly available census data from 1970 to 2000, seeks to investigate this evolution for the male labour force.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on census data from 1970 to 2000. Analysis is carried out by means of probability analysis (probit and logit model) and segregation analysis.

Findings

Finds that the evolution of the self‐employment rate is driven by changing factors of self‐employment as well as by a changing labour force. However, differences between self‐employed and wage‐workers have become smaller over time. This is especially relevant with respect to occupations. Regarding gender differences, the higher rate of self‐employed among men than among women is due to different factors rather than different characteristics of the labour force. Finally, investigates the structure of self‐employment in 2000. Finds that the distinction between various forms of self‐employment is quite relevant, a result that underlines the heterogeneity of the self‐employed.

Research limitations/implications

Finds that the distinction between different forms of self‐employment (with or without employees) does matter. Thus any research on self‐employment should take into account the heterogeneity of this population.

Originality/value

Data cover exhaustively the Swiss labour force, which allows a thorough investigation of the role of various factors. There is no other data in Switzerland that allows the investigation of the evolution of labour‐market phenomena over such a long period. Also focuses on different forms of self‐employment, a distinction that has often been overlooked in the literature.
The application of a behavioural approach to building evaluation
Authors: Fleming David
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Whilst criticisms of current research methodology and method when assessing the performance of a building can be suggested, no practical or achievable alternatives have been found. It suggests that existing approaches fail to consider the often‐irrational perceptions of humans who inhabit the buildings. This paper proposes a change in both methodology and method when assessing building performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The method developed for this research project involved a four‐stage process which was designed to achieve consistency with the methodology. Fundamental to the methodological approach taken and developed in this research is the concept of beta press. The variables used for analysis must be those chosen by participants in the building and not the alpha press variables of non‐participant observers. The method chosen for collection of the participant variables was focus group meetings incorporating a modified Delphi selection exercise. A survey sought information on the occupier's personal working space.

Findings

There are a number of variables that are performing well in terms of matching occupiers' rating of importance and their satisfaction with the subject building. There are also a number of variables where perceived performance exceeds importance. Only where there is a significant difference in the distribution is there an issue to be identified.

Research limitations/implications

Further research could be to develop this methodological approach to investigate the possibility of correlating the results with investment performance of buildings. This may seek to establish relationships between yields, rent levels and occupancy rates with the perception mapping of the occupants. In the short‐term research of this nature may be used by organisations to better understand the behaviour of their workforce in the work environment. It can isolate issues or clusters of issues that can be addressed and immediate results can be considered.

Originality/value

This research has provided a justification and rationale for an alternative methodological approach to the evaluation of building performance. Previous research in this field has been largely positivist and has not considered a behavioural dimension.
Cost modelling of office buildings in Hong Kong: an exploratory study
Authors: Li Heng , Shen Q.P. , Love Peter E.D.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper presents a set of step‐wise regression models which can incorporate multiple factors in modelling the costs of office buildings. The models appeared to be more accurate than the traditional method.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from historical office building projects, which were then, adjusted using the construction price index. The step‐wise regression was conducted to produce the linear cost models.

Findings

Seven RC office buildings and 11 steel office buildings in Hong Kong completed in different years were selected randomly to verify the accuracy of the regression models developed. The data of these buildings were not used in the development of the cost models. The result shows that the variability of percentage difference is ranging from −4.11 per cent (4.11 per cent underestimate) to +2.74 per cent (2.74 per cent overestimate) for RC office buildings. For steel office buildings, it ranges from −6.65 per cent (6.65 per cent underestimate) to +2.78 per cent (2.78 per cent overestimate).

Research limitations/implications

This study presents a methodology that can be used in cost estimation of office buildings in Hong Kong at early stage of construction project. The regression cost models developed above are based on, in total, historical data of 30 completed office buildings in Hong Kong. The reliability of the cost models can be further improved by including more office buildings to develop the cost models. Furthermore, the application of cost modelling by regression analysis is not limited to office buildings. The same approach can be applied to residential and other non‐residential buildings as well. Regression cost modelling, with sufficient updating for new cost data available, can provide economic, quick and accurate cost estimation at early stage of construction projects. It will become rational guide supplementing judgmental forecast of cost advisors in near future.

Originality/value

Step‐wise regression procedure was applied to develop the cost models. Jackknife re‐sampling was carried out and both of the models show stability. Cross‐validation shows that the developed regression models performed satisfactorily. The paper considers that it can provide economic, quick and accurate cost estimation at the early stage of construction project. In addition, the approach of this study can be adopted to develop cost models of other types of buildings in other locations.
An empirical study of TQM practices in Japanese‐owned manufacturers in China
Authors: Miyagawa Masahiro , Yoshida Kosaku
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between TQM practices and the business performance of Japanese‐owned manufacturers in China.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 200 companies out of the universe 1000 were chosen by random sampling in June 2002.

Findings

A total of 52 usable questionnaires were received and the overall response rate was 26 percent. The survey results show that TQM practices influence overall company performance significantly in Japanese‐owned manufacturers in China. This implies that TQM is an effective method to improve business performance regardless of where the company might be operating as long as the TQM practices are implemented appropriately. In addition to the research data, findings from a field study also provide supplementary evidence to support this conclusion.

Originality/value

The findings based on the empirical research would be useful to both decision makers and researchers who are interested in this growing “factory of the world”.
3D PCB architecture for next generation high speed interconnections
Authors: Fjelstad Joseph , Grundy Kevin , Yasumura Gary
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To review the challenges confronting the electronics interconnection industry as it transitions into the gigahertz frequency range and to describe novel prospective solutions designed to circumvent the problems by means of alternative interconnection architectures while remaining within the confines of the existing manufacturing infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has been written in a manner so as to provide first a brief review of the history of interconnections as background reference, providing access and understanding to a broader readership of the significance of the area of investigation. From there, the paper describes the problems facing electronic circuit manufactures relative to the serious matter of assuring signal integrity of high speed interconnections. It then goes on to describe a general class of prospective solutions, which can be implemented through simple architectural changes in design and manufacture. Finally, the paper describes a prototype system which was fabricated using the concepts and the first‐order findings are provided.

Findings

From operation of the prototype system, it was found that the concepts, relative to PCB architectural changes prescribed in the paper are capable of delivering performance levels beyond what is accepted when using traditional interconnection modalities. The 10 Gbps backplane prototype has proved capable of sending a 100 mV peak‐to‐peak signal a distance of 75 cm through a two wire single differential pair which pass through two industry standard connectors. The signal generated has a ∼65 percent margin indicating it could go much further and determining the limits an object of future study. The modulation is standard NRZ. With only two wires there was no cross talk in the system, however, the next stage of investigation will consist of a multi‐device assembly to see what cross talk effect there might be, if any.

Originality/value

The chief value of the paper resides in its disclosure of novel approaches to electronic interconnection involving simple changes in circuit architectural structures which extend the signal performance limits of copper interconnections, well beyond present consensus expectations of industry. Moreover, the paper provides first experimental results of the technology in actual operation as proof of concept.
Digital printing for printed circuit boards
Authors: Scott John G.V.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To review opportunities for use of digital printing in the printed circuit board (PCB) industry and to introduce background to ink jet printing, process development and applications in order to reduce costs, enhance efficiency and to enable PCB producers to operate in a more sustainable and flexible manner.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has been written to provide a review of ink jet printing applications in the PCB industry. Ink jet print technology background, ink development and the processes made possible by ink and print head improvements have been described together with a description of the benefits available through digital printing.

Findings

It was found that there have been significant developments over recent years in both hardware technology (print heads and accurate print platforms) as well as improvements in the design of inks both for ink jet print performance and functional characteristics. These improvements have been integrated to provide an exciting new technology which can be applied in the manufacture of PCBs to reduce manufacturing costs and increase flexibility of manufacture.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in its ability to provide information on the scope of opportunities for ink jet printing in the PCB manufacturing process through the use of a range of new inks having specific properties. The design and development of highly accurate machinery provides the opportunity to attain the desired print resolution.
Code of ethics and employee governance
Authors: McNutt Patrick A. , Batho Charlie A.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to add to the debate on governance and, second, to describe a value set theory of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology has centred on good governance amongst employees – management and workers alike.

Findings

It is noted that committees are appointed in firms to ensure that good governance is practised across a range of issues to do with audit, remuneration and appointment. However, the debate on governance has largely overlooked the importance of good governance amongst all employees. It was found that governance at the employee level requires a code of ethics that is not just about right and wrong, but emphasises a contractual sense of duty to fellow employees as stakeholders in the firm. This defines the essence of obligation and duty within the stakeholder firm, the s‐firm.

Practical implications/limitations

One practical implication of the paper is that the practice of good governance at the employee level should begin by asking whether the employees as rational individuals in a state of nature would freely have agreed to the contract or work arrangement within the firm that obligates them to do X. A value set theory of the firm could assist employees by allocating responsibilities among all employees in such a way as to maximise joint effort.

Originality/value

The paper proffers a new approach to understanding governance and it concludes that every rational being is in the state of being an end in itself – a firm should teach people morality. An s‐firm teaches people morality. This is the quintessence of employee governance. The paper should be of value to shareholders, workers, management, trade unions and commentators on the theory of the firm.
Thomas Hobbes and the displacement of political philosophy
Authors: Vinnicombe Thea
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the pivotal role played by Thomas Hobbes in the displacement of political philosophy by economic science.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus of the paper is an analysis of Hobbes' most clear and accessible work, The Leviathan.

Findings

The paper shows that Hobbes was the first not only to enunciate comprehensively a mechanistic understanding of man as matter in motion but also, more importantly, to infer from this the logical conclusion that the only end for human kind is the preservation of the matter which the human race comprises. Economic science, being the science of material preservation, necessarily becomes, therefore, the true science of man and Hobbes the first political economist[1].

Originality/value

Hobbes' application of the methodology of mathematics to analysing human behaviour was not unique. What is original in his writings, and not clearly recognized in the literature on the history of economic thought, is the clear link made by Hobbes between this adaptation and its logical consequence in the science of material production (or economics) as the true science of man.
Farmer strategies and forest conservation: a case study from south‐western Madagascar
Authors: Casse Thorkil , Nielsen Uffe , Ranaivoson Socrate , Romuald Randrianamarivo Jean
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper seeks to evaluate different approaches to forest conservation in the areas outside the national parks of south‐western Madagascar.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a household survey in the area are employed to analyse farmer strategies towards conservation of local forest resources, and present conservation strategies are evaluated in this light.

Findings

It is argued that the prospects for future forest conservation in the area are dim at best, and that any policy proposal intended to remedy this situation must as a first priority establish alternative livelihood opportunities for the local population in order to ensure a minimum of incentives for conservation on their behalf.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to all those interested or involved with sustainability issues.