bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Input-specific contributions to valence processing in the amygdala
Authors: Correia Susana S. , Goosens Ki A.
Published: September 2016

Reward and punishment are often thought of as opposing processes: rewards and the environmental cues that predict them elicit approach and consummatory behaviors, while punishments drive aversion and avoidance behaviors. This framework suggests that there may be segregated brain circuits for these valenced behaviors. The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is one brain region that contributes to both types of motivated behavior. Individual neurons in the BLA can favor positive over negative valence, or vice versa, but these neurons are intermingled, showing no anatomical segregation. The amygdala receives inputs from many brain areas and current theories posit that encoding of positive versus negative valence by BLA neurons is determined by the wiring of each neuron. Specifically, many projections from other brain areas that respond to positive and negative valence stimuli and predictive cues project strongly to the BLA and likely contribute to valence processing within the BLA. Here we review three of these areas, the basal forebrain, the dorsal raphe nucleus and the ventral tegmental area, and discuss how these may promote encoding of positive and negative valence within the BLA.
Neural and behavioral mechanisms of proactive and reactive inhibition
Authors: Meyer Heidi C. , Bucci David J.
Published: September 2016

Response inhibition is an important component of adaptive behavior. Substantial prior research has focused on reactive inhibition, which refers to the cessation of a motor response that is already in progress. More recently, a growing number of studies have begun to examine mechanisms underlying proactive inhibition, whereby preparatory processes result in a response being withheld before it is initiated. It has become apparent that proactive inhibition is an essential component of the overall ability to regulate behavior and has implications for the success of reactive inhibition. Moreover, successful inhibition relies on learning the meaning of specific environmental cues that signal when a behavioral response should be withheld. Proactive inhibitory control is mediated by stopping goals, which reflect the desired outcome of inhibition and include information about how and when inhibition should be implemented. However, little is known about the circuits and cellular processes that encode and represent features in the environment that indicate the necessity for proactive inhibition or how these representations are implemented in response inhibition. In this article, we will review the brain circuits and systems involved in implementing inhibitory control through both reactive and proactive mechanisms. We also comment on possible cellular mechanisms that may contribute to inhibitory control processes, noting that substantial further research is necessary in this regard. Furthermore, we will outline a number of ways in which the temporal dynamics underlying the generation of the proactive inhibitory signal may be particularly important for parsing out the neurobiological correlates that contribute to the learning processes underlying various aspects of inhibitory control.
Theoretical considerations in the construction of hard X-ray resonators at inclined incidence with ultra-high efficiency and resolution
Authors: Wu Y.-H. , Chang Y.-Y. , Tsai Y.-W. , Chang S.-L.
Published: September 2016

Detailed considerations of how to construct inclined-incidence hard X-ray resonators are presented. Owing to the symmetry of the crystals used, the Bragg back reflection usually employed in normal-incidence two- and multi-plate resonators to reflect the X-ray beam is often accompanied by unavoidable multiple-beam diffraction, and thus the reflectivity and cavity finesse are quite low. In contrast, crystal-based Fabry–Perot (FP) resonators at inclined incidence utilize multiple-beam diffraction to excite the back reflection inside the resonator to generate FP resonance with high efficiency, while avoiding the incident beam suffering from crystal absorption. The useful characteristics of inclined-incidence resonators are derived from numerical calculations based on the inclined-incidence diffraction geometry and the dynamical theory. Experimental results with Laue inclined incidence are in accordance with the simulation. The sub-millielectronvolt energy resolution and ultra-high efficiency of the transmission spectrum of the proposed resonators are also described.
Magnetic scattering in the simultaneous measurement of small-angle neutron scattering and Bragg edge transmission from steel
Authors: Oba Yojiro , Morooka Satoshi , Ohishi Kazuki , Sato Nobuhiro , Inoue Rintaro , Adachi Nozomu , Suzuki Jun-ichi , Tsuchiyama Toshihiro , Gilbert Elliot Paul , Sugiyama Masaaki
Published: September 2016

Pulsed neutron sources enable the simultaneous measurement of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and Bragg edge transmission. This simultaneous measurement is useful for microstructural characterization in steel. Since most steels are ferromagnetic, magnetic scattering contributions should be considered in both SANS and Bragg edge transmission analyses. An expression for the magnetic scattering contribution to Bragg edge transmission analysis has been derived. The analysis using this expression was applied to Cu steel. The ferrite crystallite size estimated from this Bragg edge transmission analysis with the magnetic scattering contribution was larger than that estimated using conventional expressions. This result indicates that magnetic scattering has to be taken into account for quantitative Bragg edge transmission analysis. In the SANS analysis, the ratio of magnetic to nuclear scattering contributions revealed that the precipitates consist of body-centered cubic Cu0.7Fe0.3and pure Cu, which probably has 9R structure including elastic strain and vacancies. These results show that effective use of the magnetic scattering contribution allows detailed analyses of steel microstructure.
Two rhodamine 6G derivative compounds: a structural and fluorescence single-crystal study
Authors: Di Paolo Matias , Bossi Mariano L. , Baggio Ricardo , Suarez Sebastián A.
Published: September 2016

The synthesis, characterization, structural analysis and fluorescence properties of two rhodamine 6G derivatives are described, namely a propargylamine derivative, 3′,6′-bis(ethylamino)-2′,7′-dimethyl-2-(methylcyanide)spiro[isoindole-1,9′-xanthen]-3(2H)-one (I), and a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) derivative, 3′,6′-bis(ethylamino)-2′,7′-dimethyl-3-oxospiro[isoindole-1,9′-xanthen]-2(3H)-yl)butyricacid (II). Both structures are compared with four similar ones from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), and the interactions involved in the stabilization are analyzed using the atoms in molecules (AIM) theory. Finally, a single-crystalin-situreaction study is presented, carried out by fluorescence methods, which enabled the `opening' of the spirolactam ring in the solid phase.
Bis-(1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidino), (2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridino) and (1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidino)-substituted dicyanoquinodimethanes: consequences of flexible ethylene spacers with heterocyclic moieties and amine functionalities
Authors: Raghavaiah P. , Kuladeep R. , Narayana Rao D. , Jyothi Lakshmi A. , Srujana P. , Subbalakshmi J.
Published: September 2016

Heterocyclic building blocks possessing ethylene spacer and amine functionality such as 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine (1,2-AEPi), 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine (2,2-AEPy) and 1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine (1,2-AEPr) were reacted with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) to give disubstituted compounds namely bis-(1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidino)dicyanoquinodimethane (1), bis-(2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridino)dicyanoquinodimethane (2) and bis-(1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidino)dicyanoquinodimethane (3). Utilization of 1,2-AEPi, 2,2-AEPy and 1,2-AEPr as disubstituents on TCNQ has resulted in interesting crystal structures. Inter- and intramolecular hydrogen-bond mediated and expanded supramolecular structures were observed in the lattices of the crystals. Strong fluorescence was observed in solids and solutions. (2) showed a strong second harmonic generation (SHG) whereas (1) and (3) were found to be SHG inactive. All compounds possess good thermal stabilities.
Effect of Al and Ca co-doping, in the presence of Te, in superconducting YBCO whiskers growth
Authors: Pascale Lise , Truccato Marco , Operti Lorenza , Agostino Angelo
Published: September 2016

High-Tcsuperconducting cuprates (HTSC) such as YBa2Cu3O7 − x(YBCO) are promising candidates for solid-state THz applications based on stacks of intrinsic Josephson junctions (IJJs) with atomic thickness. In view of future exploitation of IJJs, high-quality superconducting YBCO tape-like single crystals (whiskers) have been synthesized from Ca–Al-doped precursors in the presence of Te. The main aim of this paper is to determine the importance of the simultaneous use of Al, Te and Ca in promoting YBCO whiskers growth with good superconducting properties (Tc= 79–84 K). Further, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) refinements of tetragonal YBCO whiskers (P4/mmm) are reported to fill the literature lack of YBCO structure investigations. All the as-grown whiskers have also been investigated by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Our results demonstrate that the interplay of Ca, Te and Al elements is clearly necessary in order to obtain superconducting YBCO whiskers. The data obtained from SC-XRD analyses confirm the highly crystalline nature of the whiskers grown. Ca and Al enter the structure by replacing the Y and the octahedral coordinated Cu1 site, respectively, as in other similar orthorhombic compounds, while Te does not enter the structure of whiskers but its presence in the precursor is essential to the growth of the crystals.
Why direct and post-refinement determinations of absolute structure may give different results
Authors: Watkin David John , Cooper Richard Ian
Published: September 2016

Direct determination of the Flack parameter as part of the structure refinement procedure usually gives different, though similar, values to post-refinement methods. The source of this discrepancy has been probed by analysing a range of data sets taken from the recent literature. Most significantly, it was observed that the directly refined Flack (x) parameter and its standard uncertainty are usually not much influenced by changes in the refinement weighting schemes, but if they are then there are probably problems with the data or model. Post-refinement analyses give Flack parameters strongly influenced by the choice of weights. Weights derived from those used in the main least squares lead to post-refinement estimates of the Flack parameters and their standard uncertainties very similar to those obtained by direct refinement. Weights derived from the variances of the observed structure amplitudes are more appropriate and often yield post-refinement Flack parameters similar to those from direct refinement, but always with lower standard uncertainties. Substantial disagreement between direct and post-refinement determinations are strongly indicative of problems with the data, which may be difficult to identify. Examples drawn from 28 structure determinations are provided showing a range of different underlying problems. It seems likely that post-refinement methods taking into account the slope of the normal probability plot are currently the most robust estimators of absolute structure and should be reported along with the directly refined values.
Crystal structure of Na2HfSi2O7 by Rietveld refinement
Authors: Massoni Nicolas , Chevreux Pierrick
Published: September 2016

The structure of triclinic disodium hafnium disilicate, Na2HfSi2O7, has been determined by laboratory powder X-ray diffraction and refined by the Rietveld refinement. The structure is a framework made of alternate layers of HfO6 octahedra and SiO4 tetrahedra linked by common O atoms. Sodium atoms are located in the voids of the framework, aligned into tunnels along the [010] direction. Na2HfSi2O7 is isostructural with the parakeldyshite Na2ZrSi2O7 phase.
2-Amino-4-methylpyridin-1-ium 2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetate
Authors: Sivakumar P. , Anzline C. , Israel S. , Chakkaravarthi G.
Published: September 2016

In the title molecular salt, C6H9N2+·C8H6NO4−, the cation is protonated at its pyridine N atom. In the crystal, the anion and cation are connected by weak N—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating anR22(8) ring motif. A pair of N—H...O hydrogen bonds and a C—H...O contact generate anR23(19) ring motif. In the crystal, adjacent anions and cations are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds into infinite chains along [001]. The components are further linked by weak C—H...O contacts and C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional network.
4-Fluoro-N-methyl-N-nitroaniline
Authors: Gajda Katarzyna , Dziuk Błażej , Daszkiewicz Zdzisław
Published: September 2016

Molecules of the title compound, C7H7FN2O2, are composed of a nitramine group which is twisted with the respect to the aromatic ring, with an N—N—C—C torsion angle of −117.38 (12)°. In the molecule, the N—N bond length [1.3510 (15) Å] indicates some double-bond character, while the angle between the aromatic ring and the nitramine group rules out further delocalization in the molecule. In the crystal, C—H...F hydrogen bonds connect the molecules intoC11(6) chains along theaaxis. C—H...O hydrogen bonds form, which featureR22(12) loops and further connect these chains.
Basic public services and the restructuring of the public finance system in China
Authors: Xu Guangjian , Wu Yan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the financing and provision of basic public services in China. The main issue addressed is how to reform the public finance system to achieve quality and fairness in the provision of basic public services.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an historical analysis of the functional transformation of the public finance system in China and on an empirical analysis of the current public finance system and the public service provision system, a comprehensive understanding was gained about the relationship between the financing and provision of basic public services.

Findings

The paper argues that there is a close relationship between the provision of basic public services and the functional changes made to the public finance system. Based on a systematic retrospective study of the Chinese Government’s efforts to improve basic public services over the last three decades, this paper offers policy suggestions on further public finance restructuring that would support better service provision.

Originality/value

By analyzing issues in the public service provision system, this paper contributes to the debate about the efficiency improvement made to governmental functions in China.
Business-government relationship in economic development
Authors: Lam Newman M.K.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In the process of fostering economic development, many governments, especially those of a small economy, such as Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, had taken a leading role in managing their economies, in spite of the free-market rhetoric that some of them have made. The purpose of this paper is to examine the reasons and the effects of government involvement in the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the causes and effects of cooperation and conflict between government and business in economic development are examined from a theoretical perspective, particularly with references made to East Asian economies.

Findings

Government interventions lead inevitably to both cooperation and conflict with the private sector.

Practical implications

The strategies for dealing with problems arisen from such relationship are also examined.

Originality/value

This paper links the theories and concepts from a variety of sources to offer a coherent picture of business-government relationship that is helpful for examining other studies on this topic from a broad perspective.
The security market and the changing government role in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Masao
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how current security market regulations in Japan have evolved following Japan’s corporate governance reforms, which began in the 1990s after the bursting of a massive financial bubble. As part of the reform, Japan aimed to introduce US-style corporate governance mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first explains the process behind Japan’s corporate governance reforms using the theory of selective adaptation. By doing so, the various changes that have taken place in the regulations of security markets are also explained. The paper concludes with a discussion of the limitations of transplanting US-style corporate governance mechanisms in Japan and the implications for the functioning of Japan’s security markets.

Findings

While applying a selective adaptation framework to Japan’s efforts to transplant US-style corporate governance mechanisms to its own markets, the author found that certain Japan-specific business practices, such as its heavy reliance onkeiretsucorporate groupings, may interfere with the market-based business practices and free competition which characterize the US system. This in turn places limitations on the functioning of US-style security markets in Japan.

Originality/value

This paper explains the limitations of government regulation on security markets in Japan, which may be of interest to both public and private sector analysts. This paper focusses on Japan’s experience of transplanting US-style corporate governance mechanisms to Japan. The author expect that Japan’s experience will be of much interest to China, South Korea and other countries in East Asia, where pyramidal and other types of business groups play important roles in their economies.
Business-government nexus: the special case of Hong Kong
Authors: Cheng Joseph
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the business-government nexus in Hong Kong as a special case, thereby contributing to a comparative examination of various significant variables affecting the study of political and economic developments in East Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the privileged position afforded to the major business groups in Hong Kong’s political system as part of the pro-Beijing United Front. It adopts a historical perspective, relying on existing literature including media reports. As the author is both an academic and a long-term pro-democracy activist, his actual experiences and extensive interviews with various important participants in Hong Kong’s business and political communities offer valuable perspectives.

Findings

In the past, the business-government nexus was perceived to be a positive factor that contributed to the territory’s economic growth. In the past decade or so, though, increasing dissatisfaction with the Hong Kong government’s performance and the widening gap between the rich and the poor have led to the emergence of a legitimacy deficit on the part of the government, resulting in rising demands for democracy which have not been met. Divisions on these issues within the local business community have posed a severe challenge to the continuation of the business-government nexus.

Originality/value

The author’s actual experiences and his interviews with other participants in Hong Kong’s politics provide observations of significant value. The Occupy Central campaign, which took off in the territory in 2014, demands serious consideration in terms of its political development and a key element for consideration is the response of the business-government nexus to it.
The puzzle of Macao’s talent development
Authors: Yu Eilo Wing Yat , Tam Natalie Ieok Leng
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Talent development has become an important policy given prominence by the Macao government since Fernando Chui became its Chief Executive. The purpose of this paper is to review human resources and talent development policies in Macao and discuss the difficulties and challenges that they pose.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Macao as a case study the paper indicates the difficulties and challenges experienced by emerging markets in fostering talent development for the sustainability of their local economies.

Findings

This paper finds that, as an emerging market, Macao has to solve and overcome its institutional deficiencies (namely, by the establishment of both a professional registration regime and the means to gather metadata to enable predictions of the talents needed for the local economy and their potential scale) so as to please stakeholders. Only then can it truly introduce talent development schemes and programs.

Originality/value

There have been very few studies on Macao’s talent development initiative. This paper tries to fill this gap in the existing understanding of talent development.
Good value: health information and the MSLS librarian
Authors: Flaherty Mary Grace
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the value of the MSLS degree in health sciences library settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a discourse and preliminary analysis supported with research from the literature.

Findings

The value of the MSLS degree in the health sciences library setting is well recognized. Health sciences librarians’ efforts to evaluate and quantify positive impact of services can provide a useful model for the information and library science field.

Research limitations/implications

As this is a preliminary discussion, an exhaustive literature analysis was not undertaken.

Originality/value

A model for empirical-based research, borne out of the health sciences library specialty, can contribute to more effective methods for evaluating general library service and the overall value of the MSLS degree.
Teaching ethical dilemmas in LIS coursework
Authors: Walther James H.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the teaching of library graduate students in an introductory course on the foundations of librarianship. To examine the specific skill of developing an ethical foundation in their future profession of librarianship, an examination is offered here using a multiple-step teaching strategy, introducing specific instructional materials, including a model of assessing ethics and a proposed integration of research skills with problem-based learning (PBL) as the suggested teaching delivery. As the experience proved to provide positive outcomes for student learning, the paper provides not only this operational examination but also the theoretical justification for further adaptation and usage of PBL as a teaching method in library and information science (LIS) education. Described are details LIS faculty should consider in implementing the method in teaching, especially on the topic of professional ethics.

Methodology/approach

This research project focused on exploring a new way of exploring the teaching of ethical behaviors in the library profession by examining real-world examples of ethics in trade news sources. It was therefore determined that the best strategy was to design a teaching activity that assists students in learning two sets of skills: information-seeking behavior and developing ethical boundaries and standards that a librarian would use in professional practice.

Findings

The process is often taught in a linear manner, but in practice, ethical situations are found and expressed in non-linear ways. In practice, the profession is rife with ethics, non-rules, non-lists and no checklists upon how to behave. Ethical dilemmas are extemporaneous, and yet decisions regarding them can be made from the guidance of professional associations and combined with thoughtful analysis.

Originality/value

Redefining any pedagogical activity in graduate teaching is, at times, more herculean than it seems at the start, yet with distilling the process into workable steps with appropriate protocols, we can successfully teach ethics in new ways. More integration of PBL is hereby advocated throughout LIS curriculum in a variety of contexts.
A tale of two epidemics: drugs harm reduction and tobacco harm reduction in the United Kingdom
Authors: Stimson Gerry V.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the response to HIV/AIDS and drug use (drugs harm reduction) with tobacco harm reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of historical and contemporary sources, combined with personal knowledge of key stakeholders in the history and development of both fields.

Findings

Both drugs harm reduction and tobacco harm reduction share a similar objective – to reduce health risks for people who are unwilling or unable to stop using their drug of choice. Both also share a broader public health aim of helping people to make healthier decisions. Drugs harm reduction – as a response to HIV/AIDS – included the adoption of a wide range of radical harm reduction interventions and was a public health success. It became an established part of the professional Public Health agenda. In contrast the Public Health response to e-cigarettes and tobacco harm reduction has ranged from the negative to the cautious. A recent Public Health England report is exceptional for its endorsement of e-cigarettes.

Originality/value

Highlights contradictions in Public Health responses to drugs and tobacco; and that public health interventions can be implemented without and despite the contribution of professional Public Health.
Prostitution policy, morality and the precautionary principle
Authors: Hubbard Phil , Sanders Teela , Scoular Jane
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the contemporary regulation of sex work in England and Wales, placing this in the context of debates concerning morality, evidence and the efficacy of policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This brief paper is based on reflections on the authors’ research and their contribution to policy debates over the last two decades.

Findings

This paper presents prostitution policy as morality policy and suggests that it remains overwhelmingly based on the idea that prostitution is immoral and hence must be inherently harmful.

Practical implications

The paper makes a strong case for evidence-based policy in an area where morality tends to promote a partial and selective reading of evidence. Here, parallels are drawn with policies regulating other pleasurable but “sinful” activities, including the consumption of drugs and alcohol.

Social implications

It is argued that the dominance of a particular policy approach to sex work perpetuates stigma for those in the sex industries and exacerbates risks of harm.

Originality/value

By highlighting the moral dimensions of prostitution policy, the paper shows that the drift towards the criminalisation of sex work in England and Wales is not informed by academic evidence.
Vaporizing the pot world – easy, healthy, and cool
Authors: Hakkarainen Pekka
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study vaporizers – especially the vape pen – as a new technology in cannabis use. Until now, almost all information on the use of vaporizers or e-cigarettes for cannabis consumption has come from the internet, the popular press, and accounts by users, but not from the scientific literature. More research is needed.

Design/methodology/approach

Since scientific studies of the phenomenon are virtually non-existent, the author will also base his study on sociological reflections upon internet sites and articles published both in subcultural and mainstream media. The author will document a national estimate of the prevalence of vaping based on a recent population survey in Finland.

Findings

Vaping is an emerging trend in cannabis culture internationally. It has been seen as a healthier route of administration than traditional ways of smoking cannabis. Other images, created especially with the help of advanced high-tech machinery and stylish and fashionable designs for the vape pen, are aiming at being cool and easy to use. In Finland, 6 percent of cannabis users make regular use of a vaporizer, and around a quarter of users use one occasionally. A vape pen or e-cigarette was regularly used by 2.6 percent and occasionally by 9.1 percent of cannabis users.

Originality/value

The trend of increasing vaping and the use of new devices has not been properly recognized among researchers. The paper presents some original results from a national population survey.
The joint effect of investment motives and institutional context on Russian international acquisitions
Authors: Dikova Desislava , Panibratov Andrei , Veselova Anna , Ermolaeva Lyubov
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance knowledge about factors that influence the location of Russian foreign direct investments. In particular, it focusses on the role of institutional distance (represented by corruption perception distance, political distance and cultural distance) as a moderator of the relationships between traditional investment motives and the number of M&A deals made by Russian companies in a specific country.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is conducted on panel data of Russian cross-border M&As launched in 46 countries during the period 2007-2013. The final data set includes 322 observations. Due to the nature of dependent variable and the results of pre-tests, negative binomial regression is used in the main analysis.

Findings

The key finding of the study reveals the importance of institutional distance, in particular, the moderating effect of different dimensions of institutional distance on the relationships between internationalization motives and the number of Russian M&As. Corruption, political and cultural differences show different effects in terms of both direction and strength, but all three were found to be significant.

Research limitations/implications

The major concern stems from the type of secondary data used in the paper. This indicates the necessity to improve data collection methods which could allow for better transparency of Russian foreign investments, would facilitate more sophisticated research and probably more accurate business forecasts.

Originality/value

By conducting a systematic examination of Russian cross-border M&As the authors contribute to the literature on emerging markets firms by addressing the important yet under-researched domain of Russian foreign direct investments. Building on the macroeconomic and institutional logic proposed in this study, future research on Russian cross-border activities could add to the understanding by providing more generalizable and critical evidence. The study provides a point of departure from prior studies on Russian outward FDI which the authors hope to inspire future research to further analyze the drivers of Russian M&As and foreign investments in general.
Productivity, ownership and firm growth: evidence from Indian banks
Authors: Ghosh Saibal
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The relation between size and growth in banking firms in emerging economies has not been adequately addressed in the literature. By employing data for 1992-2014, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between growth and productivity and how it interacts with ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

The longitudinal nature of the data suggests that the appropriate technique for the analysis is panel data econometrics. Accordingly, consistent with prior research, the author employs a fixed effects model. Besides accounting for firm-level observables, the author controls the economic environment and bank ownership by employing real GDP growth and ownership dummies.

Findings

The evidence appears to suggest that growth improves through both active and passive learning, the magnitude of the former far outweighing that of the latter. These results are remarkably robust: both baseline regressions and sensitivity tests point to similar conclusions.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, the paper makes two original contributions. First and more broadly, it tests the relationship between growth and productivity for banks in a leading emerging economy. Second, it distinguishes between two kinds of learning – active and passive – and explores which of them are more relevant for growth.
The impact of financial development on economic growth
Authors: Sehrawat Madhu , Giri A.K.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possible co-integration and the direction of causality between financial development and economic growth in South-Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries using annual data from 1994 to 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

The Carrion-i-Silvestre et al. (2005) stationarity test with structural breaks is used to check the stationarity. The Westerlund (2006) panel co-integration test is employed to examine the long-run relationship among the variables. To carry out tests on the co-integrating vectors, fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and PDOLS techniques are used and panel Granger causality test is used to examine the direction of the causality.

Findings

The Westerlund (2006) panel co-integration test confirms the existence of the long-run relationship between financial development and economic growth for SAARC countries. The coefficients of FMOLS and DOLS indicate that index of financial development (IFD) and trade openness supports economic growth in SAARC region. In the short-run, there is unidirectional causality running from IFD to economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

In the view of these findings it is recommended that countries in the region should adopt policies geared toward financial sector development to attain high economic growth.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, no studies have looked into SAARC countries to study the relationship between financial development and economic growth, this study is the first of its kind.
Suitability of the high performance organization framework to Egyptian ICT companies
Authors: de Waal André , Habil Dalia S.F. , Goedegebuure Robert
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the need for Egyptian ICT companies to adopt high performance practices in order to be able to contribute more to the development of Egypt. However, as not much research has been done into management practices which can support these organizations in the Egyptian context, a framework which was developed based on Western and non-Western data – the high performance organization (HPO) framework – was tested on its suitability in the Egyptian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a questionnaire which was distributed to seven Egyptian ICT organizations after which a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed on the collected data.

Findings

The CFA showed that the original five factors from the HPO framework achieved a high reliability while 26 out of the original 35 underlying characteristics applied in the Egyptian ICT context.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap which currently exists in empirical research about organization performance practices in Egypt. The study also has practical implications as management of Egyptian ICT companies are now able to undertake focussed improvement actions.
Dynamic interactions between stock markets and the real economy
Authors: Laopodis Nikiforos T. , Papastamou Andreas
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the relationship between a country’s aggregate stock market and general economic development for 14 emerging economies for the period from 1995 to 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach of the paper is multifold. First, the authors use cointegration analysis to determine the simple dynamics among the variables. Second, the authors utilize vector autoregression analysis to study the dynamics among the variables for the 14 countries. Third, the authors employ panel analysis to determine common variations among the variables and across countries.

Findings

When examining the linkage between the stock market and economic development, proxied by gross domestic product growth or with gross fixed capital formation growth, the authors did not find a meaningful relationship between them. However, when the authors included additional control variables strong, dynamic interactions between the two magnitudes surfaced. Specifically, it was found that the stock market is positively and robustly correlated with contemporaneous and future real economic development and, thus, it directly contributed to a country’s economic development either through the production of goods and services or the accumulation of real capital. Thus, it can be inferred that the stock market alone is not capable of boosting economic development in these countries unless being part of a comprehensive financial system (which includes banks) as well as investment in real capital.

Research limitations/implications

The policy implications are clear. Government authorities must recognize that the stock market alone is not a driver of economic development and that a sound, efficient financial system (which includes banks) must be present in order to contribute and foster economic development.

Originality/value

The study is original in the sense that it examines various financial and economic variables to determine the degree of (or dynamic interactions among) the stock market and the real economy for each and all emerging markets in the sample.
Interaction, engagement, and perceived interactivity in single-handed interaction
Authors: Shin Donghee , Choi Myunggoon , Hyun Kim Jang , Lee Jae-gil
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of interaction techniques (e.g. swiping and tapping) and the range of thumb movement on interactivity, engagement, attitude, and behavioral intention in single-handed interaction with smartphones.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2×2 between-participant experiment (technological features: swiping and tapping×range of thumb movement: wide and narrow) was conducted to study the effects of interaction techniques and thumb movement ranges.

Findings

The results showed that the range of thumb movement had significant effects on perceived interactivity, engagement, attitude, and behavioral intention, whereas no effects were observed for interaction techniques. A narrow range of thumb movement had more influence on the interactivity outcomes in comparison to a wide range of thumb movement.

Practical implications

While the subject of actual and perceived interactivity has been discussed, the issue has not been applied to smartphone. Based on the research results, the mobile industry may come up with a design strategy that balances feature- and perception-based interactivity.

Originality/value

This study adopted the perspective of the hybrid definition of interactivity, which includes both actual and perceived interactivity. Interactivity effect outcomes mediated by perceived interactivity.
Five steps to transforming innovation processes: continually adjusting to new environments
Authors: Lichtenthaler Ulrich
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to suggest a procedure for successfully transforming a firm’s innovation processes in a systematic way.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper, which draws on prior academic and practitioner papers.

Findings

Changes in a firm’s environment, such as new technological trends or customer needs, regularly call for the dynamic renewal of a firm’s innovation processes. Nonetheless, most firms proceed in a surprisingly unsystematic way if they transform their innovation processes. This approach contrasts with the systematic innovation processes that many firms have established to manage their product development from initial idea to final market launch.

Originality/value

To overcome this discrepancy, this paper distinguishes reconfiguration and realignment challenges in the transformation of a firm’s innovation processes. These different activities are illustrated with the example of transforming firms’ innovation processes towards open innovation. Furthermore, a five-step procedure is suggested to ease implementation. On this basis, implications for managers are discussed with respect to proficiently adapting their firms’ innovation processes over time.
SEC and FDIC proposed rules on the orderly liquidation of certain large broker-dealers
Authors: Blake Andrew , Robinson Robert , Rovira Alex , Sommers Charles
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To alert financial market participants to rules jointly proposed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) regarding orderly liquidation of certain large broker-dealers as mandated in Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank).

Design/methodology/approach

Explains how typical broker-dealer liquidations are generally effected, the alternative of determining a broker-dealer to be a “covered broker-dealer” to be liquidated through an orderly liquidation proceeding under Title II of Dodd-Frank, the appointment of the FDIC as receiver and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) as trustee, the requirement for the SIPC to file a protective decree with a federal district court, the possible use of “bridge broker-dealers” to facilitate an orderly liquidation, the FDIC’s procedures for settling claims of customers and other creditors against covered broker-dealers, and additional proposed provisions for administrative expenses and unsecured claims.

Findings

Counterparties of broker-dealers that could be subject to an orderly liquidation proceeding should evaluate the proposal and consider whether, if adopted, the rules would require any changes to credit risk or other internal procedures. Large broker-dealers that could be the subject of such an orderly liquidation proceeding should do the same. Although the formal comment period has closed regarding the proposal, market participants that did not submit comments but who still wish to influence final rule making should still consider submitting written comments to the SEC and FDIC or otherwise advocating before them.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced securities and financial services lawyers.
Improving mental health and lifestyle outcomes in a hospital emergency department based youth violence intervention
Authors: DeMarco Jeffrey , llan-Clarke Yael , Bunn Amanda , Isaac Tom , Criddle John , Holdsworth Gillian , Bifulco Antonia
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Current government policy aims to tackle youth anti-social behaviour and its psychological and social impacts. Given an increased likelihood that young victims of crime are also likely to engage in aggressive or deviant behaviour and to have psychological and social difficulties, interventions are needed which access vulnerable youth with adverse lifestyles to increase well-being and reduce offending. The current project utilised a hospital emergency department (ED) as an appropriate location to identify and interact with youth victims of violent crime; to support key lifestyle risk and mental health difficulties; and build resilience. The purpose of this paper is to use a youth work paradigm, to target vulnerable youth in a health setting at a crisis point where intervention may have a higher chance of uptake.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a quasi-experimental, longitudinal design. Using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire and the “What Do You Think” component of the ASSET risk assessment, data were collected from 120 youth aged 12-20, at baseline with 66 youth who successfully completed the programme with assessments at baseline and follow-up, at an average of 14 weeks.

Findings

There was significant reduction in both psychological problems and lifestyle risk at follow-up.

Research limitations/implications

These findings support the government initiative to intervene in youth violence in healthcare settings. Challenges revolve around increasing participation and greater formalisation of the intervention.

Originality/value

The youth work led violence intervention in the ED is successfully tackling psychological problems and lifestyle risk following injury.
Simon Dolan: managing by values – if you are not spiritual, how can you inspire?
Authors: Ibarreche Santiago
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to be a conversation with Simon Dolan, conducted by Santiago Ibarreche, about his career as a successful scholar, author of many books, change agent, and a cross-cultural international observer.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an interview.

Findings

The interview explores Dolan’s career, his achievements and continued search for excellence in terms of teaching, research, and service in academia. It explores his experiences as faculty member and prolific author and developer of new approaches in teaching, research, also looking at the importance of anticipating the future of the work place and the importance of Management by Values.

Originality/value

The interview in this special section, A Life in Research, brings out an individual scholar’s experience and history, not only as recognition of scholarly impact, but also as recognition of the person.
Humanitarian supply chain use of cloud computing
Authors: Schniederjans Dara G. , Ozpolat Koray , Chen Yuwen
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of cloud computing (CC) use on collaboration and its ultimate impact on the agility of humanitarian supply chains. Further, this paper aims to analyze the moderating role of inter-organizational trust in the relationship between CC use and collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an empirical assessment of CC use based on an interview analysis of 19 individuals from humanitarian organizations. A survey questionnaire is later used with 107 participants from US relief organizations. Partial least squares test is used to examine the relationships depicted in the conceptual model.

Findings

The results provide an account of how CC is used in a humanitarian context. Further, the results indicate that CC use has a positive and significant impact on collaboration between humanitarian organizations and their suppliers. Collaboration is found to be significantly positively associated with agility in humanitarian organizations.

Research limitations/implications

No study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, has empirically assessed the impact of CC use on humanitarian supply chain collaboration. This will be the first study to empirically analyze the relationships between CC use, inter-organizational trust, collaboration and agility in a humanitarian context.

Practical implications

This study provides a theoretically and empirically validated model depicting the relationships between CC use, collaboration, agility and inter-organizational trust in humanitarian supply chains. Humanitarian organizations can use these findings to optimize agility.

Originality/value

This study contributes to supply chain management research, particularly humanitarian supply chain management knowledge, by empirically examining the usefulness of CC use on collaboration and agility in the supply chain.