bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient solution-processed small molecule: Cadmium selenide quantum dot bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Gupta Vinay , Upreti Tanvi , Chand Suresh
Published: December 2013

We report bulk heterojunction solar cells based on blends of solution-processed small molecule [7,7′-(4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-silolo[3,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl)bis(6-fluoro-4-(5′-hexyl-[2,2′-bithiophen]-5yl)benzo[c] [1,2,5] thiadiazole)] p-DTS(FBTTh2)2: Cadmium Selenide (CdSe) (70:30, 60:40, 50:50, and 40:60) in the device configuration: Indium Tin Oxide /poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/p-DTS(FBTTh2)2: CdSe/Ca/Al. The optimized ratio of p-DTS(FBTTh2)2:CdSe::60:40 leads to a short circuit current density (Jsc) = 5.45 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (Voc) = 0.727 V, and fill factor (FF) = 51%, and a power conversion efficiency = 2.02% at 100 mW/cm2 under AM1.5G illumination. The Jsc and FF are sensitive to the ratio of p-DTS(FBTTh2)2:CdSe, which is a crucial factor for the device performance.
First-principles study on the magnetic properties in Mg doped BiFeO3 with and without oxygen vacancies
Authors: Yang Ruipeng , Lin Sixian , Fang Xiaogong , Gao Xingsen , Zeng Min , Liu Junming
Published: December 2013

The magnetic properties of Mg-doped BiFeO3 (BFO) with and without oxygen vacancies are studied through first-principles calculations. The Mg-doping prefers to occupy the ferromagnetic planes and produces an obvious improved magnetization, and the magnetization is linearly enhanced with increasing Mg-doped content, which is consistent with the trend reported in experiment. However, our calculated result is significantly larger than the experimental one, and the reason is revealed that the relative energy differences of various spin-ordering configurations are small. Furthermore, oxygen vacancy in Mg-doped BFO can further enhance the magnetization, while keeping the insulating band gap character. The calculated results imply that the oxygen vacancy in Mg-doped BFO would be an effective way to improve the multiferroicity of BFO.
The transformation of α–Fe into γ′–Fe4N in nanocrystalline Fe–N system: Influence of Gibbs–Thomson effect
Authors: Moszyński Dariusz , Moszyńska Izabela , Arabczyk Walerian
Published: December 2013

A nanocrystalline iron sample of non-uniform grain size distribution was nitrided at 500 °C under gas atmosphere with gradually increased nitriding potential. Mixtures of α–Fe and γ′–Fe4N phases were observed at a broad range of the nitriding potential. Unexpectedly, the mean size of the product's crystallites at small conversion degrees was much higher than the one observed initially for the substrate and gradually decreased with the advancement of the reaction. The observed behavior was explained by the reaction mechanism regarding the influence of the Gibbs–Thomson effect.
Nanoscale-accuracy transfer printing of ultra-thin AlInGaN light-emitting diodes onto mechanically flexible substrates
Authors: Trindade A. J. , Guilhabert B. , Massoubre D. , Zhu D. , Laurand N. , Gu E. , Watson I. M. , Humphreys C. J. , Dawson M. D.
Published: December 2013

The transfer printing of 2 μm-thick aluminum indium gallium nitride (AlInGaN) micron-size light-emitting diodes with 150 nm (±14 nm) minimum spacing is reported. The thin AlInGaN structures were assembled onto mechanically flexible polyethyleneterephthalate/polydimethylsiloxane substrates in a representative 16 × 16 array format using a modified dip-pen nano-patterning system. Devices in the array were positioned using a pre-calculated set of coordinates to demonstrate an automated transfer printing process. Individual printed array elements showed blue emission centered at 486 nm with a forward-directed optical output power up to 80 μW (355 mW/cm2) when operated at a current density of 20 A/cm2.
Floating liquid bridge tensile behavior: Electric-field-induced Young's modulus measurements
Authors: Teschke Omar , Mendez Soares David , Valente Filho Juracyr Ferraz
Published: December 2013

A floating bridge is formed spontaneously when high voltage is applied to polar fluids in two capillary tubes that were in contact and then separated. This bridge bends under its own weight, and its bending profile was used to calculate its Young's modulus. For electric field intensities of ∼106 V/m, water bridges exhibit viscoelastic behavior, with Young's moduli of ∼24 MPa; dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) bridges exhibited Young's moduli of ∼60 kPa. The scheme devised to measure the voltage drop across the water bridge for high voltages applied between the electrodes shows that the bulk water resistance decreases with increasing voltage.
The Green Economy and Sustainable Development: An Uneasy Balance?
Authors: Bina Olivia
Published: December 2013

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (or Rio+20) was conceived at a time of great concern for the health of the world economy. In this atmosphere ‘green economy’ was chosen as one of two central themes for the conference, building on a burgeoning body of literature on the green economy and growth. This research examines the relationship and influence between the double crisis and the rise of ‘greening’ as part of the solution. The aim is to understand what defines and distinguishes the proposals contained in twenty-four sources on the green economy (including policy documents by international agencies and think tanks, and research papers), and what is the meaning and implication of the rising greening agenda for sustainable development as it enters the 21st century. Through a systematic qualitative analysis of textual material, three categories of discourse that can illuminate the meaning and implication of greening are identified: ‘almost business as usual’, ‘greening’, and ‘all change’. An analysis of their relationship with Dryzek's classification of environmental discourse leads to the identification of three interrelated patterns: (1) scarcity and limits, (2) means and ends, and (3) reductionism and unity—which deepen our understanding of the tensions between emerging propositions. The patterns help explain the meaning and implications of greening for sustainable development, revealing an economisation and polarisation of discourses, the persisting weak interpretation of sustainable development, and a tension between the fixing or shifting of dominant socioeconomic paradigms that underpin its conceptualisation.
Surviving in the south: a recent incursion of the agile wallaby (Macropus agilis) in Tasmania
Authors: Pauza Matthew , Richley Jim , Robinson Sue , Fearn Simon
Published: December 2013

The agile wallaby (Macropus agilis) has established in a small area of coastal plain on the central east coast of Tasmania. The Tasmanian occurrence is the only known population of this species outside its natural geographical range. The current wild population is likely to have originated from a small number of individuals that escaped or were released from a nearby wildlife park in the late 1990s. The population is successfully reproducing although it appears to be relatively small and restricted. A precautionary approach is needed and the eradication of the population is recommended.
Parkinson-related LRRK2 mutation R1441C/G/H impairs PKA phosphorylation of LRRK2 and disrupts its interaction with 14-3-3
Authors: Muda Kathrin , Bertinetti Daniela , Gesellchen Frank , Hermann Jennifer Sarah , von Zweydorf Felix , Geerlof Arie , Jacob Anette , Ueffing Marius , Gloeckner Christian Johannes , Herberg Friedrich W.
Published: December 2013

Significance

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a multidomain protein implicated in Parkinson disease, and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) has been suggested to act as an upstream kinase phosphorylating LRRK2. Using a phosphoproteomics approach, we identified several novel PKA phosphorylation sites on LRRK2. We could demonstrate that one PKA phosphosite comprises the second most common mutation in LRRK2 (R1441C/G/H) attributed to Parkinson disease. Our findings reveal that this site is mandatory for subsequent 14-3-3 binding and affects LRRK2 kinase activity. These data provide a mechanistic insight into the regulation of LRRK2 kinase activity and its perturbation by disease-associated mutations.
Fe-vacancy order and superconductivity in tetragonal
β
-Fe

1-
x

Se
Authors: Chen Ta-Kun , Chang Chung-Chieh , Chang Hsian-Hong , Fang Ai-Hua , Wang Chih-Han , Chao Wei-Hsiang , Tseng Chuan-Ming , Lee Yung-Chi , Wu Yu-Ruei , Wen Min-Hsueh , Tang Hsin-Yu , Chen Fu-Rong , Wang Ming-Jye , Wu Maw-Kuen , Van Dyck Dirk
Published: December 2013

Significance

We report the observation in the FeSe system of various Fe-vacancy orders, which are similar to those discovered in A

1-
x

Fe

2-
y

Se
2
superconductors. We observed at least three different Fe-vacancy orders, and one was identified to be nonsuperconducting and magnetic at low temperature, which implies a rich-phases nature of Fe-based superconductors. Consequently, we propose the existence of a modified phase diagram for the Fe-Se superconducting system. This discovery provides new opportunities to investigate the correlation between superconductivity and the Fe-vacancy order, which is critical to understand the origin of superconductivity of FeSe and related superconductors.
Wigwams: identifying gene modules co-regulated across multiple biological conditions
Authors: Polanski Krzysztof , Rhodes Johanna , Hill Claire , Zhang Peijun , Jenkins Dafyd J. , Kiddle Steven J. , Jironkin Aleksey , Beynon Jim , Buchanan-Wollaston Vicky , Ott Sascha , Denby Katherine J.
Published: December 2013

Motivation: Identification of modules of co-regulated genes is a crucial first step towards dissecting the regulatory circuitry underlying biological processes. Co-regulated genes are likely to reveal themselves by showing tight co-expression, e.g. high correlation of expression profiles across multiple time series datasets. However, numbers of up- or downregulated genes are often large, making it difficult to discriminate between dependent co-expression resulting from co-regulation and independent co-expression. Furthermore, modules of co-regulated genes may only show tight co-expression across a subset of the time series, i.e. show condition-dependent regulation.

Results: Wigwams is a simple and efficient method to identify gene modules showing evidence for co-regulation in multiple time series of gene expression data. Wigwams analyzes similarities of gene expression patterns within each time series (condition) and directly tests the dependence or independence of these across different conditions. The expression pattern of each gene in each subset of conditions is tested statistically as a potential signature of a condition-dependent regulatory mechanism regulating multiple genes. Wigwams does not require particular time points and can process datasets that are on different time scales. Differential expression relative to control conditions can be taken into account. The output is succinct and non-redundant, enabling gene network reconstruction to be focused on those gene modules and combinations of conditions that show evidence for shared regulatory mechanisms. Wigwams was run using six Arabidopsis time series expression datasets, producing a set of biologically significant modules spanning different combinations of conditions.

Availability and implementation: A Matlab implementation of Wigwams, complete with graphical user interfaces and documentation, is available at: warwick.ac.uk/wigwams.

Contact:  k.j.denby@warwick.ac.uk

Supplementary Data:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Site-heterogeneous mutation-selection models within the PhyloBayes-MPI package
Authors: Rodrigue Nicolas , Lartillot Nicolas
Published: December 2013

Motivation: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the potential of codon substitution models for a variety of applications. However, the computational demands of these models have sometimes lead to the adoption of oversimplified assumptions, questionable statistical methods or a limited focus on small data sets.

Results: Here, we offer a scalable, message-passing-interface-based Bayesian implementation of site-heterogeneous codon models in the mutation-selection framework. Our software jointly infers the global mutational parameters at the nucleotide level, the branch lengths of the tree and a Dirichlet process governing across-site variation at the amino acid level. We focus on an example estimation of the distribution of selection coefficients from an alignment of several hundred sequences of the influenza PB2 gene, and highlight the site-specific characterization enabled by such a modeling approach. Finally, we discuss future potential applications of the software for conducting evolutionary inferences.

Availability and implementation: The models are implemented within the PhyloBayes-MPI package, (available at phylobayes.org) along with usage details in the accompanying manual.

Contact:  nicolas.rodrigue@ucalgary.ca
Combining DGE and RNA-sequencing data to identify new polyA+ non-coding transcripts in the human genome
Authors: Philippe Nicolas , Bou Samra Elias , Boureux Anthony , Mancheron Alban , Rufflé Florence , Bai Qiang , De Vos John , Rivals Eric , Commes Thérèse
Published: December 2013

Recent sequencing technologies that allow massive parallel production of short reads are the method of choice for transcriptome analysis. Particularly, digital gene expression (DGE) technologies produce a large dynamic range of expression data by generating short tag signatures for each cell transcript. These tags can be mapped back to a reference genome to identify new transcribed regions that can be further covered by RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) reads. Here, we applied an integrated bioinformatics approach that combines DGE tags, RNA-Seq, tiling array expression data and species-comparison to explore new transcriptional regions and their specific biological features, particularly tissue expression or conservation. We analysed tags from a large DGE data set (designated as ‘TranscriRef’). We then annotated 750 000 tags that were uniquely mapped to the human genome according to Ensembl. We retained transcripts originating from both DNA strands and categorized tags corresponding to protein-coding genes, antisense, intronic- or intergenic-transcribed regions and computed their overlap with annotated non-coding transcripts. Using this bioinformatics approach, we identified ∼34 000 novel transcribed regions located outside the boundaries of known protein-coding genes. As demonstrated using sequencing data from human pluripotent stem cells for biological validation, the method could be easily applied for the selection of tissue-specific candidate transcripts. DigitagCT is available at http://cractools.gforge.inria.fr/softwares/digitagct.
Nucleosomes accelerate transcription factor dissociation
Authors: Luo Yi , North Justin A. , Rose Sean D. , Poirier Michael G.
Published: December 2013

Transcription factors (TF) bind DNA-target sites within promoters to activate gene expression. TFs target their DNA-recognition sequences with high specificity by binding with resident times of up to hours in vitro. However, in vivo TFs can exchange on the order of seconds. The factors that regulate TF dynamics in vivo and increase dissociation rates by orders of magnitude are not known. We investigated TF binding and dissociation dynamics at their recognition sequence within duplex DNA, single nucleosomes and short nucleosome arrays with single molecule total internal reflection fluorescence (smTIRF) microscopy. We find that the rate of TF dissociation from its site within either nucleosomes or nucleosome arrays is increased by 1000-fold relative to duplex DNA. Our results suggest that TF binding within chromatin could be responsible for the dramatic increase in TF exchange in vivo. Furthermore, these studies demonstrate that nucleosomes regulate DNA–protein interactions not only by preventing DNA–protein binding but by dramatically increasing the dissociation rate of protein complexes from their DNA-binding sites.
Rheb and mammalian target of rapamycin in mitochondrial homoeostasis
Authors: Groenewoud Marlous J. , Zwartkruis Fried J. T.
Published: December 2013

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with various diseases, such as cancer, myopathies, neurodegeneration and obesity. Mitochondrial homoeostasis is achieved by mechanisms that adapt the number of mitochondria to that required for energy production and for the supply of metabolic intermediates necessary to sustain cell growth. Simultaneously, mitochondrial quality control mechanisms are in place to remove malfunctioning mitochondria. In the cytoplasm, the protein complex mTORC1 couples growth-promoting signals with anabolic processes, in which mitochondria play an essential role. Here, we review the involvement of mTORC1 and Rheb in mitochondrial homoeostasis. The regulatory processes downstream of mTORC1 affect the glycolytic flux and the rate of mitophagy, and include regulation of the transcription factors HIF1α and YY1/PGC-1α. We also discuss how mitochondrial function feeds back on mTORC1 via reactive oxygen species signalling to adapt metabolic processes, and highlight how mTORC1 signalling is integrated with the unfolded protein response in mitochondria, which in
Caenorhabditis elegans
is mediated via transcription factors such as DVE-1/UBL-5 and ATFS-1.
Direct Reciprocity Under Uncertainty Does Not Explain One-Shot Cooperation, But It Can Explain Norm Psychology
Authors: Zefferman Matthew R.
Published: December 2013

Humans in many societies cooperate in economic experiments at much higher levels than would be expected if their goal was maximizing economic returns even when interactions are anonymous and one-shot. This is a puzzle because paying a cost to benefit another player in one-shot interactions has no direct benefit to the cooperator. This paper explores the logic of two competing evolutionary hypotheses to explain this behavior. The “norm psychology” hypothesis holds that a player’s choice of strategy is heavily influenced by socially-learned cultural norms. Its premise is that over the course of human evolutionary history, cultural norms varied considerably across human societies and through a process of gene-culture co-evolution, humans evolved mechanisms to learn and adopt the norms of their particular society. The “evolutionary mismatch” hypothesis holds that pro-social preferences evolved genetically in our hunter-gatherer past where one-shot anonymous interactions were rare and these evolved “protocols” for cooperation are misapplied in modern, laboratory, conditions. I compare these hypotheses by adopting a well-known model of the mismatch hypothesis. I show that the cooperation generated by the model is based on a flawed assumption - that the best thing to do is cooperate in a repeated game. I show that repeated games generate a great diversity of behavioral equilibria, in support of the norm psychology hypothesis’s premise. When interaction is repeated, adopting local norms is a more evolutionarily successful strategy than automatically cooperating. If various groups are at different behavioral equilibria, then cultural selection between groups tends to select for cooperative behavior.
Zr-based coating for the prevention of silver tarnishing
Authors: Stoulil Jan , Anisová Martina , Mistova Eva , Fojt Jaroslav
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This work aims to focus on evaluation of the ability of cathodically deposited ZrO2-based coatings to stabilise the surface of silver against tarnishing caused by S2−-based species and comparison of these coatings with Cr oxide-based coating.

Design/methodology/approach

– The coatings were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic reduction of specimens exposed to H2S vapours.

Findings

– The kinetics of deposition were studied and optimum conditions for coating formation were determined. The options of manual application suitable for practical use were studied also. Zr specimens showed better barrier properties than did a chromated specimen. The best properties were observed on a specimen with a manually fast-applied coating. However, Zr coating does not provide as good protection from tarnishing as chromate. The structure of the Cr coating contains species of chromate that oxidize species of S2−.

Originality/value

– The paper provides new information regarding the anticorrosive properties of cathodically deposited ZrO2 coating as an alternative to Cr coating for the preservation of silver surfaces.
Related party transactions and separation between control and direction in business groups: the Italian case
Authors: Di Carlo Emiliano
Published: December 2013

Purpose

–Under IAS 24 a related party transaction (RPT) is a “transfer of resources, services or obligations between related parties, regardless of whether a price is charged” (IASB). The purpose of this paper is to consider the interest of the business group and the directing activity of the parent company for the interpretation of the RPT. Considering the interest of the group means to interpret the intra-group transactions not as isolated transactions, as usually done by the empirical studies, but in a wider perspective, that of the group.

Design/methodology/approach

–This paper builds on explanatory multiple case studies in order to answer the following research questions: why the interest of the business group and the directing activity of the subsidiaries by the parent company are important in the interpretation of RPTs. How RPTs can be interpreted in the light of the directing activity of the holding company.

Findings

–Dominant shareholder tends to demonstrate that the group it is not managed as a single economic entity and sometimes that subsidiaries are not really controlled. The case studies show that a regulation that imposes the transparency of the directing activity has at least two effects: the controlling shareholder finds it convenient to delegate the decision-making power and to not carry out RPTs among firms that do not present clear economic links. Thus, the transparency of the directing activity seems to be a disincentive to the establishment of a pyramidal group with expropriation purposes.

Research limitations/implications

–It is appropriate that the interpretation of the RPT take into account not only the disclosure of the RPT (e.g. type and nature), but also the following disclosure: the reason and the business purpose that lead to RPT; the interest of the company in engaging such transactions; and the procedures for their approval. The independence of subsidiaries directors is necessary to ensure the management autonomy of the boards, and in the case of directing activity they have to protect outsiders in the case of detrimental transactions ordered by the controlling and directing company that are not carried out in the interest of the group.

Originality/value

–Unlike what has been done so far by the literature on RPT, this paper considers the interest of the group to interpret the intra-group transactions and the separation between control and direction. It means do not interpret RPT as isolated transactions, as usually done by the empirical studies, but in a wider perspective, that of the group.
CGIJ review
Authors: MacVane Phipps Fiona
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this review is to enable readers of the journal to gain a quick over-view of articles published in this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of articles published within this issue of CGIJ with added commentary.

Findings

– Clinical governance continues to be an important issue in contemporary healthcare and the concept is being applied to many different facets of healthcare provision.

Originality/value

– The originality value is that CGIJ is the only Emerald journal containing this type of review section.
Modelling of a desiccant rotor by using the collocation method
Authors: Aprile Marcello , Motta Mario
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This article aims to develop a fast numerical method for solving the one-dimensional heat and mass transfer problem within a desiccant rotor.

Design/methodology/approach

– The collocation method is used for discretizing the axial dimension and reducing the number of dependent variables. The resulting system of equation is then solved through backward differentiation formulas.

Findings

– The numerical results obtained here focus on verifying the accuracy and the computation time of the proposed method with respect to the finite difference method. The proposed numerical solution method resulted faster than, and as much accurate as, the finite difference method, over a large range of operating conditions that are of interest in desiccant cooling applications.

Research limitations/implications

– For heat and mass transfer analysis, constant average transfer coefficients are used. The results are calculated for NTU between 2 and 15 and for Le number between 0.5 and 2.

Practical implications

– The results can be used in designing desiccant heat exchangers and desiccant cooling systems including complex rotor arrangements.

Originality/value

– Different from other simplified solution techniques, the proposed method relies on few parameters that retain physical meaning and applies also to complex rotor configurations.
Simulation of turbulent duct flow by employing shear-improved Smagorinsky model accompanied by forced generalized lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Jafari S. , Rahnama M. , Jahanshahi Javaran E.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The present work aims to deal with simulation of turbulent duct flow using generalized lattice Boltzmann equation (GLBE) in which large eddy simulation was employed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sub-grid scale turbulence effects were simulated through a shear-improved Smagorinsky model (SISM) which is capable of predicting turbulent near wall region accurately without any wall function. Computations were done for fully developed turbulent square duct flow at Ret=300, based on duct width and average friction velocity.

Findings

– Results obtained for turbulent duct flow reveal that the GLBE in conjunction with SISM is able to correctly predict the existence of secondary flows and the computed detailed structure of first- and second-order statistics of main and secondary motions. The methodology is validated by comparing with previously published data. It is concluded that such framework is capable of predicting accurate results for turbulent duct flow. In addition, the operations in the present method are local; it can be easily programmed for parallel machines.

Originality/value

– The numerical method, including generalized lattice Boltzmann method with forcing term and implementation of SISM in GLBE, is used for the first time to simulate turbulent duct flow.
Coupled magneto-buoyant convection and radiation in an inclined enclosure
Authors: K. Jena Sofen , K. Mahapatra Swarup , Sarkar Amitava
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The current study aims to address the interaction between participating media radiation with thermo-gravitational convection of an electrically conducting fluid enclosed within a tilted enclosure under an externally imposed time-independent uniform magnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

– The differentially heated boundaries of the tilted enclosure are considered to be diffuse, gray and the enclosed fluid is assumed to be absorbing, emitting and isotropically scattering. The Navier-Stokes equations, meant for magneto convection are solved using modified MAC method. Gradient dependent consistent hybrid upwind scheme of second order is used for discretization of the convective terms. Discrete ordinate method, with S8 approximation, is used to model radiative transport equation in the presence of radiatively active medium.

Findings

– Effect of uniform magnetic field with different magnitudes and orientations of cavity has been numerically simulated. The effect of participating media radiation has been investigated for different optical thicknesses, emissivities, scattering albedos and Planks number. The results are provided in both graphical and tabular forms. The flow lines, isotherms bring clarity in the understanding of flow behaviour and heat transfer characteristics.

Originality/value

– Despite the idealized nature, the present study is quite essential to understand the cumbersome physics of realistic problem.
Linking core self-evaluations and work engagement to work-family facilitation
Authors: M. Karatepe Osman , Demir Eda
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This article aims to develop and test a research model that investigates work engagement as a mediator of the effect of core self-evaluations on work-family facilitation and family-work facilitation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The relationships were tested via structural equation modeling using data collected from a sample of full-time frontline hotel employees with a time lag of two weeks in Turkey.

Findings

– The results suggest that work engagement functions as a full mediator of the impact of core self-evaluations on work-family facilitation and family-work facilitation. Specifically, frontline employees with positive core self-evaluations are highly engaged in their work, and therefore, are capable of integrating their work (family) and family (work) roles successfully.

Practical implications

– Management of the hotels can utilize the core self-evaluations scale to hire the right person in frontline service jobs. They should invest in high-performance work practices (i.e. training and re-training, empowerment, rewards, job security, career opportunities) simultaneously for retention of employees with positive core self-evaluations. When such employees learn that the organization implements these practices due to management commitment to delivery of service quality and retention of employees, they are highly engaged in their work. The presence of a family-supportive work environment would also enable managers to retain these frontline employees.

Originality/value

– This study expands current knowledge by assessing work engagement as a mediator of the impact of core self-evaluations on work-family facilitation and family-work facilitation.
Toward an integrated model of adoption of mobile phones for purchasing ancillary services in air travel
Authors: Morosan Cristian
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– Recently, ancillary services' (e.g. bag processing, preferred seating) contribution to the overall air travel revenues has become substantial. Yet, no study to date has addressed how these services are purchased. This study aims to investigate air travelers' adoption of mobile phones to purchase ancillary air travel services.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comprehensive structural model was developed based on the Technology Acceptance Model and augmented with constructs like trust, privacy, security, innovativeness, and personalization. The model was validated using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations modeling.

Findings

– The model explained 84 percent of the variability in intentions to use mobile phones to purchase air travel ancillary services. The strongest predictor of attitudes was perceived usefulness, followed by perceived ease of use and trust.

Research limitations/implications

– First, this study's extended theoretical framework was well supported, as it captures relevant system perceptions (e.g. usefulness, ease of use) and personal traits of consumers (e.g. innovativeness), thus extending the classic paradigmatic approach to technology adoption beyond system beliefs. Second, the study explains the relationships among trust, security, and privacy in m-commerce. Third, this study explicates the roles of innovativeness and personalization, which have not been examined in the context of m-commerce in travel.

Practical implications

– This study offers managers an understanding of factors leading to adoption of mobile phones for purchasing air travel ancillary services.

Originality/value

– This study provides a first theoretical perspective on the purchasing behavior of services that have not been studied so far, but have an increasingly substantial financial significance for the airline industry.
A training buddy peer-review process within physical education initial teacher education
Authors: Lamb Penny
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– Innovation in enhancing reflective abilities of trainee teachers was explored in this small-scale qualitative study. Opportunities for active engagement in peer- and self-reflection were provided to two cohorts of British Post-Graduate Physical Education trainee teachers (n=45: male=28, female=17), aged 21-30 years.

Design/methodology/approach

– Trainees were assigned a peer buddy, and tasked with the dual responsibility of being and having a training buddy for a lesson observation during two school placements. They visited each other's school and recorded their buddy teaching a lesson. Immediately afterwards, they watched the recording together, engaging in reflective discussion. Trainees acted as both a critical friend and a supportive extra pair of eyes, whilst also assuming the role of reflective practitioner. Data were collected through surveys, focus group interviews and individual reflections shared through an online discussion board. Grounded theory methodology informed an emergent model of reflective practice.

Findings

– By being and having a training buddy, trainees created their own rules, structures and practices for implementing the process. Themes pointed to a series of mutually created spaces: safe – non-judgemental and creating a sense of solidarity; relaxed – non-pressured and conversational; equal – involving participants at the same professional stage and status; pedagogic – involving the sharing of ideas; negotiated – allowing autonomy and ownership of the process; and alternative – experiencing a different school environment.

Originality/value

– Trainees endorsed the peer process, illustrating benefits derived from sharing reflection, giving and receiving feedback. It is suggested that collaborative spaces created and owned by training buddies enhance reflective ability and practice.
Adopting a contemporary performance management system
Authors: Behery Mohamed , Jabeen Fauzia , Parakandi Mohammed
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this qualitative research is to explore the characteristics and issues related to the transition of a UAE-based fast-growth small-to-medium enterprise (FGSMEs) from the traditional performance management system (PMS) to a modern PMS through a design of a potential balanced scorecard (BSC) and strategy map for the company.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was conducted in one of the FGSMEs that serves more than 16,000 farmers across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A qualitative case study methodology was used in this study. The focus was on “how” questions and exploratory analysis of primary and secondary data supported by in-depth interviews with senior managers.

Findings

– This research highlights the adoption of a new, more proactive performance management accounting – the BSC. It was found that the BSC initiatives already exist in the company but not clearly linked together and directed toward the effective implementation of BSC system. It was found that these initiatives were initiated by the interests of different work units but not properly integrated as one whole company system. Such initiatives if integrated together and aligned with the overall objectives and strategies of the company can facilitate the comprehensive adoption of the BSC system and maximize the possibility of achieving better measurement and management of organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was limited to the UAE and it focussed exclusively on a single fast-growing enterprise. The results presented may not suitable to be generalized or extended to other contexts.

Practical implications

– Our study highlights the need for better understanding of the use of non-traditional-measurement mechanisms like the BSC, that may substitute for the roles of financial-based performance measurements and lead to superior performance to our case company. This study suggested that many of the roles played by traditional performance management can be substituted by, or supported by other mechanisms at the corporate level like the BSC system and the detailed design of a potential BSC and strategy map for the company will act as a guide to help in bringing the modern performance management techniques and tools into the other Eastern FGSMEs also.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the literature by being one of the first to study contemporary PMS within a middle-eastern context.
The role and responsibility of credit rating agencies in promoting soundness and integrity
Authors: Baber Graeme
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role and responsibility of credit rating agencies in promoting soundness and integrity, especially in the course of their business activities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper describes, and uses, the framework for the activities of credit rating agencies introduced by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), in order to give effect to this investigation.

Findings

– Credit rating agencies have implemented the provisions of the Code of Conduct Fundamentals for Credit Rating Agencies of the IOSCO on the quality and integrity of the rating process, to the extent of the resources available to them.

Research limitations/implications

– The main source of data is the information collected by the IOSCO from nine credit rating agencies, including the main three, on the quality and integrity of their rating processes. The absence of triangulation of research methods limits the robustness of the findings.

Originality/value

– The paper addresses a specific aspect of the credit ratings story since the financial crisis on which there is currently little in the literature. It also focuses upon the actions of credit rating agencies, rather than on how these organisations are, or should be, regulated.
An integrated product policy decision framework
Authors: Obradovikj Grncarovska Teodora , Dukovski Vladimir , Sharma Manu
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to formulate an integrated product policy (IPP) framework for the Republic of Macedonia, taking into account unique circumstances faced by the country, particularly the mandatory transposition of European Union (EU) environmental legislation, limited country-specific data availability and the low level of environmental awareness.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed IPP indicators at EU level and the available indicators in Macedonian conditions were used in order to create a composite IPP index as a method of measurement of the level of IPP implementation in the country. Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) are used as a policy decision approach for IPP. The purpose is to evaluate what decisions (taken now and in the future) would lead to the best possible level of IPP implementation. The approach applicability for long-term policy planning is demonstrated using a simple numerical example.

Findings

– A stylized numerical example utilizing the composite IPP index and the MDP approach indicate that policy makers should focus not only on transposing the mandatory EU legislation related to IPP, but simultaneously work to raise public awareness of IPP and environmental issues, since this opens the door for more beneficial policy alternatives in the future. Considering the long-term consequences of actions taken in the present time should be an essential part of policy design, given the pervasive and long-term nature of the effects of IPP policy. It is also very important to revisit the assumptions at regular intervals and incorporate into this framework the new learning and data obtained with time.

Originality/value

– This IPP framework and quantitative policy decision approach, in spite of its limitations, is a valuable and informative guide for IPP policy makers in the Republic of Macedonia. By incorporating a long-term view, explicit measurement of progress towards IPP implementation and the consideration of possible future consequences of policy decisions made in the present, it should be possible to significantly increase the likelihood of successful IPP implementation and improve environmental outcomes than those obtained using more conventional approaches.
Drinking water networks interconnections and green electricity production
Authors: Blanc Grégoire , Cherix Gaëtan
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– With the concept of interconnection among municipal drinking water networks, this paper presents an innovative methodology aiming to identify potential interconnections and new hydropower possibilities between separate municipal networks, at a regional level.

Design/methodology/approach

– Beside literature research, water framework directive, interviews with local actors and local case studies were employed. To ensure the soundness of the developed methodology and to give more accuracy to the scientific approach, the presented methodology was tested in a Swiss Alp pilot region (Martigny) composed of 23 independent municipal water networks.

Findings

– A methodology which makes it possible to compile on a unique map complex and dissociated elements describing water networks and their potential interconnections was developed. Furthermore, the methodology brings these elements together giving decision makers an overview focussed on added-value in terms of water resources and consumption as well as economic and energetic impacts.

Practical implications

– In a bottom-up approach, the targets of this study have been presented and discussed with all local actors. Some of the suggested interconnections are currently being completed.

Originality/value

– The use of GIS-based framework as a decision support system would improve the current practice of integrated drinking water management. The developed methodology would be useful for other watershed region where the efficiency of water networks can be greatly improved by the means of a systemic approach and the designing of new network interconnections.
A fuzzy logic-based controller for integrated control of protected cultivation
Authors: L. Iliev Oliver , Sazdov Pavle , Zakeri Ahmad
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a fuzzy logic-based control system for controlling the protected cultivation and describes its advantages over the traditional greenhouse automation control systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– In terms of systems theory, the greenhouse represents a complex non-linear system with emphasized subsystem interactions. Applying a non-linear control encompasses a number of difficulties due to incomplete knowledge of system dynamic. System decoupling is used in order to obtain simplified control structures for independent control loops. This gives limited results due to strong interaction between system variables and such control system does not allow optimization of system behavior primarily in terms of energy efficiency and/or water consumption.

Findings

– The paper presents a design of fuzzy logic-based controller, which optimizes the greenhouse energy and water consumption. The design includes the main linguistic variables for sensor and actuator subsystems. Membership functions of Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) are generated and simulation and analysis of the behavior of the designed control system is performed.

Research limitations/implications

– Obtained result shows that the designed control system beside its relative simplicity is flexible and adaptive, taking into account the differences in crop varieties and growth stages.

Practical implications

– Preliminary simulation of energy savings compared with the costs on actual field shows also good results. Still, number of different control strategies has to be applied in order to increase system flexibility regarding the different varieties and different stages of their growth.

Originality/value

– Obtaining an integrated controller based on fuzzy logic will highly improve possibilities for mass production of cheap technology. It will be easy to use by growers enabling them to incorporate their own informal growing knowledge and to create actual growing control strategy.
Firm external financing decisions: explaining the role of risks
Authors: Rashid Abdul
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The main purpose of this paper is to empirically examine how firm-specific (idiosyncratic) and macroeconomic risks affect the external financing decisions of UK manufacturing firms. The paper also explores the effect of both types of risk on firms' debt versus equity choices.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a firm-level panel data covering the period 1981-2009 drawn from the Datastream. Multinomial logit and probit models are estimated to quantify the impact of risks on the likelihood of firms' decisions to issue and retire external capital and debt versus equity choices, respectively.

Findings

– The results suggest that firms considerably take into account both firm-specific and economic risk when making external financing decisions and debt-equity choices. Specifically, the results from multinomial logit regressions indicate that firms are more (less) likely to do external financing when firm-specific (macroeconomic) risk is high. The results of probit model reveal that the propensity to debt versus equity issues substantially declines in uncertain times. However, firms are more likely to pay back their outstanding debt rather than to repurchase existing equity when they face either type of risk. Of the two types of risk, firm-specific risk appears to be more important economically for firms' external financing decisions.

Practical implications

– The findings of the paper are equally useful for corporate firms in making value-maximizing financing decisions and authorities in designing effective fiscal and monetary policies to stabilize macroeconomic conditions. Specifically, the findings emphasize on the stability of the overall macroeconomic environment and firms' sales/earnings, which would result stability in firms' capital structure that help smooth firms' investments and production.

Originality/value

– Unlike prior empirical studies that mainly focus on examining the impact of risk on target leverage, this paper attempts to examine the influence of firm-specific and macroeconomic risk on firms' external financing decisions and debt-equity choices.