bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eating Disorders
Authors: Sysko Robyn , Wilson G. Terence
Published: November 2014

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) describes two eating disorder diagnoses, anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Provisional criteria are also provided in DSM-IV for binge eating disorder (BED), which is an example of an eating disorder not otherwise specified. This chapter presents a summary and synthesis of research related to the clinical features and treatment of AN, BN, and BED, including studies of prevalence, common comorbidities, and treatment efficacy. Both psychological and pharmacological treatments are reviewed, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, family therapy, and the use of antidepressant medications. Recommendations are made for future research across the eating disorders.
Ethical Issues in Clinical Psychology
Authors: Pope Kenneth S.
Published: November 2014

This chapter examines how ethical issues are approached differently by two prominent psychological associations, how they are encountered by psychologists, the formal complaints they give rise to, and how they can be approached systematically to avoid missteps. Included are basic assumptions about ethics; the unique approaches to developing a ethics code taken by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), and what each of these two codes provides; empirical data about what ethical problems psychologists encounter and what formal complaints they face; four major sets of ethical issues that are particularly complex and challenging (confidentiality, informed consent, competence, and boundaries); an area of major controversy (clinical psychology and national security); steps in ethical decision-making; and four possible lines of future research.
Evidence-based Assessment
Authors: Hunsley John , Mash Eric J.
Published: November 2014

Evidence-based assessment relies on research and theory to inform the selection of constructs to be assessed for a specific assessment purpose, the methods and measures to be used in the assessment, and the manner in which the assessment process unfolds. An evidence-based approach to clinical assessment necessitates the recognition that, even when evidence-based instruments are used, the assessment process is a decision-making task in which hypotheses must be iteratively formulated and tested. In this chapter, we review (a) the progress that has been made in developing an evidence-based approach to clinical assessment in the past decade and (b) the many challenges that lie ahead if clinical assessment is to be truly evidence-based.
Evidence-based Practice in Clinical Psychology
Authors: Spring Bonnie , Neville Kelly
Published: November 2014

The Institute of Medicine identifies evidence-based practice (EBP) as a core competence for all 21st century health professionals (Greiner & Knebel, 2003). Psychology is a relative newcomer to the evidence-based movement, having just adopted EBP as policy in 2005 (www2.apa.org/practice/ebpstatement.pdf). Evidence-based practice is both a conceptual model and a process for basing clinical decision-making on the integration of research, client characteristics, and resource considerations. We describe the evolution of models of EBP across the health disciplines and discuss how the concepts and methods of EBP apply in clinical psychology. Psychologists’ roles in relation to EBP are as creators, synthesizers, and consumers of evidence. We consider implications of EBP’s adoption for clinical psychology training, and describe learning resources that support clinical psychologists in mastering EBP.
Interventions in Forensic Settings
Authors: Heilbrun Kirk , Goldstein Naomi , DeMatteo David , Hart Allison , Romaine Christina L. Riggs , Shah Sanjay
Published: November 2014

Interventions for criminal justice–involved populations have been an increasing focus of theoretical and research attention, and have also been recognized as among the “next frontier” of priorities for the forensic mental health professions. In this chapter, we present a description of three different kinds of interventions with criminal justice populations. These interventions—for adjudicated delinquents, defendants diverted into specialized courts, and defendants hospitalized as incompetent to stand trial—represent a range of population ages, traditional versus relatively new modalities, and stages of the juvenile/criminal justice systems. Perhaps surprisingly, the more established of these interventions (juvenile placement and forensic hospitalization) have relatively less empirical data regarding their effectiveness than do the newer drug and mental health court modalities. In this chapter, we summarize the evidence that does exist, describe existing and recommended practices where indicated (unfortunately, often without the assistance of effectiveness data), and draw conclusions regarding our future research needs in light of this discussion.
Psychological Interventions in Health-care Settings
Authors: Emery Charles F. , Anderson Derek R. , Andersen Barbara L.
Published: November 2014

Beginning in the 1980s, clinical psychologists have made significant contributions to the development, testing, and dissemination of psychological interventions for individuals undergoing stressful medical treatments or coping with chronic illness. This has been important, as there are elevated rates of mood and anxiety disorders among medical patients. Addressing the needs of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), cancer, and cardio-pulmonary disease (COPD) is discussed. As is the case generally, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), tailored to the specific medical illness/treatment circumstances of patients, plays a central role. More broadly, psychologists have been influential in contributing empirically based strategies to improve the health of all Americans. Effective behavior change methods for smoking cessation, dietary change, and increasing physical activity and improving fitness reduce morbidity and mortality and, of course, are key to reducing health-care costs. Thus, we urge psychological assessment and intervention as one element of standard, comprehensive, health care.
Schizophrenia
Authors: Mueser Kim T. , Marcello Duva Stephanie
Published: November 2014

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness marked by hallucinations, delusions, reduced social drive, apathy, and cognitive impairment. Schizophrenia tends to develop in early adulthood and has a major impact on all aspects of functioning, including work, school, social relationships, and self-care. The illness is thought to have a biological basis that interacts with environmental and psychological factors, including stress, social support, and social competence and coping skills. Schizophrenia was once thought to be a progressively deteriorating disorder. However, more recent perspectives on schizophrenia focus on helping people define the meaning of recovery for themselves, to set personally meaningful goals, and to become active participants in their own treatment. A broad range of effective treatments exist for schizophrenia, including antipsychotic medications and psychosocial interventions such as supported employment, family psychoeducation, social skills training, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychosis. Although most people with schizophrenia experience some symptoms and impairments throughout their lives, recent treatment advances enable them to live rewarding, fulfilling lives, and to make a contribution to society.
The Nature and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder and the Bipolar Spectrum
Authors: Otto Michael W. , Applebaum Allison J.
Published: November 2014

In this chapter, we review the nature and treatment of bipolar disorder. We first present a perspective on the disorder, based on the dominant bipolar I and II classifications, and review the current state of medication and empirically supported psychosocial interventions (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and group treatment), including factors that lead to poor treatment response. Given the increased attention to how bipolar I and II may lie at one end of a continuum of patterns of mood instability, we subsequently address spectrum conceptualizations of bipolar disorder. The proposed spectrum models are presented and then considered in relation to revised prevalence rates and treatment implications.
The Importance of Behavioral Law
Authors: Ulen Thomas S.
Published: November 2014

The chapter begins with several general policy examples that demonstrate how the empirical findings of cognitive and social psychology lead to very different predictions of human behavior and different policy options from those of rational choice theory. The chapter then turns to the topic of law and economics so as to contrast how some familiar conclusions of law and economics that were premised on rational choice by contract parties, potential injurers and victims, and others must be altered in light of the behavioral findings that undermine rational choice theory. The chapter also considers (and rejects) criticisms of behavioral law by economists, legal scholars, and philosophers. Finally, the chapter seeks to point to the next research steps in behavioral law.
Behavioral Law and Economics
Authors: Engel Christoph
Published: November 2014

This chapter deals with empirical methods as applied in behavioral law and economics. It first reflects on the traditional use of a behavioral perspective in legal psychology and criminal law, as well as how behavioral law and economics differs from traditional law and economics. It also emphasizes the importance of scientific empirical evidence to law and economics. The chapter then discusses empirical methods for behavioral legal analysis by using data from the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, focusing on the use of field data, surveys, vignettes, and lab experiments, along with alternative approaches such as field experiments and simulations. It describes and analyzes the methodological variance and cites publications from other peer-reviewed legal journals. In conclusion, it outlines potential paths for future methodological development.
Behavioral Economics and Contract Law
Authors: Eisenberg Melvin A.
Published: November 2014

Classical contract law, Chicago economics, and Chicago law-and-economics all assumed that people rationally maximize their utility. However, just as classical contract law was supplanted by modern contract law, so Chicago-style law-and-economics is being supplanted by a school of law-and-economics based on behavioral psychology or behavioral economics. The shift to behavioral law-and-economics, which is still under way, has arrived in three waves. The first wave showed that actors often make decisions without being fully informed, without adequately processing the available information, and without bringing to consciousness critical assumptions that underlay their decisions. The second wave showed that in certain areas, actors systematically make decisions that are not rational. The third wave shows that in making decisions, contracting actors are often motivated by moral principles as well as by wealth-enhancement.
Litigation and Settlement
Authors: Robbennolt Jennifer K.
Published: November 2014

Standard economic models of litigation and settlement conceive of litigation and settlement decision-making as a process in which legal actors—litigants and their attorneys—rationally maximize expected utility. While such models provide a helpful structure for understanding litigation decision-making, litigants and their attorneys may not always behave and decide in ways that follow the assumptions of the economic models. Predicting expected outcomes, setting goals, interacting with adversaries, gathering and using information, and weighing options all present challenges for decision-makers. In addition, the dynamic interaction between lawyer and client can influence whether and how cases are settled. Recognizing the variety of psychological phenomena that make it challenging for litigants and their attorneys to identify and choose the best litigation options can make for a richer and more accurate understanding of litigation decision-making.
Complete Neoadjuvant Treatment for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Perez Kimberly , Safran Howard , Sikov William , Vrees Matthew , Klipfel Adam , Shah Nishit , Schechter Steven , Oldenburg Nicklas , Pricolo Victor , Rosati Kayla , Dipetrillo Thomas
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

Following preoperative chemoradiation and surgery, many patients with stage II to III rectal cancer are unable to tolerate full-dose adjuvant chemotherapy. BrUOG R-224 was designed to assess the impact of COmplete Neoadjuvant Treatment for REctal cancer (CONTRE), primary chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation and surgery, on treatment delivery, toxicities, and pathologic response at surgery.

Methods:

Patients with clinical stage II to III (T3 to T4 and/or N1 to N2) rectal cancer received 8 cycles of modified FOLFOX6 followed by capecitabine 825 mg/m2 bid concurrent with 50.4 Gy intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Surgery was performed 6 to 10 weeks after chemoradiation.

Results:

Thirty-nine patients were enrolled between August 2010 and June 2013. Median age was 61 years (30 to 79 y); 7 patients (18%) were clinical stage II and 32 (82%) stage III. Thirty-six patients (92%) received all 8 cycles of mFOLFOX6, of whom 35 completed subsequent chemoradiation; thus 89% of patients received CONTRE as planned. No unexpected toxicities were reported. All patients had resolution of bleeding and improvement of obstructive symptoms, with no complications requiring surgical intervention. Pathologic complete response (ypT0N0) was demonstrated in 13 patients (33%; 95% CI, 18.24%-47.76%).

Conclusions:

CONTRE seems to be a well-tolerated alternative to the current standard treatment sequence. Evaluating its impact on long-term outcomes would require a large randomized trial, but using pathologic response as an endpoint, it could serve as a platform for assessing the addition of novel agents to preoperative treatment in stage II to III rectal cancer.
Yttrium-90 Radioembolization as Salvage Therapy for Liver Metastases From Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kalva Sanjeeva P. , Rana Rich S. , Liu Raymond , Rachamreddy Niranjan , Dave Bhavika , Sharma Ashish , Ganguli Suvranu , Rabito Carlos , Kwak Eunice , Blaszkowsky Lawrence S.
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

To report safety and survival outcomes of Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization when used as salvage therapy for chemotherapy-resistant liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

Methods:

In this IRB-approved retrospective study, 45 patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer underwent Y-90 radioembolization after failure of systemic chemotherapy. Toxicities were assessed as per NCI-CTCAE and response based on RECIST and PET. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to calculate median survival, prognostic factors on univariate analysis, and Cox regression analysis for independent predictors of survival.

Results:

Y-90 radioembolization was technically successful in all (100%). Twenty-three patients (51%) had no toxicities, whereas 6 patients (13%) had grade 3 toxicities, and no patients had grade 4 toxicity. Two patients died within 30 days of treatment from renal failure unrelated to the procedure. Per RECIST, 1 patient (2%) had partial response, 34 (71%) had stable disease, and 6 (13%) had progressive disease. PET response was seen in 46% of patients with 2 patients (4%) demonstrating complete and 22 (42%) demonstrating partial metabolic response. The median survival was 186 days (95% CI, 149-277 d). Response on PET was the only independent predictor of superior overall survival. Patients who had response on PET following Y-90 therapy had a median overall survival of 317 days (10.6 mo) (95% CI, 193-564 d), whereas patients with no response on PET had a median overall survival of 163 days (5.4 mo) (95% CI, 64-283 d).

Conclusions:

Y-90 radioembolization as a salvage therapy for chemotherapy-resistant hepatic metastases from colon cancer was safe and resulted in disease stability. Response on PET was an independent predictor of superior overall survival.
Extensive population decline in the Tasmanian devil predates European settlement and devil facial tumour disease
Authors: Brüniche-Olsen Anna , Jones Menna E. , Austin Jeremy J. , Burridge Christopher P. , Holland Barbara R.
Published: November 2014

The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) was widespread in Australia during the Late Pleistocene but is now endemic to the island of Tasmania. Low genetic diversity combined with the spread of devil facial tumour disease have raised concerns for the species’ long-term survival. Here, we investigate the origin of low genetic diversity by inferring the species' demographic history using temporal sampling with summary statistics, full-likelihood and approximate Bayesian computation methods. Our results show extensive population declines across Tasmania correlating with environmental changes around the last glacial maximum and following unstable climate related to increased ‘El Niño–Southern Oscillation’ activity.
Infected honeybee foragers incur a higher loss in efficiency than in the rate of energetic gain
Authors: Naug Dhruba
Published: November 2014

Parasites, by altering the nutritional and energetic state of their hosts, can significantly alter their foraging behaviour. In honeybees, an infection withNosema ceranaehas been shown to lower the energetic state of individual bees, bringing about changes in behaviours associated with foraging. Comparing the foraging trip times, hive times in between trips, and the crop contents of uninfected and infected foragers as they depart on foraging trips and return from them, this study examined how any differences in these variables influence alternative foraging currencies. The results show that infected bees take longer foraging trips, spend shorter time in the hive between successive trips and bring back less sugar from each trip. These changes have a stronger adverse effect on their efficiency of energetic gain as compared with their rate of energetic gain, which has important implications for individual and colony life history.
Fourier, hyperbolic and relativistic heat transfer equations: a comparative analytical study
Authors: López Molina Juan A. , Rivera María J. , Berjano Enrique
Published: November 2014

Parabolic heat equation based on Fourier's theory (FHE), and hyperbolic heat equation (HHE), has been used to mathematically model the temperature distributions of biological tissue during thermal ablation. However, both equations have certain theoretical limitations. The FHE assumes an infinite thermal energy propagation speed, whereas the HHE might possibly be in breach of the second law of thermodynamics. The relativistic heat equation (RHE) is a hyperbolic-like equation, whose theoretical model is based on the theory of relativity and which was designed to overcome these theoretical impediments. In this study, the three heat equations for modelling of thermal ablation of biological tissues (FHE, HHE and RHE) were solved analytically and the temperature distributions compared. We found that RHE temperature values were always lower than those of the FHE, while the HHE values were higher than the FHE, except for the early stages of heating and at points away from the electrode. Although both HHE and RHE are mathematically hyperbolic, peaks were only found in the HHE temperature profiles. The three solutions converged for infinite time or infinite distance from the electrode. The percentage differences between the FHE and the other equations were larger for higher values of thermal relaxation time in HHE.
Morphological patterns of the intraparietal sulcus and the anterior intermediate parietal sulcus of Jensen in the human brain
Authors: Zlatkina Veronika , Petrides Michael
Published: November 2014

Distinct parts of the intraparietal sulcal cortex contribute to sensorimotor integration and visual spatial attentional processing. A detailed examination of the morphological relations of the different segments of the complex intraparietal sulcal region in the human brain in standard stereotaxic space, which is a prerequisite for detailed structure-to-function studies, is not available. This study examined the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and the related sulcus of Jensen in magnetic resonance imaging brain volumes registered in the Montreal Neurological Institute stereotaxic space. It was demonstrated that the IPS is divided into two branches: the anterior ramus and the posterior ramus of the IPS, often separated by a submerged gyral passage. The sulcus of Jensen emerges between the anterior and posterior rami of the IPS, and its ventral end is positioned between the first and second caudal branches of the superior temporal sulcus. In a small number of brains, the sulcus of Jensen may merge superficially with the first caudal branch of the superior temporal sulcus. The above morphological findings are discussed in relation to previously reported functional neuroimaging findings and provide the basis for future exploration of structure-to-function relations in the posterior parietal region of individual subjects.
Sex differences in developmental plasticity and canalization shape population divergence in mate preferences
Authors: Svensson Erik I. , Runemark Anna , Verzijden Machteld N. , Wellenreuther Maren
Published: November 2014

Sexual selection of high-quality mates can conflict with species recognition if traits that govern intraspecific mate preferences also influence interspecific recognition. This conflict might be resolved by developmental plasticity and learned mate preferences, which could drive preference divergence in populations that differ in local species composition. We integrate field and laboratory experiments on two calopterygid damselfly species with population genetic data to investigate how sex differences in developmental plasticity affect population divergence in the face of gene flow. Whereas male species recognition is fixed at emergence, females instead learn to recognize heterospecifics. Females are therefore more plastic in their mate preferences than males. We suggest that this results from sex differences in the balance between sexual selection for high-quality mates and selection for species recognition. As a result of these sex differences, females develop more pronounced population divergence in their mate preferences compared with males. Local ecological community context and presence of heterospecifics in combination with sex differences in plasticity and canalization therefore shape population divergence in mate preferences. As ongoing environmental change and habitat fragmentation bring formerly allopatric species into secondary contact, developmental plasticity of mate preferences in either or both sexes might facilitate coexistence and prevent local species extinction.
The reef-building coralSiderastrea sidereaexhibits parabolic responses to ocean acidification and warming
Authors: Castillo Karl D. , Ries Justin B. , Bruno John F. , Westfield Isaac T.
Published: November 2014

Anthropogenic increases in atmospheric CO2over this century are predicted to cause global average surface ocean pH to decline by 0.1–0.3 pH units and sea surface temperature to increase by 1–4°C. We conducted controlled laboratory experiments to investigate the impacts of CO2-induced ocean acidification (pCO2= 324, 477, 604, 2553 µatm) and warming (25, 28, 32°C) on the calcification rate of the zooxanthellate scleractinian coralSiderastrea siderea, a widespread, abundant and keystone reef-builder in the Caribbean Sea. We show that both acidification and warming cause a parabolic response in the calcification rate within this coral species. Moderate increases inpCO2and warming, relative to near-present-day values, enhanced coral calcification, with calcification rates declining under the highestpCO2and thermal conditions. Equivalent responses to acidification and warming were exhibited by colonies across reef zones and the parabolic nature of the corals' response to these stressors was evident across all three of the experiment's 30-day observational intervals. Furthermore, the warming projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for the end of the twenty-first century caused a fivefold decrease in the rate of coral calcification, while the acidification projected for the same interval had no statistically significant impact on the calcification rate—suggesting that ocean warming poses a more immediate threat than acidification for this important coral species.
Phylogenetic and functional dissimilarity does not increase during temporal heathland succession
Authors: Letten Andrew D. , Keith David A. , Tozer Mark G.
Published: November 2014

Succession has been a focal point of ecological research for over a century, but thus far has been poorly explored through the lens of modern phylogenetic and trait-based approaches to community assembly. The vast majority of studies conducted to date have comprised static analyses where communities are observed at a single snapshot in time. Long-term datasets present a vantage point to compare established and emerging theoretical predictions on the phylogenetic and functional trajectory of communities through succession. We investigated within, and between, community measures of phylogenetic and functional diversity in a fire-prone heathland along a 21 year time series. Contrary to widely held expectations that increased competition through succession should inhibit the coexistence of species with high niche overlap, plots became more phylogenetically and functionally clustered with time since fire. There were significant directional shifts in individual traits through time indicating deterministic successional processes associated with changing abiotic and/or biotic conditions. However, relative to the observed temporal rate of taxonomic turnover, both phylogenetic and functional turnover were comparatively low, suggesting a degree of functional redundancy among close relatives. These results contribute to an emerging body of evidence indicating that limits to the similarity of coexisting species are rarely observed at fine spatial scales.
Serial founder effects and genetic differentiation during worldwide range expansion of monarch butterflies
Authors: Pierce Amanda A. , Zalucki Myron P. , Bangura Marie , Udawatta Milan , Kronforst Marcus R. , Altizer Sonia , Haeger Juan Fernández , de Roode Jacobus C.
Published: November 2014

Range expansions can result in founder effects, increasing genetic differentiation between expanding populations and reducing genetic diversity along the expansion front. However, few studies have addressed these effects in long-distance migratory species, for which high dispersal ability might counter the effects of genetic drift. Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) are best known for undertaking a long-distance annual migration in North America, but have also dispersed around the world to form populations that do not migrate or travel only short distances. Here, we used microsatellite markers to assess genetic differentiation among 18 monarch populations and to determine worldwide colonization routes. Our results indicate that North American monarch populations connected by land show limited differentiation, probably because of the monarch's ability to migrate long distances. Conversely, we found high genetic differentiation between populations separated by large bodies of water. Moreover, we show evidence for serial founder effects across the Pacific, suggesting stepwise dispersal from a North American origin. These findings demonstrate that genetic drift played a major role in shaping allele frequencies and created genetic differentiation among newly formed populations. Thus, range expansion can give rise to genetic differentiation and declines in genetic diversity, even in highly mobile species.
Costs and benefits of group living with disease: a case study of pneumonia in bighorn lambs (
Ovis canadensis
)
Authors: Manlove Kezia R. , Cassirer E. Frances , Cross Paul C. , Plowright Raina K. , Hudson Peter J.
Published: November 2014

Group living facilitates pathogen transmission among social hosts, yet temporally stable host social organizations can actually limit transmission of some pathogens. When there are few between-subpopulation contacts for the duration of a disease event, transmission becomes localized to subpopulations. The number of
per capita
infectious contacts approaches the subpopulation size as pathogen infectiousness increases. Here, we illustrate that this is the case during epidemics of highly infectious pneumonia in bighorn lambs (
Ovis canadensis
). We classified individually marked bighorn ewes into disjoint seasonal subpopulations, and decomposed the variance in lamb survival to weaning into components associated with individual ewes, subpopulations, populations and years. During epidemics, lamb survival varied substantially more between ewe-subpopulations than across populations or years, suggesting localized pathogen transmission. This pattern of lamb survival was not observed during years when disease was absent. Additionally, group sizes in ewe-subpopulations were independent of population size, but the number of ewe-subpopulations increased with population size. Consequently, although one might reasonably assume that force of infection for this highly communicable disease scales with population size, in fact, host social behaviour modulates transmission such that disease is frequency-dependent within populations, and some groups remain protected during epidemic events.
Impact of country-level factors on export competitiveness of agriculture industry from emerging markets
Authors: Huo Da
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on the impact of country-level factors and aim to find out how the factors affect the export competitiveness of agricultural industries from emerging markets. Agricultural industries have been traditionally one of the important contributors to the increased exports from emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– The revealed comparative advantage (RCA) approach is used to define the export competitiveness of agricultural industries in emerging markets. Regression and factor analysis are used to find out the relationship between export competitiveness and important country-level factors, such as wage cost, irrigated land area, food price index, export of agriculture products, domestic consumption demand and exchange rate, against US dollars of different countries from emerging markets.

Findings

– Export of agriculture products, irrigated land area and exchange rate against US dollars were found to have positive relationship with export competitiveness of agriculture industry. On the other hand, labor cost and domestic consumption demand were found to have a negative relationship with the export competitiveness.

Practical implications

– In transformation of emerging economies, a higher level of export, larger area of irrigated land and stable exchange rate of US dollars will benefit the agriculture export of emerging markets. The rising wage cost and domestic consumption need can restrain the export competitiveness of emerging markets.

Originality/value

– The research offers important hints for emerging markets to find their own ways to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage in export market by controlling the country-level factors. Also, it revealed the future problems that can appear in the transformation, with practical suggestions following. This research will be helpful to both policy-makers and global managers.
E-commerce strategies and corporate performance: an empirical investigation
Authors: Marcelo Torres Pedro , Veríssimo Lisboa João , M. Yasin Mahmoud
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is twofold. First, the relevant literature is reviewed briefly to provide a strategic context of the different views on strategy development. In the process, the linkages between the e-commerce view of strategy and previous views are explored. As such, the perspectives of different schools of thought on strategy are briefly highlighted. Second, the different dimensions of the e-commerce strategy and their impact on organizational performance are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey integrating different theoretical views of value creation was developed and sent to Portuguese e-commerce firms to assess the underlying dimensions of their strategies through factorial analysis. Then, a clustering analysis was performed to determine strategic groups to compare corporate performance.

Findings

– Three e-commerce dimensions were identified: marketing, innovation and efficiency. Results of data analysis suggest that differentiation factors have impact on corporate performance in the context of virtual markets.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the Portuguese specific nature of the study could be seen as a limitation of the generalization of the findings, in the authors’ view, it is not truly a limitation because Portuguese executives face the same challenges that other countries counterparts, due to the universal application of e-commerce. Moreover, the use of a Portuguese sample validates findings from other cultural settings, contributing toward a unified theory and testing its applicability. In this way, it is an opportunity rather then a limitation.

Practical implications

– The research identifies what is strategic and highlights the competitive methods that enhance differentiation in virtual markets, which could be useful as a framework for strategic formulation. Moreover, it provides a theoretical rational for investments in intangible assets.

Originality/value

– The development of a survey to assess e-commerce strategies and the identification of the e-commerce strategic dimensions are the main contributions of this research, which highlights the importance of differentiation factors in virtual markets.
Improving the American health system: moving from inglorious socialism to the free market
Authors: Aggarwal Raj , Bohinc Jerry
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the three critical changes needed to reform the US health care system – these changes will drive cascades of other beneficial changes. These three changes include the use of transparent market prices, alignment of incentives and systematic assessment and ratings of quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper used an analysis based on the literature on the comparison between non-market and market systems. The current US health care system is similar to the Soviet economic system, and the paper proposes moving it gradually to where it can respond to market-based signals.

Findings

– The US health care system needs to adopt transparent and real pricing, independent quality assessment of health provider organizations and portable electronic patient records. These changes will lead to continuing cascades of innovation and improvement.

Research limitations/implications

– The recommended changes will be opposed by vested interest groups, and so will be easier with regulatory guidance and encouragement. It would also be useful to protect against “regulatory capture” by interested parties during the change process.

Practical implications

– Health care in the USA will gradually become better and cheaper. Health organizations will become more transparent. Regulators would have to set up and supervise private quality ratings agencies.

Social implications

– Social implications of this paper include greater labor mobility and higher productivity, as well as increased competitiveness of the USA.

Originality/value

– In spite of numerous writings on the subject, this issue has not been analyzed in this way. This paper is unique in the way in which it layouts the process of movement to a market-based system for the US health care system.
The yin and yang of introducing a sales culture: the Amalgam Bank Case
Authors: Fortado Bruce , A. Fadil Paul
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to explore the introduction of a “sales culture” at one of the ten largest US banks. Identifying and analyzing the existing human relations problems should enable constructive competitive improvements to be made in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

– The major findings of our interviews with tellers and customer service representatives are compared to how the managers presented the sales culture, as well as the relevant cultural literature. The metaphor of the yin and the yang will be used to shed light on the tense and fluctuating interconnection of certain phenomenon.

Findings

– Amalgam Bank’s sales did increase, but unanticipated problems also surfaced. The new sales duties slowed service and irritated customers. The teller referral quota proved unrealistic. The sales incentive point system provided little motivation. The negative tended to be stressed in sales meetings. When employees raised concerns, their managers replied with silencing behaviors. Further, there were double standards, lessened career opportunities and some inconsistent managerial practices. Increased turnover and resistance ensued. Addressing these problems should bring the parties’ interests into better balance and produce a more stable and competitive culture.

Research limitations/implications

– Doing a comparative analysis can confirm what aspects of the sales culture literature are relevant and where inductive modifications might be called for. Consideration needs to be given to what results might be due to a poor managerial implementation, and what results can be attributed to the conflicting aspects of the original service-oriented culture and the new sales culture. More fieldwork needs to be done to provide confirmation for these findings and expand upon them.

Practical implications

– Both theory and practice could be improved by integrating material from anthropology, sociology, human relations, organization culture and marketing.

Social implications

– This paper focused on the social issue of culture change. Utilizing competitiveness as an outcome variable, the social implications of this study are tremendous.

Originality/value

– This study goes back to the roots of the Human Relations movement: fieldwork. In an era where most scholars hand out surveys and analyze corresponding numbers, the current authors actually went out in the field and meticulously interviewed the subjects. This increased the quality and depth of the survey, while providing a true barometer of the reaction to the proposed culture change. Although this method of study is not original, it is hardly ever done anymore in a “survey-driven” research environment. This fieldwork methodology is one of the most important contributions of this paper.
Direct printing and assembly of FM radio at the user end via liquid metal printer
Authors: Yang Jun , Liu Jing
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to demonstrate the practicability of the liquid metal printer, developed in the authors’ laboratory, in the direct manufacture and assembly of circuit boards at the end customer side using GaIn24.5 alloy as printing ink at room temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

– A practical procedure for printing a real designed frequency modulation (FM) radio circuit on flexible and transparent substrate using liquid metal printer was established. Necessary electronic components are then assembled on this circuit board. To enhance the mechanical stability of the FM radio circuit board, we further package the circuit board using room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber. Finally, an efficient way to recycle the liquid metal ink and electronic components is presented at the end of circuit board’s life cycle.

Findings

– Methods of designing the circuit patterns that are applicable to liquid metal printer are similar to the conventional printed circuit board (PCB) designing strategies. The procedure of applying liquid metal printer for printing the circuits is entirely automatic, cost-effective and highly time-saving, which allows the user to print out desired device in a moment. Through appropriate packaging, the FM radio circuit board can be flexibly used. These PCBs own many outstanding merits including easy modification and stretchability. Nearly all liquid metal ink and components can be recycled.

Originality/value

– The present end-customer-oriented liquid metal printing opens the way for large-scale personal electronics manufacture which is expected to initiate many emerging applications in education, design, industry, entertainment and more maker targets.
Assessing the effects of audio-visual stimulation on the prefrontal EEG of good & poor sleepers
Authors: Lee Yi-Yeh , Raymond See Aaron , Chen Shih-Chung , Liang Chih-Kuo
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to investigate the response of good and poor sleepers toward audio-visual stimulation via prefrontal theta EEG measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

– The experiment included ten healthy subjects that were chosen after going through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). They were divided into two groups that include five good and five poor sleepers. Next, in order to clarify the effects of audio-visual biofeedback during daytime, each subject was asked to go through six two-minute tasks that include: pre-baseline, eyes open at rest, eyes closed at rest, audio biofeedback with eyes open, video biofeedback also with eyes open, and post-baseline.

Findings

– In Task 4, the audio stimulation task, both types of sleepers elicited higher theta waves due to demand in mental activity and also a meditation state. It was significantly higher in poor sleeper that demonstrated a peak difference of 25 percent compared to its good sleeper counterpart. In Task 5, the visual stimulation task, through the use of random numbers having blue and red color background, the theta amplitudes of good and poor sleepers drop together, due to beta waves becoming dominant, as the task required attention and focussed accounting for reduced theta amplitudes. The study was able to prove the use of prefrontal EEG in measuring and evaluating sleep quality by examining theta variation.

Originality/value

– This paper proposed a novel and convenient method for evaluating sleep quality by utilizing only a single channel prefrontal EEG measurement.
Optimal high-rigidity structure design for CNC machine tools using CAE technique
Authors: Wang Kun-Chieh
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– For machine tools, the machining performance is mainly determined by the rigidity of the machine structure. How to design a machine tool with high rigidity is always a challenge issue. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) technique is used to analyze the structure rigidity of a Computer-Numerical Control (CNC) turn-mill machining center. The considered structure parameters include static rigidity and vibration mode. Through the integral analyses of these two structure parameters in conjunction with the practical design experiences, an optimal structure is obtained.

Findings

– Comparisons between the original prototype and the suggested new design structure via CAE technique under the guide of these two stiffness parameters show a great improvement on the maximal deformation of the machine structure under the action of cutting forces.

Originality/value

– Through the proposed integrative examination of two structural parameters and the CAE technique, together with design experiences, an optimal CNC machine structure can be obtained.
The application of Lean Six Sigma to the configuration control in Intel’s manufacturing R&D environment
Authors: Panat* Rahul , Dimitrova Valentina , Selvy Selvamuniandy Tamil , Ishiko Kazuhiko , Sun Dennis
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an example of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) application in research and development (R&D) organizations to eliminate waste and improve systems based on available data that in turn improves the innovative environment. Manufacturing R&D involves designing and testing innovative concepts and taking them into high-volume manufacturing. The infrastructure associated with such organizations involves experimental manufacturing lines with the ability to evaluate the result under statistical process control and configuration control. The integration of LSS process improvement methodology into the R&D organization infrastructure and operations can have a dramatic effect on reducing cost and time related to the development and delivery of new technologies and products.

Design/methodology/approach

– The LSS methodology was systematically implemented to eliminate waste and improve the existing process of Intel’s configuration control during the development and ramp phases. The steps included an assessment of the current state through walking the process and collecting baseline data, preparing the process map to quantify waste and inefficiencies, defining the ideal state along with a realistic target, selecting and implementing the improvement actions together with realizing and documenting the improvements and finally developing and putting into place a control plan to ensure the new process is sustained. The LSS approach resulted in an efficiency improvement exceeding the target, i.e. 60 per cent reduction in idle time and waste (non-value-added activities) versus a target of 40 per cent reduction. The results also showed an increase in the stakeholder satisfaction without compromising the technical rigor of the manufacturing configuration control.

Findings

– The LSS case study presented in this paper provides experiences to LSS practitioners in manufacturing R&D environment where the operational excellence is to be sought in new technology and product development.

Originality/value

– Project leaders can use the study to help formulate strategies to cater to customer/stakeholder satisfaction and eliminate waste while maintaining the technical rigor of the R&D environment.