bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoted clustering method for the measurement–transmitter association in SFN based passive radar systems
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Guan Xin , Zhong Lihua , Hu Donghui , Ding Chibiao
Published: April 2016

Passive radar systems, which use existing commercial signals as the illuminators of opportunity, have many advantages comparing with active ones. However, there is no control over the transmitters, which will largely increase the processing complexity. Especially, in the single frequency network based passive radar systems, the ambiguity of measurement–transmitter association will hold back the later processing. It is necessary to develop a proper technique to associate each measurement to a given transmitter. In this study, a promoted clustering method for this association problem is presented. In this method, the position and the velocity of targets are estimated as the clustering condition. Then, the authors propose a judgement criterion to reduce the false associations. Finally, the presented method is verified by a number of simulations.
Management and Surgical Outcomes of Concurrent Tuberculosis and Lung Cancer
Authors: Baysungur Volkan , Alpay Levent , Uskul Bahadir , Misirlioglu Aysun , Kanbur Serda , Dogruyol Talha , Evman Serdar
Published: April 2016

Background Concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer are rarely encountered in Western countries; however, it is more common in developing countries. We aim to share the diagnostic and treatment approaches in this study.

Materials and Methods Clinical files of all patients undergoing lung resection for non–small cell carcinoma with concurrent pulmonary TB between February 2006 and December 2012 were investigated retrospectively in terms of patient characteristics, operation methods, definite pathology and stage of tumor, postoperative treatment schemes, and associated complications.

Results TB was detected in 17 (1.3%) of 1,266 operated carcinoma patients. Eleven had squamous cell carcinoma and six had adenocarcinoma. Mean age was 54.9 years. Two patients received anti-TB treatment preoperatively. Fifteen patients were given anti-TB treatment postoperatively, as soon as definite microbiological confirmation was obtained, and concurrently given adjuvant therapy after 3 weeks of sole four-drug TB treatment. Pneumonectomy was performed in four (23.5%), sleeve lobectomy in three (17.6%), lobectomy in eight (47%), and bilobectomy in two (11.7%) patients. Postoperative complications occurred in four (23.5%) patients, with bronchopleural fistula being seen in only one pneumonectomy patient. No postoperative mortality or reactivation of TB was seen. Mean survival time was 32 ± 2 months.

Conclusion Resection following a 3-week anti-TB treatment or concurrent anti-TB and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy does not constitute an additional postoperative risk for patients with concomitant lung malignancy and pulmonary TB. The determination of optimum treatment for these patients presents a challenge in developing countries, where TB is still a common disease.
Dilation framing camera with 4 ps resolution
Authors: Cai Houzhi , Zhao Xin , Liu Jinyuan , Xie Weixin , Bai Yanli , Lei Yunfei , Liao Yubo , Niu Hanben
Published: April 2016

A framing camera using pulse-dilation technology is reported in this article. The camera uses pulse dilation of an electron signal from a pulsed photo-cathode (PC) to achieve high temporal resolution. While the PC is not pulsed, the measured temporal resolution of the camera without pulse-dilation is about 71 ps. While the excitation pulse is applied on the PC, the measured temporal resolution is improved to 4 ps by using the pulse-dilation technology. The spatial resolution of the dilation framing camera is also measured, which is better than 100 μm. The relationship between the temporal resolution and the PC bias voltage is obtained. The variation of the temporal resolution with the gradient of the PC excitation pulse is also provided.
Three dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of electron beams created via reflection of intense laser light from a water target
Authors: Ngirmang Gregory K. , Orban Chris , Feister Scott , Morrison John T. , Frische Kyle D. , Chowdhury Enam A. , Roquemore W. M.
Published: April 2016

We present 3D Particle-in-Cell (PIC) modeling of an ultra-intense laser experiment by the Extreme Light group at the Air Force Research Laboratory using the Large Scale Plasma (LSP) PIC code. This is the first time PIC simulations have been performed in 3D for this experiment which involves an ultra-intense, short-pulse (30 fs) laser interacting with a water jet target at normal incidence. The laser-energy-to-ejected-electron-energy conversion efficiency observed in 2D(3v) simulations were comparable to the conversion efficiencies seen in the 3D simulations, but the angular distribution of ejected electrons in the 2D(3v) simulations displayed interesting differences with the 3D simulations' angular distribution; the observed differences between the 2D(3v) and 3D simulations were more noticeable for the simulations with higher intensity laser pulses. An analytic plane-wave model is discussed which provides some explanation for the angular distribution and energies of ejected electrons in the 2D(3v) simulations. We also performed a 3D simulation with circularly polarized light and found a significantly higher conversion efficiency and peak electron energy, which is promising for future experiments.
Time-ordered exponential on the complex plane and Gell-Mann—Low formula as a mathematical theorem
Authors: Futakuchi Shinichiro , Usui Kouta
Published: April 2016

The time-ordered exponential representation of a complex time evolution operator in the interaction picture is studied. Using the complex time evolution, we prove the Gell-Mann—Low formula under certain abstract conditions, in mathematically rigorous manner. We apply the abstract results to quantum electrodynamics with cutoffs.
Research Update: Triblock copolymers as templates to synthesize inorganic nanoporous materials
Authors: Li Yunqi , Bastakoti Bishnu Prasad , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: April 2016

This review focuses on the application of triblock copolymers as designed templates to synthesize nanoporous materials with various compositions. Asymmetric triblock copolymers have several advantages compared with symmetric triblock copolymers and diblock copolymers, because the presence of three distinct domains can provide more functional features to direct the resultant nanoporous materials. Here we clearly describe significant contributions of asymmetric triblock copolymers, especially polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (abbreviated as PS-b-P2VP-b-PEO).
An apparatus for studying electrical breakdown in liquid helium at 0.4 K and testing electrode materials for the neutron electric dipole moment experiment at the Spallation Neutron Source
Authors: Ito T. M. , Ramsey J. C. , Yao W. , Beck D. H. , Cianciolo V. , Clayton S. M. , Crawford C. , Currie S. A. , Filippone B. W. , Griffith W. C. , Makela M. , Schmid R. , Seidel G. M. , Tang Z. , Wagner D. , Wei W. , Williamson S. E.
Published: April 2016

We have constructed an apparatus to study DC electrical breakdown in liquid helium at temperatures as low as 0.4 K and at pressures between the saturated vapor pressure and ∼600 Torr. The apparatus can house a set of electrodes that are 12 cm in diameter with a gap of 1–2 cm between them, and a potential up to ±50 kV can be applied to each electrode. Initial results demonstrated that it is possible to apply fields exceeding 100 kV/cm in a 1 cm gap between two electropolished stainless steel electrodes 12 cm in diameter for a wide range of pressures at 0.4 K. We also measured the current between two electrodes. Our initial results, I < 1 pA at 45 kV, correspond to a lower bound on the effective volume resistivity of liquid helium of ρV > 5 × 1018 Ω cm. This lower bound is 5 times larger than the bound previously measured. We report the design, construction, and operational experience of the apparatus, as well as initial results.
A nonlinear model of thermoelectricity with two temperatures: Application to quasicrystalline nanowires
Authors: Cimmelli V. A. , Rogolino P. , Sellitto A.
Published: April 2016

A general two temperature nonlinear thermodynamic model to describe thermoelectric effects is introduced. Its compatibility with the second law of thermodynamics is investigated. We specialize the model in the framework of thermomass theory and estimate the maximum efficiency of a one-dimensional thermoelectric generator.
Molecular dynamics modeling of a nanomaterials-water surface interaction
Authors: Nejat Pishkenari Hossein , Keramati Ramtin , Abdi Ahmad , Minary-Jolandan Majid
Published: April 2016

In this article, we study the formation of nanomeniscus around a nanoneedle using molecular dynamics simulation approach. The results reveal three distinct phases in the time-evolution of meniscus before equilibrium according to the contact angle, meniscus height, and potential energy. In addition, we investigated the correlation between the nanoneedle diameter and nanomeniscus characteristics. The results have applications in various fields such as scanning probe microscopy and rheological measurements.
Ultrafast single-shot measurement of optical Kerr effect based on supercontinuum pulse
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Shenye , Yi Tao , Wu Xingzhi , Song Yinglin , Zhang Ben , Zhong Quanjie
Published: April 2016

We present an ultrafast single-shot measurement method for the optical Kerr effect based on a polarization gating technique. The advantages of this single-shot technique are demonstrated via a 26-ps chirped supercontinuum pulse used to measure the optical Kerr effect for three transparent organic liquids. The single-shot measurement results agree well with those of the time-resolved optical Kerr gate method, as regards both time and intensity. This method facilitates real-time observation of ultrafast optical Kerr responses of samples and simultaneous high-time-resolution data acquisition at ∼260 fs. We demonstrate that the single-shot measurement method is potentially a powerful tool for investigating the optical Kerr effects of unstable samples, and for application to high-power laser systems.
Tunable bandgap in hybrid perovskite CH3NH3Pb(Br3−yXy) single crystals and photodetector applications
Authors: Wang L. , Yuan G. D. , Duan R. F. , Huang F. , Wei T. B. , Liu Z. Q. , Wang J. X. , Li J. M.
Published: April 2016

We report the synthesis of CH3NH3Pb(Br3−yXy) (X=Cl and I) single crystals via a stepwise temperature control approach. High-quality CH3NH3Pb(Br3−yXy) crystals with a tunable bandgap from 1.92eV to 2.53eV have been prepared successfully in this way. And further experiments revealed the influence of halogen content and preparation temperature on the structural and optical properties of these crystals. It is observed that chlorine can lower the critical nucleation energy, which results in crystallizing at lower temperature with the chlorine content increasing, while the nucleation energy increases slowly with increasing iodine content. Moreover, in contrast to Frank–van der Merwe growth with low heating rate, high heating rate leads to a mass of small size single crystals and Stranski-Krastanov growth. The single crystals with tunable band gap and impressive characteristics enable us to fabricate high performance photodetectors for different wavelengths.
Hybrid variation for root system efficiency in maize: potential links to drought adaptation
Authors: van Oosterom Erik J. , Yang Zongjian , Zhang Fenglu , Deifel Kurt S. , Cooper Mark , Messina Carlos D. , Hammer Graeme L.
Published: April 2016

Water availability can limit maize (Zea mays L.) yields, and root traits may enhance drought adaptation if they can moderate temporal patterns of soil water extraction to favour grain filling. Root system efficiency (RSE), defined as transpiration per unit leaf area per unit of root mass, represents the functional mass allocation to roots to support water capture relative to the allocation to aerial mass that determines water demand. The aims of this study were to identify the presence of hybrid variation for RSE in maize, determine plant attributes that drive these differences and illustrate possible links of RSE to drought adaptation via associations with water extraction patterns. Individual plants for a range of maize hybrids were grown in large containers in shadehouses in Queensland, Australia. Leaf area, shoot and root mass, transpiration, root distribution and soil water were measured in all or selected experiments. Significant hybrid differences in RSE existed. High RSE was associated with reduced dry mass allocation to roots and more efficient water capture per unit of root mass. It was also weakly negatively associated with total plant dry mass, reducing preanthesis water use. This could increase grain yield under drought. RSE provides a conceptual physiological framework to identify traits for high-throughput phenotyping in breeding programs.
Moving forward in time
Authors: Goh Huishan A.
Published: April 2016

This paper is primarily concerned with the use of spatiotemporal metaphor in English. In particular, the interpretations of spatiotemporal metaphors in a nativized variety of English, Singapore English, will be examined. On the basis of morphosyntax, Singapore English and English spatiotemporal metaphors do not differ. The difference is only apparent in the usage of these terms. This paper examines Chinese influence in the temporal interpretations of English and show that there is substrate influence from Chinese languages on the interpretations of Singapore English spatiotemporal terms.
The Present Perfect borders
Authors: Amaral Patrícia
Published: April 2016

This paper analyzes the properties of the Present Perfect in Barranquenho/Barranqueño, a contact variety spoken in the southern border of Portugal and Spain. In this variety, the Present Perfect displays a mixed structure: while the forms of auxiliary and participle are from Portuguese, its range of interpretations is not attested in Portuguese but rather in Spanish. As in other domains of the grammar of Barranquenho that have been studied, the Present Perfect displays features attributable to Portuguese and to Spanish. These findings are discussed against hypotheses regarding the emergence of this contact variety as well as the theoretical debate concerning the relation between language contact and second language acquisition.
Palenquero and Spanish
Authors: Lipski John M.
Published: April 2016

Linguists who have studied the Afro-Colombian creole language Palenquero — which shares a lexicon highly cognate with Spanish — have noted the introduction of Spanish elements, ranging from conjugated verbs and preverbal clitics to more complex morphosyntactic constructions. The apparent mixing has variously been attributed to decreolization, language attrition, code-switching, interference from Spanish, performance errors, and the possibility that such configurations have been an integral part of Palenquero since its origins. The present study reports the results of experiments conducted in San Basilio de Palenque, to probe Palenqueros’ implicit partitioning of Spanish and Palenquero. The results suggest that the Spanish incursions are not all feasibly characterized as code-switching, and do not meet the criteria for decreolization. The introduction of Spanish elements may be the residual effect of a return to the active use of a language that had lain effectively dormant for many years.
Critical mass in Michif
Authors: Gillon Carrie , Rosen Nicole
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we examine mass and count in Michif, a language often called amixed language, which has elements from French (and English) and Cree (and Ojibwe). French has an obvious grammatical mass/count distinction (Doetjes 1997); Cree does not. Michif could therefore display a mass/count distinction, like French, or look like it lacks one, like Cree. In fact, the system is mixed (contra Croft 2003: 58): French-derived nominals display an obvious mass/count distinction and the Cree-derived nominals do not. Number, numerals and quantifiers disambiguate within the French-derived part of the grammar but do not in the Cree-derived part. Michif has inherited both the French system and the Cree system, reflected in the behaviour of the nominals.
An outline of Macau Pidgin Portuguese
Authors: Li Michelle , Matthews Stephen
Published: April 2016

In the early stages of the China trade European traders knew nothing of Chinese, while the Chinese traders were equally ignorant of European languages. It was in this setting that pidgin languages developed for interethnic communication. While the role of Chinese Pidgin English in the China trade is fairly well-understood (see Baker 1987; Baker & Mühlhäusler 1990; Bolton 2003; Ansaldo 2009), the use of pidgin Portuguese is poorly documented and our understanding of it is correspondingly limited (Tryon, Mühlhäusler & Baker 1996). In this article we discuss what can be learnt from a newly transcribed phrasebook — theCompendium of Assorted Phrases in Macau Pidgin. We first review the use of contact varieties of Portuguese in the China trade. We then introduce the contents and layout of theCompendiumand explain the transcription practices adopted for the phrasebook. Grammatical features contained in the phrasebook are examined and illustrated. We conclude with an examination of the significance of theCompendiumin enriching our understanding of pidgin Portuguese and its relationship with Macau Creole Portuguese as well as Chinese Pidgin English.
Isolation and characterization of Bradyrhizobium sp. 224 capable of degrading sulfanilic acid
Authors: Hayase Nobuki , Fujikawa Yui , Nakagawa Katsuhiko , Ushio Kazutoshi
Published: April 2016

A bacterial strain (strain 224), which has the ability to utilize sulfanilic acid as a sole source of carbon, was isolated from soil. 16S rRNA gene sequence obtained from strain 224 exhibited 100% identical to that of species in the genus Bradyrhizobium. Strain 224 degraded 4.7 mM of sulfanilic acid and released almost the same molar concentration of sulfate ion
The cell biology of acute itch
Authors: Green Dustin , Dong Xinzhong
Published: April 2016

Itch, the irritation we feel and the relief that comes from scratching, is an evolutionary warning system and defense against harmful environmental agents. Although once considered a subtype of pain, itch is now recognized as a unique sense, with its own distinct physiology and cell receptors. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of itch and the molecular players that mediate this sensory modality.
Resurgence of Less-Studied Smut Fungi as Models of Phytopathogenesis in the Omics Age
Authors: Toh Su San , Perlin Michael H.
Published: April 2016

The smut fungi form a large, diverse, and nonmonophyletic group of plant pathogens that have long served as both important pests of human agriculture and, also, as fertile organisms of scientific investigation. As modern techniques of molecular genetic analysis became available, many previously studied species that proved refractive to these techniques fell by the wayside and were neglected. Now, as the advent of rapid and affordable next-generation sequencing provides genomic and transcriptomic resources for even these “forgotten” fungi, several species are making a comeback and retaking prominent places in phytopathogenic research. In this review, we highlight several of these smut fungi, with special emphasis on Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae, an anther smut whose molecular genetic tools have finally begun to catch up with its historical importance in classical genetics and now provide mechanistic insights for ecological studies, evolution of host-pathogen interaction, and investigations of emerging infectious disease.
Phylogeny of Geminivirus Coat Protein Sequences and Digital PCR Aid in Identifying Spissistilus festinus as a Vector of Grapevine red blotch-associated virus
Authors: Bahder Brian W. , Zalom Frank G. , Jayanth Maya , Sudarshana Mysore R.
Published: April 2016

Grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV) is a single-stranded DNA virus, proposed to be a member of the family Geminiviridae, and is associated with grapevines showing red blotch symptoms in North America. The existence of the virus was reported in 2012, and subsequently detected in grapevines in major grape production regions. We investigated if a vector exists that can transmit GRBaV in vineyards. Phylogenetic analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of coat protein (CP) of GRBaV with the CP of 23 geminiviruses representing all seven genera of the family Geminiviridae revealed that GRBaV-CP was most similar to that of Tomato pseudo-curly top virus, a geminivirus known to be transmitted by a treehopper (Membracidae), a family that is closely related to leafhoppers (Cicadellidae). To identify vectors of GRBaV, hemipteran species within and nearby wine grape vineyards where virus spread was suspected were collected and transmission assays were conducted. Among the species tested, the three-cornered alfalfa hopper Spissistilus festinus (Hemiptera: Membracidae) was able to both acquire the virus from a grapevine infected with GRBaV and transmit the virus to healthy grapevines in the laboratory. In commercial vineyards, lateral shoots of grapevines girdled due to feeding injury by the adult three-cornered alfalfa hopper also tested positive for the virus using digital PCR. These findings represent an important step in understanding the biology of GRBaV and develop management guidelines.
How Knowledge of Pathogen Population Biology Informs Management of Septoria Tritici Blotch
Authors: McDonald Bruce A. , Mundt Christopher C.
Published: April 2016

Zymoseptoria tritici (previously Mycosphaerella graminicola) causes Septoria tritici blotch (STB) on wheat. The population biology of Z. tritici has been exceptionally well characterized as a result of intensive studies conducted over nearly 30 years. These studies provided important insights into the biology, epidemiology and evolutionary history of Z. tritici that will prove useful for management of STB. The well-documented, rapid adaptation of Z. tritici populations to fungicide applications and deployment of wheat cultivars carrying both major gene and quantitative resistance reflects the high evolutionary potential predicted by the large effective population size, high degree of gene flow and high levels of recombination found in field populations of Z. tritici globally. QST studies that assessed the global diversity for several important quantitative traits confirmed the adaptive potential of field populations and laid the groundwork for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping studies. QTL mapping elucidated the genetic architecture of each trait and led to identification of candidate genes affecting fungicide resistance, thermal adaptation, virulence, and host specialization. The insights that emerged through these analyses of Z. tritici population biology can now be used to generate actionable disease management strategies aimed at sustainably reducing losses due to STB. The high evolutionary potential found in field populations of Z. tritici requires deployment of a corresponding dynamically diverse set of control measures that integrate cultural, chemical, biological and resistance breeding strategies. In this review, we describe and prioritize STB control strategies based on current knowledge of Z. tritici population biology and propose a future research agenda oriented toward long-term STB management.
Genetic Analysis of Phytophthora nicotianae Populations from Different Hosts Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Biasi Antonio , Martin Frank N. , Cacciola Santa O. , di San Lio Gaetano Magnano , Grünwald Niklaus J. , Schena Leonardo
Published: April 2016

In all, 231 isolates of Phytophthora nicotianae representing 14 populations from different host genera, including agricultural crops (Citrus, Nicotiana, and Lycopersicon), potted ornamental species in nurseries (Lavandula, Convolvulus, Myrtus, Correa, and Ruta), and other plant genera were characterized using simple-sequence repeat markers. In total, 99 multilocus genotypes (MLG) were identified, revealing a strong association between genetic grouping and host of recovery, with most MLG being associated with a single host genus. Significant differences in the structure of populations were revealed but clonality prevailed in all populations. Isolates from Citrus were found to be genetically related regardless of their geographic origin and were characterized by high genetic uniformity and high inbreeding coefficients. Higher variability was observed for other populations and a significant geographical structuring was determined for isolates from Nicotiana. Detected differences were related to the propagation and cultivation systems of different crops. Isolates obtained from Citrus spp. are more likely to be distributed worldwide with infected plant material whereas Nicotiana and Lycopersicon spp. are propagated by seed, which would not contribute to the spread of the pathogen and result in a greater chance for geographic isolation of lineages. With regard to ornamental species in nurseries, the high genetic variation is likely the result of the admixture of diverse pathogen genotypes through the trade of infected plant material from various geographic origins, the presence of several hosts in the same nursery, and genetic recombination through sexual reproduction of this heterothallic species.
Enhanced third-order nonlinear optical properties determined in thin films using the Z-scan technique: bis(μ-4,4′-oxydibenzoato)bis[(4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)cobalt(II)]
Authors: Liu Runqiang , Zhao Ning , Liu Ping , An Caixia , Lian Zhaoxun
Published: April 2016

π-Conjugated organic materials exhibit high and tunable nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, and fast response times. 4′-Phenyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (PTP) is an important N-heterocyclic ligand involving π-conjugated systems, however, studies concerning the third-order NLO properties of terpyridine transition metal complexes are limited. The title binuclear terpyridine CoIIcomplex, bis(μ-4,4′-oxydibenzoato)-κ3O,O′:O′′;κ3O′′:O,O′-bis[(4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-κ3N,N′,N′′)cobalt(II)], [Co2(C14H8O5)2(C21H15N3)2], (1), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In the crystal structure, each CoIIcation is surrounded by three N atoms of a PTP ligand and three O atoms, two from a bidentate and one from a symmetry-related monodentate 4,4′-oxydibenzoate (ODA2−) ligand, completing a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. Neighbouring [Co(PTP)]2+units are bridged by ODA2−ligands to form a ring-like structure. The third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of (1) and PTP were determined in thin films using the Z-scan technique. The title compound shows a strong third-order NLO saturable absorption (SA), while PTP exhibits a third-order NLO reverse saturable absorption (RSA). The absorptive coefficient β of (1) is −37.3 × 10−7 m W−1, which is larger than that (8.96 × 10−7 m W−1) of PTP. The third-order NLO susceptibility χ(3)values are calculated as 6.01 × 10−8 e.s.u. for (1) and 1.44 × 10−8 e.s.u. for PTP.
Activating the adoption of innovation: lessons from a passive house network
Authors: Mlecnik Erwin
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore innovation adoption theory and to define a model to investigate operational activities and communication in innovation networks that can stimulate both supply and demand. It also aims to exemplify this model with the activities of an innovation network dedicated to promoting passive houses.

Design/methodology/approach

– Autoethnography and literature research were used to develop a model in order to conduct a structured analysis of operational activities and facilitate innovation-decision processes using networks. Data on the activities used to steer client decisions and businesses’ innovation were gathered from network archives and from the results of social research methods applied within a passive house network.

Findings

– The findings reveal that operational activities of multiplayer networks should focus on reinforcing conditions and communicative activities that support innovation-decision processes from one step to the next. In order to activate supply and demand, communication strategies can be modelled to increase the adoption of innovation and continued knowledge generation in networks.

Research limitations/implications

– Because only one network was evaluated and only the housing sector was exemplified, it may not be possible to generalise the research results. Researchers are therefore encouraged to test the proposed model further.

Practical implications

– The paper includes the implications of developing activities in innovation networks, in order to guide both businesses and customers through the steps of the adoption-decision process.

Social implications

– The paper provides insights regarding the uptake of innovation in the construction sector, beyond demonstration projects.

Originality/value

– This paper connects the innovation adoption to activities of a network in the field of construction.
Cultural competence – a success factor in NGO projects?
Authors: Dale Jorunn Marie , Dulaimi Mohammed Fadhil
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of cultural competence on the ability of project managers to lead international development projects successfully.

Design/methodology/approach

– An empirical qualitative research was applied and a case study approach was chosen. In this case, the researcher followed an international project manager amongst the Maasai people in Kenya for six weeks. In addition to field observations, this study conducted 12 in-debt interviews and arranged several informal focus groups to discuss observed issues cross-culturally.

Findings

– Findings indicate that the cultural competence supports a process that might increase the awareness and knowledge of contextual factors that can improve the project managers’ ability to establish relationships, communicate and approach challenges and opportunities more effectively.

Originality/value

– There is very little research on the issue of multi-culturalism in the non-government development project environment. The outcome of this research is expected to stimulate further interest in the subject and encourage far-reaching research, which can provide a reliable future guide for PM’s and other decision makers in international non-government development projects.
Towards supply chain maturity in construction
Authors: Broft Rafaella , Badi Sulafa M , Pryke Stephen
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Several studies have underlined the potential of supply chain management (SCM) in meeting the formidable challenges associated with fragmentation, adversarial relationships and insufficient customer focus in the delivery of construction projects. However, properly documented examples of successfully implemented SCM initiatives, particularly at the lower tiers of the supply chain, are scarce. The purpose of this paper is to extend the existing debates by adopting an alternative approach focusing specifically on the internal SCM organisation of both main contractor and subcontractor organisations, and their direct inter-relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study sets out to explore the enablers and barriers to the implementation of SCM at the lower tiers of the construction supply chain, particularly the problematic collaboration between main contractors and subcontractors. SC maturity levels are formulated according to relevant SCM concepts and based on Holti et al.’s (2000) seven principles of SCM organisation, and transformed into a conceptual model. An explorative study is conducted based on interviews from eight large main contractor and subcontractor organisations in the Dutch construction industry.

Findings

– Discouragingly, across the organisations, more barriers than enablers to SCM are identified. Organisations are found to be particularly struggling to compete through superior value, manage costs collaboratively, and develop continuous improvement within their supply chains. The findings also underline the low SC maturity of main contractors and their inability to play the essential role of supply chain managers.

Practical implications

– The study underlines the need for a greater degree of main contractor leadership and improved internal organisation of both types of firms in order to achieve greater collaboration at the lower tiers of the construction supply chain.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to the subject of SCM in construction in two respects. First, the findings should prove valuable to both policy-makers and industry practitioners interested in the delivery of performance improvement in construction. Second, the developed SC maturity model can form the conceptual basis for the development of an applicable improvement framework towards successful SCM implementation.
Self-esteem and counterproductive work behaviors: a systematic review
Authors: Whelpley Christopher E. , McDaniel Michael A.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Consistency theory and ego-defense theory have been used to examine the relationship between counterproductive work behavior (CWB) and self-esteem; however, these two theoretical approaches pose different directions for the expected relation. In line with this, previous research concerning the relationship between self-esteem and CWB has found inconsistent empirical results. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the relation between self-esteem and counterproductive behavior at work and draw conclusions about the merit of the competing theories. This study also examines the type of self-esteem as a potential moderator to this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors performed a psychometric meta-analysis of the relation between self-esteem and CWB using 21 correlations with a totalnof 5,135.

Findings

– The estimated population correlation was −0.26. The moderator analyses showed that global self-esteem had a stronger relation with CWB than organization-based self-esteem.

Practical implications

– The relation between self-esteem and counterproductive behavior at work is important to organizations for two reasons. First, CWBs are very costly at all levels of the organization. Second, organizations and managers have some control over the level of their employee’s self-esteem.

Originality/value

– Previous research has used both consistency theory and ego-defense theory to make predictions concerning the self-esteem and CWB relationship. This paper provides support for examining this relation using consistency theory due to the negative correlation the authors found between CWB and self-esteem.
Leader-follower congruence in loneliness, LMX and turnover intention
Authors: Chen Yushuai , Wen Zhonglin , Peng Jian , Liu Xiqin
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Research on workplace loneliness has thus far been dominated by perceptions of followers; hence, few researchers have considered the perspective of leader-follower congruence. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the leader-follower relationship mediates the relationship between leader-follower congruence/incongruence in workplace loneliness and turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 232 leader-follower dyads from ten companies in China. Polynomial regression combined with the response surface methodology was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– Four conclusions were drawn. First, leader-member exchange (LMX) was higher when leaders and followers were aligned in terms of workplace loneliness than otherwise. Second, in the case of leader-follower congruence, LMX rose as their workplace loneliness fell. Third, in the case of incongruence, followers had lower LMX when they were lonelier than their leaders. Finally, LMX partially mediated the leader-follower congruence/incongruence effect of workplace loneliness on followers’ turnover intention.

Originality/value

– This study emphasized the importance of leaders’ congruence with followers in workplace loneliness. Additionally, it extended research on leader-follower congruence from a positive perspective to a negative one.
Employees and sustainability: the role of incentives
Authors: Merriman Kimberly K , Sen Sagnika , Felo Andrew J , Litzky Barrie E
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Organizational sustainability has become a priority on many corporate agendas. How to integrate sustainability efforts throughout the organization, however, remains a challenge. The purpose of this paper is to examine two factors that potentially enhance incentive effects on employee engagement in environmental objectives: explicit organizational values for sustainability and the performance objective’s complementarity with incented financial objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors employed a quasi-experimental design in which participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, including a status quo condition against which the treatments were contrasted. Participants (n=400) were comprised of a cross-section of US employees from a wide range of occupations and industries. Apost hocqualitative analysis provided additional insights.

Findings

– Incentive effects were enhanced (i.e. preference for the environmental objective was significantly higher) when the environmental project offered complementary benefits for financial objectives, but not when organization values emphasized sustainability. An entrenched status quo bias for financial performance was discerned among a subset of the sample.

Research limitations/implications

– Management scholars must pay close attention to the role of implicit norms for financial performance when investigating employee engagement in organizational sustainability efforts. From an applied perspective, framing sustainability objectives to emphasize financial benefits consistent with a financial mission may maximize employee engagement.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to understanding of organizational sustainability efforts at the individual employee level of analysis, a conspicuously small part of the organizational research surrounding this topic.
The work engagement grid: predicting engagement from two core dimensions
Authors: Costa Patrícia Lopes , Passos Ana Margarida , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test whether work engagement can be predicted by two core dimensions, energy and involvement, both at the individual and team levels.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the circumplex model of affective well-being (Russell, 1980), the authors propose the work engagement grid and collect data on individual and team work engagement (TWE) from two different samples (n=1,192 individuals).

Findings

– Results show a significant positive relationship between the individual engagement grid and individual work engagement. However, only the energy dimension significantly predicted TWE. The authors also provide evidences for the relationship between the engagement grid and related variables (e.g. adaptive performance, team cohesion, satisfaction), and show that the combination of energy and involvement present smaller correlations with those variables than the complete engagement scales.

Research limitations/implications

– Data were collected from simulation samples, therefore generalization of the findings must be done with caution. The findings allow for developing a brief measure of work engagement, particularly useful for longitudinal or diary study designs.

Practical implications

– When teams are the work unit, the displays of energetic behaviors ought to be fostered in order to boost collective engagement.

Originality/value

– The authors add to the existing literature on work engagement, concluding that individual and team-level work engagement have structural differences between them, with the collective construct being dependent on external manifestations of energy, and that individual work engagement needs a cognitive component of absorption in order to foster performance.
Organizational transformation through improved employee engagement – “How to use effective methodologies to improve business productivity and expand market share”
Authors: Daneshgari Perry , Moore Heather
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help businesses understand that as markets change, the way a company does business also must change to stay competitive in their industry. A company needs to know their share of the market to develop strategies to stay competitive and survive. This case study takes you through a successful company’s recognition and transformation involving all aspects of the organization. Cross-functional teams were developed to improve existing processes and develop new ones, as well as educate their people along the way.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study explains the process taken to help the company make the required changes to stay competitive. The company’s transformation happened through the application of Agile Construction® and the implementation of design teams to develop and test new or improved company processes and procedures. Once the improvements proved successful, the new standardized way of doing business was introduced to the rest of the organization. Tools were introduced to enhance the new processes and make them visible to the entire organization.

Findings

It was found that working together as a team and learning together to create standardized processes improved the company’s overall profitability, increased sales and expanded their market share. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work along the way to improve. The process also proved that the team has to work toward the same goals for the transformation to be successful.

Practical implications

Changes to practice that must be made is that communication is key among everyone involved in the organization. Also, there is value in understanding that the organization’s way of thinking needs to change to a learning organization.

Originality/value

Any organization, whether a company or an institution, can benefit from reading this case study. It is important to understand that the way of doing work changes over time and improvements have to be made to be successful in any industry. Team work is also important, so that everyone is reaching for a common goal.
Effects of sulphate salts on concrete with untreated coal fly ash (CFA) as partial cement replacement
Authors: Coopamootoo Kumaran , Rughooputh Reshma
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The cementitious/chemical properties of the untreated CFA are dependent on the coal composition and previous burning conditions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether untreated CFA can efficiently reduce cement replacement and does not require further combustion treatment to be a viable cement replacement.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two types of mixes: Type I concrete and PCFA (Type I and 30 per cent untreated CFA) concrete were batched and subjected to compressive strength tests and cyclic exposures of 5 per cent sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) and 5 per cent magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), respectively.

Findings

– PCFA mix was 41.1 and 35.21 per cent lower in strength compared to Type I at 28 and 56 days correspondingly. Continuous-sulphate-exposure resulted in slow but continued strength development for both mixes. However, the strengths of PCFA cubes exposed to cyclic sulphate and sulphate/magnesium salts continued to increase at a lower rate from their corresponding 28-day strength (rate of 18.7 per cent and strength 27.30 MPa in Na2SO4 and rate of 10.0 per cent and strength 25.30 MPa in MgSO4) while Type I specimens subjected to the same exposure conditions experienced drastic reductions in strength (rate of −15.0 per cent and strength 33.21 MPa in Na2SO4 and rate of −23.4 per cent and strength 29.94 MPa in MgSO4).

Research limitations/implications

– Results justify the need for additional tests essentially: at different percentage replacement of untreated CFA, fineness of materials, chloride environment and longer exposures, to address the cementitious properties of untreated CFA as cement replacement.

Originality/value

– Treatment methods for fly ashes require undoubtedly additional resources, energy input and cost. This paper paves the way to define whether untreated CFA can be used as cement replacement in concrete.
Causes of high variance in building conservation tenders in Malaysia
Authors: Yoke Mui Lim , Ahmad Yahaya , Nabavi Faezeh
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the reasons for the variance among tenders for conservation projects in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interview approach was adopted because this method allows for effective probing of issues. The interviews are conducted with experienced conservation contractors. The interviews are transcribed and the data are analysed using thematic analysis. Coefficient of variation (CV) measure was also used to determine the level of variance that occurs in tenders for conservation projects.

Findings

– The study found that contractors faced difficulty in pricing competitively due to the following four factors, namely, uncertain information on the actual work on site, inexperience in conservation construction works, information in the bill of quantities is incomplete and uncertain labour and material cost. The study of 22 tenders also ascertains that there is a high variance among the tenderers for building conservation projects. This is determined by the CV analysis where conservation works has a mean CV of 25.5 per cent as compared to 6.5 per cent for new build works.

Research limitations/implications

– While the interviews managed to draw out insights into the reasons for the high variance among the tender amounts, a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn on the level of variance in tendering for conservation projects due to the limited data that is available for analysis.

Originality/value

– The paper offers an insight into the reasons why tenders for conservation projects usually have a higher variance than the norm.