bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transport of Hg from Atmospheric mercury depletion events to the mainland of Norway and its possible influence on Hg deposition
Authors: Berg Torunn , Aspmo Katrine , Steinnes Eiliv
Published: May 2008

The Norwegian nationwide moss surveys have demonstrated elevated concentrations of mercury in moss growing at the Arctic coast. Gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) was measured during one year at the sub Arctic location Andøya, to see whether the high concentrations of mercury in moss were associated with Arctic Mercury Depletion Events (AMDE). AMDEs were observed at Andøya, but they were less pronounced than at the high Arctic station Zeppelin, located at Ny‐Ålesund, Svalbard. E.g. a 50‐hour AMDE observed at Zeppelin in April 2005 was recorded a couple of days later as a much smaller event at Andøya (GEM decreased from 1.6 to 1.0 ng/m3). The lowest concentration measured at Andøya was 0.5 ng/m3. The results indicate that AMDE may contribute to the elevated concentrations observed in moss and hence to increased deposition of mercury at the northern coast of Norway.
Luminescence properties of rare earth doped YF3 and LuF3 nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Xiaoliang , Xiao Siguo , Ding J. W. , Yan X. H.
Published: May 2008

Eu 3 + doped and Yb3+/Ho3+ codoped LuF3 and YF3 nanoparticles with a size distribution of 200–300 nm have been prepared by adopting a combustion-fluorization method. The luminescence spectra of Eu3+ and Ho3+ ions in the YF3 and LuF3 nanoparticles have been investigated through comparison. It is found that the Eu3+ and Ho3+ ions in the two hosts show different luminescence properties although the sites occupied by the rare earth (RE) ions in the LuF3 and YF3 hosts are of the same symmetry. The different luminescence properties may be ascribed to the difference in the RE-F bond nature in the YF3 and LuF3 hosts.
The role of von Neumann and Lüders postulates in the Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen considerations: Comparing measurements with degenerate and nondegenerate spectra
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei
Published: May 2008

We show that the projection postulate plays a crucial role in the discussion on the so-called quantum nonlocality, in particular, in the Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen argument. We stress that the original von Neumann projection postulate was crucially modified by extending it to observables with degenerate spectra (the Lüders postulate) and we show that this modification is highly questionable from a physical point of view and is the real source of quantum nonlocality. The use of the original von Neumann postulate eliminates this problem: instead of an action at a distance nonlocality we obtain a classical measurement nonlocality, which is related to the synchronization of two measurements (on the two parts of a composite system).
Electric field dependent photoluminescence studies of nanoparticle sensitized photorefractive polymers
Authors: Aslam F. , Graham D. M. , Binks D. J. , Dawson P. , Pickett N. , O’Brien P. , Byeon C. C. , Ko D.-K. , Lee J.
Published: May 2008

Electric field dependent photoluminescence studies of nanoparticle sensitized photorefractive polymer composites are reported. The composites comprise the charge transporting matrix poly(N-vinylcarbazole), the dye 1-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-2,5-dimethyl-4-(4-nitrophenylazo) benzene, and either CdSe or CdSe∕ZnS core/shell nanoparticles. For the CdSe composite, application of a strong electric field causes a change in the photoluminescence intensity that continuously varies from −1% at the low energy end of the emission band to +1% at the high energy end. In contrast, the change in photoluminescence observed for the CdSe∕ZnS composite subject to the same field is −4% across the entire spectrum. These results show that photoliberated holes recombine with negatively charged nanoparticles both by capture into the excitonic ground state and via some other nonradiative route. Further, the addition of a ZnS shell to an otherwise similar nanoparticle reduces the number of holes captured into the excitonic ground state as well as reducing the overall rate constant for recombination.
A Cerenkov generator with coaxial slow wave structure
Authors: Liu Guozhi , Xiao Renzhen , Chen Changhua , Shao Hao , Hu Yongmei , Wang Hongjun
Published: May 2008

Results of analytic theory, numerical simulation, and experimental studies on a Ceronkov generator with coaxial slow wave structure are presented. The dispersion curves and the field patterns of the axial modes are given in the analytic theory, showing the operation mode of quasi-TEM mode. The numerical simulation results indicate that the device is featured by the resonance characteristics, the microwave frequency spectrum illustrates high purity, the dominant frequency remains fairly constant over a wide range of diode voltage, and the optimized efficiency of more than 37% is obtained. In preliminary experiment, a microwave pulse with frequency of 7.7GHz, power of 1.3GW, and efficiency of 28% was obtained.
Dynamic photon emission from multiphoton-excited semiconductor quantum dots
Authors: Han T.-T. , Fu Y. , Ågren H.
Published: May 2008

The dynamic process of multiphoton optical transitions in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) has been studied by a Monte Carlo scheme. The scheme includes optical transitions of all electrons, initially occupying the valence-band confined states in the QD, among the confined states in valence and conduction bands. The optical transition probabilities are calculated by the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, and nonradiative phonon scattering processes have been included. Assisted by a two-photon excitation by a continuous-wave laser (one photon energy equals half of the QD energy band gap), an assembly of the QDs shows an emission peak around the band gap in the optical emission spectrum, while an ultrafast pulsed laser, whose photon energy is below the QD band gap, also induces a similar narrow but weaker emission peak, which results in a nonstrict multiphoton excitation condition for many potential applications including biophotonics. Extension of the theoretical study to the spherical CdS∕Cd0.5Zn0.5S∕ZnS-multicoated CdSe QD has reproduced the experimental absorption and multiphoton emission spectra.
High-temperature strength and dislocation mobility in the wide band-gap ZnO: Comparison with various semiconductors
Authors: Yonenaga I. , Koizumi H. , Ohno Y. , Taishi T.
Published: May 2008

The mechanical strength of bulk single crystal wurtzite ZnO was investigated at elevated temperatures by means of compressive deformation. The yield stress of ZnO in the temperature range of 650–850°C was found to be around 10–20MPa, i.e., extremely lower than that of GaN, a typical wide band-gap semiconductor. On the basis of the observed temperature dependence of yield stress, the activation energy for dislocation motion at elevated temperatures in ZnO is deduced to be 0.7–1.2eV, which follows the relation of activation energy for dislocation motion versus band-gap energy known in a variety of semiconductors.
Growth and characterization of AlGaN∕GaN heterostructures on semi-insulating GaN epilayers by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Mei F. , Fu Q. M. , Peng T. , Liu C. , Peng M. Z. , Zhou J. M.
Published: May 2008

Al 0.30 Ga 0.70 N ∕ Ga N heterostructures grown on sapphire substrates by rf-plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy are investigated. The heterostructures consist of a 20nm Al0.30Ga0.70N barrier layer deposited on a 2μm semi-insulating GaN epilayer. Room-temperature mobilities averaging 1350cm2∕Vs and a sheet charge density of 1.1×1013cm−2 are consistently achieved. Central to our approach is the iron-doped semi-insulating GaN epilayer and a pulsed N∕Ga atomic deposition technique which makes it possible to simultaneously reduce threading dislocations and achieve a smooth surface. The heterostructures were examined by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Structural characterizations reveal a smooth surface morphology, coherent and sharp interfaces, and a low density of the threading dislocations.
Can the second order multireference perturbation theory be considered a reliable tool to study mixed-valence compounds?
Authors: Pastore Mariachiara , Helal Wissam , Evangelisti Stefano , Leininger Thierry , Malrieu Jean-Paul , Maynau Daniel , Angeli Celestino , Cimiraglia Renzo
Published: May 2008

In this paper, the problem of the calculation of the electronic structure of mixed-valence compounds is addressed in the frame of multireference perturbation theory (MRPT). Using a simple mixed-valence compound (the 5,5′ (4H,4H′)-spirobi[ciclopenta[c]pyrrole] 2,2′,6,6′ tetrahydro cation), and the n-electron valence state perturbation theory (NEVPT2) and CASPT2 approaches, it is shown that the ground state (GS) energy curve presents an unphysical “well” for nuclear coordinates close to the symmetric case, where a maximum is expected. For NEVPT, the correct shape of the energy curve is retrieved by applying the MPRT at the (computationally expensive) third order. This behavior is rationalized using a simple model (the ionized GS of two weakly interacting identical systems, each neutral system being described by two electrons in two orbitals), showing that the unphysical well is due to the canonical orbital energies which at the symmetric (delocalized) conformation lead to a sudden modification of the denominators in the perturbation expansion. In this model, the bias introduced in the second order correction to the energy is almost entirely removed going to the third order. With the results of the model in mind, one can predict that all MRPT methods in which the zero order Hamiltonian is based on canonical orbital energies are prone to present unreasonable energy profiles close to the symmetric situation. However, the model allows a strategy to be devised which can give a correct behavior even at the second order, by simply averaging the orbital energies of the two charge-localized electronic states. Such a strategy is adopted in a NEVPT2 scheme obtaining a good agreement with the third order results based on the canonical orbital energies. The answer to the question reported in the title (is this theoretical approach a reliable tool for a correct description of these systems?) is therefore positive, but care must be exercised, either in defining the orbital energies or by resorting to the third order using for them the standard definition.
Compact and explicit physical model for lateral metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor with nanoelectromechanical system based resonant gate
Authors: Duraffourg L. , Colinet E. , Ollier E. , Hentz S. , Andreucci P. , Reig B. , Robert P.
Published: May 2008

We propose a simple analytical model of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor with a lateral resonant gate based on the coupled electromechanical equations, which are self-consistently solved in time. All charge densities according to the mechanical oscillations are evaluated. The only input parameters are the physical characteristics of the device. No extra mathematical parameters are used to fit the experimental results. Theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental data in static and dynamic operation. Our model is comprehensive and may be suitable for any electromechanical device based on the field-effect transduction.
Turing pattern formation in Pr2Fe14B-based alloy and its role in anisotropy inducement at the early stage of disproportionation
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Dong , Han Jing-Zhi , Yang Ying-Chang , Li Min , Zou Yang
Published: May 2008

At the dissipative disproportionation stage, the hexagonally spotted Turing pattern is formed on the reaction front as expected in a reaction-diffusion system. Turing patterns fill three dimensions resulting in the nanosized PrH2 rods embedded in a Fe matrix. The PrH2 rods are found to be oriented along the [110] direction with the stable {111} facets and a pair of face-to-face {002} facets. Based on both the geometrical configuration and the anisotropic interfacial energy, the mechanism whereby the Fe2B phase finally takes the place of the paired {002} facets as an orientation carrier has been proposed.
Patterning of single walled carbon nanotubes using a low-fluence excimer laser photoablation process
Authors: Chae Junghun , Ho Xinning , Rogers John A. , Jain Kanti
Published: May 2008

Carbon nanotube films were patterned by an excimer laser projection photoablation process at low incident energy conditions. The carbon nanotubes were deposited on a quartz substrate and then a conventional photoresist was coated on it as a photoablation assistor. The photoresist and the carbon nanotubes were simultaneously patterned by the projection photoablation process, and then the photoresist was removed. It was possible to make clean patterns of carbon nanotubes even though the incident fluence on the carbon nanotubes was significantly lower than the threshold energy otherwise needed for their direct ablation.
Three dimensional silicon-air photonic crystals with controlled defects using interference lithography
Authors: Ramanan V. , Nelson E. , Brzezinski A. , Braun P. V. , Wiltzius P.
Published: May 2008

Interference lithography is an attractive technique for the creation of three dimensional photonic crystals. Structures with potential for photonic applications are fabricated in a photoresist through concurrent exposure with four coherent beams of laser radiation. The polymer-air templates are used to create higher refractive index contrast photonic crystals by infilling using atomic layer deposition followed by chemical vapor deposition. These photonic crystals exhibit excellent optical properties with strong reflectance peaks at the calculated band gap frequencies. Two-photon polymerization is used to demonstrate the ability to create designed defect structures such as waveguides in silicon-air photonic crystals.
A correction for estimating error when using the Local Pooled Error Statistical Test
Authors: Murie Carl , Nadon Robert
Published: May 2008

Jain et al. introduced the Local Pooled Error (LPE) statistical test designed for use with small sample size microarray gene-expression data. Based on an asymptotic proof, the test multiplicatively adjusts the standard error for a test of differences between two classes of observations by π/2 due to the use of medians rather than means as measures of central tendency. The adjustment is upwardly biased at small sample sizes, however, producing fewer than expected small P-values with a consequent loss of statistical power. We present an empirical correction to the adjustment factor which removes the bias and produces theoretically expected P-values when distributional assumptions are met. Our adjusted LPE measure should prove useful to ongoing methodological studies designed to improve the LPE's; performance for microarray and proteomics applications and for future work for other high-throughput biotechnologies.

Availability: The software is implemented in the R language and can be downloaded from the Bioconductor project website (http://www.bioconductor.org).

Contact:  robert.nadon@mcgill.ca
High-performance hardware implementation of a parallel database search engine for real-time peptide mass fingerprinting
Authors: Bogdán István A. , Rivers Jenny , Beynon Robert J. , Coca Daniel
Published: May 2008

Motivation: Peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) is a method for protein identification in which a protein is fragmented by a defined cleavage protocol (usually proteolysis with trypsin), and the masses of these products constitute a ‘fingerprint’ that can be searched against theoretical fingerprints of all known proteins. In the first stage of PMF, the raw mass spectrometric data are processed to generate a peptide mass list. In the second stage this protein fingerprint is used to search a database of known proteins for the best protein match. Although current software solutions can typically deliver a match in a relatively short time, a system that can find a match in real time could change the way in which PMF is deployed and presented. In a paper published earlier we presented a hardware design of a raw mass spectra processor that, when implemented in Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware, achieves almost 170-fold speed gain relative to a conventional software implementation running on a dual processor server. In this article we present a complementary hardware realization of a parallel database search engine that, when running on a Xilinx Virtex 2 FPGA at 100 MHz, delivers 1800-fold speed-up compared with an equivalent C software routine, running on a 3.06 GHz Xeon workstation. The inherent scalability of the design means that processing speed can be multiplied by deploying the design on multiple FPGAs. The database search processor and the mass spectra processor, running on a reconfigurable computing platform, provide a complete real-time PMF protein identification solution.

Contact:  d.coca@sheffield.ac.uk
Calibration of bottom trawls for northern shrimp
Authors: Kingsley Michael C. S. , Wieland Kai , Bergström Bo , Rosing Michael
Published: May 2008

Kingsley, M. C. S., Wieland, K., Bergström, B., and Rosing, M. 2008. Calibration of bottom trawls for northern shrimp. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 873–881. The Skjervøy 3000 trawl used since 1988 in the West Greenland bottom-trawl survey has been replaced by a Cosmos 2000. To be able to compare old data on the northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) with new data, calibration experiments were carried out by trawling twice consecutively along the same track, using either the same gear twice or the two different gears in one order or the other. Catch models were fitted to the shrimp data—both size-aggregated catch weights and size-specific counts—by likelihood and Bayesian methods. The catch in the second haul relative to that in the first depended not only on the gear used in the two hauls, but also on density, the second catches being a smaller proportion of first catches when densities were high, and often larger than the first catches at low-density stations. This density-dependence of the catch ratio was larger for small shrimp than for big ones. The Cosmos trawl was estimated to fish with ∼87% of the catchability of the Skjervøy trawl after correction for its greater wingspread. Catchability ratio varied with the size of shrimp caught, but the differences were not statistically significant.
Evaluation of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Secondary 1 Program) by the Program Implementers: Findings Based on the Full Implementation Phase
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Ma Hing Keung
Published: May 2008

A total of 207 schools (N = 35,735 students) participated in the Secondary 1 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S. in the full implementation phase (2006/07 school year). After completion of the Tier 1 Program, 1,250 instructors completed a subjective outcome evaluation form (Form B) to assess their views of the program, instructors, and perceived effectiveness of the program. Utilizing the consolidated reports submitted to the funding body, the research team aggregated the consolidated data to form an overall profile of the perceptions of the program participants. Results showed that high proportions of the respondents had positive perceptions of the program and the instructors, and roughly four-fifths of the respondents regarded the program as helpful to the program participants and the workers. These findings complement the subjective outcome evaluation findings based on the perspective of the program participants.
Cutting fluid efficiency in end milling of AISI 304 stainless steel
Authors: Abou‐El‐Hossein K.A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficiency of cutting fluids when end milling AISI 304 stainless steels.

Design/methodology/approach

Two groups of cutting tests were conducted, one with the application of a coolant (wet machining) and the other – without (dry cutting), using multilayer coated carbide inserts. The findings of tool life and tool wear mechanisms are compared.

Findings

Coolant application proves to be efficient at low‐cutting speeds. With increasing the cutting speed, the coolant effect on improving tool life becomes less significant. Built‐up edge and nose wear are the dominant failure mechanisms in dry machining, while in wet machining, the dominant mechanisms are found to be notch wear and cutting edge grooving.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information for manufacturing engineers dealing with end milling of stainless steel components. It helps select beneficial cutting conditions for dry and wet end milling operations.
Experimental study of the effect of additive on the tribological properties journal bearing under running‐in and start‐up or shut‐down stages
Authors: Durak Ertuğrul , Adatepe Hakan , Biyiklioğlu Aydin
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of additive on the tribological properties such as friction coefficient and wear loss in the journal bearings during start‐up (or shut‐down) and running‐in periods.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, fully formulated commercial engine mineral oil (SAE 20W50) and commercial oil additives (3 per cent) added into this oil were tested to determine the tribological performances such as friction coefficient, wear loss and the effect of the additive on protective layers formed on the sliding bearing's surfaces.

Findings

This study presents an experimental procedure for obtaining practical results pertaining to the tribological performance of the journal bearing under running‐in and start‐up or shut down stages. Also, in this study, the authors have attempted to show the linkage between the oil additive and the running conditions such as running‐in and start‐up and shut‐down in effecting performance of the journal bearing. It is well known that one of the roles of an additive is to form a protective layer to reduce friction coefficient in lubricated contacts.

Originality/value

The paper is of value in presenting an experimental procedure for obtaining practical results pertaining to the tribological performance of the journal bearing under running‐in and start‐up or shut down stages.
Merger deal breakers: when operational due diligence exposes risk
Authors: Morrison Nan J. , Kinley Guy , Ficery Kristin L.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this of this paper is to show that judging by the number of mergers that still go sour, there is plenty of room to intensify the kind of operational due diligence that can uncover deal‐breaking factors before they destroy shareholder value. The paper focuses on specifically supply chain and IT as the two operations areas that deserve special attention because they still get short shrift.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper was written based on survey findings, publicly sourced information, case study work and Accenture's point of view based on work at over 400 M&A client engagements, three quarters with companies in the Global 1000. The two surveys cited are: 2006 Accenture study of supply chain managers; and Third Annual Due Diligence Symposium 2007 Survey.

Findings

The paper finds that when senior, experienced operations experts are involved in due diligence and pre‐merger planning, the major risks and potential deal breakers are exposed quickly – before deal momentum pushes things to the point where participants are reluctant to walk away. Also, with this input, deal makers can accurately assess the true investments needed as well as the “to be” operating costs of the joined companies. Those numbers can be used to adjust post‐merger cash flow projections, which are often extrapolated based on percentage estimates and projected top‐down rather than bottom‐up based on major projects under way or on operating model complexity. The operations experts allow new potential sources of value to be identified and considered as part of the valuation of the target company. The purchase price may then be adjusted up or down.

Originality/value

Dealmakers have significantly improved their understanding of, and skills in conducting, many elements of mergers and acquisitions, especially valuation and merger integration. Yet in example after example, due diligence processes have proven to be an Achilles heel. Dealmakers today must use every tool at their disposal to improve their odds of a successful deal while at the same time avoiding bad acquisitions. That means placing the same importance on operational due diligence as on valuation, traditional due diligence and merger integration. It also calls for using operational due diligence to pinpoint initiatives that protect and create value after an acquisition. The shift to this next level of due diligence will require enhancing rather than replacing traditional due diligence activities. The due diligence lists will be longer, yes, but importantly, they will be forward‐looking, gauging current observations against future operating needs.
Culture Italian style: business and the arts
Authors: Comunian Roberta
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the practice of business investment in arts and culture, and provide a better understanding of this phenomenon from a competitive strategy perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Our understanding of the way in which companies build relations with the arts and cultural world is very limited. Many studies have looked at the marketing implications but have not really expanded on the larger impact of these activities on overall company strategy and results. The competitive advantage/competitive strategy framework provides a new perspective on the issue and highlights how the different ways in which businesses collaborate and build relations with the arts can be understood as an integral part of the company's activities. In order to illustrate how arts and culture can impact on companies' competitive advantage we present a series of case studies from Italy.

Findings

The case studies presented provide a useful set of tools for other companies, involved in supporting the arts or considering similar activities, to benchmark their activities and the nature of their involvement against some successful international case studies.

Originality/value

The paper is an original attempt to situate a common business practice such as business support of the arts in a larger understanding of our socio‐economic context. Such practices are usually dismissed as simple philanthropy, although they can have a strong connection with the competitive strategy of a company and be a source of competitive advantage, particularly in a new economic era where aesthetic, creative and symbolic values attached to goods and services are becoming increasingly important.
Modern system of mathematics and a pair of hidden contradictions in its foundation
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Gong Ningsheng , Du Guoping
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper's aim is to show a pair of deeply hidden contradictions in the system of mathematics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a conceptual approach to the problem.

Findings

It is indicated that it is an intrinsic attribute of modern mathematics and its theoretical foundation to mix up the intensions and methods of two different thoughts of infinities, which provides the basis of legality for using the methods of analysis, produced by combining the two kinds of infinities, in the study of the modern mathematical system. In this paper, by exactly employing the method of analysis of mixing up potential and actual infinities, we card the logical and non‐logical axiomatic systems for modern mathematics. The outcome of our carding implies that in modern mathematics and its theoretical foundation, some axioms implicitly assume the convention that each potential infinity equals an actual infinity, while some other axioms implicitly apply the belief that “each potential infinity is different of any actual infinity.”

Originality/value

By using the concepts of potential and actual infinities, the authors uncover two contradictory thinking logics widely employed in the study of mathematics.
Inconsistency of uncountable infinite sets under ZFC framework
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Du Guoping , Gong Ningsheng
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose is to show that all uncountable infinite sets are self‐contradictory non‐sets.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual approach is taken in the paper.

Findings

Given the fact that the set N={x|n(x)} of all natural numbers, where n(x)=df “x is a natural number” is a self‐contradicting non‐set in this paper, the authors prove that in the framework of modern axiomatic set theory ZFC, various uncountable infinite sets are either non‐existent or self‐contradicting non‐sets. Therefore, it can be astonishingly concluded that in both the naive set theory or the modern axiomatic set theory, if any of the actual infinite sets exists, it must be a self‐contradicting non‐set.

Originality/value

The first time in history, it is shown that such convenient notion as the set of all real numbers needs to be reconsidered.
Mathematical system of potential infinities (III) – meta theory of logical basis
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Du Guoping , Gong Ningsheng
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper is the third part of the effort to resolve the following two problems, which urgently need an answer: how can an appropriate theoretical foundation be chosen for modern mathematics and computer science? And, under what interpretations can modern mathematics and the theory of computer science be kept as completely as possible?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a conceptual discussion of the metatheory.

Findings

The paper establishes the metatheory of the logical foundation for the mathematical system of potential infinities.

Originality/value

The authors prove the relevant results on the reliability and the completeness of the logical system.
Nurturing an effective creative culture within a marketing organization
Authors: Pitta Dennis A. , Wood Van R. , Franzak Frank J.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of and the management of creative individuals in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper integrates concepts including a range of recently published (1995‐2006) theoretical works in the creative culture, creativity, and innovation literature.

Findings

The paper provides information and action approaches to marketers to aid them in harnessing creative talent within their organizations. Relevant literature shows that communities may be magnets that attract or repel creative individuals. Organizations can engineer themselves to become attractive to creatives. If marketers are skillful in managing creative individuals, the organization may enjoy increased competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical concepts that form the foundation of the paper appear to have a significant application to consumer marketing but have not been tested empirically.

Practical implication

The study explores a global effect that has implications for the nature and scope of marketing orientation performance.

Originality/value

This paper describes the nature and application of creativity and creative culture to marketing. While most literature has concentrated on the city or community level, the paper provides a perspective that may help to nurture the creativity of individuals within an organization. It offers the potential of increasing marketing competitiveness by allowing firms to maximize their creativity as a competitive tool.
Managed care's clinical and economic impact on patients with type II diabetes in France
Authors: Boyer Laurent , François Patrice , Fourny Magali , Ohrond Céline , Chanut Charles , Labarère José , Auquier Pascal
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of five type II diabetes managed care programmes (MCPs) in clinical and economic terms at the community level in which these programmes function in the Provence‐Alpes‐Côte d'Azur region of France.

Design/methodology/approach

A prospective, controlled, before‐and‐after study (2001‐2004) compared diabetic patients who lived in departments (localities) with (the experimental group) and without a MCP (the control group). Quality of care was estimated by the conformity of health care professionals' practices when following‐up type II diabetes. Costs are compared from a health service perspective.

Findings

The study finds that of 626 patients enrolled, 529 lived in departments with an MCP and 97 patients in departments without. Type II diabetes follow‐up globally improved between the two study periods (2001 and 2004), but the study did not show significant differences between the two groups, except for the proportion of creatinine and ophthalmologic examinations, which were higher for the control group. The study did not find significant differences in the increase of costs between the two groups from 2001 to 2004.

Research limitations/implications

This type of study could constitute a methodological model to assess the MCP's population impact.

Practical implications

MCPs probably did not reach a critical size in terms of patient recruitment and healthcare professional adhesion to have a significant impact at a population level.

Originality/value

The study highlights a number of points to consider for future MCPs in France.
Binational tourism in Niagara: insights, challenges and the future
Authors: Jayawardena Chandana , White Arlene , Carmichael Barbara A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights to relevant theories, challenges and the future opportunities for binational tourism in the Niagara region.

Design/methodology/approach

A selected cross‐section of relevant publications including news media items are reviewed. Data gathered by a group of graduate students from Niagara College during their externships with the Binational Tourism Alliance, are utilized. Binational tourism initiatives from different parts of the world are analyzed.

Findings

This paper implies that in order to strategize binational tourism in Niagara, relevant theories, international best practices, historic developments of binational initiatives in Niagara as well as news media reports should be analysed. It concludes that Niagara's tourism industry, on both sides of the border, must continue to work in close partnership on their binational tourism strategy and binational positioning in order to remain competitive as a major tourist destination in the world.

Originality/value

Inputs from the Executive Director of the Binational Tourism Alliance of the Niagara region as a co‐author, enhances the practical value of this paper. Not much research has been undertaken on the topic of binational tourism in Niagara. Therefore, particularly, the tourism policy makers as well as other stakeholders of tourism in the Niagara region should benefit from this paper.
Institutionalisation in a newly created private university
Authors: Hodson Peter , Connolly Michael , Younes Said
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the introduction of a quality assurance system in a new, private university in Syria, and considers the extent to which the theoretical model based on institutional theory and isomorphism is reflected in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A five year longitudinal study which reviews the design, implementation and embedding of a quality assurance system was undertaken. The approach reflects on the prevailing practice and adoption of quality assurance systems at key points throughout the existence of the institution.

Findings

The findings show that for any organisation or institution which is creating a new model, which is outside the conventional or prevailing models of the sector, there will be multiple challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted during the many visits made throughout the period, but the changes witnessed to key staff at Kalamoon throughout the five years has impacted on the institutionalisation model, and generated both increased and reduced isomorphic responses from staff at various points in the study.

Practical implications

The paper is a useful source of information to any new organisation creating policies and processes which they hope will quickly become embedded within the organisational culture, especially in countries where strong state leadership has been the historical norm.

Originality/value

The paper reports on the first private university in Kalamoon, Syria, and the strategies adopted to deliver the quality assurance agenda. In addition, it uses the theoretical approach of institutionalization in a novel manner.
Standards to assure quality in tertiary education: the case of Tanzania
Authors: Manyaga Timothy
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide information on development of standards in Tanzania which may be of help to training providers in other countries as they seek to improve the quality and standards of their provision.

Design/methodology/approach

The need to provide quality assured tertiary qualifications in Tanzania to win both national and international recognition is explained. Processes of registration of institutions capable of delivering training programmes adequately and accreditation of the same to offer awards at appropriate levels as a means to ensure quality of provision are explored. Standards of good practice in Tanzanian tertiary education are surveyed and the challenges to their achievement are discussed based on the author's direct experience in Tanzania. Relevant and recent literatures on the topic are surveyed and some lessons drawn.

Findings

Accreditation standards are useful in instilling best practices in education and training. However, education and training institutions need to understand and practice them over a period of time to bring about expected results. It is concluded that ensuring quality in education is a multifaceted phenomenon that calls for the joint efforts of all key stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that the National Council for Technical Education is one of the first regulatory bodies in Africa to introduce academic quality standards in tertiary technical institutions. Notable improvements have been recorded since its inception. The experience described is the paper is not very common, so other countries taking similar steps may find it useful.
Reporting intellectual capital in Spain
Authors: Oliveras Ester , Gowthorpe Catherine , Kasperskaya Yulia , Perramon Jordi
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing literature field of intellectual capital (IC) by analysing corporate IC disclosures by leading Spanish firms over a three‐year period from 2000 to 2002.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis methodology was applied to the annual reports of 12 Spanish companies over a three‐year period.

Findings

A statistically significant increase was found in the volume of IC disclosures over a three‐year period. There is a greater volume of communication in the area of external (customer/relational) capital than in either internal or employee capital. This corresponds with the results of other country‐based studies. However, IC reporting remains at a relatively limited level, and disclosures are dominated by customer relational items.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution to the growing body of empirical studies on IC reporting and describes the development of IC reporting in Spain.
High‐quality In0.47Ga0.53N/GaN heterostructure on Si(111) and its application to MSM detector
Authors: Chuah L.S. , Hassan Z. , Abu Hassan H.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the use of radio frequency nitrogen plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (RF‐MBE) to grow high‐quality n‐type In0.47Ga0.53N/GaN on Si(111) substrate using AlN as a buffer layer.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural analyses of the InGaN films were performed by using X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and Hall measurement. Metal‐semiconductor‐metal (MSM) photodiode was fabricated on the In0.47Ga0.53N/Si(111) films. Electrical analysis of the MSM photodiodes was carried out by using current‐voltage (I‐V) measurements. Ideality factors and Schottky barrier heights for Ni/In0.47Ga0.53N, was deduced to be 1.01 and 0.60 eV, respectively.

Findings

The In0.47Ga0.53N MSM photodiode shows a sharp cut‐off wavelength at 840 nm. A maximum responsivity of 0.28 A/W was achieved at 839 nm. The detector shows a little decrease in responsivity from 840 to 200 nm. The responsivity of the MSM drops by nearly two orders of magnitude across the cut‐off wavelength.

Originality/value

Focuses on III‐nitride semiconductors, which are of interest for applications in high temperature/power electronic devices.
Can corruption and economic crime be controlled in developing countries and if so, is it cost‐effective?
Authors: Ksenia Gerasimova
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to assess international efforts in combating corruption and their implications for developing countries. The paper discusses the globalized character of corruption in the modern world together with methods applicable to combat the problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation is structured at two levels: the policies are studied at the organizational level and by sector, by looking at money laundering and bribery – two economic crimes that are widespread in the developing world. This identifies major trends in the international instruments to combat corruption and assess their efficiency. The main method is cost‐benefit analysis.

Findings

The findings of this paper are: initially positive ideas of enhancing control and prosecution of economic crime are not bringing the expected results. The criminal law enforcement approach chosen by the main international organizations – UN, World Bank, and EU – is not effective.

Practical implications

Until the approach of the international organizations changes and the priority is given to the principle of prevention rather than punishment, the costs of controlling economic crimes in the developing countries are unnecessarily high and not worthwhile.

Originality/value

Although the findings sound quite criticizing, they provide insights to possible amendments to the policies implemented.
Public relations research priorities: a Delphi study
Authors: Watson Tom
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and rank the most important topics for research in the field of public relations. An associated outcome was to propose the research questions most closely linked to the prioritised topics.

Design/methodology/approach

An international Delphi study on the priorities for public relations research, conducted in 2007 amongst academics, practitioners and senior executives of professional and industry bodies was used to investigate expert opinion on research priorities for public relations. This choice of qualitative methodology replicated earlier studies by McElreath, White and Blamphin, Synnott and McKie, and Van Ruler et al.

Findings

The role of public relations in the strategic operation of organisations, and the creation of value by public relations through social capital and relationships were ranked most highly. Some outcomes were comparable with earlier studies; for instance, evaluation of public relations programmes ranked third in this study and was amongst the leaders in the Synnott and McKie study. Only the topic “management of relationships” was wholly new, whereas “impact of technology on public relations practice and theory” ranked much lower than a decade ago.

Research limitations/implications

The Delphi study method is a small scale qualitative process which limits generalisability, unless the choice of “experts” and their active participation can demonstrate that there is validity in its outcomes.

Practical implications

The research gives valuable insight into the main public relations research areas and will allow academics and practitioners to work closely together to improve understanding of public relations.

Originality/value

This is the first completed Delphi study into public relations research priorities since Synnott and McKie.
Web‐mining applications in e‐commerce and e‐services
Authors: Ting I‐Hsien
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this guest editorial is to introduce the papers in this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief introduction about the issue of web‐mining applications in e‐commerce and e‐services is provided, along with a summary of the main contributions of the papers that are included in the special issue.

Findings

The value of web‐mining techniques can be enhanced through applying them to real environments such as e‐commerce and e‐services. The research fields of web mining, e‐commerce and e‐services can also be expanded.

Originality/value

An overview of the special issue and related research is provided in this paper.
Investigating the human computer interaction problems with automated teller machine navigation menus
Authors: Curran Kevin , King David
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The automated teller machine (ATM) has become an integral part of our society. However, using the ATM can often be a frustrating experience as people frequently reinsert cards to conduct multiple transactions. This has led to the research question of whether ATM menus are designed in an optimal manner. This paper aims to address the issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This research set out to investigate a number of high‐street bank ATM menus. The design of each banks menu system was recreated in a laboratory environment and user evaluation observations were made. The findings were then used to create a “best‐of‐breed” ATM and this was evaluated with respect to usability against the current breed of ATM menu.

Findings

An optimal ATM navigation menu was designed, which ultimately reduces transaction times. The user is always prompted after a transaction asking the question “Would you like another transaction?” This is also the case when withdrawing cash, eliminating the problem of having to reinsert their card for another transaction.

Originality/value

The main objective was to design a “best‐of‐breed” ATM menu system. This was achieved in the form of the OptiATM. The OptiATM menu design, outperformed the navigation systems on the existing bank menus and was found to be a more usable and efficient system than existing ATMs. The new system was designed to resolve the problem of users having to reinsert their ATM cards to carry out another transaction and to speed‐up transaction times.
Mapping Managerial Work Preferences
Authors: Margerison Charles
Published: May 2008

Consider the following companies in terms of the leadership adopted by the top manager. They have very different approaches to their job. These differences are not accidental and can be explained in relation to a major study of Managerial Work Preferences conducted during the last five years. This has produced a way in which managers can understand their work and others' work behaviour based on a new approach called managerial mapping. First the examples:
How to handle cutbacks — 1
Authors: Dipper D.P.
Published: May 2008

It is a question of vital importance whether the current recession involving high unemployment, reduced profits and inflating costs is a mere interlude, one link in the chain of crises, or a more permanent feature of the industrial scene.
COMPETITIVENESS: NO QUICK FIX SOLUTIONS
Authors: Ali Abbas J. , Camp Robert C.
Published: May 2008

The abatement of the Cold War and the declining threat of nuclear conflict have awakened U.S. politicians to the dangers of the U.S.'s losing its industrial base. That is not to suggest that economic growth and competitiveness issues were completely neglected previously; rather, it indicates that the warning signs managers and researchers often raised had not captured adequate attention. It is true that the U.S. still leads the world in productivity, but its rate of productivity growth continues to lag behind numerous competitors (Greenhouse, 1992).