bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transmission line transformer for reliable and low-jitter triggering of a railgap switch
Authors: Verma Rishi , Mishra Ekansh , Sagar Karuna , Meena Manraj , Shyam Anurag
Published: September 2014

The performance of railgap switch critically relies upon multichannel breakdown between the extended electrodes (rails) in order to ensure distributed current transfer along electrode length and to minimize the switch inductance. The initiation of several simultaneous arc channels along the switch length depends on the gap triggering technique and on the rate at which the electric field changes within the gap. This paper presents design, construction, and output characteristics of a coaxial cable based three-stage transmission line transformer (TLT) that is capable of initiating multichannel breakdown in a high voltage, low inductance railgap switch. In each stage three identical lengths of URM67 coaxial cables have been used in parallel and they have been wounded in separate cassettes to enhance the isolation of the output of transformer from the input. The cascaded output impedance of TLT is ∼50 Ω. Along with multi-channel formation over the complete length of electrode rails, significant reduction in jitter (≤2 ns) and conduction delay (≤60 ns) has been observed by the realization of large amplitude (∼80 kV), high dV/dt (∼6 kV/ns) pulse produced by the indigenously developed TLT based trigger generator. The superior performance of TLT over conventional pulse transformer for railgap triggering application has been compared and demonstrated experimentally.
Tailoring sodium silicophosphate glasses containing SiO6-octahedra through structural rules and topological principles
Authors: Jiang Qi , Zeng Huidan , Li Xiang , Ren Jing , Chen Guorong , Liu Fude
Published: September 2014

SiO4 tetrahedra in certain sodium silicophosphate glasses can be transformed into SiO6 octahedra that determine the macroscopic properties of silicophosphate glasses to a large extent. In this study, we develop the quantitative evolution rule of each network former. In addition, based on the underlying structure and topology, temperature-dependent topological constrain theory is used to elucidate the composition dependence of glass transition temperature and hardness. The properties of sodium silicophosphate glasses have been accurately predicted. These understandings will help us design new type of silicophosphate glasses containing unique SiO6 octahedra.
A new dipolar potential for numerical simulations of polar fluids on the 4D hypersphere
Authors: Caillol Jean-Michel , Trulsson Martin
Published: September 2014

We present a new method for Monte Carlo or Molecular Dynamics numerical simulations of three-dimensional polar fluids. The simulation cell is defined to be the surface of the northern hemisphere of a four-dimensional (hyper)sphere. The point dipoles are constrained to remain tangent to the sphere and their interactions are derived from the basic laws of electrostatics in this geometry. The dipole-dipole potential has two singularities which correspond to the following boundary conditions: when a dipole leaves the northern hemisphere at some point of the equator, it reappears at the antipodal point bearing the same dipole moment. We derive all the formal expressions needed to obtain the thermodynamic and structural properties of a polar liquid at thermal equilibrium in actual numerical simulation. We notably establish the expression of the static dielectric constant of the fluid as well as the behavior of the pair correlation at large distances. We report and discuss the results of extensive numerical Monte Carlo simulations for two reference states of a fluid of dipolar hard spheres and compare these results with previous methods with a special emphasis on finite size effects.
Spin-orbit torque-driven magnetization switching and thermal effects studied in Ta\CoFeB\MgO nanowires
Authors: Lo Conte R. , Hrabec A. , Mihai A. P. , Schulz T. , Noh S.-J. , Marrows C. H. , Moore T. A. , Kläui M.
Published: September 2014

We demonstrate magnetization switching in out-of-plane magnetized Ta\CoFeB\MgO nanowires by current pulse injection along the nanowires, both with and without a constant and uniform magnetic field collinear to the current direction. We deduce that an effective torque arising from spin-orbit effects in the multilayer drives the switching mechanism. While the generation of a component of the magnetization along the current direction is crucial for the switching to occur, we observe that even without a longitudinal field thermally generated magnetization fluctuations can lead to switching. Analysis using a generalized Néel-Brown model enables key parameters of the thermally induced spin-orbit torques-driven switching process to be estimated, such as the attempt frequency and the effective energy barrier.
Influence of high magnetic field on the luminescence of Eu3+-doped glass ceramics
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Junpei , Chen Weibo , Chen Ping , Han Junbo , Xu Beibei , Zheng Shuhong , Guo Qiangbing , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: September 2014

Rare earth (RE) doped materials have been widely exploited as the intriguing electronic configuration of RE ions offers diverse functionalities from optics to magnetism. However, the coupling of magnetism with photoluminescence (PL) in such materials has been rarely reported in spite of its fundamental significance. In the present paper, the effect of high pulsed magnetic field on the photoluminescence intensity of Eu3+-doped nano-glass-ceramics has been investigated. In our experiment, Eu-doped oxyfluoride glass and glass ceramic were prepared by the conventional melt-quenching process and controlled heat treatment. The results demonstrate that the integrated PL intensity of Eu3+ decreases with the enhancement of magnetic field, which can be interpreted in terms of cooperation effect of Zeeman splitting and magnetic field induced change in site symmetry. Furthermore, as a result of Zeeman splitting, both blue and red shift in the emission peaks of Eu3+ can be observed, and this effect becomes more prominent with the increase of magnetic field. Possible mechanisms associated with the observed magneto-optical behaviors are suggested. The results of the present paper may open a new gate for modulation of luminescence by magnetic field and remote optical detection of magnetic field.
Self-excited vibrational viscometer for high-viscosity sensing
Authors: Yabuno Hiroshi , Higashino Keiichi , Kuroda Masaharu , Yamamoto Yasuyuki
Published: September 2014

A method for vibrational viscometers capable of high-viscosity measurements using self-excited oscillations is proposed and assessed both theoretically and experimentally. Such viscometers are well-known for their rapid response and miniaturization. Unlike conventional methods based on Q-value estimations obtained experimentally from the frequency response or resonance curve, we describe the use of self-excited oscillations in viscosity measurements using positive velocity feedback control without relying on the frequency response curve. Such measurements become possible even for high viscosities where the peak of the frequency response curve is ambiguous or does not exist, i.e., the Q-value cannot be estimated from such curves. Furthermore, the validity of the proposed method is experimentally tested using a prototype self-excited viscometer. Downsized oscillators such as micro- or nanoscale cantilevers can be self-excited following a straightforward application of the method. They are expected to enable not only localized monitoring of changes in high viscosity with time but also spatial high-viscosity measurements by the distributed arrangement of the devices.
Low-temperature study of array of dopant atoms on transport behaviors in silicon junctionless nanowire transistor
Authors: Wang Hao , Han Weihua , Li Xiaoming , Zhang Yanbo , Yang Fuhua
Published: September 2014

We demonstrate temperature-dependent quantum transport characteristics in silicon junctionless nanowire transistor fabricated on Silicon-on-Insulator substrate by the femtosecond laser lithography. Clear drain-current oscillations originated from dopant-induced quantum dots are observed in the initial stage of the conduction for the silicon nanowire channel at low temperatures. Arrhenius plot of the conductance indicates the transition temperature of 30 K from variable-range hopping to nearest-neighbor hopping, which can be well explained under Mott formalism. The transition of electron hopping behavior is the interplay result between the thermal activation and the Coulomb interaction.
Noether symmetries in the phase space
Authors: Díaz Bogar , Galindo-Linares Elizabeth , Ramírez-Romero Cupatitzio , Silva-Ortigoza Gilberto , Suárez-Xique Román , Torres del Castillo Gerardo F. , Velázquez Mercedes
Published: September 2014

The constants of motion of a mechanical system with a finite number of degrees of freedom are related to the variational symmetries of a Lagrangian constructed from the Hamiltonian of the original system. The configuration space for this Lagrangian is the phase space of the original system. The symmetries considered in this manner include transformations of the time and may not be canonical in the standard sense.
Small scale experimental study of the dynamic response of a tension leg platform wind turbine
Authors: Hansen Anders Mandrup , Laugesen Robert , Bredmose Henrik , Mikkelsen Robert , Psichogios Nikolaos
Published: September 2014

A floating Tension Leg Platform (TLP) wind turbine was constructed at scale 1/200 and its dynamic response was analysed experimentally in co-directional wind and waves. The wind turbine was Froude scaled and a new rotor was designed to yield maximum power and Froude scaled thrust at the low model Reynolds number. Physical limitations due to the large scaling ratio further meant that some structural adjustments were necessary. Nacelle and floater accelerations were measured by means of two accelerometers. The TLP was moored with four different tendon configurations and exposed to different constant wind speeds and irregular sea states as well as a range of regular waves. It was found that an increase in wind speed reduces the wave-induced floater motion but causes slightly larger nacelle displacements. Further, the orientation of the spokes relative to the direction of wind and waves influences the pitch stiffness and thereby the nacelle displacements. Inclining the tendons towards the wind turbine reduces the nacelle displacements significantly and reduces the occurrence of slack tendons, but increases the inline tilt-motion of the rotor. Application of a very stiff mooring configuration increases the occurrence of slack tendons and the magnitude of the pitch accelerations. In a robust commercial design, however, slack tendons must be avoided. The experiments demonstrate the ability of the wind turbine model and the experimental setup to give insight to the dynamic characteristics of floating TLP wind turbines.
Multi-spectral optical absorption in substrate-free nanowire arrays
Authors: Zhang Junpeng , Dhindsa Navneet , Chia Andrew , Boulanger Jonathan , Khodadad Iman , Saini Simarjeet , LaPierre Ray
Published: September 2014

A method is presented of fabricating gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanowire arrays of controlled diameter and period by reactive ion etching of a GaAs substrate containing an indium gallium arsenide (InGaP) etch stop layer, allowing the precise nanowire length to be controlled. The substrate is subsequently removed by selective etching, using the same InGaP etch stop layer, to create a substrate-free GaAs nanowire array. The optical absorptance of the nanowire array was then directly measured without absorption from a substrate. We directly observe absorptance spectra that can be tuned by the nanowire diameter, as explained with rigorous coupled wave analysis. These results illustrate strong optical absorption suitable for nanowire-based solar cells and multi-spectral absorption for wavelength discriminating photodetectors. The solar-weighted absorptance above the bandgap of GaAs was 94% for a nanowire surface coverage of only 15%.
States of (in)Security: Corporeal Geographies and the Elsewhere War
Authors: Fluri Jennifer L
Published: September 2014

This paper examines embodied representations of state (in)security within three broad thematic categories: biometrics, prosthetics, and military biopower. This analysis elucidates the ways in which gender and race are put to work through representational framings of US state security. These framings, while diverse, offer similar taxonomies of inclusion—exclusion, security—insecurity, and violence against or care for certain bodies. This critical examination explicates how security is succinctly situated by autonomous state actors, ‘life politics’, and manipulations of the global—intimate through the lens of mimetic gendered and raced bodies. I argue that these various visual representations aid in reinforcing to the mainstream/white US citizen-subject that he or she remains secure within the immediate US homeland by way of the displacement of contemporary war violence elsewhere—rather than such violence circulating ‘everywhere’. A visual and discursive representation of security—insecurity illustrates a purposeful militarized illusion, inscribed through the many examples discussed in this paper. These disparate techniques shape US citizens' imagination of ‘terror’ as potentially ‘everywhere’, while simultaneously situating the US military's war ‘over there’ (elsewhere) as part of securing the homeland. These corporeal exemplifications help to situate security within the homeland and a/effectively shroud the flesh-and-bone devastation of US military violence elsewhere.
Structural and energetic determinants of adhesive binding specificity in type I cadherins
Authors: Vendome Jeremie , Felsovalyi Klara , Song Hang , Yang Zhongyu , Jin Xiangshu , Brasch Julia , Harrison Oliver J. , Ahlsen Goran , Bahna Fabiana , Kaczynska Anna , Katsamba Phinikoula S. , Edmond Darwin , Hubbell Wayne L. , Shapiro Lawrence , Honig Barry
Published: September 2014

Significance

Type I cadherins comprise a family of cell–cell adhesion proteins that dimerize in a highly specific fashion. There are small differences in dimerization affinities among family members that are evolutionarily conserved and that have profound effects on cell-patterning behavior. There are few examples where the molecular origins of small affinity differences between closely related proteins have been explored in depth. We have brought an unusually broad range of technologies to bear on the problem in a unique integrated approach. Our results reveal how a subtle combination of physical interactions combine to tune binding affinities and, in the course of our analysis, we discover a new conformational entropy-based mechanism that can also be exploited by other multidomain proteins.
On Indeterminate Updating of Credences
Authors: Huisman Leendert
Published: September 2014

The strategy of updating credences by minimizing the relative entropy has been questioned by many authors, most strongly by means of the Judy Benjamin puzzle. I present a new analysis of Judy Benjamin–like forms of new information and defend the thesis that in general the rational posterior is indeterminate, meaning that a family of posterior credence functions rather than a single one is the rational response when that type of information becomes available. The proposed thesis extends naturally to all cases in which new information is traditionally handled by minimizing the relative entropy.
Microstructure without Essentialism: A New Perspective on Chemical Classification
Authors: Bursten Julia R.
Published: September 2014

Recently, macroscopic accounts of chemical kind individuation have been proposed as alternatives to the microstructural essentialist account advocated by Kripke, Putnam, and others. These accounts argue that individuation of chemical kinds is based on macroscopic criteria such as reactivity or thermodynamics, and they challenge the essentialism that grounds the Kripke-Putnam view. Using a variety of chemical examples, I argue that microstructure grounds these macroscopic accounts, but that this grounding need not imply essentialism. Instead, kinds are individuated on the basis of similarity of reactivity between substances, and microstructure explains similarity of reactivity.
The Research Data Alliance: globally co‐ordinated action against barriers to data publishing and sharing
Authors: TRELOAR Andrew
Published: September 2014

This article discusses the drivers behind the formation of the Research Data Alliance (RDA), its current state, the lessons learned from its first full year of operation, and its anticipated impact on data publishing and sharing. One of the pressing challenges in data infrastructure (taken here to include issues relating to hardware, software and content format, as well as human actors) is how best to enable data interoperability across boundaries. This is particularly critical as the world deals with bigger and more complex problems that require data and insights from a range of disciplines. The RDA has been set up to enable more data to be shared across barriers to address these challenges. It does this through focused Working Groups and Interest Groups, formed of experts from around the world, and drawing from the academic, industry, and government sectors.
The multidimensional stationary-phase method for an asymptotic estimate of edge effects in the multiple Kirchhoff diffraction by curved surfaces
Authors: Scarpetta Edoardo , Sumbatyan Mezhlum
Published: September 2014

An analytical approach is proposed to study the contribution of edge effects in the multiple high-frequency diffraction, according to guidelines of classical Kirchhoff theory in (scalar) wave propagation. We start from a suitable asymptotic analysis of the Kirchhoff diffraction integral, here set up in a generalized (iterated) form to describe the multiple reflections from an arbitrary sequence of curved reflecting (smooth) surfaces. The explicit formula obtained for a concrete example of double reflection is compared with the results from direct numerical simulation.
The GolgiS-acylation machinery comprises zDHHC enzymes with major differences in substrate affinity andS-acylation activity
Authors: Lemonidis Kimon , Gorleku Oforiwa A. , Sanchez-Perez Maria C. , Grefen Christopher , Chamberlain Luke H.
Published: September 2014

S-acylation, the attachment of fatty acids onto cysteine residues, regulates protein trafficking and function and is mediated by a family of zDHHC enzymes. The S-acylation of peripheral membrane proteins has been proposed to occur at the Golgi, catalyzed by an S-acylation machinery that displays little substrate specificity. To advance understanding of how S-acylation of peripheral membrane proteins is handled by Golgi zDHHC enzymes, we investigated interactions between a subset of four Golgi zDHHC enzymes and two S-acylated proteins—synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25) and cysteine-string protein (CSP). Our results uncover major differences in substrate recognition and S-acylation by these zDHHC enzymes. The ankyrin-repeat domains of zDHHC17 and zDHHC13 mediated strong and selective interactions with SNAP25/CSP, whereas binding of zDHHC3 and zDHHC7 to these proteins was barely detectable. Despite this, zDHHC3/zDHHC7 could S-acylate SNAP25/CSP more efficiently than zDHHC17, whereas zDHHC13 lacked S-acylation activity toward these proteins. Overall the results of this study support a model in which dynamic intracellular localization of peripheral membrane proteins is achieved by highly selective recruitment by a subset of zDHHC enzymes at the Golgi, combined with highly efficient S-acylation by other Golgi zDHHC enzymes.
A Randomized Control Trial of Bupivacaine and Fentanyl versus Fentanyl-only for Epidural Analgesia during the Second Stage of Labor
Authors: Craig Margaret G. , Grant Erica N. , Tao Weike , McIntire Donald D. , Leveno Kenneth J.
Published: September 2014

Background:

The purpose of this prospective, double-blinded, parallel-arm, randomized trial was to examine the effects of epidural bupivacaine on the length of the second stage of labor in nulliparous women.

Methods:

The authors assessed length of second-stage labor, degree of motor blockade, mode of delivery, and visual analog scores in 310 nulliparous women with labor epidurals randomized to receive either: (1) 0.125% bupivacaine and fentanyl 2 μg/ml or (2) fentanyl 10 μg/ml alone via epidural using double blinding.

Results:

The median duration of the second stage was 75 min (41, 128) in the bupivacaine/fentanyl group versus 73 min (42, 120) in the fentanyl-only group (P = 0.17) with a median difference of 6.0 (95% CI, −6.0 to 18.0). Furthermore, there was no difference in degree of motor blockade, incidence of operative delivery, visual analog scores, or neonatal outcomes between the two groups. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

Use of epidural bupivacaine/fentanyl or a fentanyl-only infusion during the second stage of labor did not affect the duration of the second stage of labor, degree of motor blockade, mode of delivery, pain relief, and maternal or neonatal outcomes. However, in the fentanyl-only infusion group, there was a fivefold increase in opioid exposure to the fetus with unknown effects on neurobehavior, an outcome not assessed beyond the immediate postnatal period in this study.
Why Whip the Starving Horse When There Are Oats for the Starving Myocardium?
Authors: Fürstenwerth Hauke
Published: September 2014

Digoxin is the oldest drug for treatment of heart failure still in clinical use. Despite over 200 years of clinical experience with this drug, the optimal serum concentration required for both efficacy and safety remains unknown. It has been suggested that low doses have more favorable effects than higher ones. Cardiac glycosides act on the Na/K-ATPase (NKA). They show an inverted U-shaped dose–response curve with inhibition of pumping at high concentrations while increasing NKA activity at low concentrations. The classical sigmoidal dose–response curve describing an inhibition of the NKA by cardiac glycosides cannot explain this stimulatory effect. Cardiac glycosides are prototypical examples of hormetic substances. Biphasic dose–response curves of cardiac glycosides are also found in their neurohormonal effects. In low concentrations, vagomimetic effects are observed, whereas in high concentrations, sympathomimetic effects dominate. Lipophilic Digitalis glycosides have greater sympathomimetic effects; hydrophilic Strophanthus glycosides have greater vagomimetic effects. For digoxin, as a strong inotrope, there is evidence of only weak modulation of the autonomic nervous system. In ouabain, the modulation of the autonomic nervous system prevails over weak inotropic effects. Vagomimetic and sympatholytic effects characterize the therapeutic effects. In contrast to those of digoxin, the therapeutic effects of ouabain follow exactly the measurable serum concentration. Contrary to common prejudice ouabain is suitable for oral administration. Timely adjustments of dosage to patient therapeutic needs are easy to achieve with orally administered ouabain. Ouabain has the potential to crucially improve our arsenal of heart failure medications. Therefore, a clinical re-evaluation of ouabain is warranted. Randomized double-blind prospective clinical studies with ouabain, which meet today's standards, are worthwhile and necessary.
Fis overexpression enhances Pseudomonas putida biofilm formation by regulating the ratio of LapA and LapF
Authors: Moor Hanna , Teppo Annika , Lahesaare Andrio , Kivisaar Maia , Teras Riho
Published: September 2014

Bacteria form biofilm as a response to a number of environmental signals that are mediated by global transcription regulators and alarmones. Here we report the involvement of the global transcription regulator Fis inPseudomonas putidabiofilm formation through regulation oflapAandlapFgenes. The major component ofP. putidabiofilm is proteinaceous and two large adhesive proteins, LapA and LapF, are known to play a key role in its formation. We have previously shown that Fis overexpression enhancesP. putidabiofilm formation. In this study, we used mini-Tn5transposon mutagenesis to select potential Fis-regulated genes involved in biofilm formation. A total of 90 % of the studied transposon mutants carried insertions in thelapgenes. Since our experiments showed that Fis-enhanced biofilm is mostly proteinaceous, the amounts of LapA and LapF fromP. putidacells lysates were quantified using SDS-PAGE. Fis overexpression increases the quantity of LapA 1.6 times and decreases the amount of LapF at least 4 times compared to the wild-type cells. The increased LapA expression caused by Fis overexpression was confirmed by FACS analysis measuring the amount of LapA-GFP fusion protein. Our results suggest that the profusion of LapA in the Fis-overexpressed cells causes enhanced biofilm formation in mature stages ofP. putidabiofilm and LapF has a minor role inP. putidabiofilm formation.
On the prospect of identifying adaptive loci in recently bottlenecked populations
Authors: Poh Yu-Ping , Domingues Vera S. , Hoekstra Hopi E. , Jensen Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2014

Identifying adaptively important loci in recently bottlenecked populations – be it natural selection acting on a population following the colonization of novel habitats in the wild, or artificial selection during the domestication of a breed – remains a major challenge. Here we report the results of a simulation study examining the performance of available population-genetic tools for identifying genomic regions under selection. To illustrate our findings, we examined the interplay between selection and demography in two species ofPeromyscusmice, for which we have independent evidence of selection acting on phenotype as well as functional evidence identifying the underlying genotype. With this unusual information, we tested whether population-genetic-based approaches could have been utilized to identify the adaptive locus. Contrary to published claims, we conclude that the use of the background site frequency spectrum as a null model is largely ineffective in bottlenecked populations. Results are quantified both for site frequency spectrum and linkage disequilibrium-based predictions, and are found to hold true across a large parameter space that encompasses many species and populations currently under study. These results suggest that the genomic footprint left by selection on both new and standing variation in strongly bottlenecked populations will be difficult, if not impossible, to find using current approaches.
Making the most of that all-important job interview
Authors: Sang Long Choi
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how employers can get the best results from job interviews.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper considers the relative merits of structured interviews, behavioral interviews, experience-based interviews and situational interviews.

Findings

– This paper explains that each type of interview has its place, dependent on the type of job to be filled.

Practical implications

– It is revealed that proper preparation by employers can help them to get the most suitable candidates.

Originality/value

– This paper reveals how employers can learn to conduct effective interviews that produce reliable results.
Make performance-management systems work for your company
Authors: Agarwal Promila
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the leadership route for managers to manage performance appraisal effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper outlines the importance of playing down personal feelings about individual employees, getting the best out of high and low performers, appreciating good work, connecting with subordinates, being a role model and making the most of diversity.

Findings

– This paper contends that performance management systems alone can never bring about optimum performance; they must be accompanied by sensitive and inspired leaders who treat their employees as individuals.

Practical implications

– Attention is drawn to the importance of converting managers into leaders who can deal easily and comfortably with diversity and the unforeseen.

Social implications

– Some of the challenges of dealing with the modern, diverse workforce have been highlighted.

Originality/value

– This paper advances the view that good leadership is a tool to balance structured performance management systems with the flexibility needed to tailor the systems to specific employee needs.
HR lawyers’ role in a successful global merger
Authors: Bottini Aldo , Rossi Lea
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to present a case study outlining the importance of getting a grip on the regulatory realities of cross-border mergers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper examines the help that Ius Laboris, a specialist international human resources (HR) law firm alliance, was able to give in the merger of a major multinational fashion company based in Italy and a French firm.

Findings

– The paper charts the way in which the law firm’s experts, with their detailed local knowledge, were able to help in ensuring that the merger went ahead smoothly.

Practical implications

– The paper reveals that all the processes carried out across the world were under the control of a restricted number of people in Italy, near the headquarters of the company. Local branches, often with no administrative back-up, were not required to search for local consultants and lawyers.

Social implications

– The paper highlights some of the legal complications of cross-border mergers and ways in which to overcome them.

Originality/value

– Reveals how important it is for HR to be aware of the cross-border vision and to have ready access to legal and regulatory expertise that can be relied upon whenever required.
Decentralised bargaining and performance-related pay
Authors: Damiani Mirella , Ricci Andrea
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which performance-related pay (PRP) has been negotiated through decentralised bargaining in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper provides estimates aimed at identifying the main factors that have favoured agreements on PRP, on the basis of a nationally representative sample of Italian manufacturing and service companies.

Findings

– The paper shows that collective bargaining on PRP in Italy is positively associated with the presence of unions. The estimates also suggest that in unionised firms, workers have more access to returns from training in the form of PRP schemes. Finally, the paper finds that firm performance is positively associated with the adoption of PRP.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research based on additional data should enable the authors to identify causal effects.

Practical implications

– Partial fiscal exemptions for the wage component linked to enterprise results might increase the number of firms adopting PRP. In addition, the presence of unions may discourage the diffusion of “cosmetic” schemes that are adopted merely to secure benefits for the firm. Unions may also increase the returns of training and diffusion of PRP.

Originality/value

– This paper utilises a unique database containing recent information from a nationwide sample of Italian firms. It includes a whole set of information, including unionisation at the firm level, which allows the authors to address a critical issue, i.e., the strategic role of unions in adopting (or impeding) the adoption of PRP.
Research on the quality stability evaluation and monitoring based on the pre-control chart
Authors: Qing Liu Shu , Su Qin , Li Ping
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– In order to meet the requirements of 6σ management and to overcome the deficiencies of the theory for using the pre-control chart to evaluate and monitor quality stability, the purpose of this paper is to probe into the quality stability evaluation and monitoring guidelines of small batch production process based on the pre-control chart under the conditions of the distribution center and specifications center non-coincidence (0<ɛ≤1.5σ), the process capability index C

p
≥2 and the virtual alarm probability α=0.27 percent.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the range of the quality stability evaluation sampling number in initial production process is determined by using probability and statistics methods, the sample size for the quality stability evaluation is adjusted and determined in initial production process according to the error judgment probability theory, and the guideline for quality stability evaluation has been proposed in initial production process based on the theory of small probability events. Second, the alternative guidelines for quality stability monitoring and control in formal production process are proposed by using combination theory, the alternative guidelines are initially selected based on the theory of small probability events, a comparative analysis of the guidelines is made according to the average run lengths values, and the monitoring and control guidelines for quality stability are determined in formal production process.

Findings

– The results obtained from research indicate that when the virtual alarm probability α=0.27 percent, the shifts ɛ in the range 0<ɛ≤1.5σ and the process capability index C

p
≥2, the quality stability evaluation sample size of the initial production process is 11, whose scondition is that the number of the samples falling into the yellow zone is 1 at maximum. The quality stability evaluation sample size of the formal production process is 5, and when the number of the samples falling into the yellow zone is ≤1, the process is stable, while when two of the five samples falling into the yellow, then one more sample needs to be added, and only if this sample falls into the green zone, the process is stable.

Originality/value

– Research results can overcome the unsatisfactory 6σ management assumptions and requirements and the oversize virtual alarm probability α of the past pre-control charts, as well as the shortage only adaptable to the pre-control chart when the shifts ɛ=0. And at the same time, the difficult problem hard to adopt the conventional control charts to carry out process control because of a fewer sample sizes is solved.
A scheduling algorithm for grid workflow using bottleneck detection and load balancing
Authors: Smanchat Sucha , Sritawathon Suchon
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to propose a scheduling technique for parameter sweep workflows, which are used in parametric study and optimization. When executed in multiple parallel instances in the grid environment, it is necessary to address bottleneck and load balancing to achieve an efficient execution.

Design/methodology/approach

– A bottleneck detection approach is based on commonly known performance metrics of grid resources. To address load balancing, a resource requirement similarity metric is introduced to determine the likelihood of the distribution of tasks across available grid resources, which is referred to as an execution context. The presence of a bottleneck and the execution context are used in the main algorithm, named ABeC, to schedule tasks selectively at run-time to achieve a better overall execution time or makespan.

Findings

– According to the results of the simulations against four existing algorithms using several scenarios, the proposed technique performs, at least, similarly to the existing four algorithms in most cases and achieves better performance when scheduling workflows have a parallel structure.

Originality/value

– The bottleneck detection and the load balancing proposed in this paper require only common resource and task information, rendering it applicable to most workflow systems. The proposed scheduling technique, through such selective behaviour, may help reduce the time required for the execution of multiple instances of a grid workflow that is to be executed in parallel.
Predicting change impact in Web service ecosystems
Authors: Khanh Dam Hoa
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to address the issue of Web service providers facing a major issue of estimating the potential effects of changing a Web service to other services, especially in large ecosystems of Web services which have become more common nowadays. Web service providers make constant changes to their Web services to meet the ever-changing business requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper proposes an approach to predict change impact by mining a version history of a Web service ecosystem. The proposed approach extracts patterns of Web services that have been changed together from the version history by using association rule data mining techniques. The approach then uses this knowledge of co-changed patterns for predicting the impact of future changes based on the assumption that Web services which have been changed together frequently in the past will likely be changed together in future.

Findings

– An empirical validation based on the Amazon’s ecosystem of 46 Web services indicates the effectiveness of the proposed approach. After an initial change, the proposed approach can correctly predict up to 25 per cent of further Web services to be changed with the precision of up to 82 per cent.

Originality/value

– Traditional approaches to predict change impact in Web services tend to rely on having a dependency graph between Web services. However, in practice, building and maintaining inter-service dependencies that capture the precise semantics and behaviours of the Web services are challenging and costly. The proposed approach offers a novel alternative which only requires mining the existing version history of Web services.
Choosing the sure gain and the sure loss: uncertainty avoidance and the reflection effect
Authors: Chatterjee Subimal , Atav Gizem , Min Junhong , Taylor David
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to investigate the role of uncertainty avoidance (UA) as a moderator of Prospect Theory’s reflection effect (i.e. the simultaneous choice of a sure gain and a risky loss). We expect that higher-UA consumers, seeking certainty, will shun risk across both gains and losses such that their choices will be inconsistent with the reflection effect.

Design/methodology/approach

– We report three studies in which participants choose between risk and certainty. We use the stimuli from the original Prospect Theory paper, measure UA using an individual-level scale and conduct controlled experimental (laboratory) studies.

Findings

– We show that, compared to lower-UA consumers, higher-UA consumers demonstrate the reflection effect less frequently in a variety of settings (small/large stakes and within/between subjects comparisons). Mediation tests reveal that higher-UA consumers anchor on the sure loss and stay with their choice because they prefer the certainty of the sure (smaller) loss to the possibility of a possible (larger) loss (a dual-mediation mechanism).

Research limitations/implications

– The results have important implications for marketing practice. They show that quantifying uncertainty into a probability number is not enough to eliminate the uncertainty of the situation, and that UA is likely serve as a boundary condition to many of the traditional heuristics of judgment and decision-making.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to demonstrate that UA can moderate the reflection effect (using the stimuli in the original Prospect Theory paper). Therefore, it sets an agenda for future researchers who may want to use these findings to calibrate price/uncertainty tradeoffs within higher-UA segments.
How missed temporal deadlines influence consumption behavior
Authors: Vallen Beth , Block Lauren G. , Eisenstein Eric
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research is to explore how and why consumption behavior changes across time in reference to a temporal deadline, such as a meeting start time or scheduled appointment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors present findings from two experiments that manipulate distance to/from a deadline and assess behavioral intentions and consumer choice, both before a deadline is reached (i.e. the individual is early) and after a deadline has passed (i.e. the individual is late).

Findings

– Results demonstrate that, while individuals are more likely to refrain from consumption in favor of being on time as a deadline approaches, they are more likely to engage in consumption activities once they have already missed their deadline. Support is shown for an underlying process of affect regulation; when they are late (vs on time), consumers are likely to regulate affect via the selection of more indulgent options.

Practical implications

– These studies provide insight into the both the beneficial and detrimental nature of deadlines. Further, they provide insight as to how deadlines impact consumer behavior by demonstrating differential patterns of consumption based on whether an individual is early vs late.

Originality/value

– Documenting the effect of meeting and missing deadlines on consumption contributes to the literature on time usage and offers insights into individuals’ efforts to prioritize multiple activities that conflict due to time constraints.
Long gone the glory days
Authors: Richelieu André , Lessard Stéphanie
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the catalyzing factors team managers of previously successful European football clubs could capitalize on in order to build or rebuild the brand identity of their respective team via the Europa League.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors followed a case analysis method. The authors selected teams that have had a history of good performance in European competitions in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s, before falling off the radar. A total of 19 teams, representing 15 countries, accepted the invitation.

Findings

– The managers underlined eight major catalyzing factors. The managers specifically emphasize the importance of branding and how it can crystallize the promise these teams articulate to their fans, on and off the football pitch. Moreover, the values that a team encapsulates and communicates through its daily actions seem to represent the essence of the brand.

Research limitations/implications

– One risk relates to the respondents who could very well know what a brand is and how a brand should be managed in theory, but it does not necessarily mean that they know how to do it at all.

Practical implications

– The paper highlighted the importance of shrewd management, especially when resources are scarce. A competition such as the Europa League might provide some room to maneuver but, above all, the organization must deliver the brand promise to its fans.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first studies looking at the leverage a European football competition could provide to previously successful clubs.
‘Respons’ible service quality
Authors: Sahai Vickram , Kumar Jain Arvind
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to bridge the gap between customer’s assessment of service quality dimensions (SERVQUAL model) and the descriptors of training. A model of service quality is SERVQUAL, which measures the discrepancy between customer’s perceptions and expectation on the customer service. The dimensions of service quality here are evaluated from the customer’s point of view. Functional fluency as a model of transactional analysis identifies descriptors of interpersonal communication that helps employees improve their responses. Hence, to provide a clear training need assessment, the dimensions of service quality and descriptors of functional fluency must be mapped accordingly.

Design/methodology/approach

– The semantic mapping of the dimensions of the service quality with descriptors of the functional fluency model.

Findings

– Of the five dimensions of the SERVAQUAL model, four are behavioral and are mapped with four descriptors belonging to four different modes of the functional fluency model. The four modes are positive manner in which people can respond to improve service quality.

Research limitations/implications

– The implication is the training needs that emerge by bridging the gap between SERVQUAL dimensions and functional fluency model for self-development.

Practical implications

– This will provide an organization the training needs analysis for their employees for improving their interpersonal communication on service quality dimensions.

Originality/value

– Bridging of the gap between customer’s assessment of service quality dimensions (SERVQUAL model) and the descriptors of training (functional fluency model).
Performance of salmon fishery portfolios across western North America
Authors: Griffiths Jennifer R. , Schindler Daniel E. , Armstrong Jonathan B. , Scheuerell Mark D. , Whited Diane C. , Clark Robert A. , Hilborn Ray , Holt Carrie A. , Lindley Steven T. , Stanford Jack A. , Volk Eric C.
Published: September 2014

Quantifying the variability in the delivery of ecosystem services across the landscape can be used to set appropriate management targets, evaluate resilience and target conservation efforts. Ecosystem functions and services may exhibit portfolio‐type dynamics, whereby diversity within lower levels promotes stability at more aggregated levels. Portfolio theory provides a framework to characterize the relative performance among ecosystems and the processes that drive differences in performance.

We assessed Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. portfolio performance across their native latitudinal range focusing on the reliability of salmon returns as a metric with which to assess the function of salmon ecosystems and their services to humans.

We used the Sharpe ratio (e.g. the size of the total salmon return to the portfolio relative to its variability (risk)) to evaluate the performance of Chinook and sockeye salmon portfolios across the west coast of North America. We evaluated the effects on portfolio performance from the variance of and covariance among salmon returns within each portfolio, and the association between portfolio performance and watershed attributes.

We found a positive latitudinal trend in the risk‐adjusted performance of Chinook and sockeye salmon portfolios that also correlated negatively with anthropogenic impact on watersheds (e.g. dams and land‐use change). High‐latitude Chinook salmon portfolios were on average 2·5 times more reliable, and their portfolio risk was mainly due to low variance in the individual assets. Sockeye salmon portfolios were also more reliable at higher latitudes, but sources of risk varied among the highest performing portfolios.

Synthesis and applications. Portfolio theory provides a straightforward method for characterizing the resilience of salmon ecosystems and their services. Natural variability in portfolio performance among undeveloped watersheds provides a benchmark for restoration efforts. Locally and regionally, assessing the sources of portfolio risk can guide actions to maintain existing resilience (protect habitat and disturbance regimes that maintain response diversity; employ harvest strategies sensitive to different portfolio components) or improve restoration activities. Improving our understanding of portfolio reliability may allow for management of natural resources that is robust to ongoing environmental change.