bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic and elemental properties of the Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 surface and grain boundaries
Authors: Haight Richard , Shao Xiaoyan , Wang Wei , Mitzi David B.
Published: January 2014

X-ray and femtosecond UV photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry and photoluminescence imaging were used to investigate the electronic and elemental properties of the CZTS,Se surface and its oxides. Oxide removal reveals a very Cu poor and Zn rich surface relative to bulk composition. O and Na are observed at the surface and throughout the bulk. Upward bending of the valence bands indicates the presence of negative charge in the surface region and the Fermi level is found near the band gap center. The presence of point defects and the impact of these findings on grain boundary properties will be described.
Magnetic anisotropy and order structure of L1-FePt(001) single-crystal films grown epitaxially on (001) planes of MgO, SrTiO3, and MgAl2O4 substrates
Authors: Hotta A. , Ono T. , Hatayama M. , Tsumura K. , Kikuchi N. , Okamoto S. , Kitakami O. , Shimatsu T.
Published: January 2014

L10–FePt(001) single-crystal films were grown epitaxially on SrTiO3(001), MgAl2O4(001), and MgO(001) substrates. Their uniaxial magnetic anisotropy Ku and the order structure were examined for the film thickness t range of 2–14 nm. All series of films show large Ku of 4 × 107 erg/cm3 in the thickness range higher than 10 nm, with order parameter S of 0.8 and saturation magnetization Ms of 1120 emu/cm3. Ku decreased gradually as t decreased. The Ku reduction was considerable when t decreased from 4 nm to 2 nm. No marked difference in the thickness dependence of Ku was found in any series of films, although the lattice mismatch between FePt and the substrates was markedly different. Ku reduction showed good agreement with the reduction of S for the films on MgAl2O4 and MgO. The Ku ∼ S2 plot showed an almost linear relation, which is in good agreement with theoretical predictions. Transmission electron microscopy images for a FePt film on MgO substrate revealed that the lattice mismatch between FePt(001) and MgO(001) was relaxed in the initial 1 or 2 layers of FePt(001) lattices, which is likely to be true also for two other series of films.
High performance tunable slow wave elements enabled with nano-patterned permalloy thin film for compact radio frequency applications
Authors: Farid Rahman B. M. , Divan Ralu , Zhang Hanqiao , Rosenmann Daniel , Peng Yujia , Wang Xuehe , Wang Guoan
Published: January 2014

Slow wave elements are promising structures to design compact RF (radio frequency) and mmwave components. This paper reports a comparative study on different types of coplanar wave-guide (CPW) slow wave structures (SWS). New techniques including the use of defected ground structure and the different signal conductor shape have been implemented to achieve higher slow wave effect with comparative loss. Results show that over 42% and 35% reduction in length is reported in the expense of only 0.3 dB and 0.1 dB insertion loss, respectively, which can end up with 66% and 58% area reduction for the design of a branch line coupler. Implementation of the sub micrometer patterned Permalloy (Py) thin film on top of the simple SWS has been demonstrated for the first time to increase the slow wave effect. Comparing with the traditional slow wave structure, with 100 nm thick Py patterns, the inductance per unit length of the SWS has been increased from 879 nH/m to 963 nH/m. The slow wave effect of the designed structure is also tunable by applied DC current. Measured results have shown that the phase shift can be changed from 94° to 90.5° by applying 150 mA DC current. This provides a solution in designing RF passive components which can work in multiple frequency bands.
Radio-frequency electromagnetic field and vortex penetration in multilayered superconductors
Authors: Kubo Takayuki , Iwashita Yoshihisa , Saeki Takayuki
Published: January 2014

A multilayered structure with a single superconductor layer and a single insulator layer formed on a bulk superconductor is studied. General formulae for the vortex-penetration field of the superconductor layer and the magnetic field on the bulk superconductor, which is shielded by the superconductor and insulator layers, are derived with a rigorous calculation of the magnetic field attenuation in the multilayered structure. The achievable peak surface field depends on the thickness and its material of the superconductor layer, the thickness of the insulator layer, and material of the bulk superconductor. The calculation shows a good agreement with an experimental result. A combination of the thicknesses of superconductor and insulator layers to enhance the field limit can be given by the formulae for any given materials.
Two-beam ultrabroadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy for high resolution gas-phase multiplex imaging
Authors: Bohlin Alexis , Kliewer Christopher J.
Published: January 2014

We propose and develop a method for wideband coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) in the gas phase and demonstrate the single-shot measurement of N2, H2, CO2, O2, and CH4. Pure-rotational and vibrational O-, Q-, and S- branch spectra are collected simultaneously, with high spectral and spatial resolution, and within a single-laser-shot. The relative intensity of the rotational and vibrational signals can be tuned arbitrarily using polarization techniques. The ultrashort 7 fs pump and Stokes pulses are automatically overlapped temporally and spatially using a two-beam CARS technique, and the crossed probe beam allows for excellent spatial sectioning of the probed location.
Bridging a few terahertz to tens of terahertz: Inspection on a cost-effective, room-temperature operated measurement system based on frequency conversion via 4-dimethylamino-N′-methyl-4′-stilbazolium tosylate crystal
Authors: Qi Feng , Nawata Kouji , Hayashi Shin'ichiro , Notake Takashi , Matsukawa Takeshi , Minamide Hiroaki
Published: January 2014

Based on experimental studies, we inspected the feasibility of a frequency conversion system, including both terahertz (THz) generation and detection, by using 4-dimethylamino-N′-methy-4′-stilbazolium tosylate crystal for wideband measurement. At 27 THz, more than five orders dynamic range in power have been obtained. Compared with typical pyroelectric detectors, it is four orders better in terms of sensitivity. Power calibration has been implemented and the minimum detectable pulse energy is 3 fJ, with a corresponding noise equivalent power of 22 pW/Hz1/2. For broadband operation, we have achieved good signal level downwards to 2.5 THz. Such a system can be an excellent complement to classical time-domain spectroscopy systems.
Observation of unusual absorption and scattering cross-section line shapes of individual optical double-wire antennas
Authors: Weitemeyer Steven , Husnik Martin , Wegener Martin
Published: January 2014

We measure directly, simultaneously, and quantitatively the absorption and scattering cross-section spectra of individual pairs of vertically stacked gold antennas resonating in the 0.9–1.6 μm wavelength regime. We find unusually different line shapes for absorption and scattering. The origin of this observation can be traced back to the interference of the scattering amplitudes of the two underlying and spectrally overlapping effective orthogonal modes of the optical-antenna pair. We speculate that such unusual line shapes should also occur in many other coupled-antenna systems.
A physical interpretation of impedance at conducting polymer/electrolyte junctions
Authors: Stavrinidou Eleni , Sessolo Michele , Winther-Jensen Bjorn , Sanaur Sébastien , Malliaras George G.
Published: January 2014

We monitor the process of dedoping in a planar junction between an electrolyte and a conducting polymer using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy performed during moving front measurements. The impedance spectra are consistent with an equivalent circuit of a time varying resistor in parallel with a capacitor. We show that the resistor corresponds to ion transport in the dedoped region of the film, and can be quantitatively described using ion density and drift mobility obtained from the moving front measurements. The capacitor, on the other hand, does not depend on time and is associated with charge separation at the moving front. This work offers a physical description of the impedance of conducting polymer/electrolyte interfaces based on materials parameters.
Room temperature strain rate sensitivity in precursor derived HfO2/Si-C-N(O) ceramic nanocomposites
Authors: Sujith Ravindran , Kumar Ravi
Published: January 2014

Investigation on the room temperature strain rate sensitivity using depth sensing nanoindentation is carried out on precursor derived HfO2/Si-C-N(O) ceramic nanocomposite sintered using pulsed electric current sintering. Using constant load method the strain rate sensitivity values are estimated. Lower strain rate sensitivity of ∼ 3.7 × 10−3 is observed and the limited strain rate sensitivity of these ceramic nanocomposites is explained in terms of cluster model. It is concluded that presence of amorphous Si-C-N(O) clusters are responsible for the limited flowability in these ceramics.
Morpho-structural and physiological response of container-grown Sangiovese and Montepulciano cvv. (Vitis vinifera) to re-watering after a pre-veraison limiting water deficit
Authors: Palliotti Alberto , Tombesi Sergio , Frioni Tommaso , Famiani Franco , Silvestroni Oriana , Zamboni Maurizio , Poni Stefano
Published: January 2014

A better physiological and productive performance of cv. Montepulciano versus cv. Sangiovese under well-watered conditions has been recently assessed. The objective of this study was to verify that this behaviour is maintained when a pre-veraison deficit irrigation (vines held at 40% pot capacity from fruit-set to veraison) followed by re-watering (pot capacity reported at 90%). Single leaf assimilation rate and stomatal conductance, diurnal and seasonal whole-canopy net CO2 exchange (NCER) and water use efficiency were always higher in Sangiovese under deficit irrigation. Due to water shortage Montepulciano displayed a more compact growing habit due to decreased shoot and internode length. Sangiovese showed excellent recovery upon re-watering as NCER resulted to be higher than the pre-stress period; however, this might also relate to early and severe basal leaf yellowing and shedding. Early deficit irrigation affected xylem characteristics of Montepulciano more than in Sangiovese; vessel density increased (37 vs 29%, respectively, compared with well-watered vines) and the hydraulic conductance decreased more (–13 vs –3% respectively) compared with well-watered vines. Yield components and technological maturity were similar in the two cultivars, whereas Montepulciano grapes had lower anthocyanins and phenolics. Higher physiological and productive efficiency under non-limiting water conditions showed by Montepulciano compared with Sangiovese was basically reversed when both cultivars were subjected to an early deficit irrigation.
Unified superresolution experiments and stochastic theory provide mechanistic insight into protein ion-exchange adsorptive separations
Authors: Kisley Lydia , Chen Jixin , Mansur Andrea P. , Shuang Bo , Kourentzi Katerina , Poongavanam Mohan-Vivekanandan , Chen Wen-Hsiang , Dhamane Sagar , Willson Richard C. , Landes Christy F.
Published: January 2014

Significance

Adsorption of proteins underlies the purification of biopharmaceuticals, as well as therapeutic apheresis, immunoassays, and biosensors. In particular, separation of proteins by interactions with charged ligands on surfaces (ion-exchange chromatography) is an essential tool of the modern pharmaceutical industry. By quantifying the interactions of single proteins with individual charged ligands, we demonstrate that clusters of charges are necessary to create functional adsorption sites and that even chemically identical ligands create sites of varying kinetic properties that depend on steric availability at the interface.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs at Freestanding Children's Hospitals in the United States
Authors: Newland Jason G. , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Weissman Scott J. , Shah Samir S. , Turgeon Chelsea , Hedican Erin B. , Thurm Cary , Hall Matt , Courter Joshua , Brogan Thomas V. , Maples Holly , Lee Brian R. , Hersh Adam L.
Published: January 2014

Background and Objective.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are a mechanism to ensure the appropriate use of antimicrobials. The extent to which ASPs are formally implemented in freestanding children's hospitals is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of ASPs in freestanding children's hospitals.

Methods.

We conducted an electronic survey of 42 freestanding children's hospitals that are members of the Children's Hospital Association to determine the presence and characteristics of their ASPs. For hospitals without an ASP, we determined whether stewardship strategies were in place and whether there were barriers to implementing a formal ASP.

Results.

We received responses from 38 (91%) of 42. Among responding institutions, 16 (38%) had a formal ASP, and 15 (36%) were in the process of implementing a program. Most ASPs (13 [81%] of 16) were started after 2007. The median number of full-time equivalents dedicated to ASPs was 0.63 (range, 0.1–1.8). The most common antimicrobials monitored by ASPs were linezolid, vancomycin, and carbapenems. Many hospitals without a formal ASP were performing stewardship activities, including elements of prospective audit and feedback (9 [41%] of 22), formulary restriction (9 [41%] of 22), and use of clinical guidelines (17 [77%] of 22). Antimicrobial outcomes were more likely to be monitored by hospitals with ASPs (100% vs 68%;P= .01), although only 1 program provided support for a data analyst.

Conclusions.

Most freestanding children's hospitals have implemented or are developing an ASP. These programs differ in structure and function, and more data are needed to identify program characteristics that have the greatest impact.
Computing the Galois group of some parameterized linear differential equation of order two
Authors: Dreyfus Thomas
Published: January 2014

We extend Kovacic’s algorithm to compute the differential Galois group of some second order parameterized linear differential equation. In the case where no Liouvillian solutions could be found, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for the integrability of the system. We give various examples of computation.
The minimal stage, energy preserving Runge–Kutta method for polynomial Hamiltonian systems is the averaged vector field method
Authors: Celledoni Elena , Owren Brynjulf , Sun Yajuan
Published: January 2014

No Runge–Kutta method can be energy preserving for all Hamiltonian systems. But for problems in which the Hamiltonian is a polynomial, the averaged vector field (AVF) method can be interpreted as a Runge–Kutta method whose weights

b
i

b_i

and abscissae

c
i

c_i

represent a quadrature rule of degree at least that of the Hamiltonian. We prove that when the number of stages is minimal, the Runge–Kutta scheme must in fact be identical to the AVF scheme.
Totally disconnected Julia set for different classes of meromorphic functions
Authors: Domínguez P. , Hernández A. , Sienra G.
Published: January 2014

We study a class of functions

A

\textbf {A}

given by Epstein in Towers of finite type complex analytic maps, ProQuest LLC, Ann Arbor, MI, 1993, called finite-type maps. We extend a result related with the Julia set given by Baker, Domínguez in Some connectedness properties of Julia sets, Complex Variable Theory Appl. 41 (2000), 371–389, and Baker, Domínguez, and Herring in Dynamics of functions meromorphic outside a small set, Ergodic Theory Dynam. Systems 21 (2001), 647–672, to functions in class

A

\textbf {A}

.
Cross‐Context Benefit Transfer: A Bayesian Search for Information Pools
Authors: Moeltner Klaus , Rosenberger Randall S.
Published: January 2014

Commodity equivalence and population similarity are two widely accepted paradigms for the valid transfer of welfare estimates across resource valuation contexts. We argue that strict adherence to these rules may leave relevant information untapped, and propose a Bayesian model search algorithm that examines the probabilities with which two or more sub‐sets of meta‐data, each corresponding to a different combination of commodity and population, share common value distributions. Using a large meta‐data set of willingness‐to‐pay for diverse outdoor activities across various regions of the United States as an example, we find strong potential for contexts that would not traditionally be considered as transfer candidates to form information pools. Exploiting these commonalities leads to substantial efficiency gains for benefit estimates.
Algorithms and tools for protein–protein interaction networks clustering, with a special focus on population-based stochastic methods
Authors: Pizzuti Clara , Rombo Simona E.
Published: January 2014

Motivation: Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks are powerful models to represent the pairwise protein interactions of the organisms. Clustering PPI networks can be useful for isolating groups of interacting proteins that participate in the same biological processes or that perform together specific biological functions. Evolutionary orthologies can be inferred this way, as well as functions and properties of yet uncharacterized proteins.

Results: We present an overview of the main state-of-the-art clustering methods that have been applied to PPI networks over the past decade. We distinguish five specific categories of approaches, describe and compare their main features and then focus on one of them, i.e. population-based stochastic search. We provide an experimental evaluation, based on some validation measures widely used in the literature, of techniques in this class, that are as yet less explored than the others. In particular, we study how the capability of Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to extract clusters in PPI networks varies when different topology-based fitness functions are used, and we compare GAs with the main techniques in the other categories. The experimental campaign shows that predictions returned by GAs are often more accurate than those produced by the contestant methods. Interesting issues still remain open about possible generalizations of GAs allowing for cluster overlapping.

Availability and implementation: We point out which methods and tools described here are publicly available.

Contact:  simona.rombo@math.unipa.it

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The most informative spacing test effectively discovers biologically relevant outliers or multiple modes in expression
Authors: Pawlikowska Iwona , Wu Gang , Edmonson Michael , Liu Zhifa , Gruber Tanja , Zhang Jinghui , Pounds Stan
Published: January 2014

Summary: Several outlier and subgroup identification statistics (OASIS) have been proposed to discover transcriptomic features with outliers or multiple modes in expression that are indicative of distinct biological processes or subgroups. Here, we borrow ideas from the OASIS methods in the bioinformatics and statistics literature to develop the ‘most informative spacing test’ (MIST) for unsupervised detection of such transcriptomic features. In an example application involving 14 cases of pediatric acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, MIST more robustly identified features that perfectly discriminate subjects according to gender or the presence of a prognostically relevant fusion-gene than did seven other OASIS methods in the analysis of RNA-seq exon expression, RNA-seq exon junction expression and micorarray exon expression data. MIST was also effective at identifying features related to gender or molecular subtype in an example application involving 157 adult cases of acute myeloid leukemia.

Availability: MIST will be freely available in the OASIS R package at http://www.stjuderesearch.org/site/depts/biostats

Contact:  stanley.pounds@stjude.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Where and when will they go fishing? Understanding fishing site and time choice in a recreational squid fishery
Authors: Cabanellas-Reboredo Miguel , Alós Josep , March David , Palmer Margarita , Jordà Gabriel , Palmer Miquel
Published: January 2014

Recreational fishing effort greatly fluctuates in space and time. Therefore, one of the most relevant conceptual issues when managing recreational fishing is to understand the primary complexities associated with anglers' preferences in selecting site and day, and the way that these choices affect the catch. However, two practical pitfalls (data acquisition and statistical issues) are hampering progress towards the understanding of this problem. In this study, we propose several strategic improvements and apply them to the recreational squid fishery in Palma Bay (Balearic Islands). The spatial scenario (20 km width) was surveyed 63 times (visual censuses) during two years. For each of the 173 grid cells (1 km2) into which Palma Bay was divided, the fishing effort (number of recreational boats targeting squid) was recorded. In addition, a number of variables intended to summarize any potential driver of anglers' choices were also recorded. The principal drivers of squid recreational fishing in Palma Bay appeared to be expected harvest and distance to the nearest port, but the effect of these variables was clearly modulated by sea conditions. The fine-scale estimates of effort (daily predictions for each 1 km2 cell) provided here represent the first step towards understanding angler preferences, estimating total catches, and selecting the best management options for avoiding conflicts between stakeholders, thus ensuring resource sustainability.
The alternate triad motif of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-like domain of the human zinc finger antiviral protein is essential for its antiviral activity
Authors: Gläsker Sabine , Töller Maren , Kümmerer Beate Mareike
Published: January 2014

The human zinc finger antiviral protein (hZAP) gene is spliced to yield a short (hZAP-S) and a long (hZAP-L) isoform. The long isoform possesses a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-like domain in its C-terminus predicted to be inactive due to alterations in its triad motif compared with bona fide PARPs. Using Sindbis virus as prototype member of alphaviruses we confirmed that hZAP-L is a more potent inhibitor of alphaviruses than hZAP-S. Specific small interfering RNA knockdown of hZAP-L but not hZAP-S demonstrated a role of endogenous hZAP-L in restriction of alphavirus replication. Whilst single amino-acid substitutions in the triad motif of hZAP-L’s PARP-like domain reduced the antiviral activity, exchange of all three triad motif residues to alanine or to the amino acids of active PARPs virtually abolished the antiviral effect. Contrary to previous assumptions, these results indicate an essential function of the PARP-like domain in hZAP-L's antiviral activity.
Anticancer activities of kefir against LMS and K562 cell lines by flow cytometry analysis
Authors: Toliopoulos Ioannis , Simos Yannis , Verginadis Ioannis , Papandreou Dimitrios , Oikonomidis Stergios , Evangelou Angelos
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Kefir is a probiotic grown with milk, with a slightly sour flavor and has been consumed for thousands of years. Kefir grains contain bacteria and yeast. In the past, kefir was administrated as a drug against tuberculosis, cancer and gastrointestinal disorders. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential anticancer properties of kefir and its ability to affect natural killer cells' (NKCs') activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The assay of cytotoxic activity of NKCs by cytometric analysis was used, which included four stages: isolation of natural killers; quantification of target cells; incubation of natural killers with target cells at ratios of 12.5:1, 25:1 and 50:1 in CO2 incubator; and measurement of cells with flow cytometer. The same procedures were repeated, but the third stage was modified with the addition and incubation of 50, 75, and 100 μL kefir (of 24 hour culture with 3.5 per cent fresh milk) with K562 and leiomyosarcoma cells lines, and kefir and NK cells with K562 or LMS cell lines.

Findings

The results showed that kefir's cytotoxic activity without the presence of NKCs reached an average of 85 per cent in both cell lines. With the addition of NK cells in kefir, the cytotoxic activity further increased by 10 per cent. Kefir alone did not cause any statistically significant death in NK cells. Kefir seems to have significant cytotoxic action by itself without stimulating NK cells in a significant manner. However, further studies are needed to establish the role of kefir in the prevention and treatment of neoplasmatic diseases.

Originality/value

The paper provides information and new data, for nutritionists and clinical dietitians, about the effects of kefir in the prevention of cancer.
Structured content analysis in leadership research: a new method for international contexts
Authors: Lakshman C.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate structured content analysis (SCA) in leadership research by examining and contrasting it with traditional content analysis (TCA) and case survey methodology. SCA is presented as a variation of TCA, and is characterized as one that is more likely to be used by leadership researchers because of its more quantitative bent than TCA, but yet does not lose its capability to investigate inherently qualitative processes of leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper systematically compares features of SCA as proposed by the seminal authors to the more sophisticated SCA proposed here. This is accomplished by clarifying and strengthening some of the inadequacies of SCA as initially conceptualized. The new SCA is first described in terms of its components and typical procedures. Using relevant leadership literature, the paper: clarifies the selection of data sources used in such analyses to enhance and verify source validity; identifies additional means to establish and verify reliability, in addition to that of inter‐coder (reproducibility) and stability (test‐retest) reliability; provides a systematic comparison of traditional TCA to the newer SCA; and illustrates the use of this method with a sample study.

Findings

While possessing all important advantages of traditional content analysis, this form of content analysis (new SCA) holds others, such as increased opportunity for estimating scale reliability and validity. Thus, the more quantitative nature of SCA is likely to be more suited to the higher standards for rigor of traditional leadership researchers using purely quantitative approaches.

Research limitations/implications

Text source selection may still suffer from human fallibilities and judgment errors. SCA may also be restricted to the study of leadership through leadership communication in speeches, debates, letters, etc. However, these may constitute a significant portion of what leaders do, especially those at the top of their organizations.

Originality/value

The paper enriches the original SCA and refocuses it for the specific purpose of leadership research. Specifically, it identifies seven ways in which the original conceptualization can be strengthened to make it more amenable for today's leadership researchers.
Downloading digital video games: predictors, moderators and consequences
Authors: Phau Ian , Liang Johan
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how personal and social factors influence attitudes towards downloading pirated games from the internet. It also examines the moderators between attitudes and intention to download pirated digital video games.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using convenience samples in a large university in Western Australia. The data were analysed mostly through regression models.

Findings

Self‐efficacy, affect and moral judgement have significant influences upon attitudes towards downloading pirated games from the internet. Conversely, habits, facilitating conditions and social factors do not have significant influences upon attitudes towards downloading pirated games from the internet. In addition, attitudes towards downloading pirated digital video games from the internet have a significant influence upon the intention to download pirated digital video games from the internet. It is also found that the level of internet usage, the level of internet time spent and the internet speed do not moderate the relationship between attitudes and intention to download pirated games from the internet.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation is the use of a convenience sample. Therefore, future research should replicate and extend this study by using more valid random samples. In addition, qualitative approach, field experiment and foolspeed campaign analysis need to be considered to gain a better understanding of why internet users indulge in games piracy.

Practical implications

Authorities should create awareness campaigns about digital video games piracy to alert the public about the risk of being caught and the consequence of unethical behaviour. Managers, marketers and policy makers should collaborate to combat piracy to prevent illegal downloading of free pirated games in the future.

Originality/value

The paper assesses the impact of six antecedents and the attitudes towards downloading pirated digital video games from the internet that will lead to the intention to download pirated digital video games from the Internet.
Anbar Abstracts Issue
Authors: Sandelands Eric
Published: January 2014

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of the Marketing Intelligence & Planning is split into nine sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Business Strategy; Marketing Strategy; Customer Service; Sales Management; Promotion; Marketing Research/Customer Behaviour; Product Management; Logistics and Distribution; Sundry.
Anbar Abstracts Issue
Authors: Fojt Martin
Published: January 2014

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of the Marketing Intelligence & Planning is split into seven sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Marketing Strategy; Customer Service; Sales Management; Promotion; Marketing Research/Customer Behaviour; Product Management; Logistics and Distribution and Sundry.
Anbar Abstracts Issue
Authors: Fojt Martin
Published: January 2014

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of the Marketing Intelligence & Planning is split into seven sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Marketing Strategy; Customer Service; Sales Management; Promotion; Marketing Research/Customer Behaviour; Product Management; Logistics and Distribution.
Impact of ERP systems on work and work‐life
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Karunasekara Manoja
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically identify the post‐implementation impact of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems on work and work‐life of managerial‐level end‐users, in terms of problem‐solving support, job discretion, management visibility and cross‐functionality, authority and decision rights, and overall impact on organization, in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey methodology was used and managerial‐level end‐users who fulfilled the selection criteria set for the study, responded. The hypothesized relationships were examined using structural equation modelling.

Findings

It was found that “ERP system product performance” significantly predicts “problem solving support”, “job discretion, management visibility and cross‐functionality”, and “impact on organization”. However, the direct link between “ERP system product performance” and “authority and decision rights” is not significant.

Originality/value

The literature suggests that the impact of ERP systems on individuals and organizations can be conceptualized in terms of individual users' perceptions and beliefs about the changes which occurred after the implementation. However, the main shortcoming of past studies is that they included a limited number of consequences of ERP adoption in a single study.
Global operations and their interaction with supply chain performance
Authors: Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan , Lüthje Teit
Published: January 2014

Purpose

A major part of economic globalization has taken place in the form of different globalization strategies. Offshoring and outsourcing of manufacturing activities from Western locations to Eastern Europe and the Far East are used to remain competitive. Such strategies have implications for supply chain performance. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether supply chain performance is affected differently depending on the choice of globalization strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on in‐depth literature reviews and explorative case studies – two offshoring and two outsourcing projects. A model explaining the choice of localization and globalization strategy (the OLI model) is applied as a basic framework. Data have been collected through in‐depth interviews with persons responsible for the offshoring and outsourcing projects.

Findings

The paper addresses different practices of managing supply chain performance in offshoring and outsourcing strategies. The OLI model provides an increased consciousness of the managerial challenges related to supply chain performance based on the chosen globalization strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is explorative in nature and is based on four case studies. The paper provides no basis for statistical generalizations.

Practical implications

The supply chain performance is affected both positively and negatively in each type of globalization strategy. The OLI model provides an extended understanding of the factors that should be considered in decision processes concerning offshoring and outsourcing.

Originality/value

In this paper, the OLI model is integrated in a new understanding of supply chain performance.
E‐ILL and Russian e‐books
Authors: Weible Cherié L. , Sullivan Helen F.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges ILL librarians are faced with when trying to borrow or lend e‐books through traditional interlibrary loan channels, especially in the context of international lending and borrowing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use Russian language e‐books and e‐readers as a model for understanding the challenges presented by numerous file formats and e‐reader types, multiple alphabets (e.g. Latin, Cyrillic), and national copyright laws and licensing restrictions.

Findings

International ILL requests for e‐books present a host of challenges beyond the usual licensing restrictions encountered in one's home country. A wide variety of unfamiliar and perhaps incompatible file formats, a lack of compatible e‐readers, and national copyright laws are just a few of the barriers to obtaining e‐books from abroad. It may become a regular part of the ILL librarian's job to develop protocols for locating digitized materials and forming working relationships with language specialists who can assist in providing access to these materials.

Originality/value

This paper was originally presented as part of a panel presentation on e‐books and interlibrary loan at the 2011 IFLA World Library and Information Congress.
Future of resource sharing in Turkey: can open access be an alternative?
Authors: Cimen Ertugrul
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current status of open access initiatives in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has conducted extensive research on the subject, which is supplemented by his own professional experience with resource sharing activities in Turkey.

Findings

Turkish libraries first ventured into the open access arena in late 2005 and have since made great strides by implementing dozens of institutional repositories and a national thesis center as well. Open access has a bright future in Turkey because of its promise for eliminating barriers to scientific information and reducing the costs of scholarly publication.

Originality/value

The author is one of a small cadre of experts on resource sharing and open access efforts in Turkey.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 79
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature concerning interlending and document supply and related matters.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the reading of over 150 journals, as well as monographs, reports and websites.

Findings

This study finds that the prices of the big deals are under greater attack than ever. Alternatives are being actively explored. A more assertive approach is being adopted to expand the role of open access and both national and international newspapers as well as magazines such as The Economist have given it much favourable coverage in the last quarter. Resistance is growing, particularly in the UK, to the publishers' ability to override copyright law in their contracts with libraries.

Originality/value

This is the only regular literature review that focuses on document supply and related issues.
Customer intimacy
Authors: Kai‐Uwe Brock Jürgen , Yu Zhou Josephine
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The term customer intimacy has been used both in academia and business, albeit lacking clear definition and empirical validation. The authors in this paper aim to develop a measure of customer intimacy in business‐to‐business contexts and to assess its reliability and validity, as well as its relevance, within a nomological relationship marketing network.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐method (qualitative/exploratory and quantitative/confirmatory structural modelling), multi‐staged (test, re‐test) research approach is used and applied in the UK and Germany.

Findings

The results show that customer intimacy is a second order construct reflected by the three formative dimensions of mutual understanding, closeness, and value perception. The results also show that customer intimacy is a relevant relationship indicator, distinct from the central relationship indicators of trust and commitment. It impacts relationship commitment levels, customer induced word‐of‐mouth, repurchase intentions, information disclosure, customer availability, and leads to an advisor status with the customer. Moreover, customer intimacy mediates relationship marketing's central trust commitment link.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations that should be addressed by future studies are: reliance on the key informant technique on one side of the supplier‐buyer dyad; cross‐sectional design.

Practical implications

This study shows that achieving and managing customer intimacy is a relevant managerial goal and task for firms and shows managers how it can be measured and managed.

Originality/value.

This study, for the first time, presents a measure for customer intimacy and assesses its quality and impact empirically. The measure will be of significant value in making customer‐centric, relationship management approaches more accountable.
A multistage behavioural and temporal analysis of CPV in RM
Authors: Dorai Sriram , Varshney Sanjeev
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Interactions and on‐going relationships are crucial for organizations to create satisfactory value propositions for customers and meet their evolving needs. Understanding the behavioural and temporal aspects of value creation from a customer's perspective is crucial as customer perceived value (CPV) is dynamic and contextual, and evolves over time. This enables firms to develop value laden offerings and bind customers through interdependent relationships. This paper aims to focus on these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Extant literature review on CPV and relationship marketing (RM) reveals the behavioural and temporal aspects of relationship building and the role of CPV in generating desirable relationship outcomes.

Findings

A conceptual model explains how components of CPV, episodal value can be transformed into total relationship value mediated by satisfaction, value added services, loyalty, commitment, trust and relationship quality.

Research limitations/implications

The model describes changing customer expectations and how sellers can create value as exchanges mature into relations, but it does not include empirical testing of the model, which would validate the effectiveness of the proposed model.

Practical implications

Meeting customer needs through relation specific investments by suppliers creates value for customers and develops interdependent relationships. Such relationships are long lasting and benefit both parties.

Originality/value

Based on extant literature review and combining emerging paradigms enables theory generation centred on customer's perspective. This not only ensures organization profitability, but also provides higher returns on customer equity.
Managing in a time of crisis: marketing, HRM and innovation
Authors: Makovec Brenčič Maja , Pfajfar Gregor , Rašković Matevz
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the link between selected market orientation dimensions, HRM, and innovation, and their impact on organizational performance before and during the current economic crisis in Slovenia.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the analysis are drawn from a longitudinal cross‐sectional study of the 101 best Slovenian employers between 2008 and 2009. Altogether, over 15,000 respondents and more than 170 companies took part in the study, making it the largest of its kind in Slovenia and southeast Europe. The research method applied in the paper is exploratory and consists of simple paired comparisons of univariate and bivariate statistics, as well as factor analysis, regression analysis, and correlation analysis.

Findings

The results show that customer expectations regarding trust and long‐term performance have a positive impact on HRM practices within a firm, that HRM positively impacts organizational performance, and that innovation unexpectedly impacts it negatively (at least in the short‐term). No significant relationships between customer expectations of services, quality, and price, and their impact on HRM and innovation, respectively, were found. However, the research partially confirms that the crisis is affecting organizational performance because companies are deploying more HRM practices and, unexpectedly, fewer innovation activities.

Originality/value

This paper explores market orientation, HRM, innovation, and performance‐related dimensions in a B2B relationship marketing context based on the results of an extensive longitudinal cross‐sectional company‐employee study conducted in Slovenia before and during the current economic downturn. The findings offer a unique glimpse into the impact of the current economic crisis on the observed links and relational dimensions, and also have important managerial implications.
The effect of customer relationship management adoption in business‐to‐business markets
Authors: Zeynep Ata U. , Toker Aysegul
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of customer relationship management (CRM) practices on customer satisfaction and firm performance in business‐to‐business (B2B) markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is developed and empirically tested through survey data obtained from 113 Turkish B2B companies.

Findings

The results indicate that CRM adoption has a significant positive effect on both customer satisfaction and organizational performance in B2B settings. CRM adoption is also found to affect organizational marketing performance significantly, but not financial performance. Additionally, the results reveal that enhanced customer satisfaction leads to better organizational performance in the B2B organization. Environmental dynamism and competition was found to have a negative moderating effect on the relationship between customer satisfaction and organizational performance.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to existing literature by incorporating customer‐facing CRM processes as a construct in the proposed model. The conclusions drawn have implications for both CRM and B2B research literature.
Peter Drucker's ontology: understanding business relationships and networks
Authors: Medlin Christopher J.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The paper aims to consider the underlying premises of Peter Drucker's managerial writing and focuses on three main aspects: humans and relations, an evolutionary perspective and a pragmatic perspective. These ontological views are taken to a new level and applied to explore the world of networked firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a conceptual contribution based on a literature study by the author.

Findings

An examination of Drucker's ontology shows how his world perspective led him to an understanding of managers and organisations. The three elements of his ontology discussed are applied to research in business networks.

Research limitations/implications

The paper argues for research on human perspectives of business relationships and networks, particularly of issues such as time, timing, partner integration, relational and network embeddedness, network sensing, network horizons, and network identity.

Practical implications

Drucker's ontological view enabled him to make pronouncements that cut through to the truth of reality in our organisationally shaped world. Understanding Drucker's ontology provides managers with ways to deepen their understanding of an individual's role at every level within an organisation.

Originality/value

The linking of Drucker's ontology to research on new ways to organise and manage networked firms opens areas of future research.
Multinational enterprise competition: grounding the eclectic paradigm of foreign production in resource‐advantage theory
Authors: Arnett Dennis B. , Madhavaram Sreedhar
Published: January 2014

Purpose

This paper seeks to explicate a dynamic theory of competition, i.e. the resource‐advantage theory of competition, with the aim of developing a theoretical foundation for the eclectic paradigm of foreign production.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual in approach.

Findings

The paper develops a set of five criteria that should be met by any theory that attempts to ground the eclectic paradigm. In addition, it demonstrates that the resource‐advantage theory of competition meets all of these criteria.

Research limitations/implications

By providing a theoretical foundation for the eclectic paradigm of foreign production, the paper provides researchers with a broader perspective from which to investigate multinational enterprise competition.

Originality/value

The usefulness of frameworks, such as the eclectic paradigm of foreign production, is limited when they are not grounded in positive theories. By grounding the eclectic paradigm of foreign production, this paper enhances the paradigm's usefulness.