bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A wave interaction approach to studying non-modal homogeneous and stratified shear instabilities
Authors: Guha Anirban , Lawrence Gregory A.
Published: August 2014

Homboe (Geophys. Publ., vol. 24, 1962, pp. 67–112) postulated that resonant interaction between two or more progressive, linear interfacial waves produces exponentially growing instabilities in idealized (broken-line profiles), homogeneous or density-stratified, inviscid shear layers. Here we have generalized Holmboe’s mechanistic picture of linear shear instabilities by (i) not initially specifying the wave type, and (ii) providing the option for non-normal growth. We have demonstrated the mechanism behind linear shear instabilities by proposing a purely kinematic model consisting of two linear, Doppler-shifted, progressive interfacial waves moving in opposite directions. Moreover, we have found a necessary and sufficient (N&S) condition for the existence of exponentially growing instabilities in idealized shear flows. The two interfacial waves, starting from arbitrary initial conditions, eventually phase-lock and resonate (grow exponentially), provided the N&S condition is satisfied. The theoretical underpinning of our wave interaction model is analogous to that of synchronization between two coupled harmonic oscillators. We have re-framed our model into a nonlinear autonomous dynamical system, the steady-state configuration of which corresponds to the resonant configuration of the wave interaction model. When interpreted in terms of the canonical normal-mode theory, the steady-state/resonant configuration corresponds to the growing normal mode of the discrete spectrum. The instability mechanism occurring prior to reaching steady state is non-modal, favouring rapid transient growth. Depending on the wavenumber and initial phase-shift, non-modal gain can exceed the corresponding modal gain by many orders of magnitude. Instability is also observed in the parameter space which is deemed stable by the normal-mode theory. Using our model we have derived the discrete spectrum non-modal stability equations for three classical examples of shear instabilities: Rayleigh/Kelvin–Helmholtz, Holmboe and Taylor–Caulfield. We have shown that the N&S condition provides a range of unstable wavenumbers for each instability type, and this range matches the predictions of the normal-mode theory.
Second-order perturbation of global modes and implications for spanwise wavy actuation
Authors: Tammisola O. , Giannetti F. , Citro V. , Juniper M. P.
Published: August 2014

Sensitivity analysis has successfully located the most efficient regions in which to apply passive control in many globally unstable flows. As is shown here and in previous studies, the standard sensitivity analysis, which is linear (first order) with respect to the actuation amplitude, predicts that steady spanwise wavy alternating actuation/modification has no effect on the stability of planar flows, because the eigenvalue change integrates to zero in the spanwise direction. In experiments, however, spanwise wavy modification has been shown to stabilize the flow behind a cylinder quite efficiently. In this paper, we generalize sensitivity analysis by examining the eigenvalue drift (including stabilization/destabilization) up to second order in the perturbation, and show how the second-order eigenvalue changes can be computed numerically by overlapping the adjoint eigenfunction with the first-order global eigenmode correction, shown here for the first time. We confirm the prediction against a direct computation, showing that the eigenvalue drift due to a spanwise wavy base flow modification is of second order. Further analysis reveals that the second-order change in the eigenvalue arises through a resonance of the original (2-D) eigenmode with other unperturbed eigenmodes that have the same spanwise wavelength as the base flow modification. The eigenvalue drift due to each mode interaction is inversely proportional to the distance between the eigenvalues of the modes (which is similar to resonance), but also depends on mutual overlap of direct and adjoint eigenfunctions (which is similar to pseudoresonance). By this argument, and by calculating the most sensitive regions identified by our analysis, we explain why an in-phase actuation/modification is better than an out-of-phase actuation for control of wake flows by spanwise wavy suction and blowing. We also explain why wavelengths several times longer than the wake thickness are more efficient than short wavelengths.
Do As I Say, Not As I Do: Benevolent Deception in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Hart Christian L. , Curtis Drew A. , Williams Nicole M. , Hathaway Marissa D. , Griffith James D.
Published: August 2014

In this study, men and women were surveyed about their attitudes toward the use of white lies and other forms of benevolent deception in their romantic relationships. We predicted that people would be more accepting of telling lies than of having lies told to them. Furthermore, we predicted that women would be more accepting than men of benevolent deception in their romantic relationships. We found that people were more tolerant of telling benevolent lies than they were of being told such lies. However, we found that men, not women, were more accepting of benevolent deception in their relationships.
REVERSE MATHEMATICS OF FIRST-ORDER THEORIES WITH FINITELY MANY MODELS
Authors: BELANGER DAVID R.
Published: August 2014

We examine the reverse-mathematical strength of several theorems in classical and effective model theory concerning first-order theories and their number of models. We prove that, among these, most are equivalent to one of the familiar systems RCA0, WKL0, or ACA0. We are led to a purely model-theoretic statement that implies WKL0 but refutes ACA0 over RCA0.
How Dual-Identity Processes Foster Creativity
Authors: Gocłowska Małgorzata A. , Crisp Richard J.
Published: August 2014

We propose a theoretical model explaining when and why possessing 2 inconsistent social identities can foster superior creativity. The framework describes how during cultural adaptation individuals (a) alternate their identities across contexts, (b) integrate elements of their distinct (i.e., remote and uncorrelated) identities, and, having formed cognitive and emotional links with the new group, (c) broaden their self-definition. We explain how these processes of cultural adaptation map onto 3 fundamental creative processes: (a) an ability to quickly and effortlessly switch between cognitive strategies and semantic categories, (b) an apparent ease in integrating distant and conflicting ideas, and finally, (c) the widening of one's creative idea base. Our model explains how the challenges involved in managing complex self-definitions enhance creativity, and increase potential for novel problem solutions. Understanding this dynamic brings a new perspective to debates on the value of diversity.
Quantitative super-resolution imaging of Bruchpilot distinguishes active zone states
Authors: Ehmann Nadine , van de Linde Sebastian , Alon Amit , Ljaschenko Dmitrij , Keung Xi Zhen , Holm Thorge , Rings Annika , DiAntonio Aaron , Hallermann Stefan , Ashery Uri , Heckmann Manfred , Sauer Markus , Kittel Robert J.
Published: August 2014

The precise molecular architecture of synaptic active zones (AZs) gives rise to different structural and functional AZ states that fundamentally shape chemical neurotransmission. However, elucidating the nanoscopic protein arrangement at AZs is impeded by the diffraction-limited resolution of conventional light microscopy. Here we introduce new approaches to quantify endogenous protein organization at single-molecule resolution in situ with super-resolution imaging by direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). Focusing on the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), we find that the AZ cytomatrix (CAZ) is composed of units containing ~137 Bruchpilot (Brp) proteins, three quarters of which are organized into about 15 heptameric clusters. We test for a quantitative relationship between CAZ ultrastructure and neurotransmitter release properties by engaging Drosophila mutants and electrophysiology. Our results indicate that the precise nanoscopic organization of Brp distinguishes different physiological AZ states and link functional diversification to a heretofore unrecognized neuronal gradient of the CAZ ultrastructure.
A mesoporous “shell-in-shell” structured nanocatalyst with large surface area, enhanced synergy, and improved catalytic performance for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Liu Baocang , Niu Yuefang , Li Yan , Yang Fan , Guo Jiamin , Wang Qin , Jing Peng , Zhang Jun , Yun Guohong
Published: August 2014

A novel mesoporous “shell-in-shell” structured nanoreactor (@Pd/meso-TiO2/Pd@meso-SiO2) shows superior catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction.
Copper-catalyzed cyanation of disulfides by azobisisobutyronitrile leading to thiocyanates
Authors: Teng Fan , Yu Jin-Tao , Yang Haitao , Jiang Yan , Cheng Jiang
Published: August 2014

Copper-catalyzed cyanation of disulfides by azobisisobutyronitrile leading to thiocyanates.
Monotelechelic poly(p-phenylenevinylene)s by ring opening metathesis polymerisation
Authors: Lidster Benjamin J. , Behrendt Jonathan M. , Turner Michael L.
Published: August 2014

High molecular weight poly(p-phenylenevinylene)s with a single reactive end group are reported that act as excellent macroinitiators in block copolymer synthesis.
A highly selective fluorescent probe for hypochlorite and its endogenous imaging in living cells
Authors: Reja Shahi Imam , Bhalla Vandana , Sharma Anuradha , Kaur Gurcharan , Kumar Manoj
Published: August 2014

An oxime based fluorescent probe has been designed and synthesized, which detects free as well as enzymatically generated hypochlorite. Further, the probe was successfully utilized for the monitoring endogenously produced hypochlorite.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation/[4+3] annulation of N-phenoxyacetamides and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes: an efficient route to 1,2-oxazepines at room temperature
Authors: Duan Pingping , Lan Xia , Chen Ying , Qian Shao-Song , Li Jie Jack , Lu Liang , Lu Yanbo , Chen Bo , Hong Mei , Zhao Jing
Published: August 2014

Rhodium-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization led to a [4+3] annulation strategy to access 1,2-oxazepine rings.
Synthesis of spiroaminals by bimetallic Au/Sc relay catalysis: TMS as a traceless controlling group
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Xu Zhengliang , Jia Jiong , Tung Chen-Ho , Xu Zhenghu
Published: August 2014

An efficient synthesis of spiroaminals over fused aminals has been successfully developed by bimetallic Au/Sc catalysis by using TMS as a traceless controlling group.
Synthesis of 1,2-amino alcohols via catalytic C–H amidation of sp3methyl C–H bonds
Authors: Kang Taek , Kim Heejeong , Kim Jeung Gon , Chang Sukbok
Published: August 2014

A new route to 1,2-amino alcohols is presented by C–H amidation of sp3methyl C–H bonds as a key step. Various alcohols were employed after converting them to removable ketoxime chelating groups. Iridium-catalyzed C–H amidation and following LAH reduction furnished β-amino alcohol products.
Conformationally switchable non-cyclic tetrapyrrole receptors: synthesis of tetrakis(1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde) derivatives and their anion binding properties
Authors: Deliomeroglu Murat K. , Lynch Vincent M. , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: August 2014

Acyclic tetrapyrrolic receptors display high affinity for dihydrogenphosphate and pyrophosphate anions in CHCl3with anion recognition enhancing the solubility of the receptor.
A meso-macro compartmentalized bioreactor obtained through silicalization of “green” double emulsions: W/O/W and W/SLNs/W
Authors: Blin Jean-Luc , Jacoby Jonathan , Kim Sanghoon , Stébé Marie-José , Canilho Nadia , Pasc Andreea
Published: August 2014

We report a straightforward approach for both structuring and entrapping enzymes into hierarchical silica materials with hexagonally ordered mesopores and tailored macroporosity by converting a double emulsion colloidal template into solid lipid nanoparticles.
Tuning the magnetic properties of FeCo by pulsed DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Abuín M. , Pérez L. , Mascaraque A. , Maicas M.
Published: August 2014

Changes in coercivity and atomic distances (EXAFS) of 20 nm Fe53Co47 thin films grown by DC and PCD magnetron sputtering.
Control of the recombination rate by changing the polarity of the electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Idigoras Jesús , Tena-Zaera Ramón , Anta Juan A.
Published: August 2014

Adding an organic solvent to an ionic liquid modifies the polarity and the reorganization energy, and hence reduces recombination.
Synthesis and characterisation of zirconium complexes for cell tracking with Zr-89 by positron emission tomography
Authors: Ferris Trevor J. , Charoenphun Putthiporn , Meszaros Levente K. , Mullen Gregory E. D. , Blower Philip J. , Went Michael J.
Published: August 2014

Preparation of Zr(iv) complexes containing monobasic bidentate ligands under radiopharmaceutical conditions has been evaluated. 89Zr(oxinate)4 is the most promising candidate for cell tracking.
A review of recent developments in membrane separators for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lee Hun , Yanilmaz Meltem , Toprakci Ozan , Fu Kun , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: August 2014

The separator of a lithium-ion battery prevents the direct contact between the positive and negative electrodes while serving as the electrolyte reservoir to enable the transportation of lithium ions between the two electrodes.
A multi-omics strategy resolves the elusive nature of alkaloids in Podophyllum species
Authors: Marques Joaquim V. , Dalisay Doralyn S. , Yang Hong , Lee Choonseok , Davin Laurence B. , Lewis Norman G.
Published: August 2014

Advanced metabolomics/metabolite imaging in situ, transcriptome sequencing, and bioinformatics enabled discovery and localization of a previously undetectable biochemical pathway to aporphine alkaloids in Podophyllum hexandrum/peltatum. This discovery settles a century old enigma.
A Lewis acid-mediated conformational switch
Authors: Knipe Peter C. , Lingard Hannah , Jones Ian M. , Thompson Sam , Hamilton Andrew D.
Published: August 2014

An isonicotinamide-substituted diphenylacetylene undergoes conformational switching upon recognition of Lewis acids.
Imino exchange reaction in a dearomatization strategy: synthesis of N-acyl diarylamines and phenothiazines from two anilines
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Huiqing , Yang Bo , Fan Renhua
Published: August 2014

A dearomatization strategy of anilines involving an imino exchange as the key step was developed to prepare N-acyl-diarylamines and phenothiazines.
Synthesis and self-assembly of hierarchical SiO2–QDs@SiO2 nanostructures and their photoluminescence applications for fingerprint detection and cell imaging
Authors: Dong Wenjun , Cheng Yan , Luo Liang , Li Xiaoyun , Wang Lina , Li Chunguang , Wang Lifeng
Published: August 2014

Hierarchical nanostructures have been prepared by an integrated synthesis and self-assembly strategy using MPA to stabilize the QDs and NaOH to control the self-assembly of QDs on the SiO2 nanobead carriers.
Primary arylamine-based tyrosine-targeted protein modification
Authors: Wang Lin , Gruzdys Valentinas , Pang Nan , Meng Fanhao , Sun Xue-Long
Published: August 2014

Primary arylamines were demonstrated to site-specifically incorporate bioorthogonal azide functionality, glycans for glyco-engineering, and PEG chains for PEGylation to protein via tyrosine-targeted modification.
Neutral Aun (n = 3–10) clusters catalyze acetylene hydrochlorination: a density functional theory study
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhu Mingyuan , Kang Lihua , Dai Bin
Published: August 2014

The mechanisms of acetylene hydrochlorination to vinyl chloride catalyzed by neutral Au3–10 clusters were systematically investigated using density functional theory with the B3LYP/LANL2DZ function.
Complexing agent study via computational chemistry for environmentally friendly silver electrodeposition and the application of a silver deposit
Authors: Liu Anmin , Ren Xuefeng , Wang Bo , Zhang Jie , Yang Peixia , Zhang Jinqiu , An Maozhong
Published: August 2014

Predicting the complexing agents used for a new environmentally friendly silver electroplating bath by computational chemistry.
Benzocyclobutene resin with fluorene backbone: a novel thermosetting material with high thermostability and low dielectric constant
Authors: Wang Yuanqiang , Sun Jing , Jin Kaikai , Wang Jiajia , Yuan Chao , Tong Jiawei , Diao Shen , He Fengkai , Fang Qiang
Published: August 2014

A new benzocyclobutene monomer with a fluorene backbone was synthesized, which can be thermally converted to a cross-linked network with low dielectric constant and high thermostability.
Selective synthesis of sulfoxides and sulfones from sulfides using silica bromide as the heterogeneous promoter and hydrogen peroxide as the terminal oxidant
Authors: Maleki Behrooz , Hemmati Saba , Sedrpoushan Alireza , Ashrafi Samaneh Sedigh , Veisi Hojat
Published: August 2014

Chemoselective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones. Heterogeneous promoter. Synthesis of sulfoxides and sulfones at room temperature.
Single-phase nickel-doped ceria cathode with in situ grown nickel nanocatalyst for direct high-temperature carbon dioxide electrolysis
Authors: Qi Wentao , Xie Kui , Liu Min , Wu Guojian , Wang Yan , Zhang Yong , Wu Yucheng
Published: August 2014

In situ growth of Ni nanocatalysts on CeO2 surface has been achieved and the direct carbon dioxide electrolysis reaches high efficiencies using this material as cathode.
Tuning the surface properties of hydrogel at the nanoscale with focused ion irradiation
Authors: Kim Y. , Abuelfilat A. Y. , Hoo S. P. , Al-Abboodi A. , Liu B. , Ng Tuck , Chan P. , Fu J.
Published: August 2014

With the site-specific machining capability of Focused Ion Beam (FIB) irradiation, we aim to tailor the surface morphology and physical attributes of biocompatible hydrogel at the nano/micro scale particularly for tissue engineering and other biomedical studies.
The cybotactic nematic phase of bent-core mesogens: state of the art and future developments
Authors: Francescangeli Oriano , Vita Francesco , Samulski Edward T.
Published: August 2014

Cybotaxis, the molecular clustering observed in bent-core nematics, governs the unique properties of this new class of anisotropic fluids.
High pressure treated ZnO ceramics towards giant dielectric constants
Authors: Li Xuhai , Xu Liang , Liu Lixin , Wang Yuan , Cao Xiuxia , Huang Yuanjie , Meng Chuanmin , Wang Zhigang
Published: August 2014

We first synthesized ZnO porous ceramics with a giant permittivity of 104 and low dielectric loss using a high pressure treating method.
Amyloid structure
Authors: Serpell Louise
Published: August 2014

Amyloid fibrils are formed by numerous proteins and peptides that share little sequence homology. The structures formed are highly ordered and extremely stable, being composed of β-sheet structure and stabilized along their length by hydrogen bonding. The fibrils are formed by several protofilaments that wind around one another in rope-like structures, lending further strength and stability to the resulting fibres. The fact that so many proteins and peptides form amyloid structures under suitable conditions, seems to suggest that the sequence of the precursor is unimportant. However, it is now clear that side chains play a central role in forming interactions between several β-sheets to further stabilize and regulate the structures. The primary sequence plays a central role in determining the rate of fibril formation, the stability of the resulting structure to degradation and the final morphology of the fibrils. The side chains regulate the elongation and growth, and also the lateral association of the protofilament and fibrils, having a significant impact on the final architecture.
Yeast models for amyloid disease
Authors: Panaretou Barry , Jones Gary W.
Published: August 2014

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) is a well-established eukaryotic model organism, which has significantly contributed to our understanding of mechanisms that drive numerous core cellular processes in higher eukaryotes. Moreover, this has led to a greater understanding of the underlying pathobiology associated with disease in humans. This tractable model offers an abundance of analytical capabilities, including a vast array of global genetics and molecular resources that allow genome-wide screening to be carried out relatively simply and cheaply. A prime example of the versatility and potential for applying yeast technologies to explore a mammalian disease is in the development of yeast models for amyloid diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's. The present chapter provides a broad overview of high profile human neurodegenerative diseases that have been modelled in yeast. We focus on some of the most recent findings that have been developed through genetic and drug screening studies using yeast genomic resources. Although this relatively simple unicellular eukaryote seems far removed from relatively complex multicellular organisms such as mammals, the conserved mechanisms for how amyloid exhibits toxicity clearly underscore the value of carrying out such studies in yeast.
Role of α-synuclein in neurodegeneration: implications for the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Yu Shun , Chan Piu
Published: August 2014

α-Syn (α-synuclein) is a small soluble acidic protein that is extensively expressed in the nervous system. Genetic, clinical and experimental studies demonstrate that α-syn is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of PD (Parkinson's disease). However, the pathogenic mechanism remains elusive. In the present chapter, we first describe the normal expression and potential physiological functions of α-syn. Then, we introduce recent research progress related to the pathogenic role of α-syn in PD, with special emphasis on how α-syn oligomers cause the preferential degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the spreading of α-syn pathology in the brain of PD patients.
Treats: low socioeconomic status Australian parents’ provision of extra foods for their overweight or obese children
Authors: Pescud Melanie , Pettigrew Simone
Published: August 2014

Issue addressed

Child obesity is a global issue, with rates highest among disadvantaged groups. Overconsumption of treats is a contributor to children's weight problems. The objective of this study was to explore low socioeconomic parents' beliefs and behaviours relating to their provision of treat foods for their overweight or obese children.

Methods

Qualitative methods were used to collect data; these included introspections, interviews and focus groups. A total of 37 parents of overweight or obese children aged between 5 and 9 years took part in the 12‐month study.

Results

Most parents provided their children with treats on a daily basis. Factors affecting parents' provision of treats included parents' desire to control their children's behaviour, to demonstrate love and affection, and to address deprivation beliefs.

Conclusion

There is considerable scope for improving these parents' treating behaviours by understanding the relevant factors underpinning their situations and choices.

So what?

The findings provide an indication of the kinds of health promotion interventions that may be needed to assist in addressing treating behaviours among disadvantaged parents with overweight or obese children.
A comparison of three approaches for simulating fine-scale surface winds in support of wildland fire management. Part I. Model formulation and comparison against measurements
Authors: Forthofer Jason M. , Butler Bret W. , Wagenbrenner Natalie S.
Published: August 2014

For this study three types of wind models have been defined for simulating surface wind flow in support of wildland fire management: (1) a uniform wind field (typically acquired from coarse-resolution (~4km) weather service forecast models); (2) a newly developed mass-conserving model and (3) a newly developed mass and momentum-conserving model (referred to as the momentum-conserving model). The technical foundation for the two new modelling approaches is described, simulated surface wind fields are compared to field measurements, and the sensitivity of the new model types to mesh resolution and aspect ratio (second type only) is discussed. Both of the newly developed models assume neutral stability and are designed to be run by casual users on standard personal computers. Simulation times vary from a few seconds for the mass-conserving model to ~1h for the momentum-conserving model using consumer-grade computers. Applications for this technology include use in real-time fire spread prediction models to support fire management activities, mapping local wind fields to identify areas of concern for firefighter safety and exploring best-case weather scenarios to achieve prescribed fire objectives. Both models performed best on the upwind side and top of terrain features and had reduced accuracy on the lee side. The momentum-conserving model performed better than the mass-conserving model on the lee side.
Relationships between facial temperature changes, end‐exercise affect and during‐exercise changes in affect: A preliminary study
Authors: Legrand Fabien D. , Bertucci William M. , Arfaoui Ahlem
Published: August 2014

The present study was performed as an evaluation of the relationships between changes in facial temperature and self‐reported pleasure–displeasure during an acute aerobic exercise bout. Ninety‐two students performed a 10‐minute long session of cycle ergometry at 80–85% of age‐predicted maximal heart rate. Using infrared thermography and a single‐item measure of pleasure–displeasure (the Feeling Scale, FS), facial temperature and the FS score were sampled at the beginning (Min1:00) and at the end of the exercise session (Min9:00). Statistical analyses revealed that cheek (but not forehead) temperature was higher at the end of the exercise bout compared to Min1:00 (it increased by about 5%). Change in cheek temperature was negatively related to end‐exercise affect (β = −0.28, P < 0.001) and to during‐exercise affective changes (β = −0.35, P < 0.001). No significant relationship with forehead temperature was found. Some of the possible reasons for this differential effect as well as theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
The tubulin code: Molecular components, readout mechanisms, and functions
Authors: Janke Carsten
Published: August 2014

Microtubules are cytoskeletal filaments that are dynamically assembled from α/β-tubulin heterodimers. The primary sequence and structure of the tubulin proteins and, consequently, the properties and architecture of microtubules are highly conserved in eukaryotes. Despite this conservation, tubulin is subject to heterogeneity that is generated in two ways: by the expression of different tubulin isotypes and by posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Identifying the mechanisms that generate and control tubulin heterogeneity and how this heterogeneity affects microtubule function are long-standing goals in the field. Recent work on tubulin PTMs has shed light on how these modifications could contribute to a “tubulin code” that coordinates the complex functions of microtubules in cells.
Heidi McBride: Mitochondria are well connected
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: August 2014

McBride studies mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial trafficking with other organelles.
Random bin picking: has its time finally come?
Authors: Bogue Consultant Robert
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide details of recent developments in random bin picking (RBP) technologies and products, together with an insight into its commercial status and prospects.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following an introduction to RBP, this article discusses the technology, benefits and limitations of RBP. It then considers a number of products and applications and concludes with a brief discussion.

Findings

– This article shows that RBP offers significant economic and operational benefits, but it is a complex technology and applications remain limited. It is underpinned by advanced machine vision and sophisticated image processing algorithms and continues to be the topic of academic research. Many RBP products have been launched in the past but the latest generation of dedicated vision systems, software packages and fully integrated robotic systems suggest that more widespread applications are imminent.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a timely introduction to the rapidly developing field of RBP by discussing the technologies and a range of products and applications.
Non-destructive evaluation of stacking sequence in textile composite: different techniques and experimental verification
Authors: Saboktakin A. , Vu-Khanh T. , Bonnefon Y.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to experimentally investigate the capability of four non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques to detect the layer orientation in textile composite laminates. The aerospace industry has been the primary driving force in the use of textile composites.

Design/methodology/approach

– Woven glass fiber composite samples were inspected using C-scan ultrasonic, vibration analyzer, X-ray micro-tomography and ultraviolet technique. In a complementary study, mechanical testing was carried out to investigate the effect of mid-layer orientation on in-plane tensile strength and their failure modes using microscopic imagining.

Findings

– During C-scan ultrasonic, the high attenuation and scattering of ultrasonic waves caused by the textile fabric layers limited its application to only detect the first layer of samples. Frequency response tests of composite samples were also conducted to investigate the effect of mid-layer orientation on dynamic responses. The same trend was observed in the finite element modeling results with a clear effect of the fiber orientation defect seen in frequency response function response and higher mode shapes. Moreover, the results of micro computed tomography demonstrate that this technique could definitely detect the orientation of each layer; however, X-ray imaging at small scales introduced some challenges. Images obtained from ultraviolet technique did not reveal mid-layer orientation.

Originality/value

– In this paper, the application of different NDT techniques along with finite element modeling to inspect two-dimensional textile composites was presented. Hopefully, the research results presented here will lead to much published papers in inspection of textile composites.
The repeatability positioning analysis of the industrial robot arm
Authors: Kluz Rafał , Trzepieciński Tomasz
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the following work was to work out the dependency to allow for the determination of the repeatability positioning error value of the robot at any given point in its workspace, without the necessity of conducting time-consuming measurements while routing a precise surface of repeatability positioning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The presented dependency permits for the possibility to determine, even at the planning phase, the optimal connection point in the workspace, ensuring the best parameters for the process of machine assembly, without needless overestimation of precision of the utilized equipment. To solve the task the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method implemented in the MATLAB(R) environment was used. To verify the hypothesis of the compatibility of the empirical distribution with the hypothetical distribution of the robot’s positioning error, the Kolmogorov test was used.

Findings

– In this paper, it has been demonstrated theoretically and experimentally that the industrial robot accuracy can vary over a very wide range in the workspace. This provides an additional opportunity to increase reliability of the assembly process through the appropriate choice of the point of parts joining. The methodology presented here allows the designer of assembly workstations to rapidly estimate the repeatability of robot positioning and to allocate at the design stage of assembly process the optimal position in the robot workspace to ensure the required precision, without unnecessarily high accuracy of equipment used and, therefore, without inflated costs.

Originality/value

– An alternative solution to the stated problem can be the proposed method for determining the robot’s positioning errors, requiring a much smaller amount of measurements to be taken that would be necessary to determine the parameters of the random variable errors of the joint coordinates of the robot and for their verification by the repeatability of positioning in randomly selected points in the workspace. Additionally discussed in the study, the methodology of identifying connection place was designed for typical combinations of machine parts, most frequently encountered in assembly process and was taken into account, typical limitations occurring in actual manufacturing conditions.
Earnings management around tax rate reduction: evidence from China's 2007 corporate tax reform
Authors: Zeng Tao
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine earnings management around tax rate reduction in the wake of the 2007 corporate tax reform in China.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is an empirical work using a sample of listed Chinese real estate firms.

Findings

– This study finds that firms managed earnings, including accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management, to decrease income in the fourth quarter of 2007, and to increase income in the first quarter of 2008. It suggests that the real estate firms were shifting income from the fourth quarter of 2007, when the statutory tax rate was 33 per cent, to the first quarter of 2008, when the statutory tax rate was 25 per cent, and therefore saved on tax payments. It also finds that corporate ownership structures, including ownership concentration and state ownership, affect earnings management. In the fourth quarter, state ownership is negatively associated with accrual-based earnings management, while ownership concentration is positively related to both accrual and real earnings management. In the first quarter, state ownership is negatively related to real earnings management.

Social implications

– Tax authority and policy makers might be interested in evidence on earnings management around tax rate reduction. Changes in tax rates increase the incentives to shift income, which may warrant a closer scrutiny by both outside auditors and tax auditors.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first study that relates to both accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management to corporate tax rate changes by showing that firms manipulate income upward in the low-tax-rate periods and downward in the high-tax-rate periods.
An integrative approach to eWOM and marketing communications
Authors: Weisfeld-Spolter Suri , Sussan Fiona , Gould Stephen
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of how different forms of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) and simultaneous marketing communications (MC), two crucial components of relationship marketing, affect consumer persuasion when presented in a business-to-customer (B2C)-sponsored vs a customer-to-customer (C2C)-sponsored social network site (SNS). A concise typology of eWOM is also proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

– An experiment involving different social network movie sites was conducted testing the effects of different eWOM along with a comparison to MC on consumers’ interest in, and likelihood to watch movie DVDs.

Findings

– The empirical results showed that not all eWOM types have the same persuasiveness and community sponsorship as a source credibility cue is more influential from a C2C-sponsored SNS than from a B2C one, particularly for many-to-one eWOM communications.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research should include both positive and negative types of eWOM using different product categories to increase the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

– Not all eWOM types are created equal, and thus, SNS sponsorship can lead to source bias and affect the persuasiveness of eWOM embedded in SNSs. The results also imply that not all positive word-of-mouth has a more positive effect than MC.

Originality/value

– The approach of measuring two forms of communications simultaneously adds to the much-needed integrative approach of studying the simultaneous delivery of MC and WOM and provides a more nuanced view of persuasion knowledge.
Exploring the benefits of mentoring activities for the mentor
Authors: Grima François , Paillé Pascal , H. Mejia Jorge , Prud'homme Lionel
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Mentoring is more and more studied by researchers on account of its professional and personal impact on mentees. This contribution has two main objectives. First, to empirically validate the benefits for the mentor and to test links between mentoring activities and benefits through a multidimensional analysis. Second, to incorporate two variables structuring the relationship into the analysis: the formal vs informal nature of the mentoring relationship and the gender composition of the dyad. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 161 French managers have been surveyed.

Findings

– The results show that mentors value the personal dimension of the relationship more than the professional dimension. Moreover, informal mentoring favours the perception of a rewarding experience by the mentor, whereas formal mentoring is synonymous with improved professional performance. This research calls into question the advantage of same-sex dyads, suggesting that heterogeneity favours improved performance.

Originality/value

– The originality of the paper was to focus on the homogeneity of the mentor-protégé dyad in terms of gender.
Job insecurity and job satisfaction
Authors: Zheng Xingshan , Diaz Ismael , Tang Ningyu , Tang Kongshun
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine optimism and how facets of subordinates’ psychological characteristics, such as their attitudes and personalities, are similar to their direct supervisors’ (as person-supervisor deep-level similarity or P-S deep-level similarity) in order to understand their interactions with job insecurity in predicting employee job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– Empirical study had been conducted. Sample firms in this study consist of eight state-run electric power companies and 16 licensed chemical companies in central Hubei Province in China. In total, 368 valid samples were included in the analyses (with a valid return rate of 73 percent). All constructs were rated on a five-point Likert-type response scale. In order to diminish the possibility of common method biases, the authors used participants’ dyad supervisors to rate P-S deep-level similarity and P-S guanxi. The authors tested the hypotheses by implementing hierarchical linear regression.

Findings

– The results show that when certain demographic variables (e.g. age, gender, education, post, employment type, income proportion, position) and P-S guanxi are controlled, optimism and P-S deep-level similarity significantly interact with job insecurity to predict job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is bolstered when job security increases among those who report a high level of both optimism and P-S deep-level similarity.

Originality/value

– Researchers have found that job insecurity has negative effects on job satisfaction (Sverkeet al., 2002). But there is a lack of understanding about the mechanism of how job insecurity affects job satisfaction. In this study, the authors found that optimism and P-S deep level similarity could jointly moderate the relation (and direction) between job insecurity and job satisfaction. The work illustrates how positive traits (such as optimism) and psychological factors (such as P-S deep-level similarity) could affect employee job satisfaction with different levels of job insecurity.
Aspirations and occupational achievements of Dutch fathers and mothers
Authors: van der Horst Mariska , van der Lippe Tanja , Kluwer Esther
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how work and family aspirations relate to occupational achievements and gender differences herein.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using data from 2009 the authors examined the relationship between career and childrearing aspirations and occupational achievements of Dutch parents. Using path modeling in Mplus, the authors investigated both direct and indirect pathways where aspirations were related to occupational achievements via time allocations.

Findings

– The authors found that ranking being promoted instead of a non-career aspiration as the most important job aspiration was positively related to occupational achievements. Surprisingly, the authors also found that ranking childrearing as the most important life role aspiration was positively related to earnings among fathers.

Research limitations/implications

– Investigating aspirations in multiple domains simultaneously can provide new information on working parents’ occupational achievements.

Practical implications

– The results imply that parents who want to achieve an authority position or high earnings may need to prioritize their promotion aspiration among their job aspirations in order to increase the likelihood of achieving such a position. Moreover, this is likely to require sacrifices outside the work domain, since spending more time on paid work is an important way to achieve this aspiration.

Originality/value

– This paper adds to previous research by explicitly taking life role aspirations into account instead of focussing solely on job aspirations. Moreover, this study extends previous research by investigating indirect pathways from aspirations to occupational achievements via family work in addition to the previously found pathway via paid work.
The effect of idiosyncratic risk on firm decisions: under-investment or diversification?
Authors: Deng Kebin , Chen Haoyan , Kong Dongmin
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of idiosyncratic risk on firm decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

– By introducing managerial ownership as a key variable, the paper presents a parsimonious model to describe the consequences of idiosyncratic risk on firm decisions. Then the paper uses data from the Chinese stock market, in which the managerial ownership is very low (around 0.02 percent) to examine the model predictions.

Findings

– The authors find that: first, the negative relation between idiosyncratic risk and firm investment, which is found in prior studies, tends to be insignificant when managerial ownership is very low; second, diversification, as an alternative firm decision to lower risk positively, relates to idiosyncratic risk despite lower managerial ownership; and third, this kind of positive relation is weaker for firms with more managerial incentives when diversification is endogenously modeled.

Originality/value

– This paper provides new evidence to complement existing studies from developed markets, in which executives hold substantial stakes.
An integrative model of internationalization strategies
Authors: Li Xin , Gammelgaard Jens
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to critically review the ownership, location and internalization (OLI) model and the Uppsala internationalization process (UIP) framework. We suggest that the inclusion of concepts such as corporate entrepreneurship, host country institutions and regulatory focus in an integrated framework helps to explain firm internationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on a review of the literature on the OLI and UIP models. In addition, it presents a conceptual model that encompasses corporate entrepreneurship, regulatory focus and institutions.

Findings

– The OLI and the UIP models fail to include corporate entrepreneurship and managerial psychology in their analyses. We suggest that regulatory focus theory unifies the managerial strategic choice between position logic and opportunity logic. In addition, host country institutions affect this managerial choice with regard to internationalization.

Practical implications

– Regulatory focus theory originates from managerial psychology. The model is, therefore, relevant for managers, and it shows how the outcomes and processes of corporate entrepreneurial activity should manifest themselves in managerial decision-making related to further internationalization. The strength of host country institutions also affects such decision-making.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to present the concept of regulatory focus in relation to firm internationalization. In addition, it shows that most entrepreneurship-related models of internationalization focus on international entrepreneurship and start-up firms. In contrast, this paper focuses on corporate entrepreneurship and the internationalization of established firms.
A critical scenario analysis of end-of-life ship disposal
Authors: Cairns George
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to critically engage with the premise of development at the “bottom of the pyramid” through consideration of the current and potential future status of the workers who dismantle end-of-life ships in the breaking yards of “less developed countries”, here with specific reference to the dynamic situation in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study applies “critical scenario method” (CSM) to explore different possible and plausible futures for the ship-breaking industry globally and locally.

Findings

– The paper argues that the status of the workers in the ship-breaking industry of Bangladesh can be conceptualised as firmly set at the “bottom of the pyramid”, and that, for most if not all, this situation cannot be changed within any industry future without wider, radical change to socioeconomic and political structures both in the country and globally.

Originality/value

– This paper offers a contribution to the discourse on consumption at the “bottom of the pyramid” as a development process.