bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new gravitational wave verification source
Authors: Kilic Mukremin , Brown Warren R. , Gianninas A. , Hermes J. J. , Allende Prieto Carlos , Kenyon S. J.
Published: July 2014

We report the discovery of a detached 20-min orbital period binary white dwarf (WD). WD 0931+444 (SDSS J093506.93+441106.9) was previously classified as a WD + M dwarf system based on its optical spectrum. Our time-resolved optical spectroscopy observations obtained at the 8 m Gemini and 6.5 m MMT reveal peak-to-peak radial velocity variations of ≈400 km s−1 every 20 min for the WD, but no velocity variations for the M dwarf. In addition, high-speed photometry from the McDonald 2.1 m telescope shows no evidence of variability nor evidence of a reflection effect. An M dwarf companion is physically too large to fit into a 20 min orbit. Thus, the orbital motion of the WD is almost certainly due to an invisible WD companion. The M dwarf must be either an unrelated background object or the tertiary component of a hierarchical triple system. WD 0931+444 contains a pair of WDs, a 0.32 M⊙ primary and a ≥0.14 M⊙ secondary, at a separation of ≥0.19 R⊙. After J0651+2844, WD 0931+444 becomes the second shortest period detached binary WD currently known. The two WDs will lose angular momentum through gravitational wave radiation and merge in ≤9 Myr. The log h ≃ −22 gravitational wave strain from WD 0931+444 is strong enough to make it a verification source for gravitational wave missions in the milli-Hertz frequency range, e.g. the evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA), bringing the total number of known eLISA verification sources to nine.
Global absolute quantification reveals tight regulation of protein expression in single Xenopus eggs
Authors: Smits Arne H. , Lindeboom Rik G.H. , Perino Matteo , van Heeringen Simon J. , Veenstra Gert Jan C. , Vermeulen Michiel
Published: July 2014

While recent developments in genomic sequencing technology have enabled comprehensive transcriptome analyses of single cells, single cell proteomics has thus far been restricted to targeted studies. Here, we perform global absolute protein quantification of fertilized Xenopus laevis eggs using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, quantifying over 5800 proteins in the largest single cell proteome characterized to date. Absolute protein amounts in single eggs are highly consistent, thus indicating a tight regulation of global protein abundance. Protein copy numbers in single eggs range from tens of thousands to ten trillion copies per cell. Comparison between the single-cell proteome and transcriptome reveal poor expression correlation. Finally, we identify 439 proteins that significantly change in abundance during early embryogenesis. Downregulated proteins include ribosomal proteins and upregulated proteins include basal transcription factors, among others. Many of these proteins do not show regulation at the transcript level. Altogether, our data reveal that the transcriptome is a poor indicator of the proteome and that protein levels are tightly controlled in X. laevis eggs.
The bacterial antitoxin HipB establishes a ternary complex with operator DNA and phosphorylated toxin HipA to regulate bacterial persistence
Authors: Wen Yurong , Behiels Ester , Felix Jan , Elegheert Jonathan , Vergauwen Bjorn , Devreese Bart , Savvides Savvas N.
Published: July 2014

Nearly all bacteria exhibit a type of phenotypic growth described as persistence that is thought to underlie antibiotic tolerance and recalcitrant chronic infections. The chromosomally encoded high-persistence (Hip) toxin–antitoxin proteins HipASO and HipBSO from Shewanella oneidensis, a proteobacterium with unusual respiratory capacities, constitute a type II toxin–antitoxin protein module. Here we show that phosphorylated HipASO can engage in an unexpected ternary complex with HipBSO and double-stranded operator DNA that is distinct from the prototypical counterpart complex from Escherichia coli. The structure of HipBSO in complex with operator DNA reveals a flexible C-terminus that is sequestered by HipASO in the ternary complex, indicative of its role in binding HipASO to abolish its function in persistence. The structure of HipASO in complex with a non-hydrolyzable ATP analogue shows that HipASO autophosphorylation is coupled to an unusual conformational change of its phosphorylation loop. However, HipASO is unable to phosphorylate the translation factor Elongation factor Tu, contrary to previous reports, but in agreement with more recent findings. Our studies suggest that the phosphorylation state of HipA is an important factor in persistence and that the structural and mechanistic diversity of HipAB modules as regulatory factors in bacterial persistence is broader than previously thought.
Fanconi anemia signaling and Mus81 cooperate to safeguard development and crosslink repair
Authors: Larin Meghan , Gallo David , Tamblyn Laura , Yang Jay , Liao Hudson , Sabat Nestor , Brown Grant W. , McPherson J. Peter
Published: July 2014

Individuals with Fanconi anemia (FA) are susceptible to bone marrow failure, congenital abnormalities, cancer predisposition and exhibit defective DNA crosslink repair. The relationship of this repair defect to disease traits remains unclear, given that crosslink sensitivity is recapitulated in FA mouse models without most of the other disease-related features. Mice deficient in Mus81 are also defective in crosslink repair, yet MUS81 mutations have not been linked to FA. Using mice deficient in both Mus81 and the FA pathway protein FancC, we show both proteins cooperate in parallel pathways, as concomitant loss of FancC and Mus81 triggered cell-type-specific proliferation arrest, apoptosis and DNA damage accumulation in utero. Mice deficient in both FancC and Mus81 that survived to birth exhibited growth defects and an increased incidence of congenital abnormalities. This cooperativity of FancC and Mus81 in developmental outcome was also mirrored in response to crosslink damage and chromosomal integrity. Thus, our findings reveal that both pathways safeguard against DNA damage from exceeding a critical threshold that triggers proliferation arrest and apoptosis, leading to compromised in utero development.
Reproducing cosmic evolution of galaxy population from z = 4 to 0
Authors: Okamoto Takashi , Shimizu Ikkoh , Yoshida Naoki
Published: July 2014

We present cosmological hydrodynamic simulations performed to study the evolution of galaxy population. The simulations follow timed release of mass, energy, and metals by stellar evolution and employ phenomenological treatments of supernova feedback, pre-supernova feedback modeled as feedback by radiation pressure from massive stars, and quenching of gas cooling in large halos. We construct the fiducial model so that it reproduces the observationally estimated galaxy stellar mass functions and the relationships between the galaxy stellar mass and the host halo mass from z = 4 to 0. We find that the fiducial model constructed this way naturally explains the cosmic star-formation history, the galaxy downsizing, and the star-formation rate and metallicity of the star-forming galaxies. The simulations without the quenching of the gas cooling in large halos overproduce massive galaxies at z < 2 and fail to reproduce galaxy downsizing. The simulations that do not employ the radiation pressure feedback from young stars predict too strong redshift evolution of the mass–metallicity relation. Furthermore, the slope of the relation becomes too steep at low redshift without the radiation pressure feedback. The metallicity dependence in the radiation pressure feedback is a key to explain the observed mass–metallicity relation. These facts indicate that these two processes in addition to supernova feedback are essential for galaxy evolution. Our simple phenomenological model is suitable to construct a mock galaxy sample to study physical properties of observed galaxy populations.
Relativistic radiative transfer in relativistic plane-parallel flows: Behavior of the Eddington factor
Authors: Fukue Jun
Published: July 2014

Relativistic radiative transfer in a relativistic plane–parallel flow which is accelerated from its base, like an accretion disk wind, is numerically examined under a fully special-relativistic treatment. We first derive relativistic formal solutions. We then iteratively solve the relativistic transfer equation for several cases such as radiative equilibrium or local thermodynamic equilibrium, and obtain specific intensities in the inertial and comoving frames, as well as moment quantities and the Eddington factor. Moment quantities are rather different in each case, but the behavior of the Eddington factor for the plane–parallel case is quite similar in all cases. The Eddington factor generally depends on the flow velocity v as well as the optical depth τ. In the case of relativistic plane–parallel flows, in an optically thin regime of τ ≲ 1, it is slightly larger than 1/3 at very slow speed, it becomes smaller than 1/3 at mildly relativistic speed, and it again increases up to unity in the highly relativistic case. At highly relativistic speed, on the other hand, it becomes larger than 1/3 even in an optically thick regime. We find the Eddington approximation is fairly good, except for τ ≲ 1 or v/c ≳ 0.9, although the moment formalism under the Eddington approximation has some defects at $v/c=1/\sqrt{3}$.
Simultaneous resonant excitation of low-frequency eccentric wave and tilt wave on tidally deformed disks
Authors: Kato Shoji
Published: July 2014

Simultaneous excitation of low-frequency eccentric precessing mode (one-armed p-mode) and tilt mode on tidally deformed disks is considered. If the orbit of the secondary star is eccentric and its orbital plane is misaligned with the disk plane of the primary, the above-mentioned two low-frequency oscillation modes are simultaneously excited on the primary disk, the former having prograte precession and the latter having retrograde precession. This excitation of disk oscillations is due to a wave–wave resonant excitation process considered by Kato (2013, PASJ, 65, 75). If parameter values relevant to Be/X-ray binary systems are adopted, the periods of these excited oscillations are around 10 times the orbital period of the secondary, which may be comparable with the timescale of giant outbursts observed in Be/X-ray systems.
Alterations in the Functional Connectivity of Frontal Lobe Networks Preceding Emergence Delirium in Children
Authors: Martin Jessica C. , Liley David T. J. , Harvey A. Simon , Kuhlmann Levin , Sleigh Jamie W. , Davidson Andrew J.
Published: July 2014

Background:

This study aimed to characterize the electroencephalogram in children who emerged with emergence delirium (ED) compared with children without ED using methods that involved the assessment of cortical functional connectivity.

Methods:

Children aged 5 to 15 yr had multichannel electroencephalographic recordings during induction and emergence from anesthesia during minor surgical procedures. Of these, five children displayed ED after sevoflurane anesthesia. Measures of cortical functional connectivity previously used to evaluate anesthetic action in adults were compared between ED and age-, sex-, and anesthetic-matched non-ED children during emergence from anesthesia.

Results:

At the termination of sevoflurane anesthesia, the electroencephalogram in both ED and control patients showed delta frequency slowing and frontally dominant alpha activity, followed by a prolonged state with low-voltage, fast frequency activity (referred to as an indeterminate state). In children with ED, arousal with delirious behavior and a variety of electroencephalogram patterns occurred during the indeterminate state, before the appearance of normal wake or sleep patterns. The electroencephalogram in children without ED progressed from the indeterminate state to classifiable sleep or drowsy states, before peaceful awakening. Statistically significant differences in frontal lobe functional connectivity were identified between children with ED and non-ED.

Conclusions:

ED is associated with arousal from an indeterminate state before the onset of sleep-like electroencephalogram patterns. Increased frontal lobe cortical functional connectivity observed in ED, immediately after the termination of sevoflurane anesthesia, will have important implications for the development of methods to predict ED, the design of preventative strategies, and efforts to better understand its pathophysiology.
Distinctive Recruitment of Endogenous Sleep-promoting Neurons by Volatile Anesthetics and a Nonimmobilizer
Authors: Han Bo , McCarren Hilary S. , O’Neill Dan , Kelz Max B.
Published: July 2014

Background:

Numerous studies demonstrate that anesthetic-induced unconsciousness is accompanied by activation of hypothalamic sleep-promoting neurons, which occurs through both pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms. However, the correlation between drug exposure, neuronal activation, and onset of hypnosis remains incompletely understood. Moreover, the degree to which anesthetics activate both endogenous populations of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic sleep-promoting neurons within the ventrolateral preoptic (VLPO) and median preoptic nuclei remains unknown.

Methods:

Mice were exposed to oxygen, hypnotic doses of isoflurane or halothane, or 1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane (F6), a nonimmobilizer. Hypothalamic brain slices prepared from anesthetic-naive mice were also exposed to oxygen, volatile anesthetics, or F6 ex vivo, both in the presence and absence of tetrodotoxin. Double-label immunohistochemistry was performed to quantify the number of c-Fos–immunoreactive nuclei in the GABAergic subpopulation of neurons in the VLPO and the median preoptic areas to test the hypothesis that volatile anesthetics, but not nonimmobilizers, activate sleep-promoting neurons in both nuclei.

Results:

In vivo exposure to isoflurane and halothane doubled the fraction of active, c-Fos-expressing GABAergic neurons in the VLPO, whereas F6 failed to affect VLPO c-Fos expression. Both in the presence and absence of tetrodotoxin, isoflurane dose-dependently increased c-Fos expression in GABAergic neurons ex vivo, whereas F6 failed to alter expression. In GABAergic neurons of the median preoptic area, c-Fos expression increased with isoflurane and F6, but not with halothane exposure.

Conclusions:

Anesthetic unconsciousness is not accompanied by global activation of all putative sleep-promoting neurons. However, within the VLPO hypnotic doses of volatile anesthetics, but not nonimmobilizers, activate putative sleep-promoting neurons, correlating with the appearance of the hypnotic state.
Coeliac Disease in Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Atherton Rachel , Ross Alexander , Jessop Flora , Williams Rachel , Heuschkel Robert , Zilbauer Matthias
Published: July 2014

Updated European guidelines for the diagnosis of coeliac disease (CD) in the paediatric population (the European Society for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, January 2012) outlined distinct diagnostic algorithms for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). In this short report we demonstrate a period prevalence of CD in the T1DM population of 5.8% at a large tertiary centre. In addition to this, using a questionnaire circulated to paediatricians, we assessed present practice in the diagnosis of CD in T1DM 16 months following the European Society for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition guideline publication. Our results indicate that present practice and adherence to guidelines varies substantially. Further dissemination and perhaps simplification of guidelines may be required.
Characterization of the Peer Review Network at the Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health
Authors: Boyack Kevin , Chen Mei-Ching , Chacko George
Published: July 2014

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest source of funding for biomedical research in the world. This funding is largely effected through a competitive grants process. Each year the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) at NIH manages the evaluation, by peer review, of more than 55,000 grant applications. A relevant management question is how this scientific evaluation system, supported by finite resources, could be continuously evaluated and improved for maximal benefit to the scientific community and the taxpaying public. Towards this purpose, we have created the first system-level description of peer review at CSR by applying text analysis, bibliometric, and graph visualization techniques to administrative records. We identify otherwise latent relationships across scientific clusters, which in turn suggest opportunities for structural reorganization of the system based on expert evaluation. Such studies support the creation of monitoring tools and provide transparency and knowledge to stakeholders
The Reductase Activity of the Arabidopsis Caleosin RESPONSIVE TO DESSICATION20 Mediates Gibberellin-Dependent Flowering Time, Abscisic Acid Sensitivity, and Tolerance to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Blée Elizabeth , Boachon Benoît , Burcklen Michel , Le Guédard Marina , Hanano Abdulsamie , Heintz Dimitri , Ehlting Jürgen , Herrfurth Cornelia , Feussner Ivo , Bessoule Jean-Jacques
Published: July 2014

Contrasting with the wealth of information available on the multiple roles of jasmonates in plant development and defense, knowledge about the functions and the biosynthesis of hydroxylated oxylipins remains scarce. By expressing the caleosin RESPONSIVE TO DESSICATION20 (RD20) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that the recombinant protein possesses an unusual peroxygenase activity with restricted specificity toward hydroperoxides of unsaturated fatty acid. Accordingly, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants overexpressing RD20 accumulate the product 13-hydroxy-9,11,15-octadecatrienoic acid, a linolenate-derived hydroxide. These plants exhibit elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with early gibberellin-dependent flowering and abscisic acid hypersensitivity at seed germination. These phenotypes are dependent on the presence of active RD20, since they are abolished in the rd20 null mutant and in lines overexpressing RD20, in which peroxygenase was inactivated by a point mutation of a catalytic histidine residue. RD20 also confers tolerance against stress induced by Paraquat, Rose Bengal, heavy metal, and the synthetic auxins 1-naphthaleneacetic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Under oxidative stress, 13-hydroxy-9,11,15-octadecatrienoic acid still accumulates in RD20-overexpressing lines, but this lipid oxidation is associated with reduced ROS levels, minor cell death, and delayed floral transition. A model is discussed where the interplay between fatty acid hydroxides generated by RD20 and ROS is counteracted by ethylene during development in unstressed environments.
A fresh approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR): partnerships between businesses and non-profit sectors
Authors: Labib Eid Niveen , Robert Sabella Anton
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to offer a new conceptualisation on partnership emergence and dynamism between the business sector and the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector from a corporate social responsibility perspective. More specifically, the paper intends to examine partnering behaviour and management from a socio-political standpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

– The case study approach used in the study utilised data from eight in-depth, semi-structured interviews, with managers from the business and NGO sectors engaged in a large-scale partnership between a Palestinian Cellular Corporation and an NGO. Interview transcripts were analysed using content and narrative analyses. Findings to be presented include reciprocity, corporate constitutionalism and utilitarianism.

Findings

– The results found in this paper show that partnership has social, political, and ethical dimensions in support of the theoretical framework developed for this paper. More specifically, the results show that the studied partnership is an emergent process, fundamentally concerned with self-efficacy over community welfare, as well as being driven by individual organisational goals.

Originality/value

– This paper sheds light on certain aspects of partnership that are often overlooked in mainstream research. It does not only highlight the multifaceted dimensions of partnering but also discusses how partnership can be envisioned and practised as inter-organisational relationships. It stimulates a pragmatic understanding of partnership nature and management showing that partnership emergence, direction and sustainability are conditioned by the stakeholders’ socio-political and ethical practices.
An assessment of corporate governance reforms in Italy based on a comparative analysis of earnings management
Authors: Campa Domenico , Donnelly Ray
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of corporate governance reforms in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors argue that the effectiveness of corporate governance can best be assessed with reference to the choices made by management or controlling shareholders. They use the curtailment of earnings management as a desirable and measureable outcome of good corporate governance to assess Italy’s progress since the 1990s. The UK is used as a reference point because it is a European Union (EU) economy of comparable size and there is evidence that its firms managed earnings to a much lesser extent than their counterparts in Italy in the 1990s. A matched sample of UK and Italian firms was used for the empirical analysis.

Findings

– It was found that in contrast to the situation in the 1990s, firms in Italy do not manage earnings to a greater extent than their UK counterparts after the corporate governance reforms. In addition, firm-level governance has a greater effect on earnings management in Italy than in the UK. The authors attribute this to firm-level governance compensating for deficiencies in national institutions.

Research limitations/implications

– The restriction of earnings management is just one positive consequence of good governance. Other positive outcomes require to be studied to form a complete picture of the impact of governance reforms in Italy.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to use an outcome-driven approach to evaluate the impact of governance reforms.
Stakeholder power and corporate social performance
Authors: Ben Lahouel Béchir , Peretti Jean-Marie , Autissier David
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the power of one of the primary organizational stakeholders (shareholders) in the development of a corporate social performance (CSP) score. Few research works in the CSP empirical literature have studied the relationship between stakeholder power and CSP.

Design/methodology/approach

– Stakeholder theory is used as a theoretical framework to explain how shareholder voting power can influence the CSP level of French publicly listed companies. Stakeholder theory is tested through the operationalization of Ullmann’s (1985) three-dimensional model. Hypotheses related to shareholder voting power, strategic posture and financial performance are formulated through a literature review. A Data Envelopment Analysis approach was presented as a strong tool to measure CSP level. Multiple linear regressions were undertaken to test the hypotheses in a sample of 129 French companies between 2006 and 2007.

Findings

– The results indicate that companies with dispersed ownership and high proportion of institutional shareholders record a high score of CSP. Strategic posture measured by the implementation of environmental certification standard was positively and significantly related to CSP. Financial performance does not affect significantly the level of CSP.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to empirically analyse the relationship between Ullmann’s three-dimensional model and CSP level in the French context. It offers to managers a better understanding of the power that certain stakeholders can use to acquire satisfaction.
What does “corporate governance” actually mean?
Authors: Marie L’Huillier Barbara
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop a framework of connotative meanings afforded to the term “corporate governance”.

Design/methodology/approach

– An examination of academic publications from 1985-2012 containing the term “corporate governance” was conducted. The articles are sorted into the theoretical constructs that influence the contemporary connotative meaning of corporate governance.

Findings

– That a combination of a weak definitional base coupled with strong motivational forces have aided the development of competing theoretical perspectives of the meaning of corporate governance. The dominant meaning is written from an agency theory perspective.

Research limitations/implications

– Theoretical analysis was restricted to articles found in academic journals published since 1985.

Practical implications

– This study provides a very useful analysis into the connotative meanings and theoretical bases used by academic writers in the study of corporate governance.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an updated and developed analysis to the theoretical dimensions that underpin the contemporary use of the term “corporate governance”.
Helping new executives to hit the ground running
Authors: Writer Freelance
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Mark Byford.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study discusses findings from a global survey of 500 executives about how well their needs are met by organizations.

Findings

– This study outlines the importance of providing support for both external and internal hires so that they may integrate into their new roles as quickly as possible.

Practical implications

– This study provides insight for human resource and learning and development professionals on how to ensure that new hires receive the support they need to adapt quickly to a new role or working environment.
Protest of tobacco-free policies on college campuses: a historical analysis
Authors: M. Seitz Christopher , W. Strack Robert
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Although the threat of protest may be a barrier toward implementing a tobacco policy on college campuses in the USA, the prevalence and severity of such opposition has yet to be investigated. The purpose of this paper was to determine how often campus communities protest against smoke-free policies and rate the disruptiveness of the protests.

Design/methodology/approach

– Researchers located and analyzed news reports regarding 21 protests over newly implemented or proposed policies on college campuses in the USA.

Findings

– Protests over college campus smoking policies are typically non-disruptive and consist of a small group of students who publicly smoke tobacco products and attempt to gain support of fellow students.

Practical implications

– Those advocating for campus tobacco policies should be aware that the campus community may protest, but that a heightened concern of a protest's effect on the campus community may be unfounded.

Originality/value

– To authors’ knowledge, research studies regarding opposition to anti-tobacco policies cannot be found in the literature. This paper may be used as a practical resource by advocates to educate campus administrators about the low turnout and lack of severity of any possible protest to a new campus tobacco policy.
Variational iteration method with He's polynomials for MHD Falkner-Skan flow over permeable wall based on Lie symmetry method
Authors: Eerdun Buhe , Eerdun Qiqige , Huhe Bala , Temuer Chaolu , Wang Jing-Yu
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider a steady two-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) Falkner-Skan boundary layer flow of an incompressible viscous electrically fluid over a permeable wall in the presence of a magnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

– The governing equations of MHD Falkner-Skan flow are transformed into an initial values problem of an ordinary differential equation using the Lie symmetry method which are then solved by He's variational iteration method with He's polynomials.

Findings

– The approximate solution is compared with the known solution using the diagonal Pad’e approximants and the geometrical behavior for the values of various parameters. The results reveal the reliability and validity of the present work, and this combinational method can be applied to other nonlinear boundary layer flow problems.

Originality/value

– In this paper, an approximate analytical solution of the MHD Falkner-Skan flow problem is obtained by combining the Lie symmetry method with the variational iteration method and He's polynomials.
Multi-scale analysis of streamflow using the Hilbert-Huang Transform
Authors: Di Chongli , Yang Xiaohua , Zhang Xuejun , He Jun , Mei Ying
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to simulate and analyze accurately the multi-scale characteristics, variation periods and trends of the annual streamflow series in the Haihe River Basin (HRB) using the Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT).

Design/methodology/approach

– The Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) approach is adopted to decompose the original signal into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) in multi-scales. The Hilbert spectrum is applied to each IMF component and the localized time-frequency-energy distribution. The monotonic residues obtained by EMD can be treated as the trend of the original sequence.

Findings

– The authors apply HHT to 14 hydrological stations in the HRB. The annual streamflow series are decomposed into four IMFs and a residual component, which exhibits the multi-scale characteristics. After the Hilbert transform, the instantaneous frequency, center frequency and mean period of the IMFs are obtained. Common multi-scale periods of the 14 series exist, e.g. 3.3a, 4∼7a, 8∼10a, 11-14a, 24∼25a and 43∼45a. The residues indicate that the annual streamflow series has exhibited a decreasing trend over the past 50 years.

Research limitations/implications

– The HHT method is still in its early stages of application in hydrology and needs to be further tested.

Practical implications

– It is helpful for the study of the complex features of streamflow.

Social implications

– This paper will contribute to the sustainable utilization of water resources.

Originality/value

– This study represents the first use of the HHT method to analyze the multi-scale characteristics of the streamflow series in the HRB. This paper provides an important theoretical support for water resources management.
Fractional calculus for nanoscale flow and heat transfer
Authors: Liu Hong-Yan , He Ji-Huan , Li Zheng-Biao
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Academic and industrial researches on nanoscale flows and heat transfers are an area of increasing global interest, where fascinating phenomena are always observed, e.g. admirable water or air permeation and remarkable thermal conductivity. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the phenomena by the fractional calculus.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper begins with the continuum assumption in conventional theories, and then the fractional Gauss’ divergence theorems are used to derive fractional differential equations in fractal media. Fractional derivatives are introduced heuristically by the variational iteration method, and fractal derivatives are explained geometrically. Some effective analytical approaches to fractional differential equations, e.g. the variational iteration method, the homotopy perturbation method and the fractional complex transform, are outlined and the main solution processes are given.

Findings

– Heat conduction in silk cocoon and ground water flow are modeled by the local fractional calculus, the solutions can explain well experimental observations.

Originality/value

– Particular attention is paid throughout the paper to giving an intuitive grasp for fractional calculus. Most cited references are within last five years, catching the most frontier of the research. Some ideas on this review paper are first appeared.
Ensuring that older means wiser
Authors: Donoghue Kirstin
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to illustrate how important it is for older workers to keep up to date with technological and other developments – especially in industries experiencing major changes because of digitization. It also introduces the concept of IT certification and how this can help older workers to demonstrate their skills.

Design/methodology/approach

– The conundrum of unemployed graduates at a time of skill shortages and where this leaves older workers is discussed. The design and engineering industry has been used as a specific example and the kind of changes taking place has been illustrated.

Findings

– Reasons why managers should encourage staff to keep updating their skills and why certification is a good way to do this have been provided.

Social implications

– Reasons why employees who may be at the peak of their careers cannot afford to be complacent and to neglect to update their skills have been explained.

Originality/value

– This study discusses the impact of graduate unemployment and the need for training upon older workers and demonstrates the value of information technology certification for this age group.
Embodying entrepreneurial identity
Authors: Kašperová Eva , Kitching John
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel conception of embodied entrepreneurial identity. Prior studies conceptualise identity primarily in terms of narrative or discourse. Critiquing the limited focus on linguistic practices, the authors build on the literature by highlighting the role of the non-linguistic. The implications for researching one particular group – entrepreneurs with impairments – are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

– Entrepreneurial identity is conceptualised as a unique constellation of concerns emergent from the embodied practices of agents committed to new venture creation and management. This new conception draws principally on the embodiment literature, Archer's identity framework and Goffman's ideas on the presentation of self, impression management and stigma.

Findings

– The entrepreneurial identity literature is underpinned by a number of problematic assumptions that limit understanding of the meaning, formation and influence of identity on action. The body is often an absent presence; it is presupposed, implicit or under-theorised as an influence on identity, producing a disembodied notion of the entrepreneur. Consequently, entrepreneurs are treated as an homogeneous group in terms of the embodied properties and powers, rather than as uniquely embodied individuals. Studies typically assume an able-bodied, as opposed to a differently abled, agent. Entrepreneurs with impairments are largely invisible in the literature as a result.

Originality/value

– The approach highlights the role of the body and embodied non-linguistic practices, such as movement, posture, gestures and facial expressions in the formation of identity. Recognising entrepreneurs as differently abled agents, possessing particular embodied properties and powers, is crucial for understanding identity and action.
Evaluating entrepreneurs’ perception of success
Authors: Fisher Rosemary , Maritz Alex , Lobo Antonio
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the insights of founding entrepreneurs to understand what they consider as indicators for achieving entrepreneurial success. Using this information, the construct entrepreneurial success was conceptualized and a scale developed for use in subsequent testable models.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through qualitative research, the concept of entrepreneurial success was explored with ten founding entrepreneurs. Themes emerged from this enquiry process which informed the development of nine indicators. The indicators were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis in a subsequent study, comprising 213 founding entrepreneurs. The result is an early attempt to produce a measurement scale for entrepreneurial success, as perceived by the entrepreneur.

Findings

– Entrepreneurs perceive entrepreneurial success as the presence of both personal and macro level variables. This research supports theorizing that suggests entrepreneurial success is a multidimensional construct best captured by more than financial and economic indicators.

Research limitations/implications

– This research is limited by the size of the sample, the qualitative context of the research that conceptualized the construct, and the self-report nature of the quantitative study that was used to develop the measurement scale.

Practical implications

– The development of a scale provides researchers with the opportunity to include entrepreneurial success, as perceived by entrepreneurs, in future testable models.

Originality/value

– This research responds to a call for investigation into entrepreneurial success. It is an early attempt to conceptualize a relevant construct and to develop a scale for use in empirical testing. It is distinguished by using the perceptions of successful entrepreneurs to develop the construct and to validate it.
Qualitative middle-range research in operations management
Authors: Soltani Ebrahim , K. Ahmed Pervaiz , Ying Liao Ying , U. Anosike Paschal
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the potential of a qualitative middle-range research approach to contribute to the advancement of operations management (OM) field.

Design/methodology/approach

–To better signify such contribution, it takes insight from Merton's (1968) notion of middle-range theory as a means to create pathways of propositions that link substantive concepts and practices of OM in both context-specific and context-free operational environments.

Findings

– The paper brings to the fore the argument that achieving the primary objective of filling the “theory-methods” void in OM can be achieved through adoption of a qualitative middle-range approach.

Originality/value

– The originality of this paper hinges on the premise that theory-oriented qualitative field research that is able to incorporate experiences of different stakeholders of the OM intervention is highly likely to benefit OM theory advancement as well as OM practice.
Translation rules of SysML state machine diagrams into CSP# toward formal model checking
Authors: Ando Takahiro , Yatsu Hirokazu , Kong Weiqiang , Hisazumi Kenji , Fukuda Akira
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to describe the behavior of blocks in the system under consideration using systems modeling language (SysML) state machine diagrams. In this paper, formalization and model checking for SysML state machine diagrams have been investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

– The work by Zhang and Liu (2010) proposed a formalization of SysML state machine diagrams in which the diagrams were translated into CSP# processes that could be verified by the state-of-the-art model checker PAT. In this paper, several modifications have been made and new rules have been added to the translation described in that work.

Findings

– First, three translation rules were modified, which apparently are inappropriately defined according to the SysML definition of state machine diagrams. Next, we add new translation rules for two components of the diagrams – junction and choice pseudostates – which have not been dealt with previously. Further, we are implementing the automatic translation system on a web-based model-driven development tool, which reflects on our translation rules.

Originality/value

– As the contribution of this work, more reasonable verification results for more general SysML state machine diagrams can be achieved.
Towards a flexible framework to support a generalized extension of XACML for spatio-temporal RBAC model with reasoning ability
Authors: Khanh Dang Tran , Thi Kim Le Tuyen , Tuan Dang Anh , Duc Son Van Ha
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to propose a flexible framework to support X-STROWL model. Extensible access control markup language (XACML) is an international standard used for access control in distributed systems. However, XACML and its existing extensions are not sufficient to fulfill sophisticated security requirements (e.g. access control based on user’s roles, context-aware authorizations and the ability of reasoning). Remarkably, X-STROWL, a generalized extension of XACML for spatiotemporal role-based access control (RBAC) model with reasoning ability, is a comprehensive model that overcomes these shortcomings. It mainly focuses on the architecture design as well as the implementation and evaluation of proposed framework and the comparison with others.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the concept of X-STROWL model, the paper reviewed a large amount of open sources implementing XACML with defined criteria and chose the most suitable framework to be extended for the implementation. The paper also presented a case study used to evaluate the research result.

Findings

– Holistic enterprise-ready application security framework – architecture framework (HERAS-AF) is chosen as the most suitable framework to be extended to implement X-STROWL model. Extending HERAS-AF to support spatiotemporal aspect and other contextual conditions as well as the way to integrate security in the access request, together with ability of reasoning for hierarchical roles, are striking features that make the proposed framework able to meet more sophisticated security requirements in comparison with others.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the research content, the performance of proposed framework is not the focused issue of this work.

Originality/value

– The proposed framework is a crucial contribution of our research to provide a holistic, extensible and intelligent authorization decision engine.
From global aspirations to regional dominance: the case of Deutsche Telekom
Authors: Whalley Jason , Curwen Peter
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigates the argument that the financial case for continued internationalisation by telecommunication companies is unclear with respect to Deutsche Telekom, a leading international telecommunications company.

Design/methodology/approach

– The international footprint of Deutsche Telekom is mapped over the period 1995-2013 (inclusive). Data are drawn from the annual reports of Deutsche Telekom as well as its principal subsidiaries. After mapping the international footprint, the financial dimension of this internationalisation is investigated to determine whether there are financial returns from continued international expansion.

Findings

– The results demonstrate the extensive and complex nature of the international footprint of Deutsche Telekom. The company operates in 38 countries through a variety of lines of business, with its systems division being responsible for almost half of these countries. Although international markets now account for a majority of the company’s revenues, the lack of consistent data means that it is not clear whether the financial returns from internationalisation are positive.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper highlights the challenges of using annual reports as a source of data, as well as the difficulties of mapping the international operations of large multinationals like Deutsche Telekom.

Originality/value

– The paper uniquely seeks to relate the international footprint of Deutsche Telekom to its financial performance.
Evaluating social media privacy settings for personal and advertising purposes
Authors: Heyman Rob , De Wolf Ralf , Pierson Jo
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to define two types of privacy, which are distinct but often reduced to each other. It also investigates which form of privacy is most prominent in privacy settings of online social networks (OSN). Privacy between users is different from privacy between a user and a third party. OSN, and to a lesser extent researchers, often reduce the former to the latter, which results in misleading users and public debate about privacy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors define two types of privacy that account for the difference between interpersonal and third-party disclosure. The first definition draws on symbolic interactionist accounts of privacy, wherein users are performing dramaturgically for an intended audience. Third-party privacy is based on the data that represent the user in data mining and knowledge discovery processes, which ultimately manipulate users into audience commodities. This typology was applied to the privacy settings of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. The results are presented as a flowchart.

Findings

– The research indicates that users are granted more options in controlling their interpersonal information flow towards other users than third parties or service providers.

Research limitations/implications

– This distinction needs to be furthered empirically, by comparing user’s privacy expectations in both situations. On more theoretical grounds, this typology could also be linked to Habermas’ system and life-world.

Originality/value

– A typology has been provided to compare the relative autonomy users receive for settings that drive revenue and settings, which are independent from revenue.