bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structures of Na2SeO4·1.5H2O and Na2SeO4·10H2O
Authors: Weil Matthias , Bonneau Barbara
Published: July 2014

The crystal structures of Na2SeO4·1.5H2O (sodium selenate sesquihydrate) and Na2SeO4·10H2O (sodium selenate decahydrate) are isotypic with those of Na2CrO4·1.5H2O and Na2XSeO4·10H2O (X= S, Cr), respectively. The asymmetric unit of the sesquihydrate contains two Na+cations, one SeO4tetrahedron and one and a half water molecules, the other half being generated by twofold rotation symmetry. The coordination polyhedra of the cations are a distorted monocapped octahedron and a square pyramid; these [NaOx] polyhedra are linked through common edges and corners into a three-dimensional framework structure, the voids of which are filled with the Se atoms of the SeO4tetrahedra. The structure is consolidated by O—H...O hydrogen bonds between coordinating water molecules and framework O atoms. The asymmetric unit of the decahydrate consists of two Na+cations, one SeO4tetrahedron and ten water molecules. Both Na+cations are octahedrally surrounded by water molecules and by edge-sharing condensed into zigzag chains extending parallel to [001]. The SeO4tetrahedra and two uncoordinating water molecules are situated between the chains and are connected to the chains through an intricate network of medium-strength O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Crystal structure of a layered coordination polymer based on a 44net containing Cd2+ions and 1,5-bis(pyridin-4-yl)pentane linkers
Authors: Harrison William T. A. , Plater M. John , deSilva Ben M. deSilva , Foreman Mark R. St J.
Published: July 2014

The title compound, poly[[diaquabis[1,5-bis(pyridin-4-yl)pentane-κ2N:N′]cadmium] bis(perchlorate) 1,5-bis(pyridin-4-yl)pentane ethanol monosolvate], [Cd(C15H18N2)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2·C15H18N2·C2H6O, is a layered coordination polymer built up from highly squashed 44nets in which the octahedraltrans-CdO2N4nodes (Cd site symmetry -1) are linked by the bifunctional ligands, forming infinite (110) sheets. The cationic sheets are charge-balanced by interlayer perchlorate ions. A free 1,5-bis(pyridin-4-yl)pentane molecule and an ethanol molecule of crystallization are also found in the intersheet region. A number of O—H...O, O—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds help to consolidate the layered structure.
Crystal structures of ethyl (2S*,2′R*)-1′-methyl-2′′,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydrodispiro[1-benzothiophene-2,3′-pyrrolidine-2′,3′′-indoline]-4′-carboxylate and ethyl (2S*,2′R*)-5′′-chloro-1′-methyl-2′′,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydrodispiro[1-benzothiophene-2,3′-pyrrolidine-2′,3′′-indoline]-4′-carboxylate
Authors: Savithri M. P. , Suresh M. , Raghunathan R. , Vimala G. , Raja R. , SubbiahPandi A.
Published: July 2014

In the title compounds, C22H20N2O4S, (I), and C22H19ClN2O4S, (II), the pyrrolidine rings have twist conformations on the spiro–spiro C—C bonds. In (I), the five-membered ring of the oxindole moiety has an envelope conformation with the spiro C atom as the flap, while in (II) this ring is flat (r.m.s. deviation = 0.042 Å). The mean planes of the pyrrolidine rings are inclined to the mean planes of the indole units [r.m.s deviations = 0.073 and 0.069 Å for (I) and (II), respectively] and the benzothiophene ring systems (r.m.s. deviations = 0.019 and 0.034 Å for (I) and (II), respectively) by 79.57 (8) and 88.61 (7)° for (I), and by 81.99 (10) and 88.79 (10)° for (II). In both compounds, the ethoxycarbonyl group occupies an equatorial position with an extended conformation. The overall conformation of the two molecules differs in the angle of inclination of the indole unit with respect to the benzothiophene ring system, with a dihedral angle between the planes of 71.59 (5) in (I) and 82.27 (7)° in (II). In the crystal of (I), molecules are linkedviapairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers enclosingR22(14) loops. The dimers are linkedviaC—H...O and bifurcated C—H...O(O) hydrogen bonds, forming sheets lying parallel to (100). In the crystal of (II), molecules are again linkedviapairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers but enclosing smallerR22(8) loops. Here, the dimers are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming ribbons propagating along [010].
Crystal structure of [3-(4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazolin-2-yl-κN)-1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione-κS2](1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione-κS2)copper(I) nitrate
Authors: Saithong Saowanit , Klongkleaw Pirawan , Pakawatchai Chaveng , Mokakul Jedsada
Published: July 2014

The mononuclear complex salt, [Cu(C3H5NS2)(C6H8N2S3)]NO3, contains a [C9H13CuN3S5]+cation and an NO3−anion. All of the non-H atoms of the cation lie on a mirror plane, as do the N and one O atom of the nitrate anion, such that the planes of the cation and anion are mutually orthogonal. The cationic complex adopts a slightly distorted trigonal–planar geometry about the CuIcation. In the crystal, layers parallel to (010) are generated by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, supported by short S...O [3.196 (4) and 3.038 (3) Å] and S...S contacts [3.4392 (13) Å]. Adjacent layers are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak π–π stacking interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 4.0045 (10) Å] between the thiazoline rings, forming a three-dimensional network. This stacking also imposes a close contact, of approximately 3.678 Å, between the CuIcations and the centroids of the six-membered chelate rings of molecules in adjacent layers.
Crystal structure ofcis-bis[4-phenyl-2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamidato-κ2N1,S]nickel(II) monohydrate tetrahydrofuran disolvate
Authors: Oliveira Adriano Bof de , Feitosa Bárbara Regina Santos , Näther Christian , Jess Inke
Published: July 2014

The reaction of NiIIacetate tetrahydrate with the ligand 4-phenyl-2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide in a 2:1 molar ratio yielded the title compound, [Ni(C16H16N3S)2]·2C4H8O·H2O. The deprotonated ligands act asN,S-donors, forming five-membered metallacycles with the metal ion exhibiting aciscoordination mode unusual for thiosemicarbazone complexes. The NiIIion is four-coordinated in a tetrahedrally distorted square-planar geometry.Trans-arranged anagostic C—H...Ni interactions are observed. In the crystal, the complex molecules are linked by water molecules through N—H...O and O—H...S hydrogen-bonding interactions into centrosymmetric dimers stacked along thecaxis, forming rings of graph-setR44(12). Classical O—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the water and tetrahydrofuran solvent molecules as well as weak C—H...π interactions are also present.
On the estimation of statistical uncertainties on powder diffraction and small-angle scattering data from two-dimensional X-ray detectors
Authors: Yang X. , Juhás P. , Billinge S. J. L.
Published: July 2014

Optimal methods are explored for obtaining one-dimensional powder pattern intensities from two-dimensional planar detectors with good estimates of their standard deviations. Methods are described to estimate uncertainties when the same image is measured in multiple frames as well as from a single frame. The importance of considering the correlation of diffraction points during the integration and the resampling process of data analysis is shown. It is found that correlations between adjacent pixels in the image can lead to seriously overestimated uncertainties if such correlations are neglected in the integration process. Off-diagonal entries in the variance–covariance (VC) matrix are problematic as virtually all data processing and modeling programs cannot handle the full VC matrix. It is shown that the off-diagonal terms come mainly from the pixel-splitting algorithm used as the default integration algorithm in many popular two-dimensional integration programs, as well as from rebinning and resampling steps later in the processing. When the full VC matrix can be propagated during the data reduction, it is possible to get accurate refined parameters and their uncertainties at the cost of increasing computational complexity. However, as this is not normally possible, the best approximate methods for data processing in order to estimate uncertainties on refined parameters with the greatest accuracy from just the diagonal variance terms in the VC matrix is explored.
Orientation dependence of the martensite transformation in a quenched and partitioned steel subjected to uniaxial tension
Authors: De Knijf D. , Nguyen-Minh T. , Petrov R. H. , Kestens L. A. I. , Jonas John J.
Published: July 2014

The orientation dependence of the austenite-to-martensite transformation during uniaxial tensile testing was modelled using the phenomenological theory of martensite crystallography and the mechanical driving force. It was validated experimentally by means of electron backscatter diffraction measurements on a pre-defined zone of a quenched and partitioned steel during interrupted tensile tests. A close match is obtained between the predictions of the model and the experimental observations.
An X-ray diffractometer using mirage diffraction
Authors: Fukamachi Tomoe , Jongsukswat Sukswat , Ju Dongying , Negishi Riichirou , Hirano Keiichi , Kawamura Takaaki
Published: July 2014

Some characteristics are reported of a triple-crystal diffractometer with a (+, −, +) setting of Si(220) using mirage diffraction. The first crystal is flat, while the second and third crystals are bent. Basically, the first crystal is used as a collimator, the second as a monochromator and the third as the sample. The third crystal also works as an analyzer. The advantages of this diffractometer are that its setup is easy, its structure is simple, the divergence angle from the second crystal is small and the energy resolution of the third crystal is high, of the order of sub-meV.
Small-angle X-ray scattering structural study of the nanofiber self-assembly process in supramolecular gels based on glucopyranosides
Authors: Abreu Marlon F. , dos Santos Denise R. , Gatts Carlos E. N. , Giacomini Rosana , Cardoso Sergio L. , Miranda Paulo C. M. L.
Published: July 2014

This paper reports a study of the supramolecular self-assembly process of low molecular mass organic gelators in the formation of nanofiber networks. Methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-α-D-glucopyranoside derivative compounds were designed to investigate the effect of substituents on the molecules' self-assembly properties. Gelators were prepared using two different substituent groups at position 4 of the aromatic ring: an electron-donating series (with n-alkoxyl groups) and an electron-withdrawing series (with n-alkoxycarbonyl groups), where n = 2, 3, 4, 8 and 16 C atoms. The gelation process in several gelator concentrations was studied in polar and apolar organic solvents. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the gelation temperature increases with the molar concentration and decreases with alkyl chain size in both series of gelators. Scanning electron microscopy images of the xerogel showed cylindrical aggregates. In situ small-angle X-ray scattering analysis corroborated a model of self-assembly based on one-dimensional nanofiber growth in a two-phase gel system, while X-ray powder diffraction revealed partial crystallization for the gelator compounds and for some gel samples. The infrared analyses of gels indicated that molecules undergo a self-assembly process via hydrogen bonding, suggesting that both OH groups are involved for samples of the n-alkoxycarbonyl series. On the other hand, the n-alkoxyl series aggregation process depends on the size of the alkyl chain. The compound with the smallest group, n-propoxyl, also undergoes self-assembly using both OH groups. Conversely, the rest of the n-alkoxyl series uses only one hydroxyl group.
Resolution function for X-ray powder diffraction in a noncoplanar measurement geometry with the detector arm having two degree of freedom
Authors: Benediktovitch Andrei , Ulyanenkova Tatjana , Ulyanenkov Alex
Published: July 2014

A noncoplanar measurement geometry, achieved by using a diffractometer equipped with a detector arm possessing two degrees of freedom, is a promising technique for the analysis of residual stress gradients in polycrystalline objects and for anisotropic microstructure investigations. The instrumental function for a parallel beam and a set of two orthogonal receiving Soller slits is considered in detail, and the explicit analytical expressions in terms of a convolution of functions are derived. A comparison of the calculated results with the measured profiles from a NIST SRM 660b LaB6 powder standard sample shows a good agreement.
Update for BayesApp: a web site for analysis of small-angle scattering data
Authors: Hansen Steen
Published: July 2014

An update for BayesApp, a web site for analysis of small-angle scattering data, is presented. The indirect transformation of the scattering data now includes an option for a maximum-entropy constraint in addition to the conventional smoothness constraint. The maximum-entropy constraint uses an ellipsoid of revolution as a prior, and the dimensions of the ellipsoid as well as the overall noise level of the experimental data are estimated using Bayesian methods. Furthermore, a correction for slit smearing has been added. The web site also includes options for calculation of the scattering intensity from simple models as well as the estimation of structure factors for polydisperse spheres and nonspherical objects of axial ratios between 0.4 and 2.5.
Packing forces in dichloridobis(3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole-κN2)cobalt(II) dichloromethane hemisolvate
Authors: Nyamato George S. , Ojwach Stephen O. , Akerman Matthew P.
Published: July 2014

The title compound, [CoCl2(C15H12N2)2]·0.5CH2Cl2, was crystallized from a binary mixture of dichloromethane and hexane and a dimeric supramolecular structure was isolated. The CoIIcentre exhibits a distorted tetrahedral geometry, with two independent pyrazole-based ligands occupying two coordination sites and two chloride ligands occupying the third and fourth coordination sites. The supramolecular structure is supported by complementary hydrogen bonding between the pyrazole NH group and the chloride ligand of an adjacent molecule. This hydrogen-bonding motif yields a ten-membered hydrogen-bonded ring. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations at the PBE/6-311G level of theory were used to probe the solid-state structure. These simulations suggest that the chelate undergoes a degree of conformational distortion from the lowest-energy geometry to allow for optimal hydrogen bonding in the solid state.
The low-temperature form of calcium gold stannide, CaAuSn
Authors: Lin Qisheng , Corbett John D.
Published: July 2014

The EuAuGe-type CaAuSn phase has been synthesized and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that it has an orthorhombic symmetry (space groupImm2), witha= 4.5261 (7) Å,b= 7.1356 (11) Å andc= 7.8147 (11) Å. The structure features puckered layers that are connected by homoatomic Au—Au and Sn—Sn interlayer bonds. This structure is one of the two parent structures of its high-temperature polymorph (ca873 K), which is an intergrowth structure of the EuAuGe- and SrMgSi-type structures in a 2:3 ratio.
Oxleas “Can you understand it?” group
Authors: you understand it group Can
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and work of the “Can you understand it?” group, which supports services in developing accessible information for people with intellectual disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– Members describe their experiences of working with the “Can you understand it?” group.

Findings

– Group members found the group to be a positive experience. They report that they have supported a range of services in making information easier for people with intellectual disabilities to understand.

Originality/value

– This paper will reinforce the importance of making information accessible to people with intellectual disabilities and that people with intellectual disabilities themselves should be involved in the process to assure quality.
The contingency role of business strategy on the relationship between operations practices and performance
Authors: Jayaram Jayanth , Choon Tan Keah , Laosirihongthong Tritos
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct influence of three types of operations management practices, namely total quality management (TQM), lean manufacturing (LEAN), and supply chain management (SCM) on operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Cluster analysis is used to classify data collected from Thai manufacturing firms into three business strategy clusters of cost leadership, differentiation, and focussed strategy. Next, multiple-regression analysis was used to test the relationships between operations management practices and performance in each of the three strategy clusters.

Findings

– Results show that all three operations management practices were significantly associated with performance including the interaction of TQM and SCM. Also, the interaction of LEAN and SCM significantly affected performance for firms pursuing focussed business strategy.

Practical implications

– Manufacturers in developing nations can use this result to deploy appropriate operations management practices to enhance their competitive edge.

Originality/value

– This study explores the cross-functional alignment between strategies and practices, which have been transferred from developed to developing countries.
Benchmarking suppliers’ performance when some factors play the role of both inputs and outputs
Authors: Mahdiloo Mahdi , Noorizadeh Abdollah , Farzipoor Saen Reza
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a slack-based measure (SBM) model in the presence of dual-role factor. Then it is applied in supplier selection problem.

Design/methodology/approach

– The developed model in this paper is based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique.

Findings

– The proposed evaluation platform is capable of identifying ill-performing suppliers which seek to future improvement. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners, as well as academicians, policy makers and also integrate selection criteria under the supply chain.

Originality/value

– This is the first time that a non-radial DEA model considers dual-role factors. The proposed model does not deal with dual-role factor as a non-discretionary factor. The proposed model considers dual-role factors on both the input and output sides in a similar manner. The proposed model can fully measure the inefficiency of suppliers. The proposed model can give a complete ranking of suppliers.
Optimization of the link drive mechanism in a sewing machine using imperialist competitive algorithm
Authors: Ebrahimi Saeed , Payvandy Pedram
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present, an optimization problem based on the imperialistic competitive algorithm (ICA) approach for optimizing the needle velocity and variation of needle acceleration in a link drive mechanism of a sewing machine. The optimal geometry of the link drive has been achieved using a non-linear optimization procedure.

Design/methodology/approach

– As an important study in this case, the authors might refer to a previous work in which they introduced the possibility of replacing the slider-crank mechanism, that is typically used in sewing machines, with a link drive mechanism. The authors regenerate the optimization problem by modifying the objective function and follow a novel optimization method based on the ICA to overcome the drawbacks of that work. In addition, further modification of the objective function with respect to the variation of needle acceleration is applied to assure smooth movement of the needle during sewing process.

Findings

– The results showed a significant improvement with respect to the optimization of needle velocity and variation of needle acceleration in comparison to that previous work. This clearly justifies the efficiency and reliability of the optimization formulation based on the ICA approach.

Originality/value

– Needle temperature is considered as an effective parameter on sewing process efficiency and stitch quality. Needle heat generated during sewing process is directly related to needle velocity in penetration zone which in turn depends on the needle driver mechanism of sewing machine. According to literature survey, few researches have focussed to design a driver mechanism of the sewing machine to reduce the generated needle heat. This mechanism has the ability of reducing the penetration velocity of the needle without affecting sewing speed which consequently can reduce the needle heat generated during needle penetration. The work here is novel regarding implementation of optimization algorithm for this mechanism.
Thermal protective performance of multilayer fire fighting fabric
Authors: Hassan Mohammed Ali Akram , Yu Weidong
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate thermal protection provided by the fire fighting fabric systems with different layer under high-level thermal hazards with a typical temperature range of 800-1,000°C. The purpose of these fabric systems was to provide actual protection against burn injuries using garments worn by industrial workers, fire fighters and military personnel, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

– The fabric system was consist of glass with aluminum foil as an outer layer, non-woven basalt, non-woven glass fabric containing NaCl-MgCl2 and Galactitol phase change materials (PCM) which simulate multilayer fire fighter protective clothing system. Thermal protective performance tests were applied for thermal analysis and used as an attempt to quantify the insulating characteristics of fabrics under conditions of flash over temperature. The surface of fire fighting multilayer protective fabric has been characterized using the UV-Vis-NIR (ultraviolet-visible-near infrared) spectrophotometer

Findings

– The clothing shows good thermal insulation and high-temperature drop during flash over environment and avoid second degree burn. The current PCM obvious advantages such as the ability to work in high temperature, high efficiency a long period of practical performance.

Originality/value

– Using this design of composite multilayer technology incorporating two stages of PCM may provide people with better protection against the fire exposure and increasing the duration time which was estimated to be more than five minutes to prevent burn injuries.
Self-certification framework for technological innovation: a case study
Authors: Kim Dong-Young , Hwang Young-Ha
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a self-certification framework for assessing technological innovation and certifying superior products. The paper discusses how and why organizational efforts to implement the self-certification program can lead to product and process innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the case study method in a large government-sponsored research and development institute, the authors examined the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

Findings

– The finding indicates that the success of the self-certification program is dependent on the ability of a firm to manage processes. The result also suggests that it is critical to develop an internal-driven motivation and ensure the strong commitment of top management when implementing the self-certification program. The finding reveals that the voluntary certification program has a positive effect on innovation and marketing performance.

Originality/value

– This study makes three contributions. First, the paper offers valuable insights on the use of a self-certification framework as a problem-solving tool in the innovation process. Second, based on the self-regulation theory, this study enhances the understanding of the potential of control in facilitating technological innovation. Third, the paper provides practical guidance about the application of self-assessment at the project level.
Research synthesis in collaborative planning forecast and replenishment
Authors: Márcio Tavares Thomé Antonio , Luis Hollmann Roberto , Scavarda do Carmo L.F.R.R.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research synthesis is to gather and integrate findings on Collaborative Planning Forecast and Replenishment (CPFR) as a business process and as a management practice; and to assemble quantitative evidence of its impact on supply chain (SC) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The researchers independently conducted a systematic review of 629 abstracts and 47 full-text papers. Original keywords were applied to four key electronic databases for operations management and information systems. Rigorous and verifiable selection criteria governed inter-coders reliability, review of steps and exclusion of papers. Resource and dependency-based view of the firm, contingency research and maturity models informed the analysis.

Findings

– There is not a single “blueprint” for CPFR. Competing models emphasize the need for “trust and confidence” and reliable data systems. The type of products, scope, spatial diversity and number of partners in the network are important contextual variables. Firm resources that are unique and advantages from multiple and reciprocal dependencies are powerful levers. There is no consensus on maturity model and on required investment in data and communication systems.

Practical implications

– Practical implications are implementation related: cost-benefit analysis and simulations should precede full-scale collaboration. There is a consensus on starting CPFR small and expanding gradually.

Originality/value

– This synthesis applies a rigorous review method and attempts to assemble the dispersed literature in one study, utilizing explanatory operations management and information systems theories.
Excessive stress disrupts the development of brain architecture
Authors: Scientific Council National
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Drawing on the scientific literature, the purpose of this paper is to elucidate the harmful effects of toxic stress on the developing brain. It explains how severe, chronic adversity during development, in the absence of responsive caregiving, can impair brain architecture. It also outlines policy implications for preventing or mitigating the effects of toxic stress in early childhood.

Design/methodology/approach

– The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, based at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, is a multidisciplinary, multiuniversity panel of scholars that seeks to bring science to bear on public decision making. Council members selected excessive stress as a topic meriting translation for a general audience and conducted extensive peer review in drafting the paper's key scientific concepts.

Findings

– The paper discusses how healthy development can be derailed by excessive or prolonged activation of the biological stress response systems and how that increases lifetime risk for certain behavioural and physiological disorders. It finds that supportive relationships with caregivers can help buffer the negative consequences of toxic stress.

Social implications

– The paper calls for improvements to family support programmes, mental health services, and the quality and availability of early care and education.

Originality/value

– This paper describes an original taxonomy of positive, tolerable, and toxic stress and demonstrates the need to translate scientific knowledge about the developing brain into actionable strategies for the prevention and treatment of the effects of adverse childhood experiences.
Fracking for shale gas in the UK: property and investment issues
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Large-scale shale gas reserves have recently been identified under many parts of the UK. Development pressure for detailed exploration and possibly the exploitation of these reserves by hydraulic fracturing, popularly described as fracking is growing rapidly and seems to have UK Government support. With this in mind the purpose of this paper is to offer a general review of the possible development of shale gas reserves by fracking within the UK and to explore a number of the property and investment issues associated with such development.

Design/methodology/approach

– The briefing note begins with an outline of the characteristics of shale oil and the fracking process and of the initial developments within the UK and discusses some of the property and investment issues associated with such developments. The note is based upon information drawn from the internet sources, principally national and local governments, property, financial and environmental organisations and on visits to a small number of sites of exploratory fracking.

Findings

– The paper identifies a wide range of potential environmental impacts associated with the development of shale gas reserves by fracking and reveals growing awareness in the UK that such development could have a major impact on property values, on the availability of mortgages and on property insurance. At the same time the paper also suggests that financial institutions are increasingly taking steps to minimise risks to their investments and reputation from potential environmental impacts.

Practical implications

– The paper suggests a number of issues property managers and consultants will need to address in monitoring the impact of shale gas development by fracking on property values and it offers some guidelines to investment managers.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an accessible review of the development of shale gas resources by fracking within the UK and as such it will be of value to a range of property and investment management professionals and to students pursuing property and investment courses.
Compulsory purchase
Authors: Grover Richard
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the economic theories that lie behind the assessment of compulsory purchase compensation and the issues that arise from them.

Design/methodology/approach

– The method has been to review the literature about the theories and the critiques of them and to examine the extent to which they provide guidance in specific cases.

Findings

– The Hicks-Kaldor compensation test was developed as a way around certain problems in welfare economics but attempts to use it to determine whether projects involving compulsory purchase increase welfare are subject to a number of problems. Ultimately, there are issues of equity as well as efficiency so that a test that just looks at efficiency issues is problematic.

Practical implications

– Understanding the weaknesses in the theoretical models behind compulsory purchase compensation can help policy makers devise alternative approaches in situations in which land has to be assembled for regeneration or infrastructure projects and fairer systems of compensation.

Originality/value

– The use of the Hicks-Kaldor test has been challenged in environmental economics but the validity of these criticisms for compulsory purchase has not been recognised to the same extent. The use of some original case studies helps to identify some of the issues and alternatives.
Is leadership a useful concept in healthcare?
Authors: Caldwell Gordon
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to stimulate thinking about the relative importance of leaders and leadership or teamworking and teamsmanship in promoting progressive improvements in health care provision. The author argues that much more emphasis should be placed on the purpose and functioning of health care teams than on developing traditional heroic leaders. The attributes that the author has come to see as important in leaders within healthcare teams have been described. Some of these are far from glamorous and include good organisation, hard work and self-discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

– Over the past five years, the author has read widely on leadership, as well as on “lean” philosophies of working. During that time the author has tried to introduce changes to improve the working practices of their inpatient care team. The essay was written on the basis of reflection and discussion. This is a free-form article, in the old style of essay writing. This format is ideal for stimulating high-level thinking in readers’ minds.

Findings

– There should be far more emphasis on training in and development of teams, team-working and teamsmanship than on individual leaders and leadership skills in health care.

Originality/value

– The author hopes this essay is original, stimulating thinking, expressed in a readable format, and that it will prove valuable to those responsible for making improvements in health care provision at both the macro-and microlevels.
Studying the efficiency of inpatient and outpatient pharmacies using lean manufacturing
Authors: Abdelhadi Abdelhakim , Shakoor Mwafak
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach to measure the service quality provided by a public health-care service provider using the lean manufacturing concept. The research shows that the adoption of lean manufacturing principles and methodologies may be used as a measure for efficiency. The relative efficiency measure concept is introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

– The inpatient and outpatient pharmacies providing medicines to the public at a large regional hospital in the southern part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were the focus of this study. The lean manufacturing concept is used as a method to improve the service quality and reduce the time needed to deliver the medicine by comparing the efficiency between these two pharmacies based on a metric used in lean manufacturing called takt time. A team was formed to study the current situation, and recommendations based on lean manufacturing were suggested for implementations.

Findings

– The research shows that the adoption of lean manufacturing principles and methodologies may be used as an efficiency measure to compare between different departments working under the same managerial system.

Originality/value

– The results presented in this paper are reliable, objective and may be generalized for measuring the relative performance efficiency between several departments providing the same type of services.
Match between needs and services for participation of older adults receiving home care
Authors: Levasseur Mélanie , Larivière Nadine , Royer Noémie , Desrosiers Johanne , Landreville Philippe , Voyer Philippe , Champoux Nathalie , Carbonneau Hélène , Sévigny Andrée
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the match between needs and services related to participation for frail older adults receiving home care.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative multiple case study was conducted with 11 triads each involving an elder, a caregiver and a healthcare provider working in a Health and Social Services Centers (HSSCs).

Findings

– Although HSSCs in Québec are supposed to promote social integration and participation of older adults, services provided to the older adults in this study focused mainly on safety and independence in personal care, dressing, mobility and nutrition, without fully meeting older adults’ needs in these areas. Discrepancies between needs and services may be attributable to the assessment not covering all the dimensions of social participation or accurately identifying older adults’ complex needs; older adults’ and their caregivers’ difficulties identifying their needs and accepting their limitations and the assistance offered; healthcare providers’ limited knowledge and time to comprehensively assess needs and provide services; guidelines restricting the types and quantity of services to be supplied; and limited knowledge of older adults, caregivers and healthcare providers about services and resources available in the community.

Originality/value

– To improve and maintain older adults’ participation, a more thorough assessment of their participation, especially in social activities, is required, as is greater support for older adults and their families in using available community resources. It is also important to review the services provided by HSSCs and to optimize partnerships with community organizations.
A mutual health service in Scotland
Authors: Howieson Brian , Fenwick Claire
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the leadership implications of a mutual health service in National Health Service (NHS) Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

– Analysis of extant government policy and suggestions of leadership considerations for practice.

Findings

– Moving towards a mutual health system will require new ways of thinking about health care and existing leadership practices in NHS Scotland. The leadership implications at the strategic, operational and tactical levels of delivery in NHS Scotland will need to be thought through. At present, it is not clear how this will be done, either from the available health-related literature or from policy. “Mutuality” will require a complex and multi-layered effort to embed it within the culture of the organisation, which will require inspirational leadership and sustained management from the government, the NHS and the wider public to make the change happen.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper suggests that more leadership research is still required to understand fully – and implement – a mutual health service in Scotland. A theoretical framework and/or empirical reference points have yet to be developed.

Practical implications

– This paper highlights the practical implications in operationalising government policy.

Originality/value

– Little – if any – has been written about the leadership implications of a mutual and public health service.
Development of corporate social responsibility projects in Angola
Authors: Luiz Cortes Pedro , Roberto Cordeiro Duarte João , Lopes Gonçalves Dias Sylmara
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to consider the development of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects by Catoca, a diamond mining company in Angola, along with the effectiveness of these projects, and the benefits to stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research method used was direct observation and semi-structured interview with executives and administrative employees of the company, and collaborators of CSR projects, during 2010, 2011 and 2012. We also analyse documents about CSR projects developed by Catoca and identify the challenges faced.

Findings

– The management of CSR projects is hampered by the low disclosure of results and the absence of social indicators. This may generate inadequate results compared to investment. The assumption of low stakeholder expectation and the absence of social indicators may lead to neo-philanthropic or preconceived actions that ignore local peculiarities.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is limited to one company, and the lack of social indicators means it is difficult to evaluate the reported results.

Practical implications

– This paper improves understanding of the challenges involved in CSR projects in Africa and may also be useful for companies that develop CSR projects, drawing attention to issues that could compromise the proper use of resources and hamper results.

Social implications

– This study considers Angola, which is using its natural resources to boost economic and social development, establish partnerships with foreign companies and encourage the development of CSR programmes which often end up filling gaps left by the absence of government action.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the largely under-researched area of CSR projects in Angola.
Environmental information usefulness to stakeholders: empirical evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Said Ridzwana , Sulaiman Maliah , Nazli Nik Ahmad Nik
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The present study aims to examine the effect of environmental information on fund managers’ investment and bank officers’ lending decisions. Specifically, it looks at the effect of qualitative and quantitative forms of environmental information to their decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing from the normative pressure of institutional theory, the study seeks to identify the extent to which education and professional networks influence investment and lending decisions of fund managers and bank officers. A laboratory experiment was used to collect the data. Twenty-three subjects volunteered in each experimental group, totalling 69 responses from fund managers and bank officers. The subjects were Master of Administration (MBA) students in universities located in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to proxy for real practitioners.

Findings

– The results reveal that fund managers and bank officers do not incorporate environmental information in their investment and lending decisions. Thus, the normative pressure of institutional theory is supported.

Research limitations/implications

– Acknowledging the limitations of data generalisability using student surrogates, future research utilising real practitioners is proposed.

Practical implications

– Recognising the importance of environmental information to be incorporated in investment and lending decisions of these major stakeholders, the results suggest universities, professional bodies and companies need to raise awareness concerning the importance and relevance of environmental information in various decisions.

Originality/value

– The study offers some preliminary insights into the use of environmental information by fund managers and bank officers in Malaysia.
Evidence of concurrent local adaptation and high phenotypic plasticity in a polar microeukaryote
Authors: Rengefors Karin , Logares Ramiro , Laybourn‐Parry Johanna , Gast Rebecca J.
Published: July 2014

Here we investigated whether there is evidence of local adaptation in strains of an ancestrally marine dinoflagellate to the lacustrine environment they now inhabit (optimal genotypes) and/or if they have evolved phenotypic plasticity (a range of phenotypes). Eleven strains ofPolarella glacialiswere isolated and cultured from three different environments: the polar seas, a hyposaline and a hypersaline Antarctic lake. Local adaptation was tested by comparing growth rates of lacustrine and marine strains at their own and reciprocal site conditions. To determine phenotypic plasticity, we measured the reaction norm for salinity. We found evidence of both, limited local adaptation and higher phenotypic plasticity in lacustrine strains when compared with marine ancestors. At extreme high salinities, local lake strains outperformed other strains, and at extreme low salinities, strains from the hyposaline lake outperformed all other strains. The data suggest that lake populations may have evolved higher phenotypic plasticity in the lake habitats compared with the sea, presumably due to the high temporal variability in salinity in the lacustrine systems. Moreover, the interval of salinity tolerance differed between strains from the hyposaline and hypersaline lakes, indicating local adaptation promoted by different salinity.
Intrapartum monitoring with cardiotocography and ST‐waveform analysis in breech presentation: an observational study
Authors: Kessler J , Moster D , Albrechtsen S
Published: July 2014

Objective

To determine the electrocardiographic performance and neonatal outcome of pregnancies with breech presentation and planned vaginal delivery monitored with ST‐waveform analysis (STAN).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

University hospital, Norway; 2004–2008.

Population

Singleton pregnancies with a gestational age above 35 + 6 weeks, breech presentation, selected for vaginal delivery and monitored with STAN.

Methods

Common clinical guidelines for STAN monitoring were used. An experienced neonatologist graded the symptoms of neonatal encephalopathy. The outcome was compared with STAN‐monitored high‐risk deliveries in a vertex presentation (n = 5569) using logistic regression analysis.

Main outcome measure

Frequency of ST events, indications of intervention for fetal distress, and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Results

Breech presentation occurred in 750 of 23 219 (3.2%) deliveries, 625 (83%) of which were selected for vaginal delivery. Intrapartum monitoring by STAN was performed in 433 (69%). Compared with vertex presentations, fetuses in breech presentation had a lower risk of baseline T/QRS rise during labour [odds ratio (OR) = 0.7, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.7–0.9, P = 0.003] and a higher risk for intervention as a result of preterminal cardiotocogram (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.6–5.9, P = 0.001). The risks of perinatal mortality (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.2–15, P = 0.6), cord metabolic acidosis (OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.2–3.2, P = 0.7) and moderate or severe neonatal encephalopathy (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.5–6.2, P = 0.3) did not differ significantly between breech and vertex deliveries.

Conclusion

STAN can be used for the surveillance of breech presentations selected for vaginal delivery with an acceptable neonatal outcome. The electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern during labour varies with the fetal presentation.
Determinants of number‐specific recall error of last menstrual period: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: van Oppenraaij RHF , Eilers PHC , Willemsen SP , van Dunné FM , Exalto N , Steegers EAP
Published: July 2014

Objective

To assess the digit preference for last menstrual period (LMP) dates, associated determinants and impact on obstetric outcome.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University medical centre (the Netherlands).

Population

Cohort of 24 665 LMP records and a subgroup of 4630 cases with known crown–rump length (CRL) measurement, and obstetric outcome.

Methods

Digit preference was determined by comparing the observed to expected counts of each day. Associated determinants were identified by multivariate regression analysis. Differences in obstetric outcome between LMP and CRL dating were analysed.

Main outcome measures

(Non)deprived neighbourhood, cycle irregularity, certainty of LMP date, maternal age, smoking, body mass index, parity and ultrasound investigator. Preterm and post‐term delivery.

Results

LMP digit preference for the first [odds ratio (OR), 1.28; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.20–1.36], fifth (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03–1.17), 10th (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09–1.25), 15th (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.23–1.40), 20th (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15–1.30) and 25th (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01–1.15) days of the month occurred more often than expected. Digit preference occurred more frequently in women living in a deprived neighbourhood (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06–1.39), with uncertain LMP (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.63–2.52) or irregular cycle (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06–1.44). More post‐term (≥42 weeks) deliveries (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05–1.54) were observed in LMP dating. This effect was larger in women with a digit preference (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03–2.37).

Conclusions

LMP digit preference occurs more often in women living in deprived neighbourhoods, with uncertain LMP or an irregular cycle. LMP‐dated pregnancies are associated with more post‐term pregnancies.