bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication: Superstabilization of fluids in nanocontainers
Authors: Wilhelmsen Øivind , Bedeaux Dick , Kjelstrup Signe , Reguera David
Published: August 2014

One of the main challenges of thermodynamics is to predict and measure accurately the properties of metastable fluids. Investigation of these fluids is hindered by their spontaneous transformation by nucleation into a more stable phase. We show how small closed containers can be used to completely prevent nucleation, achieving infinitely long-lived metastable states. Using a general thermodynamic framework, we derive simple formulas to predict accurately the conditions (container sizes) at which this superstabilization takes place and it becomes impossible to form a new stable phase. This phenomenon opens the door to control nucleation of deeply metastable fluids at experimentally feasible conditions, having important implications in a wide variety of fields.
Light trapping in hybrid nanopyramid and nanohole structure silicon solar cell beyond the Lambertian limit
Authors: Hong Lei , Rusli  , Wang Xincai , Zheng Hongyu , Wang Hao , Xiaoyan Xu , Yu Hongyu
Published: August 2014

We propose a hybrid nanostructure that comprises nanopyramids and nanoholes for thin film silicon (Si) solar cells. The hybrid structure demonstrates a stronger light trapping ability that is beyond the Lambertian limit. This is achieved with the smaller dimension nanohole structure which effectively reduces shorter wavelength light reflection, and the larger dimension nanopyramid structure which significantly enhances longer wavelength light trapping. An ultimate efficiency of 38.3% is yielded for a 2 μm thick Si cell incorporated with the hybrid structure, which is higher than that achievable corresponding to the Lambertian limit. Moreover, the high ultimate efficiency is retained as the incident angle increases from normal incidence to 50° for TM polarized sunlight. Therefore, the proposed hybrid structure is very promising to enhance the performance of thin film Si solar cells.
Tensile GaAs(111) quantum dashes with tunable luminescence below the bulk bandgap
Authors: Yerino Christopher D. , Simmonds Paul J. , Liang Baolai , Dorogan Vitaliy G. , Ware Morgan E. , Mazur Yuriy I. , Jung Daehwan , Huffaker Diana L. , Salamo Gregory J. , Lee Minjoo Larry
Published: August 2014

Strain-based band engineering in quantum dots and dashes has been predominantly limited to compressively strained systems. However, tensile strain strongly reduces the bandgaps of nanostructures, enabling nanostructures to emit light at lower energies than they could under compressive strain. We demonstrate the self-assembled growth of dislocation-free GaAs quantum dashes on an InP(111)B substrate, using a 3.8% tensile lattice-mismatch. Due to the high tensile strain, the GaAs quantum dashes luminesce at 110–240 meV below the bandgap of bulk GaAs. The emission energy is readily tuned by adjusting the size of the quantum dashes via deposition thickness. Tensile self-assembly creates new opportunities for engineering the band alignment, band structure, and optical properties of epitaxial nanostructures.
Aerodynamic performance and characteristic of vortex structures for Darrieus wind turbine. I. Numerical method and aerodynamic performance
Authors: Sun Xiaojing , Wang Ying , An Qimeng , Cao Yang , Wu Guoqing , Huang Diangui
Published: August 2014

A recently developed in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code is used to simulate an H-Darrieus wind turbine. Aerodynamic performance of the simulated Darrieus turbine having different number of blades and turbine solidity is analyzed and compared for different tip speed ratios. As expected, the power coefficient of the simulated Darrieus turbine increases with the increase of tip speed ratio until a maximum is reached. However, the power coefficient then decreases with further increases in the tip speed ratio. The calculated power curve is in good agreement with experimental results. The results obtained suggest that this developed CFD code can accurately predict the aerodynamic characteristics of an H-Darrieus turbine. In addition, it is found that the solidity has considerable influence on the power coefficient of the simulated turbine in the present work. The smaller the solidity, the higher will be the optimal tip speed ratio and the wider will be the range of tip speed ratios at which the H-Darrieus turbine remains high power coefficient. If solidity is very low, the performance of a 2-bladed Darrieus turbine is obviously better than that of turbines with 3 and 4 blades. For moderate to high solidity, the power coefficients of the 2-bladed Darrieus wind turbine are similar to those of the 3-bladed turbine and are higher than those of the 4-bladed turbine. Moreover, the power coefficient increases with increasing solidity at low tip speed ratios. When the tip speed ratio is close to the optimum value, the power coefficient initially increases and then decreases with the increase of solidity. At high tip speed ratio, the power coefficient decreases with increasing solidity. An in-depth investigation is also conducted on the findings observed in this study and presented in Part 2 of this work, in which the mechanism of the effect of solidity on power coefficient has been explored based on the vortex structure of the flow field with the aid of this self-developed CFD code.
Optical Helmholtz resonators
Authors: Chevalier Paul , Bouchon Patrick , Haïdar Riad , Pardo Fabrice
Published: August 2014

Helmholtz resonators are widely used acoustic components able to select a single frequency. Here, based on an analogy between acoustics and electromagnetism wave equations, we present an electromagnetic 2D Helmholtz resonator made of a metallic slit-box structure. At the resonance, the light is funneled in the λ/800 apertures, and is subsequently absorbed in the cavity. As in acoustics, there is no higher order of resonance, which is an appealing feature for applications such as photodetection or thermal emission. Eventually, we demonstrate that the slit is of capacitive nature while the box behaves inductively. We derive an analytical formula for the resonance wavelength, which does not rely on wave propagation and therefore does not depend on the permittivity of the material filling the box. Besides, in contrast with half-wavelength resonators, the resonance wavelength can be engineered by both the slit aspect ratio and the box area.
Overactivation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 and aquaporin-4 by hypoxia induces cerebral edema
Authors: Chen Shao-Jun , Yang Jia-Fang , Kong Fan-Ping , Ren Ji-Long , Hao Ke , Li Min , Yuan Yuan , Chen Xin-Can , Yu Ri-Sheng , Li Jun-Fa , Leng Gareth , Chen Xue-Qun , Du Ji-Zeng
Published: August 2014

Significance

High-altitude cerebral edema, a serious and often fatal condition, results from lowered oxygen supply. This study explores the mechanisms by which hypoxia induces cerebral edema. We show that hypoxia induced cerebral edema and neuronal apoptosis associated with increased expression of the neuropeptide corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and its type 1 receptor (CRFR1), the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4), and endothelin-1; these effects could be blocked by the CRFR1 antagonist. In cultured astrocytes, CRF, acting through CRFR1, triggers intracellular signaling and contributes to phosphorylation and expression of AQP4 to enhance water influx into cells. These data provide an understanding of the development of cerebral edema by high-altitude hypoxia and suggest that CRFR1 might be a target molecule for prevention of this disorder.
Extending the description of process type within the system of transitivity in delicacy based on Levinian verb classes
Authors: Matthiessen Christian M.I.M.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, I report on a long-term research project concerned with the elaboration of the description of the system of PROCESS TYPE (within the overall system of TRANSITIVITY), extending this description in delicacy, or degree of detail. I discuss the background to the research and different approaches that have been taken to the development of more delicate descriptions of PROCESS TYPE. Then I introduce the approach that I have taken — to classify Levin’s (1993) verb classes in terms of the systemic functional description of the system of PROCESS TYPE (Halliday 1967/8, 1985). Having outlined the approach, I summarize the outcome of the classificatory project, and go on to identify all the instances where it was necessary to split verb classes and all the cases where it was necessary to add verb classes. I characterize the classification in terms of the cline of delicacy (the continuum between grammar and lexis); in fact, the result of the classificatory project provides strong evidence in favour of Halliday’s (1961) hypothesis that lexis can be described as delicate grammar — what he called ‘the grammarian’s dream’. In addition, I indicate how the result of the classification can be used as a resource in the development of more delicate systemic descriptions of the type pioneered by Hasan (1987) in her pursuit of the grammarian’s dream.
Creating metaphor in context
Authors: Kövecses Zoltán
Published: August 2014

The issue of context has been, in the main, neglected in cognitive linguistic and much other work on how conceptual systems change and vary. In most recent work on conceptual systems, the issues of embodied cognition and the universal nature of cognitive operations have been emphasized. By contrast, my major goal in this paper is to attempt to characterize some of the contextual factors that are involved in shaping the conceptual system. My focus will be on metaphorical concepts, as well as on the interaction between metaphorical aspects of the conceptual system and contextual factors. I also suggest that the different conceptual factors do not mechanically and automatically lead to differences in the metaphorical conceptualization of a concept. Instead, they can affect non-metaphorical aspects of concepts.
Conceptualizing mindfulness–mindlessness in intercultural interaction
Authors: Zegarac Vladimir , Spencer-Oatey Helen , Ushioda Ema
Published: August 2014

The concept of ‘mindfulness’ is increasingly used in the intercultural literature and yet so far it is largely just a heterogeneous construct with underspecified theoretical content. In this paper we draw on multidisciplinary perspectives to address this shortcoming and develop an integrated analysis of this important construct. We relate ‘mindfulness’ explicitly to the Relevance-theoretic concept of “manifestness”, and we incorporate insights from the psychology of motivation. We use extracts of authentic intercultural interactions to help explain and illustrate our arguments.
Figurative and non-figurative use of body-part words in descriptions of emotions in Dalabon (Northern Australia)
Authors: Ponsonnet Maïa
Published: August 2014

This article examines the status and functions of body-part words with respect to linguistic descriptions of emotions in Dalabon (Northern Australia). As in many languages in the world, words denoting invisible (internal) body-parts occur in figurative expressions. These expressions instantiate metaphors and metonymies inspired by non-observable somatic responses to emotions. In addition to this figurative pattern of usage, many more words for visible body-parts occur in expressions where they serve to produce more detailed descriptions of emotional behaviors — specifying which body-part is involved in a given emotional manifestation. The relatively widespread use of body-part words in such descriptions of emotions fosters semantic extensions, where some body-part nouns gain emotional connotations. The article analyzes these descriptive functions of body-part nouns in Dalabon, and examines how they reinforce semantic associations between body-parts and emotions.
Anxiety and Substance Use during Adolescence
Authors: Ohannessian Christine Mccauley
Published: August 2014

Background

The primary goal of this study was to examine the relationship between anxiety symptomatology and substance use (alcohol use and drug use) during adolescence, systematically by gender and race/ethnicity.

Methods

Self-report surveys were administered to 905 15–17-year-old adolescents (54% girls) in the spring of 2007.

Results

Results from multiple group analyses indicated that the relationship between anxiety and substance use differs by gender and race/ethnicity. For Caucasian and African American boys, higher levels of social anxiety and separation anxiety were related to less substance use. In contrast, higher levels of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder were associated with more substance use for African American boys. The pattern was much less striking for girls. For Caucasian girls, higher levels of significant school avoidance were linked to more substance use, and consistent with the results for boys, higher levels of separation anxiety were associated with less substance use. None of the anxiety disorders were related to substance use for African American girls or Hispanic girls or boys.

Conclusions

Findings from this study highlight the need to distinguish between different anxiety disorders. In addition, they underscore the importance of considering both gender and race/ethnicity when examining the relationship between anxiety and substance use during adolescence.
Neoliberalism, conservative politics, and ‘social recapitalization’
Authors: Ashbee Edward
Published: August 2014

Although embedded neoliberalism takes different forms, it is nonetheless defined by its commitment to ‘roll back’ the state in terms of its role as a social provider, as a mediator between capital and labour, and as an ameliorator of perceived market failure. Having said this, the British state, certainly if measured by taking government spending as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP), has proved stubbornly resistant to retrenchment processes. Against this background, some on the right have periodically turned to social recapitalization and ways of developing greater civic engagement and voluntary effort in place of state provision. Such projects seemed to offer the promise of redefining the relationship between the individual and the state. Yet, while often seen as communitarian and thereby the antithesis of neoliberalism, such projects constitute a counterpart or corollary. Nonetheless, although the Conservative-led government in the UK has through the austerity measures pursued from 2010 onwards been able to ‘shrink’ the state (considered as a proportion of GDP), it has not had the capacity or commitment to bring about social recapitalization. Although some broader inclusion initiatives have been pursued, the ‘Big Society’ itself has made only a limited impact. The history of neoliberalism suggests that the shrinkage of the British state may therefore, as a consequence, be vulnerable to later ‘roll back’.
diCal-IBD: demography-aware inference of identity-by-descent tracts in unrelated individuals
Authors: Tataru Paula , Nirody Jasmine A. , Song Yun S.
Published: August 2014

Summary: We present a tool, diCal-IBD, for detecting identity-by-descent (IBD) tracts between pairs of genomic sequences. Our method builds on a recent demographic inference method based on the coalescent with recombination, and is able to incorporate demographic information as a prior. Simulation study shows that diCal-IBD has significantly higher recall and precision than that of existing single-nucleotide polymorphism–based IBD detection methods, while retaining reasonable accuracy for IBD tracts as small as 0.1 cM.

Availability:  http://sourceforge.net/projects/dical-ibd

Contact:  yss@eecs.berkeley.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MethylAid: visual and interactive quality control of large Illumina 450k datasets
Authors: van Iterson Maarten , Tobi Elmar W. , Slieker Roderick C. , den Hollander Wouter , Luijk René , Slagboom P. Eline , Heijmans Bastiaan T.
Published: August 2014

Summary: The Illumina 450k array is a frequently used platform for large-scale genome-wide DNA methylation studies, i.e. epigenome-wide association studies. Currently, quality control of 450k data can be performed with Illumina’s GenomeStudio and is part of a limited number 450k analysis pipelines. However, GenomeStudio cannot handle large-scale studies, and existing pipelines provide limited options for quality control and neither support interactive exploration by the user.

To aid the detection of bad-quality samples in large-scale genome-wide DNA methylation studies as flexible and transparent as possible, we have developed MethylAid; a visual and interactive Web application using RStudio’s shiny package. Bad-quality samples are detected using sample-dependent and sample-independent quality control probes present on the array and user-adjustable thresholds. In-depth exploration of bad-quality samples can be performed using several interactive diagnostic plots. Furthermore, plots can be annotated with user-provided metadata, for example, to identify outlying batches. Our new tool makes quality assessment of 450k array data interactive, flexible and efficient and is, therefore, expected to be useful for both data analysts and core facilities.

Availability and implementation: MethylAid is implemented as an R/Bioconductor package (www.bioconductor.org/packages/3.0/bioc/html/MethylAid.html). A demo application is available from shiny.bioexp.nl/MethylAid.

Contact:  m.van_iterson@lumc.nl
The hunt for red active galactic nuclei: a new infrared diagnostic
Authors: Fadda Dario , Rodighiero Giulia
Published: August 2014

We introduce a new infrared diagnostic to separate galaxies on the basis of their dominant infrared emission: stellar or nuclear. The main novelty with respect to existing diagnostics is the use of a broad band encompassing at the same time the 9.7-μm silicate absorption feature and one of the adjacent broad polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) features. This provides a robust estimate of the near- to mid-infrared continuum slope and enables a clear distinction among different classes of galaxies up to a redshift z ∼ 2.5. The diagnostic can be applied to a wealth of archival data from the ISO, Spitzer and Akari surveys, as well as future James Webb Space Telescope surveys. Based on data in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS), Lockman Hole and North Ecliptic Pole fields, we find that approximately 70 per cent of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) detected with X-ray and optical spectroscopy dominate the total mid-infrared emission. Finally, we estimate that AGNs contribute less than 30 per cent of the mid-infrared extragalactic integrated emission.
A Case of Orbital Metastasis of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma With Intracranial Extension Presenting With Proptosis
Authors: Kim Yeon-Hee , Park In-Ki , Min Gyeong Eun , Jin Kyung-Hyun , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: August 2014

A 57-year-old woman presented with protrusion of the OS 2 months in duration and decreased vision 1 month in duration. The patient was diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma approximately 3 years before presentation. Lung and liver metastases were diagnosed by biopsy 1 year prior to this visit. CT revealed a solid mass with central necrosis in the left lateral orbit that resulted in orbital shifting, bony destruction, and intracranial extension. The diagnosis was left orbital metastatic leiomyosarcoma, and the patient died 2 months after receiving the diagnosis.
Heterogeneity of dN/dS ratios at the classical HLA class I genes over divergence time and across the allelic phylogeny
Authors: Domingues Bitarello Bárbara D , Francisco Rodrigo dos Santos , Meyer Diogo
Published: August 2014

The classical class I HLA loci of humans show an excess of nonsynonymous with respect to synonymous substitutions at codons of the antigen recognition site (ARS), a hallmark of adaptive evolution. Additionally, high polymporphism, linkage disequilibrium and disease associations suggest that one or more balancing selection regimes have acted upon these genes. However, several questions about these selective regimes remain open. First, it is unclear if stronger evidence for selection on deep timescales is due to changes in the intensity of selection over time or to a lack of power of most methods to detect selection on recent timescales. Another question concerns the functional entities which define the selected phenotype. While most analysis focus on selection acting on individual alleles, it is also plausible that phylogenetically defined groups of alleles (“lineages”) are targets of selection. To address these questions we analyzed how dN/dS (ω) varies with respect to divergence times between alleles and phylogenetic placement (position of branches). We find that ω for ARS codons of class I HLA genes increases with divergence time and is higher for inter-lineage branches. Throughout our analyses, we used non-selected codons to control for possible effects of inflation of ω associated to intra-specific analysis, and showed that our results are not artifactual. Our findings indicate the importance of considering the timescale effect when analysing ω over a wide spectrum of divergences. Finally, our results support the divergent allele advantage model, whereby heterozygotes with more divergent alleles have higher fitness than those carrying similar alleles.
Crystal structure of 1′-(2-methylpropyl)-2,3-dihydrospiro[1-benzothiopyran-4,4′-imidazolidine]-2′,5′-dione
Authors: Theodore Cynthia E. , Naveen S. , Benaka Prasad S. B. , Madaiah M. , Ananda Kumar C. S. , Lokanath N. K.
Published: August 2014

In the title compound, C15H18N2O2S, the 2,3-dihydro-1-benzothiopyran ring adopts a sofa conformation and the hydantoin ring is twisted with respect to the benzene ring at 78.73 (17)°. In the crystal, pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into inversion dimers.
Crystal structure of 4-allylsulfanyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine
Authors: El Fal Mohammed , Ramli Youssef , Essassi El Mokhtar , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: August 2014

In the title compound, C8H8N4S, the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine ring system is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation from the mean plane of 0.025 (3) Å. The allyl group is disordered over two sites in a 0.512 (6):0.488 (6) ratio. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(8) graph-set motif.
Crystal structure of 2-amino-4-methylpyridin-1-ium (2R,3R)-3-carboxy-2,3-dihydroxypropanoate monohydrate
Authors: Jovita J. V. , Sathya S. , Usha G. , Vasanthi R. , Ramanand A.
Published: August 2014

The title molecular salt, C6H9N2+·C4H5O6−·H2O, crystallized with two 2-amino-4-methylpyridin-1-ium cations, two L-(+)-tartaric acid monoanions [systematic name: (2R,3R)-3-carboxy-2,3-dihydroxypropanoate] and two water molecules in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal, the cations, anions and water molecules are linkedviaa number of O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, and a C—H...O hydrogen bond, forming a three-dimensional structure
Crystal structure of (E)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Koh Dongsoo
Published: August 2014

In the title compound, C21H18O4, the C=C bond of the central enone group adopts anEconformation. The dihedral angle formed by the benzene ring and the naphthalene ring system is 6.60 (2)°. The methoxy groups on the benzene ring are essentially coplanar with the ring; the C—C—O—C torsion angles being 1.6 (2) and −177.1 (1)°. The hydroxy group attached to the naphthalene ring is involved in an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond. The relative conformation of the two double bonds in the enone group iss-cisoid. In the crystal, weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into chains propagating along [010].
Crystal structure of (Z)-2,3-dichloro-1,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)but-2-ene-1,4-dione
Authors: Tittal Ram K. , Kumar Satish , Ram R. N.
Published: August 2014

The title compound, C18H14Cl2O4, adopts aZconformation around the cental C=C bond. The two aromatic rings of the molecule are nearly perpendicular to each other, with a dihedral angle between of 86.22 (14)°. The methoxy substituents lie close to the plane of the attached benzene rings. The C(ar)—C(ar)—O—C(Me) torsion angles are −2.4 (7) and 7.5 (6)°. Weak C—H...O interactions link the molecules forming a three-dimensional network. The crystal packing also displays short [3.160 (3) Å] Cl...O halogen-bonding contacts between molecules related by the screw axis. The structure exhibits disorder of one carbonyl O atom with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.21 (6):0.79 (6).
Crystal structure of (3E)-3-(2,4-dinitrophenoxymethyl)-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-one
Authors: Caracelli Ignez , Maganhi Stella H. , Moran Paulo J. S. , Paula Bruno R. S. de , Delling Felix N. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: August 2014

In the title compound, C17H14N2O6, the conformation about the C=C double bond [1.345 (2) Å] isE, with the ketone moiety almost coplanar [C—C—C—C torsion angle = 9.5 (2)°] along with the phenyl ring [C—C—C—C = 5.9 (2)°]. The aromatic rings are almost perpendicular to each other [dihedral angle = 86.66 (7)°]. The 4-nitro moiety is approximately coplanar with the benzene ring to which it is attached [O—N—C—C = 4.2 (2)°], whereas the one in theorthoposition is twisted [O—N—C—C = 138.28 (13)°]. The molecules associateviaC—H...O interactions, involving both O atoms from the 2-nitro group, to form a helical supramolecular chain along [010]. Nitro–nitro N...O interactions [2.8461 (19) Å] connect the chains into layers that stack along [001].
Technological and ethical antecedents of e-book piracy and price acceptance
Authors: Camarero Carmen , Antón Carmen , Rodríguez Javier
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the driving factors of e-books’ illegal downloading and price acceptance from a theoretical perspective that embraces ethical and technological aspects. The diffusion of e-readers and tablets has led to a spate of pirated copies of books.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed model holds that normative and value consciousness, as well as the self-efficacy, the usefulness and the use of the new technology, are determinants of the trend towards free downloads and the maximum acceptable price for e-books. Data are collected from a sample of 227 users of e-book reader devices.

Findings

– The results provide evidence that individuals are inclined towards piracy when they use and control the technology, whereas value consciousness mitigates illegal downloading and is basic to the individuals’ acceptance of a higher price.

Implications

– Bearing in mind that the spread of electronic devices has led to an increase in downloads, raising awareness of the norms among individuals is essential if piracy is to be curtailed. In addition, actions aimed at endowing electronic books with value would encourage consumers to pay a higher price for them.

Originality/value

– Few attempts have been made to apply ethics theories and the technology acceptance model to the context of e-books’ piracy, and even less effort has been devoted to analyse consumers’ price acceptance in the e-book industry.
E-Book publishing in Spain
Authors: Antonio Cordón-García José , Linder Daniel , Gómez-Díaz Raquel , Alonso-Arévalo Julio
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The aims of the present paper is electronic publishing has transformed the business model of publishing houses in Spain in such a way that two models currently coexist. The specificities of each of these models were studied and the consequences of each model for the future of electronic publishing in Spain were analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The first stage of this study consisted in locating studies that would allow the authors to obtain useful indicators and statistic data regarding publication in Spain. The second stage of this study consisted of extracting from the sources cited above all data relevant to the study. To wit, these were the number of electronic books published, the major publishing houses offering electronic publications, the major platforms currently selling electronic books, presently available electronic reading devices, the rates of reading on all devices, reading rates itemized by age and educational background and general tendencies in digital publishing and e-reading.

Findings

– There are traditional publishers of mostly paper-based volumes, whose business models are based on having large catalogues of titles and large print-runs, though print-runs are increasingly smaller and bookseller returns increasingly larger. Intermediary agents operating under this model, for instance booksellers, are subject to ever-greater economic pressures, especially in the current crisis

Originality/value

– In the study that follows, the authors attempt to analyse the characteristics behind these changes and learn to what extent these changes will affect the future models of publication and reading in Spain.
Building an innovation-driven economy – the case of BRIC and GCC countries
Authors: Gackstatter Steffen , Kotzemir Maxim , Meissner Dirk
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to undertake an analysis of the attempts of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) countries to catch up in their national development to build an innovation-driven economy on which to base future growth and wealth. We conducted an analysis of GCC and BRIC countries to show the different strategies leaders have taken to try and achieve this aspiration. This paper analyses the various aspects of national innovation systems of BRIC and GCC countries, highlights similar and different approaches and attempts to quantify their success. For example, GCC countries spend extensively on research and development (R&D), but have so far achieved less than meaningful results. Brazil, China and India are catching up to the acknowledged world leaders in innovation, but Russia is lagging.

Design/methodology/approach

– Our comparison was based mostly on secondary data from sources and institutions that use statistical data to build country rankings, such as the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) produced by the World Economic Forum. BRIC and GCC countries were analyzed over 1996-2011 because most of the indicators data are only available from 1996. Data related to intellectual property rights have been collected since 1999 or 2000. The data available for the number of researchers proved problematic for both BRIC and GCC countries. For instance, some data for the GCC countries was missing. To not leave a gap, we extrapolated in line with the overall trend; using the least squares method to approximate a straight line for the missing data based on what had already been reported.

Findings

– Counter-intuitively, we will argue that the push toward an innovation-based economy is actually not dependent on total expenditure on R&D, but rather relies on the efficient allocation of investments and the rigorous implementation of innovation strategy. And, we will demonstrate this by showing our ideas in relation to both BRIC and GCC countries. This analysis raises fascinating points of discussion for those looking to build an innovation economy in other countries and has practical implications for policy-makers and policy implementers in all countries.

Originality/value

– First analysis of the correlation of gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) with gross domestic product (GDP) growth and Straits Times Index (STI) policy measures.
Storytelling as a means to increase consumers’ processing of financial information
Authors: Carlsson Hauff Jeanette , Carlander Anders , Gamble Amelie , Gärling Tommy , Holmen Martin
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a narrative compared to a traditional fact-related format of financial information elicits more involved processing of such information by consumers and therefore more informed choices of retirement savings.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 394 undergraduates were recruited to three experiments. In Experiments 1 and 2 participants presented with information about a mutual fund were randomly assigned to one of four conditions (narrative format vs fact-related format crossed with optimistic vs pessimistic financial forecast). In both experiments dependent variables were positive affect, emotive response and purchase intention, and in Experiment 2 also scepticism about the information. Involvement and financial knowledge were furthermore measured in Experiment 2. In Experiment 3 information was presented about a savings account. Participants were randomly assigned to either a condition with a narrative or a fact-related information format. The dependent variables were the same as in Experiment 2.

Findings

– The research finds support for that information about a financial message in a narrative format results in stronger positive affect, emotive response and purchase intention. No effect of scepticism toward the message is observed. Involvement and financial knowledge tend to interact with format. Mediation analyses support that positive affect induced by the narrative format impacts on emotive response which jointly with positive affect impacts on purchase intention.

Practical implications

– The research suggests that a narrative message format may be used in marketing financial products to increase passive consumerś involvement.

Originality/value

– The first demonstration of that a narrative format has an effect on processing of financial information.
Deformation similarity clustering based collision detection in clothing simulation
Authors: Jiongzhou Liu , Jituo Li , Guodong Lu
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The 3D dynamic clothing simulation is widely used in computer-added garment design. Collision detection and response are the essential component and also the efficiency bottleneck in the simulation. The purpose of this paper is to propose a high efficient collision detection algorithm for 3D clothing-human dynamic simulation to achieve both real-time and virtually real simulation effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors approach utilizes the offline data learning results to simplify the online collision detection complexity. The approach includes two stages. In the off-line stage, model triangles with most similar deformations are first, partitioned into several near-rigid-clusters. Clusters from the clothing model and the human model are matched as pairs according to the fact that they hold the potential to intersect. For each cluster, a hierarchical bounding box tree is then constructed. In the on-line stage, collision detection is checked and treated parallelly inside each cluster pairs. A multiple task allocation strategy is proposed in parallel computation to ensure efficiency.

Findings

– Reasonably partitioning the 3D clothing and human model surfaces into several clusters and implementing collision detection on these cluster pairs can efficiently reduce the model primitive amounts that need be detected, consequently both improving the detection efficiency and remaining the simulation virtual effect.

Originality/value

– The current methods only utilize the dynamic clothing-human status; the authors algorithm furthermore combines the intrinsic correspondence relationship between clothing and human clusters to efficiently shrink the detection query scope to accelerate the detection speed. Moreover, partitioning the model into several independent clusters as detection units is much more profitable for parallel computation than current methods those treat the model entirety as the unit.
Manufacturing flexibility through outsourcing: effects of contingencies
Authors: Scherrer-Rathje Maike , Deflorin Patricia , Anand Gopesh
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organizational context on the relationships between outsourcing and manufacturing flexibility. In doing so, the authors study four types of manufacturing flexibility: product, mix, volume, and labor competence flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on transaction cost economics theory and resource-based view of competitive advantage, the authors focus on economies of scale and scope, asset specificity, organizational learning, and dynamic capabilities as contingencies affecting outsourcing-flexibility relationships. Combining theoretically developed propositions with insights from case studies of 11 manufacturing companies that outsourced some portion of their manufacturing, the authors derive grounded hypotheses.

Findings

– Empirical results show that in some cases the effects of outsourcing on different types of manufacturing flexibility vary based upon some contingency factors.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the qualitative nature and the geographical focus of the empirical examination, applicability of the findings to other contexts may be limited.

Practical implications

– The authors point out specific contingencies that managers should consider when targeting manufacturing flexibility through outsourcing.

Originality/value

– This paper presents the interrelationships among outsourcing of manufacturing activities, four types of manufacturing flexibilities, and theoretically derived contingencies. Based on evidence from the analyzed cases, the authors find indications that some contingencies moderate outsourcing-flexibility relationships. In addition, this paper introduces a new type of manufacturing flexibility: labor competence flexibility, which is defined as the ability of a company's workforce to deal with technology driven additions to and subtractions from products over time.
The role of performance measurement models in multi level alignment
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Hazlett Shirley-Ann , Galbraith Brendan
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Market deregulation in the utilities sector has led to increased competition and rising customer expectations in both established and new markets. This, in turn, has forced organisations such as electricity and telecoms to make rapid, enterprise-wide changes on an increasingly frequent basis which in turn has led to problems with alignment. Misalignment can occur at many levels and can result in misused resources, loss of competitiveness, excessive cycle times, higher costs and loss of agility. The purpose of this paper is twofold. Given the lack of overarching theory, the paper begins by borrowing from contingency, dynamic capability and organisational learning constructs, to explore the role that performance measurement models can bring to improve the alignment between business strategy and functional strategy (level 1 alignment). Second, the paper analyses the role of performance measurement models in developing functional practices aligned with supply chain management (SCM) strategies (level 2 alignment).

Design/methodology/approach

– The study adopts an exploratory theory-building approach using four case studies. These are used as key supply chains in both established and new business areas within two longitudinal university-industry research partnerships (each of three years duration). Data from repeat interviews (n=42), focus groups (n=10), documentation and observations is analysed and forms the basis for the development of a conceptual framework and a set of related propositions. The data analysis followed Radnor and Boaden's (2004) method for analysing interpretive research.

Findings

– The findings show the role and impact of performance measurement models and methods on alignment at two levels, i.e. level 1 alignment – between business strategy and functional (SCM) strategy, and level 2 alignment – between the functional strategy (SCM) and SCM routines and practices.

Originality/value

– To date, there are few studies which explore the development of theory and practice in relation to the role and impact of performance measurement models and methods in improving organisational alignment. This exploratory theory building study makes a contribution to this gap through the development of the conceptual framework and propositions.
Avoiding alliance myopia: forging learning outcomes for long-term success
Authors: Mazloomi Khamseh Hamid , Nasiriyar Maryam
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for understanding the learning outcomes of strategic alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

– On the basis of two dimensions of any strategic alliance – that is, similarity or dissimilarity of contribution of partners and explorative or exploitative nature of alliance – the author proposes a framework that recognizes four types of learning outcomes.

Findings

– The distinction of four types of alliance enables the author to identify their distinctive characteristics and learning outcomes.

Originality/value

– The paper increases the awareness of managers about the learning outcomes of strategic alliances, which helps managers to consider intended learning outcomes not only in planning, managing and evaluating any individual alliance but also in managing the alliance portfolio.
Systems school leadership: exploring an emerging construct
Authors: Shaked Haim , Schechter Chen
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how effective school principals use systems thinking, aiming to present the systems school leadership (SSL) approach – an approach where principals lead schools through the systems thinking concept and procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

– Participants were 28 Israeli school principals, selected as outstanding leaders by recommendations from their superintendents and according to their schools’ achievements. The study employed semi-structured interviews as well as focus groups. Generating themes was an inductive process, grounded in the various perspectives articulated by participants.

Findings

– Data analysis generated four main characteristics of SSL: leading wholes; adopting a multidimensional view; influencing indirectly; and evaluating significance.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research that will explore to what extent and how often principals use systems thinking is required. In addition, replication in various educational contexts is important in order to substantiate the validity of the SSL's characteristics. Beyond principals’ perceptions, more objective measures like direct observations are needed to evaluate actual implementation of SSL in diverse school settings.

Practical implications

– Identifying the SSL characteristics facilitates the development of practical processes for nurturing SSL in various stages of school leaders’ educational career.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a useful conceptual and empirical framework to evaluate SSL as a managerial approach.
Understanding how the contextual variables influence political behaviour in strategic decision-making
Authors: Elbanna Said , C. Thanos Ioannis , M. Papadakis Vassilis
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to enhance the knowledge of the antecedents of political behaviour. Whereas political behaviour in strategic decision-making (SDM) has received sustained interest in the literature, empirical examination of its antecedents has been meagre.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conducted a constructive replication to examine the impact of three layers of context, namely, decision, firm and environment, on political behaviour. In Study 1, Greece, we gathered data on 143 strategic decisions, while in Study 2, Egypt, we collected data on 169 strategic decisions.

Findings

– The evidence suggests that both decision-specific and firm factors act as antecedents to political behaviour, while environmental factors do not.

Practical implications

– The findings support enhanced practitioner education regarding political behaviour and provide practitioners with a place from which to start by identifying the factors which might influence the occurrence of political behaviour in SDM.

Originality/value

– The paper fills important gaps in the existing research on the influence of context on political behaviour and delineates interesting areas for further research.
Assessing performance measurement in RBV research
Authors: L. Newbert Scott
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate why greater attention to performance measurement is so essential to assessing the meaningfulness and usefulness of the knowledge gained from empirical tests of the resource-based view (RBV).

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews the RBV empirical literature and relies on illustrative examples from various industries in order to assess the degree to which the empirical operationalization of the dependent variable in RBV research adheres to its theoretical specification.

Findings

– This analysis shows that although RBV theorists routinely conceptualize the dependent variable in terms of a firm's performance in direct comparison to the performance of its competitors, or relative performance, the overwhelming majority of empirical studies conducted in the field operationalize the dependent variable in terms of a firm's performance in isolation, or absolute performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Because significant findings are only meaningful if they are grounded in valid data, the findings suggest that support for the RBV and subsequent practical advice about resource-based strategy appears tenuous. Therefore, this paper highlights several possible reasons for the tendency to equate absolute and relative performance, discusses the implications of this disconnect on the RBV's usefulness and scientific rigor, and suggests how both theorists and empiricists might advance theory and method to produce more meaningful knowledge about the RBV.

Originality/value

– By providing a critical view of the RBV, this paper offers new insights into what the authors know, what the authors do not know, and how the authors can improve what is known about this important and well-accepted theory.
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction‐based method for selectively detecting vegetative cells of toxigenic Clostridium difficile
Authors: Senoh Mitsutoshi , Kato Haru , Murase Tomoko , Hagiya Hideharu , Tagashira Yasuaki , Fukuda Tadashi , Iwaki Masaaki , Yamamoto Akihiko , Shibayama Keigo
Published: August 2014

The laboratory diagnostic methods for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) include toxigenic culture, enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) to detect the toxins of C. difficile, and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) to detect C. difficile toxin genes, but each of these methods has disadvantages; toxigenic cultures require a long time to produce results, EIAs have low sensitivity, and NAATs that target DNA cannot distinguish vegetative cells from spores and dead cells. Here we report a new detection method that uses reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to target the toxin‐gene transcripts. This method was able to specifically detect the vegetative cells of toxigenic C. difficile in fecal samples in spike tests, with a minimum detection limit of 5 × 102 colony‐forming units per 100 mg of stool specimen. The performance of this method was also demonstrated in a pilot scale evaluation using clinical fecal specimens, which showed that this method may be more sensitive than EIA and requires a shorter time than toxigenic culture. This method could potentially be applied in the clinical laboratory to detect C. difficile in fecal specimens. The ability of this method to discriminate the presence of vegetative cells from spores and dead cells could help to further the understanding of CDI.