bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of strange dwarfs: a comparison with observations
Authors: Vartanyan Yu L , Hajyan G S , Grigoryan A K , Sarkisyan T R
Published: March 2014

We study the stability of strange dwarfs, superdense stars with a small self-confining core (Mcore< 0.02M⊙) containing strange quark matter and an extended crust consisting of atomic nuclei and degenerate electron gas. The mass and the radius of these stars are of the same order of magnitude as those of ordinary white dwarfs. It is shown that any study of their stability must examine the dependence of the mass on two variables, which can, for convenience, be taken to be the rest mass (total baryon number) of the quark core and the energy densityρtrof the crust at the surface of the quark core. The range of variation of these quantities over which strange dwarfs are stable is determined. This region is referred to as the stability valley for strange dwarfs. The mass and radius obtained from theoretical models of strange dwarfs are compared with observational data obtained through the HIPPARCOS program and the most probable candidate strange dwarfs are identified.
Quasi-morphisms on the group of area-preserving diffeomorphisms of the 2-disk via braid groups
Authors: Ishida Tomohiko
Published: March 2014

Recently Gambaudo and Ghys proved that there exist infinitely many quasi-morphisms on the group

Diff

Ω
∞

(

D
2

,
∂

D
2

)

\textrm {Diff}_\Omega ^\infty (D^2, \partial D^2)

of area-preserving diffeomorphisms of the

2
2

-disk

D
2

D^2

. For the proof, they constructed a homomorphism from the space of quasi-morphisms on the braid group to the space of quasi-morphisms on

Diff

Ω
∞

(

D
2

,
∂

D
2

)

\textrm {Diff}_\Omega ^\infty (D^2, \partial D^2)

. In this paper, we study this homomorphism and prove its injectivity.
Spatial and temporal covariability in early ocean survival of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) along the west coast of North America
Authors: Kilduff D. Patrick , Botsford Louis W. , Teo Steven L. H.
Published: March 2014

Knowledge of the spatial and temporal extent of covariation in survival during the critical ocean entry stage will improve our understanding of how changing ocean conditions influence salmon productivity and management. We used data from the Pacific coastwide coded-wire tagging program to investigate local and regional patterns of ocean survival of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from the Central Valley of California to southeastern Alaska from 1980–2006. Ocean survival of fish migrating as subyearlings covaried strongly from Vancouver Island to California. Short-term correlations between adjacent regions indicated this covariability increased, beginning in the early 1990s. Chinook salmon survivals exhibited a larger spatial scale of variability (50% correlation scale: 706 km) than those reported for other northeast Pacific Ocean salmon. This scale is similar to that of environmental variables related to ecosystem productivity, such as summer upwelling (50% correlation scale: 746 km) and sea surface temperature (50% correlation scale: 500–600 km). Chinook salmon ocean survival rates from southeastern Alaska and south of Vancouver Island were not inversely correlated, in contrast to earlier observations based on catch data, but note that our data differ in temporal and spatial coverage from those studies. The increased covariability in Chinook salmon ocean survival suggests that the marine phase contributes little to the reduction in risk across populations attributable to the portfolio effect. In addition, survival of fish migrating as yearlings from the Columbia River covaried with Chinook salmon survival from the northernmost regions, consistent with our understanding of their migration patterns.
Fine-scale diel and gender-based patterns in behaviour of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) on a spawning ground in the Western Gulf of Maine
Authors: Dean Micah J. , Hoffman William S. , Zemeckis Douglas R. , Armstrong Michael P.
Published: March 2014

Understanding the influence of spawning behaviour on the fine-scale distribution of Atlantic cod is essential to the design of effective conservation measures. Laboratory studies suggest that spawning activity occurs primarily at night, yet no field studies have evaluated the influence of diel period on the behaviour of individual wild spawning cod. Using an acoustic telemetry positioning system, the fine-scale movements of spawning cod were observed in situ as they returned to the same spawning location over consecutive seasons. The resulting data identify clear gender-based diel patterns in space use and aggregation behaviour among cod on a spawning ground. During the day, females remained aggregated in one small location that varied little within and between years. Males also aggregated during the day, but occupied a much larger adjacent area. At night, individual males sought out separate small territories while females generally remained near their daytime aggregation site, making periodic excursions into the surrounding area. These patterns were surprisingly stable over the 2 years of observation, indicating little interannual variability in spawning behaviour. This study provides an unprecedented examination of the natural spawning behaviour of Atlantic cod, and makes connections between earlier laboratory studies and field observations.
Accuracy of Transthoracic Lung Ultrasound for Diagnosing Anesthesia-induced Atelectasis in Children
Authors: Acosta Cecilia M. , Maidana Gustavo A. , Jacovitti Daniel , Belaunzarán Agustín , Cereceda Silvana , Rae Elizabeth , Molina Ananda , Gonorazky Sergio , Bohm Stephan H. , Tusman Gerardo
Published: March 2014

Background:

The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of lung sonography (LUS) to diagnose anesthesia-induced atelectasis in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods:

Fifteen children with American Society of Anesthesiology’s physical status classification I and aged 1 to 7 yr old were studied. Sevoflurane anesthesia was performed with the patients breathing spontaneously during the study period. After taking the reference lung MRI images, LUS was carried out using a linear probe of 6 to 12 MHz. Atelectasis was documented in MRI and LUS segmenting the chest into 12 similar anatomical regions. Images were analyzed by four blinded radiologists, two for LUS and two for MRI. The level of agreement for the diagnosis of atelectasis among observers was tested using the κ reliability index.

Results:

Fourteen patients developed atelectasis mainly in the most dependent parts of the lungs. LUS showed 88% of sensitivity (95% CI, 74 to 96%), 89% of specificity (95% CI, 83 to 94%), and 88% of accuracy (95% CI, 83 to 92%) for the diagnosis of atelectasis taking MRI as reference. The agreement between the two radiologists for diagnosing atelectasis by MRI was very good (κ, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1; P < 0.0001) as was the agreement between the two radiologists for detecting atelectasis by LUS (κ, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1; P < 0.0001). MRI and LUS also showed good agreement when data from the four radiologists were pooled and examined together (κ, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.81; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

LUS is an accurate, safe, and simple bedside method for diagnosing anesthesia-induced atelectasis in children.
Simulator-based Transesophageal Echocardiographic Training with Motion Analysis
Authors: Matyal Robina , Mitchell John D. , Hess Philip E. , Chaudary Bilal , Bose Ruma , Jainandunsing Jayant S. , Wong Vanessa , Mahmood Feroze
Published: March 2014

Background:

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a complex endeavor involving both motor and cognitive skills. Current training requires extended time in the clinical setting. Application of an integrated approach for TEE training including simulation could facilitate acquisition of skills and knowledge.

Methods:

Echo-naive nonattending anesthesia physicians were offered Web-based echo didactics and biweekly hands-on sessions with a TEE simulator for 4 weeks. Manual skills were assessed weekly with kinematic analysis of TEE probe motion and compared with that of experts. Simulator-acquired skills were assessed clinically with the performance of intraoperative TEE examinations after training. Data were presented as median (interquartile range).

Results:

The manual skills of 18 trainees were evaluated with kinematic analysis. Peak movements and path length were found to be independent predictors of proficiency (P < 0.01) by multiple regression analysis. Week 1 trainees had longer path length (637 mm [312 to 1,210]) than that of experts (349 mm [179 to 516]); P < 0.01. Week 1 trainees also had more peak movements (17 [9 to 29]) than that of experts (8 [2 to 12]); P < 0.01. Skills acquired from simulator training were assessed clinically with eight additional trainees during intraoperative TEE examinations. Compared with the experts, novice trainees required more time (199 s [193 to 208] vs. 87 s [83 to 16]; P = 0.002) and performed more transitions throughout the examination (43 [36 to 53] vs. 21 [20 to 23]; P = 0.004).

Conclusions:

A simulation-based TEE curriculum can teach knowledge and technical skills to echo-naive learners. Kinematic measures can objectively evaluate the progression of manual TEE skills.
Potential Role of IGF‐1 z Score to Predict Permanent Linear Growth Impairment in Children With IBD
Authors: Lee Jessica J. , Mitchell Paul D. , Hood Helen C. , Grand Richard J. , Cohen Laurie E.
Published: March 2014

In this pilot study, we analyzed serum insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1)‐ and IGF‐binding protein‐3‐for‐age z scores from 54 inflammatory bowel disease children with no, temporary, or permanent growth impairment. Although our findings did not reach statistical significance, patients with permanent linear growth impairment had lower IGF‐1‐for‐age z scores (−1.76 [−2.25 to −0.43]) compared with those with no or temporary growth impairment (−0.84 [−1.49 to −0.3]) and −1.16 [−1.59 to −1.51], respectively). IGF‐binding protein‐3 levels were similar across the 3 groups. In the absence of significant inflammation and malnutrition, lower IGF‐1‐for‐age z scores may help distinguish patients likely to have permanent growth impairment from those whose growth impairment is likely to be temporary.
Molecular opacities for exoplanets
Authors: Bernath Peter F.
Published: March 2014

Spectroscopic observations of exoplanets are now possible by transit methods and direct emission. Spectroscopic requirements for exoplanets are reviewed based on existing measurements and model predictions for hot Jupiters and super-Earths. Molecular opacities needed to simulate astronomical observations can be obtained from laboratory measurements,
ab initio
calculations or a combination of the two approaches. This discussion article focuses mainly on laboratory measurements of hot molecules as needed for exoplanet spectroscopy.
Thermal escape from extrasolar giant planets
Authors: Koskinen Tommi T. , Lavvas Panayotis , Harris Matthew J. , Yelle Roger V.
Published: March 2014

The detection of hot atomic hydrogen and heavy atoms and ions at high altitudes around close-in extrasolar giant planets (EGPs) such as HD209458b implies that these planets have hot and rapidly escaping atmospheres that extend to several planetary radii. These characteristics, however, cannot be generalized to all close-in EGPs. The thermal escape mechanism and mass loss rate from EGPs depend on a complex interplay between photochemistry and radiative transfer driven by the stellar UV radiation. In this study, we explore how these processes change under different levels of irradiation on giant planets with different characteristics. We confirm that there are two distinct regimes of thermal escape from EGPs, and that the transition between these regimes is relatively sharp. Our results have implications for thermal mass loss rates from different EGPs that we discuss in the context of currently known planets and the detectability of their upper atmospheres.
AMPLE: a cluster-and-truncate approach to solve the crystal structures of small proteins using rapidly computedab initiomodels. Corrigendum
Authors: Bibby Jaclyn , Keegan Ronan M. , Mayans Olga , Winn Martyn D. , Rigden Daniel J.
Published: March 2014

The article by Bibbyet al.[(2012),Acta Cryst.D68, 1622–1631] is corrected.
1-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzimidazole
Authors: Çelik Ömer , Anĝay Fırat , Gündoĝan Mustafa , Ulusoy Mahmut
Published: March 2014

In the title compound, C19H14FN3, the dihedral angles between the benzimidazole unit (r.m.s. deviation= 0.017 Å) and the pyridine and benzene rings are 24.46 (4) and 81.87 (3)°, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are stacked along thea-axis direction by C—H...π interactions.
Na1.67Mn2.17(MoO4)3
Authors: Bouzidi Chahira , Zid Mohamed Faouzi , Driss Ahmed , Frigui Wafa
Published: March 2014

The title compound, disodium dimanganese(II) tris[orthomolybdate(VI)], was prepared by solid-state reactions. The structure can be described as being composed of Mn2Mo2O14double-chains that are interconnected by corner-sharing with MoO4tetrahedra, leading to a three-dimensional framework with channels propagating in [100] and [001] in which the Na+counter-cations are located. One of these Na sites is located on an inversion centre, one is partially occupied [occupancy 0.341 (9)], and one is statistically occupied by Na and Mn in a ratio of 0.829 (5):0.171 (5). Na1.67Mn2.17(MoO4)3is isotypic with structures of the Ag2M2(MoO4)3(M= Zn, Mg, Co, Mn) family. A comparative structural description is provided between the structure of the title compound and those of related phases containing (MXO8)nchains (M= Mo, Mn andX= As) orM2O10(M= Mo, Mn, Nb, V) dimers.
Counter-anion role in the formation of two supramolecular complexes: [Ag2(DPP)2](ClO4)2·CH3CN and [Ag2(DPP)2(NO3)2] {DPP isN-[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]pyridin-4-amine}
Authors: Liang Guang-Ming , Shang Jing , Yang Kun-Guo , Ma Kai , Ni Qing-Ling
Published: March 2014

The title compounds, bis{μ-N-[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]pyridin-4-amine-κ2N1:P}disilver bis(perchlorate) acetonitrile monosolvate, [Ag2(C18H17N2P)2](ClO4)2·CH3CN, (1), and bis{μ-N-[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]pyridin-4-amine-κ2N1:P}bis[(nitrato-κ2O,O)silver], [Ag2(C18H17N2P)2(NO3)2], (2), each contain disilver macrocyclic [Ag2(C18H17N2P)2]2+cations lying about inversion centres. The cations are constructed by twoN-[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]pyridin-4-amine (DPP) ligands linking two Ag+cations in a head-to-tail fashion. In (1), the unique Ag+cation has a near-linear coordination geometry consisting of one pyridine N atom and one P atom from two different DPP ligands. Two ClO4−anions doubly bridge two metallomacrocycles through Ag...O and N—H...O weak interactions to form a chain extending in thecdirection. The half-occupancy acetonitrile molecule lies with its methyl C atom on a twofold axis and makes a weak N...Ag contact. In (2), there are two independent [Ag(C18H17N2P)]+cations. The nitrate anions weakly chelate to each Ag+cation, leading to each Ag+cation having a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry consisting of one pyridine N atom and one P atom from two different DPP ligands, and two chelating nitrate O atoms. Each dinuclear [Ag2(C18H17N2P)2(NO3)2] molecule acts as a four-node to bridge four adjacent equivalent molecules through N—H...O interactions, forming a two-dimensional sheet parallel to thebcplane. Each sheet contains dinuclear molecules involving just Ag1 or Ag2 and these two types of sheet are stacked in an alternating fashion. The sheets containing Ag1 all lie nearx= {1 \over 2}, {3 \over 2}, {5 \over 2}etc, while those containing Ag2 all lie nearx= 0, 1, 2etc. Thus, the two independent sheets are arranged in an alternating sequence atx= 0, {1 \over 2}, 1, {3 \over 2}etc. These two different supramolecular structures result from the different geometric conformations of the templating anions which direct the self-assembly of the cations and anions.
Four related benzazepine derivatives in a reaction pathway leading to a benzazepine carboxylic acid: hydrogen-bonded assembly in zero, one, two and three dimensions
Authors: Guerrero Sergio A. , Sanabría Carlos M. , Palma Alirio , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: March 2014

(2R*,4S*)-Methyl 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,4-epoxy-1H-benz[b]azepine-2-carboxylate, C12H13NO3, (I), and its reduction product (2R*,4S*)-methyl 4-hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benz[b]azepine-2-carboxylate, C12H15NO3, (II), both crystallize as single enantiomers in the space groupP212121, while the hydrolysis product (2RS,4SR)-4-hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benz[b]azepine-2-carboxylic acid, C11H13NO3, (III), and the lactone (2RS,5SR)-8-(trifluoromethoxy)-5,6-dihydro-1H-2,5-methanobenz[e][1,4]oxazocin-3(2H)-one, C12H10F3NO3, (IV), both crystallize as racemic mixtures in the space groupP21/c. The molecules of compound (IV) are linked into centrosymmetricR22(10) dimers by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, and those of compound (I) are linked into chains by C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds. A combination of O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds links the molecules of compound (III) into sheets containing equal numbers ofR44(14) andR44(26) rings, and a combination of C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds and three-centre O—H...(N,O) hydrogen bonds links the molecules of compound (II) into a three-dimensional framework structure. Comparisons are made with some related compounds.
Plausibility and probability in scenario planning
Authors: Ramírez Rafael , Selin Cynthia
Published: March 2014

Purpose

–The purpose of this paper is to explore extant distinctions between plausibility and probability in scenario planning and re-frame the either/or stance in the literature within a broader set of methodological choice possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

–The paper surveys the history of both terms in both the English language and more narrowly within scenario planning, critically assessing the confusions that have arisen. The paper questions the distinctions that have been made and offers a richer set of combinations to open up the methodological space available.

Findings

–The paper suggests that the either/or stances that have been dominant in the literature – and even shaped distinctions between different schools of scenario planning – must be surpassed by a richer set of combinations that open up new methodological approaches and possibilities.

Research limitations/implications

–This is a conceptual and exploratory paper. Therefore the findings are propositions and tentative.

Practical implications

–The paper opens up new ways of producing scenarios and may dissolve some of the infertile distinctions that have plagued the field to now.

Originality/value

–The paper dilutes distinctions that have been accepted for decades and opens up new possibilities in the scenarios field, which is growing and is now producing some 2,200 peer-reviewed articles/year in English alone as per the EBSCO database.
Computer-aided engineering analysis of tooth-bending fatigue-based failure in horizontal-axis wind-turbine gearboxes
Authors: Grujicic M. , Ramaswami S. , Snipes J.S. , Galgalikar R. , Chenna V. , Yavari R.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Wind energy is one of the most promising and the fastest growing alternative-energy production technologies, which have been developed in response to stricter environmental regulations, the depletion of fossil-fuel reserves, and the world's ever-growing energy needs. This form of alternative energy is projected to provide 20 percent of the US energy needs by 2030. For economic reasons, wind turbines (articulated structures that convert wind energy into electrical energy) are expected to operate, with only regular maintenance, for at least 20 years. However, some key wind turbine components (especially the gearbox) tend to wear down, malfunction and fail in a significantly shorter time, often three to five years after installation, causing an increase in the wind-energy cost and in the cost of ownership of the wind turbine. Clearly, to overcome this problem, a significant increase in long-term gearbox reliability needs to be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

– While purely empirical efforts aimed at identifying shortcomings in the current design of the gearboxes are of critical importance, the present work demonstrates that the use of advanced computational engineering analyses, like the finite-element stress analysis and a post-processing fatigue-life assessment analysis, can also be highly beneficial.

Findings

– The results obtained in the present work clearly revealed how a variety of normal operating and extreme wind-loading conditions can influence the service-life of a wind-turbine gearbox in the case when the service-life is controlled by the gear-tooth bending-fatigue.

Originality/value

– The present work attempts to make a contribution to the resolution of an important problem related to premature-failure and inferior reliability of wind-turbine gearboxes.
Seasonal differences of aggressive behavior in Chilean adolescents
Authors: Antonio Muñoz-Reyes José , Flores-Prado Luis , Beltrami Marcial
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Adolescent aggressive behavior has generated concern about/increasing rates of youth violence in schools. It is important to perform new research using different methods and approximations to obtain a better understanding of this multifactorial phenomenon. A poorly studied area consists of the presence of seasonal differences in adolescent aggressive behavior. Accordingly, several studies (with contradictory results) have found that adult aggressive behavior varies according to seasonality. The purpose of this paper is to use observational descriptive methods to analyze, during different seasons, adolescent aggressive behavior among students in schools of Santiago de Chile.

Design/methodology/approach

– In all, 32 aggressive interactions between dyads of male adolescents (14-18 years) were recorded using observational methods (i.e. ethological methodology) in a complete academic class in two schools from Santiago de Chile. Subsequently, the paper constructed intensity aggressive indexes based on behavioral data.

Findings

– The first contact, initiating aggressive interaction, and the aggression frequency were higher during warm season (i.e. spring) rather than cold season (autumn-winter). The aggression intensity of the complete interaction was higher during cold season. In addition, temperature was negatively associated to aggression intensity.

Originality/value

– These results, apparently contradictory, can serve to support classic models used to explain seasonal differences in aggressiveness, where the intensity of the first aggression could be the mediator of aggressiveness intensity in the interaction. Finally, the paper proposes that seasonal differences must be taken into account as an impact factor over the frequency of adolescent male aggression in schools.
Island in the street: analyzing the function of gang violence from a culture and conflict perspective
Authors: Shap Kacey
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the components of a gang culture in conflict with society, and second, to explore how gangs, the community, and law enforcers externalize the gang problem from the vantage point of worldview and worldmaking.

Design/methodology/approach

– The researcher gathered news articles from the Nexus-Lexis research database system within a one-year period (from February 2012 to February 2013). The data was randomly selected and representative of newspapers published throughout the USA. The news articles were coded based upon the aspects of culture (lens of perception, motives for human behaviors, criteria for evaluation, basis of identification, means for communication, justification for social stratification, and mode for production and consumption). A thematic analysis was also conducted to determine: the aspects of gang culture in conflicts with society; and how the gangs, the community, and the law enforcements externalize the gang conflict.

Findings

– Results suggest that gang violence is largely due to issues of identity, values, and gang cohesiveness rather than the result of the pathologically based environmental conditions. Criteria for evaluation and issue of identity constituted 66 percent of the violent conflict with society. In the context of worldviews and worldmaking, gang members and law enforcement personnel are more likely to adopt a rigid, win-lose framework while members of the community are more likely to prescribe to a flexible and holistic perspective toward the gang problem. In sum, gang violence is not necessarily a deviant or antisocial act; rather, it is a result of the conflicting narratives between the gang cultures and the culture-at-large.

Research limitations/implications

– In dissecting gang behavior from a cultural perspective, it is easy to categorize gangs as a collective subculture. However, gang members may not view themselves as a subculture nor consider themselves as belonging to a subculture community.

Practical implications

– By examining the function of culture – in this case, the gang culture – as it conflicts with society at large, one may better able to develop an action plan that emphasize identities, cultures, and values rather than crime and punishment. Also, it may help shed light on how the various stakeholders (i.e. the gangs, law enforcements, and the community) perceive the conflict, which may assist researcher to develop a comprehensive and holistic approach toward intervention. Finally, implementing a culturally based gang violence intervention may reduce cost.

Originality/value

– This research is unique in that it analyzes the function of gang violence in relation to the society-at-large. Also, the research addresses the issue as to how the various stakeholders interpret the “gang problem.” Finally, this research is innovative in that it employs news articles as units of analysis rather than the traditional qualitative interviews or quantitative surveys.
The mental footprint of marketing in the boardroom
Authors: Strandvik Tore , Holmlund Maria , Grönroos Christian
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Marketing researchers continue to debate the significance of the managerial relevance of marketing, especially in the boardrooms. Despite a growing number of published papers on the topic, it is surprising that there are virtually none on mental models. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents mental models as a perspective to discuss marketing's position in companies, and reflects on the marketing mental models of boardroom members and top management.

Findings

– The paper addresses marketing's relevant issues and offers new insights into the role of marketing in companies by highlighting mental models, which drive the boardrooms’ and managers’ attentions, decisions, actions, and evaluations. The paper demonstrates the importance of mental models by introducing and discussing the notion of the mental footprint of marketing, or the impact marketing has on mental models.

Research limitations/implications

– The rapidly changing business environment, in addition to current marketing research trends, strengthens the need to understand the scope of issues included under the notion of marketing, as well as the overall significance of marketing within the company. The paper advocates that understanding and investigating mental models is useful in these endeavors.

Practical implications

– The paper presents a set of different implications from recognized mental models in companies.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to discussions on the relevance of marketing in modern companies by introducing a new perspective, involving the mental footprint of marketing, which challenges functional points of view. If the mental model of marketing takes a broader approach, considering marketing to be ubiquitous, then marketing can be seen as being present in the boardroom.
Getting in with the “In” crowd: how to put marketing back on the CEO's agenda
Authors: Klaus Philipp , Edvardsson Bo , L. Keiningham Timothy , Gruber Thorsten
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Despite efforts by researchers and managers to better link marketing activities with business financial outcomes, there is general agreement that by and large chief marketing officers (CMOs) (and marketing in general) have lost strategic decision-making influence within organizations. The purpose of this paper is to understand the causes of this decline and offer recommended solutions to counteract this trend.

Design/methodology/approach

– In-depth interviews lasting between 40 and 55 minutes were conducted with 25 chief executive officers (CEOs) of service companies located in Western Europe, North America, and Australia. In total, 13 difference countries were represented. Using Emerging Consensus Technique, we identified four main themes, which cause the goals of CEOs and those of CMOs/marketing to diverge.

Findings

– The primary cause of the decline of strategic influence of CMOs and marketing overall with CEOs is a function of four key issues: first, the role of the CMO (e.g. task overload, focus on tactical issues, “outdated” skill set); second, lack of financial accountability (e.g. the inability to connect marketing efforts to financial returns); third, digital and social media (e.g. a perceived obsession with new technology); and forth, lack of strategic vision and impact (e.g. lost sight of “core” job, use of irrelevant metrics).

Practical implications

– The findings indicate that CMOs must address the four key issues uncovered for marketing to attain/regain a role in strategic decision making. A proposed roadmap for putting marketing back on the CEOs agenda is presented to guide CMOs.

Originality/value

– This research provides marketers with a CEO eye view of their role within organizations.
CSR-based model for HRM in tourism and hospitality
Authors: Rok Marija , Mulej Matjaž
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish a new model of managing human resources in the service industry. The authors aim to raise awareness of the failing effects of human resource management (HRM) so far and indicate possible solutions to long-lasting labour issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors aim to outgrow the current personnel management concepts by approaching the employment management problem requisitely holistically. By combining the concepts of systems thinking, requisite well-being and social responsibility, the authors aim to introduce a new model for managing human resources. An analysis of the relevant HRM models and a perusal of identified issues concerning labour enabled the development of the new HRM model.

Findings

– Under-investment in human capital in service industries has resulted in high staff turnover and negative attitudes towards service occupations. Recognition of the need for an improved approach to human resources management brings about substantial changes in the strategic management both on the industry- and the organizational levels.

Research limitations/implications

– Research is theoretical with indirect empirical impact. The proposed model will meet the requirements of systems thinking principles as well as socially responsible corporate behaviour.

Practical implications

– Improved understanding that human talent and their well-being should be in the centre of business strategies.

Originality/value

– The value of the paper is in the raised awareness of the need for more innovative and flexible labour market policies. The proposed model is in accordance with the formal corporate pledge to act socially responsible and can be applied in tourism and hospitality organizations.
A new method for evaluating tour online review based on grey 2-tuple linguistic
Authors: Mi Chuanmin , Shan Xiaofei , Qiang Yuan , Stephanie Yosa , Chen Ye
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Tour social network data that are heterogeneous contain not only the quantitative structured evaluation data, but also the qualitative non-structured data. This is a big data scenario. How to evaluate tour online review and then recommend to potential tourists quickly and accurately are important parts of social responsibility of tour companies. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method for evaluating tour online review based on grey 2-tuple linguistic.

Design/methodology/approach

– The phenomenon of “poor information” exists in some big data scenario. According to social responsibility, grey 2-tuple linguistic evaluation model for tour online review is proposed.

Findings

– Tour social networks contain data that are valuable to each individual on tourism industry's value chain. Grey 2-tuple linguistic evaluation model can be used for evaluating tour online reviews. This is a systems thinking method that takes social responsibility into account.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the complex links among reviewers in social network, network mining approaches and models are expected to be added to this research in the near future.

Practical implications

– Grey 2-tuple linguistic evaluation method can contribute to the future research on evaluating a variety of tour social network comment data in the real world.

Originality/value

– A new evaluation method for making evaluation and recommendations based on tour social network comment information is proposed.
Early-warning management of regional tourism emergency: a holistic approach
Authors: Kefan Xie , Jia Liu
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– There have been plenty of emergencies occurred in tourism all over the world in recent years. These events and disasters have brought the tourists and relevant organizations enormous loss of life and property. The main reasons are the lack of holistic coordination among different departments and response for social responsibility. In the process of prevention and response of tourism emergency, the local governments need to take synergic action. Meanwhile, the positive participation in the tourism emergency rescue is one of the ways to share social responsibility. This paper aims to examine the early-warning management of regional tourism emergencies, in order to minimize the loss on both tourists' life and money, from the perspective of systematic thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper establishes a regional tourism emergency response model based on holistic assessment approach and Bayesian network technology. It analyzes most critical factors of regional tourism emergency and the mutual influence among them. Thereafter, it employs the Bayesian network technology to assess the influence of several factors on the final magnitude of casualties holistically. Based on this, the paper proposes the response principle and the response process to regional tourism emergency.

Findings

– This paper constructs the “FRES” principle about the holistic response to regional tourism emergency, including “fulfillment of social responsibility”, “rapid action”, “experience accumulation” and “synergic response”. Based on this principle, the paper suggests a general process on the holistic response to regional tourism emergency. Finally, the paper takes the mudslides emergency in Taiwan on October 23, 2010 as an example to conduct an empirical analysis. The paper gives an optimal holistic solution to the responding process of this event in the light of the “FRES” principle.

Originality/value

– This paper explains the social responsibility related to the regional tourism emergencies and employs the Bayesian network technology to analyze the systematical responding process to tourism emergency. It proposes originally a “FRES” principle and a general process on the response to regional tourism emergency which are proven to be effective in systematical response to regional tourism events. The research results can facilitate the various local governments to jointly fulfill their social responsibilities and optimize the management of regional tourism emergencies in a holistic way.
Holism and social responsibility for tourism enterprise governance
Authors: Štrukelj Tjaša , Šuligoj Metod
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper strives for stressing the need for tourism enterprises' (TEs') policy/governance innovation towards more social responsibility for stimulating their competitiveness. The purpose is to develop suggested content-related guidelines for developing social responsible TE policy and to show the practical implementation guidance for implementation of the theoretical research. According to the authors' knowledge, this has not yet been researched in the field of tourism industry (TIN).

Design/methodology/approach

– The MER model of integral management has been upgraded by Mulej's Dialectical Systems Theory. The authors considered all relevant and only the essential aspects needed for a requisitely holistic approach towards developing the guidelines for innovating the TEs' policy/governance.

Findings

– Innovation of TEs' policy/governance is possible only with the requisitely holistic and dialectical approach. TEs that will be able to track the suggested guidelines of tourism policy/governance innovation towards holism, systemic thinking, social responsibility, and sustainable tourism are more likely to succeed. Therefore, the stimulating of competitiveness and innovation of the TIN can be achieved through enterprises' policy/governance innovation that the authors suggested.

Practical implications

– The TEs can establish socially (and otherwise) responsible enterprise policy/governance in accordance with the recommendations developed here.

Originality/value

– The given suggestions are not known in available literature. The paper exposes the need for holism and consistency of TEs' development potential and interdependently examines the overlaying areas of TEs' policy/governance, social responsibility, and holism/wholeness. The Dialectical Systems Theory systemic approach exposes the need to innovate enterprise policy/governance, if humankind is to survive.
Institutional context and hotel social responsibility
Authors: Dolores Sánchez-Fernández María , Vargas-Sánchez Alfonso , Remoaldo Paula
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The authors want to study the connection between institutional theory and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the set of hotels with three, four and five star situated in Galicia (Spain) and in the Northern region of Portugal. The authors aim to see whether there is a contrast of isomorphic behaviour in the institutional context of both regions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative study in which the authors apply the partial least square (PLS) technique, a methodology based on structural equations models using the software Visual-PLS. The authors intend to study the relationships between the pressures of institutional context and CSR practices, together with the relationship between legitimacy and these practices. The focus of the proposed model is based on the system theory.

Findings

– The main findings of this research clearly show that hotels are incorporated into an institutional context marked by enforced and regulatory pressures.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed research model can be replicated using other units of study, sectors, geographic areas, among others, due to the explanatory capacity of the theoretical framework used.

Originality/value

– The originality of this work derives from the main contributions based on the theoretical framework (institutional theory and CSR), the object of study and geographical area (three, four and five star hotels located in Galicia and in the North of Portugal), the context (economic crisis), the field of study (private sphere) and the type of organizations (profit making).
The relationship between the determinants of rental housing satisfaction and considering moving in Finland
Authors: M. Gibler Karen , Tyvimaa Tanja , Kananen Juha
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relation between dissatisfaction with housing conditions and considering moving among residents of Finnish rental multifamily buildings. The paper examines physical attributes, socioeconomic factors, and subjective opinions related to housing conditions and satisfaction with housing.

Design/methodology/approach

– Logistic regression analysis is used to examine survey data to analyse which factors contribute to dissatisfaction with the housing unit and the apartment building and whether dissatisfaction is related to consideration of moving.

Findings

– The findings indicate that dissatisfaction with the building and individual housing unit are associated with greater probability of considering moving. Satisfaction with kitchen, living room, storage, and building age are the most important indicators of satisfaction with the housing unit, and satisfaction with living room, bathroom, storage, and building age are associated with satisfaction with the apartment building. These are the areas in which landlords could invest in renovations to increase satisfaction in an attempt to reduce turnover.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is conducted with Finnish data only. The sample is not a representative sample of the Finnish population. A longitudinal study would be needed to determine whether dissatisfied residents indending to move actually change residence.

Originality/value

– This study is the first of its kind in the Finnish housing market. It tests a general model that has been suggested to be customized to local conditions. In addition, much of the research on this topic is more than 20 years old. Examination of the model under current housing and socioeconomic conditions is necessary to determine if relationships have changed over time.
Property prices index numbers and derived indices
Authors: Salvo Francesca , Ciuna Marina , De Ruggiero Manuela
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– A useful instrument to understand and examine the inner workings of the property trade is devising index numbers of property prices based on historical sequences of market prices. The present work aims at the definition of index numbers of property prices, proposing an innovative methodology compared with what usually recurs in literature. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis proposed, based on the mechanisms of formation of stock indices, investigates the analogies between stock and property information, according to the peculiarities of the property trade, leading to a methodology approach, derived from Simple Price Index Method, able to consider possible anomalies in the collected sample of purchase prices, using weighting coefficients based on reliability coefficients of sale prices of properties.

Findings

– The novel approach proposed has led to the definition of a original methodology useful to appraise property price index numbers and other derived indicators, effective for interpreting and identifying real estate market dynamics in a given area of study, regarded as a standard estimating methodology applicable to any geographical context and kind of property.

Practical implications

– Methodology proposed in this work is useful to revalue real estate sales price and to consider presence of anomalous sales price in property samples.

Originality/value

– The calculation of index numbers of prices is usually based on Simple Price Index Methods. Literature shows large use of different methods, such as Repeat Sales Method, Hedonic Price Method, Repeat Value Model. The present work propose an innovative methodology able to detect the presence of possible anomalous market prices in the representative sample, using an appropriate vector of weights in order to take into account the level of reliability of market data.
Solar farm development in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jones Peter , Hillier David , Comfort Daphne
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Solar energy is the most abundant of all renewable energy sources and the development pressures for solar farms have grown rapidly in the last five years within the UK. With this in mind the purpose of this paper is to offer a general review of solar farm development in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper begins with a description of the characteristics of solar farms, outlines the solar farm market in the UK and discusses the planning policies and issues associated with solar farm development.

Findings

– The paper reveals that solar farms have been developed on both agricultural land and brownfield sites and that the development pressures are greatest in the southwest and southeast of England. While national and local authority planning policies generally promote renewable energy schemes, proposals for the development of solar farms have raised a wide range of planning issues. These include impacts on land, landscape and visual amenity; ecology and nature conservation: cultural heritage and historic environment; construction traffic and highways; security; economic benefits; and potential economic and social impacts within the community.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an accessible review of the development of solar farms within the UK and as such it will be of value to developers, land and property professionals and students.
Why I think shadowing is the best field technique in management and organization studies
Authors: Czarniawska Barbara
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of shadowing as a field technique.

Design/methodology/approach

– This piece takes the form of a viewpoint.

Findings

– Barbara Czarniawska describes the methodological journey that led her to the adoption of shadowing approaches in her organizational research.

Originality/value

– This invited commentary is informed by extensive experience of using shadowing to gather data in organizational settings.
The shadow
Authors: F. Wolcott Harry
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain the origins of the term “shadow.”

Design/methodology/approach

– This piece takes the form of a viewpoint.

Findings

– Harry Wolcott reflects on how the term “shadow” was coined by colleagues of the school principal he was following.

Originality/value

– This piece is believed to be Harry Wolcott's final contribution to the field of shadowing before he sadly passed away on 31 October 2012.