bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activating the Microscale Edge Effect in a Hierarchical Surface for Frosting Suppression and Defrosting Promotion
Authors: Chen Xuemei , Ma Ruiyuan , Zhou Hongbo , Zhou Xiaofeng , Che Lufeng , Yao Shuhuai , Wang Zuankai 
Published: August 2013

AbstractDespite extensive progress, current icephobic materials are limited by the breakdown of their icephobicity in the condensation frosting environment. In particular, the frost formation over the entire surface is inevitable as a result of undesired inter-droplet freezing wave propagation initiated by the sample edges. Moreover, the frost formation directly results in an increased frost adhesion, posing severe challenges for the subsequent defrosting process. Here, we report a hierarchical surface which allows for interdroplet freezing wave propagation suppression and efficient frost removal. The enhanced performances are mainly owing to the activation of the microscale edge effect in the hierarchical surface, which increases the energy barrier for ice bridging as well as engendering the liquid lubrication during the defrosting process. We believe the concept of harnessing the surface morphology to achieve superior performances in two opposite phase transition processes might shed new light on the development of novel materials for various applications.
Towards real-time image deconvolution: application to confocal and STED microscopy
Authors: Zanella R. , Zanghirati G. , Cavicchioli R. , Zanni L. , Boccacci P. , Bertero M. , Vicidomini G. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAlthough deconvolution can improve the quality of any type of microscope, the high computational time required has so far limited its massive spreading. Here we demonstrate the ability of the scaled-gradient-projection (SGP) method to provide accelerated versions of the most used algorithms in microscopy. To achieve further increases in efficiency, we also consider implementations on graphic processing units (GPUs). We test the proposed algorithms both on synthetic and real data of confocal and STED microscopy. Combining the SGP method with the GPU implementation we achieve a speed-up factor from about a factor 25 to 690 (with respect the conventional algorithm). The excellent results obtained on STED microscopy images demonstrate the synergy between super-resolution techniques and image-deconvolution. Further, the real-time processing allows conserving one of the most important property of STED microscopy, i.e the ability to provide fast sub-diffraction resolution recordings.
Weekday and weekend patterns of physical activity and sedentary time among Liverpool and Madrid youth
Authors: Ramirez‐Rico Elena , Hilland Toni A. , Foweather Lawrence , Fernández‐Garcia Emilia , Fairclough Stuart J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLevels of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour among English and Spanish youth are high and vary within different regions of each country. Little though is known about these during specific periods of the day. The purpose of this study was to describe physical activity (PA) and sedentary time during segments of the day and week, and compare these critical contexts between youth in the Liverpool and Madrid areas of England and Spain, respectively. PA was objectively assessed in 235 Liverpool‐ and 241 Madrid youth (aged 10–14 years) who wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days. Minutes of sedentary time, moderate PA, vigorous PA and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were calculated for weekdays, weekend days, school time, non‐school time and after‐school. Between‐country differences were analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Madrid youth spent significantly more time in sedentary activities than their Liverpool counterparts. Madrid youth engaged in more minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (MPA) than Liverpool youth during weekdays, school time and non‐school time (P<0.01). Liverpool children recorded more time in vigorous physical activity (VPA) than Madrid peers during week days and weekend days (P<0.01) and during school time and after‐school periods (P <0.01). The MVPA was significantly higher among Madrid youth during non‐school time (P<0.01). Around 25% of all youth achieved recommended levels of MVPA. Low levels of MVPA and systematic differences in sedentary time, MPA and VPA exist between Liverpool and Madrid youth. Interventions targeted at the least‐active children during weekends, after‐school and non‐school periods within the cultural contexts common to each city are required.
Multiple solutions to the Bahri-Coron problem in some domains with nontrivial topology
Authors: Clapp Mónica , Faya Jorge 
Published: August 2013

We show that in every dimension

N
≥
3

N\geq 3

there are many bounded domains

Ω
⊂

R

N

,

\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^{N},

having only finite symmetries, in which the Bahri-Coron problem
\[

−
Δ
u
=

|
u
|

4

/

(
N
−
2
)

u
\ in
Ω
,
\ \
u
=
0
\ on
∂
Ω
,

-\Delta u=\left \vert u\right \vert ^{4/(N-2)}u\text { \ in }\Omega ,\text { \ \ }u=0\text { \ on }\partial \Omega ,

\]
has a prescribed number of solutions, one of them being positive and the rest sign-changing.
Navigating the Pathway to Robotic Competency in General Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Seder Christopher W. , Cassivi Stephen D. , Wigle Dennis A. 
Published: August 2013

Objective Although robotic technology has addressed many of the limitations of traditional videoscopic surgery, robotic surgery has not gained widespread acceptance in the general thoracic community. We report our initial robotic surgery experience and propose a structured, competency-based pathway for the development of robotic skills. Methods Between December 2008 and February 2012, a total of 79 robot-assisted pulmonary, mediastinal, benign esophageal, or diaphragmatic procedures were performed. Data on patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes were retrospectively collected and analyzed. During the study period, one surgeon and three residents participated in a triphasic, competency-based pathway designed to teach robotic skills. The pathway consisted of individual preclinical learning followed by mentored preclinical exercises and progressive clinical responsibility. Results The robot-assisted procedures performed included lung resection (n = 38), mediastinal mass resection (n = 19), hiatal or para-esophageal hernia repair (n = 12), and Heller myotomy (n = 7), among others (n = 3). There were no perioperative mortalities, with a 20% complication rate and a 3% readmission rate. Conversion to a thoracoscopic or open approach was required in eight pulmonary resections to facilitate dissection (six) or to control hemorrhage (two). Fewer major perioperative complications were observed in the later half of the experience. All residents who participated in the thoracic surgery robotic pathway perform robot-assisted procedures as part of their clinical practice. Conclusions Robot-assisted thoracic surgery can be safely learned when skill acquisition is guided by a structured, competency-based pathway.
Asymptotic behaviour of random walks with correlated temporal structure
Authors: Magdziarz Marcin , Szczotka Władysław , Żebrowski Piotr 
Published: August 2013

We introduce a continuous-time random walk process with correlated temporal structure. The dependence between consecutive waiting times is generated by weighted sums of independent random variables combined with a reflecting boundary condition. The weights are determined by the memory kernel, which belongs to the broad class of regularly varying functions. We derive the corresponding diffusion limit and prove its subdiffusive character. Analysing the set of corresponding coupled Langevin equations, we verify the speed of relaxation, Einstein relations, equilibrium distributions, ageing and ergodicity breaking.
The Tarenaya hassleriana Genome Provides Insight into Reproductive Trait and Genome Evolution of Crucifers
Authors: Cheng Shifeng , van den Bergh Erik , Zeng Peng , Zhong Xiao , Xu Jiajia , Liu Xin , Hofberger Johannes , de Bruijn Suzanne , Bhide Amey S. , Kuelahoglu Canan , Bian Chao , Chen Jing , Fan Guangyi , Kaufmann Kerstin , Hall Jocelyn C. , Becker Annette , Bräutigam Andrea , Weber Andreas P.M. , Shi Chengcheng , Zheng Zhijun , Li Wujiao , Lv Mingju , Tao Yimin , Wang Junyi , Zou Hongfeng , Quan Zhiwu , Hibberd Julian M. , Zhang Gengyun , Zhu Xin-Guang , Xu Xun , Schranz M. Eric 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The Brassicaceae, including Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica crops, is unmatched among plants in its wealth of genomic and functional molecular data and has long served as a model for understanding gene, genome, and trait evolution. However, genome information from a phylogenetic outgroup that is essential for inferring directionality of evolutionary change has been lacking. We therefore sequenced the genome of the spider flower (Tarenaya hassleriana) from the Brassicaceae sister family, the Cleomaceae. By comparative analysis of the two lineages, we show that genome evolution following ancient polyploidy and gene duplication events affect reproductively important traits. We found an ancient genome triplication in Tarenaya (Th-α) that is independent of the Brassicaceae-specific duplication (At-α) and nested Brassica (Br-α) triplication. To showcase the potential of sister lineage genome analysis, we investigated the state of floral developmental genes and show Brassica retains twice as many floral MADS (for MINICHROMOSOME MAINTENANCE1, AGAMOUS, DEFICIENS and SERUM RESPONSE FACTOR) genes as Tarenaya that likely contribute to morphological diversity in Brassica. We also performed synteny analysis of gene families that confer self-incompatibility in Brassicaceae and found that the critical SERINE RECEPTOR KINASE receptor gene is derived from a lineage-specific tandem duplication. The T. hassleriana genome will facilitate future research toward elucidating the evolutionary history of Brassicaceae genomes.
Economic perspective on outsourcing of property management services
Authors: Lam Terence Y.M. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the economic forces influencing the outsourcing process of property management services, and investigate how these forces should be applied in order to maximize the productive efficiency and performance quality, thus ensuring optimal use of resources.Design/methodology/approachMarket competition and transaction monitoring were identified to be the fundamental factors. Single‐case study method was used to quantitatively examine the impact of these economic forces on the outsourcing of property management services of the Hong Kong Housing Authority.FindingsThe property services market was contestable, and through competitive tendering the level of competition had a significant negative impact on production cost and a significant positive relationship with service quality. Fee level was also found to have no significant effect on service quality. Professional maintenance services were found to be complex and associated with significant transaction costs, especially where there was a high degree of contact with tenants.Research limitations/implicationsThe outsourcing strategy forms a conceptual baseline on which further research can build to test its significance in many other settings, thus resulting in a more robust economic theory for outsourcing of property management services.Practical implicationsCompetitive tendering should be adopted for outsourcing to minimize production cost and maximize service quality. The overall transaction costs should be minimized by focusing the limited resources on monitoring of the complex professional maintenance services, especially the services for major planned maintenance works where there are many occupiers involved.Originality/valueThe confirmatory tests indicate that the strategic objectives of cost and quality improvement from outsourcing, as expected by the stakeholders, can be achieved. Hence the research contributes to the property management practice by developing an economic strategy which optimizes the use of resources for the benefit of corporate organizations which own a property portfolio, whilst at the same time satisfying the power and needs of the tenants and other stakeholders.
Title insurance and the “race to the bottom”
Authors: Gendron Michel , Bourdeau‐Brien Michael 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use a stylised multi‐period model to describe the economic dynamics related to title risks and the implications of title insurance in the risk management decision process. Some fear that insofar as the quality of public records is concerned, the purchase of title insurance might induce a race to the bottom that would reduce the possibility to identify and correct title defects. This phenomenon is illustrated and the impact of different title risk management strategies and conditions under which recourse to lawyers is preferable to the purchase of title insurance are examined.Design/methodology/approachThe main source of risk is the disparity between the characteristics of a property and what is written on its title. The choice of a title risk management strategy is modeled as the probability of hiring a lawyer versus that of buying insurance. Consistent with the literature, the deterioration of public records is made a function of the risk management decisions.FindingsResults suggest that when public records are sound, the race to the bottom can be avoided and high title values maintained by adopting a risk management strategy based on recourse to lawyers; when public records are flawed, insurance companies may be in a better position than lawyers to maintain title values; switching back and forth from insurers to lawyers does not benefit title values.Originality/valueThe originality and the value of this paper is the study of title insurance which, while an important component of title risk management process, has received limited attention in the academic literature.
Ownership structure and board structure: are corporate governance mechanisms interrelated?
Authors: Bekiris Fivos V. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to control for the interrelationships between corporate governance mechanisms. Managerial ownership, external block holders' ownership, board independence, leadership structure and the size of the board, are perceived as the set of ownership and board characteristics embraced to interact in a system of corporate dynamics, which mitigate agency costs.Design/methodology/approachBy using an extensive sample of Greek listed firms and by applying a simultaneous equations framework in order to control the potential endogeneity, the paper's findings indicate interdependence among these mechanisms.FindingsMore specifically, companies whose CEO is also the chairman of the board tend to have fewer outside directors and lower block holder ownership. The paper also provides evidence that independent boards are more likely to be employed by firms with higher external block holder shareholdings and whose board size is negatively correlated with managerial ownership and board independence.Originality/valueThe aim of this study is to examine the interrelationships among ownership structure and board characteristics in a small open economy, such as the Greek economy.
Exploring the factors influencing credit card spending behavior among Malaysians
Authors: Ming‐Yen Teoh Wendy , Chong Siong‐Choy , Mid Yong Shi 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThis paper explores factors affecting spending behavior of credit card holders in Malaysia. Specifically, variables such as demographic factors, banks’ policies, and credit card holders’ attitudes toward money are examined.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional survey through the use of a structured questionnaire was administered on 150 credit card holders based on the area sampling and convenience snowball sampling techniques.FindingsThe results indicate that age, income, and marital status have significant correlation with credit card holders’ spending behavior. The same goes to two of the three items identified under banks’ policies (benefits given and payment policies) and attitudes toward money (willingness to pay and awareness of the total debt owed). Occupation, qualifications to apply for credit card, and management of income vs expenses are not significantly related to credit card spending behavior among Malaysians.Research limitations/implicationsThe study serves as a guide for researchers to extend the research work covering more variables in different economies in light of the lowR2value. The small sample size raises the issue of generalizability, which future studies should address.Practical implicationsThe results could be used as a guide by emerging market economies or even developed countries where credit card usage is a widespread phenomenon. It also provides insights to the credit card issuing banks in terms of understanding their target consumers, preferences, and the effect of their policies on credit card application and use.Originality/valueThis study sheds light on credit card spending behavior, particularly among Malaysians.
The same old methodologies? Perspectives on OM research in the post‐lean age
Authors: MacCarthy Bart L. , Lewis Michael , Voss Chris , Narasimhan Ram 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe world is changing – economically, technologically, politically, and socially. As an academic discipline, operations management (OM) is, almost by definition, close to practice. Are our OM research methods fit for purpose for the new age? This paper reflects on and develops the principal themes discussed in the “OM Methodology” Special Session at the 2011 EurOMA Conference in Cambridge, UK. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe emerging landscape in which future OM research will be conducted is discussed. The paper provides a range of perspectives on the research challenges facing the discipline with respect to what the authors research and how the authors research it. The range of methods open to us and their relative merits and challenges are debated.FindingsThe traditional research divide between quantitative modelling, often normative in outlook, and the more reflective modes of qualitative enquiry, with a wide spectrum of empirical work in between, is reflected in the different academic traditions, groupings, conferences, and publications across the discipline. Research should not be driven by methodological convenience but by the needs of a changing world. Rather than a sterile “quants versus qual” debate, the paper argues that a rich diversity of approaches can provide a reinforcing cycle to generate relevant, interesting and exciting research underpinned by robust and valid theory.Originality/valueThe paper presents detailed reflections from leading researchers on contemporary and future OM research, arguing that research approaches must evolve that reflect the new realities to further enhance OM as a theoretically sound and practically relevant discipline.
Environmental protection and financial performance: an empirical analysis in Wales
Authors: de Burgos‐Jiménez Jerónimo , Vázquez‐Brust Diego , Plaza‐Úbeda José A. , Dijkshoorn Jeroen 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThis paper analyses the relationship between environmental protection and mid‐term financial performance, focusing on when and why this relationship is positive. In particular, the paper disaggregates environmental protection, differentiating between environmental management practices, environmental proactivity and environmental performance of the organization.Design/methodology/approachIt uses a cross‐section survey of 2,122 Welsh companies to gather information on environmental practices and the FAME database to collect data on accounting based financial performance. The paper uses regression analysis on a combined sample of 186 Welsh companies to evaluate the effect on performance of different types of environmental protection.FindingsOn the whole, the results show a positive effect of environmental protection on mid‐term financial performance. Financial performance has a positive and significant correlation with environmental proactivity and with environmental performance, while it has a no significant relation with environmental management.Originality/valueThe paper presents a disaggregated analysis of environmental protection in relationship with financial performance. The paper differentiates between environmental management practices, environmental proactivity and environmental performance of the organization in their relationship with financial performance.
Supply network structures in the international clothing industry: differences across retailer types
Authors: MacCarthy Bart L. , Jayarathne P.G.S.A. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe study seeks to classify retailer‐driven clothing supply networks to provide new insights on their structure and operation and examine whether or not differences are evident in the types of networks operated by different types of retailer.Design/methodology/approachA large‐scale empirical investigation is conducted of 73 supply networks operating with 26 Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers, representing 39 major retailers. In‐depth interviews and survey methods are used, representing qualitative and quantitative approaches, respectively.FindingsSix primary types of clothing supply network are identified. A strong association is shown between retailer type and network type, specifically for networks operated by established brand retailers and by value players such as supermarket retailers. The typical attributes of the supply networks of each type of retailer are compared.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the empirical study is large, it is limited to supply networks with prime manufacturing partners located in Sri Lanka. The country is important in global clothing production, serving many prominent global retailers. Studying and comparing supply networks anchored in other regions will provide a valuable comparison with the findings here.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for clothing retailers in analyzing, managing and developing their networks. For manufacturers, it provides insights to understand the network structures operated by different types of retailer for different classes of garment. The study also offers insights for policy makers in clothing producing regions.Originality/valueA new empirically based classification is presented for clothing supply networks. The diversity in network types has not previously been shown. The comparison of networks of established brand retailers and value players provides empirical evidence of differences not reported previously. The findings enrich both the theoretical and empirical bases for sector‐specific supply network studies.