bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Routines in enterprise application systems
Authors: Madapusi Arun , Miles Grant 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe concept of “routines” is used to classify diverse enterprise application systems (EAS) into a framework. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the theoretical underpinnings and EAS falling into each of the framework quadrants. The framework provides a guideline for firms to meet their EAS‐organizational alignment challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe EAS‐organizational alignment framework in this paper is developed through a synthesis of literature. The framework links EAS and organizational routines according to intra‐ and inter‐levels of organizational analysis and inflexible and flexible governance mechanisms.FindingsThe findings suggest that a fit between EAS routines and organizational routines leads to successful EAS deployments and hence improved business performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings provide researchers with reasons to incorporate routines into existing research models to better explain EAS‐organizational alignment. The next step is to empirically validate the EAS‐organizational alignment framework.Practical implicationsFirms can gain an understanding of how EAS routines and organizational routines can be manipulated to positively influence EAS‐organizational alignment and hence increase business performance. Firms can use routines as strategic tools for adoption and successful deployment of EAS across their global operations.Originality/valueThe paper's findings provide a perspective, different from past research, on our understanding of EAS‐organizational alignment and offer valuable guidance for future research in this area.
Information and communications technology adoption and use in small and medium businesses
Authors: Middleton Karen L. , Byus Kent 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of Hispanic ethnicity on the adoption and use of information and communication technology (ICT) tools by small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in a southwestern renewal community (RC).Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the influence of ethnicity on the adoption and use of information and communications technologies in small and medium enterprises using a sample from the RC of a large southwestern metroplex.FindingsResults point to a continuing digital divide among Hispanic and non‐Hispanic SME owners. Non‐Hispanic SME owners were found to be much more likely to adopt a wider range of ICTs and to use them for both administrative and analytical purposes. Hispanic SME owners not only failed to adopt a full range of ICTs but also they were less likely to use ICTs for long‐term strategic analyses.Originality/valueThe differences presented in this paper suggest that Hispanic SME owners may not be exploiting ICTs in order to achieve optimal operating efficiency and strategic effectiveness. The outcomes are particularly alarming because SMEs in RC areas have been the target of federal efforts to raise business productivity and profitability. The continuing digital divide may be undermining the very polices designed to enhance business operations in these relatively disadvantaged urban areas.
Auditor‐client relationship: the case of audit tenure and auditor switching in Malaysia
Authors: Thahir Abdul Nasser Abu , Abdul Wahid Emelin , Nazatul Faiza Syed Mustapha Nazri Sharifah , Hudaib Mohammad 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to examine one aspect of auditor‐client relationship, namely audit tenure and switching behaviour, and factors affecting it. Lengthy audit tenure with the same client has been cited as one of the threats to auditor independence. Given the importance of this issue, this research attempts to shed some light on the effect of audit tenure and switching behaviour on auditor independence in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThis study evaluates the effects of various independent variables on switching behaviour and audit tenure using logistic regression analysis.FindingsAn examination of 297 companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange over a period of 11 years reveals audit firm switching to be significantly associated with distressed large clients and that the length and direction of switch depend upon the type of audit firm.Research limitations/implicationsA number of important variables such as corporate governance characteristics, audit and non‐audit fees and types of audit opinion that could enhance our understanding of audit tenure and auditor switching in Malaysia, were not incorporated into our regression models. Hence, future studies may consider such variables.Originality/valueThis study is the first conducted using Malaysian data where audit tenure and switching are used as dependent variables. The results have important implications on the auditing profession and regulators in Malaysia.
Estimating accounting and finance models with Microsoft Excel
Authors: Robson Gary S. , Shin Yong B. , Wilson Mixon J. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a way to introduce regression analysis into courses with minimal start‐up time. Doing so makes it less likely that introducing both the software and the estimation technique will create discontinuity in the flow of the material being covered.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses an Excel workbook that reduces the amount of time students must use to become adept at estimating model parameters.FindingsThe workbook provides a set of macros that guides students through the implementation of ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation and provides them with information that is not part of standard Excel output. It also conducts high‐low analysis.Originality/valueUsing this program can reduce the difficulties encountered in having students conduct the valuable exercise of model estimation.
The effects of lower prices on perceptions of brand quality: a choice task perspective
Authors: DelVecchio Devon , Puligadda Sanjay 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the negative effect of lower prices on perceived brand quality that has been demonstrated in evaluation tasks arises in a brand choice context.Design/methodology/approachThe effects of lower prices on perceived quality are assessed via two laboratory experiments in which college students participated.FindingsA lower price is associated with lower perceived brand quality in Study 1's evaluation task environment. However, Study 2's results indicate a reversal of the negative effects of lower prices on perceived brand quality in an evaluation task to generally positive effects when the lower price is offered in the form of a discount in a choice task.Practical implicationsIn addition to providing evidence that fears of the detrimental effects of lower prices may be overblown, the results also provide insight to managers of brands of different levels of quality on how to manage discounts to build, or at least to insulate, perceptions of the brand's quality.Originality/valueThe paper's findings may guide both managerial practice and future research on the effects of lower prices, particularly those in the form of a discount.
Individual and relational self‐concepts in a team context
Authors: Narayan Anupama , Steele‐Johnson Debra 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to understand the role of individual and relational self‐concepts on various team processes and outcomes in a team context.Design/methodology/approachParticipants (n=470) worked in dyads on a computer‐based truck dispatching task, deciding as a team which task activities to perform and in what order. The authors assessed differential relationships between individual and relational self‐concepts and various team processes (e.g. trust) and outcomes (satisfaction).FindingsSubjective task complexity was influenced primarily by individual self‐concept, specifically their core self‐evaluations. Trust in others was influenced primarily by individuals' relational self‐concepts, specifically their teamwork predisposition. Intrinsic motivation and satisfaction were influenced by both individual and relational self‐concepts.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should examine these effects in teams larger than dyads, with other types of tasks, over longer time periods, and with non‐college student samples.Practical implicationsDepending on the task type, a practitioner might cue different self‐concepts to increase individuals' focus on team performance, individual performance, or both. For example, if the team task is highly interdependent and reciprocal in nature, then the team can be trained together or provided information to cue relational self‐concept.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on the construct of individual and relational self‐concepts and their effects on individual functioning in a team context. The results support and extend prior research by demonstrating that outcomes in a team context can be identified and examined in relation to individual conceptions of the self, relational conceptions of the self, or by both.
Effect of rotation in a generalized thermoelastic medium with two temperature under hydrostatic initial stress and gravity
Authors: Ailawalia Praveen , Kumar Sunit , Pathania Devinder 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the deformation of a rotating generalized thermoelastic medium with two temperatures under hydrostatic initial stress subjected to different types of sources.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology applied here is the use of integral transforms to obtain the components of displacement, force stress, conductive temperature and temperature distribution in Laplace and Fourier domain. The general solution obtained is applied to a specific problem of a half‐space subjected to concentrated force, uniformly distributed force and a moving source. These components are then obtained in the physical domain by applying a numerical inversion method. Some particular cases are also discussed in the context of the problem. The results obtained are also presented graphically to show the effect of rotation and gravity.FindingsThe variations of all the quantities and for all the mediums are similar for concentrated force and distributed forces applied along the free surface of the solid. The values of these quantities are very close to each other for GTES and GTESWG. Deformation of a body depends on the nature of force applied as well as the type of boundary conditions. The variations of all the quantities are more uniform in nature when a force of constant magnitude moves along the surface of solid with some velocity.Originality/valueSuch types of problems in rotating media will find great applications in many dynamical systems and industries.
Material‐modeling and structural‐mechanics aspects of the traumatic brain injury problem
Authors: Grujicic M. , Arakere G. , He T. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThis paper aims to conduct a combined Eulerian/Lagrangian fluid/solid transient non‐linear dynamics computational analysis of the interaction between a single planar blast wave and a human head in order to assess the extent of intra‐cranial shock wave generation and its potential for causing traumatic brain injury.Design/methodology/approachTwo levels of blast peak overpressure were selected, one corresponding to the unprotected lung‐injury threshold while the other associated with a 50 percent probability for lung injury caused death. Collision of the head with a stationary/rigid barrier (at an initial collision velocity of 5 m/s) was also analyzed computationally, since blunt‐object impact conditions may lead to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), i.e. concussion.FindingsA comparison between the two blast and the single blunt‐object impact cases with the corresponding head‐to‐head‐collision results showed that, while the von Mises stress‐based head‐to‐head collision mTBI thresholds are not exceeded under blast‐loading conditions investigated, the high blast‐induced peak‐pressure levels within the intra‐cranial cavity may lead to mTBI.Practical implicationsWhile concussion is not generally considered as life altering/threatening, the associated temporary loss of situational awareness or consciousness may have devastating consequences in the case of common military tactical and battle‐field scenarios. This suggests that the head‐protection gear (primarily, the helmet) which are currently designed to withstand blunt‐object and ballistic impacts, should be redesigned in order to obtain the necessary level of head protection with respect to blast impact.Originality/valueThe paper provides a comprehensive computational investigation of impact on a human skull/brain assembly.
The Effect of pH on Electrolyte Detection of Fingermarks on Cartridge Cases and Subsequent Microscopic Examination
Authors: Liu Simon , Pflug Michelle , Hofstetter Robert , Taylor Michael 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCartridge cases may contain deposited fingermarks when the firearm was loaded (http://www.nij.gov/pubs-sum/225320.htm, J Forensic Sci, 53, 2008 and 812). Cartridge cases can be individualized with microscopic examination. However, heat and friction degrades the deposited fingermark on the fired cartridge cases, if any on the surface. Also, unfired and fired cartridge cases are made of metal, which is a nonporous surface that does not retain fingermarks well (http://www.nij.gov/pubs-sum/225320.htm). This study tests the effects of pH level on fingermark clarity on brass fired and unfired cartridge cases and microscopic striation examination (MSE). Two trials were performed to determine the optimal pH in fingermark clarity for both types of cartridges. This was performed through immersion in six pH range solutions from dilutions of sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide for 24 h for the purpose of enhancing the fingermarks on the metal. The use of the optimal neutral pH level is suggested because immersion of the cartridge cases in pH 1–3 and 3–5 affects MSE.
Alcohol Is Longitudinally Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Partially Via High‐Density Lipoprotein
Authors: Suh Beomseok , Shin Dong Wook , Hwang Seung‐sik , Choi Ho‐Chun , Kwon Hyuktae , Cho BeLong , Park Jin Ho 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundPrevious studies on the association of alcohol consumption with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have been inconsistent, and none took into account the dynamic nature of LUTS, fluctuating over time. The purpose of the study was to determine the longitudinal association of alcohol consumption with LUTS.MethodsWe used generalized estimating equations to analyze the longitudinal association of alcohol consumption with LUTS in a longitudinal study of 9,712 healthy men 30 years or older who visited our institution multiple times for routine comprehensive health evaluations, with an average follow‐up period of 27.9 months.ResultsLight–moderate alcohol consumption (0.1 to 29 g/d) was associated with decreased likelihood of moderate–severe LUTS, whereas heavy alcohol consumption (≥30 g/d) was associated with increased likelihood of moderate–severe LUTS in a dose‐dependent manner. Compared to those with 0 g/d alcohol intake, subjects who drank 0.1 to 9.9, 10 to 19.9, 20 to 29.9, 30 to 39.9, or ≥40 g/d of alcohol were in general significantly associated with moderate–severe LUTS with adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) as follows respectively: 0.94 (0.87 to 1.02), 1.00 (0.91 to 1.09), 0.85 (0.77 to 0.93), 1.08 (0.98 to 1.19), and 1.31 (1.19 to 1.44). However, the protective association of light–moderate alcohol consumption with LUTS was greatly attenuated when serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) was added to the analysis, specifically for voiding symptoms.ConclusionsWe show strong evidence there is longitudinal association of alcohol consumption with LUTS. The protective effect of light–moderate alcohol consumption on LUTS is in part modulated by HDL as a confounder, similar to its effect on coronary heart disease.
Nanowire Growth by an Electron‐Beam‐Induced Massive Phase Transformation
Authors: Sood Shantanu , Kisslinger Kim , Gouma Perena 
Published: November 2014

Tungsten trioxide nanowires of a high aspect ratio have been synthesized in situ in a TEM under an electron beam of current density 14 A/cm2 due to a massive polymorphic reaction. Sol–gel‐processed cubic phase nanocrystals of tungsten trioxide were seen to rapidly transform to one‐dimensional monoclinic phase configurations, and this reaction was independent of the substrate on which the material was deposited. The mechanism of the self‐catalyzed polymorphic transition and accompanying radical shape change is a typical characteristic of metastable to stable phase transformations in nanostructured polymorphic metal oxides. The findings are important to the controlled electron beam deposition of nanowires for functional applications starting from colloidal precursors.
Passive and Adaptive Damping Systems for Vibration Mitigation and Increased Fatigue Service Life of a Tied Arch Railway Bridge
Authors: Andersson Andreas , O'Connor Alan , Karoumi Raid 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this article, the use of external damping systems for vibration mitigation of railway bridge dynamics is studied. For a presented case study bridge, the performance of different tuned mass damper systems (TMDs) is studied. During train passage, the change in dynamic characteristics of the bridge may produce a significant detune to a passive TMD. Therefore, routines for a variable stiffness TMD using incremental frequency estimates are developed. Based on numerical simulations, the cumulative fatigue damage is calculated for different damper systems. Due to resonant behavior, the results are found to highly depend on the train speed. Based on an assumed probability density function for the train speed, fragility curves are produced to express the probability of fatigue failure as a function of the number of train passages.
Thermal-Hydraulic and Neutronic Analysis of a Reentrant Fuel-Channel Design for Pressure-Channel Supercritical Water-Cooled Reactors
Authors: Peiman W. , Pioro I. , Gabriel K. 
Published: November 2014

To address the need to develop new nuclear reactors with higher thermal efficiency, a group of countries, including Canada, have initiated an international collaboration to develop the next generation of nuclear reactors called Generation IV. The Generation IV International Forum (GIF) Program has narrowed design options of the nuclear reactors to six concepts, one of which is supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR). Among the Generation IV nuclear-reactor concepts, only SCWRs use water as a coolant. The SCWR concept is considered to be an evolution of water-cooled reactors (pressurized water reactors (PWRs), boiling water reactors (BWRs), pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs), and light-water, graphite-moderated reactors (LGRs)), which comprise 96% of the current fleet of operating nuclear power reactors and are categorized under Generation II, III, and III+ nuclear reactors. The latter water-cooled reactors have thermal efficiencies of 30–36%, whereas the evolutionary SCWR will have a thermal efficiency of approximately 45–50%. In terms of a pressure boundary, SCWRs are classified into two categories, namely, pressure-vessel (PV) SCWRs and pressure-channel (PCh) SCWRs. A generic pressure-channel SCWR, which is the focus of this paper, operates at a pressure of 25 MPa with inlet and outlet coolant temperatures of 350°C and 625°C, respectively. The high outlet temperature and pressure of the coolant make it possible to improve thermal efficiency. On the other hand, high operating temperature and pressure of the coolant introduce a challenge for material selection and core design. In this view, there are two major issues that need to be addressed for further development of SCWR. First, the reactor core should be designed, which depends on a fuel-channel design. Second, a nuclear fuel and fuel cycle should be selected. Several fuel-channel designs have been proposed for SCWRs. These fuel-channel designs can be classified into two categories: direct-flow and reentrant channel concepts. The objective of this paper is to study thermal-hydraulic and neutronic aspects of a reentrant fuel-channel design. With this objective, a thermal-hydraulic code has been developed in MATLAB, which calculates fuel-centerline-temperature, sheath-temperature, coolant-temperature, and heat-transfer-coefficient profiles. A lattice code and diffusion code were used to determine a power distribution inside the core. Then, heat flux in a channel with the maximum thermal power was used as an input into the thermal-hydraulic code. This paper presents a fuel centerline temperature of a newly designed fuel bundle with UO2 as a reference fuel. The results show that the maximum fuel centerline temperature exceeds the design temperature limits of 1850°C for fuel.
Influence of Hydrodynamic Interaction on Jet Breakup and Fragmentation Behavior
Authors: Saito Shimpei , Abe Yutaka , Kaneko Akiko , Iwasawa Yuzuru , Matsuo Eiji , Ebihara Ken-ichi , Sakaba Hiroshi , Koyama Kazuya , Nariai Hideki 
Published: November 2014

Mitigative measures against a Core Disruptive Accident (CDA) are important from the viewpoints of safety of a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR). If a CDA occurs, Post Accident Heat Removal (PAHR) must be surely achieved. In the PAHR, molten materials are likely to be injected into the coolant like a jet and they must satisfy two requests simultaneously: fast ejection and stable cooling after quenched. In order to estimate the quench behavior of the molten jet, it is important to understand how the jet breaks up.
The objective of this study is to clarify that the influence of hydrodynamic interaction between a jet and the surrounding fluid on jet breakup. Previous works have clarified that one cause of the jet breakup is provoked by fragmentation at the side of a jet. However, there are few detailed results describing the correlation between jet breakup and hydrodynamic interaction at the leading-edge region of a jet. Additionally, air entrainment with a jet is always observed in our past experiments using simulants, but its influence has not been discussed yet.
In this study, jet injection experiments in liquid-liquid system were conducted for investigating the interaction a jet and an ambient fluid, and the effect of air entrainment on jet breakup behavior. Both simulant core materials and coolants were transparent liquids for visualization. The stored simulant core material was injected into a tank filled with the simulant coolant. In order to realize the condition without air entrainment, the air remaining within the nozzle was removed using a syringe. The jet breakup behavior was observed with a high speed video camera. A normal backlight system and a Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) system were employed for visualization. The inner velocity distribution of a jet was measured by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).
As a result, in the experiments without air entrainment the jet breakup lengths were described by Epstein’s equation. In addition, a pair of vortices was observed at the leading-edge region. The vortices were generated at the leading edge and the leading edge rolled up by the vortices returned toward a jet core. Thus, it was very likely that the vortices at the leading edge region promoted jet breakup.