bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of cultural factors on innovation in a Thai SME
Authors: Rujirawanich Panida , Addison Ramzi , Smallman Clive 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at a Thai manufacturing small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) in order to develop a basic understanding of the innovation concept and process in Thailand, and to investigate how the five factors associated with innovation interact with Hofstede's five cultural dimensions to influence the innovation process.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a qualitative methodology, using a case‐study approach.FindingsAll the studies of national culture and innovation potential use Hofstede's dimensions but this study suggests that in Thailand there may be cultural factors other than Hofstede's that influence innovation and that modify the effects of Hofstede's model on innovation. Allied to this, it appears that the traditional cultural values could be shifting, as younger people absorb an increasing amount of influence from Western media. The first finding from this study suggests that Thai SMEs may tend to more effectively produce or adopt incremental innovations rather than radical ones. The second finding is that, if the research company is typical of Thai SMEs, Thai SMEs are likely to experience difficulties with adopting completely novel innovations effectively. This is because four (except the dimension of long versus short‐term orientation) of Hofstede's five Thai cultural dimensions were clearly found to obstruct the innovation process. Also there are some cultural factors peculiar to Thailand, not mentioned by Hofstede, that impact on the innovation process.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper underlines the need to understand local culture and environment, which play a crucial role in the success or failure of innovation activities of firms, particularly SMEs.Originality/valueThere have been very few studies on innovation with reference to Thai SMEs.
Investigating the effect of pH on the surface chemistry of an amino silane treated nano silica
Authors: Rostami Mehran , Mohseni Mohsen , Ranjbar Zahra 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of different PHS on the surface chemistry of fumed silica treated with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS).Design/methodology/approachThe reaction conditions involved variation of pH ranging from acidic to alkaline. Different analytical techniques including FT‐IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), CHN and Zeta potential analyses were employed to investigate the surface chemistry of treated particles. In addition, the stability of silanised silica dispersions were studied using turbidimetric and rheometric measurements.FindingsIt was revealed that in all conditions silica was more or less chemically grafted by the silane. When the pH of treating bath was adjusted to 1‐2 prior and during the reaction, 58 percent grafting was observed, as obtained by CHN and TGA analyses. At very alkaline conditions, however, the grafting content declined to 29 percent. The variations in grafting were dependent on the silane hydrolysis and its further condensation with the silica surface. Zeta potential measurements showed a drastic change from −7.1 mv to +18.01 mv (at pH 7) for the untreated particle and the one with the highest grafting, respectively. The dispersion stability of differently treated particles varied in solvents with different Hansen solubility parameters (HSP). Moreover, due to the variations of surface chemistry of particles, their rheological behaviours were significantly influenced.Originality/valueThe results obtained in this work showed that the surface chemistry of fume silica could be tuned with treating method. The highest content of grafting led to a better dispersion in solvents having greater hydrogen bonding component and to an inferior dispersion in solvents with higher polar component.
Modeling of solid phase sedimentation during directional solidification in a side cooled cavity
Authors: Chakraborty Prodyut , Dutta Pradip 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new numerical approach for modeling the multi‐phase flow during an alloy solidification process. In many solidification processes, advection of solid may have a dramatic effect on bulk convection field as well as on the solid front growth and hence on the macro‐segregation pattern. In the present work, a numerical model is developed to simulate directional solidification in presence of melt convection as well as solid advection in the form of sedimentation. A 2D cavity filled with hyper‐eutectic aqueous ammonium chloride solution (25 wt.% of ammonium chloride) being chilled from one of the side walls has been chosen as the model problem for the numerical simulation.Design/methodology/approachA fixed grid volume averaging technique has been used for solving mass, momentum, energy, and species equation while taking into account the solid phase advection and local re‐melting. Two different criteria have been identified for the solid particles in the mushy zone to be mobile. These two criteria are represented by a critical solid fraction, and a critical velocity. Based on these two criteria, the mushy zone has been subdivided into two different regions namely, an immobile coherent zone consisting of packed equiaxed crystals and a mobile non‐coherent zone where the solid crystals are able to move.FindingsThe numerical results are compared with corresponding experimental observations.Originality/valueThe solid advection velocity and source terms dealing with solid velocity have been calculated using an explicit scheme, whereas the main conservation equations are solved using an implicit scheme.
E‐laboratory design and implementation for enhanced science, technology and engineering education
Authors: Morton William , Uhomoibhi James 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to report on the design and implementation of an e‐laboratory for enhanced science, technology and engineering education studies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper assesses a computer‐based e‐laboratory, designed for new entrants to science, technology and engineering programmes of study in further and higher education to enable them complete proper “hands‐on” (not simulation) laboratory experiments off‐campus and also in virtual learning environments accessible remotely. The development of such a laboratory was in response to the inherent inability of web‐based learning environments to duplicate, off‐campus, the laboratory facilities and availability on‐campus. The measurement of effectiveness relates to whether a laboratory task can be accurately and completely achieved. Common parameters included percentage task completion, error rate and assistance required. Operations under different conditions were studied and observations made from comparison on implementations.FindingsE‐laboratories were found to be more student‐centred with learners taking responsibility for their own learning.. The face‐to‐face pre‐computer scenario learners had a very low completion rate, a high error rate and required constant assistance. The computer‐based scenario resulted in a high completion rate, low error rate and a significant reduction in learner supervision.Research limitations/implicationsThe technical constraints imposed by present online environments, the resulting impact on specific learning styles, and possible solutions to overcome these limitations are discussed.Practical implicationsBoth quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews established a positive impact on student learning, thus justifying development of similar systems. More research and applications could follow as this has the potential to impact positively on development and use of e‐labs for enhanced science, technology and engineering studies in terms of costs, time and space requirements.Originality/valueThe recent interest and advances in the development of remote and virtual labs has shown that students of today, who are digital natives, especially those in the fields of science, technology and engineering, find the use of e‐laboratories very useful in enhancing their studies, encouraging them to use familiar technologies to access and do experiments either remotely or virtually online, thereby enhancing their learning. The approach adopted is unique and original, blending both virtual and hands‐on approach to experimental studies.
Five questions for addressing ethical dilemmas
Authors: Rossy Gerard L. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to offer a framework of five questions for analyzing ethical dilemmas faced by managers and professionals. The framework's main purpose is to help individuals understand the nature of ethical issues and to avoid making ethical mistakes – decisions or actions that are unintentionally unethical that they would later regret and wish they could undo.Design/methodology/approachThe framework developed is based on traditional ethical theories reframed into a set of simple questions that have been applied in a variety of private‐ and public‐sector organizations to help managers identify and resolve ethical dilemmas and conflicts.FindingsThe benefits of this framework are that the five questions cover the broad range of underlying factors that create ethical issues and dilemmas, are simple and easy for individuals to understand and remember and, considered together, help to identify conflicting ethical priorities.Practical implicationsMost breaches of ethics are not intentional and most individuals want to behave ethically. Their breach of ethics is often the result of making decisions without adequately thinking through the implications and possible consequences. The application of this simple framework can help individuals and organizations avoid making such ethical mistakes.Originality/valueThe framework has helped public‐ and private‐sector organizations evaluate and cope with ethical issues and value conflicts.
Long memory properties and asymmetric effects of emerging equity market
Authors: Abdul Manap Turkhan Ali , Kassim Salina H. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the long memory property of equity returns and volatility of emerging equity market by focusing on the Malaysian equity market, namely the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE).Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts the Fractionally Integrated GARCH (FIGARCH) model and Fractionally Integrated Asymmetric Power ARCH (FIAPARCH), focusing on the Malaysian data covering the period from April 15, 2004 to April 30, 2007.FindingsThe study finds evidence of long memory property as well as asymmetric effects in the volatility of the KLSE. The traditional ARCH/GARCH is shown to be insufficient in modeling the volatility persistence. The FIAPARCH specification outperforms the FIGARCH model by capturing both asymmetry effects and long memory in the conditional variance.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study have practical implications for the investors intending to invest in the emerging markets such as Malaysia. Understanding volatility and developing the appropriate models are important since volatility can be a measure of risk which is highly relevant in forecasting the conditional volatility of returns for portfolio selection, asset pricing, and value at risk, option pricing and hedging strategies.Originality/valueThis study contributes in providing the empirical evidence on the long memory property of equity returns and volatility of an emerging equity market with reliable estimation models, which is currently lacking, particularly for emerging markets.
Human rights in health and social care
Authors: Gavrielides Theo 
Published: November 2011

PurposeIt was expected that the Human Rights Act (HRA) 1998 would promote a human rights culture in public services and beyond. This paper seeks to focus on the Act's impact on minority, ethnic users of health and social care services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviewed recent policy and academic papers as well as legislative and government initiatives since the Act's implementation in 2000. It also looked at user surveys and evidence submitted to Parliament and public inquiries. A critical synthesis and analysis of the data was attempted.FindingsThe paper makes the argument that the original intentions behind the HRA have not been materialised. The paper attributes this failure to issues of misunderstanding around the Act and human rights. The paper also argues that by focusing more on mainstreaming the principles underlying the Act and less on its legalistic interpretation, human rights will be seen more relevant by both users and providers of health and social care services.Originality/valueAn original analysis and interpretation of what these principles encompass is attempted whilst brief recommendations for policy and practice are posited.
Classifying international aspects of currency regimes
Authors: Willett Thomas , Chiu Eric M.P. , Dechsakulthorn Sirathorn (B.J.) , Ghosh Ramya , Kibesse Bernard , Kim Kenneth , Kim Jeff (Yongbok) , Ouyang Alice 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThere has been significant interest in the classification of exchange rate regimes in order to investigate a wide range of hypotheses. Studies of the effects of exchange rate regimes on crises and other aspects of economic performance can have important implications for policy choices. The paper provides a guide to the major new large data sets that classify exchange rate regimes and to critically analyze important methodological issues.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveys and critiques the literature and provides theoretical analysis of major issues involved in classifying exchange rate regimes.FindingsThe study finds that all of the new data sets have problems but some have more problems than others and several of them are substantial improvements on what was previously available. It is also shown that the best ways to classify depend on the issue being addressed and that for detailed studies variants of measures using the concept of exchange market pressure are the most promising. Directions for future research are also discussed.Originality/valueThe paper makes researchers aware of the new data sets that are available and discusses their strengths and weaknesses. It also presents original analysis of several of the major conceptual issues involved in classifying exchange rate regimes.
Blame and fault attributions in sexual violence: are these distinct?
Authors: Anderson Irina , Bissell Helena 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThis study seeks to examine whether blame and fault assigned to victims and perpetrators in a hypothetical sexual violence case are distinct conceptually, and whether they are affected by gender of participant, perpetrator and victim.Design/methodology/approachParticipants read an incident of either female or male rape, perpetrated by either a female or a male, and assigned attributions of blame and fault to both victims and perpetrators. Participants also completed Burt's Rape Myth Acceptance Scale.FindingsFindings showed that none of the independent variables had any effect on victim attributions of blame and fault, only affecting blame and fault assigned to perpetrators. Perpetrators of male victim rape were assigned more blame than perpetrators of female victim rape. In terms of fault: male participants reduced the amount of fault that they attributed to female perpetrators relative to male perpetrators; and female participants increased the amount of fault that they attributed to female perpetrators relative to male perpetrators. In addition, greater endorsement of traditional sex‐role attitudes and rape myths was associated with higher rape victim blame.Originality/valueFindings are discussed in relation to social norms, social categorisation theory and differential focus of specific rape victim vs rape victims in general.
Excisional biopsy for management of lateral tongue leukoplakia
Authors: Jeong Woo‐Jin , Paik Jin Ho , Cho Sung‐Woo , Sung Myung‐Whun , Kim Kwang Hyun , Ahn Soon‐Hyun 
Published: November 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 384–388Background:  Leukoplakia of the lateral tongue is frequently associated with the risk of malignancy. Although incisional biopsy is accepted as a standard technique for evaluation, the possibility of underdiagnosis, and therefore missed diagnosis of malignancy, remains at all times. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of underdiagnosis by incisional biopsy for leukoplakia of the lateral tongue and to elucidate the underlying cause of for underdiagnosis.Methods:  Twenty‐two patients with leukoplakia in the lateral tongue who had undergone excisional biopsy for suspicion of malignancy were included in the study. Pathology was reviewed and classified into ‘no dysplasia,’‘dysplasia,’ and ‘carcinoma’. Underdiagnosis was defined as a change of diagnosis to a graver classification following excisional biopsy. To analyze the factors contributing to underdiagnosis, incisional and excisional biopsy specimens were re‐evaluated.Results:  Of the 22 patients with leukoplakia of the lateral tongue, 59.1% had coexistent malignancy, including nine squamous cell carcinomas and four verrucous carcinomas. Incisional biopsy resulted in underdiagnosis in 73.3% of the cases. Underdiagnosis was attributable to three common errors, which were mis‐selection of sampling site within a large area of leukoplakia, error in pathology specimen preparation owing to small specimen size, and superficial biopsy frequently associated with punch biopsy.Conclusion:  Leukoplakia of the lateral tongue is highly coexistent with malignancy, and incisional biopsy frequently leads to underdiagnosis. Therefore, complete excision with adequate margin is warranted for leukoplakia of the lateral tongue, preferably under general anesthesia, which could be performed with minimal morbidity and function preservation.
Catalytically active filaments – pyruvate decarboxylase from Neurospora crassa. pH‐controlled oligomer structure and catalytic function
Authors: Hüttl Stefanie , Fiebig Juliane , Kutter Steffen , Hause Gerd , Lilie Hauke , Spinka Michael , König Stephan 
Published: November 2011

Pyruvate decarboxylase is a key enzyme in organisms whose energy metabolism is based on alcoholic fermentation. The enzyme catalyses the nonoxidative decarboxylation of 2‐oxo acids in the presence of the cofactors thiamine diphosphate and magnesium ions. Pyruvate decarboxylase species from yeasts and plant seeds studied to date are allosterically activated by their substrate pyruvate. However, detailed kinetic studies on the enzyme from Neurospora crassa demonstrate for the first time the lack of substrate activation for a yeast pyruvate decarboxylase species. The quaternary structure of this enzyme species is also peculiar because it forms filamentous structures. The complex enzyme structure was analysed using a number of methods, including small‐angle X‐ray solution scattering, transmission electron microscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation and size‐exclusion chromatography. These measurements were complemented by detailed kinetic studies in dependence on the pH.Structured digital abstract
PDC and PDC bind by light scattering (View Interaction: 1, 2)
PDC and PDC bind by cosedimentation in solution (View Interaction: 1, 2)
PDC and PDC bind by electron microscopy (View interaction)
Genetic Markers for Rapid PCR-Based Identification of Gull, Canada Goose, Duck, and Chicken Fecal Contamination in Water
Authors: Green Hyatt C. , Dick Linda K. , Gilpin Brent , Samadpour Mansour , Field Katharine G. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

Avian feces contaminate waterways but contribute fewer human pathogens than human sources. Rapid identification and quantification of avian contamination would therefore be useful to prevent overestimation of human health risk. We used subtractive hybridization of PCR-amplified gull fecal 16S RNA genes to identify avian-specific fecal rRNA gene sequences. The subtracters were rRNA genes amplified from human, dog, cat, cow, and pig feces. Recovered sequences were related to
Enterobacteriaceae
(47%),
Helicobacter
(26%),
Catellicoccus
(11%),
Fusobacterium
(11%), and
Campylobacter
(5%). Three PCR assays, designated GFB, GFC, and GFD, were based on recovered sequence fragments. Quantitative PCR assays for GFC and GFD were developed using SYBR green. GFC detected down to 0.1 mg gull feces/100 ml (corresponding to 2 gull enterococci most probable number [MPN]/100 ml). GFD detected down to 0.1 mg chicken feces/100 ml (corresponding to 13
Escherichia coli
MPN/100 ml). GFB and GFC were 97% and 94% specific to gulls, respectively. GFC cross-reacted with 35% of sheep samples but occurred at about 100,000 times lower concentrations in sheep. GFD was 100% avian specific and occurred in gulls, geese, chickens, and ducks. In the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, the three markers differed in their geographic distributions but were found across the range tested. These assays detected four important bird groups contributing to fecal contamination of waterways: gulls, geese, ducks, and chickens. Marker distributions across North America and in New Zealand suggest that they will have broad applicability in other parts of the world as well.
Efficient Biostimulation of Native and Introduced Quorum-Quenching Rhodococcus erythropolis Populations Is Revealed by a Combination of Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, and Pyrosequencing
Authors: Cirou Amélie , Mondy Samuel , An Shu , Charrier Amélie , Sarrazin Amélie , Thoison Odile , DuBow Michael , Faure Denis 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

Degradation of the quorum-sensing (QS) signals known as
N
-acylhomoserine lactones (AHL) by soil bacteria may be useful as a beneficial trait for protecting crops, such as potato plants, against the worldwide pathogen
Pectobacterium
. In this work, analytical chemistry and microbial and molecular approaches were combined to explore and compare biostimulation of native and introduced AHL-degrading
Rhodococcus erythropolis
populations in the rhizosphere of potato plants cultivated in farm greenhouses under hydroponic conditions. We first identified gamma-heptalactone (GHL) as a novel biostimulating agent that efficiently promotes plant root colonization by AHL-degrading
R. erythropolis
population. We also characterized an AHL-degrading biocontrol
R. erythropolis
isolate, R138, which was introduced in the potato rhizosphere. Moreover, root colonization by AHL-degrading bacteria receiving different combinations of GHL and R138 treatments was compared by using a cultivation-based approach (percentage of AHL-degrading bacteria), pyrosequencing of PCR-amplified
rrs
loci (total bacterial community), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) of the
qsdA
gene, which encodes an AHL lactonase in
R. erythropolis
. Higher densities of the AHL-degrading
R. erythropolis
population in the rhizosphere were observed when GHL treatment was associated with biocontrol strain R138. Under this condition, the introduced
R. erythropolis
population displaced the native
R. erythropolis
population. Finally, chemical analyses revealed that GHL, gamma-caprolactone (GCL), and their by-products, gamma-hydroxyheptanoic acid and gamma-hydroxycaproic acid, rapidly disappeared from the rhizosphere and did not accumulate in plant tissues. This integrative study highlights biostimulation as a potential innovative approach for improving root colonization by beneficial bacteria.