bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electron emission from diamond p–i–n junction diode with heavily P‐doped n+ top layer
Authors: Takeuchi D. , Makino T. , Kato H. , Okushi H. , Yamasaki S. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe found clear improvement in electron emission performances in low injection region of hydrogenated diamond p–i–n junction diodes with heavily phosphorous‐doped (P‐doped) n+ “top” layer, where the “top” layer faced to a collector electrode. The emission started just below 4.5 V, that is the built‐in potential expected as diamond p–n junction diode with boron acceptors and phosphorous donors. In this flat‐band condition, the electron emission efficiency (η) reached to 0.2% during room temperature (RT) operation, and η > 1% during 573 K operation were obtained, whereas, the previous diamond p–i–n junction diode without the heavily P‐doped top layer showed η < 10−6% in these temperature ranges. In such low injection region, the results indicated that direct emission of electrons injected from n‐layer to i‐layer contributed to the electron emission. With high diode current Id = 80 mA, we obtained the highest emission net current Ie = 78 µA up to now, and the η = 0.1% during RT operation. A dependence of η upon the forward diode current suggested that there were two electron emission mechanism in the same sample. Electroluminescence results suggested that exciton‐derived electron emission might be concerned in the high current injection region.
The effect of post‐surgical neuroplasticity on the stability of systemic pain perception: A psychophysical study
Authors: Granot M. , Weissman‐Fogel I. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundSurgery‐induced neuroplasticity at spinal and supra‐spinal levels is assumed to evoke a clinical acute post‐operative pain (cAPOP) experience, which is expressed by allodynia and/or hyperalgesia. It remains unclear whether the systemic pain perception measured outside the incision area remains unchanged and whether it is affected by the presence of cAPOP.AimsThis study explored whether the systemic perception of experimental pain would be altered towards hypersensitivity following elective gynecological surgery unmasked by opioids.MethodsA perioperative psychophysical evaluation of heat pain thresholds (HPT) and pain estimations were obtained in a remote bodily area before and after surgery among 35 women.ResultsThe ratings for both pain dimensions of intensity and unpleasantness remained stable following surgery. However, there was a reduction found in HPT the day after surgery (43.6 ± 2.2 °C to 42.2 ± 3.1 °C, p = 0.002). This reduction was associated with lower HPT measured before surgery (r = .56, p < 0.000) and with higher cAPOP intensity obtained at rest (r = −.44, p = 0.008).ConclusionsThis post‐surgical allodynia, as reflected by the systemic enhancement of pain perception, may represent plasticity in the central pain pathways at the supra‐spinal level. Pre‐surgical assessment of a patient's pain perception profile may predict certain pain dimensions of post‐surgical pain plasticity. The evaluation of individual pain profiles may contribute to a mechanism‐based approach aimed to attenuate the cAPOP.
Effects of Modified Adeli Suit Therapy on Improvement of Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Mahani Mohammad Khayatzadeh , Karimloo Masood , Amirsalari Susan 
Published: August 2011

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Modified Adeli suit therapy (MAST) on improvement of gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Thirty-six children with CP assigned by match pairs to three equal groups such as the MAST, the AST, and the Neurodevelopmental Treatment. They were treated for 4 weeks, 2 hr/d, 5 d/wk. All children were tested by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) at baseline, immediately before and 16 weeks after treatments. Results All groups had improvement in the GMFM after treatment (p < .01) and there were significant differences among groups (p < .01). In the follow-up study, no significant improvement in the GMFM was seen within groups (p > .05), but again there were significant differences among groups (p < .01). Conclusion The MAST was more effective than using either the AST or the Neurodevelopmental treatment on improvement of gross motor function in children with CP after treatment and at follow-up.
Validation of Child Behavior Rating Scale in Singapore (Part 2): Convergent and Discriminant Validity
Authors: Lim Sok Mui , Rodger Sylvia , Brown Ted 
Published: August 2011

Background/Objective In a previous study, the Child Behavior Rating Scales (CBRSs) were found to assess interpersonal social skills (IPS) and learning-related social skills (LRSS) in young Singaporean children. This study aimed to evaluate the convergent validity of the IPS scale within the CBRS and the discriminant validity of the LRSS scale within the CBRS with a dynamic occupational therapist assessment, the Evaluation of Social Interaction (ESI). Methods Teachers of 117 Singaporean children completed the CBRS. An occupational therapist assessed these children using the naturalistic observational tool ESI. The Rasch-derived scores from the two CBRS scales were correlated with the ESI scores. Results The IPS scale within the CBRS demonstrated moderate correlation with ESI, indicating convergent validity. The LRSS scale within the CBRS demonstrated low correlation with ESI, indicating discriminant validity. Conclusion This study provides additional validity evidence for the two newly identified CBRS scales. Results of this study suggest the potential of these scales for use by occupational therapists to measure different types of young children's social skills.
Glacial Lake Vitim, a 3000-km3 outburst flood from Siberia to the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Margold Martin , Jansson Krister N. , Stroeven Arjen P. , Jansen John D. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA prominent lake formed when glaciers descending from the Kodar Range blocked the River Vitim in central Transbaikalia, Siberia. Glacial Lake Vitim, evidenced by palaeoshorelines and deltas, covered 23,500 km2 and held a volume of ~ 3000 km3. We infer that a large canyon in the area of the postulated ice dam served as a spillway during an outburst flood that drained through the rivers Vitim and Lena into the Arctic Ocean. The inferred outburst flood, of a magnitude comparable to the largest known floods on Earth, possibly explains a freshwater spike at ~ 13 cal ka BP inferred from Arctic Ocean sediments.
Yellow Pigment Determination for Single Kernels of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)
Authors: Beleggia Romina , Platani Cristiano , Nigro Franca , Papa Roberto 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThe carotenoid concentration of durum wheat is a criterion for the assessment of semolina quality, and it is of particular importance in determining the color of pasta. Thus, the development of a rapid screening method for kernel and semolina color has facilitated increasing the yellow color in durum wheat cultivars. However, the distribution of the pigment might vary within the ear of the wheat. The micromethod for the determination of yellow pigment concentration (YPC) of single wheat kernels now allows the discovery of whether this variation is the same for cultivars with different carotenoid concentrations. All of the cultivars investigated showed similar trends in the arrangements of the kernels within the ears, with the central positions of the ears being the most stable for YPC. Indeed, the best combination of higher YPC and larger kernel size is seen for the basal‐central region of the ear, which can be used for the selection during wheat‐breeding programs of cultivars with a more intense yellow color.
Creating dynamic capabilities to increase customer value
Authors: Martelo Landroguez Silvia , Barroso Castro Carmen , Cepeda‐Carrión Gabriel 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the strategic management literature by identifying possible combinations of three organizational capabilities (market orientation, knowledge management, and customer relationship management). It seeks to analyze the potential interaction between them that would lead to the creation of superior customer value.Design/methodology/approachThe research question is: “If the customer demands superior value, how should a firm combine its existing capabilities in order to offer this superior value?”FindingsIt is clear that one should turn to dynamic capabilities to explain the connection between the interaction of these three capabilities and superior customer value. Firms are aware of the customers' demand for superior value and need to know how to combine their existing capabilities to offer this superior value.Practical implicationsA possible way of increasing the value created for the customer is proposed, which is a key factor for the increasing number of firms seeking new ways to achieve and maintain competitive advantage.Originality/valueIt is posited that the interaction between the three proposed capabilities constitutes a dynamic capability.
Antecedents of front‐line managers' perceptions of HR role stressors
Authors: Gilbert Caroline , De Winne Sophie , Sels Luc 
Published: August 2011

PurposeBased on role theory, this paper seeks to investigate the impact of HR devolution characteristics (number of devolved HR tasks), characteristics of the HR devolution context (level of support from the HR department, and presence of institutionalised incentives to perform the allotted HR tasks well), and personal characteristics of the front‐line managers (HR competency) on front‐line managers' perceptions of two HR role stressors, i.e. HR role ambiguity and HR role overload.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a sample of 169 front‐line managers from 47 organisations. The results are based on two moderation regression analyses, taking into account the nested nature of the observations.FindingsThe results suggest that the execution of a high number of HR tasks does not lead to the occurrence of HR role stressors among front‐line managers. However, for the HR department it is important to create an appropriate environment in terms of giving HR support and advice to line managers, and training line managers regarding their HR competencies.Research limitations/implicationsThis research opens up interesting lines of inquiry regarding the conditions under which the partnership between the HR department and line management can be successful.Practical implicationsThe paper provides HR practitioners with insights into the conditions needed to avoid perceptions of HR role stressors among front‐line managers.Originality/valueThe paper applies role theory in a new context, i.e. the HR role of front‐line managers.
HR transformation and shared services
Authors: Boglind Anders , Hällstén Freddy , Thilander Per 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to compare Ulrich's model of HR transformation/shared service organisation (the “three‐legged stool”) with the empirical evidence from the research. The aim of the paper is to describe the journey from theory to practice of HR transformation in organisations as they adopt and adapt the model.Design/methodology/approachAn institutional frame of reference is used for case studies of seven Swedish organisations. The respondents in the 192 interviews are HR professionals, line managers and other stakeholders.FindingsAll seven of the organisations adopted the HR transformation as a standard blueprint. Management consultants played a leading role in this process. HR service centres were established, the local HR staffs were reduced radically, and the remaining role, the HR business partners, took on lesser importance. During the adaptation process a variety of solutions resulted, some of which were innovations.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the small sample size, the generalisability of the results is somewhat limited.Practical implicationsThe results may useful to both researchers and practitioners, whether they are involved in the study or in the re‐organisation of HR. It is not easy to imitate a theoretical model or a “best practice” model without taking the translation process into consideration.Originality/valuePrevious studies have not examined how HR transformation/shared service travels in different organisations using this number of interviews in in‐depth research. These results show that achieving the desirable HR organisation depends on the translation and interpretations of the concepts in the local context.
Combining diverse knowledge: knowledge workers' experience of specialist and generalist roles
Authors: Kelly Gráinne , Mastroeni Michele , Conway Edel , Monks Kathy , Truss Katie , Flood Patrick , Hannon Enda 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to contribute to understanding the nature of specialist and generalist human capital by exploring the ways in which knowledge workers view their experience of working in specialist and generalist roles in pharmaceutical firms in Ireland and the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are based on interviews with 55 knowledge workers employed in a range of scientific, technical and managerial positions in four Irish and two UK firms located in the pharmaceutical sector. Interviews were also conducted with nine human resource/training and development managers within these six firms.FindingsThe findings suggest that the categorisation of human capital as either specialist or generalist is too rigid and does not take account of the fact that individuals may themselves choose to shape their careers by investing in a range of education, training and development opportunities that will enable them to move between specialist and generalist roles.Originality/valueThe paper unpacks the concepts of specialist and generalist human capital from an employee perspective and challenges the sharp distinction that is made between specialist and generalist human capital.
RFID and its benefits: a multiple case analysis
Authors: Zare Mehrjerdi Yahia 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key benefits of the radio frequency identification (RFID) on various industries and supply chains (SCs) all around the world. In this research, author has looked into different case studies and identified a list of benefits that RFID has brought to various industries. The clear benefits of RFID are: automation; transparency; asset management; velocity; insight; traceability; security; reliability; and capability. To understand RF, fundamental key points are identified and reviewed. Some applications of RFID in SCs are briefly reviewed and ten cases of RFID are discussed.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies key benefits of RFID using case studies approach. For this purpose, ten cases are reviewed from the entire industry, and then key benefits of RFID are determined.FindingsTo make business systems functional and successfully operational, manufacturers can use RFID solutions to reduce operating costs through decreasing the labor costs, claims, and returns. This will help them to increase the operating income. They also can reduce working capital by enabling reductions in inventory and lowering the inventory write‐off from the return goods and those items that are un‐saleable at the end. It is the collection of such strategies that can bring higher level of profitability and productivity to the business.Originality/valueOwing to the fact that a better management of production system is related to the full understanding of the technologies implemented and the system under consideration, the paper provides some background to the RFID technology and its benefits for various industries.
Market intelligence and NPD success: a study of technology intensive companies in Finland
Authors: Haverila Matti , Ashill Nick 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how managers in technology‐intensive companies conceptualize and perceive “intelligence” variables in successful and unsuccessful new product development (NPD) projects, and explore the role that intelligence variables play in differentiating between successful and unsuccessful NPD outcomes. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.Design/methodology/approachThe most senior person responsible for NPD within a sample of Finnish technology‐intensive companies completed a self‐administered internet survey on the role of intelligence in successful and unsuccessful NPD projects. The JMP 1‐2‐3‐software package (version 8 for Mac) by SAS was used for statistical analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate that managers in technology‐intensive companies rely on two broad types of intelligence, technical production and market information, during the NPD process. Most intelligence variables are positively related to NPD success. In addition, it appears that managers attach lower importance to intelligence variables in successful NPD outcomes when comparisons are made with previous research.Practical implicationsManagers in Finnish technology‐intensive companies should carefully analyze both technical‐production information and market information in the NPD process although technical‐production information is the more important factor in the analysis of information requirements in successful NPD outcomes relative to market information.Originality/valueAlthough market intelligence variables have been studied in the context of differentiating successful and unsuccessful industrial NPD, they have largely focused on the NPD process in broad‐based industrial and manufacturing companies. The paper examines the role of market intelligence in the NPD process of technology‐intensive companies using Finland as the study setting.
The effect of online service quality factors on internet usage
Authors: Carlos Pinho José , de Lurdes Martins Maria , Macedo Isabel 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis study aims to examine online service quality factors as main driving forces in the degree of intention of using the Taxation Department web site expressed by certified accountants.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a quantitative methodological approach, a survey was undertaken among a sample of 351 certified accountants to empirically test the proposed model. The paper used an ordered logit model to estimate the effects of several online service quality factors on the certified accountant's degree of intention of using the Portuguese government's tax services web site.FindingsThe results identify a number of key aspects of online service quality that contribute to the increase of the use of the taxation web site by certified accountants. This is particularly evident for web site characteristics such as convenience, research facilities, privacy and security, speed and ease of access.Practical implicationsThis study offers the opportunity to rethink existing policies and to set forth specific measures that can be implemented to establish rigorous quality standards.Originality/valueThe paper provides an empirical analysis regarding the online service quality factors that determine the degree of use of a taxation web site. The methodological framework followed in this study has not, as far as is known, been used previously within the literature in this context.
Approximations to g‐renewal functions
Authors: Rangan Alagar , MoghimiHadji Ehsan 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to provide useful approximations for the computation of g‐renewal function, since no closed form solution of such a function is availableDesign/methodology/approachOne of the methods uses a simple identity to obtain an approximation. The second method uses the Riemann sum to approximate the integrals to obtain a method of successive approximation.FindingsThe two methods provide satisfactory approximations with the relative errors in the computations are well within the acceptable limits. The accuracy of the successive approximation method could be improved with finer partition of the interval integration but at the cost of computational time.Research limitations/implicationsThe computational time increases for the evaluation of the renewal function for increasing values of t.Originality/valueThe paper provides easy to evaluate approximations for g‐renewal functions, which do not have closed form analytical solutions.
Modeling the tensile behaviour of needle punched nonwoven geotextiles
Authors: Halis Erdogan Umit , Erdem Nilufer 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical model to predict the mechanical behaviour of needle punched heavy geotextiles in uniaxial tensile test.Design/methodology/approachThe model was constructed using theory of layered composite materials and finite element method. The properties of a reference fabric were used as initial data in theoretical calculations and a commercially available finite element program was chosen to carry out stress analysis. A comparison is made between theoretical calculations and experimental data to evaluate the deformation mechanism of geotextile fabrics in uniaxial tensile test.FindingsThe results indicate that compatible data were predicted in terms of stress values and stress distribution of fabrics. The inconstant lateral contraction of nonwoven fabrics in tensile test is also successfully simulated by the model. However, in the case of elongations, the model could not predict the strains of heavy geotextiles accurately.Originality/valueThe study aims at predicting the mechanical behaviour of needle punched heavy geotextiles by using the structural and mechanical properties of a “reference fabric” instead of constituent fiber properties.
Global business chain and twin advantage
Authors: Kunnanatt James Thomas 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe paper proposes that globalization has opened up opportunities for developing countries that adopt the right type of political economy doctrine and opt to externalize their economies through contemporarily relevant global integration models and country‐level strategies.Design/methodology/approachPortraying the various phases of globalization, the experiences of developed and developing countries are reviewed to recommend a “global participation model” for developing countries to benefit from the globalization process.FindingsIn profiling the global participation model, the paper introduces the concept of global business chain and shows how countries have formed strategic groups to participate in the global chain as “opportunity exploiters” and “opportunity providers.” If equipped with appropriate and efficient economic doctrine, developing countries could act both as opportunity providers and opportunity exploiters and transform themselves into “twin advantage countries” – with substantial enhancements in their total factor productivity and consequent gains in the quality of life of populations.Originality/valueGlobal business chain and twin advantage strategy, the two major propositions of this paper, are a new stream of thought in the discussions on globalization.