bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collective dynamics underpins Rayleigh behavior in disordered polycrystalline ferroelectrics
Authors: Bintachitt P. , Jesse S. , Damjanovic D. , Han Y. , Reaney I. M. , Trolier-McKinstry S. , Kalinin S. V. 
Published: April 2010

Nanoscale and mesoscopic disorder and associated local hysteretic responses underpin the unique properties of spin and cluster glasses, phase-separated oxides, polycrystalline ferroelectrics, and ferromagnets alike. Despite the rich history of the field, the relationship between the statistical descriptors of hysteresis behavior such as Preisach density, and micro and nanostructure has remained elusive. By using polycrystalline ferroelectric capacitors as a model system, we now report quantitative nonlinearity measurements in 0.025–1 μm
3
volumes, approximately 10
6
times smaller than previously possible. We discover that the onset of nonlinear behavior with thickness proceeds through formation and increase of areal density of micron-scale regions with large nonlinear response embedded in a more weakly nonlinear matrix. This observation indicates that large-scale collective domain wall dynamics, as opposed to motion of noninteracting walls, underpins Rayleigh behavior in disordered ferroelectrics. The measurements provide evidence for the existence and extent of the domain avalanches in ferroelectric materials, forcing us to rethink 100-year old paradigms.
Organic particulate material levels in the atmosphere: Conditions favoring sensitivity to varying relative humidity and temperature
Authors: Pankow James F. 
Published: April 2010

This study examines the sensitivity in predicted levels of atmospheric organic particulate matter (
M
o
, μg m
-3
) as those levels may potentially be affected by changes in relative humidity and temperature. In a given system, for each partitioning compound,
f
g
and
f
p
represent the gaseous and particulate fractions (
f
g
+
f
p
= 1). Sensitivity in the
M
o
levels becomes
dampened
as the compounds contributing significantly to
M
o
are increasingly found in the
particle phase
(
f
p
→ 1). Thus, although local maxima in sensitivity can be encountered as
M
o
levels increase, because as
M
o
increases each
f
p
→ 1, then increasing
M
o
levels generally tend to reduce sensitivity in
M
o
levels to changes in relative humidity and temperature. Experiments designed to elucidate the potential magnitudes of the effects of relative humidity and temperature on
M
o
levels must be carried out at
M
o
levels that are relevant for the ambient atmosphere: The
f
p
values for the important partitioning compounds must not be elevated above ambient-relevant values. Systems in which
M
o
levels are low (e.g., 1–2 μg m
-3
) and/or composed of unaged secondary organic aerosol are the ones most likely to show sensitivity to changing relative humidity and temperature. Results from two published chamber studies are examined in the above regard: [Warren B, et al. (2009)
Atmos Environ
43:1789–1795] and [Prisle NL, et al. (2010)
Geophys Res Lett
37:L01802].
OX40 is required for regulatory T cell–mediated control of colitis
Authors: Griseri Thibault , Asquith Mark , Thompson Claire , Powrie Fiona 
Published: April 2010

The immune response in the gastrointestinal tract is a tightly controlled balance between effector and regulatory cell responses. Here, we have investigated the role of OX40 in influencing the balance between conventional T cells and Foxp3+ regulatory T (T reg) cells. Under steady-state conditions, OX40 was required by T reg cells for their accumulation in the colon, but not peripheral lymphoid organs. Strikingly, under inflammatory conditions OX40 played an essential role in T reg cell–mediated suppression of colitis. OX40−/− T reg cells showed reduced accumulation in the colon and peripheral lymphoid organs, resulting in their inability to keep pace with the effector response. In the absence of OX40 signaling, T reg cells underwent enhanced activation-induced cell death, indicating that OX40 delivers an important survival signal to T reg cells after activation. As OX40 also promoted the colitogenic Th1 response, its expression on T reg cells may be required for effective competition with OX40-dependent effector responses.
These results newly identify a key role for OX40 in the homeostasis of intestinal Foxp3 +T reg cells and in suppression of colitis. These fi ndings should be taken into account when considering OX40 blockade for treatment of IBD.
Beyond Pygmalion effect: the role of managerial perception
Authors: Inamori Takao , Analoui Farhad 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe influences of perception have been studied in educational, army, sports and business settings but never in the development field. The Pygmalion effect generally suggests that the perceiver's positive expectation enhances the target's performance. This first time research seeks to explore how managerial perceptions of the aid workers of the local staffs affect their behaviour and performance in cross‐cultural project settings.Design/methodology/approachWith the cooperation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), 244 valid responses were obtained from the aid workers through a web‐based survey. Using factor analysis, five perception‐related factors and two behaviour‐related factors were extracted. Subsequently, in order to clarify the causal relationship, the above factors and one observed organisational performance variable were tested using path analysis.FindingsPositive causal relationships were confirmed between two perception‐related factors and one behaviour‐related factor, and also between the behaviour‐related factor and the organisational performance variable. These results strongly suggest that aid workers' positive perception causes positive behaviour in local colleagues and will result in higher organisational performance.Practical limitations/implicationsWhilst avoiding generalisation, nevertheless, the results suggest that there is a need for people‐related and cross‐cultural management skills to ensure successful future activities, and stress management competencies to maintain the positive managerial perception on the part of the aid workers.Originality/valueDespite the considerable influence of donor staff's managerial perception on the quality of the human relationships and organisational performance, this field of enquiry has remained neglected. The study provides first‐time empirical evidence on its significance.
A review of creativity within organizations from a psychological perspective
Authors: Klijn Marja , Tomic Welko 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to survey the main creativity models, mediators as well as the enhancers of organizational creativity, all from a psychological perspective. In addition, the paper seeks to identify gaps in knowledge of organizational creativity. Aspects of creativity that require closer inspection are described.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature on creativity within organizations from a psychological perspective was undertaken. A large number of research papers, mainly published after 1985 covering creativity and/or innovation, were identified and critically evaluated for relevance to the paper's purpose, and were judged on sufficient scholarship in order to create a narrative literature review.FindingsDespite the great amount of psychological research on creativity and innovation, only a few models and theories appear to be defined. Moreover, their predictive value and incorporation of possible influencing factors is limited. In general, it can be concluded that the field of creativity requires more in‐depth research as well as a synthesis of results of various studies and models in order to effectively develop, promote and predict creativity within organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe review focuses mainly on psychological aspects of creativity in organizations as published in research papers. In future studies for determining generic theories and conclusions, other aspects, e.g. sociological, cultural, economic and biological, should be taken into account.Originality/valueA large and diverse number of studies on creativity in organizations have been conducted, but a comprehensive review paper on organizational creativity is still lacking. This paper supplies this need for survey. The findings of the current paper provide a well documented framework in addressing creativity enhancers in organizational environments. Furthermore, it articulates suggestions for further research and can be a good starting‐point for newcomers in this research domain.
The effect of downsizing on organizational practices targeting older workers
Authors: Armstrong‐Stassen Marjorie , Cattaneo Julian 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the association between organizational downsizing and the extent to which organizations are engaging in human resource practices tailored to the needs of older workers (Study 1) and are providing a supportive training and development climate for older workers (Study 2).Design/methodology/approachStudy 1 data were obtained from 449 employed individuals aged 50 to 68 years. Study 2 data were obtained from 395 employed individuals aged 50 to 70 years. Respondents were from a broad cross‐section of occupations and organizations across Canada.FindingsRespondents in downsized organizations indicated that their organizations were significantly less likely to be engaging in human resource practices tailored to older workers and that their organizations had a less supportive training and development climate than their counterparts whose organizations had not downsized.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on older workers' perceptions of organizational practices, which may or may not be an accurate reflection of what organizations actually have in place.Practical implicationsOrganizations, especially those that have downsized, will be at a disadvantage if they continue to ignore the needs of older workers. Employers will have to change how they view older workers and put in place organizational practices geared to older workers such as those examined in the paper. Ensuring that older workers have the requisite skills and competencies to extend their working lives may require government involvement.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates that downsizing is detrimental to organizational practices that the aging workforce literature identifies as especially important to older workers.
Age cohort effects, gender, and Romanian leadership preferences
Authors: Fein Erich C. , Tziner Aharon , Vasiliu Cristinel 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis study aims to examine preferences for both transformational and transactional leadership behavior for gender‐ and age‐based cohort differences. The purpose of this research is to enhance leadership and organizational change initiatives in Romania via the identification of age cohort and gender effects with respect to attitudes towards common leadership behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThe research is conducted via a survey through the administration of questionnaires. The sample consists of 324 managers from commercial and service organizations in Romania, a country in which this issue has not previously been investigated.FindingsThe findings reveal that there are differences in preferences for leadership behavior based on age cohorts that reached maturity before or after the fall of Ceauşescu during the 1989 revolution. Also, female participants displayed a greater preference for transformational leadership behaviors relative to transactional leadership behaviors.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine the effects of leadership preference based on age cohorts in Romania. The study also is one of the first to empirically examine the effects of age cohorts on leadership after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. As such, these findings offer guidance in the development and implementation of leadership development initiatives and change management interventions for organizations operating in Romania, and present one example of cohort‐based and leadership‐specific attitude change in a country that is transitioning from communism to a free market system.
How private enterprises establish organizational legitimacy in China's transitional economy
Authors: Feng Tianli , Wang Guofeng 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal how Chinese private entrepreneurs behaved in a transition economy with a weak institutional environment to obtain organizational legitimacy.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on five consecutive nation‐wide surveys from 1997 to 2006 in China, the study provides empirical evidence and theoretical explanation on private entrepreneurs' behaviors in obtaining organizational legitimacy in China's transition economy.FindingsThe paper finds that the institutional environment in China's transition economy for private firms was weak. Specifically, weak property protection and Three Payouts showed a high risk of property confiscation for private firms; an under‐developed (discriminatory) financial system and a weak credit system had been big obstacles for the development of private firms, which resulted in debt chain among firms, a substitution for the weak financial system. Under such a hostile institutional environment where firms have been facing a high risk of organizational legitimacy, private entrepreneurs have great willingness to connect with government officers, participate in PC or CPPCC which are likely be politically connected, employ isomorphism in organizational structure, apply government‐oriented corporate social responsibility behaviors, on which they depend to obtain organizational legitimacy in transitional economy.Originality/valueThe paper exhibits the institutional environment in the past ten years in China's transition economy, and proposes the likely ways in which private entrepreneurs choose to establish legitimacy under a weak institutional environment.
A balanced scorecard approach for R&D: evidence from a case study
Authors: Bigliardi Barbara , Ivo Dormio Alberto 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to develop a balanced scorecard (BSC) model delimited for research and development (R&D) performance measurement.Design/methodology/approachA research methodology that is a combination of literature analysis, Delphi technique and case study‐based research was adopted. Specifically, starting from the analysis of the literature about performance measurement and metrics in general, and applied to R&D environment in particular, the relevant indicators (both financial and non‐financial) suitable to be used for the R&D activities were identified. These indicators were then submitted to a panel of experts, which, following the Delphi technique, determined the final list of indicators and the final BSC model. Finally, in order to validate the BSC model obtained, it was tested on a company operating in the automotive industry.FindingsThe preliminary result obtained from this case study, that is a BSC model suitable for R&D, helps in the development of a general BSC model to be tested on a wide sample of firms that actively operate in the R&D field.Research limitations/implicationsThe research methodology adopted has, on the one hand, the advantage that allows the study in depth of a specific issue (the BSC) and, on the other, the results presented are not suitable to be generalized or extended to other contexts, although some extrapolations can be made.Originality/valueThe paper provides a structured performance measurement system designed for R&D that may be used as a reference for companies where R&D activities are the core activities, to establish applicable performance appraisal indicators.
Benchmarking success of building maintenance projects
Authors: Lam Edmond W.M. , Chan Albert P.C. , Chan Daniel W.M. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a project success index (PSI) to benchmark the performance of building maintenance projects from a number of key performance indicators (KPIs).Design/methodology/approachThe research collected 110 responses from project participants with managing building maintenance project experience of the Hong Kong construction industry via ordinary postal mail. In addition, a project success equation was formulated from the principal components analysis to generate a composite score so as to indicate the level of success of building maintenance projects.FindingsIndustry participants believe that time, cost, quality, functionality, safety and environmental friendliness can be considered as KPIs for building maintenance projects. A single index can also be computed from the project success equation to apply different weightings to the respective KPI with different significance such that the performance of building maintenance projects can be compared.Practical implicationsThe concept of success remains vague among project participants, which makes it difficult to assess whether the performance of a project is a success or failure. The development of PSI can indicate the overall performance of a building maintenance project and quantify the success concept in a scientific manner.Originality/valuePSI‐Mains indicates the success level of a building maintenance project for benchmarking purposes. It also enables project stakeholders to measure the success of a building maintenance project and to compare the relative success level among different building maintenance projects in a scientific manner.
Measuring customer satisfaction of FM service in housing sector
Authors: Hui Eddie C.M. , Zheng Xian 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze crucial variables of customer satisfaction towards residential facility management (FM) service, and to enable FM companies to deliver high quality services.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a survey of customer satisfaction of one residential property in Hong Kong. FM service is divided into two interrelated clusters which are denoted by two latent variables, and then a specific structural equation model is developed for identifying and quantifying the influence of service and management quality on customer satisfaction and clarifying the causal relationships between these latent and observed variables.FindingsThe research reveals that: both service and management quality have significant positive effect on customer satisfaction, and the effect of service quality is larger than that of management quality when the indirect effect is taken into account; service quality is a crucial latent variable influencing customer satisfaction and it has a significant direct effect on management quality; how the individual observed variables work together to characterize the corresponding latent variables from an empirical point of view, and some key variables that should be focused on by facility managers in the housing sector are also identified.Practical implicationsStructural equation models are advocated for evaluating customer satisfaction in the housing property sector of facility management service. It can also be used in other sectors of facility management, such as office, retail property or some public property management like hospitals and schools. It has implications for facility management managers in how to improve residential customers' satisfaction level.Originality/valueThis paper presents a quantitative model of characterizing the degree of customer satisfaction.
Systems approach and performance measurement by social enterprises
Authors: Straub Ad , Koopman Marnix , van Mossel Henk‐Jan 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper intends to ascertain a general guideline for performance measurement and management by social enterprises, combining public and private tasks.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual systems approach is used as a framework. Maintenance service delivery by Dutch housing associations is used as a case study to show how the conceptual systems approach to performance measurement can be helpful to address the managerial problems of social enterprises, the actors involved and the possible consequences of new policies and interventions.FindingsThe system approach to performance measurement has the tools to bring transparency to the aims and means of the various participants in the production process of social enterprises having complex aims and tasks both in the market and in the public domain. The identification of key performance indicators, as well as the input, throughput, output and outcome indicators, ensures the effectiveness and efficiency of the internal business process and also covers the accountability to external stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsThe conceptual systems approach to performance measurement was tested by Dutch housing associations. Researchers are encouraged to test the conceptual systems approach to performance measurement in other social enterprises.Practical implicationsThe complexity of the public housing sector and generally social enterprises needs transparent performance measurement. This complexity – due to dynamics in the surroundings – also causes measurement problems. When deciding on performance indicators it is essential to gain a clear idea of the manageable and unmanageable dynamics and to adjust the performance measurement system accordingly.Originality/valueThe importance of performance measurement by social enterprises is growing. The paper shows how the conceptual systems approach can still be very helpful to identify performance indicators combining tasks in the market and public domain.
Measuring service quality and patient satisfaction with access to public and private healthcare delivery
Authors: Owusu‐Frimpong Nana , Nwankwo Sonny , Dason Baba 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to explore patients' satisfaction with access to treatment in both the public and private healthcare sectors in London.Design/methodology/approachQualitative and quantitative methods were employed to determine patients' levels of satisfaction. A semi‐structured face ‐to‐face non‐probability quota sampling and a probability sample drawn from multistage cluster sampling methods were employed.FindingsThe results revealed varying access experiences among public and private care users. Public, as opposed to private, healthcare users experience unsatisfactory outcomes in relation to service climate factors (e.g. getting attention from doctors, time taken to get appointments, access to core treatment and opening hours). Overall, while women are more disadvantaged by spatial accessibility to treatment than men, both public and private healthcare users indicate major problems in accessing healthcare despite the myriad intervention strategies aimed at ameliorating the situation in both sectors. Therefore, access‐to‐care problems are significant and need to be addressed by managers and healthcare providers in order to improve the quality of service delivery and patient satisfaction. Private care users fare better than public users in obtaining medical care at short notice, having more agreeable opening hours for treatment and getting appointments for treatment with less difficulty.Research limitations/implicationsWhereas the limitation of the study was due to its small sample size, it nevertheless will stimulate insight into further academic endeavours.Practical implicationsAcademics and practitioners will find the results very useful when making decisions about healthcare provisions and how they can best meet user/patient satisfaction.Originality/valueThis study is significant in drawing on the current literature on satisfaction which is usefully applied to evaluate patients' response to the quality management initiatives in the healthcare sector.