Showing papers by "Hong Kong Baptist University published in 2005"
TL;DR: This paper conducted meta-analyses of over 50 determinants and consequences of expatriate adjustment using data from 8,474 expatriates in the US in 2014. But they focused on international assignments and domestic stress.
Abstract: Integrating work on international assignments and domestic stress, we conducted meta-analyses of over 50 determinants and consequences of expatriate adjustment using data from 8,474 expatriates in ...
1,036 citations
TL;DR: Biofertilizer has been identified as an alternative to chemical fertilizer to increase soil fertility and crop production in sustainable farming and microbial inoculum not only increased the nutritional assimilation of plant, but also improved soil properties, such as organic matter content and total N in soil.
763 citations
TL;DR: Results of moderated regression analysis revealed that different processes underlie the conflict and facilitation components and gender had only a limited moderating influence on the relationships between the antecedents and the components of work-family balance.
Abstract: This study examined antecedents and outcomes of a fourfold taxonomy of work-family balance in terms of the direction of influence (work-family vs. family-work) and type of effect (conflict vs. facilitation). Respondents were full-time employed parents in India. Confirmatory factor analysis results provided evidence for the discriminant validity of M. R. Frone's (2003) fourfold taxonomy of work-family balance. Results of moderated regression analysis revealed that different processes underlie the conflict and facilitation components. Furthermore, gender had only a limited moderating influence on the relationships between the antecedents and the components of work-family balance. Last, work-family facilitation was related to the work outcomes of job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
752 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigated the structure of goal contents in a group of 1,854 undergraduates from 15 cultures around the world and suggested that the 11 types of goals the authors assessed were consistently organized in a circumplex fashion.
Abstract: The authors investigated the structure of goal contents in a group of 1,854 undergraduates from 15 cultures around the world. Results suggested that the 11 types of goals the authors assessed were consistently organized in a circumplex fashion across the 15 cultures. The circumplex was well described by positioning 2 primary dimensions underlying the goals: intrinsic (e.g., self-acceptance, affiliation) versus extrinsic (e.g., financial success, image) and self-transcendent (e.g., spirituality) versus physical (e.g., hedonism). The circumplex model of goal contents was also quite similar in both wealthier and poorer nations, although there were some slight cross-cultural variations. The relevance of these results for several theories of motivation and personality are discussed.
643 citations
TL;DR: A review of the empirical studies on the antecedents of online shopping was performed to identify areas that would aid in developing a better understanding of the dynamics of a customer's decision to shop online.
534 citations
TL;DR: A series of cerium ion-doped titanium dioxide (Ce3+−TiO2) catalysts with special 4f electron configuration was prepared by a sol-gel process and characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method.
Abstract: A series of cerium ion-doped titanium dioxide (Ce3+–TiO2) catalysts with special 4f electron configuration was prepared by a sol–gel process and characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and also photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of Ce3+–TiO2 catalysts was evaluated in the 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) degradation in aqueous suspension under UV or visible light illumination. The experimental results demonstrated that the overall photocatalytic activity of Ce3+–TiO2 catalysts in MBT degradation was signigicantly enhanced due to higher adsorption capacity and better separation of electron-hole pairs. The experimental results verified that both the adsorption equilibrium constant (Ka) and the saturated adsorption amount (Γmax) increased with the increase of cerium ion content. The results of XPS analysis showed that the Ti3+, Ce3+, and Ce4+ ions reside in the Ce3+–TiO2 catalysts. The results of DRS analysis indicated that the Ce3+–TiO2 catalysts had significant optical absorption in the visible region between 400 and 500 nm because electrons could be excited from the valence band of TiO2 or ground state of cerium oxides to Ce 4f level. In the meantime, the dependence of the electron-hole pair separation on cerium ion content was investigated by the PL analysis. It was found that the separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs increased with the increase of cerium ion content at first and then decreased when the cerium ion content exceeded its optimal value. It is proposed that the formation of two sub-energy levels (defect level and Ce 4f level) in Ce3+–TiO2 might be a critical reason to eliminate the recombination of electron-hole pairs and to enhance the photocatalytic activity.
399 citations
TL;DR: A highly selective copper(II) ion fluorescent sensor has been designed based on the UV-visible absorption of a spiropyran derivative coupled with the use of a metal porphyrin operative on the fluorescence inner filter effect, which presents an excellent selectivity for copper ion in comparison with several other heavy or transition metal ions.
Abstract: A highly selective copper(II) ion fluorescent sensor has been designed based on the UV−visible absorption of a spiropyran derivative coupled with the use of a metal porphyrin operative on the fluorescence inner filter effect. Spiropyrans, which combine the characteristics of metal binding and signal transduction, have been widely utilized in cationic ion recognition by UV−visible spectroscopy. In the present work, the viability of converting the absorption signal of the spiropyran molecule into a fluorescence signal was explored. On account of overlap of the absorption band of the spiropyran (λabs = 547 nm) in the presence of copper ion with the Q-band of an added fluorophore, zinc meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (λabs = 556 nm), the effective light absorbed by the porphyrin and concomitantly the emitted light intensity vary as a result of varying absorption of the spiropyran via fluorescence inner filter effect. The metal binding characteristic of the spiropyran presents an excellent selectivity for copper ion...
369 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that Si-enhanced tolerance to Cd can be attributed not only toCd immobilization caused by silicate-induced pH rise in the soils but also to Si-mediated detoxification of Cd in the plants.
369 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify through the use of empirical data collected from Taiwan and Hong Kong, the factors that influence supply chain quality management and show that quality management practices are significantly correlated with the supplier participation strategy and this influences tangible business results, and customer satisfaction levels.
356 citations
14 Jun 2005
TL;DR: This framework is the first to address the location update issue and to provide a common interface for monitoring mixed types of queries and significantly reduces the wireless communication and query reevaluation costs required to maintain the up-to-date query results.
Abstract: This paper proposes a generic framework for monitoring continuous spatial queries over moving objects. The framework distinguishes itself from existing work by being the first to address the location update issue and to provide a common interface for monitoring mixed types of queries. Based on the notion of safe region, the client location update strategy is developed based on the queries being monitored. Thus, it significantly reduces the wireless communication and query reevaluation costs required to maintain the up-to-date query results. We propose algorithms for query evaluation/reevaluation and for safe region computation in this framework. Enhancements are also proposed to take advantage of two practical mobility assumptions: maximum speed and steady movement. The experimental results show that our framework substantially outperforms the traditional periodic monitoring scheme in terms of monitoring accuracy and CPU time while achieving a close-to-optimal wireless communication cost. The framework also can scale up to a large monitoring system and is robust under various object mobility patterns.
279 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of using fumed SiO 2, MCM-41, and SBA-15 as supports for Ru and Ni catalysts on ammonia decomposition were investigated.
TL;DR: It is recommended to impose a tighter control on the use of DDT for vector control as well as for agricultural application, and conduct regular monitoring of DDTs concentrations in different ecological compartments which include air, water, sediment and biota.
TL;DR: The authors examined the mediating influence of trust in organization (TIO) and organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) on the relationship between perceived organization support (POS) and its work outcomes.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine whether listed Chinese firms manage earnings to meet regulatory benchmarks and whether regulators and investors consider the quality of earnings in their respective regulatory and investment decisions, and find that firms that apply for, but fail to receive, regulatory approval manage earnings more significantly than do firms that receive approval and pair-matched control firms.
Abstract: Under the 1996-98 security regulations in China, the accounting rate of return on equity (ROE) has to be greater than 10 percent for three "consecutive" years for a firm to qualify for stock rights offers. Despite declining economic conditions during this period, the percentage of firms reporting ROE between 10 and 11 percent is about "three" times that for 1994-95. This unique regulatory environment provides a natural experimental setting for the empirical assessment of earnings-management behavior and its consequences. This study examines whether listed Chinese firms manage earnings to meet regulatory benchmarks and whether regulators and investors consider the quality of earnings in their respective regulatory and investment decisions.
On the basis of a sample of listed Chinese firms from 1996 to 1998, we observe that managers execute transactions involving below-the-line items and use income-increasing accounting accruals to meet regulatory ROE targets for stock rights offerings. The firms that apply for, but fail to receive, regulatory approval manage earnings more significantly than do firms that receive approval and pair-matched control firms. Our market study also suggests that investors differentiate the quality of earnings and put less value on earnings suspected of a greater degree of management. Overall, our results imply that the regulatory bodies and investors to some extent make rational adjustments for the quality of earnings.
TL;DR: The quality and visibility of the ghost image are influenced by the source's transverse size, coherence width, and object characteristics, and the equation depends on both paths.
Abstract: We theoretically study ghost imaging with incoherent and partially coherent light radiation by using classical optical coherence theory. A Gaussian thin lens equation is derived for the ghost image. The equation depends on both paths. The quality and visibility of the ghost image are influenced by the source's transverse size, coherence width, and object characteristics. The differences between ghost imaging formed with incoherent light radiation and with entangled photon pairs are discussed.
TL;DR: Interpersonal (especially intrafamilial) stigma was pervasive, hard to avoid and devastating to patients with schizophrenia and patients with diabetes mellitus in Hong Kong.
Abstract: Background Research on stigma often focuses on general public
attitudes and overlooks patients9 subjective experiences of everyday stigma
arising from significant others. Aims To document and compare the interpersonal experiences of stigma
in patients with schizophrenia and patients with diabetes mellitus in Hong
Kong. Method Four focus groups were conducted to generate a self-report
questionnaire. Data were collected from out-patients with schizophrenia
( n =320) and diabetes ( n =160). Results Significantly more patients with schizophrenia (>40%)
than diabetes (average 15%) experienced stigma from family members, partners,
friends and colleagues. Over 50% anticipated stigma and about 55% concealed
their illness. Dysphoria occurred in over half. Conclusions Interpersonal (especially intrafamilial) stigma was
pervasive, hard to avoid and devastating to patients with schizophrenia.
Family support had to be realised rather than assumed, despite the emphasis on
relationship bonds in Chinese society. Programmes that build the family as a
rehabilitative resource should start early to reduce the development and
adverse impacts of stigma.
TL;DR: This model of community network is presented and it is found that, compared to the random network, the community network has a broader degree distribution, a smaller threshold of epidemic outbreak, and more prevalence to keep the outbreak endemic.
Abstract: Social networks have the structure of communities To understand how the community structure affects epidemic spreading, we present a simplified model of community network, and investigate the epidemic propagation in this model We find that, compared to the random network, the community network has a broader degree distribution, a smaller threshold of epidemic outbreak, and more prevalence to keep the outbreak endemic The formulae of epidemic threshold are given and confirmed by numerical simulations
TL;DR: The obtained isomer profiles of PBDEs from the two soil samples collected from different contamination sites were found to be similar to various technical formulations of fire retardant products.
TL;DR: The authors investigated informed trading on stock volatility in the option market and found that this volatility demand is informative about the future realized volatility of underlying stocks which suggests the presence of volatility information traders in the options market.
Abstract: This paper investigates informed trading on stock volatility in the option market. Using a unique data set from the Chicago Board Options Exchange, we construct non-market maker net demand for stock volatility from the trading volume of individual equity options. We find that this volatility demand is informative about the future realized volatility of underlying stocks which suggests the presence of volatility information traders in the option market. We also examine asset pricing implications of volatility information trading by measuring Kyle's lambda: The impact on option prices for each unit increase in volatility demand. The price impact is positive which is consistent with the existence of informational asymmetry about stock volatility. More importantly, we link the time variation in the price impact to the time variation in the degree of informational asymmetry. In particular, the price impact increases by over 50 percent as informational asymmetry about stock volatility intensifies in the days leading up to earnings announcements and diminishes to its normal level soon after the volatility uncertainty is resolved.
TL;DR: In this article, a trifunctional Pt(II) cyclometalated complex was synthesized, in which the hole-transporting (HT), electron-transport (ET), and electroluminescent (EL) components were integrated into a single molecule.
TL;DR: It is theoretically shown that the negative Goos-Hänchen shifts near resonance, Re[k(z)d] = m pi, can be an order of magnitude larger than the wavelength for both TE- and TM-polarized beams reflected from a weakly absorbing dielectric slab if the absorption of the slab is sufficiently weak.
Abstract: It is theoretically shown that the negative Goos–Hanchen shifts near resonance, Re[kzd]=m?, can be an order of magnitude larger than the wavelength for both TE- and TM-polarized beams reflected from a weakly absorbing dielectric slab if the absorption of the slab is sufficiently weak, which is different from the case for a lossless dielectric slab [Phys. Rev. Lett.91, 133903 (2003) ].
TL;DR: This paper investigated the relationship between teachers' demographic variables and burnout in Hong Kong using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and found that teachers who were younger, unmarried, without religious beliefs, less experienced, without finishing professional training and of junior rank were more consistently burned out.
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the relationship between teachers' demographic variables and burnout in Hong Kong using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. It is found that when compared with the North American normative data, Hong Kong teachers scored in the average range of burnout in emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment while they scored in the low range of burnout in depersonalization. Gender differences were found in all three burnout syndromes, and teachers who were younger, unmarried, without religious beliefs, less experienced, without finishing professional training and of junior rank were more consistently burned out. Whereas age was the strongest predictor for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, teachers' rank is the best predictor for personal accomplishment. However, the effect of demographic characteristics of teachers on burnout is not that salient.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of metal-based functional materials of fluorenes and their derivatives is presented, focusing on the properties of these metal-organic compounds and their applications in the field of optoelectronics and molecular electronics.
TL;DR: Diosgenin inhibits K562 cell proliferation via cell cycle G2/M arrest and apoptosis, with disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction playing vital roles.
Abstract: Diosgenin is a steroidal sapogenin with estrogenic and antitumor properties. In order to elucidate the mechanism of its antiproliferative activity, we investigated its effects on the cell cycle and apoptosis in human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells. Cell viability was assessed via an MTT assay. Apoptosis was investigated in terms of nuclear morphology, DNA fragmentation, and phosphatidylserine externalization. Cell cycle analysis was performed via PI staining and flow cytometry (FCM). Western blotting and immunofluorescence methods were used to determine the levels of p53, cell cycle-related proteins and Bcl-2 family members. FCM was also used to estimate the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular Ca2+ concentration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Cell cycle analysis showed that diosgenin caused G2/M arrest independently of p53. The levels of cyclin B1 and p21Cip1/Waf1 were decreased, whereas cdc2 levels were increased. Subsequent apoptosis was demonstrated with the dramatic activation of caspase-3. A dramatic decline in intracellular Ca2+ concentration was observed as an initiating event in the process of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, which was followed by the hyperpolarization and depolarization of MMP. Generation of ROS was observed in the progression of apoptosis. The antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins were downregulated, whereas the proapoptotic Bax was upregulated. Diosgenin inhibits K562 cell proliferation via cell cycle G2/M arrest and apoptosis, with disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction playing vital roles.
TL;DR: A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) fingerprint of Chinese Angelica was developed basing on the consistent chromatograms of 40 CA samples, suggesting that SL and CR might have very close relationship in terms of chemotaxonomy.
TL;DR: The great genotypic differences in Cd concentrations indicated that it is possible to lower the Cd content of rice through cultivar selection and breeding and correlated significantly with some important agronomic traits, as well as with nitrogen concentrations, one of the most important criteria for rice quality.
Abstract: A pot trial was conducted with 52 rice cultivars of different types collected from different origins. The results showed that there were great differences in Cd concentrations in straw, brown rice and grain chaff among the rice cultivars grown in a soil containing a Cd concentration of 100 mg kg−1; the Cd concentrations in brown rice ranged from 0.22 to 2.86 mg kg−1. The great genotypic differences in Cd concentrations indicated that it is possible to lower the Cd content of rice through cultivar selection and breeding. Significant differences were found in the Cd concentrations of the rice types of Indica consanguinity and those of Japonica consanguinity, but not between their origins. There were significant correlations between straw and brown rice in Cd concentration and in the total amount of Cd accumulated. The distribution ratios of the Cd accumulated in brown rice to the total Cd accumulation in the above-ground rice plant varied greatly from 12.9 to 137.8 g kg−1, and there was significant correlation between the distribution ratios and Cd concentrations in brown rice. These indicated that Cd concentration in rice grain is governed by the transport of Cd from root to shoot and also from shoot to grain. Cd concentrations in brown rice also correlated significantly with some important agronomic traits, as well as with nitrogen concentrations, one of the most important criteria for rice quality. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
TL;DR: Experiments show that the hybrid sampling strategy enables relatively small roadmaps to reliably capture the connectivity of configuration spaces with difficult narrow passages.
Abstract: Probabilistic roadmap (PRM) planners have been successful in path planning of robots with many degrees of freedom, but sampling narrow passages in a robot's configuration space remains a challenge for PRM planners. This paper presents a hybrid sampling strategy in the PRM framework for finding paths through narrow passages. A key ingredient of the new strategy is the bridge test, which reduces sample density in many unimportant parts of a configuration space, resulting in increased sample density in narrow passages. The bridge test can be implemented efficiently in high-dimensional configuration spaces using only simple tests of local geometry. The strengths of the bridge test and uniform sampling complement each other naturally. The two sampling strategies are combined to construct the hybrid sampling strategy for our planner. We implemented the planner and tested it on rigid and articulated robots in 2-D and 3-D environments. Experiments show that the hybrid sampling strategy enables relatively small roadmaps to reliably capture the connectivity of configuration spaces with difficult narrow passages.
TL;DR: This novel ordered mesoporous Pt/TiO2 nanoarchitecture is also a promising photochemical material, as demonstrated by the photo-driven killing of Micrococcus lylae cells on the film.
Abstract: A novel metal/semiconductor nanocomposite with catalytic and photocatalytic functions has been prepared. The new material consists of highly dispersed platinum (Pt) nanoparticles embedded in a cubic mesoporous nanocrystalline anatase (meso-nc-TiO2) thin film. The porous thin film possesses a narrow pore-size distribution and a large surface area. The diameter of the Pt cluster can be controlled to below 5 nm, and the high dispersion of these clusters gives rise to catalytic activity for the oxidation of carbon monoxide, an important reaction for automobile exhaust treatment. This novel ordered mesoporous Pt/TiO2 nanoarchitecture is also a promising photochemical material, as demonstrated by the photo-driven killing of Micrococcus lylae cells on the film.
TL;DR: In this article, an explicit consideration of the criterion space for expatriate success is presented, where expat performance is conceptualized in terms of task completion, relationship building and overall performance.
Abstract: The paper presents an explicit consideration of the criterion space for expatriate success. Expatriate performance is conceptualized in terms of task completion, relationship building and overall performance. These three dimensions are determined by various features of effort regulation: the amount and pattern of personal resources the expatriate spends on behaviours that constitute his or her position. Drawing upon work motivation and withdrawal literatures, we assess effort in terms of withdrawal cognitions, passive task neglect, active task avoidance, time to proficiency and leader-team exchanges. Effort regulation, in turn, is proposed to be a function of three forms of adjustment (cultural, interaction and work) – which have been the default criterion in past expatriate research. Our model is tested using multi-source data from expatriates, their spouses and their work colleagues. Support for the proposed mapping of successive linkages between adjustment, effort (including the often-studied assignmen...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw upon social capital theory to develop and test a model of expatriate adjustment and performance, which predicts that social networks and access to information and resources (opportunities), trust and norm of reciprocity (motivation) and host country nationals' intercultural competencies and reliable task performance (abilities) have direct effects.
Abstract: To understand the effects of host country nationals (HCNs) on expatriate effectiveness, we draw upon social capital theory to develop and test a model of expatriate adjustment and performance. This social capital model predicts that social networks and access to information and resources (opportunities), trust and norm of reciprocity (motivation) and HCNs' intercultural competencies and reliable task performance (abilities) have direct effects on expatriate adjustment and performance. To test the proposed model, we conducted a field study and collected data from 147 expatriate managers working in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. The social capital variables were strong predictors of expatriate performance but were relatively weak for adjustment. Having adopted a new perspective for examining expatriate effectiveness, this research offers some new directions for future studies in expatriate research as well as in social capital.