Showing papers by "Renmin University of China published in 2006"

Cultural and leadership predictors of corporate social responsibility values of top management: a GLOBE study of 15 countries

Abstract: This paper examines cultural and leadership variables associated with corporate social responsibility values that managers apply to their decision-making. In this longitudinal study, we analyze data from 561 firms located in 15 countries on five continents to illustrate how the cultural dimensions of institutional collectivism and power distance predict social responsibility values on the part of top management team members. CEO visionary leadership and integrity were also uniquely predictive of such values.

On sliced inverse regression with high-dimensional covariates

Abstract: Sliced inverse regression is a promising method for the estimation of the central dimension-reduction subspace (CDR space) in semiparametric regression models. It is particularly useful in tackling cases with high-dimensional covariates. In this article we study the asymptotic behavior of the estimate of the CDR space with high-dimensional covariates, that is, when the dimension of the covariates goes to infinity as the sample size goes to infinity. Strong and weak convergence are obtained. We also suggest an estimation procedure of the Bayes information criterion type to ascertain the dimension of the CDR space and derive the consistency. A simulation study is conducted.

Cloning of mpd gene from a chlorpyrifos-degrading bacterium and use of this strain in bioremediation of contaminated soil

Abstract: An effective chlorpyrifos-degrading bacterium (named strain YC-1) was isolated from the sludge of the wastewater treating system of an organophosphorus pesticides manufacturer. Based on the results of phenotypic features, phylogenetic similarity of 16S rRNA gene sequences and BIOLOG test, strain YC-1 was identified as the genus Stenotrophomonas. The isolate utilized chlorpyrifos as the sole source of carbon and phosphorus for its growth and hydrolyzed chlorpyrifos to 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol. Parathion, methyl parathion, and fenitrothion also could be degraded by strain YC-1 when provided as the sole source of carbon and phosphorus. The gene encoding the organophosphorus hydrolase was cloned using a PCR cloning strategy based on the known methyl parathion degrading (mpd) gene of Plesiomonas sp. M6. Sequence blast result indicated this gene has 99% similar to mpd. The inoculation of strain YC-1 (10(6) cells g(-1)) to soil treated with 100 mg kg(-1) chlorpyrifos resulted in a higher degradation rate than in noninoculated soils. Theses results highlight the potential of this bacterium to be used in the cleanup of contaminated pesticide waste in the environment.

Carbon nanotube delivery of the GFP gene into mammalian cells.

Abstract: Exogenous-gene expression and manipulation in mammalian cells has become a mainstay of biomedical research. Consequently, improving methods for efficient gene transfer to a broad range of cell types is of great interest and remains a high priority. Several classes of transfection methods have been developed, which include traditional cationic moleculemediated agents, such as Lipofectamine 20000 and FuGENE 6, viral-vector systems, and the “gene gun” approach. With the rapid development of nanobiotechnology, a variety of new materials, such as gold nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, polymers, nanogels, and dendrimers have been investigated as biocompatible transporters. Recently, carbon nanotube—a well-studied nanomaterial— have been investigated for their ability to interact with and affect living systems. For instance, carbon nanotubes have been found to enhance DNA amplification in PCR and affect the growth pattern of neurons. Pantarotto et al. have reported the internalization of fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC) labeled nanotubes and nanotube delivery of the gene that encodes b-galactosidase into cells, with no apparent toxic effects. Kam et al. have studied the mechanism of protein-conjugated carbon nanotube uptake into cells via the endocytic pathway. Here we present our finding that amino-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (NH2-MWCNTs) are able to interact with plasmid DNA and deliver the green fluorescence protein (GFP) gene into cultured human cells. Our data strongly suggest that carbon nanotubes can be considered as a new carrier for the delivery of biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and peptides into mammalian cells. Therefore, this novel system might have potential applications in biology and therapy, including vaccine and gene delivery. In order to increase their biocompatibility, we introduced amino-, carboxyl-, hydroxyl-, and alkyl groups onto the surface of MWCNTs. COOH-MWCNTs were first prepared by nitric / sulfuric acid oxidation, and then NH2and CH3CH2CH2-groups were added. Finally, we obtained four types of MWCNTs with different chemical groups on their surface. Functionalized MWCNTs were observed under an electron microscope and were found to be 60–70 nm in diameter and 1–2 mm in length. Although we did not find a significant difference in size between the NH2-MWCNTs and NH2-MWCNT–DNAs, the latter appeared to have the tendency to aggregate (Figure 1B). In order to test the DNA-binding ability of amino-, carboxyl-, hydroxyl-, and alkyl-group-modified MWCNTs, we incubated them with pEGFPN1-plasmid DNA, and MWCNT–DNA mixtures were analyzed by agarose-gel electrophoresis. The results show that only NH2-MWCNT bound to DNA (Figure 2); since the NH2-MWCNT–DNA complex was too big to run into the

DADA: a data cube for dominant relationship analysis

Abstract: The concept of dominance has recently attracted much interest in the context of skyline computation. Given an N-dimensional data set S, a point p is said to dominate q if p is better than q in at least one dimension and equal to or better than it in the remaining dimensions. In this paper, we propose extending the concept of dominance for business analysis from a microeconomic perspective. More specifically, we propose a new form of analysis, called Dominant Relationship Analysis (DRA), which aims to provide insight into the dominant relationships between products and potential buyers. By analyzing such relationships, companies can position their products more effectively while remaining profitable.To support DRA, we propose a novel data cube called DADA (Data Cube for Dominant Relationship Analysis), which captures the dominant relationships between products and customers. Three types of queries called Dominant Relationship Queries (DRQs) are consequently proposed for analysis purposes: 1)Linear Optimization Queries (LOQ), 2)Subspace Analysis Queries (SAQ), and 3)Comparative Dominant Queries (CDQ). Algorithms are designed for efficient computation of DADA and answering the DRQs using DADA. Results of our comprehensive experiments show the effectiveness and efficiency of DADA and its associated query processing strategies.

The Norm of Reciprocity: Scale Development and Validation in the Chinese Context

Abstract: To add greater theoretical precision to a fundamental construct in social exchange theory – namely, Gouldner's ‘norm of reciprocity’, this study developed a measure of Sahlins' generalized, balanced, and negative reciprocity types and validated its psychometric quality in China. For a comprehensive construct validation of the new scale, we carried out three studies. After generating a pool of items, we used a panel of experts to classify items according to conceptual definitions of the three reciprocity types. Using factor analysis, the first study revealed a factor structure consistent with Sahlins' reciprocity typology. In the second study, confirmatory factor analysis replicated this factor structure as well as demonstrated that the reciprocity factors are distinct from each other and other social-exchange constructs. In line with extant theories, the third study corroborated a nomological network relating reciprocity types to external constructs. Given this broad array of evidence for its construct validity, future researchers can employ this validated scale to investigate various forms of social exchange in Chinese work settings.

Techniques, Process, and Enterprise Solutions of Business Intelligence

Abstract: Business intelligence (BI) has been viewed as sets of powerful tools and approaches to improving business executive decision-making, business operations, and increasing the value of the enterprise. The technology categories of BI mainly encompass data warehousing, OLAP, and data mining. This article reviews the concept of Business Intelligence and provides a survey, from a comprehensive point of view, on the BI technical framework, process, and enterprise solutions. In addition, the conclusions point out the possible reasons for the difficulties of broad deployment of enterprise BI, and the proposals of constructing a better BI system.

Mean-field phase diagrams of imbalanced Fermi gases near a Feshbach resonance

Abstract: We propose phase diagrams for an imbalanced (unequal number of atoms or Fermi surface in two pairing hyperfine states) gas of atomic fermions near a broad Feshbach resonance using mean-field theory. Particularly, in the plane of interaction and polarization we determine the region for a mixed phase composed of normal and superfluid components. We compare our prediction of phase boundaries with the recent measurement and find a good qualitative agreement.

An optimization approach to multiperson decision making based on different formats of preference information

Abstract: Multiperson decision making (MPDM) problems with different formats of preference information are one of the emerging research areas in decision analysis. Existing approaches for dealing with different preference formats tend to be unwieldy. This paper proposes a new method to solve the problem, in which the preference information on alternatives provided by experts can be represented in four different formats, namely: 1) utility values; 2) preference orderings; 3) multiplicative preference relations; and 4) fuzzy preference relations. An optimization model is constructed to integrate the four formats of preference and to assess ranking values of alternatives. The model is shown to be theoretically sound and complete via a series of theorems, and then a corresponding algorithm is developed. A numerical example is given to illustrate the procedure. The proposed approach is more efficient and simpler than existing approaches because it does not need to unify different formats of preferences or to aggregate individual preferences into a collective one. Therefore, it overcomes a major shortcoming of existing approaches that lose or distort the original preference information in the process of unifying the formats

Face-tracking as an augmented input in video games: enhancing presence, role-playing and control

Abstract: Motion-detection only games have inherent limitations on game experience in that the systems cannot identify the player's existence and identity. A way of improvement is by introducing information such as a player's face or head into the system. We designed and implemented two game prototypes that apply real-time face position information as intrinsic elements of gameplay to enhance game experience. The first prototype augmented a typical motion-detection-based game. Face information was designed to enhance the sense of presence and role-playing. In the second prototype, face tracking is applied as a new axis of control in a First Person Shooter (FPS) game.Although Face detection and tracking technology has started utilizing in game scenarios, there was little systematic research on how user experience is leveraged by applying face information to video games. The results of our user tests on comparing camera-based video games with and without face tracking demonstrated that using face position information can effectively enhance presence and role-playing. In addition, an intuitive control that augmented by face-tracking in the FPS game also got positive feedbacks from the test.

BCS-BEC crossover in an asymmetric two-component Fermi gas

Abstract: We discuss the superfluid phase transition of a strongly interacting Fermi gas with unequal (asymmetric) chemical potentials in two pairing hyperfine states, and map out its phase diagram near the BCS-BEC crossover. Our approach includes the fluctuation contributions of "preformed Cooper pairs" to the thermodynamic potential at finite temperature. We show that, below a critical difference in chemical potentials between species, a normal gas is unstable towards the formation of either a finite-momentum paired Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov superconducting phase or a uniform superfluid, depending on the asymmetry and interaction strengths. We determine the value of critical chemical potential mismatch, and find that it is consistent with a recent measurement by Zwierlein et al. (Science, 311 (2006) 492).

Cultural Boundary of Expectancy Theory-Based Performance Management: A Commentary on DeNisi and Pritchard’s Performance Improvement Model

Abstract: We consider Chinese cultural, psychological and social factors that are likely to place boundaries on the applicability of DeNisi and Pritchard’s motivational framework and discuss how these cultural barriers play out at each of the links in their model. We conclude with a summary and a discussion of some of the broader implications of applying models of work motivation to a Chinese economy in transition.

Signatures of a noise-induced quantum phase transition in a mesoscopic metal ring.

Abstract: We study a mesoscopic ring with an inline quantum dot threaded by an Aharonov-Bohm flux. Zero-point fluctuations of the electromagnetic environment capacitively coupled to the ring, with ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{s}$ spectral density, can suppress tunneling through the dot, resulting in a quantum phase transition from an unpolarized to a polarized phase. We show that robust signatures of such a transition can be found in the response of the persistent current in the ring to the external flux as well as to the bias between the dot and the arm. Particular attention is paid to the experimentally relevant cases of Ohmic ($s=1$) and sub-Ohmic ($s=1/2$) noise.

Critical entanglement of XXZ Heisenberg chains with defects

Abstract: We study the entanglement properties of anisotropic open spin one-half Heisenberg chains with a modified central bond. The entanglement entropy between the two half-chains is calculated with the density-matrix renormalization method (DMRG). We find a logarithmic behavior with an effective central charge c(') varying with the length of the system. It flows to one in the ferromagnetic region and to zero in the antiferromagnetic region of the model. In the XX case it has a nonuniversal limit and we recover previous results.

Electron core-hole interaction and its induced ionic structural relaxation in molecular systems under x-ray irradiation.

Abstract: The experiments on perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic-3,4,9,10-dianhydride and 16FCuPc on Ag(111) surfaces by the normal incidence x-ray standing wave are poorly reproduced by first-principles ground state calculations but well reproduced by considering initial- and final-state effects, which include the response of the valence electrons to screen a core hole created by x-ray photoemission and further induced ionic structural relaxation. This study shows that the initial- and final-state effects due to screening are of great importance in characterizing molecules on metal surfaces in the normal incidence x-ray standing wave experiments.

Detoxification of diluted azo-dyes at biocompatible pH with the oxone/Co2+ reagent in dark and light processes

Abstract: Accelerated bleaching and photobleaching of diluted solutions of Methyl Orange and other dyes occur only when Co2+-ions are present in solution mediating oxone (2KHSO(5)center dot KHSO4 center dot K2SO4) decomposition. The bleaching of Methyl Orange, Orange II and Methylene Blue dyes in dilute solutions (0.01 mM) proceeds within a few minutes and occurs at biocompatible pH leading to a decrease in the toxicity of the initial solution under simulated daylight radiation. A reduction in the toxicity of 35% was observed at biocompatible pH-values when a solution Orange II (0.01 mM) was irradiated in the presence of oxone (0.06 mM)/Co2+ (0.004 mM). Only traces of Co2+ were necessary to accelerate the decomposition of the dyes in the presence of oxone in the dark and even more under daylight irradiation. The photobleaching proceeds with a photonic efficiency of similar to 0.24. The solution parameters were optimized for the photobleaching of azo-dyes by the oxone/Co2+ reagent. H2O2 generation was observed to be possible only as long as Orange II was present in the solution. The decomposition kinetics of H2O2 was followed under solar radiation. The dye decomposition was also investigated as a function of the applied light intensity. No saturation effects were observed when simulated solar light with 90% AM1 was applied. The photobleaching reaction proceeded with acceptable kinetics with light intensities 5-10 times lower than AM1. This makes the photocatalytic treatment suitable under diffuse daylight. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Minimum Conflict Individual Haplotyping from SNP Fragments and Related Genotype

Abstract: The Minimum Error Correction (MEC) is an important model for haplotype reconstruction from SNP fragments. However, this model is effective only when the error rate of SNP fragments is low. In this paper, we propose a new computational model called Minimum Conflict Individual Haplotyping (MCIH) as an extension to MEC. In contrast to the conventional approaches, the new model employs SNP fragment information and also related genotype information, thereby a high accurate inference can be expected. We first prove the MCIH problem to be NP-hard. To evaluate the practicality of the new model we design an exact algorithm (a dynamic programming procedure) to implement MCIH on a special data structure. The numerical experience indicates that it is fairly effective to use MCIH at the cost of related genotype information, especially in the case of SNP fragments with a high error rate. Moreover, we present a feed-forward neural network algorithm to solve MCIH for general data structure and large size instances. Numerical results on real biological data and simulation data show that the algorithm works well and MCIH is a potential alternative in individual haplotyping.

Extremal functions for moser–trudinger inequalities on 2-dimensional compact riemannian manifolds with boundary

Abstract: Let (M,g) be a 2-dimensional compact Riemannian manifold with boundary. In this paper, we use the method of blowing up analysis to prove the existence of the extremal functions for some Moser–Trudinger inequalities on (M,g).

Modeling and Predicting Future Trajectories of Moving Objects in a Constrained Network

Abstract: Advances in wireless sensor networks and positioning technologies enable traffic management (e.g. routing traffic) that uses real-time data monitored by GPS-enabled cars. Location management has become an enabling technology in such application. The location modeling and trajectory prediction of moving objects are the fundamental components of location management in mobile locationaware applications. In this paper, we model the road network and moving objects in a graph of cellular automata (GCA), which makes full use of the constraints of the network and the stochastic behavior of the traffic. A simulation-based method based on graphs of cellular automata is proposed to predict future trajectories. Our technique strongly differs from the linear prediction method, which has low prediction accuracy and requires frequent updates when applied to real traffic with velocity changes. The experiments, carried on two different datasets, show that the simulation-based prediction method provides higher accuracy than the linear prediction method.

A comparative study of data mining methods in consumer loans credit scoring management

Abstract: Credit scoring has become a critical and challenging management science issue as the credit industry has been facing stiffer competition in recent years. Many classification methods have been suggested to tackle this problem in the literature. In this paper, we investigate the performance of various credit scoring models and the corresponding credit risk cost for three real-life credit scoring data sets. Besides the well-known classification algorithms (e.g. linear discriminant analysis, logistic regression, neural networks and k-nearest neighbor), we also investigate the suitability and performance of some recently proposed, advanced data mining techniques such as support vector machines (SVMs), classification and regression tree (CART), and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS). The performance is assessed by using the classification accuracy and cost of credit scoring errors. The experiment results show that SVM, MARS, logistic regression and neural networks yield a very good performance. However, CART and MARS’s explanatory capability outperforms the other methods.

Consumer’s attitudes and willingness-to-pay for Green food in Beijing

Abstract: A survey in random-selected supermarkets in Beijing, the capital city of China, is reported to identify the attitudes and perceptions of consumers toward green-labeled milk, as well as their willingness to pay (WTP) for it, and to determine the factors that affect their WTP. The study reveals that the majority of households are quite familiar with green food and most of them take positive attitudes towards them, while with certain anxieties. Both remarkable preferences for location and branding in milk purchase and neglects for quality and safety are found in the consumers’ purchase pattern. The willingness to pay are concentrated in a range of 5 - 10 percent premium than ordinary milk, and age, the perception of green food and the access to information serve as the main factors influencing WTP value.

Interaction of APT with BSA or HSA

Abstract: In this work, N-n-amyl-N′(sodium p-aminobenzenesulfonate) thiourea (APT) containing saturated fatty hydrocarbon group was synthesized. Fluorescence quenching methods in combination with UV absorption spectra and molecule modeling method were used to study the interaction between APT and bovine serum albumin (BSA) or human serum albumin (HSA). The binding constants of APT with BSA or HSA were determined at different temperatures under the optimum conditions based on the fluorescence quenching results. The binding characteristics of APT and BSA or HSA were reported and the binding sites were obtained. The binding mode was suggested to be mainly hydrophobic interaction, which was consistent with molecular modeling study.

Critical Factors for Successful Implementation of ERP in China

Abstract: This study propounds a theoretical model for successful implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) under China?s environment, and the authors analyze the model empirically through structural equation modeling. The authors find that strategically IT planning abilities, leadership?s support, the skills of IT section, business processing abilities, learning abilities, and change management abilities have a significant positive impact on successful ERP implementation, but project management abilities, training abilities not. Management implications and further research directions are also discussed.

A Cooperative Localization Scheme for Zigbee-based Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract: Multiple location-dependent applications of wireless sensor networks have been proposed, such as wildlife monitoring and instruction detection. A reliable and low-cost localization scheme is essential for such sensor applications. In this paper, we propose a signal-strength-based cooperative localization algorithm. Any wireless node monitors all other neighbor nodes' signals, not only from beacon nodes but also from unknown nodes. The signal strength from beacons can be used to limit the position region of the unknown node, and the signal strength from other unknown nodes is iteratively used to refine the node's position by applying greedy method. This scheme does not need labored prior training. Simulation results show that the localization precision is satisfied, and the localization error is reduced greatly compared with the traditional beacon-only-based algorithm

NUITS: a novel user interface for efficient keyword search over databases

Abstract: The integration of database and information retrieval techniques provides users with a wide range of high quality services. We present a prototype system, called NUITS, for efficiently processing keyword queries on top of a relational database. Our NUITS allows users to issue simple keyword queries as well as advanced keyword queries with conditions. The efficiency of keyword query processing and the user-friendly result display will also be addressed in this paper.

Impacts of Transport Projects on Residential Property Values in China: Evidence from Two Projects in Guangzhou

Abstract: Introducing public transport usually creates expectations of property value changes, and there have been substantial studies on the impacts of public transport on property values in developed regions. Little research, however, has been conducted in developing countries due to incomplete information, and the lack of research has limited the extent to which transit agencies can develop strategies to maximize positive property value impacts and minimize negative ones. This paper summarizes a comprehensive survey of recent research on impacts of two transport projects on residential property values in Guangzhou, China, and explores policy implications in recovering surplus land value and compensating hardship generated by transport developments. The application of a repeat‐sales model and a hedonic pricing approach has shown consistent results in estimating the effect of the Metro Line 2 on values of residential property within the walking distance of its stations. The evaluation result of the Inner Ring Road...