Showing papers by "University of Houston published in 2008"
Stephen Richards1, Richard A. Gibbs1, George M. Weinstock1, Susan J. Brown2 +187 more•Institutions (47)
TL;DR: Tribolium castaneum is a member of the most species-rich eukaryotic order, a powerful model organism for the study of generalized insect development, and an important pest of stored agricultural products.
Abstract: Tribolium castaneum is a member of the most species-rich eukaryotic order, a powerful model organism for the study of generalized insect development, and an important pest of stored agricultural products. We describe its genome sequence here. This omnivorous beetle has evolved the ability to interact with a diverse chemical environment, as shown by large expansions in odorant and gustatory receptors, as well as P450 and other detoxification enzymes. Development in Tribolium is more representative of other insects than is Drosophila, a fact reflected in gene content and function. For example, Tribolium has retained more ancestral genes involved in cell-cell communication than Drosophila, some being expressed in the growth zone crucial for axial elongation in short-germ development. Systemic RNA interference in T. castaneum functions differently from that in Caenorhabditis elegans, but nevertheless offers similar power for the elucidation of gene function and identification of targets for selective insect control.
1,248 citations
TL;DR: The Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE) as discussed by the authors is a general-purpose, heavy-ion detector at the CERN LHC which focuses on QCD, the strong-interaction sector of the Standard Model.
Abstract: ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is a general-purpose, heavy-ion detector at the CERN LHC which focuses on QCD, the strong-interaction sector of the Standard Model. It is designed to address the physics of strongly interacting matter and the quark-gluon plasma at extreme values of energy density and temperature in nucleus-nucleus collisions. Besides running with Pb ions, the physics programme includes collisions with lighter ions, lower energy running and dedicated proton-nucleus runs. ALICE will also take data with proton beams at the top LHC energy to collect reference data for the heavy-ion programme and to address several QCD topics for which ALICE is complementary to the other LHC detectors. The ALICE detector has been built by a collaboration including currently over 1000 physicists and engineers from 105 Institutes in 30 countries. Its overall dimensions are 161626 m3 with a total weight of approximately 10 000 t. The experiment consists of 18 different detector systems each with its own specific technology choice and design constraints, driven both by the physics requirements and the experimental conditions expected at LHC. The most stringent design constraint is to cope with the extreme particle multiplicity anticipated in central Pb-Pb collisions. The different subsystems were optimized to provide high-momentum resolution as well as excellent Particle Identification (PID) over a broad range in momentum, up to the highest multiplicities predicted for LHC. This will allow for comprehensive studies of hadrons, electrons, muons, and photons produced in the collision of heavy nuclei. Most detector systems are scheduled to be installed and ready for data taking by mid-2008 when the LHC is scheduled to start operation, with the exception of parts of the Photon Spectrometer (PHOS), Transition Radiation Detector (TRD) and Electro Magnetic Calorimeter (EMCal). These detectors will be completed for the high-luminosity ion run expected in 2010. This paper describes in detail the detector components as installed for the first data taking in the summer of 2008.
1,218 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined the empirical role of difierent explanations for the lack of flow of capital from rich to poor countries, including differences in fundamentals across countries and capital market imperfections, and showed that during 1970-2000 low institutional quality is the leading explanation.
Abstract: We examine the empirical role of difierent explanations for the lack of ∞ows of capital from rich to poor countries|the \Lucas Paradox." The theoretical explanations include difierences in fundamentals across countries and capital market imperfections. We show that during 1970i2000 low institutional quality is the leading explanation. For example, improving Peru’s institutional quality to Australia’s level, implies a quadrupling of foreign investment. Recent studies emphasize the role of institutions for achieving higher levels of income, but remain silent on the speciflc mechanisms. Our results indicate that foreign investment might be a channel through which institutions afiect long-run development.
969 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a discussion of the history of digital storytelling and how it is being used educationally is presented, along with a theoretical framework, technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK), along with how this model might be used with digital storytelling.
Abstract: Digital storytelling has emerged over the last few years as a powerful teaching and learning tool that engages both teachers and their students. However, until recently, little attention has been paid to a theoretical framework that could be employed to increase the effectiveness of technology as a tool in a classroom environment. A discussion of the history of digital storytelling and how it is being used educationally is presented in this article. The theoretical framework, technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK), is described, along with a discussion of how this model might be used with digital storytelling.
954 citations
TL;DR: LiFeAs as mentioned in this paper is a high-T$ Fe-based superconducting stoichiometric compound, which exhibits superconductivity at ambient pressures without chemical doping and exhibits a respectable transition temperature with electron-like carriers and a very high critical field.
Abstract: The synthesis and properties of LiFeAs, a high-${T}_{c}$ Fe-based superconducting stoichiometric compound, are reported. Single crystal x-ray studies reveal that it crystallizes in the tetragonal PbFCl type (P4/nmm) with $a=3.7914(7)\text{ }\text{\AA{}}$ and $c=6.364(2)\text{ }\text{\AA{}}$. Unlike the known isoelectronic undoped intrinsic FeAs compounds, LiFeAs does not show any spin-density wave behavior but exhibits superconductivity at ambient pressures without chemical doping. It exhibits a respectable transition temperature of ${T}_{c}=18\text{ }\text{K}$ with electronlike carriers and a very high critical field, ${\text{H}}_{c2}(0)g80\text{ }\text{T}$. LiFeAs appears to be the chemical equivalent of the infinite layered compound of the high-${T}_{c}$ cuprates.
660 citations
TL;DR: New high-T{c} Fe-based superconducting compounds, AFe2As2 with A=K, Cs, K/Sr, and Cs/SR, were synthesized, and their electronic and structural behavior demonstrate the crucial role of the (Fe2 as2) layers in the superconductivity of the Fe- based layered systems.
Abstract: New high-${T}_{c}$ Fe-based superconducting compounds, $A{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ with $A=\mathrm{K}$, Cs, $\mathrm{K}/\mathrm{Sr}$, and $\mathrm{Cs}/\mathrm{Sr}$, were synthesized. The ${T}_{c}$ of ${\mathrm{KFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{CsFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ is 3.8 and 2.6 K, respectively, which rises with partial substitution of Sr for K and Cs and peaks at 37 K for 50%--60% Sr substitution, and the compounds enter a spin-density-wave state with increasing electron number (Sr content). The compounds represent $p$-type analogs of the $n$-doped rare-earth oxypnictide superconductors. Their electronic and structural behavior demonstrate the crucial role of the (${\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$) layers in the superconductivity of the Fe-based layered systems, and the special feature of having elemental $A$ layers provides new avenues to superconductivity at higher ${T}_{c}$.
650 citations
TL;DR: The authors review issues related to the application of structural equation modeling (SEM) in marketing, including model specification, identification, estimation, evaluation, and respecification, and reporting of results.
Abstract: The authors review issues related to the application of structural equation modeling (SEM) in marketing. The discussion begins by considering issues related to the process of applying SEM in empirical research, including model specification, identification, estimation, evaluation, and respecification, and reporting of results. In addition to these process issues, a number of other issues, such as formulation of multiple theoretical models, model error versus sampling error, and relating study objectives to the capabilities of SEM, are considered, and suggestions offered regarding ways that SEM applications might be improved.
613 citations
TL;DR: Delayed amphotericin B-based therapy resulted in a 2-fold increase in mortality rate at 12 weeks after diagnosis, compared with early treatment, and the pursuit of aggressive diagnostic strategies and prompt initiation of antifungal agents with activity against Zygomycetes should be considered for patients with hematological malignancy who are at an increased risk for zygomyCosis.
Abstract: Background Zygomycosis is an emerging opportunistic mycosis among immunocompromised patients with a particularly poor prognosis. Methods We analyzed the impact of delaying effective amphotericin B-based therapy on outcome among 70 consecutive patients with hematologic malignancy who had zygomycosis in our institution during the period 1989-2006. We used classification and regression tree analysis to identify the mortality breakpoint between early and delayed treatment. Results Delayed amphotericin B-based therapy (i.e., initiating treatment >/=6 days after diagnosis) resulted in a 2-fold increase in mortality rate at 12 weeks after diagnosis, compared with early treatment (82.9% vs. 48.6%); this remained constant across the years of the study and was an independent predictor of poor outcome (odds ratio, 8.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-38.2; P = .008) in multivariate analysis. Active malignancy (P = .003) and monocytopenia (P =.01) at the time of diagnosis of infection were also independently associated with a poor outcome, whereas salvage posaconazole-based therapy (P=.01) and neutrophil recovery (P = .009) were predictive of a favorable outcome. Conclusions Because discriminating between zygomycosis and aspergillosis in a timely fashion is difficult, the pursuit of aggressive diagnostic strategies and prompt initiation of antifungal agents with activity against Zygomycetes should be considered for patients with hematological malignancy who are at an increased risk for zygomycosis.
589 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the effectiveness of CDR-SOB scores in staging dementia severity compared with the global CDR score, and they found that the increased range of values offered several advantages over the global score, including increased utility in tracking changes within and between stages of dementia severity.
Abstract: Background The Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SOB) score is commonly used, although the utility regarding this score in staging dementia severity is not well established. Objective To investigate the effectiveness of CDR-SOB scores in staging dementia severity compared with the global CDR score. Design Retrospective study. Setting Texas Alzheimer's Research Consortium minimum data set cohort. Participants A total of 1577 participants (110 controls, 202 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 1265 patients with probable Alzheimer disease) were available for analysis. Main Outcome Measures Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated from a derivation sample to determine optimal cutoff scores and ranges, which were then applied to the validation sample. Results Optimal ranges of CDR-SOB scores corresponding to the global CDR scores were 0.5 to 4.0 for a global score of 0.5, 4.5 to 9.0 for a global score of 1.0, 9.5 to 15.5 for a global score of 2.0, and 16.0 to 18.0 for a global score of 3.0. When applied to the validation sample, κ scores ranged from 0.86 to 0.94 ( P Conclusions The CDR-SOB score compares well with the global CDR score for dementia staging. Owing to the increased range of values, the CDR-SOB score offers several advantages over the global score, including increased utility in tracking changes within and between stages of dementia severity. Interpretive guidelines for CDR-SOB scores are provided.
557 citations
TL;DR: A general method for copper-catalyzed arylation of sp (2) C-H bonds with p K a's below 35 has been developed and two arylcopper-phenanthroline complex intermediates were independently synthesized.
Abstract: A general method for copper-catalyzed arylation of sp2 C−H bonds with pKaʼs below 35 has been developed. The method employs aryl halide as the coupling partner, lithium alkoxide or K3PO4 base, and DMF, DMPU, or mixed DMF/xylenes solvent. A variety of electron-rich and electron-poor heterocycles such as azoles, caffeine, thiophenes, benzofuran, pyridine oxides, pyridazine, and pyrimidine can be arylated. Furthermore, electron-poor arenes possessing at least two electron-withdrawing groups on a benzene ring can also be arylated. Two arylcopper−phenanthroline complex intermediates were independently synthesized.
520 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a combination of atomistic and theoretical approaches was used to investigate the size-dependent piezoelectric and elastic behavior of inhomogeneously strained non-piezelectric (centrosymmetric) dielectrics.
Abstract: Crystalline piezoelectric dielectrics electrically polarize upon application of uniform mechanical strain. Inhomogeneous strain, however, locally breaks inversion symmetry and can potentially polarize even nonpiezoelectric (centrosymmetric) dielectrics. Flexoelectricity\char22{}the coupling of strain gradient to polarization\char22{}is expected to show a strong size dependency due to the scaling of strain gradients with structural feature size. In this study, using a combination of atomistic and theoretical approaches, we investigate the ``effective'' size-dependent piezoelectric and elastic behavior of inhomogeneously strained nonpiezoelectric and piezoelectric nanostructures. In particular, to obtain analytical results and tease out physical insights, we analyze a paradigmatic nanoscale cantilever beam. We find that in materials that are intrinsically piezoelectric, the flexoelectricity and piezoelectricity effects do not add linearly and exhibit a nonlinear interaction. The latter leads to a strong size-dependent enhancement of the apparent piezoelectric coefficient resulting in, for example, a ``giant'' 500% enhancement over bulk properties in $\mathrm{Ba}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ for a beam thickness of $5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$. Correspondingly, for nonpiezoelectric materials also, the enhancement is nontrivial (e.g., 80% for $5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ size in paraelectric $\mathrm{Ba}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ phase). Flexoelectricity also modifies the apparent elastic modulus of nanostructures, exhibiting an asymptotic scaling of $1∕{h}^{2}$, where $h$ is the characteristic feature size. Our major predictions are verified by quantum mechanically derived force-field-based molecular dynamics for two phases (cubic and tetragonal) of $\mathrm{Ba}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$.
TL;DR: The Plume Generation Zones (PGZs) as discussed by the authors are defined as regions where the boundaries of one of the LLSVPs or LSVPs and the seismically faster part of the deep mantle meet.
TL;DR: The results present a view of the ionic liquid-metal electrode interface having a very thin "double layer" structure where the ions form a single layer at the surface to screen the electrode charge, and raise many other fundamental questions as to the detailed nature of the interfacial structure and interpretations of both electrochemical and spectroscopic data.
Abstract: Room-temperature ionic liquids are a new class of liquids with many important uses in electrical and electrochemical devices. The liquids are composed purely of ions in the liquid state with no solvent. They generally have good electrical and ionic conductivity and are electrochemically stable. Since their applications often depend critically on the interface structure of the liquid adjacent to the electrode, a molecular level description is necessary to understanding and improving their performance. There are currently no adequate models or descriptions on the organization of the ions, in these pure ionic compounds, adjacent to the electrode surface. In normal electrolytic solutions, the organization of solvent and ions is adequately described by the Gouy-Chapman-Sterns model. However, this model is based on the same concepts as those in Debye-Huckel theory, that is a dilute electrolyte, where ions are well-separated and noninteracting. This is definitely not the situation for ionic liquids. Thus our goal was to investigate the ionic liquid-metal interface using surface-specific vibrational spectroscopy sum frequency generation, SFG. This technique can probe the metal-liquid interface without interference from the bulk electrolyte. Thus the interface is probed in situ while the electrode potential is changed. To compliment the vibrational spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is used to measure the capacitance and estimate the "double layer" thickness and the potential of zero charge (PZC). In addition, the vibrational Stark shift of CO adsorbed on the Pt electrode was measured to provide an independent measure of the "double layer" thickness. All techniques were measured as a function of applied potential to provide full description of the interface for a variety of imidazolium-based (cation) ionic liquids. The vibrational Stark shift and EIS results suggest that ions organize in a Helmholtz-like layer at the interface, where the potential drop occurs over the a range of 3-5 A from the metal surface into the liquid. Further, the SFG results imply that the "double layer" structure is potential-dependent; At potentials positive of the PZC, anions adsorbed to the surface and the imidazolium ring are repelled to orient more along the surface normal, compared with the potentials negative of the PZC, at which the cation is oriented more parallel to the surface plane and the anions are repelled from the surface. The results present a view of the ionic liquid-metal electrode interface having a very thin "double layer" structure where the ions form a single layer at the surface to screen the electrode charge. However, the results also raise many other fundamental questions as to the detailed nature of the interfacial structure and interpretations of both electrochemical and spectroscopic data.
Abstract: We report the synthesis, characterization, and single fuel cell testing of a novel class of nanostructured Pt−Cu alloy particle materials for use as oxygen reduction electrocatalyst in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells The active phase of the Pt alloy nanoparticle catalysts is prepared by electrochemical dissolution (voltammetric dealloying) of Cu surface atoms from Cu-rich Pt−Cu alloy precursors Bulk and surface structural and compositional characterization suggests that the dealloyed active catalyst phase consists of a core−shell structure in which a multilayer Pt rich shell is surrounding a Pt-poor alloy particle core The electrocatalytic Pt mass activity of the dealloyed core−shell particles for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) exceeds that of state-of-the art Pt electrocatalyst by more than a factor of 4 and thus meets performance targets for fuel cell cathodes [Gasteiger, H A; Kocha, S S; Sompalli, B; Wagner, F T Appl Catal B: Environ 2005, 56, 9−35]1 It is hypothesized that
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify a core group of expected CRM benefits and examine their ability to increase a firm's value equity, brand equity, and relationship equity, which are components of customer equity.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used agouti viable yellow (Avy) mice to test the hypothesis that maternal obesity induces transgenerational amplification of obesity, and found that the effects of maternal obesity accumulate over successive generations to shift the population distribution toward increased adult body weight, and suggest that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in this process.
Abstract: The obesity epidemic, recognized in developed nations for decades, is now a worldwide phenomenon. All age groups are affected, including women of childbearing age, fueling concern that maternal obesity before and during pregnancy and lactation impairs developmental establishment of body weight regulatory mechanisms in the fetus or infant, causing transgenerational amplification of obesity prevalence and severity. The biological mechanisms underlying such processes remain unknown. We used agouti viable yellow (Avy) mice to test the hypothesis that maternal obesity induces transgenerational amplification of obesity. We passed the Avy allele through three generations of Avy/a females and assessed cumulative effects on coat color and body weight. By studying two separate but contemporaneous populations of mice, one provided a standard diet and the other a methyl-supplemented diet that induces DNA hypermethylation during development, we tested whether potential transgenerational effects on body weight might be mediated by alterations in epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation. The genetic tendency for obesity in Avy mice was progressively exacerbated when the Avy allele was passed through successive generations of obese Avy females. This transgenerational amplification of body weight was prevented by a promethylation dietary supplement. Importantly, the effect of methyl supplementation on body weight was independent of epigenetic changes at the Avy locus, indicating this model may have direct relevance to human transgenerational obesity. Our results show that in a population with a genetic tendency for obesity, effects of maternal obesity accumulate over successive generations to shift the population distribution toward increased adult body weight, and suggest that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in this process.
TL;DR: An efficient, copper-catalyzed method for the arylation, alkenylation, and benzylation of polyfluoroarenes has been developed andArenes containing two or more fluorine substituents on the aromatic ring can be efficiently functionalized.
Abstract: An efficient, copper-catalyzed method for the arylation, alkenylation, and benzylation of polyfluoroarenes has been developed. Arenes containing two or more fluorine substituents on the aromatic ring can be efficiently functionalized. The best results are obtained by using a combination of copper iodide catalyst, phenanthroline ligand, aryl bromide or aryl iodide coupling partner, and DMF or DMF/xylene mixed solvent.
TL;DR: In this article, a meta-analysis of relationships linking employee job satisfaction to customer satisfaction and perceived service quality in studies that correlate employee data with customer data was conducted, concluding that both relationships are positive and statistically and substantively significant.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a multi-functional smart aggregate for early-age concrete strength monitoring, impact detection and structural health monitoring, which can be applied to the comprehensive monitoring of concrete structures from their earliest stages and throughout their lifetime.
Abstract: This paper summarizes the authors' recent pioneering research work in piezoceramic-based smart aggregates and their innovative applications in concrete civil structures. The basic operating principle of smart aggregates is first introduced. The proposed smart aggregate is formed by embedding a waterproof piezoelectric patch with lead wires into a small concrete block. The proposed smart aggregates are multi-functional and can perform three major tasks: early-age concrete strength monitoring, impact detection and structural health monitoring. The proposed smart aggregates are embedded into the desired location before the casting of the concrete structure. The concrete strength development is monitored by observing the high frequency harmonic wave response of the smart aggregate. Impact on the concrete structure is detected by observing the open-circuit voltage of the piezoceramic patch in the smart aggregate. For structural health monitoring purposes, a smart aggregate-based active sensing system is designed for the concrete structure. Wavelet packet analysis is used as a signal-processing tool to analyze the sensor signal. A damage index based on the wavelet packet analysis is used to determine the structural health status. To better describe the time-history and location information of damage, two types of damage index matrices are proposed: a sensor-history damage index matrix and an actuator–sensor damage index matrix. To demonstrate the multi-functionality of the proposed smart aggregates, different types of concrete structures have been used as test objects, including concrete bridge bent-caps, concrete cylinders and a concrete frame. Experimental results have verified the effectiveness and the multi-functionality of the proposed smart aggregates. The multi-functional smart aggregates have the potential to be applied to the comprehensive monitoring of concrete structures from their earliest stages and throughout their lifetime.
TL;DR: A meta-analysis of observational studies and randomised controlled trials to assess risk factors for recurrent CDI found continued use of non-C.
TL;DR: This work presents a new imaging system that utilizes a unique arrangement of acousto-optic deflectors to steer a focused, ultra-fast laser beam to arbitrary locations in three-dimensional space without moving the objective lens, and demonstrates this highly versatile random-access multiphoton microscope supports functional imaging of complex three- dimensional cellular structures such as neuronal dendrites.
Abstract: The dynamic ability of neuronal dendrites to shape and integrate synaptic responses is the hallmark of information processing in the brain. Effectively studying this phenomenon requires concurrent measurements at multiple sites on live neurons. Substantial progress has been made by optical imaging systems that combine confocal and multiphoton microscopy with inertia-free laser scanning. However, all of the systems developed so far restrict fast imaging to two dimensions. This severely limits the extent to which neurons can be studied, as they represent complex three-dimensional structures. Here we present a new imaging system that utilizes a unique arrangement of acousto-optic deflectors to steer a focused, ultra-fast laser beam to arbitrary locations in three-dimensional space without moving the objective lens. As we demonstrate, this highly versatile random-access multiphoton microscope supports functional imaging of complex three-dimensional cellular structures such as neuronal dendrites or neural populations at acquisition rates on the order of tens of kilohertz.
TL;DR: Lent et al. as mentioned in this paper tested the fit of the social cognitive choice model to the data across gender, educational level, and type of university among students in a variety of computing disciplines.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the phenomenon of "art infusion", in which the presence of visual art has a favorable influence on the evaluation of consumer products through a content-independent spillover of luxury perceptions.
Abstract: In this research, the authors investigate the phenomenon of “art infusion,” in which the presence of visual art has a favorable influence on the evaluation of consumer products through a content-independent spillover of luxury perceptions. In three studies, the authors demonstrate the art infusion phenomenon in both real-world and controlled environments using a variety of stimuli in the contexts of packaging, advertising, and product design.
TL;DR: Using a survey-based approach, the so-called ‘Big Five’ personality traits (agreeableness, extraversion, emotional stability, openness to experience, and conscientiousness) are considered as factors that can influence privacy concerns.
Abstract: For more than a century, concern for privacy (CFP) has co-evolved with advances in information technology. The CFP refers to the anxious sense of interest that a person has because of various types of threats to the person's state of being free from intrusion. Research studies have validated this concept and identified its consequences. For example, research has shown that the CFP can have a negative influence on the adoption of information technology; but little is known about factors likely to influence such concern. This paper attempts to fill that gap. Because privacy is said to be a part of a more general ‘right to one's personality’, we consider the so-called ‘Big Five’ personality traits (agreeableness, extraversion, emotional stability, openness to experience, and conscientiousness) as factors that can influence privacy concerns. Protection motivation theory helps us to explain this influence in the context of an emerging pervasive technology: location-based services. Using a survey-based approach, we find that agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience each affect the CFP. These results have implications for the adoption, the design, and the marketing of highly personalized new technologies.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors collected data from a sample of training professionals of an American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) chapter in the southern United States regarding best practices for supporting training transfer, including supervisory support activities, coaching, opportunities to perform, interactive training activities, transfer measurement, and job-relevant training.
Abstract: Data were gathered from a sample of training professionals of an American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) chapter in the southern United States regarding best practices for supporting training transfer. Content analysis techniques, based on a rigorous methodology proposed by Insch, Moore, & Murphy (1997), were used to analyze the rich data. Findings suggest that interventions for bolstering training transfer are best carried out in the work context and design and delivery phase, take place after training or during, and involve trainers and supervisors. Activities garnering top attention from trainers as best practices include (starting with most frequently reported) supervisory support activities, coaching, opportunities to perform, interactive training activities, transfer measurement, and job-relevant training. Several new transfer variables also emerged from the data, indicating existing transfer models can be further refined. Ultimately, we propose a refined model of transfer to extend human resource development (HRD) theory in the area of transfer. As organizations strive to enhance performance through their human capital, workplace learning professionals and trainers are increasingly expected to deliver results. Formal learning interventions in the contemporary workplace are designed and delivered with the expectation of improving organizational and employee performance. Ensuring trained skills are used in the workplace, or transferred to the job, remains of critical importance for HRD researchers and practitioners. However, there is still limited literature on data-grounded best practices advocated by experienced training professionals that can bolster the use of trained skills from formal learning interventions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used data from a sample of 6,130 workers employed in 743 stores of a large U.S. retail organization to assess whether diversity climate moderated mean racial-ethnic differences in employee sales performance.
Abstract: Using data from a sample of 6,130 workers employed in 743 stores of a large, U.S. retail organization, this study assessed whether diversity climate moderated mean racial-ethnic differences in employee sales performance. Findings indicated Whites exhibited significantly higher sales performance than Hispanics but not Blacks, as moderated by diversity climate. As hypothesized, racial-ethnic disparities disfavoring Blacks and Hispanics were largest in stores with less supportive diversity climates and smallest in stores with highly pro-diversity climates. Financial analysis of these interactions revealed sizable increments in sales per hour in response to effective diversity management, with strong organizational bottom-line implications. Limitations of the study and future research needs are noted. The United States workforce is becoming more demographically diverse in terms of race-ethnicity, sex, and age (Doverspike, Taylor, Shultz, & McKay, 2000; Fullerton & Toossii, 2001). Due to increasing numbers of personnel from underrepresented groups entering firms, diversity management will become more paramount. Numerous benefits of diversity have been offered including coverage of projected labor shortages, increased access to untapped consumer markets, improved corporate image, reduced legal liability, and greater creativity, problem-solving ability, employee performance, and market share (Cox, 1994; Joshi, Liao, & Jackson, 2006; Richard, Barnett, Dwyer, & Chadwick, 2004; Sacco & Schmitt, 2005). Mean racial-ethnic group differences in job performance, disfavoring Blacks and Hispanics, relative to Whites, challenge the purported
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present new evidence on disaggregated profit and loss and VaR forecasts obtained from a large international commercial bank, including daily P/L generated by four separate business lines within the bank.
Abstract: We present new evidence on disaggregated profit and loss and VaR forecasts obtained from a large international commercial bank. Our dataset includes daily P/L generated by four separate business lines within the bank. All four business lines are involved in securities trading and each is observed daily for a period of at least two years. Given this rich dataset, we provide an integrated, unifying framework for assessing the accuracy of VaR forecasts. A thorough Monte Carlo comparison of the various methods is conducted to provide guidance as to which of these many tests have the best finite-sample size and power properties. The Caviar test of Engle and Manganelli (2004) performs best overall but duration-based tests also perform well in many cases.
TL;DR: This Account illustrates how the simultaneous melding of all four key concepts allows sharp focus on the charge-transfer character of the critical encounter complex to evoke the latent facet of traditional electron-transfer mechanisms.
Abstract: Seminal insights provided by the iconic R. S. Mulliken and his “charge-transfer” theory, H. Taube and his “outer/inner-sphere” mechanisms, R. A. Marcus and his “two-state non-adiabatic” theory, and N. S. Hush and his “intervalence” theory are each separately woven into the rich panoramic tapestry constituting chemical research into electron-transfer dynamics, and its mechanistic dominance for the past half century and more. In this Account, we illustrate how the simultaneous melding of all four key concepts allows sharp focus on the charge-transfer character of the critical encounter complex to evoke the latent facet of traditional electron-transfer mechanisms. To this end, we exploit the intervalence (electronic) transition that invariably accompanies the diffusive encounter of electron-rich organic donors (D) with electron-poor acceptors (A) as the experimental harbinger of the collision complex, which is then actually isolated and X-ray crystallographically established as loosely bound π-stacked pairs ...
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University of Wisconsin-Madison1, University of Pennsylvania2, New York University3, University of Houston4, University of Maryland, College Park5, Georgia State University6, University of Connecticut7, Dartmouth College8, University of Nebraska–Lincoln9, Peking University10, Northwestern University11
TL;DR: One-to-one marketing advocates tailoring of one or more aspects of the firm's marketing mix to the individual customer (Peppers and Rogers 1997; Peppers, Rogers and Dorf 1999; Shaffer and Zhang 2002).
Abstract: One-to-one marketing advocates tailoring of one or more aspects of the firm's marketing mix to the individual customer (Peppers and Rogers 1997; Peppers, Rogers and Dorf 1999; Shaffer and Zhang 2002). One-to-one marketing represents an extreme form of segmentation, with a target segment of size one. There are two forms of one-to-one marketing: personalization and customization. Personalization is when the firm decides, usually based on previously collected customer data, what marketing mix is suitable for the individual. A good example is Amazon.com's personalized book and music recommendations (Nunes and Kambil 2001). The e-commerce arena is replete with other instances of personalization. Nytimes.com allows readers to get personalized news articles of interest, MLS.ca in Canada screens houses for buyers depending on their preferences for location, size and features. Customization is when the customer proactively specifies one or more elements of his or her marketing mix. Dell computer allows customers to customize the computer they order. The MyYahoo feature at Yahoo.com allows users to specify elements of their home page such as the weather forecast, reports on their favorite stocks, or priorities given to local sports news. The purpose of this paper is to summarize key challenges and knowledge gaps in understanding the choices that both firms and customers make in a personalization/customization environment. We start with a summary of personalization and customization in practice, and then draw on research in economics, statistical, and consumer behavior to identify what we know and do not know. We conclude with a summary of key research opportunities.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors distinguish between two forms of one-to-one marketing: personalization and customization, and summarize key challenges and knowledge gaps in understanding both firm and customer choices in one-one markets.
Abstract: The tailoring of a firm’s marketing mix to the individual customer is the essence of one-to-one marketing. In this paper, we distinguish between two forms of one-to-one marketing: personalization and customization. Personalization occurs when the firm decides what marketing mix is suitable for the individual. It is usually based on previously collected customer data. Customization occurs when the customer proactively specifies one or more elements of his or her marketing mix. We summarize key challenges and knowledge gaps in understanding both firm and customer choices in one-to-one markets. We conclude with a summary of research opportunities.