Open Innovation and Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Social Capital

This article examines the role of social relations and networks in open innovation settings. Building on extant open innovation literature as well as on social capital theory, we develop a model that conceptualizes social capital as a mediator between the implementation of open innovation instruments and firm performance. In doing so, this paper adds to the understanding of the role of structure and content of social relations in open innovation contexts as well as of sustainable side‐effects of open innovation. In particular, we argue that apart from a direct effect of open innovation instruments on firm performance, there is also a mediated relationship between these variables. More precisely, we propose that the implementation of open innovation instruments strengthens an organization's social capital, which is, in turn, positively related to firm performance.     

Relationship of iso‐α‐acid content and endogenous antioxidative potential during storage of lager beer

One of the critical issues regarding the quality of beer is the change in its chemical composition that occurs during storage. Decomposition of iso‐α‐acids results in an undesirable decrease in bitterness as well as a deterioration in the sensory profile of the beer. These changes are caused by the susceptibility of iso‐α‐acids to degradation owing to the influence of reactive oxygen species and light. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of storage conditions (temperature, light) on the degradation of iso‐α‐acids during aging, with the main focus on monitoring the relationship between the turnover of iso‐α‐acids, the sulphur dioxide content and the antioxidative potential of stored beer as measured by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. In agreement with previous investigations, a significant decrease in the content of bitter compounds (up to 18 % relative to the original level, depending on storage conditions) was observed. A significant decrease in the antioxidant potential of beer was recorded simultaneously and the data confirmed a strong correlation between these parameters. The decline in beer bitterness could become a marker for estimating oxidative damage during storage. Copyright © 2014 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Dispersion polymerization of styrene in CO2-expanded ethanol

Dispersion polymerization of styrene has been performed in CO₂-expanded ethanol at ≤9 MPa and 70 °C using PVP as stabilizer. The polymerizations proceeded with good colloidal stability, resulting in spherical particles of diameters of ∼2 μm. Pressurization with CO₂ leads to an increase in particle size (∼1 μm in the corresponding CO₂-free system), and a decrease in both polymerization rate and molecular weight. The main effect of CO₂ is proposed to be its influence on the partitioning of monomer between the continuous and the particle phase–the results indicate that CO₂-pressurization causes a reduction in monomer concentration in the particles. Overall, the results are consistent with literature data on the effects of the polarity of the continuous phase in dispersion polymerization of styrene in alcohols and alcohol/water mixtures.     

Gender and sexual identity-based predictors of lesbian, gay, and bisexual affirmative counseling self-efficacy.

This exploratory study applies the tenets of social cognitive theory to investigate the influence of gender self-confidence and of sexual identity exploration and commitment on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) affirmative counselor self-efficacy. Data were gathered from a convenience sample of 178 mental health clinicians. Controlling for participants' age, professional experience, level of income, race and ethnicity, and sexual orientation, findings revealed that higher levels of LGB-affirmative counseling self-efficacy were positively associated with gender self-definition and with sexual identity commitment. Post hoc analyses conducted with the 5 subscales of the LGB-affirmative counseling self-efficacy measure indicated that findings varied across specific self-efficacy domains. Implications of these results for continuing education, training, and research promoting LGB-affirmative psychotherapy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field exposure can alter neuroprocessing in humans

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (from DC to 300 Hz) have been shown to affect pain sensitivity in snails, rodents and humans. Here, a functional magnetic resonance imaging study demonstrates how the neuromodulation effect of these magnetic fields influences the processing of acute thermal pain in normal volunteers. Significant interactions were found between pre- and post-exposure activation between the sham and exposed groups for the ipsilateral (right) insula, anterior cingulate and bilateral hippocampus/caudate areas. These results show, for the first time, that the neuromodulation induced by exposure to low-intensity low-frequency magnetic fields can be observed in humans using functional brain imaging and that the detection mechanism for these effects may be different from those used by animals for orientation and navigation. Magnetoreception may be more common than presently thought.     

Mikroreaktoren aus Glas für die Anwendung im Labor

The implementation of microreaction technology as part of academic research und hands‐on trainings requires economic und manageable microstructured devices. Glass microdevices are an alternative to round bottom flasks in chemical synthesis. Integration in existing systems is provided by use of standardized adapter.     

Towards sustainable cities

Abstract

Sustainability has interconnected economic, social and ecological aspects. Spatial restructuring could make a significant contribution. Key public policies include transport, land‐use planning, housing, infrastructure, and the redistribution of work and incomes. Australia has the opportunity to be an international exemplar in addressing the challenge of sustainability. Existing economic structures, spatial inertia and the lack of political will are significant obstacles.