14 research outputs found
Tilt order parameters, polarity and inversion phenomena in smectic liquid crystals
The order parameters for the phenomenological description of the smectic-{\it
A} to smectic-{\it C} phase transition are formulated on the basis of molecular
symmetry and structure. It is shown that, unless the long molecular axis is an
axis of two-fold or higher rotational symmetry, the ordering of the molecules
in the smectic-{\it C} phase gives rise to more than one tilt order parameter
and to one or more polar order parameters. The latter describe the indigenous
polarity of the smectic-{\it C} phase, which is not related to molecular
chirality but underlies the appearance of spontaneous polarisation in chiral
smectics. A phenomenological theory of the phase transition is formulated by
means of a Landau expansion in two tilt order parameters (primary and
secondary) and an indigenous polarity order parameter. The coupling among these
order parameters determines the possibility of sign inversions in the
temperature dependence of the spontaneous polarisation and of the helical pitch
observed experimentally for some chiral smectic-{\it } materials. The
molecular interpretation of the inversion phenomena is examined in the light of
the new formulation.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures, RevTe
The dual nature of perfectionism in sports: Relationships with emotion, motivation, and performance
Perfectionism is a prevalent characteristic in athletes. Yet some researchers have argued that perfectionism in sports is maladaptive because it undermines athletesâ performance and stifles athletic development. This argument, however, neglects that perfectionism is a multidimensional characteristic and that only some dimensions of perfectionism are clearly maladaptive, whereas others are not. This review argues that perfectionism is comprised of two main dimensions?perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns (Stoeber & Otto, 2006)?that show different and unique pattern of relationships with athletesâ emotion, motivation, and performance. In support of this argument the review will present findings indicating that only perfectionistic concerns show unique positive relationships with competitive anxiety, fear of failure, and avoidance goal orientations. In contrast, perfectionistic strivings show unique positive relationships with self-confidence, hope of success, approach goal orientations, and performance in training and competitions. The findings suggest that only perfectionistic concerns are clearly maladaptive, whereas perfectionistic strivings may form part of a healthy striving for excellence. Implications for applied sport psychology are discussed as are open questions for future research
Female accountants in partnership positions: Persona non grata?
Purpose â Although the proportion of women accountants is rising steadily, their number in partnership position remains constant. This article explores this phenomenon in an attempt (a) to identify the reasons behind it and (b) clarify which are the barriers that hinder female accountants from being in the top echelon of the accounting practice in an emerging economy like Cyprus.
Methodology/approach â The study reported in this article builds on two previous studies, quantitative in nature, carried out by one of the present authors. Utilising the findings of the two earlier studies, the authors use a qualitative approach to further explore the reasons as to why there is a âconcrete wallâ for women in accounting practices at partnership level.
Findings â In contrast to other studies, the present study found that the prohibiting factor creating the barrier is not motherhood but the cultural attitudes and expectations of men imposed on mothers. Another finding is that despite the fact that there is a bigger pool of women today in senior manager positions, it is uncertain if the proportion of female partners will rise in a decade.
Research limitations â Although the qualitative study utilising interviews of both genders identified interesting concerns for the local accounting profession, these findings cannot be representative of all emerging economies.
Practical implications â The article adds to existing knowledge by clarifying the reasons discouraging women accountants from reaching partnership positions. Findings are of interest to industry stakeholders who wish (a) to attract more women accountants to partnership positions and (b) to develop an environment that addresses women's concerns and enhances their career aspirations towards reaching the top echelon of their profession.
Originality/value of article â Most research in this field utilises quantitative or qualitative research independently. In this research we utilise the results of the quantitative studies to indentify in depth the ârealâ rather than the âimaginaryâ barrier facing women accountants from entering partnership. Furthermore, this is the first time this is studied in an emerging economy, whereas all other studies are in developed economies