bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysgonomonas oryzarvi sp. nov., isolated from a microbial fuel cell
Authors: Kodama Yumiko , Shimoyama Takefumi , Watanabe Kazuya
Published: February 2012

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and coccoid- to short-rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain Dy73T, was isolated from a microbial fuel cell that had been inoculated with rice paddy field soil and fed starch, peptone and fish extract as fuels. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny, strain Dy73T was affiliated with the genus

Dysgonomonas

in the phylum

Bacteroidetes

, and most closely related to

Dysgonomonas mossii

CCUG 43457T with a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 99.7 %. However, the DNA–DNA relatedness value between strain Dy73T and

Dysgonomonas mossii

CCUG 43457T was 34.8 %. In addition, strain Dy73T was found to be different from other recognized species of the genus

Dysgonomonas

in taxonomically important traits, including habitat, DNA G+C content, bile resistance and fatty-acid composition. Based on these characteristics, strain Dy73T represents a novel species of the genus

Dysgonomonas

for which the name Dysgonomonas oryzarvi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Dy73T ( = JCM 16859T = KCTC 5936T).
Exploring Tomato Gene Functions Based on Coexpression Modules Using Graph Clustering and Differential Coexpression Approaches
Authors: Fukushima Atsushi , Nishizawa Tomoko , Hayakumo Mariko , Hikosaka Shoko , Saito Kazuki , Goto Eiji , Kusano Miyako
Published: February 2012

Gene-to-gene coexpression analysis provides fundamental information and is a promising approach for predicting unknown gene functions in plants. We investigated various associations in the gene expression of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) to predict unknown gene functions in an unbiased manner. We obtained more than 300 microarrays from publicly available databases and our own hybridizations, and here, we present tomato coexpression networks and coexpression modules. The topological characteristics of the networks were highly heterogenous. We extracted 465 total coexpression modules from the data set by graph clustering, which allows users to divide a graph effectively into a set of clusters. Of these, 88% were assigned systematically by Gene Ontology terms. Our approaches revealed functional modules in the tomato transcriptome data; the predominant functions of coexpression modules were biologically relevant. We also investigated differential coexpression among data sets consisting of leaf, fruit, and root samples to gain further insights into the tomato transcriptome. We now demonstrate that (1) duplicated genes, as well as metabolic genes, exhibit a small but significant number of differential coexpressions, and (2) a reversal of gene coexpression occurred in two metabolic pathways involved in lycopene and flavonoid biosynthesis. Independent experimental verification of the findings for six selected genes was done using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our findings suggest that differential coexpression may assist in the investigation of key regulatory steps in metabolic pathways. The approaches and results reported here will be useful to prioritize candidate genes for further functional genomics studies of tomato metabolism.
A Lipid Droplet Protein of Nannochloropsis with Functions Partially Analogous to Plant Oleosins
Authors: Vieler Astrid , Brubaker Shane B. , Vick Bertrand , Benning Christoph
Published: February 2012

As our understanding of the dynamics of lipid droplets (LDs) in animal, plant, and fungal cells is rapidly evolving, still little is known about the formation and turnover of these organelles in microalgae. Yet with the growing importance of algal feedstock for the production of biofuels and high-value lipids, there is a need to understand the mechanisms of LD dynamics in microalgae. Thus, we investigated the proteins associated with LDs of the emerging heterokont model alga Nannochloropsis sp. and discovered an abundant hydrophobic lipid droplet surface protein (LDSP) with unique primary sequence but structural similarities to other LD proteins. LDSP abundance in Nannochloropsis cells closely tracked the amount of triacylglycerols during conditions of oil accumulation and degradation. Functional characterization of LDSP in an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) OLEOSIN1-deficient mutant allowed a separation of its physical and structural properties in its interaction with LDs from its physiological or biochemical activities. Although LDSP presence in Arabidopsis predictably affected LD size, it could not reverse the physiological impact of OLEOSIN deficiency on triacylglycerol hydrolysis during germination.
Assessing an e‐reader lending program: from pilot to mainstream service
Authors: Goodwin Susan , Shurtz Suzanne , Gonzalez Adriana , Clark Dennis
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess user preferences and perceptions of Texas A&M University Libraries' Kindle e‐book reader lending program, to determine if current lending practices and procedures adequately satisfy user needs.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to library patrons who participated in the first full semester of the e‐reader lending program. Of the 63 individuals who borrowed a Kindle, 52 answered the 13‐question survey designed to elicit their feedback about their experiences borrowing and subsequently using a Kindle to read their requested e‐books. The format of the survey was varied, and included objective and short‐answer questions. When possible, responses included a five‐point Likert scale.

Findings

Analysis of the survey results indicates overall interest and support for the Libraries' e‐reader lending program. Participants mainly utilized Kindles to read popular titles, indicating that the lending program has found a niche within the Libraries' suite of media borrowing services to support leisure reading. Furthermore, from a collection development standpoint, the user‐driven acquisition policy for Kindle titles has served as an extension and virtual enhancement of the popular bestseller print collection.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first qualitative research reports on patron perceptions of an academic library e‐reader lending program. This study is likely to be of practical interest to academic librarians who are in the process of developing similar lending programs.
Motivation to learn and learning strategies
Authors: Togia Aspasia , Korobili Stella , Malliari Afrodite
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an insight to the motivation processes and learning strategies of the students of the Library and Information Systems (LIS) Department of Alexander Technological Educational Institute (ATEI), Thessaloniki, in courses encompassing Information Technology (IT).

Design/methodology/approach

The students participated in the study between the 10th and 12th week of a 13‐week semester. Data were collected with the Science Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ) and the Self‐Regulated Learning Strategies component of the Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Independent samples t‐tests were used to indicate any associations between motivation to learn and learning strategies, with students' background characteristics. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict students' levels of motivation from the background characteristics, and their intention to continue their studies and to work as librarians/information professionals.

Findings

Results showed that participants reported relatively increased levels of motivation and employment of effective learning strategies. Participants' intention to continue their studies in library/information science emerged as the only variable that significantly contributed to the equation for predicting self‐regulated learning from the whole set of predictors and also to the prediction of motivation to learn.

Research limitations/implications

The SMQ was originally designed for science courses and the use of the translated and slightly modified version did not seem to be very sensitive in the IT learning context. A follow up study with different methodologies, would add to the weight of the present findings. In addition, future studies could focus on the particular factors that motivate students to learn IT and to achieve the learning objectives of the IT courses.

Practical implications

The intended outcome of this survey was to provide LIS students and instructors with an assessing tool to evaluate motivation to learn IT and the effectiveness of the strategies employed in the process of acquiring knowledge and skills. Based on the results, faculty members can provide learning environments that promote motivation towards learning and encourage students to select and use more advanced and effective learning strategies. In addition, the results of the study provide an additional argument for organizing a postgraduate program at the LIS Department of ATEI, Thessaloniki.

Originality/value

Empirical research on learning attitudes of LIS students is limited. Moreover, motivation and learning strategies use have never been studied in the Greek context of library education, although IT literacy is an essential task and all LIS Departments' instructors share the important goal of fostering students' motivation to learn IT.
Focus on self‐repairing performance and mechanism of Cu‐DDP additive in base lubricating oil
Authors: Yidong Zhang
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prove the self‐repairing Cu film of Cu‐DDP additive in base lubricating oil.

Design/methodology/approach

Cu nanoparticles coated with dialkydithiophosphate (Coded as Cu‐DDP) were synthesized in situ by redox method. The size and structure of Cu‐DDP were characterized using transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and electronic diffraction (ED) analysis. The self‐repairing performance of Cu‐DDP as additive in base lubricating oil was evaluated by MRH‐3 stock‐on‐ring testing machine. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), UMT‐2 tribometer, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy‐dispersive spectrum (EDS) were used to study the self‐repairing Cu film on the stock.

Findings

The test results showed that the modified Cu‐DDP additive in base lubricating oil exhibited excellent anti‐wear and friction‐reducing properties, as well as good self‐repairing performance.

Research limitations/implications

The thickness of the self‐repairing Cu film was unknown, and the relationship between thickness of the Cu film and load, time, rotation velocity was still necessary to investigate.

Practical implications

The Cu‐DDP additive was involved P and S elements, therefore, it is still promising to seek environment friendly additive without P and S elements.

Originality/value

For the first time, MRH‐3 stock‐on‐ring testing machine, Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), UMT‐2 tribometer, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy‐dispersive spectrum (EDS) were widely used to study the self‐repairing Cu film on the stock.
Preparation and tribological properties of a kind of lubricant containing calcium borate nanoparticles as additives
Authors: Hao Lifeng , Li Jiusheng , Xu Xiaohong , Ren Tianhui
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Nanoparticles are not well dispersed in non‐polar organic solvents due to their hydrophilic property which limits their applications in lubricant oils. To improve the oil‐solubility of nanoparticles, a novel technology was used to prepare a kind of lubricant containing calcium borate nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

The microstructures of the prepared nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and infrared spectra (IR). Tribological properties of calcium borate nanoparticles used as additive in base oil were evaluated using four‐ball tribotester and SRV tribotester, and the worn surface of the steel ball was investigated by Polarized microscope (PM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the dispersing stability and antioxidation property of lubricant containing nanoparticles were also studied.

Findings

The results indicate that the average size of the prepared nanoparticles is in the range of 50‐100 nm, and the surface of the nanoparticles was altered from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity. At the same time, the nanoparticles can be well dispersed in the base oil totally under novel process which has no significantly negative effect on the antioxidation property. The results of tribological tests show that calcium borate nanoparticles under the novel process (CBNN) show better antiwear property and friction‐reducing property in base oil compared to calcium borate nanoparticles under tradition process (CBNT). Based on the results of PM and XPS, it can be deduced that a continuous resistance film containing depositions and the tribochemical reaction products such as B2O3, FeB, Fe2O3 and CaO formed during the sliding process.

Originality/value

The main innovative thought of this work lies in dealing with the oil‐solubility problem through the combination effect of surface modification and special blend process of lubricating oil, and this method was first used to prepare lubricant containing calcium borate nanoparticles. It should be helpful for the borate nanoparticles used as additives in engine oil, gear oil and other industrial lubricants.
Tribological properties of two kinds of rare earth complexes as lubricant additives for laser cladding coatings
Authors: Zhang Hao‐Bo , Xia Yan‐qiu , Liu Zhi‐lu , Zhao Jun
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test two kinds of rare earth complexes of Lanthanum Dialkyldithiophosphate (LaDDP) and Lanthanum Dialkylphosphate (LaDP) as lubricant additives in liquid paraffin for the untreated 60Si2Mn steel and laser‐cladding Ni35A coating on 60Si2Mn steel sliding pairs which are a potential substitute for Zinc Dialkldithiophosphate (ZnDDP).

Design/methodology/approach

Tribological properties were evaluated by an Optimol‐SRV oscillating friction and wear test. The morphologies of the worn surfaces were observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the chemical states of several typical elements on the worn surfaces were examined by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Findings

Treated laser cladding coatings of steel can improve its hardness and strength and the coated steel possess higher load‐carrying capacity than that of 60Si2Mn; The rare earth complexes of LaDDP and LaDP possess good oil‐solubility, friction‐reducing and wear resistance properties. Those rare earth complexes as additives in liquid paraffin during the friction process can form a protective film containing rare earth oxide, sulfate and sulfur‐containing compound during the friction process.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents two kinds of potentially useful, environmentally‐friendly and highly efficient substitutes for the ZnDDP additives in lubricants.

Practical implications

Owing to their good friction‐reducing and wear resistance properties, LaDDP and LaDP are two optimum and promising industry lubrication additives.

Originality/value

This work is a new application of rare earth complex as lubricant additive in liquid paraffin, which provides a new direction for designing friction pairs and lubricant additive. The tribology experiments have been carried out through the variation of experiment conditions.
Frictional performance of semimetal brake lining for automobiles
Authors: Yin Yan , Bao Jiusheng , Yang Lei
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the variations of brake lining's frictional performance with braking conditions, and their influence on the braking safety and reliability of automobiles.

Design/methodology/approach

As the semimetal brake lining is widely used currently in automobiles, it was selected as the experimental material. By simulating the braking conditions and environment of automobiles, some tribological experiments of the brake lining were investigated on the X‐DM friction tester, when it is paired with the friction disc made of gray cast iron. The influence of braking pressure, sliding velocity and surface temperature on the friction coefficient and its stability coefficient were studied in depth through experiments.

Findings

The friction coefficient decreases gradually with the increasing of braking pressure and sliding velocity when the surface temperature is naturally rising. It rises first then falls with the surface temperature rising and the maximal value appears at nearly 200°C. The stability of friction coefficient decreases obviously when the sliding velocity exceeds 30 m/s, the braking pressure exceeds 1.8 MPa and the surface temperature is over 200°C. Based on the experimental results, the authors consider that it is not reliable to execute an emergency braking only by rising the braking pressure when the automobile is driving with a high velocity. In order to reduce the bad influence of high temperature on frictional performance, some effective actions should be taken for cooling the friction disc. What is more, special attention should be paid to the decreasing of frictional stability during the braking with high velocity, pressure and temperature.

Originality/value

This paper studies the influence of braking conditions on friction coefficient and its stability of the semimetal brake lining for automobiles. It is believed that this research may have some actual guidance for enhancing the braking safety and reliability of automobiles.
Parameter identification for single‐action membrane‐type restrictors of hydrostatic bearings
Authors: Kang Yuang , Chen Cheng‐Hsien , Chen Yi‐Chich , Chang Chi , Hsiao Shun‐Te
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the identification method of restriction parameter and deformation parameter for membrane‐type restrictors.

Design/methodology/approach

A worktable mounting on the open‐type hydrostatic bearing is utilized to calibrate recess pressures for regulating outlet pressures of restrictors by changing the load and then both restrictor parameters can be identified from the measurements of the inlet pressure, the outlet pressure, and the flow rate of a restrictor by minimizing the difference between measured and identified flow rates. Furthermore, the influences of supply pressure and restrictor designs on both parameters are also studied.

Findings

An identification method for single‐action membrane‐type (SAM) restrictors is obtained directly from experimental results. The measurements of inlet pressure, outlet pressure, and flow rate of the restrictor are substituted into the combined equations for minimization of error between measured and identified flow rates to be solved for restriction and deformation parameters. The identified results show that both parameters can be described by polynomial functions of supply pressure. Both polynomials are regressed by curve fitting from identified results.

Originality/value

The paper shows how to calibrate inlet and outlet pressures of restrictors for designing a hydrostatic bearing system by changing supply pressure and load applied on worktable for the measurements of both pressure and the flow rate of restrictor.
Quid pro quo? Examining talent management through the lens of psychological contracts
Authors: Höglund Mathias
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The present paper aims to explore the direct and indirect linkages between HRM practices and human capital within a talent management framework. The study extends previous research on the direct effects of HRM to examine how employee responses to HRM practices mediate the linkage between HRM and human capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies psychological contract theory as a lens to assess employee perceptions of the extent to which talent qualities are rewarded and the effect of such perceptions on employee‐felt obligations to develop skills.

Findings

The results indicate that HRM practices are positively related to employee‐perceived talent inducements and that talent inducements fully mediate the direct relationship between skill‐enhancing HRM and human capital. What is more, psychological contract obligations to develop skills partially mediated the relationship between talent inducements and human capital. These results imply that the differential treatment of employees based on criteria constituting talent can have positive effects on employee motivation and felt obligations to develop skills and apply these in service of the organization.

Originality/value

The presented framework and empirical findings reflect a dynamic view of talent management in which talent is not only a label granted to a static group of employees. Through the lens of the psychological contract, talent management can function as a framework within which to define, communicate and engender the development of qualities considered important for the achievement of present and future organizational goals.
When the bored behave badly (or exceptionally)
Authors: Skowronski Mark
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between workplace boredom and voluntary work behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The author integrates multidisciplinary theory and research findings to create a process model to guide researchers and practitioners.

Findings

Extant literature on boredom coping and interest self‐regulation suggests that individuals often find ways to increase stimulation when feeling bored. This paper discusses how such interest enhancement strategies have both harmful and helpful effects on organizations.

Originality/value

This paper explores situational characteristics and individual differences that moderate boredom's effects on counterproductive work behavior and organizational citizenship behavior. A model with testable propositions is provided. Understanding how employees cope with boredom may lead to new insights for increasing motivation and productivity.
Jobs and organisations
Authors: Cambré Bart , Kippers Evelien , van Veldhoven Marc , De Witte Hans
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of group level differences in job satisfaction. Specifically, the authors seek to understand the shared variance in job satisfaction at the group level of jobs within organisations, in a particular industrial sector. To explain differences in job satisfaction between groups, the authors examine the role of job characteristics, particularly as these are defined within the job‐demand‐control‐support model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the results of a cross‐sectional self‐report questionnaire study of 2,733 Belgian bank employees working in six specific jobs and four specific organisations. Research hypotheses are tested using multilevel analyses.

Findings

There are substantial and reliable between‐group differences in job satisfaction within the banking sector. These effects are partially explained by job characteristics from the JDCS model at the individual level. At the aggregated level, only decision authority is statistically significant.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to Belgium and to the banking sector. The general research question and findings are nevertheless relevant to other single‐sector studies in Western European countries.

Practical implications

Decision authority is more important for group level job satisfaction than job demands and social support from colleagues and supervisors. Human resources managers are therefore recommended to focus more on structural differences and organisational choices that may affect job design and work systems.

Originality/value

The paper aims to make a contribution to the understanding of group level job satisfaction differences in the context of sector studies.
Portraying fitting values in job advertisements
Authors: De Cooman Rein , Pepermans Roland
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to use the signaling theory and the person‐organization fit framework as a rationale to study value‐related information prospective applicants receive from employers through the communication in job ads.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed the content of 1,768 job advertisements published in two national and two regional Dutch‐speaking magazines in Belgium. Four independent judges coded all information in the offer section and categorized it into five content categories adopted from Lyons and colleagues. Since important sectoral distinctions exist in terms of structural‐operational as well as value‐related characteristics, this study examines how profit and nonprofit organizations portray themselves in the offer section of the job advertisements they send out.

Findings

Generally inconsistent with the authors' assumptions, the results show that intrinsic and prestige values are more intensively reported in job ads from the profit sector, whereas altruistic and extrinsic values are brought up more in job ads from the nonprofit sector. However, because nonprofit organizations print smaller, often non‐colored ads in the national language, additional analyses controlling for these factors confirmed only one of the sectoral differences. Nonprofit organizations seem to compensate for values that are obvious in their sector (i.e. altruistic and intrinsic) by more intensively emphasizing extrinsic values (e.g. insurance and fringe benefits) compared to profit organizations.

Originality/value

Only part of the information provided in the earliest phase of the recruitment process reflects the values one would expect based on organizational theory and empirical evidence. This, obviously, engenders an important threat to the establishment of person‐organization fit.
Global self‐initiated corporate expatriate careers: a new era in international assignments?
Authors: Altman Yochanan , Baruch Yehuda
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Within the current discourse on contemporary careers and the context of international assignments, this paper seeks to conduct a study of a large European MNC, with the aim of theory development on expatriation/repatriation.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study, based on semi‐structured interviews in a major financial institution.

Findings

Motivation to expatriate falls into two distinct categories – company initiated assignments; and self‐initiated, career orientated and/or self‐development focused. The authors propose a two dimensional model to depict the emergence of a new expatriation path alongside the traditional one – differentiating those who respond to an international assignment call within a clearly framed career development path; and those embarking on international assignment as, primarily, a personal growth opportunity. A distinctive sub‐group of corporate self‐initiated expatriates is identified for the first time.

Research limitations/implications

A qualitative study within one company.

Practical implications

The emergent models could be utilized by HR managers to shape future policies and practices for global assignments.

Originality/value

Providing a new model to explicate the relevance of a protean career attitude in a global boundaryless career environment; outlining of new emergent international career trajectories, in particular corporate self‐initiated careers.
Demystifying the data interview
Authors: Carlson Jake
Published: February 2012

Purpose

As libraries become more involved in curating research data, reference librarians will need to be trained in conducting data interviews with researchers to better understand their data and associated needs. This article seeks to identify and provide definitions for the basic terms and concepts of data curation for librarians to properly frame and carry out a data interview using the Data Curation Profiles (DCP) Toolkit.

Design/methodology/approach

The DCP Toolkit is a semi‐structured interview designed to assist librarians in identifying the data curation needs of researchers. The components of the DCP Toolkit were analyzed to determine the base level of knowledge needed for librarians to conduct effective data interviews. Specific concepts, definitions, and examples were sought through a review of articles, case studies, practitioner resources and from the experiences of the Purdue University Libraries.

Findings

Data curation concepts and terminology are not yet well‐defined and often vary across, or even within fields of study. This research informed the development of a workshop to train librarians in using the DCP Toolkit. The definitions and concepts addressed in the workshop include: data, data set, data lifecycle, data curation, data sharing, and roles for reference librarians.

Practical implications

Conducting a data interview can be a daunting task given the complexity of data curation and the lack of shared definitions. Practical tools and training are needed to help librarians develop capacity in data curation.

Originality/value

This article provides practical information for public service librarians to help them conceptualize and conduct a data interview with researchers.
Digital games in academic libraries: a review of games and suggested best practices
Authors: Snyder Broussard Mary J.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of available online library games and offer six suggestions for best practices based on the available games.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a thorough review of the literature on online games in libraries as well as an analysis of the games freely available online. Further information from some game designers was sought by e‐mail as needed to enhance the published literature.

Findings

A total of 17 online library games have been mentioned in the literature, 11 of which are at least partially available online. They vary greatly in type of game, technical sophistication, cost of development, and visual appeal. Some have been successful (designers report being satisfied), some have been less successful, and some have been abandoned before completion. Suggestions for development of future games include keeping it simple; having a plan to use it in class or market to faculty; “gating” key concepts; making it fun; giving feedback; and play testing throughout the development process.

Originality/value

While previous articles have mentioned three or four online games in libraries, no one has attempted to make a comprehensive overview or to suggest similarities among what has worked well in these projects. Analyzing the key traits of the more successful games will help librarians develop games in the future.
Which platform do our users prefer: website or mobile app?
Authors: Han Rebekah Wong Shun
Published: February 2012

Purpose

After being implemented for two years, HKBUtube (the official video streaming site developed by Hong Kong Baptist University Library) has become a popular source of videos for the university. This video site also begins to draw the attention of the community. When more libraries are starting to respond to the demand for mobile service, the HKBU Library decided not to remain aloof. Before committing itself to the provision of an additional platform, the Library carried out a proof of concept to investigate the likelihood of library users watching videos via a mobile app when the web counterpart was available. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Through building a small‐scale mobile app to showcase and display videos, this paper studies the use of the app and the popularity of watching videos via smartphones. To yield a more accurate result, a web counterpart was also developed for comparison of usage.

Findings

The data suggest that the usage between the app and website version was about the same. This study also demonstrates the power of Apple's marketing support, the large group of international users, and the effect of broadband speeds.

Originality/value

Usage data presented in this paper support the importance of the provision of mobile video collections. This paper also offers practical information that can assist academic libraries in justifying and developing mobile services, in particular mobile media collections.
University of Central Florida's Campus Connections Program
Authors: Mendelsohn Hal
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The Campus Connections Program can help provide other universities with a better method to reach out to students so they can learn what resources are available to them on their university campus. This paper aims to examine how it does this.

Design/methodology/approach

An investigation was performed to find out what services were on the University of Central Florida's campus. Determining that many of the necessary resources were not being promoted to the students, the Campus Connections Program was developed. A review of relevant literature highlighted the point that partnerships/working relationships are important to perform successful outreach to those you wish to contact.

Findings

Through a survey instrument, it was concluded that a better way of reaching out to students was necessary. There are other outlets used to promote an organization's services, the difference shows that the Campus Connections Program provided a better forum for the exchange of information.

Research limitations/implications

A survey of nine questions was administered to representatives who participated in the Campus Connections Program. The survey sought to determine if the established method of reaching out to students was useful.

Originality/value

Student orientations are the normal route groups take to meet students and discuss their services. Providing the time and location within the library for those same groups to meet the students individually, is what makes the Campus Connections Program unique.
A best practice guide for hiring consultants
Authors: Hilditch‐Roberts Huw
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The aim of this viewpoint is to highlight the importance of best practice when hiring external consultancy.

Design/methodology/approach

Reductions in spend by both public and private sector buyers is putting pressure on the consulting industry. Growing competition is leading consultancies known for their focus on strategic consulting to move into the implementation space and other some firms are broadening their areas of operation. With more consultancy firms chasing fewer contracts, it has never been more important for buyers to ensure rigor and good practice when engaging consultancies in order to select the best consultants for the issue at hand.

Findings

This guide documents some of the key best‐practice behaviors and processes for buyers of consultancy.

Practical implications

Companies can ensure they hire the best consultants for their needs.

Originality/value

The article provides sound practical advice on the need for hiring consultants.
Interview with Hal Gregersen, author of The Innovator's DNA
Authors: by William Strange Interview
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Hal Gregerson, author of The Innovators DNA.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an interview with Hal Gregersen is professor of Leadership at INSEAD, who consults to organizations around the world on innovation, globalization, and transformation and has published extensively in leading academic and business journals. In this interview discusses, The Innovators DNA, a book which emerged from an eight‐year collaborative study in which sought to uncover the origins of innovative – and often disruptive – business ideas. The interview is conducted by an independent interviewer.

Findings

Through the book, which Hal co‐authored with Jeffrey Dyer and Clayton Christensen, it was discovered that there are five skills that innovators traditionally engage in: questioning to provoke the status quo; observing like an anthropologist; networking for ideas not for careers; experimenting; and associational thinking i.e. connecting the unconnected.

Originality/value

The paper highlights that the great innovators of the world not only think differently, but also act differently.
Relationship between managerial values and hiring preferences in the context of the six decades of affirmative action in India
Authors: Saha Sudhir K.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between managerial values and preference for hiring of low caste and female job candidates in the context of the six decades of affirmative action in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of managers from India filled in a questionnaire indicating their beliefs and values concerning the Indian reservation system, social activism and minority employment. Subjects also made hiring choices in a simulated decision environment.

Findings

Findings indicate that managers were marginally in favour of hiring minority candidates and that their values and beliefs concerning minority employment of low caste and female job candidates were mixed.

Research limitations/implications

The study used self‐reported questionnaires, and the sample size was small. Future studies are recommended to overcome the limitations.

Practical implications

Managers responsible for making hiring decisions should be trained and educated in the need for equity, justice and diversity in the workplace.

Originality/value

This investigation provides empirical evidence linking managerial beliefs and values to hiring preferences of minority job candidates.
Availability and persistence of web citations in Indian LIS literature
Authors: Sampath Kumar B.T. , Prithvi Raj K.R.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The worldwide web is growing at an enormous speed and web citations are becoming very common in scholarly publications. However the major problem of web citation is its persistence since citations disappear over time, causing accessibility problems for readers. In this context the present study aims to investigate the availability of web citations and their persistence in Indian Library and Information Science literature. The study also aims to investigate types of link accessibility errors encountered, domains associated with missing web citations and the correlation between the path depth and missing web citations.

Design/methodology/approach

The web citations (URLs) from 350 articles published in Indian Association of Teachers in Library and Information Science (IATLIS) conference volume (2001‐2008) were extracted and then tested to determine the accessibility. The W3C Link Checker (http://validator.w3.org/checklink) was used to evaluate links associated with a cited web resource. This link checker tests a submitted web page for broken or non‐valid hypertext links and reports the types of HTTP messages encountered.

Findings

Results of the study show that the average citations per article have been increased substantially from 0.25 (in the year 2001) to 3.02 (in the year 2008). It also found that 45.61 per cent of citations are not accessible during the time of testing, and the majority of web citations show HTTP Error Code 404 (63.84 per cent). Web citations from the .org domain are found to have the highest failure rates (30.29 per cent) compared to .edu (21.49 per cent) and .com/.co (14.33 per cent) domains.

Originality/value

The researchers analysed 673 web citations from 350 articles published during 2001 to 2008 in IATLIS conference volumes. The study investigated the percentage of missing web citations and domains associated with missing web citations. The study suggests some possible solutions to improve web citation accessibility. This carries research value for web content providers, web authors and researchers in library and information science.
Virtual references services: defining the criteria and indicators to evaluate them
Authors: Pinto María , Manso Ramón A.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the common features of the virtual reference services provided by European and American libraries in order to evaluate the service from the user's perspective, taking into account the potential of Web 2.0 applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a quantitative approach, to contribute to better understanding of the problems currently facing virtual reference services and offers solutions to them. The study also combines qualitative methodologies.

Findings

The study reports that virtual reference services in university communities have not changed significantly since they first appeared, and highlights the need to incorporate new technologies.

Originality/value

The paper draws attention to certain features of virtual reference services that are undervalued or have not attracted research interest, and calls for a technological shift in the services provided to users from the academic communities involved in this study.
E‐government portals: a knowledge management study
Authors: Behzadi Hassan , Isfandyari‐Moghaddam Alireza , Sanji Majideh
Published: February 2012

Purpose

In view of their significance as well as influence, this article aims to examine knowledge management (KM) mechanisms in 20 Iranian e‐government portals used to provide services to citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the model “knowledge access, creation and transfer” (K‐ACT), a checklist was developed. This checklist was then applied to demonstrate its utility for evaluating 20 Persian‐language official e‐government portals in Iran.

Findings

The maximum score for the knowledge mechanism was 30 for knowledge creation. The mean score for KM in Iran e‐government portals was 26 per cent. This percentage indicates that e‐government portals in Iran are very poor.

Practical implications

Iranian e‐government portals and Iran governors must consider some features in their decisions about portal design. This area requires further work, in particular in elaborating the relationship between e‐government and KM. In addition, planning strategically with key experts to design new models for the adoption of KM in e‐government is of high importance. These experts can be computer specialists, knowledge managers, librarians, portal designers and users of portals.

Originality/value

This study provides an insight into the situation of KM processes in the portals of Iranian ministries.
Balancing exploration and exploitation in complex environments
Authors: Bocanet Anca , Ponsiglione Cristina
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The objective of this study is to model and analyze the exploration‐exploitation dynamics of March's model of mutual learning in a complex environment. By enhancing the above mentioned model, the paper seeks to propose a new agent‐based model of mutual learning within an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper replicates March's model of simulating learning within an organization using an agent‐based simulation approach, and extends it by modelling the problem space as a fitness landscape using Kauffman's NK model technique.

Findings

It was found that it is impossible to find a right balance between exploration and exploitation using the communication structure of March's model.

Practical implications

The proposed model could help create a virtual laboratory for experimenting organizations' behavior in a complex co‐evolving environment. This virtual laboratory may be used in the future to support the decision‐making process of managers and policy makers.

Originality/value

Designing the external environment as a fitness landscape helps in discovering what effect the environmental complexity has on the emerging balance between exploration and exploitation. It is the first study to design the environment of a model which analyzes the mutual learning between an organization and its members as a complex non‐linear space.
A debate dashboard to enhance online knowledge sharing
Authors: Iandoli Luca , Quinto Ivana , De Liddo Anna , Buckingham Shum Simon
Published: February 2012

Purpose

In this paper the aim is to present Debate Dashboard, an online collaborative platform designed to support distributed knowledge management and decision making. The platform integrates an argument mapping tool with visual widgets with the objective of enhancing collective sense‐making and mutual understanding as well as to compensate for the costs of mediated communication in virtual collaborative environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of Debate Dashboard is based on the theory of common ground according to which participants involved in a conversation build mutual understanding thanks to the exchange of different types of feedback. Using the concept of grounding cost, the authors identified several features of the Dashboard supposed to favour mutual understanding and knowledge sharing. Such features have been implemented through six visual widgets selected through a benchmarking of currently available visualization tools.

Findings

The paper discusses the limitations and advantages of online argumentation to support online discussions and presents a review of current visualization tools. The design of a new platform able to integrate online argumentation and visualization technologies is described and it is argued that Debate Dashboard will improve online collaboration in many respects especially in terms of supporting the construction of shared knowledge representations for geographically distributed collaborative teams.

Originality/value

First, the work adds to the debate on the development of online argumentation platforms by offering an alternative theoretical perspective based on language and conversational studies. Second, it proposes for the first time to integrate argumentation and visualization technologies in the same tool to create an augmented collaborative platform able to overcome the limitations of both traditional online collaboration technologies, such as forums and wikis, as well as the criticalities associated with the use of argumentation technologies.
Elucidation and enhancement of knowledge and technology transfer business models
Authors: Landry Réjean , Amara Nabil
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework identifying and differentiating how knowledge and technology transfer organizations (KTTOs) create value from how they capture and transfer value.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument of the paper is developed in two steps. First, the knowledge and technology transfer process is conceptualized as a value chain. Second, the internal KTTO's value chain perspective is extended by integrating the knowledge and technology transfer value chain into a business model conceptual perspective in order to emphasize the value captured by the clients of KTTOs. Then, the authors examine how KTTO managers could describe, benchmark and improve their business models by altering or reinforcing how they are positioned with respect to the interdependent elements of their business model. Finally, the elements of the conceptual framework are used to derive emblematic types of business models and provide exemplary cases for each emblematic case.

Findings

Looking at KTTO management under the lenses of business models invites KTTO managers to look at knowledge and technology transfer as a whole. It suggests to managers to invest resources not only in the improvement of these elements where their organizations are strong, but also in these elements that constitute their weakest elements in the business model. Failure to improve the weakest elements of the business model might compromise the overall knowledge and technology transfer capabilities and performances of KTTOs.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework developed in this paper is intended as a starting point to explore how KTTO managers may be more effective in creating and capturing value from knowledge transfer.