bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hymenobacter ruber sp. nov., isolated from grass soil
Authors: Jin Long , Lee Hyung-Gwan , Kim Song-Gun , Lee Keun Chul , Ahn Chi-Yong , Oh Hee-Mock
Published: December 2013

A taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach was performed on a Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain PB156T, isolated from grass soil. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed that the isolate was clearly affiliated with the phylum

Bacteroidetes

, and most closely related to

Hymenobacter soli

PB17T,

Hymenobacter antarcticus

VUG-A42aaT and

Hymenobacter glaciei

VUG-A130T, showing 96.4, 96.2 and 95.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively, while all other species of the genus shared only 89.3–95.2 % similarity. The main polyamine present was sym-homospermidine. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were C15 : 0 iso, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c/t), C16 : 1ω5c and C15 : 0 anteiso. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain PB156T was 61.7 mol%. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data supported the conclusion that strain PB156T represents a novel species of the genus

Hymenobacter

, for which the name Hymenobacter ruber sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PB156T ( = KCTC 32477T = JCM 19433T).
Methylomarinovum caldicuralii gen. nov., sp. nov., a moderately thermophilic methanotroph isolated from a shallow submarine hydrothermal system, and proposal of the family Methylothermaceae fam. nov.
Authors: Hirayama Hisako , Abe Mariko , Miyazaki Masayuki , Nunoura Takuro , Furushima Yasuo , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Takai Ken
Published: December 2013

A novel methane-oxidizing bacterium, strain IT-9T, was isolated from a shallow submarine hydrothermal system occurring in a coral reef in Japan. Strain IT-9T was a Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, coccoid or oval-shaped bacterium with the distinctive intracytoplasmic membrane arrangement of a type I methanotroph. Strain IT-9T was a moderately thermophilic, obligate methanotroph that grew on methane and methanol at 30–55 °C (optimum 45–50 °C). The strain possessed the particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO). The ribulose monophosphate pathway was operative for carbon assimilation. NaCl was required for growth within a concentration range of 1–5 % (optimum 3 %). The hao gene encoding hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) involved in nitrification was detected by a PCR experiment. The major phospholipid fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C content was 66.0 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain IT-9T was only moderately related to the sequences of members of the closest genera

Methylohalobius

(94.1 % similarity) and

Methylothermus

(91.7–91.9 % similarity); however, those sequences formed a deeply branching monophyletic group within the order

Methylococcales

. Phylogenies based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, deduced partial PmoA sequences and deduced partial Hao sequences and physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics revealed that strain IT-9T represents a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Methylomarinovum caldicuralii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Methylomarinovum caldicuralii is IT-9T ( = JCM 13666T = DSM 19749T). In addition, we propose a new family, Methylothermaceae fam. nov., in the order

Methylococcales

, to accommodate the genera

Methylothermus

,

Methylohalobius

and Methylomarinovum. The genera

Methylothermus

and

Methylohalobius

have been recognized as being distinct from other genera in the methane-oxidizing order

Methylococcales

in the class

Gammaproteobacteria

. These genera form a distinctive monophyletic lineage within the order on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny. This seems consistent with their distinctive physiological traits; the genus

Methylothermus

includes the most thermophilic species, and the genus

Methylohalobius

includes the most halophilic species, within the order. Although these two genera include only three species at the time of writing, similar sequences of 16S rRNA genes and pmoA genes encoding pMMO have been detected in a geothermal area or deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields by studies using culture-independent techniques. This suggests that unknown methanotrophs of this lineage inhabit various extreme environments.
EzEditor: a versatile sequence alignment editor for both rRNA- and protein-coding genes
Authors: Jeon Yoon-Seong , Lee Kihyun , Park Sang-Cheol , Kim Bong-Soo , Cho Yong-Joon , Ha Sung-Min , Chun Jongsik
Published: December 2013

EzEditor is a Java-based molecular sequence editor allowing manipulation of both DNA and protein sequence alignments for phylogenetic analysis. It has multiple features optimized to connect initial computer-generated multiple alignment and subsequent phylogenetic analysis by providing manual editing with reference to biological information specific to the genes under consideration. It provides various functionalities for editing rRNA alignments using secondary structure information. In addition, it supports simultaneous editing of both DNA sequences and their translated protein sequences for protein-coding genes. EzEditor is, to our knowledge, the first sequence editing software designed for both rRNA- and protein-coding genes with the visualization of biologically relevant information and should be useful in molecular phylogenetic studies. EzEditor is based on Java, can be run on all major computer operating systems and is freely available from http://sw.ezbiocloud.net/ezeditor/.
Taibaiella koreensis sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field
Authors: Son Heung-Min , Kook MooChang , Kim Ju-Han , Yi Tae-Hoo
Published: December 2013

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, motile (by gliding), non-spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated THG-DT86T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field of Pocheon province in the Republic of Korea and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Growth occurred at 10–35 °C, at pH 6.5–8.5 and with 0–1.5 % (w/v) NaCl on trypticase soy agar. Flexirubin-type pigments were found to be present. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain THG-DT86T was shown to belong to the genus
Taibaiella
and was related to
Taibaiella smilacinae
PTJT-5T (95.3 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 50.1 mol%. The only isoprenoid quinone detected in strain THG-DT86T was menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and the only polyamine was homospermidine. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C17 : 0, and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophosphoglycolipid and an unidentified aminophospholipid. Phenotypic data and phylogenetic inference supported the affiliation of strain THG-DT86T to the genus
Taibaiella
, and a number of biochemical tests differentiated strain THG-DT86T from the recognized species of the genus
Taibaiella
. Therefore, the novel isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Taibaiella koreensis sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-DT86T as the type strain ( = KACC 17171T = JCM 18823T).
One city; two conditions: exigent parameters for paint performance in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwole Folorunso Clement , Hamdan Ahmad Mohd
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– Tropical buildings are subjected to many militating elements of climate, prominent amongst which are sunlight and rainfall. However, the geographic area in which the study was conducted has an additional influence from the Atlantic Ocean, which is just a few meters away from the buildings. The sea breeze is laden with high salt content that has adverse effects upon and reactions with the materials used for building finishes. In most cases, the outer skin/external surface of a building does not have any protection, due to its function as the protective layer. However, the influence of prevailing saline air in the present case differs from one part of the study location to another due to distance. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study considered two areas of the city, referred to as zones A and B, using a survey approach to obtain data for empirical analysis. Various correlations were evaluated and regression analysis was carried out on the survey findings. The mean behaviour of each zone was determined using theF-value of the results to qualify the performance of paint in service at each location. Data obtained during the study were evaluated using SPSS version 15.0 software. Data were also obtained from architects practicing in Lagos using a structured interview.

Findings

– The results demonstrated that degradation of paint set in faster and repainting was required earlier in Zone A than was the case in Zone B, due to more aggressive impact of the saline air. The established research findings that stipulate five to seven years for maintenance of paint were found not to hold good in areas subjected to saline air.

Practical implications

– The research was geared towards establishing the appropriate use of paint in saline-laden environments as compared to its use in other parts of a tropical region. Specifiers/architects, developers and property owners may understand better the implications of their choice. Manufacturers should endeavour to develop paint that will retard the deleterious effects of saline air.

Originality/value

– This study is the first attempt to investigate analytically the impact of saline air on the maintenance requirements of painted structures in the tropical regions.
How two-tier boards can be more effective
Authors: Bezemer Pieter-Jan , Peij Stefan , de Kruijs Laura , Maassen Gregory
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This study seeks to explore how non-executive directors address governance problems on Dutch two-tier boards. Within this board model, challenges might be particularly difficult to address due to the formal separation of management boards' decision-management from supervisory boards' decision-control roles.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire among non-executive directors provide unique insights into three major challenges in the boardrooms of two-tier boards in The Netherlands.

Findings

– The study indicates that non-executive directors mainly experience challenges in three areas: the ability to ask management critical questions, information asymmetries between the management and supervisory boards and the management of the relationship between individual executive and non-executive directors. The qualitative in-depth analysis reveals the complexity of the contributing factors to problems in the boardroom and the range of process and social interventions non-executive directors use to address boardroom issues with management and the organization of the board.

Practical implications

– While policy makers have been largely occupied with the “right” board composition, the results highlight the importance of adequately addressing operational challenges in the boardroom. The results emphasize the importance of a better understanding of board processes and the need of non-executive directors to carefully manage relationships in and around the boardroom.

Originality/value

– Whereas most studies have focussed on regulatory initiatives to improve the functioning of boards (e.g. the independence of the board), this study explores how non-executive directors attempt to enhance the effectiveness of boards on which they serve.
Not all smiles are created equal
Authors: Bujisic Milos , (Laurie) Wu Luorong , Mattila Anna , Bilgihan Anil
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– While a layman's theory supports the view that “a smile goes a long way,” the authors argue that “not all smiles are created equal” in the sense that the server's smiles need to be genuine and authentic, in particular when the customer has a relationship with the server. The purpose of this study is to test such hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 2 (display authenticity: authentic vs inauthentic) by 2 (state of service relationship: existing service relationship vs no service relationship) experiment was used to test the proposed hypotheses. In total, 768 surveys were distributed and 278 responses were received. Two-way ANOVA analyses were deployed.

Findings

– Data collected from customers reveal that authentic smiles have a direct positive impact on customers' willingness to tip. Further, such an effect is even stronger when the customer has an existing relationship with the server.

Research limitations/implications

– Servers should receive appropriate training regarding “deep acting” techniques. The most important limitation is the use of written scenarios as stimuli.

Practical implications

– Showing an authentic smile can be an effective tip-collecting strategy. Employees who are in contact with guests and customers should not only be instructed to provide service with a smile but should also be advised to make that smile appear authentic. Therefore, appropriate training of frontline employees, regarding authenticity of smiles, could be beneficial both for the company and for the employees themselves.

Originality/value

– No research has been done investigating whether authentic smiles generate larger tips and if so, whether any boundary conditions exist for such effects.
Theory-based instruction – a key to powerful improvements when learning to regulate body tension in an upper secondary school
Authors: Holmqvist Olander Mona , Bergentoft Heléne
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore in what way gradually increasing teachers’ theory-based instruction affects the students’ learning outcomes, illustrated by the example of learning how to regulate body tension in the upper secondary school.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 72 students from four classes participated in the study. The way the students were offered to understand “regulation of tension” was designed by variation theory, and the method used was learning study, an iterative process whereby the results from the first lesson are the basis for the design of the next implementation in a new group of students.

Findings

– There is a significant increased learning outcome in all four lessons, but in Lesson D, where the highest increase (129 percent) was found, all students improved their results. The use of the theoretical framework had effect on the teachers to vary only the most important aspects in the instruction in the last cycle, where the features chiselled out during the study (e.g. heart rate, respiration, muscle tension) were contrasted more clearly, which had an impact on the students’ learning. Based on the theoretical framework, the teachers got more skilled at experiencing what should vary and what should be kept invariant in order to facilitate the students’ learning. In the last intervention, the teachers found one pattern of variation which was more powerful than the previous. In this one, the physical activities were kept invariant, but different responses of the sympathetic nervous system were contrasted, one at a time, to establish knowledge of different bodily responses to tension.

Originality/value

– Learning study has mainly been used in subjects such as Mathematics or other theoretical issues but this paper describes in what way learning study can be used in PE. So second, the result of this study contributes to knowledge about how students’ learning outcome in PEH can increase by directing focus on an object of learning rather than actual learning activity. The object of learning in this study is to learn to regulate tenseness and the learning outcomes have been analyzed in the perspective of variation theory.
Analyzing the importance of financial resources for educational effectiveness
Authors: Guimaraes Resende Martins do Valle Andre , Corrêa Gomes Ricardo
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– Much has been done in the public organization performance management field and there are some established theories that account for what would improve performance, but there is little strong empirical evidence about the determinants factors to performance in developing countries. This paper aims to contribute to the knowledge in this area by providing some empirical evidence about the importance of management and resource for the local government performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents a cross-sectional investigation carried out with a sample of Brazilian municipalities. Data come from reliable sources, namely official databases. In order to ensure causality, regression and correlation analysis was carried out with the data. Educational outcomes were chosen as the dependent variable for measuring performance.

Findings

– The analysis indicates that financial resources are paramount in producing performance to the extent that resource availability increases educational effectiveness, and dependence on intergovernmental transfer of financial resources reduces the effectiveness a great deal. Some other issues, such as mayoral quality have little or no importance upon performance.

Originality/value

– The study corroborates some established ideas and challenges others. An example of the latter is the notion that the quality of political leadership (the mayor) is a determinant factor for performance. An example of the former is that more money is likely to represent better performance if the local government is able to raise money for itself instead of relying solely on transferences from upper tie authorities.
Integration of analytic hierarchy process and Dempster-Shafer theory for supplier performance measurement considering risk
Authors: Ganguly Kunal
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide proactive supply chain performance method considering risk which can be used during the supplier selection/assessment process.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the effort is to present a model for evaluating the supply-related risk, which is based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method and the Dempster-Shafer theory (DST). The proactive risk management methods used in this research is: seeking risk sources and identifying the variables to be used in the model, preprocessing the variables data to get the directions of the variables and the risk bounds, assigning variables weights via AHP method and finally evaluating the supply risk via DST method and determine the final risk degree.

Findings

– The paper contributes to research in risk assessment in the specific field of supplier performance measurement. In this paper, a hybrid model using AHP and DST for risk assessment of supplier based on performance measurement is presented. An empirical analysis is conducted to illustrate the use of the model for the risk assessment in supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

– This methodology can be adopted by supply chain managers to evaluate the level of risk associated with current suppliers, and to assist them in making outsourcing decisions.

Originality/value

– The proposed method makes a contribution by including risk as a performance measure in supply chain. The generated proactive supply risk assessment process uses a hybrid model of AHP and DST providing a novel approach for performance measurement which will be valuable both to academics and practitioners in this field.
Forecasting the fiber penetration based on copper access regulation
Authors: Jeanjean François
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the impact of copper access regulation on broadband household adoption for each technology (xDSL on copper infrastructure, FTTx on fiber infrastructure and cable modem). It provides a forecast of the penetration rate of broadband access for each technology (copper xDSL, fiber, FTTx and cable modem) through 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses an empirical approach using a dataset covering 15 European countries. The dynamic of the adoption path is modeled by a logistic function. Copper access regulation is measured by two variables: copper access charge and copper wholesale access share, i.e. the ratio of copper wholesale access provided by the incumbent to alternative operators out of the total number of copper accesses.

Findings

– This paper shows that tough copper access regulation has a negative impact on fiber and cable modem adoption. Low copper prices decrease consumer adoption of other technologies. This reduces their profitability and thus the incentives to invest in alternative platforms.

Practical implications

– This paper highlights that an increase in copper access charges or a decrease in copper wholesale access shares could help to achieve the objectives of the Digital Agenda for Europe.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an empirical evidence of the impact of the copper access regulation on the fiber and ultra-fast broadband adoption from a dynamic point of view.
The future of broadband in Africa
Authors: Stork Christoph , Calandro Enrico , Gamage Ranmalee
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an answer as to whether fibre to the home and other types of fixed internet access still have a role to play in Africa beyond a few urban elites, as well as what business models are likely to be successful in the African context.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses data from nationally representative ICT household surveys conducted in 12 African countries in 2012. These data are complemented by an OECD broadband pricing methodology and data. In addition to the OECD basket methodology, own baskets were defined to capture the complexity of African products, and to draw out the different business models for fixed and mobile broadband.

Findings

– The paper demonstrates that if fixed internet is provided as an uncapped service at an affordable price, it has a chance to at least co-exist with mobile broadband in Africa. The availability of fixed internet is rapidly diminishing where it is offered as a capped service and not at prices similar to mobile broadband. The paper also demonstrates that fixed-line telecommunication companies should to focus on data only before mobile operators do, and they lose out once again.

Practical implications

– In Africa, mobile voice overtook fixed voice at the turn of the millennium with the introduction of prepaid services. Ten years later, mobile internet is rapidly overtaking fixed internet by overcoming key obstacles to fixed internet access. While the developed world discusses the merits of fixed and mobile broadband, it is clear that for Africa, fixed broadband in the form of fibre to the home, or even plain ADSL, will only reach a few urban elites in the next decade. Fixed-line operators then should rethink their pricing and investment strategies: they are advised to invest in high-speed technologies such as VDSL or fibre to the home, if fixed broadband is to stand a chance against mobile broadband. Whether fixed-line operators will lose the data battle as well will be determined by their business decisions as well as by policy and regulatory interventions.

Originality/value

– This paper uses primary household and individual data that allows for a better understanding of internet access and use in Africa. The analysis of internet access prices for ADSL against prepaid and post-paid mobile broadband is used to assess broadband business strategies across 12 African countries. The paper provides policymakers and regulators with the evidence required for an informed ICT policy and regulation and it recommends business strategies that should be pursued by operators to improve broadband sector performance.
A heavy work investment typology: a biopsychosocial framework
Authors: Astakhova Marina , Hogue Mary
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to apply a biopsychosocial model to develop an integrated typology of heavy work investment (HWI) behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper follows an inductive approach to theory building in which we review relevant constructs, categorize those constructs, and outline the relationships among them.

Findings

– The paper provides a theoretically grounded typology of HWI that distinguishes three general types of HWI (workaholic HWI, situational HWI, and pseudo HWI) and nine corresponding HWI manifestations. It is suggested that various forms of HWI differ in nature according to the joint interplay of varying strengths of biological, psychological, and social influences. The paper also demonstrates how the typology can be applied to predict unique individual and organizational outcomes associated with each HWI sub-type.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper offers a unified strong foundation for developing HWI measures. It offers a direction for future research that will examine antecedents and outcomes of the nine sub-types. It provokes the examination of the “stability” of each HWI manifestation over time by including a temporal component into the biopsychosocial framework.

Practical implications

– This research will help practitioners differentiate among HWI manifestations to effectively sustain positive outcomes and proactively evade negative outcomes associated with HWI.

Originality/value

– To date, various manifestations of HWI and workaholism have been discussed in the literature with little unification across studies. In this paper, the authors respond to the call for a theoretically grounded approach that will provide unifying explanations to why and how HWI manifests.
Integrated and realistic approach to energy planning – a case study of Slovenia
Authors: Pušnik Matevž , Sučić Boris
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present how multi-criteria methods can be used in the process of National Energy Programme development and analysis of the electricity generation planning in relatively small energy systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– Due to dependence on many input and output parameters which can be very complex and uncertain, energy systems have become extremely difficult to analyse and use of multi-criteria decision-making methods is essential. This paper presents and compares results of the analysis of electricity generation scenarios with three widely used multi-criteria methods, analytic hierarchy process (AHP), preference ranking organisation method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) and multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT).

Findings

– AHP, due to its transparency and simplicity in comparison with PROMETHEE and MAUT, is the most suitable method for the analysis of the electricity generation decision alternatives in a small energy system, such as Slovenian. The case study proposed in this research confirms that transition from environment unfriendly fossil-fuelled economy to sustainable and climate friendly development requires a realistic approach, which must be based on excellent knowledge of alternative possibilities of development and especially awareness of new opportunities in exploitation of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.

Originality/value

– The case study presented in this research represents a repeatable and practical application of three widely used multi-criteria methods in the process of national energy policy development. It provides a methodological approach for finding realistic solutions to the problem of the future development challenges in small energy systems.
The effect of corporate social actions on organizational reputation
Authors: Moura-Leite Rosamaria , Padgett Robert
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The paper analysed how the strengths and weaknesses of a firm's social actions with its different types of primary stakeholders impact on its reputation. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research adopts Mattingly and Berman's typology to measure corporate social performance data, which differentiates primary stakeholder between institutional and technical. The first provides intangible support and the second tangible support to the firm. The hypotheses compare the effect that different social actions measures can have on corporate reputation (CR). The authors test the hypotheses empirically using two samples composed of US firms and two CR measures.

Findings

– The authors found that institutional stakeholders are deemed to hold normative expectations of a firm's behavior, impacting strongly on CR, unlike technical stakeholders, that have an economic exchange relationship with the firm. In addition to corporate social actions toward technical stakeholders are viewed as self-serving actions and are therefore less likely to impact on CR.

Practical implications

– The research can be very useful for business managers since it provides theoretical discussion and empirical proof about the effect of social actions on CR, which can assist them in designing or modifying social responsibility strategies used by the firm in order to build a positive CR.

Originality/value

– The paper develops a framework on CR, highlighting the valuable roles that different types of social actions play in reputation building, and proposes a new model that identifies the impact of different types of social actions on organizational reputation.
Exploring the importance of different supplier selection criteria
Authors: Kumar Kar Arpan , K. Pani Ashis
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– Supplier selection studies have used a wide variety of supplier evaluation criteria, due to the diversity of the purchasing context. The purpose of this study is to identify the critical supplier selection criteria which are important across industries and across purchasing contexts, and subsequently estimate the importance of these criteria to the procurement practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, a Delphi study has been conducted to identify the critical supplier selection criteria across manufacturing industries. Then, data were collected from 188 firms across 12 industries and analysed with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process for group decision making, to estimate the relative importance of these criteria.

Findings

– Findings indicate that seven criteria are of critical importance to Indian manufacturing industries. Also evaluation criteria like product quality, delivery compliance and price have maximum criticality, while criterion like e-transaction capability is gaining in importance, with the increased adoption of e-procurement platforms.

Research limitations/implications

– The study has been conducted in India, while focusing on Indian manufacturing industries. Similar study conducted in developed economies may produce different results.

Practical implications

– Findings will be useful for practitioners for benchmarking supplier selection processes, not only in India, but also in similar emerging economies. Also, the outcome will provide insights for suppliers for developing systemic improvements.

Originality/value

– There has been no study in recent years which has attempted to estimate the importance of supplier selection criteria, while taking a multi-industry approach. This study identifies the critical evaluation criteria and estimates their relative importance to procurement experts.
Investigating e-service quality criteria for university library: a focus group study
Authors: Einasto Olga
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– Service quality and new electronic services are strategic issues for academic libraries in finding better ways to support learning and research. The aim of this study is to contribute to the literature by identifying the major e-service evaluation criteria from the point-of-view of users of the largest university library in Estonia.

Design/methodology/approach

– Focus groups were used to identify the most significant criteria of e-service quality. The data were interpreted in accordance with Krueger' seven attributes: words, context, internal consistency; frequency of comments; specificity of comments; intensity of comments; big ideas.

Findings

– The research brought out the following 15 quality criteria as most important for the university library users: user-friendliness, reliability, assurance, security, speed, credibility, relevance, clarity, competence, feedback, dialogue, participating, responsiveness, empathy, aesthetics. Each of these criteria was explained and discussed.

Research limitations/implications

– This list of quality criteria obtained by this qualitative method was considered as the first step to build a conceptual model of e-service quality and as the basis for developing the questionnaire for further quantitative survey.

Practical implications

– The study is showing the possibility to design e-services in accordance with users expectations, based on quality criteria important to them.

Originality/value

– The study offers a fresh view in analyzing the e-service quality and developing university library services. The study has shown that technological and marketing approaches for studying e-service quality may be complemented by another one – a social approach, based on communication, user participation and feedback.
Strategy for sustainability in a Brazilian sugarcane industry
Authors: Bartocci Liboni Lara , Oranges Cezarino Luciana
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest the application of systemic methodologies, such as Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), to develop sustainability strategies and solve problems involving the sustainability of organizations and their operations. The sustainability paradigm implies the need for changes in current production systems, societal organization and use of the natural resources that are essential to all life forms. Sustainability, as a new paradigm, modifies the way in which organizations operate to make companies responsible for sustainable development and ensure that resources are available for future generations. Sustainable development requires a broad new development strategy that encompasses political, economic, social, technological and environmental dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

– As a method of analysis the research will use the application of SSM in a case study from the sugarcane industry. The basic scientific thought paradigm, inherited from Bacon and Descartes, no longer holds in modern society, which requires a new way of perceiving the world by following a systemic and integrated approach to address complex problems.

Findings

– This study advances the understanding of how the systemic approach can aid the development of corporate sustainability strategies.

Originality/value

– The basic pillar of the new sustainability paradigm is the systemic view. The systemic approach should guide the development of corporate strategies. This study followed a qualitative approach to better understand how organizations can use the systemic approach in the development of sustainability strategies.
Ecological evidence links adverse biological effects to pesticide and metal contamination in an urban Australian watershed
Authors: Kellar Claudette R. , Hassell Kathryn L. , Long Sara M. , Myers Jackie H. , Golding Lisa , Rose Gavin , Kumar Anupama , Hoffmann Ary A. , Pettigrove Vincent
Published: December 2013

Aquatic ecosystems near urban areas are often ecologically impaired, but causative factors are rarely identified. Effects may be revealed by considering multiple lines of evidence at different levels of biological organization.

Biological impairment is evident in the urban section of the Upper Dandenong Creek Catchment (Victoria, Australia). We assessed whether episodic sewage spills or other pollutants were the cause of poor ecological condition in the stream. The evidence evaluated included chemical and invertebrate assessments, caging studies of mudsnails Potamopyrgus antipodarum, antioxidant biomarkers and endocrine disruption‐related endpoints in fish (Carassius auratus and Gambusia holbrooki) and toxicological studies with chironomids (Chironomus tepperi).

A combination of metals and pesticides is likely to be affecting the aquatic fauna across all biological levels, with macroinvertebrate communities, P. antipodarum and C. tepperi populations and C. auratus individuals all ecologically impaired. Adverse alterations to aquatic fauna were consistently seen in Bungalook Creek and persisted downstream of this confluence into Dandenong Creek.

In addition, chemical assessments and toxicity identification evaluation (TIEs) resulted in several point sources of both metals and pesticides being identified as origins of impairment. This contrasted with an expectation that adverse effects were likely to be associated with sewer‐related pollution. As a consequence, target areas and specific pollutants were identified for remediation instead of an expensive sewer upgrade.

Synthesis and applications. The results demonstrate that it is important to investigate biological effects in different taxa, in both the laboratory and field, to understand which stressors are causing adverse effects on faunal assemblages. When adverse effects are seen across multiple levels of biological organization and caused by the same pollutant from an identifiable source, there is a clear remedial path for managers.
Escaping into the World of Make-Up Routines in Iran
Authors: Jafari Aliakbar , Maclaran Pauline
Published: December 2013

Traditionally, Iranian women's use of dress and make-up has been an arena – sometimes a battleground – for identity negotiation. The present study questions the current over-emphasis on identity and the prevalent tendency to look for identity meanings in the use of hejab (veiling) and cosmetics. The results of fifteen interpretive in-depth interviews with young adult women in Iran reveal that these individuals' make-up practices are largely associated with a total immersion in the experiential, creative aspects of make-up use and with ways to uplift their tired spirits in a monotonous environment. Make-up routines provide these women with opportunities to escape from boredom and immerse themselves in the playful fantasies of the world of cosmetics. Despite facing various challenges, including frequent stigmatization on account of their use of make-up, the informants in the study derive high levels of satisfaction from their make-up practices. The study establishes that changing socio-cultural dynamics give rise to new forms of consumption experiences in contemporary society and calls for further investigation of such experiences in women's everyday lives.
A new species of Burkholderia isolated from sugarcane roots promotes plant growth
Authors: Paungfoo‐Lonhienne Chanyarat , Lonhienne Thierry G. A. , Yeoh Yun Kit , Webb Richard I. , Lakshmanan Prakash , Chan Cheong Xin , Lim Phaik‐Eem , Ragan Mark A. , Schmidt Susanne , Hugenholtz Philip
Published: December 2013

Sugarcane is a globally important food, biofuel and biomaterials crop. High nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates aimed at increasing yield often result in environmental damage because of excess and inefficient application. Inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria is an attractive option for reducing N fertilizer needs. However, the efficacy of bacterial inoculants is variable, and their effective formulation remains a knowledge frontier. Here, we take a new approach to investigating diazotrophic bacteria associated with roots using culture‐independent microbial community profiling of a commercial sugarcane variety (Q208A) in a field setting. We first identified bacteria that were markedly enriched in the rhizosphere to guide isolation and then tested putative diazotrophs for the ability to colonize axenic sugarcane plantlets (Q208A) and promote growth in suboptimal N supply. One isolate readily colonized roots, fixed N2 and stimulated growth of plantlets, and was classified as a new species, Burkholderia australis sp. nov. Draft genome sequencing of the isolate confirmed the presence of nitrogen fixation. We propose that culture‐independent identification and isolation of bacteria that are enriched in rhizosphere and roots, followed by systematic testing and confirming their growth‐promoting capacity, is a necessary step towards designing effective microbial inoculants.
Through the Looking Glass and Back Again: The Following Exercise
Authors: Buse William
Published: December 2013

Defamiliarization and an examination of the means by which students refamiliarize themselves are the goals of this two part experiential exercise that seeks to engage and illuminate the implicit culture‐bound categories informing the classroom experience of an introductory course in anthropology. The exercise is designed to take place outside the classroom and is modeled on the contributions ofSimmel and others, especially the notion of the looking‐glass self as developed byCooley.
Wrapping in pancreatic surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Ramia Jose M. , de la Plaza Roberto , Adel Farah , Ramiro Carmen , Arteaga Vladimir , Garcia‐Parreño Jorge
Published: December 2013

Background

Wrapping in pancreatic surgery involves the use of the omentum or falciform ligament (FL) to wrap the local retroperitoneal vessels, the pancreatojejunal anastomosis or the pancreatic section of distal pancreatectomy. However, there is no clear evidence that wrapping in fact provides benefits. We have performed a systematic review of the literature about this topic.

Methods

We conducted a literature search in the PubMed/MEDLINE database (1966–2012) for any language using various combinations of the following terms: wrapping, omental, omentum, pancreas, pancreatoduodenectomy and falciform ligament.

Results

We selected 12 articles. Among five series that included a control group, only one obtained a statistically significant reduction in pancreatic fistula (PF) in the wrapping group and other series showed a lower percentage of post‐operative haemorrhage in the wrapping group. In the seven series without control groups, a slight decrease in the rate of post‐operative bleeding and PF was observed.

Conclusions

On the basis of the literature available at present, we cannot recommend the use of wrapping with omentum and/or FL in pancreatic surgery. Prospective randomized studies applying a systematic wrapping technique are needed in order to establish whether its use should be generalized.
Nitric oxide,IL‐6 andIL‐13 are increased in the exhaled breath condensates of children with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Zagórska Wioletta , Grzela Katarzyna , Kulus Marek , Sobczyński Maciej , Grzela Tomasz
Published: December 2013

Aim

To evaluate nitric oxide and interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐13 in the exhaled breath of children with allergic rhinitis (AR), before and after intranasal allergen exposure.

Methods

A total of 49 children withAR– comprising 20 who also had episodic asthma (AR+A) and 29 without asthma (AR) – were compared with 34 healthy controls. Nitric oxide concentrations in exhaled air (eNO) andIL‐6,IL‐8 andIL‐13 in exhaled breath condensates (EBC) were measured in winter, outside the natural allergen exposure season, before and after an intranasal allergen challenge.

Results

The mean concentrations of eNO,IL‐6 andIL‐13 were significantly higher in the twoARgroups. The concentration ofIL‐8 was below the assay detection limit in allEBCsamples. The intranasal allergen challenge increasedIL‐13/EBClevels in bothARgroups, but did not influence mean concentrations of eNO,IL‐6 orIL‐8. No challenge‐related changes inIL‐13/EBCwere observed in the allergen‐exposed controls or placebo‐exposed children.

Conclusion

Despite local application, the intranasal allergen challenge increasedIL‐13/EBCconcentration in theARchildren. AsEBCreflects the status of lower airway segments, our observation may support the ‘united airways’ hypothesis, suggesting a functional link between the upper and lower airways.
Patterns of clade support across the major lineages of moss phylogeny
Authors: Chang Ying , Graham Sean W.
Published: December 2013

Relationships among the major branches of moss phylogeny are understudied compared with other major land‐plant groups. We addressed this by surveying 14–17 plastid genes from taxa representing the major lineages, using different phylogenetic methods (parsimony, likelihood) and codon‐ and gene‐based data partitioning schemes (likelihood). Our phylogenetic inferences generally corroborated the best supported clades across multiple recent studies, with comparable or higher levels of clade support here. We resolved persistent ambiguities with strong to moderate support across analyses, including several early nodes in subclassDicranidae, and relationships among other subclasses of peristomate mosses. In particular, we resolved a sister‐group relationship betweenBryidae andDicranidae, between these subclasses andTimiidae, and between this entire clade andFunariidae. We consistently recoveredTetraphidopsida (a nematodontous class) as the sister group of arthrodontous mosses (Bryopsida), although with only weak support. Strongly conflicting arrangements at the base of moss phylogeny concerningTakakiopsida andSphagnopsida, two non‐peristomate moss lineages, were inferred in parsimony and likelihood analysis, but this depended on how base‐frequency parameters were estimated and how data were partitioned in likelihood analysis. Relationships inferred for the remaining peristomate and non‐peristomate moss clades, and their associated support values, were otherwise broadly congruent across analyses.
Convergent and Divergent Pathways Decoding Hierarchical Additive Mechanisms in Treating Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhang Ying‐Ying , Li Hai‐Xia , Chen Yin‐Ying , Fang Hong , Yu Ya‐Nan , Liu Jun , Jing Zhi‐Wei , Wang Zhong , Wang Yong‐Yan
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Cerebral ischemia is considered to be a highly complex disease resulting from the complicated interplay of multiple pathways. Disappointedly, most of the previous studies were limited to a single gene or a single pathway. The extent to which all involved pathways are translated into fusing mechanisms of a combination therapy is of fundamental importance.

Aims

We report an integrative strategy to reveal the additive mechanism that a combination (BJ) of compound baicalin (BA) and jasminoidin (JA) fights against cerebral ischemia based on variation of pathways and functional communities.

Results

We identified six pathways of BJ group that shared diverse additive index from 0.09 to 1, which assembled broad cross talks from seven pathways of BA and 16 pathways of JA both at horizontal and vertical levels. Besides a total of 60 overlapping functions as a robust integration background among the three groups based on significantly differential subnetworks, additive mechanism with strong confidence by networks altered functions.

Conclusions

These results provide strong evidence that the additive mechanism is more complex than previously appreciated, and an integrative analysis of pathways may suggest an important paradigm for revealing pharmacological mechanisms underlying drug combinations.