bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Neurological Fallacy
Authors: Tsur Reuven
Published: May 2013

This non-article explores the limitations of applying brain science in “higher” disciplines. Many brain scientists believe that it is only a matter of time that everything human will be accounted for by the findings of brain science. Michael Polányi in the nineteen-sixties and recently Michael Gazzaniga argued against such determinism. They say that while “lower-level” processes constrain “higher-level” ones, they cannot determine them. The human mind is an emergent process, and it cannot be predicted from brain structure anymore than traffic can be predicted from the structure of a car. I claim that in many instances, the application of brain science in psychology and literary studies merely re-states in brain-language what has already been said in psychology-language or literature-language. It can, however, be fruitfully applied when it refutes prevalent erroneous assumptions or resolves certain incongruities in the domain of “higher” disciplines.
IL28B expression depends on a novel TT/-G polymorphism which improves HCV clearance prediction
Authors: Bibert Stéphanie , Roger Thierry , Calandra Thierry , Bochud Murielle , Cerny Andreas , Semmo Nasser , Duong François H.T. , Gerlach Tilman , Malinverni Raffaele , Moradpour Darius , Negro Francesco , Müllhaupt Beat , Bochud Pierre-Yves ,   the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study
Published: May 2013

Approximately 3% of the world population is chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), with potential development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the availability of new antiviral agents, treatment remains suboptimal. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified rs12979860, a polymorphism nearby IL28B, as an important predictor of HCV clearance. We report the identification of a novel TT/-G polymorphism in the CpG region upstream of IL28B, which is a better predictor of HCV clearance than rs12979860. By using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals carrying different allelic combinations of the TT/-G and rs12979860 polymorphisms, we show that induction of IL28B and IFN-γ–inducible protein 10 (IP-10) mRNA relies on TT/-G, but not rs12979860, making TT/-G the only functional variant identified so far. This novel step in understanding the genetic regulation of IL28B may have important implications for clinical practice, as the use of TT/G genotyping instead of rs12979860 would improve patient management.
Immune targeting of fibroblast activation protein triggers recognition of multipotent bone marrow stromal cells and cachexia
Authors: Tran Eric , Chinnasamy Dhanalakshmi , Yu Zhiya , Morgan Richard A. , Lee Chyi-Chia Richard , Restifo Nicholas P. , Rosenberg Steven A.
Published: May 2013

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a candidate universal target antigen because it has been reported to be selectively expressed in nearly all solid tumors by a subset of immunosuppressive tumor stromal fibroblasts. We verified that 18/18 human tumors of various histologies contained pronounced stromal elements staining strongly for FAP, and hypothesized that targeting tumor stroma with FAP-reactive T cells would inhibit tumor growth in cancer-bearing hosts. T cells genetically engineered with FAP-reactive chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) specifically degranulated and produced effector cytokines upon stimulation with FAP or FAP-expressing cell lines. However, adoptive transfer of FAP-reactive T cells into mice bearing a variety of subcutaneous tumors mediated limited antitumor effects and induced significant cachexia and lethal bone toxicities in two mouse strains. We found that FAP was robustly expressed on PDGFR-α+, Sca-1+ multipotent bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in mice, as well as on well-characterized, clinical-grade multipotent human BMSCs. Accordingly, both mouse and human multipotent BMSCs were recognized by FAP-reactive T cells. The lethal bone toxicity and cachexia observed after cell-based immunotherapy targeting FAP cautions against its use as a universal target. Moreover, the expression of FAP by multipotent BMSCs may point toward the cellular origins of tumor stromal fibroblasts.
Differentiation of CD8 memory T cells depends on Foxo1
Authors: Michelini Rodrigo Hess , Doedens Andrew L. , Goldrath Ananda W. , Hedrick Stephen M.
Published: May 2013

The forkhead O transcription factors (FOXO) integrate a range of extracellular signals, including growth factor signaling, inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutrient availability, to substantially alter the program of gene expression and modulate cell survival, cell cycle progression, and many yet to be unraveled cell type–specific responses. Naive antigen-specific CD8+ T cells undergo a rapid expansion and arming of effector function within days of pathogen exposure. In addition, by the peak of expansion, they form precursors to memory T cells capable of self-renewal and indefinite survival. Using lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus Armstrong to probe the response to infection, we found that Foxo1−/− CD8+ T cells expand normally with no defects in effector differentiation, but continue to exhibit characteristics of effector T cells long after antigen clearance. The KLRG1lo CD8+ T cells that are normally enriched for memory-precursor cells retain Granzyme B and CD69 expression, and fail to up-regulate TCF7, EOMES, and other memory signature genes. As a correlate, Foxo1−/− CD8+ T cells were virtually unable to expand upon secondary infection. Collectively, these results demonstrate an intrinsic role for FOXO1 in establishing the post-effector memory program that is essential to forming long-lived memory cells capable of immune reactivation.
The influence of oceanographic processes on jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) larval distribution and population structure in the southeastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Vásquez Sebastián , Correa-Ramírez Marco , Parada Carolina , Sepúlveda Aquiles
Published: May 2013

Vásquez, S., Correa-Ramírez, M., Parada, C., and Sepúlveda, A. 2013. The influence of oceanographic processes on jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) larval distribution and population structure in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 1097–1107. The distribution of jack mackerel larvae in the main oceanic spawning area of the southeastern Pacific Ocean was investigated through three consecutive spring bio-oceanographic surveys (2003–2005). In this study, otolith microstructure analysis revealed a spatial age gradient with the smallest/youngest larvae specimens found primarily in the offshore area and the largest/oldest found in the coastal area, implying offshore-inshore larval drift. This suggests a connection between the oceanic spawning area and the historical coastal nursery ground (north of 30°S). In order to understand the oceanographic processes that drive this larval transport, we inferred circulation patterns from two data sources: mesoscale eddy trajectories identified by applying the Okubo-Weiss parameter to satellite geostrophic currents, and 20 years of satellite tracking data of drifters. Our results showed that eddy trajectories lead to net northwestward offshore transport (the opposite direction of larval connectivity). In addition, mean circulation associated with the subtropical anticyclonic gyre and recurrent energetic meandering structures seem to be the major mechanisms driving the spatial dynamics of the early jack mackerel life history, determining a net transport to nursery grounds. These mechanisms could play a key role in recruitment, which supports the continuity of the jack mackerel population.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: MacNee William
Published: May 2013

Case History—A 37 yr old woman with slowly progressive breathlessness.

Case History—A 45 yr old man with increasing symptoms from his known COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a slowly progressive condition that produces considerable morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible and is associated with an enhanced inflammatory response in the airways and the lungs to noxious particles or gases. COPD is a group of lung conditions—chronic bronchitis (a chronic productive cough on most days for 3 months, in each of two consecutive years), small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis), and emphysema (abnormal, permanent enlargement of the air spaces, distal to the terminal bronchioles, accompanied by destruction of their walls) that are present to a variable extent in different individuals resulting in heterogeneous presentations of the condition. Exacerbations and comorbidities contribute to the overall severity of the condition in individual patients....
Reversal of Anticoagulation After Cerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M , Rabinstein Alejandro A
Published: May 2013

Anticoagulation-associated cerebral hemorrhage often results in expansion and worsening of the clinical condition. Early reversal of anticoagulation is key to reduce the hemorrhage volume. Traditionally it involves administration of fresh frozen plasma and vitamin K, but this chapter discusses new pharmacologic approaches.
Antidotes for the Intoxicated Patient
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M , Rabinstein Alejandro A
Published: May 2013

How to manage a comatose patient with a serious intoxication is discussed. Options for antidotes, dialysis, and other measures to correct laboratory abnormalities are concisely reviewed.
Acute Pulmonary Edema After Major Trauma
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M , Rabinstein Alejandro A
Published: May 2013

Diffuse pulmonary infiltrates on chest X-ray and oxygen desaturation may indicate several acute conditions. How to differentiate neurogenic from cardiogenic from aspiration and how to best treat these conditions initially is discussed.
Acute Cardiac Arrhythmia After Acute Brain Injury
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M , Rabinstein Alejandro A
Published: May 2013

EKG changes are common and vary from simple ST changes in the EKG components to complex cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, critically ill patients often have underlying cardiac disease and the most common problem is flaring up of atrial fibrillation. The pharmacologic choices to initially treat the increased heart rate and options for long-term control are discussed.
Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders and Withdrawal of Life Support
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M , Rabinstein Alejandro A
Published: May 2013

Discussion of DNR/DNI orders and interpretation of advance directives with family members. Who brings this up? How to go about withdrawing of support and how to provide best palliation is discussed.
A chronology of human understanding of the nitrogen cycle
Authors: Galloway James N. , Leach Allison M. , Bleeker Albert , Erisman Jan Willem
Published: May 2013

Nitrogen over the ages! It was discovered in the eighteenth century. The following century, its importance in agriculture was documented and the basic components of its cycle were elucidated. In the twentieth century, a process to provide an inexhaustible supply of reactive N (N
r
; all N species except N
2
) for agricultural, industrial and military uses was invented. This discovery and the extensive burning of fossil fuels meant that by the beginning of the twenty-first century, anthropogenic sources of newly created N
r
were two to three times that of natural terrestrial sources. This caused a fundamental change in the nitrogen cycle; for the first time, there was the potential for enough food to sustain growing populations and changing dietary patterns. However, most N
r
created by humans is lost to the environment, resulting in a cascade of negative earth systems impacts—including enhanced acid rain, smog, eutrophication, greenhouse effect and stratospheric ozone depletion, with associated impacts on human and ecosystem health. The impacts continue and will be magnified, as N
r
is lost to the environment at an even greater rate. Thus, the challenge for the current century is how to optimize the uses of N while minimizing the negative impacts.
Terrestrial nitrogen–carbon cycle interactions at the global scale
Authors: Zaehle S.
Published: May 2013

Interactions between the terrestrial nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycles shape the response of ecosystems to global change. However, the global distribution of nitrogen availability and its importance in global biogeochemistry and biogeochemical interactions with the climate system remain uncertain. Based on projections of a terrestrial biosphere model scaling ecological understanding of nitrogen–carbon cycle interactions to global scales, anthropogenic nitrogen additions since 1860 are estimated to have enriched the terrestrial biosphere by 1.3 Pg N, supporting the sequestration of 11.2 Pg C. Over the same time period, CO
2
fertilization has increased terrestrial carbon storage by 134.0 Pg C, increasing the terrestrial nitrogen stock by 1.2 Pg N. In 2001–2010, terrestrial ecosystems sequestered an estimated total of 27 Tg N yr
−1
(1.9 Pg C yr
−1
), of which 10 Tg N yr
−1
(0.2 Pg C yr
−1
) are due to anthropogenic nitrogen deposition. Nitrogen availability already limits terrestrial carbon sequestration in the boreal and temperate zone, and will constrain future carbon sequestration in response to CO
2
fertilization (regionally by up to 70% compared with an estimate without considering nitrogen–carbon interactions). This reduced terrestrial carbon uptake will probably dominate the role of the terrestrial nitrogen cycle in the climate system, as it accelerates the accumulation of anthropogenic CO
2
in the atmosphere. However, increases of N
2
O emissions owing to anthropogenic nitrogen and climate change (at a rate of approx. 0.5 Tg N yr
−1
per 1°C degree climate warming) will add an important long-term climate forcing.
Towards a climate-dependent paradigm of ammonia emission and deposition
Authors: Sutton Mark A. , Reis Stefan , Riddick Stuart N. , Dragosits Ulrike , Nemitz Eiko , Theobald Mark R. , Tang Y. Sim , Braban Christine F. , Vieno Massimo , Dore Anthony J. , Mitchell Robert F. , Wanless Sarah , Daunt Francis , Fowler David , Blackall Trevor D. , Milford Celia , Flechard Chris R. , Loubet Benjamin , Massad Raia , Cellier Pierre , Personne Erwan , Coheur Pierre F. , Clarisse Lieven , Van Damme Martin , Ngadi Yasmine , Clerbaux Cathy , Skjøth Carsten Ambelas , Geels Camilla , Hertel Ole , Wichink Kruit Roy J. , Pinder Robert W. , Bash Jesse O. , Walker John T. , Simpson David , Horváth László , Misselbrook Tom H. , Bleeker Albert , Dentener Frank , de Vries Wim
Published: May 2013

Existing descriptions of bi-directional ammonia (NH
3
) land–atmosphere exchange incorporate temperature and moisture controls, and are beginning to be used in regional chemical transport models. However, such models have typically applied simpler emission factors to upscale the main NH
3
emission terms. While this approach has successfully simulated the main spatial patterns on local to global scales, it fails to address the environment- and climate-dependence of emissions. To handle these issues, we outline the basis for a new modelling paradigm where both NH
3
emissions and deposition are calculated online according to diurnal, seasonal and spatial differences in meteorology. We show how measurements reveal a strong, but complex pattern of climatic dependence, which is increasingly being characterized using ground-based NH
3
monitoring and satellite observations, while advances in process-based modelling are illustrated for agricultural and natural sources, including a global application for seabird colonies. A future architecture for NH
3
emission–deposition modelling is proposed that integrates the spatio-temporal interactions, and provides the necessary foundation to assess the consequences of climate change. Based on available measurements, a first empirical estimate suggests that 5°C warming would increase emissions by 42 per cent (28–67%). Together with increased anthropogenic activity, global NH
3
emissions may increase from 65 (45–85) Tg N in 2008 to reach 132 (89–179) Tg by 2100.
Lasers, radar, acoustics and magnetic sensors come to the aid of unmanned vehicles
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a review of how innovations in laser, acoustics, radar, magnetic and other sensor technologies are aiding in making unmanned vehicles more autonomous.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews are carried out with exhibitors of sensors at the AUVSI exhibition.

Findings

Innovations in infrared, laser, acoustics, magnetic and other sensor technologies are helping unmanned vehicles better meet the challenge of an ever‐increasing range of applications in military, law enforcement, and commercial applications as well as agriculture, fishing and rescue operations.

Practical implications

These sensor innovations will help make robot applications of all types more autonomous, easier to create and more cost effective in unmanned as well as manufacturing, logistics, medical and other applications.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insight into some of the latest in laser, radar, acoustic, magnetic, accelerometer, vision and gyro sensors and how they are helping address robotic applications that one might have seen if they had been on the exhibition floor at the Las Vegas unmanned vehicle show (AUVSI) in 2012.
Internal marketing and service quality in restaurants
Authors: Akroush Mamoun N. , Abu‐ElSamen Amjad A. , Samawi Ghazi A. , Odetallah Abdelhadi L.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine an empirical model of internal marketing (IM) and internal service quality (ISQ) in tourism restaurants operating in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured and self‐administered survey was employed targeting managers and employees of tourism restaurants operating in Jordan. A sample of 334 of tourism restaurants managers and employees were involved in the survey. A series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess the research constructs dimensions, unidimensionality, validity and composite reliability. Structural path model analysis was also used to test the hypothesised interrelationships of the research model.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that IM consists of six dimensions: staff recruitment, staff training, internal communications, staff motivation, job security and staff retention. Staff recruitment, staff training, and internal communications positively and significantly affected staff motivation. Staff recruitment and internal communications positively and significantly affected ISQ. Staff motivation positively and significantly affected job security, and job security positively and significantly affected staff retention. Finally, staff retention has positively and significantly affected ISQ. Staff recruitment exerted the strongest effect on both staff motivation and ISQ.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, the authors examined only six components of IM that lead to ISQ; meanwhile other components could affect ISQ. There could also be other factors that affect the practice and components of IM and ISQ. This research has also examined the effect of IM and ISQ only. The potential effect of ISQ on business performance needs to be examined.

Practical implications

Tourism restaurants managers should have a holistic approach for IM and ISQ. Three dimensions of ISQ – reliability, assurance and empathy – loaded on one factor named “interaction quality”. This finding has important implications since it reveals that “internal customers” (employees) have “working needs” that should be met in order to meet and satisfy external customers’ needs. Managers and executives can benefit from the research findings while designing their IM and ISQ strategies to achieve long‐term organisational objectives.

Originality/value

This is the first research effort devoted to examining the interrelationships of IM and ISQ in tourism restaurants. Executives and managers can benefit from the research findings while designing their IM and ISQ strategies to achieve long‐term organisational objectives. International tourism organisations planning to expand their operations Jordan's tourism industry have now valuable empirical evidence regarding two important concepts in this industry – IM and ISQ.
Numerical study of anisotropic thermal conductivity fabrics with heating elements
Authors: Yen Ruey‐Hor , Chen Chien‐Yu , Huang Ching‐Tang , Chen Pei‐Jing
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This work seeks to analyze the heat transfer phenomena of anisotropic thermal conductivity fabrics containing electric conductive yarns.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical program, based on a spectral element method, is used to assess the heating fabric with a temperature control model. The study determines suitable parameters for the fabric by evaluating the temperature uniformity on the fabric surface. Effective thermal conductivities of the fabric are obtained by comparing the experimental and numerical results with each other, using a nonlinear least‐square fitting method.

Findings

The results indicate that employing high effective thermal conductivity of non‐electric conductive yarns in a direction perpendicular to electric conductive yarns helps to increase temperature uniformity. However, the effect of the high effective thermal conductivity of electric conductive yarns is not evident. Adopting a short distance between the electric conductive yarns and a thick fabric is also beneficial in increasing temperature uniformity. If the heating fabric is applied in a place where there is easy energy transfer between the surface of the fabric and moving air, collocation with high heating power is needed to maintain the temperature. Choosing an appropriate heating source is essential when considering temperature uniformity and energy savings using a temperature controller.

Originality/value

The findings will be useful in the design of heating fabrics.
Numerical approach of flow and mass transfer on nonlinear stretching sheet with chemically reactive species using rational Jacobi collocation method
Authors: Parand K. , Hosseini L.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The aim is to present in this paper an effective strategy in dealing with a semi‐infinite interval by using a suitable mapping that transforms a semi‐infinite interval to a finite interval.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors introduce a new orthogonal system of rational functions induced by general Jacobi polynomials with the parameters alpha and beta. It is more flexible in applications. In particular, alpha and beta could be regulated, so that the systems are mutually orthogonal in certain weighted Hilbert spaces.

Findings

This approach is applied for solving a non‐linear system two‐point boundary value problem (BVP) on semi‐infinite interval, describing the flow and diffusion of chemically reactive species over a nonlinearly stretching sheet immersed in a porous medium. The new approach reduces the solution of a problem to the solution of a system of algebraic equations.

Originality/value

The paper presents an effective strategy in dealing with a semi‐infinite interval by using a suitable mapping that transforms a semi‐infinite interval to a finite interval.
Similarity search for office XML documents based on style and structure data
Authors: Watanabe Yousuke , Kamigaito Hidetaka , Yokota Haruo
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Office documents are widely used in our daily activities, so the number of them has been increasing. A demand for sophisticated search for office documents becomes more important. The recent file format of office documents is based on a package of multiple XML files. These XML files include not only body text but also page structure data and style data. The purpose of this paper is to utilize them to find similar office documents.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose SOS, a similarity search method based on structures and styles of office documents. SOS needs to compute similarity values between multiple pairs of XML files included in the office documents. We also propose LAX+, which is an algorithm to calculate a similarity value for a pair of XML files, by extending existing XML leaf node clustering algorithm.

Findings

SOS and LAX+ are evaluated by using three types of office documents (docx, xlsx and pptx) in our experiments. The results of LAX+ and SOS are better than ones of the existing algorithms.

Originality/value

Existing text‐based search engines do not take structure and style of documents into account. SOS can find similar documents by calculating similarities between multiple XML files corresponding to body texts, structures and styles.
A showcase of semantic time series processing
Authors: Božić Bojan , Winiwarter Werner
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a showcase of semantic time series processing which demonstrates how this technology can improve time series processing and community building by the use of a dedicated language.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have developed a new semantic time series processing language and prepared showcases to demonstrate its functionality. The assumption is an environmental setting with data measurements from different sensors to be distributed to different groups of interest. The data are represented as time series for water and air quality, while the user groups are, among others, the environmental agency, companies from the industrial sector and legal authorities.

Findings

A language for time series processing and several tools to enrich the time series with meta‐data and for community building have been implemented in Python and Java. Also a GUI for demonstration purposes has been developed in PyQt4. In addition, an ontology for validation has been designed and a knowledge base for data storage and inference was set up. Some important features are: dynamic integration of ontologies, time series annotation, and semantic filtering.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the showcases of time series semantic language (TSSL), but also covers technical aspects and user interface issues. The authors are planning to develop TSSL further and evaluate it within further research projects and validation scenarios.

Practical implications

The research has a high practical impact on time series processing and provides new data sources for semantic web applications. It can also be used in social web platforms (especially for researchers) to provide a time series centric tagging and processing framework.

Originality/value

The paper presents an extended version of the paper presented at iiWAS2012.
Visualization of web form submissions for security analysis
Authors: Tri Dang Tran , Khanh Dang Tran
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose novel information visualization and interaction techniques to help security administrators analyze past web form submissions, with the goals of searching, inspecting, verifying, and understanding about malicious submissions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize well‐known visual design principles in the techniques to support the analysis process. They also implement a prototype and use it to investigate simulated normal and malicious web submissions.

Findings

The techniques can increase analysts' efficiency by displaying large amounts of information at a time, help analysts detect certain kinds of anomalies, and support the analyzing process via provided interaction capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

Due to resources constraints, the authors experimented on simulated data only, not real data.

Practical implications

The techniques can be used to investigate past web form submissions, which is a first step in analysing and understanding the current security situation and attackers' skills. The knowledge gained from this process can be used to plan for effective future defence strategy, e.g. by improving/fine‐tuning the attack signatures of an automatic intrusion detection system.

Originality/value

The visualization and interaction designs are the first visual analysis technique for security investigation of web form submissions.
An exploratory study of the decision processes of fast versus slow fashion consumers
Authors: Zarley Watson Maegan , Yan Ruoh‐Nan
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore the differences between fast fashion and slow fashion consumers in regards to their consumer decision process stages (i.e. purchase/consumption, post‐consumption evaluation, and divestment).

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected via focus groups and personal interviews. Participants were recruited through flyers that were posted at various locations, including a college campus, select retail stores, and www.craigslist.com The sample consisted of 38 participants, 22 fast fashion and 16 slow fashion. All participants were female, 18 years of age or older, with a mean age of 21.2 years.

Findings

Three groups of themes emerged. The purchase/consumption themes were buyers’ remorse avoidance, utilitarianism, hedonism, and style/self‐image congruence. The post‐consumption evaluation themes included instant satisfaction vs continued satisfaction and consumer expectation confirmation. Finally, the divestment themes consisted of divestment frequencies, divestment reasons, and divestment approaches.

Research limitations/implications

This study explored the purchase and post‐purchase stages of the Consumer Decision Process (CDP) model. This particular focus on the CDP model, in the context of fast (vs slow) fashion, has not been researched in the past. Additionally, this research adds to the body of knowledge by utilizing the CDP model to understand the differences between fast fashion and slow fashion consumers.

Practical implications

Fast fashion and slow fashion retailers may use this research to better understand their target markets by understanding why they choose to purchase/consume, what influences their post‐consumption evaluation, and how and why they choose to divest their clothing.

Originality/value

Past research has demonstrated the importance of understanding the supply chain and business model aspect of fast fashion. However, no empirical studies have been found that examine the decision‐making process of consumers of fast (vs slow) fashion.
Corporate responsibility management in fast fashion companies: the Gap Inc. case
Authors: Arrigo Elisa
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the strategic role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in global fast fashion companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the management literature on CSR, corporate social performance and the benefits of a socially responsible behaviour, a conceptual framework of corporate responsibility management is presented. The Gap Inc. case is analyzed to prove how CSR commitment creates stakeholder partnerships and improves corporate brand image.

Findings

The main output of corporate responsibility management is solid stakeholder relationships resulting in: employee attraction and motivation, powerful brand, enhanced consumer perceptions, profitability. Through the corporate responsibility management process, fast fashion companies can obtain a sustainable development.

Originality/value

Existing CSR research is primarily focused on a specific level of analysis. Instead the corporate responsibility management framework aims to contribute to a comprehensive analysis of CSR. Moreover it addresses the role of CSR practices in the fast fashion sector which has been rarely investigated to date.
Library in the Cloud with Diamonds: a critical evaluation of the future of library management systems
Authors: Levy Richard
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Library technology has been moving towards SaaS and cloud‐based services for some time. Yet the cornerstone of the library collection, namely the ILS, remains largely on separate islands with limited capacity for interoperability, requiring alternate layers for discovery to ingest and index their content. How ILS providers react to this challenge and how libraries themselves respond to it will determine the degree to which such new technologies can take hold. Ultimately, a shift towards a more unified model is perhaps inevitable. It is the means by which that is achieved which remains debatable. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

With the onset of new management solutions such as Alma, Intota and Worldshare, the prospect of moving the management of the full breadth of the library collection into the cloud has become a possibility. There is, however, no clear picture as to whether this represents the future of libraries as a whole.

Findings

Ultimately, a shift towards a more unified model is perhaps inevitable. It is the means by which that is achieved which remains debatable. This paper provides an open‐ended perspective on the possibilities and perils of the cloud in the library industry.

Originality/value

This paper provides an open‐ended perspective on the possibilities and perils of the cloud in the library industry.
Romance of leadership and evaluation of organizational failure
Authors: Hino Kenta , Aoki Hidetaka
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Using the lens of the romance of leadership, the authors aim to investigate how knowing the causes of negative outcomes affects the evaluation of those outcomes and the extent to which leaders are blamed.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an experimental situation with three conditions of organizational failure, caused by leadership, employees, and unavoidable external factors, respectively. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions and then asked to evaluate the outcomes and the extent to which they blamed the leader.

Findings

Negative outcomes attributed to leadership are not necessarily evaluated more harshly than outcomes attributed to other factors are. However, leaders are blamed more harshly when outcomes are attributed to internal factors, including leaders and employees, than to external factors. This tendency is even more evident when the victims of bad outcomes are customers.

Research limitations/implications

The attributional process apparently differs between positive and negative outcomes.

Practical implications

Leaders are blamed for and occasionally expected to resign as a result of negative outcomes, despite not being actually responsible for those outcomes. Blame can be mitigated by developing good relations with the public or investors in advance and apologizing and explaining its actual causes carefully after the outcome occurs.

Originality/value

The cognitive shortcut known as the romance of leadership – the tendency of attributing results to leadership and evaluating those results according to the value attached to leadership – does not always play a role in people's evaluations of negative outcomes.
Forest fires’ impact on tourism development: a comparative study of Greece and Cyprus
Authors: Boustras Georgios , Boukas Nikolaos
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Every year thousands of acres are burned and a number of people lose their lives in forest fires that increasingly surpass the wild land limit and lead on to touristic, urban areas. By and large, Mediterranean countries rely highly on offering a tourist product based on sea, sun, culture and nature. While the sea and sun are not affected by fire catastrophes, places of cultural and natural beauty are indeed hit; tourists end up being uninformed with no proper guidance from the firefighting authorities. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper attempts to highlight the relation between fire catastrophes and tourism development, to identify if and how state authorities take into account tourists in the planning and management of appropriate measures. A comparative study between Greece and Cyprus is presented. A number of interviews with stakeholders on the policy and operational level were conducted and the results and their implications are presented.

Findings

Planning and suppression is complicated with a number of actors involved in various stages; national tourism organizations in both countries do not take part in the information or planning process. There is an emerging need for the provision of useful, comprehensive, practical information aimed at tourists.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the paper are based in a number of interviews with key policy makers as well as key operational commanders. The participation of the above in the policy making as well as operational phase shows a number of limitations. This paper presents a qualitative approach to the subject. A follow‐up quantitative study is already planned.

Practical implications

Lessons learnt from previous catastrophes, in‐depth analysis of the existing “modus operandi” and “rules of engagement” should provide the necessary background for creating new risk‐based, comprehensive, focused communication campaigns.

Social implications

Safer societies and lower impact on the environment are the main outcomes of a concerted communication campaign. Tourism represents and multiplies the image of the country as a whole to the world; a solution to the problem would offer added value.

Originality/value

The paper is based on a number of in‐depth interviews with actors that took part in the actual handling of the two major catastrophes in Cyprus and Greece. The outcome of the interviews is presented for the first time.
Like me! Analyzing the 2012 presidential candidates’ Facebook pages
Authors: Bronstein Jenny
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The present study aims to report the findings of a qualitative and quantitative content analysis of the Facebook pages of the two presidential candidates.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample contained 513 posts collected during the last three months of the 2012 US presidential election. The analysis of the candidates’ pages consisted of three phases: the identification of the different elements of the Aristotelian language of persuasion, the identification of the subjects that appear on the posts, and the identification of additional roles that the Facebook pages play in the campaigns.

Findings

Findings show that both candidates used an emotional and motivational appeal to create a social capital and to present a personal image that revealed very little of their personal lives. Statistical analysis shows the numbers of comments and likes given to the posts were influenced by the element of persuasion used on the posts. Results show that campaigns wanted to retain control of the message displayed on the pages by posting information on a small number of non‐controversial subjects. Finally, the content analysis revealed that the Facebook pages were used for fund‐raising purposes, and for the mobilization of supporters. The Facebook pages of both candidates present an alternative way to do politics called fandom politics that is based not on logic or reason but on the affective sensibility of the audiences, discouraging dissent and encouraging affective allegiances between the candidate and his supporters.

Originality/value

This study presents an innovative way of analyzing the use of social media sites as a tool for the dissemination of political information and reveals utilization of these media for the creation of social and economic capital by politicians.
Users’ experiences and perceptions on using two wiki platforms for collaborative learning and knowledge management
Authors: Kai Wah Chu Samuel , Siu Felix , Liang Michael , Capio Catherine M. , Wu Wendy W.Y.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine users’ experiences and perceptions associated with the use of two wiki variants in the context of collaborative learning and knowledge management in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included two groups of postgraduate students from a university in Hong Kong who used MediaWiki (n=21) and TWiki (n=16) in completing course requirements. Using a multiple case study approach and a mixed methods research design, data logs on the wiki platforms were downloaded and the contents were analysed. Students’ perceptions were examined through a survey.

Findings

The findings indicate that both wikis were regarded as suitable tools for group projects, and that they improved group collaboration and work quality. Both wikis were also viewed as enabling tools for knowledge construction and sharing.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides insights that may inform the decisions of educators who are considering the use of wikis in their courses as a platform to enhance collaborative learning and knowledge management.

Originality/value

Previous research has shown that wikis can be effectively used in education. However there are a number of wiki variants and it may be difficult to identify which variant would be the best choice. There is a dearth of research comparing the effectiveness of different types of wikis. This study compares two wiki variants on a number of outcomes which may provide some insights to teachers who are in the process of selecting an appropriate wiki for teaching and learning.
ProQuest's Graduate Education Program (GEP) – a powerful, free database and software package for LIS educators and students worldwide
Authors: Jacso Peter
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the main features of the components of Proquest's giga database package for LIS faculty and students of databases and software services. These allow complimentary access to hundreds of indexing/abstracting, directory and full‐text databases, to RefWorks, the most sophisticated reference management program, and to SUMMON, a powerful digital resource discovery program.

Design/methodology/approach

This phase of the research focused on evaluating the largest module of GEP which offers 41 databases with more than 200 million records (half of them full‐text documents), on the new ProQuest software platform. The paper presents the major content and software features of this module.

Findings

The single module, GEP‐41, is an important contribution to LIS education, providing free access to LIS faculty and librarians to so many databases covering the LIS and LIS‐related fields, including the new ProQuest Library and Information Science database with more than 1.2 million items. The other modules of GEP extend the coverage to databases appropriate to LIS faculty and students interested in various tracks of librarianship. This project certainly will benefit Proquest itself in the long run. From the perspective of the primary beneficiaries, the LIS professors and students, the rich infrastructure for this project offers unprecedented opportunities for a digital renaissance in every aspect of LIS education and research.

Originality/value

This service, highly relevant for LIS education worldwide, was released in late 2012, and research papers have not been published about it yet. The paper focuses on the measurable, quantitative traits of the largest component of the service.
A comparative analysis of the search feature effectiveness of the major English and Chinese search engines
Authors: Zhang Jin , Fei Wei , Le Taowen
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper to investigate the effectiveness of selected search features in the major English and Chinese search engines and compare the search engines’ retrieval effectiveness.

Design/approach/methodology

The search engines Google, Google China, and Baidu were selected for this study. Common search features such as title search, basic search, exact phrase search, PDF search, and URL search, were identified and used. Search results from using the five features in the search engines were collected and compared. One‐way ANOVA and regression analysis were used to compare the retrieval effectiveness of the search engines.

Findings

It was found that Google achieved the best retrieval performance with all five search features among the three search engines. Moreover Google achieved the best webpage ranking performance.

Practical implications

The findings of this study improve the understanding of English and Chinese search engines and the differences between them in terms of search features, and can be used to assist users in choosing appropriate and effective search strategies when they search for information on the internet.

Originality/value

The original contributions of this paper are that the Chinese and English search engines in both languages are compared for retrieval effectiveness. Five search features were evaluated, compared, and analysed in the two different language environments by using the discounted cumulative gain method.
E‐commerce websites for developing countries – a usability evaluation framework
Authors: Hasan Layla , Morris Anne , Probets Steve
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodological usability evaluation approach for e‐commerce websites in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐faceted usability evaluation of three Jordanian e‐commerce websites was used, where three usability methods (user testing, heuristic evaluation and web analytics) were applied to the sites.

Findings

A four‐step approach was developed to facilitate the evaluation of e‐commerce sites, mindful of the advantages and disadvantages of the methods used in identifying specific usability problems.

Research limitations/implications

The approach was developed and tested using Jordanian users, experts and e‐commerce sites. The study compared the ability of the methods to detect problems that were present, however, usability issues not present on any of the sites could not be considered when creating the approach.

Practical implications

The approach helps e‐commerce retailers evaluate the usability of their websites and understand which usability method(s) best matches their need.

Originality/value

This research proposes a new approach for evaluating the usability of e‐commerce sites. A novel aspect is the use of web analytics (Google Analytics software) as a component in the usability evaluation in conjunction with heuristics and user testing.
Keyword stuffing and the big three search engines
Authors: Zuze Herbert , Weideman Melius
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this research project was to determine how the three biggest search engines interpret keyword stuffing as a negative design element.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was based on triangulation between scholar reporting, search engine claims, SEO practitioners and empirical evidence on the interpretation of keyword stuffing. Five websites with varying keyword densities were designed and submitted to Google, Yahoo! and Bing. Two phases of the experiment were done and the response of the search engines was recorded.

Findings

Scholars have indicated different views in respect of spamdexing, characterised by different keyword density measurements in the body text of a webpage. During both phases, almost all the test webpages, including the one with a 97.3 per cent keyword density, were indexed.

Research limitations/implications

Only the three biggest search engines were considered, and monitoring was done for a set time only. The claims that high keyword densities will lead to blacklisting have been refuted.

Originality/value

Websites should be designed with high quality, well‐written content. Even though keyword stuffing is unlikely to lead to search engine penalties, it could deter human visitors and reduce website value.