bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis ofAllochromatium vinosumthiosulfate dehydrogenase TsdA, an unusual acidophilicc-type cytochrome
Authors: Brito José A. , Gutierres André , Denkmann Kevin , Dahl Christiane , Archer Margarida
Published: September 2014

The ability to perform the very simple oxidation of two molecules of thiosulfate to tetrathionate is widespread among prokaryotes. Despite the prevalent occurrence of tetrathionate formation and its well documented significance within the sulfur cycle, little is known about the enzymes that catalyze the oxidative condensation of two thiosulfate anions. To fill this gap, the thiosulfate dehydrogenase (TsdA) enzyme from the purple sulfur bacteriumAllochromatium vinosumwas recombinantly expressed inEscherichia coli, purified and crystallized, and a crystallographic data set was collected. The crystals belonged to the monoclinic space groupC2, with unit-cell parametersa= 79.2,b= 69.9,c= 57.9 Å, β = 129.3°, contained one monomer per asymmetric unit and diffracted to a resolution of 1.98 Å.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of the C-terminal domain ofChlamydia trachomatisCdsD
Authors: Meriläinen Gitte , Wierenga Rik K.
Published: September 2014

The inner membrane ring of the bacterial type III secretion system (TTSS) is composed of two proteins. InChlamydia trachomatisthis ring is formed by CdsD (gene nameCT_664) and CdsJ (gene nameCTA_0609). CdsD consists of 829 amino acids. The last 400 amino acids at its C-terminal end relate it to the type III secretion system YscD/HrpQ protein family. The C-terminal domain, consisting of amino acids 558–771, ofC. trachomatisCdsD was overexpressed inEscherichia coliand purified using immobilized metal-affinity chromatography (IMAC) and size-exclusion chromatography. The protein was crystallized using the vapour-diffusion method. A data set was collected to 2.26 Å resolution. The crystals have the symmetry of space groupC2, with unit-cell parametersa= 106.60,b= 23.91,c= 118.65 Å, β = 104.95°. According to the data analysis there is expected to be one molecule in the asymmetric unit, with a Matthews coefficient of 3.0 Å3 Da−1.
Structure of a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) within a genomic island from a clinical strain ofAcinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Shah Bhumika S. , Tetu Sasha G. , Harrop Stephen J. , Paulsen Ian T. , Mabbutt Bridget C.
Published: September 2014

Over 15% of the genome of an Australian clinical isolate ofAcinetobacter baumanniioccurs within genomic islands. An uncharacterized protein encoded within one island feature common to this and other International Clone II strains has been studied by X-ray crystallography. The 2.4 Å resolution structure of SDR-WM99c reveals it to be a new member of the classical short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily. The enzyme contains a nucleotide-binding domain and, like many other SDRs, is tetrameric in form. The active site contains a catalytic tetrad (Asn117, Ser146, Tyr159 and Lys163) and water molecules occupying the presumed NADP cofactor-binding pocket. An adjacent cleft is capped by a relatively mobile helical subdomain, which is well positioned to control substrate access.
Supply chain risk management dimensions in Indian automobile industry
Authors: Kumar Sharma Satyendra , Bhat Anil
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Globalization and outsourcing have rendered Indian automotive companies more vulnerable to supply chain (SC) risks. Consequently, companies adopt different supply chain risk management (SCRM) strategies to mitigate SC risks. The purpose of this paper is to explore SCRM strategies in Indian automobile industry and to classify automobile firms based on SCRM dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey instrument on SCRM dimensions was designed and data were collected from 79 automobile firms. Principle component analysis (PCA) was performed on the collected data to derive the factors underlying SCRM dimensions. Further, cluster analysis using extracted factors as a clustering variate was performed to identify strategic groups from the given set of firms.

Findings

– PCA derived seven factors, namely: avoidance, supplier development, flexibility, risk pooling, redundancy, integration and control strategies. The surveyed firms were classified into two clusters as low and high SCRM level.

Research limitations/implications

– A limitation of this study is that data were collected from a single industry and in a single country.

Practical implications

– Understanding of SCRM dimensions shall increase the use of these dimensions and firms can mitigate negative effects of SC risks. The detailed operationalization of SCRM strategies highlights the importance of three strategies: avoidance, integration and supplier development. Managers’ understanding of SCRM strategies will improve the firm's performance and business excellence.

Originality/value

– This research empirically validates SCRM strategies and investigates how these create differences among firms.
Exploring dimensions of firm competencies and their impact on performance
Authors: Dubey Rameshwar , Singh Tripti , Samar Ali Sadia , Venkatesh V.G. , K. Gupta Omprakash
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the dimensions of Indian manufacturing firms’ competencies and to study the impact of these competencies on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors have adopted a literature survey to identify variables and gaps in the research. Based on the construct and its item identified through the literature review the authors have developed a structured questionnaire which was pre-tested before being used for the final survey. The authors have collected data from 100 firms out of 275 targeted firms in two phases which represents a 36.36 per cent response rate. The data have been subjected to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using varimax rotation, which reduced the data into seven parsimonious and orthogonal factors. The authors then carried out regression analysis using EFA output to test the relationship between six independent variables, representing competencies of the firm and performance.

Findings

– Findings show that EFA has reduced the data into seven factors, out of which six represent firm competencies and one represents firm performance. The competencies which have been identified are supply-demand coordination and product pricing, logistics, marketing, procurement, manufacturing simplicity and product quality and preventive maintenance. The EFA output was further tested using multiple linear regression analysis which shows that out of six competencies, four are positively supporting, except procurement which is negatively supporting and logistics which is found to be statistically insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

– The conclusive model suggests that there is considerable impact from other deterministic variables which are not assumed in the present study, and some of the variance has been accounted for by stochastic variables and response error. However, utmost care has been taken to minimise response error by personal follow-up with each of these firms. The outcome of the quantitative analysis provides an insight into firm competencies and their impact on firm performance. It is very important for the managers who are interested in deriving superior performance from their firm and focusing on supply-demand coordination and product pricing, manufacturing simplicity, marketing and product quality and preventive maintenance practices.

Originality/value

– This original study has been carried out by researchers in India on Indian manufacturing firms and adopted an EFA technique to identify dimensions which are unique in their contribution.
Inter-firm job mobility and occupational transitions in Spain: are they related?
Authors: Caparrós Ruiz Antonio
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to shed knowledge about the relationship between the inter-firm job mobility and the occupational transitions in Spain during the last years. In particular, it is tested whether if the type of job-to-job mobility (voluntary or involuntary) has some influence on the workers careers. The empirical analysis is based on panel data provided by the Living Condition Survey, which is conducted by the Spanish Statistics Institute (INE). The period analysed covers the years between 2005 and 2010 (both inclusive), what allows observing the labour mobility patterns in the recent Spanish economic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The econometric specification used to analyse occupational mobility corresponds to a random effect panel multinomial logit model. The econometric model is estimated separately for workers that have remained at the same firm and for workers who have changed firms; for the latter group, a dummy variable indicating whether the individual quit or was laid off is included as a regressor.

Findings

– The results derived from the estimates of the econometric specifications show that individuals who voluntarily leave a firm find the decision has a positive effect on their careers, as their probability of upward occupational mobility is more than 90 per cent higher than for individuals who leave their previous position as a result of having been laid off.

Social implications

– This result is an argument in favour of adopting active labour market policies that help improve information flows in the labour market and allow workers a better understanding of potential job offers from outside firms.

Originality/value

– This paper analyses the relationship between inter-firm mobility and occupational transitions that has not yet addressed in the economic literature for Spain.
The psychological impact of agency worker utilisation
Authors: Toms Simon , Biggs David
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Agency work represents a unique form of employment that has received increased attention in recent years. Supporters of the agency employment industry have cited increased accessibility and flexibility at an individual and organisational level, yet critics have highlighted disparities in treatment and the limited protection afforded by the contract. Previous psychological studies into the working experiences of these employees have forwarded a series of findings that have frequently conflicted, so this paper begins by exploring research into the areas of motive, job satisfaction, job security, and organisational support. The purpose of this paper is to better understand how this form of employment can psychologically affect agency workers by focusing upon these key areas.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study's research design incorporated 25 semi-structured interviews with agency workers, recruitment consultants, and representatives from third-party employers. These interviews were then supplemented by longitudinal data from follow-up interviews conducted with agency workers from the initial sample. During the study, the researcher undertook a number of agency working assignments, and ethnographic analysis of diary extracts represented a third source of data.

Findings

– Results highlighted the importance of motive, as it was found to influence how agency workers viewed their employment. The lack of obligation in temporary contracts was perceived to lead to isolation from permanent colleagues, increase vulnerability, and reduce job security and organisational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings strongly supported the claim that the pre-assignment motives of individuals had a significant impact upon their resulting experiences. Agency workers employed in longer-term assignments reported greater integration into the organisation, resulting in increased commitment towards the third-party employer, and improved relationships with permanent staff.

Originality/value

– The current research incorporated multiple perspectives to create an increased understanding of the agency employment industry and its impact upon individuals.
Investigating active travel to primary school in Ireland
Authors: Daniels Natasha , Kelly Colette , Molcho Michal , Sixsmith Jane , Byrne Molly , Nic Gabhainn Saoirse
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Active travel to school, by walking or cycling, can positively influence children's health and increase physical activity. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the context and promoters and barriers of active travel, and the required actions and actors that need to be involved to address each of these.

Design/methodology/approach

– Both quantitative and participative research methodologies were employed. The sample consisted of 73 children aged between 11 and 13 years from four primary schools in the West of Ireland. A self-completion questionnaire was followed by a participative protocol conducted with the class groups.

Findings

– Overall 30.1 per cent of children reported that they actively travelled to school. A greater proportion of children from urban and disadvantaged schools actively travelled. Proximity to the school was the most frequently reported promoter and barrier. The children identified many actors that need to be involved to eliminate the barriers and enact the promoters of active travel to school. They also highlighted the need for a multi-sectorial approach to improve active travel rates in Ireland.

Originality/value

– This study holds potential value in addressing the continued decline in active travel to school in Ireland as it shares a new perspective on the issue; that of the children. Adopting a participative approach allowed the children to participate in groups and develop the data themselves. The children confirmed that they have a relevant and valuable understanding of the process necessary to address active travel to school as a public health issue in Ireland.
Pedometers and participatory school-based health education – an exploratory study
Authors: Louisa Bruselius-Jensen Maria , Danielsen Dina , Kirstine Viller Hansen Ane
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how pedometers (simple gadgets that count steps) can be used as tools in participatory health education to enhance primary school children's insights into, and abilities to reflect on, physical activity in their daily life. The paper focuses on how using pedometers fosters participation and enhances reflection concerning physical activity.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on findings from an exploratory project with sixth-grade classes (12-13 years) in four Danish primary schools. The approach is called Imove. In Imove, pupils use pedometers to study their own patterns of physical activity, transform their data into statistics, and use the statistical representation to reflect on how physical activity is integrated into everyday life patterns, and how different activities constitute an active life.

Findings

– The paper concludes that pedometers support pupils’ participation in studying their own health practices, and the step data provide new insights into, and encourage pupils to reflect on, the way physical activity is formed into everyday patterns.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is an exploratory one with four participating school classes. The findings need to be further explored by employing similar methodology in studies with more participants. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that pedometers support pupils’ genuine participation in health educational processes.

Practical implications

– The findings identify simple measuring technologies, such as pedometers, as potent assets in health education learning processes and call for creative thinking in developing health promotion programmes for young people.

Originality/value

– Measuring technologies play an increasingly critical role in health research, as well as in individual health regulating practices. This paper contributes with a new perspective by demonstrating the educational possibilities of applying pedometers in participatory school health education.
Combining school and family alcohol education: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Cairns Georgina , Purves Richard , McKell Jennifer
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to map and identify evidence for effective components of combined school and family alcohol education interventions. The paper describes current practice, evaluative evidence of its effects, and highlights specific elements of school and family linked education associated with effective prevention or reduction of alcohol misuse by young people aged 11-18 years.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper takes the form of a systematic review.

Findings

– The review found evidence of small positive effects for interventions delivered over short and longer term duration and low and higher levels of direct contact with students and families. Family-based elements that correlated with positive effects were targeting information and skills development, family communications, and stricter parental attitudes to alcohol misuse. School-based components which involved life skills and social norms approaches were associated with reductions in risky behaviours. Weaker evidence indicated that peer-led programmes, external delivery agents and linkages of school-based components to community-level change may strengthen combined school and family intervention programmes.

Research limitations/implications

– The heterogeneity of the studies precluded the option to perform meta-analysis.

Practical implications

– There is a need for more focused use of planning and evaluation tools, and especially more explicit articulation of behaviours and/or behavioural determinants targeted; the methods that will be employed and the conceptual basis for the programme design could contribute to deeper understanding amongst the intervention community of how and why impact is or is not achieved.

Social implications

– Few studies provide information on the concepts, assumptions or change objectives that shape programme design. The potential benefits of combining school and family education interventions warrants further exploration.

Originality/value

– The authors believe this is the first review to systematically examine objectives, design and impact of combined school and family alcohol education interventions.
Spatial convenience: bridging the gap between shopping malls and shopping strips
Authors: Reimers Vaughan , Clulow Val
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Due to rising obesity levels, declining fitness levels, an aging population, and shopper lethargy, retail planners must give serious consideration to the physical demands retail centres place on their patrons. The purpose of this paper is to determine the importance consumers assign to spatial convenience, measure how consumers perceive shopping malls and shopping strips (also referred to as the downtown area, central business district, Main Street or the High Street) in relation to it, and compare them in their provision of it.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study utilises a household survey of consumers and as well as a retail audit. The survey was used to identify the importance consumers assign to spatial convenience, while the retail audit was used to establish how malls and strips compare in their provision of it.

Findings

– The results of the survey indicate that consumers regard spatial convenience as important and believe that malls are superior in providing it. The retail audit confirmed the accuracy of these perceptions, with the mall providing greater store compatibility, and a more compact shopping environment.

Originality/value

– The influence of spatial convenience on shopping behaviour has been largely overlooked at the level of the retail centre. Moreover, those studies that have focused on this topic, have typically done so from the singular focus of either malls or strips. This study incorporates both, and does so via an empirical analysis of consumer attitudes and a spatial comparison of both retail formats.
Universal service in the EU information society policy
Authors: Batura Olga
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to, in the light of the Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) objective to provide “broadband for all”, investigate how the DAE can make use of universal service as a regulatory instrument created specifically to ensure a minimum of available and affordable electronic communications services within a competitive market.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses systematic and comparative legal analyses of the European Union (EU)’s universal service rules and contrasts them with Information Society policy measures.

Findings

– There are strong commonalities between the DAE and universal service on the level of objectives. However, due to heavy reliance on the measures stimulating supply-side, there are discrepancies in the mechanisms of their achievement. At the same time, an effective use of universal service instrument by the DAE is not reasonable. In its current form, universal service does not correspond to the substantive requirements of the Information Society policy and needs to be reformed. The paper calls for additional empirical and theoretical research on the role and form of universal service in the Information Society and outlines main issues for further research.

Originality/value

– The paper uses the perspective of the EU Information Society policy to undertake a legal analysis of the current universal service regulation. Against this backdrop, it points out obsolescence of individual elements of the scope and logical deficiencies of the review mechanism.
Optimizing transparency for users in social networking sites
Authors: Wauters Ellen , Donoso Verónica , Lievens Eva
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to reflect on possible ways to optimise current ways to deliver information provision to make it more transparent to users. In particular, this article will refer to the benefits (and challenges) of using more user-centred approaches to inform users in a more transparent way.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper we analyse individual, as well as contextual factors (e.g. cognitive differences, time constraints, specific features of social networking sites [SNS] platforms) which may have an impact on the way users deal with Terms of Use, privacy policies and other types of information provision typically made available on SNS platforms. In addition, possible ways of improving current practices in the field are discussed. In particular, the benefits (and challenges) of a user-centred approach have been referred to when it comes to informing users in a way that is more meaningful to them. Finally, it is discussed how user-centred approaches can act as mechanisms to increase transparency in SNS environments and how (alternative) forms of regulation could benefit from such an approach.

Findings

– The authors believe that it is necessary to start focussing on users/consumers’ needs, expectations and values to develop visualisation tools that can help make law (more) meaningful to users/consumers by giving them a better insight into their rights and obligations and by guiding them in making truly informed decisions regarding their online choices and behaviour.

Originality/value

– By looking at different techniques such as visual design and the timing of information, the article contributes to the discussion on how people can be made more aware of legal documents and actually read them.
Digital inclusion and user (dis)empowerment: a critical perspective
Authors: Mariën Ilse , A. Prodnik Jernej
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to highlight the main limitations of the emancipatory potentials of digital inclusion policies and information and communication technologies (ICTs). Increasingly, empowerment is put forward as one of the main goals of digital inclusion. By applying user-centric and participatory approaches, assumptions are made that individuals will be empowered and, as such, will be re-included in society.

Design/methodology/approach

– These assumptions, however, tend to ignore the social, economic, political and technical conditions within which individual choices are made and within which individuals must inevitably act. Instead of attempting to narrow the existing social gap between class-divided societies, and of probing the limitations given at the macro-level by questioning the wider social structure, digital inclusion policies tend to individualize problems that are in fact social in their nature.

Findings

– This contribution will, therefore, aim to identify the key causes of structural (dis)empowerment and how these resonate to digital inclusion. The article positions itself within the political economy of communication research tradition and aims to confront the structural consequences of social inequalities, existing social hierarchies and power structures against mechanisms of digital inequalities and against the implementation of digital inclusion policies.

Originality/value

– By proceeding from a critical perspective, it aims to demonstrate the limitations of user-centric and micro-level approaches, while questioning their normative interpretations of digital empowerment which tend to be reductionist in their essence and instrumental in their aims.
Estimation of fabric opacity by scanner
Authors: Hajipour Abbas , Shams Nateri Ali , Sadr Momtaz Alireza
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This study aimed to use a scanner as a low-cost method for measuring the opacity of textile fabric. Textile fabrics must have specific ranges of opacity according to their uses for shirting, curtaining, etc. In this way, opacity is an important property in the textile industry. Conventionally, textile opacity is estimated using a spectrophotometer, which is an expensive method.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study a scanner was used as a low-cost method for measuring the opacity of textile fabric. The opacity was estimated by using red, green and blue (RGB) parameters of images of fabric against white and black background.

Findings

– The accuracy of opacity estimation was improved by converting RGB into several color spaces. The best opacity estimation was obtained by using the XYZ color space. In addition, using a regression method, the best estimation was obtained by using a fourth-order polynomial regression with the LSLM color space.

Originality/value

– The opacity of fabric has been measured by spectrophotometer, but in this study, the opacity of fabric was measured by scanner as a low cost device and also with novel and simple method. This method achieved acceptable accuracy for opacity estimation. The obtained result is comparable with spectrophotometer results.
An automatic inspection system for segment-type display module defects
Authors: Sheng Lin Chern , Yang Pei-Feng , Lin Chi-Chin , Hsu Yuen-Chang
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This study aimed to developed a defect detection system for a segment-type display module panel.

Design/methodology/approach

– The system included a data acquisition card, a video camera, a computer and a display module on a testing table. The video camera captured the display pattern of the display module and transferred it to the computer through the data acquisition card. The dynamic multi-thresholding method and analysis as well as back propagation neural network classification was used to classify the detected defects.

Findings

– The threshold values for the brightness at different positions in the display module image were obtained using the neural network and then stored in the look-up table, using two to six matrixes.

Originality/value

– The recognition speed was faster and the system was more flexible in comparison to the previous system. The proposed method, using unsophisticated and economical equipment, was also verified as providing highly accurate results with a low error rate.
Interactions with e-government, new digital media and traditional channel choices: citizen-initiated factors
Authors: Reddick Christopher , Anthopoulos Leonidas
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the factors that can predict citizen-initiated contact with e-government as an attempt to identify important differences between service channel selections. Although more than two decades have passed since the initiation of e-government, digital channel choice is still being questioned, compared to traditional channels, and the level of selection with channels is being investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study states three research questions that are answered through a literature review and statistical analysis of a survey in a developed country. More specifically, it identifies the factors that impact channel choice and validates them with survey results. To this end, this paper utilizes data from a national Canadian survey, where citizens empirically evaluated their channel choice – e-government, new digital media and traditional service channels – for government contacts.

Findings

– Statistical analysis over this data return valuable findings such as that the e-government channel is more appropriate for information collection, whereas traditional service channels are more likely to establish individual problem solving. Moreover, the digital divide appears to have an impact on citizen channel choice. Furthermore, digitally literate citizens who are aware of privacy issues are more likely to use new digital media. Finally, citizens are quite satisfied from their new digital media experience, but are not as satisfied with their traditional contact experience.

Originality/value

– These outcomes show that e-government obstacles regarding digital divide, trust and efficiency remain active and have to be addressed more carefully by governments. This study shows that e-government and new digital media are not simple channel choices, but are complex in public service delivery. These outcomes confirm the significance of channel choice for transforming government, as e-government appears to be a part of a broader channel choice agenda.
Dominant concourse about important barriers to promoting coordination in Iranian government machinery
Authors: Nikraftar Tayebeh , Shokri Reza
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is, at first, to reveal thepresent concourseabout barriers to coordination in government web then collect thedominant concourseabout barriers to alignment along the web of governmental machinery from the perspective of Iranian practitioners and scholars. Strengthening the coordination of government machinery is one of the purposes of the Iranian Government, but one of the important influences on coordination in government is the attitudes and perceptions of governing elites.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study combines the strengths of both the qualitative and quantitative research traditions. It entails a set of sequential steps which involve the generation of ideas about the research topics; a sample of statements representative of different views (dominant concourse) was selected from the 107 statements (present concourse) mentioned above based on a two-round Delphi technique.

Findings

– The statements of this concourse are organized in two main categories: policy and administrative barriers. Researchers utilized the Delphi technique to identify the 73 most important statements concerning the diversity of opinion within the present concourse.

Research limitations

– Generalization of findings is not a major concern of this study, and selection of the sample in this study is not based on random sampling.

Practical implications

– The paper includes implications for improving coordination in the Iranian Government. The results of this study have implications for policymakers to reform the government machinery and design mechanism for better performance.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfills an identified need to study solutions for removing barriers to coordination in government. It proposed e-government as one mechanism for removing these barriers and strengthening consensus in Iranian Government machinery.
A fuzzy rule-based system to assess e-government technical interoperability maturity level
Authors: Sheffer Corrêa Andreiwid , de Assis Mota Alexandre , Toledo Moreira Mota Lia , Luiz Pizzigatti Corrêa Pedro
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to present a system called NEBULOSUS, which is a fuzzy rule-based expert system for assessing the maturity level of an agency regarding technical interoperability.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study introduces the use of artificial intelligence and fuzzy logic to deal with the imprecision and uncertainty present in the assessment process. To validate the system proposed and demonstrate its operation, the study takes into account the Brazilian technical interoperability maturity model, based on the Brazilian Government Interoperability Framework (GIF).

Findings

– With the system proposed and its methodology, it could be possible to increase the assessment process to management level and to provide decision-making support without worrying about technical details that make it complex and time-consuming. Moreover, NEBULOSUS is a standalone system that offers an easy-to-use, open and flexible structuring database that can be adapted by governments throughout the world. It will serve as a tool and contribute to governments’ expectations for continuous improvement of their technologies.

Originality/value

– This study contributes toward filling a gap in general interoperability architectures, which is a means to provide an objective method to evaluate GIF adherence by governments. The proposed system allows governments to configure their technical models and GIF to assess information and communication technology resources.
Towards the institutionalisation of parliamentary technology assessment: the case for Ireland
Authors: Csaki Csaba , Fitzgerald Ciara , O’Raghallaigh Paidi , Adam Frederic
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to consider the case study of Ireland with regards to the implementation of a formal parliamentary technology assessment (PTA) capability. With emphasis on innovation and knowledge-based economies, society faces a proliferation of technological challenges with far-reaching unpredictable impacts. Elected representatives need unbiased scientific knowledge to underpin evidence-based policy-oriented decision-making. PTA is directed at policy-oriented decision-making processes within the parliament. It identifies the role played by existing agencies and the gaps that remain to be filled in the current landscape. It explores the feasibility of potential future institutional arrangements in a country without a recognised formal PTA agency.

Design/methodology/approach

– An embedded case study approach was utilised based on three main sources of evidence: relevant published documents pertaining to science and technology governance; interviews with key decision-makers; and illustrative case of “hydraulic fracturing” demonstrating key issues stemming from the lack of a formal PTA structure.

Findings

– The case revealed the interplay between key actors in the area of science, technology and innovation in Ireland. It demonstrated the need for improved citizen engagement. The analysis revealed that formal technology assessment channels should be established to provide a voice for civil society to engage in policy-making. Given the requirements and constraints, a feasible way to implement PTA seems to be the “parliamentary office” model which would seem to be a good fit in the context of Ireland’s current situation.

Originality/value

– The paper presents how PTA may be realised in a country without a formal PTA agency using a parliamentary office model to provide a channel for citizen engagement in science, technology and innovation (STI) policy-making.
Determinants of citizens’ electronic participation: insights from India
Authors: Alathur Sreejith , Vigneswara Ilavarasan P. , Gupta M.P.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the present paper is to attempt to examine the determinants of citizens’ electronic participation with respect to the communication aspects. To accomplish this objective, using the extant literature, the paper delineated factors that determine and the theories that can explain citizens’ e-participation. An analysis of citizens’ democratic communication through multiple e-participation forums is carried out, and the determinants of electronic participation are described in the paper.

Design/methodology/approach

– In light of the literature, e-participation services were classified on the basis of characteristics of democratic communications. The factors that determine citizens’ online democratic participation were also identified and validated. Indian citizens who often e-participate were surveyed through online and offline questionnaires. A regression analysis of the 407 responses was carried out to predict the influence of individual, governance and technology components on various e-participation initiatives.

Findings

– Citizens’ participation efficacy, value system and participation freedom were found to determine different e-participation initiatives. Further, e-participation is also found to be varyingly determined by the governance and technology components.

Research limitations/implications

– The theoretical contribution of this study includes the classification of determining factors and the illustrative labeling (I, G and T) for an e-participation framework. The delineation of e-participation from democratic communication aspects also contributes to the e-participation literature. However, this research had considered only one set of e-participation services and had incorporated only select forms of e-participation that are in coherence with the services selected.

Originality/value

– Past studies often consider separate e-participation forums and infrequently report a simultaneous analysis of multiple e-participation forums. The factors that determine citizens’ e-participation from a democratic communication aspect are also inadequately discussed. The significant contribution of this study includes policy recommendations to improve e-participation in different information and communication technologies initiatives.
The moderating role of individual and social factors in Internet banking loyalty: an exploratory study
Authors: Mohammadi Hossein
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore barriers; the mediating role of usability; and the moderating effects of subjective norms, personal innovativeness, self-efficacy and perceived image on users’ attitudes toward loyalty to Internet banking (IB) in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the consumer data collected from a survey, structural equations modeling and path analysis were used to test the research model.

Findings

– The results revealed that “low perceived usefulness” and “low perceived ease of use” both had negative effects on users’ attitudes. “Low awareness” and “low system compatibility” were found to be the main factors impeding users’ attitudes toward loyalty to IB. “Perceived usefulness” showed no mediating role in the relationship between ease of use and users’ attitudes. At last, all concerned moderators moderated the relationships between ease of use/usefulness and users’ attitudes.

Research limitation/implication

– The sample was only composed of IB users of one Iranian bank, and non-users were not studied.

Originality/value

– Past studies have seldom examined the role of individual drivers such as personal innovativeness and self-efficacy and social drivers such as subjective norms and perceived image as moderating variables in the context of developing countries.
Trans‐generational parasite protection associated with paternal diet
Authors: Sternberg Eleanore D. , de Roode Jacobus C. , Hunter Mark D.
Published: September 2014

Multiple generations of hosts are often exposed to the same pathogens, favouring the evolution of trans‐generational defences. Because females have more opportunities to transfer protective molecules to offspring, many studies have focused on maternally derived protection. However, males of many species can transfer compounds along with sperm, including chemicals that could provide protection.

Here, we assess maternally and paternally derived protection in a monarch butterfly–protozoan parasite system where parasite resistance is heavily influenced by secondary plant chemicals, known as cardenolides, present in the larval diet of milkweed plants.

We reared monarch butterflies on medicinal and non‐medicinal milkweed species and then measured resistance of their offspring to infection. We also measured cardenolide content in adult monarchs reared on the two species, and in the eggs that they produced.

We found that offspring were more resistant to infection when their fathers were reared on medicinal milkweed, while maternal diet had less of an effect. We also found that eggs contained the highest levels of cardenolides when both parents were reared on the medicinal species. Moreover, females reared on non‐medicinal milkweed produced eggs with significantly higher levels of cardenolides if they mated with males reared on the medicinal milkweed species. However, we found an equivocal relationship between the cardenolides present in eggs and parasite resistance in the offspring.

Our results demonstrate that males reared on medicinal plants can transfer protection to their offspring, but the exact mechanism remains unresolved. This suggests that paternal protection from parasitism might be important, particularly when there are environmental sources of parasite resistance and when males transfer spermatophores during mating.
Hidden semi‐Markov models reveal multiphasic movement of the endangered Florida panther
Authors: van de Kerk Madelon , Onorato David P. , Criffield Marc A. , Bolker Benjamin M. , Augustine Ben C. , McKinley Scott A. , Oli Madan K.
Published: September 2014

Animals must move to find food and mates, and to avoid predators; movement thus influences survival and reproduction, and ultimately determines fitness. Precise description of movement and understanding of spatial and temporal patterns as well as relationships with intrinsic and extrinsic factors is important both for theoretical and applied reasons.

We applied hidden semi‐Markov models (HSMM) to hourly geographic positioning system (GPS) location data to understand movement patterns of the endangered Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) and to discern factors influencing these patterns.

Three distinct movement modes were identified: (1) Resting mode, characterized by short step lengths and turning angles around 180o; (2) Moderately active (or intermediate) mode characterized by intermediate step lengths and variable turning angles, and (3) Traveling mode, characterized by long step lengths and turning angles around 0o.

Males and females, and females with and without kittens, exhibited distinctly different movement patterns. Using the Viterbi algorithm, we show that differences in movement patterns of male and female Florida panthers were a consequence of sex‐specific differences in diurnal patterns of state occupancy and sex‐specific differences in state‐specific movement parameters, whereas the differences between females with and without dependent kittens were caused solely by variation in state occupancy.

Our study demonstrates the use of HSMM methodology to precisely describe movement and to dissect differences in movement patterns according to sex, and reproductive status.
The three‐legged stool of parental inclusion: the case of Hana
Authors: Cobb Cam
Published: September 2014

Drawing from a critical qualitative inquiry, this case study tells the story of Hana, a Korean‐Canadian mother, and identifies barriers that can be encountered in seeking to interact with school professionals in the special education milieu. The case study presents a conceptual model, called the three‐legged stool of parental inclusion, which is designed to enhance the way in which parental inclusion is understood and fostered in special education. It is suggested that Hana needed to utilise this model, of knowledge awareness, gathering, and use, in order to take part in her daughter's education in a more meaningful way. This article, by Cam Cobb of the University of Windsor, Canada, adds to the international literature related to cultural and linguistic diversity by sharing a Canadian parent's experience of special education decision‐making from this perspective.
Not as Bad as We Feared or Even Worse Than We Imagined? Assessing and Explaining Conservative Party Members’ Views on Coalition
Authors: Bale Tim , Webb Paul
Published: September 2014

Although often treated as such, political parties are not unitary actors. Presumably, therefore, their leaders have to take at least some account of the views of their followers – not least when deciding whether or not to enter a coalition with other parties. Hitherto there has been relatively little research into those views. This article uses a survey of members of the UK’s Conservative Party in order to elicit and explain their thinking on the coalition the party formed with the Liberal Democrats in 2010, on the performance of the government since then, and on the prospects of a similar arrangement after the next general election. It finds that, although they largely approve of the government’s record, grassroots Tories regret the decision to go into coalition in the first place. However, they would sanction a continuation of the arrangement as the price of hanging on to power after the next election. Different members, of course, have different views, and these are best explained by ideological rather than demographic variables, as well as by members’ views on their party leader and – at least in part – their levels of activism.
Educational psychotherapy: an approach to working with children whose learning is impeded by emotional problems
Authors: Best Ron
Published: September 2014

This article describes the theory and practice of educational psychotherapy, an approach to working with children whose learning is hindered by emotional problems. The theoretical foundations in the work of Irene Caspari, Wilfred Bion, Melanie Klein, John Bowlby and D. W. Winnicott are outlined, and the approach is exemplified in two short case studies. The application of this approach in therapeutic story groups is briefly described. The article concludes with some comments on the potential for, and constraints facing, the introduction of educational psychotherapy in schools.
Developing social skills in autistic children through ‘Relaxed Performances’
Authors: Kempe Andy
Published: September 2014

Families living with autism often feel unable to attend social and cultural events, largely due to the fear of their child attracting negative or even aggressive reactions from others. The ‘joint attention’ that is part of the theatre experience, however, may be a powerful factor in the development of social and communication skills for such children. ‘Relaxed performances’ offer an opportunity for them to access and engage with theatre by making special arrangements designed to reduce tensions associated with visits to public places. Aspects of the production such as the use of lighting and sound effects which may trigger adverse reactions are also adjusted. This paper reports on how one local theatre drew on the findings of a national project to mount a ‘relaxed performance’ of their annual pantomime. It discusses the theatre's preparations and presents evidence of the impact the event had on local children with autism and their families. The success of both the national project and this local one marks a new beginning for improved access to the theatre for an audience that has hitherto felt largely excluded.