bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Ethanol Preservation on Fish Fin Stable Isotopes: Does Variation in C:N Ratio and Body Size Matter?
Authors: Vizza Carmella , Sanderson Beth L. , Burrows Douglas G. , Coe Holly J.
Published: September 2013

Although chemical preservation of stable isotope samples has been studied in a variety of species and tissue types, the effects of ethanol preservation on fish fin tissue have not been examined. Using caudal fin samples from juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and Rainbow Trout O. mykiss or steelhead (the anadromous form of Rainbow Trout), we investigated how storage time (2, 4, and 6 months), fin composition (C:N ratio), and fish body size (50–130 mm FL) influence preservation‐induced changes in δ13C and δ15N. In both species, we found that treatment fins (frozen and later preserved in ethanol) exhibited higher δ13C than did paired reference fins (frozen). The changes in δ15N, however, were smaller in magnitude and less consistent. Preservation‐induced increases in fin δ13C, but not δ15N, were significantly correlated with the change in C:N ratio (treatment–reference) in both species. In addition, these increases in δ13C were more highly correlated with body size in O. mykiss than in Chinook Salmon. Storage time had a significant effect on the shift in treatment fin δ13C and a small, but insignificant, effect on δ15N in O. mykiss. However, storage time was not a significant factor for explaining the isotopic shifts observed in Chinook Salmon fin tissue. This is the first study to document variation in preservation‐induced changes in δ13C within a species and to link this variation to C:N ratio. Future studies using species‐specific and tissue‐specific models to correct for preservation‐induced shifts in stable isotope ratios should be aware that these models do not account for intraspecific variation in tissue composition.
Length–Length and Width–Length Conversion of Longnose Skate and Big Skate Off the Pacific Coast: Implications for the Choice of Alternative Measurement Units in Fisheries Stock Assessment
Authors: Downs Donna E. , Cheng Yuk W.
Published: September 2013

Most traditional fisheries models have size or stage–age relationships as their foundation. Two long‐established metrics used are FL and TL. Body length measurements are linked to age, maturity, and fecundity. Obtaining FL or TL measurements are not always convenient, especially for larger fish (>100 cm TL). Two skate species, Longnose Skate Raja rhina and Big Skate R. binoculata, were collected from commercial fishery landings along the coast of Washington State and length–length or width–length conversions were investigated for four metrics of size: TL, tail only length (TOL), interspiracular width (ISW), and interorbital width (IOW). Relationships between TL and alternative measures were examined using model II regression analyses and confirmed a strong linear relationship in all cases (R 2 > 0.94). It is likely that both TL and TOL measures have errors due to worn‐off tail portions; conversely, the ISW is nonlaborious and convenient to obtain. The ISW metric has a smaller coefficient of variation compared with IOW if we assume that both metrics have the same distribution of measurement errors. We recommend ISW as the preferred alternative metric in the assessment of large skate. The ISW will probably yield measurements that are equivalent, or potentially superior, to traditional metrics because the measurement is taken from body parts devoid of worn‐off portions.

Received December 30, 2011; accepted June 13, 2013
The Myth of Mediterranean Familism
Authors: Calzada Ines , Brooks Clem
Published: September 2013

This article seeks to re-open the consensus concerning the interrelationship between family values and public support for government versus private family provision. We offer new results from analyses of 2001 data from the International Social Survey Programme for a wide range of countries and world regions. Refining conventional scholarly wisdom, Southern European publics' have high levels of traditional family values, but mainly in contrast to other European countries; familism is also notably strong in Eastern Europe and several of the English-speaking democracies. Even more surprising, family values support is strongly and positively associated with support for public child care provision. We discuss implications of results for understanding the nature of public attitudes and familism in cross-national perspective, and the limits of theorizing identifying family values as the primary cause of welfare state development in Southern Europe.
Abundance and Distribution of Sharks in Northeast Florida Waters and Identification of Potential Nursery Habitat
Authors: McCallister Michael , Ford Ryan , Gelsleichter James
Published: September 2013

Sharks are considered top predators in many marine ecosystems and can play an important role in structuring community ecology. As a result, it is necessary to understand the factors that influence their abundance and distribution. This is particularly important as fishery managers develop management plans for sharks that identify areas that serve as essential fish habitat, especially nursery habitat. However, our understanding of shark habitat use in northeast Florida waters is limited. The goal of this study was to characterize the abundance and distribution of sharks in northeast Florida estuaries and to examine the effect of abiotic factors on shark habitat use. A bottom longline survey conducted from 2009 to 2011 indicated that 11 shark species use the estuarine waters of northeast Florida during the summer months. Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, Blacktip Sharks Carcharhinus limbatus, and Bonnetheads Sphyrna tiburo were the most abundant species and made up 81.4% of the total catch. Site, month, and bottom water temperature were the most important factors determining the presence and abundance of sharks and suggest both regional and seasonal variations in the use of northeast Florida waters. Depth, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were also important factors. Our data show that these waters serve as a nursery for Atlantic Sharpnose and Blacktip Sharks, with young-of-the-year and juveniles being present in the summer months. Limited tag–return data reveal that juvenile sharks remain in these waters throughout the summer and that some return in subsequent summers. This is the first study to characterize the abundance and distribution of sharks and identify potential nursery areas in northeast Florida estuaries.

Received October 10, 2012; accepted March 7, 2013
A note on dimension of triangulated categories
Authors: Minamoto Hiroyuki
Published: September 2013

In this note we study the behavior of the dimension of the perfect derived category

Perf
⁡
(
A
)

\operatorname {Perf}(A)

of a dg-algebra

A
A

over a field

k
k

under a base field extension

K

/

k

K/k

. In particular, we show that the dimension of a perfect derived category is invariant under a separable algebraic extension

K

/

k

K/k

. As an application we prove the following statement: Let

A
A

be a self-injective algebra over a perfect field

k
k

. If the dimension of the stable category

mod

_

A

\underline {\textrm {mod}}A

is

0
0

, then

A
A

is of finite representation type. This theorem is proved by M. Yoshiwaki in the case when

k
k

is an algebraically closed field. Our proof depends on his result.
INSECT: IN-silico SEarch for Co-occurring Transcription factors
Authors: Rohr Cristian O. , Parra R. Gonzalo , Yankilevich Patricio , Perez-Castro Carolina
Published: September 2013

Motivation: Transcriptional regulation occurs through the concerted actions of multiple transcription factors (TFs) that bind cooperatively to cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) of genes. These CRMs usually contain a variable number of transcription factor-binding sites (TFBSs) involved in related cellular and physiological processes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) has been effective in detecting TFBSs and nucleosome location to identify potential CRMs in genome-wide studies. Although several attempts were previously reported to predict the potential binding of TFs at TFBSs within CRMs by comparing different ChIP-seq data, these have been hampered by excessive background, usually emerging as a consequence of experimental conditions. To understand these complex regulatory circuits, it would be helpful to have reliable and updated user-friendly tools to assist in the identification of TFBSs and CRMs for gene(s) of interest.

Results: Here we present INSECT (IN-silico SEarch for Co-occurring Transcription factors), a novel web server for identifying potential TFBSs and CRMs in gene sequences. By combining several strategies, INSECT provides flexible analysis of multiple co-occurring TFBSs, by applying differing search schemes and restriction parameters.

Availability and implementation: INSECT is freely available as a web server at http://bioinformatics.ibioba-mpsp-conicet.gov.ar/INSECT

Contact:  cperezcastro@ibioba-mpsp-conicet.gov.ar or pyankilevich@ibioba-mpsp-conicet.gov.ar

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
OntoQuery: easy-to-use web-based OWL querying
Authors: Tudose Ilinca , Hastings Janna , Muthukrishnan Venkatesh , Owen Gareth , Turner Steve , Dekker Adriano , Kale Namrata , Ennis Marcus , Steinbeck Christoph
Published: September 2013

Summary: The Web Ontology Language (OWL) provides a sophisticated language for building complex domain ontologies and is widely used in bio-ontologies such as the Gene Ontology. The Protégé-OWL ontology editing tool provides a query facility that allows composition and execution of queries with the human-readable Manchester OWL syntax, with syntax checking and entity label lookup. No equivalent query facility such as the Protégé Description Logics (DL) query yet exists in web form. However, many users interact with bio-ontologies such as chemical entities of biological interest and the Gene Ontology using their online Web sites, within which DL-based querying functionality is not available. To address this gap, we introduce the OntoQuery web-based query utility.

Availability and implementation: The source code for this implementation together with instructions for installation is available at http://github.com/IlincaTudose/OntoQuery. OntoQuery software is fully compatible with all OWL-based ontologies and is available for download (CC-0 license). The ChEBI installation, ChEBI OntoQuery, is available at http://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/tools/ontoquery.

Contact: hastings@ebi.ac.uk
PAVIS: a tool for

P

eak

A

nnotation and

Vis

ualization
Authors: Huang Weichun , Loganantharaj Rasiah , Schroeder Bryce , Fargo David , Li Leping
Published: September 2013

Summary: We introduce a web-based tool, Peak Annotation and Visualization (PAVIS), for annotating and visualizing ChIP-seq peak data. PAVIS is designed with non-bioinformaticians in mind and presents a straightforward user interface to facilitate biological interpretation of ChIP-seq peak or other genomic enrichment data. PAVIS, through association with annotation, provides relevant genomic context for each peak, such as peak location relative to genomic features including transcription start site, intron, exon or 5′/3′-untranslated region. PAVIS reports the relative enrichment P-values of peaks in these functionally distinct categories, and provides a summary plot of the relative proportion of peaks in each category. PAVIS, unlike many other resources, provides a peak-oriented annotation and visualization system, allowing dynamic visualization of tens to hundreds of loci from one or more ChIP-seq experiments, simultaneously. PAVIS enables rapid, and easy examination and cross-comparison of the genomic context and potential functions of the underlying genomic elements, thus supporting downstream hypothesis generation.

Availability and Implementation: PAVIS is publicly accessed at http://manticore.niehs.nih.gov/pavis.

Contact:  li3@niehs.nih.gov

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online
Characteristics of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli isolated from healthy carriers and from patients with diarrhoea
Authors: Nüesch-Inderbinen Magdalena T. , Hofer Eveline , Hächler Herbert , Beutin Lothar , Stephan Roger
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the virulence characteristics and phylogenetic features of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) strains from adults with and without diarrhoea and to search for associations between the analysed genes and carrier or diarrhoeagenic strains, respectively. Faecal samples of 487 healthy humans were screened for EAEC strains and compared with isolates from diarrhoeal patients. Virulence and virulence-associated gene typing, serotyping, multilocus sequence typing and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed for characterization of the isolates. Characteristics significantly linked to carrier strains or to diarrhoeagenic strains were determined. From 487 stool samples, 24 EAEC strains were obtained. Comparison with strains originating from diseased persons showed a statistically significant association of the genes sat (P = 0.002) and agg3C (P = 0.0139) with the carrier strains, and of pCVD432 (P = 0.0001), aap (P = 0.003), aggR (P = 0.0048) and air (P = 0.031) with the diarrhoeagenic strains. Our study indicates that a certain subset of EAEC is unrelated to diarrhoea, for which sat and agg3C may be markers. Our results further suggest that diarrhoeagenic EAEC strains are distinguishable from carrier strains and suggest that, in addition to well-established markers such as pCVD432 and aggR, aap and air may be useful additional markers to define EAEC as an aetiological agent of diarrhoea in adults.
Seroprevalence of Chlamydia infection in pigs in Jiangxi province, south-eastern China
Authors: Jiang H. H. , Huang S. Y. , Zhang W. B. , Zhao L. , Xu C. M. , Deng S. Z. , Zhu X. Q.
Published: September 2013

Chlamydia are Gram-negative obligate bacteria that cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. To assess the risk of zoonosis posed by pigs, a total of 920 serum samples were collected from pigs in 11 administrative cities in Jiangxi province, south-eastern China, and the seroprevalence of Chlamydia antibodies was investigated by an indirect haemagglutination assay. The pathogen-specific antibodies were detected in 539 (58.59 %) pigs with seroprevalence ranging from 33.33 % (Jingdezhen) to 90.91 % (Pingxiang) among different cities (P<0.05). The highest prevalence was found in pregnant sows (80.89 %, 127/157), followed by breeding boars (79.37 %, 50/63), suckling sows (77.01 %, 67/87), fattening pigs (69.32 %, 61/88) and non-pregnant sows (62.5 %, 180/288). Piglets had the lowest prevalence of 22.78 % (54/237). The seroprevalence of Chlamydia infection among different categories of pigs was also significantly different (P<0.05). These results indicate that Chlamydia is highly prevalent in pigs in Jiangxi province and our results indicate that the presence of Chlamydia exposure in pigs may pose a potential threat to human health.
Regulation of constitutive and alternative splicing by PRMT5 reveals a role for Mdm4 pre-mRNA in sensing defects in the spliceosomal machinery
Authors: Bezzi Marco , Teo Shun Xie , Muller Julius , Mok Wei Chuen , Sahu Sanjeeb Kumar , Vardy Leah A. , Bonday Zahid Q. , Guccione Ernesto
Published: September 2013

The tight control of gene expression at the level of both transcription and post-transcriptional RNA processing is essential for mammalian development. We here investigate the role of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), a putative splicing regulator and transcriptional cofactor, in mammalian development. We demonstrate that selective deletion of PRMT5 in neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) leads to postnatal death in mice. At the molecular level, the absence of PRMT5 results in reduced methylation of Sm proteins, aberrant constitutive splicing, and the alternative splicing of specific mRNAs with weak 5′ donor sites. Intriguingly, the products of these mRNAs are, among others, several proteins regulating cell cycle progression. We identify Mdm4 as one of these key mRNAs that senses the defects in the spliceosomal machinery and transduces the signal to activate the p53 response, providing a mechanistic explanation of the phenotype observed in vivo. Our data demonstrate that PRMT5 is a master regulator of splicing in mammals and uncover a new role for the Mdm4 pre-mRNA, which could be exploited for anti-cancer therapy.
Economic recovery from natural disaster
Authors: Sardana G.D. , Dasanayaka W.S.B.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse as to how the benefits to Tsunami affected small industry were misplaced and carried wrong priorities. Besides the support provided was insufficient for an effective recovery. There existed many governance‐related problems. Overall recovery was at a low figure of 64.8 percent. The occurrence of the natural disaster of this high magnitude leaves a trail of lessons to be learnt by both the government agencies and also the donor community. There was no shortage of either the funds or the commodities, but it was sadly the governance and the sensitivity to the suffering of the people.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed the proven methodologies of a survey of available literature, web sites, and publications to obtain secondary data and information on industry especially the micro and SMEs in areas of disaster damage occurred because of Tsunami. The second methodology of research is in areas of collection of data on industry at national level and categorization for selection of sample size. Interviews formed an important source of information. Interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders conducting various rehabilitation and re‐establishment programmes.

Findings

Micro and SMEs are important for economic development of Sri Lanka. These carry a strategic importance to generate employment. As such rehabilitation of industry affected by Tsunami is vital. Tsunami could have been used by the government, development agencies and donors as opportunity for rebuilding on modern lines. The main damage was caused to the plant and machinery. A right expenditure should have been in the direction of procurement of tools, equipment and machinery for the affected units. Unfortunately the help could not be organized to reach the right industry, in right quantity, and right way. Surprisingly, it was not because of shortage of funds.

Originality/value

The present case leaves lessons for development agencies, government departments and welfare associations. No such extensive study seems to have carried out.
Teacher improvement through peer teacher evaluation in Kenyan schools
Authors: Wilfrida Arnodah Itolondo
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This article aims to assess the awareness among educators of strategies put in place for peer teacher evaluation (PTE), and training opportunities availed to them in relation to PTE.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was conducted in secondary schools in three selected districts of Western Province of Kenya using a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from school principals, senior teachers, heads of departments and teachers using questionnaires, interview schedules and a document analysis guide.

Findings

– The findings generally revealed that though all schools where PTE was practised had made some attempts to organise some awareness programmes, they were not focused as evidenced in the varied reasons that were provided to show why they were organised. The study also established that less than half of the teachers had been exposed to in-service training opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

– There is scarce literature based on empirical studies focusing on school-based teacher evaluation (SBTE). Most of the studies the author was able to access were descriptive and on teacher evaluation in general. Consequently, most recent studies in Kenya, for example, tend to focus on topical issues like HIV/AIDS, gender, Free primary education and how they impact on curriculum implementation while what goes on in the classrooms is ignored.

Practical implications

– Identifying and analysing awareness strategies and in-service teacher training related factors that hinder and/or promote PTE may help in strengthening the practice if the recommendations of this study are implemented. Findings of this study if accessed may provide information to policy makers both at national, local and school levels in Kenya on the practice of PTE. National and local policy gives legality to PTE while school policy directs the process and procedures for the practice at school level. This study also provides a theoretical knowledge that precedes the practice of PTE.

Social implications

– Peer Teacher Evaluation embraces characteristics such as collaboration, collegiality and dialogue and so can enhance positive working relationships among teachers. Teachers in the classroom are known to maintain cultural norms of privacy and individualism. Peer Teacher Evaluation being teachers evaluating each other, therefore, removes the culture of privacy and individualism. If well practised, it may promote rapport and trust among teachers.

Originality/value

– The study analysed the level of awareness and in-service training of teachers on PTE which is one of the modes of SBTE in secondary schools with the purpose of coming up with suggestions that may help bring about improvement in the practice in order to strengthen it in schools.
Title by registration or conquest
Authors: Dixon Martin
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether title to land is secure in England and Wales when registered under the Land Registration Act 2002, in particular when a title is registered without the proprietor being able to establish good title under pre‐registration rules of property law.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses reported judgments, with particular emphasis on the decision in Walker v. Burton [2012].

Findings

The paper identifies an uncertainty at the heart of the registration system: the uncertainty as to the extent to which a registered title may be rectified to remove the proprietor. This is acute when it appears that the registered proprietor has no claim to the land other than by reason of his registration. There may be a difference in this regard between intangible property titles and tangible titles.

Originality/value

The Land Registration Act 2002 is meant to replace registration of title with title by registration. The real force of this is only now being realised and there are few reported judgements, and less consistency, working out what this means in practice.
Management agreements in multi‐unit housing developments
Authors: Nathanael Gibbons Thomas
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper applies existing theoretical models on management agreements for multi‐unit housing to a particular legislative provision and its application in a decided case. It then critiques that decision and makes recommendations for policymakers based on the application and scope of the provision. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A socio‐legal approach is taken, based on a case study of a statutory provision discussed in a decided case.

Findings

This paper identifies new phenomena in relation to management agreements for multi‐unit housing and makes recommendations for policymakers based on the case study. These recommendations relate to the wording of similar statutory provisions and to developers' duties to future owners.

Research limitations/implications

The case study is limited to a single legislative provision and single decided case, though some references are made to overseas jurisdictions.

Practical implications

The findings will help guide policymakers in other jurisdictions.

Originality/value

Through extending existing models relating to body corporate management agreements and “developer abuse” to a case study relating to legislative reform, this paper shows the usefulness and limitations of a particular type of reform. This will assist those applying existing models to other jurisdictions and also provide guidance for policymakers.
A comparative analysis of implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in the Mediterranean
Authors: Abela Alan , Hoxley Mike , McGrath Paddy , Goodhew Steve
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2002/91/EC introduced various obligatory requirements intended to achieve the reduction of use of energy resources in buildings. This directive had to be transposed into national legislation by the EU member states. Concurrently the European Committee for Standardisation developed a number of technical standards to assist member states to define the methodology for the calculation of the energy performance of buildings. The purpose of this paper is to present a comparative review of the relationship between the European directive and the standards, and the different country legislation and methodologies that have been implemented in Malta, Italy, Spain and Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a review of national legislation in the four states. Reference is also made to publications by the Concerted Action for the EPBD and to related publications by the national bodies responsible for the implementation of the EPBD. These include the Ministry for Economic Development in Italy, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism in Cyprus, the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs in Malta, and the Ministries of Industry Tourism and Commerce and of Housing in Spain.

Findings

This paper analyses and compares the implementation of the directive using the above‐mentioned sources. In so doing, it focuses on general principles rather than on the specific technical requirements for the calculation method in the various states. The paper then considers the implementation of these general principles within each state before finally drawing conclusions about whether legislation relating to the original Directive 2002/91/EC is meeting its objectives and the implications relating to the requirements of the recast Directive 2010/31/EC.

Research limitations/implications

The introduction of the directive in the states considered has taken place slowly and gradually over the last three to four years. There are few publications relating to the actual implementation of the directive, and this limits the possibility of comparison of sources.

Originality/value

The relationship between the EPBD and the milder climate experienced in the Mediterranean is considered to be of great importance, particularly since world temperatures are slowly rising. However, it is acknowledged that insufficient research has been carried out on the energy performance of buildings in this region. This paper investigates the existing legal structures that have been put into place to implement the EPBD and the effectiveness of this implementation to date.
Green supply chain management practices and performance
Authors: Laosirihongthong Tritos , Adebanjo Dotun , Choon Tan Keah
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the deployment of pro‐active and re‐active practices in the implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) and analyze their impact on environmental, economic, and intangible performance by considering business strategy as organizational focus.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 190 ISO 14001 certified manufacturing companies in Thailand and used to test the research hypotheses. Factor analysis was used to examine the construct validity while multivariate linear regression was used to test criteria validity.

Findings

The threat of legislation and regulation (re‐active practices) was a consideration that resulted in companies enhancing their environmental, economic, and intangible performance. Reverse logistics practices (pro‐active practices) had low levels of adoption and do not have a significant impact on GSCM performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not consider some aspects of organizational culture interaction between key customers and suppliers in the supply chain.

Originality/value

The results of this study suggest that organizations need to be aware that pursuing a low‐cost strategy may impact negatively on their ability to invest in GSCM.
The use of iPocket coach in business education
Authors: Girard Tulay , C. Litzinger Rachel , M. Lennon Mark
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a review of an iPad application called iPocket Coach that can be used with a mobile device in business education.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper discusses the educational benefits of this application for classroom use and develops a pedagogical exercise by which students can build interpersonal skills.

Findings

– The iPocket Coach can not only be used to develop skills but learn about common management issues involving conflict resolutions, personal development, providing constructive feedback, interviewing, performance evaluations, promotions, rewards, and terminations.

Originality/value

– The exercise developed can be used in a consumer behavior or sales management course that teaches students how to handle difficult customers.
Psychopathy and criminal behaviour: a psychosocial research perspective
Authors: Dhingra Katie , Boduszek Daniel
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a critical review of the psychopathy literature, with a particular focus on recent research examining the relationship between psychopathy and various forms of criminal behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide an overview of the studies conducted to date. To identify relevant published studies for this review, literature searches were completed using Web of Science, Scopus, PsychINFO, and PubMed.

Findings

Substantial empirical research exists to suggest that psychopathy is a robust predictor of criminal behaviour and recidivism. Furthermore, considerable support for the assertion that the violence perpetrated by psychopathic offenders is more instrumental than the violence committed by other offenders was found. In addition, some research suggests that the greater use of instrumental violence among psychopathic offenders may be due to the interpersonal/affective traits of psychopathy, and not the impulsive/antisocial traits.

Originality/value

The current paper is the first to provide an in‐depth review of the literature examining the association between psychopathy and criminal offending with a particular focus on violent and homicidal behaviour.
The perceived value of Chinese expatriates’ career capital: a symbolic capital perspective
Authors: Yao Christian
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The existing expatriation literature confirms that international assignments (IAs) are an essential tool for developing international talent and global managers but relevant studies are conducted mainly in western developed contexts and neglect the effects on individuals from less developed countries such as China. This paper explores the concept of career and symbolic capital in Chinese multinational company context. It investigates the value of IAs by exploring the relationships between career capital and symbolic capital.

Design/methodology/approach

– Twenty-eight semi-structured interviews with Chinese expatriates were conducted.

Findings

– Results suggest that the value of individual career capital from IAs depends on the contexts and how different parties perceive the value. A model comprising individual, organisational and social dimensions are proposed along with mediating factors that affect the effectiveness of value transfer between career capital and symbolic capital. Implications are rehearsed, exposing areas for further research.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the literature by investigating the notion of career in an important but under-researched sample: Chinese expatriates. It helps to gain a better understanding on Chinese multinational companies and their employees.
Managing non-standard international experience: evidence from a Finnish company
Authors: Suutari Vesa , Brewster Chris , Riusala Kimmo , Syrjäkari Salla
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper extends the increasing debates about the role of international experience through mechanisms other than standard expatriation packages, in particular through the use of short-term assignments. It explores the different forms of short-term assignments (project work, commuter assignments, virtual international working and development assignments) and the different sets of positive and negative implications these can have for the company and the individuals concerned. The integration-differentiation debate is reflected here as elsewhere in IHRM, with the company moving towards greater centralization and control of its use of these assignments.

Design/methodology/approach

– Since the research is exploratory, we adopted a qualitative approach to get a more in-depth understanding on the realities the corporations and the assignees are facing. The study was implemented through a single case study setting in which the data were collected by interviewing (n=20) line managers, human resource management (HRM) staff and assignees themselves. In addition corporate documentation and other materials were reviewed.

Findings

– The present case study provides evidence about the characteristics of short-term assignments as well as the on the management of such assignments. The paper identifies various benefits and challenges involved in the use of short-term assignments both from the perspectives of the company and assignees. Furthermore, the findings support the view that a recent increase in the popularity of short-term assignments has not been matched by the development of HRM policies for such assignments.

Research limitations/implications

– As a single case study, limitations in the generalizability of the findings should be kept in mind. More large-scale research evidence is needed around different forms of international assignments beyond standard expatriation in order to fully capture the realities faced by international HRM specialists

Practical implications

– The paper identifies many challenges but also benefits of using short-term assignments. The paper reports in-depth findings on HR development needs that organizations face when expanding the use of such assignments.

Social implications

– The paper identifies many challenges but also benefits of using short-term assignments. The paper reports in-depth findings on HR development needs that organizations face when expanding the use of such assignments.

Originality/value

– Empirical research on short-term assignments is still very limited. In that way the paper provides much needed in-depth evidence on why such assignments are used, what challenges are involved in the use of such assignments and what kinds of HR-development needs are involved.
Corporate social responsibility and organizational commitment
Authors: Nejati Mehran , Ghasemi Sasan
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper investigated how perception of organization's social responsibility influenced employees' organizational commitment (OC). Besides, the moderation effect of importance of ethics and social responsibility (ICSR) has been investigated on the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses from 142 business professionals working in Iran have been investigated. Exploratory factor analysis, reliability assessment and regression were applied to analyze the data.

Findings

This research indicated that corporate social responsibility (CSR) positively influenced OC of employees. However, no moderation effect was observed in this study.

Research limitations/implications

This study provided support for Turker's model in a different setting and added to the body of knowledge in this area by investigating Iranian context which has been rarely discussed in the literature.

Practical implications

The findings of this research confirmed that employees show higher commitment when working in socially responsible organization. It also showed that all the four categories of CSR examined in this study (CSR to social and non‐social stakeholders, CSR to employees, CSR to customers, and CSR to government) significantly affect OC.

Social implications

The findings of this research confirmed that employees show higher commitment when working in socially responsible organization. It also showed that all the four categories of CSR examined in this study (CSR to social and non‐social stakeholders, CSR to employees, CSR to customers, and CSR to government) significantly affect OC.

Originality/value

Given that most of previous studies on CSR‐OC relationship are conducted in Western and European settings, this study provides insights from a culturally different context by examining the relationship in a developing country where CSR is still at its infancy levels. The paper also provides empirical support for a recently proposed CSR model and validates it in a different setting.
Encountering the displaced child
Authors: Kazanjian Christopher , Choi Su‐Jin
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper discusses psychologist Clark Moustakas' concept of loneliness and argues that it is relevant and applicable to engaging displaced children.

Design/methodology/approach

The number of youth compulsorily displaced has reached record levels in the world's history. Loneliness may be a pervading element in the displaced child's life. This paper argues that those working with children have the ability to empower displaced children with the existential lonely experience.

Findings

Strategies regarding how to initially engage the displaced child are discussed as a means to help the child enter the existential lonely realm.

Originality/value

This paper has great value as many individuals, especially teachers are encountering displaced youth. This paper believes that those that work with displaced youth need to revisit Moustakas' understanding of existential loneliness as a means to help these youth find a safe place.
An analysis of user‐generated content for hotel experiences
Authors: Barreda Albert , Bilgihan Anil
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The broad goal of the study is to determine how travelers communicate in the cyberspace in relation to their positive and negative experiences they had when staying in a particular hotel. Further goals of this study include identifying the main themes that motivate consumers to evaluate hotel experiences in online environments and categorize the most frequently mentioned areas in the online hotel reviews.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis techniques were applied by using the software tool NVivo 8 in order to analyze comments extracted using an automated web spider. The spider extracted qualitative data in the form of reviews and comments and quantitative data in the form of demographic information and ratings. The reviews were considered as a primary data for analysis, these reviews portrayed both positive and negative experiences. During this process, the spider collected data on 3,124 hotels and 17,357 traveler reviews from the TripAdvisor site.

Findings

By reviewing and understanding traveler comments of their hotel experiences, managers could gain knowledge concerning which element influence to form a positive brand image. Cleanliness of the hotel generally is a common concern in traveler's expectations. Words about deficiency of cleanliness (dirty) appeared more regularly when travelers write negative reviews about the hotel. Travelers showed to be more likely to write positive reviews of hotels with convenient location to good areas such as attractions, shopping, airports, and restaurants. The data in this research shows that travelers can be positively influenced by quality of service received a friendly and well trained staff. When travelers are pleased with the quality of human contact offerings of a well‐trained employee, they tend to feel more satisfied and to form a positive brand image that it is translated into a positive review.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations could be listed using a relatively small sample size, and a relatively limited geographical capacity. Future studies are advised to include bigger sample sizes and also advised to explore a diverse pool of geographical.

Originality/value

The study identifies the possible areas that hoteliers need to pay close attention to improve service. Further, it is one of the first studies in hospitality that highlights strategies to create and reinforce brand image by using online reviews.
An exploratory study of strategic leadership in churches
Authors: Grandy Gina
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to extend the notion of strategic leadership, that which has been primarily applied to for profit organizations, to nonprofits, specifically the church setting.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research employs a case study methodology and draws primarily upon qualitative data collected from interviews and observation.

Findings

– The findings reveal that over the past several years, the organization and its members have undergone a number of incremental and more radical changes. Much of this change has been attributed to the vision and leadership style of the current leader. Four key themes illuminate the processes and content of change under this strategic leader, including unsettlingly the status quo, model of shared leadership, shared vision and culture of community and learning.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings are based upon one case study site and this limits the generalizability of the research. In addition, exposure to the organization was limited to short periods of time on-site and the sample size was relatively small.

Practical implications

– Achieving success in nonprofits requires leaders to have an intimate understanding of the complex nature of stakeholder relations and measuring success needs to be multi-dimensional in nature and linked directly to the mission and context of the organization, rather than based solely on generic measures.

Originality/value

– There is limited research to date that examines the applicability of leadership theories that have been traditionally applied to for profit and public sector organizations to nonprofits. The research extends the notion of strategic leadership from the for profit setting to nonprofit organizations generally, and more specifically to the church setting.
The “control tower” approach to optimising complex service delivery performance
Authors: Meekings Alan , Briault Steve
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is two-fold: first, to bring into sharper focus the role of organisational performance management both for “exploring the future to deliver better outcomes” and “learning from the past to improve the future”; and second, to introduce the control tower approach to optimising complex service delivery performance, explaining how this approach is derived from a unique combination of lean thinking and connected performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a practitioner paper based on extensive practical experience.

Findings

– While the tools and techniques of “exploring the future to deliver better outcomes” may be less common than those for “learning from the past to improve the future”, they offer significant benefits, particularly in complex service delivery situations.

Research limitations/implications

– It has not, so far, been possible to find organisations willing and able to participate in a quasi-controlled experiment to explore how organisations which implement the control tower approach actually perform in relation to others that do not. However, the authors hope this paper will help move thinking forward in the field of complex service delivery, and perhaps inform future academic research.

Practical implications

– The control tower approach offers significant opportunities to improve service delivery performance, not just within healthcare but across all sectors where service delivery is complex and important.

Social implications

– The improvement of complex service delivery performance offers huge social benefits for all stakeholders, including customers, providers (and their staff) and society as a whole, notably through improved outcomes and efficiency.

Originality/value

– Although the value of “learning from the past to improve the future” in organisational performance management terms is widely understood, the value of “exploring the future to deliver better outcomes” is much less well known. Hence, this paper highlights a perspective of real practical significance.
Developing a dominant logic of strategic innovation
Authors: Sammut‐Bonnici Tanya , Paroutis Sotirios
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to lay the foundations to develop a dominant logic and a common thematic framework of strategic innovation (SI) and to encourage consensus over the field's core foundation of main themes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the intersection between the constituent fields of strategic management and innovation management through a concept mapping process. The paper categorizes the main themes and search for common ground in order to develop the core thematic framework of SI. The paper looks at the sub‐themes of SI in published research and develops a more detailed framework. The conceptual categories derived from the process are then placed in a logical sequence according to how they occur in practice or in the order of how the concepts develop from one other.

Findings

The results yield seven main themes that form the main taxonomy of SI: types of SI, environmental analysis of SI, SI planning, enabling SI, collaborative networks, managing knowledge, and strategic outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The new thematic framework the paper is proposing for SI remains preliminary in nature and would need to be tried and tested by researchers and practitioners in order to gain acceptability. Academic rigor and methodological structure are not sufficient to determine whether our conceptual framework will become widely diffused in academia and industry. It would have to pass through an emergent, evolutionary process of selection, adoption and an inevitable degree of change and adaptation, just like any other innovation.

Practical implications

The practical implications concern the production of instructive material and the application of strategic management initiatives in industry. The proposed themes and sub‐themes can serve as a logical framework to develop and update publications, which have been instrumental in their own right to shape the field. The paper also provides a checklist of potential research projects in SI, which will improve and strengthen the field. The new framework provides a comprehensive checklist of strategic management initiatives that will help industry to initiate, plan and execute effective innovation strategies.

Originality/value

The concept mapping of the themes of SI yields a new dominant logic, which will influence the evolution of the field and its relevance to both academia and industry.