bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of hypergeometric distribution for estimating adventitious presence of GM traits in small seed lots may be misleading
Authors: Herman Rod A. , Robbins Kelly R.
Published: May 2013

Testing for the unintended or adventitious presence (AP) of genetically modified (GM) events in seed lots is a common practice to comply with regulatory requirements and good stewardship practices. A subsample of a seed lot is typically tested for AP levels, and then statistical methods are used to estimate the upper level of AP in the remainder of the lot with a given level of confidence. For large seed lots, a binomial distribution is typically assumed, but for seed lots where the tested sample is a substantial proportion of the overall seed lot, a hypergeometric distribution is typically assumed. Due to the destructive nature of AP seed testing, we suggest that this latter method may overestimate confidence of low AP in the remaining seed.
In Situ Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy in Liquids
Authors: Holtz Megan E. , Yu Yingchao , Gao Jie , Abruña Héctor D. , Muller David A.
Published: May 2013

In situ scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) through liquids is a promising approach for exploring biological and materials processes. However, options for in situ chemical identification are limited: X-ray analysis is precluded because the liquid cell holder shadows the detector and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) is degraded by multiple scattering events in thick layers. Here, we explore the limits of EELS in the study of chemical reactions in their native environments in real time and on the nanometer scale. The determination of the local electron density, optical gap, and thickness of the liquid layer by valence EELS is demonstrated. By comparing theoretical and experimental plasmon energies, we find that liquids appear to follow the free-electron model that has been previously established for solids. Signals at energies below the optical gap and plasmon energy of the liquid provide a high signal-to-background ratio regime as demonstrated for LiFePO4 in an aqueous solution. The potential for the use of valence EELS to understand in situ STEM reactions is demonstrated for beam-induced deposition of metallic copper: as copper clusters grow, EELS develops low-loss peaks corresponding to metallic copper. From these techniques, in situ imaging and valence EELS offer insights into the local electronic structure of nanoparticles and chemical reactions.
The effect of antenatal factors and postnatal growth on serum adiponectin levels in children
Authors: Boyne M. S. , Thompson D. S. , Osmond C. , Fraser R. A. , Thame M. M. , Taylor-Bryan C. , Soares-Wynter S. , Forrester T. E.
Published: May 2013

Low levels of serum adiponectin (i.e. hypoadiponectinaemia) are a marker of cardiometabolic risk in overweight children. It is not clear whether early-life factors may play a role in the development of hypoadiponectinaemia. We investigated whether antenatal factors and postnatal growth are associated with childhood adiponectin levels. This was an observational study in a birth cohort (Vulnerable Windows Cohort Study). Anthropometry was measured at birth, at 6 weeks, every 3 months up to 2 years and then every 6 months. Fasting glucose, insulin, lipids and adiponectin were measured at a mean age 11.5 years. Data on 323 children were analysed with age- and sex-adjusted multivariate analyses. The sizes of mother, placenta, fetus and newborn were not significantly associated with adiponectin levels. Current weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, waist circumference, glucose, insulin resistance [homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)], triglycerides and systolic blood pressure were inversely related to adiponectin (P < 0.05). Faster growth in BMI during late infancy and childhood was associated with lower adiponectin levels (P < 0.05). After adjusting for current waist circumference, faster growth in BMI during early infancy was positively associated with adiponectin (P < 0.01). Faster growth in BMI during childhood was inversely associated (P < 0.001). These associations were similar after adjusting for HOMA-IR. We concluded that antenatal factors are not determinants of childhood adiponectin levels. Faster growth in BMI during infancy is associated with higher levels, whereas faster rates during childhood are associated with hypoadiponectinaemia. Hypoadiponectinaemia is a marker of a more adverse cardiometabolic profile in Afro-Caribbean children.
Living in a tinderbox: wildfire risk perceptions and mitigating behaviours
Authors: Champ Patricia A. , Donovan Geoffrey H. , Barth Christopher M.
Published: May 2013

The loss of homes to wildfires is an important issue in the USA and other countries. Yet many homeowners living in fire-prone areas do not undertake mitigating actions, such as clearing vegetation, to decrease the risk of losing their home. To better understand the complexity of wildfire risk-mitigation decisions and the role of perceived risk, we conducted a survey of homeowners in a fire-prone area of the front range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. We examine the relationship between perceived wildfire risk ratings and risk-mitigating behaviours in two ways. First, we model wildfire risk-mitigation behaviours as a function of perceived risk. Then, we model wildfire risk-mitigation behaviours and perceived risk simultaneously. The results of the simultaneous model suggest that perceived risk and wildfire risk-mitigating behaviours are jointly determined. By correctly specifying the relationship between risk perceptions and mitigating behaviours, we are better able to understand the relationship between other factors, such as exposure to a wildfire-mitigation program and wildfire risk-mitigating behaviours. We also find that having a wood roof, as well as homeowner age, income and previous experience with living in a fire-prone area, are associated with wildfire risk-mitigating behaviours.
Operads of moduli spaces of points in ℂ^{𝕕}
Authors: Westerland Craig
Published: May 2013

We compute the structure of the homology of an operad built from the spaces

T
H

d
,
n

\mathrm {TH}_{d, n}

of configurations of points in

C

d

\mathbb {C}^d

, modulo translation and homothety. We find that it is a mild generalization of Getzler’s gravity operad, which occurs in dimension

d
=
1

d=1

.
The 𝑎-numbers of Jacobians of Suzuki curves
Authors: Friedlander Holley , Garton Derek , Malmskog Beth , Pries Rachel , Weir Colin
Published: May 2013

Form∈Nm \in {\mathbb N}, letSmS_mbe the Suzuki curve defined overF22m+1\mathbb {F}_{2^{2m+1}}. It is well-known thatSmS_mis supersingular, but thepp-torsion group scheme of its Jacobian is not known. Theaa-number is an invariant of the isomorphism class of thepp-torsion group scheme. In this paper, we compute a closed formula for theaa-number ofSmS_musing the action of the Cartier operator onH0(Sm,Ω1)H^0(S_m,\Omega ^1).
Limitwise monotonic sequences and degree spectra of structures
Authors: Kalimullin Iskander , Khoussainov Bakhadyr , Melnikov Alexander
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we study effective monotonic approximations of sets and sequences of sets. We show that there is a sequence of sets which has no uniform computable monotonic approximation but has an

x

\mathbf {x}

-computable monotonic approximation for every hyperimmune degree

x

\mathbf {x}

. We also construct a

Σ
2
0

\Sigma ^0_2

set which is not limitwise monotonic but is

x

\mathbf {x}

-limitwise monotonic relative to every non-zero

Δ
2
0

\Delta ^0_2

degree

x

\mathbf {x}

. We show that if a sequence of sets is uniformly limitwise monotonic in

x

\mathbf {x}

for all except countably many degrees

x

\mathbf {x}

, then it has to be uniformly limitwise monotonic. Finally, we apply these results to investigate degree spectra of abelian groups, equivalence relations, and

ℵ
1

\aleph _1

-categorical structures.
A note on the spaces of variable integrability and summability of Almeida and Hästö
Authors: Kempka Henning , Vybíral Jan
Published: May 2013

We address an open problem posed recently by Almeida and Hästö. They defined the spaces

ℓ

q
(
⋅
)

(

L

p
(
⋅
)

)

{\ell _{q(\cdot )}(L_{p(\cdot )})}

of variable integrability and summability and showed that

‖
⋅

|

ℓ

q
(
⋅
)

(

L

p
(
⋅
)

)

‖

\|\cdot |{\ell _{q(\cdot )}(L_{p(\cdot )})}\|

is a norm if

q
≥
1

q\ge 1

is constant almost everywhere or if

1

/

p
(
x
)
+
1

/

q
(
x
)
≤
1

1/p(x)+1/q(x)\le 1

for almost every

x
∈

R

n

x\in \mathbb {R}^n

. Nevertheless, the natural conjecture (expressed also by Almeida and Hästö) is that the expression is a norm if

p
(
x
)
,
q
(
x
)
≥
1

p(x),q(x)\ge 1

almost everywhere. We show that

‖
⋅

|

ℓ

q
(
⋅
)

(

L

p
(
⋅
)

)

‖

\|\cdot |{\ell _{q(\cdot )}(L_{p(\cdot )})}\|

is a norm if

1
≤
q
(
x
)
≤
p
(
x
)

1\le q(x)\le p(x)

for almost every

x
∈

R

n

x\in \mathbb {R}^n

. Furthermore, we construct an example of

p
(
x
)

p(x)

and

q
(
x
)

q(x)

with

min
(
p
(
x
)
,
q
(
x
)
)
≥
1

\min (p(x),q(x))\ge 1

for every

x
∈

R

n

x\in \mathbb {R}^n

such that the triangle inequality does not hold for

‖
⋅

|

ℓ

q
(
⋅
)

(

L

p
(
⋅
)

)

‖

\|\cdot |{\ell _{q(\cdot )}(L_{p(\cdot )})}\|

.
Fiduciary Duties and Responsibilities of Portfolio Managers
Authors: Valsan Remus D. , Yahya Moin A.
Published: May 2013

The rules governing persons occupying a fiduciary role form a dynamic area of law. With deep historical roots, fiduciary relations have expanded beyond the established categories such as trust-beneficiary, agent-principal, or director-corporation to include any person who has power or discretion over another's interests, coupled with an express or implied undertaking to act exclusively in the other's service. Managers of investment portfolios may be subject to fiduciary law's strict requirements in various capacities such as trustees, agents, financial advisers, or corporate directors. Although the default fiduciary rules are strict, courts and legislators have proved willing to take into account commercial realities and relax the standard prohibitions of conflict of interest by imposing lower benchmarks or by allowing parties to a fiduciary relation to contract out the proscriptive rules.
Measuring and Managing Market Risk
Authors: Kaserer Christoph
Published: May 2013

Market risk, which is caused by fluctuating market prices, is an extremely important risk not only for all institutional investors but also for large corporations and wealthy individuals. Therefore, the appropriate measurement and management of this risk is of considerable importance. This chapter examines market risk measurement models and their extensions contributed by the recent literature. The discussion begins by examining measures of risk in a mean-variance framework. Next, measures of risk at the asset level are discussed including the market model, factors models such as the Fama-French model, and duration models. This discussion is followed by an examination of measures of risk at the portfolio level including value at risk and conditional value at risk. Primary stylized facts emerging from this literature are discussed such as the fat tails phenomenon, volatility clustering, and serial correlation. Moreover, the necessity of integrating liquidity risk into risk management models is discussed as well. Finally, the impact of model risk is investigated as both a statistical problem and a management problem.
Why the Legend of the Killer Ape Never Dies
Authors: Sussman Robert W.
Published: May 2013

This chapter demonstrates how actual evidence does not support the Killer Ape view of humanity. It first considers some of features of this Western view of a violent human nature. It then reviews data from paleontology, primatology, psychology, neurophysiology, sociology, and ethnology that support an alternative view of human nature. It concludes that differences in the expression and frequency of violence among humans will ultimately be explained, mainly, by differences in their culture and enculturation, and in their environment, and not in their biology and genetics.
Chimpanzees, Warfare, and the Invention of Peace
Authors: Wilson Michael L.
Published: May 2013

This chapter reviews the evidence for warlike behavior in chimpanzees and discusses what these findings can tell us about human warfare. It begins with a review of the behavioral ecology of aggression, continues with an overview of the behavioral ecology of intergroup aggression in chimpanzees, and concludes with discussion of the implications for understanding the origins of war and prospects for peace in humans.
Evolution of Primate Peace
Authors: White Frances J. , Waller Michel T. , Boose Klaree J.
Published: May 2013

This chapter focuses on bonobos and chimpanzees, which not only represent our closest relatives but also encompass a wide spectrum of possible human behaviors. Understanding the circumstances under which an aggressive or an affiliative social system evolved provides a greater understanding of the importance of war and peace during human evolution and development. Chimpanzees appear to employ a despotic free distribution spatial arrangement both within and between communities, resulting in differential access to resources, unequal reproductive success, and inter- and intra-group aggression at times resulting in what can only be called intercommunity warfare. Bonobos do not show any of the components involved in lethal raiding. This is not to say that they are not territorial as there is evidence that suggests that groups may avoid community overlap areas, but they certainly do not take territoriality to the same level as chimpanzees.
Conflict Resolution in Nonhuman Primates and Human Children
Authors: Kempes Maaike , Sterck Liesbeth , de Castro Bram Orobio
Published: May 2013

Aggressive behavior in childhood poses a threat to society, since aggression tends to be quite stable in childhood, and aggressive children often become violent adults. One important prosocial mechanism to reduce the negative impact of aggression is reconciliation, which can be defined as friendly behavior between former opponents shortly after a conflict. This chapter stresses the importance of adequate reconciliation in keeping conflicts manageable and functional. Understanding the factors that influence reconciliation is essential to improve conflict management in children with and without disruptive behavior problems. Much knowledge on conflict management comes from animal studies. The chapter first presents the key results derived from animal studies before considering what is known about reconciliation, both in typically developing children and in those with aggressive behavior problems. Second, it highlights the importance of the social environment for the development of reconciliatory skills in both nonhuman primates and human children. Third, it discusses factors that may contribute to the ability to develop and effectively execute reconciliatory skills.
The Evolution of Agonism
Authors: Fry Douglas P. , Szala Anna
Published: May 2013

This chapter adopts an evolutionary perspective, placing human aggression in a phylogenetic context by considering the patterns of agonism not only in humans (focusing primarily on nomadic band societies) but also in other species, especially nonhuman primates. A cross-species perspective shows that intraspecific aggression among mammals in general, and in nonhuman primates in particular, is not characterized by lethal mayhem. Despite the obvious human capacity to make war, intraspecific agonism in humans actually reflects similar selection pressures as in other species—which might be expected given the consistency across mammalian orders of nonlethality as the pattern. In short, the chapter argues that the standard story line about war and violence being evolutionary adaptations is wrong for a number of reasons. Such a view makes very little evolutionary sense, firstly, when considered in phylogenetic perspective; secondly, when the patterns of agonism in an ancestral context are reconstructed using nomadic forager analogy; and, finally, when, for a long-lived species, fitness costs and benefits of extreme or lethal aggression are considered vis-à-vis those of restrained agonism. As in other mammalian species, the key principle in the evolution of human aggression is, in a word, restraint. The species-typical pattern of agonism in humans is the use of restraint, not an evolved proclivity toward homicide or warfare.
Between Species
Authors: Lundblad Michael
Published: May 2013

This chapter focuses on the sexual history of “the beast” in relation to human and nonhuman animals in the work of Jack London. Bringing together the work of theorists and historians such as Eve Sedgwick, Michel Foucault, and George Chauncey, the chapter illustrates how attention to the discourse of the jungle unsettles influential readings of The Call of the Wild (1903) and The Sea-Wolf (1904). While London might generally be seen as epitomizing the Darwinist-Freudian discourse of the jungle, erotic fireworks between species and between men in his work represent formulations of queer desire that illustrate alternative ways of thinking about animality. Many theorists continue to reinforce a construction of the beast or animality in general as inherently heterosexual, despite recent work by Chauncey, for example, that has uncovered queer human males self-identified as "wolves" at the turn of the century. The chapter concludes by considering alternative possibilities for thinking about pleasure between species, inspired by the work of London.
The Octopus and the Corporation
Authors: Lundblad Michael
Published: May 2013

This chapter explores new ways of thinking about the marketplace as a jungle at the turn of the twentieth century. While constructions of the corporation were increasingly framed within the Darwinist-Freudian jungle, many texts at that historical moment actually resisted that discourse, even if they simultaneously contributed to survival-of-the-fittest thinking. Herbert Spencer's influence on Andrew Carnegie's The Gospel of Wealth (1900), for example, reveals how a robber baron's ethic could contain residual Christian elements, as well as emergent jungle discourse, within the context of monopoly capitalism, labor struggle, and elite philanthropy. This chapter also focuses on the ways in which corporate exploitation could still be critiqued as monstrous, rather than “natural,” in works such as Frank Norris’s The Octopus (1901). Norris exemplifies an alternative construction of animality, with the central metaphor of the corporation as an octopus, that does not fit within the discourse of beasts fighting to survive in the jungle of the market.
The Working-Class Beast
Authors: Lundblad Michael
Published: May 2013

This chapter explores jungle discourse in terms of class relations at the turn of the twentieth century. The general shift from Protestant Christian thinking to the Darwinist-Freudian jungle is often seen as already in place at that historical moment. But constructions of the corporation were not necessarily animalized in ways we would recognize today. This chapter explores how class struggles could still be framed within Christian ethics, particularly for middle-class reformers and wealthy robber barons. This chapter argues that working-class laborers were the first to be animalized within the new discourse of the jungle. Further critical attention to constructions of class difference in Frank Norris's The Octopus (1901) and Upton Sinclair's The Jungle (1906) reveals how these texts simultaneously naturalize and resist this discourse. The seemingly unrelated public electrocution of a circus elephant at Coney Island in 1903 is shown to be a signifier of animalized class warfare.
In situSAXS studies of the formation of sodium jarosite
Authors: Brand Helen E. A. , Scarlett Nicola V. Y. , Grey Ian E. , Knott Robert B. , Kirby Nigel
Published: May 2013

This paper reports the results of time-resolved synchrotron small-angle scattering and powder diffraction experiments where natrojarosites were synthesizedin situin order to observe the species produced at the earliest stages of nucleation. The sample temperatures were 333, 353 and 368 K. These compounds were synthesized by co-precipitation from solution on the Small and Wide Angle Scattering and Powder Diffraction beamlines at the Australian Synchrotron. Scattering data were collected continuously throughout the syntheses. The results presented here show that the first particles to form in solution appear to be amorphous and nucleate on the walls of the reaction vessel. Crucially, there is a single nucleation event which forms particles with an elliptical disc morphology which then grow uniformly before natrojarosite crystallization is observed in complementary powder diffraction data. This nucleation event may represent the key to controlling the growth of jarosites in industrial and environmental settings.
Using digital strategies to manage print collections more efficiently: a case study
Authors: McCombs Gillian M.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the use of digital strategies in managing print collections more efficiently in a small research institution.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study which documents a four prong strategy that was used to manage collections as diverse as nineteenth century photographs, early twentieth century regional art, faculty conference papers, church history and student engaged learning initiatives.

Findings

It takes several years to build critical mass. Patience, partnerships and creativity are essential. Timing is often crucial. Changing the culture is necessary. A university mandate is required.

Originality/value

Sharing best practices is crucial in our profession. Although each institution is unique, we all have things we can learn from each other and tweak or adapt to our own environment. The important lessons here are in breaking down the digital projects into samplers and engaging users, donors and collectors to promote and support the work.
Providing access to historical documents through digitization
Authors: Chmielewska Barbara , Wróbel Agnieszka
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the beginnings and development of digitization processes in University of Warsaw Library by examining the digital library of e‐bUW.

Design/methodology/approach

The main method is the comparison to other similar actions within the country of Poland. The subject scope of the paper also includes a description of methods of presenting digitized collections to patrons.

Findings

It turned out that fair visibility of catalogue records of digitized material is possible mainly because the Library of Warsaw University is a member of Digital Libraries Federation (Federacja Bibliotek Cyfrowych). Since 2007 the collection has been visited by over 5 million readers.

Originality/value

The original value of the paper is made by presenting efforts of one country on an international level to a broader audience with special attention to individual solutions.
Collaborative storage of print serials in New Zealand
Authors: Renwick Helen
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to record a collaborative project in the management of legacy collections.

Design/methodology/approach

The eight New Zealand university libraries have a history of collaboration and sought a shared storage solution. It was agreed that a single copy of low‐use print serials would, in most cases, be sufficient for the country's research communities. The libraries have chosen to outsource storage to a commercial provider with facilities throughout the country.

Findings

The paper describes the background to the New Zealand situation, the process of reaching this decision and the challenges of implementation across a group of libraries, including the rationalisation of the eight collections to retain a single shared copy.

Originality/value

The case is relevant to library consortia undertaking collection management projects.
Effectiveness analysis of CALIS III Subject Librarian Literacy Training
Authors: Guo Jing , Huang Qinling , Gu Zhaoqian , Yu Xiaowei , Gao Xie , Tang Lihua
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of the subject librarian literacy training and put forward suggestions for the improvement of the subject librarian literacy training based on the satisfaction degree survey for the CALIS III Subject Librarian Literacy Training.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the satisfaction degree survey for the CALIS III Subject Librarian Literacy Training, this paper elaborates on the design of the survey, analyzes effectiveness of the training according to the survey results, and further advances suggestions for the enhancement of the subject librarian literacy training.

Findings

As an essential part of the library user service, subject services are highly demanding of subject librarians' literacy and capabilities. The subject librarians should thus own great abilities to be qualified for the innovative subject service work. Although the CALIS III Librarian Literacy Training and Qualification Certification Program, a vital executive program, has made great achievements, the training still needs to be further improved concerning the schedules, teaching atmosphere, training forms, training content, etc., to enhance the subject librarians' ability, raise the service standards and promote the fast and sound development of librarianship in China.

Originality/value

This paper offers detailed information on how to design a satisfaction degree survey for the subject librarian literacy training, analyzes the effectiveness of the librarian literacy training, and finally makes suggestions for the enhancement of the subject librarian literacy training.
Is energy performance capitalized in office building appraisals?
Authors: Bonde Magnus , Song Han‐Suck
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Since 2009, all commercial buildings in Sweden should have undergone an energy performance rating in accordance with the European Union directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings. The main purpose of this rating is to illustrate a building's energy performance in an easy, straightforward manner. In doing so, it becomes easier for the actors on the real estate market to assess the building's energy performance, which in the end should be reflected in the capital value of the property. The aim of this paper is to study the EU Energy Performance Certificates’ impact on office buildings’ capital values.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper an econometric approach is used to estimate the energy performance impact on buildings’ capital values. A panel data set was constructed using economic data from IPD Nordic and Energy Performance Certificates from the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning.

Findings

This study shows that a building's energy performance has no impact on its capital value.

Research limitations/implications

There may be a selection bias in the sample as the study is dependent on data from IPD Nordic.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers that study the EU Energy Performance Certificates’ impact on office buildings’ capital values in Sweden.
Antecedents and consequences of in‐store experiences based on an experiential typology
Authors: Yoon Sung‐Joon
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to verify the hypothetical relationships between antecedent and consequence variables of consumer's shopping experiences based on an experiential typology advocated by Schmitt.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the study takes a holistic view of shopping experiences by adopting three experiential components (sensory, affective, and rational) with a view to uncovering the roles of antecedent (shopping motives) and consequence (impulse buying) of shopping experiences. Specifically, the study seeks to affirm the effects of shopping motives on shopping experiences for three types of retail store (department store, discount store, and internet store) and two product types (perfume and detergent). Second, the study confirms whether store type and product type influence the kind of experience preferred by shoppers and verifies whether types of product and store moderate the relationship between shopping motives and shopping experiences. Thirdly, the study investigates the effects of shopping experiences on impulse buying, with special attention given to the role of store atmospherics.

Findings

The study found that shopping motives had significant effects on shopping experiences. Product‐based shopping motive exerted greater significant influence on shopping experiences than experience‐based motive. The result showed that product type (detergent) was a significant moderator between experience‐based shopping motive and sensory experience. And, both department store and discount store were found to significantly moderate between experience‐based motive and affective experience. It also found that affective shopping experience boosted impulse buying and rational experience decreased it significantly at department store. However, no consistent pattern of influence was detected for the effects of atmospherics on impulse buying when examined by store type.

Originality/value

The study results will offer important retailing implications which accommodate customers' experiential needs that are not only consumer‐centric, but also context specific. The study reflects the growing recognition of the role of sensory stimuli, as they were found to influence advertisement and brand effectiveness. Also, antecedents of experiential shopping in relation to its impact on impulse buying have not been fully explored in the past.
Entrepreneurial orientation and the franchise system
Authors: Dada Olufunmilola (Lola) , Watson Anna
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the franchisor's perception of the role of entrepreneurial strategic orientation (EO) – innovative, risk‐taking, and proactive actions – within the special case of franchised firms, given the opposing forces for standardisation/uniformity and system innovation/adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional research design, involving a mail questionnaire survey, was employed to collect data from a sample of franchisors operating in the UK. The hypotheses specified in the study were tested using a path model.

Findings

The results show that for franchise organisations, EO is positively related to performance. The recent meta‐analysis conducted by Rauch et al. also demonstrated that the correlation of EO with performance is fairly large (r=0.242). This correlation is consistent with the significant value reported in the study of 0.234. In addition, franchise system support structures were found to be important in fostering EO within the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies may consider including other dimensions of EO, notably competitive aggressiveness and autonomy, in exploring the relevance of EO to the franchise system. It would be interesting to also use a longitudinal analysis to examine the long‐term effect of EO on the performance of franchised firms.

Originality/value

The study extends knowledge of the EO‐performance outcomes relationship to the franchising context where the role of EO is presently under‐explored. This could be attributed to the fact that the franchise concept is built on standardisation and uniformity, notions that run counter to the flexible strategies involved in fostering EO.
Learning to be tribal: facilitating the formation of consumer tribes
Authors: Goulding Christina , Shankar Avi , Canniford Robin
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Studies of marketplace cultures emphasize the benefits of communal consumption and explain the ways that brand managers can leverage subcultures and brand communities. The ephemeral and often non‐commercial nature of consumer tribes means that they are more difficult to manage. This paper, aims to suggest that a necessary pre‐requisite for understanding how to engage with consumer tribes is to identify how consumers become members of tribes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are drawn from a five‐year ethnographic study of the archetypical club culture tribe that utilized a variety of data collection methods including participant observation and in‐depth interviewing.

Findings

The paper identifies “learning to be tribal” as a communal practice that occurs through three interconnected processes of engagement, imagination and alignment.

Originality/value

This paper makes three contributions: it clearly distinguishes between the three main forms of communal consumption found in the marketing literature; it identifies how consumer tribes are formed; and it questions received wisdom and shows how tribal theory can guide managers to offer products and services as learning resources that facilitate tribal practices.
Does using an à la carte or combo set menu affect the performance of a teppanyaki‐style restaurant?
Authors: Fang Chin‐Yi , Peng Pao‐Yu (Jessie) , Pan Wei‐Ta (Woody)
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is threefold: to use an innovative metafrontier‐to‐data‐envelopment analysis (MDEA) model incorporating multiple outputs and inputs – including the item revenue, gross profit, food costs, time‐driven labor costs, and other operating expenses (OOEs) – to distinguish four quadrants based on efficiency and profit to offer different strategies to the restaurateur under study; to compare the proficiency levels of the different meal categories of the à la carte and combo set menus using the metatechnology ratio (MTR) via the MDEA; and to use slack‐based analyses with simulation to improve the financial performance of a teppanyaki‐style restaurant.

Design/methodology/approach

Six months of point of sale (POS) data are obtained from a teppanyaki‐style restaurant. The proposed inputs are categorized into total food costs, total labor cost, the number of processes, and OOEs. Two outputs (total revenue and gross profit) are used to assess the efficiency of the menu items. The MTR is used to differentiate the proficiency level of the heterogeneous meal categories and to create four quadrants based on the efficiency index and financial performance.

Findings

The MTR is lower for the combo set category than for the à la carte category. Four quadrants are obtained based on the efficiency and financial performance to provide further menu suggestions. The MDEA analysis yields menu suggestions that could enhance the overall efficiency and profitability of the menu items. A simulation using these two models is conducted and shows that the restaurant profitability would be 22 percent greater using the MDEA than using the menu engineering model.

Research limitations/implications

Because there are no publicly listed teppanyaki‐style restaurants in Taiwan and it is difficult to find the same menu in different restaurants, this study consists of only a single restaurant, and the results may not be generalizable to other types of restaurants.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to menu analysis by establishing an efficiency index and using financial performance as criteria for determining which menu items to improve in a teppanyaki‐style restaurant. The MTR of the metafrontier model can differentiate the proficiency level of the heterogeneous categories, such as à la carte and combo set menus. This paper offers empirical results pertaining to the classification of menu items and describes a slack‐based analysis for improving menu items.
Open innovation in SMEs
Authors: Wynarczyk Pooran
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of open innovation practices on the innovation capability and export performance of UK small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical (quantitative) investigation is based on a sample of 64 SMEs in the UK – 33 “open” innovation firms and 31 “closed” innovation firms.

Findings

The overall results demonstrate that the international competitiveness of SMEs is highly dependent on the cumulative effects and interrelationship between two key internal components, i.e. R&D capacity and managerial structure and competencies, coupled with two external factors, i.e. open innovation practices and the ability of the firm to attract government grants for R&D and technological development.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the size of the sample, it has not been possible to undertake research within the context of specific regional disparities and/or sectoral characteristics.

Practical implications

In order to achieve and sustain competitive advantage in today's global market, SMEs need to collaborate with universities and other firms to advance and commercialise their technologies through “open innovation”.

Originality/value

Results show that open innovation activities and their impact on the international competitiveness of SMEs are complex and multi‐faceted. Essentially, they are highly related to and dependent upon the cumulative effects of, and interrelationship between, several key internal and external factors. Such factors cannot be fully explored through qualitative approaches as they require more complex and rigorous statistical analyses.
Third age self‐employment: a business assistance perspective
Authors: Lewis Kate V. , Walker Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the self‐employment experiences of a group of “third age entrepreneurs” from a business assistance perspective. As well as examining what sources of business assistance are utilised, and what influences such decisions, methods of access and perceived impact are also considered – as are the reasons for non‐use.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on data from in‐depth interviews with 14 individuals who entered self‐employment when they were 50 years of age or older.

Findings

The findings from the interviews suggest that there is limited engagement by these older entrepreneurs with the business support infrastructure. Interactions tend to be with a limited number of trusted professionals with whom relationships are already established. There is a lack of demand for initiatives, targeted or otherwise, and a desire to remain independent and self‐reliant.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reports on a small‐scale qualitative study, and therefore the results are not generalisable.

Originality/value

The paper make a contribution to the small, but critical, knowledge base focused on better understanding third age entrepreneurship. Specifically, it is one of few studies to explore the phenomenon from a support infrastructure perspective.
Harnessing the hidden enterprise culture
Authors: Williams Colin C. , Nadin Sara
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Providing support to off‐the‐books business start‐ups to help them make the transition to legitimacy could be a novel and effective method of creating new legitimate business ventures. The purpose of this paper is to advance understanding of why some business start‐ups operate off‐the‐books so as to explore how public policy might facilitate their transition towards formalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

To do this, a survey is reported of 120 business start‐ups in West Cornwall, UK, of which 48 were operating wholly or partially off‐the‐books.

Findings

This study inductively reveals that entrepreneurs' rationales for trading off‐the‐books and the consequent barriers to formalisation differ according to whether the business start‐up is wholly off‐the‐books, a registered business start‐up conducting a portion of their trade off‐the‐books with no intention of further formalising, or a registered business start‐up in transition to legitimacy. The outcome is that policy measures to facilitate formalisation need to be tailored to tackle the varying reasons for each type of business start‐up trading off‐the‐books.

Research limitations/implications

Given the limited data, more extensive research across varying populations is required to evaluate the wider validity of the reasons for off‐the‐books trading of these different types of business start‐up.

Practical implications

The paper reveals that the support required to help entrepreneurs to make the transition to legitimacy needs to vary according to the degree to which their venture presently operates off‐the‐books and whether they display any intention to move towards formalisation.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to identify the reasons business start‐ups trade off‐the‐books and the different resultant policy measures required to support their formalisation.
Quality improvements in curricula for Global Studies
Authors: Bader Lena , Bereuther Tabea , Deutsch Elisabeth , Edlinger Julia , Füreder Silvia , Kaspar Emanuel , Köttstorfer Marlene , Mautner Claudia , Rossegger Christine , Samonig Alina , Samonig Stefan , Schuster Christoph , Witz Gerhard , Zotter Victoria , Ahamer Gilbert
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Based on an in‐depth comparison of 20 multicultural university curricula, this article aims to provide practical and implementable suggestions about how to improve such curricula in order to ensure highest and globally compatible academic quality. The recently founded developmental Master's curriculum “Global Studies” (GS) at the University of Graz, Austria serves as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an academic web‐based process of authoring and reviewing, over a dozen students and practitioners in Global Studies have compiled this analysis. Such an approach shows that education technologies significantly enhance peer‐oriented scientific culture. Further networking among universities from every continent, and their students, is also facilitated.

Findings

Analyses conducted by over 50 contributors during 2010‐2013 show first that the Graz‐based curriculum has achieved international quality standards by spanning multiple faculties, disciplines, professional roles, and perspectives regarding globalisation. Secondly, suggestions for improvements pertaining to nine aggregated issues are provided: partner universities, semester abroad, interdisciplinarity, didactics & lectures, practicals, languages, electives, admission of students, and exams.

Practical implications

The present specific recommendations serve as valuable evidence‐based and authentic input for quality assessment procedures at Graz University, and similarly for other academic curricula elsewhere.

Social implications

Peer‐oriented higher education profits greatly from student input that has undergone an academic peer review procedure. Such quality assurance is favourably implemented via collaborative education technologies such as web platforms with discussion fora.

Originality/value

Students as the core target group in higher education institutions express their own opinion and are valued as experts and stakeholders in a genuinely democratic procedure.
Global inequality and poverty in perspectives of geography
Authors: Altmann Michael , Eisenreich Sophie , Lehner Daniela , Moser Stefanie , Neidl Tobias , Rüscher Valentina , Vogeler Thilo
Published: May 2013

Purpose

On the educational level, this paper aims to show a practical case of dialogic web‐based learning. It has provided a consensus during a web‐based negotiation game between four different parties on poverty and inequality. On a multicultural level, this paper seeks to offer diverse cultures of argumentation on global poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is a web‐based and real life negotiation game, namely “Surfing Global Change” which includes structured online review processes on literature‐based research and reflection.

Findings

The paper provides the consensus of four different parties on global development and poverty, and a new system of scaling development based on democratic decisions through a round table for all countries from the global north and the global south.

Research limitations/implications

The presented dialog and consensus‐finding process concentrates on poverty and inequality from the point of view of the G‐8, NGOs, the global rich and the global poor.

Originality/value

This research, based on literature, is formed through a dialog and consensus finding between four different parties (G‐8, NGOs, the rich and the poor).
Islamic insurance (takaful): demand and supply in the UK
Authors: Coolen‐Maturi Tahani
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to examine empirically whether there is a real demand for takaful products among Muslims in the UK, and to assess the awareness about takaful insurance and its main principles among UK Muslim communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses empirical data collected via an online questionnaire.

Findings

The study shows that the survey respondents are likely to buy car, health, home and home contents insurance if the same cover is offered as conventional insurance and if prices are competitive. The paper also shows that there is quite a lack of awareness about takaful insurance and its main principles among UK Muslim communities, and that most respondents are only aware of the riba and maysir concepts. It also showed that about half the respondents are not sure whether takaful insurance is in accordance with Islam. The majority of the respondents prefer to get takaful products via banking channels rather than from independent takaful institutions. Not surprisingly, the majority of respondents agreed to the use of Arabic terms for the Islamic insurance to show that these are Islamic products and to differentiate them from conventional alternatives in order to attract more Muslim participants.

Practical implications

This findings presented in this paper would encourage more banks in the UK to develop takaful products to target the rapid increase in Muslim populations in the UK and increase the demand for Islamic insurance products. Some promotion strategies may be needed to increase the customers' awareness of the existing takaful products and, more importantly, to their compliance to the Shariah law. Despite the fact that there is an obvious preference among the survey participants towards using Arabic terms in takaful products, one could argue for the financial benefits of introducing these Islamic insurance products to non‐Muslim customers where Arabic terms are avoided but with the explanations of the main concept of takaful products.

Originality/value

The paper examines empirically (via an online questionnaire) whether there is a real demand for takaful products among Muslims in the UK.