bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into plant size-density relationships from models and agricultural crops
Authors: Deng Jianming , Zuo Wenyun , Wang Zhiqiang , Fan Zhexuan , Ji Mingfei , Wang Genxuan , Ran Jinzhi , Zhao Changming , Liu Jianquan , Niklas Karl J. , Hammond Sean T. , Brown James H.
Published: May 2012

There is general agreement that competition for resources results in a tradeoff between plant mass,M, and density, but the mathematical form of the resulting thinning relationship and the mechanisms that generate it are debated. Here, we evaluate two complementary models, one based on the space-filling properties of canopy geometry and the other on the metabolic basis of resource use. For densely packed stands, both models predict that density scales asM−3/4, energy use asM0, and total biomass asM1/4. Compilation and analysis of data from 183 populations of herbaceous crop species, 473 stands of managed tree plantations, and 13 populations of bamboo gave four major results: (i) At low initial planting densities, crops grew at similar rates, did not come into contact, and attained similar mature sizes; (ii) at higher initial densities, crops grew until neighboring plants came into contact, growth ceased as a result of competition for limited resources, and a tradeoff between density and size resulted in critical density scaling asM−0.78, total resource use asM−0.02, and total biomass asM0.22; (iii) these scaling exponents are very close to the predicted values ofM−3/4,M0, andM1/4, respectively, and significantly different from the exponents suggested by some earlier studies; and (iv) our data extend previously documented scaling relationships for trees in natural forests to small herbaceous annual crops. These results provide a quantitative, predictive framework with important implications for the basic and applied plant sciences.
Gene regulation via excitation and BDNF is mediated by induction and phosphorylation of the Etv1 transcription factor in cerebellar granule cells
Authors: Abe Haruka , Okazawa Makoto , Nakanishi Shigetada
Published: May 2012

In maturing postnatal cerebellar granule cells, the Etv1/Er81 transcription factor is induced by sequential activity-dependent mechanisms through stimulation of AMPA and NMDA receptors, voltage-dependent Nav1.2 Na+channels, and voltage-dependent Ca2+channels. Etv1 then up-regulates a battery of maturation genes involved in the cerebellar circuitry. In this process, BDNF is also induced and participates in the up-regulation of these maturation genes. Using cultures of granule cells, we addressed how the activity-dependent and BDNF signaling mechanisms converge on the regulation of the representativeNR2C NMDA receptorandTiam1maturation genes. BDNF up-regulated both theNR2CandTiam1genes via the TrkB-Erk cascade and this up-regulation was blocked not only by inhibition of the activity-dependent signaling mechanisms but also by suppression of Etv1 expression with Etv1 siRNA. Importantly, Etv1 was selectively phosphorylated by Erk1/2 in the BDNF signaling cascade, and the inhibition of this phosphorylation abrogated the BDNF-induced up-regulation of theNR2CandTiam1genes. The luciferase reporter assays in combination with mutations of MEK and Etv1 indicated that the Erk-mediated, phosphorylated Etv1 interacted with the Ets motifs of theNR2Cpromoter sequence and that phosphorylation at both serine 94 and a cluster of threonines and a serine (Thr139, Thr143, and Ser146) of Etv1 was indispensable for the BDNF-mediated activation of theNR2Cpromoter activity. This study demonstrates that theNR2CandTiam1maturation genes are synergistically controlled by the activity-dependent induction of Etv1 and its phosphorylation by the BDNF signaling cascade.
Robustness and accuracy of functional modules in integrated network analysis
Authors: Beisser Daniela , Brunkhorst Stefan , Dandekar Thomas , Klau Gunnar W. , Dittrich Marcus T. , Müller Tobias
Published: May 2012

Motivation: High-throughput molecular data provide a wealth of information that can be integrated into network analysis. Several approaches exist that identify functional modules in the context of integrated biological networks. The objective of this study is 2-fold: first, to assess the accuracy and variability of identified modules and second, to develop an algorithm for deriving highly robust and accurate solutions.

Results: In a comparative simulation study accuracy and robustness of the proposed and established methodologies are validated, considering various sources of variation in the data. To assess this variation, we propose a jackknife resampling procedure resulting in an ensemble of optimal modules. A consensus approach summarizes the ensemble into one final module containing maximally robust nodes and edges. The resulting consensus module identifies and visualizes robust and variable regions by assigning support values to nodes and edges. Finally, the proposed approach is exemplified on two large gene expression studies: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Contact:  marcus.dittrich@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de or tobias.mueller@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Anonymous nuclear loci in non-model organisms: making the most of high-throughput genome surveys
Authors: Bertozzi Terry , Sanders Kate L. , Sistrom Mark J. , Gardner Michael G.
Published: May 2012

Motivation: When working with non-model organisms, few if any species-specific markers are available for phylogenetic, phylogeographic and population studies. Therefore, researchers often try to adapt markers developed in distantly related taxa, resulting in poor amplification and ascertainment bias in their target taxa. Markers can be developed de novo and anonymous nuclear loci (ANL) are proving to be a boon for researchers seeking large numbers of fast-evolving, independent loci. However, the development of ANL can be laboratory intensive and expensive. A workflow is described to identify suitable low-copy anonymous loci from high-throughput shotgun sequences, dramatically reducing the cost and time required to develop these markers and produce robust multilocus datasets.

Results: By successively removing repetitive and evolutionary conserved sequences from low coverage shotgun libraries, we were able to isolate thousands of potential ANL. Empirical testing of loci developed from two reptile taxa confirmed that our methodology yields markers with comparable amplification rates and nucleotide diversities to ANLs developed using other methodologies. Our approach capitalizes on next-generation sequencing technologies to enable the development of phylogenetic, phylogeographic and population markers for taxa lacking suitable genomic resources.

Contact:  terry.bertozzi@samuseum.sa.gov.au
FOXM1 mediates Dox resistance in breast cancer by enhancing DNA repair
Authors: Park Yun-Yong , Jung Sung Yun , Jennings Nicholas B , Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian , Peng Guang , Lee Se-Ran , Kim Sang Bae , Kim Kyounghyun , Leem Sun-Hee , Lin Shiaw-Yih , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Sood Anil K , Lee Ju-Seog
Published: May 2012

Transcription factors are direct effectors of altered signaling pathways in cancer and frequently determine clinical outcomes in cancer patients. To uncover new transcription factors that would determine clinical outcomes in breast cancer, we systematically analyzed gene expression data from breast cancer patients. Our results revealed that Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) is the top-ranked survival-associated transcription factor in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. Surprisingly, silencing FOXM1 expression led breast cancer cells to become more sensitive to doxorubicin (Dox). We found that FOXM1-dependent resistance to Dox is mediated by regulating DNA repair genes. We further demonstrated that NFκB1 interacts with FOXM1 in the presence of Dox to protect breast cancer cells from DNA damage. Finally, silencing FOXM1 expression in breast cancer cells in a mouse xenograft model significantly sensitized the cells to Dox. Our systematic approaches identified an unexpected role of FOXM1 in Dox resistance by regulating DNA repair genes, and our findings provide mechanistic insights into how FOXM1 mediates resistance to Dox and evidence that FOXM1 may be a promising therapeutic target for sensitizing breast cancer cells to Dox.
Dopamine acts through Cryptochrome to promote acute arousal in Drosophila
Authors: Kumar Shailesh , Chen Dechun , Sehgal Amita
Published: May 2012

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is generally diurnal, but a few mutant strains, such as the circadian clock mutant ClkJrk, have been described as nocturnal. We report here that increased nighttime activity of Clk mutants is mediated by high levels of the circadian photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME (CRY) in large ventral lateral neurons (l-LNvs). We found that CRY expression is also required for nighttime activity in mutants that have high dopamine signaling. In fact, dopamine signaling is elevated in ClkJrk mutants and acts through CRY to promote the nocturnal activity of this mutant. Notably, dopamine and CRY are required for acute arousal upon sensory stimulation. Because dopamine signaling and CRY levels are typically high at night, this may explain why a chronic increase in levels of these molecules produces sustained nighttime activity. We propose that CRY has a distinct role in acute responses to sensory stimuli: (1) circadian responses to light, as previously reported, and (2) noncircadian effects on arousal, as shown here.
Effect of pressurized steam on AA1050 aluminium
Authors: Jariyaboon M. , Møller P. , Ambat R.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of pressurized steam on surface changes, structures of intermetallic particles and corrosion behavior of AA1050 aluminium.

Design/methodology/approach

Industrially pure aluminium (AA1050, 99.5 per cent) surfaces were exposed to pressurized steam produced from a commercial pressure cooker at the maximum temperature of 116oC for 10 min. Surface morphology was observed using SEM‐EDX and FIB‐SEM. Phase identification and compositional depth profiling were investigated using XRD and GDOES, respectively. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements were used to study corrosion behavior.

Findings

A 590 nm boehmite oxide layer was generated on AA1050 associated with partially dissolved and/or fallen off Fe‐containing intermetallic particles after exposure to pressurized steam. A significant reduction (25 times) in anodic and cathodic reactivities was observed due to the formation of the compact oxide layer.

Originality/value

This paper reveals a detailed investigation of how pressurized steam can affect the corrosion behaviour of AA1050 aluminium and the structure of Fe‐containing intermetallic particles.
Reference Services Review: content analysis, 2006‐2011
Authors: Mahraj Katy
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a retrospective analysis of the content published in Reference Services Review from 2006 through 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

The author manually reviewed the content of all journal issues from 2006 through 2011 using the Emerald web site. The information reviewed was number of articles per issue; author affiliations; article format; and article titles, abstracts, and keywords. The type, size, and location of author institutions were confirmed using institutions' official web sites as necessary.

Findings

The paper finds that Reference Services Review has published an average of 40 articles per year. The majority of articles focus on topics in information literacy and reference services, with consistent coverage of emerging technologies, working with diverse populations, library space, and management. The majority of contributors are affiliated with large academic institutions in the USA, with some representation from liberal arts colleges, public libraries, community colleges, and international authors.

Originality/value

This analysis consolidates data on the volume, focus, and authorship of Reference Services Review as the journal reaches its 41st year of publication. The data provide a snapshot of trends in the field's professional and scholarly literature with implications for trends in academic librarianship.
Students tweet the darndest things about your library – and why you need to listen
Authors: Bell Steven
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Twitter is an important communication tool with college students. This article aims to emphasize that, while Twitter is useful for sharing information about the library, more can be learned from using it as a digital listening post.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an essay style viewpoint.

Findings

The paper reveals that Twitter is an important vehicle for disseminating information about a library to its community and as a means for maintaining good customer service.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on an important communication tool for libraries.
Student preference for tutorial design: a usability study
Authors: Mestre Lori S.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This article aims to report on a usability study to assess whether students performed better after working through a screencast library tutorial or a web‐based tutorial with screenshots.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study asked 21 students from diverse backgrounds and learning styles to take two learning style inventories prior to a usability study. The students then went through two short tutorials (a static web page tutorial with screenshots and a Camtasia screencast (video) tutorial, as well as a pre‐ and post‐test and debriefing for each. The “think aloud” protocol was used as their movements and voices were recorded using the Camtasia software.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that across all learning preferences students performed much better in recreating tasks when they used a static web page with screen shots than they did after viewing a screencasting tutorial.

Practical implications

Suggestions are offered for ways to create tutorials that are effective for multiple learning styles that will fit into a student's workflow.

Originality/value

Results of this study may help inform other librarians in ways to effectively design tutorials and learning objects to meet student needs.
Managing a text reference consortium: the My Info Quest experience
Authors: Luo Lili , Weak Emily
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to describe management and operational considerations for collaborative text reference services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted in‐depth interviews with members of the My Info Quest (MIQ) management team. The paper reports on the interviews in the context of MIQ's operations as the first US nationwide, collaborative text reference service.

Findings

MIQ is a non‐hierarchal organization that relies on frequent communication, enthusiastic and dedicated member librarians, and a collective sense of commitment. Challenges and lessons from MIQ's operations are discussed in the following areas: policies and procedures, staffing, service software, training, marketing, communicating and problem solving, and overall project operation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper examines collaborative text reference service only from the management perspective. Future research should investigate other aspects of collaboratively providing text reference service.

Practical implications

This paper will help libraries implement and manage collaborative text reference services. Ultimately it will contribute to the development of best practices for text reference service.

Originality/value

Text reference is the most recent reference development and it does not have a large body of literature. Current reports are primarily of a single library's experience. This paper reports on collaborative service provision. It is the only article to date that examines collaborative text reference service from the management perspective.
A bootstrap test for causality with endogenous lag length choice: theory and application in finance
Authors: Hacker Scott , Hatemi‐J Abdulnasser
Published: May 2012

Purpose

In all existing theoretical papers on causality it is assumed that the lag length is known a priori. However, in applied research the lag length has to be selected before testing for causality. The purpose of this paper is to suggest that in investigating the effectiveness of various Granger causality testing methodologies, including those using bootstrapping, the lag length choice should be endogenized, by which we mean the data‐driven preselection of lag length should be taken into account.

Design/methodology/approach

The size and power of a bootstrap test with endogenized lag‐length choice are investigated by simulation methods. A statistical software component is produced to implement the test, which is available online.

Findings

The simulation results show that this test performs well. An application of the test provides empirical support for the hypothesis that the UAE financial market is integrated with the US market.

Social implications

The empirical results based on this test are expected to be more precise.

Originality/value

This paper considers a bootstrap test for causality with endogenous lag order. This test has superior properties compared to existing causality tests in terms of size, with similar if not better power and it is robust to ARCH effects that usually characterize financial data. Practitioners interested in causal inference based on time series data might find the test valuable.
Journal based current awareness services for systems librarianship
Authors: Xu Fei
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effective ways to utilize current awareness services (CAS) for library and information science (LIS) professionals. It seeks to identify core journals for systems librarianship based on Bradford analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study explored the methods for CAS based on literature review, followed by Bradford analysis of systems librarianship literature, which was conducted by the quantitative analysis approach.

Findings

A core journal list for systems librarianship was built based on Bradford analysis. Three effective ways to utilize CAS by table of contents (TOCs) alerts were identified.

Originality/value

To keep up to date with the latest literature in the field of interest, LIS professionals should take advantage of CAS. The study found three effective ways to utilize CAS by TOCs alerts and identified core journals for systems librarianship. The research can help LIS professionals efficiently navigate the information tsunami to obtain the reliable and relevant information that deserves their time and attention, and stay aware of new developments in their area of interest.
Development of modular product architecture through information management
Authors: Shamsuzzoha A.H.M. , Helo Petri T.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the importance of information management in modular product architecture for customized product development.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of this research is to analyze product architecture in terms of information exchange and show its influence in product customization. A case study is presented with a view to modelling the information tracking necessary for product architecture and customization.

Findings

In today's volatile business environment, appropriate ways of information management could be an added value for manufacturing firms. This paper deals with the importance of information flow in product architecture. The role of information exchange influences the basic architecture of the product development process, which also affects the general theme of product customization.

Research limitations/implications

The importance of information flow highlights the design architecture and brings flexibilities to the product development process. This concept is illustrated through a single case example, which may not be translated as a generic output. Multiple case study approaches could be undertaken in future research to rigorously analyze the influence of information exchange on product architecture.

Practical implications

In order to comply with growing customization, firms are looking for flexible design architecture in their product development process. The presented approach will be beneficial for designers and organizational managers in developing flexible customized product or services.

Originality/value

This paper implements a unique approach to modular product architecture through information dependencies among components and sub‐assemblies. The basic principle of modular product architecture and how it affects product customization are also reported.
Introducing podcast in library service: an analytical study
Authors: De Sarkar Tanmay
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the application of podcast in academic and public libraries, focusing on its purposes and characteristic features. It seeks to measure the degree of adoption of podcast in different types of libraries across the continents.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis method was used for data collection. Convenience sampling method was followed to select four samples of population, one from each of the four continents. Data were collected along the checkpoints developed by Nguyen and Tripathi and Kumar, and subsequently modified by the researcher. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze data.

Findings

The analysis revealed that library podcasts have some basic features and are implemented for specific purposes. It also revealed that adoption of podcast varies along the geographical regions. The study found that extension of implementation of podcast is high in North American libraries whereas intension of adoption of podcast is high in Australian libraries. However, the reason of disproportionate use of library podcast may be attributed to the differential internet penetration rate along the regions. The paper also identifies areas where podcast is being effectively used by libraries across the world.

Research limitations/implications

The present study was limited to North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and the survey was completely internet‐based, conducted on web sites available in English only. A combination of questionnaire and interview method may enable future researchers to measure the impact of podcast on users' and librarians' attitude and perception, which in turn, will determine the extent to which podcast is capable of motivating and engaging users to harness library facilities.

Originality/value

Based on the research findings, the scope of the present study may potentially be expanded with the inclusion of different dimensions to gain a comprehensive understanding on the practicability and usefulness of podcast in different libraries belonging to diverse socio economical levels. The findings will also guide future librarians and web developers alike in designing library web pages so that traditional library services could be provided in an innovative way to meet the expectations and information needs of the users.
Effects of interpersonal trust, team leader support, rewards, and knowledge sharing mechanisms on knowledge sharing in project teams
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Widyaratne Ruvini
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of interpersonal trust, team leader support, rewards, and knowledge sharing mechanisms on voluntary knowledge sharing in software development project teams in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey methodology was used and 150 software developers who were directly involved in developing and maintaining a software product from project teams responded. Regression analysis was used for data analysis.

Findings

Interpersonal trust and rewards have significant positive effects on knowledge sharing. Although it was anticipated that the team leader support would be a significant predictor of knowledge sharing, the results did not provide evidence for a positive and significant relationship. “Work‐group communications” and “Personal interactions” had significant positive effects on knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

It is expected that the findings of this study will provide useful information to better understand the predictors of the extent of knowledge sharing at the individual level in the context of project teams. By doing so, this exploratory study will be able to establish baseline data and would be a source of general guidance in stimulating future research in this area.
Increasing knowledge capturing efficiency by enterprise portals
Authors: Fenz Stefan
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Collaborative ontology editing tools enable distributed user groups to build and maintain ontologies. Enterprises that use these tools to simply capture knowledge for a given ontological structure face the following problems: isolated software solution requiring its own user management; the user interface often does not provide a look‐and‐feel that is familiar to users; additional security issues; hard to integrate into existing electronic work flows; and additional deployment and training costs. This paper aims to investigate these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

To address these problems, the author designed, developed, and validated a plug‐in concept for widely‐used enterprise content and collaboration portals. The prototype is implemented as a Microsoft SharePoint web part and was validated in the risk and compliance management domain.

Findings

The research results enable enterprises to capture knowledge efficiently within given organizational and ontological structures. Considerable cost and time savings were realized in the conducted case study.

Originality/value

According to the results of the literature survey, this work represents the first research effort that provides a generic approach to supporting and increasing the efficiency of ontological knowledge capturing processes by enterprise portals.
The combinative effect of electronic open networks and closed interpersonal networks on knowledge creation in academic communities
Authors: Sherif Karma , Munasinghe Methsika , Sharma Chhavi
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to develop and test a theoretical framework that examines the capacity of electronic open networks and closed interpersonal networks in building social capital and creating new knowledge. Specifically, this article aims to extend understanding in the field of knowledge management by examining how social networks can accumulate social capital and build up potential and absorptive capacity for the creation of new knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the literature on open electronic social networks and closed interpersonal networks, social capital and absorptive capacity to examine how different types of networks accumulate different dimensions of social capital and develop different measures of absorptive capacity. A model was developed that hypothesizes that open networks can impact the structural and cognitive dimension of social capital but have less than a moderate effect on the relational dimension. The model is tested in the academic community using a sample of 22 research faculties from ten different research institutions within the MIS departments and five from Marketing.

Findings

The paper posits that electronic open networks have a significantly higher impact on the structural and cognitive dimension of social capital and a less than moderate impact on the relational dimension. Electronic open networks are, thus, best suited for acquiring and assimilating new knowledge, however the transformation and exploitation of knowledge require the cohesive ties of closed networks.

Research limitations/implications

The combinative effect of electronic open networks and closed interpersonal networks is critical for the development of a potential and realized absorptive capacity and the creation of new knowledge. It is essential for researchers to examine the effect of different types of social networks on the process of knowledge creation and whether social capital accumulated in interpersonal networks can be leveraged in electronic open networks to enhance the process of knowledge creation.

Practical implications

Businesses benefit from this line of research in knowing how well different types of social network are suited to the different phases of knowledge creation. Leveraging the capacity of open electronic networks and closed interpersonal networks can foster innovation.

Originality/value

There is no existing literature that has examined the relationship between different types of social networks, social capital, absorptive capacity, and knowledge creation. This paper provides a foundation for future studies that examine the combinative effect of closed interpersonal and open electronic networks.
Implementing reference statistics collection software at multiple library service points
Authors: Gabe Gossett J. , Stephan Elizabeth , Marrall Rebecca
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the process of implementing LibAnswers, a reference statistics collection and analysis software, at multiple service points in an academic library and to outline the benefits of the process.

Design/methodology/approach

The article outlines the process used to implement a statistics software, including initial testing, development of categories and terms used to define the question types, and training of library staff.

Findings

Implementing a statistics program at multiple service points takes flexibility and patience. The biggest challenge faced was developing common terms to define what each desk did and how the statistics would be used. While this process was useful for implementing the software, it also resulted in unexpected organizational development opportunity as it allowed others to see and better understand the functions of different service points. A total commitment to the new program developed through training and the experiences of those who had used LibAnswers during a test period.

Practical implications

LibAnswers, and similar statistics collection programs, are fairly new applications in the library field. While they have multiple uses for expanding and simplifying the collection of reference statistics, this article demonstrates that while implementing statistics software across multiple service points can be difficult, the process of putting it in place can produce numerous benefits.

Originality/value

Much has been written on the implementation of reference statistics, but little has been written in detail about developing a library‐wide statistics program. This article fills some of the gaps.
Post‐literacy and the library
Authors: Massis Bruce E.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the notion of “post‐literacy,” a presumption that posits reading will be transformed by electronic devices into an experience rather different than printed text readers encounter, and that, perhaps, a level of post‐literacy has already been reached given the plethora of e‐reading devices currently available.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by writers and researchers.

Findings

Librarians would agree that there is increasing evidence of a digital shift in the reading habits of their patrons, thus supporting the premise of a post‐literate environment. In order to meet the challenge within this change environment, libraries will need to plan their collections and services expeditiously and measure their expenditures differently each year to serve a public keen on an interest in digital reading materials.

Originality/value

The value in addressing this issue is to consider some of the evidence suggesting that the transformation of reading from a traditional print engagement with text to a model that will be largely digital is currently underway.
Rising food prices, poverty and its challenges: the case study of Pakistan
Authors: Azid Toseef , Alamasi Adnan M.S. , Mohammad Khawaja Junaid , Azeem Qureshi Mohammad
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight how rising food prices influence the degree of poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study employing the simple regression analysis.

Findings

Besides other variables it has been observed that poverty remains an important determinant of a country like Pakistan.

Research limitations/implications

On the basis of this study a socio‐economic policy can be formulated for a developing country like Pakistan.

Practical implications

A development policy (especially considering the urban and rural population) can be formulated on the basis of this research for the provision of basic needs for a developing and an orthodox economy like Pakistan.

Originality/value

This research is beneficial to researchers, policy makers and social scientists for the enhancement of the level of social welfare and poverty alleviation through its findings.
Management accounting roles in supporting servitisation
Authors: Laine Teemu , Paranko Jari , Suomala Petri
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the potentially supportive roles of management accounting (MA) in the servitisation of manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a conceptual analysis supported by empirical examples.

Findings

The potentially supporting roles of MA are here connected to the process of justifying, defining, and controlling servitisation. The potential units of analysis for MA in such a process are explored by going through the different viewpoints regarding service. The actual roles of MA within the process are examined both conceptually and in light of empirical experience. The paper acknowledges MA as a social phenomenon, taking multiple roles in supporting decision making. Essentially, MA can be used as a source of restricting and enabling, and the roles of MA may range from that of “answer machine” to the subjective and interactive use of MA information.

Research limitations/implications

The paper represents a starting point for studying the variety of roles of MA in the servitisation process and it also outlines an agenda for further research.

Practical implications

The paper examines a variety of roles of MA in servitisation. The discussion of the choice and enactment of the relevant accounting objects holds practical value.

Originality/value

The roles of MA in servitisation are discussed in more detail in light of the existing literature. Moreover, treating MA as a social phenomenon sheds light on the unaddressed sides of the control in the servitisation context. This supplements the existing service literature, which is dominated by mechanistic cost‐system considerations.
All for one but does one strategy work for all?
Authors: Hsieh Yi‐Ching , Roan Jinshyang , Pant Anurag , Hsieh Jung‐Kuei , Chen Wen‐Ying , Lee Monle , Chiu Hung‐Chang
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how multichannel customers evaluate overall satisfaction across distribution channels and what the antecedents are of such satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of bank customers in Taiwan was conducted. The total number of valid questionnaires was 479. Reliability and validity were tested. Maximum likelihood procedure of LISREL 8.8 was used to test the hypothesized structural equation model.

Findings

The findings indicate that the overall satisfaction in the multichannel environment is a critical determinant of customer retention and participation. The present study also develops the antecedents of multichannel satisfaction. In the multichannel environment, perceived multichannel service quality is positively related to satisfaction, while perceived channel switching difficulty is negatively related to satisfaction.

Originality/value

The present study employs the stimulus‐organism‐response (S‐O‐R) paradigm and the channel loyalty framework to better model customers' response to marketing activities in the multichannel distribution system.
On pragmatic parallelization of a serial Navier‐Stokes solver in cylindrical coordinates
Authors: Nygård Frode , Andersson Helge I.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a pragmatic parallelization of a publicly available serial code aimed for direct numerical simulations of turbulent flow fields. The code solves the full Navier‐Stokes equations in a cylindrical coordinate system.

Design/methodology/approach

The parallelization is performed by a single program multiple data approach using the Message‐Passing Interface (MPI) Library for processor communication.

Findings

In order to maintain the original coding of the subroutines, two obstacles had to be overcome. First, special attention had to be given to the inversion of the sparse matrixes from the linear terms in the Navier‐Stokes equations solved by an implicit scheme. Second, the serial FFT‐routines, needed for the direct Poisson‐solver, had to be replaced by parallel versions. Two directions of parallelization were tested. Parallelization in the axial direction turned out to be more efficient than parallelization in the circumferential direction.

Originality/value

This paper presents a pragmatic parallelization of an open source finite difference code and should be useful to researchers in the field of numerical methods for fluid flow who need to parallelize a numerical code.
Foreign policy principles: an Islamic Sufi approach – Part II
Authors: Bidabad Bijan
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Governing principles of the world countries' current foreign policies are based on nationalism and in the realization of this aspiration, human rights in other countries are less considered and demands of national interests on other issues are surpassed. Islam, in principle, is opposite to this approach. However, national interests are important in Islam, but Islam does not try to achieve this target at the price of destruction of other countries and rights violations of their peoples. The interests of Islam's government are based on expediency of humankind as a whole and in its foreign policy should be arranged in a way to fulfil this target. In this regards this paper aims to introduce the basic principles of foreign policy in Islam based on the Sufi standpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

Islam aims to improve humanities based on moralities and spiritualities. Some principles for reaching this goal based on Islamic Sufism standpoints are provided.

Findings

The paper reveals 32 principles.

Research limitations/implications

Comparative research in other religions' Gnosticism will be helpful.

Practical implications

These principles can be used for applied debates in the field and ended with new international regulations.

Social implications

Delicateness, truthfulness, and righteousness of Islamic Sufism may turn the attentions of scholars and researchers to this viewpoint, and a new set of regulations to be codified.

Originality/value

Political scientists have not touched the topic from a Sufi point of view. This paper brings this approach to a new challenging arena for those who are engaged in it.
The legal impact on employers where there is a sham element in contracts with their workers
Authors: Middlemiss Sam
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The recent development of legal rules that can invalidate sham clauses or bogus contracts in employment have proven beneficial to workers, in particular those workers that want to be treated as employees. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This article considers relevant legal decisions from all areas of employment law that have a bearing on this topic.

Findings

As will be seen when a court or tribunal has a reasonable suspicion that the clause (or the contract itself) is a sham that is designed, for example, to exclude employee status (to those persons working under a contract with an employer) they may decide to ignore it and treat the contract as a contract of service. The affected worker will then have entitlement to the full range of employment rights available to an employee.

Research limitations/implications

As a consequence of recent legal decisions particularly, those over the last three years an employer that introduces a clause into his contracts (or enters in contractual relations with his workers) needs to ensure that the clause or contract is genuine and operates in practice as it states that it intends to.

Practical implications

If a clause or contract is not genuine and does not operate in practice as it states that it intends to, as the title of this article suggests, there might be serious legal implications for an employer. The clause (usually a substitution clause) or the type of contract entered into must not simply be a device to circumvent the correct application of the law in other words perpetrate a sham.

Originality/value

The legal impact of clauses or type of contract entered into is analysed fully for the first time in this paper.
A basis for climate change adaptation in Africa: burdens ahead and policy options
Authors: Kaijage H.R.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and document some of the climate change impacts which may burden the African continent, and to suggest policy options for adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a comprehensive review of published papers on climate change impacts and adaptation.

Findings

It has been documented that by 2050, the world will have to limit emissions of all greenhouse gases to the equivalent of 400 GT of carbon in order to stand a 75 per cent chance of avoiding more than 2°C of warming. This is practically impossible because there are not enough resources and technology to achieve that target. Even if all of the emissions are stopped in next few years, it will take the next 40 years for the world to follow its current trend before full recovery. Thus, climate will continue to change, its impacts will continue to increase and Africa is placed as the most vulnerable continent. The only best solution is that the vulnerable population should be first in line for support to adapt to climate change impacts. In such instances adaptation policy should recognise and support a wide range of options for building resilient and sustainable livelihoods, enhancing opportunities available for adaptation, without ignoring the need to address the existing developmental challenges.

Research limitations/implications

This paper relies on secondary source of information.

Practical implications

The paper is a valuable input towards the preparation of adaptation policy in developing countries.

Originality/value

This paper relied on review of secondary data (published articles) thus providing critical findings from a number of field studies.
The impacts of climate change on domestic natural gas consumption in the Greater Dublin Region
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Sweeney John
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between domestic natural gas consumption and climate change in the Greater Dublin Region.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on historical climate and natural gas use data, a linear regression model was derived to estimate the impact of future climate change on natural gas consumption under different climate scenarios.

Findings

Generally, under controlled socioeconomic development, the climate scenarios by Hadley model and the Ensemble GCMs are likely to decrease future natural gas consumption per capita and related CO2 emissions compared to present. These results indicate that climate change has become as one of the most important factors affecting the energy system.

Originality/value

This study contributes understanding of the long‐term impact of climate change on regional domestic natural gas use. It provides the national and local authorities a methodology to anticipate the potential impacts on domestic energy use and enable urban areas to maximise any benefits and minimise any losses from climate change.
Coordination in humanitarian relief chains: chain coordinators
Authors: Akhtar P. , Marr N.E. , Garnevska E.V.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify chain coordinators and to explore their roles. The paper also highlights certain advantages of coordination, specific competencies of the coordinators, and challenges in the coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study research. The data were collected through interviews, observations, and personal experiences of working as a logistics manager and a project manager in the 2005 South Asian earthquake.

Findings

The coordinated organizations manage a number of complex relationships to respond to the disasters effectively and efficiently. An umbrella organization plays a chain coordinator role in horizontal coordination. The umbrella organization leads, directs, and makes major decisions. A country director/programme manager acts as a strategic coordinator in vertical coordination. However, logistics managers, procurement managers and project managers (operations coordinators) also handle coordination activities. The coordinators’ tangible (finance, technology, and people) and intangible (leadership, extra efforts, relevant experiences and education, relationship management skills, research abilities, and performance measurement skills) assets are the key determinants of chain‐coordination success. The success of coordination is achieved if these characteristics of the coordinators are effectively matched with the unpredictable nature of humanitarian relief chains. However, coordination does not guarantee success in all situations because organizations may face coordination challenges such as cultural and structural differences.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides specific and detailed information from the selected humanitarian relief chains of the South Asian earthquake 2005. The paper explores the useful and enhanced understanding of fundamentals to achieve the success of coordination in the chains. Therefore, it is an endeavour to enable a better practical strategy for chain coordinators/managers.

Originality/value

The conceptual and empirical research on the characteristics of chain coordinators and their impact on coordination success is very limited. This paper provides new thoughts to investigate relationships between the characteristics of chain coordinators or coordination and the success of humanitarian relief chains.