bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nineteenth-century English politeness
Authors: Culpeper Jonathan , Demmen Jane
Published: July 2011

In this paper we argue that the kind of individualistic ethos Brown and Levinson’s (1987) politeness model is accused of — and in particular its notion of (non-imposition) negative face — is not simply a reflection of British culture, but a reflection of British culture at a specific point in time. That point is the nineteenth century. Before then, the notion of an individual self separate from society and with its own hidden desires was not fully established. We argue that sociocultural developments, such as secularisation, the rise of Protestantism, social and geographical mobility, and the rise of individualism, created conditions in which the self became part of a new ideology where it was viewed as a property of the individual, and was associated with positive values such as self-help, self-control and self-respect. We also trace the history of conventional indirect requests, specifically can/could you X structures, the most frequent request structures used in British English today and, moreover, emblematic of British negative politeness. We show how such ability-oriented structures developed in the nineteenth century, and propose a tentative explanation as to why ability in particular was their focus.
“[T]his most unnecessary, unjust, and disgraceful war”
Authors: Rudanko Juhani
Published: July 2011

This article focuses on face-threatening attacks on the Madison Administration during the War of 1812. The discussion is framed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, with the language of the Amendment protecting freedom of speech, and also by the Sedition Act of 1798, which, if it had been made permanent, would have seriously curtailed freedom of speech. The War of 1812 was intensely unpopular among members of the Federalist Party, and their newspapers did not shy away from criticising it. This article investigates writings published in the Boston Gazette and the Connecticut Mirror during the war. It is shown that the criticism took different forms, ranging from accusing President Madison of “untruths” to painting a picture of what was claimed to be the unmitigated hopelessness of his position, both nationally and internationally, and that the criticism also included harsh personal attacks on his character and motives. It is suggested that some of the attacks may be characterised as exhibiting aggravated impoliteness. The article also considers President Madison’s attitude in the face of the attacks.
From good manners to facework
Authors: Kerbrat-Orecchioni Catherine
Published: July 2011

Forms and conceptions of politeness vary noticeably from one society to another, and also, within a given society, from one age to another. However, it can be assumed that the treatment of politeness phenomena in terms of “facework” as advocated by Brown and Levinson (1978, 1987) might help us to shed some light on both cultural variations and diachronic variations in politeness behaviour. This assumption is tested by considering the question of “good manners” in the French classic age as they are recorded in some prescriptive and literary writings. The study reveals that the profound logic that politeness obeys is the same in all eras. I take a special interest in the “double binds” we are confronted with in the exercise of politeness, looking at, for example, compliments as a ritual activity.
“Tumbled into the dirt”
Authors: Withington Phil
Published: July 2011

This paper considers notions of “wit” in early modern England. It deploys quantitative methodologies to trace the term’s general discursive importance over time; it also looks at the use and conceptualisation of the term by canonical writers — Robert Greene and William Shakespeare in the 1590s, Thomas Hobbes in the 1650s, and the “libertines” of the Restoration era. The paper argues that whereas cultural and social historians have tended to regard impoliteness in the period as either the deliberate inversion or cultural absence of “civil” norms — “anti-civility”, in the words of Anna Bryson — wit provided a range of conventions and conversational repertoires outwith the normal bounds of civility. More to the point, in the hands of Thomas Hobbes wit demarcated a historicised theory of social practice.
Positive and negative face as descriptive categories in the history of English
Authors: Jucker Andreas H.
Published: July 2011

Studies in the history of politeness in English have generally relied on the notions of positive and negative face. While earlier work argued that a general trend from positive politeness to negative politeness can be observed, more recent work has shown that in Old English and in Middle English face concerns were not as important as in Modern English and that, in certain contexts, there are also opposing tendencies from negative to positive politeness. In this paper, I focus in more detail on the notions of positive and negative face and follow up earlier suggestions that for negative face a clear distinction must be made between deference politeness and non-imposition politeness. On this basis, I assess the usefulness of the notions of positive and negative face for the development of politeness in the history of English.
Understanding Anglo-Saxon “politeness”
Authors: Kohnen Thomas
Published: July 2011

ic wille ic wolde ic wolde þæt þu me sædest ic wille ic wolde Dictionary of Old English Corpus humilitas

Thus, this paper, on the one hand, confirms the picture of Anglo-Saxon England as a world “beyond politeness” (Kohnen 2008a); on the other hand, it also adds important aspects that may improve our perception of the complexities of Anglo-Saxon social interaction.
Comedy and politics
Authors: Joranger Line
Published: July 2011

This article analyzes the relationship between two of Machiavelli’s political textsThe Prince(1513) and theDiscourses on Livy(1512–1517), and his popular comedyThe Mandrake Root(La Mandragola) (1515). Through an examination of these works, I will show what influence his political ideas may have had on his comedy and, conversely, how key points in his comedy emerge as central ideas in his political texts. By demonstrating how his texts communicate with each other, I will show how he recycles established concepts and even changes their meaning.
Motion and conflicted self metaphors in Sylvia Plath’s ‘Smith Journal’
Authors: Demjén Zsófia
Published: July 2011

This paper considers how mental states can be conveyed by metaphorical expressions in texts of a personal nature. Figurative language is understood to play an important role in the expression of such complex nuanced phenomena (Lakoff & Johnson, 1999; Kövecses, 2000; Gibbs, Leggit & Turner, 2002). This study focuses on two main groups of metaphors, linked to mental states, in the Smith Journal of “The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath”. ‘Mental state’ here refers to various aspects of cognitive functioning, but with a focus on mental states of affect — mental states that are intrinsically valenced (Ortony & Turner, 1990). Specifically, this paper focuses on metaphors of MOTION and SPLIT SELF.
Both manual intensive analyses and automated corpus methodologies
are employed in the investigation: Wmatrix (Rayson, 2009) is used to explore
relevant expressions, in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of
metaphor groups. Relevant expressions are identified by an in-depth manual
analysis of sample journal entries. The MIP procedure (Pragglejaz, 2007) is used
for metaphor identification, and interpretations draw on research in psychology.
Metaphors of mental states are analyzed in terms of their implications for
conveying various aspects of mental states, such as valence and intensity.
Are ‘deliberate’ metaphors really deliberate?
Authors: Gibbs Raymond W.
Published: July 2011

Some metaphor scholars have proposed that certain notable metaphorical expressions in speech and writing may have been deliberately composed, and quite consciously employed for their special rhetorical purposes. Deliberate metaphors are different from conventional ones, which are typically produced automatically and thoughtlessly, something that speakers and listeners, authors and readers, tacitly recognize when they engage in metaphoric discourse. This article explores some of these common assumptions about deliberate metaphor in light of contemporary research in cognitive science on meaning, consciousness and human action. My claim is that deliberate metaphors, contrary to the popular view, may not be as ‘deliberate’ in their creation and use as is traditionally believed, and therefore are not essentially different from other forms of metaphoric language. Moreover, engaging in deliberative thought processes is often exactly the wrong way to create novel, apt verbal metaphors.
Perceived discrimination, social connectedness, and other predictors of adjustment difficulties among Turkish international students
Authors: Duru Erdinc , Poyrazli Senel
Published: July 2011

This study examined the role of perceived discrimination, social connectedness, age, gender, years of study in the US, English language competency, and social contact patterns on adjustment difficulties among a sample of 229 Turkish international students studying in the United States. Findings indicated that students who reported higher levels of social connectedness, lower levels of perceived discrimination, more years of study in the US, and higher levels of English language competency reported lower levels of adjustment difficulties. Other results showed that (lack of) social connectedness and perceived discrimination were predictors of adjustment difficulties. In addition, results indicated that students who socialized with individuals from the US had lower levels of adjustment difficulties than did those who socialized with coculture members. Implications are discussed and suggestions for interventions are provided.
A cell-autonomous requirement for neutral sphingomyelinase 2 in bone mineralization
Authors: Khavandgar Zohreh , Poirier Christophe , Clarke Christopher J. , Li Jingjing , Wang Nicholas , McKee Marc D. , Hannun Yusuf A. , Murshed Monzur
Published: July 2011

A deletion mutation called fro (fragilitas ossium) in the murine Smpd3 (sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3) gene leads to a severe skeletal dysplasia. Smpd3 encodes a neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase2), which cleaves sphingomyelin to generate bioactive lipid metabolites. We examined endochondral ossification in embryonic day 15.5 fro/fro mouse embryos and observed impaired apoptosis of hypertrophic chondrocytes and severely undermineralized cortical bones in the developing skeleton. In a recent study, it was suggested that nSMase2 activity in the brain regulates skeletal development through endocrine factors. However, we detected Smpd3 expression in both embryonic and postnatal skeletal tissues in wild-type mice. To investigate whether nSMase2 plays a cell-autonomous role in these tissues, we examined the in vitro mineralization properties of fro/fro osteoblast cultures. fro/fro cultures mineralized less than the control osteoblast cultures. We next generated fro/fro;Col1a1-Smpd3 mice, in which osteoblast-specific expression of Smpd3 corrected the bone abnormalities observed in fro/fro embryos without affecting the cartilage phenotype. Our data suggest tissue-specific roles for nSMase2 in skeletal tissues.
Septin GTPases spatially guide microtubule organization and plus end dynamics in polarizing epithelia
Authors: Bowen Jonathan R. , Hwang Daniel , Bai Xiaobo , Roy Dheeraj , Spiliotis Elias T.
Published: July 2011

Establishment of epithelial polarity requires the reorganization of the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton from a radial array into a network positioned along the apicobasal axis of the cell. Little is known about the mechanisms that spatially guide the remodeling of MTs during epithelial polarization. Septins are filamentous guanine triphosphatases (GTPases) that associate with MTs, but the function of septins in MT organization and dynamics is poorly understood. In this paper, we show that in polarizing epithelia, septins guide the directionality of MT plus end movement by suppressing MT catastrophe. By enabling persistent MT growth, two spatially distinct populations of septins, perinuclear and peripheral filaments, steer the growth and capture of MT plus ends. This navigation mechanism is essential for the maintenance of perinuclear MT bundles and for the orientation of peripheral MTs as well as for the apicobasal positioning of MTs. Our results suggest that septins provide the directional guidance cues necessary for polarizing the epithelial MT network.
Xenopus laevis oocytes infected with multi-drug–resistant bacteria: implications for electrical recordings
Authors: O'Connell Denice , Mruk Karen , Rocheleau Jessica M. , Kobertz William R.
Published: July 2011

The Xenopus laevis oocyte has been the workhorse for the investigation of ion transport proteins. These large cells have spawned a multitude of novel techniques that are unfathomable in mammalian cells, yet the fickleness of the oocyte has driven many researchers to use other membrane protein expression systems. Here, we show that some colonies of Xenopus laevis are infected with three multi-drug–resistant bacteria: Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Oocytes extracted from infected frogs quickly (3–4 d) develop multiple black foci on the animal pole, similar to microinjection scars, which render the extracted eggs useless for electrical recordings. Although multi-drug resistant, the bacteria were susceptible to amikacin and ciprofloxacin in growth assays. Supplementing the oocyte storage media with these two antibiotics prevented the appearance of the black foci and afforded oocytes suitable for whole-cell recordings. Given that P. fluorescens associated with X. laevis has become rapidly drug resistant, it is imperative that researchers store the extracted oocytes in the antibiotic cocktail and not treat the animals harboring the multi-drug–resistant bacteria.
IPD3 Controls the Formation of Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiosomes in Pea and Medicago Spp.
Authors: Ovchinnikova Evgenia , Journet Etienne-Pascal , Chabaud Mireille , Cosson Viviane , Ratet Pascal , Duc Gerard , Fedorova Elena , Liu Wei , den Camp Rik Op , Zhukov Vladimir , Tikhonovich Igor , Borisov Alexey , Bisseling Ton , Limpens Erik
Published: July 2011

A successful nitrogen-fixing symbiosis requires the accommodation of rhizobial bacteria as new organelle-like structures, called symbiosomes, inside the cells of their legume hosts. Two legume mutants that are most strongly impaired in their ability to form symbiosomes are sym1/TE7 in Medicago truncatula and sym33 in Pisum sativum. We have cloned both MtSYM1 and PsSYM33 and show that both encode the recently identified interacting protein of DMI3 (IPD3), an ortholog of Lotus japonicus (Lotus) CYCLOPS. IPD3 and CYCLOPS were shown to interact with DMI3/CCaMK, which encodes a calcium- and calmodulin-dependent kinase that is an essential component of the common symbiotic signaling pathway for both rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbioses. Our data reveal a novel, key role for IPD3 in symbiosome formation and development. We show that MtIPD3 participates in but is not essential for infection thread formation and that MtIPD3 also affects DMI3-induced spontaneous nodule formation upstream of cytokinin signaling. Further, MtIPD3 appears to be required for the expression of a nodule-specific remorin, which controls proper infection thread growth and is essential for symbiosome formation.
Copyright and e‐learning: professors' level of knowledge about the new Spanish law
Authors: Carlos Fernández‐Molina J. , Muriel E. , Vives‐Gracia J. , Riera P. , Martín O.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the level of knowledge, among university professors, about copyright problems related to e‐learning activities.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was used to survey professors teaching subjects online.

Findings

There is a considerable lack of knowledge on the part of professors regarding copyright issues, both in general terms and in specific matters related to digital learning. Strong discrepancies are found between the text of the law and the notion actually held by professors as to how legislators have formulated the law.

Originality/value

This information may be useful for professors themselves as well as for persons managing the e‐learning platforms of universities. It demonstrates that the law was reformed without any discussion with those actually engaged in online teaching.
Information limits: definition, typology and types
Authors: Świgoń Marzena
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to organize the extensive field and to compile the complete list of information limits.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough analysis of literature from the field beginning with the 1960s up to the present has been performed.

Findings

A universal typology of information limits has been proposed. A list of barriers mentioned in the literature of the subject has been compiled.

Research limitations/implications

The term “information limits” is not commonly used.

Originality/value

The complete list of information limits with bibliographical hints (helpful for future research) is presented.
Information literacy in university library user education
Authors: Chen Kuan‐nien , Lin Pei‐chun
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine the essential features of information literacy; what role it should play in university library user education; and how programs can be best implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers systemically surveyed and reviewed publications related to information literacy and library user education.

Findings

It was found that a well‐designed information literacy program benefits the library and its staff, faculty, and students; librarians should play a leading role in the design and operation of programs, but collaboration with faculty, IT professionals and students is essential; programs should be embedded in the curriculum, be largely cooperative, and be problem‐based; evaluation and assessment are essential components; emphasis should be placed on first‐year students; and, ideally, the librarians will turn into educators and the library will become a learning center combining learning, research and technology.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reflects the opinions of the researchers and the authors of the reviewed literature who have insights into the issues related to information literacy and library user education. These opinions present useful guidelines for both librarian and teacher practitioners.

Originality/value

This paper provides a point of view on the relationship between information literacy and library user education in the six themes described above.
A comparison of link and URL citation counting
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Link analysis is an established topic within webometrics. It normally uses counts of links between sets of web sites or to sets of web sites. These link counts are derived from web crawlers or commercial search engines with the latter being the only alternative for some investigations. This paper compares link counts with URL citation counts in order to assess whether the latter could be a replacement for the former if the major search engines withdraw their advanced hyperlink search facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

URL citation counts are compared with link counts for a variety of data sets used in previous webometric studies.

Findings

The results show a high degree of correlation between the two but with URL citations being much less numerous, at least outside academia and business.

Research limitations/implications

The results cover a small selection of 15 case studies and so the findings are only indicative. Significant differences between results indicate that the difference between link counts and URL citation counts will vary between webometric studies.

Practical implications

Should link searches be withdrawn, then link analyses of less well linked non‐academic, non‐commercial sites would be seriously weakened, although citations based on e‐mail addresses could help to make citations more numerous than links for some business and academic contexts.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic study of the difference between link counts and URL citation counts in a variety of contexts and it shows that there are significant differences between the two.
FIB‐SEM investigation of trapped intermetallic particles in anodic oxide films on AA1050 aluminium
Authors: Jariyaboon M. , Møller P. , Dunin‐Borkowski R.E. , Ambat R.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to understand the structure of trapped intermetallics particles and localized composition changes in the anodized anodic oxide film on AA1050 aluminium substrates.

Design/methodology/approach

The morphology and composition of Fe‐containing intermetallic particles incorporated into the anodic oxide films on industrially pure aluminium (AA1050, 99.5 per cent) has been investigated. AA1050 aluminium was anodized in a 100 ml/l sulphuric acid bath with an applied voltage of 14 V at 20°C ±2°C for 10 or 120 min. The anodic film subsequently was analyzed using focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM), SEM, and EDX.

Findings

The intermetallic particles in the substrate material consisted of Fe or both Fe and Si with two different structures: irregular and round shaped. FIB‐SEM cross‐sectioned images revealed that the irregular‐shaped particles were embedded in the anodic oxide film as a thin strip structure and located near the top surface of the film, whereas the round‐shaped particles were trapped in the film with a spherical structure, but partially dissolved and were located throughout the thickness of the anodic film. The Fe/Si ratio of the intermetallic particles decreased after anodizing.

Originality/value

This paper shows that dual beam FIB‐SEM seems to be an easy, less time consuming and useful method to characterize the cross‐sectioned intermetallic particles incorporated in anodic film on aluminium.
A phenomenological model for the chloride threshold of pitting corrosion of steel in simulated concrete pore solutions
Authors: Shi Xianming , Anh Nguyen Tuan , Kumar Prathish , Liu Yajun
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This work seeks to present a systematic study that aimed to provide quantitative understanding of the fundamental factors that influence the chloride threshold of pitting corrosion of steel in concrete, by conducting a set of laboratory tests to assess the corrosion potential (Ecorr) and pitting potential (Epit) of steel coupons in simulated concrete pore solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

With the aid of artificial neural network, the laboratory data were used to establish a phenomenological model correlating the influential factors (total chloride concentration, chloride binding, solution pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration) with the pitting risk (characterized by Ecorr−Epit). Three‐dimensional response surfaces were then constructed to illustrate such predicted correlations and to shed light on the complex interactions between various influential factors.

Findings

The results indicate that the threshold [Cl−]/[OH−] of steel rebar in simulated concrete pore solutions is a function of DO concentration, pH and chloride binding, instead of a unique value.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations and implications of the research findings were also discussed.

Practical implications

This research could have significant practical implications in predicting the service life of new or existing reinforced concrete in chloride‐laden environments.

Originality/value

This study further advances the knowledge base relevant to the chloride‐induced corrosion of steel rebar in concrete.
Increasing the frequency of breakfast consumption
Authors: Kothe Emily J. , Mullan Barbara
Published: July 2011

Purpose

A number of interventions aimed at increasing breakfast consumption have been designed and implemented in recent years. This paper seeks to review the current research in this area with the aim of identifying common features of successful interventions and strengths and weaknesses in the current research methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of interventions aimed at increasing breakfast‐eating frequency in a non‐clinical sample was conducted.

Findings

A total of 11 interventions were identified and reviewed; of these, only three resulted in an increase in breakfast consumption at follow‐up. The three studies that were successful in changing breakfast consumption all included a psychosocial component that was successful in increasing positive attitudes towards nutrition in the intervention protocol. Many of the breakfast‐eating interventions included in this review have methodological weaknesses, including difficulties in implementing interventions, small sample sizes, and selection biases, which future researchers should consider when designing and evaluating their own interventions.

Research limitations/implications

These findings highlight the importance of including psychosocial components in interventions designed to increase breakfast consumption, while also signalling issues that should be addressed when designing and reporting future interventions.

Originality/value

This review was the first to investigate the efficacy of interventions aimed at increasing breakfast consumption. The identification of weaknesses in the current body of research, and of successful and unsuccessful intervention practices is an important step in developing successful interventions in the future.
Networks and organisational learning: evidence from broiler production
Authors: Martino Gaetano , Polinori Paolo
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study is to the test the hypothesis that a network involved in the division of labour can contribute to individual skills creation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is divided into two parts. First, it proposes and examines the fundamental of the hypothesis. In the second part, it reports the results of the investigation designed to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The hypothesis that task specification in organisational learning influences skills creation cannot be rejected. The evidence indicates that information on network integration of task specifications engages agents in problem solving and promotes skills creation according to opportunities of interaction in a structured context.

Originality/value

This study tests the hypothesis that a network involved in the division of labour can contribute to individual skills creation.
Fuzzy sets and the organization of literary texts: a conceptualization and two‐stage pilot study
Authors: Paling Stephen
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a conceptualization and two‐stage pilot study that explores ways in which fuzzy sets can be used to measure the indexability of literary texts.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants provided a subject description for each in a series of literary and nonliterary texts. Each participant was also randomly assigned to one of three tasks: using a visual analog scale to rate the clarity of each text, using a visual analog scale to rate the confidence each participant felt in describing the subject of each text, or sorting the texts from most to least clear without the use of a visual analog scale. Nonparametric statistics and qualitative analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Participants and coders used the visual analog scales successfully. The participants perceived literary texts as less clear than nonliterary texts, and expressed less confidence in their subject description of literary texts than in their descriptions of literary texts. The study found preliminary support for the idea that fuzzy sets can provide a useful theoretical basis for examining the indexability of texts.

Originality/value

A measure of the indexability of literary texts could help provide sound theoretical guidance for construction of tools to organize those texts. A structured comparison of literary and nonliterary texts could help to build a theoretical base from which to make practical decisions about whether and how to perform subject analysis on each type of text.
Hierarchies of action: a concept for library and information science
Authors: Jones Bonna
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bring the concept of a “hierarchy of action”, as it is currently being used in other fields, into library and information science (LIS).

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchy theory is adopted to describe three hierarchies of action, which include the human processes of semantic and social innovation, as well as a system of biological interpretence, from which human processes are thought to have evolved as a development of biosemiosis in nature. By way of example, it is argued that a text is a complex achievement, and hierarchy theory shows how to account for this complexity; the everyday definition of “text” is augmented with accounts from different levels of observation.

Findings

The concept of a hierarchy of action enables a person to account for a text as a meaning/symbolic product; include in that account the processes whereby texts are produced and used; and say why these processes are important to the health of the biosphere that is called home.

Originality/value

“Hierarchy of action” has been developed as a concept in biology and ecology; it belongs to a way of thinking whereby human reality, like nature, is construed as dynamical processes operating in symbiotic relationship with each other; it has not yet been adopted in LIS with reference to hierarchy theory and its potential is yet to be explored.
The modernity of classification
Authors: Mai Jens‐Erik
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the modernity of current classification theory and work, and outline a foundation for moving classification toward a late‐modern conception.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the conceptual foundation for current modern classification work, provides critical analysis of that approach, and outlines three conflicts with modernity that shape the path out of the consequences of modernity.

Findings

The paper presents an understanding of classification that establishes classification on a late‐modern epistemology, and it lays the contours of how to reclaim the intellectual core of classification theory and work.

Originality/value

The paper establishes a foundation for rethinking classification work, outlines consequences of current mainstream work, and provides concept for developing late‐modern classification theory and practice.
Public libraries: pathways to making Botswana an educated, informed nation
Authors: Maswabi Tshepo , Sethate Tiroyamodimo , Sebusang Sebusang E.M. , Taolo Resego
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how implementing a public access to ICT project, Sesigo, at Botswana public libraries can help contribute to the achievement of the national goal of an informed, educated nation by 2016. It further shares ICT training experiences, achievements and challenges as the project evolves.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines results from two sources of information, contracted studies (needs assessment, baseline and impact studies) as well as Sesigo project implementation data captured at public libraries. Analysis of this data forms the basis for the paper as it outlines the project's experiences and progress made in ICT training at Botswana public libraries.

Findings

Deploying technology in Botswana's public libraries is changing people's perceptions about libraries especially their perceived value; that they are not just for students. It is becoming clear that even people with low literacy levels are able to learn and be proficient in using technology. Training librarians on ICTs has a ripple effect since they then train and/or assist users on ICTs, who are then able to search for information autonomously.

Originality/value

This paper is amongst the first formal documentation of the Sesigo project. It shows the potential impact that public libraries equipped with ICTs can have on the overall desire to provide equitable access to ICT's. It also shows libraries as the natural platform for accessing e‐government information, and thus should be supported by governments to provide access to those who would otherwise not afford it.
Enhancing democracy and good governance
Authors: Kigongo‐Bukenya Isaac M.N. , Kaddu Sarah
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to advance the case for designing an information and knowledge management curriculum (IKMC) to produce information and knowledge management professionals (IKMPs) in the Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) region. It highlights challenges and solutions and proposes a model IKMC.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the analysis of literature on Library and Information Science (LIS) curriculum design, implementation and review; research findings by renowned LIS curriculum experts; discussions and sharing experiences with colleagues in LIS education institutions – Eastern African School of Library and Information Science and LIS departments at the Uganda Christian University and Kyambogo University in addition to the author's research and publications on curriculum design and management.

Findings

The paper posits that the SCECSAL region is already in the Information and Knowledge Society (IKS) and that appropriate information and knowledge (IK) are pre‐requisites to the promotion and sustainability of democracy and good governance (Gg). It emphasises that information and knowledge management (IKM) are the corner stones of the IKS, because they constitute the framework of theory and competencies vital in managing information and knowledge. Furthermore, effective IKM is the pillar of producing the IKMPs themselves, a product of appropriate and well managed IKMC. The paper proposes an IKMC Model capable of producing IKMPs in the SCECSAL region.

Originality/value

The proposed curriculum model should be the framework to be adopted by the LIS education and training institutions in the SCECSAL region to produce IKMPs with theory and competencies to manage the IKS towards enhancing democracy and Gg.
Advocacy and evidence for sustainable public computer access
Authors: Sawaya Janet , Maswabi Tshepo , Taolo Resego , Andrade Pablo , Moreno Grez Máximo , Pacheco Pilar , Paberza Kristine , Vigante Sandra , Kurutyte Agniete , Rutkauskiene Ugne , Jeżowska Jolanta , Kochanowicz Maciej
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to draw together the evidence‐based advocacy experience of five national programs focused on developing public access information and communications technologies (ICT) via public libraries as grantees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Libraries Initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors describe a common approach to strategic advocacy and to impact planning and assessment. They then outline the experience of each program in using a range of evidence to help meet specific advocacy objectives. They give particular attention to how each program is using specific evidence to convince key players of the importance of public access ICT provided by public libraries in meeting the objectives of the key players.

Findings

This collective experience shows that when advocating at the national level, statistical data and empirical evidence can demonstrate that public libraries contribute to stakeholders' goals. Such data can include technology skills that users have gained as well as how users improve their businesses, become better educated, and access government services. Common denominators from the programs include a disproportionate positive impact achieved (or anticipated) in rural communities and on relatively disadvantaged groups such as older workers, old people and unemployed people.

Practical implications

Both the general approach to evidence‐based advocacy described and the specific messages about targeting advocacy efforts on key players and on the service users who are most likely to benefit from public access ICT are of potential value to anyone planning a national, regional or local advocacy program focused on public libraries and their services.

Social implications

As the paper deals with global library advocacy issues, and impact planning, it is hoped it is a step towards more measurable social impact for libraries.

Originality/value

This is the first full public report of the Global Libraries approach to evidence‐based advocacy as conducted in the five countries represented in the paper. It is part of a steadily growing body of knowledge being amassed by Global Libraries about effective provision of public access ICT via public libraries in a range of countries.
Population ecology theory: implications for sustainability
Authors: Salimath Manjula S. , Jones Raymond
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The paper has dual objectives. First, the paper aims to consolidate prior research in the area of population ecology theory and provide a review and critique of this influential organizational theory. The review is both broad and extensive, covering all major theoretical streams in population ecology. Second, the paper aims to highlight a new and hitherto unexplored area for future research, which lies at the intersection of population ecology and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The extensive and broad review included all salient published scholarly work on the topic of population ecology from 1996‐2010. Findings are reported in nine separate tables, classified by primary research focus, chronology, author, etc. Additionally, a brief summary of prior research on sustainability is provided.

Findings

Population ecology continues as a valuable and influential perspective for organizational scholars. In comparison, sustainability is a relatively new entrant in the organizational literature, since 2008. Several areas of convergence between population ecology and sustainability exist (construct dimensions, levels of analysis and outcomes). An important gap in the literature allows future research agendas to be pursued.

Practical implications

The major, and most widespread, global implication is that unsustainable organizational practices and strategies may be selected by ecological pressures, and that such organizations may face a decline in population density, or mortality. Sustainable practices may allow for greater firm density and a rise in survival rates for organizational populations. Future research directions investigating population ecology links to sustainability are provided.

Originality/value

This is the first instance where the potential contribution of population ecology to sustainability in organizations is provided.
The effects of 9/11/2001 on business strategy variability in the US air carrier industry
Authors: Goll Irene , Rasheed Abdul A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of 9/11/2001 on strategic variability in the US air carrier industry. The paper also seeks to examine the role of firm size in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tests two different perspectives on organizational adaptation to environmental jolts: the punctuated equilibrium model and institutional isomorphism. The two counter hypotheses predict either increasing or decreasing variability in strategic response to 9/11, respectively. This is a longitudinal study of the US air carrier industry. The sample includes the major, national, and large regional air carriers in the US from 1979 (post‐deregulation) to 2008. The data come from archival sources. The study includes measures of variability in differentiation and low cost strategies as well as scope.

Findings

Time series regressions examine the effects of the 9/11 jolt on business strategy variability in the majors, nationals, and large regionals. The results lend some support to both perspectives on organizational adaptation. Air carrier size had a significant relationship to strategic variability.

Originality/value

The paper studies the behavior of firms in the US air carrier industry following the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001. It examines two different theoretical approaches to environmental jolts and should provide useful information to both academics and managers who are interested in the effects of significant environmental changes on the behavior of an industry.
Going social at Vancouver Public Library: what the virtual branch did next
Authors: Cahill Kay
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to follow up on the 2009 publication “Building a virtual branch at Vancouver Public Library (VPL) using Web 2.0 tools” and to explore the work that VPL has been doing in the social media space over the past two years.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the launch of its new web site in 2008, Vancouver Public Library has continued to expand its online presence, both via its own web properties and in the social media space. At the core of the library's approach to web services is the desire to take the community development model online, and engage with communities in the spaces of their choosing.

Findings

The Web Team has been active in moving into the social media space, and was an early adopter of popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The social bookmarking site Delicious also became an integral part of the new web site, being used as a management tool for the library's extensive collection of recommended web links. Since 2008 the Web Team has piloted a variety of other Web 2.0 and social media tools, pushing the library's online presence into new spaces while continuing to build on the successes experienced by its established accounts.

Originality/value

Libraries are very conscious of the need to leverage social media tools to engage with patrons, but are also facing the challenge of managing these tools with reduced staff and funding. VPL's success in this space offers a model of how to use these tools effectively to engage patrons, develop community, and maximize resources in a time of constrained budgets.
Special features of the advanced loans module of the ABCD integrated library system
Authors: de Smet Egbert
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The “advanced loans” module of the relatively new library software, ABCD, is an addition to the normal loans module and it offers a “generic transaction decision‐making engine” funtionality. The module requires extra installation effort and parameterisation, so this article aims to explain to the many potentially interested libraries, especially from the target‐group of ABCD users, why and how to use the module in comparison with the basic loans module.

Design/methodology/approach

After a brief history the technical concepts of the software and the required technical skills to use them are described.

Findings

The article concludes that for libraries with specific conditions (external user registration, high transactional volumes, multi‐policy) the extra burden of installing the software might be worth the effort.

Practical implications

The installation and configuration of the software are briefly described and the possible gains offered by the software are highlighted.

Originality/value

Potential users of the ABCD software will get useful information for helping to decide whether to use the additional advanced loans module.
Influence of some antioxidants on the oxidative stability of Rimula D lubricating oil
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Shakirullah M. , Ishaq M. , Arsala Khan M. , ullah Jan
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate some cheap and highly stable additives to improve the quality of lubricating oil.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was performed using phenol, p‐cresol and pyrogallol as antioxidants. The concentration of each antioxidant was varied between 0 and 1 per cent. Sample (50 ml) blended with the antioxidant was taken in the same trap. The trap was placed on water both maintained at a temperature of 50°C. Air was bubbled for the time duration of 6 h. After 6 h, the contents of the trap were carefully collected and characterized. The oxidation was performed in a specially designed glass made U‐shaped trap in the absence and presence of antioxidants. The trap containing sample was tied with an iron stand. Air was bubbled through the sample. The bubbling was assisted by the suction pump at room temperate (24°C). The sample was aerated for time duration of 6 h. After 6 h, the contents of the trap were carefully collected in a dried bottle for physicochemical tests.

Findings

The results indicate that phenol is the best antioxidant in concentration of 0.5 per cent amongst the three antioxidants used at room temperature as well as at 50°C. Amongst the antioxidants used, the order of suitability is phenol > pyrogallol > p‐creosol.

Originality/value

The antioxidants studied will help increase the service time of the lubricant to save money and to avoid environmental problems arising from careless disposal of used lubricating oils.
Optimization of surface roughness in drilling using vegetable‐based cutting oils developed from sunflower oil
Authors: Ozcelik Babur , Kuram Emel , Demirbas Erhan , Şik Emrah
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of four cutting oils, two different vegetable‐based cutting fluids developed from refined sunflower oil and two commercial types (semi‐synthetic and mineral), for surface roughness during drilling of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel with HSSE tool.

Design/methodology/approach

L9 (33) orthogonal array was used for the experiment plan. Spindle speed, feed rate and drilling depth were considered as machining parameters.

Findings

Results were evaluated statistically. Mathematical models based on cutting parameters were obtained from regression analyses to predict surface roughness. ANOVA was used to determine the effect of the cutting parameters on the surface roughness. The performance results were found to be better for vegetable‐based cutting oils than that of commercial ones.

Originality/value

The paper reports on the use of refined sunflower oil in drilling stainless steel.
Inherent restriction on stability of rotor‐aerostatic bearing system
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Hsien , Tsai Te‐Hui , Yang Ding‐Wen , Kang Yuan , Chang Yeon‐Pun
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the influences of both the number and locations of entry holes on the static and dynamic characteristics of a rigid rotor supported by two double‐rows, inherently compensated aerostatic bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

The air is assumed to be perfect gas undergoing the adiabatic process and passing through entry holes into the bearing clearance. Air film in the clearance is governed by Reynolds equation including the coupled effects of wedge due to rotor rotation and squeezed film due to rotor oscillation.

Findings

The method is used to analyze Reynolds equation, which is then solved by the finite difference method and numerical integration to yield static and dynamic characteristics of air film. The equation of motion of the rotor‐bearing system is obtained by using the perturbation method and the eigensolution method is used to determine the stability threshold and critical whirl ratio.

Originality/value

The paper considers the eccentricity, rotor speed, and restriction parameter in the analysis of the whirl instability of the rotor‐aerostatic bearing system for the comparisons between various designs in the number and locations of entry holes of aerostatic bearings.