bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Einfluss von Teamarbeit auf Wohlbefinden und emotionale Erschöpfung von Mitarbeitern in der medizinischen Rehabilitation
Authors: Becker S. , Konrad A. , Zimmermann L. , Müller C. , Tomczyk S. , Reichler L. , Körner M.
Published: June 2016

Ziel der Studie: Emotionale Erschöpfung und Wohlbefinden von Mitarbeitern sind Indikatoren, welche im Zusammenhang mit der hohen Prävalenz psychischer und psychosomatischer Erkrankungen bei Mitarbeitern im Gesundheitswesen von Bedeutung sind. Teamarbeit kann das Wohlbefinden der Mitarbeiter positiv beeinflussen. Dies ist jedoch im Bereich der Rehabilitation noch unzureichend belegt. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, Aspekte von Teamarbeit als Prädiktoren für Wohlbefinden und emotionale Erschöpfung bei Mitarbeitern in deutschen Rehabilitationskliniken zu untersuchen.

Methodik: Die Daten wurden in insgesamt 10 Rehabilitationskliniken in Südwestdeutschland erhoben, davon wurden die Mitarbeiterfragebogen aus 9 Kliniken (n=306, 70% weiblich, 68% zwischen 40 und 59 Jahre alt) mittels multipler linearer Regression ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse: Die Mitarbeiter berichteten moderate Maße an emotionaler Erschöpfung und hohes Wohlbefinden. Die Ergebnisse der Regressionsanalysen zeigen, dass Zusammenhalt (β=0,27, p<0,001), Teamorganisation (β=0,19, p<0,01) und Alter (β=0,13, p<0,05) der Mitarbeiter einen bedeutsamen Teil der Varianz von Wohlbefinden aufklären konnten (F[3, 244]=19,38, p<0,05). Durch das Kriterium Zusammenhalt (β=− 0.37, p<0,001) konnte die emotionale Erschöpfung der Mitarbeiter bedeutsam vorhergesagt werden (F[1, 244]=39,19, p<0,001).

Schlussfolgerung: Diskutiert werden die Auswirkungen der interpersonellen und strukturellen Aspekte von Teamarbeit, sowie die potentielle Relevanz von Interventionsmaßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Teamarbeit, um eine Steigerung des psychischen Wohlbefindens der Mitarbeiter zu erreichen.
An inspiring advocate for Systemic-Functional Linguistics
Authors: Hunston Susan
Published: June 2016

The work of Geoff Thompson, who until his death was an editor ofFunctions of Language, has had an international reach for over 40 years. He has contributed to advances in Systemic-Functional Linguistics, in particular extending theories of interaction and evaluation in discourse. HisIntroducing Functional Grammaris an indispensable guide to the field.
(A few) psycholinguistic properties of the NP
Authors: Acuña-Fariña Carlos
Published: June 2016

Essentially, noun phrases are beams of formal features, like case or arbitrary gender, and semantic features, like number, animacy, or biologically-based gender. This means that when such nominal elements are embedded in the structure of the sentence, their features interact with that structure in many ways. The main purpose of this work is to explore some of those interactions psycholinguistically, as well as to provide a set of explanatory principles that account for a substantial number of results reported in the psycholinguistic literature. It will focus mostly on agreement. Towards that goal, firstly a distinction will be made between the storing of nominal features and the computation of those features; secondly a comparison of the features of number and gender will be made; thirdly, it will be seen how the processing and the production of featural information interacts with the strength of a language’s morphological component; fourthly, the cross-linguistically different degrees of semantic interfacing (such as agreement ad sensum) will also be seen to correlate with morphological strength; finally, it will be argued that processing systems behave quite opportunistically when it comes to using either the formal information or the conceptual information coded in their NPs. This opportunism very often translates into a timing strategy: use first whatever information is available first.
The Great Complement Shift revisited
Authors: Fanego Teresa
Published: June 2016

This paper examines the history of the ACC-inggerundive, a subtype of verbal gerund differing formally from both bare gerundives (I enjoyed reading the paper) and POSS-inggerundives (I was surprised atJane’sarriving late) in having an overt subject argument either in the common case, if it is a full noun phrase (Two peopleworrying about each other, with no external diversion, brews a deadly atmosphere) or in the accusative case, if it is a personal pronoun (You can’t preventmetelling the truth). Findings from a corpus-based study show that early instances of ACC-inggerundives most often functioned as preverbal sentential subjects and served as arguments to causative predicates such asbrew,makeandoblige. Based on this evidence, it is argued that ACC-inggerundives have emerged as an intersection of a number of pre-existing constructions, most especially a subtype of absolute participle, now obsolete, that encoded causative (factive) semantics and preceded its superordinate clause. The development of the new gerundive subtype from this participial source, which proceeded as a succession of small discrete steps, can be fruitfully accounted for as a case of constructional change, along the lines proposed in Hilpert (2013) and Traugott & Trousdale (2013).
Modernization and the restructuring of the Shanghai speech community
Authors: van den Berg Marinus
Published: June 2016

This paper reports the results of direct observations of language use in two shopping areas in Shanghai, Nanjing East Road and Xujiahui. The data reported in this paper were collected in 2007. In Nanjing East Road, four traditional stores provided a base line for the use of Shanghainese. That base line (60 percent) was compared to a hierarchy of department stores in Xujiahui. The results showed that the store that best matched the base-line data attracted customers representing upper-working class / lower middle class customers. The remaining two stores attracted middle class and upper class customers. In the latter setting, it was found that a certain segment of the customers switched from Shanghainese to Putonghua for the business transaction, an effect we associated with the presence of young urban professionals of all backgrounds. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of speech community theory, and network density, which allows predictions of changes taking place within the dominant language of the Shanghainese speech community.
Recognition gaps in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Authors: Friedman Elie
Published: June 2016

This study identifies gaps in official discourse between recognition of the other as a nation and recognition of the other’s right to statehood within identity conflicts. Using as a case study the discourse of Israeli political leaders during three distinct periods from 1967 until the present, the study proposes analytical tools based on recognition theory to examine how the relationship between recognition of the other and constitution of the self impact recognition gaps. The study illustrates that partial recognition of the other — either affirmation of peoplehood coupled with denial of statehood or conversely affirmation of statehood coupled with denial of peoplehood — can result from an untenable view of self based on ontological dissonance. Recognition of the other is shown to be an essential aspect of self-constitution within the context of a transformation of self-identity towards an identity that frees itself of mastery over the other.
Inhibitory effect of 13 taxane diterpenoids from Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis var. mairei) on the proliferation of HeLa cervical cancer cells
Authors: Liu Hai-Sheng , Gao Yu-Huan , Liu Li-Hong , Liu Wei , Shi Qing-Wen , Dong Mei , Suzuki Toshikazu , Kiyota Hiromasa
Published: June 2016

The inhibitory effect of 13 taxanes isolated from the Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis var. mairei) on the proliferation of human cervical cancer HeLa cells were examined using an MTT assay. Four compounds having a hydrophobic cinnamate side chain showed antiproliferative activity, which may be due to increased cell permeability.
Yeast Vps13 promotes mitochondrial function and is localized at membrane contact sites
Authors: Park Jae-Sook , Thorsness Mary K. , Policastro Robert , McGoldrick Luke L. , Hollingsworth Nancy M. , Thorsness Peter E. , Neiman Aaron M.
Published: June 2016

The Vps13 protein family is highly conserved in eukaryotic cells. Mutations in human VPS13 genes result in a variety of diseases, such as chorea acanthocytosis (ChAc), but the cellular functions of Vps13 proteins are not well defined. In yeast, there is a single VPS13 orthologue, which is required for at least two different processes: protein sorting to the vacuole and sporulation. This study demonstrates that VPS13 is also important for mitochondrial integrity. In addition to preventing transfer of DNA from the mitochondrion to the nucleus, VPS13 suppresses mitophagy and functions in parallel with the endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondrion encounter structure (ERMES). In different growth conditions, Vps13 localizes to endosome–mitochondrion contacts and to the nuclear–vacuole junctions, indicating that Vps13 may function at membrane contact sites. The ability of VPS13 to compensate for the absence of ERMES correlates with its intracellular distribution. We propose that Vps13 is present at multiple membrane contact sites and that separation-of-function mutants are due to loss of Vps13 at specific junctions. Introduction of VPS13A mutations identified in ChAc patients at cognate sites in yeast VPS13 are specifically defective in compensating for the lack of ERMES, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction might be the basis for ChAc.
Multiscale subgrid models of large eddy simulation for turbulent flows
Authors: Jiao Jianying , Zhang Ye
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose three modified subgrid-scale (SGS) eddy-viscosity models to improve their original eddy-viscosity models (the Smagorinsky model (SM), the mixed-scale model (MSM), and the wall-adapted local eddy-viscosity model (WALE)) in the simulation of turbulent flows in near-wall region.

Design/methodology/approach

– The subgrid viscosity is related to the norm of strain rate tensor of the smallest resolved scales, instead of the norm of the resolved strain rate tensor of the large scales.

Findings

– All the SGS viscosity of the modified eddy-viscosity models (small-large model, modified MSM, and modified WALE) is closer to y+3 behavior than those of the original eddy-viscosity models (SM, MSM, and WALE) near the wall.

Originality/value

– The norm of strain rate tensor of the smallest scales used in eddy-viscosity models, instead of the norm of strain rate tensor, makes the eddy viscosity in near-wall region approach to zero in a physical sense.
Numerical study of magnetohydrodynamics generalized Couette flow of Eyring-Powell fluid with heat transfer and slip condition
Authors: Ellahi R , Shivanian E , Abbasbandy S , Hayat T.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the generalized Couette flow of Eyring-Powell fluid. The paper aims to discuss diverse issues befell for the heat transfer, magnetohydrodynamics and slip.

Design/methodology/approach

– A hybrid technique based on pseudo-spectral collocation is applied for the solution of nonlinear resulting system.

Findings

– Viscous fluid results which are yet not available can be taken as a limiting case of presented problem. The results for the case of Hartmann flow can be obtained as a special case when plate velocity is zero, i.e. pressure gradient induced flow. The results for the zero fluid slip and no thermal slip also become special cases of this work, and the results can be recovered by setting, and to zero. These solutions are valid not only for small but also for large values of all emerging parameters.

Originality/value

– This model is investigated for the first time, as the authors know.
Flowfield dependent variation method
Authors: Girgis Bassem R , Rani Sarma L , Frendi Abdelkader
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the computational features of the Flowfield Dependent Variation (FDV) method, a numerical scheme built to simulate flows characterized by multiple speeds, multiple physical phenomena, and by large variations in flow variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– Fundamentally, the FDV method may be regarded as a variant of the Lax-Wendroff Scheme (LWS) that is obtained by replacing the explicit time derivatives in LWS by a weighted combination of explicit and implicit time derivatives. The weighting factors – referred to as FDV parameters – may be broadly classified as convective and diffusive parameters which, for example, are determined using flow quantities such as the Mach number and Reynolds number, respectively. Hence, the reference to these parameters and the method as “flow field dependent.” A von Neumann Fourier analysis demonstrates that the increased implicitness makes FDV both more stable and less dispersive compared to LWS, a feature crucial to capturing shocks and other phenomena characterized by high gradients in variables. In the current study, the FDV scheme is implemented in a Taylor-Galerkin-based finite element method framework that supports arbitrarily high order, unstructured isoparametric elements in one-, two- and three-dimensional geometries.

Findings

– At first, the spatial accuracy of the implemented FDV scheme is established using the Method of Manufactured Solutions, wherein the results show that the order of accuracy of the scheme is nearly equal to the order of the shape function polynomial plus one. The dispersion and dissipation errors of FDV, when applied to the compressible Navier-Stokes and energy equations, are investigated using a 2-D, small-amplitude acoustic pulse propagating in a quiescent medium. It is shown that FDV with third-order shape functions accurately captures both the amplitude and phase of the acoustic pulse. The method is then applied to cases ranging from low-Mach number subsonic flows (Mach number M=0.05) to high-Mach number supersonic flows (M=4) with shock-boundary layer interactions. For all cases, fair to good agreement is observed between the current results and those in the literature.

Originality/value

– The spatial order of accuracy of the FDV method, its stability and dispersive properties, as well as its applicability to low- and high-Mach number flows are established.
Free convective overall heat transfer coefficient on inclined electronic assembly with active QFN16 package
Authors: Baïri Abderrahmane
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the overall free convective heat transfer coefficient for an assembly constituted by a Quad Flat Non-lead QFN16 welded on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) which may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane by an angle varying between 0° and 90° corresponding to the horizontal and vertical position, respectively. This electronic device widely used in electronics generates during its effective operation a power ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 W. The assembly is installed in an air-filled cavity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Calculations are done by means of the finite volume method for many configurations obtained by varying the generated power, the inclination angle and the position of the QFN16 on the PCB. The dynamic and thermal aspects are presented and commented.

Findings

– The study shows that the thermal state of the electronic device is influenced by the previous three physical parameters. A correlation between the global convective exchange coefficient, the generated power and the PCB inclination angle is proposed in this survey.

Practical implications

– The results of this survey allow a better thermal control of this conventional arrangement widely used in electronic applications.

Originality/value

– The correlations proposed in this work are original and unpublished. The considered power varies between 0.1 and 0.8W corresponding to the effective operation of the device, associated to a PCB inclination angle ranging between 0° and 90°.
Effects of temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity on mixed convection flow along a magnetized vertical surface
Authors: Muhammad Ashraf , Chamkha Ali J , Iqbal S , Ahmad Masud
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report a numerical solution for the problem of steady, two dimensional boundary layer buoyant flow on a vertical magnetized surface, when both the viscosity and thermal conductivity are assumed to be temperature-dependent. In this case, the motion is governed by a coupled set of three nonlinear partial differential equations, which are solved numerically by using the finite difference method (FDM) by introducing the primitive variable formulation. Calculations of the coupled equations are performed to investigate the effects of the different governing parameters on the profiles of velocity, temperature and the transverse component of magnetic field. The effects of the thermal conductivity variation parameter, viscosity variation parameter, magnetic Prandtl number Pmr, magnetic force parameter S, mixed convection parameter Ri and the Prandtl number Pr on the flow structure and heat transfer characteristics are also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

– FDM.

Findings

– It is noted that when the Prandtl number Pr is sufficiently large, i.e. Pr=100, the buoyancy force that driven the fluid motion is decreased that decrease the momentum boundary layer and there is no change in thermal boundary layer is noticed. It is also noted that due to slow motion of the fluid the magnetic current generates which increase the magnetic boundary layer thickness at the surface. It is observed that the momentum boundary layer thickness is increased, thermal and magnetic field boundary layers are decreased with the increase of thermal conductivity variation parameter =100. The maximum boundary layer thickness is increased for =100 and there is no change seen in the case of thermal boundary layer thickness but magnetic field boundary layer is deceased. The momentum boundary layer thickness shoot quickly for =40 but is very smooth for =50.There is no change is seen for the case of thermal boundary layer and very clear decay for =40 is noted.

Originality/value

– This work is original research work.
Numerical study of unsteady MHD Couette flow and heat transfer of nanofluids in a rotating system with convective cooling
Authors: Ali Ahmada Omar , Makinde Oluwole Daniel , Nkansah-Gyekye Yaw
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate numerically the unsteady MHD Couette flow and heat transfer of viscous, incompressible and electrically conducting nanofluids between two parallel plates in a rotating channel.

Design/methodology/approach

– The nanofluid is set in motion by the combined action of moving upper plate, Coriolis force and the constant pressure gradient. The channel rotates in unison about an axis normal to the plates. The nonlinear governing equations for velocity and heat transfer are obtained and solved numerically using semi-discretization, shooting and collocation (bvp4c) techniques together with Runge-Kutta Fehlberg integration scheme.

Findings

– Results show that both magnetic field and rotation rate demonstrate significant effect on velocity and heat transfer profiles in the system with Cu-water nanofluid demonstrating the highest velocity and heat transfer efficiency. These numerical results are in excellent agreements with the results obtained by other methods.

Practical implications

– This paper provides a very useful source of information for researchers on the subject of hydromagnetic nanofluid flow in rotating systems.

Originality/value

– Couette flow of nanofluid in the presence of applied magnetic field in a rotating channel is investigated.
Media constructions of fear in the outbreak of an epidemic disease
Authors: Korstanje Maximillano , George Babu
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– After almost a decade, the re-appearance of dengue fever in Argentina caused panic and fears. Unlike Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay, where prevention policies have been followed, the future of dengue is uncertain in Argentina; the present paper does not have political affiliation but the purpose of this paper is to emphasizes the role that mass media plays in the coverage of epidemics.

Design/methodology/approach

– In moments of disorder, uncertainness or disaster, societies experience a shift in the ways they perceive their reality.

Findings

– In the times, media plays a dominant role in constructing the reality that the authors get to consume. Such reality is reflective of media’s own biases and those of the vested interests that control the media.

Originality/value

– This essay draws from social psychology and allied literature to highlight how the recent reemergence of dengue in Argentina was employed as a lever for achieving a range of ulterior objectives.
Library cooperation in Turkey: the results of a survey of ILL librarians in higher education
Authors: Celikbas Sema , Ekingen Flores Mamondi Filiz
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate library cooperation among the libraries of Turkish higher education institutions in the changing global environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has been carried out with ILL librarians working in state and foundation university libraries in Turkey. The survey was sent to 140 inter library loan (ILL) librarians who were asked to answer 35 questions both open and closed. There were 100 responses which is an excellent response rate of 72 per cent. It was conducted with VETI (Data Collection and Statistics), which is a web-based form application developed by Istanbul Technical University.

Findings

Turkish libraries are taking the opportunities offered by technical developments to serve their users with instant information by providing access to electronic resources and transferring their collections to electronic media. Reconstruction of ILL services to fulfill users’ needs is inevitable because of the increasing expectations of users and emerging alternatives to access information.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic national investigation into the state of ILL in Turkish libraries.
The usage of ILLiad and Get It Now at a US medium-sized academic library over a three-year period
Authors: Jaskowiak Megan , Spires Todd
Published: June 2016

Purpose

As medium-sized academic libraries’ budgets continue to shrink or cannot compete with inflation rates, document delivery options like ILLiad and unmediated Get It Now can play a prominent role in providing content lost due to the inevitable cancellation of serial subscriptions. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of using these two options in a US university.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the usage of these two services for the three fiscal years following the implementation of Get It Now at Bradley University.

Findings

Questions addressed are as follows. How have they been used over the three-year time period? Which user status group has been using them, undergraduates, graduate students or faculty members? Which departments on campus have been using them the most?

Originality/value

This study is the first to look at the usage of Get It Now and ILLiad together over multiple years.
A document delivery service for foreign scholarly journals: the experiences of South Korea
Authors: Lee Ji Won , Kim Soojung
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This study aims to describe the current status and usage trends of a new document delivery service (DDS) for foreign scholarly journals in Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 2010 to 2016 for the number of foreign journal subscriptions held by Foreign Research Information Centers (FRICs), number of FRIC DDS requests, the amount of government funds spent on the subscriptions, etc.

Findings

There has been an increase in the number of foreign journal subscriptions and DDS transactions by FRICs, especially in the fields of science, technology and medicine.

Originality/value

The DDS project in this study offers a useful example of collaboration between the government and academic libraries to provide research communities with foreign scholarly journals.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature; 92
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to review the current Library and Information Science (LIS) literature for document supply, resource sharing and other issues such as open access that have an impact on the service.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the scanning of about 150 journals, reports, websites and blogs.

Findings

Open access continues to grow and, hence, the impact of document supply. There is a particularly useful progress report on open access in the UK which is widely relevant.

Originality/value

This paper is the only regular review of LIS literature in this subject area.
Developing professional capital in policy and practice
Authors: Campbell Carol , Lieberman Ann , Yashkina Anna
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence from Ontario’s Teacher Learning and Leadership Program (TLLP) with goals to: support experienced teachers to undertake self-directed professional development; develop teachers’ leadership skills for sharing their professional learning and practices; and facilitate knowledge exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on four years of research including: analyses of TLLP project application proposals and final reports; observations and participant feedback for TLLP events; surveys of TLLP project leaders; vignettes by teacher leaders; interviews with teachers, government and union leaders; case studies of TLLP projects; and analyses of TLLP online networking activity.

Findings

– TLLP provides an example of developing professional capital, involving: changes in the style and substance of policy making concerning government and unions’ approaches to teachers’ professional development; and the experiences of teachers developing their individual and collaborative professional learning and leadership with benefits for teachers and for students.

Originality/value

– Five implications are highlighted: prioritizing teachers’ learning and leadership of, by and for teachers requires shifts in the substance and style of policy making for teachers’ work; professional collaboration benefits from appropriate partnerships and an enabling system with conditions and support for teachers’ learning and leadership; valuing and supporting teachers taking charge of their own professional learning is integral; developing teachers as leaders of their peers’ learning and educational improvements is vital; and enabling teachers as developers of actionable knowledge is powerful for sharing improvements in practices.
Professional capital and collaborative inquiry networks for educational equity and improvement?
Authors: Chapman Christopher , Chestnutt Hannah , Friel Niamh , Hall Stuart , Lowden Kevin
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold, first, it is to reflect on the development of professional capital in a three-year collaborative school improvement initiative that used collaborative inquiry within, between and beyond schools in an attempt to close the gap in outcomes for students from less well-off backgrounds and their wealthier counter parts. Second, this paper will reflect more broadly on the initiative as a whole.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research and development initiative involved the research team working in a nested setting as second-order action researchers, consultants and critical friends with a range of actors across the system. The findings are based on mixed methods data collected from eight case study school partnerships. The partnerships involved over 50 schools across 14 school districts in Scotland. Social network analysis was also used in one of the school districts to map and quantify professional relationships across schools.

Findings

– Over time, relationships within the partnerships developed and deepened. This occurred within individual schools, across schools within the partnerships and beyond the school partnerships. At the same time as these networks expanded, participants reported increases in human, social and decisional capital, not only among teachers, but also among other stakeholders. In addition, through their collaborative inquiries schools reported increased evidence of impact on positive outcomes for disadvantaged students.

Originality/value

– The professional capital of individuals and organisations across and beyond schools is demonstrated as an important consideration in the pursuit of both quality and equity in education.
Information literacy instruction in Chinese universities: MOOCs versus the traditional approach
Authors: Huang Ruhua , Li Baiyang , Zhou Lihong
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss a teaching project and a series of systematic efforts to promote an information literacy instruction (ILI) module and transform it into a successful and well-established massive open online courses (MOOCs). Specifically, this paper provides not only a detailed description and discussion on these transformation processes, but also a comparative analysis of two very different teaching approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper focuses on the ILI module in Wuhan University with a top-ranked Library and Information School in China. As a result, this module has been treated as a case study to investigate the transformation processes from a traditional module to MOOCs. Specifically, two research processes are scrutinized in this study, namely, analytic hierarchy process analysis and data analysis on the ILI MOOCs.

Findings

– It has become evident that ILI is widely considered to be extremely important, not only for university students, but also for a large number of post-college professionals in various industries. Moreover, by using innovation and interactive online techniques, MOOCs have significantly improved the quality of ILI.

Practical implications

– If a module is delivered to a large number of students, MOOCs are effective and convenient. To ensure a successful ILI course, this study describes a detailed procedure for transforming a traditional course to a ubiquitous, high-quality and interactive one.

Originality/value

– This paper represents early attempts to develop MOOCs on ILI in China. In addition, experience and insight from this study are of interest to university educators and policy makers with implications beyond the Chinese educational system.
Search engine optimization
Authors: Lee Sungin , Jang Wonhong , Lee Eunsol , Oh Sam G.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of, and identify core techniques of, search engine optimization (SEO) techniques applied to the web (http://lg-sl.net) and mobile (http//m.lg-sl.net) Science Land content and services at LG Sangnam Library in Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

– In accordance with three major SEO guidelines, ten SEO techniques were identified and applied, and their implications were extracted on three areas: improved search engine accessibility, increased relevance between site content and search engine keywords, and improved site credibility. The effects were quantitatively analyzed in terms of registered search engine keywords and influx of visits via search engines.

Findings

– This study shows that SEO techniques help increase the exposure of the library services and the number of visitors through search engines.

Practical implications

– SEO techniques have been applied to a few non-Korean information service organizations, but it is not a well-accepted practice in Korean libraries. And the dominant search engines in Korea have published their own SEO guidelines. Prior to this study, no significant endeavors have been undertaken in the context of Korean library services that have adopted SEO techniques to boost exposure of library services and increase user traffics.

Originality/value

– This is the first published study that has applied optimized SEO techniques to Korean web and mobile library services, in order to demonstrate the usefulness of the techniques for maximized exposure of library content.
A gender agenda
Authors: Broadbent Jane
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to categorise the nature of the research undertaken in respect of gender and accounting to identify where research is undertaken and where there remains lacunae in the field. It seeks to offer prescriptions for more research in the field and for the consideration of a particular type of research that considers the gendered values that inform accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is to provide an illustrative review of the literature in the area to demonstrate the streams of thought that are reflected in research in the field. The paper is therefore an argument for undertaking research in relation to gender more generally and more specifically pays attention to how the nature of accounting information is informed by gendered values.

Findings

The argument is that the considerations of gender in accounting research are not providing the impetus for a change that will enrich accounting information and the decision-making processes that it informs. A different approach to accounting provides the possibility of providing more equitable opportunities for those working within the accounting profession, including women.

Research limitations/implications

The paper argues the case for more research in this field.

Social implications

The paper has implications for the situation of women working as accountants and for a broader diversity agenda.

Originality/value

The paper seeks to re-emphasise an earlier paper (Broadbent, 1998) and re-energise the debates about the effects of gender in accounting. There is no other research that addresses the agenda of the gendered nature of accounting information and technologies.
Chinese women in the accounting profession
Authors: Zhao Yingqi , Lord Beverley R.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This exploratory research aims to investigate the barriers to career advancement for women accountants in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight accountants working for business companies and occupying different-level positions.

Findings

Women accountants in China encounter barriers throughout their career paths. The main barrier is a negative perception of women’s work performance after having a child. Although the modern communist state claims that women have a role equal to that of men in their work contributions, centuries-old Confucian attitudes constrain women in their choices of balance between work and home life.

Originality/value

The findings of this research call for enforcement of employment laws in China to give women equal opportunities in both recruitment and promotion. This research contributes to both Western and Chinese existing literature, confirming some prior findings that are contrary to modern China’s rhetoric that “Women hold up half the sky”. It also adds the perspective of accountants working in business companies rather than public practice accounting firms.
Positive action plans in Italian universities: does gender really matter?
Authors: Galizzi Giovanna , Siboni Benedetta
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The European university context reveals a high degree of gender inequality. In Italy, the overall female employment rate is significantly lower than in the rest of Europe; nevertheless, gender equality in universities is consistent with the European average. In 2006, the Italian Government required public organisations (thus state universities) to formulate positive action plans (PAPs) and disclose the positive actions planned for the following three years to promote gender equality. However, the law does not provide any guideline for the contents of the PAPs. The purpose of this paper is to analyse gender equality disclosure in PAPs to investigate whether and how Italian State Universities (ISUs) are taking a role in promoting gender equality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses content analysis to investigate contents of gender disclosure in 28 PAPs. The authors developed a coding instrument based on the Guidelines for Gender Equality Programmes in Science.

Findings

The paper found that most PAPs are focused on creating a favourable environment for women inside the organisation, while little attention has been paid to creating gender awareness in research and teaching activities, as well as in supporting women’s leadership. The paper concludes that ISUs are failing as key players in the cultural change of the society toward gender equality.

Originality/value

First, the paper contributes to the accounting literature by providing an analysis of accounting for gender by universities. Second, it adds to the debate on positive actions for gender equality in the university sector.
School librarians’ intellectual freedom attitudes and practices
Authors: McNicol Sarah
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the most significant censorship issues faced by UK school librarians today and to determine what factors influence attitudes towards these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed, closely based on that used for a previous survey of UK librarians in 2004. It was distributed online and 96 responses were received.

Findings

Overall, respondents were more likely to express support for intellectual freedom in theory than in practice. Statements that prompted the strongest pro-censorship responses related to access issues, namely, labelling and filtering. A number of librarians place significant emphasis on their personal ability, or right, to determine whether or not resources are included in the collection. There was evidence of a difference in practical application depending on whether librarians worked with pre-school children or were members of professional associations.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest a need for further research into the role of professional associations in supporting school librarians faced by censorship issues, especially those who support the youngest students.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that while school librarians hold strong pro-intellectual freedom views, they may need additional support to put these into practice. School librarians are undoubtedly in a challenging position, often being solo workers; they need support to find ways to uphold professional intellectual freedom principles within a school setting.
Designing the learning spaces of a university library
Authors: Ellison Wendy
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper reflects on the Bognor Regis Learning Resource Centre at the University of Chichester which opened in early 2012. In particular, it looks at how the spaces within the building were designed to enhance student learning and whether it meets student needs in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted by way of a case study which included interviews and questionnaires. In addition, observations and the measurement of sound levels resulted in the collection of statistical data for analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that although the building is popular as a learning space and provides for a variety of learning styles, nevertheless, there are some problems with the interior design. In addition, future pressures and advances in technology will require further development of the building to keep pace with changing user needs and expectations.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of research regarding the use of library space for student learning in higher education. In addition, it makes practical suggestions for future developments that could also be considered by other higher education institutions.
Expanding outward: libraries broaden their impact
Authors: Massis Bruce
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this column is to describe several examples of libraries providing services to their patrons to broaden their impact beyond their four walls.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Findings

Mobility substantiates the claim that library users have certain expectations from their libraries, not the least of which is to maintain a currency with the latest technological advances through its services. Therefore, younger generations brought up on high-tech access to their library materials via an array of services outside the building itself is paramount to a public expecting its links to services anywhere, anytime.

Originality/value

The value in exploring this topic is to examine several real-world scenarios where libraries have provided exceptional services beyond the building to satisfy the ever-expanding expectations of their users.
MOOCs – an opportunity for international collaboration in LIS education
Authors: Pujar Shamprasad M. , Tadasad Prahalad G.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have opened up a gateway for ongoing learning opportunities to students, faculty and researchers. MOOCs are now being offered in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) by a number of universities and institutions. This paper aims to explore how this new model of education can bring opportunities to LIS schools to overcome such constraints as lack of teachers, variable skills levels, paucity of funds and limited infrastructure, all of which can be significant barriers to effective delivery of LIS education. This paper will provide the first perspective from a developing country like India. It will explain the concept of MOOC and discuss its present role in LIS, and will explore its potential for collaboration in furthering teaching and research in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

A desk-based approach was used to study the philosophy behind MOOCs and its applicability in the field of LIS. However, a survey method was implemented to collect views of LIS professionals in India, to assess their understanding and interest in MOOCs. The scope of this study was limited to explaining how this new form of education can bring opportunities to LIS schools in India.

Findings

The study reveals great interest among Indian LIS professionals in further study through MOOCs, although the adoption of this learning method in Indian LIS schools is still a rarity. However, policy initiatives recently proposed by the Government of India will make it necessary for LIS schools to start experimenting with this new medium of education.

Originality/value

Some of the areas of collaboration discussed in this paper may enable LIS teachers and schools to adopt MOOCs to further LIS education and research, especially in developing countries.
Beyond gate counts: seating studies and observations to assess library space usage
Authors: Dominguez Gricel
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for the assessment of library space use and user experience by combining seating studies, surveys and observational data.

Design/methodology/approach

Seating usage studies (called seating sweeps), technology-assisted face-to-face surveys and observational data were used to assess library space usage and identify user behaviors.

Findings

Results from the study revealed higher library use than expected and provided insight into user behaviors and patterns.

Practical implications

The methods and study described aid in raising awareness of user experience within library spaces and provide valuable data for space redesign efforts.

Originality/value

The study builds upon methods described by Linn (2013) and combines traditional user experience methodologies to gain insight into library space use and user needs.
Information literacy in Nigerian universities trends, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Anunobi Chinwe V. , Ukwoma Scholastica
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the information literacy trends, challenges and opportunities in Nigerian universities, With focus on its characteristics; content and adequacy for students’ information literacy development and lifelong learning. The effort to ensure that university students are empowered to acquire the competences needed for all round education and lifelong learning has been the primary focus of the university curriculum. University regulatory body in Nigeria emphasised the need to provide students with a study plan which provides them with capacity to locate information resources, access, evaluate and use them in legally acceptable manner. The programme is differently captioned with varying contents. With evolving approach to literacy, this study was designed to determine whether the programme has evolved from use of library education to information literacy or still at its traditional mode.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. The population consists of federal and state university libraries in Nigeria. The characteristics, content and adequacy of the programme as offered in Nigerian universities was the measure to determine the type of literacy. Questionnaire derived from literature and personal experience was designed to elicit information. A copy of the questionnaire was sent to each university that constituted the sample of the study by mail and telephone interviews were given to the heads of the sampled libraries.

Findings

It was discovered that majority of the universities studied were yet to consolidate the library literacy programme offered in their universities. Hence, the provision of information literacy content is yet to be realised in Nigerian universities.

Practical implications

There should be constant evaluation and monitoring of the programme by the regulatory bodies to ensure that the programme is reviewed at the appropriate time and that they also abide to the minimum standard.

Originality/value

For the effective implementation of programme to reflect the current development in research and information sourcing, retrieval and use; collaboration in content development as well as teaching between faculty and library; increasing or splitting the programme content to accommodate first year and higher level undergraduates, the regulatory bodies like Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria should ensure constant evaluation of the programme.