bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
The impact of commitment and climate strength on the relationship between trust and performance in cross-functional project teams
Authors: Buvik Marte Pettersen , Tvedt Sturle Danielsen 
Published: June 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to shed more light on the complex relationship between trust and performance in the context of cross-functional project teams. This study presents a moderated mediation model that investigates the impact of team trust on team performance mediated by project commitment and moderated by climate strength (the consensus among team members on the level of trust).Design/methodology/approachTo test the proposed model, data were collected from 179 project team members in 31 Norwegian construction project teams.FindingsResults indicated that project commitment fully mediates the relationship between propensity and trustworthiness and team performance, while it partially mediates the relationship between cooperation and team performance. For monitoring, there results showed no mediation. The results yielded no support for the moderation effects of climate strength, suggesting that the mean-level approach to studying trust at the team level still is important.Research limitations/implicationsCross-sectional survey data suffer from being unable to test causality and samples are relatively small. Future research should test the models on other samples and in combination with data other than self-report. Longitudinal and multilevel studies are also warranted.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that trust has an impact on project commitment and both directly and indirectly on team performance. Interventions to develop a high trust climate in project teams can thus contribute to improved project performance.Originality/valueThis study offers new insight into the complex relationship between trust and performance and improves our understanding of trust in cross-functional project teams.
Ethics, workforce practices and sustainability by multinationals in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunyemi Kemi , Laguda Emem 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to carry out a thematic review of literature on ethics, governance and sustainable practices with regard to workforce engagement and development in the Nigerian hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach
The review covered the available conceptual and empirical research articles along with a number of alternative sources containing helpful information, such as industry reports and news articles. The review suggests that, for the Nigerian hospitality industry, extant research on ethics, governance and sustainability with regard to workforce management can be categorized into five themes adapted from the categorization of ethical constructs in the work of Tucker et al. (1999) on codes of conduct. These five themes are integrity, equality, economic efficiency and equivalence, distributive and contributive justice and environmental concern.

Findings
There appeared to be a high incidence of unethical behaviour in the industry, the most common being maltreatment by employers and dishonesty of employees.

Research limitations/implications
Impressions derived from the study could be inaccurate, given the dearth of research publications in this regard in Nigeria. More empirical research must be done to better understand where industry players need help to be more responsible and sustainable in their business practices and in the way they engage and develop their workforce.

Practical implications
A number of recommendations were made regarding how to entrench ethics and sustainability in hospitality organizations and to develop the workforce in line with this.

Originality/value
The paper is important because of the high reliance on people for competitive advantage in this industry.
The hospitality business in Nigeria: issues, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Adeola Ogechi , Ezenwafor Kennedy 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to advance cooperation and collaboration as solutions to problems in the Nigerian hospitality industry. The issues and challenges plaguing the hospitality industry in Nigeria are discussed in the context of the case company, a small independent restaurant in Lagos.

Design/methodology/approach
Phenomenological research strategies guided the approach to this study. The authors identified a specific problem and gathered information, primarily through one-on-one interviews and a focus group, to learn how individuals within a defined industry experienced the ramifications of the phenomenon.

Findings
The operating environment of the hospitality sector in Nigeria has an effect on the supply of skills and the financial performance of the case restaurant and similar hospitality businesses. To improve overall performance of the industry, private-public partnerships between government agencies, hospitality colleges and hospitality businesses, strategic partnerships between expert hospitality institutions and business schools, cooperation among hospitality business owners and improvement in managerial practices could be strategic moves for an industry operating under heavy institutional hindrances peculiar to Nigeria.

Research limitations/implications
The authors analysed the environmental trickle-down effect that could impact the profits of the restaurant. Organisational qualities such as leadership styles, the psychology of employment and the operations or policies of the company are not viewed in this context. The issues of the restaurant and a few hospitality businesses in Lagos were flagged as a representation for the industry in Nigeria.

Practical implications
Predisposing factors contributing to the attributed negative trickle-down effect on the enabling business environment for the industry, strategic partnerships, attaining high standards for curriculum development at educational institutions and enhanced training, with the goal of assuring creditable skills within the hospitality industry.

Originality/value
This paper is among the first to examine the critical issues, challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry in Nigeria.
Human capital development in the hospitality industry in Nigeria
Authors: Adeola Ogechi 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify weaknesses in human capital development (HCD) in the hospitality industry in Nigeria and to find implementable solutions.

Design/methodology/approach
The author draws on the literature on HCD and the hospitality industry, as well as her experience working with practitioners to enlighten the discussion.

Findings
Deficiencies in HCD in the Nigerian hospitality industry are the result of a lack of sound and forward-thinking educational development, lack of a supportive environment for the meaningful employment of graduates of the educational system and social bias against vocational education, as well as inadequate hospitality skills of employees, insufficient empowerment or support from the government and hospitality industry participants.

Practical Implications
This paper summarises the key issues in HCD in the hospitality industry in Nigeria and the implementable solutions. The roles of the government, society and the hospitality industry are highlighted to demonstrate that HCD in the industry is a collective responsibility.

Originality/value
HCD has increasingly been a prominent goal of research policy in Nigeria and elsewhere but has not yet engendered much discussion in the hospitality literature.
Reflections on the theme issue outcomes
Authors: Teare Richard 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to profile the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes issue “What are the issues facing human capital development in the hotel industry in Nigeria and how might they be addressed?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editors, contributors from industry and academia and the theme issue outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for their theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings
Concerns have been raised about the absence of a strategic government policy for human capital development in Nigeria’s tourism sector, a task that individual businesses address in a fragmented and inefficient manner – and sometimes not at all. Likewise, a weak regulatory framework has given rise to imbalances in the employment relationship and business operations that do not create an enabling environment, a primary condition for developing knowledge, skills and attitude to acceptable service levels.

Practical implications
This paper reflects a sustained dialogue between leading Nigerian academics and senior industry practitioners about the barriers to workforce development and ways of unlocking the potential that exists for employment and professional development in hospitality and tourism.

Originality/value
This paper reports on the first comprehensive set of discussions between academics and practitioners about the human capital development challenges facing the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria. Specifically, the theme issue identifies key action steps needed to keep pace with industry development in Nigeria – the largest and fastest growing market in Africa.
Serological survey of viral diseases relating to reproductive failure among Artiodactyla in Ethiopian Camelus dromedarius
Authors: Melaku Simenew Keskes , Regassa Fekadu , Tessema Tesfaye Sisay , Dawo Fufa , Oguma Keisuke , Nagayama Kumiko , Sentsui Hiroshi 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTSerological surveys were performed on Ethiopian camels with a history of abortion to investigate the presence of antibodies against viruses that infect animals classified in the order Artiodactyla. In 2013, 120 serum samples were collected from camels in various parts of Ethiopia. Several viruses related to abortion in ruminants were prevalent. In particular, antibodies against bluetongue virus, were detected at a high rate (76.7% of samples). Additionally, antibodies against Akabane virus and Japanese encephalitis virus were also detected in samples from more than 40% of the camels; however, their antibody titers were relatively low.
Glutamate protects against Ca2+ paradox‐induced injury and inhibits calpain activity in isolated rat hearts
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Ying , Kong Ling‐Heng , Lai Dong , Jin Zhen‐Xiao , Gu Xiao‐Ming , Zhou Jing‐Jun 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThis study determined the effects of glutamate on the Ca2+ paradoxical heart, which is a model for Ca2+ overload‐induced injury during myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion, and evaluated its effect on a known mediator of injury, calpain. An isolated rat heart was retrogradely perfused in a Langendorff apparatus. Ca2+ paradox was elicited via perfusion with a Ca2+‐free Krebs‐Henseleit (KH) solution for 3 minutes followed by Ca2+‐containing normal KH solution for 30 minutes. The Ca2+ paradoxical heart exhibited almost no viable tissue on triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and markedly increased LDH release, caspase‐3 activity, cytosolic cytochrome c content, and apoptotic index. These hearts also displayed significantly increased LVEDP and a disappearance of LVDP. Glutamate (5 and 20 mmol/L) significantly alleviated Ca2+ paradox‐induced injury. In contrast, 20 mmol/L mannitol had no effect on Ca2+ paradox. Ca2+ paradox significantly increased the extent of the translocation of μ‐calpain to the sarcolemmal membrane and the proteolysis of α‐fodrin, which suggests calpain activation. Glutamate also blocked these effects. A non‐selective inhibitor of glutamate transporters, dl‐TBOA (10 μmol/L), had no effect on control hearts, but it reversed glutamate‐induced cardioprotection and reduction in calpain activity. Glutamate treatment significantly increased intracellular glutamate content in the Ca2+ paradoxical heart, which was also blocked by dl‐TBOA. We conclude that glutamate protects the heart against Ca2+ overload‐induced injury via glutamate transporters, and the inhibition of calpain activity is involved in this process.