bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding t‐government progress and issues: a case study of a United Kingdom local authority
Authors: Jones Stephen 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThis paper reports the findings from an empirical analysis of stakeholder opinions relating to t‐government within a United Kingdom local authority. These t‐government initiatives are related to a national drive for the implementation of t‐government from the UK Central Government. The aim of this paper is to gain insight, knowledge and understanding into important issues relating to t‐government from a single case study, senior executive, decision making and user perspective, and to develop a framework for t‐government.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises an interpretive exploratory case study research via structured interviews with senior and strategic executives in the case study organisation.FindingsA conceptualised framework for t‐government is extrapolated from the issues raised in the case study, to assist with the t‐government initiatives for UK public sector and elsewhere.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is a single case study, not generalisable, but may be generally useful (Walsham).Practical implicationsThe paper extrapolates lessons learnt, framework and options for successful t‐government deployment, from a senior executive user perspective.Social implicationsSocial inclusion is an important and current issue and is discussed in context of the case study.Originality/valueThe paper brings together the literature, recent discussions within enterprise, United Kingdom Central Government, public sector and t‐government, together with an exploratory empirical public sector case study from a senior user perspective. The aim is to inform theory and practice.
Law, norms, piracy and online anonymity
Authors: Larsson Stefan , Svensson Måns , de Kaminski Marcin , Rönkkö Kari , Alkan Olsson Johanna 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand more of online anonymity in the global file sharing community in the context of social norms and copyright law. The study describes the respondents in terms of use of VPN or similar service related to age, gender, geographical location, as well as analysing the correlation with file sharing frequencies.Design/methodology/approachThis study is to a large extent descriptively collecting data through a web‐based survey. This was carried out in collaboration with the BitTorrent tracker The Pirate Bay (TPB), allowing the authors to link the survey from the main logo of their site. In 72 hours the authors received over 75,000 responses, which gives the opportunity to compare use of anonymity services with factors of age, geographical region, file sharing frequency, etc.FindingsOverall, 17.8 per cent of the respondents use a VPN or similar service (free or paid). A core of high frequency uploaders is more inclined to use VPN or similar services than the average file sharer. Online anonymity practices in the file sharing community are depending on how legal and social norms correlate (more enforcement means more anonymity).Research limitations/implicationsThe web‐based survey was in English and mainly attracted visitors on The Pirate Bays' web page. This means that it is likely that those who do not have the language skills necessary were excluded from the survey.Practical implicationsThis study adds to the knowledge of anonymity practices online in terms of traceability and identification. This means that it shows some of the conditions for legal enforcement in a digital environment.Social implicationsThis study adds to the knowledge of how the Internet is changing in terms of a polarization between stronger means of legally enforced identification and a growing awareness of how to be more untraceable.Originality/valueThe scale of the survey, with over 75,000 respondents from most parts of the world, has likely not been seen before on this topic. The descriptive study of anonymity practices in the global file sharing community is therefore likely unique.
Implicit attitudes and digital piracy
Authors: Taylor Steven A. 
Published: October 2012

PurposeAn argument for the importance of unconscious processes is emerging across social science literatures (Pettyet al.; Uleman). The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of implicit attitudes on the formation of digital piracy desires and behavioral intentions. If implicit attitudes are found to contribute to consumer digital piracy intentions, then marketers face an additional challenge in developing effective strategies and appeals designed to attenuate the practice.Design/methodology/approachThe study captures both indirect and direct measures of implicit attitudes to test the research model. A total of 285 respondents provided data in a controlled lab setting for purposes of structural equation analyses.FindingsThe results first contribute to growing evidence generally supporting the importance of attitudinal influences in the formation of digital piracy intentions. The reported study further suggests the necessity of including implicit attitudinal considerations in explanatory models of these behaviors, particularly attitudinal explanatory models. Specifically, marketers attempting to manage DP should consider implicit attitudes in explanatory models of DP intention formation in addition to traditional self‐report measures of attitudes.Originality/valueThe study presents the first known empirical evidence supporting the contribution of implicit attitudes to digital piracy desires. Considering implicit influences in this process offers the promise of increasing our understanding of how digital piracy behaviors form, which can offer insights into how to more effectively attenuate the practice.
Forecasting tourism demand by fuzzy time series models
Authors: Huarng Kun‐Huang , Hui‐Kuang Yu Tiffany , Moutinho Luiz , Wang Yu‐Chun 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThis study aims to adapt a neural network based fuzzy time series model to improve Taiwan's tourism demand forecasting.Design/methodology/approachFuzzy sets are for modeling imprecise data and neural networks are for establishing non‐linear relationships among fuzzy sets. A neural network based fuzzy time series model is adapted as the forecasting model. Both in‐sample estimation and out‐of‐sample forecasting are performed.FindingsThis study outperforms previous studies undertaken during the SARS events of 2002‐2003.Research limitations/implicationsThe forecasting model only takes the observation of one previous time period into consideration. Subsequent studies can extend the model to consider previous time periods by establishing fuzzy relationships.Originality/valueNon‐linear data is complicated to forecast, and it is even more difficult to forecast nonlinear data with shocks. The forecasting model in this study outperforms other studies in forecasting the nonlinear tourism demands during the SARS event of November 2002 to June 2003.
Mapping segments accessing user‐generated content and website applications in a joint space
Authors: Kastner Margit , Stangl Brigitte 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe relevant literature suggests that website designers should consider the needs of their target groups. This study aims to show the importance of certain website content/applications as perceived by specific user segments, and reveal a posteriori segments based on motivational factors for reading user‐generated content (UGC). The study then seeks to visualize the connections between segments, their perceived importance of website applications, and further explanatory variables, by applying correspondence analysis (CA). The authors show that creative usage of CA may give insight into the varying contributions of certain variables through the exclusion of scale categories or segments.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected 440 completed questionnaires in an online survey. Of the 240 respondents who read UGC, the authors clustered motivational factors by applying a vector quantization method, and then used CA to give insights into the importance of website content/applications for certain segments. The paper explains how matrices can be simplified in order to facilitate interpretation, and applies Rasch analysis to ensure the accuracy of this simplification.FindingsThe results indicate that six segments exist with different motivations for accessing UGC: enthusiasts, mavericks, tips and price optimizers, safety players, uncommercials, and avoiders. For these different segments, the perceived importance of diverse website content/applications vary. The authors show that interpretation may be simplified, without the loss of substantive information, by combining scale levels and excluding neutral categories. The Rasch analysis also supports combining categories.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors also show how the demonstration of certain effects can be enhanced by animated graphics, and that these can then be embedded into PDF files. However, embedding of animations only makes sense for digital articles or media in general; in a printed version, the reader would need to be redirected to a website.Practical implicationsSocial media website providers need to be aware that diverse segments perceive the importance of content/applications differently, and designers should customize a website accordingly. Finally, and in terms of methodology, this paper highlights how CA is valuable for management presentations because it displays categorical data in an easy‐to‐read graph format.Originality/valueNo research has hitherto shed light on the connection between the perceived importance of website content/applications and the motivational factors for accessing UGC. This paper contributes to filling this gap.
Does increasing instructional time lead to higher student achievement? Evidence from India
Authors: Ahmed Jami Froagh , Burton Lisa , Chapman David W. 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship of students’ school attendance, gender, and size of their class with their achievement in two subject areas among early grade primary school students in rural India. Second, it examines the extent to which the relationship between students’ attendance and achievement differed by classroom.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted across 1,434 students enrolled in 24 schools in two rural districts. Student attendance on ten days over a five‐month period was examined in relation to their achievement in Math and Hindi. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was employed for analysis.FindingsWhen examined across all students, attendance had either no relationship or a very weak relationship with achievement scores. However, the relationship between attendance and achievement varied significantly by classroom, indicating that students’ achievement differed by which teacher they had for class. Across all grades and subjects, boys out‐scored girls on the achievement test at levels that were statistically significant but too small to have much practical importance.Originality/valueThe paper's findings indicate that the teacher is a key factor in determining the relationship between students’ attendance and their achievement. Results support the argument that the quality of teaching may need to precede an emphasis on promoting student attendance and shrinking class size. It is not that these things are unimportant; rather, they may be ineffective and a waste of money if quality teaching is not already present.
Measuring students’ perceptions and expectations in business schools of Pakistan
Authors: Alam Malik Shahab , Hassan Shahzad , Zahid Iqbal Muhammad 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report and discuss outcomes of an academic survey conducted in 12 business schools of Lahore city, the provincial capital of Punjab province of Pakistan, to measure perceptions and satisfaction level of undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approachHere participants were BBA four‐year program students, registered in 4‐8th semesters, sharing their experiences with the services and facilities provided by their respective schools. An adopted survey instrument was used for data collection, which was earlier used in a UK university. A total sample of 1,015 students was collected from five public and seven private business schools. For analysis, multivariate stepwise regression method in degree of independent samples t test was used and ranking of services from importance and satisfaction perspective was analyzed. This allowed the authors to determine aspects of the university's service considered to be of high importance and degree to which they satisfied the students.FindingsThe most important aspects were related to academic facilities and teaching, while the least important were related to physical facilities. In regression results, lecture room facilities, facilitating goods and implicit services showed a positive relationship with overall satisfaction of students. In t tests results, a significant means scores difference between the satisfaction levels of male and female students and between the students of public and private business schools was observed.Practical implicationsOutcomes of this survey can serve as guidelines to the top management of business schools in Pakistan, when focusing their attention on areas/services that are perceived by the students to be of low satisfaction and high importance.Originality/valueThis paper attempts to make a significant contribution towards understanding students’ perceptions and expectations from business schools. Based on this, business schools can direct their efforts for improving service quality.
Teachers’ perspectives on leadership practices and motivation in Islamic private schools, Southern Thailand
Authors: Othman Azam , Wanlabeh Natyada 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present teachers’ perspectives on leadership practices and motivation in the context of Islamic private schools in Songkhla, a southern province of Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA survey method was employed to collect data from teachers in six selected Islamic private schools in Songkhla.FindingsThe statistical data indicate that teachers’ motivation is significantly related to principals’ transformational leadership practices, as perceived by teachers. It was found that though teachers perceive their principals exhibited transformational leadership more frequently than transactional leadership, the principals are viewed to display more idealized influence (IIB & IIA) and inspirational motivation (IM) rather than individual consideration (IC) and intellectual stimulation (IS) practices. To strengthen teachers’ motivation in schools, they should exhibit the individual consideration (IC) and intellectual stimulation practices more frequently.Research limitations/implicationsThis research only focuses on selected Islamic private schools in Songkhla, a southern province of Thailand.Originality/valueThe implementation of the Islamic private schools is unique to Muslims in southern Thailand. The views and perspectives of the teachers and administrators are beneficial in moving to the next level of the policy.
Anticorruption in East Timor: implications for development and education
Authors: Berlie Jean 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of education to fight corruption in East Timor. The Anti Corruption Commission (CAC or Komisaun Anti Korupsaun (KAK) in Tetum) is very concerned by this question of education. The Ombdusman, previously in charge, was less concerned by education due to its other numerous functions. The research approach includes interviews, fieldwork and enquiries at the Anti‐Corruption Commission (CAC) established in 2009.Design/methodology/approachThis socio‐anthropological research was done mainly in Dili, the capital. Interviews and a long study of this new country complete the methodology of research.FindingsCorruption is a key issue in East Timor. Education is a priority. Development will follow if education is upgraded. With four main languages: Tetum, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia and English, upgrading education constitutes a difficult task. The country has 14 dialects, another difficult task for the development of East Timor.Originality/valueResearch on corruption is a very difficult task in East Timor and so very few articles are published on this important topic. Non‐governmental organizations exist in this new country, but they are often founded by the government. This independent research will help East Timor in this troubled post‐electoral period (July 2012) to find new ways to establish real transparency and strengthen political reconciliation. The relationship between an upgraded education and the improvement of anticorruption is discussed in the paper.
The challenge of corruption in higher education: the case of Vietnam
Authors: McCornac Dennis C. 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine corruption in Vietnam's higher education system and offer a number of suggestions to address the issue.Design/methodology/approachThe first section gives an introduction to the current higher education system in Vietnam and examines the factors that influence corruption in higher education. This is followed by a conceptual model of corruption of higher education and places Vietnam within this theoretical context. The final section suggests a number of policies to address the issue of corruption.FindingsIt is argued that if Vietnam is to obtain an international standard educational system, a sea change in both thinking and culture is necessary, particularly from “gatekeeper” entities which control resources and opportunities in higher education by virtue of their location in the higher education system. In particular, the author contends that focus must be placed on reforming the attitude and perception of faculty and administration toward corrupt practices and that, until this occurs, little progress will be madeOriginality/valueScholarly work on corruption in higher education is relatively limited and a newly‐emerging topic in the field of educational research. Data are difficult to obtain and with no clear consensus on a definition of corruption, much needs to be done to better understand this issue. Less attention has been paid to examples from the emerging economics of Southeast Asia, with only a few analyzing corruption in Vietnam.
Smoking and absence from work: systematic review and meta‐analysis of occupational studies
Authors: Weng Stephen F. , Ali Shehzad , Leonardi‐Bee Jo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to assess the association between smoking and absenteeism in working adults.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed by electronic database searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CAB Abstracts, PubMed, Science Direct and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (February 2012). Longitudinal, prospective cohorts or retrospective cohorts were included in the review. Summary effect estimates were calculated using random‐effects meta‐analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 and publication bias was investigated.ResultsA total of 29 longitudinal or cohort studies were included. Compared with non‐smokers, current smokers had a 33% increase in risk of absenteeism [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25–1.41; I2 = 62.7%; 17 studies]. Current smokers were absent for an average of 2.74 more days per year compared with non‐smokers (95% CI: 1.54–3.95; I2 = 89.6%; 13 studies). Compared with never smokers, ex‐smokers had a 14% increase in risk of absenteeism (95% CI: 1.08–1.21; I2 = 62.4%; eight studies); however, no increase in duration of absence could be detected. Current smokers also had a 19% increase in risk of absenteeism compared with ex‐smokers (95% CI: 1.09–1.32, P < 0.01, eight studies). There was no evidence of publication bias. The total cost of absenteeism due to smoking in the United Kingdom was estimated to be £1.4 billion in 2011.ConclusionsQuitting smoking appears to reduce absenteeism and result in substantial cost‐savings for employers.
Study of HIV‐1 Transmission across Cervical Mucosa to Tonsil Tissue Cells using an Organ Culture
Authors: Soto‐Rivera Jackeline , Patterson Bruce K. , Chen Yue , Shen Chengli , Ratner Deena , Ding Ming , Tumne Ashwin , Gupta Phalguni 
Published: October 2012

ProblemSIV model indicates that upon traversing the cervicovaginal mucosa, SIV/SIV‐infected cells migrate to regional lymph nodes where active replication occurs prior to systemic virus dissemination. The purpose of the study is to develop a model to study early HIV‐1 transmission events that occur after crossing the cervical mucosa into regional lymph nodes.Methods of studyWe developed an organ culture model combining intact cervical tissue explants and tonsil tissue cells as the surrogate draining lymphoid tissue. Viral replication was measured by HIV‐1 p24 production, quantification of viral DNA and viral RNA expression in tonsil cells.ResultsIn this combined organ culture model, transmission of cell‐free and cell‐associated R5‐ and X4‐tropic HIV‐1 through the cervical mucosa to tonsilar cells was observed as determined by HIV‐1 p24 in culture supernatant, and the presence of HIV‐1 proviral DNA, HIV‐1 p24 gag protein in CD4+, CD11c+, CD68+ cells, and expression of HIV‐1 mRNA expressing CD45RO+ CD4 T cells in tonsil cells. Furthermore, co‐receptor usage of HIV‐1 in tonsil cells correlated with inoculating virus tropism.ConclusionsOur combined cervix–tonsil organ culture could serve as an experimental model to study the earliest stages of HIV‐1 transmission through cervicovaginal mucosa to its proximal lymph nodes.
Comparative analysis of IL6 and IL6 receptor gene polymorphisms in mastocytosis
Authors: Rausz Eszter , Szilágyi Agnes , Nedoszytko Boguslaw , Lange Magdalena , Niedoszytko Marek , Lautner‐Csorba Orsolya , Falus András , Aladzsity István , Kokai Márta , Valent Peter , Marschalko Márta , Hidvégi Bernadett , Szakonyi József , Csomor Judit , Várkonyi Judit 
Published: October 2012

SummaryMastocytosis is a rare disease with reported high interleukin‐6 (IL6) levels influencing disease severity. The present study investigated polymorphisms within the genes that encode IL6 and its receptor (IL6R) in relation to mastocytosis development in a case‐control design. Analysis of the IL6R Asp358Ala polymorphism showed that carriers of the AA genotype had a 2·5‐fold lower risk for mastocytosis than those with the AC or CC genotypes. No association with mastocytosis was found for the IL6−174G/C polymorphism, however, it may influence the effect of IL6R polymorphism. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study analysing IL6/IL6R polymorphisms in mastocytosis.