bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paradigms, paradoxes and professionalism
Authors: Bond Emma , Goodchild Tim 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis study aims to examine current key debates on learning technologies in the everyday life of lecturers and explores their experiences of learning technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted a mixed method ethnographic approach to explore the perceptions of academics at a new university in the UK. The narrative and image data was collected via 30 interviews and an online forum and then subjected to grounded theory analysis. This study presents the findings of the study and discusses aspects of quality and meaningful engagement by academic staff with learning technologies in a higher education environment.FindingsAnalysis of the data revealed the central concepts of paradigms, paradoxes and professionalism. The diversity of perspectives of staff and students, skills, motivations and capabilities is fundamental to developing, supporting and promoting the innovative use of e‐learning and learning technologies in learning, teaching and assessment.Originality/valueThis study examined the reality of lecturers’ relationships with learning technologies in everyday life and the diversity of those lived experiences in relation to social change and educational ideologies. This study is, therefore, significant and adds to knowledge and understanding of academics’ perspectives which Hanson claims have previously been neglected. This research also contributes to previous studies of e‐learning and Actor Network theory (ANT).
Organizational emotional intelligence: development of a model
Authors: Giorgi Gabriele 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on two research questions. First, how are emotional competencies related? Second, are organizations emotionally intelligent?Design/methodology/approachThis study used a new instrument (Organizational Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, ORG‐EIQ) to measure emotional and organizational intelligence competencies of 1,506 employees in 20 Italian organizations. Structural equation modeling, intraclass correlation coefficients and tests of mean differences were used to analyze the research questions.FindingsThis study suggests that organizational emotional intelligence (EI) is an important framework to examine in future research.Practical implicationsUsefulness of the findings for public and private companies is explored.Originality/valueThe study provides preliminary feedback on the possibility of detection of variations in EI levels across organizations and highlights relevant implications accordingly.
A compound index of cultural dimensions: implications and applications
Authors: Yeganeh Hamid 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer a compound index of cultural dimensions.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the idea of the compound index is described. Then, by integrating Hofstede's and Inglehart's frameworks, the Compound Culture Index (CCI) is constructed, its scores for different countries are computed, and its robustness is validated. Finally, the theoretical implications and practical applications are discussed and some avenues for future research are pointed out.FindingsA Compound Culture Index (CCI) on the basis of Hofstede's and Inglehart's frameworks is conceptualized, computed, and validated.Research limitations/implicationsCulture is a very complex concept and cannot be fully grasped by a few dimensions or a dichotomous index. Hofstede's and Inglehart's models have some theoretical/operational differences and correspond to dissimilar time frames that may make their integration imperfect. Due to lack of data, Hofstede's fifth dimension (Timer Orientation) was not included in the calculation of the CCI.Practical implicationsThe CCI bridges Hofstede's and Inglehart's cultural frameworks and offers an integrative measure of national culture. In addition, the CCI represents a robust measure that can be conveniently employed in empirical research.Originality/valueThe CCI offers a methodologically novel, theoretically defensible, and operationally robust approach to measuring national cultures.
Mergers and acquisitions in the hightech industry: a literature review
Authors: Rossi Matteo , Yedidia Tarba Shlomo , Raviv Amos 
Published: April 2013

PurposeAs a result of the impressive wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in recent years, operations that were traditionally considered to be extraordinary have become common business development options. M&As have produced mixed results for their stakeholders, which resulted in extensive economics debate, albeit without a systemic vision. As a result, the M&A literature has not yet developed a paradigm and the purpose of this paper is to present a review of the existing literature.Design/methodology/approachThe authors carried out a review of literature on M&As in technology‐driven sectors.FindingsThe critical examination of the innovation and value creation processes in M&As in hightech industry provides new insights for incumbent executives and can better plan and implement M&As deals.Originality/valueSince 1990 there has been a major expansion of M&As in high‐tech sectors, many involving the acquisition of small and young start‐ups. To address this important topic the authors present here a review of literature on M&As in technology‐driven sectors.
Soil metatranscriptomics for mining eukaryotic heavy metal resistance genes
Authors: Lehembre Frédéric , Doillon Didier , David Elise , Perrotto Sandrine , Baude Jessica , Foulon Julie , Harfouche Lamia , Vallon Laurent , Poulain Julie , Da Silva Corinne , Wincker Patrick , Oger‐Desfeux Christine , Richaud Pierre , Colpaert Jan V. , Chalot Michel , Fraissinet‐Tachet Laurence , Blaudez Damien , Marmeisse Roland 
Published: April 2013

SummaryHeavy metals are pollutants which affect all organisms. Since a small number of eukaryotes have been investigated with respect to metal resistance, we hypothesize that many genes that control this phenomenon remain to be identified. This was tested by screening soil eukaryotic metatranscriptomes which encompass RNA from organisms belonging to the main eukaryotic phyla. Soil‐extracted polyadenylated mRNAs were converted into cDNAs and 35 of them were selected for their ability to rescue the metal (Cd or Zn) sensitive phenotype of yeast mutants. Few of the genes belonged to families known to confer metal resistance when overexpressed in yeast. Several of them were homologous to genes that had not been studied in the context of metal resistance. For instance, the BOLA ones, which conferred cross metal (Zn, Co, Cd, Mn) resistance may act by interfering with Fe homeostasis. Other genes, such as those encoding 110‐ to 130‐amino‐acid‐long, cysteine‐rich polypeptides, had no homologues in databases. This study confirms that functional metatranscriptomics represents a powerful approach to address basic biological processes in eukaryotes. The selected genes can be used to probe new pathways involved in metal homeostasis and to manipulate the resistance level of selected organisms.
Reassortment of CRISPR repeat‐spacer loci in Sulfolobus islandicus
Authors: Held Nicole L. , Herrera Alfa , Whitaker Rachel J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryVirus–host interactions are a key factor shaping population dynamics of microbial species. The CRISPR‐Cas adaptive immune system confers sequence‐specific immunity to viral infection and has the potential to dramatically shape coevolutionary interactions between viruses and their microbial hosts. To assess evolutionary dynamics of CRISPR loci, we have sampled a population of closely related Sulfolobus islandicus strains from Kamchatka, Russia at two time points, 10 years apart. Sequence analysis of the conserved trailer sequences reveals that alleles are reassorted among three CRISPR spacer loci into combinatorial genotypes. Reassortment provides the evolutionary independence of CRISPR loci from one another as demonstrated by the differential change in allele frequencies between two time points. Genome sequences of 12 strains from this population also reveal very recent horizontal gene transfer of novel, divergent cas gene cassettes. The evolutionary independence of CRISPR loci from each other and of the cas genes that control their function are consistent with the evolutionary expectation that reassortment increases the efficiency of adaptation at these loci that are likely under strong selection by lytic viruses.
Prebiotics, faecal transplants and microbial network units to stimulate biodiversity of the human gut microbiome
Authors: Van den Abbeele Pieter , Verstraete Willy , El Aidy Sahar , Geirnaert Annelies , Van de Wiele Tom 
Published: April 2013

SummaryAccumulating evidence demonstrates the intimate association between human hosts and the gut microbiome. Starting at birth, the sterile gut of the newborn acquires a diverse spectrum of microbes, needed for immunological priming. However, current practices (caesarean sections, use of formula milk) deprive newborns from being exposed to this broad spectrum of microbes. Unnecessary use of antibiotics and excessive hygienic precautions (e.g. natural versus chlorinated drinking water) together with the Western diet further contribute to a decreased microbial diversity in the adult gut. This has been correlated with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, inflammatory bowel diseases and obesity, among others. A healthy gut microbiome is thus characterized by a diverse network of metabolically interacting microbial members. In this context, we review several existing and novel approaches to manage the gut microbiome. First, prebiotic compounds should be re‐defined in the sense that they should enhance the ecological biodiversity rather than stimulating single species. Recent studies highlight that structurally different polysaccharides require specific primary degraders but also enhance a similar network of secondary degraders that benefit from cross‐feeding. A faecal transplantation is a second approach to restore biodiversity when the microbiota is severely dysbiosed, with promising results regarding C. difficile‐associated disease and obesity‐related metabolic syndromes. A final strategy is the introduction of key microbial network units, i.e. pre‐organized microbial associations, which strengthen the overall microbial network of the gut microbiome that supports human health.
New methods for the isolation and characterization of biofilm‐persistent mutants in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: López‐Sánchez Aroa , Jiménez‐Fernández Alicia , Calero Patricia , Gallego Laura D. , Govantes Fernando 
Published: April 2013

SummaryHere we describe two new methods for the genetic characterization of bacterial biofilm development. First, we have designed a microtitre dish‐based approach for high‐throughput screening of Pseudomonas putida mutants showing increased biofilm under dispersal conditions. Using this method, nine such biofilm‐persistent mutants, bearing transposon insertions in four loci: lapG, bifA, mvaB and dksA, were isolated. Second, we have developed a serial dilution‐based scheme to monitor biofilm development and dispersal in microtitre dish wells in a simple, time‐efficient and reproducible manner. Using this method, we showed that (i) mutants in bifA and dksA do not undergo starvation‐induced biofilm dispersal in LB or minimal medium, (ii) a mvaB mutant does not disperse the biofilm in LB, but shows a normal dispersal response in minimal medium, and (iii) unlike the lapG mutant, the bifA, mvaB and dksA mutants do not show an increase in biofilm production. The procedures shown here are useful tools for the identification of previously uncharacterized biofilm‐related genes and considerably simplify the characterization of biofilm growth phenotypes.
Insight change in psychosis: relationship with neurocognition, social cognition, clinical symptoms and phase of illness
Authors: Quee P. J. , van der Meer L. , Krabbendam L. , de Haan L. , Cahn W. , Wiersma D. , van Beveren N. , Pijnenborg G. H. M. , Mulder C. L. , Bruggeman R. , Aleman A. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveImpaired insight is an important and prevalent symptom of psychosis. It remains unclear whether cognitive disturbances hamper improvements in insight. We investigated the neurocognitive, social cognitive, and clinical correlates of changes in insight.MethodOne hundred and fifty‐four patients with a psychotic disorder were assessed at baseline (T0) and after three years (T3) with the Birchwood Insight Scale, the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale, measures of neurocognition and social cognition. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine to what extend neurocognition, social cognition, clinical symptoms and phase of illness could uniquely predict insight change. Subsequently, changes in these factors were related to insight change.ResultsBetter neurocognitive performance and fewer clinical symptoms at baseline explained insight improvements. The additional effect of clinical symptoms over and above the contribution of neurocognition was significant. Together, these factors explained 10% of the variance. Social cognition and phase of illness could not predict insight change. Changes in clinical symptoms, but not changes in neurocognitive performance were associated with insight change.ConclusionNeurocognitive abilities may predict, in part, the development of insight in psychosis.
Systematic review of non‐transportation rates and outcomes for older people who have fallen after ambulance service call‐out
Authors: Mikolaizak A Stefanie , Simpson Paul M , Tiedemann Anne , Lord Stephen R , Close Jacqueline CT 
Published: April 2013

AimTo review the evidence regarding non‐transported older people who have fallen in relation to non‐transportation rates, outcomes and impact of alternate care pathways.MethodElectronic databases and reference lists of included studies (up to December 2011) were systematically searched. Studies were eligible if they included data on non‐transportation rates, information on outcomes or alternate care pathways for older people who have fallen.ResultsTwelve studies were included. Non‐transportation rates following a fall ranged from 11% to 56%. Up to 49% of non‐transported people who have fallen had unplanned health‐care contact within 28 days of the initial incident. Attendance by specially trained paramedics and individualised multifactorial interventions significantly reduced adverse events including subsequent falls, emergency ambulance calls, emergency department attendance and hospital admission.ConclusionLimited but promising evidence shows that appropriate interventions can improve health outcomes of non‐transported older people who have fallen. Further studies are needed to explore alternate care pathways and promote more efficient use of health services.
Mycocoenologic study of the macrofungi on the forest of Jbel elbir (Aïn Draham, Jendouba, Tunisia)
Authors: Ben Hassine Ben Ali Mourad , Aschi‐Smiti Samira 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMacrofungi have important functions in forest ecosystems. It is essential to have information about these species to ensure proper management of such ecosystems. Due to the importance of forestry in Tunisia and the lack of information on fungal communities, this study was conducted in North Western of Tunisia. The objective was to enumerate macrofungal diversity in relation to various environmental factors. In total, 158 fruiting bodies were collected and 60 species were identified. Among them, 39 species are mycorrhizal. A fruiting body is the first visible appearance of the spore‐bearing surface until its disintegration. More fruiting bodies were found on the eastern slopes than on the western slopes. This reflects the distribution of tree species and soil type. Almost all fungal species were collected from soils of moderate acidity (pH 4–pH 5), 5 species from soils with low acidity (pH 5–pH 6.8), and only 3 species from soils with high acidity (pH < 4). The majority of fruiting bodies occurred in soils with a percentage of organic matter ranging from 1 to 5 and a phosphorus content ranging from 15.1 to 20 ppm.
Directors are Rewarded for Past Failure and Future Success
Authors: Ting* Hsiu‐I 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe compensation of boards of directors and supervisors is higher in firms with lower earnings, than that of boards of directors and supervisors in corresponding industries with higher earnings. Using firm‐level panel data of Taiwan Stock Exchange listed firms over the period 1999–2008, this study investigates the reasons for this phenomenon of rewarding failure. The result provides evidence that rewarding failure is due to an asymmetric reward scheme and human capital retention, and it encourages the board to make aggressive decisions.
Corporate Governance and Analyst Behavior: Evidence from an Emerging Market
Authors: Lin Ji‐Chai , Tai Vivian W. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis study examines how analysts would recommend poorly governed firms to their clients in an emerging market where information asymmetry tends to be high and shareholder rights are not well protected by legal systems. Given that analysts have incentives to access managers and to help their brokerage houses win investment banking deals, we hypothesize that poor corporate governance reveals a firm's preference for upward‐bias recommendations, while good corporate governance reveals its preference for more accurate information, and that analysts are inclined to give what the firm prefers. We examine 55 652 recommendations on firms listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and find evidence consistent with our hypothesis. Our study implies that analysts' buy recommendations on firms with poorer corporate governance are less reliable. Furthermore, improving corporate governance not only can reduce agency problems within firms, but can also enhance information quality produced by analysts and reduce information risk faced by investors.
Analyst Tipping on Neglected Firms: Evidence from the Korean Stock Market
Authors: Kim Kyung Soon , Park Yun Woo , Park Jin Woo 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUsing data from the Korean stock market (1,907 firm‐years for the 2005–2010 period), we extend the study of analyst tipping first documented by Irvine et al (Review of Financial Studies, 20, 2007 pp. 741–768), who show evidence that brokerage firms tip institutional investors in order to maximize the brokerage firms' profits. First, we find that individual investors respond to reports on neglected firms while institutional investors do not. We then document that tipping inferred from abnormal trading responses is concentrated on neglected firms characterized by low analyst coverage. Furthermore, we find that it is primarily institutional investors who are on the receiving end of the tipping as measured by pre‐release abnormal returns and pre‐release net purchase position. Finally, brokerage firms appear to tip domestic institutional investors when reports are positive while they tip foreign institutional investors when reports are negative. Specifically, domestic institutional investors increase their net pre‐release purchase volume when reports are positive while foreign institutional investors reduce their net pre‐release purchase volume when reports are negative. These findings are consistent with brokerage firms tipping clients who can contribute the most to the firms' trading commission revenues. We make a contribution to the literature by finding evidence that analyst tipping is primarily a wealth transfer from individual investors to domestic institutional investors.
Fund Size and Performance in a Market Crowded with Many Small Funds
Authors: Ban Juil , Choe Hyuk 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn a market crowded with many small funds, a fund manager is likely to manage more than one fund. We hypothesize and confirm that, in this situation, fund managers tend to neglect very small funds by simply holding cash rather than investing because of their limited time and efforts. By examining the Korean fund market, where one fund manager simultaneously manages about ten funds on average, we find that the cash holding ratio monotonically decreases with fund size. While small funds perform worse than large funds in appearance, the negative relationship between size and performance disappears after being controlled for the cash holding ratio.
Chloride intracellular channel 1 is overexpression in hepatic tumor and correlates with a poor prognosis
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Wang Xiao‐Min , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Zhao Wen‐Xiu , Zhou Jian‐Yin , Zhao Bi‐Xin , Liu Ping‐Guo 
Published: April 2013

Chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) is expressed in many human tissues and has been reported to be involved in the regulation of cell cycle, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Its roles in human hepatic tumor, however, remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological significance and expression pattern of CLIC1 in human primary hepatic tumors. We examined the expression pattern of CLIC1 mRNA and protein in hepatic tumors using real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blot, respectively. CLIC1 protein and mRNA levels were significantly higher in cancerous tissues compared with corresponding normal tissue. In 85 hepatic tumor tissues, CLIC1 was significantly higher in 69 cases (81.2%), as determined by immunohistochemical staining. Increased CLIC1 expression was correlated with tumor size (p = 0.021), distant metastasis (p = 0.025), pathological TNM (pTNM) stage (p = 0.023), and poor survival (25.11 ± 2.27 vs 45.29 ± 4.28 months, p = 0.001). Our data show that increased CLIC1 protein expression is associated with clinicopathological factors and a poor prognosis of hepatic tumors, and suggest that CLIC1 might represent a valuable prognostic marker for human hepatic tumors.
Depression and coping in adults undergoing dialysis for end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Ibrahim Norhayati , Chiew‐Thong Norella Kong , Desa Asmawati , Razali Rosdinom 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionResearch on depression in local patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is sparse. Thus, this study aims to examine the frequency and severity of depression among ESRD patients and relate depression with their coping skills.MethodsA cross‐sectional study using universal sampling method was conducted at several dialysis centers in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor, Malaysia. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI‐II) and the Brief COPE scale were used to measure depression and coping skill, respectively.ResultsThe study involved 274 ESRD patients, comprising of 183 hemodialysis and 91 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. The result showed that 21.1% of the patients experienced moderate to severe depression. Several components of coping skill were associated with depression. However, only two components in the Brief COPE (behavioral disengagement and self‐blame) were identified as predictors.DiscussionThis study showed that depression is common in ESRD patients and is related to the types of coping skills adopted by patients. Hence, this study provides some insight into ESRD patients with depression. Appropriate counseling should be given to these patients to empower them to cope with the illness so as to enhance their quality of life.