bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fugitive filing: ready reference technologies as cultural artifacts
Authors: Sweeney Miriam 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis paper seeks to position ready reference technologies as cultural artifacts that have meaning and value beyond pure functionality as a reference tool. The case study aims to assert that locally created reference tools and technologies have much to offer as artifacts that encode cultural knowledge about the community, institution and profession.Design/methodology approachThis case study consists of semi‐structural interviews with six library reference staff members about their experiences and interpretations of a collaboratively created ready reference technology that is used in their reference practice at a public library.FindingsThe results demonstrate there is value is exploring technologies as cultural artifacts in that they reveal otherwise hidden or obscured institutional values, labor practices, tensions associated with changing times in the profession, and the community culture throughout time.Practical implicationsThere is benefit in exploring locally created ready reference tools as cultural artifacts to uncover hidden cultural knowledge about institutions, communities, and professional practices.Originality/valueWhile there are studies of ready reference tools, they largely focus on the transition of these materials from print‐to‐digital. There was a gap in the literature about the meaning of the ready reference tools to their librarian creators/users. This study is a contribution to ready reference literature and starts to address this gap.
Assessing state government financial transparency websites
Authors: Thornton Joel B. , Thornton Elaine 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis study aims to examine the content of, and the extent to which, the 50 state governments make online spending data available to citizens. Additionally, it seeks to analyze the typical access points available for searching financial transparency websites and to evaluate each for the presence of learning aids to assist average citizens in deciphering the data provided.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis of 50 state government financial transparency websites was conducted to determine access points available for searching and the presence of learning aids and explanatory materials to facilitate citizen understanding of government spending.FindingsThe study results revealed that, despite state government's efforts to provide increased access to financial information, little has been done to assist in improving citizens' skill in using the information and making it more understandable.Practical implicationsLibrarians can play an integral role in assisting average citizens in navigating and understanding state government financial transparency websites.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates the importance of including learning aids on state government financial transparency websites and highlights the role that information professionals can play in assisting citizens with website navigation and data interpretation.
Exploring the role of intellectual capital in the development of e‐business models
Authors: Namvar Morteza , Khalilzadeh Pejman 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis paper aims at exploring the role of structural capital (SC) dimensions – customer, process and innovational – in the development of e‐business models (eBM). The Iranian carpet industry is tested regarding five types of eBMs: Direct to customer, Full Service Provider, Virtual Community, Shared Infrastructure and Value Net Integrator.Design/methodology/approachFirst, measures for SC dimensions and required core competencies for eBMs are extracted from the literature. Then, the correlation level between SC dimensions and different eBMs are hypothesized. Finally, after using a questionnaire in 30 Iranian carpet companies, the hypotheses are tested.FindingsThis study indicates that three dimensions of SC influence different eBMs in their own way. While one instant dimension is strongly effective for one eBM, it does not significantly affect the other one.Research limitations/implicationsThe role of human capital – the second part of intellectual capital – on the development of eBM as well as the dependency of some other eBMs such as intermediaries on intellectual capital should be investigated in further research.Practical implicationsUsing the help of this study, firstly, companies will concentrate on the most effective dimensions of SC in developing a special eBM. Secondly, they will exclude those eBMs which are not applicable regarding their knowledge capabilities.Originality/valueThis study brings together two disciplines that have not been considered together before: the development of eBMs and the management of intellectual capital.
Board members' education and firm performance: evidence from a developing economy
Authors: Darmadi Salim 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of the present paper is to examine the influence of the educational qualifications of board members, including the CEO, on the financial performance of Indonesian listed firms. Indonesia is a developing economy that adopts a two‐tier board system.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a sample comprising 160 firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Tobin's Q and return on assets (ROA) are used as measures of financial performance. It uses four proxies for board members' educational qualifications, namely postgraduate degrees, degrees obtained from prestigious universities, degrees obtained from developed countries, and degrees in financial disciplines. Regressions are performed separately for the supervisory board, management board, and CEO.FindingsThis study provides empirical evidence that the educational qualifications of board members and the CEO matter, to a particular extent, in explaining either ROA or Tobin's Q. For example, CEOs holding degrees from prestigious domestic universities perform significantly better than those without such qualifications.Practical implicationsEven though intellectual competence should appear to be one of the considerations in the appointment of board members, educational qualification is not always a good proxy for superior advising or managerial quality. There may be many other factors that need to be considered, such as experiences, managerial skills, networks, and other skills obtained outside schools. As such, the establishment of a nomination committee, which is expected to provide independent recommendations on qualified candidates to serve in the boardrooms, plays an important role.Originality/valueEmpirical studies focusing on the influence of the educational backgrounds of board members and the CEO on financial performance are still rare in the literature. This study is among the first to address such an issue in the context of a developing economy.
A scientometric analysis of literature on performance assessment of microfinance institutions (1995‐2010)
Authors: Roy Arup , Goswami Chandana 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to conduct a scientometric analysis of the body of literature contained in international peer‐reviewed journals, university publications, reports of development organizations and conference publications on the performance management of the microfinance institutions.Design/methodology/approachA total of 71 research papers (1995‐2010) published in international peer‐reviewed journals, reports of developmental organizations, university reports and international conference publications, which aim to provide insights into the assessment of the microfinance institutions, was reviewed. The review was done along different parameters, namely financial performance, social performance, outreach, sustainability, efficiency, productivity, institutional characteristics and governance.FindingsBased on the literature review, a new conceptual model is proposed that focuses on the overall performance of the MFIs. The study also documents the various dimensions of the performance measurement of the MFIs done so far. It is expected that this study would help turn the attention of microfinance researchers, microfinance practitioners, and various rating agencies to the various dimensions affecting the overall assessment of microfinance institutions.Research limitations/implicationsAttempt was made to make the sample as inclusive and exhaustive as possible, but some research work may inadvertently have not found a place in this study.Originality/valueA scientometric analysis of the MFI performance measurement is done in terms of longitudinal spread as well as geographical spread focusing the various performance dimensions of microfinance institutions.
Evaluating operational efficiency of a bookshop chain in Turkey and identifying efficiency drivers
Authors: Uyar Ali , Bayyurt Nizamettin , Dilber Mustafa , Karaca Vehbi 
Published: June 2013

PurposeComparative shop efficiency within a chain is a key factor in strategic management decisions such as evaluation, promotion and development of shop personnel. Furthermore, overall efficiency of the firm depends on the efficiency of individual shops within the chain. The purpose of this paper is to assess operational efficiency of a bookshop chain in Turkey, and identify efficiency drivers.Design/methodology/approachThe sample includes 79 bookshops within a bookshop chain. The study uses two‐step procedure. In the first stage, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is utilised to evaluate the comparative efficiency of bookshops. The second stage attempts to determine what drives efficiency by using Tobit regression.FindingsAfter assessment of shops’ efficiency by DEA, the results of Tobit regression revealed that shop age has positive significant influence on bookshop efficiency, whereas manager experience, staff experience, and education level of the shop manager do not.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the paper are based on a single bookshop chain. Thus, one should be cautious while interpreting results.Originality/valueThe contribution of the paper to the literature is of great importance, since no prior Turkish study has dealt with the subject to this extent. Furthermore, although there are studies conducted on various subsectors of retail industry in other countries, there seems to be no study at all conducted on bookshop chains.
Promoting resource sharing through consortia: a case study of Shanghai Library
Authors: Chen Shunzhong 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the relationship between Shanghai Library and consortia in China and around the world, and examine the effect those relationships have had upon the library's resource sharing services.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a case study approach.FindingsLibrary consortia can improve and enhance interlibrary loan and document delivery services by introducing those services to new users, broadening the pool of materials available for resource sharing, and increasing the requisite skill sets of ILL practitioners.Originality/valueLibrary consortia are a relatively recent phenomenon in China. This paper examines the experiences of the first Chinese library to loan its collections internationally through OCLC WorldCat or enter into the first Sino‐German document delivery agreement.
Serious game evaluation as a meta‐game
Authors: Hall Lynne , Jones Susan Jane , Aylett Ruth , Hall Marc , Tazzyman Sarah , Paiva Ana , Humphries Lynne 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to briefly outline the seamless evaluation approach and its application during an evaluation of ORIENT, a serious game aimed at young adults.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors detail a unobtrusive, embedded evaluation approach that occurs within the game context, adding value and entertainment to the player experience whilst accumulating useful data for the development team.FindingsThe key result from this study was that during the “seamless evaluation” approach, users were unaware that they had been participating in an evaluation, with instruments enhancing rather than detracting from the in‐role game experience.Practical implicationsThis approach, seamless evaluation, was devised in response to player expectations, perspectives and requirements, recognising that in the evaluation of games the whole process of interaction including its evaluation must be enjoyable and fun for the user.Originality/valueThrough using seamless evaluation, the authors created an evaluation completely embedded within the “magic circle” of an in‐game experience that added value to the user experience whilst also yielding relevant results for the development team.
Fear begets function in the ‘brown’ world of detrital food webs
Authors: Nichols Elizabeth 
Published: June 2013

Species of predaceous beetle (top: Agonum impressum) and large (middle: Pheretima aspergillum) and small earthworms (bottom: Aporrectodea
nocturna) used to quantify the direct effects of predation on earthworm density and behavior, and indirect effects of predation
on soil properties and above‐ground plant biomass.image
Species of predaceous beetle (top: Agonum impressum) and large (middle: Pheretima aspergillum) and small earthworms (bottom: Aporrectodea
nocturna) used to quantify the direct effects of predation on earthworm density and behavior, and indirect effects of predation
on soil properties and above‐ground plant biomass.

Zhao, C., Griffin, J., Wu, X. & Sun, S. (2013) . Journal of Animal Ecology, 82, 749–758.
Theory suggests that predators in detritus‐based food webs should negatively influence plants, through direct effects on plant‐facilitating detritivores. In a three‐level food web of predaceous beetles, earthworms and plants, Zhao et al. () report evidence to the contrary. They found that predators drove positive indirect effects on both plant‐facilitating soil properties and above‐ground plant biomass and that these positive effects were driven by predator‐mediated vertical shifts in detritivore habitat use. Their study reinforces the importance of trait‐mediated indirect interactions across both ‘green’ and ‘brown’ trophic cascades and emphasizes that understanding the spatial dimension of trophic cascade mechanisms remains a critical research priority.
Reduced availability of rhizobia limits the performance but not invasiveness of introduced Acacia
Authors: Wandrag Elizabeth M. , Sheppard Andy , Duncan Richard P. , Hulme Philip E. 
Published: June 2013

Summary

The ability to form effective mutualisms with nitrogen‐fixing bacteria (rhizobia) is implicated in the success of introduced leguminous plant species, such as Acacia. While Acacia appear to associate with rhizobia where introduced, there is evidence that the extent of this may limit success during early stages of colonization.

We examine three Australian Acacia species that have been introduced to New Zealand and ask whether variation in their ability to form rhizobial associations can explain differences in the degree to which they have established and spread since introduction.

In both Australia and New Zealand, we used glasshouse experiments to measure growth and nodulation of Acacia seedlings grown under two soil treatments: soils taken from underneath conspecifics (Host+ soils) and soils taken from the same sites but away from Acacia trees (Host−). We predicted that suitable rhizobia would be widespread in Australia leading to similar growth and nodulation in Host+ and Host− soils. However, we predicted lower growth and nodulation in New Zealand Host− soils, relative to New Zealand Host+ soils, due to limited availability of suitable rhizobia away from established conspecifics. We also predicted that differences between Host+ and Host− soils would be less marked in Acacia that were more widespread in New Zealand. Finally, we examined whether the establishment of one Acacia species might facilitate the establishment of other species by planting seedlings into soils associated with each of the two congeners.

As predicted, seedling growth and nodulation were lower in Host− than Host+ soils in New Zealand but there was no significant difference in Australia. In both countries, the difference between Host+ and Host− soils was similar for all three species and in conspecific and congeneric soils.

Synthesis. In New Zealand, Acacia seedlings that colonize sites away from established conspecifics or congeners are likely to suffer reduced growth and nodulation, which may limit their ability to establish and spread away from introduction sites. However, this limitation was the same for all three species, implying that interactions with soil biota cannot explain differences in the degree to which these Acacia have spread in New Zealand.
Linking abundances of the dung fungus Sporormiella to the density of bison: implications for assessing grazing by megaherbivores in palaeorecords
Authors: Gill Jacquelyn L. , McLauchlan Kendra K. , Skibbe Adam M. , Goring Simon , Zirbel Chad R. , Williams John W. 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Megaherbivores likely had important influences on past vegetation dynamics, just as they do in modern ecosystems. The exact nature of megaherbivores' role can be studied using a relatively new suite of palaeoecological techniques, including the quantification of fossil spores from Sporormiella and other coprophilous fungi as indicators of megafaunal biomass in sediment records. However, a quantitative linkage of spore abundance with megaherbivore biomass or grazing intensity has been lacking.

Konza Prairie Biological Station (Kansas, USA), located in the midcontinent of North America, contains native tallgrass prairie grazed by a herd of bison (Bison bison) in a 1000‐ha enclosure, providing an excellent opportunity to test the effects of megaherbivores on grassland community composition and their potential signature in the palynological record. We collected pollen and spores during 2009 and 2010 from a network of 28 modified Tauber traps. The precise locations of the bison herd were recorded using GPS collars; we calculated bison grazing intensity (kg m−2 year−1) to high spatial precision within concentric circles around each trap (radii from 25 to 500 m).

Both relative (per cent) and absolute (concentration) abundances of Sporormiella were significantly higher in traps inside the enclosure and were positively correlated with bison grazing intensity. The cut‐off for distinguishing between bison‐grazed and ungrazed traps was determined to be 2.8% Sporormiella of the total pollen and spore sum, consistent with previous palaeoecological reconstructions. The relationship between Sporormiella abundances and available grazing area around each trap was strongest at short radii (25–100 m), suggesting that spores do not disperse far from their source. Sporormiella should thus be considered a local‐scale indicator of megaherbivore presence.

Traps in the grazed area had significantly higher percentages of Ambrosia and lower percentages of Poaceae pollen than traps from ungrazed areas. This suggests that the pollen record has the potential to detect the ecological effects of bison grazing on grassland community composition.

Synthesis. This study refines the use of Sporormiella as a proxy for local megaherbivore presence, especially in grassland systems. Multiproxy Sporormiella and pollen analyses may help elucidate the past drivers of grassland dynamics, including the possible role of bison in mediating grass–forb interactions during the variable moisture regimes of the last 12,000 years.
Oxidative stress inhibits adhesion and transendothelial migration, and induces apoptosis and senescence of induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Wu Yi , Zhang Xueqing , Kang Xueling , Li Ning , Wang Rong , Hu Tiantian , Xiang Meng , Wang Xinhong , Yuan Wenjun , Chen Alex , Meng Dan , Chen Sifeng 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Oxidative stress caused by cellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a major contributor to disease and cell death. However, how induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) respond to different levels of oxidative stress is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of H2O2‐induced oxidative stress on iPSC function in vitro.

Mouse iPSC were treated with H2O2 (25–100 μmol/L). IPSC adhesion, migration, viability, apoptosis and senescence were analysed. Expression of adhesion‐related genes, stress defence genes, and osteoblast‐ and adipocyte‐associated genes were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

The present study found that H2O2 (25–100 μmol/L) decreased iPSC adhesion to matrix proteins and endothelial cells, and downregulated gene expression levels of adhesion‐related molecules, such as integrin alpha 7, cadherin 1 and 5, melanoma cell adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1. H2O2 (100 μmol/L) decreased iPSC viability and inhibited the capacity of iPSC migration and transendothelial migration. iPSC were sensitive to H2O2‐induced G2/M arrest, senescence and apoptosis when exposed to H2O2 at concentrations above 25 μmol/L. H2O2 increased the expression of stress defence genes, including catalase, cytochrome B alpha, lactoperoxidase and thioredoxin domain containing 2. H2O2 upregulated the expression of osteoblast‐ and adipocyte‐associated genes in iPSC during their differentiation; however, short‐term H2O2‐induced oxidative stress did not affect the protein expression of the pluripotency markers, octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 and sex‐determining region Y‐box 2.

The present results suggest that iPSC are sensitive to H2O2 toxicity, and inhibition of oxidative stress might be a strategy for improving their functions.
The Impact of Disclosures of Internal Control Weaknesses and Remediations on Investors' Perceptions of Earnings Quality
Authors: He Luo , Thornton Daniel B. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe hypothesize and find that firms making SOX‐mandated disclosures of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting (ICOFR) exhibit lower investor‐perceived earnings quality (IPEQ) than nondisclosers. We measure IPEQ using e‐loading, a market‐returns–based representation of earnings quality developed by Ecker, Francis, Kim, Olsson, and Schipper (2006). Firms do not exhibit decreases in IPEQ after initially disclosing material weaknesses. This is consistent with investors having anticipated ICOFR strength based on observable firm characteristics. However, firms exhibit increases in IPEQ after receiving their first clean audit reports that confirm the remediation of previously disclosed weaknesses. This indicates that, although investors do not find initial weakness disclosures to be incrementally informative, SOX motivates firms to remediate weak controls and provides a venue for credible remediation disclosures, thus enhancing investors' perception of financial reporting reliability. These findings are consistent with the existence of regulatory benefits associated with SOX's internal control disclosure and audit requirements.
Investor Attention and Earnings Management around the World
Authors: Jin Justin Y. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis study examines the determinants of earnings management in an international setting using the limited investor attention model of Hirshleifer and Teoh (). The model predicts that investor attention reduces earnings management. I use analyst following, institutional ownership, and Big N auditor choice to proxy for investor attention. I have four key findings. First, I document that financial analysts curb earnings management in U.S. firms but not in non‐U.S. firms. Second, I document that institutional block‐holdings curb earnings management across the world. Third, Big N auditors reduce earnings management in U.S. firms but not in non‐U.S. firms. Fourth, I document that corporate governance mechanisms reduce earnings management in U.S. firms but not in non‐U.S. firms.