bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attitudes' hierarchy of effects in online user behaviour
Authors: Castañeda J. Alberto , Rodríguez Miguel A. , Luque Teodoro 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the impact of the internet, as a new information channel for the consumer, on business results, and in particular, the consequences of attitude towards the web site with regard to customer behaviour and web site sponsor brand.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument was used to gather data to test the relationships in the research model.FindingsThe paper shows the importance of attitude towards the web site and attitude towards the internet in explaining attitude towards the brand and consumer e‐behaviour, and identifies the hierarchy of effects operative among these three concepts of attitude: attitude towards the internet; attitude towards the web site; and attitude towards the brand.Research limitationsThis study only looked at one category of web site – free‐content sites. Future research could apply the conclusions of this study to other types of web sites, e.g. the e‐commerce web site and the corporate web site.Practical implicationsThe main practical consequence of the study lies in the need to take into account that the profitability of an e‐business should not be measured solely in terms of direct profitability. Profits generated indirectly should also be considered, given the proven positive relationship between attitude towards the web site and attitude towards the brand. This conclusion is of vital importance since very few e‐businesses obtain direct profits. Brick‐and‐click firms eliminate their e‐businesses without bearing in mind the positive consequences they may be having on the brand itself.Originality/valueThe study aimed to take a more in‐depth look at the value of e‐businesses for brick‐and‐click firms. It analysed sources of indirect profitability for the e‐business that should be taken into account when looking at web site value.
Visual analysis of obesity‐related query terms on HealthLink
Authors: Zhang Jin , Wolfram Dietmar 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate obesity‐related queries from a public health portal (HealthLink) transaction log.Design/methodology/approachMultidimensional scaling (MDS) was applied to each of five obesity‐related focus keywords and their co‐occurring terms in submitted queries. After the transaction log data were collected and cleaned, and query terms were extracted and parsed, relationships between a focus keyword and its co‐occurring terms were established. Clustering relationships between focus keywords and their co‐occurring terms were identified and analysed in the MDS visual context.FindingsThe MDS analysis produced satisfactory outcomes for all five focus keywords. The term “placements”, in the visual configurations revealed strong grouping tendencies of three to five clusters for each focus keyword.Originality/valueThe findings of this study provide insights into health consumers' internet‐based information‐seeking behaviour on obesity‐related topics. These findings could be used to enhance online search system design and health‐related thesaurus construction.
Behaviour analysis of internet survey completion using decision trees
Authors: Lin Che‐Chern , Yang Hung‐Jen , Kuo Lung‐Hsing 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore teachers' behaviours in completing an internet survey using decision trees. Furthermore, to reduce the complexity of the decision trees, a statistical technique was used to decrease the number of input variables in the decision trees.Design/methodology/approachA dataset of 47,647 samples was used to build the decision trees. These samples were collected from an internet survey of teachers in Taiwan. The output of the decision trees was the answering time (the time taken to complete the internet questionnaire). Eight variables were selected as the inputs for the decision trees. Two techniques were employed to build the decision trees – the exhaustive chi‐squared automatic interaction detector (ECHAID) and classification and regression tree (CRT) analysis. To reduce the complexity of the decision models, factor analysis technique was used to decrease the data dimensions (number of input variables) and to obtain a simplified decision model. One‐way ANOVA was used to validate the effects of the dimension reduction.FindingsFrom the results of the factor analysis, a simplified decision tree is recommended using four input variables – teaching years, school level, sex and area. The classification accuracy of the simplified model is statistically equivalent to that of the original one, which used eight input variables.Originality/valueThe complexity of decision trees theoretically depends on the number of input variables. This study used a statistical technique to decrease the number of input variables and thereby reduce the complexity of the decision trees. A statistical technique was employed to validate that the classification accuracy is not statistically different between the original decision model and the simplified one. The decision models proposed in this paper can be applied in estimating the answering time for completing a questionnaire during an internet survey.
Patent informatics
Authors: Starešinič Marica , Boh Bojana 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of relevance in full‐text patent document searches from the viewpoint of end‐users in science and technology. It aims to present three cases of patent document analysis for relevance, with an additional case of improved search profile with increased relevance, and to summarise the findings in the form of instructions for users.Design/methodology/approachTwo methodological approaches were used for the analysis of patent documents: value‐added processing of the bibliographic part of patent documents for the identification of trends; and structuring of data into systems for the determination of patent relevance. Overall, four sets of full‐text patent documents were analysed, covering the topics of: microencapsulated phase change materials; digital photography and image sensors; patent document processing; and patent analysis.FindingsValue‐added analysis of the bibliographic parts of patent documents is a quick and useful option for the recognition of research trends. However, where non‐relevant patent documents are present in a data set, automatic bibliographic analysis may lead to conclusions that are mathematically and statistically correct, but that are not reliable or may even be incorrect for the user's research. Non‐adequate terminology is one of the main obstacles to relevant patent searches, especially if well‐defined keywords are non‐existent, as with cases of newly emerging and fast developing scientific and technological fields.Originality/valueBased on the bibliographic and content analyses of patent documents, the paper provides instructions for users in the form of ten general rules for increasing the relevance of full‐text patent document searches.
Implementing the ISO 14001 certification
Authors: Bahmed Lylia , Djebabra Mébarek , Boubaker Leila , Boukhalfa Ali 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shed light on the reality of environmental management as experienced by an Algerian company while in the process of being certified.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted focuses on how the environmental dimension is perceived by the wage earners of the company. The perception of the environmental dimension is highlighted by means of a statistical analysis supported by the use of data processing software.FindingsThe results show that all staff categories agree that the environmental aspect is to some extent neglected compared to other aspects and that production comes at the forefront.Practical implicationsThe analysis of the results highlights the course that should be followed by any Algerian company, such as the one selected in our study, in order to implement the ISO 14001 certification successfully.Originality/valueThe interesting focus of the paper is in the human aspect, which plays a major role in any successful environmental management system
Ethical issues in relational maintenance via computer‐mediated communication
Authors: Hales Kayla 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore some of the influences that computer‐mediated communication (CMC) has and could have on the maintenance of interpersonal relationships. In doing this, ethical dilemmas and implications that arise from the technical affordances offered to CMC participants are discussed. Relational maintenance is integral to people's everyday lives. Yet, the ethical issues involve in using CMC to support this have not been explicitly explored.Design/methodology/approachThe concept of relational maintenance will be explored independently and as it relates to CMC and ethics. This paper will examine current literature and briefly discuss a pilot study relevant to these areas. The pilot study consisted of a survey distributed to undergraduate students in non‐platonic long distance and short distance relationships.FindingsThe exploration of prior literature and the findings of a pilot study support the notion that, with the increase of CMC use to maintain relationships follows the potential increase of unethical behavior in this medium. A number of ethical questions have risen that can be used to inform and direct future research.Originality/valueThis paper is original as it explores the concept of ethics from a relational maintenance perspective through electronic communication. It adds value by integrating these three areas and enhancing the understanding of this integration, while providing information of both theoretical and practical relevance.
The role of anomia on the relationship between organisational justice perceptions and organisational citizenship online behaviours
Authors: Zoghbi‐Manrique‐de‐Lara Pablo , Melián‐González Santiago 
Published: February 2009

PurposeAnomic feelings (AFs) are predicted to play a moderating role in the relationship between organisational justice perceptions and the citizenship use of the organisation's internet access, or cybercivism. The purpose of this paper is to hypothesise that, just as AFs are supported in prior research as able to intensify the negative effects of organisational justice (OJ) on cyberloafing, they will also intensify the positive effects of OJ on cybercivism.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 270 (17 per cent) of the 1,547 respondents at a public university.FindingsExcept in the case of procedural justice, the results support that AF act as a moderator of the OJ‐cybercivism link because, among employees with comparatively less AF, the perceptions of the OJ under study (distributive, procedural and interactional) had a stronger impact on cybercivism.Research limitations/implicationsTo generalise from a convenience sample of 17 per cent to the entire University is unfeasible, let alone the “public sector” as a whole for a whole culture/country. Therefore, the paper only aims to be an early exploration of actual phenomenon, and to provide new insights necessary to understand the impact of pervasive new media and information and communication technologies (ICTs) on individual behaviour in virtual work settings.Practical implicationsThe findings contribute to an improved understanding of the influence of OJ on cybercivism. As a moderator, anomia is supported in our sample as one of the key “controllers” of the OJ predictions on cybercivism and sets a new scenario in seeking electronic business effectiveness. By encouraging convincing values and equity in the workplace, organisational management seems be on the right path to create the proper context for cybercivism to occur.Originality/valueEmployee AFs are shown to be a moderator in the relationship between OJ and cybercivism. This is the first empirical test of this interaction.
St Paul as sales strategist: an essay commemorating the years of St Paul, 2008/2009
Authors: Etzold Veit M. 
Published: February 2009

PurposeIn the course of the St Paul year 2008 and 2009 Christians in the whole world are commemorating St Paul. This essay aims to trace the footsteps of St Paul and consider the success factors that every strategist needs to make people enthusiastic about a product or an idea and nevertheless behave in a sustainable and ethical manner.Design/methodology/approachThe six key performance indicators/methods of St Paul of spreading the gospel are analysed (global presence, networking, customer segmentation, keep it simple, time based competition and integrity) and compared to current distribution strategies of sales people and analysts of customer behaviour.FindingsSt Paul was a very successful power seller, but, differing from many other nowadays power sellers (take Madoff), he was selling his product in an ethical way, because he himself was also deeply convinced of the product, i.e. Christianity. Sales people can learn from St Paul, that big ticket sale will only work in the long run if combined with ethical sales behaviour. If sales organisations do not believe in the products they sell, they are doomed to fail in the long term. The current credit crisis, which originated in the sales of bad products with good sounding names is a prominent example..Practical implicationsBy comparing abstract processes like sales and distribution to historical figures and their actions, it is easier for management to grasp ideas. Furthermore, stories stick better in the head than numbers. Corporate storytelling like the story of St Paul can help executives to get a clear idea of a topic and – different from “empty flipchart brainstorming” – give a good basis for management offsites and workshops.Originality/valueBy using strategy metaphors, business strategists can stretch their thinking. Linking a non‐business topic (St Paul) to a business topic can help to view one's own business from a fresh perspective.
Tree mortality due to an El Niño flood along the lower Tana River, Kenya
Authors: Wieczkowski Julie 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis study investigated forest tree mortality as a result of the extremely strong 1997–1998 El Niño flood in Tana River, Kenya, directly tested how mortality varied in relation to tree species and diameter at breast height (DBH), and indirectly tested how mortality varied in relation to floodwater depth. The study forest was under 2 m of water for approximately 71 days, from December 1997 until February 1998. Twenty‐five liana, subcanopy tree, and canopy tree species were selected based on their importance in the diet of the Tana River mangabey (Cercocebus galeritus Peters), a critically endangered primate endemic to the Tana River. Reproductive‐sized individuals of these species were enumerated in 16.25 ha. I also enumerated trees killed by the El Niño flood, recorded their location in the forest, and measured their DBH. Ninety‐two trees in fifteen species were killed by the flood. There were significant differences in mortality by species and by 0.25 ha quadrat. There were negative correlations between number of dead and DBH, number of dead and distance from the river, and per cent of quadrat killed and distance from the river. There appear to have been few long‐term consequences of the El Niño flood in the forest or for the mangabeys.
Invasive Acacia auriculiformis Benth. in different habitats in Unguja, Zanzibar
Authors: Kotiluoto Riitta , Ruokolainen Kalle , Kettunen Marianne 
Published: February 2009

Abstract Acacia auriculiformis Benth., Mimosaceae, has been introduced relatively recently as a plantation tree to the island of Unguja, Zanzibar. It has been reported to establish itself outside the plantations, but it is not known if the success of establishment depends on habitat quality. We investigated the occurrence of A. auriculiformis in 5‐m‐wide sample lines, which started from the edge of acacia plantations and reached farthermost the distance of 1 km. The results of 7.24 ha studied showed that: (1) A. auriculiformis occurred in most of the studied habitats in Unguja and appeared to be more abundant in deep soils than in shallow coral‐derived soils. However, statistical analyses suggested that the species has little preference or avoidance towards any of the habitats, even though forests – the least disturbed habitats – seemed to have less acacias than other more disturbed habitats. (2) The number of acacias decreased rapidly with the distance from an acacia plantation, and most of the found acacias were still young, below three metres tall. Our results suggest that the invasion of A. auriculiformis is at its beginning in Unguja. If no preventive measures are taken, A. auriculiformis may have an increasing impact on local ecosystem in the future.
Long‐term effects of prescribed early fire, grazing and selective tree cutting on seedling populations in the Sudanian savanna of Burkina Faso
Authors: Zida Didier , Tigabu Mulualem , Sawadogo Louis , Tiveau Daniel , Odén Per Christer 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAnnual early fire, selective tree cutting and exclusion of grazing are currently used as management tools in the Sudanian savanna of Burkina Faso although their long‐term effects on seedling recruitment are poorly documented. A factorial experiment involving fire, grazing and cutting, each with two levels, was established in 1992 to study the effects of these management regimes and their interactions on the regeneration of woody species, and examine whether their effects varied temporally. Species richness, density and the morphology of seedlings were assessed in 1997 and 2002, and their relative changes were determined. The change in species richness of multi‐stemmed individuals was significantly higher (P = 0.018) on plots that received fire × cutting treatment than the control plots. Significantly more species with single‐stem were found on unburnt than on burnt plots (P < 0.001). Grazing tended to reduce the change in total density while fire (P < 0.001) and grazing (P = 0.029) significantly reduced the change in density of single‐stemmed individuals. Selective cutting did not affect the total seedling density, but tended to reduce the change in single‐stemmed seedling density. Principal component analysis revealed species‐specific responses to treatments, particularly the relatively high abundance of lianas compared with other species.
Foraging efficiency and vigilance behaviour of impala: the influence of herd size and neighbour density
Authors: Smith Sonja M. , Cain III James W. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractGroup foraging can be beneficial for ungulates by decreasing the time required for vigilance, but it can also prove costly because of competition. To determine responses to gregarious behaviour, we studied foraging activity and vigilance of impala (Aepyceros melampus) near Kruger National Park, South Africa. We measured time spent foraging, vigilant, moving, grooming, engaging in social interactions and determined herd size and group distribution (i.e. density). We calculated accepted food abundance (AFA), food ingestion rate, steps per minute and percent vigilance for female, bachelor male and herd male impala. There was no relationship between herd size and vigilance, but vigilance decreased with increasing density (t1,311 = 4.91, P <0.0001). Additionally, AFA decreased (t1,61 = 5.96, P <0.0001) and steps per minute increased (t1,311 = 14.38, P < 0.0001) as more individuals fed in close proximity to each other. Impala could be altering their behaviour to accommodate a perceived change in resources because of intraspecific competition and these adjustments might be related more to the distribution of herd members than to herd size. Further studies should examine the behaviour of gregarious animals in relation to the distribution of herd members in addition to group size.
Why is there discordant diversity in sengi (Mammalia: Afrotheria: Macroscelidea) taxonomy and ecology?
Authors: Rathbun Galen B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe seventeen species of sengis or elephant‐shrews form a well‐defined clade of mammals endemic to Africa that occupy the extremes of terrestrial habitats, from coastal deserts to montane forests. Because of their isolation on Africa soon after the break‐up of Gondwanaland, theoretically sengis initially evolved with little competition from other placental radiations. Their life history features include myrmecophagy, saltatorial gaits, no or limited use of nests, social monogamy, small litters of precocial young and absentee maternal care of neonates. These traits together are unique to the Macroscelidea and represent a wedding of features usually associated with either small antelopes or anteaters. Combined, these features define an adaptive syndrome that presumably has been relatively immune to competition from contemporary mammals, partially due to phylogenetic inertia. Yet paradoxically, the syndrome is well suited to a wide range of terrestrial habitats, resulting in low taxonomic diversity. Because of their unusual phylogeny and low species diversity, conservation interest is high for those sengis with relatively low densities in fragmented forests.
An increase in the prevalence of type 1 and 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: results from prescription data from a UK general practice database
Authors: Hsia Yingfen , Neubert Antje C. , Rani Fariz , Viner Russell M. , Hindmarsh Peter C. , Wong Ian C. K. 
Published: February 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Increasing antidiabetic drugs use in youths has been reported in the USA, however there is a lack of epidemiological evidence in the UK.• There is an increase in the prevalence of both type 1 and 2 diabetes, but precise estimates are difficult to obtain and as such are uninformative for future health services planning. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • The prevalence of children receiving insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs has increased twofold and eightfold, respectively, between 1998 and 2005.• The data reflect the prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes rapidly increase in recent years.• The prevalence of antidiabetic drug use increases with increasing age, especially among those aged 12–18 years.• Consideration needs to be given to the funding and design of future services for children and particularly adolescents with diabetes to take account of these epidemiological findings.AIMS Despite evidence of an increase in the incidence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in youths, there are few data on the prevalence of either type in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of childhood diabetes over an 8‐year period in the UK.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study that covered 8 years (January 1998 to December 2005) of UK IMS Disease Analyzer (IMS DA) data. The cohort comprised all children and adolescents aged 0–18 years who received at least one antidiabetic drug prescription during the study period. The prevalence of antidiabetic drug prescribing was used as a proxy for diabetes itself.RESULTS Data were available on 505 754 children aged 0–18 years and a total of 37 225 antidiabetic prescriptions were issued. Insulin use increased significantly from 1.08 per 1000 children [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96, 1.20] in 1998 to 1.98 (95% CI 1.80, 2.10) in 2005 (P < 0.001), more markedly in those aged 12 and 18 years. The use of oral antidiabetic drugs for diabetes treatment rose significantly from 0.006 per 1000 children in 1998 (95% CI 0.0043, 0.017) to 0.05 (95% CI 0.025, 0.080) (P < 0.001) in 2005.CONCLUSIONS This study indicates a significant increase in prevalence on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatment in children and adolescents in the UK. Thus, this supporting evidence from other sources that the prevalence of childhood diabetes is rising rapidly. Further epidemiological studies are required to investigate the aetiology and risk factors.