Observations of the external morphology of wild-caught and captive male brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus) revealed a marked seasonal pattern of spermatogenesis, similar to that established by histological examination of other temperate-zone vespertilionids, with a peak in testes size in August and a lag between testicular growth and epididymal distension. This was followed by complete ce...

It has been suggested that successful young gymnasts are a highly select group in terms of the physique. This review summarizes the available literature on elite female gymnasts' anthropometric characteristics, somatotype, body composition and biological maturation. The main aims were to identify: (i) a common physique and (ii) the differences, if any, among competitive/performance levels. A sy...

We examined life history variation in the lizard, Sceloporus undulatus, across its range. Data from published studies on 14 populations of S. undulatus were analyzed using factor analysis. Four factors were generated from the data. Factor 1 reflected the influence of body size on lizard life histories and explained 31% ofthe variance in S. undulatus life histories. Factor 2 represented the nega...

Age at maturity has been suggested to be an important life-history trait with substantial potential for influencing the evolution of life histories. Using known reproductive histories of 90 female wood ducks (Aix sponsa) from a long-term study (1982–96), we investigated the fitness consequences of changes in age at maturity. Female wood ducks that attained sexual maturity as yearlings had a sig...

BPM maturity is a measure to evaluate how professionally an organization manages its business processes. Previous research provides evidence that higher BPM maturity leads to better performance of processes and of the organization as a whole. It also claims that different organizations should strive for different levels of maturity, depending on their properties. This paper presents an empirica...

For the systematic evolution of interdisciplinary socio-technical systems, such as business intelligence (BI), artifacts are needed that comprehensively address multifaceted challenges. To support these strategic improvement initiatives, we proposed a BI maturity model (MM) in prior research. In this paper, we develop an approach to measure maturity of BI in organizations, thereby operationaliz...

In this paper, we argue that effective Integrated Performance Management (IPM) needs both strategic and maturity alignment. The management literature focuses on strategic alignment; in this paper we develop the concept of maturity alignment. Maturity alignment indicates that an organization must install the appropriate managerial and operational processes in accordance with the desired maturity...

This paper presents a design of a Green ICT maturity model that is aimed at maturity assessment of a Green ICT capability in SMEs that figure as users of ICT services. Based on a literature review and internet search, six maturity models in the Green ICT area were detected and further analysed. Since these maturity models do not suit maturity assessment in non-ICT SMEs, a new Green ICT maturity...

Does the maturity of an organization’s information systems (IS) unit have a measurable impact on the organization’s financial performance and is that increased maturity acknowledged by the stock market? Drawing on existing IS maturity literature and organizational performance research, this paper proposes to analyze archival data to assess the impact of IT maturity achievement on key financial ...