bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Analytics
Authors: Hausman Matthieu , Verpoorten Dominique , Defaweux Valérie , Detroz Pascal
Published: December 2019

This chapter discusses the impact of the use of Learning Analytics on the professional development of teachers in higher education. Learning Analytics allows teachers to obtain previously inaccessible information about their students' learning activities. Based on this information, it is possible for teachers to modify their teaching strategies and the learning environment they offer to students, and they can also offer better monitoring to them. After having shed a theoretical light on the concepts used in this chapter, authors propose a case analysis relating to the experience of a teacher from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Liège. Using a professional development model, authors then propose an analysis of the impact of Learning Analytics on the professional development of this teacher. In this case, the Learning Analytics appear as a lever for the professional development of the teacher.
An Assessment for Classification of Distribution Network Design
Authors: Ceyhun Gökçe Çiçek
Published: December 2019

Distribution consists of moving and storing a product from the supplier to customer during the supply chain process. Distribution process is crucial decision of a company due to its effects on supply chain cost and customer satisfaction. In the competitive environment of the business, all companies aim to minimize delivery costs and maximize customer satisfaction by applying optimum distribution network design. The design of effective distribution network requires critical decisions as the location and the capacity of distribution centers together with logistic activities, which consist of transportation and inventory process. The purpose of this research is to define a deep literature review regarding definition of distribution network, distribution channels, selection of distribution, and the factors affecting distribution network design. After reviewing a comprehensive literature on distribution network design, this chapter includes suggestions.
Order Picking Optimization Based on a Picker Routing Heuristic
Authors: Cano Jose Alejandro
Published: December 2019

This chapter details the performance evaluation of routing policies and proposes a routing heuristic to determine the minimum traveled distance for different warehouse configurations and pick-list sizes. Numerical experiments are performed considering warehouse configurations used in literature and list sizes are chosen proportional to the number of storage positions of each layout. The proposed heuristic method was shown to reduce the distance traveled by 7% for the evaluated instances. Furthermore, travel distance reductions of up to 30% were found in cases involving large warehouse and pick-list sizes. The proposed heuristic therefore is concluded to provide a more efficient solution than individual routing policies for the picker routing problem.
A Resource-Based Theory Perspective of Logistics
Authors: Özbağ Gönül Kaya , Arslan Osman
Published: December 2019

The Resource Based Theory (RBT), where specific sets of resources are bundled into precious, scarce, and hard-to-imitate capabilities, has been demonstrated to be helpful for explaining why some companies have been better than others over time. Accordingly, this chapter, drawing on the related literature, proposes that the RBT has the potential to be applied to important areas of logistics research. Since no clear exposition of the resource-based approach has been provided in the logistics literature, this study helps to understand the critical effects of logistics capabilities in creating competitive advantage. RBT is described with relations and interactions among resource and capability. Authors illustrate how the RBT represents the underlying theoretical support for one of the central propositions of distinctive logistics capability. The chapter examines past researches and illustrates how RBV theory is an appropriate theoretical lens to advance the much-needed understanding of the logistics capabilities.
Sustainability in Liner Shipping
Authors: Arslan Osman , Özbag Gönül Kaya
Published: December 2019

The concept of sustainability has become increasingly significant and has forced companies to take sustainable measures because of the reduction of energy resources and operational efficiency, the increase in emission release, and environmental pollution. In addition, technological developments and globalization have also affected the maritime industry and coerced shipping companies to struggle to survive in a highly competitive environment. Sustainability is addressed by environmental, social, and economic aspects under the GRI. It should be noticed that many important elements based on economy, environment, social aspects, technology, and information determine sustainability. Sustainability also benefits from KPI indicators that determine ship performance criteria. This chapter examines the concept of sustainability in various dimensions and establishes a general framework by searching the literature of sustainability of liner shipping and also sustainability reports of the international maritime transport companies.
The Place of High Speed Crafts (HSCs) in Maritime Transportation
Authors: Kartoğlu Cem , Kum Serdar
Published: December 2019

Transportation involves all concepts of distance, speed, and time. Maritime transportation is one of the oldest methods of transportation. Continuous demand for high speed in shipping has led to the emergence of High Speed Craft (HSC). The growing number of HSCs has necessitated the development of new safety concepts for such vessels and waters where they navigate. The navigation on HSC requires great/high attention. Safety of navigation is very important for preventing accidents and marine pollutions. The main causes of accidents in HSCs are related to bridge personnel and bridge operations. It is observed that human factor and safety of navigation are prominent.
A Secure Bet in the Maritime Supply Chain
Authors: Pahl Julia , Cordova Miguel
Published: December 2019

Extended research has been conducted related to how ports are capable to offer differentiated services for their customers, as well as how these decide to do business with one port rather than another. However, the literature about ports' attractiveness is not conclusive. This chapter identifies main drivers with respect to their relevance for managerial practices and proposes an agenda that tackles the obstacles that ports may find when aiming at enhancing their attractiveness. The chapter reviews the relevant literature, reports, and media to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date picture. It further opens the discussion related to exogenous, endogenous, and subjective factor of port attractiveness and how they influence stakeholders' decisions. The study concludes with proposals for further research.
How to Launch a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
Authors: Kleverlaan Ronald
Published: December 2019

This chapter provides insights into the important characteristics of a successful crowdfunding campaign. It starts with providing the fundamentals of crowdfunding and shows the reasons why it is important to find the right target groups and communities for a campaign. It describes in details the Return on Involvement model, what the funders want in return for their support. In the second part the additional results of crowdfunding are discussed, such as market research, marketing, brand loyalty and the possibility to use crowdfunding to raise additional funding. The last part of this chapter will focus on the background of setting up and running a successful campaign.
AHP-Driven Knowledge Leakage Risk Assessment Model
Authors: Tsang Haley Wing Chi , Lee Wing Bun , Tsui Eric
Published: December 2019

Intellectual Capital (IC) is becoming more widely understood by the academic and business communities, especially its important role in value creation of an organization. However, few people are aware that IC, if not managed properly, may also pose threats, sometime serious, to an organization. Knowledge leakage from an organization, for example, may come about when an experienced employee leaves for another job. Knowledge leakage is pervasive throughout an organization but is seldom noticed until the consequence is felt. This intellectual capital risk has to be systematically and effectively identified, assessed and controlled in the whole value chain of an organization. An AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) based multi-dimensional decision making and assessment model is developed to determine knowledge leakage risk in an organization.
Plan for Prevention of Risks of Corruption and Related Infractions
Authors: Pinho Marisa , Santos Carlos
Published: December 2019

This chapter presents the results of the application of the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis methodology, within the scope of the Organisational Risk Management Plan, in the Municipal Division of Contract Works and Concessions of Oliveira de Azeméis City Council of the metropolitan area of Porto located in the north of Portugal with an area of approximately 164 Km2 and a few more than 20,000 inhabitants. The application of this methodology establishes a bridge between risk management and the Plan for Prevention of Risks of Corruption and Related Infractions, describing the application of this methodology and referring how the levels of severity, occurrence and detection of a specific failure, which are essential in the implementation process. Once the application of this methodology is understood, an example of its implementation for the management of risk in the contract works service of the Municipality of Oliveira de Azeméis is also provided.
Application of FMEA to Study the Risk Perception of SMEs Throughout the ERP Adoption Life Cycle
Authors: Bharathi S. Vijayakumar , Chandrayan Kanchan
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the authors have tried to validate the risk perception of ERP adoption in SMEs using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). The work significantly contributes to the existing body of ERP adoption knowledge to the SMEs. Foremost, an ERP adoption life cycle addressed to SMES comprising of five distinct phases is proposed. Second, a well-laid out inventory of risk factors have been identified. Third, FMEA is applied to understand, validate the risk perception of respondents on ERP adoption in SMEs. Exploiting the ERP System, Inadequate financial management, Lack of Owners' Commitment, Ineffective communication with users and change in project scope are the top five highest perceived risks based on the risk perception number (RPN). The process centric approach to system implementation through FMEA also prescribes pertinent recommendations to the stakeholder ecosystem to proactively defend against vulnerabilities during the ERP adoption life cycle.
Factors Driving Firms from Emerging Countries into the Global Market
Authors: Quan Rose , Lin Zhibin
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this chapter is to identify the key factors that explain the decision of Chinese small and medium sized enterprises' (CSMEs) investment into the North East of England. The authors conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with key decision makers of Chinese SMEs that have business operations in the North East of England. It has been found that there are four major categories of factors that drive Chinese SMEs' investment into the North East of England: 1) resource-based factors; 2) home and host institutional factors; 3) network factors; and 4) international entrepreneurial factors. The findings have policy implications for both the governments of the UK and China, as well as managerial implications for future Chinese investors. This chapter provides fresh explanation of Chinese SMEs' investment into a developed economy.
Building Sustainable Enterprises through Innovations in Bulgaria
Authors: Dobreva Julia
Published: December 2019

This chapter aims to focus on the role of innovations for achieving sustainable development of Bulgarian enterprises. Following an analysis of the Bulgarian economy, the chapter explores a model for transforming businesses towards sustainability through innovations in production processes. The socioeconomic and environmental implications are considered in terms of defining the major outcomes of implementing sustainable business practices in Bulgaria. A comparison is made with the sustainable development levels in some EU countries to serve as a basis for identifying and further elaborating the main political and economic targets for Bulgaria.
Increasing Project Success in China from the Perspectives of Project Risk, Methodology, Tool Use, and Organizational Support
Authors: Chen Charlie C. , Nakayama Makoto , Shou Yongyi , Charoen Danuvasin
Published: December 2019

Besides lack of organizational support, using project risk management tools and methodology effectively has been one major challenge to project success. As China is extending its project management (PM) concepts from mainly construction and national defense projects to many other industries, project managers in those new industries rely on the use of PM tools and methodologies. However, it remains unclear to what extent the use of them can increase project success. To address the research questions, this study surveyed 93 project managers in China and found that success of project execution is contingent upon: (a) project risks, (b) PM methodology, (c) organizational support, and (d) PM tool use. The presence of project risk can stimulate increased use of PM tools, thereby helping achieve project success. Organizational support and PM tool use also remain conditions for project success. This study contributes to the current literature by assessing project success from the perspectives of organizational support, PM methodology, and PM tools.
Alternative Research Funding Mechanisms
Authors: Osimo David , Priego Laia Pujol , Vuorikari Riina
Published: December 2019

Funding affects how science is carried out. Over the last 50 years, the core of science funding has become competitive, project based and increasingly oriented towards societal challenges. Recently, alternative, more open and flexible funding mechanisms have emerged, such as crowdfunding, philanthropy and bottom-up mechanisms. This chapter analyses the development and implications of alternative funding mechanisms for science, through an umbrella literature review complemented by case studies. It concludes that alternative funding are an important component of research funding, which provides new opportunities especially for niche and unrecognized research, and require stronger communication skills by researchers. However, they can't and should not substitute traditional mechanisms. Researchers, institutions and funding agencies should redesign their activity accounting for a plurality of funding instruments, and facilitate collaboration between them.
E-Marketing for SMEs
Authors: Baporikar Neeta , Fotolela Rosalia
Published: December 2019

This article describes that though there are few studies conducted on SMEs' life cycle, there are no studies specifically done around the globe with focus on electronic marketing approaches for SMEs. SMEs are flexible, so they can respond quickly to changing marketing requirements. Four approaches explain marketing role in small firms: the stages/growth model, the management style model, the management function model and the contingency model. SMEs face-marketing problems due to limited financial base, market knowledge, branding activities, expertise and over dependence on marketing ability of the owner/manager. They adopt reactive-marketing rather than planned marketing. Therefore, they face difficulties to exploit opportunities available in the market. Thus, the article aims to develop new ways of marketing approaches to every element of the-marketing mix (price, place, product and promotion). Further, as SMEs generally use a “conservative” approach to marketing, the study findings reflect that adopting electronic marketing approach can help them to offer new improved product or innovative use of existing product.
Investigation on Microstructure Evolution and Strengthening Mechanism in Boron-Bearing Advanced High Strength Steel
Authors: Jia Tao , Li Jie , Ma Li
Published: December 2019

Investigation on the casting, hot-rolling and heat treatment process of a high boron-bearing advanced high strength steel was conducted. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron-probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to analyze the evolution of microstructure which includes the phase constitution and boride morphology during hot processing. Through the control of as-casted, heat treated microstructure and using interrupted tensile tests, the strengthening mechanism was revealed. Results showed that, the strain-induced ferrite transformation of austenite and grain size were the decisive factors which control the strength and ductility, while the defects and internal stress etc. were the secondary factors.
A Theoretical Model of Strain Measurement System of Membrane Materials in Biaxial Tensile Tests
Authors: Andriasyan Mesrop
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a new method and toolset to measure strain values of the fabrics under biaxial tensile test. The proposed model is based on the reverse engineering of Delta 3D printing system. A comparison is made to the existing widely accepted models of strain measurements. The designed toolset was developed by parameter based modelling and genetic optimization to ensure that the equipment can function within the given strain domains. The equipment design model can be adapted to any biaxial tension frame.
Fire Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Corrosion-Damaged Columns of the "Standard" Fire
Authors: Tamrazyan Ashot Georgievich , Mineev Micheal Sergeevich , Urasheva Aishat
Published: December 2019

The article describes the features of the effect of corrosion of reinforcement on the bearing capacity of reinforced concrete columns in a "standard" fire. On the basis of the standard calculation method, the fire resistance of the column was estimated under a four-sided fire effect taking into account the different duration of the fire. The study examined the operation of the column in a corrosive environment, it was assumed that the initiation of corrosion of concrete and reinforcement will occur after 10 years of exploitation. It was found that the destruction of concrete protective layer 25 mm thick in a medium aggressive environment will occur after 25 years, and the diameter of the reinforcement during this period will decrease by 20%. To compare the results, a reinforced concrete column with a section of 400x400mm was calculated under the influence of a “standard” fire under normal operating conditions and taking into account work in a corrosive environment. The results of heat engineering calculations are presented, where the temperature changes in the reinforcement depending on the heating time and reduction of the protective layer thickness, as well as the change in the diameter of the reinforcement and its effect on the bearing capacity are shown. It has been established that reducing the cross-sectional area of the working reinforcement and reducing the cross-sectional dimensions of the column due to the occurring corrosion processes leads to a decrease in the fire resistance limit on the loss of bearing capacity by 58%.
Analysis of Bored Piles' Field Test Results
Authors: Kondratieva Lidia , Konyushkov Vladimir , Trong Le Van , Kirillov Vladimir
Published: December 2019

The purpose of the study is to establish accuracy of determining the load-bearing capacity of bored piles according to the method specified in Regulations 24.13330.2011 "Pile foundations". Relevance of the topic is determined by the following: the load-bearing capacity of a pile is a fundamental indicator affecting all subsequent activities related to foundation design, and accuracy of analytical solutions for complex engineering and geological conditions is highly questionable. Field tests of bored piles were carried out in engineering and geological conditions of Saint Petersburg with deformation modulus from 10 to 40 MPa at a load in the range from 1,000 to 6,300 kN, at achievement of absolute settlement of 40 mm. Piles with a diameter from 0.15 to 0.88 m and a length from 10 to 47 m were made using various technologies: using casing, using slurry, using a flight auger. Following the results of field tests, diagrams of load-bearing capacity of piles according to the material, depending on geometrical parameters and manufacturing techniques, diagrams of actual and designed load-bearing capacity of piles were plotted. Approximating functions to describe the dependences were obtained. According to the analysis of the results, it is possible to conclude that the load-bearing capacity of the bored pile during field tests is 1.4–1.7 times higher than the load-bearing capacity of the pile designed according to Regulations 24.13330.2011; the average share of the load-bearing capacity along the side surface of the pile was 65% and under the pile toe — 35%.
Rare diseases in the elderly: a new perspective for the specialist in geriatrics
Authors: Sabbà Carlo , Lenato Gennaro M. , Custodero Carlo , Suppressa Patrizia
Published: December 2019

Rare diseases (RD) encompass a broad spectrum of highly heterogeneous illnesses characterized by a prevalence lower than 1:2000 in general population. Although relatively uncommon, when considered as a whole, these pathologies represent a relevant public health problem. In light of their usual early onset and high severity and mortality, RD have been traditionally regarded as affecting mainly childhood or young adulthood, and considered to be excluded from filed of interest of geriatric specialists. However, more recent epidemiological studies, suggest that demographic changes, sometimes joined with advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, are permitting longer survival of some persons affected by these conditions, thus making RD compatible with geriatric age. Hence, in the next future, specialists in geriatrics will be referred to by an increasing number of elderly subjects with RD seeking medical care. Geriatricians should be aware about the high management complexity of elderly patients with RD, characterized by considerable frailty status, related to both the primary RD and to the ageingrelated condition.
La consulenza bioetica al letto del malato: l’esperienza del Servizio di Etica clinica presso la Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS – Roma
Authors: Spagnolo Antonio G. , Corsano Barbara , Sacchini Dario
Published: December 2019

L’articolo espone l’esperienza del Servizio di Consulenza di Etica Clinica (Servizio CEC) dell’Istituto di Bioetica e Medical Humanities dell’Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore per la Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS (FPG) di Roma, dal 1992 ad oggi. Dopo una introduzione generale sul significato e gli scopi della consulenza di etica clinica, l’articolo prende in esame la casistica del Servizio. A tal fine è stata realizzata un’indagine retrospettiva di tutte le consulenze di etica clinica (CEC) richieste ed eseguite dal Servizio CEC dalla sua istituzione ad agosto 2019. È stato analizzato l’andamento del Servizio e confrontato il numero di CEC eseguite nei primi 20 anni, quando il Servizio utilizzava una modalità prevalentemente cartacea, con il numero di CEC eseguite da quando il Servizio è stato inserito sul Sistema Informativo interno del Policlinico il 1 gennaio 2016 dove le CEC sono tracciate elettronicamente. In particolare, sono stati individuati e fatti oggetto di discussione critica i dati relativi a: numero delle richieste di CEC, numero delle CEC elaborate, aree cliniche che hanno richiesto le CEC, forme assunte dalla consulenza (consulenza classica o documento condiviso di orientamento etico-assistenziale), quesiti etici – e non solo etici – maggiormente emersi.
Transference interpretations as predictors of increased insight and affect expression in a single case of long-term psychoanalysis
Authors: Sohtorik İlkmen Yasemin , Halfon Sibel
Published: December 2019

Improved insight and affect expression have been associated with specific effects of transference work in psychodynamic psychotherapy. However, the micro-associations between these variables as they occur within the sessions have not been studied. The present study investigated whether the analyst’s transference interpretations predicted changes in a patient’s insight and emotion expression in her language during the course of a long-term psychoanalysis. 449 thematic units from 30 sessions coming from different years of psychoanalysis were coded by outside raters for analyst’s use of transference interpretations using Transference Work Scale, and patient’s insight, positive emotions, anger and sadness were calculated using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count System. Multilevel modeling analyses indicated that transference interpretations positively predicted patient’s insight and positive emotion words and negatively predicted anger and sadness. The qualitative micro-analyses of selected sessions showed that the opportunity to explore negative emotions within the transference relationship reduced the patient’s avoidance of such feelings, generated insight into negative relational patterns, and helped form more balanced representations of self and others that allowed for positive feelings. The findings were discussed for clinical implications and future research directions.
On the Role of Nitric Oxide for the Knock-Mitigation Effectiveness of EGR in a DISI Engine Operated with Various Gasoline Fuels
Authors: Sjöberg Magnus , Vuilleumier David , Kim Namho , Yokoo Nozomi , Tomoda Terutoshi , Nakata Koichi
Published: December 2019

The knock-suppression effectiveness of exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) can vary between implementations that take EGR gases after the three-way catalyst and those that use pre-catalyst EGR gases. A main difference between pre-and post-catalyst EGR gases is the level of trace species like NO, UHC, CO and H2. To quantify the role of NO, this experiment-based study employs NO-seeding in the intake tract for select combinations of fuel types and compression ratios, using simulated post-catalyst EGR gases as the diluent. The four investigated gasoline fuels share a common RON of 98, but vary in octane sensitivity and composition. To enable probing effects of near-zero NO levels, a skip-firing operating strategy is developed whereby the residual gases, which contain trace species like NO, are purged from the combustion chamber.

Overall, the effects of NO-seeding on knock are consistent with the differences in knock limits for preand post-catalyst EGR gases. This suggests that for a majority of the conditions studied here, variations in NO concentration dominate the autoignition-influencing role of trace species that are present in pre-and post-catalyst EGR gases. The specific response of the knock limits to NO vary greatly between fuels, and the response also varies with compression ratio for a given fuel. Generally, the greatest sensitivity to NO exists in the 0 - 50 ppm range for all fuels, with increasing [NO] strongly promoting end-gas autoignition. For higher levels of NO, the autoignition-enhancing effect of NO saturates. This is particularly true for the Alkylate fuel with low octane sensitivity, for which addition of NO beyond 100 ppm reverses the trends, with further NO addition actually suppressing knock, although not beyond the level achieved without NO present.
Influence of Combustion Chamber Shape and In-Cylinder Density on Soot Formation in Diesel Combustion
Authors: Funayama Yoshihiro , Yoshitomi Kazunori , Ishii Mori , Nakajima Hiroshi , Fuyuto Takayuki
Published: December 2019

The change in the smoke emissions from a diesel engine with the shapes of the combustion chamber and the in-cylinder density was investigated with focuses on the mixing and the soot formation in a spray flame. First, the mixing of the fuel and air between the nozzle exit and the set-off length was used as an indicator for the formation of soot. Although this indicator can explain the influence of the density, it cannot explain the changes in the smoke emissions with a change in the shape of the combustion chamber. Next, by focusing on the soot distribution in a quasi-steady-state spray flame, the soot formed in the high-density condition of an optically accessible engine was investigated by applying two-color method. These results showed that the positional relationship between the maximum soot amount position and the flame impinging position can be a major influence on the smoke emissions.
Study on PAHs and PM Formed by Benzene Pyrolysis
Authors: Kashiwa Koki , Arai Masataka , Kobayashi Yoshihiro
Published: December 2019

The main component of PM (particulate matter) formed in the combustion field is soot. Soot is formed by pyrolysis, polymerization and partial oxidation of hydrocarbon fuel. In this experimental research, the effects of temperature and oxygen on PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and PM formed from benzene-oxygen mixture were investigated by independent control of temperature (Tf = 1,073 K, 1,173 K, 1,273 K, and 1,338 K) and oxygen concentration (ϕ = ∞, 6.2, and 2.8). In order to investigate the growth processes of PAHs, mass concentrations of naphthalene, biphenyl, phenanthrene, anthracene, and pyrene were measured. As the result, it was found that mass concentration of biphenyl (two-ring PAH, nC = 12) was higher than naphthalene (two-ring PAH, nC = 10) under benzene-N2 mixture condition (without oxygen condition:ϕ = ∞). Mass concentrations of biphenyl and naphthalene were almost same levels under ϕ = 6.2 condition. Furthermore, under ϕ = 2.8 condition, mass concentration of naphthalene was higher than that of biphenyl. Biphenyl and naphthalene concentration change was obvious at 1,250±20 K. Under low temperature condition of 1,190 K, small amount of PM was formed from benzene pyrolysis without oxygen and PM concentration increased with an addition of oxygen. When the temperature increased over 1,310 K, much of PM was formed and it had no difference in with and without oxygen.
The good, the bad and the ugly: social media prospects and perils for records management
Authors: Mosweu Tshepho
Published: December 2019

Records and information professionals have in recent years, seen themselves grappling with new technologies in order to ensure that records generated in the process are captured and preserved for business requirements. It has been evident that the availability of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their associated benefits have resulted in an increased number of organisations adopting and using social media to reach out to customers and clients. With social media issues like security, privacy, service agreements and standards are continually added and can change instantly. These frequent changes and unreliable environments call for organisations adopting social media initiatives to be aware of the risks and opportunities involved, thereby ensuring that resultant records are controlled, monitored and preserved accordingly or stand the risk of losing their digital information. This conceptual study used documentary reviews to collect data in the analysis of opportunities and risks brought by social media in the records management field and explore alternatives for records management. This study found that social media presents a volatile environment with both the good and the bad. Therefore, this study recommends that organisations that adopt and use social media platforms should put measures in place for the management of social media records to meet legal and business requirements.
'Let the little children come to archives': schools as a conduit for taking archives to children
Authors: Kau Jacqueline , Ngoepe Mpho , Saurombe Nampombe
Published: December 2019

Public programming initiatives are considered an integral part of archival operations across the world because they support a greater use of archival records. In South Africa, public archival institutions are mandated in terms of section 5(1)(c) of the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (Act No. 43 of 1996) (NARSSA Act) to reach out to the less privileged sectors of society, including children, by making known information concerning records by means such as publications, exhibitions and lending of records. As a result, public archives repositories in South Africa have designed programmes to take archives to school learners for the purpose of creating future users and expanding the use of archival sources. Despite efforts to take archives to the people in South Africa, it would seem that public programming methods that repositories use at schools are not effective in creating awareness and promoting public archives to attract school learners. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews and observation as data collection tools to investigate schools as conduits for taking public archives to learners in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The key findings suggest that the public archives repositories in Gauteng do not use technology, particularly social media, to market their services to school learners. The main method of taking archives to learners is through invitations and participation in the annual archives week, which do not yield any positive results, as learners do not visit the archives afterwards. It is recommended that public archives repositories in Gauteng should consider using school learners who participated in the previous archives week as ambassadors to further recommend the use of archives to potential users and their peers. Furthermore, collaboration between archivists and teachers from neighbouring schools should be considered by including school projects that involve the use of “archives’’. In this regard, the repositories should be able to provide access to such learners. The study concludes that failure to adopt social media platforms to market archives would result in school learners not using archives.
Records management practices at the National University of Lesotho
Authors: Rafoneke Tsepo , Mnjama Nathan
Published: December 2019

Records management is that area of general administration that seeks to achieve efficiency and economy in the creation, maintenance and disposition of records by ensuring that records that are created are maintained efficiently and those that are no longer needed to support the current business of the organisation are disposed of at the expiry of agreed retention periods. It cannot be overstated that records are a vital asset in ensuring that an institution is governed effectively and efficiently and that its activities are open to public scrutiny. Poor records keeping gives room for corruption and other malpractices to flourish. Further, records support effective decision-making, provide evidence of policies, decisions, transactions and activities and support an organisation in cases of litigation. Most universities are continuously deploying integrated records management (paper records and electronic records) as a means of improving decision-making and the quality of service delivery. This study was conducted at the National University of Lesotho (NUL). The aim of the study was to assess record management practices at the NUL. This included finding out if there were a formal records management system and a formal records management policy, as well as the challenges faced by the NUL regarding records management. The study was guided by the Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) International’s Information Governance Maturity Model. Data for the study were collected through the use of in-depth interviews with purposively selected key informants from the university. Content analysis of both local print and electronic media sources and the review of the relevant internal NUL documents such as policies and reports and general observations by the researchers constituted part of the data collection strategies. The key findings from the study were that the NUL records management programme operates within a weak legislative framework, and there is a lack of policies and procedures, a lack of adequate trained personnel and inadequate records preservation facilities. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the NUL formulates a campus-wide records management policy, enhances staff training in records management, and develops and embarks on a programme for managing both paper and electronic records.
Where are the records in public sector reform? Advocating for integration of records management into public sector reforms in Malawi
Authors: Mweso Clement
Published: December 2019

Public sector reforms tend to focus on restructuring public institutions and addressing dysfunctional operational systems without dealing with inefficiencies in records management. Such focus partly addresses the heart of the service delivery challenge in the public sector. Sometimes, the biggest challenge for people seeking particular services in public institutions is not necessarily impediments caused by dysfunctional structures, but lack of records to support citizens’ claims or inability by public officers to timeously track files and provide relevant information to clients on time. This qualitative study examines the public sector reforms in Malawi and advocates for the inclusion of records management into such reforms. The study is based on analysis of government reform reports, policy briefs, circulars, scholarly texts and media reports. While a wide variety of institutional reforms within the public sector are essential, it is important to recognise that without well-functioning records management systems, efficient delivery of public services will remain a challenge. The study established that public sector reforms that focus purely on restructuring public institutions and addressing dysfunctional operational systems without dealing with inefficient records management systems adversely compromise service delivery of the reformed institutions. The study further expounds that despite numerous attempts to reform the public sector in the country, records management remains a challenge evidenced by numerous malpractices. It is concluded that consistent with the objective of reforming public institutions, it is imperative when implementing institutional reforms in the public sector that they are integrated with reforms in records management systems.
Retrofitting of Company Towns’ residential buildings: from international best practices to local implementations in Friuli Venezia Giulia region (NE Italy)
Authors: Santi Maria Vittoria , Laiola Giovanna Saveria
Published: December 2019

The paper illustrates the retrofit of company towns’ heritage, focusing on energy efficiency strategies for residential buildings with the aim to highlight the best practices, the solutions and methodologies to be implemented for the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region in NE Italy. The starting point is a comprehensive analysis of company town’s retrofit strategies featuring a comparison among relevant examples from Europe and Italy. Unesco industrial sites, sites by the Modern Movement, and Italian well-known workers’ villages are included in the analysis. The evaluation of the retrofit solutions takes into consideration aspects of protection and valorisation, functional renovation, and environmental sustainability upgrade. As a result, common strategies for the energy retrofit of company towns’ residential heritage are identified and summarised as the first step for their application at local level. In this sense, the study highlights that industrial villages are still inhabited and they require an upgrade according to the guidelines for architectural restoration, which meet the current standards of comfort. Moreover, the strategies drawn from the case-studies reveal an excellent potential of applicability for the local area and its company towns: Panzano shipyard village, Cave del Predil mining site, and Torviscosa factory town.
Socio-spatial analysis of the vulnerable urban fabric in the city of Barcelona
Authors: Vima-Grau Sara , Cornadó Còssima , Garcia-Almirall Pilar
Published: December 2019

Socio-residential vulnerability is one of currently increasing challenges for cities and metropolitan areas in addressing the interaction between the vulnerable resident population and the need to improve the building stock, particularly after the financial crisis of 2008 and the consequent regression of public investments.

Recent studies have measured and described the levels of vulnerability in the city of Barcelona and their results highlight socio-spatial similarities between urban fabrics that happen to be morphologically, historically and geographically very different.

The present research focuses on the assessment of physical and social shortcomings of vulnerable areas in the city of Barcelona. With this purpose, a sample of buildings in some of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods are statistically analysed through a set of variables at building scale related to both the need of improvement of residential existing buildings and the characteristics of their inhabitants.

An extensive sample of cases is described through several profiles according to the simultaneity of indicators both from a physical and social perspective. As a result, the cross-analysis of indicators and profiles according to each neighbourhood and urban fabric, contributes to better understanding the specificities of each area. Moreover, the cartography of results provides information on how certain indicators and profiles manifest geographically in the urban fabric and the city.

The observation of the combination of shortcomings in the different urban fabrics is a helpful tool for the design of future polices that aim for the improvement of living conditions in vulnerable residential buildings from an integral perspective that aims at addressing both physical and social issues.
The Alhambra master plan (2007-2020) as a strategic model of preventive conservation of cultural heritage
Authors: Villafranca Jiménez Mª Mar , Gutiérrez-Carrillo M. Lourdes
Published: December 2019

The preventive conservation of cultural assets involves a strategy to analyse and control the factors which cause their deterioration. The main aim is to guarantee their stability and the sustainable maintenance. The Alhambra and Generalife Site has been exposed to numerous risk factors over time which have left their mark on its fabric. On some occasions these have had serious effects which now present significant challenges for the comprehensive conservation of assets at the Site. During the twentieth century the Alhambra became a preserve for which a set of conservation and maintenance plans were developed, the first of which was the Special Protection and Interior Reform Plan for the Alhambra and Alijares (1987). Subsequently, the current Alhambra Master Plan (2007-2020) was instigated.

This paper examines the plan´s innovative methodological approach and its proposals regarding preventive conservation in circumstances under which its location precipitates natural and anthropic risks, and which are specific to its history and physical condition, its fragile materials and increased pressures on it from mass tourism.
Wintertime spatial distribution of ammonia and its emission sources in the Great Salt Lake region
Authors: Moravek Alexander , Murphy Jennifer G. , Hrdina Amy , Lin John C. , Pennell Christopher , Franchin Alessandro , Middlebrook Ann M. , Fibiger Dorothy L. , Womack Caroline C. , McDuffie Erin E. , Martin Randal , Moore Kori , Baasandorj Munkhbayar , Brown Steven S.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Ammonium-containing aerosols are a major component of wintertime air
pollution in many densely populated regions around the world. Especially in
mountain basins, the formation of persistent cold-air pools (PCAPs)
can enhance particulate matter with diameters less than 2.5 µm
(PM2.5) to levels above air quality standards. Under these conditions,
PM2.5 in the Great Salt Lake region of northern Utah has been shown
to be primarily composed of ammonium nitrate; however, its formation
processes and sources of its precursors are not fully understood. Hence, it
is key to understanding the emission sources of its gas phase precursor,
ammonia (NH3). To investigate the formation of ammonium nitrate, a
suite of trace gases and aerosol composition were sampled from the NOAA Twin Otter aircraft during the Utah Winter Fine Particulate Study (UWFPS) in
January and February 2017. NH3 was measured using a quantum cascade
tunable infrared laser differential absorption spectrometer (QC-TILDAS),
while aerosol composition, including particulate ammonium (pNH4), was
measured with an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). The origin of the sampled
air masses was investigated using the Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian
Transport (STILT) model and combined with an NH3 emission inventory to
obtain model-predicted NHx (=NH3+pNH4) enhancements.
Enhancements represent the increase in NH3 mixing ratios within the
last 24 h due to emissions within the model footprint. Comparison of these
NHx enhancements with measured NHx from the Twin Otter shows that modelled values are a factor of 1.6 to 4.4 lower for the three major valleys in the region. Among these, the underestimation is largest for Cache Valley, an area with intensive agricultural activities. We find that one explanation for the underestimation of wintertime emissions may be the seasonality factors applied to NH3 emissions from livestock. An investigation of inter-valley exchange revealed that transport of NH3
between major valleys was limited and PM2.5 in Salt Lake Valley (the
most densely populated area in Utah) was not significantly impacted by
NH3 from the agricultural areas in Cache Valley. We found that in Salt
Lake Valley around two thirds of NHx originated within the valley,
while about 30 % originated from mobile sources and 60 % from area
source emissions in the region. For Cache Valley, a large fraction of
NOx potentially leading to PM2.5 formation may not be locally emitted but mixed in from other counties.