bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change, biofuels and eco-social impacts in the Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado
Authors: Sawyer Donald
Published: February 2008

While global technical progress is relatively linear, there is wide variation in its environmental and social impacts at the local level, with cycles of expansion and retraction or boom and bust, of long or short duration. Analysis of previous open-ended stages of extraction and agro commodities in the Amazon indicates a general gravitational trend for technical progress to increase productivity and permit transformation of increasingly generic forms of material or energy, rather than relying on the specific physical or chemical properties provided by nature. While increased demand favours frontier expansion in the periphery when there is no other alternative, technical progress ultimately favours spatial reconcentration of production in central countries. The agroenergy stage now beginning involves rapid frontier expansion and offers various environmental and economic opportunities, but also generates a series of negative ecosystemic and socio-economic impacts, which are both direct and indirect, for tropical regions. The Amazon and the Cerrado are particularly vulnerable. Interacting with climate change and land use, the upcoming stage of cellulosic energy could result in a collapse of the new frontier into vast degraded pasture. The present and future impacts can be mitigated through crafting of appropriate policies, not limited to the Amazon, stressing intensified and more sustainable use of areas already cleared, minimizing new clearing and consolidation of alternatives for sustainable use of natural resources by local communities. Coping with these scenarios requires knowledge of complex causal relationships.
Interactions among Amazon land use, forests and climate: prospects for a near-term forest tipping point
Authors: Nepstad Daniel C , Stickler Claudia M , Filho Britaldo Soares- , Merry Frank
Published: February 2008

Some model experiments predict a large-scale substitution of Amazon forest by savannah-like vegetation by the end of the twenty-first century. Expanding global demands for biofuels and grains, positive feedbacks in the Amazon forest fire regime and drought may drive a faster process of forest degradation that could lead to a near-term forest dieback. Rising worldwide demands for biofuel and meat are creating powerful new incentives for agro-industrial expansion into Amazon forest regions. Forest fires, drought and logging increase susceptibility to further burning while deforestation and smoke can inhibit rainfall, exacerbating fire risk. If sea surface temperature anomalies (such as El Niño episodes) and associated Amazon droughts of the last decade continue into the future, approximately 55% of the forests of the Amazon will be cleared, logged, damaged by drought or burned over the next 20 years, emitting 15–26 Pg of carbon to the atmosphere. Several important trends could prevent a near-term dieback. As fire-sensitive investments accumulate in the landscape, property holders use less fire and invest more in fire control. Commodity markets are demanding higher environmental performance from farmers and cattle ranchers. Protected areas have been established in the pathway of expanding agricultural frontiers. Finally, emerging carbon market incentives for reductions in deforestation could support these trends.
Amazon Basin climate under global warming: the role of the sea surface temperature
Authors: Harris Phil P , Huntingford Chris , Cox Peter M
Published: February 2008

The Hadley Centre coupled climate–carbon cycle model (HadCM3LC) predicts loss of the Amazon rainforest in response to future anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, the atmospheric component of HadCM3LC is used to assess the role of simulated changes in mid-twenty-first century sea surface temperature (SST) in Amazon Basin climate change.

When the full HadCM3LC SST anomalies (SSTAs) are used, the atmosphere model reproduces the Amazon Basin climate change exhibited by HadCM3LC, including much of the reduction in Amazon Basin rainfall. This rainfall change is shown to be the combined effect of SSTAs in both the tropical Atlantic and the Pacific, with roughly equal contributions from each basin. The greatest rainfall reduction occurs from May to October, outside of the mature South American monsoon (SAM) season. This dry season response is the combined effect of a more rapid warming of the tropical North Atlantic relative to the south, and warm SSTAs in the tropical east Pacific. Conversely, a weak enhancement of mature SAM season rainfall in response to Atlantic SST change is suppressed by the atmospheric response to Pacific SST. This net wet season response is sufficient to prevent dry season soil moisture deficits from being recharged through the SAM season, leading to a perennial soil moisture reduction and an associated 30% reduction in annual Amazon Basin net primary productivity (NPP). A further 23% NPP reduction occurs in response to a 3.5°C warmer air temperature associated with a global mean SST warming.
The future of the Amazon: new perspectives from climate, ecosystem and social sciences
Authors: Betts Richard A , Malhi Yadvinder , Roberts J. Timmons
Published: February 2008

The potential loss or large-scale degradation of the tropical rainforests has become one of the iconic images of the impacts of twenty-first century environmental change and may be one of our century's most profound legacies. In the Amazon region, the direct threat of deforestation and degradation is now strongly intertwined with an indirect challenge we are just beginning to understand: the possibility of substantial regional drought driven by global climate change. The Amazon region hosts more than half of the world's remaining tropical forests, and some parts have among the greatest concentrations of biodiversity found anywhere on Earth. Overall, the region is estimated to host about a quarter of all global biodiversity. It acts as one of the major ‘flywheels’ of global climate, transpiring water and generating clouds, affecting atmospheric circulation across continents and hemispheres, and storing substantial reserves of biomass and soil carbon. Hence, the ongoing degradation of Amazonia is a threat to local climate stability and a contributor to the global atmospheric climate change crisis. Conversely, the stabilization of Amazonian deforestation and degradation would be an opportunity for local adaptation to climate change, as well as a potential global contributor towards mitigation of climate change. However, addressing deforestation in the Amazon raises substantial challenges in policy, governance, sustainability and economic science. This paper introduces a theme issue dedicated to a multidisciplinary analysis of these challenges.
Calcium signalling in early embryos
Authors: Whitaker Michael
Published: February 2008

The onset of development in most species studied is triggered by one of the largest and longest calcium transients known to us. It is the most studied and best understood aspect of the calcium signals that accompany and control development. Its properties and mechanisms demonstrate what embryos are capable of and thus how the less-understood calcium signals later in development may be generated. The downstream targets of the fertilization calcium signal have also been identified, providing some pointers to the probable targets of calcium signals further on in the process of development.

In one species or another, the fertilization calcium signal involves all the known calcium-releasing second messengers and many of the known calcium-signalling mechanisms. These calcium signals also usually take the form of a propagating calcium wave or waves.

Fertilization causes the cell cycle to resume, and therefore fertilization signals are cell-cycle signals. In some early embryonic cell cycles, calcium signals also control the progress through each cell cycle, controlling mitosis.

Studies of these early embryonic calcium-signalling mechanisms provide a background to the calcium-signalling events discussed in the articles in this issue.
Influence of Green Leaf Herbivory by Manduca sexta on Floral Volatile Emission by Nicotiana suaveolens
Authors: Effmert Uta , Dinse Claudia , Piechulla Birgit
Published: February 2008

Plants have to cope with various abiotic and biotic impacts as a consequence of changing environments, which can impair their ability to sexually reproduce. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether green leaf herbivory, having one of the most hazardous biotic impacts, would have any direct effect on the production and emission of floral volatiles because volatiles are known to play a crucial role in pollination. Nicotiana suaveolens plants were challenged with Manduca sexta feeding on leaves, and alterations in the quality and quantity of the floral blend, shifts in emission patterns, and changes in expression patterns of the floral benzoic/salicylic acid carboxyl-methyltransferase were monitored in noninfested and infested plants. Leaves responded to larval feeding by herbivory-induced diurnal emission of semiochemicals, whereas the emission of floral volatiles remained unchanged in comparison to the noninfested control. Neither the volatile composition nor the quantity of components or the nocturnal emission patterns was altered. The mRNA and protein levels of the benzoic/salicylic acid carboxyl-methyltransferase, as well as its enzyme activity, also did not show any significant differences. These results indicate that metabolism in flowers at and postanthesis is an autonomous process and is independent of metabolic changes in green leaves. By this sustaining mechanism, N. suaveolens plants ensure sexual reproduction even under unfavorable conditions.
Functional Conservation of Clock-Related Genes in Flowering Plants: Overexpression and RNA Interference Analyses of the Circadian Rhythm in the Monocotyledon Lemna gibba
Authors: Serikawa Masayuki , Miwa Kumiko , Kondo Takao , Oyama Tokitaka
Published: February 2008

Circadian rhythms are found in organisms from cyanobacteria to plants and animals. In flowering plants, the circadian clock is involved in the regulation of various physiological phenomena, including growth, leaf movement, stomata opening, and floral transitions. Molecular mechanisms underlying the circadian clock have been identified using Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana); the functions and genetic networks of a number of clock-related genes, including CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1, LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY), TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1, GIGANTEA (GI), and EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), have been analyzed. The degree to which clock systems are conserved among flowering plants, however, is still unclear. We previously isolated homologs for Arabidopsis clock-related genes from monocotyledon Lemna plants. Here, we report the physiological roles of these Lemna gibba genes (LgLHYH1, LgLHYH2, LgGIH1, and LgELF3H1) in the circadian system. We studied the effects of overexpression and RNA interference (RNAi) of these genes on the rhythmic expression of morning- and evening-specific reporters. Overexpression of each gene disrupted the rhythmicity of either or both reporters, suggesting that these four homologs can be involved in the circadian system. RNAi of each of the genes except LgLHYH2 affected the bioluminescence rhythms of both reporters. These results indicated that these homologs are involved in the circadian system of Lemna plants and that the structure of the circadian clock is likely to be conserved between monocotyledons and dicotyledons. Interestingly, RNAi of LgGIH1 almost completely abolished the circadian rhythm; because this effect appeared to be much stronger than the phenotype observed in an Arabidopsis gi loss-of-function mutant, the precise role of each clock gene may have diverged in the clock systems of Lemna and Arabidopsis.
Shoot Calcium and Magnesium Concentrations Differ between Subtaxa, Are Highly Heritable, and Associate with Potentially Pleiotropic Loci in Brassica oleracea
Authors: Broadley Martin R. , Hammond John P. , King Graham J. , Astley Dave , Bowen Helen C. , Meacham Mark C. , Mead Andrew , Pink David A.C. , Teakle Graham R. , Hayden Rory M. , Spracklen William P. , White Philip J.
Published: February 2008

Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are the most abundant group II elements in both plants and animals. Genetic variation in shoot Ca and shoot Mg concentration (shoot Ca and Mg) in plants can be exploited to biofortify food crops and thereby increase dietary Ca and Mg intake for humans and livestock. We present a comprehensive analysis of within-species genetic variation for shoot Ca and Mg, demonstrating that shoot mineral concentration differs significantly between subtaxa (varietas). We established a structured diversity foundation set of 376 accessions to capture a high proportion of species-wide allelic diversity within domesticated Brassica oleracea, including representation of wild relatives (C genome, 1n = 9) from natural populations. These accessions and 74 modern F1 hybrid cultivars were grown in glasshouse and field environments. Shoot Ca and Mg varied 2- and 2.3-fold, respectively, and was typically not inversely correlated with shoot biomass, within most subtaxa. The closely related capitata (cabbage) and sabauda (Savoy cabbage) subtaxa consistently had the highest mean shoot Ca and Mg. Shoot Ca and Mg in glasshouse-grown plants was highly correlated with data from the field. To understand and dissect the genetic basis of variation in shoot Ca and Mg, we studied homozygous lines from a segregating B. oleracea mapping population. Shoot Ca and Mg was highly heritable (up to 40%). Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for shoot Ca and Mg were detected on chromosomes C2, C6, C7, C8, and, in particular, C9, where QTL accounted for 14% to 55% of the total genetic variance. The presence of QTL on C9 was substantiated by scoring recurrent backcross substitution lines, derived from the same parents. This also greatly increased the map resolution, with strong evidence that a 4-cM region on C9 influences shoot Ca. This region corresponds to a 0.41-Mb region on Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) chromosome 5 that includes 106 genes. There is also evidence that pleiotropic loci on C8 and C9 affect shoot Ca and Mg. Map-based cloning of these loci will reveal how shoot-level phenotypes relate to Ca2+ and Mg2+ uptake and homeostasis at the molecular level.
FIONA1 Is Essential for Regulating Period Length in theArabidopsisCircadian Clock
Authors: Kim Jeongsik , Kim Yumi , Yeom Miji , Kim Jin-Hee , Nam Hong Gil
Published: February 2008

In plants, the circadian clock controls daily physiological cycles as well as daylength-dependent developmental processes such as photoperiodic flowering and seedling growth. Here, we report that FIONA1 (FIO1) is a genetic regulator of period length in the Arabidopsis thaliana circadian clock. FIO1 was identified by screening for a mutation in daylength-dependent flowering. The mutation designated fio1-1 also affects daylength-dependent seedling growth. fio1-1 causes lengthening of the free-running circadian period of leaf movement and the transcription of various genes, including the central oscillators CIRCADIAN CLOCK-ASSOCIATED1, LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL, TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1, and LUX ARRHYTHMO. However, period lengthening is not dependent upon environmental light or temperature conditions, which suggests that FIO1 is not a simple input component of the circadian system. Interestingly, fio1-1 exerts a clear effect on the period length of circadian rhythm but has little effect on its amplitude and robustness. FIO1 encodes a novel nuclear protein that is highly conserved throughout the kingdoms. We propose that FIO1 regulates period length in the Arabidopsis circadian clock in a close association with the central oscillator and that the circadian period can be controlled separately from amplitude and robustness.
Library and information resources and users of digital resources in the humanities
Authors: Warwick Claire , Terras Melissa , Galina Isabel , Huntington Paul , Pappa Nikoleta
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the results of the Log Analysis of Internet Resources in the Arts and Humanities (LAIRAH) study. It aims to concentrate upon the use and importance of information resources, physical research centres and digital finding aids in scholarly research.

Design/methodology/approach

Results are presented of web server log analysis of portals for humanities scholars: the arts and humanities data service (AHDS) website and Humbul Humanities Hub. These are used to determine which resources were accessed most often, or seldom. Questionnaire data about perceptions of digital resource use were also gathered.

Findings

Information resources such as libraries, archives museums and research centres, and the web pages that provide information about them are vital for humanities scholars. The university library website was considered to be the most important resource, even compared to Google. Secondary finding aids and reference resources are considered more important than primary research resources, especially those produced by other scholars, whose output is less trusted than publications produced by commercial organisations, libraries, archives and museums.

Practical implications

Digital resources have not replaced physical information resources and the people who staff them, thus both types of information continue to require funding. Scholars trust the judgment of information professionals, who therefore need to be trained to evaluate and recommend specialist digital research resources.

Originality/value

LAIRAH was the first research project to use quantitative data to investigate resource use. Findings about the type of resources used are based on evidence rather than opinions alone. This gives a clearer picture of usage that may be used to plan future information services.
Coping strategies in web searching
Authors: Mansourian Yazdan
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to report selective findings of a wider study to identify the mechanisms that end users employ to overcome their information seeking failure on the web.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was conducted by semi‐structured and in‐depth interviews. The study adopted a qualitative approach and was carried out based on grounded theory. The biology community at the University of Sheffield was selected as the research population.

Findings

Identified coping strategies are divided into active and passive categories. Active strategies such as revising and help‐seeking require further actions to obtain more satisfactory results. In contrast, passive strategies entail less action to modify the situation and mainly relate to accepting the existing circumstances. Web users prioritise their coping strategies according to the importance of the search topic and their determination to fulfil the search successfully. They develop coping strategies through training courses, using trial and error, knowledge sharing and employing pre‐web coping strategies.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to a small group of web users in academia that cannot be easily considered as an acceptable representative of the heterogeneous population of web users. Moreover, the collected data was based on web users' perception of their search failure rather than an objective measure of it.

Originality/value

Most studies in this area are concerned with users' information seeking behaviour and focus on how people find what they want. However, this paper addresses an aspect of this process that has received little attention up to now. The paper explores users' reaction to, and conceptualisation of, information seeking failure and their coping strategies to overcome the failure in web searching. The findings provide us with a better understanding of users' information seeking behaviour on the web.
Open access, open source and digital libraries
Authors: Krishnamurthy M.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the open access and open source movement in the digital library world.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of key developments in the open access and open source movement is provided.

Findings

Open source software and open access to research findings are of great use to scholars in developing nations.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information about software for institutions introducing digital library concepts.
Using peer review to foster good teaching
Authors: Samson Sue , McCrea Donna E.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the implementation of a peer review of teaching (PROT) instructional improvement program at the Mansfield Library at The University of Montana. The success of the PROT program is based on its teacher‐friendly collegial mentoring. This article provides a model for effective implementation in other academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes a program implemented to improve teaching by librarians through a peer appraisal model. Built on best practices, the PROT program implementation is a three‐step process that provides a framework for integrating formative assessment into teaching.

Findings

Program evaluation documented that librarians valued their participation as both teachers and observers. Designed to encourage instructional improvement through formative and structured feedback provided by peers, the program has continued to grow as part of the assessment opportunities integrated into the library instruction program.

Practical implications

This paper provides a model for the effective implementation of PROT in academic libraries as a formative method to strengthen quality teaching.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on good teaching and formative assessment, both of which are vital to a quality information literacy program, and establishes the effectiveness of the mentoring environment to foster instructional improvement. It further identifies how this process can be integrated into a full spectrum of library instruction and instructional assessment initiatives.
Chat reference evaluation: a framework of perspectives and measures
Authors: Luo Lili
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a holistic view of the current practice of chat reference evaluation and to suggest a framework that could help reference practitioners evaluate chat reference services in multiple contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review of the literature on chat reference evaluation is conducted and the evaluation studies are grouped by their evaluative perspective and measures. Based on the literature review, a framework of perspectives and measures for chat reference evaluation is proposed.

Findings

Chat reference evaluation has incorporated a number of new elements that do not exist in desk reference evaluation. All the evaluation perspectives and measures reported in chat reference literature are incorporated into a final framework except for one variable – “cost‐effectiveness” – which lacks the support of empirical studies in the literature.

Practical implications

The analytical review of the literature provides a holistic view of how chat reference is being measured for its value to both libraries and users, thus furthering the professional understanding of chat reference performance in the library environs. The framework of evaluation perspectives and measures resulting from the literature review is applicable in multiple chat reference contexts and can be customized to serve different evaluation purposes. In turn, this framework gives chat reference evaluators a clear idea of what to look at and how.

Originality/value

This paper fills the need to provide reference practitioners with both a critical view of current chat reference practice, and a tool that could help them design and develop a chat reference evaluation project.
ERIC database alternatives and strategies for education researchers
Authors: Strayer Jean‐Jacques
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to address scholarly concerns related to the performance of the “new” Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database and provides education researchers and those who teach education research (at the Reference Desk, in a lab or “chatting” with a student at 2.00 am) a means of evaluating and selecting alternative databases based on their relative coverage of major education journals. Alternative research strategies are discussed in light of ERIC's loss of position and importance as a single, comprehensive education resource. Broader implications regarding the role of librarians as educators are presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The journal indexing coverage of ERIC (old and new) and alternative databases were checked against two recent Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) Journal Citation Reports (most cited journals in 2004 and 2005) in three categories: Education and Educational Research, Special Education, and Educational Psychology. The results are presented to show the percentage of journals indexed by each database in each of these three categories.

Findings

The “new” ERIC database is not indexing and keeping up to date with the same number of major education journals as the “old” ERIC. Other databases are performing better and provide researchers with more comprehensive coverage of scholarly education sources.

Originality/value

Aimed at academic reference librarians and those who teach research methods to education students, this comparative study provides an objective scale to assess the current state of education research indexing and offers advice to meet the information needs of education students and scholars at all levels. It is intended to answer these practical questions: will education researchers need to use other databases to supplement or replace the “new” ERIC? And, if so, what are the better options for varying research needs?
A framework for purchasing transport services in small and medium size enterprises
Authors: Holter Andreas R. , Grant David B. , Ritchie James , Shaw Nigel
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for purchasing transport services to enable small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) to improve relationships with logistics service providers (LSPs) and enhance their own competitive advantage and profitability. Many SMEs lack competence in purchasing transport services and a subsequent lack of “purchasing power” may cause SMEs to be treated as “order takers” rather than “order makers” by LSPs, who have more leverage in the purchasing process.

Design/methodology/approach

This research stemmed from a knowledge transfer research project between the focal company and a university comprising a longitudinal single case study using action research for developing and implementing the framework.

Findings

A framework using several tools for purchasing transport services and improving transport performance has emerged from this research. Benefits from using this framework were enjoyed by both the focal company and its LSPs and the focal company improved the relationship power balance.

Research limitations/implications

The research and resulting framework are based on a single case study and have not been tested in other firms or markets. However, the proposed framework may be applied in other contexts, entirely or in parts.

Practical implications

The research offers practical insights to a frequently‐encountered logistics issue for SMEs through developing and applying specific processes for practical transport purchasing.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by synthesising the literature relating to the transport purchasing process generally and in SMEs. It also provides a framework for SMEs to improve their transport purchasing efforts, thereby enhancing economic and operational efficiency.
Logistics and financial performance
Authors: Töyli Juuso , Häkkinen Lotta , Ojala Lauri , Naula Tapio
Published: February 2008

Purpose

To explore the present logistics performance of Finnish small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and to analyse the relationship between logistics performance and financial performance in these firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The dataset comprises 424 SMEs that participated in a nationwide Finnish logistics survey in 2006. Logistics performance measures were derived from the survey data, and based on these values logistically top‐performing firms were identified within different industry groups. The financial performance of these firms was then examined vis‐à‐vis their industry peers using financial reports‐based data.

Findings

The results imply that the overall level of logistics performance among the examined companies might be at such an elementary level that no statistically observable positive linkage between logistics performance and financial performance exists. The group of firms for whom logistics is a key source of competitive advantage in this sample is small and therefore statistical analysis at an industry level might be too aggregate to reveal this linkage. It is also surprising that service level and logistics cost efficiency are positively related; thus, companies who have a relatively high‐service level tend to have relative low‐logistics costs. These findings might imply that logistics is just starting to gain more attention among SMEs in Finland and at least in the short‐term, it might be relatively easy for SMEs to gain competitive advantage by focusing more on logistics performance.

Originality/value

This study is the first large‐scale attempt to focus on the logistics performance of SMEs and analyse the linkages between financial and logistics performance among the companies using both self‐reported data and financial reports‐based data. In addition, a theoretical framework of the linkages between logistics performance and financial performance is suggested and revised based on the findings of the study. The revised framework requires testing as a part of future research.
A flare incident at an oilfield
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers, flare design and operational oil companies with an overview on the flare incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

The design and operation of flares have been the subject of research and concern to the academicians and to flare design and operational oil companies. The flare incidents have been collected from several sources such as the technical, general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. The flare incident types and causes have been reviewed. This paper presents an overview on the flare incidents. The paper presents a flare incident at an oilfield. The paper summarizes the causes and the results of the incident.

Findings

A lesson was learned that a flashback scenario could occur at the high‐pressure flares unless the flare system was designed properly. A flare system should be designed according to the standard codes. American Petroleum Institute API 521 recommended guidelines on the design of the relief system. John Zinc Company and GKN also recommended guidelines for the installation and protection of flares.

Originality/value

This paper presents the flare incident types and causes. The paper also presents an overview on a flare incident at an oilfield. The paper summarizes the causes and the results of the incident. This information can be beneficial in order to prevent similar flare incidents.
Is relocation a good answer to prevent risk?
Authors: Menoni Scira , Pesaro Giulia
Published: February 2008

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the results of a research mandated by the regional government of Lombardia, Italy. The results identify the criteria used to decide in what situations the relocation from areas subject to high levels of hydrogeological hazards is a viable preventive strategy. Design/methodology/approach – In the first part, the state‐of‐the‐art regarding voluntary relocation from hazardous areas supported by governmental funding and incentives has been described, showing that very few examples are available for reference. Therefore, lessons learned from involuntary relocation have been considered – especially regarding specific strategies that must be designed to address societal needs. In the second part of the article, the criteria developed, to help decision makers decide when and if relocation may be considered a preventive option, are described in detail. Finally, it shows what results have been obtained by applying the criteria to the case of the Lombardia region. Findings – Four sets of criteria were proposed, shaped according to different geographical scales and to different demands, recognizing that relocation is a rather extreme solution that must be carefully evaluated and proposed to interested parties and citizens. Those criteria have been applied to assess some specific cases in the Lombardia region, and to identify potential candidates for relocation in the whole region, by querying a complex database that was prepared – integrating layers representing hydrogeological hazards on one side, and exposed settlements on the other. Practical implications – Until now, most of the laws to prevent risks have imposed limitations to building and development in hazardous areas, while rarely focusing on existing settlements. The experience described in this article concerns a region that has decided to design a specific law to promote preventive relocation in the most critical situations, where structural measures have failed a number of times, and losses are frequent and large. Originality/value – The criteria proposed in this paper provide a method and a tool for deciding in what cases and circumstances relocation can be considered a viable preventive option to lessen the risk in particularly critical zones, exposed to high hydrogeological hazards. In doing so, it shows that relocation can be considered not as an “emergency” and episodic measure, but rather as a part of a more comprehensive policy, in which candidates for relocation can be determined on a regional scale respecting basic social, political and economic conditions.
An overview on the offshore emergency response planning in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim , Ahamadun Fakhru'l‐Razi
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide some definition and foundation principles regarding emergency and emergency management and to give an overview on the emergency response effectiveness at an offshore installation in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary approach used is retrieval of the archived historical complex B emergency drills exercise records from 1997 to 1999. Retrieval of the historical records was made aimed at establishing a baseline information on the level of compliance with the required standards on emergency drills exercise of all the exercise conducted in the complex B for the three years. The secondary data required to complement the primary data are the level of competency gained by the complex B platform personnel as a result of their participation in their platform emergency drills exercise. A questionnaire survey was conducted where the objective of the survey was to map out the sample of general attitude profile and knowledge competency.

Findings

The emergency drills on the Baram B complex are only partially adequate in nurturing effective emergency response preparedness. To achieve completeness and effective emergency drills performed as a conditioning process for an emergency response, the human resources knowledge and competency must be maintained and continuously enhanced. Continuous review for improvement purposes is required. The continuous improvement process should be parallel, covering both human resources and physical infrastructure.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview on the emergency response effectiveness at a complex B offshore platform. Benefits can be gained from the Malaysian experience.
Flood hazard mapping in developing countries: problems and prospects
Authors: Osti Rabindra , Tanaka Shigenobu , Tokioka Toshikazu
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the major causes of massive destruction due to floods in developing countries and to elaborate the usefulness of flood hazard maps under the framework of community‐based flood management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper elaborates the usefulness of flood hazard maps and their application.

Findings

It is a clear perception that flood risk management cannot be treated in isolation – rather it should be a part of community development. In this context, it is essential to build a community's capacity to understand their vulnerabilities, strategies, activities and the role they could play in managing flood risks without relying on external entities. Therefore the proposed community‐based flood hazard‐mapping technique can be a good solution for addressing current issues. The approach will not only focus on the effective development and application of FHM but also it will correct the defects of the top‐down approach in disaster planning and also encourage all stakeholders' participation in an integrated and sustainable manner.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, it is strongly recommended that agencies should adhere and incorporate the idea while developing programs and projects for communities. In addition, It is simple to understand and easy to implement by the community.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the idea will be beneficial and a catalyst to promote a community's response for flood disaster management in developing countries, thereby helping agencies to develop an operational strategy in advance.
Health literacy: an essential skill for the twenty‐first century
Authors: Kickbusch Ilona
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of low health literacy and identify how this can have detrimental effects on citizens and their health. It looks at the current overload of information about health in today's society, how that leaves many confused and unsure of the correct advice to follow, and how governments and other decision makers can take steps to address this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous research and statistics have been examined and the author offers ideas on how the situation can be changed.

Findings

The paper notes that a substantial proportion of the thousands of marketing messages each person receives every day concern health and it is a topic about which citizens proactively seek information. This variety of sources and their respective advice can lead to confusion and too much information, which can prevent action being taken. Health literacy is fundamentally important to maintaining a population's health, but levels are often low. The paper concludes that action is needed in three areas: increasing health literacy of citizens, improving communications skills of professionals, and increasing readability of systems. Many can contribute to this goal, but there is a special responsibility for governments, for example in implementing health literacy programmes in schools and special support for people with low health literacy. Citizens must also become more active to build an essential life‐skill that provides a building‐block for health.

Originality/value

This paper contains new thoughts and conclusions and is of value to a variety of agencies, including government, as well as individuals looking to increase health literacy levels.
Stigmatizing attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS among college students in China
Authors: Zhang Liying , Li Xiaoming , Mao Rong , Stanton Bonita , Zhao Qun , Wang Bo , Mathur Ambika
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that HIV/AIDS‐related stigma has persisted world‐wide for decades. However, studies on the linkage between stigmatizing attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and misconceptions about HIV transmission routes in the general population, especially among youth in China, are sparse – a gap this study is intended to fill.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross‐sectional data from 1,839 students from 19 colleges were collected by trained interviewers using a structured questionnaire in Jiangsu province of China.

Findings

This study reveals that there is a high proportion of college students having both stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWHA and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS transmission routes. Multilevel logistic regression analysis results show that having stigmatizing attitudes towards PLWHA is positively associated with having misconceptions about HIV transmission routes. Participants with high misconception scores were more likely to possess stigmatizing attitudes towards PLWHA.

Originality/value

To reduce stigmatizing attitudes towards PLWHA, HIV/AIDS education should be strengthened among the general population, especially among youth.
Collecting metadata from institutional repositories
Authors: Dunsire Gordon
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to review metadata issues identified in recent research carried out in Scotland on services based on metadata aggregation via OAI‐PMH, and to examine the role of collection‐level description in managing ingest to harvested repositories, subsequent harvesting by secondary aggregators, and the contextualisation of institutional and aggregated repositories in the wider information retrieval environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the output of several projects involving institutional repositories and collection‐level description in Scotland.

Findings

Collection‐level description is a useful tool for aggregator services, but further work is required to accommodate information about the manipulation of metadata sets. Communities need to consider how best to incorporate structured collection information within the OAI‐PMH for their specific purposes.

Originality/value

The paper shows the importance of recent developments in collection description metadata for implementors of OAI‐PMH services, building on the simple placeholders for such metadata allowed by the protocol.
ePrints@IISc: India's first and fastest growing institutional repository
Authors: Jayakanth Francis , Minj Filbert , Silva Usha , Jagirdar Sandhya
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share NCSI's experiences in using GNU EPrints.org software to create and maintain the open‐access institutional repository of IISc, ePrints@IISc.

Design/methodology/approach

The GNU EPrints.org is the first generic software for creating Open Access Initiative (OAI)‐compliant repositories, which enables the researchers to self‐archive their research publications thus facilitating open access to their publications. NCSI has been using this software since early 2002. Some amount of customization and value additions to the software are being done periodically by NCSI to meet the local requirements. In this paper, authors are sharing NCSI's experiences in using GNU EPrints.org software.

Findings

GNU EPrints.org software is an excellent tool for creating and maintaining OAI‐compliant repositories. The best thing about it is that it can be set up easily even by those who are not too knowledgeable about computers. New features are being introduced on a regular basis. Also, the technical support for the software from the developers and the user community has been very encouraging.

Originality/value

Outlines the work and history of the Indian Institute of Science and the development of the open access movement.
Islamic work ethic: a critical review
Authors: Ali Abbas J. , Al‐Owaihan Abdullah
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a coherent but critical treatment of Islamic work ethic (IWE). It explores the nature of IWE in the context of cultural and political evolution and offers a cultural and religious perspective pertaining to organization and management.

Design/methodology/approach

It briefly investigates the economic and cultural conditions that facilitate the emergence of work ethics and the centrality of trade in Islamic culture. The paper, then, reviews the pillars and foundations of IWE and investigates various empirical studies conducted in various countries.

Findings

IWE has economic as well as moral and social dimensions. These along with basic elements of IWE seem to provide the faithful with a sense of worthiness and strengthen organizational commitment and continuity. That is, work is viewed not as an end in itself, but as a means to foster personal growth and social relations.

Practical implications

Offers managers and consults various avenues on how to design teamwork and new methods of change that focus on producing results which reinforce existing commitment and enthusiasm. As justice and generosity in the workplace are considered virtues, issues of a hiring and firing become part of a broader concern with consequences far beyond the organization.

Originality/value

IWE is a multidimensional concept. It links an organization's prosperity and continuity to societal welfare. Its four elements – effort, competition, transparency and morally responsible conduct – have the promise to strengthen commerce and economic progress in today's world.
Hispanic professionals after 11th September: a move toward “American” identification
Authors: DelCampo Robert G. , Blancero Donna M. , Boudwin Kristie M.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

Organizational researchers commonly use racioethnic identity or acculturation measures as predictors for various phenomena, however, rarely do they attempt to investigate events or situations that might impact reports of identity. This study aims to determine the impact of the events of 11 September 2001 on reports of Hispanic identity in Hispanic business professionals as well as the varying degree of impact by physical distance from the event.

Design/methodology/approach

Sixty‐seven respondents were tracked longitudinally both pre‐ and post‐9/11 with reports of Hispanic identity. Additionally, cross‐sectional data from both time periods reporting Hispanic identity were analyzed.

Findings

Results show that Hispanic identity reports are significantly lower post‐9/11 in both the longitudinal and cross‐sectional sample. Further, distance from event impacted the magnitude of the difference. Data on perceptions of the impact of 9/11 on work‐life are also presented.

Research limitations/implications

Sample size in the longitudinal portion of this particular study is relatively small. Additionally, future research could focus on other traumatic events (either at the personal level, i.e. death of a family member, layoffs, etc.; or community level, i.e. impact of natural disasters, etc.) on reports of racioethnic identification for other groups (i.e. Anglo, Asian‐American, Impatriates, Expatriates, foreign nationals, etc.).

Practical implications

Management literature shows us that racioethnic identification has a significant impact on one's perceptions, work, and otherwise. Individuals may perceive a more hostile or discriminatory work environment based on this identity. In this vein, it appears that traumatic events bond individuals together in a collective culture. After a traumatic event an organization may have an opportunity to redefine an organization and improve value congruence and strength of organizational culture.

Originality/value

This study is unique in that it contains both cross‐sectional and longitudinal data for racioethnic identity both pre‐ and post‐9/11 using identical measures. Not only does it add insight into the impact of these tragic events on the American populous, it fills a gap in Hispanic professional literature by attempting to describe the unique nature of these employees.