bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GFRP sandwich panels with PU foam and PP honeycomb cores for civil engineering structural applications
Authors: Correia J.R. , Garrido M. , Gonilha J.A. , Branco F.A. , Reis L.G.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present experimental investigations on the structural behaviour of composite sandwich panels for civil engineering applications. The performance of two different core materials – rigid plastic polyurethane (PU) foam and polypropylene (PP) honeycomb – combined with glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) skins, and the effect of using GFRP ribs along the longitudinal edges of the panels were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental campaign first included flatwise tensile tests on the GFRP skins; edgewise and flatwise compressive tests; flatwise tensile tests on small‐scale sandwich specimens; and shear tests on the core materials. Subsequently, flexural static and dynamic tests were carried out in full‐scale sandwich panels (2.50×0.50×0.10 m3) in order to evaluate their service and failure behaviour. Linear elastic analytical and numerical models of the tested sandwich panels were developed in order to confirm the effects of varying the core material and of introducing GFRP ribs.

Findings

Tests confirmed the considerable influence of the core, namely of its stiffness and strength, on the performance of the unstrengthened panels; in addition, tests showed that the introduction of lateral reinforcements significantly increases the stiffness and strength of the panels, with the shear behaviour of strengthened panels being governed by the ribs. The unstrengthened panels collapsed due to core shear failure, while the strengthened panels failed due to face skin delamination followed by crushing of the skins. The models, validated with the experimental results, allowed simulating the serviceability behaviour of the sandwich panels with a good accuracy.

Originality/value

The present study confirmed that composite sandwich panels made of GFRP skins and PU rigid foam or PP honeycomb cores have significant potential for a wide range of structural applications, presenting significant stiffness and strength, particularly when strengthened with lateral GFRP ribs.
Crack propagation in a welded polyolefin pipe
Authors: Sevcik Martin , Hutar Pavel , Nahlik Lubos , Lach Ralf , Knesl Zdenek , Grellmann Wolfgang
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of the material inhomogeneity on crack behavior initiated both axially and circumferentially in or near the butt weld and to discuss consequences on residual lifetime of the welded structure.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐dimensional numerical model of pipe weld with smooth and continuous change of material properties has been used to study the fracture behavior of the cracked pipe structure. The stress intensity factor was considered as a parameter controlling the fracture behavior. The semi‐elliptical shape of the crack front was estimated under assumption of constant stress intensity factor along the crack front.

Findings

According to the results obtained in the paper the following conclusions were deduced. First, the most critical location of the crack is in the middle of the inhomogeneous region (weld center) regardless of the crack orientation. The stress intensity factor is substantially higher than in the case of a crack located in the homogenous pipe. Second, with regard to crack shapes, the circumferentially oriented cracks are practically identical regardless to the crack location if compared with the axial cracks. Third, the stress intensity factors of axially‐oriented cracks are approximately twice higher than in the case of circumferential cracks. This implies that the cracks are more likely to grow in an axial direction.

Originality/value

The results described in the paper can be used for estimation of critical crack length or for estimation of the critical applied inner pressure of medium transported in the pipe and are of paramount importance for service life estimations of polymer welded pipes in actual use.
Creativity in business schools – post financial crisis implications
Authors: Mihai‐Yiannaki Simona , Savvides Savvas
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight for the first time, creativity's vital role in a new approach in the higher education world which can improve the current university instructional strategies post financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a theoretical framework which has emerged from literature review and personal business and educational experiences of the authors. It seeks to provide synthetically some answers/“solutions”, focusing on a three dimensional framework: where to play the game of creativity; how to deliver creativity to business students, meaning by what structures and methods; and how to win in implementing this game.

Findings

Many researchers appeared to focus on making their findings applicable to the entire education system paying little attention to issues specific to the business education sector. Succinctly, the focus of the papers is on “how to do it” part, which provides several realistic insights on how to connect communities into the game of creativity. Other methods required relate to: balancing creativity with core essentials; promoting excellence and sustainability; networking between students; faculty, management and community; improving learning environment; developing staff; teaching; learning competencies and programme curricula under an integrated service vision; anticipating educational future trends in networking; and building creative climates and partnerships.

Originality/value

The paper's conclusions and recommendations present a practical set of good practices through the explicit and implicit identification of core characteristics for creativity in higher education. Eventually, the first mission in wanting to be creative is to really comprehend the problem, knowing all ways to approach it.
Survival in good, bad, and ugly times: attaining personal and professional excellence
Authors: Marques Joan
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This article aims to present the findings from data gathered from 1,160 individuals who participated over the course of five years in a series of workshops, university courses and business dialogue sessions on the subject of personal and professional excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from dialogue sessions and workshops with LA‐based workforce members, and classroom sessions in higher business education. The shift from general management teaching to focused self‐management dialogues was explained, emerged themes from five years of data gathering were examined and the themes and keywords were visualized and results noted.

Findings

The paper finds that in today's rapidly changing world of work, people are seeking ways to reinvent themselves in order to become more resilient. The findings listed in this paper are not exhaustive but should rather be used as a pragmatic tool for further research on the topic.

Research limitations/implications

The population used for data was large, yet geographically limited, as it consisted of members of the Los Angeles workforce and business and management students in Los Angeles. The themes to be formed could have been named differently, as the clustering process was done by the author and not the audience. It is suggested that future research should concentrate on applying this study among other geographical and cultural audiences for a greater foundation in findings and for capturing additional, possibly deviating, perspectives.

Practical implications

Four main themes are presented as a result of the analysis of the collected data: right action, right thinking, right mindfulness, and right connection, along with 20 keywords. Personal and professional excellence is not a one‐time achievement, but a continuous effort in which multiple aspects need to be addressed at the same time. It could be seen as an ongoing paradigm renewal.

Originality/value

The paper tailors a model for personal and professional excellence in the twenty‐first century AD to a model that was developed in the twenty‐fifth century BC.
Simulated work environments: facilitating learning within pre‐apprenticeship programs
Authors: Oultram Teresa
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how particular organisational spaces and practices are constructed as mechanisms to encourage desired behaviours. Through the example of learning/working spaces within Further Education Colleges, the paper aims to examine how vocational courses, such as the pre‐apprenticeship programme, try to emulate work‐based practices. It also aims to claim that such spaces can be understood as disciplinary technologies aimed at indoctrinating young adults to adopt appropriate “enterprising” work attitudes prior to entering the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative empirical paper based on two case studies of schemes conducted within North West England.

Findings

The paper shows how day‐to‐day practices both support this indoctrination yet at the same time limit its effectiveness. It is shown that the mobilising of space and practice, both in the learning and working environment for specific agendas cannot be totalising as there are always spaces for alternate understandings and practice.

Originality/value

This paper's aim is to question some of the taken‐for‐granted practices and to provide a greater understanding of how space and practices influence behaviour and actions. It is envisaged that this paper will be of interest to readers interested in learning and development and for those conducting research with a spatiality lens.
Reverse logistics network design model based on e‐commerce
Authors: XiaoYan Qian , Yong Han , Qinli Da , Stokes Peter
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study reverse logistics network design in order to better facilitate the location of factories, online retailers, and the third party logistics in the context of e‐commerce.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on types of third party collections of returned products, the paper proposes a 0‐1 mixed integrate linear programming (0‐1MILP) mathematic model for reverse logistics networks in e‐business and a further mathematical model is discussed in relation to determining the market demands and returns. Furthermore, a case study is developed and described with the intention of illustrating the value of this model and network.

Findings

The paper identifies possibilities for the application of the reverse logistics network models to deal with returned products from customers in companies using e‐business.

Research limitations/implications

There is scope for future research to build on the present research and consider further factors in relation to the influences on return logistics.

Originality/value

This paper provides novel insights for e‐companies setting up and operating a reverse logistics network. The application of these models could decrease costs and allow optimal decisions on price and return price in order to increase efficiency and profit levels.
Cassava commercialization in Southeastern Africa
Authors: Haggblade Steven , Andersson Djurfeldt Agnes , Banda Nyirenda Drinah , Bergman Lodin Johanna , Brimer Leon , Chiona Martin , Chitundu Maureen , Chiwona‐Karltun Linley , Cuambe Constantino , Dolislager Michael , Donovan Cynthia , Droppelmann Klaus , Jirström Magnus , Kambewa Emma , Kambewa Patrick , Meso Mahungu Nzola , Mkumbira Jonathan , Mudema João , Nielson Hunter , Nyembe Mishek , Alexandre Salegua Venâncio , Tomo Alda , Weber Michael
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Cassava production surged noticeably in Southeastern Africa beginning in the 1990s. The purpose of this paper is to examine the commercial responses and food security consequences of cassava production growth in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper incorporates a mix of quantitative analysis, based primarily on original analysis of national farm household survey data, together with key informant interviews with value chain participants in the three neighboring countries of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

Findings

In the cassava production zones, cassava's high productivity translates into per kilogram carbohydrate costs 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the cost of cereals such as maize and wheat, thereby opening up a range of profitable opportunities for commercialization of cassava‐based foods, feeds and industrial products. Despite this potential, cassava commercialization in Southeastern Africa remains in its formative stages, with only 10 per cent to 30 per cent of production currently marketed. Unlike West Africa, where cassava commercialization has centered on marketing prepared cassava‐based convenience foods, the emerging cassava markets in Southeastern Africa have centered on fresh cassava, low value‐added cassava flour, and experiments in industrial processing of cassava‐based starches, biofuels and feeds. Strategic investment in a set of key public goods (breeding, training in food sciences and food safety, and research on in‐ground cassava storage) can help to shape this transition in ways that benefit both commercial interests and the food security of vulnerable households.

Originality/value

The paper compares cassava commercialization across differing agro‐climatic zones, policy environments and food staple zones.
Agricultural‐risk management through community‐based wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe
Authors: Muchapondwa Edwin , Sterner Thomas
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether community‐based wildlife conservation can potentially be added in rural farmers’ investment portfolio to diversify and consequently reduce agricultural risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The correlation coefficient is computed from national data on the rates of return on agricultural production and wildlife conservation, to find out whether wildlife conservation is a feasible hedge asset.

Findings

The correlation coefficient between the returns to agricultural production and wildlife conservation for the period 1989‐1999, for which data exist for both activities, is inferior to unity indicating that rural farmers could use wildlife conservation to reduce the risk they face by engaging in agricultural production only.

Research limitations/implications

Data on communal agricultural production and community‐based wildlife conservation potentially suffer from at least three limitations. First, wildlife is a unique resource that does not require the usual cash investment to acquire and as such the rates of return on wildlife conservation will likely be overstated. Second, some benefits from wildlife are public and non‐monetised; this results in depressed rates of return on wildlife conservation. Lastly, both the data on agricultural production and wildlife conservation are likely to understate physical and human capital investments; this potentially results in abnormally high rates of return.

Practical implications

Even though the paper makes a case for community‐based wildlife conservation at a national level, the benefits of diversification into wildlife conservation are likely to be high only in those rural areas that can sustain wildlife populations sufficient to generate adequate returns from wildlife activities such as tourism, trophy hunting, live animal sales and meat cropping.

Originality/value

This paper empirically investigates whether the risk that rural farmers face could potentially be managed through diversification into community‐based wildlife conservation and provides paramount evidence that wildlife conservation is a hedge asset in rural Zimbabwe. More investment in community‐based wildlife conservation would also help efforts to conserve wildlife.
The impact of changing marketing conditions on Ugandan banana farmers
Authors: Komarek Adam M. , Ahmadi‐Esfahani Fredoun Z.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Low productivity and the prevalence of marketing and demand constraints are all interrelated problems for banana growers in East Africa. The purpose of this paper is to examine how different marketing policies can alter the incomes of banana‐growing households in the Ntungamo district of Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

A partial equilibrium model and a trader profit‐maximisation model are used to analyse changes in banana market equilibrium conditions, marketing costs and market competitiveness.

Findings

The results indicate that increasing supply relative to demand reduces grower returns. It appears that reducing market power and lowering middlemen marketing costs may lead to higher grower returns. Policies facilitating lower marketing costs for traders are proposed in conjunction with strategies that promote banana processing.

Originality/value

Drawing on both primary and secondary data, this paper examines how increasing demand and reducing marketing costs impacts on banana‐grower returns. Furthermore, sources of price movements in the Ugandan banana industry are assessed.
Measuring urban heritage conservation: indicator, weights and instruments (part 2)
Authors: Mendes Zancheti Silvio , Tone Ferreira Hidaka Lúcia
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out the weighting of the indicator of conservation (Isc) to assess the state of conservation of urban heritage sites and three key performance indicators (KPIs): significance, integrity and authenticity.

Design/methodology/approach

The weighting process was developed using the Delphi technique with the participation of 34 international specialists from all regions of the world.

Findings

The Isc indicator is expressed as a function of three KPIs: significance, integrity and authenticity. All KPIs have the same relative importance in the Isc. The resulting values of the weights of the opinion of the stakeholders in the KPIs were in conformity with theory. Clearly the stakeholders can be divided into two groups of importance. The opinion of the local specialists, long‐standing residents and cultural reference groups were shown to be more important than the opinion of new residents and visitors.

Practical implications

The indicator may be used for monitoring the state of conservation of the World Heritage Urban Sites.

Social implications

The indicator allows a non‐biased evaluation of the conservation process of the World Heritage Sites.

Originality/value

The indicator of conservation presented in the paper is the first of its type.
Traditional vs modern Arabian morphologies
Authors: Khalaf Roha W.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the component attributes of an Arabian city, caught between tradition and modernization, with focus on their reactions to climate and religion.

Design/methodology/approach

A platform of comparison between Old Kuwait Town and Kuwait City is provided while showing the effects of oil money on the city's urban morphology. The paper's first section describes the emergence of the Islamic city in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf and identifies key concepts in city morphology. An Islamic School of Law, furthermore, is selected to explain who interprets religious text and how concepts in Islam, such as domestic privacy, are translated into design guidelines, which have influenced the Kuwaiti vernacular typology and street pattern. The transition is made to the second section, which compares Old Kuwait Town and Kuwait City based on knowledge gained in the preceding section. Finally, the third section of the paper recommends some architectural and planning specifications.

Findings

It is found that climate and religion have lost their authority at the expense of a paradigm shift in the 1950s.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on, and is limited to, one case study.

Practical implications

A few architectural and planning specifications are recommended for application in practice to improve contemporary design and to promote a unified morphological outcome in Kuwait City.

Social implications

The message is to show readers that progress is about working with, and responding to, local determinants rather than applying Western thinking.

Originality/value

The author advocates a look at precedents, because learning from the past helps to design buildings and plan cities that are compatible with local environments and traditions.
www.understandingconservation.org
Authors: Banfill Phil , Bridgwood Barry , Maxwell Ingval
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the development of internet‐based educational support to enable practitioners in built environment conservation (preservation in American terminology) to evaluate and, if necessary, improve their competence. In the UK it is a condition of project grant‐aid of some heritage bodies that the professional leading a conservation project is accredited, and several schemes, peer‐reviewed by professional bodies, have been set up in recent years. Since these require practitioners to provide evidence of their competence, there is a need for an increased understanding of the issues involved. The work aimed to define the basis for the competences and establish an educational framework for professional development in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured framework of competences, consisting of five units dealing with all the stages of a conservation project, is presented and evaluated against the 1993 ICOMOS Guidelines on Education and Training in the Conservation of Monuments, Ensembles and Sites. The framework is appropriate for all professional disciplines and has been converted to a computer‐assisted self‐learning package that provides support for practitioners in developing their portfolio of evidence for submission for accreditation peer‐review.

Findings

The internet‐based educational support has been available since 2007 and receives over 2,000 visits per month from all over the world. It has the support of all the UK accreditation schemes in built environment conservation.

Originality/value

A desk survey of electronic resources in the subject domain suggests that the educational support material described in this paper is unique in the world.
Is the World Heritage label used as a promotional argument for sustainable tourism?
Authors: Marcotte Pascale , Bourdeau Laurent
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out if Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), in charge of promoting World Heritage Sites (WHS), use the World Heritage label in their electronic promotional tools, and if so, do promotional arguments include considerations linked to sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative and qualitative study was conducted of web site content created by local, regional and national DMOs representing 120 organizations of World Heritage Cities member cities.

Findings

Results show that Western European cities are the primary users of the World Heritage label in their promotional material. Cities that obtained their label less than ten years ago use it more often for promoting tourism. Concurrently a significant theme associated with WHS categorisation is the presentation of a must‐see “tourism product”. Conversely the advertising contains little information about the protection of the site or sustainable development actions undertaken since the labelling.

Practical implications

Mostly a DMO communicates with tourists and visitors. It would be in the interest of WHS managers who work in partnership with these DMOs to convey why the site was labelled. Further, they need to demonstrate that obtaining the World Heritage status implies implementing sustainable development objectives. Finally, a better understanding of the economic, cultural, social and environmental issues associated with the label would help tourists appreciate their visit more.

Originality/value

The paper is the first insightful study of the World Heritage label usage as both a promotional argument and means of enhancing sustainable tourism practices.
Historic cities as model of sustainability
Authors: van Oers Ron , Pereira Roders Ana
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper is an editorial to JCHMSD's Volume 2 Issue 1. Its purpose is to introduce the selection of papers in the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the increased focus of national and local authorities, as well as multilateral agencies, on historic cities in a search for a more sustainable process of urban development that integrates environmental, social and cultural concerns into the planning, design and implementation of urban management programmes and projects. The recent adoption of a new policy instrument by UNESCO, the 2011 Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape, is providing a set of general principles in support of sustainable urban heritage management and the paper further explains the first results of a field testing of the embedded Historic Urban Landscape approach in two different geo‐cultural regions of the world (i.e. Central Asia and East Africa). It points to fields of further research, which are linked to the papers selected for this issue.

Findings

The Historic Urban Landscape approach, as promoted in the new UNESCO Recommendation on the subject, facilitates a structuring and priority setting of the manifold needs and wishes in the broader urban development and heritage management process, thereby creating clarity and understanding in an often very complex process with competing demands.

Originality/value

The new UNESCO Recommendation was adopted on 10 November 2011 and this research paper is the first to expound on an implementation of the approach embedded therein, explaining its merits and potential.
Higher education and the imperative to build reputations
Authors: Morrissey Paul
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that an increasingly powerful global dimension provides an imperative for higher education institutions (HEIs) in differing national settings to build and manage their reputations, and that this affects HEIs at the micro level.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected using semi‐structured interviews from middle/senior managers of social science faculties (or schools), at four case study institutions, three of which are in East Asia; it is the views of these academics and managers about institutional reputation management which form the basis of this paper. Global league tables are interpreted as the medium of reputation, the means to achieve reputation, and the motive to impose reputation management as a key element in strategic directions.

Findings

The research resonates with Hawkins’ notion of a Dominant Education Paradigm, and suggests that this global dimension has penetrated case study institutions in three very different East Asian polities, in the same way that it influences a typical institution in the “Anglo” environment, and that this has resulted in converging institutional governance activities, at the micro‐level, in these unique national contexts.

Originality/value

The author argues that looking through the lens of reputation management is significant in that it demonstrates both changing priorities locally and converging practice globally.
A critical reflection of teacher professionalism in Cambodia
Authors: Tan Charlene , Tee Ng Pak
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of teacher professionalism in Cambodia and the issues and challenges in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses Hargreaves’ four ages of teacher professionalism and professional learning to frame the discussion of the development of teacher professionalism in Cambodia.

Findings

This paper argues that the Cambodian government aims to develop the teachers to become autonomous professionals in terms of curriculum and pedagogical improvements. However the reality is that the Cambodian teachers manifest characteristics of both the pre‐professionals and autonomous professionals. This paper also examines the issues and challenges faced in the development of teacher professionalism, which are entwined in the complexities of educational reform, societal and economic development. By identifying some structural, economic and socio‐cultural challenges faced by Cambodian teachers, this paper suggests that Cambodian teachers need greater teacher collaboration within a culture of trust and accountability to become collegial professionals.

Originality/value

The Cambodian case study adds to the literature on the development of teacher professionalism in Cambodia and illustrates the potential of comparative and international research on teacher professionalism between Anglophonic and non‐Anglophonic cultures.
Controversy over abolishing Iranian university entrance examination
Authors: Reza Ghorbani Mohammad
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Although the number of higher education institutes in Iran has been increased and the capacity of many universities has been expanded by the government and private sector, the tough competition among senior high school graduates is still a major concern. Authorities have been contemplating other ways to alleviate the discontent of applicants who seek access to free of charge public universities. The Cumulative Grade‐Point Average (CGPA) of senior high school level has recently been proposed by educational authorities as the most effective substitute for measuring students’ academic performances to enter universities. The purpose of this paper is explore the pros and cons of this proposal by interviewing ten purposively selected stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, ten purposively selected stakeholders were interviewed.

Findings

Out of ten informants, six of them supported the modification of the University Entrance Exam (UEE), three supported its abolition, and one supported its continuation and repetition two or three times a year.

Research limitations/implications

Since any innovation or reform in the exam will affect other components in the whole education system, the informants emphasized that it should be done incrementally. The findings of this study contribute to improving the knowledge of the UEE reform options.

Originality/value

Over the last few decades, there have been waves of assessment reforms around the world. This paper offers an update of the assessment reform in Iran, which adds information to current literature.
Financial well‐being of Malaysian college students
Authors: Fazli Sabri Mohamad , Cook Christine C. , Gudmunson Clinton G.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between personal and family backgrounds, academic ability, childhood consumer experience, financial socialization, financial literacy, and perceived financial well‐being of college students.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a multi‐stage sampling technique from 11 public and private universities across Malaysia and the sample consists of 2,219 college students. Structural equation modelling was utilized to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Childhood consumer experiences such as savings habits contribute to students’ financial well‐being (money saved, current financial situation, and financial management skills). Financial socialization agents, for example, through parents and religion sources could increase college students’ financial well‐being. Financial literacy was related to financial well‐being. There were important differences between the Malay and Chinese ethnic groups in Malaysia.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, implications and recommendations for future research, teaching, and public policy are also provided for parents, college administrators, counselors and educators.

Originality/value

This research provides meaningful information about how various factors (childhood experience, financial socialization, and financial literacy) predict students’ financial well‐being.
CME that impacts most physicians: a survey
Authors: Vakani Farhan , Jafri Fatima , Rahman Sara , Jafri Wasim
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to objectively assess the best type of continuing medical education (CME) activity that makes the most impact on the physicians’ behavior in changing their practices and to derive future needs for planning effective CME activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a survey. A questionnaire was designed, pilot‐tested and administered in a CME session to all the health physicians of a private medical university in Sind province of Pakistan. The questionnaire incorporated seven core items that assessed the impact of different types of CME activities on the physicians. The respondents rated the impact of CME based on their competence, performance, patient care processes and management on a five‐point Likert scale. Respondents’ responses in terms of type, committed time, usefulness, sponsorships and settings were also analyzed.

Findings

A total of 194 health physicians completed the questionnaire (response rate=100 per cent); 56 per cent of the responses were from female physicians. A majority of the respondents in their replies ranked local large‐group lectures, symposiums and workshops higher than journal clubs, conferences and on‐line CMEs. More than half of the respondents rated the impact of CMEs on a five‐point Likert scale as good or very good. This was in relevance to increase in their competence, performance, patient care processes and change in management style.

Research limitations/implications

The data generated through the survey are subject to desirability bias and may over‐represent the responses. The other limitation was the single university setting.

Practical implications

The methodology can thus be adaptable by CME planners within the region to assess the impact of the current CME activities in improving physicians’ competence and professionalism, and in designing effective academic activities for the future.

Originality/value

There is no other study that demonstrates the impact of the types of CME on physicians in the Pakistani medical profession and hence this paper is of high interest.
Editorial: promoting integrated development for smart and sustainable built environment
Authors: Yang Jay
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to introduce the new Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE) journal to readers by discussing the background and underlying principles of its establishment, the editorial visions, and the range of papers selected in this first issue. It will encourage readers and potential authors to consider the need for integrated approaches to sustainability problems, to take on emerging challenges in the built environment and to join the SASBE journal in finding and promoting optimum solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the evolving nature of sustainability, the recent trends of sustainability endeavours in built environment and the current knowledge gaps. The need to bridge these gaps is then discussed in the context of suggested remedies and justifications. This leads to the development of a smart and sustainable built environment as a R&D philosophy for world researchers as part of their interactions with professional bodies and agencies such as CIB, UNEP and iiSBE, and the establishment of the SASBE journal.

Findings

Sustainable development in the built environment requires holistic thinking and decision making and innovative solutions that enhance sustainability and result in mutually beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders. A dedicated forum, through the journal of SASBE, is much needed for the exploration, discussion, debate, and promotion of these integrated approaches.

Originality/value

Through presenting an overview of the current issues and identifying gaps in the understanding and pursuit of sustainability in the built environment, this paper suggests potential areas for future research and practice as well as possible topics for authors to make new contributions.
Sustainable development: ignorance is fatal – what don’t we know?
Authors: Brandon Peter
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to highlight areas of potential research which will provide a deeper understanding of sustainable development and allow a more structured approach to the development of knowledge in such a broad topic.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach has been to identify the philosophy of Herman Dooyeweerd and his theory of the cosmos as a means by which knowledge can be gained, understood and developed. This approach has allowed a useful framework to be developed which provides a checklist, a deep understanding and a place to structure and place emerging knowledge. It also allows some understanding of the strength of the interrelationships between modalities which contribute to sustainable development.

Findings

The findings are still being investigated but several case studies have been undertaken which suggest that this philosophical approach is a useful way forward.

Research limitations/implications

The research is the development of a methodology and as such will develop and emerge over time. In this connection the article suggests four areas namely “time”, information technology, democratisation, and implementation which pervade the whole framework and provide the context in which evaluation can be studied.

Practical implications

The framework should be sufficiently robust to deal with all issues related to sustainable development but the level at which it can be used will depend on the knowledge of the user.

Social implications

The framework has been designed to allow all stakeholders to make a contribution at whatever level they feel is appropriate. In this sense it should harmonise knowledge between all participants.

Originality/value

The approach is original and has been developed into a book which provided a basis for discussion by the universities of the G8, G20 countries for their declaration developed in Turin 2009 which was then passed to the heads of state meeting in that year.
Towards a spatial planning framework for climate adaptation
Authors: Roggema Rob , Kabat Pavel , van den Dobbelsteen Andy
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a bridge between climate change adaptation and spatial planning and design. It aims to develop a spatial planning framework in which the properties of climate adaptation and spatial planning are unified.

Design/methodology/approach

Adaptive and dynamical approaches in spatial planning literature are studied and climate adaptation properties are defined in a way they can be used in a spatial planning framework. The climate adaptation properties and spatial planning features are aggregated in coherent groups and used to construct the spatial planning framework, which subsequently has been tested to design a climate adaptive region.

Findings

The paper concludes that the majority of spatial planning methods do not include adaptive or dynamic strategies derived from complex adaptive systems theory, such as adaptive capacity or vulnerability. If these complex adaptive systems properties are spatially defined and aggregated in a coherent set of spatial groups, they can form a spatial planning framework for climate adaptation. Each of these groups has a specific time dimension and can be linked to a specific spatial planning “layer”. The set of (five) layers form the spatial planning framework, which can be used as a methodology to design a climate adaptive region.

Originality/value

Previous research did not connect the complex issue of climate change with spatial planning. Many frameworks are developed in climate change research but are generally not aiming to meet the needs of spatial planning. This article forms the first attempt to develop a spatial planning framework, in which non‐linear and dynamical processes, such as climate adaptation, is included.
Developing tools to support complex infrastructure decision‐making
Authors: Baker Douglas , Nateque Mahmood Muhammad
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The rapidly changing role of capital city airports has placed demands on surrounding infrastructure. The need for infrastructure management and coordination is increasing as airports and cities grow and share common infrastructure frameworks. The purpose of this paper is to document the changing context in Australia, where the privatisation of airports has stimulated considerable land development with resulting pressures on surrounding infrastructure provision. It aims to describe a tool that is being developed to support decision‐making between various stakeholders in the airport region. The use of planning support systems improves both communication and data transfer between stakeholders and provides a foundation for complex decisions on infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a case study approach and focuses on Brisbane International Airport and Brisbane City Council. The research is primarily descriptive and provides an empirical assessment of the challenges of developing and implementing planning support systems as a tool for governance and decision‐making.

Findings

The research assesses the challenges in implementing a common data platform for stakeholders. Agency data platforms and models, traditional roles in infrastructure planning, and integrating similar data platforms all provide barriers to sharing a common language. The use of a decision support system has to be shared by all stakeholders with a common platform that can be versatile enough to support scenarios and changing conditions. The use of iPads® for scenario modelling provides stakeholders the opportunity to interact, compare scenarios and views, and react with the modellers to explore other options.

Originality/value

The research confirms that planning support systems have to be accessible and interactive by their users. The Airport City concept is a new and evolving focus for airport development and will place continuing pressure on infrastructure servicing. A coordinated and efficient approach to infrastructure decision‐making is critical, and an interactive planning support system that can model infrastructure scenarios provides a sound tool for governance.
Network of buildings’ impact on indoor thermal performance
Authors: Laura Pisello Anna , Xu Xiaoqi , Taylor John E. , Cotana Franco
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The development of strategies for energy efficiency optimization in buildings has become a fundamental way to reduce buildings’ environmental impact because the amount of energy consumed by buildings is responsible for one‐third of total global energy consumption. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the performance of buildings in terms of their indoor operative temperature dynamics considering the impact of other neighbouring buildings. The goal of the paper is to verify whether close spatial relationships of buildings and urban morphology within a local network of buildings could cause a considerable effect on indoor thermal behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors simulated buildings in an existing city block in Albany, New York, USA. The block consisted of six single‐family houses.

Findings

The results demonstrate that buildings mutually impact the indoor thermal behaviour of other buildings in the network with indoor operative temperature differences of over 20 percent in summer and over 40 percent in winter for the test case examined. The research also compares this result with improvements in indoor operative temperature achieved through traditional envelope improvements. It was found that during the summer, certain envelope improvement strategies have nearly the same impact in terms of indoor thermal behaviour. During winter, the presence of neighbouring buildings causes a variation that is more than double the value of the effect caused by a typical envelope modification.

Originality/value

It is concluded that this mutual impact on indoor operative temperature across spatially proximal buildings should be included in dynamic analyses of buildings. Future research should examine the effect of these indoor operative temperature deviations on the energy performance predictions of buildings in urban and quasi‐urban settings.
The state of sustainability reporting in the construction sector
Authors: Glass Jacqueline
Published: May 2012

Purpose

As a mechanism to make a company's strategies, actions and achievements more transparent, sustainability reporting (SR) enables companies to communicate performance, develop a reputation for responsible behaviour and gain competitive advantage, yet it remains largely voluntary. A scant evidence base suggests that the construction sector lags behind other industries on SR; the purpose of this paper is to clarify the current status and define a research framework for future development of SR in construction.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines standards for disclosure, scope and content vehicles for disclosure, transparency and assurance, voluntary vs mandatory reporting, and integrated reporting, through a review of literature, reports and standards.

Findings

SR can drive change, offer competitive advantage and reputational capital, but this is contested ground, academically. A critical examination of SR in construction contributes to the debate by identifying challenges around data durability, stakeholder engagement, reputation management and the nature of the sector. A novel framework, research questions and recommendations are presented.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on literature, standards and guidance documents, so has not yet been subject to scrutiny via empirical research; recommendations for such are, however, outlined clearly within the paper.

Originality/value

Construction companies have to balance commercial drivers with demands for high‐profile sustainable buildings and enhanced corporate sustainability; this is a generally under‐researched area. This is the first paper to argue that SR offers a new lens on corporate sustainability in construction and considerable scope for novel research.
Psychometric features of temporomandibular disorders patients in relation to pain diffusion, location, intensity and duration
Authors: GUARDA‐NARDINI L. , PAVAN C. , ARVEDA N. , FERRONATO G. , MANFREDINI D.
Published: May 2012

Summary  The aim of the present investigation was to assess the psychological profile of a sample of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and to compare the psychometric scores between patients with pain of different diffusion, location, intensity and duration. One hundred and ten (N = 110) patients with painful TMD fulfilled three psychometric instruments. Pain features were assessed as categorical variables as concerns its diffusion, viz., diffuse or localised, duration, viz., more or <6 months, and location, viz., joint and/or muscles. Pain intensity was scored on a 0–100 Visual Analog Scale (VAS) rating. Patients with diffuse pain showed higher psychometric scores than patients with localised pain. No significant differences were detected between patients with pain lasting from more or equal than 6 months and those with pain lasting from <6 months as well as between patients with pain localised in the jaw muscles, joints or both, even if a trend for lower scores for patients with joint pain alone was observed. Pain intensity was significantly related with anxiety (ANX), depression (DEP) and somatisation(SOM) scores. In conclusion, pain diffusion and intensity were strongly related with high levels of SOM, ANX and DEP, while no differences in psychometric scores were detected between patients with pain of different duration and location.