bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative classification framework for engineering capability enhancement
Authors: Patamakajonpong Mana , Chandarasupsang Tirapot 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to present an alternative practical framework to classify the skill and knowledge of the individual trainees by comparing it with the expert in an organization. This framework gives the benefit to the organization in order to know the ability level of the personnel and to be able to provide the personnel development method both in academic learning and workplace learning.

Design/methodology/approach
– This research develops the framework based on relevant methodologies. Competency-Based Development is applied to investigate the knowledge and skill of the specific task. Knowledge Engineering is used to capture the experiences and construct knowledge model from relevance parties. Capability Maturity Model is then adapted to develop the capability and maturity level of the personnel. It can then be used to cluster the knowledge and skill. Finally, the Substation Maintenance Department of Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), Thailand, is selected as a case study to test the proposed framework.

Findings
– The results have shown that the proposed framework can be utilized to identify the capability level of the individual personnel. Furthermore, the appropriate maturity development of the employees in each level can also be identified. This proposed framework provides better results when comparing to the current PEA competency model, as the criteria in this framework are systematically derived from experts rather than relying solely on the proficiency level. Although, this framework was tested with the switchgear maintenance task, the results and its systematic approach have indicated that it can also be used to develop the capability maturity model for other fields of work.

Originality/value
– The main originality of this research is the proposed competency analysis table, which integrates human resource development with knowledge management, risks management and management information system. Rather than performing these tasks separately for continuous quality improvement, organization can practically plan and perform the quality improvement-related tasks spontaneously. Moreover, the application of the capability maturity model to classify knowledge and skill of the maintenance tasks into maturity level is another academic value presented in this paper. The proposed framework gives the benefit to organization to classify the capability of the personnel. This is potentially beneficial to the human resource development personnel than traditional methods in the sense that it provides the information on how to develop the specific skill of the employees.
A multi-methodological approach for assessing sustainability of urban projects
Authors: Bottero Marta 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to propose a multi-methodological approach for assessing the sustainability of urban projects. The proposed framework has the objective of addressing the different dimensions involved in the analysis (economic, environmental, social, technological, cultural, etc.), following the subsequent phases for the definition of the projects (from a very general masterplan to more detailed preliminary projects).

Design/methodology/approach
– The multi-methodological approach is organized according to subsequent steps, involving the application of different evaluation methods, namely SWOT analysis, multicriteria analysis, discounted cash flow analysis and sensitivity analysis. With the aim of better illustrating the proposed approach, the method is applied on a real case concerning the project of a new boulevard in the city of Skopje.

Findings
– The proposed approach resulted to be successful in structuring the complex planning context and in increasing and improving the information for the project, thus acting as a learning process.

Originality/value
– The paper is based on the experimentation of an hybrid approach for addressing planning process. The multi-methodological framework can be useful in supporting decision making process in the domain of urban projects. In this sense, the proposed framework is able to communicate the planners’, designers’ and decision maker’s perspectives, to enhance transparency in the decision process and thus to increase acceptance.
Status of municipal solid waste generation and disposal in Nigeria
Authors: Nnaji Charles Chidozie 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– This paper examined the current status of municipal solid waste management across Nigeria. The core aspects covered are generation, characterization, collection, scavenging, open dumping, disposal and environmental implications of poor solid waste management. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of the current state of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach
– This study was executed by a combination of an extensive literature search and field study. Solid waste generation rates for 31 Nigerian cities were obtained from literature. In addition, characteristics of municipal solid waste from 26 Nigerian cities were also obtained from literature. Other aspects such as characterization of solid waste obtained from final dumpsite and heavy metals accumulation in solid waste dumpsites were undertaken first hand.

Findings
– Solid waste generation rate was found to vary from 0.13 kg/capita/day in Ogbomosho to 0.71 kg/capita/day in Ado-Ekiti. Factors affecting solid waste generation rates were identified. Typically, food waste was found to constitute close to 50 percent of overall municipal solid waste in Nigerian cities. This study shows that the rate of generation of plastics, water proof materials and diapers has assumed an upward trend. Due to the dysfunctional state of many municipal waste management authorities, many cities have been overrun by open dumps. For instance, more than 50 percent of residents of Maiduguri in northern Nigeria and Ughelli in southern Nigeria dispose of their waste in open dumps. Indiscriminate disposal of waste has also resulted in the preponderance of toxic heavy metals in agricultural soils and consequent bioaccumulation in plants as well as groundwater contamination.

Research limitations/implications
– The main limitation of this research is municipal waste management authorities do not have relevant data. Hence, there was heavy reliance on published materials. The status of waste management in Nigeria is very deplorable and therefore poses serious threats to public and environmental health. There is urgent need for both government and individuals to adopt holistic and sustainable waste management strategies in order to safeguard public/environmental health.

Practical implications
– Findings from this paper can form a veritable resource for the formulation and implementation of sustainable municipal solid waste management framework and strategies in Nigeria.

Originality/value
– While most studies on municipal solid waste management in Nigeria are focussed on selected cities of interest, this particular study cuts across most cities of Nigeria in order to present a broader and holistic view of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria. The paper has also unraveled core municipal solid waste management challenges facing Nigerian cities.
New perspectives on community library development in Africa
Authors: Stranger-Johannessen Espen , Asselin Marlene , Doiron Ray 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the constraints of and opportunities for the role of African community libraries in development, using an ecological framework for library development.Design/methodology/approach– Drawing on a review of the literature and the three authors’ own experiences, the paper critically examines community libraries, mainly from Uganda and Ethiopia, and frames the analysis within an ecological framework of library development.Findings– There are many examples of community libraries that realize various elements of the ecological framework (context/environment, equity/social justice, partnerships/interactions, and action/research).Practical implications– The ecological framework further developed in this paper helps community library leaders to critically examine their programmes and services and develop strategies for further growth, and suggests closer collaboration between community librarians, local communities, and researchers.Originality/value– This paper addresses the need to move beyond community library research on the predominant outputs (library statistics) and outcomes (societal value/impact) models, adding a critical perspective of the larger social and political structures that limit and shape the development of community libraries.
Co-working and innovation: new concepts for academic libraries and learning centres
Authors: Schopfel Joachim , Roche Julien , Hubert Gilles 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on the development of academic libraries, by the introduction of the concepts of co-working and innovation to the learning centres.Design/methodology/approach– The paper builds on published case studies and French initiatives.Findings– The proposal of this paper is that the academic library can meet its social responsibility on the campus and in society by drawing on the model of the co-working spaces and communities, by the support of innovation and the transfer of knowledge to the world of work. Moreover, the proposal is to include these new functions into the concept of learning centre, i.e. to develop the work-related aspects of the learning centre.Research limitations/implications– Future research on academic libraries should focus on social responsibility and their contribution not only to students’ academic success but also to students’ employability and to the transfer of technology.Practical implications– The paper contributes to the development and marketing of new academic library services and to its strategic positioning on the campus.Originality/value– Co-working and innovation are relatively new but promising concepts for academic libraries. Except for some recent case studies, conceptual papers are still missing that combine empirical experience with a theoretical approach.
Secondary school students in college – the library’s role
Authors: Massis Bruce 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this column is to examine the environment by which secondary students can avail themselves of college library resources when they are enrolled in a dual enrollment program.

Design/methodology/approach
– This column presents the literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Findings
– Colleges present the dual enrollment opportunity to secondary school students as an educational “entitlement”. An additional benefit is providing access to supplementary instruction and research materials through college library services, thus highlighting the college’s library resources as critical to the teaching and learning process.

Originality/value
– The value in addressing this issue is to acquaint the reader with several examples of the manner by which the college library can benefit secondary school students enrolled in college courses.
The effects of green supply chain management on the supplier’s performance through social capital accumulation
Authors: Lee Su-Yol 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to examine the effects of green supply chain management (GSCM) on environmental and operational performances with a perspective of social capital accumulation in the supply chain. The roles of structural capital and relational social capital in GSCM were empirically explored.Design/methodology/approach– A research model was developed to investigate the effects of GSCM on a supplier’s environmental and operational performances through structural and relational social capitals. Using an exploratory factor analysis, the study identified the structural and relational dimensions of social capital and the environmental and operational performance dimensions of supplier’s performance. The hypotheses were tested on data of 207 responses collected from supplying firms in South Korea, using structural equation modeling.Findings– The paper finds that GSCM contributes to the environmental and operational performance improvements of the supply chain through social capital accumulation. Relational capital, in particular, plays a more important pivoting role in the relationships between GSCM and environmental and operational performances.Practical implications– The findings of this paper provide useful insights about how supply chain members should integrate environmental issues into supply chain management practices that would enhance social capital accumulation to foster stronger operational and environmental performances throughout the entire supply chain.Originality/value– This research is one of the few studies that explore the effects of GSCM on performance by explicitly considering social capital as an important intervening variable. By applying social capital theory, this study provides theoretical underpinning for furthering the GSCM literature.
Product architecture and supply chain design: a systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Pashaei Sebastian , Olhager Jan 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the extant literature on the relationship between product architectures and supply chain design to identify gaps in the literature and identify future research opportunities.Design/methodology/approach– This paper examines the peer-reviewed literature on product architectures and supply chain written in English. The search strategy is based on selected databases and keywords. In total, 56 articles from 1995 to 2013 were identified.Findings– Three key dimensions are identified for the categorization of the literature: the type of product architecture, the type of supply chain and the research methodology. Furthermore, we identify themes related to outsourcing, supplier selection, supplier relationships, distance from focal firm and alignment.Research limitations/implications– The present search strategy may have missed some references that are related to the area. However, as a counter-measure, we used back-tracking and forward-tracking to identify additional relevant papers. A research agenda is proposed for further research on the interaction of product architectures and supply chain design.Originality/value– This paper is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first broad review that investigates the interrelationship between product architectures and supply chain design.
To die or not to die: early warnings of tree dieback in response to a severe drought
Authors: Camarero J. Julio , Gazol Antonio , Sangüesa‐Barreda Gabriel , Oliva Jonàs , Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Some disturbances can drive ecological systems to abrupt shifts between alternative stages (tipping points) when critical transitions occur. Drought‐induced tree death can be considered as a nonlinear shift in tree vigour and growth. However, at what point do trees become predisposed to drought‐related dieback and which factors determine this (tipping) point? We investigated these questions by characterizing the responses of three tree species, silver fir (Abies alba), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), to a severe drought event.

We compared basal area increment (BAI) trends and responses to climate and drought in declining (very defoliated and dying) vs. non‐declining (slightly or not defoliated) trees by using generalized additive mixed models. Defoliation, BAI and sapwood production were related to functional proxies of tree vigour measured at the onset and end of the drought (non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations, needle N content and C isotopic discrimination, presence of wood‐inhabiting fungi). We evaluated whether early warning signals (increases in synchronicity among trees or in autocorrelation and standard deviation) could be extracted from the BAI series prior to tree death.

Declining silver fir and Scots pine trees showed less growth than non‐declining trees one to three decades, respectively, before the drought event, whereas Aleppo pines showed growth decline irrespective of tree defoliation. At the end of the drought period, all species showed increased defoliation and a related reduction in the concentration of sapwood soluble sugars. Defoliation was constrained by the BAI of the previous 5 years and sapwood production. No specific wood‐inhabiting fungi were found in post‐drought declining trees apart from blue‐stain fungi, which extensively affected damaged Scots pines. Declining silver firs showed increases in BAI autocorrelation and variability prior to tree death.

Synthesis. Early warning signals of drought‐triggered mortality seem to be species specific and reflect how different tree species cope with drought stress. Highly correlated declining growth patterns during drought can serve as a signal in silver fir, whereas changes in the content of sapwood soluble sugars are suitable vigour proxies for Scots and Aleppo pines. Longer growth and defoliation series, additional vigour parameters and multi‐species comparisons are required to understand and predict drought‐induced tree death.
Loss of secondary‐forest resilience by land‐use intensification in the Amazon
Authors: Jakovac Catarina C. , Peña‐Claros Marielos , Kuyper Thomas W. , Bongers Frans 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Understanding how land‐use intensification affects forest resilience is a key for elucidating the mechanisms underlying regeneration processes and for planning more sustainable land‐use systems. Here, we evaluate how the intensification of a swidden cultivation system affects secondary‐forest resilience in the Amazon.

Along a gradient of land‐use intensity, we analysed the relative role of management intensity, soil properties and landscape configuration in determining the resilience of early secondary forests (SFs). We assessed resilience as the recovery level of forest structure and species diversity achieved by SFs 5 years after abandonment. We used as a reference the recovery level achieved by SFs subjected to the lowest intensity of use, given that these SFs are part of a dynamic system and may not develop to old‐growth forests. Therefore, we interpreted a deviation from this reference level as a change in forest resilience.

The recovery of forest structure was determined by management intensity, while the recovery of species diversity was driven by landscape configuration. With increasing number of cycles and weeding frequency along with decreasing fallow period and patch area, SF basal area and canopy height decreased, regeneration shifted from a seed‐ to sprout‐dependent strategy, and liana infestation on trees increased. With decreasing area covered by old‐growth forest, species richness and Shannon diversity decreased.

Secondary‐forest resilience decreased with land‐use intensification, mainly mediated by the effect of management intensity upon regeneration strategies. Our findings demonstrate the – many times overlooked – importance of previous management intensity in determining the structure of SFs and highlight the importance of regeneration strategy for forest resilience.

Synthesis. Swidden cultivation supports people's livelihoods and transforms landscapes in the tropics. The sustainability of this system depends on ecosystem services provided by SFs that develop during the fallow period. Land‐use intensification reduces the resilience of SFs and ultimately may drive the system towards an arrested succession state that holds a lower potential to deliver ecosystem services to the Amazonian people. Under an intensification scenario, the adaptation of management practices is needed to guarantee the resilience of swidden cultivation systems.
Long‐term data suggest jarrah‐forest establishment at restored mine sites is resistant to climate variability
Authors: Standish Rachel J. , Daws Matthew I. , Gove Aaron D. , Didham Raphael K. , Grigg Andrew H. , Koch John M. , Hobbs Richard J. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Global climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of drought in dry regions due to warming temperatures and declining rainfall. Severe drought can trigger tree mortality and drive persistent vegetation change.

To date, most empirical studies have focused on drought‐induced mortality of adult trees, but this needs to be matched by similar efforts to understand drought impacts on seedling establishment if we are to understand the resilience of the world's forests to projected climate change.

The Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah)‐forest ecoregion of south‐western Australia has experienced a 17% reduction in mean annual rainfall from 1975 to 2011 compared with mean rainfall from 1900 to 1974. Drought‐induced mortality of adult trees has been documented for jarrah forest, but there is limited understanding of its capacity to recover, making it difficult to predict the likelihood of persistent effects.

Long‐term records of jarrah‐forest restoration following bauxite mining are available for the 19‐year period between 1992 and 2010. Records include annual data on seedling establishment in restored mine sites for 587 species in 1938 plots during a period of climatic variability.

We built a structural equation model to discriminate the relative effects of climate, restoration practice, and their interactive effects on three response variables including species richness of the restored plant assemblages. Climate variability had a significant negative effect on richness, but the effect size was relatively small, being less than half that of varying restoration practice. We suggest this is due, in part, to the reliability of rainfall (i.e. no change in the coefficient of variation, seasonality or evenness, between recent and historical climates) despite a threefold difference in the absolute amount of wet‐season rainfall. Importantly, there was no evidence that restoration practices were compromised by interacting effects of increased climate variability.

Synthesis. Jarrah‐forest establishment in a restoration context appears resistant to recent changes in climate. Our research highlights the importance of deriving multiple metrics of climate change to understand community responses. In particular, rainfall reliability should be a focus of future research to determine its broader significance to seedling establishment in forests subject to a drying climate.