bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of sustainable development and knowledge of environmental management
Authors: Shih Kuang‐Hsun , Chen Hsueh‐Ju , Chen Jason C.H. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine whether there are differences with respect to internal auditors' attitude toward environmental protection, cognizance of environmental auditing and environmental knowledge.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey based research method is used and a Mann‐Whitney U‐test as well as a T‐test is applied on this data.FindingsThere is no difference between internal auditors in the manufacturing industry and those in the service industry with respect to environmental awareness and cognizance of environmental auditing. Yet there is a significant difference with respect to knowledge of environmental protection.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to that of internal auditors' perspectives.Practical implicationsInternal auditors are the “watch dogs” for firms to implement environmental management so that strengthening their environmental knowledge is required.Originality/valueThis study reveals internal auditors' perception toward environmental management in both high‐ and low‐pollution industries that go beyond green auditing issues.
The social discount rate on climate change
Authors: Yu Marco K.W. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of social discount rates on the economic significance of CO2 mitigation in the benefit‐cost analysis of recent amendments of Building Regulations Part L.Design/methodology/approachThe benefit of mitigating CO2 emission by raising the standard of building in amended building regulations is estimated by an integrated‐assessment economic model called DICE at different social discount rates proposed by economists and government.FindingsThe benefit of CO2 mitigation is highly sensitive to the choice of social discount rate that the value of social discount rate is a crucial factor to decide the economic viability of recent and future amendments of Building Regulations Part L. The more positive the social discount rate used in the benefit‐cost analysis, the less sustainability appears to be because higher discount rate tips the balance in favour of current benefits against future costs.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focuses on the impact of social discount rates on the shadow price of CO2 emission. Further researches are needed to estimate the private benefits and costs to construct and operate buildings complying with amended Building Regulations Part L so as to produce a solid benefit‐cost analysis on the amendment of the building regulations.Practical implicationsIf sustainable development, similar to other traditional investment, is subject to feasibility judgement in a common metric, more attentions are needed to be given by sustainability literature on the issue of discounting.Originality/valueThis paper for the first time evaluates the environmental benefits of amending the Building Regulations and the sensitivity of the benefits to the choice of social discount rates.
A “Hong Kong” model of sustainable development
Authors: Wai Chung Lai Lawrence , Wing Chau Kwong , Chi Wing Ho Daniel , Lorne Frank T. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss a Coasian interpretation of a model of sustainable development for Hong Kong that incorporates three segments, namely economy, society, and environment.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is analytical, using concepts of property rights informed by Coasian neo‐institutional economics and Yu's ideas on the Schumpeterian process in innovation.FindingsFirst, the sustainable development criteria must be non‐dictatorial, decentralized, and compatible with market economics. The emphasis is contractarian rather than legislative or administrative. Second, the essence of segment cooperation is to create a win‐win situation rather than an “integrated” rent seeking game, which will likely result in more values being created. Third, the requirement that it be progressive over time implies that programs and policies that are duplicative need to be avoided, and innovations are to be encouraged. Fourth, the requirement of satisfying only two aspects of the three segments of cooperation implies a less stringent standard of making stepwise improvements, and thus makes entrepreneurial efforts more likely. Last, the three segments of cooperation, if practiced simultaneously and improved over time, can achieve most, if not all, the principles in the Rio Declaration without aiming at a specific principle in the Declaration.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper should focus on a “win‐win” rather than a mutually exploitative approach to public participation in sustainable development promotion.Practical implicationsThis paper should assist policymakers and politicians in understanding how sustainable development may be conceptually modelled.Originality/valueThe paper is the first paper that defines for Hong Kong a model of sustainable development on the basis of Coasian economics, and contrasts it with other proposed models.
Impact of urbanization on building energy consumption and the role of BEE design codes in China
Authors: Li Baizhan , Liu Meng , McKinnell K.G. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to trace the connection between China's growth and urbanization processes and the amount of building space that is being constructed.Design/methodology/approachBuildings consume energy and are not always built with subsequent efficient use of energy in mind. China's building industry is estimated to account for over a quarter of the total energy consumed in China.FindingsSuch a massive use of the energy resource has prompted China's authorities to consider policies that will promote greater building energy efficiency.Originality/valueThe paper provides an important update as to how China is addressing energy efficiency in one of its key industrial sectors.
Electronic library glossaries: jargonbusting essentials or wasted resource?
Authors: Ayre Catherine , Smith Inese A. , Cleeve Marigold 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo analyse and investigate the use of online glossaries of library terminology.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of glossaries; questionnaire survey.FindingsLibrary glossaries broadly serve the same purpose, but there is considerable variation in their length, design, currency, and the terms they contain. Library users generally have little input into what glossaries contain and many librarians are uncertain as to whether glossaries are used or useful.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is necessary to establish whether the effort involved in creating such glossaries is worthwhile.Practical implicationsBetter strategies for helping library users to understand library jargon are needed.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the increasing number of university libraries with online glossaries.
How researchers are using the OPAC of the Spanish Council for Scientific Research Library Network
Authors: Ortiz‐Repiso Virginia , Bazán Virginia , Ponsati Agnès , Cottereau Mario 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe importance of online public access catalogues (OPACs) has changed in recent years, mainly due to the large number of electronic resources now available. The aim of this study is to learn about and evaluate the use made by researchers of the OPAC of the library network of the Spanish Council for Scientific Research, the largest research institution in Spain.Design/methodology/approachTo this end a questionnaire was drafted with questions pertaining both to the system and to the users themselves. The information gathered was supplemented by data obtained from the transaction logs.FindingsThe results have revealed the use made of the OPAC and the characteristics of the searches performed. Users are still confronted by classic problems of information seeking: information overload, errors in subject searching, and the predominant use of the system's simpler options. The results show that the OPAC is broadly used by end‐users not only for obtaining printed material, but also for connecting to the electronic resources subscribed to by the library.Originality/valueThe OPAC should continue to occupy an important position in the library's overall information environment, interacting with other information systems.
Distance education and the role of IT in India
Authors: Subba Rao Siriginidi 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo highlight India's efforts in raising literacy levels through distance education (DE) by utilizing various technological choices, including information technology (IT), available in the country.Design/methodology/approachThis article discusses the education scenario, emergence of correspondence courses/open universities, government initiatives for IT enablement of education and DE, participating institutions and technology choices available in India. It examines the preparedness of participating institutions, status of networks facilitating virtual classrooms, technological solutions, educational channels, etc., for the spreading of DE in India.FindingsThe paper strongly suggests the need for digital libraries (DLs) and their integration, and the initiation of INTEND‐OPENET as an exclusive network for DE.Practical implicationsThe needed policy guidelines to use IT for education are now in place in India. The backbone for developing DLs already exists. Declining prices of PCs and networking devices makes it economically feasible to use IT to deliver quality education to previously unreachable populations and to enhance the quality of education.Originality/valueThis paper offers practical solutions for the spread of DE for policy makers and implementers, participating institutions and distance learners.
Information needs and use in the construction materials sector in Kuwait
Authors: Anwar Mumtaz A. , Tuqan Arwa 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study was designed to investigate the information needs and use of the private construction materials sector in Kuwait.Design/methodology/approachA structured instrument, expert‐reviewed and pilot‐tested, was used for data collection. A total of 20 companies were surveyed by interviewing a senior official identified by each firm.FindingsThese firms mostly used financial, marketing, legal, forecasting, and managerial information. Personnel and statistical information was the least used. The most important sources of information included government agencies, the internet, the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), and financial service agencies in addition to several informal sources. Information use activity was found to be at a low level.Research limitations/implicationsSince the study was limited to private companies that dealt with construction materials, its findings should be used for this sector only.Practical implicationsThe KCCI, following one of its official roles of supplying information to the business community, needs to upgrade its resources and services and conduct vigorous marketing of its services. Similarly, Kuwait University has a stake in conducting research and educating business leaders in improving their in‐house information services and making optimal use of KCCI services.Originality/valueThis is the first study of its type in the Arabian Gulf region. Hopefully, government agencies, the KCCI and the business community will use its findings to improve the current business information infrastructure, which is less than satisfactory.
E‐readiness of SMEs in the ICT sector in Botswana with respect to information access
Authors: Mutula Stephen M. , van Brakel Pieter 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to present the e‐readiness status of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector in Botswana and make comparisons with global trends.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a doctoral project that was carried out at the University of Johannesburg from 2002 to 2005. A qualitative approach was employed using both focus group discussions and in‐depth interviews to collect data.FindingsThe findings revealed that SMEs in Botswana, like their counterparts in most developing countries, had not achieved a reasonable measure of e‐readiness status compared to the developed world.Research limitations/implicationsThere is paucity of research on the e‐readiness of SMEs in developing countries, especially with respect to information access. Furthermore e‐readiness, being a new phenomenon, does not yet have an established theoretical basis and a universally acknowledged definition.Practical implicationsThis study presents a framework that has the potential to assist governments, especially in the developing world, to make informed ICT investment decisions that will enable SMEs to penetrate the international electronic business environment. Moreover, the findings provide a lens through which SMEs, especially in developing world, would benchmark their e‐readiness status against the best in the world and effectively undertake corrective measures.Originality/valueThe existing e‐readiness measurement tools are largely quantitative and only address the qualitative dimension of the phenomenon in a limited way. In addition, the tools focus more on ICT, business, policy and legislative framework and underplay the information access factor. Furthermore, whereas e‐readiness research is increasingly populating development, IT and business literature, little is happening within the information science discipline. Finally, most e‐readiness studies have confined to macro (national) assessments and ignored sectoral‐level environments.
Electronic journals: are they really used?
Authors: Nicholas David , Huntington Paul 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo quantify the usage of electronic journals as an aid to making judgements on the use of document supply.Design/methodology/approachA detailed analysis was made of the use of OHIOLink as well as the Blackwell Synergy, ScienceDirect, emeraldinsight, and OUP databases by CIBER at University College London.FindingsMany more people are accessing electronic journals than was previously the case in a print environment. Users are searching more widely as linking becomes easier and abstracts are becoming increasingly popular.Research limitations/implicationsMore research could be done on the use of abstracts together with further evaluation of usage at article level by title.Practical implicationsMassive usage of the databases analysed is significantly affecting the use of information by researchers.Originality/valueThis article presents an example of “deep log” analysis that sheds valuable light on the actual as distinct from perceived use of electronic full text databases
The Norwegian ”Bibliotek” database in a Nordic ILDS perspective
Authors: Gauslå Arne 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo describe the development and versatility of “Bibliotek”, the Norwegian database for national ILDS management.Design/methodology/approachHistorical narrative.FindingsThere has been a poor response by the 1,300 libraries that use the system to enter their ILDS policies on the web site.Practical implicationsHighlights some of the difficulties in building an effective infrastructure for resource sharing both nationally and internationally.Originality/valueLessons to be learnt from one country's attempt to develop an effective infrastructure for ILDS.
User‐initiated resource sharing in Hong Kong universities: planning to reality with HKALL
Authors: Sidorko Peter , Wong Ruth , Tai Alice , Wong Eva 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo describe the introduction of a collaborative, user‐initiated, unmediated, interlibrary loan service for returnables between initially three and then all eight universities in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachHistorical narrative combined with user and staff evaluation.FindingsThe introduction of the service has been a great success.Originality/valueThis article describes in detail the introduction of a service that will be of interest and relevance to many other libraries facing declining budgets and the need to share resources in an efficient and effective way.
Grey literature at The British Library: revealing a hidden resource
Authors: Tillett Samantha , Newbold Elizabeth 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo explore the changing nature of grey literature, the British Library collections of grey literature and the future challenges of collecting and supplying this type of material.Design/methodology/approachThis article provides an informal description of the British Library grey literature collection and views on challenges in acquiring and supplying grey literature.FindingsThe nature of grey literature is changing in an increasingly electronic environment. In this new environment of electronic access there is still a need and demand for organisations to collect, preserve and make this material accessible.Originality/valueProvides an insight in to the British Library treatment of grey literature.
Informing interlibrary networking and document supply in the English National Health Service: a comparison of models from five countries and a Caribbean network
Authors: White Pam , Twomey Cheryl 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo identify the issues associated with the introduction of desk top document supply to workers in the UK National Health Service (NHS).Design/methodology/approachThis paper assesses network models from five countries: Australia, the USA, Italy, Iceland, and Canada, and BIREME, a Latin American and Caribbean network. Factors considered will include library types involved, organizational structure of library systems, length of system implementation, formats of documents involved, and efficiency of the system. Funding and pricing structures, where information is available, are described.FindingsComplementary collections are necessary for the widest, most cost‐effective access to information. Access to electronic resources does not alleviate the need for remote document supply. Automation of library systems should improve the user experience, but does not necessarily replace the need for the involvement of library services and staff. Using software that conforms to the ISO ILL protocol and other industry standards such as Z39.50 allows for coordination of and improved efficiency of remote document supply (RDS) processes. Centralization of RDS does not guarantee an efficient service for users.Originality/valueProvides insights into current thinking in the NHS for delivering material electronically directly to end users.
Crack propagation modelled by T‐elements
Authors: Sanecki Henryk , Piotr Zieliński Andrzej 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide more convenient tools for the investigation of real objects with different forms and positions of cracks, which requires fracture analysis of engineering structures.Design/methodology/approachA method which uses the Trefftz‐type finite elements (T‐elements) was applied as an efficient tool to deal with various problems of fracture mechanics.FindingsNumerical examples compare the results of the T‐element procedures with the commercial systems ALGOR® and ANSYS®, showing the advantages of using the former codes. Their effectiveness is especially visible in the solution of a crack propagation problem.Research limitations/implicationsLimitation to linear fracture mechanics.Practical implicationsA proposal of effective codes for engineering analysis of structures with cracks.Originality/valueThis paper presents the feasibility of the application of the T‐element method to a wider field of fracture analysis – crack propagation in engineering structures.
A performance study of normalized explicit finite element approximate inverse preconditioning on uniprocessor and multicomputer systems
Authors: Giannoutakis Konstantinos M. , Gravvanis George A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo propose novel parallel/distributed normalized explicit finite element (FE) approximate inverse preconditioning for solving sparse FE linear systems.Design/methodology/approachThe design of suitable methods was the main objective for which several families of the normalized approximate inverse, based on sparse normalized approximate factorization, are produced. The main motive for the derivation of the new normalized approximate inverse FE matrix algorithmic techniques is that they can be efficiently used in conjunction with normalized explicit preconditioned conjugate gradient (NEPCG) – type schemes on parallel and distributed systems. Theoretical estimates on the rate of convergence and computational complexity of the NEPCG method are also derived.FindingsApplication of the proposed method on a three‐dimensional boundary value problem is discussed and numerical results for uniprocessor systems along with speed‐ups and efficiency for multicomputer systems are given. These results tend to become optimum, which are in qualitative agreement with the theoretical results presented for uniprocessor and distributed memory systems, using message passing interface (MPI) communication library.Research limitations/implicationsFurther parallel algorithmic techniques will be investigated in order to improve the speed‐ups and the computational complexity of the parallel normalized explicit approximate inverse preconditioning.Originality/valueThe proposed parallel/distributed normalized explicit approximate inverse preconditioning, using approximate factorization and approximate inverse algorithms, is an efficient computational method that is valuable for computer scientists and for scientists and engineers in engineering computations.
Finite element modelling and simulation of bulk material forming
Authors: Mackerle Jaroslav 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a selective bibliography for researchers working with bulk material forming (specifically the forging, rolling, extrusion and drawing processes) with sources which can help them to be up‐to‐date.Design/methodology/approachA range of published (1996‐2005) works, which aims to provide theoretical as well as practical information on the material processing namely bulk material forming. Bulk deformation processes used in practice change the shape of the workpiece by plastic deformations under forces applied by tools and dies.FindingsProvides information about each source, indicating what can be found there. Listed references contain journal papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations on the subject.Research limitations/implicationsIt is an exhaustive list of papers (1,693 references are listed) but some papers may be omitted. The emphasis is to present papers written in English language. Sheet material forming processes are not included.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information for theoretical and practical researchers in computational material forming as well as in academia or for those who have recently obtained a position in this field.Originality/valueThere are not many bibliographies published in this field of engineering. This paper offers help to experts and individuals interested in computational analyses and simulations of material forming processes.