bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A risk assessment approach in selecting environmental performance indicators
Authors: Diakaki Christina , Grigoroudis Evangelos , Stabouli Maria 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to propose a method that may assist organisations in the task of selecting appropriate indicators for their environmental performance evaluation procedures.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed method is based on the principles of risk assessment, a key technique in the protection and management of the environment. When well‐constructed, it may cover all aspects of an organisation's activities, thus providing a sound base for the identification of the most significant indicators to be considered for the environmental performance evaluation.FindingsThe proposed approach starts from an initial set of numerous indicators. Each indicator is identified in order to monitor and assess the progress towards the achievement of a goal that has been set in relation to a particular environmental aspect of the activities of the considered organisation. For each indicator, a related environmental risk is assessed that may then be used to prioritise the indicators, and identify the most significant ones as far as the environmental aspects of the considered organisation are concerned.Originality/valueDespite the fact that the environmental performance evaluation has been considered to be both significant and useful, the approaches proposed, so far, are very generic and do not provide actual assistance to the organisations that wish to adopt and apply such procedures. The main advantage of the proposed methodology lies exactly at this point. It facilitates the process of environmental performance evaluation providing substantial assistance to one of the most important stages that is to decide which particular indicators will be considered.
Sustainability assessment of onsite sanitation facilities in Ramallah‐Albireh district with emphasis on technical, socio‐cultural and financial aspects
Authors: Al‐Sa'ed Rashed , Mubarak Sana' 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to evaluate the present onsite sanitation systems in Palestinian rural areas in Ramallah‐Albireh district with special emphasis on technical, socio‐cultural and financial aspects.Design/methodology/approachA specialized questionnaire was developed and distributed to 200 households in four randomly selected villages with less than 5,000 persons and having onsite sanitation facilities. WAWTTAR software package was used to evaluate 16 different treatment systems and to select a sustainable onsite treatment system for these rural areas based on technical, environmental, financial and socio‐cultural considerations.FindingsMajor findings indicated that most of the respondents were in favor of using treated grey wastewater and equally rejected the use of mixed treated effluent for agricultural irrigation. More than 50 percent of the respondents were against having new onsite treatment systems and favored centralized wastewater treatment options, as only 18 percent showed willingness to participate partially in construction costs. The WAWTTAR data analysis on feasible onsite treatment alternatives revealed that the septic tank‐subsurface wetland system offers a higher level of sustainability to rural communities in Ramallah‐Albireh district. Finally, the social and economical aspects have an equal status in technical and financial issues.Practical implicationsThe results obtained can be utilized by local and international experts seeking a carrier in the planning and design of sustainable sanitation facilities in developing countries or for those who have newly filled a post in governmental, non‐governmental or academic institutions.Originality/valueThis paper highlights adequate tools for the selection of sustainable onsite sanitation systems in Palestinian rural communities. Methodology and dissemination of the obtained results can be applied to other rural communities in developing countries.
Confluence of Six Sigma, simulation and environmental quality
Authors: Sekhar H. , Mahanti R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of the research is to use an integrated approach – simulation and Six Sigma to improve the ambient air quality.Design/methodology/approachIntegration of simulation and Six Sigma DMAIC methodology in a foundry had been used to improve the ambient air quality. Various elements of the Six Sigma toolkit such as Cause and Effect diagrams and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis have been used to discover the root causes underlying the problem and prioritize action and incorporate cost‐effective solutions. Simulation has been used to improve and control the environmental efficiency by monitoring the performance of the Venturi Scrubber – the pollution control equipment, by running the model under varying conditions.FindingsThe integrated application of Six Sigma and simulation has been successful in reducing particulate emissions from 200 milligrams per cubic meter to less than 20 milligrams per cubic meter and sulphur dioxide emissions from 45 milligrams per cubic meter to less than 4.5 milligrams per cubic meter, thus reducing air pollution.Practical implicationsAir pollution is a burning problem in the present scenario and foundry industries are one of the contributors to air quality degradation. The approach described in this paper is a step towards reducing air pollution due to foundry operations.Originality/valueIntegration of Six Sigma DMAIC methodology and simulation provides a novel cost‐effective strategy for monitoring and reducing air pollution resulting from foundry operations. This paper is useful for environmental division of foundry and other manufacturing industries.
Urban landscapes and streaming structures as a basis of urban construction planning
Authors: Kurbatova Anna S. , Bashkin Vladimir N. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper sets out describe the creation of sustainable urban planning concepts based on optimized urban landscape functioning. It gives an account of the formation and transformation processes of natural and artificial streaming structures.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the present‐day approaches to the environmental assessment and zoning of urban territories. This was achieved by creating the conceptual methodological basis for the assessment and classification of urban landscapes.FindingsBased on an analysis of the urban planning development of the Moscow agglomeration, principles have been proposed for the shaping of sustainable urban planning structures – landscape planning that can be applied to the management of the territorial growth of large cities and urban agglomerations. First, the shaping and reconstruction of the city structure, including the structure of land management, as well as the mutual arrangement of functional areas, should be based on the need to preserve the axes – the lines and planes of mass, energy and information transfer of landscapes of various orders. Second, the order of preserved landscape axes depends on the organisational complexity of a territory. Third, assessment of the sustainability of the structure of a city and agglomeration should be based on the criteria of river systems along their borders, such as the quantity and composition of water, its temperature, retention of the annual functioning cycle and biodiversity. Finally, urban planning control regimes should be established across the entire city and they should be determined by the position of the territory in the city's landscape structure.Originality/valueThis work will provide a better understanding of integrated environmental systems to enable development of best management practices in the city of Moscow.
A national water demand management policy in Jordan
Authors: Abdel Khaleq Rania A. , Dziegielewski Benedykt 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a proposal for formulating a national water demand management policy for Jordan. The objective is to stimulate discussion on the development and adoption of a formal policy document.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews data on water availability and use in Jordan. This is followed by a discussion of a number of policy objectives and elements.FindingsThe paper results in the formulation of a policy that should be further reviewed and made official by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation in Jordan.Originality/valueThe paper is a new source of information on the necessary elements of water policy.
Business cycles in insurance and reinsurance: the case of France, Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Meier Ursina B. , François Outreville J. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis article aims to examine the existence of an underwriting cycle in property‐liability insurance for France, Germany and Switzerland (primary markets) and for the European reinsurance industry. It is also aimed to test how the two markets are related with each other in each country and how they influence each other.Design/methodology/approachLoss ratio data for France, Germany and Switzerland are used for the recent period 1982‐2001 in connection with the price of reinsurance in Europe as well as the money market rate. To test for the existence of cycles and calculate their length auto‐regressive processes of second order are applied.FindingsThere are cross‐country differences for the primary markets of the three countries. The reinsurance price index is highly cyclical with a calculated cycle length of almost nine years. It is shown that the reinsurance price index has a strong influence on the primary market loss ratios of the three countries studied.Originality/valueWith the exception of two studies examining the impact of reinsurance on insurance prices and profits, there has been no research as yet to determine the role of reinsurance on the cyclical behavior of underwriting results. This gap is filled here by an empirical study on three European countries.
Rapid hard tooling process selection using QFD‐AHP methodology
Authors: Hanumaiah Naga , Ravi B. , Mukherjee N.P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a systematic framework for mold designers, that can be used for rapid tooling (RT) process selection and prioritization of process parameters.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a QFD‐AHP methodology which has three phases. The first phase involves prioritizing the tooling requirements (driven by customer preferences) against a set of die/mold development attributes (such as product material, geometry, and die material and production order) through pair‐wise comparison using analytical hierarchal process (AHP). These priority ratings are used for selecting the most appropriate tooling process using quality function deployment (QFD) in the second phase. Finally, QFD is used again for identifying critical process parameters (such as layer thickness, scan pitch and laser power) for the selected RT process.FindingsThe QFD‐AHP methodology has been illustrated with industrial examples on RT for molded parts. The molds were fabricated using direct metal laser sintering and spray metal tooling processes, for example, 1 and 2, respectively, to prove that the methodology can be easily implemented in tool rooms. The issues noted in these experimental studies are also discussed for the benefit of researchers.Research limitations/implicationsThe capabilities of the RT processes presented in the paper reflect the experience of the research team in RT development. The QFD‐AHP methodology will give progressively better results with a growing body of RT process knowledge.Practical implicationsThis investigation is a key step towards the goal of developing a comprehensive system for RT process selection and manufacturability evaluation. The mold designer can use this QFD‐AHP process selection methodology, prior to detailed manufacturability analysis, to better realize the benefits of RT technologies.Originality/valueThe proposed QFD‐AHP methodology is a new approach for the tooling process selection domain, and has not been reported earlier; this can be easily used for similar applications for any manufacturing domain.
A case study on the operator allocation decision for TFT‐LCD inspection and packaging process
Authors: Kuo Yiyo , Yang Taho 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT‐LCD) is the primary flat panel display (FPD) technology, which is quickly becoming pervasive in many applications including computers, mobile phones, TV monitors, and so on. The finished product of a TFT‐LCD display device is called “module”. A module is subject to a final inspection and packaging (I/P) process before it is shipped to the customer. The I/P operations are primarily manual and the present study seeks to focus on these. The I/P process is strategically important since it directly impacts on both customer service and out‐going quality levels. The operator allocation decision for I/P operations determines the through‐put of the I/P line, and is a function of demand requirement, operator availability, and product dedication.Design/methodology/approachThis research proposes to solve the I/P process operator allocation problem by mixed‐integer programming formulations. A practical case study has been adopted for the empirical illustrations.FindingsEmpirical results are promising. The potential improvement is ranging from 9 to 20 percent against the current practice at the case study company.Originality/valueA structured experimental design shows the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed formulations in solving the problem of the case study.
A filter search algorithm based on machine‐order space for job‐shop scheduling problems
Authors: Hong Choi Shiu , Yu Yang Feng 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe research aims to develop a practicable method to solve relatively large job‐shop scheduling problems (JSSP) for production planning in real‐time.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses some search strategies based on machine‐order space, and proposes a filter search algorithm (FSA) to reduce computing time by improving the speed of finding a proper machine order. Numerical experiments are conducted to verify the FSA.FindingsThe experiments confirmed the superior performance of the FSA, making it possible to solve relatively large JSSPs in real‐time. The results showed that the leaf‐node number affects the solution quality. The performance can be improved by increasing the leaf‐node number. There is a significant decrease in the average quality deviation when the leaf‐node number increases; but the decreasing rate becomes minor when the leaf‐node number is relatively large. While triple filters may provide more leaf‐node numbers for the FSA, dual filters are considered enough for most practical scheduling problems. A method is proposed to determine appropriate leaf‐node numbers for practical production environments.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation is that the FSA's performance is affected by the choice of leaf‐node number. Although the relationships between the solution quality and the leaf‐node number for some problems have been worked out, it will be useful future research to deduce the relationships for other job‐shop instances of different sizes.Originality/valueThe FSA is a new approach, which is particularly useful for planning production schedules needed for efficient and responsive management of manufacturing systems to cope with increasing global competition and market changes.
An innovative m‐utility management and billing system
Authors: Al‐Rousan M. , Al‐Ali A.R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to provide a new wireless design for utility management and billing systems using GSM networks that can be used by large utility sites.Design/methodology/approachTraditional energy and water meters are replaced or enhanced to produce digital readings. A hardware interface is designed and then connected via the GSM network to a server at the utility headquarters. The new system is compared with traditional utility systems.FindingsA prototype for the proposed systems was implemented. It was tested using a real GSM network in the United Arab Emirates. The performance of the systems was acceptable, with high accuracy results when compared with the existing systems.Research limitations/implicationsApplying the system in large buildings with multiple subscribers is not a straightforward task; the system may need some modifications.Practical implicationsThis is a very useful system for utility companies which are interested in better management and billing systems. The system can be implemented easily at low cost.Originality/valueThis work utilizes a mobile network to provide a practical system for utility companies. It is an integrated system with complete hardware, software, and database implementation.
Re‐engineering the usability‐testing process for live multimedia systems
Authors: Georgievski M. , Sharda N. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to present a comparative study of the traditional usability‐testing process and the re‐engineered usability‐testing process for live multimedia systems.Design/methodology/approachProvides an overview of current usability‐testing techniques and usability laboratory configurations, and identifies some gaps in the traditional usability‐testing approach.FindingsTraditional usability‐testing procedures are suitable for testing systems in the static environment but prove to be sub‐optimal in testing systems for dynamic (real‐time) environments.Originality/valueThe traditional set‐up is compared with innovative laboratory configuration, which consists of three computer systems: the test system in the middle augmented by two systems on either side that function as the scenario presenter and the data collection system. The re‐engineered usability‐testing process streamlined usability experiments and reduced the task completion times.
Self‐Government
Authors: Bremner Robert H. 
Published: July 2006

“I have shown how Privilege used local, county, and state officers, city councils, the state legislature and the courts to frustrate our efforts. Is it not strange that witnessing the power of Privilege through the control of these agencies the people do not awake to the fact that with these agencies in their hands they would be supreme?”—Tom L. Johnson, My Story.
The Fight for Home Rule
Authors: Bremner Robert H. 
Published: July 2006

The general assembly shall provide for the organization of cities, and incorporated villages, by general laws, and restrict their power of taxation, assessment, borrowing money, contracting debts and loaning their credit, so as to prevent the abuse of such power. [Constitution of Ohio, 1851, Article XIII, Section 6].Municipalities shall have authority to exercise all powers of local self‐government and to adopt and enforce within their limits such local police, sanitary and other similar regulations, as are not in conflict with general laws. [Constitution of Ohio as amended September 3, 1912, Article XVIII, Section 3].
Social Status of Coal Miners in Britain Since Nationalization*
Authors: Jencks Clinton E. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. Until World War I, coal miners in Great Britain were cut off, socially and geographically, from the mainstream of life in the society around them. Slavery in Scotland and serfdom throughout the rest of Britain were characteristic conditions of coal miners in the sixteenth, seventeenth, and well into the eighteenth century. Even after the Reformation, repressive laws, designed to prevent miners from leaving the industry, made more onerous the master‐servant relationship even though it was being ameliorated elsewhere.Mineworkers shared in the gradual improvement of living conditions in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The isolation of mining communities, and the low status accorded miners by society, insured that changes were slower in coming. Poverty, unemployment, and the interwar depression years for the industry defeated attempts to break down barriers and to improve miners’ living and working conditions.Wages, working conditions, fringe benefits, day‐to‐day labor‐management relations, housing, recreational facilities, and educational opportunities all sharply improved after nationalization.Today most miners still feel they are rated lower in the social scale than they are entitled to be by the nature and importance of their work. Both their appreciation of gains and their resentment of shortcomings exert an influence on industrial relations. The presence of both elements has provoked contradictory interpretations, usually to the effect that nationalization has not worked. Actually most mineworkers feel better about themselves, about the industry and its management. The status of miners among workers is higher than it has ever been. Coal miners feel entitled to improve their position still more.
Rent Subsidy and Housing Satisfaction The Case of Urban Renewal In Lubbock, Texas
Authors: Edgley Charles K. , Steglich W. G. , Cartwright Walter J. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract—Governmental programs proposing rental supplements for low‐income families assume that social and economic conditions of these families may be improved by such subsidy. However, this assumption has not been adequately tested by social science research. Data presented here were gathered at an urban renewal relocation housing project in Lubbock, Texas, and suggest that when families who, before urban renewal, were self‐sufficient in slum housing are forced into welfare situations because of rent subsidy programs, dissatisfaction with relocation facilities results. The data also indicate that dissatisfaction is correlated positively with the number of persons in the household, the age of residents, and socioeconomic status.
Use and improvement of Ellenberg's indicator values in deciduous forests of the Boreo‐nemoral zone in Sweden
Authors: Diekmann Martin 
Published: July 2006

Ellenberg's indicator values for light, moisture and reaction were tested in deciduous hardwood forests of the Boreo‐nemoral zone m Sweden Weighted averages of indicator values were calculated and correlated with field measurements for two test sets of relevés The best, highly significant correlations were found for reaction, particularly for weighted averages based on vascular plant species Significant correlations were also found for light, whereas those for moisture were less good and only partly significant Weighted averages based on presence/absence values and those based on cover/abundance values were generally very similar to each other, but showed differences in their correlations with actual measurementsA training set of relevés was used to calculate optima and ecological amplitudes of the most common species Under certain conditions, the original indicator values were replaced by these optima in order to obtain improved indicator values for Swedish deciduous forests These were correlated with the same test sets of field measurements as the original values and clearly gave better results for light as well as for reaction regarding vascular plants No clear differences were found for moisture and reaction regarding bryophytes For the majority of species, the original indicator values also expressed the ecological optima in Swedish deciduous forests as determined by this study However, several species, most of them preferring more open habitats, showed ecological optima and amplitudes that considerably deviated from central European conditions In conclusion, Ellenberg's indicator values can successfully be used in south Swedish deciduous forests, particularly after calibration of the values according to regional deviations