bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The far‐REACHing reforms of the European Commission's proposed chemical regulation
Authors: Geraghty Kate 
Published: January 2005

PurposeFocuses on, and provides a background of, the REACH Regulation, a new system of registration, evaluation and authorisation for chemicals.Design/methodology/applicationIn October 2003 The European Commission presented to the European parliament and the Council of the European Union (EU), a proposal for a Regulation that will radically reform Europe's existing chemical policy. The so‐called REACH Regulation will introduce a new system of Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation for Chemicals introduced on the EU market in volumes over 1 tonne per manufacturer per year. It will also establish a central Chemicals Agency to oversee the efficient operation of the new regulatory system. The implications of the draft Regulation on Europe's chemical manufacturers, importers, formulators and those sectors that either use or process chemicals, such as the electronics industry, will be manifold.FindingsDespite a number of concessions granted to the chemical industry following an internet consultation, there remain serious doubts over the workability of the system, as well as concerns over substantial product losses and fears over the competitiveness of Europe's chemical industry.Originality/valueThis paper sets out to provide a background to the proposed reforms and an outline of the main components of the REACH system as well as a summary of some of the likely key impacts on the PCB industry.
M.L. Weitzman vs J.M. Buchanan
Authors: Romani Umberto , Tondini Giovanni 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe aim of this article is to analyze and compare the share economy and the constitutional economy approaches. The fact that numerous world‐class multinationals have chosen to offer stock options to managers and bonus share incentives to employees denotes a realization that any improvement in the performance of an economy affected by several constraints, as is the case in the European economy, can only be achieved by assigning greater responsibility to managers and employees.Design/methodology/approachThe paper underlines the positive and negative aspects of both approaches with a critical analysis of the theories. The authors' interest in M.L. Weizman's model of the share economy stems from this basic reflection, despite the model's excessive reliance in the capacity of the state to resolve the problems at hand using ordinary legislative instruments. J.M. Buchanan's extremely interesting and indeed fundamental considerations concerning the pressures exerted on institutions by particular or individual interests are virtually overlooked.FindingsThe weakness of the share economy approach can be effectively contrasted by integrating it with the constitutional economy approach. A substantial difference between Weitzman's and Buchanan's schemes stems from the reliance, exhibited by the former, on the institutions governing the contracts between individual players.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on the analogies between Weitzman's and Buchanan's positions in order to set up a unifying framework for the analysis of workforce and other production inputs of the economical system.
Major issues relating to end‐of‐life care
Authors: Rizzo Robert F. 
Published: January 2005

PurposeEthical, legal and medical progress has been made in end‐of‐life care, addressing crucial issues in the application of principles to clinical cases. However, despite the progress, there are still unresolved issues concerning the scope and effectiveness of personal decision making and the proper use of last resort measures in terminal care. An analysis of the progress discloses both the advances and the problems still confronting patients and their families. From this perspective, one gains a better understanding of the reality of terminal care and areas that call for reform.Design/methodology/approachA historical analysis reveals the interrelation between moral and legal reasoning and their differences. It also discloses developments in the moral and legal realms that recognize rights of the patient with regard to treatment decisions. A critique of ethical and legal reasoning and medical practice pin‐points the salient problems.FindingsThere are still problems in the application of legal and ethical principles to specific cases. These problems are complicated by poor physician‐patient communication, the ineffective use of advance directives and the impact of the market economy on comprehensive palliative care. These call for reform to protect personal rights and dignity at the end of life.Originality/valueA historical approach, too often lacking, promotes insight into the complexities of end‐of‐life care. An analysis flowing from such a perspective pin‐points not only the advances in ethical, legal and medical practice but also the flaws and inconsistencies that call for a more realistic approach in reasoning and practice.
On the theory of post‐Communist economic transition to market
Authors: Papava Vladimer 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe paper investigates the utility of economic theory for post‐Communist economic transformation. It serves to explain the main reasons for market reform failure in different post‐Communist countries.Design/methodology/approachA literature review suggests that after the collapse of the Communist system there was no economic theory of transition to market. Whenever one considers the transition of post‐Communist economies to a market system (which, in fact, is nothing but post‐Communist transition to capitalist economies), it has to be placed on record, as this kind of transition has no precedent in history.FindingsThe main mistake of gradualists stems from their overlooking some very important conditions for successful transition: political guarantees and internal assets for reforms. And the success of shock therapy rests on the paradox, “the worse, the better”.Originality/valueThere is as yet no special economic theory of post‐Communist transformation and it is just developing. This paper helps one to understand the main features of shock therapy and gradualism for designing the framework of such a theory. It is geared towards researchers and students interested in the theoretical aspects of the post‐Communist economic transition to markets.
Financial support systems: the student experience in England and France
Authors: Curtis Susan , Klapper Rita 
Published: January 2005

PurposeTo investigate how the financial status of students in England and France affects their experience of university life.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was carried out among undergraduates in two countries. There were 168 responses from students studying at a French university and 325 responses from students studying at an English university.FindingsThe financial burden in France rests with parents, while in England students are largely responsible for their own funding. Indicators suggest that English students may be suffering from financial difficulties. Students continue the tradition of enjoying themselves and socialising, whatever their nationality and financial status.Research limitations/implicationsThe comparison made was not between institutions of equal status. The Institut de Formation Internationale in Rouen is part of a Grande Ecole group which is private, and may attract students from higher income families. The students at Manchester Metropolitan University Cheshire study in a rural locale (the towns of Crewe and Alsager in south Cheshire), which is unusual for a UK university and it may well be that a lower proportion of these undergraduates come from higher income families than the French students.Practical implicationsWhile it would seem to be more equitable and economically efficient for individuals to pay directly for services they receive, rather than those services being funded by higher tax, this study highlights certain problems. The quality of the educational experience for English students may be reduced by their continuing to live at home with parents and carrying out low level work while studying.Originality/valueNo other research appears to have been carried out in the UK or in France on this topic.
The academic library as congenial space: more on the Saint Mary's experience
Authors: Houlihan Ron 
Published: January 2005

PurposeTo provide theoretical and practical perspectives on the “library as space” debate as well as an update of an earlier (2002) New Library World article on one university library's attempt to re‐position itself through physical change.Design/methodology/approachThe first part examines the need to fashion academic libraries as desirable destinations for students in the face of the 24/7 availability of both library and non‐library electronic sources of information. The second part provides an account of some of the latest initiatives undertaken by the library at Saint Mary's University, an urban, primarily undergraduate university of 8,000 students on Canada's east coast.FindingsThe critical importance of providing a comfortable and stimulating environment for students and the rewards for doing so are confirmed, with reference to various Canadian and US schools. Some of the almost‐universal characteristics of today's students are identified within the context of the changing nature of academic research and communication.Practical implicationsIt offers advice and insights to libraries striving to strengthen their place within the academic life and social environment of the university. It also provides arguments for and encouragement to those attempting to implement innovative changes to either library space or library policies.Originality/valueBrings together many of the ideas and experiences of disparate academic libraries facing similar challenges.
The education of public librarians to serve leisure readers in the United States, Canada and Europe
Authors: Moyer Jessica E. , Weech Terry L. 
Published: January 2005

PurposeTo provide a comparative review of the teaching of Readers' Advisory Services in schools of library and information science in selected schools in the USA, Canada and Europe.Design/methodology/approachAfter reviewing the literature, schools are selected based on their known activity in providing readers' advisory service courses or on their national ranking (in the case of US schools) to provide a snapshot of current level of readers' advisory instruction.FindingsInstruction in readers' advisory services is a very small part of the total curriculum in schools examined. Librarians who wish to gain more insight to readers' advisory services must depend on continuing education opportunities, such as workshops and conference programs, not on courses in the curriculum of schools of library and information science.Originality/valueThis paper raises questions as to the relationship between library and information science curricula and the needs of practicing librarians to provide services to leisure readers. It finds that, despite an increased interest in providing readers' advisory services in libraries, library education is not responding to that need and continuing education and training programs are essential to providing librarians who are well prepared to serve leisure readers. For schools which are contemplating adding coursework in these areas, the case studies detail courses as they are offered at other institutions.
Who's reading in the United States?
Authors: Long Sarah Ann 
Published: January 2005

PurposeTo introduce statistics and issues raised in national study of American reading habits.Design/methodology/approachHighlights from the National Endowment of the Arts reading survey, which was conducted in 2002 and published in 2004, are presented. These are presented alongside personal views on the current trends.FindingsA downturn in literary reading, as noted in the survey, is countered when compared with library circulation statistics over the same period. A major consideration is that many people now listen to their books, instead of reading them.Originality/valueThe paper questions the popular blame of the internet for the downward trend in literary reading.
The corporate university
Authors: Shaw Sue 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThis article considers the extent to which a corporate university transcends national boundaries through an examination of the operation of Motorola University in China. The aim is to extend understanding of the role and function of a corporate university and the human resource management (HRM) convergence/divergence debate within an Asian‐Pacific context.Design/methodology/approachDocumentary evidence and in‐depth interviews were used to explore the role and operation of Motorola University China and to assess the impact of the Chinese context on the global Motorola University brand.FindingsSet up first and foremost to develop and grow young Chinese managers, Motorola University China now exhibits various features of a world‐class corporate university as well as a strong corporate brand, thereby giving support to the convergence debate. At the same time there is evidence that China's economic, political and cultural context mediates the operation of Motorola University China.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was exploratory, based on a single case and, notwithstanding the problems associated with comparative research, further research is needed to determine the relative importance of different contextual variables and the precise nature of knowledge transfer between the corporate university headquarters and the host country operation and the role of the specialist function within it.Originality/valueThe results provide tentative support for the proposition that corporate universities of global corporations can transcend national boundaries whilst at the same time being mediated by the political, economic and cultural characteristics of the host country.
Strategic marketing planning in international schools
Authors: Bunnell Tristan 
Published: January 2005

PurposeInternational schools are a growing class of educational institution. It has been suggested that few schools of this type have a marketing plan whilst research into development planning showed that few had a long‐range plan. This paper aims to investigate these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper deals with a survey of 32 international schools in 22 different countries. The public relations practitioner in each was questioned as to the nature of the marketing planning process.FindingsHalf of the schools had a marketing plan. Few had a one‐year one, and few had a cyclical one with stages. Several had dispensed with such a plan. The major aim of marketing planning was to attract more students. There was little evidence of it being a strategic process. Few schools involved the whole school body.Research limitations/implicationsThis involved a small‐scale survey of international schools at a time when student numbers were high. This survey failed to take into account the growth of this type of school in mainland China.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that perhaps some international schools might focus more on non‐rational planning and scenario‐building techniques. Making more contact with the local community might also be beneficial as a strategic marketing aim.Originality/valueThis paper furthers the understanding of the nature and organizational culture of international schools. It builds upon earlier research into development planning in this type of school.
Beyond administration in dormitory
Authors: Miura Kazuhisa , Inada Tomomi , Nomura Kensaku , Yokotani Masaaki , Kubota Tetsuya , Akagi Tetsuya 
Published: January 2005

PurposeAims to offer some ways of improving and developing the residents in the dormitory of Tsuyama National College of Technology, Tsuyama, Japan.Design/methodology/approachDescribes how in order to calm the dormitory atmosphere, strict regulations had been adopted since the foundation times for the college, which sometimes led to deplorable happenings. After facing dormitory issues from a new perspective in 1990, school authorities abandoned the allegiance to supervision. The dormitory affairs committee has stimulated the residents' intrinsic motivation since then, leading to the improvements in the dormitory. Describes the course of improvement and the present condition of the dormitory.FindingsAdvocates the necessity of broadening residents' horizons to continually improve their quality of life in the dormitory.Research limitations/implicationsIt would take some years to ascertain our policy to be desirable for the dormitory. During that time, almost the entire membership of the dormitory affairs committee would be replaced, which might lead to a drastic turnabout on dormitory policy.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information and impartial advice for the staves who involve in dormitory issues of other colleges.Originality/valueDemonstrates unique policies on improvement for the dormitory, which are different from those adopted in other colleges of technology.
An improved mathematical programming method for wrinkling prediction of cloths
Authors: Zhang H.W. , Wang M. , Zhang X.W. , Guo X. 
Published: January 2005

PurposeAn improved mathematical programming method for numerical simulation of cloth wrinkling is investigated.Design/methodology/approachCloth is modeled as the network of bars (called bar network) or membrane elements with a special nonlinear mechanical constitutive law in the finite element analysis.FindingsCompared with conventional numerical methods, the proposed method does not depend on stress iteration, but on the base exchanges in the solution of a standard quadratic programming problem. Thus, the new method presents very good convergence behavior and accurate predictions of wrinkling patterns and stress distributions of cloths. Numerical results demonstrate the validity and the efficiency of the proposed method.Originality/valueFrom the engineering point of view, accurate numerical methods are required in wrinkling analysis of cloth deformation. The algorithm developed here also can be applied into fields such as large deformation under wind load and dynamic behaviors of cloths.
Contact mechanics in two‐dimensional finite element modelling of fabrics
Authors: Provatidis Christopher G. , Vassiliadis Savvas G. , Anastasiadou Eleni A. 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThis paper proposes a simplified two‐dimensional representation of the unit cell of the fabric that involves three bodies in contact.Design/methodology/approachThe fabrics are not simple homogenous structures. They have a discrete structural character and this is essential for their complex mechanical behaviour. Low stress micro‐mechanics is mainly used for the prediction of the fabric hand. Modelling of the fabric microstructure is a powerful tool for the in‐depth study of their performance. Based on the geometrical models of the fabrics, finite element analysis (FEA) is a very useful method for the mechanical analysis of their complex shape structures. Especially FEA can be applied on a system of bodies in contact by taking into account the interactions between the individual bodies. The parametric FEA analysis of the unit cell of the fabric provides interesting results about its mechanical behaviour.FindingsThe present work states that the use of the finite element method is a friendly and convenient method for an in‐depth study of the contact phenomena, which are dominating on the total mechanical behaviour of the fabrics.Originality/valueThis paper provides a simplified two‐dimensional representation of a unit cell of a fabric that involves three bodies in contact. The parametric FEA analysis of the unit cell of the fabric provides interesting results.
A high pressure bursting strength tester for coated industrial fabrics
Authors: Lewis C.J. , Lloyd D.W. 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe design and construction of a high‐pressure bursting strength tester is described.Design/methodology/approachThe tester has a large aperture and is intended to operate with coated industrial fabrics. To ensure safe operation, since the tester is capable of operating up to pressures of 5,000 kPa, water is used as the inflation medium and all tests are conducted under water. The tester is designed to operate on both flat specimens and cylindrical specimens.FindingsSample results are reported to demonstrate the successful operation of the tester on plain specimens and on specimens with welded and taped seams. The tester has demonstrated that it is capable of yielding reproducible and useful results on coated industrial fabrics of the type used to manufacture inflatable boats.Practical implicationsThe low‐cost, high pressure bursting strength tester can be used for lightweight, coated industrial fabrics of the type commonly used in the construction of inflatable boats and liferafts.Originality/valueThe tester was developed to support a programme of work to develop a lightweight, collapsible decompression chamber. Although the parameters of the tester were chosen to meet the needs of the decompression chamber project, the tester has wider application and may, therefore, be of wider interest.
Clothing fit preferences of young female adult consumers
Authors: Alexander Marina , Jo Connell Lenda , Beth Presley Ann 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThis paper explores the relationships between body type and fit preferences with body cathexis, clothing benefits sought by consumers, and demographic profiles of consumers.Design/methodology/approachThe survey instrument consisted of a questionnaire with scales assessing fit preference, body type, body cathexis, clothing benefits sought and consumer demographics.FindingsSignificant associations were found between body cathexis (satisfaction with head/upper body, lower body, height, weight and torso) and body shape. The degree of satisfaction with different body parts depended on the body type of the individual. The level of satisfaction with head/upper body, height and torso did not vary by body type. No significant differences were found between fit preferences and body type for lower body garments.Research limitations/implicationsThe majority of respondents were between the ages 18 and 28, affluent Caucasian Americans, with an hourglass body type, who had a family income of $85,000 or more and shopped in department or boutique/specialty stores.Originality/valueUnderstanding the fit preferences of female consumers could help apparel companies to produce and meet demands for comfortable and well fitting clothes for women. The results of this research may be used as a first step to develop an expert system to correlate body shape and fit preferences of consumers.