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Knowledge Gaps (knowledge + gap)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	30%
Life Sciences	20%
Humanities and Social Sciences	13%
Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting	13%
Earth and Environmental Science	11%
5 Other Domains	13%

Selected Abstracts

Experimental Evidence of the Knowledge Gap: Message Arousal, Motivation, and Time Delay

HUMAN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008
Maria Elizabeth Grabe
This study experimentally tested the knowledge gap from an information processing perspective. Specifically, knowledge acquisition was investigated under conditions of medium and low news message arousal, with time delay. Results show the persistence of a knowledge gap, particularly for low arousing messages. In fact, at low levels of message arousal, the gap is larger than at medium levels of arousal. Some existing research suggests that message salience explains the knowledge gap. Findings from this study show that information processing aptitude may also be a significant factor. Measures of several dimensions of participant motivation to cognitively engage with news messages were added as covariates to statistical analyses. These were found not to affect the knowledge gap outcomes in this data set. Résumé Des preuves expérimentales de l,écart des savoirs : intérêt des messages, motivation et décalage de temps Cette étude a testé expérimentalement l'écart des savoirs à partir d,une perspective du traitement de l'information. En particulier, l,acquisition des connaissances fut étudiée dans des conditions d'intérêt moyen et faible des messages d,information, avec un décalage de temps. Les résultats démontrent la persistance d'un écart des savoirs, particulièrement pour les messages à faible intérêt. En fait, l,écart est plus large à de faibles niveaux d'intérêt qu,à des niveaux moyens. Des recherches préalables suggèrent que la prépondérance des messages explique l'écart des savoirs. Les résultats de cette étude démontrent que les aptitudes de traitement de l,information peuvent aussi être un facteur important. Les mesures de plusieurs dimensions de la motivation des participants à s'impliquer cognitivement avec les messages informatifs furent ajoutées comme covariables aux analyses statistiques. Elles n,ont pas paru avoir d'effets sur les résultats de l,écart des savoirs dans cet ensemble de données. Mots clés : écart des savoirs, modèle de capacité limitée du traitement motivé des messages médiatiques (limited capacity model of mediated motivated message processing), cognition, statut socioéconomique, éducation, intérêt des messages, mémoire, décalage de temps, motivation, prépondérange des messages, informations Abstract Ein experimenteller Nachweis der Wissenskluft: Botschaftserregung, Motivation und Zeitverzögerung Diese Studie testete die Wissensklufthypothese experimentell aus einer Informationsverarbeitungsperspektive. Insbesondere wurde die Wissensaneignung bei Nachrichten unter Bedingungen eines mittleren und niedrigen Botschaftserregungsniveaus mit Zeitverzögerung untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen das Fortdauern einer Wissenskluft insbesondere bei wenig erregenden Botschaften. Tatsächlich ist die Kluft bei einem geringen Niveau der Botschaftserregung größer als bei mittleren Erregungsniveaus. Bestehende Forschung legt nahe, dass die Wissenskluft durch die Botschaftssalienz erklärt werden kann. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie zeigen, dass die Informationsverarbeitungsfähigkeit ebenfalls ein signifikanter Faktor sein könnte. Messungen verschiedenen Dimensionen der Motivation der Teilnehmer, sich kognitiv mit den Nachrichtenbotschaften zu beschäftigen, wurden als Kovariate in die statistische Analyse einbezogen. Diese zeigten keine Auswirkungen auf die Wissenskluft in dieser Stichprobe. Resumen La Evidencia Experimental de la Brecha de Conocimiento: La Excitación del Mensaje, la Motivación, y la Demora de Tiempo Este estudio puso a prueba experimental la brecha de conocimiento desde la perspectiva del procesamiento de la información. Específicamente, la adquisición de conocimiento fue investigada bajo condiciones de excitación mediana y baja a los mensajes de noticias, con una demora de tiempo. Los resultados muestran la persistencia de la brecha de conocimiento, particularmente en los mensajes de excitación baja. De hecho, en los niveles de excitación de mensaje bajos la brecha fue mayor que en los niveles de excitación medianos. Algunas investigaciones existentes sugieren que la notabilidad del mensaje explica la brecha de conocimiento. Los hallazgos de este estudio muestran que la aptitud de procesamiento de información puede ser un factor significante también. Las medidas de varias dimensiones de la motivación del participante para involucrarse cognitivamente con los mensajes de noticias fueron agregadas como covarianzas a los análisis estadísticos. Se encontró que éstos no afectaron los resultados de la brecha de conocimiento en este grupo de datos. Palabras claves: brecha de conocimiento, modelo de capacidad limitada de procesamiento de mensajes motivadores mediatizados, cognición, estatus socioeconómico, educación, excitación del mensaje, memoria, demora de tiempo, motivación, notabilidad del mensaje, noticias. ZhaiYao Yo yak [source]

Adopting Lead-Free Electronics: Policy Differences and Knowledge Gaps

JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2004
Julie M. Schoenung
For more than a decade, the use of lead (Pb) in electronics has been controversial: Indeed, its toxic effects are well documented, whereas relatively little is known about proposed alternative materials. As the quantity of electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) increases, legislative initiatives and corporate marketing strategies are driving a reduction in the use of some toxic substances in electronics. This article argues that the primacy of legislation over engineering and economics may result in selecting undesirable replacement materials for Pb because of overlooked knowledge gaps. These gaps include the need for: assessments of the effects of changes in policy on the flow of e-waste across state and national boundaries; further reliability testing of alternative solder alloys; further toxicology and environmental impact studies for high environmental loading of the alternative solders (and their metal components); improved risk assessment methodologies that can capture complexities such as changes in waste management practices, in electronic product design, and in rate of product obsolescence; carefully executed allocation methods when evaluating the impact of raw material extraction; and in-depth risk assessment of alternative end-of-life (EOL) options. The resulting environmental and human health consequences may be exacerbated by policy differences across political boundaries. To address this conundrum, legislation and policies dealing with Pb in electronics are first reviewed. A discussion of the current state of knowledge on alternative solder materials relative to product design, environmental performance, and risk assessment follows. Previous studies are reviewed, and consistent with their results, this analysis finds that there is great uncertainty in the trade-offs between Pb-based solders and proposed replacements. Bridging policy and knowledge gaps will require increased international cooperation on materials use, product market coverage, and e-waste EOL management. [source]

The present knowledge on soil pests and pathogens in Uganda

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 2007
M. B. Sekamatte
Abstract To develop an inventory of the present knowledge about soil-borne pests (insects, fungi, nematodes and bacteria) in Uganda, we review in this paper, aspects of their diversity, abundance, distribution in agro-ecosystems control approaches as well as their role in sustainable land management. Knowledge gaps about the soil pests and short falls in human resource capacity are identified as possible factors affecting the development of appropriate management packages for the soil pests. Priority research areas and capacity building needs are suggested. [source]

Status of galaxiid fishes in Tasmania, Australia: conservation listings, threats and management issues

AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 3 2006
Scott A. Hardie
Abstract 1.Fish of the family Galaxiidae are restricted to the southern hemisphere where they occupy a diverse array of habitats ranging from over 2000 m in elevation to sea level. Some species are diadromous and, hence, freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats are used during their life-cycle; other species complete their entire life-cycles in freshwater environments. 2.Tasmania has a diverse galaxiid fauna that accounts for 64% of native freshwater fish species found on the island. The Tasmanian galaxiid fauna is characterized by high species richness (5 genera and 16 species), endemism (11 species), restricted distributions, and non-diadromous life histories (11 species). 3.The galaxiid fauna of Tasmania has significant conservation status with 69% of species considered ,threatened'. The conservation status of the fauna is recognized at State, national and international levels. 4.The key threats to galaxiids in Tasmania are exotic species, hydrological manipulations, restricted distributions, general habitat degradation and exploitation of stocks. 5.Although work has recently been undertaken to conserve and manage Tasmanian galaxiid populations, the fauna is still thought to be imperilled. Knowledge gaps that need to be addressed include the biology and ecology of most species (e.g. reproductive biology, life histories, habitat use and requirements) and impacts of habitat manipulations, as well as mechanisms and impacts of interactions with exotic species. Techniques to monitor accurately the status of galaxiid species and their populations need to be developed and the coexistence of some galaxiids with introduced salmonids should also be examined. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Spatial and temporal patterns of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) spawning in the eastern Bering Sea inferred from egg and larval distributions

FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2010
NATHAN M. BACHELER
Abstract Walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma (pollock hereafter) is a key ecological and economic species in the eastern Bering Sea, yet detailed synthesis of the spatial and temporal patterns of pollock ichthyoplankton in this important region is lacking. This knowledge gap is particularly severe considering that egg and larval distribution are essential to reconstructing spawning locations and early life stages drift pathways. We used 19 yr of ichthyoplankton collections to determine the spatial and temporal patterns of egg and larval distribution. Generalized additive models (GAMs) identified two primary temporal pulses of pollock eggs, the first occurring from 20 February to 31 March and the second from 20 April to 20 May; larvae showed similar, but slightly lagged, pulses. Based on generalized cross-validation and information theory, a GAM model that allowed for different seasonal patterns in egg density within three unique areas outperformed a GAM that assumed a single fixed seasonal pattern across the entire eastern Bering Sea. This ,area-dependent' GAM predicted the highest densities of eggs (i.e., potential spawning locations) in three major areas of the eastern Bering Sea: near Bogoslof Island (February,April), north of Unimak Island and the Alaska Peninsula (March,April), and around the Pribilof Islands (April,August). Unique temporal patterns of egg density were observed for each area, suggesting that pollock spawning may be more spatially and temporally complex than previously assumed. Moreover, this work provides a valuable baseline of pollock spawning to which future changes, such as those resulting from climate variability, may be compared. [source]

Atomic Structure and Electrical Properties of In(Te) Nanocontacts on CdZnTe(110) by Scanning Probe Microscopy

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 2 2010
Gili Cohen-Taguri
Abstract Understanding complex correlations between the macroscopic device performance (largely dependent on the character of the metal,semiconductor contact) and the metallurgy of contact formation on the atomic level in cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) radiation detectors remains a formidable challenge. In this work, an effort towards bridging that macro,nano knowledge gap is made by conducting a series of controlled experiments aimed at correlating electrical properties of the In contact to n-type CdZnTe(110) surface with the step-by-step process of contact formation. This can only be achieved by using high spatial resolution techniques, capable of conducting highly localized measurements on the nano- and sub-nanoscale, such as scanning probe microscopy. Scanning tunneling microscopy is used in situ to monitor the behavior of various In atom coverages on an atomically flat and ordered CdZnTe surface under well-controlled molecular beam epitaxial conditions in ultra-high vacuum. Electrical derivatives of atomic force microscopy are used to measure the electrical contact properties, such as contact potential difference and spreading resistance in torsion resonance tunneling mode. It is concluded that In atoms preferentially reacted with Te atomic-rows already at room temperature, forming nanometric patches of indium,telluride Schottky-type contacts. The methods developed in this study, in terms of both nanocontact fabrication and characterization (especially in terms of electrical properties) should benefit basic and applied research of any metal,semiconductor system. [source]

Information that informs rather than alienates families with disabled children: developing a model of good practice

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 2 2002
Wendy Mitchell PhD
Abstract The importance to families with disabled children of relevant and accessible information about services has been illustrated in numerous studies and was re-emphasised by the Department of Health's ,quality protects' initiative. Indeed, the provision of information and the importance of keeping families informed is frequently viewed as a significant factor within both the concept of empowerment and the facilitation of enabling and participatory processes for service users and their families. However, although there has been considerable research highlighting parents' information needs, there has been significantly less exploration of how parents would actually like to receive this information. This paper seeks to bridge this knowledge gap and also discusses the empowering potential of user-friendly information. Drawing upon data collected from focus group discussions with parents caring for children with a range of disabilities or chronic illnesses, this paper explores how the families of service users would like to receive information. In particular, it examines the criteria by which parents judge the quality of information and their ideas as to what constitutes good practice, especially in terms of how information is presented, its content and the way it is delivered. Using these ideas and criteria, the paper begins to develop a model of good information practice that is both three-dimensional and personally interactive. Indeed, parents' desire for a combination of personal guidance and good-quality information, whether in the form of in-depth booklets or shorter directories, is viewed as being of paramount importance and, furthermore, as having an important empowering potential. [source]

Experimental Evidence of the Knowledge Gap: Message Arousal, Motivation, and Time Delay

Closing the gap: towards a process model of post-merger knowledge sharing

INFORMATION SYSTEMS JOURNAL, Issue 4 2007
Youngjin Yoo
Abstract., We develop a process model of post-merger knowledge sharing based on distributed cognition, a systems perspective and path dependence. The framework conceptualizes knowledge sharing by layers of management choice and employee appropriation of knowledge resources seen as knowledge as content and knowledge as connection. We use the framework to study a merger of two polymer companies. The study reveals that mergers represent a discontinuity in knowledge sharing. Yet, chosen strategies often mirror the learned knowledge-sharing practices of one of the merged companies and match poorly with the post-merger knowledge-sharing needs. Five factors emerged contribute to this knowledge gap: (a) the nature of the merger; (b) a lack of shared context; (c) the incompatibility of existing knowledge systems; (d) the tacit dimension of knowledge; and (e) time pressures of the merger. Our study shows that, employees enacted knowledge new sharing practices that differed significantly from the official strategy to close to the post-merger knowledge gap. [source]

Global health partnerships in practice: taking stock of the GAVI Alliance's new investment in health systems strengthening

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2009
Joseph F. Naimoli
Despite a burgeoning literature on global health partnerships (GHPs), there have been few studies of how GHPs, particularly those trying to build a bridge between horizontal and vertical modes of delivering essential health services, operate at global and country levels. This paper will help address this knowledge gap by describing and analyzing the GAVI Alliance's early experience with health systems strengthening (HSS) to improve immunization coverage and other maternal-child health outcomes. To date, the strengths of HSS reside in its potential to optimize GAVI's overall investment in immunization, efforts to harmonize with other initiatives, willingness to acknowledge risk and identify mitigation strategies, engagement of diverse stakeholders, responsiveness to country needs, and effective management of an ambitious grant-making enterprise. The challenges have been forging a common vision and approach, governance, balancing pressure to move money with incremental learning, managing partner roles and relationships, managing the "value for money" risk, and capacity building. This mid-point stock-taking makes recommendations for moving GAVI forward in a thoughtful manner. The findings should be of interest to other GHPs because of their larger significance. This is a story about how a successful alliance that decided to broaden its mandate has responded to the technical, organizational, and political complexities that challenge its traditional business model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

What some recent research tells us about planned giving (legacy marketing) in North America

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NONPROFIT & VOLUNTARY SECTOR MARKETING, Issue 1 2005
Donna Richardson
The transformation of fundraising from an ,emerging profession' to a ,true profession' is contingent on the continual development of a formal body of knowledge based on theory and research. To further that goal, this paper, written from a Canadian perspective, reviews current and recent research studies in both Canada and the USA, focusing specifically on the areas of legacy marketing and bequest gifts. The aim of this paper is two-fold: first, to bring forward ,established knowledge' in this relatively new and burgeoning area of fundraising; and second, to draw attention to areas where there is a knowledge gap, thereby laying the groundwork for further research and progress in this area. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Safety in numbers: extinction arising from predator-driven Allee effects

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Stephen D. Gregory
A.M. Kramer & J.M. Drake (2010) Experimental demonstration of population extinction due to a predator-driven Allee effect. Journal of Animal Ecology, 79, 633,639. Experimental evidence of extinction via an Allee effect (AE) is a priority as more species become threatened by human activity. Kramer & Drake (2010) begin the International Year of Biodiversity with the important , but double-edged , demonstration that predators can induce an AE in their prey. The good news is that their experiments help bridge the knowledge gap between theoretical and empirical AEs. The bad news is that this predator-driven AE precipitates the prey extinction via a demographic AE. Although their findings will be sensitive to departures from their experimental protocol, this link between predation and population extinction could have important consequences for many prey species. [source]

Enhancing primary health care services for adults with intellectual disabilities

JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2005
C. A. Melville
Abstract Background Primary health care teams have an important part to play in addressing the health inequalities and high levels of unmet health needs experienced by people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Practice nurses have an expanding role within primary health care teams. However, no previous studies have measured their attitudes, knowledge, training needs, and self-efficacy in their work with people with ID. Methods All practice nurses working in a defined area were identified. A purpose-designed questionnaire to measure nurse attitudes, knowledge, training needs and self-efficacy was developed and piloted. All practice nurses were then invited to participate. Data from completed questionnaires were entered onto PC and analysed. Results Of a total of 292 practice nurses 201 (69%) participated. Whilst 89% (n = 179) of participants reported having infrequent contact, 25% (n = 50) reported a growing workload with people with ID. Only 8% (n = 16) had ever received any training in communicating with people with ID. A knowledge gap regarding the health needs of people with ID was identified. Eighty-six per cent reported having experienced specific difficulties during previous appointments, and only 23% thought they had sufficient case note information at appointments, but 68% did not modify the duration of their appointments with people with ID. Conversely, responses demonstrated that practice nurses have a high level of experience and qualification in general nursing, have positive attitudes to working with people with ID, and high self-efficacy scores were identified for work with people with ID. The practice nurses viewed ID to be a high priority area for future training. Conclusions Primary health care teams have a key role in tackling the unmet health needs of people with ID. Whilst this project has identified factors that may impact on the accessibility of services, it has also identified practice nurses as having positive attitudes and high self-efficacy scores in their work with people with ID. This indicates that they should be targeted for specific training in this area, which may make an important contribution in enhancing future accessibility of primary health care services for people with ID. [source]

Gender- and Age-Related Differences in the Association Between Social Relationship Quality and Trait Levels of Salivary Cortisol

JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE, Issue 2 2008
Alan Booth
The majority of studies linking individual differences in the quality of social relationships and activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have focused on the early development of attachment between infants and their caregivers. Later in development, during middle childhood and adolescence, the parallel HPA links to age-appropriate social relationships with peers, parents, and siblings remain largely unspecified. This study addressed this knowledge gap. Early morning saliva samples were obtained from 367 children in middle childhood (ages 6,10) and 357 adolescents (M age=11,16 years) on two successive days 1 year apart and assayed for cortisol. Latent state,trait modeling was employed to separate variance in cortisol levels attributable to "stable trait-like" versus "state or situational specific" sources to minimize the high moment-to-moment variation in basal adrenocortical activity. During adolescence but not middle childhood, and for girls but not boys, lower levels of "trait cortisol" were associated with poor quality social relationships. The pattern was robust, extending to the quality of relationships with parents, siblings, and peers. Importantly, the relationship was independent of the rates of internalizing or externalizing problem behavior. We found that isolating the variance in cortisol levels attributable to stable intrinsic sources revealed an interpretable pattern that linked individual differences in basal HPA activity to social relationships during adolescence. Studies are needed to reveal the biosocial mechanisms involved in the establishment of this gender- and age-specific phenomenon and to decipher whether or not individual differences in this hormone-behavior link are adaptive. [source]

Patients have a "CAM" knowledge gap,But who will fill it?,

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2009
Kimball C. Atwood IV
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Individual differences, environmental scanning, innovation framing, and champion behavior: key predictors of project performance

THE JOURNAL OF PRODUCT INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2001
Jane M. Howell
Although increasing evidence points to the importance of champions for keeping product innovation ideas alive and thriving, little is known about how champions identify potential product innovation ideas, how they present these ideas to gain much needed support from key stakeholders, and their impact on innovation project performance over time. Jane M. Howell and Christine M. Shea address this knowledge gap by using measures of individual differences, environmental scanning, innovation framing and champion behavior to predict the performance of 47 product innovation projects. Champion behavior was defined as expressing confidence in the innovation, involving and motivating others to support the innovation, and persisting under adversity. Interviews with 47 champions were conducted to collect information about the innovation projects and the champions' tendency to frame the innovation as an opportunity or threat. Survey data were obtained from three sources: 47 champions provided information on their personal characteristics (locus of control and breadth of interest) and activities (environmental scanning), 47 division managers subjectively assessed project performance at two points in time, and 237 innovation team members rated the frequency of champion behavior. The results revealed that an internal locus of control orientation was positively related to framing the innovation as an opportunity, and breadth of interest was positively related to environmental scanning. Environmental scanning of documents and framing the innovation as a threat was negatively related to champion behavior, while environmental scanning through people was positively related to champion behavior. Champion behavior positively predicted project performance over a one-year interval. Overall, the findings suggest that in scanning the environment for new ideas, the most effective source of information is the champion's personal network of people inside and outside the organization. Also, the simple labeling of an idea as a threat appears to diminish a champion's perceived influence and erode credibility in promoting an innovation. From the perspective of division managers, champions make a positive contribution to project performance over time, reinforcing the crucial role that champions play in new product development process. [source]

Detection, distribution and control of Potato mop-top virus, a soil-borne virus, in northern Europe

ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
J. Santala
Potato mop-top virus (PMTV; genus Pomovirus; family Virgaviridae) is transmitted by the soil-borne Spongospora subterranea f.sp. subterranea, a protoctist that causes powdery scab on potato. PMTV is distributed widely in the potato growing areas in South and North America, Japan and northwestern Europe. This article reviews the current knowledge on detection, distribution and control of PMTV with focus on the Baltic Sea region. Since the 1980s, PMTV has caused great economic losses to potato production in the Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland), but its occurrence in other countries of the Baltic Sea region remained unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, harmonised sampling and virus detection procedures including bioassays and serological and molecular methods were employed by 21 research institutions to detect PMTV in potato tubers and soil samples in 2005,2008. Potato growing areas were widely contaminated with PMTV in the Nordic countries. Only the main seed potato production area in northern Sweden and the High Grade seed potato production zone in Finland were negative for PMTV. Intensive and systematic surveys in Poland in 2004,2008 found no evidence of PMTV, except a single PMTV-infected tuber detected in 2008. Surveys in the Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) and northwestern Russia (Leningrad province) were negative for PMTV, except infection of minitubers in a screenhouse in Latvia in 2005. Varying percentages of tubers expressing spraing symptoms in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Poland were infected with Tobacco rattle virus, and bioassays indicated similar results for Russia. Incidence of symptomless infections with PMTV was high in tubers of many potato cultivars. Here, we discuss the contrasting patterns of distribution of PMTV in the Baltic Sea region, factors playing a role in dispersal and establishment of PMTV in new fields and means for controlling PMTV and its spread to new areas. We emphasise the use of the current virus-specific methods for the detection of PMTV in symptomless potato tubers and the high risks of disseminating PMTV to new fields and areas in viruliferous resting spores of S. subterranea in the soil adhering to seed tubers. PMTV-resistant potato cultivars will provide the only sustainable means for preventing yield losses in the infested fields and the prospects of resistance breeding are summarised. [source]

Sex Differences in Perceived Family Functioning and Family Resources in Hong Kong Families: Implications for Social Work Practice

ASIAN SOCIAL WORK AND POLICY REVIEW, Issue 3 2009
Joyce L.C. Ma
Although enhancing family functioning has become a rising concern of social workers in Chinese contexts such as Hong Kong, little has been known on perceived family functioning and family resources. To fill in this knowledge gap, this article reports part of the results of a telephone survey conducted in Hong Kong, aiming to identify the sex differences in these two areas. The results of the study have shown that Chinese women perceived better affective involvement, one of the crucial indicators of family functioning, than Chinese men. However, among the different family resources, men rated better physical and mental well-being whereas women's social connection was stronger than men's. Further analysis have shown that the linkage of three family resources (namely stress coping efficacy, time spent with family and income) to perceived family functioning was statistically significant irrespective of genders. Implications of this study for social work practice are discussed at the end of the article. [source]

Beyond Just Research: Experiences from Southern Africa in Developing Social Learning Partnerships for Resource Conservation Initiatives

BIOTROPICA, Issue 5 2009
Charlie M. Shackleton
ABSTRACT There is a well-acknowledged communication or knowledge gap between scientists and decision-makers. Many scientists who take on the challenge of narrowing this gap operate on the understanding that their role is to communicate their findings in a one-way flow of information: from science to decision-makers. However, to be effective scientists must engage in an ongoing social learning process with decision-makers, and regard themselves as facilitators, and also as one among many stakeholders who have valid and important ecological knowledge. The developing world poses some particular challenges in this regard, specifically in terms of the large number of local level subsistence resources users who are important de facto decision-makers. We examine four natural resource management case studies from South Africa that differ in spatial scale and complexity, ranging from a single village to a whole biome. We distil seven lessons to help guide development of social learning processes and organizations in similar situations relating to natural resource planning and management. The lessons pertain to: maintaining ,key individuals' within social learning processes; the role of researchers; the formulation of research questions that social learning processes require adaptive long-term funding and capacity support; that local resource users are key decision-makers in developing countries; some perspectives on knowledge; and the need to measure research success. [source]

Brief alcohol intervention,where to from here?

ADDICTION, Issue 6 2010
Challenges remain for research, practice
ABSTRACT Brief intervention (BI) is intended as an early intervention for non-treatment-seeking, non-alcohol-dependent, hazardous and harmful drinkers. This text provides a brief summary of key BI research findings from the last three decades and discusses a number of knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. Five areas are described: patient intervention efficacy and effectiveness; barriers to BI implementation by health professionals; individual-level factors that impact on BI implementation; organization-level factors that impact on BI implementation; and society-level factors that impact on BI implementation. BI research has focused largely upon the individual patient and health professional levels, with the main focus upon primary health care research, and studies are lacking in other settings. However, research must, to a larger degree, take into account the organizational and wider context in which BI occurs, as well as interaction between factors at different levels, in order to advance the understanding of how wider implementation of BI can be achieved in various settings and how different population groups can be reached. It is also important to expand BI research beyond its current parameters to investigate more ambitious long-term educational programmes and new organizational models. More widespread implementation of BI will require many different interventions (efforts, actions, initiatives, etc.) at different interlinked levels, from implementation interventions targeting individual health professionals' knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours concerning alcohol issues, BI and behaviour change counselling to efforts at the organizational and societal levels that influence the conditions for delivering BI as part of routine health care. [source]

Phytosanitary measures in the European Union: a call for more dynamic risk management allowing more focus on real pest risks Case study: Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) on ornamental Solanaceae in Europe

EPPO BULLETIN, Issue 3 2008
M. B. De Hoop
After fifteen years of harmonisation of phytosanitary measures in the European Union, today's legislation has become increasingly stagnant, complex and detailed. The recent finding of Potato spindle tuber viroid in ornamental plants in the Netherlands and other Member States illustrates the struggle to take prompt emergency measures when specific knowledge is not available. It is proposed that the European Commission should take the initiative to organise the process of pest risk analysis from beginning to end. In addition, the Commission should have budgets at their disposal for instantaneous research to generate the required data and fill in knowledge gaps. Such policy enables evaluation of emergency measures and implementation of permanent requirements on the basis of scientific data within a short period, thereby creating a dynamic legislation that focuses on real pest risks. [source]

Stabilization of organic matter in temperate soils: mechanisms and their relevance under different soil conditions , a review

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2006
M. v. Lützow
Summary Mechanisms for C stabilization in soils have received much interest recently due to their relevance in the global C cycle. Here we review the mechanisms that are currently, but often contradictorily or inconsistently, considered to contribute to organic matter (OM) protection against decomposition in temperate soils: (i) selective preservation due to recalcitrance of OM, including plant litter, rhizodeposits, microbial products, humic polymers, and charred OM; (ii) spatial inaccessibility of OM against decomposer organisms due to occlusion, intercalation, hydrophobicity and encapsulation; and (iii) stabilization by interaction with mineral surfaces (Fe-, Al-, Mn-oxides, phyllosilicates) and metal ions. Our goal is to assess the relevance of these mechanisms to the formation of soil OM during different stages of decomposition and under different soil conditions. The view that OM stabilization is dominated by the selective preservation of recalcitrant organic components that accumulate in proportion to their chemical properties can no longer be accepted. In contrast, our analysis of mechanisms shows that: (i) the soil biotic community is able to disintegrate any OM of natural origin; (ii) molecular recalcitrance of OM is relative, rather than absolute; (iii) recalcitrance is only important during early decomposition and in active surface soils; while (iv) during late decomposition and in the subsoil, the relevance of spatial inaccessibility and organo-mineral interactions for SOM stabilization increases. We conclude that major difficulties in the understanding and prediction of SOM dynamics originate from the simultaneous operation of several mechanisms. We discuss knowledge gaps and promising directions of future research. [source]

PERSPECTIVE: Linking concepts in the ecology and evolution of invasive plants: network analysis shows what has been most studied and identifies knowledge gaps

EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2010
Sonia Vanderhoeven
Abstract In recent decades, a growing number of studies have addressed connections between ecological and evolutionary concepts in biologic invasions. These connections may be crucial for understanding the processes underlying invaders' success. However, the extent to which scientists have worked on the integration of the ecology and evolution of invasive plants is poorly documented, as few attempts have been made to evaluate these efforts in invasion biology research. Such analysis can facilitate recognize well-documented relationships and identify gaps in our knowledge. In this study, we used a network-based method for visualizing the connections between major aspects of ecology and evolution in the primary research literature. Using the family Poaceae as an example, we show that ecological concepts were more studied and better interconnected than were evolutionary concepts. Several possible connections were not documented at all, representing knowledge gaps between ecology and evolution of invaders. Among knowledge gaps, the concepts of plasticity, gene flow, epigenetics and human influence were particularly under-connected. We discuss five possible research avenues to better understand the relationships between ecology and evolution in the success of Poaceae, and of alien plants in general. [source]

Pfizer's prescription for the risky business of executive transitions

GLOBAL BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE, Issue 1 2005
Carlota Vollhardt
While transitions in leadership and key expert roles can create opportunities for improvement and innovation, they also run a high risk of failure and loss of business-critical knowledge and social capital. At Pfizer, key stakeholders engage in a carefully orchestrated process that harvests know-how critical to the role going forward, transfers it to the successor, and identifies and addresses any remaining knowledge gaps. The approach also provides the successor a transition road map for accelerating learning and capitalizing on strengths while tending to business. © 2005 Carlota Vollhardt [source]

Learning from research on the information behaviour of healthcare professionals: a review of the literature 2004,2008 with a focus on emotion

HEALTH INFORMATION & LIBRARIES JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009
Ina Fourie
Objective:, A review, focusing on emotion, was conducted of reported studies on the information behaviour of healthcare professionals (2004,2008). Findings were intended to offer guidelines on information services and information literacy training, to note gaps in research and to raise research interest. Method:, Databases were searched for literature published from January 2004 to December 2008 and indexed on eric, Library and Information Science Abstracts, medline, PsycINFO, Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition; Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts; Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection; Social Work Abstracts; SocINDEX with Full Text; SPORTDiscus; cinhal; and the ISI Web of Knowledge databases. Key journals were manually scanned and citations followed. Literature was included if reporting on issues concerning emotion. Results:, Emotion in information behaviour in healthcare contexts is scantily addressed. This review, however, offers some insight into the difficulty in identifying and expressing information needs; sense making and the need to fill knowledge gaps; uncertainty; personality and coping skills; motivation to seeking information; emotional experiences during information seeking; self-confidence and attitude; emotional factors in the selection of information channels; and seeking information for psychological or emotional reasons. Conclusion:, Suggestions following findings, address information literacy programs, information services and research gaps. [source]

Closing science-practice knowledge gaps: Contributions of psychological research to human resource management

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2004
Michael J. Burke
Evidence of science-practice knowledge gaps among managers (Rynes, Colbert, & Brown, 2002), coupled with major changes occurring in the workplace over the last ten years, suggest the need for human resources practitioners to become as current as possible on how research findings can assist in improving the management of HR. Nine articles in this special issue provide rich information for understanding the contributions of psychological theories and research findings to HR management and, consequently, for closing science-practice knowledge gaps. More specifically, the articles bring together pairs of scientists and practitioners to address science-practice knowledge gaps in the areas of recruiting and selecting workers, managing performance, training and developing individuals, managing groups and teams, compensating employees, leading others, assessing employee attitudes, managing diversity, and managing downsizing. We hope these articles will stimulate and promote a broader perspective concerning the relevance and value of psychological research for improving HR practices and organizational functioning. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Combined exposures to anti-androgenic chemicals: steps towards cumulative risk assessment

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2 2010
A. Kortenkamp
Summary There is widespread exposure to anti-androgens, a group of chemicals able to disrupt androgen action in foetal life, with irreversible de-masculinizing consequences. Substances of concern include certain phthalates, pesticides and chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products. Although people come into contact with several anti-androgens, chemicals risk assessment normally does not take account of the effects of combined exposures. However, a disregard for combination effects may lead to underestimations of risks and for this reason, we have assessed the feasibility of conducting cumulative risk assessment, where the focus is on considering the effects of exposure to multiple chemicals, via multiple routes and pathways. Following recent recommendations by the US National Research Council, we have, for the first time, included phthalates and other anti-androgenic chemicals, a total of 15 substances. On the basis of exposure estimates for the individual chemicals and reference doses for anti-androgenicity, we have used the hazard index approach. We show that the cumulative risks from anti-androgen exposures exceed acceptable levels for people on the upper end of exposure levels. The value obtained for median exposures to the 15 substances can be judged tolerable. However, significant knowledge gaps exist that prevent us from arriving at definitive conclusions. Of greatest concern is an absence of appropriate in vivo toxicity data about large numbers of in vitro androgen receptor antagonists. Knowledge about the effect profiles of these chemicals will lead to higher risk estimates. Our analysis suggests that risk reductions can be achieved by limiting exposures to the plasticizer diethyl hexyl phthalate, the cosmetic ingredients butyl- and propyl paraben, the pesticides vinclozolin, prochloraz and procymidone and bisphenol A. [source]

A review of climate risk information for adaptation and development planning

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2009
R. L. Wilby
Abstract Although the use of climate scenarios for impact assessment has grown steadily since the 1990s, uptake of such information for adaptation is lagging by nearly a decade in terms of scientific output. Nonetheless, integration of climate risk information in development planning is now a priority for donor agencies because of the need to prepare for climate change impacts across different sectors and countries. This urgency stems from concerns that progress made against Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) could be threatened by anthropogenic climate change beyond 2015. Up to this time the human signal, though detectable and growing, will be a relatively small component of climate variability and change. This implies the need for a twin-track approach: on the one hand, vulnerability assessments of social and economic strategies for coping with present climate extremes and variability, and, on the other hand, development of climate forecast tools and scenarios to evaluate sector-specific, incremental changes in risk over the next few decades. This review starts by describing the climate outlook for the next couple of decades and the implications for adaptation assessments. We then review ways in which climate risk information is already being used in adaptation assessments and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of three groups of techniques. Next we identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for improving the production and uptake of climate risk information for the 2020s. We assert that climate change scenarios can meet some, but not all, of the needs of adaptation planning. Even then, the choice of scenario technique must be matched to the intended application, taking into account local constraints of time, resources, human capacity and supporting infrastructure. We also show that much greater attention should be given to improving and critiquing models used for climate impact assessment, as standard practice. Finally, we highlight the over-arching need for the scientific community to provide more information and guidance on adapting to the risks of climate variability and change over nearer time horizons (i.e. the 2020s). Although the focus of the review is on information provision and uptake in developing regions, it is clear that many developed countries are facing the same challenges. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society [source]

Workshop on Immunizations in Older Adults: Identifying Future Research Agendas

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2010
Kevin P. High MD
Goals for immunization in older adults may differ from those in young adults and children, in whom complete prevention of disease is the objective. Often, reduced hospitalization and death but also averting exacerbation of underlying chronic illness, functional decline, and frailty are important goals in the older age group. Because of the effect of age on dendritic cell function, T cell-mediated immune suppression, reduced proliferative capacity of T cells, and other immune responses, the efficacy of vaccines often wanes with advanced age. This article summarizes the discussion and proceedings of a workshop organized by the Association of Specialty Professors, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Geriatrics Society, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Leading researchers and clinicians in the fields of immunology, epidemiology, infectious diseases, geriatrics, and gerontology reviewed the current status of vaccines in older adults, identified knowledge gaps, and suggest priority areas for future research. The goal of the workshop was to identify what is known about immunizations (efficacy, effect, and current schedule) in older adults and to recommend priorities for future research. Investigation in the areas identified has the potential to enhance understanding of the immune process in aging individuals, inform vaccine development, and lead to more-effective strategies to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable illness in older adults. [source]

Biotic homogenization: a new research agenda for conservation biogeography

JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 12 2006
Julian D. Olden
Abstract Aim, Biotic homogenization describes the process by which species invasions and extinctions increase the genetic, taxonomic or functional similarity of two or more biotas over a specified time interval. The study of biotic homogenization is a young and rapidly emerging research area in the budding field of conservation biogeography, and this paper aims to synthesize our current knowledge of this process and advocate a more systematic approach to its investigation. Methods, Based on a comprehensive examination of the primary literature this paper reviews the process of biotic homogenization, including its definition, quantification, underlying ecological mechanisms, environmental drivers, the empirical evidence for different taxonomic groups, and the potential ecological and evolutionary implications. Important gaps in our knowledge are then identified, and areas of new research that show the greatest promise for advancing our current thinking on biotic homogenization are highlighted. Results, Current knowledge of the patterns, mechanisms and implications of biotic homogenization is highly variable across taxonomic groups, but in general is incomplete. Quantitative estimates are almost exclusively limited to freshwater fishes and plants in the United States, and the principal mechanisms and drivers of homogenization remain elusive. To date research has focused on taxonomic homogenization, and genetic and functional homogenization has received inadequate attention. Trends over the past decade, however, suggest that biotic homogenization is emerging as a topic of greater research interest. Main conclusions, My investigation revealed a number of important knowledge gaps and priority research needs in the science of biotic homogenization. Future studies should examine the homogenization process for different community properties (species occurrence and abundance) at multiple spatial and temporal scales, with careful attention paid to the various biological mechanisms (invasions vs. extinctions) and environmental drivers (environmental alteration vs. biotic interactions) involved. Perhaps most importantly, this research should recognize that there are multiple possible outcomes resulting from the accumulation of species invasions and extinctions, including biotic differentiation whereby genetic, taxonomic or functional similarity of biotas decreases over time. [source]