V.K. Thomas, Chitra Satpathi and J.N. Satpathi
This paper aims to discuss the challenges posed by the contemporary library environment, which are the results of ICT and the digital revolution, and call for developing new…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the challenges posed by the contemporary library environment, which are the results of ICT and the digital revolution, and call for developing new competencies and skills as well as a new set of proficiencies. It also seeks to analyse the role of professional bodies, especially in India, in preparing librarians to meet these challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
Part I of this paper on emerging trends in academic librarianship at the global level has been consolidated from the literature that has discussed this problem in various forums, and from personal experience. Part II principally assesses the role played by library associations in preparing professionals to face the challenges offered by trends that emerge from time to time. This is done with the aid of a case study of the Indian Association of Special Libraries & Information Centres (IASLIC), Kolkata (India). A questionnaire and personal interviews were utilised to gather information and opinions.
Findings
It is found that the modern academic librarian, besides the common attributes, should be technology‐savvy and eager to learn and adopt any technology development for the benefit of users. Regular updating of professionals is sine qua non. In the Indian context, it is found that professional bodies like IASLIC did play a yeoman's role in bringing India to the forefront of global librarianship. It is concluded that India does need a well‐laid out policy and programmes of updating and equipping its librarians continuously and can benefit from the experiences of ALA and CILIP.
Originality/value
This is the first time a study of IASLIC has been conducted from the angle of its role in meeting the new challenges posed by ICT. This study should benefit all professional bodies in India in their education programme.
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Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the adoption of Web 2.0 in library associations in the presence of social media. This paper attempts to measure the penetration of Web 2.0…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the adoption of Web 2.0 in library associations in the presence of social media. This paper attempts to measure the penetration of Web 2.0 tools in various library associations all over the world.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted through an assessment of the library associations’ web sites. A total of 188 library associations’ web sites were analysed, out of which 115 library associations have implemented Web 2.0 applications; this is 61.17 percent of the total.
Findings
On the basis of the analysis it was found that the majority of Web 2.0 tools have been used by American continents library associations. This stands at, 89.86 percent, whereas only a small number of Web 2.0 tools have been used by Asian continent library associations, that is, 25.64 percent. The most of Web 2.0 tools used by library associations, is, Facebook, Twitter, RSS feeds, LinkedIn, Flickr and Blogs.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study can be utilized to assess the status of assorted Web 2.0 tools used in libraries associations. It may enable future research to investigate other aspects, such as the adoption of Web 2.0 tools in library associations of a particular country as well as continent.
Originality/value
The paper begins with an introduction to Web 2.0 technology and attempts has been made to analyse the usage of this new technology in library associations worldwide.
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The purpose of this paper is to understand the critical factors associated with growing fertilizer usage culminating in contamination of soil/water in agriculturally intensive…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the critical factors associated with growing fertilizer usage culminating in contamination of soil/water in agriculturally intensive regions of Uttar Pradesh, India. The agriculture sector is seen as one of the major contributors in ensuring food security, however adoption of sustainable agriculture to protect water resources from contamination due to fertilizers and pesticides is becoming pressing to achieve long term environmental security.
Design/methodology/approach
A two staged study aimed at monitoring the soil quality status followed by stakeholder survey has been attempted. Attitude-behavior framework based on the theory of reasoned action has been tried to explain the fertilizer use behavior in the study. The results are analyzed through Analysis of variance.
Findings
Soil monitoring data showed nitrate and total nitrogen loadings beyond the permissible limit in the identified regions. A questionnaire aimed at determining farmer’s attitude toward fertilizer usage showed a significant influence of factors like net farm income, overall farm yield, extension services, farmer characteristics on one hand and risks associated with changing farming practices, costs of substitutes available, market-based instruments like subsidies and loans on the other. Divergent responses were observed with respect to farmer’s perceived risks from adopting to organic substitutes, linkages of fertilizer application with environmental degradation and the level of adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
Research limitations/implications
The study can be scaled up to study the inter-regional differences by benchmarking regional responses. It would be interesting to extend the work to find solutions from the farmers as alternative fertility management strategies. The items used in questionnaire are self-made; hence there is still a possibility of enhancing the robustness of scale by applying advanced statistical techniques.
Practical implications
Results of the study indicate excessive nitrogen loadings in farm soils which is an indicator of potential future nitrate contaminated zones or vulnerable zones emerging in agricultural intensive regions. Findings reinforce the role of education, knowledge transfer and awareness for long-term agricultural sustainability. The paper highlights the urgency for reorientation of the support system by the government and policymakers.
Originality/value
The paper attempts to understand the linkage between the agricultural productivity and the environmental implications followed by the reasons culminating in the agri-environmental imbalance. On-site monitoring study followed by assessment of reasons culminating in this scenario has not been attempted earlier and this paper contributes to understanding at dual level. This paper emphasizes on the insights of stakeholder which is instrumental in ensuring agricultural sustainability or otherwise. It takes the position that the farmer’s farm management behavior is strongly influenced by factors like food security and income, keeping environmental quality at second place. It also identifies the barriers for organic farming and other alternative systems as well as explores the economic, social, and philosophical aspects of sustainable agriculture.
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Simran Kaur, Anil Panghal, M.K. Garg, Sandeep Mann, Sunil K. Khatkar, Poorva Sharma and Navnidhi Chhikara
The purpose of this paper is to review the nutritional and food value of pumpkin Cucurbita, along with different health benefits. Cucurbita (pumpkin) is an herbaceous vine, member…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the nutritional and food value of pumpkin Cucurbita, along with different health benefits. Cucurbita (pumpkin) is an herbaceous vine, member of Cucurbitaceae family. It is an edible, heat-sensitive plant, which has an abundant amount of active compounds such as carotenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, tocopherols, phytosterols and cucurbitacin, accounted for numerous health benefits, namely, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, hypotensive, hyper protective activities.
Design/methodology/approach
Major well-known bibliometric information sources such as Web of Science, Scopus, Mendeley and Google Scholar were searched with keywords such as nutrition value of Cucurbita, Cucurbita utilization, bioactive compounds of pumpkin, health benefits, processing, food formulations and current scenarios were chosen to obtain a large range of papers to be analyzed. A final inventory of 105 scientific sources was made after sorting and classifying them according to different criteria based on topic, academic field, country of origin and year of publication.
Findings
The comprehensive review of different literature, data sources and research papers seeks to find and discuss various nutritional benefits of pumpkin. It contains all necessary macro- and micro-nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and bioactive compounds with a relatively low amount of antinutrients. The recent upsurge in consumer interest for health-promoting products has opened up new vistas for plant products containing bioactive compounds in different food formulations.
Originality/value
This paper contains information regarding the chemical composition, nutritive value, phytochemical studies, pharmacological properties, bio-accessibility, food and industrial applications of pumpkin. Worldwide, pumpkin is used as food additive in various food products such as candy, weaning mix, corn grits, kheer, jam, crackers, bread, etc. Effect of different processing methods such as high temperature, pH, blanching, oven drying, freeze-drying to retain or minimize its losses in case of color, texture, flavor, and the carotenoids are of concern. The review paper highlights the nutritional, therapeutic, potential and processing attributes.