Abstract

In order to improve air quality, the European Union introduced the New Air Quality Directive in 2008 and set its Member States strict targets on air pollution concentrations for the most harmful and challenging substances, such as fine particles. The law enforcement relies on a monitoring and reporting system to inform the European Commission and the public, for it is the citizens’ right to be informed about harmful air quality. With sectoral measures, air quality could be improved in the past 20 years, but some emissions concentrations have stagnated in recent years and emissions temporarily exceed thresholds in nearly half of the Member States. The European Emission Inventory allows the commission to identify the substances, areas, and times of exceedances, and to implement sectoral measures leading to air quality improvements, all of which have to be made available publicly. This manuscript introduces the air quality legislation and reviews the quality of European air for recent years. Gemmer, M., and B. Xiao, 2013: Air quality legislation and standards in the European Union: Background, status and public participation. Adv. Clim. Change Res., 4 (1), doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1248.2013.050.

Abstract

We reviewed projects and outcomes in the implementation and use of free software in the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) libraries. Free software is a growing movement with steadily increasing significance, especially in university environments. The use of standards improves the possibility of integration with other systems and enhances the efficient management of library data. At the moment UPC libraries are developing their institutional repositories, using open source software like DSpace to disseminate the institution’s teaching and research activities. The UPC libraries will continue to implement this cost effective software and promote its use among library users and the university community.

Abstract

The Europeana project progress is presented, emphasizing its importance among other strategies of the European Commission. In 2011 important recommendations and standards were published that clarify the future development of Europeana. Documents produced by the W3C are highlighted and Spanish contributions, particularly from Hispana, are listed. The collaboration between Europeana and the Digital Public Library of America is mentioned. Finally, the differences between various concepts like open access, open data and open source are explained.

Abstract

The main features of the resource description and access (RDA) standard, published in 2010, are analyzed. Designed to facilitate the capture, storage, retrieval and visualization of data with the most advanced data base technologies, RDA remains compatible with older technology still in use. Its advantages and disadvantages, relationship to other bibliographic standards and some consequences of its implementation are discussed.

Abstract

This document shows a state-of-the-art in the information retrieval landscape, with special emphasis on recent trends, strategies and experiences during 2009, as well as research and development expectations in this field for the near future (2010). The paper first gathers a simple review about the growing importance and complexity of Information Retrieval in our discipline, deepening then about the challenge for Librarianship and Information Science for the second decade of 21st century: not only to retrieve information but also to “link data”.

Abstract

Market response to mobile television usage is quite modest in most European countries. No single reason explains this situation. On the contrary, a set of complex and interrelated causes can be found. On the supply side, the potential hurdles are in the technical (infrastructures, standards), economic (revenue models, content availability) and normative domains. On the demand side, companies must understand the (real) utility derived by consumers and the circumstances in which they intend to use the service. The conditions for mobile television success are, therefore, the research question of this paper. It is concluded that removal of these barriers, focus on the user (rather than on the product), and stronger institutional commitment are key factors for mobile television development.

Abstract

Thesauri and other knowledge organization systems have been adapted to the technological environment. Currently, this represents an essential aspect of knowledge organization on the semantic web. After a long period in which thesaurus guidelines and standards were not updated, some have been revised by the governing organisations within the past five years. Consensus among international experts has resulted in publication of the first part of an ISO standard for thesauri, which provides a data model and emphasizes the interoperability process. This paper compiles the most relevant guidelines for thesauri published between the ‘80s and the ISO 25964 document. We reflect on the most relevant characteristics in this evolution and explore the most recent applications of knowledge organization systems on the Web.

Abstract

The article discusses new RDA (Resource description and access) cataloguing rules, which are based on the FRBR and FRAD conceptual model. The basic entities (work, expression, manifestation and item), as well as their attributes and relationships are described, and RDA structure and substantial changes from existing AACR2 rules explained. New terminology, new cataloguing models, and specifically “the rule of three” are included, no abbreviations, annotations of numbers and errors, and use of square brackets. New MARC 21 fields are explained: the 264 field for publisher data and the 3XX field for content, media and carrier types. The paper addresses the application of these changes in cartographic documents, especially in the 255 field for mathematical data elements, containing a sub-field for scale, cartographic projections and coordinates, and in the physical description field, including record samples. The essential role in the RDA development and training of cataloguers for cartographic documents is carried out by an expert group called Magirt (ALA). The rules offer freedom of application for cataloguers and cataloguing agencies; therefore, their interpretation is required, taking into account national cataloguing conventions. The instructions have already been translated into the major world languages.

Abstract

This paper is based on real time EV charging infrastructure development that took place at Brunel University, which is located in west of London, UK. The aim of this paper is to establish the policy making process that has stages of an initial student-staff interest survey, records of the consultation process with EV owners, results of competitive benchmarking with other HEI's and the discussion on Type 2 Mode 3 charging stations which are 240V, 32A, 7kW, 50Hz compliant with IEC 62196 and ISO 14443 Mifare standards. The first time ever PAYG concept of POD Point Ltd is explained. Benefits of using PAYG concept for charging EV are mentioned. Various other factors that played major role were also considered as follows: deciding the tariff of the electricity used by the EV owners, charging cable compatibility with charging station, hours of operation, creation of new enforcement rules and recommendations to provide incentives that recognise and motivate EV community.