Edinburgh Napier University

About: Edinburgh Napier University is a education organization based out in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2665 authors who have published 6859 publications receiving 175272 citations.

Assessing exposure, uptake and toxicity of silver and cerium dioxide nanoparticles from contaminated environments

Abstract: The aim of this project was to compare cerium oxide and silver particles of different sizes for their potential for uptake by aquatic species, human exposure via ingestion of contaminated food sources and to assess their resultant toxicity. The results demonstrate the potential for uptake of nano and larger particles by fish via the gastrointestinal tract, and by human intestinal epithelial cells, therefore suggesting that ingestion is a viable route of uptake into different organism types. A consistency was also shown in the sensitivity of aquatic, fish cell and human cell models to Ag and CeO2 particles of different sizes; with the observed sensitivity sequence from highest to lowest as: nano-Ag > micro Ag > nano CeO2 = micro CeO2. Such consistency suggests that further studies might allow extrapolation of results between different models and species.

Ecological and biogeographical effects of forest disturbance on tropical butterflies of Sumba, Indonesia

Abstract: Butterfly assemblages within lowland monsoon forest were compared at four sites on Sumba, Indonesia that differed in terms of protection and exhibited associated differences in levels of human disturbance. A numerical method employing principal components analysis was devised for describing forest structure at each site. The first principal component (PRINI) grouped attributes tending towards dense forest with closely-spaced trees, a closed canopy and a poorly developed field layer, with trees that tended to be large with the point of inversion in the upper half of the trunk. The highest values for PRINI were recorded within protected forest, and PRINI values were considered to be a useful index of forest disturbance at each site. Species diversity of butterflies was highest in unprotected secondary forest, but was not affected by lower levels of disturbance. Those species occurring at highest density in secondary forest generally had wide geographical distributions, whereas those species occurring at highest density in undisturbed primary forest had restricted ranges of distribution, in most cases with a separate subspecies on Sumba. Overall, an index of biogeographical distinctiveness decreased with increasing disturbance, and this supports the hypothesis that the most characteristic species of undisturbed climax forest have the smallest geographical ranges of distribution. Species abundance data for butterflies fitted a log-normal distribution at all but the most disturbed site. These results indicate that the pattern of proportional abundance of tropical butterfly species may be used as an 'instantaneous' indicator of forest disturbance, and that changes in the structure of tropical forests in S.E. Asia resulting from human disturbance, even within partially-protected forest, may result in the presence of butterfly assemblages of higher species diversity but of lower biogeographical distinctiveness, and therefore of lower value in terms of the conservation of global biodiversity.

Towards a redefinition of strategic HRD

Abstract: Reviews the literature on strategic human resource development (SHRD) and explores the concept specifically in the context of the work of Garavan (1991), which highlighted nine key characteristics of SHRD. Garavan’s seminal paper is used as a starting point from which to examine the development of the concept of SHRD. By examining and reviewing the literature, the nine characteristics are redefined and enhanced, thus moving towards a new model and definition of SHRD. Concludes by defining SHRD as the creation of a learning culture, within which a range of training, development and learning strategies both respond to corporate strategy and also help to shape and influence it. It is the reciprocal, mutually enhancing, nature of the relationship between HRD and corporate strategy which lies at the heart of SHRD and at the heart of the development of a learning culture.

Education and talent management: implications for the hospitality industry

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore one of the biggest issues and challenges now faced by hospitality education and the hospitality industry: that of how to attract and retain a critical group of talented people.Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature highlights the key studies that have investigated the nature of hospitality employment amongst new recruits in the hospitality industry and reports on thoughts of soon to graduate hospitality students. The paper reviews the current state of employment issues in the hospitality industry. It discusses contemporary attitudes toward the generation undertaking hospitality education and making career decisions. This paper also considers the current generation's specific attitudes toward education and careers and the potential consequences this will have for the hospitality industry in the future.Findings – The paper argues that educators require to be more fully aware of the consequences of reducing the practical and vocational nature of...

The congruence of quality values in higher education

Abstract: Purpose – To investigate, in the context of university education, the relationship between the congruence of the quality values held by the students, the teaching staff and the university senior management and the level of student satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – The research was carried out within a large Business School in a major UK University through a set of focus groups and questionnaires investigating the quality values held by the three main participant stakeholders.Findings – For the case example a coherent framework of quality values relevant to higher education has been established, and the relative importance attached to each element in this framework by the different stakeholders has been identified. While many values are shared there are significant differences between the stakeholders and there is generally no student dissatisfaction on issues where the stakeholders do not share the same values.Research limitations/implications – Limited in that the research was carried out in sin...