The determinants of job seekers' reputation perceptions

Although job seekers' reputation perceptions may be based on different factors than other constituents (e.g., investors, consumers), we know little about the antecedents of job seekers' reputation perceptions. The present study utilizes verbal protocol analysis to explore the factors that job seekers consider when evaluating employers' reputations. Results from this qualitative investigation are complemented and cross‐validated with an experimental policy capturing study and a field study of recruiting organizations. Data from all three methodologies suggest that some factors affecting job seekers' reputation perceptions are quite different from factors that have been revealed in previous reputation research, which has focused primarily on executives. For example, results from the present study reveal that the type of industry in which a firm operates, the opportunities that a firm provides for employee development, and organizational culture affect job seekers' reputation perceptions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solvent-Free Polymerization of l-Aspartic Acid in the Presence of d-Sorbitol to Obtain Water Soluble or Network Copolymers

l-Aspartic acid was thermally polymerized in the presence of d-sorbitol with the goal of synthesizing new, higher molecular weight water soluble and absorbent copolymers. No reaction occurred when aspartic acid alone was heated at 170 or 200 °C. In contrast, heating sorbitol and aspartic acid neat or with ammonium hydroxide gave a mixture of water soluble and insoluble copolymers of polysuccinimide and sorbitol. In the presence of phosphoric acid, sorbitol aspartate ester copolymers having both water soluble and highly swollen gel components were formed. These results indicate that polysaccharides such as sorbitol can readily react to form copolymer ester/amides with aspartic acid and such copolymers may have utility as biodegradable water soluble and swellable polyampholytes.     

Developments in application technology

Pesticides are applied in diverse situations, but in each, careful consideration has to be given to applying the optimum dosage accurately with minimal exposure of the active substance to the operator. Emphasis is given to ways in which application equipment, suitable for both small-scale and large farms has been adapted to meet health and safety requirements. New developments in nozzle design provide users with greater flexibility in optimising pesticide delivery, while minimising spray volumes. Changes in equipment design that influence dose transfer are discussed.     

Assessing depleted uranium (DU) contamination of soil, plants and earthworms at UK weapons testing sites

Depleted uranium (DU) weapons testing programmes have been conducted at two locations within the UK. An investigation was therefore carried out to assess the extent of any environmental contamination arising from these test programmes using both alpha spectrometry and mass spectrometry techniques. Uranium isotopic signatures indicative of DU contamination were observed in soil, plant and earthworm samples collected in the immediate vicinity of test firing points and targets, but contamination was found to be localised to these areas. This paper demonstrates the superiority of the (235)U : (238)U ratio over the (234)U : (238)U ratio for identifying and quantifying DU contamination in environmental samples, and also describes the respective circumstances under which alpha spectrometry or mass spectrometry may be the more appropriate analytical tool.     

FORUM: A Context for Participation in Sustainable Development

sustainability, but the most meaningful definition is set within an evolutionary framework. Mechanistic and evolutionary frameworks for sustainable development are discussed. Evolution and adaptation are characteristics of complex adaptive systems, and a new understanding of sustainable development can be gleaned by using the complex adaptive systems framework. This approach to sustainable development issues implicitly requires proactive involvement by the public. This paper supports that bottom-up participation needs to be nurtured. Appropriate processes to enable participation need to be designed and implemented.     

Terrestrial life of the amphibious fish Mnierpes macrocephalus

The physiological adaptations for terrestrial life of the rockskipper Mnierpes macrocephalus (Günther) have been examined and compared with other amphibious species. The rockskipper lives on steep rocky shores in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, and makes brief terrestrial excursions for orientation, feeding, and to avoid wave action and predators. The rockskipper spends a large portion of its time, and can live perfectly well, submerged in water. The duration of this species' daytime terrestrial sojourns rarely exceeds 30 min. While on land, the rockskipper respires aerially, through its gills and skin, at the same rate it normally respires in water. When exposed to sunlight without water, the rockskipper's body temperature increases rapidly. A small amount of water, however, enables the rockskipper to remain cool, apparently by dissipating absorbed heat through evaporative cooling of the gills and skin. Evaporative water-loss from respiratory surfaces is a major factor limiting terrestrial excursions of the rockskipper.