Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the new Compendium platform?
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Easy content searching and improved display of search results
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A browse function (left hand side bar) for content by topic
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A powerful new search engine for improved, easier data retrieval
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Access to the latest up-to-date bibliographic content through weekly CAB Direct updates
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Full text content links and access to CABI Full Text
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Access to the new easy-to-use CAB Direct database platform
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Dynamic updates of datasheets which appear as the first items on the home page
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Easy separation of Full datasheets from Basic ones. (Full datasheets are mainly those that are 'Comprehensive', written by an international expert, but also include those that are 'Extended', where core taxonomic data has been expanded by CABI through the acquisition of the appropriate text or data, basic datasheets generally contain taxonomic information)
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Regular updates to library content and database-linked full text resources
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Links to a vast-resource of carefully selected content on the web
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Access to well-categorised library documents
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Reports generator
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Background information (help, about, etc)
Why the new platform?
The old Crop Protection Compendium platform was designed over 10 years ago so was in need of an update.
We wanted to ensure that each compendia was running on a fully updateable, dynamic system, therefore we have invested considerable time and effort to bring the compendium up-to-date - in order to bring you the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource possible for crop protection.
What is the new content in the Crop Protection Compendium since the last edition?
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Over 400 updated and new datasheets
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Distribution data updated further on many datasheets using EPPO information
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Over 50,000 extra bibliographic records from the most recent (5 years) literature
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Around 10,000 Full Text crop protection articles from recent international journals and conferences
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Over 100 new images
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Updated glossary content to include new data on pesticides
Is that the last content update until a new edition is published?
No. Bibliographic and Full Text content is updated every week. You can now supplement the datasheet information by checking the very latest scientific literature for information on quarantine, first reports, new geographic records, geographical distribution, etc.
We also have a programme for revising CPC datasheets on a regular basis as well as creating new ones. These can now be made available as soon as they are completed. Check the ‘Updates’ link on the left hand menu for the latest information.
How do I see the full text content available through the database?
You can access Full text records from the abstract record with one-click to the pdf, this is the simplest way to easily see your full text content. You can also enter the term “sc:ft” into the search box and only those records with full text material will be displayed.
Will new features be developed?
The new platform is a modular, flexible system that can be enhanced easily, so new fetaures can be developed according to need.
What about a CD or standalone version?
While recognising the need for standalone versions, e.g. for developing countries, these can never mirror the power of a web-based system. A simplified standalone version with key information datasheets is being developed.
Will all current features of the Compendia be available on the new platform?
No. Feedback from current and prospective customers, has pointed to the datasheets as being the key resources used. The focus has been to expose this content more effectively and to be able to update it more regularly.
Specifically what features currently on the CPC will not appear on the new platform?
Embedded FAO stats, economic impact and ID keys. But we do link to websites that provide this data that we can recommend as being reliable. Notepad and softlinking are also not implemented as current web sharing and search functionality have supplanted these features.