bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customary use of fire by indigenous peoples in northern Australia: its contemporary role in savanna management
Authors: Whitehead Peter J. , Bowman D. M. J. S. , Preece Noel , Fraser Fiona , Cooke Peter
Published: November 2003

The extent to which use of fire by Aboriginal peoples shaped the landscapes and biota of Australia is a contentious issue. Equally contentious is the proposition that attempts should be made to support and re-establish customary practice. Some dismiss Aboriginal practice as little more than culturally endorsed pyromania, and consequences for land, vegetation and wildlife management as incidental and unintended outcomes. We argue that this view of Aboriginal practice is at odds with available evidence regarding motivations for use of fire, and detailed and sophisticated descriptions of the consequences of poor fire management for the maintenance of important resources. We suggest that misunderstanding arises, at least in part, from the contrasting views that (i) objectives of Aboriginal land managers and the values they seek to extract and maintain in savanna landscapes are or should be similar to those of non-Indigenous land managers; or (ii) the notion that their goals are inherently and entirely incompatible with those of non-indigenous interests. We illustrate our argument with examples that include assessments of ecological consequences of 'prescribed' Aboriginal practice, statements from Aboriginal people regarding their objectives in applying those prescriptions, and the level of active organisation required for their effective implementation. Finally, we propose mechanisms for wider application of Aboriginal prescriptions in tropical landscapes to meet a range of land management objectives.
Remote sensing of burned areas in tropical savannas
Authors: Pereira José M. C.
Published: November 2003

Problematic aspects of fire in tropical savannas are reviewed, from the standpoint of their impact on the detection and mapping of burned areas using remotely sensed data. Those aspects include: the heterogeneity of savanna—resulting in heterogeneity of fire-induced spectral changes; fine fuels and low fuel loadings—resulting in short persistence of the char residue signal; tropical cloudiness—which makes multitemporal image compositing important; the frequent presence of extensive smoke aerosol layers during the fire season—which may obscure fire signals; and the potential problem of detecting burns in the understory of woody savannas with widely variable tree stand density, canopy cover and leaf area index. Finally, the capabilities and limitations of major satellite remote sensing systems for pan-tropical burned area mapping are addressed, considering the spatial, spectral, temporal and radiometric characteristics of the instruments.
Nesting activity and demography of an isolated population of malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata)
Authors: Priddel David , Wheeler Robert
Published: December 2003

Nesting activity of a population of malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), isolated within a small mallee remnant in central New South Wales, was monitored annually between the summers of 1986–87 and 1998–99. A total of 148 nesting events was recorded. Only once was a new mound constructed rather than an old one reworked. Birds began and finished work on the mound progressively later each month (October to January). Nest-site fidelity was highly variable; some pairs persisted with the same mound for up to nine years while others relocated between a cluster of two, three or four mounds. Males displayed greater nest-site fidelity than females. After the loss of a partner, males tended to continue to use mounds they had used previously whereas females often relocated to a new mound. All individuals were monogamous. Pair bonds were maintained for life but, following the death of a partner, new bonds were quickly established with another unattached individual. Established pairs occasionally failed to breed, all such failures being coincident with years of low rainfall. Pairs that did not breed generally began construction of a nest but failed to complete the task. As far as can be ascertained, unpaired birds did not construct nests. The malleefowl population was characterised by a rapid turnover of breeding individuals, a high rate of adult mortality and a lesser rate of recruitment. The maximum longevity recorded for breeding adults was 12 years; average longevity was 7.5 years. Twenty-five adults were lost from the breeding population over a period of 9 years; meanwhile, 14 birds entered the breeding population. Thus, the ratio of adult mortality to recruitment was 1.79 : 1.00. Between 1986–87 and 1997–98 the population declined from at least 32 breeding adults to 14, at an average exponential rate of decrease of 0.075. Large population decreases were coincident with years of low rainfall. This population of malleefowl is predicted to become extinct by 2008.
Effects of dietary cis 9, trans 11–18: 2, trans 10, cis 12–18: 2, or vaccenic acid (trans 11–18: 1) during lactation on body composition, tissue fatty acid profiles, and litter growth in mice
Authors: Loor Juan J. , Lin Xiaobo , Herbein Joseph H.
Published: November 2003

Cis 9, trans 11 (c 9, t11)-18: 2 and trans 10, cis 12 (t10, c12)-18: 2 are the major conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers in dietary supplements which reduce milk fat content in nursing women. The present study evaluated the effects of each CLA isomer or vaccenic acid on body composition and tissue fatty acids during lactation in mice. Dams were fed 30 g rapeseed oil (control)/kg diet or 20 g control plus 10 g 18: 0, trans 11–18: 1 (t11–18: 1), c 9, t11–18: 2, or t10, c12–18: 2. Dietary t10, c12–18: 2 reduced food intake by 18 % and carcass fat weight of the dams by 49 % compared with the other treatments. Milk fat percentage ranked by treatment was 18: 0>t11–18: 1=c 9, t11–18: 2>t10, c12–18: 2. The sum of saturated 12: 0 to 16: 0 in milk fat was lower when c 9, t11–18: 2 was fed compared with the control, 18: 0, or t11–18: 1 treatments. Dietary t10, c12–18: 2 caused further reductions in milk fat 12: 0 to 16: 0. The proportion of CLA isomers was 3-fold greater in milk fat than in the carcasses of the dams. The pups nursing from the dams fed t10, c12–18: 2 had the lowest body weights and carcass fat, protein, and ash contents. Nursing from the dams fed c 9, t11–18: 2 also resulted in lower carcass fat compared with the 18: 0 or t11–18: 1 treatments. The ratios of cis 9–16: 1:16: 0 or cis 9–18: 1:18: 0, proxies for Δ9-desaturase activity, were markedly lower in the carcasses of the dams and pups fed t10, c12–18: 2. The ratio of 20: 4n-6:18: 2n-6, a proxy for Δ6- and Δ5-desaturase and elongase activity, in the liver of the dams and pups fed t10, c12–18: 2 also was lower. Dietary t11–18: 1 enhanced the content of c 9, t11–18: 2 in milk fat and carcasses. As in previous studies, the reduction in food intake by t10, c12–18: 2 could not entirely account for the marked decrease in carcass fat content and milk fat concentration. T10, c12–18: 2 probably had a negative effect on Δ9-desaturase and mammary de novo fatty acid synthesis. Although these effects need to be confirmed in lactating women, the results suggest that the consumption of supplements containing t10, c12–18: 2 should be avoided during the nursing period.
Butyrate is only one of several growth inhibitors produced during gut flora-mediated fermentation of dietary fibre sources
Authors: Beyer-Sehlmeyer Gabriele , Glei Michael , Hartmann Esther , Hughes Rosin , Persin Christoph , Böhm Volker , Schubert Rainer , Jahreis Gerhard , Pool-Zobel Beatrice L.
Published: November 2003

Dietary fibre sources are fermented by the gut flora to yield short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) together with degraded phytochemicals and plant nutrients. Butyrate, a major SCFA, is potentially chemoprotective by suppressing the growth of tumour cells and enhancing their differentiation. Conversely, it could lead to a positive selection pressure for transformed cells by inducing glutathione S-transferases (GST) and enhancing chemoresistance. Virtually nothing is known about how butyrate's activities are affected by other fermentation products. To investigate such interactions, a variety of dietary fibre sources was fermented with human faecal slurries in vitro, analysed for SCFA, and corresponding SCFA mixtures were prepared. HT29 colon tumour cells were treated for 72 h with individual SCFA or complex samples. The growth of cells, GST activity, and chemoresistance towards 4-hydroxynonenal were determined. Fermentation products inhibited cell growth more than the corresponding SCFA mixtures, and the SCFA mixtures were more active than butyrate, probably due to phytoprotectants and to propionate, respectively, which also inhibit cell growth. Only butyrate induced GST, whereas chemoresistance was caused by selected SCFA mixtures, but not by all corresponding fermentation samples. In summary, fermentation supernatant fractions contain compounds that: (1) enhance the anti-proliferative properties of butyrate (propionate, phytochemical fraction); (2) do not alter its capacity to induce GST; (3) prevent chemoresistance in tumour cells. It can be concluded that fermented dietary fibre sources are more potent inhibitors of tumour cell growth than butyrate alone, and also contain ingredients which counteract the undesired positive selection pressures that higher concentrations of butyrate induce in tumour cells.
Daily protein intakes and eating patterns in young and elderly French
Authors: Rousset Sylvie , Patureau Mirand Philippe , Brandolini Marion , Martin Jean-François , Boirie Yves
Published: November 2003

An adequate level of protein intake is required to limit the gradual body protein loss observed during ageing. Different factors (cohort age, sex, life conditions) may modify protein intake and distribution. However the precise amounts, as well as their daily distribution which affects protein utilisation and N retention, are unknown in both young and elderly individuals. The hypothesis was tested that protein intake and its distribution over daily meals could be different between the young and elderly. The consumption of six different protein-rich food groups by 292 healthy individuals aged 20–30 and 65–75 years was determined throughout each day for 1 week. The data of the total protein intake and protein intakes at each meal were analysed by ANOVA for each sex separately, using age group as the independent factor. The average protein intake of men was lower in the older age group whilst the opposite trend was seen in women. The distribution of protein intake was different between the two age groups: 56·5 % of the daily protein was eaten at lunch by the elderly but only 47 % (P<0·0001) by the younger subjects. In the elderly subjects, those eating larger amounts consumed a greater proportion of protein-rich foods at dinner than those eating small amounts (30·4 v. 26·2 %, P=0·05). A high level of protein intake was related to a higher meat-product consumption in both the elderly and young individuals. In conclusion, the pattern of protein intake differs significantly between age groups and sexes.
The influence of high-carbohydrate meals with different glycaemic indices on substrate utilisation during subsequent exercise
Authors: Wu Ching-Lin , Nicholas Ceri , Williams Clyde , Took Alison , Hardy Lucy
Published: November 2003

The present study was designed to examine the effects of mixed high-carbohydrate meals with different glycaemic indices (GI) on substrate utilization during subsequent exercise. Nine healthy male recreational runners (age 26·8 (sem 1·1) years, body mass 74·7 (sem 2·4) kg, V˙O2max 58·1 (sem 1·7) ml/kg per min) completed three trials: high-glycaemic-index meal (HGI), low-glycaemic-index meal (LGI) and fasting (FAST), separated by 7 d. The test meals contained 2 g carbohydrate/kg body mass, they were isoenergetic and the GI values were 77·4, 36·9 and 0·0 respectively. In each trial, subjects consumed the test meal 3 h before performing a 60 min run at 65 % V˙O2max on a motorized treadmill. Ingestion of the HGI and LGI resulted in hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia during the postprandial period compared with the FAST (P<0·05). The incremental area under the curve for plasma glucose was 2-fold higher for HGI compared with LGI (108·7 v. 48·9 mmol/l per min). In contrast, plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were significantly lower following HGI and LGI compared with FAST (P<0·05). During the subsequent submaximal exercise, plasma glucose declined to below the fasting value in HGI compared with LGI and FAST (P<0·05). The estimated total fat oxidation was significantly higher for the LGI than the HGI during exercise (P<0·05). In summary, both pre-exercise carbohydrate meals resulted in lower rates of fat oxidation during subsequent exercise than when subjects performed exercise in the fasting state. However, the LGI resulted in a higher rate of fat oxidation during exercise than following the consumption of the HGI.
Number of days, number of subjects, and sources of variation in longitudinal intervention or crossover feeding trials with multiple days of measurement
Authors: Grunwald Gary K. , Sullivan Debra K. , Hise Mary , Donnelly Joseph E. , Jacobsen Dennis J. , Johnson Susan L. , Hill James O.
Published: November 2003

Dietary studies are often conducted as longitudinal intervention or crossover trials using multiple days of measurement on each subject during each of several measurement periods, and determining the required numbers of days and subjects is important in designing these studies. Linear mixed statistical models were used to derive equations for precision, statistical power and sample size (number of days and number of subjects) and to obtain estimates of between-subject, period-to-period, and day-to-day variation needed to apply the equations. Two cohorts of an on-going exercise intervention study, and a crossover study of Olestra, each with 14 d of measurement/subject per period, were used to obtain estimates of variability for energy and macronutrient intake. Numerical examples illustrate how the equations for calculating the number of days or number of subjects are applied in typical situations, and sample SAS code is given. It was found that between-subject, period-to-period, and day-to-day variation all contributed significantly to the variation in energy and macronutrient intake. The ratio of period-to-period and day-to-day standard deviations controls the trade-off between the number of days and the number of subjects, and this remained relatively stable across studies and energy and macronutrient intake variables. The greatest gains in precision were seen over the first few measurement days. Greater precision and fewer required days were noted in the study (Olestra) that exerted greater control over the subjects and diets during the feeding protocol.
Nutritional status of preschool Senegalese children: long-term effects of early severe malnutrition
Authors: Idohou-Dossou Nicole , Wade Salimata , Guiro Amadou T. , Sarr Cheikh S. , Diaham Babou , Cissé Djibril , Beau Jean-Pierre , Chappuis Philippe , Hoffman Daniel , Lemonnier Daniel
Published: November 2003

The prevalence of malnutrition remains high in many developing countries. However, data relating to the long-term effects of severe malnutrition, specifically, serum levels of biochemical indicators of nutritional status, are still scarce in the literature. Hence the present study aimed to investigate the nutritional, biological and growth status of Senegalese preschool children previously hospitalised for severe malnutrition. The study involved twenty-four 7-year-old children who had suffered from marasmus 5 years earlier, twenty-four siblings living in the same household, and nineteen age-matched children living in the centre of Dakar. The siblings were of similar age to the post-marasmic children. Anthropometry, serum biochemical indicators of nutritional status, growth factors, and haematological and mineral parameters were measured. The prevalence of stunting and wasting was the same in the post-marasmic children as in the siblings. Body-fat and fat-free-mass (FFM) deficits in both groups were corroborated by abnormally low concentrations of transthyretin, osteocalcin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3. FFM was positively and significantly correlated with concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. In the post-marasmic children, height for age was also correlated with IGF-1. Of the post-marasmic children, 53 % had Fe-deficiency anaemia, as did 35 % of the siblings and 29 % of the controls. No significant associations were found between the serum concentrations of Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Na, P, Se, Zn and growth retardation. At 5 years after nutritional rehabilitation, the post-marasmic children remained stunted with nutritional indices significantly lower than the control children. However, these children were doing as well as their siblings except for minor infections.
Feeding difficulties in disabled children leads to malnutrition: experience in an Indian slum
Authors: Yousafzai Aisha K. , Filteau Suzanne , Wirz Sheila
Published: November 2003

The aim of the present study was to explore the nature, extent and probable causes of nutritional deficiencies among children with disabilities living in Dharavi, a slum in Mumbai, India. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate whether the nutritional status of children with disabilities, aged 2–6 years (n 141), was worse than that of non-disabled sibling controls (n 122) and neighbour controls (n 162). Data on food patterns, anthropometry, micronutrient status and feeding difficulties reported by parents were collected. The mean weight for age of the children with disabilities (−2·44 (sd 1·39) Z scores; n 120) was significantly lower (P<0·05) compared with the sibling (−1·70 (sd 1·20) Z scores; n 109) and neighbour (−1·83 (sd 1·290) Z scores; n 162) control groups. The children with disabilities had significantly lower (P<0·05) mean haemoglobin levels (92 (sd 23) g/l; n 134) compared with siblings (102 (sd 18) g/l; n 103) and neighbours (99 (sd 18) g/l; n 153). Relative risk (RR) analysis indicated that the disabled children with feeding difficulties were significantly more likely (P<0·05) to be malnourished, by the indicator of weight for age (RR 1·1; 95 % CI 1·08, 1·20) compared with the disabled children without a feeding difficulty. They were also significantly more likely to be malnourished using the indicators of height for age (RR 1·3; 95 % CI 1·19, 1·43) and weight for height (RR 2·4; 95 % CI 1·78, 3·23) compared with the disabled children without a feeding difficulty. Feeding difficulties were identified as a risk factor for vulnerability to inadequate nutritional status among children with disabilities.
Monounsaturated n-9 fatty acids and adipocyte lipolysis in rats
Authors: Soriguer F. , Moreno F. , Rojo-Martínez G. , García-Fuentes E. , Tinahones F. , Gómez-Zumaquero J. M. , Cuesta-Muñoz A. L. , Cardona F. , Morcillo S.
Published: November 2003

To investigate the role of the monounsaturated n-9 fatty acids (MUFA) in the lipolytic activity of adipocytes, a study was carried out in which an increase in MUFA was produced in the tissues by two different methods; by the dietary enrichment of oleic acid or by producing an essential fatty acid deficiency syndrome. For this, forty-five male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed with a normal-energy diet and were subdivided into three groups. The diets varied in the type of dietary fat; palmitic acid, olive oil, or soyabean oil+palmitic acid. At the end of the study measurements were taken of weight, plasma leptin, tissue concentration of fatty acids, fat-cell size in the epididymal and the omental adipose tissues, adipocyte lipolytic activity of both tissues after stimulation with adrenaline, and the capacity of insulin to inhibit lipolysis. The baseline and adrenaline-stimulated lipolytic activity were greater and the anti-lipolytic capacity of insulin lower in the animals undergoing an increase in MUFA in the tissues (palmitic-acid and olive-oil diets). The area under the curve of glycerol, used as an indicator of lipolytic activity, was positively correlated with the concentration of MUFA and negatively with polyunsaturated fatty acids in the adipose tissues. It is concluded that an increase in tissue MUFA, however obtained, induces an increase in lipolytic activity.
Tomatoes have natural anti-thrombotic effects
Authors: Yamamoto J. , Taka T. , Yamada K. , Ijiri Y. , Murakami M. , Hirata Y. , Naemura A. , Hashimoto M. , Yamashita T. , Oiwa K. , Seki J. , Suganuma H. , Inakuma T. , Yoshida T.
Published: November 2003

The prevention of arterial thrombotic diseases has a high priority in developed
countries. An inappropriate diet may be an important risk factor for thrombotic
events. The daily intake of an anti-thrombotic diet may offer a convenient and
effective way of prevention. The aim of the present study was to test tomato
extracts for anti-thrombotic effects and to identify those varieties that have
such an effect. A shear-induced platelet-function test (haemostatometry) was
used to test anti-thrombotic potential in
vitro. Extracts from those tomato varieties that showed a
significant anti-thrombotic activity in vitro
were further assessed in vivo, using a
laser-induced thrombosis test in mice. One tomato variety (KG99-4) showed
significant anti-thrombotic activity both in
vitro and in vivo. KG99-4
inhibited not only platelet-rich thrombus formation but also had a thrombolytic
effect. It is concluded that haemostatometry can detect and classify the
anti-thrombotic potential of fruits and vegetables and offers a simple way of
screening for such effects.
Lactose digestion in pregnant African-Americans
Authors: Paige David M , Witter Frank R , Bronner Yvonne L , Kessler Lisa A , Perman Jay A , Paige Tara R
Published: November 2003

Objective:

This paper reports on the status of lactose digestion during early and late pregnancy and at 8 weeks postpartum in an African-American population. The hypothesis is that lactose digestion and milk tolerance do not change throughout pregnancy anddo not differ from those of non-pregnant African-American women.

Design and subjects:

This longitudinal study determined lactose digestion after ingesting 240 ml of 1% fat milk containing 12g of lactose at: (1) early pregnancy, prior to 16 weeks (n = 148); (2) late pregnancy, 30–35 weeks (n = 77); and (3) 8 weeks postpartum (n = 93). One hundred and one comparably matched non-pregnant African-American women served as controls.

Results:

Prevalence of lactose digestion, as measured by breath hydrogen, was 80.2% in the control women, 66.2% in early pregnancy, 68.8% in late pregnancy and 75.3% postpartum. The prevalence of women reporting symptoms was approximately 20% regardless of lactose absorption status. However, the control women reported significantly more symptoms than did the pregnant women.

Conclusions:

This study indicates that there is no significant change in lactose digestion during pregnancy. The prevalence of lactose intolerance for the pregnant African-American women studied is similar to that for non-pregnant African-American women and similar to previous prevalence reports in adult African-Americans. There was no change in the tolerance of lactose noted during pregnancy in these women. There were, however, fewer symptoms reported by the lactose-maldigesting pregnant women.
Risk factors of obesity among Brazilian adolescents: a case–control study
Authors: Neutzling Marilda B , Taddei José August AC , Gigante Denise P
Published: November 2003

Objective:

To study risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among adolescents enrolled in private high schools in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil.

Method:

This was a case–control study. The subjects were 264 overweight (body mass index (BMI) ≥85th percentile of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference population) and 264 non-overweight (BMI > 5th and <85th NCHS percentiles) adolescents identified by means of an anthropometric survey which included 1608 students. The adolescents were weighed, measured and interviewed about food habits and physical activity at school. Parents provided their own weights and heights when contacted by telephone, and parental BMI was calculated.

Results:

Hierarchical multiple conditional logistic regression showed that overweight and obesity were positively associated with mother's (odds ratio (OR) 2.86, 95% confidence interval (Cl) 1.43–5.74) and father's (OR 2.43, 95% Cl 1.37–4.30) BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2, being overweight before 10 years of age (OR 2.26, 95% Cl 1.30–3.90) and the habit of dieting (OR 3.53, 95% Cl 1.76–7.22). Having more than three meals per day was found to be a protective factor against overweight and obesity (OR 0.54, 95% Cl 0.29–1.00).

Conclusion:

The present study showed that a family history of obesity, overweight during childhood and the habit of dieting for weight-loss purposes are factors associated with obesity during adolescence. The habit of having more than three daily meals turned out to be a protective factor against overweight. These results suggest the necessity for early intervention at the family and general community levels aimed at the prevention of obesity through actions directed towards the modification of established behaviours.
Competency development needs of the Australian public health nutrition workforce
Authors: Hughes Roger
Published: November 2003

Objectives:

To assess factors affecting competency development of the Australian public health nutrition workforce and investigate competency development intentions, barriers and self-reported training needs.

Design:

Cross-sectional study using self-administered mail- or email-delivered questionnaire.

Setting and subjects:

Two hundred and forty practitioners working in designated community and public health nutrition positions in the Australian health system.

Results:

An 87% questionnaire response rate was achieved. The profile of the sample included female practitioners (95%) within the age range of 26–45 years (67%), from dietetic backgrounds (75%) and employed in state health departments as community dietitians/nutritionists (52%) or public health nutritionists (32%). Only 14% had completed higher degree qualifications but most (80%) reported an intention to do so in the future. Entry-level dietetic education was considered by most respondents (57%) to be inadequate preparation for public health nutrition practice but considered it had utility as a precursor for public health nutrition competency development because of its strong grounding in nutrition knowledge, basic research skills and problem-solving. On-the-job learning was the most prominent competency development influence reported by this workforce. Flexibility in teaching and learning approaches is needed to facilitate workforce participation in further competency development. The main competency development needs focused on analytical and policy process competencies; however, there was a general need expressed for competency development across many competency areas.

Conclusions:

These data provide intelligence to inform public health nutrition workforce development, particularly that relating to continued professional development amongst the existing workforce.
Refined sugar intake in Australian children
Authors: Somerset Shawn M
Published: November 2003

Objective:

To estimate the intake of refined sugar in Australian children and adolescents, aged 2–18 years.

Design:

Foods contributing to total sugar intake were identified using data from the National Nutrition Survey 1995 (NNS95), the most recent national dietary survey of the Australian population. The top 100 foods represented means of 85% (range 79–91%) and 82% (range 78–85%) of total sugar intake for boys and girls, respectively. Using published Australian food composition data (NUTTAB95), the proportion of total sugar being refined sugar was estimated for each food. Where published food composition data were not available, calculations from ingredients and manufacturer's information were used.

Subjects:

The NNS95 assessed the dietary intake of a random sample of the Australian population, aged 2–18 years (n= 3007).

Results:

Mean daily intakes of refined sugar ranged from 26.9 to 78.3 g for 2–18-year-old girls, representing 6.6–14.8% of total energy intake. Corresponding figures for boys were 27.0 to 81.6 g and 8.0–14.0%, respectively. Of the 10 highest sources of refined sugar for each age group, sweetened beverages, especially cola-type beverages, were the most prominent.

Conclusion:

Refined sugar is an important contributor to dietary energy in Australian children. Sweetened beverages such as soft drinks and cordials were substantial sources of refined sugar and represent a potential target for campaigns to reduce refined sugar intake. Better access to information on the amounts of sugar added to processed food is essential for appropriate monitoring of this important energy source.
Reproducibility and validity of a food-frequency questionnaire for use among low-income Brazilian workers
Authors: Fornés Nélida Schmid , Stringhini Maria Luiza Ferreira , Elias Berenice Müller
Published: November 2003

Objectives:

To assess the reproducibility and validity a 127-item, habitual intake, food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ), developed for low-income and low-literacy Brazilian workers, by comparison with a 24-hour dietary recall (24-HDR).

Design:

The FFQ and 24-HDR were interviewer-administered at the local workplace to each subject twice, with a period of 6 months between estimates; and four 24-HDRs were conducted during the 4-month period between the two FFQs (FFQ1 and FFQ2). Reproducibility was tested by comparing mean nutrient intakes from the two FFQs. Validity was determined by comparing the mean nutrient intakes from the FFQs with the corresponding averages of the six 24-HDRs (reference method).

Setting:

Goiânia City, in Central West Brazil.

Subjects:

The study was based on 104 (62 women and 42 men) subjects, aged 18 to 60 years, who were randomly selected.

Results:

Dietary intake from the FFQ was higher than from the 24-HDR. Reproducibility was assessed by Pearson correlation coefficients for nutrients from FFQ1 and FFQ2, and ranged from 0.23 for retinol to 0.69 for total energy (mean 0.52). Intra-class coefficients for nutrients averaged by the 24-HDRs ranged from 0.29 for vitamin C to 0.76 for total energy; retinol was not significant. In the validation study, correlation between the FFQ and the 24-HDR ranged between 0.21 for vitamin C and 0.70 for total energy (mean 0.50). Adjusting for total energy lowered the coefficients, except for calcium, retinol and vitamin C. Coefficients increased with attenuation, ranging from 0.35 for carbohydrate to 0.65 for calcium.

Conclusions:

Results indicate that this questionnaire had satisfactory reproducibility and reasonable validity.
Sociodemographic variations in obesity among Ghanaian adults
Authors: Amoah Albert GB
Published: November 2003

Objectives:

To determine the sociodemographic associations of obesity in Ghana.

Design:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a sample of 6300 adults aged 25 years and over who were selected by random cluster sampling.

Setting:

Two urban (high-class and low-class suburbs) and a rural community in Accra, Ghana.

Subjects and methods:

In total, 4731 (1857 males, 2874 females) subjects participated. Demographic data were obtained by a questionnaire and height and weight were determined with subjects in light clothing and without shoes.

Results:

The overall crude prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23.4 and 14.1%, respectively. The rates of overweight (27.1 vs. 17.5%) and obesity (20.2 vs. 4.6%) were higher in females than males. Obesity increased with age up to 64 years. There were more overweight and obesity in the urban high-class residents compared with the low-class residents and in urban than rural subjects. Overweight and obesity were highest among the Akan and Ga tribes and relatively low among Ewes. Subjects with tertiary education had the highest prevalence of obesity (18.8%) compared with less literate and illiterate subjects (12.5–13.8%). Subjects whose jobs were of a sedentary nature had higher levels of obesity (15%) than subjects whose jobs involved heavy physical activity (10%). Subjects who did not engage in leisure-time physical activity were more obese than those who had three or more sessions of leisure-time physical activity per week (15.3 vs. 13.5%).

Conclusions:

Overweight and obesity are common among residents in the Accra area. Older age, female gender, urban, high-class residence, sedentary occupation and tertiary education were associated with higher levels of obesity. Policies and programmes that promote healthy lifestyles may prove beneficial.
Quantitative approaches to nutrient density for public health nutrition
Authors: Backstrand Jeffrey R
Published: November 2003

Nutrient density, the vitamin or mineral content of a food or diet per unit energy, has long been a useful concept in the nutritional sciences. However, few nutritionists have applied the idea in quantitative, population-based nutrition planning and assessment. This paper discusses the conceptual issues related to the calculation of a nutrient density value that, if consumed, should meet the nutrient needs of most individuals in a population or sub-population, and outlines several methods for estimating this value. The paper also discusses the potential influence on the estimate's validity of factors such as skewed distributions and correlated energy intake and nutrient requirement.
“Management is evil”: management control, technoscience and saudade in pharmaceutical research
Authors: Styhre Alexander , Sundgren Mats
Published: December 2003

In a discourse on theology, “evil” is for certain scholars denoting the “absence of good.” When management, as being the totality of practices, technique, routines and standard operating procedures is perceived to do more harm than good, is it evil. Presents a narrative study of pharmaceutical research. According to a strategic management agenda, laboratory pre‐clinical research is seen as a core competence that delivers new chemical entities that become candidate drugs. Pharmaceutical researchers in discovery and development phases reject managerial practices because they in various ways limit scientific activities and impose control mechanisms. At the same time, pharmaceutical researchers emphasize the importance of leadership. The absence of genuine leadership and the emergence of managerial practices entailed a feeling of melancholia and loss of a successful past that will never be seen again, among the pharmaceutical researchers.
On the use of “borrowed” scales in cross‐national research
Authors: Douglas Susan P. , Nijssen Edwin J.
Published: November 2003

Cross‐national studies may be flawed through “borrowing” scales used in domestic studies, without examining their relevance and equivalence in other countries and contexts. Examining construct equivalence is an essential first step in the design of cross‐national and multi‐country studies. An important aspect is examining the equivalence in meaning and salience of a construct in all countries or contexts studied. Unless this is established, erroneous or misleading conclusions about the nature and significance of the construct in that context are likely to result. The importance of examining construct equivalence in cross‐national research is illustrated, based on a series of studies applying the CETSCALE in The Netherlands.
The influence of retail environment on price perceptions
Authors: Jin Byoungho , Sternquist Brenda
Published: November 2003

Consumers use a variety of information cues to select products; price, however, is the most important. It is possible that the market environment can influence how price is viewed by consumers. The purpose of this study is to: establish validity and reliability for multidimensional aspects of the price construct; to explore how US and Korean students are different or similar in their perception of price cues; and to use countries’ retail environments to explore the differences. Findings of this study show that US subjects have higher levels of prestige sensitivity, price mavenism and value consciousness, than did Korean students. However, Koreans exhibited higher levels of sale proneness and price consciousness. Theoretical and managerial implications were suggested based on these findings.
Marketing in a multicultural world
Authors: Jamal Ahmad
Published: November 2003

Marketing as a concept pays a great deal of attention to the individual market transactions, ignoring the impact of marketing practices on society at a macro level. The paper argues that, in a multicultural marketplace, marketers and consumers of different ethnic backgrounds co‐exist, interact and adapt to each other. In doing so, consumers act as skilled navigators who frequently engage in culture swapping to sample the many tastes, themes and sounds of different cultures. Marketing facilitates this culture swapping and contributes towards tolerance and acceptance of lifestyle among consumers. However, traditional racial or ethnic segmentation could become problematic due to the fact that consumers no longer conform either individually or as a group to any one specific segment or category. The paper is based on an ethnographic study of ethnic minority and mainstream consumers in the UK.
Market orientation and the craftsperson
Authors: Tregear Angela
Published: November 2003

In light of critiques of structured studies of market orientation in firms, this paper reports on a qualitative investigation of market orientation amongst craftspersons. Behaviour is conceptualised as the result of interactions between individuals' value sets, goals, perceptions and activities. Following examination of the theory that the distinct value sets of craftspersons render them unlikely to behave in a market oriented way, the methods and results of an empirical study of craft food producers are reported. The study finds that participants strongly perceived themselves as prioritising non‐commercial, lifestyle‐oriented goals. At the same time, however, much evidence was found of market oriented tendencies and the desire to pursue commercial ambitions. Analysis proposes that the specialist niche markets in which these participants find themselves mean that adherence to “craft” principles positively contributes to marketing advantage and achievement of commercial goals. The implications for market orientation research are discussed.
Organisational and managerial drivers of effective export sales organisations
Authors: Katsikea Eva S. , Skarmeas Dionisis A.
Published: November 2003

In response to certain important gaps in the international marketing literature, an attempt is made to investigate the profile characteristics of highly effective export sales organisations and how they are differentiated from other export units with respect to key sales management aspects. Following a review of the pertinent literature, certain organisational elements and managerial factors were identified as potentially important discriminators between high‐ and low‐effectiveness of export sales units. The study findings indicate that compared to poorly performing export units, highly effective export sales organisations are characterised by higher levels of export sales management control and organisation design. They also have export managers demonstrating superior behavioural attributes, such as export sales planning, presentation, adaptive selling, sales support, and technical knowledge; and distinctive characteristics such as professional competence and customer orientation. The implications of the study findings for business practitioners are highlighted and future research streams suggested.
An experimental investigation of factors affecting consumers' perceptions of sales promotions
Authors: d'Astous Alain , Landreville Valérie
Published: November 2003

This paper reports the results of an experimental study where four characteristics of premium‐based sales promotions were manipulated in the context of a computer purchase: the attractiveness of the premium, the extent to which it fits the product category, the reception delay of the premium, and the mention of its value. The results show that these factors had interactive effects on consumer reactions. Thus, although the attractiveness of the premium generally had a positive impact on consumer appreciation of the promotional offer, a promotion including an unattractive premium was nevertheless positively evaluated if the premium was a good fit to the product category. Sales promotions, including a premium that fits well the product category, were less likely to be perceived as manipulative. However, if the product‐premium fit was poor and the premium was not attractive, mentioning the value of the premium helped to reduce the perceptions of manipulation intent. It is concluded that more research is needed on this managerially relevant topic in light of the complex dynamics that appear to underlie the relationships between the characteristics of premium‐based promotions and consumer reactions.
The dynamics of store hour changes and consumption behavior
Authors: Grünhagen Marko , Grove Stephen J. , Gentry James W.
Published: November 2003

Americans who travel internationally are often shocked to discover retail outlets closed during weekend and evening hours in cities such as Paris, Rome and Berlin. Based on the implicit assumption that demand clearly exists, retailers at various locations throughout the globe have increased their hours of operation. While political debate regarding a variety of issues (costs, the rights of labor, religion, etc.) often rages, there has been an implicit assumption that latent demand for longer hours of operations exists. This study investigates through a longitudinal examination consumer perceptions of Saturday shopping in a country where such an activity was previously restricted. Specifically, studies perceptions of Saturday shopping among a sample of German college students who were raised with limited Saturday shopping hours. Data were gathered in 1996 – the year German legislation allowed expanded hours for retailers – and again in 1999, and comparisons are made. Strong differences are found between consumer attitudes towards Saturday shopping at the time of expansion and three years later, indicating the need for differentiating retail strategies in Germany and in other parts of the world that may soon be providing similar expanded retail access.
Services quality dimensions of Internet retailing: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Yang Zhilin , Peterson Robin T. , Cai Shaohan
Published: November 2003

The purpose of this article is to extend what is know about service quality in realm of the context of Internet retailing. As a result of content analyzing 1,078 consumer anecdotes of online shopping experiences, 14 service quality dimensions representing 42 items were identified. The unique contents of each service quality dimension relate to Internet commerce are examined and discussed. Further, the analysis uncovered a number of contributors to consumer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The most frequently‐mentioned service attributes resulting in consumer satisfaction were responsiveness, credibility, ease of use, reliability, and convenience. On the other hand, different dimensions including responsiveness, reliability, ease of use, credibility, and competence, were likely to dissatisfy online consumers. Finally, this paper provides various managerial implications and recommendations which may suggest avenues for improving service quality in Internet retailing and, as a corollary, expanding experiences by consumers.
Mapping stakeholder perceptions for a third sector organization
Authors: Fletcher Anne , Guthrie James , Steane Peter , Roos Göran , Pike Stephen
Published: November 2003

Few authors have examined the intellectual capital of non‐profit organizations or discussed their strategic management in terms of intangibles. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS), a third sector organization, is the subject of this study. The purpose of the study is to better understand the value dimensions of the ARCBS from an external stakeholder perspective. Outcomes include the creation of a value hierarchy, inclusive of the views of 11 stakeholder groups. The results show overall agreement amongst stakeholders about the four most highly valued key performance areas (KPAs) of ARCBS (safe product, product sufficiency, donor and volunteer management and public confidence). However, there were many differences between different stakeholder groups in their perceptions of the relative importance of the nine KPAs and their constituent attributes. As a result of the study ARCBS has a basis to manage strategy, organizational performance and communication with stakeholders.
Can guidelines for intellectual capital management and reporting be considered without addressing cultural differences?
Authors: Chaminade Cristina , Johanson Ulf
Published: November 2003

The aim of the present article is to put culture on the agenda when discussing and working with IC reporting and IC management. Differences between Spain and Sweden in the Meritum work are discussed in relation to the interest and experience of IC among firms; and the way the firms develop IC management and IC reporting. We propose that culture might affect the assumptions of knowledge as well as the creation and the adoption of new knowledge. Thereby culture may determine the emergence of IC management and reporting. However, there are no national cultural differences with respect to the development of IC management and reporting.
Italian annual intellectual capital disclosure
Authors: Bozzolan Saverio , Favotto Francesco , Ricceri Federica
Published: November 2003

In recent years a world‐wide debate has emerged on the future of business reporting. There is growing agreement that traditional financial reporting is inadequate in meeting with the information needs of stakeholders, particularly in a knowledge economy characterised by a rapidly emerging emphasis on intellectual capital (IC). This study examines voluntary intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) provided by listed Italian companies in annual reports from the year 2001. The study aims to answer two research questions namely: what is the amount and content of ICD; and what are the factors that influence different voluntary reporting behaviours. In relation to amount and content of information disclosed, the results are consistent with previous ICD studies showing extensive disclosure of external capital (in particular about “customers”). Regarding the factors that can explain different voluntary reporting practices, findings suggest that industry and size are not important in determining the content of information disclosed, however, as found in social and environmental disclosure (SED) studies, these factors are relevant in explaining the amount of information disclosed. In summary, this paper highlights the ICD practices of Italian listed companies by examining their annual reports, and compares these results with a number of previous national studies.
Accounting for the employee in the intellectual capital statement
Authors: Thorbjørnsen Stefan , Mouritsen Jan
Published: November 2003

On the basis of three examples of intellectual capital statements that make the individual its central figure, this article discusses the role of individuals in knowledge creation. After all, it is often claimed that the individual is the “container” of knowledge and therefore, what it means to account for the individual is an issue. However, analysing these individual competence statements (intellectual capital statements), it is clear that the individual is never alone. It is always related to organisational purposes and the individual competency statement makes the individual an organisational entity because individual competency is related either to organisational bonus systems, to corporate revenues or to the organisational configuration of its knowledge resources. Through the individual competency statement, the individual is made an organisational entity.