bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connecting stuttering management and measurement: I. Core speech measures of clinical process and outcome
Authors: Shenker Rosalee C.
Published: July 2006

Background: There will always be a place for stuttering treatments designed to eliminate or reduce stuttered speech. When those treatments are required, direct speech measures of treatment process and outcome are needed in clinical practice.

Aims: Based on the contents of published clinical trials of such treatments, three ‘core’ measures of treatment outcome are presented for consideration by clinicians: measures of stuttering rate, speech rate and speech naturalness.

Main Contribution: In contrast to clinical trials, however, clinicians are at liberty to have as many outcome measures as thought necessary, and to design non‐standard ones to suit their needs and those of their clients. In that context, the merits of severity ratings of stuttering are considered. It is argued that the prime source of guidance of suitable measures of treatment process are the manuals of the treatments that have figured in clinical trials.

Conclusions: Although there are independent data sources that contradict the axiom that treatment outcomes should be measured beyond the clinic, it is argued that it is premature to dispense with beyond‐clinic process outcome measures for clinical practice. It is argued that for clinicians who conduct treatments in non‐research contexts, one pretreatment outcome measurement occasion is sufficient, along with post‐treatment measures at each maintenance visit. More than anything else, the numerous advantages of severity ratings of stuttering facilitate clinical measurement of treatment outcome and treatment process in several settings and on several occasions.
Nanoparticles of soluble alkaline silicates as flash rusting inhibitors in water‐borne paints
Authors: Kalendová A. , Veselý D. , Kalenda P.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To identify a method of evaluation as well as conditions under which corrosion in the form of flash rusting attacks steel treated with a coating of water‐borne binders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper worked with soluble alkaline silicates – sodium silicate – acting as flash rusting inhibitors, while aqueous dispersion binders were used in primer paints. Sodium silicate, potassium silicate and lithium silicate were studied from this point of view. Their inhibiting properties were described with the aid of a scanning method, determination of metal weight loss and electron raster microscopy.

Findings

Sodium silicate was identified as a very good flash rusting inhibitor for applications in styrene‐acrylate water‐borne paints.

Practical implications

Sodium silicate, potassium silicate and lithium silicate can be used in industrial coatings as high‐performance inhibitors of flash rusting.

Originality/value

A coating containing corrosion defects occurring during the creation of a film loses its anticorrosion properties and provides only low anticorrosion protection against atmospheric corrosion when the film of coating is later exposed to a corrosion environment. This paper proved that silicates could be very efficient flash rusting inhibitors under certain conditions.
Some organic and inorganic compounds as inhibitors for carbon steel corrosion in 3.5 percent NaCl solution
Authors: Abdallah M. , El‐Etre A.Y. , Soliman M.G. , Mabrouk E.M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To study the effects of the sodium salts of molybdate, tungstate and monovanadate as well as some derivatives of Neville‐Winter acid azo dyes on the corrosion of carbon steel in 3.5 percent NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach

Open circuit potential measurement and potentiostatic polarization techniques have been used.

Findings

It was found that all the compounds had inhibition effects on carbon steel dissolution. Inhibition efficiency (IE) increased with increase in inhibitor concentration. The process of inhibition was attributed to the formation of an adsorbed film on the metal surface, which protects the metal against the corrosive medium. The adsorption of these compounds on the steel/chloride interface was found to follow Freundlich adsorption isotherm behaviour.

Originality/value

Proves the effectiveness of the sodium salts of molybdate, tungstate and monovanadate as well as some derivatives of Neville‐Winter acid azo dyes on the corrosion of carbon steel in 3.5 percent NaCl solution.
An empirical investigation of Turkish cola market
Authors: Ulas Dilber , Bader Arslan H.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a broad view and analysis of brand switching attitudes of cola consumers in Turkish cola market.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents the results of a questionnaire, conducted with 855 university students. Brand preferences and loyalty towards cola drinks were investigated by frequency distributions, T‐tests and cross‐tabulations, using particular factors such as purchasing frequency of the brand, brand preference, repurchase intent, searching for the brand, price and promotion tolerance.

Findings

Cola Turka, the new cola brand, has captured almost one‐quarter of the market. It has the potential to create loyal consumers. Despite Coca‐Cola preserving its dominance, Pepsi‐Cola has been surpassed by this new product.

Research limitations/implications

Although special attention was spent in constructing a sample with high presentation ability, university students, selected from three different cities, may not reflect the whole picture of the cola market. Cola Turka is a newly‐born brand and it is hard to identify whether consumers are loyal or not to such a brand.

Practical implications

Origin, advertising and image of the product may foster its preference, as in the case of Cola Turka. Men and women have different buying motives and this can be used for attracting new consumers.

Originality/value

This research paper is unique in its field, which aims to depict brand loyalty in the Turkish cola drinks market. It has a particular importance since the research was carried out after the launch of the new Turkish cola brand “Cola Turka”.
Food for thought: parents' perspectives of child influence
Authors: Turner Jason J. , Kelly James , McKenna Kirsty
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to investigate the influence parents perceive their children have on family food‐purchasing decisions and discuss the reasons why parents do not always purchase healthy food products.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative analysis was conducted, using 301 questionnaires which were distributed to parents through a local primary school in Dundee. From this sample 143 were returned.

Findings

Most parents acknowledge that their children do influence their purchasing decisions, with 86 (60 percent) agreeing or strongly agreeing that they gave in to their children's demands; however, parents feel that they do not give in to pester power. Parents were aware of health issues and state that they regularly purchase healthy food products for their children. However, many parents admit to buying unhealthy food products for their children as treats.

Research limitations/implications

This was an exploratory study and carries the limitation of generalisability as it was conducted solely in Dundee. Any further research should contrast perspectives from other UK cities and develop research into the family dynamics and parents' rationale for “yielding” to their children with regard to junk food.

Practical implications

It is suggested that parents “give in” to their children, which demonstrates the importance of “getting” the message across to children to eat more healthily. Further, the paper provides insight into influencing factors, suggesting that advertising can play a prominent role in influencing children's eating habits.

Originality/value

This paper is helpful to both academics and practitioners in the field of healthy eating among children. The paper provides some insight into parental perspectives of healthy eating and their responses to pester power.
Statistical techniques to facilitate the launch price of fresh fruit
Authors: Rolfe John , Bretherton Phil , Hyland Paul , Soosay Claudine
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The launch of a new product into the marketplace involves substantial risk and management planning. Information and tools are required to efficiently test‐market the product price, segment‐based price, and competitive price benchmark. The traditional approach to pricing such products has been on a cost‐plus basis with subsequent adjustments as sales develop. This paper aims to look at a more rigorous method using statistical analyses of survey data and is based on a case study of a company which seeks to differentiate itself by providing fresh cut fresh fruit of exceptional quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research conducted involved surveys of sampling consumers in a regional centre (Rockhampton) and a capital city (Brisbane) in Queensland, Australia. The surveys involved a taste test, feedback on the product, questions on appearance and pricing options, and collection of socio‐economic data. Further statistical tests were conducted to establish the price range for market launch in the two regions.

Findings

The findings identify the key demographics of the sample, the price and the main product offering. The price for the cut fresh fruit should be set in the range $2.50 to $2.95 in order to maximise both volume sales and profitability.

Originality/value

The study makes significant theoretical contributions to the literature and also identifies implications for managers. It provides good information for developing an appropriate marketing plan, identifying key demographics, reducing the risk of product failure and implementing strategies effectively, particularly with reference to the critical decision of a launch price.
Developing tomorrow's leaders: why their worldviews of today matter?
Authors: Yeo Roland K.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between the worldviews of leaders and their corresponding leadership styles. It also proposes a leadership development framework integrating training strategies and pertinent leadership skills.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a modeling of seven leader types and illustrates the predominant worldview of each leader type. Separately, a modeling of six distinct leadership skills is used to distil the strengths and weaknesses of each leader type, from which specific training implications are discussed.

Findings

First, autocratic and bureaucratic leaders tend to adopt a negative worldview which impinges on their level of power and influence. Second, charismatic and visionary leaders are well‐equipped with instrumental and creative imagination skills, reflecting their collaborative, global and transformative worldview. Third, both enabling and servant leaders display a quieter persona in terms of assertiveness, as they believe action speaks louder than words. They are highly consultative and participatory in their management approach.

Practical implications

CEOs and HRD professionals may now be able to assess their leaders' worldviews and match these with their leadership styles to design appropriate training programs for leadership development. A number of practical suggestions presented in this paper will provide pointers for training implementation.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in examining the root of a leader's attitude and behavior, that is, to focus on his/her worldview. The author's point of view is that a strategic leadership development program should first allow leaders to experience a variety of worldviews through simulation and other techniques, which will in turn influence the way they think and act.
New media‐supported learning today and tomorrow: recommendations for the next generation of education and training concepts supported by new learning media
Authors: Littig Peter
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the results of a research study on eLearning across Europe. The aims are to identify the main focus of eLearning projects supported by the European Leonardo da Vinci programme and to give recommendations for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives were achieved in two different steps: First, the projects were categorized by the researchers according to an agreed set of criteria. This in turn led through the so‐called funnel methodology to a representative selection of eLearning projects which were evaluated more deeply by means of expert interviews.

Findings

The study showed that technical matters and narrowly‐defined subject areas still receive the most emphasis by eLearning developers. What is needed, however, is a stronger focus on the learners and their needs. The need for innovation in eLearning is not in the area of technological innovation, rather pedagogical innovation and increased value, for the learners need to play a more important role in eLearning projects.

Research limitations/implications

This thematic monitoring should be seen as only a first step and needs to be continued to help steer the development of eLearning projects financed by the European Commission.

Practical implications

The main focus of the outcomes is the necessity of the enforcement of learner‐oriented approaches instead of technology‐driven approaches in order to create added value for the eLearners.

Originality/value

This project was the first overall European monitoring in the field of eLearning, analysing the actual changes in thinking on eLearning and defining clear recommendations for the future.
Libraries in Pakistan: a systemic study
Authors: Mahmood Khalid , Hameed Abdul , Jalaluddin Haider Syed
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to answer the following questions: what are an open system and its components? How can the open system model be used to describe a library system including its objectives and functions? What is the situation of librarianship in Pakistan in terms of the elements, characteristics and features of an open system model?

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a review of the literature. The challenges which are faced by librarianship today are presented as a supra‐system of a library system. Inputs (people, knowledge, material, energy, capital and finance), processes, outputs and feedback mechanism of Pakistani librarianship are described. Characteristics of an open system such as users, controller, cycle of events, teleology, mission and negative entropy are presented with special reference to libraries in Pakistan.

Findings

That the Library system in Pakistan would benefit from the application of an open systems approach, but resource and other constraints prevent this from happening.

Research limitations/implications

Attempts to show how open systems theory can be applied to the sphere of a national library system.

Practical implications

The barriers to implementing the systems model offered in this paper are essentially practical: resource constraints, political priorities, and related social or governmental factors.

Originality/value

The paper is useful not only to understand how a library can be studied using systems theory but also to have a picture of the present state of librarianship in Pakistan.
Decades of persistent ignorance towards sustainable dissemination of HIV/AIDS information among rural women in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Uhegbu A.N. , Okereke C.I.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper focuses on the methods for achieving effective and sustainable HIV/AIDS information dissemination to the rural women in Imo State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A discursive paper with an argument based on reliable sources from the literature.

Findings

The paper argues that the various channels already used to disseminate HIV/AIDS information to the rural women, such as the establishment of the National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA), the organisation of conferences and talks, and the use of mass media, may not be achieving the desired results in view of the fact that in spite of all the campaigns, the rates of infection continue upwards.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of the paper is practical rather than research‐oriented, but if new methods were adopted, further research would be needed to see if these methods were indeed effective.

Practical implications

This paper identifies better practical methods for disseminating AIDS information, advocating the use of institutional frameworks, community inter‐groups, community information centres, information repackaging and the adoption of vernacular as the language of communication as effective and sustainable methods of disseminating HIV/AIDS information to rural women.

Originality/value

If adopted, the new methods outlined in this paper will encourage innovatory and more effective ways of improving information flow thus improving public health.
The emerging role of national and regional associations in library development: an Indian perspective
Authors: Ghosh Maitrayee
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Library associations in India have been playing an important role in conveying useful messages and guidelines for library development, acting in this transitional era as meeting places for professionals, helping them exchange opinions and promoting free access to information while also facing a series of structural, political, cultural and financial challenges. Despite this scale of involvement, there has been relatively little analysis of the characteristics and services Indian library associations provide, how these can be enlarged and how associations should manage the entire professional community. This paper seeks to fill that gap.

Design/methodology/approach

An attempt is made to comprehend the present status of membership based library associations in India and the range of structural, political, cultural and financial challenges which they face through SWOT analysis together with a review of the literature, websites and ephemeral material such as minutes, annual reports, newsletters and memoranda.

Findings

That there is an immediate need for restructuring these associations in pursuit of a new working model which would involve functioning in close partnership with other groups; the associations need to be stronger financially and have more impact in pursuing and meeting the objectives and goals of the members of association. To this end, an Indian Institute of Library and Information Science should be established on the pattern of the Indian Institute of Technologies.

Practical implications

The focus of this paper is on the practical aspects of making professional associations function more successfully.

Originality/value

Recommendations are made for carefully planned public relations programs to be carried out by leveraging convergence technologies which could guarantee the long‐term success of library associations.
Glut of information, dearth of knowledge? A consideration of the information needs of practitioners identified during the FAME project
Authors: Gannon‐Leary Pat
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper emanates from work carried out in the learning and evaluation strand of the UK e‐government initiative Framework for MultiAgency Environments (FAME) and focuses on a research question raised during research on the FAME project. When considering the best ways in which to disseminate the results of such initiatives, it became apparent that it would be useful to examine how the professionals and practitioners to be targeted currently accessed and used information.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combined a literature review with an analysis of data from a pre‐implementation FAME questionnaire and a post‐implementation questionnaire and analysis of data on attendance at project board meetings for the FAME strands.

Findings

There are IT and training implications with respect to social care professionals' and practitioners' access to information. With respect to IT, there are issues of access and skills levels which may explain a preference displayed among the professionals and practitioners to derive information from colleagues rather than via information and communications technologies (ICTs). With respect to training, there are needs with regard to IT upskilling and, in addition, for those professionals and practitioners who have been in practice a number of years there is a need for updating of knowledge of developments such as evidence‐based practice.

Research limitations/implications

The research stemmed from another project (i.e. FAME) so the questionnaires were not tailored to answer fully the research question posed. However, analysis of FAME‐generated data provides useful pointers for further exploration of the issues raised.

Practical implications

There is an indication that further ICT training, more ICT resources and improved access are needed by many professionals and practitioners in a social care setting. Consideration should be given to means of delivering such training and to the provision of opportunities for continuous professional development to ensure that they are familiar with newer developments such as evidence‐based practice.

Originality/value

From the literature review this would appear to be an under‐researched area. It is hoped that this work will provide a springboard for further research.
The impact of information culture on managing knowledge A double case study of pharmaceutical manufacturers in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Mei‐Yu
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Although knowledge management (KM) concepts and systems have been widely adopted by some pharmaceutical companies in developed countries, most Taiwanese pharmaceutical manufacturers are still pondering the implications of going down the route of KM strategies and solutions. The purpose of this paper is to assess how organizational information culture is connected with the company’s approach to knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study using in‐depth‐interviews analyzed through the case study methodology.

Findings

The results show that the information cultures of Taiwan pharmaceutical manufacturers are hostile toward KM. In addition, manufacturers are daunted by concerns about the financial investment required, and the compatibility and interoperability of such systems.

Research limitations/implications

These research findings could be explored in wider organizational contexts and in different information cultures.

Practical implications

This paper identifies key obstacles to implementing KM for the pharmaceutical manufacturers in Taiwan, in particular a correlation with inhibiting information cultures.

Originality/value

The study concludes that the fundamental and most economic solution to the KM problems of the industry would to deal with its ‘unreceptive’ atmosphere by refining and cultivating the appropriate information dimensions of their organizational culture.
Qualitative research in management: addressing complexity, context and persona
Authors: Gummesson Evert
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To contribute to improved research practices by addressing three key realities in management research, all being largely disregarded by research: complexity, context and persona (the human and social aspects of researcher behaviour).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on observations from real world cases and inductive analysis the article proceeds as a scientific discourse and advocacy for qualitative methodology combined with network theory, particularly current developments in the natural sciences.

Findings

A qualitative approach to research is required, allowing researchers to deal with complexity, context and persona and their multitude of factors, relationships and fuzzy phenomena; conventional statistical methods fail in all these aspects. Holistic, systemic thinking as manifested in case study research and modern network theory offers a superior mindset and techniques for merging modern physics and mathematics with qualitative approaches. Social and human properties, including tacit knowledge, common sense, subjectivity and what drives a researcher need to be made part of research.

Research limitations/implications

Research in management disciplines, neither basic research nor applied research can rely on mainstream quantitative techniques. These are two shallow as they can harbour too few variables, do not put studied phenomena in their proper context, and sweep persona under the carpet.

Originality/value

The article is on qualitative methodology and the opportunities it offers to address issues not handled well by mainstream research in business. Modern natural sciences are introduced; especially network theory, suggesting a merger between the quantitative and the qualitative and between modern natural sciences and business research. In this way the reality of complexity, context and persona can be added to the research agenda.
A biographical approach to researching entrepreneurship in the smaller firm
Authors: Fillis Ian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the methodological limitations of existing dominant research paradigms in entrepreneurship research. In order to encourage the use of little used methodologies to create higher quality data, an alternative approach is proposed whereby data triangulation from conventional quantitative and qualitative methods of the postal survey and the in‐depth interview are combined with biographical data.

Design/methodology/approach

By following a path of research, which embraces data triangulation from both contemporary and historical perspectives, this paper explores the benefits of embracing methods from disciplines outside the conventional confines of business research in order to better inform our understanding of smaller firm behaviour.

Findings

Introducing creativity into the research process mirrors the behaviour of entrepreneurial small firms, which often thrive in non‐linear environments where conventional linear, stepwise research methodologies fail to capture the full picture of owner/manager behaviour. Adoption of a biographical approach to entrepreneurship research can result in the uncovering of rich descriptions of valuable data, which would otherwise remain undiscovered if more conventional approaches were adopted, alone.

Research limitations/implications

Whichever methodological approach is adopted, it will be open to criticism and bias. Biographical research has been criticised for its subjectivity in terms of the biographer imposing his or her own thinking on the process. However, good biographical research utilises the creative “story telling” strengths of the biographer as researcher to uncover clearer truths.

Practical implications

The paper presents a discussion of how to utilise biographical data as a management research tool, either as a stand‐alone method or in conjunction with other research methodologies through the process of data triangulation.

Originality/value

Following a more creative, biographical approach to researching entrepreneurship suggests adopting a more postmodern, or even critical approach. Management researchers can now begin to understand how chaos and fragmentation are located in a world where formal, linear methods of understanding are being superceded by more creative conceptualisations and interpretations of the truth.
The role of communication and management support in a lean manufacturing implementation
Authors: Worley J.M. , Doolen T.L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of management support in a lean implementation. The impact the lean implementation made on communication within the organization is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methods were used to study the relationships between management support, organizational communications, and a lean manufacturing implementation. A case study was conducted in an electronics manufacturing company in the northwestern USA. Data were collected over a three‐month time period. The data were coded using an evolving coding scheme and analysis was performed on the resulting data set.

Findings

Evidence was found to support the supposition that management support does play a role in driving a lean manufacturing implementation. Management support impacted the lean manufacturing implementation both negatively and positively. The research also found moderate support for improved communication in the organization attributable to the lean implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The organization studied was in the early stages of implementing lean manufacturing practices and principles. Future research should include multiple organizations with a longer history of lean manufacturing.

Practical implications

The research findings identified management support and communications as important variables in a lean manufacturing implementation. Furthermore, there is evidence that these variables are critical in not only the implementation of lean manufacturing practices and principles, but also in the ongoing planning and deployment efforts of organizational leaders.

Originality/value

This research provided empirical evidence for the role of management support and communication in an organization's lean implementation. The findings highlight the importance of studying organizational phenomenon within real‐world settings. As a result of the methodology used, both positive and negative implications were identified. The research design has enabled the uncovering of a complex set of relationships that existed between two sociocultural variables and an organization's effort to improve performance through the implementation of lean practices.
The role and status of qualitative methods in management research: an empirical account
Authors: Cassell Catherine , Symon Gillian , Buehring Anna , Johnson Phil
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a piece of empirical work that investigates the current role and status of qualitative research within the management field.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on 45 in‐depth qualitative interviews with members of a range of different stakeholder groups, including: journal editors; qualitative researchers; Doctoral Programme Leaders; practitioners; and those who fund qualitative management research.

Findings

The findings suggest that there is considerable variety in definitions of qualitative research; that there are still a number of issues surrounding the status and credibility of qualitative research within the field; and there is a need for greater access to researcher training in this area.

Practical implications

The paper is of practical interest to qualitative researchers in that it details some of the issues surrounding publishing qualitative work.

Originality/value

The paper presents original empirical work in this field.
Use of e‐books in an academic and research environment
Authors: Anuradha K.T. , Usha H.S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use and usability of e‐books from the perspectives of users in an academic and research environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved an e‐mail questionnaire to survey researchers in the academic and research environment of the Indian Institute of Science regarding their use of e‐books.

Findings

The responses indicated that the students tend to use this new technology more often than faculty members and staff. Those who did use e‐books mostly used reference and technical material. The highest response was from the Centre for Ecological Science, followed by the Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, and then the Department of Molecular Reproduction and Development and Genetics. The majority of the respondents have used computers for over five years for a variety of purposes including e‐mail communication, internet browsing and text processing as well as for other advanced uses such as numerical computing and DNA sequence analysis. However, the use of e‐books appears to be very low, indicating a requirement for creating awareness and user education about both software and hardware related to e‐books. Only 37 of the 104 respondents had used the free trial offer from Kluwer and Edutech eBooks during July 2004.

Originality/value

There has been no previous study reported which has investigated users' perspectives of e‐books in an academic and research environment in India using a questionnaire method.
Authentication and authorisation infrastructure for the mobility of users of academic libraries
Authors: Hudomalj Emil , Jauk Avgust
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To give an overview of the current state and trends in authentication and authorisation in satisfying academic library users' mobility and instant access to digital information resources, and to propose that libraries strongly support efforts to establish a global authentication and authorisation infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of some national projects towards such an infrastructure for public institutions, including libraries, is provided.

Findings

There are many projects working towards such an infrastructure, but no single widely accepted authentication and authorisation infrastructure exists yet. A global authentication and authorisation infrastructure will enable users to use a single username and a password for all local and remote library services. It will consist of interconnected authentication/authorisation servers, where each institution will be responsible for a local user database.

Research limitations/implications

The list of projects towards global authentication and authorisation infrastructure is not complete. Projects are not described in detail.

Practical implications

Libraries will have to join efforts towards a global authentication and authorisation infrastructure and to integrate this into their applications. That way, they will improve services for their users who are remote from their home institutions, enable users to access new services faster, lessen user frustration with forgotten passwords, reduce time spent on administrative tasks and also reduce the burden of password management and enable security improvements.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to speed up the development of a global authentication and authorisation infrastructure.
Evaluation of nutritional composition, sensory and physical property of home processed weaning food based on low cost locally available food materials
Authors: Ijarotimi O.S. , Ashipa F.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The objectives of this study are to develop low cost weaning food for the economically disadvantaged nursing mothers and also to prevent protein energy malnutrition among the infants in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The blends (sweet potato and soybean flour) were prepared (homogenously) in the ratio of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 of sweet potato and soybean respectively. Triplicate samples of each blend were analyzed for moisture, fat, protein (N × 6.25), crude fiber and ash. Total lipid was estimated by petroleum ether extraction. Carbohydrate content was estimated by difference. Gross energy was determined. Water absorption capacity and bulk density were determined using standard procedures. The pasting characteristics of the flours were evaluated using a standard procedure. The sensory evaluation was carried out on the following parameters: taste, appearance, aroma, mouth (texture), colour and overall acceptability by a panel of ten members using a nine‐point hedonic scale.

Findings

The results of nutritional composition of the supplements showed protein 11.2–33.72 per cent, carbohydrates 42.91–76.51 per cent, fat 3.10–12.78 per cent, energy values 329.5–366.74 kcal/100 g and appreciable quantities of P, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, K and Na. The soy‐sweet potato flours had peak viscosity values between 180–365 BU. These values increased when cooled to 50°C, (420–760 BU). Results of this study showed that at 30 per cent soy flour supplementation, the meal could meet satisfactorily the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for children of 1–3 years old, and that the developed soy‐sweet potato diets were nutritious, inexpensive and can easily be prepared from locally available raw food materials by using simple domestic processing techniques.

Originality/value

Evidence has shown that the cost of commercial weaning formula is very high and most of the low‐income family cannot afford to purchase this commercial weaning food and for such people an alternative low cost weaning formula is helpful.
Proximate, minerals and antinutritional factors of some underutilized grain legumes in south‐western Nigeria
Authors: Fasoyiro S.B. , Ajibade S.R. , Omole A.J. , Adeniyan O.N. , Farinde E.O.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

African yam bean (Sphenotylis stenocarpa), bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and lima bean (Phaseolus luunatus) are some of the minor grain legumes found in Nigeria. Their utilization has been very limiting because little is known about their nutritive value. The proximate, minerals and antinutritional factors of two collections of African yam bean, lima beans and pigeon pea, and one collection of bambara groundnut seeds grown in south‐western Nigeria were studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Dry seeds of two collections of African yam bean, pigeon pea and lima beans, and a collection of bambara groundnut were collected from Oyo and Ondo States in south‐western Nigeria. The legumes were sorted, milled and stored in polythene bags at 4°C.

Findings

The crude protein in the legumes was in the range of 22–37 per cent, crude fat 1.47–4.96 per cent, crude fibre 1.92–7.21 per cent and ash 3.33–5.61 per cent. K, Ca and P were in the range of 0.15–0.52 per cent. Iron content of the seeds was very low. The antinutrients, tannin, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor were very high when compared to those of cowpea, groundnut and soybean.

Originality/value

It therefore implies that consumption of these legumes will require processes that will reduce their antinutritional factors.
Shelf‐life extension of cultured milk products
Authors: Sarkar S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Shelf‐life of cultured milk products is longer than milk but it is still limited. Shelf‐life of cultured milk products could be enhanced by adopting various techniques. The purpose of this paper is to describe how the longer shelf‐life thus attained would extend the market reach and would be economically beneficial to both producers and consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Attempt has been made to enlighten the various techniques such as bacteriocin (nisin, MicrogardTM, natamycin, etc.), lactoperoxidase‐thiocyanate‐hydrogen peroxide system (LP‐system), high pressure treatment, post‐production heat‐treatment (thermization, microwave heating), ultra‐violet (UV) irradiation, carbonization, etc.

Findings

Application of more than one bacteriocin may be advantageous to minimize the possibility of survival of microflora resistant to a particular bacteriocin. Pasteurization, being more detrimental to dietetic properties of cultured milk products than thermization, its application is not suggested as a method of preservation. Microwave heating may be better than conventional pasteurization.

Originality/value

Conjugated application of various techniques would be more efficacious in extending the shelf‐life of cultured milk products. Extension in shelf‐life of cultured milk products would be economically beneficial for producers and consumers.
Colour stability and vitamin C retention of roselle juice (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) in different packaging materials
Authors: Aina J.O. , Shodipe A.A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In Nigeria, roselle juice is quite popular among the populace presumably owing to its attractive colour, pleasant flavour and nutritional attributes. In the citrus industry, processing and packing material selection have significant effect on quality of juice product during storage. The effects of packaging materials, and storage temperature on colour and vitamin C retention of sobo juice extracted from local roselle plant were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Juice was extracted at three different temperatures: 20, 60 and 100°C for varying processing times of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min respectively. Freshly extracted roselle juice was divided into three batches and independently hot‐filled into 500 mL pre‐sterilised glass, film packages and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles allowing for minimum head space, capped, cooled and subsequently stored at 5 ± 1 and 28 ± 1°C respectively for eight weeks.

Findings

Optimum pigment extraction was obtained in 20 min with boiling water, while colour stabilisation of the extracted juice was affected with the use of food acidulants. Colour degradation on storage was pronounced in sweetened juice with greater colour loss in product held at ambient temperature. Colour and vitamin C retention with glass and plastic bottles provide higher retention of these quality attributes under cold and ambient storage condition than with the flexible polyethylene film.

Originality/value

Retention of colour and vitamin C was considerably higher in glass and PET bottles than in flexible film package. However, addition of table sugar or increasing storage temperature from 5 to 27°C affected colour stability.
Dietary supplements for phenylketonuria: removing Phe by activated carbon
Authors: Cristine Fialho Lopes Daniella , Meneghello Delvivo Fernanda , Pinto Coelho Silvestre Marialice
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims at testing several conditions using activated carbon for removing phenylalanine (Phe) from protein hydrolysates, in order to prepare dietary supplements for phenylketonurics, based on skim milk.

Design/methodology/approach

Six hydrolysates from skim milk were prepared, using a protease from Aspergillus oryzae (AO), isolated or in association with papain (PA). Some parameters were tested for removing Phe, such as amount of activated carbon, temperature and stirring time. The second derivative spectrophotometry was used to evaluate the efficiency of Phe removal.

Findings

The best condition for removing Phe was achieved using an activated carbon: casein ratio of 118 (in g), a stirring time of 30 min, at a temperature of 25°C, which produced 96 to 99 per cent of Phe removal. Among the hydrolytic conditions employed, the association of AO and PA (1 hour, 1 per cent and 4 hours, 2 per cent, respectively) led to the lowest absolute value for the final Phe concentration (0.060 × 10−4 mg/100 mg of protein).

Original/value

Since we know, there is no formula for PKU on the market based on skim milk hydrolysed proteins. Isolated casein, the main milk protein, is the choice in most cases. This is a factor that may be taken in consideration especially in developing countries, where milk proteins are imported and, consequently, are much more expensive than skim milk.
A neural predictor to analyse the effects of metal matrix composite structure (6063 Al/SiCp MMC) on journal bearing
Authors: Sinanoğlu Cem
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To discuss the effects of metal matrix composite (MMC) journal structure on the pressure distribution and, consequently, on the load‐carrying capacity of the bearing are predicted using feed forward architecture of neurons.

Design/methodology/approach

The inputs to the networks are the collection of experimental data. These data are used to train the network using the Batch Back‐prop, Online Back‐prop and Quickprop algorithms.

Findings

The neural network (NN) model outperforms the available experimental model in predicting the pressure as well as the load‐carrying capacity.

Research limitations/implications

The experiment specimens used in this study have been made of MMC with aluminum based reinforced with SiC ceramic particles, using the stir casting technique. Various composite journal structures can be investigated.

Practical implications

The simulation results suggest that the neural predictor would be used as a predictor for possible experimental applications on modelling journal bearing system.

Originality/value

This paper discusses a new modelling scheme known as artificial NNs. An experimental and a NN approach have been employed for analysing MMC journal structure for hydrodynamic journal bearings and their effects on the system performance.
Analytical solution for two‐dimensional Reynolds equation for porous journal bearings
Authors: D'Agostino V. , Senatore A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to explore many aspects of the dynamic behaviour of a rotor on bearings, such as the fluid film force. In order to find in an analytical model an effective solution to provide a more readable description of the interaction between journal and bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

The present theoretical analysis is carried out to determine the analytical approximate formulation of the fluid film force of porous finite journal bearings. This paper focuses on an approximate mathematical model for the one‐dimensional lubrication equation about the infinitely long porous journal bearing, while the Warner's method is adopted to describe the oil film pressure film in the finite bearing domain.

Findings

The proposed model allows a quick analytical determination of the fluid film force for different values of the permeability coefficient, L/D ratio, eccentricity ratio. The results are in good agreement with those achieved by means of the FDM based solution.

Originality/value

The results show good agreement over the typical parameter ranges of the operation on this kind of tribological components.
Temporary agency work and HRM in Australia
Authors: Hall Richard
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the management of agency workers in Australia and, in particular, to identify the challenges presented to HRM by agency work.

Design/methodology/approach

After briefly reviewing the data on the incidence and growth of agency work in Australia, this paper examines the role of agency work in Australia from the perspective of the industry. Then it reviews both the evidence concerning the reasons for client organisations using agency workers and the attitudes of agency workers to their work. The paper concludes by assessing the implications of these findings for both for HR managers and HRM in general.

Findings

When the attitudes and preferences of agency workers are compared with those of direct employees it is found that agency workers are no more satisfied with their level of flexibility than direct workers and are in fact less satisfied with their job security, skill utilization and development, pay, autonomy and influence at work. Given these findings, it is argued that agency work may be incompatible with HR strategies that are based on high performance work practices.

Originality/value

This article gives helpful advice to HR managers in any organization that are in the market for agency workers.
Evaluating public web site information: a process and an instrument
Authors: Judd Vaughan C. , Farrow Lucy I. , Tims Betty J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the attempt to find an evaluation instrument for undergraduate students to use to evaluate public web sites, the analysis of the variety of instruments discovered, the subsequent development of an appropriate instrument, and the application of the instrument in workshops with students.

Design/methodology/approach

The instrument was created based on the following criteria that the authors determined would meet the students' needs. It focuses exclusively on the information aspect of a web site, has some basis in theory or is based on an accepted model, is parsimonious, is quantitative, with both absolute and relative measures, and indicates whether or not the information should be accepted or rejected. The instrument was also developed with the goal of focusing on the process rather than the outcome.

Findings

Although a number of diverse evaluation instruments from the literature and from web‐based sources were examined, none was deemed suitable for students to use so the authors developed their own.

Originality/value

The authors concurred that, based on their assessment of the learning environment, the focus of an instrument should be on evaluation as a process.