bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is TV viewing an index of physical activity and fitness in overweight and normal weight children?
Authors: Grund A , Krause H , Siewers M , Rieckert H , Müller MJ
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To assess relationships between TV viewing and body composition, energy expenditure, physical activity, fitness and nutrition habits in prepubertal children.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Subjects:

Sixty prepubertal children (mean body mass index: 20.8 kg m−2, age: 5–11 years, overweight:n=52, normal weight:n=8).

Methods:

TV consumption, socio-economic status (SES) and nutrition habits were estimated by questionnaires. Fat mass and fat-free mass were assessed by anthropometrics and bioelectrical impedance analysis, and resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry. Total energy expenditure was measured by a combination of indirect calorimetry and individually calibrated 24-hour heart rate (HR) monitoring. Activity-related energy expenditure and physical activity level were calculated. Aerobic fitness (VO2submax) was determined by ergometry, muscle strength (musculus quadriceps, musculus ischiocruralis) was measured by computer tensiometry. Children were stratified according to their daily TV consumption: <=1 h of TV per day (group I) and >1 h of TV per day (group II).

Results:

When compared with children of group I, children of group II had increased body weight, body mass index, skinfolds, fat mass and prevalence of overweight (P<0.05 and <0.01, respectively). By contrast, fat-free mass, energy expenditure, measures of physical activity and muscle strength were similar. Children of group II had normal absolute VO2submax but reduced adjusted VO2submax (P<0.05). They also had parents with a lower educational level (P<0.05). Similar nutritional habits were observed in both groups. There were no significant differences in the observed parameters between children with high (1–3 h day−1) and very high (>3 h day−1) TV viewing.

Conclusions:

There is a positive relationship between TV viewing and fatness. Increased TV viewing does not reflect reduced 24-hour energy expenditure as assessed by 24-hour HR monitoring, submaximal VO2, muscle strength or poor dietary intake. Increased TV consumption is associated with a low SES.
Validation of a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire for use in Western Mali
Authors: Torheim Liv E , Barikmo Ingrid , Hatløy Anne , Diakité Moro , Solvoll Kari , Diarra Modibo M , Oshaug Arne
Published: June 2008

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to validate a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) created for assessing the usual intake of foods and nutrients in the prevailing season in Western Mali.

Design:

Intake of foods and nutrients over the week preceding the interview was measured with a 69-item QFFQ. Intakes were compared with intakes as measured with 2-day combined weighed and recalled diet records.

Setting:

A rural village in Western Mali, West Africa.

Subjects:

Twenty-seven men and 48 women (15–59 years of age) representing 18 households.

Results:

Spearman rank correlations between intake of food groups from the QFFQ and the diet record ranged from 0.09 (meat/fish) to 0.58 (tea/coffee). Median coefficient was 0.37. Median Spearman correlation coefficient for nutrient intake was 0.40. Men had higher median correlation coefficients than did women. The proportion of subjects being classified into the same quartile of food intake was on median 33%, while a median of 7% was misclassified into extreme quartiles. Correct classification into the same quartile for intake of nutrients was on median 34% while a median of 4% was grossly misclassified. Intakes of most food groups and nutrients as measured by the QFFQ were higher than those measured by the diet records. However, while men had higher estimated intakes for foods eaten in-between meals, women in general had higher intake of foods eaten in the main meals.

Conclusion:

This QFFQ can be used for comparing the intake of foods and nutrients between groups within this study population. It therefore represents a useful tool in the surveillance of food intake in the population, both in identifying vulnerable groups and for tracking food intake over time. The differences between men and women in overestimating food intake need to be taken into account when using the method.
The Peterborough Schools Nutrition Project: a multiple intervention programme to improve school-based eating in secondary schools
Authors: Parker Linda , Fox Ann
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To evaluate over two years the effectiveness of multiple interventions targeted at lunches in secondary schools with the aim of increasing the consumption of healthier foods by children during the school day.

Design:

Controlled comparison study of two intervention schools targeted with multiple interventions to increase both the availability and the number of pupils consuming healthier foods, and one control school with no interventions but with the same observations over a two-year period.

Setting:

Three secondary schools in Peterborough, England.

Subjects:

Secondary school children in the three schools taking school lunches between 1996 and 1998.

Results:

School Food Groups (SFGs) were set up in both intervention schools. All catering interventions were actioned via the SFGs. Of the food availability targets, only the target to increase the availability of high-fibre bread in both intervention schools was met. The availability of food items at the control school remained stable. The proportion of pupils consuming fruit and vegetables/salad was very low in all schools at baseline. There were positive changes for consumption of fruit and nonfried potato in one intervention school, and for high-fibre bread and non-cream cakes at the other in the short term, but only that for high-fibre bread was close to being sustained at the end of the two years. The dietary consumption target for vegetables/salad was achieved by the final monitoring period in one school.

Conclusion:

Overall there were no significant changes in school-based eating at the end of the study. Some positive changes were made, with some of the dietary targets being achieved at an early stage but not sustained. Ultimately this study has shown how difficult it is to achieve sustained dietary changes in the eating habits of secondary school children, even with considerable input.
DINER (Data Into Nutrients for Epidemiological Research) – a new data-entry program for nutritional analysis in the EPIC–Norfolk cohort and the 7-day diary method
Authors: Welch AA , McTaggart A , Mulligan AA , Luben R , Walker N , Khaw KT , Day NE , Bingham SA
Published: June 2008

Background and objective:

A new data-entry system (DINER – Data Into Nutrients for Epidemiological Research) for food record methods has been devised for the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) cohort study of 25 000 men and women in Norfolk. DINER has been developed to address the problems of efficiency and consistency of data entry, comparability of data, maximising information and future flexibility in large long-term population studies of diet and disease that use record methods to assess dietary intakes. DINER captures more detail than traditional systems and enables provision of new variables for specific food types or groups. The system has been designed to be fully flexible and easy to update. Analysis of consistency of data entry was tested in a group of 3525 participants entered by 25 coders.

Results:

A food list of 9000 food items and values for 24 000 portion sizes have been incorporated into the database, using information from the 5979 diaries coded since 1995. Analysis of consistency of entry indicated that this has largely been achieved. The effect of coders in a multivariate regression model was significant only if the three coders involved in early use of the program were included (P<0.013).

Conclusions:

The development of DINER has facilitated the use of more accurate record methods in large-scale epidemiological studies of diet and disease. Furthermore, the retention of original information as an extensive food list allows greater flexibility in later analyses of data of multiple dietary hypotheses.
The changing structure of diets in the European Union in relation to healthy eating guidelines
Authors: Schmidhuber Josef , Traill W Bruce
Published: June 2008

Objective

Our objective in this paper is to assess diets in the European Union (EU) in relation to the recommendations of the recent World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization expert consultation and to show how diets have changed between 1961 and 2001.

Data and methods

Computations make use of FAOSTAT data on food availability at country level linked to a food composition database to convert foods to nutrients. We further explore the growing similarity of diets in the EU by making use of a consumption similarity index. The index provides a single number measure of dietary overlap between countries.

Results

The data confirm the excessive consumption by almost all countries of saturated fats, cholesterol and sugars, and the convergence of nutrient intakes across the EU. Whereas in 1961 diets in several European countries were more similar to US diets than to those of other European countries, this is no longer the case; moreover, while EU diets have become more homogeneous, the EU as a whole and the USA have become less similar over time.

Conclusions

Although the dominant cause of greater similarity in EU diets over the period studied is increased intakes in Mediterranean countries of saturated fats, cholesterol and sugar, also important are reductions in saturated fat and sugar in some Northern European countries. This suggests that healthy eating messages are finally having an impact on diets; a distinctly European diet may also be emerging.
Exploring changes in middle-school student lunch consumption after local school food service policy modifications
Authors: Cullen Karen Weber , Watson Kathy , Zakeri Issa , Ralston Katherine
Published: June 2008

Objective

This study assessed the impact of changes in school food policy on student lunch consumption in middle schools

Methods

Two years of lunch food records were collected from students at three middle schools in the Houston, Texas area. During the first year, no changes occurred in the school food environment. After that school year was completed, chips and dessert foods were removed from the snack bars of all schools by the Food Service Director. Students recorded the amount and source of food and beverage items consumed. Point-of-service purchase machines provided a day-by-day electronic data file with food and beverage purchases from the snack bars during the 2-year period. Independent t-tests and time series analyses were used to document the impact of the policy change on consumption and sales data between the two years

Results

In general, student consumption of sweetened beverages declined and milk, calcium, vitamin A, saturated fat and sodium increased after the policy change. Snack chips consumption from the snack bar declined in year 2; however, consumption of snack chips and candy from vending increased and the number of vending machines in study schools doubled during the study period. Ice cream sales increased significantly in year 2

Conclusions

Policy changes on foods sold in schools can result in changes in student consumption from the targeted environments. However, if all environments do not make similar changes, compensation may occur
Intake and food sources of nitrites and N-nitrosodimethylamine in Spain
Authors: Jakszyn Paula , Agudo Antonio , Berenguer Antonio , Ibáñez Raquel , Amiano Pilar , Pera Guillem , Ardanaz Eva , Barricarte Aurelio , Chirlaque María Dolores , Dorronsoro Miren , Larrañaga Nerea , Martinez Carmen , Navarro Carmen , Quirós José R , Sanchéz María José , Tormo María José , González Carlos A
Published: June 2008

Objective

To conduct a comprehensive assessment of dietary intakes of nitrites andN-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Subjects and setting

A study was conducted within the Spanish cohort of the European Prospective Investigation in Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) to assess the intake and food sources of these compounds in Spanish adults. The study included 41 446 health volunteers, aged 29–69 years, from Northern and Southern regions. Usual food intake was estimated by in-person interviews using a computerised dietary questionnaire.

Results

The estimated geometric mean was 0.994 mg day−1for nitrites and 0.114 μg day−1for NDMA. For both compounds a positive trend in consumption with increasing energy intake was observed. Dietary NDMA was related to age and sex after energy adjustment, while nitrite consumption increased with higher intakes of vitamin C (P< 0.001). The food groups that contributed most to intakes were meat products, cereals, vegetables and fruits for nitrites, and processed meat, beer, cheese and broiled fish for NDMA. Current and past smokers, who had high levels of NDMA from tobacco exposure, were also identified as the highest consumers of dietary NDMA. Furthermore, smokers had low intakes of vitamin C (an inhibitor of endogenous nitrosation).

Conclusions

Intake levels of NDMA and nitrites in a Mediterranean cohort are currently relatively lower than those previously reported, although processed meat, beer and cured cheese still are the most important contributors to NDMA intake.
Breast-feeding in a UK urban context: who breast-feeds, for how long and does it matter?
Authors: Wright Charlotte M , Parkinson Kathryn , Scott Jane
Published: June 2008

Objective

To investigate what factors relate most strongly to breast-feeding duration in order to successfully support breast-feeding mothers.

Design

Prospective birth cohort study using questionnaires, routinely collected weights and health check at age 13 months.

Setting

Gateshead, UK.

Subjects

Parents of 923 term infants born in a defined geographical area and recruited shortly after birth, 50% of whom were breast-feeding initially.

Results

Only 225 (24%) infants were still breast-fed at 6 weeks, although 136 (15%) continued beyond 4 months. Infants in the most affluent quintile were three times more likely to be initially breast-fed (P< 0.001) and five times more likely to still be feeding at 4 months (P= 0.001) compared with infants in the most deprived quintile. A third of breast-fed infants were given supplementary feeds in the maternity unit and this was associated with a 10-fold increase in odds of giving up breast-feeding by discharge (P= 0.001). Frequent feeding was reported as a reason for giving up in 70% of mothers at 6 weeks and 55% at 4 months. Those infants who stopped breast-feeding earliest showed the most rapid weight gain and were tallest at age 13 months. Non-breast-fed infants had 50% more family doctor contacts up to age 4 months (P= 0.005).

Conclusions

Initiation of breast-feeding in urban Britain remains strongly determined by socio-economic background and early cessation seems to be related to frequent feeding and rapid growth as well as a continuing failure to eradicate health practices that undermine breast-feeding. Those infants not receiving breast milk suffered increased morbidity, but the apparent association between breast-feeding duration and growth probably reflects reverse causation.
Food supplementation, nutritional intake of recipients and operational aspects: an integrated pilot nutrition initiative of BRAC
Authors: Novak Masuma
Published: June 2008

Objectives

To explore the nutritional quality of supplementary foods and additional energy consumption by the recipients in a pilot nutrition initiative of BRAC.

Design

In-depth interviews, observations during feeding at feeding centres, and laboratory analyses of supplementary foods for nutrient contents performed at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Setting

Muktagacha thana (sub-district) in Mymensingh district, a rural area of Bangladesh.

Subjects

Pregnant and lactating mothers and children below 2 years of age.

Results

Analysis revealed that supplementary food, if taken completely, could provide daily energy equivalent to 752 kcal to a mother and 212 kcal to a child below 2 years of age. Mothers consumed about 75% of the food provided (∼ 564 kcal day−1). The food was shared mostly with young children and husbands. In-depth interview with mothers also suggested that they usually skipped breakfast if the food was given in the morning. The children liked the taste of food, and unless the child was sick or had some food before coming to the centre, she/he ate all the food provided. Although the main purpose of the project was to provide nutrition education, it was observed that activities at feeding centres were limited to food distribution with little time devoted to the communication of nutritional messages.

Conclusions

Training should be given to service providers to communicate nutritional messages effectively as part of understanding the goal of the initiative. It is important to explore whether the regular diets of the recipients are replaced by the food supplementation or not.
The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ): a study of concurrent and construct validity
Authors: Hagströmer Maria , Oja Pekka , Sjöström Michael
Published: June 2008

Introduction

The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was developed to measure health-related physical activity (PA) in populations. The short version of the IPAQ has been tested extensively and is now used in many international studies. The present study aimed to explore the validity characteristics of the long-version IPAQ.

Subjects and methods

Forty-six voluntary healthy male and female subjects (age, mean±standard deviation: 40.7±10.3 years) participated in the study. PA indicators derived from the long, self-administered IPAQ were compared with data from an activity monitor and a PA log book for concurrent validity, and with aerobic fitness, body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat for construct validity.

Results

Strong positive relationships were observed between the activity monitor data and the IPAQ data for total PA (ρ = 0.55, P < 0.001) and vigorous PA (ρ = 0.71, P < 0.001), but a weaker relationship for moderate PA (ρ = 0.21, P = 0.051). Calculated MET-h day−1 from the PA log book was significantly correlated with MET-h day−1 from the IPAQ (ρ = 0.67, P < 0.001). A weak correlation was observed between IPAQ data for total PA and both aerobic fitness (ρ = 0.21, P = 0.051) and BMI (ρ = 0.25, P = 0.009). No significant correlation was observed between percentage body fat and IPAQ variables. Bland–Altman analysis suggested that the inability of activity monitors to detect certain types of activities might introduce a source of error in criterion validation studies.

Conclusions

The long, self-administered IPAQ questionnaire has acceptable validity when assessing levels and patterns of PA in healthy adults.
Impact of promotion of mango and liver as sources of vitamin A for young children: a pilot study in Burkina Faso
Authors: Nana CP , Brouwer ID , Zagré NM , Kok FJ , Traoré AS
Published: June 2008

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of a behaviour change approach, with or without financial support, in improving vitamin A (VA) intake and serum retinol concentration through mango and liver consumption by children.

Design

A parallel design (no control area) was used to assess changes in VA intake and serum retinol over a 15-week period.

Setting and subjects

A pilot study was implemented in the Department of Kokologho, a rural area in central west Burkina Faso. One hundred and fifty children aged 2–3 years were randomly selected and assigned to two treatment groups: PA$$ (promotional activities and financial support) and PA (promotional activities).

Results

The intervention significantly increased (P<0.001) total VA intake by 56% in PA$$ and by 50% in PA. VA intake from liver increased significantly (P<0.001) from 12.7±23.5 to 155.3±56.3 μg retinol activity equivalents (RAE) in PA$$ and from 21.6±29.7 to 135.3±44.9 μg RAE in PA. Changes in VA intake from liver were significantly higher (P=0.004) in PA$$ compared with PA. Mean serum retinol concentration increased significantly by 26% (P<0.001) in PA$$ and 30% (P<0.001) in PA. Changes in serum retinol concentration (0.13 μmol l−1in PA$$ vs. 0.17 μmol l−1and in PA) did not differ significantly (P=0.455) between groups over the intervention.

Conclusion

Promotional activities on mango and liver intake effectively increased VA intake and serum retinol concentrations. Although an additional beneficial effect of financial support on liver intake was observed, this did not translate into a further increase in serum retinol concentration.
Glycaemic index and glycaemic load in relation to blood lipids – 6 years of follow-up in adult Danish men and women
Authors: Oxlund Anne Lene , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal
Published: June 2008

Background

Cross-sectional studies have suggested an association between glycaemic index (GI) or glycaemic load (GL) and serum lipids. However, no prospective studies have been performed.

Objective

To examine whether GI or GL was associated with subsequent changes in serum lipids.

Design

Prospective study with 6 years of follow-up. Overall dietary GI and GL of each participant were assessed from diet history interviews.

Setting

Population-based study.

Subjects

Three hundred and thirty-five healthy men and women aged 35–65 years selected randomly from a larger sample of Danish adults.

Results

In men GI was directly related to changes in total cholesterol (ΔTC), regression coefficient (β) = 0.0044 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0008–0.0081) and GL was positively related to changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ΔLDL),β= 0.1554 (95% CI: 0.0127–0.2982). Furthermore, the relationship between GL and ΔTC was modified by age, being particularly strong for the younger men (P= 0.02). In women the relationship between GI and ΔLDL was modified by age and was stronger for younger rather than older women (P= 0.01). A tendency for a similar interaction was seen for GI and ΔTC (P= 0.09). Associations between GL and ΔLDL and GL and ΔTC were inverse for women with body mass index ≥ 30 kg m−2(P= 0.03 and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate that dietary GI and GL are related to 6-year changes in serum lipid levels. However, associations were weak and generally confined to subgroups.
Somatic diversification in the absence of antigen-driven responses is the hallmark of the IgM+IgD+CD27+ B cell repertoire in infants
Authors: Weller Sandra , Mamani-Matsuda Maria , Picard Capucine , Cordier Corinne , Lecoeuche Damiana , Gauthier Frédéric , Weill Jean-Claude , Reynaud Claude-Agnès
Published: June 2008

T cell–dependent immune responses develop soon after birth, whereas it takes 2 yr for humans to develop T cell–independent responses. We used this dissociation to analyze the repertoire diversification of IgM+IgD+CD27+ B cells (also known as “IgM memory” B cells), comparing these cells with switched B cells in children <2 yr of age, with the aim of determining whether these two subsets are developmentally related. We show that the repertoire of IgM+IgD+CD27+ B cells in the spleen and blood displays no sign of antigen-driven activation and expansion on H-CDR3 spectratyping, despite the many antigenic challenges provided by childhood vaccinations. This repertoire differed markedly from those of switched B cells and splenic germinal center B cells, even at the early stage of differentiation associated with μ heavy chain expression. These data provide evidence for the developmental diversification of IgM+IgD+CD27+ B cells, at least in very young children, outside of T cell–dependent and –independent immune responses.
IKKβ/NF-κB and the miscreant macrophage
Authors: Timmer Anjuli M. , Nizet Victor
Published: June 2008

Macrophage activation relies on complex intracellular signaling processes that integrate the need for rapid inflammatory responses to pathogens with the need to resolve inflammation without permanent harm to normal tissues. Patterns of aberrant macrophage activation characterize and sustain disorders of chronic inflammation, infection, and cancer. New studies now show a role for the NF-κB activator IKKβ in promoting an alternative, immunosuppressive pattern of macrophage activation, which limits the cell's tumoricidal and bactericidal capacities. As cancers and pathogens may have evolved multiple mechanisms to manipulate macrophages for their own survival, is there anything we can do about it?
Structure and magnetism of cobalt-doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Ivill M , Pearton S J , Rawal S , Leu L , Sadik P , Das R , Hebard A F , Chisholm M , Budai J D , Norton D P
Published: June 2008

The structure and magnetic properties of Co-doped ZnO films are discussed in relation to cobalt doping levels and growth conditions. Films were deposited by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) from ZnO targets containing cobalt concentrations from 0 to 30 at.%. The structure of the films is examined by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and optical absorption is used to infer the substitution of cobalt inside the ZnO lattice. Magnetic properties are characterized by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry. Films doped with cobalt concentrations of a few per cent appear to be composed of two magnetic components: a paramagnetic component and a low-field ferromagnetic component. Films doped with 30% cobalt show a larger FM signature at room temperature with clear hysteretic shape, but films grown at low pressure are plagued by the precipitation of metallic cobalt nanoparticles within the lattice which can be easily detected by XRD. These particles are well oriented with the ZnO crystal structure. By increasing the base pressure of the vacuum chamber to pressures above 1×10−5 Torr, metallic cobalt precipitates are undetectable in XRD scans, whereas the films still show an FM signature of ∼0.08 μB/Co. Depositions in the presence of oxygen background gas at 0.02 mTorr decreases the magnetization. The decreased magnetization with oxygen suggests that the activation of ferromagnetism depends on defects, such as oxygen vacancies, created during growth. Optical absorption measurements show a sequential increase in the Co+2 absorption peaks in these films, along with an almost linearly increasing bandgap with cobalt concentration suggesting a large solubility of cobalt in ZnO. Bright-field TEM imaging and electron diffraction do not show signs of precipitation; however, dark-field imaging shows circular areas of varying contrast which could be associated with cobalt precipitation. Therefore, the possibility that ferromagnetism results from secondary phases cannot be ruled out.
A Comparison of Leaf and Petal Senescence in Wallflower Reveals Common and Distinct Patterns of Gene Expression and Physiology
Authors: Price Anna Marie , Aros Orellana Danilo F. , Salleh Faezah Mohd , Stevens Ryan , Acock Rosemary , Buchanan-Wollaston Vicky , Stead Anthony D. , Rogers Hilary J.
Published: June 2008

Petals and leaves share common evolutionary origins but perform very different functions. However, few studies have compared leaf and petal senescence within the same species. Wallflower (Erysimum linifolium), an ornamental species closely related to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), provide a good species in which to study these processes. Physiological parameters were used to define stages of development and senescence in leaves and petals and to align these stages in the two organs. Treatment with silver thiosulfate confirmed that petal senescence in wallflower is ethylene dependent, and treatment with exogenous cytokinin and 6-methyl purine, an inhibitor of cytokinin oxidase, suggests a role for cytokinins in this process. Subtractive libraries were created, enriched for wallflower genes whose expression is up-regulated during leaf or petal senescence, and used to create a microarray, together with 91 senescence-related Arabidopsis probes. Several microarray hybridization classes were observed demonstrating similarities and differences in gene expression profiles of these two organs. Putative functions were ascribed to 170 sequenced DNA fragments from the libraries. Notable similarities between leaf and petal senescence include a large proportion of remobilization-related genes, such as the cysteine protease gene SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED GENE12 that was up-regulated in both tissues with age. Interesting differences included the up-regulation of chitinase and glutathione S-transferase genes in senescing petals while their expression remained constant or fell with age in leaves. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of selected genes from the suppression subtractive hybridization libraries revealed more complex patterns of expression compared with the array data.
Graduate recruitment and development
Authors: Heaton Norma , McCracken Martin , Harrison Jeanette
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The aim of this article is to illustrate how employers have used more innovative “localised” strategies to address what appears to be “globalised” problems of attracting and retaining high calibre applicants with the appropriate “work ready” skills.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of interviews were held with HR managers, line managers from the various functional areas who directly supervise graduates, as well as at least one graduate participating in each of the development programmes.

Findings

The findings indicated that SMEs might struggle to meet graduate expectations on pay, but they appeared to provide effective mentoring and succession planning. This may further add weight to the argument that employers, especially SMEs, will use different strategies and have different priorities in comparison to larger global organisations. Overall, the paper concludes that sector is an important differentiating factor in terms of recruiting, developing and retaining graduates.

Research limitations/implications

Several of the HRD strategies appeared to work well. There were problems with recruitment in some sectors, with innovative solutions developed, often using placement opportunities. Development opportunities were seen by some employers and graduates as a trade off for pay, while other issues such as travel to work and company culture were also a concern.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to research the issue of how organisations may use localised HR strategies in terms of graduate employability to get the most from local labour markets.
Diffusion of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certification in Italian commodity sectors
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Galetto Maurizio , Mastrogiacomo Luca , Viticchiè Luciano
Published: June 2008

Purpose

ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards certification is a phenomenon involving over the years a larger and larger number of companies and organizations. Looking at the empirical data, it is observed that the phenomenon is close to saturation in many countries. In Italy, on the other hand, there is an important increase in the number of certifications. The purpose of this paper is to pick out the different components and aspects which make Italian dynamics so particular.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to do that the single commodity sector was analyzed, studying certifications diffusion in terms of certified sites. With the aim of specializing the analysis within commodity sectors, this information has been compared with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) percentage expressed by each sector.

Finding

The analysis shows that ISO certifications diffusion followed different dynamics depending on the commodity sectors. These reacted in different ways to the discontinuity of 2003, the year in which ISO 9000 standards changed from the 1994 to the 2000 version.

Research limitations/implications

Future research efforts will be directed at an in‐depth analysis of the differences between ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certified and analogous non‐certified firms. This analysis will be performed using performance indices such as the number of employees, the profitability, the volume of business, etc.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes the dynamic of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certification diffusion in Italy in different commodity sectors. The term of comparison is given by the contribution given by each sector to the GDP.
OpenAIR: The Development of the Institutional Repository at the Robert Gordon University
Authors: Johnson Ian M. , Copeland Susan M.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of OpenAIR, the institutional repository at the Robert Gordon University.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the principles that underpinned the development of the repository (visibility, sustainability, quality, and findability) and some of the technical and financial implications that were considered.

Findings

OpenAIR@RGU evolved from a desire to make available an electronic collection of PhD theses, but was developed to become a means of storing and providing access to a range of research output produced by staff and research students: book chapters, journal articles, reports, conference publications, theses, artworks, and datasets.

Originality/value

The paper describes the repository's contribution to collection development.
Spread of franchising: a multinational comparison based on the notions of innovation diffusion
Authors: Koiranen Matti
Published: June 2008

Investigates the globalization of franchising through a discussion of the literature on innovation diffusion. Proceeds then to evaluate the globalization of format franchising in 31 countries, drawing data from Arthur Andersen’s multi‐national study. Finds that the USA has the greatest number of franchisors and franchisees, Japan seems to have a different franchise structure when compared to the other countries studied, and Israel is a franchising novice. Presents a number of tables, accompanied by notes of caution on analysing the statistics. Mentions briefly some examples of franchises. Refers the findings back to the literature review to assess how well they match the theoretical descriptions of innovation diffusion. Discusses some elements of franchising, looking at innovation and replication, maturity, collectivism versus individualism, juridical issues and educational differences. Suggests areas for further investigations and outlines the author’s proposed research undertakings.
Adding direct or independent channels to multiple channel mix
Authors: Kabadayi Sertan
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the conditions under which firms can add direct or independent channels to their single channel system and switch to multiple channel systems. Using the transaction cost theory, variables, i.e. specific asset investments, internal uncertainty, and environmental uncertainty, this study seeks to examine how those variables affect firms' decision to adopt a specific multiple channel mix.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted within the context of a manufacturer and its multiple channel systems. Using a survey method, primary data were collected from 189 US manufacturers and 98 Taiwanese OEMs. The t‐test and regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that under high‐specific asset investments, high‐environmental uncertainty, and high‐internal uncertainty conditions firms add direct channels and adopt an independent‐direct multiple channel system. On the other hand, under low levels of those variables firms expand their channel system into multiple channels by adopting an independent‐independent multiple channel system.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide guidelines to managers regarding the composition of their multiple channel systems. As a limitation, this study uses only three transaction cost variables. Future studies should include other variables that may affect channel design decisions.

Originality/value

While various studies have analyzed firms' decision to switch to multiple channels by adopting new channels, the nature of those added channels remains under‐researched. This study aims to fill that gap. Also, unlike some other similar studies that only depend on US data, this study tests the hypotheses with the data obtained not only from US manufacturers but also from Taiwanese OEMs
Diverse glandular pathologies coexist with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in cyto‐histological review of atypical glandular cells on ThinPrep specimens
Authors: Kumar N. , Bongiovanni M. , Molliet M.‐J. , Pelte M.‐F. , Egger J.‐F. , Pache J.‐C.
Published: June 2008

Objective:  To identify in cytology, high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions with endocervical glandular extension in cases previously diagnosed as atypical glandular cells (AGC), analyse possible reasons for the diagnostic pitfall and document the frequency of glandular pathology coexisting with high‐grade cervical intraepithelial lesion in histology.

Methods:  Thirty‐nine ThinPrep® cervical smear (Pap) tests reported as AGC of undetermined significance and showing high‐grade lesions on histology [cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or 3, endometrial or extrauterine adenocarcinoma] were reviewed retrospectively to identify the cases of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion with endocervical glandular extension, using the Bethesda 2001 system. Cyto‐histological correlation was performed.

Results:  A high frequency of diverse glandular pathologies coexisted with high‐grade cervical intraepithelial lesions on histology. This included endocervical glandular extension in 63%, benign glandular pathology in 33% and pre‐neoplastic or malignant glandular pathology (endocervical glandular dysplasia, adenocarcinoma in situ and metastatic breast carcinoma) in 17% cases. On cytology, the sensitivity was 40%, specificity was 80% and positive predictive value was 86% for endocervical gland extension in high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.

Conclusions:  Special efforts to recognize endocervical glandular extension in high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and glandular neoplasia coexisting with squamous intraepithelial lesions from the heterogeneous category of AGC can contribute to increasing the diagnostic accuracy. The identification of endocervical glandular extension on cervical cytology would alert the gynaecologist to perform a thorough assessment of the endocervix during colposcopy. This could also help to decide on the need to perform deeper conization rather than loop electrosurgical excision procedure to ensure negative margins when colposcopic biopsy shows CIN 2 or 3.
Managing job stress in nursing: what kind of resources do we need?
Authors: Van Den Tooren Marieke , De Jonge Jan
Published: June 2008

Title. Managing job stress in nursing: what kind of resources do we need?

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to investigate the functionality of different kinds of job resources for managing job stress in nursing.

Background. There is increasing recognition that healthcare staff, and especially nurses, are at high risk for burnout and physical complaints. Several researchers have proposed that job resources moderate the relationship between job demands and job‐related outcomes, particularly when there is a match between the type of demands, resources, and outcomes.

Method. Based on the Demand‐Induced Strain Compensation Model, cross‐sectional survey data were collected between November 2006 and February 2007 by a paper‐and‐pencil questionnaire. The final sample consisted of 69 nurses from a Dutch nursing home (response rate 59·4%). Data were analyzed by hierarchical regression analyses.

Results. High physical demands had adverse effects on both physical complaints and emotional exhaustion (i.e. burnout), unless employees had high physical resources. A similar pattern was found for high physical demands and emotional resources in predicting emotional exhaustion. The likelihood of finding theoretically‐valid moderating effects was related to the degree of match between demands, resources, and outcomes.

Conclusion. Job resources do not randomly moderate the relationship between job demands and job‐related outcomes. Both physical and emotional resources seem to be important stress buffers for human service employees such as nurses, and their moderating effects underline the importance of specific job resources in healthcare work. Job redesign in nursing homes should therefore primarily focus on matching job resources to job demands in order to diminish poor health and ill‐being.
Environmental niche of the smut lizard population on a sandy coastal ecosystem of Southeastern Tenerife (Canary Islands)
Authors: De Los Santos Antonio , De Nicolás Juan Pedro
Published: June 2008

Relationships among environmental patterns and population size of the smut lizard Gallotia galloti galloti Oudart, 1839 (Sauria Lacertidae) were examined in the context of longer time‐scale variability on a sandy beach and adjacent environments of Southeastern Tenerife. Seasonal and yearly patterns in the population size were likewise analyzed in relation to climatic and anthropic variables. Six sampling plots (coastal, sweet tabaiba, tuff, lava, sandy lava and crater) were selected following a perpendicular transect to the sandy fringe that extends from the beach toward the volcanic interior. Pitfall trapping was conducted from 1984 to 2005, and capture–mark–recapture technique and the Jolly–Seber method were used to estimate population sizes. The highest population size estimates were shown on the sandy lava plot and the neighboring lava plot, reaching values of about 3500 individuals ha−1 during the spring. The population was active almost the whole year, with seasonal patterns of activity from March to October. Seasonal temperature and population size patterns were correlated but the ‘calima’ episodes produced some disturbance. Gallotia galloti galloti was one of the most abundant lizards of all the species studied and its population size has not remained stable over the study period, probably because of the absence of predation and competition, and because of human interference and environmental instability.
The effects of beach nourishment on the sandy‐beach amphipod Exoediceros fossor: impact and recovery in Botany Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Jones Alan R. , Murray Anna , Lasiak Theresa A. , Marsh Robin E.
Published: June 2008

Beach nourishment is increasingly being implemented to address problems of erosion. However, the ecological consequences of nourishment are poorly understood, especially in Australia. In Botany Bay, sand was piped from an intertidal borrow area at Elephant’s Trunk to nourish the nearby eroding beach at Towra Point. The effects on an intertidal exoedicerotid amphipod, Exoediceros fossor (Stimpson, 1856), were examined using a beyond‐BACI (Before–After, Control–Impact) sampling design. Sampling was conducted before and after engineering operations at sites within the borrow and nourishment locations and multiple control locations. Hypotheses concerning impact and recovery were tested using asymmetrical ANOVAs and two‐tailed F‐tests. These examined the effects on abundance and spatial variability, respectively. The impact of the engineering operations on abundance was very large at both borrow and nourishment locations. However, recovery started within several weeks and, using space × time interactions as a criterion, appeared to be complete within a year. This conclusion is made cautiously because of low statistical power and because other criteria for recovery suggest that it was not complete at some sites. As beach erosion is likely to increase in severity with rising sea levels and greater storm surges associated with climate change, management authorities will need a better understanding of the ecological effects of beach nourishment.
Relationships between bioturbation by Tylos spinulosus (Crustacea, Isopoda) and its distribution on sandy beaches of north‐central Chile
Authors: Jaramillo Eduardo , Cifuentes Sandra , Duarte Cristian , Contreras Heraldo
Published: June 2008

The semi‐terrestrial isopod, Tylos spinulosus Dana, is a common inhabitant of the upper shore levels of sandy beaches of north‐central Chile (ca. 26–30°S). During daylight hours, this isopod remains buried in the sand, while during the night emerges for feeding on stranded organic detritus, leaving exit holes on the beach surface. After feeding, isopods return to dig in their burrowing zones leaving surface irregularities such as cone‐shaped mounds of sand. The burrowing preference of T. spinulosus was studied in the field, by: (i) releasing 30 isopods on artificially prepared sand circles (2 m diameter) having exit holes and mounds similar to those left by the isopods and on circles without holes and mounds, and (ii) counting active and buried isopods 15 min after their release in the experimental arenas. The circles had two densities of holes and mounds: treatments 1 and 2 had 100 and 200 holes, respectively, while treatments 3 and 4 had 100 and 200 mounds, respectively. Other 30 isopods were released on sand circles without these holes and mounds (treatment 5). A significantly higher number of isopods buried in circles with holes and mounds (either inside or outside them), compared with experimental arenas without such structures. These results show that the beach surface heterogeneity resulting from holes and mounds would be one of the processes explaining the patchiness of T. spinulosus and thus, its zonation on the intertidal zones of sandy beaches of north‐central Chile.
Ecophysiological response of meiofauna to physicochemical gradients in intertidal sandy sediments
Authors: Rodríguez José Germán , Incera Mónica , López Jesús
Published: June 2008

The spatial and ecophysiological preferences of the most abundant meiofaunal taxa inhabiting the sandy intertidal areas of NW Spain are characterised using ecological profiles methodology. Eh and water content are the best variables to explain the spatial distribution of most of the meiofaunal taxa. In general, most of the taxa show good agreement between the spatial and ecophysiological preferences, except for shear strength, mean grain size, carbonate, chlorophyll‐a and depth. Eh and water content are the environmental variables that best explain the occurrence and densities of the majority of the meiofaunal taxa.
The effect of human use of sandy beaches on developmental stability ofTalitrus saltator(Montagu, 1808) (Crustacea, Amphipoda). A study on fluctuating asymmetry
Authors: Barca‐Bravo Sandra , Servia María J. , Cobo Fernando , Gonzalez Marcos A.
Published: June 2008

In recent years, there has been an increasing intensity of human use of coastal areas in Galicia (NW Spain). Actually, there is great concern about rapid and unplanned urban and industrial development on certain locations, as this can generate adverse impacts on those areas. In this study, we selected three sandy beaches along the Galician coast (Chanteiro, Insuela and Valieros) facing different levels of anthropic pressure, and we analysedTalitrus saltatorindividuals with the aim of elucidating whether anthropogenic pressures on beaches such as tourism or pollution have an influence on the incidence of morphological developmental alterations in sandhoppers in the field. Specifically, levels of fluctuating asymmetry were selected as indicators of environmental stress. Results of two sampling dates (May and September) show that individuals collected at the most touristy and polluted beach were those showing the highest asymmetry values, although results were only statistically significant for samples collected during spring. Results are in accordance with the hypothesis that beach management and pollution reduce symmetry in sandhoppers living in altered beaches.