bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human milk fatty acids and growth of infants in Brazzaville (The Congo) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Rocquelin G , Tapsoba S , Kiffer J , Eymard-Duvernay S
Published: May 2003

Objective:

Objective: To estimate the role of human milkn-6 andn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in term infant growth in two African urban populations.

Design:

Observational study. Weight gains at 5 months of age and dietary habits were compared between Congolese infants (n=102) and Burkinabè infants (n=101). Socio-economic status and anthropometry of the mothers were also recorded.

Setting:

One suburban district in Brazzaville (capital of The Congo) and one in Ouagadougou (capital of Burkina Faso).

Subjects:

Two random samples of nursing mothers and their 5-month-old infants.

Results:

All infants were born at term and there was no difference in birth weights. At 5 months of age, infants in Ouagadougou were thinner but not shorter than their counterparts in Brazzaville (average weight gain (standard deviation): 614 (168) g month-1vs. 720 (176) g month-1;P>0.0001). Drastic differences were found in infant diets with regard to extra fluid intake andn-6 andn-3 PUFA concentrations in breast milk. In Ouagadougou, all infants were given fluids other than milk from birth. Breast milk had highly unbalanced 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 andn-6/n-3 long-chain PUFA ratios (53:1 and 5:1, respectively). In Brazzaville, half of the infants received fluids other than milk, and breast milk showed balanced 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 andn-6/n-3 long-chain PUFA ratios (12:1 and 1:1, respectively). A non-linear relationship between 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 ratio and growth was established in Brazzaville (P=0.0027). The 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 ratio adjusted with covariates had an even more significant effect on weight gain (P=0.0011). Applying the same model in Ouagadougou did not show such a relation.

Conclusion:

Data strongly suggest that a balanced ratio of 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 (between 5:1 and 15:1) in breast milk leads to higher weight gain of infants during the first 5 months of life.
Sampling procedure, participation rates and representativeness in the Swedish part of the European Youth Heart Study (EYHS)
Authors: Wennlöf Anita Hurtig , Yngve Agneta , Sjöström Michael
Published: May 2003

Objective:

The European Youth Heart Study (EYHS) is a cross-sectional, school-based population study on risk factors for future cardiovascular disease in children, with an overall participation rate in Sweden of about 50%. To study the representativeness of the participants in the Swedish part of EYHS, a comprehensive non-participant follow-up study was carried out.

Design:

A structured multilevel analysis model was developed, addressing each level in the sampling procedure. The income, educational and occupational categories of the geographical regions of the study (level I), school catchment areas (level II) and parents (level III) were compared with official data. Participating and non-participating pupils (level IV) were compared through a questionnaire.

Setting:

Thirty-seven state schools in two regions of Central Sweden (Örebro and southern Stockholm) were visited during the school year 1998/1999.

Subjects:

Boys and girls aged 9 and 15 years were randomly sampled through a multiphase sampling procedure.

Results:

Data for socio-economic status for levels I and II corresponded well to national and regional official data. At level III, non-manually working parents were slightly over-represented among parents of participating children. At level IV, non-participating subjects corresponded in most respects to participants with a few exceptions – mainly more interest in physical exercise among participants.

Conclusions:

Based on the knowledge from the non-participant study, we do not foresee problems regarding interpretation of the outcomes in the EYHS, despite the low participation rate.
Comparison of body mass index values proposed by Cole et al. (2000) and Must et al. (1991) for identifying obese children with weight-for-height index recommended by the World Health Organization
Authors: Abrantes Marcelo Militão , Lamounier Joel Alves , Colosimo Enrico Antônio
Published: May 2003

Objectives:

To calculate the sensitivity, specificity and agreement of body mass index (BMI) values proposed by Cole et al. (Br. Med. J. 2000; 320: 1) and Must et al. (Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1991; 53: 839 & 54: 773) with weight-for-height index in the nutritional evaluation of children.

Design:

Criterion standards for diagnostic tests.

Setting:

North-east and south-east Brazil.

Subjects:

Two thousand nine hundred and twenty children studied in Life Pattern Research performed by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics in 1997. Main outcome measures are the sensitivity, specificity and agreement of BMI values proposed by Must et al. (1991) and Cole et al. (2000).

Results:

Sensitivity of values proposed by both authors was around 90%. Specificity was almost 100% considering weight-for-height index as the gold standard. The agreement of both values with weight-for-height index, based on kappa results, was good and in pre-school children it was excellent.

Conclusions:

Values proposed by Cole et al. (2000) and Must et al. (1991) should be used carefully to screen obesity in childhood but can be used to ‘diagnose’ overweight children with a very low chance of having false-positive results. Although the values proposed by both authors performed similarly, use of Cole et al.'s values should be encouraged. The latter cover children from 2 to 6 years old; their values are presented for six-month age intervals; they are based on a larger sample from six different countries; and they are related to the definition of adult obesity.
Addressing overreporting on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) telephone survey with a population sample
Authors: Rzewnicki Randy , Auweele Yves Vanden , Bourdeaudhuij Ilse De
Published: May 2003

Objective:

To examine a possible problem of overreporting and to describe the degree of error with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short telephone protocol.

Design:

Cross-sectional study, using two different physical activity (PA) self-report protocols.

Setting:

Telephone interviews about PA in Belgium.

Subjects:

Fifty adults who had previously been interviewed with IPAQ in a national survey.

Results:

Seventy-five per cent reported less PA with the modified procedure than with the IPAQ. Twenty-three of the 50 individuals were found to have reported some amounts of PA with the IPAQ (either walking, or vigorous or moderate PA) when they should have reported none. In total, based on their revised reports of PA, 50% fewer persons met PA recommendations than was the case with IPAQ. The overreporting could not be related to types of error-prone individuals.

Conclusions:

Overreporting of PA in population samples is a serious problem that could be reduced by implementing procedure changes without changing the IPAQ items themselves.
Does the consumption of amylase-containing gruels impact on the energy intake and growth of Congolese infants?
Authors: Moursi M , Mbemba F , Trèche S
Published: May 2003

Objective:

To assess the effect of the incorporation of amylase in maize-based flours prepared as gruels on the energy intake and growth of Congolese infants.

Design:

A randomised controlled trial. At 18 weeks of age, infants were randomised into either an intervention group, where they were provided with a maize/soya-based flour that contained amylase, or a control group, where they were provided with a similar flour that did not contain amylase.

Setting:

Urban borough of Poto-Poto in Brazzaville, The Congo.

Subjects:

Eighty infants (40 in each group) were randomised into intervention and control groups. Three infants in the intervention group and two controls subsequently dropped out.

Results:

At 24 weeks, the addition of amylase resulted in a significant increase in energy intake (in kJ kg-1day-1) from gruels (P=0.02) without affecting breast milk consumption. In contrast, total energy intake (in kJ kg-1day-1) did not differ significantly between groups (P=0.08). After adjustment for morbidity and previous growth, infants in the intervention group showed better growth in length during the trial (+0.22 cm month-1;P=0.04), especially between 24 and 31 weeks of age (+0.51 cm month-1;P>0.01). There were no differences in weight velocity between groups.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest that the consumption of amylase-treated gruels allows an increase in energy intake from these gruels without affecting breast milk consumption but has no impact on total daily energy intake. However, if started after 6 months, it could be effective in preventing faltering of infant linear growth.
Statistical approaches for assessing the relative validity of a food-frequency questionnaire: use of correlation coefficients and the kappa statistic
Authors: Masson LF , MCNeill G , Tomany JO , Simpson JA , Peace HS , Wei L , Grubb DA , Bolton-Smith C
Published: May 2003

Objective:

To compare different statistical methods for assessing the relative validity of a self-administered, 150-item, semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 4-day weighed diet records (WR).

Design:

Subjects completed the Scottish Collaborative Group FFQ and carried out a 4-day WR. Relative agreement between the FFQ and WR for energy-adjusted nutrient intakes was assessed by Pearson and Spearman rank correlation coefficients, the percentages of subjects classified into the same and opposite thirds of intake, and Cohen's weighted kappa.

Subjects:

Forty-one men, mean age 36 (range 21-56) years, and 40 women, mean age 33 (range 19-58) years, recruited from different locations in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Results:

Spearman correlation coefficients tended to be lower than Pearson correlation coefficients, and were above 0.5 for 10 of the 27 nutrients in men and 17 of the 27 nutrients in women. For nutrients with Spearman correlation coefficients above 0.5, the percentage of subjects correctly classified into thirds ranged from 39 to 78%, and weighted kappa values ranged from 0.23 to 0.66.

Conclusions:

Both Spearman correlation coefficients and weighted kappa values are useful in assessing the relative validity of estimates of nutrient intake by FFQs. Spearman correlation coefficients above 0.5, more than 50% of subjects correctly classified and less than 10% of subjects grossly misclassified into thirds, and weighted kappa values above 0.4 are recommended for nutrients of interest in epidemiological studies.
EPIC–Oxford:lifestyle characteristics and nutrient intakes in a cohort of 33 883 meat-eaters and 31 546 non meat-eaters in the UK
Authors: Davey Gwyneth K , Spencer Elizabeth A , Appleby Paul N , Allen Naomi E , Knox Katherine H , Key Timothy J
Published: May 2003

Objective:

To describe the lifestyle characteristics and nutrient intakes of the Oxford cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).

Design:

Cohort of men and women recruited through general practices or by post to include a high proportion of non meat-eaters. Dietary, anthropometric and lifestyle data were collected at baseline and four diet groups were defined.

Setting:

United Kingdom.

Participants:

In total, 65 429 men and women aged 20 to 97 years, comprising 33 883 meat-eaters, 10 110 fish-eaters, 18 840 lacto-ovo vegetarians and 2596 vegans.

Results:

Nutrient intakes and lifestyle factors differed across the diet groups, with striking differences between meat-eaters and vegans, and fish-eaters and vegetarians usually having intermediate values. Mean fat intake in each diet group was below the UK dietary reference value of 33% of total energy intake. The mean intake of saturated fatty acids in vegans was approximately 5% of energy, less than half the mean intake among meat-eaters (10–11%). Vegans had the highest intakes of fibre, vitamin B1, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium and iron, and the lowest intakes of retinol, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and zinc.

Conclusions:

The EPIC–Oxford cohort includes 31 546 non meat-eaters and is one of the largest studies of vegetarians in the world. The average nutrient intakes in the whole cohort are close to those currently recommended for good health. Comparisons of the diet groups show wide ranges in the intakes of major nutrients such as saturated fat and dietary fibre. Such variation should increase the ability of the study to detect associations of diet with major cancers and causes of death.
Patterns and demographic predictors of 5-year weight change in a multi-ethnic cohort of men and women in Australia
Authors: Ball Kylie , Crawford David , Ireland Paul , Hodge Allison
Published: May 2003

Objective:

This study investigated 5-year trends in body weight, overweight and obesity and their association with sociodemographic variables in a large, multi-ethnic community sample of Australian adults.

Design:

This prospective population study used baseline and 5-year follow-up data from participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS).

Setting:

Population study in Melbourne, Australia.

Subjects:

In total, 12 125 men and 17 674 women aged 35–69 years at baseline.

Results:

Mean 5-year weight change in this sample was +1.58 (standard deviation (SD) 4.82) kg for men and +2.42 (SD 5.17) kg for women. Younger (35–44 years) men and, in particular, women gained more weight than older adults and were at highest risk of major weight gain (≥5 kg) and becoming overweight. Risk of major weight gain and associations between demographic variables and weight change did not vary greatly by ethnicity. Education level showed complex associations with weight outcomes that differed by sex and ethnicity. Multivariate analyses showed that, among men, higher initial body weight was associated with decreased likelihood of major weight gain, whereas among women, those initially overweight or obese were about 20% more likely to experience major weight gain than underweight or healthy weight women.

Conclusions:

Findings of widespread weight gain across this entire population sample, and particularly among younger women and women who were already overweight, are a cause for alarm. The prevention of weight gain and obesity across the entire population should be an urgent public health priority. Young-to-mid adulthood appears to be a critical time to intervene to prevent future weight gain.
National immunisation days and vitamin A distribution in Mali: has the vitamin A status of pre-school children improved?
Authors: Schémann JF , Banou A , Malvy D , Guindo A , Traore L , Momo G
Published: May 2003

Objective:

The impact on vitamin A status of the distribution of vitamin A during national immunisation days (NIDs) has not been well established despite strong promotion by international agencies and donors. Using a pre–post design, the change in prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was examined in pre-school children in Mali.

Design:

Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Mopti region, the first in March 1997 before this strategy was adopted and the second in March 1999, four-and-a-half months after a mass distribution of vitamin A during NIDs.

Subjects and setting:

We compared the vitamin A status of children aged 12 to 66 months targeted in 1999 by NIDs with the status of children in the same age group in 1997. Infectious events of the previous two weeks were concurrently recorded. Within the 1999 sample, the status of recipient and non-recipient children was also compared.

Results:

In 1997, the prevalence of xerophthalmia (defined by the presence of night blindness and/or Bitot spots) was 6.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.1–9.2) and the modified retinol dose response (MRDR) test proved abnormal in 77.8% of 12–66-month-old children (95% CI 68.27–85.17). In 1999 this picture had improved significantly, both for xerophthalmia prevalence, 3.3% (95% CI 2.1–5.2), and abnormal MRDR test response, 63.1% (95% CI 54.25–71.23). The infectious morbidity rates between 1997 and 1999 tended to decrease. No significant improvement was found among children older than those targeted by NIDs. In 1999, children who received vitamin A had a lower risk for xerophthalmia (3.0% for recipients vs. 8.7% for non-recipients) and experienced fewer infectious events.

Conclusions:

The clinical and biological vitamin A status of pre-school children improved between 1997 and 1999. Mass distribution of vitamin A appears to reduce the occurrence of xerophthalmia and would seem to be associated with a decrease in other related illnesses. Vitamin A supplementation during NIDs should be given a high priority when vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem.
Risk analysis applied to food fortification
Authors: Meltzer Helle M , Aro Antti , Andersen Niels Lyhne , Koch Bente , Alexander Jan
Published: May 2003

Objective:

To describe how a risk analysis can be applied to food fortification, with emphasis on voluntary fortification and intake levels that might exceed usual dietary levels.

Design:

Use of the risk analysis model as a frame to classify nutrients according to the risk of exceeding upper safe intake levels. Furthermore, to apply the model when discussing possible consequences of liberal fortification practices on eating behaviour and disease patterns.

Setting:

The discussion on food fortification presently going on internationally.

Results:

Micronutrients can be classified according to their safety margin, i.e. the size of the interval between the recommended intake and the upper safe level of intake. We suggest that nutrients with a small safety margin, i.e. for which the upper safe level is less than five times the recommended intake, be placed in a category A and should be handled with care (retinol, vitamin D, niacin, folate and all minerals). Category B comprises nutrients with an intermediate safety margin (vitamins E, B6, B12 and C), while nutrients that according to present knowledge are harmless even at 100 times the recommendation (vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and biotin) are categorised as C.

Discussion:

The risk analysis model is a useful tool when assessing the risk of both too low and excess intakes of single micronutrients, but can also be applied to analyse the consequences of fortification practices on eating behaviour and disease patterns. Liberal fortification regulations may, for example, distort the conception of what is healthy food, and drive consumption towards a more unhealthy diet, contributing to the plague of overweight and concomitant increased risk of degenerative diseases.

Conclusion:

The impact of fortification practices on the total eating pattern of a population should become an integrated part of the discussions and regulations connected to the issue.
Constructions preserving Hilbert space uniform embeddability of discrete groups
Authors: Dadarlat Marius , Guentner Erik
Published: May 2003

Uniform embeddability (in a Hilbert space), introduced by Gromov, is a geometric property of metric spaces. As applied to countable discrete groups, it has important consequences for the Novikov conjecture. Exactness, introduced and studied extensively by Kirchberg and Wassermann, is a functional analytic property of locally compact groups. Recently it has become apparent that, as properties of countable discrete groups, uniform embeddability and exactness are closely related. We further develop the parallel between these classes by proving that the class of uniformly embeddable groups shares a number of permanence properties with the class of exact groups. In particular, we prove that it is closed under direct and free products (with and without amalgam), inductive limits and certain extensions.
On the Clifford algebra of a binary form
Authors: Kulkarni Rajesh
Published: May 2003

The Clifford algebra

C
f

C_f

of a binary form

f
f

of degree

d
d

is the

k
k

-algebra

k
{
x
,
y
}

/

I

k\{x, y\}/I

, where

I
I

is the ideal generated by

{
(
α
x
+
β
y

)
d

−
f
(
α
,
β
)
∣
α
,
β
∈
k
}

\{(\alpha x + \beta y)^d - f(\alpha , \beta ) \mid \alpha , \beta \in k\}

.

C
f

C_f

has a natural homomorphic image

A
f

A_f

that is a rank

d
2

d^2

Azumaya algebra over its center. We prove that the center is isomorphic to the coordinate ring of the complement of an explicit

Θ
\Theta

-divisor in

Pic

C

/

k

d
+
g
−
1

\operatorname {Pic}_{C/k}^{d + g - 1}

, where

C
C

is the curve

(

w
d

−
f
(
u
,
v
)
)

(w^d - f(u, v))

and

g
g

is the genus of

C
C

.
Porous secant shaped slider bearing with slip velocity lubricated by ferrofluid
Authors: Shah Rajesh C. , Bhat M.V.
Published: May 2003

Ferrofluid lubrication of a porous secant shaped slider bearing was analysed considering slip velocity at the interface of film and porous regions. Expressions for various bearing characteristics were obtained. Computed values of dimensionless load capacity of the bearing, friction force on the moving slider, coefficient of friction and the position of the centre of pressure were displayed in a tabular form. The load capacity, friction and coefficient of friction decreased when the slip parameter increased. But, the load capacity as well as friction decreased and the coefficient of friction increased when the permeability parameter increased. The position of the centre of pressure was not significantly altered when the slip parameter increased. But, it slowly moved towards the inlet when the permeability parameter increased.
Vegetable‐based biodegradable lubricating oil additives
Authors: Maleque M.A. , Masjuki H.H. , Sapuan S.M.
Published: May 2003

Recently, much effort has been focused on research and development of new types of lubricating oil additives to reduce wear and friction in the tribological systems. It has been noted that the use of additives to improve the lubricating capacity and durability of oil plays an important role in the wear and friction process of materials. Due to the environmental problems, many researchers are embarking on the viability of the vegetable‐based lubricants. In this article a critical review has been made on vegetable‐based lubricant additives with specific properties and application. This article explains the advantages and manufacturing processes of vegetable‐based oils, which will give a better understanding of using biodegradable lubricating oil additives. A case study on palm oil methyl ester as an additive has been presented in this paper.
Line management responsibility for HRM: what is happening in Europe?
Authors: Holt Larsen Henrik , Brewster Chris
Published: May 2003

The notion of line management accepting greater responsibility for human resource management (HRM) within employing organisations is now received wisdom. This paper presents data on the variation in practice across Europe, noting the evidence that the HR role is increasingly assigned to line managers, and that the extent of such assignment varies from country to country. This first presentation of data from 1999/2000 updates previous work the authors have presented on this topic: the evidence shows that in terms of that assignment, countries tend to remain in the same relationship to each other.
Line manager involvement in learning and development
Authors: Gibb Stephen
Published: May 2003

Increasing line manager involvement in learning and development (L&D) at work is one important part of the broader changing relations between line managers and human resource management (HRM). The advantages of increasing line manager involvement in L&D at work are frequently highlighted. However, the disadvantages raise questions about the overall impact on L&D at work. Evidence about the practice of L&D at work depending on line manager involvement is limited. Instead of having an evidence base to evaluate it there is only scope to reflect more critically on the significance of the trend to line manager involvement in L&D at work in context. Two principal interpretations are possible; one that the trend is of minimal significance, the other that it is of much greater significance. Increasing line manager involvement in L&D at work is both part of the means of attaining, and one of the ends of, broader changes in work, organisation and HRM. The conclusion here is that there are legitimate concerns about shifting to increasing line manager involvement in L&D at work, where that prejudices the provision and use of specialist L&D at work resources. However, these concerns are outweighed by the greater concern to re‐align work, organisation and management for an era where knowledge management is predominant. The issue of line manager involvement in L&D at work will continue to be an important part of the corporate and critical review agendas.
Line managers: facilitators of knowledge sharing in teams
Authors: MacNeil Christina M.
Published: May 2003

As human resource management (HRM) and knowledge management are still new areas of research, if we assume the co‐existence of strategic integration, and devolution of HRM responsibilities to line managers, then we can see that an organisation's strategic intent could be to maximise the contribution of employee's knowledge and skills, through creating competitive advantage by utilising human capital. The challenge of “capturing” employee's tacit knowledge, to facilitate its transfer into organisational competence for today's organisations remains paramount. Competitive business pressures are leading to streamlined organisational structures, flatter management layers, adoption of team‐working processes and employee empowerment, which offers line managers a key role in contributing to strategic HRM outcomes by encouraging knowledge sharing in teams. Reviews and discusses the impact of such devolved HR responsibilities on the role of line managers. Intends to: explore the role of line managers facilitating creation and transfer of tacit knowledge in teams; summarise barriers concerning the transfer of tacit knowledge between individuals and teams; and finally outline the importance of developing line managers as facilitators. Aims to construct an agenda outlining future research in this field.
Returns to human capital investment in a transition economy
Authors: Clark Andrew
Published: May 2003

Russia has undergone tumultuous changes during the transition process. This has been nowhere more evident than within the labour market. The transition has now progressed to such an extent that it is possible to examine whether the issues of a re‐capitalisation and restructuring of human capital have been addressed. This paper uses the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey to assess rates of return to human capital investments for the years 1994‐1998. It utilises standard earnings functions to assess the returns to education as well as to specific levels of post‐compulsory education and training. This article places specific emphasis on firm level training and the role of the firm, for the purpose of this special issue. Results suggest, in the case of Russia, that significant and positive returns to education and training exist comparable in magnitude to those in other transition countries.
Information and communication technologies and changes in skills
Authors: Hwang Gyu‐hee
Published: May 2003

The research measures the diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and changes in skills in the UK during the 1980s. Using input‐output data and the Census of Population, the indicators are constructed according to 25 reclassified industrial divisions for the whole economy. These indicators show that accompanying the diffusion of ICTs there was a shift from motor skills (relatively decreasing) to cognitive skills (relatively increasing). Diffusion of ICT during the 1980s is captured through the amount of computer equipment usage. The skill changes are examined through multi‐faceted aspects: occupational change; educational improvement; increased female participation; and employment change by industry. The research sheds light on two issues analysed in relation to technological change and skills change: measurement of technological change should be considered as a complex pattern rather than a monotonically increasing pattern; and skill changes should be examined through multi‐faceted aspects rather than any single aspect.
The relationships among individual differences, needs and equity sensitivity
Authors: Yamaguchi Ikushi
Published: May 2003

The objective of this study is to examine the influence of different facets of needs (i.e. self‐achievement, power, and affiliation needs) on the relationship between individual dispositions (i.e. independence and interdependence of self) and attitudes to equity (i.e. entitled and benevolent). Data were collected from a sample of 243 Japanese university students. Structural equation analysis and simple regression analysis were performed. As a result of structural equation analysis, needs were found to mediate the relationship. The results of simple regression analysis also showed: the stronger interdependence‐oriented people have the stronger desire for affiliation needs; individual dispositions indicated no relationships with self‐achievement and power needs; those with the stronger affiliation needs exhibited both entitled and benevolent attitudes; power needs influenced entitled attitudes; and self‐achievement needs influenced both entitled and benevolent attitudes. In terms of motivation theory, the findings also suggest that people follow expectancy theory instead of equity sensitive theory.
Multiple goals and managers’ job‐related tension and performance
Authors: Emsley David
Published: May 2003

Goal theory research has made an important contribution to understanding managers’ behaviour within organisations but most of this research has focused on single goal settings. Given the recent popularity of implementing balanced scorecards in organisations, generalising this research to multiple goal settings is important but problematic because multiple goals can complicate a manager's decision making which, in turn, can potentially affect the manager's job‐related tension and performance. Moreover, where multiple goals are pursued, the relative importance of those goals is also likely to affect job‐related tension and performance. These relationships are tested using questionnaire data gathered from interviews with managers. The results suggest that job‐related tension and performance deteriorate as managers pursue multiple goals although the relationship seems to be non‐linear. The relative importance of goals does not appear to be important. Some comments provided by the managers during their interviews offer some insights that help to explain these results.
Some aspects of overall job satisfaction: a binomial logit model
Authors: Oshagbemi Titus , Hickson Charles
Published: May 2003

While there has been several job satisfaction studies, very few of them are about the university teachers or academics in general. The present work examines not only how satisfied UK academics are with their primary tasks of teaching and research, but also their satisfaction with their pay. Using a binomial logit analysis on a survey data, the study found a strong positive relationship between pay satisfaction and gender, indicating that women academics are more satisfied than the men counterparts. The study also found that research and teaching satisfaction are negatively affected with increasing age and length of service in higher education respectively. Unsurprisingly, research and pay satisfaction are positively associated with rank. It was found that the engineering staff members are dissatisfied with their research but more significantly, their teaching. The implications of these findings are explored.
Job satisfaction and employee performance of Lebanese banking staff
Authors: Crossman Alf , Abou‐Zaki Bassem
Published: May 2003

This paper investigates the relationships between job satisfaction, individual job facets, socio‐demographic variables and job performance in the Lebanese commercial banking sector. The sample consists of 202 employees from nine commercial banks. The results indicate that job satisfaction is not independent in all job facets and that satisfaction with one facet might lead to satisfaction with another. Female employees were found to be less satisfied with all facets except pay. Those with lower educational qualifications were least satisfied. Self‐reported job performance was found to increase with tenure.
An investigation of the suitability of the EFQM Excellence Model for a pharmacy department within an NHS Trust
Authors: Stewart Ann
Published: May 2003

Explores whether the EFQM Excellence Model provides a suitable framework for quality management within the pharmacy department at Hope Hospital, Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust. Research involved a literature search of the work of authors in the field of quality, generically and in healthcare, the development of quality awards, and practical cases of implementation of the model in NHS Trusts. Common themes were identified from this search. Interviews with staff and customers showed high levels of customer awareness, customer satisfaction and generic training. This was compared with the data from the literature search and the researcher’s observations. The Excellence Model was seen to be a suitable framework for quality management provision, although there was little knowledge of it in the pharmacy department. A quality service was still being provided in spite of this, but the model could build further on this good work and provide a more structured approach.
Living in the new age: using collaborative digital technology to deliver health care improvement
Authors: Conner Maxine , Finnemore Phyllis
Published: May 2003

States that finding an effective method for helping teams to make better use of time is critical to the delivery of the current policy agenda within the UK National Health Service (NHS). Details the introduction of a communication technology into the work of the NHS, piloted by the Learning Alliance, a virtual team of development staff providing support to over 100 organisations, which hopefully will help solve the problem of time wastage. Concludes that the key to successful technology supported collaboration depends not only on the technology, but also on the organisation’s ability to adopt an entirely new way of working.
Using clinical risk management as a means of enhancing patient safety: the Irish experience
Authors: McElhinney John , Heffernan Orla
Published: May 2003

This paper outlines the process and context in which the Clinical Risk Modification Project at Sligo Hospital, Ireland was established and focuses on the issues encountered from conception to implementation. The project is based in the emergency and orthopaedic departments and is of two years duration. The stated aim of this project is to design and test a framework incorporating the core components of a workable Clinical Risk Modification programme in the context of an Irish general hospital. This involved making an explicit commitment to the principles of a learning organisation including blame free risk reporting, providing education and awareness training to promote understanding of clinical risk management locally, and developing a clinical incident/near miss reporting system to address clinical risk in both a proactive and reactive way.
Globalisation strategies and business organisation of a network of logistics service providers
Authors: Lemoine W. , Dagnæs Lars
Published: May 2003

This paper deals with the dynamics of internationalisation and globalisation of the freight‐forwarding and logistics service providers. A case study, based on E.ON, Stinnes, Schenker, BTL and other European and non‐European firms, is presented in order to illustrate the process. The organisation and strategies developed by the firms under study with the aim to expand their activities on European, transnational and global levels are presented. The information was gathered using the Internet as a research tool. Focus is placed on the organisational routes used by the firms in order to expand their activities outside of their home base, and on their business strategies.
Collaborative networking in a multi‐stage industrial channel
Authors: Fujimoto Hisao
Published: May 2003

The argument of the paper is that the global competitive strength of leading Japanese products lies not only in their efficient supply systems but also in systems of multi‐stage vertical networks. The study explores an example of such a network throughout a multi‐stage industrial complex in the home electronics industry in Japan. Members of this network are an assembly firm, a plastic parts supplier, and a mold processor. The paper concludes that for such collaborations to succeed in creating products of global excellence, the networks should be structured for vertical co‐operation.
Partnership alliances in virtual markets
Authors: Vlachopoulou Maro , Manthou Vassiliki
Published: May 2003

Successful virtual working requires organizations to adopt new approaches towards managing and leading in the following key areas: managing infrastructure, people, information and joint activities/processes. Marketing transformation and integration between the partners’ internal and external activities and relationships are the prerequisites in order to combine their core competencies creating dynamic virtual collaboration networks. In this paper several e‐partner relationship management paradigms are illustrated and categorized according to the degree of integration and e‐marketing/business transformation. The proposed integrated e‐partner relationship management solution offers a systematic process for ensuring that specific partnerships criteria are developed and managed in the most beneficial way for the involved parties in virtual environment.
Corporate branding in a banking environment
Authors: Daffey Anne , Abratt Russell
Published: May 2003

This study explores the concept and management of a corporate branding strategy in a large South African bank. The authors review the process that Absa Bank took in developing a corporate brand after merging four banks in their group into one new large one. Models of corporate branding are reviewed and then compared with the actual process undertaken by the banks. Interviews were conducted with key managers within the bank as well as in their advertising agency. The results show that Absa bank followed the processes described in the comprehensive models.
Corporate branding in the retail sector: a pilot study
Authors: Burghausen Mario , Fan Ying
Published: May 2003

It can be argued that corporate branding is essentially a strategic task spanning across functional boundaries and internal and external spheres of the organisation. This paper presents the findings from a study in the UK retail sector, to assess whether practitioners share the view that the corporate brand is an integrative device and that the process of corporate branding is holistic in nature.
Towards an integrated approach to corporate branding – an empirical study
Authors: Einwiller Sabine , Will Markus
Published: May 2003

Based on the findings of an empirical study among communication executives in 11 multinational companies we propose an increasingly integrated approach to corporate branding. Key aspects which support our claim are the growing importance of the financial community, the augmenting skills shortage driving competition for current and future employees, and the enhanced transparency of corporate activities being greatly supported by the particular characteristics of the Internet. In order to achieve greater integration and eventually a favourable reputation we propose an organisational model combining centralisation and team organisation which particularly aims to support integration across the various functions responsible for stakeholder relations.
Event sponsorship in China
Authors: Fan Ying , Pfitzenmaier Nico
Published: May 2003

Promotional events or event marketing is currently at the infant stage in China, but holds great potential for the future. This is concluded from an Internet‐based survey. The respondents believe that event promotion provides international companies with a viable alternative to the increasingly cluttered mass media, and plays a key role in corporate branding and integrated marketing communication. Sponsoring sports and music events is found particularly effective in reaching the opinion leaders and innovators, and establishing favourable links between an audience and a sponsor’s brand image.
Advertising in China: product branding and beyond
Authors: Liu Wen‐Ling
Published: May 2003

The increasing of the amount of advertising activities around the world has underscored the importance of understanding advertising effectiveness in international markets. In recent years, the growth of Chinese economy has produced a significant “modern Chinese consumer”. This study examines the underlying beliefs that may account for perception of advertising among these new Chinese generations.
A content newspaper analysis of Dutch industry
Authors: van Lunenburg Marion A.
Published: May 2003

In what way do Dutch newspapers report about large Dutch enterprises and to what extent are differences in media coverage caused by business‐related variables and/or media related variables? A content analysis of 2,354 articles from Dutch newspapers about 25 Dutch companies shows that companies differ in the way they are covered by newspapers. Both branch and number of employees have an effect on the volume of news. Publishing and transport companies show a higher volume than other branches. Also De Telegraaf, de Volkskrant and NRC Handelsblad show higher volumes than Algemeen Dagblad and Trouw. Stock value, change in share price and change in profit do not seem to have any effect on volume of news, although change in profit does have an effect on number of articles. A judgement score is also calculated for each article. Newspapers do not differ from each other in the way they cover companies. Only branch and change in profit show an effect on judgement score.
A study of families' satisfaction with a family interventions in psychosis service in Somerset
Authors: Stanbridge Roger I. , Burbach Frank R. , Lucas Andy S. , Carter Karen
Published: May 2003

Although research has shown the efficacy of family interventions in psychosis, there has been little research into families' own experience of services in routine clinical settings. Fifteen of the first twenty‐two referrals to a Somerset Family Interventions Service agreed to take part in semi‐structured interviews regarding family satisfaction and clinical outcome. High levels of engagement and satisfaction with the service were reported in spite of initial apprehension regarding family sessions. Family members thought that the sessions had helped them deal more effectively with problems and relatives' symptoms. They valued the opportunity for open discussion, developing new perspectives and problem‐solving, as well as liaison/closer working with mental health services. Positive therapeutic qualities/skills (e.g. empathic, non‐judgemental approach; mutually agreed goals) were highlighted. This study also indicated that successful engagement in family work requires referral at an early stage. The findings of this study, particularly those relating to the therapeutic relationship, are discussed, including their relevance for future research.
An association between mothers’ speech clarity and infants’ speech discrimination skills
Authors: Liu Huei‐Mei , Kuhl Patricia K. , Tsao Feng‐Ming
Published: May 2003

The quality of speech directed towards infants may play an important role in infants’ language development. However, few studies have examined the link between the two. We examined the correlation between maternal speech clarity and infant speech perception performance in two groups of Mandarin‐speaking mother–infant pairs. Maternal speech clarity was assessed using the degree of expansion of the vowel space, a measure previously shown to reflect the intelligibility of words and sentences. Speech discrimination in the infants (6–8 and 10–12‐month‐olds) was measured using a head‐turn task. The results show that mothers’ vowel space area is significantly correlated with infants’ speech discrimination performance. Socioeconomic data from both parents show that the result cannot be attributed to parental socioeconomic factors. This study is correlational and therefore a causal relationship cannot be firmly established. However, the results are consistent with the view that maternal speech clarity directly affects infants’ early language learning.
Sound induces perceptual reorganization of an ambiguous motion display in human infants
Authors: Scheier Christian , Lewkowicz David J. , Shimojo Shinsuke
Published: May 2003

Adults who watch an ambiguous visual event consisting of two identical objects moving toward, through, and away from each other and hear a brief sound when the objects overlap report seeing visual bouncing. We conducted three experiments in which we used the habituation/test method to determine whether these illusory effects might emerge early in development. In Experiments 1 and 3 we tested 4‐, 6‐ and 8‐month‐old infants’ discrimination between an ambiguous visual display presented together with a sound synchronized with the objects’ spatial coincidence and the identical visual display presented together with a sound no longer synchronized with coincidence. Consistent with illusory perception, the 6‐ and 8‐month‐old, but not the 4‐month‐old, infants responded to these events as different. In Experiment 2 infants were habituated to the ambiguous visual display together with a sound synchronized with the objects’ coincidence and tested with a physically bouncing object accompanied by the sound at the bounce. Consistent with illusory perception again, infants treated these two events as equivalent by not exhibiting response recovery. The developmental emergence of this intersensory illusion at 6 months of age is hypothesized to reflect developmental changes in object knowledge and attentional mechanisms.
Getting a clear picture: young children's understanding of a televised image
Authors: Troseth Georgene L.
Published: May 2003

Previous research has established that very young children, unlike older people, often have difficulty using a televised image as a source of information about a real event. After watching on a live video monitor as an adult in the next room hid a toy, 2‐year‐olds usually did not find it, but after watching directly through a window, children of this age succeeded. In the first experiment reported here, 2‐year‐olds could see hiding events directly and on a video monitor at the same time. This video–reality training did not improve performance on subsequent standard trials with video as the only source of information. In a second experiment, an adult demonstrated correct search behavior using video, finding a toy as the child watched on the video monitor. Despite this training and assistance, most of the children did not appear to recognize the connection between a video image and reality.
Imitation from television by 24‐ and 30‐month‐olds
Authors: Hayne Harlene , Herbert Jane , Simcock Gabrielle
Published: May 2003

Infants’ imitation of complex actions was examined in three experiments with 24‐ and 30‐month‐olds. In all experiments, an adult modeled a series of actions with novel stimuli and the infant's reproduction of those actions was assessed either immediately or after a 24‐hour delay. Some infants watched the demonstration live, while other infants watched the same demonstration on television from a pre‐recorded videotape. Both 24‐ and 30‐month‐olds imitated actions that had been modeled on television; however, their performance was consistently inferior to that of infants of the same age who watched the demonstration live.