bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of oregano (Origanum vulgar L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) oleoresins in stored soybean oil
Authors: Jorge Neuza , Vieira Del Ré Patrícia 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of oregano and thyme extracts isolatedly and combinedly applied in soybean oil.Design/methodology/approachSoybean oil containing 3,000 mg/kg of oregano and thyme oleoresins and the mixture of both, as well as soybean oil containing TBHQ (50 mg/kg) and soybean oil free of antioxidants, were subjected to accelerated oven test (60°C/10 days). Samples were collected every two days and analyzed as to their peroxide and conjugated diene values.FindingsThe mixture of oleoresins and consequent increase of concentration were as effective as the antioxidant TBHQ.Practical implicationsThese studies may prove to be beneficial to the exploitation of natural antioxidant sources for the preservation and/or extension of raw and processed food shelf life. Therefore, they could also be applied in the area of pharmaceuticals for the protection of human life.Originality/valueThis study offers information on the use of natural antioxidants as an alternative to the use of synthetic antioxidants, which might be considered toxic.
Nutrition for patients treated for cancer
Authors: Blades Mabel 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine nutritional interventions for patients being treated for cancer.Design/methodology/approachThis study comprises a literature review plus discussions with registered dietitians.FindingsA total of 40 per cent of those with cancer are found to have some form of malnutrition. Assessment of malnutrition is recommended. A number of nutrition interventions were found which can be applied in a practical situation.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is a literature review plus discussions, not intervention studies.Practical implicationsThe paper may provide practical nutritional applications which can be used by those working with patients being treated for cancer.Social implicationsThis paper provides information for those working with people undergoing treatments for cancer.Originality/valueThere are few papers on this subject and most focus on enteral feeds.
Does religious fasting affect energy and macro‐nutrients intakes?
Authors: Muzaffar Ali Khan Khattak Muhammad , Mazlan Mamat Nik , Azdie Mohd Abu Bakar Wan , Firdaus Nazri Shaharuddin Mohd 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis study was designed with the aim of assessing the energy and nutrient intakes of male university students before and during Ramadan and comparing it with the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) of Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA total of 30 male students aged between 19‐24 years from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan Campus were recruited before Ramadan. The height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were recorded on day one of Ramadan and also recorded on day 21 of Ramadan to assess the changes. From the weight and height, the body mass index was calculated and from the waist and hip circumference, the waist‐to‐hip ratios were calculated. The respondents were requested to keep three days food record in household measurements; once prior to fasting and once during the third week of Ramadan. The records were then analyzed using Malaysian Food Composition Table and Food Atlas to get the averages of energy and macronutrients intakes of the subjects.FindingsAfter 21 days of Ramadan, the results revealed that there was reduction in the body weight and there was significant (P<0.05) improvement in the waist‐to‐hip ratio of the subjects. The effect was more prominent in the normal‐weight compared to overweight respondents. The mean energy and protein intakes were significantly (P<0.001) lower than the RNI for Malaysians of similar age group. However, mean energy and protein intakes increased during Ramadan compared to the first day of Ramadan. This study indicates that Ramadan fasting does not affect energy and macronutrients intake but only the routine of intake is affected.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was limited to a specific group of normal and overweight students who were residing on campus of the IIUM. Their intakes might not be consistent with those at home or living outside the university campus. Another thing is that the students might have over‐reported their energy and macro‐nutrients intakes compared to what they have consumed in reality. So, the self‐reported intakes could not be ascertained. The stated factors might have confounding effects on the finding of this research.Practical implicationsMost research argues that the body weight loss during Ramadan fasting is due to reduced energy consumption; however, this is not true in all cases. This study infers that there is no reduction in the total energy consumption, rather there is a change in the pattern of energy intake. This brief study would help researchers planning to conduct research on Ramadan fasting and will caution fasting readers about the intakes.Originality/valueThis study indicates that during Ramadan fasting does not affect energy and macro‐nutrients intake but only the schedule of intake is affected.
Sugars, organic acids, and phenolic acids of exotic seasonable tropical fruits
Authors: Lee Pin‐Rou , Tan Rou‐Ming , Yu Bin , Curran Philip , Liu Shao‐Quan 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to characterise the physiochemical properties of selected exotic seasonal tropical fruits available in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachA total of 11 seasonal tropical fruits including cempedak, chiku, custard apple, jackfruit, longkong, mangosteen, red jambu, pearl jambu, rambutan, salak and starfruit were analyzed for their sugars, organic acids and free phenolic acids composition using liquid chromatographic methods. Total phenolic content (free and bound), total soluble solids and pH were determined using Folin‐Ciocalteu method, refractometer and pH meter, respectively.FindingsFructose, glucose and sucrose were the main sugars in all the fruits. Cempedak had the highest sucrose concentration, while custard apple had the highest content of fructose and glucose. Malic and citric acids were the major organic acids in most of the fruits, except for pearl jambu and red jambu where succinic acid was the dominant acid. The total phenolic content varied from 122.94 to 712.20 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg fresh weight (FW). Ferulic (0.631 mg/kg) and sinapic acids (1.506 mg/kg) were the predominant free phenolic acids in custard apple, while caffeic acid was the main free phenolic acid in jackfruit, salak and starfruit.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that the physiochemical characteristics of the 11 tropical fruits varied markedly, which is responsible for the differential flavour and stability. The findings are useful for epidemiological research and predicting the degree of ripeness, stability and post‐harvest processing required for these fruits.
Determinants of foreign subsidiary staffing by service firms
Authors: Ando Naoki , Endo Nobuaki 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how service firms determine foreign subsidiary staffing, emphasizing the joint effect of an attribute specific to the service sector and the institutional environment of the host countries.Design/methodology/approachThis study develops hypotheses regarding the joint effect of human capital intensity and institutional distance on the ratio of parent country nationals to foreign subsidiary employees. A Tobit regression is conducted to test the hypotheses, using a sample that consists of 1,067 foreign subsidiaries of Japanese service firms.FindingsThis study finds that the human capital intensity of a service firm has a positive impact on the ratio of parent country nationals to foreign subsidiary employees. The study also finds that the institutional distance between the host country and the home country is negatively associated with the ratio of parent country nationals. In addition, this study finds that the positive impact of human capital intensity on the ratio of parent country nationals becomes weaker as the institutional distance becomes greater.Originality/valueThis study explores the factors that affect the decisions regarding foreign subsidiary staffing in the service sector. It advances the understanding of the foreign subsidiary staffing of service firms by examining the joint effect of an attribute specific to the service sector and the institutional environment of the host countries. This study shows evidence that the effect of an attribute specific to the service sector is more complex than a linear relationship.
Performance management coaching: servant leadership and gender implications
Authors: Duff Angus J. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider theoretically the relationships between performance management, a servant leadership style and leader gender, drawing from Hackman and Wageman's theory of team coaching to suggest a servant leadership style being optimally suited to support the different leadership roles enacted at different stages of the performance management cycle. While recent research suggests that female managers may be more likely to enact a servant leadership style, team and process‐level considerations have yet to be addressed. This paper aims to theoretically address this topic.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is conceptual based on theory with literature review.FindingsBecause the theory of team coaching suggests differential leader task delivery at various points in the coaching process, servant leadership's individually‐centred approach is suited to team coaching, particularly in the execution of performance management coaching.Practical implicationsSince research suggests that women are more likely to employ a servant leadership style, this paper explores whether gender plays a role in team coaching.Originality/valueThis study makes a novel contribution by considering the influence of a servant leadership style at the leadership process and team levels.
The impact of criterion weights in facilities management decision making: an Australian case study
Authors: Langston Craig 
Published: May 2013

PurposeMaking appropriate decisions concerning the ongoing management of existing built facilities is an important activity for property and facilities managers. Such decisions comprise multiple criteria, and the relative importance of these criteria typically reflects the implicit preferences or biases of the decision maker(s). This paper seeks to apply a new property management 3D decision model known as iconCUR to investigate the impact of criterion weights on the decision to intervene.Design/methodology/approachA retrospective case study of a real project in Sydney (Australia) that underwent adaptive reuse transformation in 2008 is used to test the sensitivity of implied decision‐maker preferences in practice.FindingsIt is found that significant change to individual criterion weights relating to aspects of building condition, space utilization and triple bottom line reward has minimal influence on the derived spatial coordinates that underpin the 3D decision model and hence the recommended intervention strategy in the particular case studied.Practical implicationsIt is further suggested that changes in criterion weights over time as expectations and situations may dictate can be accommodated without undermining the integrity of the decision‐making process.Originality/valueThe deployment of this type of approach, at least, documents the decision‐making process involved in important property management strategies and exposes the frequently implicit preferences of decision makers. These preferences are shown not to be as critical as might have been suspected. This may add further confidence to the use of MCDA in facilities management decisions.
Norwegian cleaning research: an overview and categorization
Authors: Johanne Klungseth Nora , Olof Emanuel Olsson Nils 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis article aims to summarize Norwegian cleaning‐related research to give an overview of the knowledge held today and to categorize the approaches used.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on an extensive literature search. Research contributions from 1814 until 2009 were studied, even though the main findings are from 1950. The different disciplines contributing to research are mapped and the contributions are categorized based on different research approaches, namely positivism, interpretivism, realism and idealism.FindingsNorwegian cleaning‐related research experienced a burst in publications from the 1990s.The majority of Norwegian cleaning‐related research has been positivistic, mostly based on realism. The least common approach used was interpretivism‐idealism and interviews were the most frequently used method in interpretivisitc contribution. The article indicates a need for further broadening in research methods.Research limitations/implicationsThrough categorizing existing knowledge the article will help when searching for information and thus stimulate more research as limited research exists within the field.Practical implicationsThe paper represents a summary of the knowledge status in cleaning with a Norwegian perspective. It is believed that the general picture also has international relevance.Social implicationsFew researchers have investigated cleaning work from the perspective of cleaning personnel. It should also be noted that there has been little focus on the usability of buildings for cleaning personnel.Originality/valueThis article may be the first historical overview of Norwegian cleaning‐related research.
Design standard for inclusion: tactile ground surface indicators in China
Authors: Wai Michael Siu Kin 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis paper seeks to: identify the importance of a design standard for tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs); discuss the problem of the existing standard of TGSIs in China; and advocate an all‐round approach that the consideration of a design standard of TGSIs should be on policy, implementation and management perspectives.Design/methodology/approachTGSIs in China were taken as a case study, while those in other countries/cities were used as supplementary reference cases. Intensive field observations on the quality of TGSIs in various public places were carried out in the Chinese mainland between 2005 and 2009. The public places included transportation terminals, shopping centres and universities. The research activities included intensive field observations and direct interviews. Different types of TGSIs were reviewed by using product analysis methods.FindingsFor inclusion, a standard for TGSIs is important. It is an effective tool in design quality assurance. There are three perspectives to ensuring the quality of a design standard: policy, implementation, and management.Research limitations/implicationsFurther case studies are expected to be conducted in other cities in order to generate a more comprehensive understanding related to the topic. Continuous studies are also necessary since the living environment is changing all the time. The general public's participation to establish a good design standard for TGSIs is important.Practical implicationsThe findings provide reference and direction for an all‐round approach consideration in a design standard for TGSIs; and for social inclusion.Social implicationsThe findings illustrate how inclusion can be achieved by setting up a design standard of TGSIs in China (as a case study) by considering an all‐round perspective.Originality/valueThe work and study are new in China. The findings provide insights for China and other countries, and individual cities, to review the needs of visually impaired persons.
Understanding and implementing strategic asset management at the University of Southern Queensland
Authors: Povey David , Peach Neil 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to outline an implementation model and framework for those facilities management (FM) professionals who are seeking to enhance the strategic role of FM within their organisations, through the development of strategic asset management (SAM).Design/methodology/approachThe project was implemented using an action research framework to capture key outcomes and findings at the same time as formal project management techniques were used to govern activities and actions across multiple dimensions.FindingsAs a result of the project, the University of Southern Queensland has significantly matured in its understanding of its real estate portfolio. In particular it has now recognised the importance of appropriate and effective investment, optimal utilisation of space, the latent opportunities residing within an under utilised or “lazy” portfolio and the significance of SAM in support of organisational objectives and priorities.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study provides information, observations and learning that can be applied in other organisations seeking to develop a SAM focus. These outcomes cover the technical, political, structural, and change management aspects of implementing SAM.Originality/valueThe paper provides guidance on the considerations, implementation experiences and lessons of an organisation with extensive and diverse physical assets engaged with an enterprise level upgrade of its asset management philosophy and practice. This paper comments on a number of organisational dimensions that go beyond the traditional technical areas.
Lean manufacturing: costing the value stream
Authors: Ruiz‐de‐Arbulo‐Lopez Patxi , Fortuny‐Santos Jordi , Cuatrecasas‐Arbós Lluís 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the shortcomings of traditional cost accounting techniques in lean companies and then it seeks to analyse the validity and convenience of value stream costing (VSC) as a tool in a company that has adopted some concepts of lean manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the relevant literature in order to discuss the deficiencies of costing methods in lean manufacturing. It evaluates the requirements of VSC and provides a concrete illustration of VSC in the continuous improvement process of a point of sales terminal assembly line.FindingsThe paper evidences the possible mistakes of cost accounting. The necessity and validity of VSC in lean manufacturing are presented, followed by a case example. In order to make continuous improvement decisions, VSM, VSC and box score offer complete information on the performance of the value stream.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough accompanied by an application on a real case study, this is not an empirical investigation on the adoption of VSC.Practical implicationsVSC requirements agree with the fundamentals of lean management. Therefore, VSC is a valid tool for lean companies, although the applicability depends on the maturity of the lean implementation.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the lean accounting literature because the management accounting literature still lags behind the lean transformation. This is one of the first papers on VSC in relevant journals and the first one to combine VSC and box scores with value stream mapping. The paper will be useful to academics involved in new accounting systems but also to practitioners who are implementing lean manufacturing.
Empirical heuristics for improving intermittent demand forecasting
Authors: Petropoulos Fotios , Nikolopoulos Konstantinos , Spithourakis Georgios P. , Assimakopoulos Vassilios 
Published: May 2013

PurposeIntermittent demand appears sporadically, with some time periods not even displaying any demand at all. Even so, such patterns constitute considerable proportions of the total stock in many industrial settings. Forecasting intermittent demand is a rather difficult task but of critical importance for corresponding cost savings. The current study aims to examine the empirical outcomes of three heuristics towards the modification of established intermittent demand forecasting approaches.Design/methodology/approachFirst, optimization of the smoothing parameter used in Croston's approach is empirically explored, in contrast to the use of an a priori fixed value as in earlier studies. Furthermore, the effect of integer rounding of the resulting forecasts is considered. Lastly, the authors evaluate the performance of Theta model as an alternative of SES estimator for extrapolating demand sizes and/or intervals. The proposed heuristics are implemented into the forecasting support system.FindingsThe experiment is performed on 3,000 real intermittent demand series from the automotive industry, while evaluation is made both in terms of bias and accuracy. Results indicate increased forecasting performance.Originality/valueThe current research explores some very simple heuristics which have a positive impact on the accuracy of intermittent demand forecasting approaches. While some of these issues have been partially explored in the past, the current research focuses on a complete in‐depth analysis of easy‐to‐employ modifications to well‐established intermittent demand approaches. By this, the authors enable the application of such heuristics in an industrial environment, which may lead to significant inventory and production cost reductions and other benefits.
Improving competitive positioning through complementary organisational resources
Authors: Doherty Neil F. , Terry Mark 
Published: May 2013

PurposeIn this paper, the authors seek to draw upon resource‐based theory to explore the role of existing, complementary organisational resources, in leveraging sustainable improvements in competitive positioning, resulting from information systems initiatives.Design/methodology/approachA research model has been derived from the literature, which is then used to guide the conduct of a major, integrated quantitative and qualitative survey of managers.FindingsIn this paper, it is shown that improvements in competitive positioning are likely to be more significant and sustainable when a new IS initiative makes an indirect contribution, through the leveraging of complementary organisational resources, rather than stemming directly from the functionality of the IT asset.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations of this study relate to its use of a “convenience” sample and a “single‐informant”. However, both these comprises were viewed as being worthwhile, as it gave the authors the opportunity to conduct a study that was both broad and deep, in terms of the data collected.Practical implicationsThe authors draw out the implications of their empirical study for the management of IT projects, to improve their ability to deliver sustainable improvements in competitive positioning.Originality/valueThis research makes a significant departure from the aggregated, enterprise‐level orientation of prior studies, by focusing upon the process‐level impacts of individual IS initiatives.