bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First reference curves of waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio of 607 children from Thessaloniki, northern Greece
Authors: Papandreou Dimitrios , Malindretos Pavlos , Rousso Israel 
Published: August 2010

PurposeWaist circumference (WC) is a better predictor than total body fat for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and a sensitive marker of abdominal obesity for both adults and children. The purpose of this paper is to provide, for the first time, percentile curves of WC in children from Thessaloniki, northern Greece.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 607 children (324 boys‐283 girls) aged 7‐15 years participated in the study. Sex‐specific descriptive statistics for three age groups (7‐9, 10‐12 and 13‐15) and smoothed percentiles curves of WC were derived and presented.FindingsWC increased with age in both boys and girls. Boys had higher mean values of WC in two age groups (10‐12 and 13‐15 years) compared with girls, while girls showed a higher mean value in the age group of 7‐9 years compared with boys. Percentile levels were higher for girls above the 90th percentile for the age groups of 7‐9 and 10‐12 years. WC correlated closely with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.90 vs 0.89, for boys and girls, respectively). Reference curves of WC were provided for the first time. Considering the lack of such reference curves and also the high incidence of pediatric obesity in northern Greece's children, the paper aims to help identify and prevent early obesity risk factors associated with high WC values.Originality/valueThe paper informs nutritionists and clinical dietitians of new data of percentile ranges regarding waist circumference in a pediatric population.
Evaluating the nutritional quality of menus by using software in professional kitchens
Authors: Tikkanen Irma , Jaakkola Leila 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore evaluating the nutritional quality of menus by using software in professional kitchens.Design/methodology/approachNutritional quality and the core factors used when evaluating the nutritional quality of menus are discussed. The empirical data were collected in 2008 by theme interviewing nine municipal food service employees. The data were analysed by a thematic analysis.FindingsThe results indicated that both positive and contributing factors emerged as follows: productisation of menu; using a plate model; length of a control period concerning the nutritional quality of the menu; checking the nutrition content when making changes in menus, dishes and food items; dealing with the results of the evaluation in the meetings; including the results in the service agreements; employers' positive attitude displayed towards software suppliers' training; including nutritional quality as a part of service quality; and implementing nutritional quality according to the job descriptions.Practical implicationsA variety of courses should be offered for the students concerning the guidance of food production by using software in professional kitchens; integrating working life into the curriculum; continuous training of the food service personnel; and cooperation with the professional kitchen's software suppliers. Moreover, further implications could involve, for example, developing and diffusing the national model for the nutritional quality follow‐up; and taking the Sinfos‐product information data bank into use.Originality/valueActive updating of the software and training of the employees are needed in order to ensure the nutritional quality of menus.
Sugar utilization behavior of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisae) types and doses on bread quality
Authors: Muhammad Anjum Faqir , Zubair Sabir Muhammad , Issa Khan Muhammad , Pasha Imran 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae is the most important ingredient of leavened products and is best known for its characteristic physiological property: the rapid fermentation of sugar to ethanol and carbon dioxide. The purpose of this paper is to exploit this feature to determine the effect of three commercially available yeast types: Instant, Dried, and Fresh on sugar utilization during the fermentation process and bread quality.Design/methodology/approachThree commercially available yeast types – Instant, Dried, and Fresh were used at three levels, i.e. 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 percent in order to assess sugar utilization during the fermentation process and bread quality after baking.FindingsThe rate of utilization of glucose was much faster than fructose and sucrose. Instant yeast at 1.00 percent exhibited maximum sugar utilization during the fermentation process. It also contributed to improving the bread texture, loaf volume, grain texture, crust and crumb color. Dried and Fresh types could not depict any significant difference in their sugar utilization behavior and bread quality. The results indicated that yeast quality as well as quantity is one of the major indices of bread quality.Practical implicationsThe findings of the research can be used by bakers in order to select the proper yeast type and its level for production of quality bread. It also gives an idea about sugar type best suited for bread production.Originality/valueThe paper describes unique research work, as both yeast types, along with their levels, are tested for their fermentation capacity on different types of sugars, as fermentation is an important step in bread making.
Microbiological, physico‐chemical and sensorial quality of small‐scale produced stirred yoghurt on the market in Kampala city, Uganda
Authors: Mukisa I.M. , Kyoshabire R. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the quality of selected small‐scale produced yoghurt brands on the market in Kampala city, Uganda.Design/methodology/approachFour samples of each of four brands of small‐scale produced yoghurt were purchased from different shops in Kampala on four different occasions within a period of one month. Physico‐chemical, microbiological and rheological analyses were carried out on each of the samples. An untrained sensory panel was also used to assess their acceptability and purchase index. A premium brand (Fresh dairy yoghurt) was used as a control.FindingsLactobacilli counts ranged from 7.12‐9.25 log cfu ml−1 while lactococci ranged from 6.29‐6.8 log cfu ml−1 in the small‐scale yoghurt brands. All the small‐scale yoghurt brands were contaminated with fungi and coliforms at levels beyond the acceptable minimum, indicating insufficient process hygiene and also raising concerns of consumer safety. The protein, ash, carbohydrate and titratable acidity were not significantly different from the control. Fat, total solids, pH, viscosity and syneresis varied significantly between brands. The small‐scale produced brands were less viscous and exhibited more syneresis. All the small‐scale yoghurt brands were less acceptable compared with the control and two of them were disliked. The variation in their purchase index was related to their acceptability.Practical implicationsRegulatory and standards agencies should strengthen the surveillance of such products and the premises where they are produced. They should also work with other stakeholders in training small‐scale processors to ensure that their products meet both quality and safety requirements.Originality/valueThe paper assesses the quality of one of the many small‐scale produced products on the market in Kampala city.
Using business process modelling to examine academic library activities for periodicals
Authors: Tbaishat Dina 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to examine the process for the acquisition of print and electronic periodicals acquisition process in academic libraries using a business process modelling technique, role activity diagram (RAD).Design/methodology/approachA literature review examined process modelling in academic libraries. Multiple methods were used for data collection, including documentary analysis, and interviews (n=8) with library staff (mostly recorded) provided other details about the library processes. Two sites were studied. Direct observation was used occasionally as a less formal method. RAD was used as a modelling technique; this is part of the Riva business process‐modelling suite (Ould).FindingsThe role activity diagram examples illustrate the differences in processes between the sites and the paper explores how they were used to discuss comparisons and possible improvements with the library staff. In many ways this is a type of action research study, as discussions with the research participants and ongoing evaluations are integral to the research.Research limitations/implicationsThis work is limited to one process in academic libraries; periodical acquisitions. It is also limited to two cases, although these are two contrasting sites, one in the UK and the other in Jordan.Practical implicationsThe modelling technique used was feasible, and provides a basis for improvement and management by supporting the analysis of process performance and behaviour.Originality/valueA particular important aspect in bridging the gap between research and practice is communication, through presentation of information in a structured way – the pictorial representation in the business process analysis is used to assist in discussions between researchers and practitioners.
Distributing leadership and cultivating dialogue with collaborative EBIP
Authors: Pan Denise , Howard Zaana 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of collaborative evidence based information practice (EBIP) as an organizational effectiveness model.Design/methodology/approachShared leadership, appreciative inquiry and knowledge creation theoretical frameworks provide the foundation for change toward the implementation of a collaborative EBIP workplace model. Collaborative EBIP reiterates the importance of gathering the best available evidence, but it differs by shifting decision‐making authority from “library or employer centric” to “user or employee centric”.FindingsUniversity of Colorado Denver Auraria Library Technical Services department created a collaborative EBIP environment by flattening workplace hierarchies, distributing problem solving and encouraging reflective dialogue. By doing so, participants are empowered to identify problems, create solutions, and become valued and respected leaders and followers.Practical implicationsIn an environment where library budgets are in jeopardy, recruitment opportunities are limited and the workplace is in constant flux, the Auraria Library case study offers an approach that maximizes the capability of the current workforce and promotes agile responsiveness to industry and organizational challenges.Originality/valueCollaborative EBIP is an organizational model demonstrating a process focusing first on the individual and moving to the collective to develop a responsive and high performing business unit, and in turn, organization.
Libraries and LIS education in Vietnam: a view from the outside
Authors: Welch Bernadette , Murray Janet 
Published: August 2010

PurposeDocumenting some of the developments in libraries, and LIS education in Vietnam, this paper aims to suggest directions for achieving goals of education, collaboration, policy development, and access to resources in this rapidly developing country.Design/methodology/approachThe report is based on an extensive literature review of available English language material together with information obtained from structured interviews with a group of LIS professionals in Vietnam. These data support an analysis of current initiatives, programs and developments taking place in the different library sectors in Vietnam.FindingsSignificant developments have occurred in Vietnam in terms of national policy agendas and development of the internet backbone. The pace of change, particularly in the national and university sectors, has been dramatic but the pace of change at other levels is somewhat slower. Community development, access to electronic resources, and education of information professionals are identified as areas for development. In particular, the paper focuses on the emergence of improved professional communication, which is facilitated by an improved ICT infrastructure within Vietnam, which allows managers to cooperate and share experiences more effectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation to the research is the fact that much of the literature about this topic is only available in the Vietnamese language. This research was conducted using the available English language material, and the interview responses of the LIS professionals in Vietnam. Further research is needed by Vietnamese library professionals on the state of the industry, and the directions being taken at the different levels.Practical implicationsThe study identifies a number of strategies, and areas for development, which could have an impact on training of library staff, and moving towards more collaborative approaches at all levels of library resourcing.Originality/valueThis paper brings together information published in a variety of sources, not always readily available to give a more detailed view of library development in Vietnam for the international community.
A review of the educational and support infrastructure for family business in the UK
Authors: Fletcher Denise 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to review the educational and support infrastructure for UK family firms in order to further raise the profile/challenges and support needs of family firms in the UK.Design/methodology/approachSecondary data sources relating to family businesses are reviewed in this article with a view to identifying the current infrastructure of support for family firms. These reports are also supplemented with interview material from respondents in family business associations.FindingsThis review indicates that awareness of family business public policy issues has increased in recent years in the UK. There is also an emergent support infrastructure dedicated to the needs of family businesses. There is also a growing body of research helping to overcome the (family business) dualist theoretical legacy that has dominated the field. Greater definitional clarity is also helping to inter‐relate the special needs of family firms to issues of resource, ownership, management, size and life cycle and the propagation of new theories and perspectives as seen above are contributing to better understanding about the special needs. There is still some way to go, however, before family businesses are fully acknowledged for their significant role to the national economy.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper reconsiders some of the original insights generated from occupational sociology which fully recognises the intertwining (and absorptive) relationships between family and work, and recognises the important and absorptive role that families in business contribute to the economy and society.Originality/valueThis paper signals that the entrepreneurs of today create the family businesses of tomorrow. This means progressing from a single‐heroic view of entrepreneurship and taking forward of a family embedded conceptualisation of entrepreneurship into educational programmes.
What causes economic growth in Portugal: exports or inward FDI?
Authors: Andraz Jorge M. , Rodrigues Paulo M.M. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze possible causal relationships between exports, inward foreign investment and economic growth in Portugal and identify their direction.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a three‐stage procedure based on unit root, cointegration and causality tests applied to annual data from 1977 to 2004.FindingsThe paper reveals that exports and FDI foster growth in the long‐run while in the short‐run there is a bi‐directional causal relationship between FDI and growth and a univariate causal relationship running from FDI to exports. FDI is viewed as a major determinant of economic growth, both directly and indirectly, via exports for both long and short‐run cases.Practical implicationsThe results provide important corollaries in terms of policy implications and their relevance is far from being parochial. Some lessons in terms of domestic policies can be drawn by many countries that are now becoming EU members with economic structures and problems similar to those presented by the Portuguese economy in the 1980s.Originality/valueThis paper is the first of its kind to analyze the role of both FDI and exports in the Portuguese economy during the 1977‐2004 period, over which many efforts were developed in order to increase the external competition of the economy, in particular in the context of community structural frameworks. In order to reinforce the inflows of FDI, authorities should continue the progressive reduction of barriers to FDI and the reforms of the labour market which started in the early 2000s.
Productivity growth of European retailers: a benchmarking approach
Authors: de Jorge Moreno Justo 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of the research presented in this paper is to evaluate the efficiency and productivity of the European retailers.Design/methodology/approachApplying a two‐stage approach at individual and global levels, in this study the paper adopts the efficient frontier approach using the Malmquist index, based on DEA to measure productivity of European retailers.FindingsAn efficiency and productivity evaluation process is developed incorporating non‐parametric techniques in the European retail sector for the period of 1998‐2006. The author proposes an integrated benchmarking framework illustrated in two stages. In the first stage, work is carried out in an individualized way at the country level identifying the firms that form the corresponding efficient frontier. In a second stage a benchmarking analysis is carried out starting from the selection of the best firms made in the first stage. In this case the firms belonging to different countries are compared against each other. The aim of this procedure is to seek out those best practices that will lead to improved performance throughout the whole sample. The results confirm that convergence/divergence in efficiency and productivity growth do not have the same behaviour patterns, concluding that some countries experienced improvements while others worsened. Individual scrutiny (benchmarks) in the second stage shows that there are four groups of firms that have allowed us to extract important managerial implications.Originality/valueThe paper proposes an integrated benchmarking framework illustrated in two stages. With this methodology answers can be given to important questions such as, how efficient and productive is European retailing? What is the evolution of the productivity over time in Europe? Do different patterns of convergence/divergence of the efficiency exist among the analysed countries? What characteristics do the firms with the best managerial practices belonging to the European global frontier have?
Dynamic effects of trade and output volatility on the trade‐growth nexus
Authors: Mahadevan Renuka , Suardi Sandy 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to revisit the highly debated trade‐growth hypothesis by considering the effects of trade and output volatility on the relationship between trade and economic growth.Design/methodology/approachThe relationship is modeled by testing for the existence of output and trade (export and imports separately) using the conditional variances of the variables and then specifying an autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (ARCH) process in a vector error correction model.FindingsUsing Singapore as a case study, the paper finds the two‐way relationship between export growth and trade‐adjusted GDP growth is robust even after controlling for the effects of income and export volatility. In addition, neither trade nor GDP volatility bears any impact on the bi‐directional causality between imports and unadjusted GDP growth thereby highlighting the crucial role of imports as intermediate inputs and embodying foreign technology in promoting economic growth. There is also evidence that output volatility impedes output and trade growth, while trade volatility exerts a negative influence on the trade‐adjusted income growth.Practical implicationsIgnoring the presence of trade and output volatility in modeling the trade‐growth relationship provides biased empirical results which have serious implications for trade‐oriented growth strategies that policy makers cannot afford to ignore.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to explicitly model output, export and import volatility in empirically testing the trade‐growth hypothesis. Second, the robustness of the hypothesis is also tested by considering GDP and non‐trade GDP as it has been argued that use of GDP may lead to the problems of simultaneity and specification bias since exports and imports are themselves a component of GDP.
Gradualism in monetary policy and fiscal equilibrium
Authors: Ferreira de Mendonça Helder , Carlos de Castro Pires Manoel 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to study a monetary policy problem, where concerns with price stability and with the impact of interest rates on public debt are simultaneously addressed.Design/methodology/approachThe problem is analytically approached under a new Keynesian monetary policy framework to which a budget constraint is added and, subsequently, the model's implications are empirically illustrated by characterizing Brazilian policies.FindingsThe findings denote the existence of a trade‐off between inflation target and public debt stability. Therefore the determination of an inflation target cannot neglect this trade‐off. Furthermore, the empirical analysis from the Brazilian case shows that the Central Bank of Brazil takes into consideration public debt when determining the interest rate.Practical implicationsThe determination of the interest rate in an inflation targeting regime must consider the public debt stability.Originality/valueThis paper makes a contribution on the theme of consistency between monetary policy and fiscal equilibrium.
Is financial development a spur to poverty reduction? Kenya's experience
Authors: Odhiambo Nicholas M. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the inter‐temporal causal relationship between financial development and poverty reduction in Kenya during the period 1968‐2006. The study attempts to answer one critical question: is financial development in Kenya a spur to poverty reduction?Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a trivariate causality model based on cointegration and error‐correction mechanism. Unlike the majority of the previous studies, the current study incorporates the savings rate as an intermittent variable in the bivariate causality setting between financial development and poverty reduction – thereby creating a simple trivariate causality model.FindingsThe study finds a distinct causal flow from financial development to poverty reduction in Kenya. In addition, the study finds a uni‐directional causality from financial development to savings and a bi‐directional causality between savings and poverty reduction. The results apply irrespective of whether the causality test is conducted in the short run or in the long run.Practical implicationsThe empirical results of this study will help policy makers to determine whether the financial development in Kenya is pro‐poor and pro‐savings.Originality/valueAlthough several attempts have been made to investigate the relationship between financial development, savings, economic growth and other macroeconomic variables, very few studies have examined the impact of financial development on the ultimate policy goal, i.e. poverty reduction. Moreover, the majority of the previous studies are based mainly on Asia and Latin America – affording sub‐Saharan African countries very little or no coverage at all.