bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oil extraction from rice industrial waste and its effect on physico‐chemical characteristics of cookies
Authors: Sharif Kamran , Sadiq Butt Masood , Huma Nuzhat 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to extract Rice bran oil (RBO) from Pakistani cultivar Basmati‐385 for efficient use of local rice industrial waste, i.e. rice bran to reduce the import of edible oil and to evaluate the suitability of RBO in baked products by making cookies.Design/methodology/approachRBO was extracted from stabilized rice bran by solvent extraction. The RBO obtained was analyzed for different quality parameters and further applied into baked products such as cookies at various levels, i.e. 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent, by gradually replacing normal shortening to check its suitability as a shortening and its effectiveness in extending the shelf life of product due to its natural antioxidants. Five treatments of RBO and normal shortening (NS) (T1 = 100 per cent NS + 0 per cent RBO, T2 = 75 per cent NS + 25 per cent RBO, T3 = 50 per cent NS + 50 per cent RBO, T4 = 25 per cent NS + 75 per cent RBO and T5 = 0 per cent NS + 100 per cent RBO) were used to prepare cookies and 45 days, storage study was conducted.FindingsVarious treatments and storage have a highly significant effect on moisture, fat and NFE content of cookies. Protein content of cookies remained unaffected by changing treatments. During 45 days, storage moisture, protein, fat and NFE content decreased significantly. Physical studies revealed increase in width and spread factor of cookies, while thickness was reduced, gradually with the proportionate increase of RBO. There was significant decrease in quality score of cookies for color, taste, flavor, crispness, texture and overall acceptability. Treatment T3 (50 per cent NS + 50 per cent RBO) got the highest score for all the sensory attributes.Practical implicationsThe present study suggests that T3 (50 per cent NS + 50 per cent RBO) can produce superior quality cookies to prove the effectiveness of RBO as bakery shortening.Originality/valueAlthough Pakistan is an agricultural country, unfortunately 71 per cent of the country's edible oil requirements are met through the import of edible oil. In the present project the possibility of RBO extraction from local variety was evaluated. In this way, if fully explored, RBO can become the fourth indigenous source of edible oil.
Nutritional profile of Indian rural preschoolers
Authors: Khetarpaul Manu , Khetarpaul N. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study aims to report on the nutritional profile of preschool children of 4 to 5 years.Design/methodology/approachThe data on raw food intake of the randomly selected subjects were collected by 24hr recall method for three consecutive days and the mean was taken. Daily intake of various nutrients by each subject was calculated using MSU Nutriguide and this was further compared with RDA recommended by ICMR to assess the adequacy of their diets.FindingsThe analysis revealed that the intake of protein, fat, calcium, thiamine, folic acid and vitamin B12 was more than or equal to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) as recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research, while the intake of energy, iron, vitamin C, niacin and riboflavin was less than their respective RDAs. The intake of β‐carotene was marginally adequate. Boys consumed significantly more amount of energy and folic acid than girls.Research limitations/implicationsA large number of samples could not be taken owing to practical difficulties.Originality/valueThe study is original and innovative. The findings are useful for the policy makers and nutritionists who have to implement supplementary feeding programmes.
Diabetes risk factors and chromium intake in moderately obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Juturu Vijaya , Daly Anne , Geohas Jeff , Finch Manley , Komorowski James R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeMany foods naturally contain dietary Cr, but lost during processing and cooking. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with poor glycemic control and low Cr status. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the dietary Cr intake and its relationship with diabetes risk factors in moderately obese subjects with T2DM.Design/methodology/approachThirty‐six subjects (age: 26–65 years) were recruited through local advertisements. Subjects were taking stable doses of oral antidiabetic medication(s) excluding concomitant insulin. Subjects had HbA1c ≥7 per cent, persistent impaired glucose control (2 hour glucose >200 mg dL−1) and at least a one‐year history of T2DM. Demographic characteristics, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), family and medical history were recorded. Three‐day dietary intakes were collected and evaluated for Cr and nutrient content using Nutritionist V software. Plasma glucose, circulating insulin and lipid profile were analyzed. Homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (IR), beta cell function (BCF) and derived ratios were calculated. Morning void urinary chromium levels were also measured.FindingsIt was observed that mean dietary Cr intake of adults (30 mcg) was below the suggested recommended daily intake (RDI) of 120 mcg day−1. These estimates correspond to approximately 16.4 μg Cr per 1000 Kcals. A significant correlation was observed between dietary Cr and fasting insulin (p<0.05), total‐C (p<0.05), LDL‐C (p<0.01), triglycerides (p<0.05), BCF (p<0.05), TG/HDL‐C ratio (p<0.01), HOMA BCF (p<0.05) and with atherogenic index in plasma (p<0.05).Originality/valueIn this study, the consumption of chromium is less than the RDI. Overall the results suggest that the US diets are inadequate in the essential metal chromium. Further studies are required to explore the relationship of Cr absorption with dietary Cr intake and risk factors in T2DM.
Effects of calcium supplementation on iron bioavailability from spirulina
Authors: Peng Loh Su , Omar Hishamuddin , Salam Abdullahl Abdul , Ismail Maznah 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the effect of calcium supplementation on the iron bioavailability from spirulina (SP) and ferrous sulphate (FE) as reference in iron deficient rats.Design/methodology/approachSixty‐four weanling male Sprague‐Dawley rats were first depleted of iron by giving low iron diet for a period of 28 days. The anaemic rats were repleted with iron sources from SP, spirulina+CaCO3 (SPC), FE, FeSO4+CaCO3 (FEC), normal diet (ND), normal diet+CaCO3 (NDC) for 21 days. Iron level of FE supplementation was twice the level of that in SP supplementation. Haematological variables were measured on the last day of preexperimental period and at the end of the repletion period.FindingsPaired samples t‐test at P<0.05 showed that haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Ht) was increased in all the groups. The diet with added calcium did not significantly inhibit haemoglobin repletion after 21 days in SP and FE. The haemoglobin repletion efficiency (HRE) was significantly higher in rats fed with SP compared to FE (P>0.05). The presence of calcium did not significantly reduce the HRE of these groups.Originality/valueThis paper provides information on effects of additional calcium on iron bioavailability from SP as the intake of dietary supplementation is increasing worldwide.
Effect of process time on the tribological properties of boronized GGG‐80 ductile cast iron
Authors: Sen Ugur , Sen Saduman , Yilmaz Fevzi 
Published: January 2007

PurposeWear behavior of boronized GGG‐80 ductile cast iron were studied against WC‐Co ball for determining the effect of boronizing time and temperature.Design/methodology/approachBall on disk arrangement was used for determination of tribological properties of boronized ductile cast iron depending on process time and temperature. Boronizing treatment was performed on GGG‐80 ductile cast iron using salt bath immersion boronizing technique at 850 and 950°C for 2‐8 h. Friction and wear tests were carried out at dry test conditions under 2, 5 and 10 N loads with 2.5 m/min sliding speed.FindingsThe result showed that the friction coefficient values ranged from 0.12 to 0.2 depending on the process parameters. The higher the treatment temperature and the longer the treatment time, the thicker the boride layer, the more the FeB phase and the higher the specific wear rate became. The specific wear rate of boronized ductile cast irons depending on process time, temperature and applied load against WC‐Co ball ranged from 1.25 × 10−5 to 42.45 × 10−5 mm3/Nm. Values of coefficient of boronized ductile cast irons increases with increase in load in the wear test and increase in boronizing time and temperature.Research limitations/implicationsThe study deals with only ductile cast irons and their tribological properties.Practical implicationsThe results are very useful for practical applications and academic study. There is a little number of studies on the boronizing of cast irons. This study will be helpful for the researcher studied on boronizing of cast irons.Originality/valueThe properties of the tribological properties of ductile cast irons have not explained detail in the earlier study. There are new results in this study on the tribological properties of boronized ductile cast irons. Because of this, the paper is original.
Online condition monitoring of engine oil
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Mukherjee P.S. , Mishra N.M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeEngine oil degrades in quality during its use and after certain period of time the oil needs to be changed depending upon its condition. The purpose of this paper is to design and develop an online condition monitoring device for engine oil.Design/methodology/approachBased on the previous works in this line and some testing of used oils in the laboratory, the correlation of change in colour with other properties were identified. An optical colour sensor was then designed and developed which can transform the darkness of oil colour into electrical resistance. A series of tests were undertaken to calibrate the system for its correctness.FindingsThis type of sensor provides the information about the condition of the oil and also can inform about the probable time for drain‐off of the oil.Practical implicationsEngine oil changes are normally done by schedules which are highly conservative and cost the user as the oil is changed when it could be still used for some time. Use of an online sensor will minimize the cost on lubricants to some extent.Originality/valueThe device is of great value to the users of IC engines as it not only reduces the cost on lubricants but also informs the user about the present condition of the oil.
The gendered nature of apprenticeship
Authors: Fuller Alison , Beck Vanessa , Unwin Lorna 
Published: January 2007

PurposeGender segregation has been a persistent feature of apprenticeship programmes in countries around the world. In the UK, the Modern Apprenticeship was launched ten years ago as the government's flagship initiative for training new entrants in a range of occupational sectors. One of its priorities was to increase male and female participation in “non‐traditional” occupations, that is, those normally practised by just one sex. However, recent figures show that the programme has failed to achieve its aim and this has prompted an investigation by the Equal Opportunities Commission. This paper aims to report the research as part of this investigation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents quantitative and qualitative evidence on the attitudes of young people (aged 14 and 15) and employers to non‐traditional occupational choices. It also explores the factors affecting the decisions of young people to train in a non‐traditional occupation and the recruitment decisions of employers from “traditional sectors”, such as engineering, the construction trades and child care.FindingsThe research provides evidence of the deeply entrenched nature of occupational stereotypes and the psychological and social barriers that have to be overcome if a more evenly balanced workforce is to be created. It also reveals that none of the institutions and organisations which act as gatekeepers between young people and employers is, as yet, taking responsibility for challenging their perceptions and decision‐making processes.Originality/valueThe paper concludes by highlighting the implications of the research findings to stakeholders and suggesting a holistic approach to tackling gender segregation.
The National Directorate of Employment's Open Apprenticeship Scheme in Nigeria
Authors: Evawoma‐Enuku Usiwoma , Mgbor Mike 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to review the National Open Apprenticeship Scheme and how it has fulfilled its mandate of promoting skill acquisition and youth employment in Nigeria, in the 17 years since the inception of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).Design/methodology/approachSite visits to trainers’ workshops were carried out to observe the programme in practice and examine documents and annual report(s) made available at the NDE Office in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.FindingsThe paper finds that master craftsmen and women operate both the traditional apprenticeship system and the NDE scheme using the same training methods. It reveals that there are no Saturday Theory classes due to lack of funds. It also finds that apprentices have low educational background, no evaluation and certification at the end of training; they get an equivalent of about €3 a month and are paid in arrears of three to six months. It is found that there is a shortage of tools and drop‐out rate is high.Research limitations/implicationsThe latest annual report available was for year 2000, which may not be very current. The paper focuses on only one out of 36 states, although the programme is centrally controlled from Abuja, Nigeria's capital and may have similar features.Practical implicationsThe paper provides insight for stake‐holders involved in providing vocational skills geared towards solving unemployment problems in Nigeria.Originality/valueThere is a dearth of literature in the area of vocational skills in Nigeria. This paper tries to contribute to the body of knowledge in this area, especially after 17 years of NDE existence.
Exploring the notion of retention in apprenticeship
Authors: Harris Roger , Simons Michele 
Published: January 2007

PurposeProposes to provide a description of the factors that underlie retention and to develop a model of the process of retention.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study was conducted in a selected number of occupational areas. Interviews were conducted with apprentices and trainees employed under a contract of training; apprentices/trainees who had recently completed their contract of training; employers/workplace supervisors and teachers/trainers.FindingsProvides information about a range of factors and how they combined to shape the process of retention. Recognises that some of the identified factors are more amenable to interventions to enhance retention than others.Research limitations/implicationsThe study did not attempt to cover all occupations in which apprentices are employed, or to provide any ranking of importance of factors in relation to the retention process. The study encourages a holistic understanding of the process of retention and emphasises the dynamic nature of this process over the period of a contract of training.Practical implicationsA useful source of information for those concerned with designing interventions that target factors that are most amenable to promoting enhanced retention in apprenticeships.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the often neglected process of retention and offers some guidance in the design of interventions to promote retention in apprenticeships.
Problem‐based learning in tertiary education: teaching old “dogs” new tricks?
Authors: Yeo Roland K. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper sets out to explore the challenges of problem‐based learning (PBL) in tertiary education and to propose a framework with implications for practice and learning.Design/methodology/approachA total of 18 tertiary students divided into three groups participated in the focus group discussions. A quantitative instrument was used as triangulation to gather data on 15 statements through Likert scale ratings. In addition, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight tertiary PBL facilitators.FindingsQuotes from the participants are used to support the key themes and issues that have emerged from the data. Quantitative data in the form of numerical figures and bar charts are used to support certain important issues.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation is that this study was carried out within a single context – the Temasek Engineering School. The data collected might be restricted to PBL experiences in the engineering field. However, this study provides implications for further research, including comparative studies.Practical implicationsThe successful development of PBL will depend on re‐establishing the strategic direction of PBL within a certain context, evaluating the social and learning structures associated with power distribution, and providing non‐routine rigorous educational systems to enhance learning.Originality/valueThe value is the balanced approach adopted in this study with outcomes that are of concern to a variety of people, including students, teachers and administrators. The PBL framework is constructed based on both educational and organisational learning theories.
Australian small business participation in training activities
Authors: Webster Beverley , Walker Elizabeth , Brown Alan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of on‐line training by small businesses in Australia. It explores the relationship between the owner's acceptance and use of the internet, and their current participation in training opportunities.Design/methodology/approachA sample of small businesses which had participated in an Australian government scheme aimed at improving the participation of this business sector in training, were surveyed using a mailed questionnaire. The scheme provided training vouchers to businesses to fund training activities for the owner managers.FindingsFindings suggest that business characteristics can affect the participation in training, with those having plans more likely to engage in training. The use of the internet for training has improved accessibility for small businesses and offers some potential as a delivery medium, however, the findings also highlight the lack of e‐literacy of many small business owners.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the increasing importance of small business in Australia, it is necessary to continuously promote and encourage the role of training and skills development for owners and their employees. This study highlights a relationship between growth and the need for training, however, acknowledges that many small business owners are reluctant to participate in skill development and training.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the need for small business owners and their staff to recognise their training needs, and to have a broader understanding of the importance of their training and development needs.
The determinants of training in Australian manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Jones Janice T. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the factors influencing the provision of increased training in Australian manufacturing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that have embarked upon different growth development pathways.Design/methodology/approachThe longitudinal panel data employed in this research are drawn from the business longitudinal survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics over the four financial years 1994‐1995 to 1997‐1998.FindingsThe results indicate that organisational change, in the form of major change in production technology and/or new or substantially improved product or process technology, and the introduction of business improvement programmes, are influential, and relatively consistent drivers of increased training in SMEs following each of the growth development pathways, and, over time. The findings also suggest that innovation distinguishes high growth SMEs from their lower growth counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsThis investigation used a single item measure of training. Future research could utilise multi‐dimensional measures of training.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that the reasons SMEs provide training depend closely on the particular business needs of relevance to the enterprise, and as such, may be of interest to policy‐makers. To date, there has been a paucity of research examining the demand side of SME training.Originality/valueThe study focuses exclusively on SMEs that have embarked upon different growth development pathways, and adopts a longitudinal research design, enabling the study of the determinants of training over time, in SMEs exhibiting different levels of business growth.
Managing human resource capabilities for sustainable competitive advantage
Authors: Khandekar Aradhana , Sharma Anuradha 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the role of human resource capability (HRC) in organisational performance and sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) in Indian global organisations.Design/methodology/approachTo carry out the present study, an empirical research on a random sample of 300 line or human resource managers from nine Indian and foreign global organisations, from New Delhi (the National capital region of India) is carried out. The principal research method employed included the sample and measurements tools, and data analysis concerning the human resource capabilities for organisational performance and sustainable competitive advantage by using SPSS package 12.FindingsThe findings of the study reveal that human resource capabilities are positively correlated to organisational performance. Furthermore, human resource capability was found to be a significant predictor of sustainable competitive advantage.Research limitations/implicationsMore samples from different Indian companies, especially middle and small scale industries, can enrich the current study.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to the existing theory about the strategic importance of human capital for organisational performance and sustainable competitive advantage from resource‐based view of the firm in the Indian context.Originality/valueThe study will contribute to the understanding of Indian human resource management (HRM) as an imperative for strategic HRM and international human resource management. Business organisations will get an insight into the Indian business scenario and can chalk out their strategic policies and human resource planning with this perspective.
Training programmes for stress management in small businesses
Authors: Treven Sonja , Potocan Vojko 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present: the problem of stress employees might encounter; the individual inclination to stress; the individual methods for reducing stress; and the authors' model of training for stress prevention.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses both descriptive and analytical approaches to research and dissemination. Within the descriptive approach various methods are applied, including compilation, descriptive and comparative techniques; the analytical approach involves inductive and deductive methods.FindingsIt emerges that individuals vary considerably in their ability to manage stress. Self‐perception, locus of control, type A or B behavioural patterns and flexibility or rigidity, all appear to influence stress management abilities.Practical implicationsSome organisations might choose to assist individuals to manage stress by providing relevant training programmemes.Originality/valueThe paper develops a model of training for stress prevention. This model could be customised to the specific needs of small, medium and large organisations.