bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex‐specific Responses to Zinc Supplementation in Nouna, Burkina Faso
Authors: Garenne Michel , Becher Heiko , Ye Yasome , Kouyate Bokar , Müller Olaf 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTObjectives:To study the different responses by sex to zinc supplementation among young children.Study Children and Methods:Double‐blind randomized controlled trial of zinc supplementation in 686 children aged 6–30 months, conducted in Nouna, a rural area of Burkina Faso. Children received either a 12.5‐mg zinc sulfate tablet or a placebo every day for about 6 months. Outcomes were morbidity, nutritional status, and mortality.Results:Results revealed significant differences between boys and girls in their responses to zinc supplementation. Boys who received the zinc preparation had fewer days with diarrhea than did control boys (RR = 0.88, P = 0.05), especially less nonfebrile diarrhea (RR = 0.72, P < 0.001) and less dysentery (RR = 0.65, P = 0.05), but more ear infections (RR = 4.00, P < 0.001). By contrast, girls who received the zinc supplement had the same prevalence of diarrhea as did control girls, but more dysentery (RR = 3.70, P < 0.001), fewer ear infections (RR = 0.39, P < 0.001), and fewer eye infections (RR = 0.41, P < 0.001). The effect of supplementation on nutritional status was not detectable in boys, but girls who received supplementation experienced a faster growth velocity in height than did control girls (P = 0.004) and a faster growth velocity for weight and height if they were wasted and not stunted at baseline (P = 0.003).Conclusions:Zinc supplementation had positive, nil, or negative effects depending on pathological condition, and the effects were different for boys than for girls.
Quality of Life in Paediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maity Santanu , Thomas Adrian G 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTObjectives:To identify and appraise all studies relating to and instruments developed to measure quality of life (QOL) in children with gastrointestinal or liver diseases.Methods:A literature search was undertaken using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO to identify relevant articles published up to the end of 2005. These were reviewed by both authors and data were extracted using a standardised form. Articles were excluded if no attempt was made to measure QOL, they did not relate to children ages <17 years, they did not relate to gastrointestinal or liver diseases, or they were review articles. Quality of life instruments identified were rated according to proposed criteria.Results:From a total of 2379 articles identified in the initial search, a total of 2309 were excluded, leaving 70 included studies. These were assigned to the following categories: inflammatory bowel disease, n = 17; cystic fibrosis, n = 20; liver disease, n = 11; surgery, n = 15; and miscellaneous, n = 7. These studies describe the impact that these diseases have on the QOL of affected children. A total of 11 disease‐specific QOL instruments and 1 generic instrument with a chronic disease module were identified, but only 5 of these fulfilled the proposed quality criteria and can be recommended for future use.Conclusions:Chronic gastrointestinal and liver diseases can have an enormous effect on the QOL of affected individuals and their families. A number of disease‐specific paediatric QOL instruments have been developed and validated. Quality of life is an important outcome that should be incorporated into clinical practice and measured when treatments are evaluated. Future research should explore how QOL can best be improved in children in whom it is severely impaired.
Evaluation of 13C‐Urea Breath Test and Fecal Antigen Immunoassay to Detect Helicobacter pylori Infection in Gambian Infants
Authors: Jones Rhys T , Darboe Momodou K , Doherty Conor P , MacKay William G , Weaver Lawrence T , Campbell David I , Thomas Julian E 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTHelicobacter pylori colonization was measured by [13C]‐urea breath test in 198 Gambian infants and by fecal enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 52 of the 198 at ages 2, 5, and 12 months. By 12 months there was good concordance between tests; 33 of 44 (75%) test results were positive by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and 29 of 44 (66%) test results were positive by urea breath test. H pylori colonization is common among Gambian infants, and noninvasive tests can provide a reliable means of diagnosis.
Mergers 101 (part one): training managers for communications and leadership challenges
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Lefrancois Frederic , Tonna Roberto , Shapiro Barbara T. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo establish what managers need in terms of being acculturated and trained to manage the implications of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on their organizations considering the variables: change, communications, leadership, culture and stress.Design/methodology/approachThe article compiles strategies gleaned from academic research literature with particular reference to the most common problems management encounters during M&A implementation and execution.FindingsThe independent variables that are key for successful M&A implementation and execution are identified: communication, leadership and trust, organizational culture, change and stress. The literature review demonstrates the important roles played by each variable throughout the M&A process.Originality/valueThe article provides management with insights on how to prepare for M&A and design a sound behavioral approach in order to achieve the expected post M&A gains and opportunities in a timely manner. This is significant in training managers dealing with the M&A.
Discovery, difference, careers and change. Part 1: an approach to self‐discovery
Authors: Eales‐White Rupert 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of part 1 of this paper is to provide the reader with the definition of the preferences on the four Jungian dimensions and the nature of suppressions and repressions so that they can determine their true preferences and hence psychological profile.Design/methodology/approachThe paper defines each of the preferences in the four dimensions “obtaining energy and focus”, “gathering and using information”, “taking decisions”, “ operating in the outside world”. It details each preference in each dimension: extrovert and introvert, practical and concept, logical and harmony, structured and flexible, and set out the beliefs and behaviors flowing from each preference. It is indicated that suppressions occur with the Extrovert/Introvert and Logical/Harmony preferences and result in the individual believing in and behaving as the opposite preference. The paper provides case studies to assist the reader in identifying any suppressions they may have. Advise that repressions occur with the Practical/Concept and Structure/Flexible preferences and result in abilities not being developed, but no migration to the opposite preference. The paper sets out the profiles that summarize key characteristics and the profiles detailing strengths and weaknesses. It details the benefits to the individual and the organization that result from employees knowing what their real psychological profiles are.FindingsUnrecognized suppressions and repressions result in individuals following job choices that do not play to their natural strengths, causing stress and demotivation, as well as having a negative impact on relationships and career management. The process of self‐discovery is superior to the use of questionnaires, as they do not determine suppressions until they have become dominant in the consciousness of the individual.Originality/valueThe paper introduces the concepts of suppression and repression, enabling the reader to determine where their natural preferences and strengths lie, thus helping them make better choices for careers and improve their relationship and career management.
Innovative training in designing corporate identity
Authors: Mitki Yoram , Herstein Ram 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo present the role of innovative training in the design and assimilation process of a new corporate identity.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on a description of the design process of a new corporate identity and its assimilation by a hotel chain management company. Data were gathered by in‐depth interviews with members of the company's management, namely its CEO, marketing manager and human resources manager and five hotel managers. In addition, written material was analyzed, including business and operational reports.FindingsThe innovative training approach, which is based on continuous involvement of all organization members, is an effective mechanism for designing, building and adapting corporate identities in an era characterized by significant changes in the business‐marketing environment. This approach enables the company to rapidly assimilate the new identity and improve business results. The active involvement of internal stakeholders during the formulation stages of the organizational vision, and later, when determining the training mechanism for its assimilation, contributes to the satisfaction of both employees and clients, minimizes employee turnover, and enhances the organization's reputation.Originality/valueThis article illustrates how innovative training assists organization managements in designing and assimilating new corporate identities. It differentiates between supportive training and innovative training, indicating both the connection between innovative training and organizational learning and the contribution of the employees in implementing the corporate identity.
Machine learning for Asian language text classification
Authors: Peng Fuchun , Huang Xiangji 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to compare several machine learning techniques on the task of Asian language text classification, such as Chinese and Japanese where no word boundary information is available in written text. The paper advocates a simple language modeling based approach for this task.Design/methodology/approachNaïve Bayes, maximum entropy model, support vector machines, and language modeling approaches were implemented and were applied to Chinese and Japanese text classification. To investigate the influence of word segmentation, different word segmentation approaches were investigated and applied to Chinese text. A segmentation‐based approach was compared with the non‐segmentation‐based approach.FindingsThere were two findings: the experiments show that statistical language modeling can significantly outperform standard techniques, given the same set of features; and it was found that classification with word level features normally yields improved classification performance, but that classification performance is not monotonically related to segmentation accuracy. In particular, classification performance may initially improve with increased segmentation accuracy, but eventually classification performance stops improving, and can in fact even decrease, after a certain level of segmentation accuracy.Practical implicationsApply the findings to real web text classification is ongoing work.Originality/valueThe paper is very relevant to Chinese and Japanese information processing, e.g. webpage classification, web search.
Derivative bibliographic relationships in the Slovenian online catalogue COBIB
Authors: Petek Marija 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to provide information about derivative bibliographic relationships in the online catalogue COBIB, to investigate size and complexity of bibliographic families and to determine whether bibliographic characteristics are associated with the extent of derivations.Design/methodology/approachA bibliographic entity consisting of a work and item is represented by bibliographic records. A random sample of records is converted into a sample of progenitor works and bibliographic families for each progenitor are constructed.Findings25.75 per cent of progenitor works are derivative; successive derivations with 67.02 per cent appear most frequently. The size of bibliographic families ranges from 1 to 16; older progenitors have larger families. The majority of families have one type of relationship; there is one case with four types. A large proportion, 59.06 per cent, of derivative relationships is not expressed explicitly by catalogue.Research limitations/implicationsResearch of bibliographic records representing more than one work is needed. It is also important to find out what catalogue users are looking for: a work or an item?Practical implicationsA model for COBIB is suggested; it enables an equal identification of works, items and relationships. A cataloguer must create an authority record for each work and link it with corresponding bibliographic records for items.Originality/valueInformation about relationships should be incorporated into the catalogue and corresponding records linked. Explicit control of derivative relationships would be of great help to catalogue users and would make information retrieval improved and more precise; it would also allow more efficient use of knowledge and library materials.
Effect of molecular rarefaction on head/tape interface in a linear tape drive
Authors: Hsu Tze‐Chi , Chiang Hsiu‐Lu , Lin Chun‐Yuan 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate analytically the air bearing pressure and film spacing of the linear head/tape interface by numerical iterations between the one‐dimensional compressible Reynolds and Bernoulli tape equations.Design/methodology/approachIn order to account for the molecular rarefaction effect of the ultra‐thin gas lubrication, the pressure flow rate with three optimal adjustable coefficients was implemented into the steady state Reynolds equation. Using the central finite difference approach, the two coupled nonlinear equations can be discretized and numerically solved. To speed up the convergence of the tape position to be obtained, a fictitious stiffness was implied during the process.FindingsBy comparison with the Talke's first order model, the differences are significant and cannot be neglected. A smaller film spacing of head/tape can be acquired by a lower tape speed or a higher tape tension, while the slot edge defect and stain will effectively lower the built‐up pressure, thus decreasing the recording density and data access efficiency.Originality/valueIncorporating the high‐order slip‐flow model into the modified Reynolds equation and coupled with the Bernoulli tape deflection equation, this study proposes a feasible approach to the analysis of molecular rarefaction effect on head/tape interface in a linear tape drive.
Influence of oil contamination on vibration and wear in ball and roller bearings
Authors: Maru M.M. , Serrato‐Castillo R. , Padovese L.R. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis work aims to compare the vibration behavior of roller and ball bearings operating with clean and quartz‐contaminated lubricants. Wear influence on vibration of both bearing types was also compared.Design/methodology/approachExperimental tests were run in clean and contaminated mineral oil. Contaminant quartz particles of 59 μm average size were tested in three concentration levels: 0.05, 0.25 and 0.5 g/l. Radial vibration of the roller bearing was measured by accelerometer and wear was analyzed through microscopy of the surfaces and optical spectrometry of oils.FindingsDifferences in vibration response among both bearing types were observed regarding the root mean square value of vibration data in the high frequency band (600‐10,000 Hz); differences in wear influence on vibration were also identified and correlated to the differences in the tribological features.Originality/valueThis paper presents a methodology for detecting contamination and wear of roller bearings by applying a simple procedure of vibration monitoring and analysis.
Magnetic fluid based squeeze film between porous conical plates
Authors: Patel Rakesh M. , Deheri G.M. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to improve upon the performance of squeeze film between porous conical plates.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives are achieved by mathematically modeling a magnetic fluid based squeeze film between porous conical plates. The standard approach is to solve associated Reynolds' equation with appropriate boundary conditions. The scope of this paper is the industrial applications with regard to enhanced performance of the bearing system.FindingsDefinitely the performance of the bearing with the magnetic fluid lubricant is relatively better than the conventional lubricant. The findings indicate that the negative effect induced by the porosity can be neutralized by the positive effect caused by the magnetization parameter. Further, this paper suggests that there is scope for enhancing the performance of the bearing system by choosing a suitable combination of the magnetization parameter and semi‐vertical angle.Practical implicationsFrom the industry point of view this investigation will be certainly useful for improving the performance of the squeeze film between porous conical plates.Originality/valueThis paper presents the augmented performance of the squeeze film between porous conical plates and thereby extending even the life period of the machines.
Special issue introduction
Authors: Roodhouse Simon 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis introduction to the special edition aims to focus on the issues that surround putting work‐based learning into practice in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe introduction is a brief survey and commentary on the issues surrounding work‐based learning. A selection of papers is drawn from the timely 2006 University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) Annual Conference. UVAC, an international membership organisation has championed higher level vocational learning, particularly higher education (HE) engagement with employers and the workforce, and the selection of conference papers demonstrates the seriousness with which HE educators are taking this work forward.FindingsThe introduction finds that a rebalancing of the priorities of HE institutions to make available relevant, flexible and responsive provision that meets the high skills needs of employers and their staff has arrived which requires us to reevaluate the university offer and as Waterhouse argues, “it is not that they can teach, nor even that they can sell research, but that they can assess: they accredit learning and are awarding bodies. It is this social certification of successful learning that individuals, employers and ultimately society pay for.” The next reinvention for the sector is contemporary vocationalisation and responsiveness to economic imperatives rather than learning.Research limitations/implicationsA wider survey of practice, particularly the use of employer standards, is now required to establish a common language between industry and HE.Practical implicationsImplications are a progressive change to HE offering and an increased engagement with workforce development which requires changes to assessment and a greater use of accreditation and validation in the workplace.Originality/valueThe introduction provides a succinct analysis of the work based learning and employer engagement in HE.
Developing the health care workforce
Authors: Brown Barbara Alice , Harte Jacqui , Warnes Anne‐Marie 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share practice on how two approaches to work‐based learning (WBL) are used to develop the knowledge and skills of health care staff with different levels of experience and educational attainment within the Department of Nursing and the Department of Allied Health Professions at a post‐1992 university (UCLAN) and to enable two models of WBL to be differentiated, for the purposes of curriculum development.Design/methodology/approachThe two models are mapped and compared using a curriculum framework, in order to illustrate differences in ethos, teaching, learning and assessment strategies between the two approaches.FindingsImplementing two different approaches to WBL can meet health and social care employers' workforce development needs and can support the learning of diverse groups of staff, both those entering the health and social care services and those who are experienced and professionally qualified.Research limitations/implicationsWBL can be implemented in many different ways to serve a variety of needs, but curriculum developers need to explore, with employers and potential students, their rationale behind engaging in WBL and ensure that ethos, teaching and learning methods and assessment are aligned as discussed by Biggs.Originality/valueThis paper provides information on two approaches to WBL adopted by one university and offers insights to others beginning curriculum development in this field.
University of Wolverhampton case study
Authors: Nicholls Emma , Walsh Margaret 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis case study aims to provide a critical evaluation of the decision by the University of Wolverhampton's School of Legal Studies to develop a number of work‐based learning modules, offered as part of the undergraduate programme. It seeks to examine why the School has taken the approach of embedding work‐based learning into what has traditionally been a purely theoretical programme.Design/methodology/approachThis is a case study which evaluates the decision by the School of Legal Studies to implement a range of work‐based learning modules.FindingsInitial findings suggest that there are clear benefits for students undertaking work‐based learning modules.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed to establish whether there is a clear link between students electing the work‐based modules and a positive impact on graduate employability.Practical implicationsInstitutions could consider work‐based learning as part of the response to the employability agenda, in a climate where competition for jobs is fierce, particularly in the area of law.Originality/valueThis case study will be of value for those institutions which are considering introducing work‐based learning modules for law students.
Using a skills bank for work‐based learning
Authors: Hatfield Deborah 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a work‐based learning innovation developed in response to the skills agenda affecting post‐registration continuing professional development for nurses.Design/methodology/approachThe experience of learners, mentors and assessors using the “Skills Bank” are illustrated as part of an ongoing evaluation of work‐based learning. This was captured by semi‐structured interviews and the observations of the author as innovation was implemented and to the quality issues for academic rigour were addressed. The study is set in the context of the debate about skills and competence.FindingsThe study finds that learners responded well to the innovation because they were motivated and self‐directed. The experience exceeded their expectations of continuing professional education. Some did not engage with the database of skills and learner‐generated skill design was consequently of poor quality. The assessment strategy is well‐defined and rewards excellence in practice with the use of a grading tool.Practical implicationsContent of skills templates reflect current evidence‐based practice, which can be mapped to Skills for Health workforce competences. Maintaining the Skills Bank in terms of currency and authenticity is challenging.Originality/valueThis paper will be of interest to education and training providers keen to address the preparation of health care staff fit for purpose and practice. It attempts to articulate skills as a notion of competence.