bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Legal issues for information professionals IX
Authors: Oppenheim Charles 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an update to the last major review by Burrull and Oppenheim of legal aspects of information management in relation to the web.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports developments in the primary areas of law in relation to the internet since 2004. Topics covered include: copyright, domain names and trademarks, linking, framing, caching and spamdexing (the use of artificial means to enhance one's position in search engines' outputs), patents, censorship, defamation, liability, conflict of laws and jurisdiction and legal deposit.FindingsThe paper shows that legal issues surrounding the internet are likely to become increasingly difficult and that either a new system is needed to resolve disputes, or that a new body of law is needed. It also suggests that information professionals need to contribute more to the ongoing legal debate.Originality/valueThe paper systematically describes legal issues associated with the management of electronic information.
Investigation of dietary intake and obesity status in a pediatric population from Northern Greece
Authors: Papandreou Dimitrios , Malindretos Pavlos , Rousso Israel 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe aim of this study is to record the prevalence of overweight and obesity and to explore any relationship with nutritional status in Greek children aged 6‐15 years.Design/methodology/approachA total of 524 children participated in the study. Anthropometric and dietary characteristics were recorded for all subjects.FindingsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21.1 per cent and 8.4 per cent for boys and 17.6 and 7.3 per cent for girls, respectively. Dietary intakes of energy, fat, protein, lipids and sugar were higher in overweight and obese children compared with the normal ones ( p < 0.001), while fibre intake was lower in the overweight and obese group ( p < 0.001) than in the normal group. The current study gives an estimation of overweight and obesity in children from Northern Greece. The composition of diet, especially low in fibre, vitamin D and high in energy and fat may play a role in the etiology of obesity.Originality/valueThe paper presents information on obesity prevalence in a Mediterranean country as well as integration of some nutrients in the etiology of obesity.
Analysis of bioactive aglycone isoflavones in soybean and soybean products
Authors: Rong Chen Tong , King Wei Que 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate isoflavone aglycone concentrations in commercial soybean and soybean products in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachIsoflavone concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography method. The samples included soybeans, non‐fermented (tofu, soymilk, soybean meal) and fermented (natto, miso and sufu) soybean products.FindingsThe total isoflavone concentration in soybean and soybean products was approximately 109‐508 mg/100 g. Isoflavone aglycones had the concentration of 2‐19 per cent of total isoflavones in soybeans and non‐fermented soybean products. There was a broad diversity of isoflavone aglycones at 4‐94 per cent of total isoflavones in fermented soybeans.Originality/valueThe study provides new information about distribution of bioactive isoflavone aglycones in soybean and soybean products. Isoflavone glucosides were the major components in all soybean and non‐fermented products, while isoflavone aglycones were abundant in sufu and partially in miso of soybean fermented products. The information should be used to establish that positive consumption of bioactive aglycones isoflavones may be more efficient for improving the physiological functions for human health.
Heartburn: influence of diet and lifestyle
Authors: Oliver Katie L. , Jill Davies G. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeResearch has shown that there are important aspects of diet and lifestyle that need to be evaluated when considering the onset of symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux, with specific reference to heartburn. This paper aims to review the evidence from these studies.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of studies on diet, lifestyle and gastro‐oesophageal reflux was undertaken.FindingsThe literature shows that there are a number of diet and lifestyle factors, which may trigger the onset of symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the diet and lifestyle factors, which have been considered to trigger gastro‐oesophageal reflux, need to be assessed further to establish their individual and combined influence in the onset of gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms and the progression to more serious oesophageal disorders.
Effect of varying levels of salt (sodium chloride) on the performance characteristics of snails (Archachatina marginata)
Authors: Omole A.J. , Ogbosuka G.E. , Oredehin A.O. , Osayomi J.O. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeSome snail farmers in Nigeria believe that inclusion of table salt (Nacl) in the diet of snails will have an adverse effect and result in mortality. Hence, this study aims to assess the effect of inclusion of common salt (Nacl) in the diet of the growing snail.Design/methodology/approachFour dietary treatments of the same energy and protein values; Sa, Sb, Sc and Sd were formulated to contain 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 per cent Nacl, respectively. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 15 growing snails per replicate in a completely randomized design. The snails were reared in a cage of 12 compartments. Feed intake and weight gain were measured on a daily and weekly basis with the use of a sensitive weight scale. Shell length and width were measured by vernier caliper. An observation of mortality was made. The study lasted for six months.FindingsThe results show that feed intake and weight gain were better in the diet containing 0.2 per cent salt than the control with 0 per cent salt inclusion. The feed was better utilized in all the treatments than in the control diet. The digestibility was also better in all the treatments than the 0 per cent salt inclusion. It was observed that no mortality was recorded in any of the treatments.Originality/valueThe results establish that inclusion of salt up to 0.3 per cent in the diet of growing snails did not have an adverse effect on feed intake, weight gain and survivability as against the belief of some farmers that salt should not be included in the diet of snails.
Performance characteristics of weaned rabbit fed plantain peel as replacement for maize
Authors: Omole A.J. , Ajasin F.O. , Oluokun J.A. , Obi O.O. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeIn the livestock industry in Nigeria, maize is a major source of energy and it is expensive because of competition between man and animal. Dry plantain peel of minimal cost was used to replace the maize fraction of the diet of rabbit in order to reduce cost. The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance characteristics of rabbit fed plantain peel.Design/methodology/approachThe feeding trial had five treatments, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in which the maize fraction in the diet was replaced at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent, respectively. Completely randomized designs were used and each treatment was replicated thrice with three rabbits per replicate. The parameters taken were feed intake and weight gain on a daily and weekly basis. Feed conversion ratio, total feed cost and cost per weight gain were calculated.FindingsThe results show that there was no significant difference in the weight gain between the control diet (T1) and T3 (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was relatively similar in T1 and T4. The cost per weight gain reduced from N53.57 in the control diet to N33.39 in T3 (75 per cent replacement).Originality/valueIn the livestock industry, maize is expensive because it serves as food for both man and animal. The results indicate that the feed cost of rabbit could be reduced by replacing the maize fraction of the diet with 75 per cent dry plantain peel.
Effect of soaking and cooking on nutritional quality and safety of legumes
Authors: Huma Nuzhat , Anjum Muhammad , Sehar Samreen , Issa Khan Muhammad , Hussain Shahzad 
Published: November 2008

PurposeLegumes are widely grown and are consumed as a source of plant protein throughout the world. They rank second after cereals with respect to their consumption order. Legumes have anti‐nutritional factors which make their uses limited. This study aims to check the effect of soaking and cooking on the anti‐nutrient contents and nutritional quality of the legumes.Design/methodology/approachFive legumes (white kidney bean, red kidney bean, lentil, chickpea, and white gram) frequently used by the masses were selected for soaking and cooking trials. Legumes were tested for their weight, volume, density, swelling capacity and water absorption capacity before soaking and cooking. Legumes were soaked in simple water, 2 per cent sodium chloride solution, acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate and cooked in a beaker with 1 : 5 seed water ratio to uniform soft mass. After soaking and cooking, legumes were tested for anti‐nutrients (phytic acid and tannin) and their nutritional quality.FindingsThe statistical analysis of the study results revealed that dark colour legume (red kidney bens) has a high level of phytic acid and tannin compared with light colour (white kidney beans and white grams). Soaking and cooking of legumes result in significant reduction in phytic acid and tannin contents. Maximum reduction of phytic acid (78.055) and tannin (65.81 per cent) was found for sodium bicarbonate soaking followed by cooking. These treatments also result in a slight reduction in nutrients such as protein, minerals and total sugars.Practical implicationsSoaking and cooking of legumes reduce their anti‐nutrients; phytic acid and tannin significantly. These treatments may be used domestically as well as commercially to increase the nutrients' availability from legumes to meet the problem of protein and minerals deficiencies.Originality/valueAlong with water different soaking solutions which are easily available in the market were used to test out their effect on the nutritional quality and safety. These may be used by the common people to raise their nutritional status.
Factors influencing employee learning in small businesses
Authors: Coetzer Alan , Perry Martin 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to identify key factors influencing employee learning from the perspective of owners/managers.Design/methodology/researchData were gathered from owners/managers in a total of 27 small manufacturing and services firms through interviews and analysed using content analytic procedures.FindingsThe research found that the key factors influencing employee learning could be categorised into four main themes: factors in the external business environment; factors in the work environment; learning potential of the job itself; and learning orientations of employees.Research limitations/implicationsCategorisation of the factors produces a preliminary framework that might guide future research. The factors identified in this study need to be supplemented by factors identified through further research to develop a comprehensive framework.Practical implicationsThe findings could assist in raising owners'/managers' awareness of the key factors influencing employee learning. Categorisation of the factors could help owners/managers cope with the many factors.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to bring some coherence to the study of employee knowledge and skill acquisition in small firms through identifying and categorising key factors influencing employee learning.
Developing a collaborative learning environment through technology enhanced education (TE3) support
Authors: Harris Robert J. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a knowledge transfer project, part funded through TE3, designed to encourage innovation and improve the capability of SMEs in the West Midlands region of the UK. Knowledge is critical to developing competency within small businesses and managers that understand how their customers behave and translate that insight into innovative products/services are more likely to succeed.Design/methodology/approachAdopting an action research methodology, the paper aims to describe the TE3 funding process and address the effectiveness of a project designed to overcome some of the contextual issues relating to the development of SME capability through technology supported learning. It describes the development of a knowledge transfer framework (The Collaborative Learning Environment) designed to specifically target the needs of SMEs.FindingsFirms that efficiently tap into all relevant sources of knowledge are likely to thrive, whilst those that cannot may struggle. However, an obstacle to SME development is often an inability to access technical and business knowledge. The Technology Enhanced Enterprise Education (TE3) initiative was found to provide a solution to this problem by funding the development of technology supported learning solutions delivered through a collaborative network of UK Higher Education InstitutionsOriginality/valueThe paper outlines a proposal for a collaborative learning environment. This model will provide value to designers of virtual learning environments and funded support providers.
Training needs for women‐owned SMEs in England
Authors: Azam Roomi Muhammad , Harrison Pegram 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the needs and preferences for training among growth‐oriented women‐owned SMEs in the East of England.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative data were collected through 108 on‐line questionnaires, and the means analysed using SPSS. Qualitative data collected in response to open‐ended questions were inductively analysed and interpreted.FindingsOnly one fourth of respondents received growth‐oriented training in the previous two years, with an average duration of 3‐5 days per year. Programmes most in demand concerned innovation and opportunity recognition, business evaluation and growth considerations, developing strategic customers and customers care, customer relationship management, as well as selling, networking and negotiation skills. High demand for these programmes corresponds to others results identifying contributory factors to higher enterprise performance and growth: product/service quality, new product/service development, appropriate marketing, effective use of websites, selling skills and informal networking.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the project is limited to service sectors and sole proprietorships. Geographic scope is limited to the East of England. These limits nonetheless provide a reasonable base and rationale for the scope of the study.Practical implicationsWith a better understanding of the capacity building requirements of women entrepreneurs in growth businesses, appropriately designed training programmes can be developed to help women achieve higher levels of entrepreneurial success.Originality/valueThe study offers original primary research into the contributory growth factors for women‐owned enterprises in a representative area of Britain, identifies key issues, maps survival and success factors, and assesses women entrepreneurs' training needs and preferences.
Embedding enterprise education into the curriculum at a research‐led university
Authors: Smith Kelly 
Published: November 2008

PurposeE3, standing for Embedding Enterprise Education, started in August 2006 as a HEIF3 funded initiative to promote the learning and teaching of enterprise or entrepreneurship across all subject areas of the University of Birmingham. This paper aims to explore how the initiative was marketed to academic Schools at a time when the RAE was taking high priority, discuss the levels of engagement across campus, and provide examples of E3 funded projects.Design/methodology/approachEach of the 19 academic Schools of the University of Birmingham were encouraged to apply for an award of up to £10,000 to help with the development of subject‐specific enterprise education opportunities, linked to accredited modules of study for delivery in 2007‐2008. E3 was marketed and presented to Schools and individual staff in a variety of ways depending on their needs and local priorities.FindingsDiscussions with Schools has suggested that enterprise education can be integrated into the curriculum without enterprise‐related learning outcomes having to replace subject‐specific outcomes. To date, 6 E3 projects have been fully approved and several more applications are in progress. All 19 Schools have engaged with E3 at some level and are more aware of the benefits that enterprise education can bring to their students. Schools have identified different priorities including issues around: entrepreneurship; social enterprise; self‐employment and consultancy; or, perhaps not surprisingly for a research‐led institution, using enterprise‐related knowledge and skills to help identify, apply for, and manage research funds.Practical implicationsE3 has shown that enterprise education has relevance to and can be embedding within many subject areas in Higher Education. Not all Schools were able to engage with E3 in its original format and the initiative has been altered and extended to help more Corporate Units, Schools, and Colleges engage in 2007‐2009.Originality/valueE3 is providing insights into if and how enterprise and entrepreneurship can be promoted to subjects and staff that may not previously been persuaded of its benefits, and for who research is often the top work priority.
Learning the hard way? Issues in the adoption of new technology in small technology oriented firms
Authors: Chibelushi Caroline 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore, though a survey and two short case studies, the issues smaller firms face with the adoption of new technologies.Design/methodology/approachA survey of the pressures to adopt new technologies and the existence of specialist technology skills was conducted of small ICT oriented firms in the West Midlands region of the UK. This provides background context for short case studies of two firms and the issues they faced with the adoption of new technologies.FindingsPressure to adopt new technologies largely emanated from within the small firms surveyed. Those firms with IT educated owner‐manager were perhaps better able to evaluate and respond to that pressure. This is further illustrated in the case studies which show what can happen where an owner‐manager is or is not willing to listen, learn and provide appropriate resources to ensure the smooth adoption and implementation of new technologies.Research limitations/implicationsWhile a range of factors and their effect on the adoption of new technologies have been considered, this is often not in the context of smaller firms where owners/owner‐managers can play a critical decisional role. This study shows the effect of the way in which owners/owner‐managers behaviour can affect the adoption of new technologies.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that although ICT‐oriented firms could be expected to understand the importance of new technologies this is not necessarily the case.Originality/valueThis is a study of the issues associated with adopting new technologies in ICT‐oriented small firms, where barriers such as capacity and readiness would be thought not to exist.
Financial education in small ethnic minority businesses in the UK
Authors: Hussain Javed , Matlay Harry , Scott Jonathan M. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to set out to evaluate the financial education needs of ethnic minority SMEs in the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom.Design/methodology/approachA postal survey was used to investigate the financial needs of owner/managers in 64 ethnic minority SMEs and a control sample of 23 non‐ethnic SMEs.FindingsThe results show that owner/managers of micro‐businesses have lower educational achievements as well as higher financial education needs than their counterparts in small and medium‐sized firms. In contrast, owner/managers in small and medium‐sized businesses have relatively higher educational achievements and a better appreciation of the role of financial education. Similar trends were observed in non‐ethnic SMEs in the control sample.Originality/valueThis article makes an empirically rigorous contribution to a relatively under researched aspect of SME research. The authors recommend that government agencies collaborate with leaders of ethnic minority communities to raise awareness of the benefits of education in general and financial education in particular.
Riding out the storm: graduates, enterprise and careers in turbulent economic times
Authors: Rae David 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the possible implications for graduate employability of the economic changes which are affecting the UK in the wake of the “credit crunch”. It explores the changing economic context and its implications both for HEIs and for graduates starting their careers.Design/methodology/approachThe article uses current surveys and analysis of the graduate employment market, the labour market and the economy in general to identify and comment on possible trends and scenarios.FindingsThere appear to be variations between general media coverage of “the state of the UK economy”, which tend to emphasise bad news and survey data, which suggest that the outlook for graduate career prospects and employability remains reasonably strong. The article comments on the increasing connections between enterprise and employability which are being made by universities and summarises current developments in graduate employability and enterprising learning in order to assess how well‐prepared graduates are for the emerging economic environment, and the associated implications for HEIs and educators.Practical implicationsThe article has practical implications for enterprise educators and careers and employability professionals within universities as well as for students. It recommends that graduates need a higher level of economic literacy in order to make informed career changes in the changing economic context. A proposal for further research to explore the topic is suggested.Originality/valueThe article is intentionally speculative and aims to inform the discussion on the changing nature of graduate employability and enterprise in the context of rapid economic changes.