bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Swedish pig producers and their perspectives on animal welfare: a case study
Authors: Bruckmeier Karl , Prutzer Madeleine 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the views of Swedish pig producers concerning animal welfare, the schemes practised for animal welfare in Sweden, and the ramifications of animal welfare for Swedish retailers and consumers.Design/methodology/approachThe Swedish study for animal welfare covers a pig‐production sector of 2,794 producers (2005). The pig production study was one of three such studies conducted as part of the EU's Welfare Quality project with semi‐structured interviews (the other two studies were on cattle and poultry production). The stratified sample included 60 pig producers, both conventional and organic, selected from all areas of Sweden.FindingsThe main results show a high level of animal care exercised in the Swedish pig production sector. Although there are no specific animal welfare schemes implemented, there is a high level of animal care provided by farmer participation in quality assurance schemes that include animal welfare stipulations, among other criteria.Practical implicationsThe results from this pig production study will serve as input for a subsequent study of the on‐farm practice of animal welfare for the Welfare Quality project and as information material for policy to argue for more compatible criteria of welfare schemes at national level as well as for more homogeneous practice and standards of animal welfare within the EU.Originality/valueThis is the first in‐depth study on animal welfare in Swedish agriculture that takes into account a wide array of views and experiences of both conventional and organic producers. Prior to this animal welfare study only studies with a narrow focus on animal welfare, for example about organic production, and the State Audit Institution's report, which focuses on the effectiveness in animal welfare monitoring, have been produced.
Animal welfare: the attitudes and behaviour of European pig farmers
Authors: Bock B.B. , van Huik M.M. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the behaviour and attitudes of European pig producers towards animal welfare. It looks at the relationship of these factors with farmers' understanding of good farming and production logic, together with national characteristics of production, and market and policy arrangements.Design/methodology/approachThis article synthesises the results of six national studies in which circa 360 pig farmers were interviewed. It compares the differences in attitudes and behaviour of farmers across different countries forming quality‐assurance schemes. This allows for an understanding of how participation in different types of schemes affects farmers' definitions and practice of animal welfare and how this is embedded in specific national contexts.FindingsFarmers' readiness to implement stricter animal welfare regulations and their belief in animal‐friendly production differ according to their definition of animal welfare and the importance they attach to it, but are also linked to their participation in schemes. In general two groups of farmers can be distinguished. Farmers participating in basic or top quality‐assurance schemes define animal welfare in terms of animal health and production‐performance. By contrast, farmers who participate in organic or specific welfare schemes emphasise the animals' opportunity for expressing natural behaviour. These different attitudes towards the animal welfare issue are underpinned by differences in farming style, or production logic.Originality/valueThe article provides insights into how pig farmers across Europe perceive and construct animal welfare. By relating these factors with farmers' understanding of good farming and production logic and national characteristics of production, market and policy arrangements, it contributes to the scientific understanding of animal welfare attitudes and behaviour. It provides insights into the factors that influence farmers' readiness to engage in animal‐friendly production, which may be of use to policymakers.
Newly qualified librarians and their professional associations: UK and US comparisons
Authors: Joint Nicholas 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that, for historical reasons related to the manner in which career progression and professional accreditation has developed in the UK, newly qualified LIS professionals are uniquely positioned to reshape the role of their professional association in this country.Design/methodology/approachAn opinion piece based on a brief and selective conference report from the 2007 American Library Association conference held in Washington DC.FindingsNewly qualified professionals in the UK may well find good models for reshaping the UK profession by taking some of the best examples of professional association practice from the USA.Research limitations/implicationsThe suggestions made in this paper are entirely value‐based, but their acceptability at the practitioner level is a potential avenue for further investigation.Practical implicationsThis piece attempts to give newly qualified LIS practitioners some very clear ideas about how to develop their own professional practice by reference to broader principles of professional ethics, law and the role of the professional association.Originality/valueThis paper attempts to give an original synthesis of viewpoints from two different national perspectives.
The question of faculty status for academic librarians
Authors: Bryan Jacalyn E. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeFaculty status for academic librarians is an issue that has been the subject of much debate in recent decades. The purpose of this paper is to examine the key points raised during this debate, in the hope of achieving a suitable resolution.Design/methodology/approachThis paper begins with an overview of the issue of faculty status for academic librarians from an historical perspective and then continues with a review of literature from the past three decades. The pros and cons of granting faculty status are examined, as well as alternate models, followed by a proposed recommendation.FindingsWhile there are a number of concerns regarding the value of faculty status for academic librarians, such as disagreement with the basic tenet that librarians are primarily teachers, the weight of the evidence seems to support the granting of faculty status to academic librarians. This status provides academic freedom, recognition of librarians in their role as educators, and financial benefits and job security and is supported by the Association of College and Research Libraries, the Association of American Colleges, and the American Association of University Professors.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this paper is a review of selected relevant literature, only a small portion of the literature was of an empirical nature. There is a need for more studies which directly measure the impact of faculty status for academic librarians on the librarians themselves and the students, faculty, and institutions they serve.Originality/valueThe paper shows that with faculty status, academic librarians receive the same rights and privileges as other faculty and participate in college or university governance, thereby increasing the integration of the library with the institution.
The naked librarian: health librarians in the modern era
Authors: Steyn Christelle , de Wee Janice A. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the ever‐changing profession of the Health Information Specialists.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a literary essay.FindingsHealth Information Specialists/librarians need to adapt and change constantly, in order to keep up with all new developments.Practical implicationsThis paper should be of interest to anyone involved in academic health libraries.Originality/valueThe paper offers a viewpoint on the current and possible future situation of Health Information Specialists, especially in South Africa.
The evolving landscape of the learning commons
Authors: Lee Roberts Regina 
Published: October 2007

PurposeLibraries are exploring the meaning of the “information commons” and have responded to the technological needs of the diversity of digital access trends. The purpose of this conceptual article is to explore the possibilities of the next step of developing dynamic “learning commons” using examples of projects and ideas presented by librarians in the field.Design/methodology/approachThe “learning commons” model has the potential to be a laboratory for students, librarians and faculty. It is a collaboration space and requires partnerships and cooperation across disciplines. Ideas about user behavior and types of projects to be explored are included.FindingsFunding for learning commons is linked to measured outcomes. The role of the librarian changes to include advocacy and project planning.Practical implicationsThis paper demonstrates that the change in library service via the learning commons concept requires planning, interdisciplinary collaboration and a certain amount of risk taking.Originality/valueThis paper is useful for librarians who are designing and/or implementing “learning commons” spaces and concepts into their libraries and library services.
Interaction among diet, genes, and exercise affects athletic performance and risk for chronic disease
Authors: Demmig‐Adams Barbara , Carter Jared 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary, for both experts and non‐experts, of new findings on interactions among diet, genes, and exercise in determining the risk for chronic disease.Design/methodology/approachThe present review focuses on the key role of exercise in modulating the ratio of muscle fiber types and the resulting effects on overall health.FindingsExercise and a diet rich in omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acids modulate human gene expression and lower the risk for chronic disease. Emerging evidence, synthesized here, shows that a family of gene regulatory proteins, the PPAR (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor) transcription factor family, regulates the synthesis of human muscle fibers and thereby affects glucose metabolism and the risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Dietary fatty acids, in particular n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, act on PPAR family members, and thereby enhance the synthesis of specific muscle fiber types. Human muscle fibers contain a heterogeneous mix of slow‐oxidative, fast‐oxidative, and fast‐glycolytic muscle fibers. At the extremes of the spectrum, low‐oxidative fibers, important for endurance activities, rely on a complete oxidation of sugars as well as fats for energy, and are associated with high insulin sensitivity. In contrast, fast‐glycolytic fibers, important for short, intense exercise, predominantly use a quick, but only partial breakdown of sugars (glycolysis) for energy. Not surprisingly, sprinters have more fast‐glycolytic fibers, while endurance athletes have more slow‐oxidative fibers. The relative ratio of these different fiber types, in part genetically fixed and in part respondent to diet and exercise, determines not only what type of activities an individual performs best, but also affects the risk for chronic disease. Recent research has identified correlations between muscle fiber type and PPAR type as well as between even modest levels of endurance training and a lowering of the risk for insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.Practical implicationsThis review synthesizes recently discovered mechanisms into a framework supporting the conclusion that even moderate levels of endurance exercise, combined with a sufficient intake of n‐3 fatty acids, lower the risk for chronic disease.Originality/valueThis article provides accessible and comprehensive information to researchers, nutritionists, and consumers who are interested in using lifestyle management (such as exercise and diet) to lower the risk for chronic disease.
Cancer: the role of exercise in prevention and progression
Authors: Thomas Robert , Davies Nicola J. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to examine evidence for the benefits of exercise in relation to cancer development, progression and prevention.Design/methodology/approachThe reviewed literature was divided into categories according to the role exercise plays in cancer prevention and progression, during treatment, and in relapse prevention.FindingsThere is now persuasive evidence that exercise improves the physical and psychological function of patients with cancer, reduces the risk of recurrence and possibly improves survival.Originality/valuePrevious research highlights the importance of exercise in cancer prevention and throughout the cancer experience. However, current knowledge of the mechanisms by which physical activity may positively influence the activity of cancers is poorly understood; these mechanisms are explored in this paper.
Assessing body types, diet, exercise, and sedentary behavior of American and Japanese college students
Authors: Kobayashi Futoshi 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in both American and Japanese college students and their diet, exercise, and sedentary behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe total of 407 college students from the USA (162 students aged 17‐53 years) and from Japan (245 students aged 18‐32 years) answered the survey in order to assess their body types, diet, exercise, and sedentary behavior.FindingsAlthough the author found a lower mean BMI (body mass index) in the Japanese sample than in their American counterparts, there were not many differences in their diet, exercise, and sedentary behavior between them. The Japanese sample consumed their breakfast more regularly, were more likely to live with their parents, went to fast food restaurants less often and spent less money there than their American counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study used self‐report survey method and it can be considered as a pilot study. In the future study, the height and weight of participants may be actually measured for obtaining more reliable data. Breakfast skipping, single living, and frequent usage of fast food restaurant might be crucial factors for overweight and obesity problems in American college students.Originality/valueThe present study is the first cross‐cultural study regarding body types, diet, exercise, and sedentary behavior between American and Japanese college students.
Nutrient intake and body composition in relation to making weight in young male Taekwondo players
Authors: Fleming Sarah , Costarelli Vassiliki 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the current study was to investigate the nutritional intake and body composition of Taekwondo (TKD) athletes during a two‐week period of weight management as they prepare to make weight classification for an international competition.Design/methodology/approachSeven male, 17‐28 years old, international TKD athletes were recruited from a known World Taekwondo Federation TKD Club in London. Habitual and pre‐competition dietary intake was assessed using a three‐day and a five‐day food diary, respectively. Body weight and percentage body fat (Holtain Calipers, seven sites) were measured at the beginning of the study and 24h before competition. Body weight was also measured on the day of competition.FindingsEnergy, total carbohydrate, calcium and water intakes were below recommendations for athletes, particularly, before competition and consumption of fat and salt exceeded recommendations. Compared with baseline, the two‐week weight management period induced a significant reduction in the athletes body weight (1.2 per cent, P<0.05), however, there was no significant reduction in percentage body fat which remained stable at a very low average of 3.2 per cent (±0.8). During the 24‐h prior to weigh‐in for competition, the athletes significantly reduced their body weight by a further 3.4 per cent (2.2kg, P<0.05). The dietary analysis showed that the athletes were consuming a sub‐optimal diet both habitually and pre‐competition, which may compromise their performance and short‐ and long‐term health.Originality/valueThere has been a distinctive lack of literature on nutritional studies conducted on TKD athletes. This paper helps to fill that gap.
The transition from higher education into work: tales of cohesion and fragmentation
Authors: Holden Rick , Hamblett John 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis series of papers aims to explore the transition from higher education into work. It reports on research undertaken over a period of two years and which sought to track a number of young graduates as they completed their studies and embarked upon career of choice.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted is defined and discussed as one of “common sense”. Alongside the notion of “common sense” the paper deploys two further concepts, “convention” and “faith” necessary to complete a rudimentary methodological framework. The narratives which are at the heart of the papers are built in such a way as to contain not only the most significant substantive issues raised by the graduates themselves but also the tone of voice specific to each.FindingsFive cases are presented; the stories of five of the graduates over the course of one year. Story lines that speak of learning about the job, learning about the organisation and learning about self are identified. An uneven journey into a workplace community is evident. “Fragmentation” and “cohesion” are the constructs developed to reflect the conflicting dynamics that formed the lived experience of the transitional journeys experienced by each graduate.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst the longitudinal perspective adopted overcomes some of the major difficulties inherent in studies which simply use “snap shot” data, the natural limits of the “common sense” approach restrict theoretical development. Practically speaking, however, the papers identify issues for reflection for those within higher education and the workplace concerned with developing practical interventions in the areas of graduate employability, reflective practice and initial/continuous professional development.Originality/valueThe series of papers offers an alternative to orthodox studies within the broader context of graduate skills and graduate employment. The papers set this debate in a more illuminating context.
Project manager vs. executive perceptions of sponsor behaviors
Authors: Kloppenborg Timothy J. , Stubblebine Patrick C. , Tesch Debbie 
Published: October 2007

PurposeTo identify differences in perceptions between executive sponsors (ESs) and project managers (PM) regarding sponsor involvement on projects, for the purposes of contributing to project management practice and encouraging further sponsor‐related research.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 365 executives and managers interested in project management investigated differences between ESs and PMs in perceived importance on eight dimensions of ES behavior and three dimensions of project success during the initiation stage of a project. This study followed a previous exploratory analysis study that identified sponsor behaviors. Factor analysis and t‐tests were used to develop variables and test for differences, respectively.FindingsResults indicated significant differences between ESs and PMs on the perceived importance of ES involvement on the critical dimension of mentoring and assisting PMs with executives indicating higher importance.Research limitations/implicationsThree specific suggestions are made which are directed toward improving project management practice. Further, additional research is encouraged on the role and influence of the ES in the initiating stage of the project management process.Originality valueThe value of this research is two‐fold. One, the investigation identified a critical project management dimension on which sponsors and PMs differ, which may account for disruptive conflict during a project. Two, the present study adds to the limited body of research on the role of project sponsors.
Determining the importance of key criteria in web usability
Authors: Pearson J. Michael , Pearson Ann , Green David 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis research aims to investigate the relative importance of five key criteria in assessing web usability. These criteria are navigation, download speed, personalization, ease of use, and accessibility. It is believed that these factors play a significant role in assessing web usability.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized a scenario‐based, multi‐criteria decision‐making approach. The method (policy capturing) utilizes multiple scenarios to determine the relative importance of the criteria of interest. Based on the responses to these scenarios (assessing web usability), linear regressions, and Tukey's honestly significant differences were utilized to determine the relative importance of the five web usability criteria.FindingsThe research indicated that, as expected, ease of use was the criteria that the respondents considered most important in assessing web usability. Interestingly, personalization and customization was consistently reported as the least important criteria. It was also found that males and females view these web usability criteria differently.Practical implicationsThe findings from this study have practical implications for web site designers.Originality/valueThe results indicate that less effort/resources should be devoted to personalization and customization, and more in making sure that web sites are easy to use and have clear navigation capabilities.
Disaster response based on production network management tasks
Authors: Smirnov Alexander , Levashova Tatiana , Pashkin Mikhail , Shilov Nikolai , Komarova Anna 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present an approach to decision‐making in disaster response operations. The approach is based on ontology‐driven knowledge sharing and application of well‐developed tasks from the area of production network management, that in turn, enables using the existing problem‐solving methods and tools.Design/methodology/approachThe approach applies the decision‐making tasks used in production network management to solving the above‐mentioned problem.FindingsIt is shown that there exist many common features and requirements for decision‐making in industrial environment and in disaster relief operations. They both require applying such technologies as ontology and context management, constraint satisfaction and profiling. Sample tasks used in the considered problem domains are presented.Originality/valueThe described research is a step forward in extension of integrating relatively well‐developed technologies implemented in production networks to the quite new areas of disaster relief and humanitarian logistics.