bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diet, obesity and cancer – is there a link?
Authors: Chandler Becky 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper provides an overview on the links among diet, obesity and cancer prevention. It also highlights a study which confirms that following specific diet and health recommendations can help prevent cancer.Design/methodology/approachLiterature searches were conducted to find the most up‐to‐date and relevant literature on diet, obesity and cancer to be included in this paper.FindingsThe World Cancer Report predicts that worldwide new cases of cancer will increase by 50 per cent by 2020 and will present a huge challenge for health and cancer support services. However, it is estimated that eating healthily, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy body weight could reduce cancer risk by 30–40 per cent. Evidence suggests that a plant‐based diet including fibre rich foods and a wide range of vitamins and minerals may offer cancer protection, while obesity and low levels of physical activity may increase cancer risk. In 1997 World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) produced a pioneering international report: Food Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective. The report drew attention to several links between diet and cancer prevention, and made diet and health recommendations to guide health policy and help reduce cancer risk. Adhering to these guidelines has now been shown to predict risk of and mortality from cancer. WCRF/AICR are compiling a second report which will systematically review published research on food, nutrition (including obesity), physical activity and cancer prevention. Also included will be the new and emerging area of nutrition and lifestyle factors for cancer survivors.Originality/valueInformation is presented to give non‐experts a general, up‐to‐date overview on the links between diet, obesity and cancer prevention.
Optimisation of hydrostatic journal bearings with parameter variations based on thermodynamic effects
Authors: Solmaz E. , Öztürk F. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe results obtained from previous studies are not found to be sufficient for hydrostatic bearing design optimisation since thermodynamic effects are not considered. Therefore, this research is presented with considering parameter variations based on thermodynamic effects for more efficient optimisation of bearing parameters.Design/methodology/approachSingle and multi‐criteria approaches were carried out to determine the hydrostatic journal bearing design parameters so that the total performance of the system is optimal.FindingsIt is seen that firstly, the results of single criteria approaches for minimum power, bearing coefficient and minimum temperature rise in circular hydrostatic axial journal bearings are not sufficient, secondly, there is a crucial need to consider multiple criteria optimisation cases and thirdly, thermodynamic effects must be taken into account for more efficient approach to compute the optimum values of bearing design parameters.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is required to develop a genetic algorithm‐based optimisation for bearing design problems considering thermodynamic effects and multiple criteria approaches to compare the results of present study.Practical implicationsComparison of optimisation results of single and multi‐criteria approaches are given to show temperature variation effects on bearing performance.Originality/valueAlthough, there are some works related to design and optimisation of hydrostatic bearings, most of them consider the single criteria optimisation and thermodynamic effects are not usually taken into account. Therefore, this research is different than others since the present approach is implemented with thermodynamic effects and also not limited to single criteria approach.
Using best practices: librarians, graduate students and instruction
Authors: Stec Eileen M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo test the belief that only experienced librarians can effectively teach bibliographic instruction, and compare the effectiveness of active learning methods versus usual practice.Design/methodology/approachUndergraduate learning was quantitatively measured using a pre‐ and post‐assessment instrument. Two groups of library instructors, degreed librarians and graduate Library Science students participated, reporting the percentage of scripted, active‐learning instruction techniques used in classes.FindingsThere was no significant difference in undergraduate learning gains, regardless of instructor type. However, all library instructors using at least 80 percent of the scripted, active‐learning techniques showed more undergraduate learning than those instructors who did not use as many active learning techniques. In addition, undergraduate assessment showed few learning gains after participation in two library instruction sessions.Research limitations/implicationsAn exclusively female undergraduate population was studied.Practical implicationsIt is not the experience of the teacher, but rather the teaching methods used that increase student learning, indicating the need for continuing professional development in this area. Additionally, two library instruction sessions, even when integrated into a course, show few student learning gains. Consequently, other instructional approaches must be considered.Originality/valueEffective library instructors will be those who integrate active learning methods into their practice. Experience does not equal effectiveness.
Core competencies and performance management in Canadian public libraries
Authors: Chan Donna C. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to present the performance management process and the core competency frameworks of six Canadian public libraries. The core competencies that characterize the qualities for superior performance of library staff are described, as well as the way in which competencies are used throughout the performance management process and other related human resource functions.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 59 public libraries serving populations greater than 50,000 was undertaken. A total of six libraries reported using core competency frameworks for performance management purposes. Managers responsible for human resource functions were interviewed about the process of developing the competencies and the ways in which the competencies are used in their library systems.FindingsThe core competencies identified by the six public libraries are communication skills, interpersonal skills, customer service, analytical skills, accountability, adaptability, technological competence, planning and organizing skills, knowledge of the organization, creativity/innovation and leadership. Employees are evaluated against the core competencies in the performance appraisal process. Unsatisfactory performance in any competency requires an action plan to improve the necessary knowledge and skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of libraries which have implemented core competencies for performance management is very limited. Future research should examine whether competency‐based performance management has achieved the aim of improving performance.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a useful overview of the concept of performance management and summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of competency‐based performance management.Originality/valueThe paper presents an overview of competency‐based performance management as implemented in six Canadian public libraries. The core competencies that characterize the qualities required for superior performance of library staff are described.
Negotiating extra effort through contingent rewards
Authors: Densten Iain L. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the validity of contingent reward and its relationship to extra effort and to further advance understanding of the leader/follower performance reward relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe concept of contingent reward has largely remained unchanged since 1985. Consequently, the items of contingent reward were examined in terms of their content validity that was guided by transactional leadership theory, re‐formulated path‐goal theory of leadership, and negotiation theory. Three new contingent reward factors were identified (i.e. framing, clarifying, and rewarding). These were examined using one‐factor congeneric measurement models. Valid factors were identified using a high‐order confirmatory factor analysis to further confirm the structural validity of the three new factors of contingent reward. Finally, structural equation models were calculated to examine the relationships among contingent reward factors and extra effort.FindingsThree distinct factors of contingent reward were identified and their relationships with extra effort was consistent with the integrative negotiation strategies where each factor formed part of a negotiation process. Contingent reward (framing) initiates the negotiation process and directly loads on contingent reward (rewarding and clarifying); contingent reward (framing) did not directly load on to extra effort. Contingent reward (rewarding) supports the negotiation process by loading directly on contingent reward (clarifying). The negotiation process is completed with contingent reward (clarifying) directly loading on extra effort. These three contingent reward factors form a simple negotiation process that highlights several important aspect of the leader/follower reward performance relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThis study uses a cross‐sectional design that means that its findings may not be generalisable to other populations. However, the findings of this study should encourage researchers to appreciate that common leadership behaviour, like contingent reward, may have more complex interrelationships with outcome factors such as extra effort than previously expected.Practical implicationsLeaders should view their use of contingent reward behaviours in terms of a process rather than simply exhibiting a single clarifying contingent reward type behaviour. In other words, leaders need to establish the boundaries (i.e. framing), acknowledge involvement (i.e. rewarding), and then elucidate mutual outcomes (i.e. clarifying). This process should enable leaders to negotiate greater flexibilities and create more momentum within their leader/follower performance reward relationships.Originality/valueThis paper challenges the foundation ideas and empirical pedigree of contingent reward and incorporates advances in theories such as the reformulated path‐goal theory and interpret the behaviours in a broader multi‐disciplinary context, i.e. integrative negotiation strategies.
CLAWAR highlights research progress on climbing and walking robots
Authors: Kochan Anna 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to review the Clawar 2005 conference on climbing and walking robots.Design/methodology/approachSelects key papers from the conference and presents a brief outline of the research undertaken and the conclusions reached.FindingsSpeakers told of the latest developments in humanoid robots; space applications; personal assistance robots; and NDT, security and surveillance. Sessions also covered innovations in sensing and sensor fusion; climbing, navigation and path planning, gait generation, manipulation; hopping and legged robots; flexible manipulators; and control.Originality/valueOutlines trends in the development of climbing and walking robots.
Robot show features faster and cheaper models, free drinks and physical therapy
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo report on new products and applications at the 2005 International Robots and Vision Show, Chicago, USA.Design/methodology/approachA brief description of some of the highlights of the exhibition.FindingsRobots are becoming faster and cheaper.Originality/valueThe article is of value to those interested in developments in robotics and machine vision.
An application of Taguchi method of experimental design for new product design and development process
Authors: Antony Jiju , Perry Daniel , Wang Chengbo , Kumar Maneesh 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to illustrate an application of Taguchi method of experimental design (TMED) for the development of a new ignition coil for an automotive vehicle.Design/methodology/approachThe application of TMED for optimisation of manufacturing processes has been widely published in the existing literature. However, the applications of TMED in the design and development of new products are not yet widely reported. This case study presents the results of a designed experiment which utilises a 16‐trial experiment to study 14 design parameters and one interaction. The case study strictly follows a systematic and disciplined methodology outlined in the paper.FindingsThe optimal settings of the critical design parameters are determined. The optimal settings have resulted in increased customer satisfaction, improved market share and low defect rate in the hands of customers.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the optimal levels are determined from one large experiment, it was unable to determine the true optimal values of each design parameter.Practical implicationsManufacturers may use TMED to optimise processes (either design or manufacturing) without expensive and time‐consuming experimentation. This case study demonstrates the true power of a well planned and designed experiment over the traditional varying one‐factor‐at‐a‐time approach to experimentation which is rather unreliable, not cost‐effective and may lead to false optimal conditions.Originality/valueThe paper provides an excellent resource for those people who are involved in the design optimisation of a new product.
Computer vision and fuzzy rules applied to an industrial desktop robot
Authors: Santos Cristina 
Published: July 2006

PurposeDesktop robots are suitable for production line systems in industrial applications. Despite their capabilities to meet diverse requirements, they have to be programmed off‐line using waypoints and path information. Misalignments in the workspace location during loading cause injuries in the workpiece and tool. Further, in flexible industrial production, machinery must adapt to changing product demands, both to the simultaneous production of different types of workpieces and to product styles with short life cycles. In this paper, visual data processing concepts on the basis of fuzzy logic are applied to enable an industrial desktop robot to raise its flexibility and address these problems that limit the production rate of small industries.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a desktop robot performing dispensing tasks is equipped with a computer vision system. Visual information is used to autonomously change previously off‐line stored robot programs for known workpieces or to call worker's attention for unknown/misclassified workpieces. A fuzzy inference classifier based on a fuzzy grammar, is used to describe/identify workpieces. Fuzzy rules are automatically generated from features extracted from the workpiece under analysis.FindingsDifferent types of workpieces were tested and a good rate performance, higher than 90 per cent, was achieved. The obtained results illustrate both the flexibility and robustness of the proposed solution as well as its capabilities for good classification of workpieces.Practical implicationsThe overall system is being implemented in an industrial environment.Originality/valueThe paper reports a piece of solid work which indicates clearly that the work is suitable for industrial utilization.
Discharge demand analysis on a drainage stack for residential buildings
Authors: Wong L.T. , Mui K.W. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo determine the probable drainage load for sizing a stack serving a number of domestic washrooms in high‐rise buildings, with various occupant loads served by an appliance and simultaneous use of appliances in a domestic washroom taken into account.Design/methodology/approachWith the reported probable demand patterns of domestic appliances from laboratory testing results, on‐site measurements and survey studies, the probable maximum discharge flow rates from a number of domestic washrooms in a stack are estimated with Monte‐Carlo simulations.FindingsThe results demonstrated that the occupant loads and the usage patterns of an appliance had significant effects on the sizing of a drainage stack. It was reported that a reduction of 16 per cent in the design discharge flow rate for a washroom, at an occupant load of 4.2 persons per apartment, could be achieved with no more than one appliance discharging at a time. Influence of the occupant load served by an appliance on the probable maximum drainage demand at the stack was addressed. The results also showed a reduction of the predicted discharge flow rate at the stack serving a number of typical domestic washrooms from −26 to +21 per cent as compared with those predicted by the nominal occupant load in current practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe model parameters were determined from surveys for some high‐rise residential buildings in Hong Kong and from some laboratory testing results for typical domestic sanitary appliances. The model therefore may require adaptation for use in other countries.Practical implicationsA useful source of information in determining the stack size serving a number of domestic washrooms for those involved in building design and management related to drainage systems of residential buildings.Originality/valueThis paper proposes mathematical expressions in sizing a drainage stack serving a number of domestic washrooms in high‐rise buildings, where drainage demands are dependent on the building occupant loads at certain discharge patterns of appliances in a domestic washroom.
Optimized RFV analysis
Authors: Juarez Alencar Antonio , Martins Ribeiro Eduardo , Leite Ferreira Armando , Assis Schmitz Eber , Lima Priscila M.V. , Silva Pereira Manso Fernando 
Published: July 2006

PurposeIn the classic recency‐frequency‐monetary value (RFV or RFM) approach to market segmentation, customers are grouped together into an arbitrary number of segments according to data on their most recent day of purchase (R), the number of buying orders placed (F) and the total monetary value of their purchases (V). The purpose of this paper is to show how to select the order in which the RFV dimensions are applied to data and choose the number of segments and the time frame used in such a way as to maximize the results of direct marketing campaigns.Design/methodology/approachA “genetically” optimized RFV model is built from data collected from a real world direct marketing campaign. The results produced when it is used are compared with the results yielded without the use of any forecasting method at all and with the support of a widely used basic RFV model.FindingsNot only does the new model provide better results, but it is also easy to build and allows for the introduction of new dimensions that may improve its performance even further.Practical implicationsThe new model improves the cost‐effectiveness of direct marketing campaigns by permitting more accurate identification of a company's most valuable customers and improving the quality of communication with its customers. It can thereby help them to become more competitive and profitable. This has clear implications for the gathering of marketing intelligence and planning of marketing strategies.Originality/valueAlthough genetic algorithms have been shown to be powerful tools for problem solving, their use in marketing has been little reported. This work is a step towards bridging that gap. The genetically optimized RFV model is a new contribution to direct and relationship marketing, generating a positive qualitative and quantitative impact on the way companies relate to their customers.
The influence of family and friends on teenage smoking in Greece: some preliminary findings
Authors: Strong Carolyn A. , Eftychia Sidira 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of family and friends on teenage smoking behaviour in Greece, as distinct from tobacco marketing, against the background of relevant literature and previous studies elsewhere.Design/methodology/approachA total of 100 Greeks between the ages of 16 and 19 were interviewed in coffee shops and fast‐food restaurants, using a questionnaire combining structured questions with opportunities for free discussion during completion. Respondent anonymity was preserved.FindingsThe paper is in keeping with intentionally exploratory research objectives. Selected findings are reported and discussed, without full tabulation of all results. With that proviso, the paper concludes that smoking among Greek teenagers is strongly influenced by family and friends: roughly one in ten were offered a cigarette by a relative; two‐thirds came from families containing at least some smokers, with only two with no friends who smoked. Evidence is stronger among smokers in the sample than non‐smokers. A tentative conclusion, therefore, is that experimentation and continuation is an outcome of consumer socialization.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was relatively small and stated intent exploratory. A key feature is the social context in which behaviour was investigated. Further research is needed, to improve the rigour of conclusions, which are nonetheless interestingly indicative.Practical implicationsThe paper provides potentially useful insights and directions of further enquiry for marketing planners, advertising strategists, brand managers, market researchers, social marketers and health campaigners, and for academics who work with them.Originality/valueThe paper examines a widely investigated phenomenon in a social environment distinctively different from the European norm, in the smoking context.
The effect of automated service quality on Australian banks' financial performance and the mediating role of customer satisfaction
Authors: Al‐Hawari Mohammed , Ward Tony 
Published: July 2006

PurposeFirst, to investigate the relationship between customer perception of service quality and bank financial performance in the new context of the automated banking environment in Australia. Second, to test for the mediating role of customer satisfaction in that relationship.Design/methodology/approachReviews a very large literature and numerous previous empirical investigations of service quality. Defines automated service quality. Proposes a mediated model linking service quality to banks' financial performance through customer satisfaction in the context of the automated retail banking, and tests it by structural equation modelling (Amos 5).FindingsCustomer satisfaction is confirmed as a mediator in the relationship between automated service quality and financial performance.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is indicated, to validate the relevance of the findings across different countries.Practical implicationsThe proposed model can guide the formulation of marketing strategies, relating to the delivery of automated services, which have the potential to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction and financial performance.Originality/valueContributes to the current body of knowledge by improving understanding of the main issues relating to the effect of service quality on bank profitability, and the mediating role of customer satisfaction in this new banking context.