bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of tannin-rich leaves of oak (Quercus incana) on various microbial enzyme activities of the bovine rumen
Authors: Makkar H. P. S. , Singh B. , Dawra R. K. 
Published: June 2005

1. The objective of the present experiment was to study the effects of oak (Quercus incana) leaves rich in tannins on various enzyme activities of the bovine rumen.2. The procedure employed was incubation of tannin-rich, very-low-tannin or virtually tannin-free leaves in nylon-gauze bags in the rumen, and determination of enzyme activities in microbes tightly bound to the solid matrix and in microbes loosely plus tightly attached to the solid matrix.3. The activities of urease (EC3.5.1.5), carboxymethylcellulase, glutamate dehydrogenase (EC1.4.1.2) and alanine aminotransferase (glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) (EC2.6.1.2) were significantly lower in the tannin-rich group, whereas the activities of glutamate ammonia ligase (glutamine synthetase) (EC6.3.1.2; both yγ- glutamyltransferase (EC2.3.2.2) and the forward reaction) were higher in the tannin-rich group. These changes were more marked in micro-organisms tightly bound to the solid matrix than in the more complex microbial compartment.4. The protein, DNA and RNA contents, and protein: RNA ratio, were significantly lower in the tannin-rich group, whereas no difference was observed for protein: DNA between the groups.5. Effects of tannin-containing extracts of oak leaves on various rumen enzymes in vitro showed a trend similar to that observed in nylon-gauze bags, suggesting that the changes observed in various compartments were due to the tannins of oak leaves.
Maternal manipulation of brown adipose tissue and liver development in the ovine fetus during late gestation
Authors: Clarke Lynne , Bryant Michael J. , Lomax Michael A. , Symonds Michael E. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWe examined the effect of maternal chronic cold exposure, induced by winter-shearing ewes 4 weeks before their predicted lambing date, on brown adipose tissue (BAT) and liver development in lambs. Fetuses were sampled from under-fed (60% of energy requirements for maintenance and pregnancy of an unshorn ewe) shorn or unshorn ewes at 126,140 and 145 d of gestation. Lambs were sampled from ewes within 2 h of birth. Throughout gestation fetal body, BAT and liver weights were similar in shorn and unshorn groups. The level of GDP binding to mitochondrial uncoupling protein remained low throughout gestation, but increased dramatically after birth. Lambs born to shorn ewes possesd more mitochondrial protein and exhibited a significantly higher total thermogenic activity in BAT. Type I iodothyronine 5 deiodinas(EC3.8.1.4) activity in BAT peaked at birth, as did hepatic iodothyronine Sdeiodinase activity and was significantly greater in lambs born to under-fed shorn ewes, which exhibited a higher plasma triiodothyronine concentration. Chronic maternal adaptations to prolonged cold exposure appear to enable pregnant ewes to compensate for the negative effects of under-feeding on fetal growth and development
Cultural aspects of meals and meal frequency
Authors: Chiva Matty 
Published: June 2005

AbstractsThe present paper presents a certain number of cultural elements which interact in the determination of the frequency of food intake. Approaches from various perspectives (historical, ethnological, anthropological, sociological) draw attention to two major aspects relating to the periodicity of food intake: the extreme cultural diversity and the continual modifications which have occurred over time and space. The various cultural models change and are subject to multiple influences, for example, cross-cultural, economic and historical. In addition, there are interactions between the models. The definitions of food intake and frequency play a major role in building up consumers' perceptions. These various perceptions are multiple (perception of self, of food and its virtues, the rules and moral values of consumption) and finally influence behaviours. Finally, and taking into account the systems of beliefs, the very nature of feeding behaviours may carry feelings of guilt for the subject. The study of real behaviours and their relationship with health is still incomplete for reasons of methodology and also of conceptual definition. In future, data collection has to take into account real behaviour as well as subjective perceptions and value judgements. A specific effort has to be made in the future to develop methodology. This should allow the collection of reliable data and particularly comparisons between studies, without oversimplifying and distorting cultural specificities.
The helminth fauna of the barbary partridge Alectoris barbara in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Authors: Foronda P. , Casanova J.C. , Figueruelo E. , Abreu N. , Feliu C. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe helminth fauna of the barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) in Tenerife Island (Canary Archipelago) was studied from 2001 to 2002, as there were no records of helminths from this host in the Canary Islands. Seven helminth species were identified: two cestodes Choanotaenia infundibulum and Lyruterina nigropunctata, and five nematodes Aonchotheca caudinflata, Baruscapillaria obsignata, Eucoleus annulatus, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum. Lyruterina nigropunctata, A. galli and E. annulatus are recorded for first time in A. barbara. An analysis of available data on Alectoris spp. reveals the importance of intermediate hosts such as arthropods and earthworms in the diet of partridges. Terrestrial helminths are dominant species, with monoxenous and heteroxenous species being present in similar numbers in different Alectoris species along their geographical distribution. Helminth species found in Tenerife from A. barbara are poor indicators of the host colonization from North Africa because these helminths are species that are commonly found in fowl with a cosmopolitan distribution.
Endemic echinostome infections of candidate hosts
Authors: Davis N.E. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWild Lymnaea tomentosa snails, recovered from Lake Wanaka, New Zealand, were established in the laboratory. Wild snails, naturally infected with echinostomes, provided metacercariae for infection of laboratory maintained snails. Metacercarial cysts from wild and laboratory snails were then used to attempt infection of definitive host candidates. Laboratory snails provided convenient packaging of known numbers of cysts. Metacercariae excysted in the small intestines of ducklings to mature in 6 days. Worms were expelled as they became gravid. Attempts to establish infections in experimental hosts other than ducklings were not successful. No worms were recovered from mice, white rats, guinea pigs, hamsters or immunosuppressed white rats.
Consumption of synthetic food colours during festivals in Hyderabad, India
Authors: Rao Pratima , Bhat Ramesh V. , Sudershan R.V. , Prasanna Krishna T. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeIn India, there are various religions and cultures. Several festivals are celebrated through the year, and a variety of specific foods are prepared for each of the festivals. The aim was to study the extent of consumption of colours during festivals.Design/methodology/approachA household survey was carried out in the urban areas of Hyderabad among individuals in the age groups 1‐5 years, 6‐18 years and >18 years from three socio‐economic groups – high, middle, and low income – from government quarters. The respondents of the study were interviewed using a food frequency questionnaire to elicit information on the intake of colours during festivals. The festivals selected for the study were Sankranthi, Diwali, Holi and Christmas.FindingsThe consumption pattern of various foods among all the subjects of the study during the four festivals indicated that a majority of the subjects (44 per cent) consumed sweetmeats. The intake of tartrazine and sunset yellow was observed to be higher during festivals due to the extensive use of these colours in sweetmeats, savouries and beverages that are most commonly available during festivals. The present investigation showed that there has been a shift in the preferences for foods during festivals (i.e. mainly sweetmeats and the type of colours consumed).Originality/valueAs there was an excessive consumption of yellow colours like tartrazine and sunset yellow and lesser consumption of red colours like ponceau 4R and carmoisine, the Indian government needs to take into consideration such situations when setting maximum permissible limits.
Environmental scanning in Thai food SMEs
Authors: Ngamkroeckjoti Chittipa , Speece Mark , Dimmitt Nicholas J. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeSome small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Thai food industry put a lot of effort into keeping up with changes of consumption patterns locally and in the South East Asia region. To see how successfully they are able to create competitive advantage, aims to examine the impact of environmental scanning practices on new product development (NPD) outcomes among SMEs in the Thai food industry. The technology strategy of the company influences how much it uses environmental scanning, and technology turbulence can play a role in exactly how critical is good knowledge of the external environment.Design/methodology/approachQualitative research was conducted using semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with food experts and SME owners.FindingsResults suggest that SMEs that practice environmental scanning are better able to develop appropriate new food products. Technology strategy plays a role in how much scanning they use, with a more proactive technology strategy requiring more extensive scanning. Environmental turbulence, including changes in technology, can cause failure in NPD if scanning does not keep companies aware of the situation.Originality/valueA simple conceptual model is proposed to show how technology strategy, technological turbulence, and environmental scanning affect NPD performance.
Consumers' willingness to pay for organic food
Authors: Krystallis Athanasios , Chryssohoidis George 
Published: June 2005

PurposeSeeks to provide answers to two questions: is willingness to pay (WTP) for organic products influenced by the same set of factors that affect purchasing of conventional foods? Does WTP for organic products vary according to different food categories?Design/methodology/approachPurchasers were approached during their food shopping in retail chains in Athens in July 2003. Sample inclusion is based on real awareness of the term “organic”. The questionnaire included in its first part a number of criteria that influence consumers when buying food. In the second part respondents were asked to indicate if any food products they buy were organic and to state how much more they were willing to pay. Information from the first part was analysed with factor analysis. With the help of t‐value analysis, it was examined whether there is a statistically significant difference per product category between consumers who are willing to pay and consumers who are unwilling to pay in terms of the factors identified.FindingsConsumers' stated WTP and the type and magnitude of factors that affect it differ according to the organic food category. These factors include food quality and security, trust in the certification, and, for some products, brand name. Organoleptic characteristics, prices and consumers' socio‐demographic profiles do not constitute determinants of organic WTP.Research limitations/implicationsOrganic types of some fresh as well as processed food products do not exist in the Greek market. Moreover, the large number of t‐tests conducted might result in Type I error.Originality/valuePurchasing of organic food follows “basic‐highest frequency”, “basic‐average frequency”, and “non‐basic” discrimination. The most frequently consumed organic products are some basic components of the Greek diet. Only the factors “quality and security” and “trust” play an important role in defining WTP for most organic food categories. Consumers' attitudes towards both organic and PDO/PGI certifications converge towards a perception of high quality food. Approximately 26 percent of the sample exhibited a U‐shaped WTP trend for 14 out of 16 organic food categories in increments from 45 to 120 percent. All the above elements of originality are particularly valuable for organic food firms and policy/decision makers.
Information literacy and the role of national library and information associations
Authors: Joint Nicholas , Wallis Jake 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo investigate the role of national library associations both in promoting information literacy and in advancing the interests of the practitioner library and information worker.Design/methodology/approachAn opinion piece based on information literacy practice world‐wide and recent debate on the role of national association and professional organisations in the UK.FindingsThe dynamic role of associations for the library and information profession in a variety of countries world‐wide gives an indication of how the profession should use its own national association.Research limitations/implicationsThis is purely an expression of opinion about the value of the relationship between national associations for the library and information profession and the promotion of information literacy.Practical implicationsGives some insight into how a national professional association is uniquely positioned to support professional status and encourage job opportunities by forward‐looking policy formulation and cross‐sectoral leadership, in particular in the area of information literacy.Originality/valueAn attempt to validate at practitioner level the impact and importance of a national association by reference to real practice‐based examples and demonstrably successful international models.
Cyberspace, information literacy and the information society
Authors: Wallis Jake 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo establish that, in the opinion of the author, there is a need for an information literacy skill set for citizens of the modern information society, and that the role of library and information professionals may have to evolve, from intermediaries to facilitators and trainers.Design/methodology/approachAn opinion piece based on the author's experiences in digital library research, as a citizen of an information society and as a worker in the knowledge economy.FindingsThat citizens of information societies have direct access to a bewildering range of digital information resources. Librarians and information professionals face less demand for their traditional role as intermediaries. Information literacy is defined and described as a vital skill set for citizens of information societies. It is suggested that librarians and information professionals are needed to pass on these skills to citizens at all levels of society for economic, social and personal empowerment.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper reflects the perspective of the author – it is not supported by quantitative data (notoriously difficult to collect on information literacy).Practical implicationsProvides suggestions on how the library and information profession can retain their relevance to society in the networked age.Originality/valueThis is the particular viewpoint of the author, with a diverse range of examples cited to back up the thrust of the paper. It describes how information literacy is required to interact effectively with the digital environment on an emotional as well as an intellectual level.
Approaches to information literacy acquisition in Nigeria
Authors: Idiodi Evelyn A. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo set out internationally accepted definitions of information literacy and examine them in the Nigerian context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes an initially theoretical and expository approach by setting out definitions of information literacy (IL) and contrasting other different but related concepts, such as ICT literacy, before going on to cite documented theory and practice in a variety of countries. After this, comparisons are drawn between such external standards of IL practice and prevalent approaches to information literacy acquisition in Nigeria as documented by authors and as experienced in practice.FindingsThere are important parallels in IL theory and practice between Nigeria and other countries with well‐established IL traditions, but factors such as economic instability, under‐resourcing and computer (ICT) illiteracy inhibit the full development of IL programmes.Practical implicationsThe paper outlines clear steps that need to be taken to advance IL standards in Nigeria.Originality/valueThe paper offers insight into the national IL situation in Nigeria, formulates a relevant set of IL statements, and puts Nigerian practice into an international context.
Empowering patients through health information literacy training
Authors: Cullen Rowena 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to outline some new approaches to information literacy instruction for health librarians and other information professionals.Design/methodology/approachIn the context of the increasing amount of health information on the internet, the paper outlines a changing attitude to health care that is based on shared decision making and informed consent. Health and other information professionals have a responsibility to promote health information literacy among health consumers. This includes mastering the basic principles of teaching and learning, and the evaluation of health information, including the techniques of critical thinking.FindingsThe paper summarises some criteria for evaluating health information sources and applies these to four well‐known health web sites, and concludes that all provide valuable and reliable consumer health information, but that none meets all the criteria advocated.Practical implicationsThere is an ongoing need for education of information professionals and health consumers to ensure that the potential benefits of health information on the world wide web are maximised.Originality/valueThe paper offers new information and techniques for information literacy training to health information and other information professionals.
Information literacy for off‐campus graduate cohorts
Authors: Hooks James D. , Corbett Frank 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the practice of information literacy by showing the role that extensive collaboration plays in a graduate off‐campus cohort program.Design/methodology/approachA case study of an innovative project that uses a collaborative approach to information literacy embedded into an off‐campus graduate cohort program offered in the field of graduate education.FindingsIn this paper, it is not stated or implied that the traditional library or librarian will be irrelevant to higher education in the twenty‐first century. Nor, however, is it suggested that the collaboration between (for example) librarian and graduate education programs that is necessary to stave off such obsolescence takes place inevitably. It is known that the literature and classroom observations to date clearly demonstrate that existing collaborative efforts between these two entities have been successful in benefiting graduate students. However, this model needs to become more pervasive in practice to take the profession effectively into the twenty‐first century.Research limitations/implicationsThis project was limited to one graduate program in the College of Education. However, it does have implications for other graduate programs as well as for undergraduate programs.Practical implicationsThe results of this collaborative project indicate techniques and practices by means of which students will improve both information literacy and critical analysis skills.Originality/valueThis paper supports the idea that collaboration between librarians and graduate faculty members is an essential factor in enhancing an information literacy program at the university level.
Information and communication technology (ICT) literacy among the staff of Nigerian university libraries
Authors: Olu Adeyoyin Samuel 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo ascertain the levels of ICT literacy among library staff in a range of Nigerian libraries.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted among the professionals, paraprofessionals and “other” members of staff of 18 Nigerian university libraries.FindingsAnalysis of the data showed that, on a self‐assessment basis, out of about 268 professional librarians, only 87 (approximately 32 per cent) were ICT‐literate, implying that the remaining 181 (approximately 68 per cent) of professional librarians were ICT‐illiterate. Of the 358 paraprofessionals in those libraries, only 28 (approximately 8 per cent) were ICT‐literate, while the vast majority, some 330 (approximately 92 per cent), were ICT‐illiterate. Of the 1,133 “other” staff members in the survey, a minimal 69 (6 per cent) staff were ICT‐literate, while 1,064 (approximately 94 per cent) were ICT‐illiterate.Research limitations/implicationsThe questionnaire basis of the investigation gives room for subjective distortions in assessment of levels of literacy; the investigation only considered two categories of skills, “literacy” and “illiteracy”, without gradations between these categories.Practical implicationsThe conclusion reached was that Nigerian university library professionals and paraprofessionals should acquire an enhanced level of ICT literacy: both staff training and an adequate ICT infrastructure were recommended.Originality/valueThe paper gives a representative overview of the attainment level of library staff in an important area of professional competence, and shows the importance of addressing the gap between the desired levels of ICT literacy and the actual levels.
IT competencies in academic libraries: the Malaysian experience
Authors: Bakeri Abu Bakar Ahmad 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the information technology (IT) competencies needed for information professionals in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument was designed to elicit responses on a variety of IT competencies. For this purpose 13 key competencies were identified, namely: IT basics; word processing; electronic mail; internet and intranet; graphics; presentation and publishing; spreadsheet; project management; design; development and administration of databases; system maintenance; design and development of web applications; system analysis and programming for validation by the information professionals.FindingsAll 13 competencies except for system maintenance competencies were found to be important.Research limitations/implicationsThe questionnaire basis of the investigation means that the data are a reflection of subjective responses from the sample in question.Practical implicationsThe study has shown that there are certain competencies that are important, and yet the respondents were not exposed to these competencies. Educators should ensure that these competencies are part of the curriculum content of the courses offered by the LIS schools.Originality/valueThe paper gives important insights into the skills that are really needed by information professionals in the contemporary job market.