bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Splintage for Flexor Tendon Rehabilitation: An Experimental Study of its Effect on Finger Flexion Strength
Authors: SAVAGE R. , PRITCHARD M. G. , THOMAS M. , NEWCOMBE R. G. 
Published: January 2005

We conducted laboratory tests to investigate the possibility of partly de-powering flexor digitorum profundus with a view of reducing flexion force during active flexor tendon rehabilitation. We constructed a splint and applied tapes to the proximal segments of fingers to test the hypothesis that holding three fingers more extended than the other finger would reduce the flexion strength of the more flexed finger. The splint allowed the metacarpophalangeal joint of the more flexed finger to be held in three positions of increasing flexion (15°, 30°, and 45°) compared to the remaining three fingers. We have called this ‘differential splintage’. Healthy volunteers were tested for maximum active flexion strength at the different flexion angles. ‘Differential splintage’ of up to 45° resulted in mean decreased flexion strength of 28% in the index finger and 35% to 38% in the middle, ring and little fingers. The results suggest that “differential splintage” of a finger after flexor tendon repair may be useful in reducing tension across the repair during a program of active tendon rehabilitation and we feel that it has potential to reduce the incidence of repair rupture before healing is complete.
Determinants of consumers' dietary behaviour for health‐enhancing foods
Authors: Bogue Joe , Coleman Thérèse , Sorenson Douglas 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe objectives of this study were: to investigate Irish consumers' attitudes to diet, health and health‐enhancing foods; to determine Irish consumers' knowledge and awareness of the health benefits of health‐enhancing foods; to examine the health‐related factors perceived to be most important in food choice; and to examine the relationships between attitudes, beliefs and dietary behaviour.Design/methodology/approachA total of 340 questionnaires were distributed to consumers using a multi‐stage cluster‐sampling technique.FindingsThe key variables that accounted for the variation in dietary behaviour were attitudes to healthy food behaviours, perceived influence of diet on health, and nutrition knowledge. Differences were observed between attitudes and awareness of health‐enhancing foods across gender, age and social grouping.Research limitations/implicationsThe results and conclusions of this research are derived from a study conducted in Dublin only and, therefore, it is not possible to generalise about the Irish population from these results. It would prove beneficial to conduct further consumer research on determinants of consumers' dietary behaviour for health‐enhancing foods at different urban and rural centres in Ireland, as well as across European states for a cross‐cultural perspective.Practical implicationsMarket segmentation, accompanied by appropriate carefully targeted educational messages, and addressing the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge of the target group can help to close the gap between actual and healthful diets for the entire population.Originality/valueThis research can assist health policy makers implement promotional strategies to improve the nutritional status of at‐risk groups while supporting efforts by the food industry in identifying appropriate marketing strategies within the healthy foods sector.
Development of wine from infused tea leaves (Cammellia sinensis)
Authors: Aroyeun S.O. , Olubamiwa O. , Ogunjobi M.A.K. 
Published: January 2005

PurposeTea and herb teas are popular beverages with potential health benefits. This study evaluates the potential for the development of wine using infused tea leaves as a raw material.Design/methodology/approachTea leaves of clones 318 and 143 obtained from the Mambilla Highland of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria Ibadan, were infused in hot water and used in wine production. Processed tea bags from Unilever Plc, Nigeria (LP) were used as the control. All the three infusions were fermented for 120 hours at 30°C.FindingsThe pH, total solids, and the specific gravity of the musts showed a marked decrease with concomitant increase in titratable acidity. Macro elements of the tea leaves indicated significant differences in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium between clones. The different physiology of the tea clones was responsible for the varied tannins of the wines. Sensory evaluation of the wines showed that there were significant differences, p<0.05 value, among wines samples in all the attributes evaluated.Originality/valueThe taste of the wines produced from tea leaves and the aroma compared favourably with other commercially known tropical fruit wines used in the assessment, although there is need for further work on the improvement of the colour of the tea wines.
Hydrolysates of skim milk
Authors: Cristine Fialho Lopes Daniella , Meneghello Delvivo Fernanda , Pinto Coelho Silvestre Marialice 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe aim of this research is the evaluation of the profile of peptides isolated from skim milk hydrolysates.Design/methodology/approachFive hydrolysates were prepared using a protease from Aspergillus Oryzae (AO) separately or in combination with papain (PA) in different reaction times. The hydrolysates were fractionated by size‐exclusion HPLC and the rapid method of correct fraction area (CFA) was used for quantifying the peptides and free amino acids in the chromatographic fractions. The nutritional quality of hydrolysates is directly related to their di‐ and tripeptide contents, several reports show that the amino acid provided by these peptides are more quickly and completely absorbed than those from intact protein.FindingsThe results showed a nutritional similarity of the isolated action of AO and its combinations with PA, considering the peptide patterns produced, giving rise to 16 percent of di‐ and tripetides. Increasing the reaction time of the two enzymes led to poorer peptide profiles, while no change was achieved when the reaction time of only one enzyme (AO) in the combination was enlarged. Other hydrolytic conditions could be tested in order to improve the peptide profile of skim milk hydrolysates.Practical implicationsThe application of this study relates to the possibility of using these hydrolysates for preparing high nutritional formulation for dietetic purposes. The use of a technique allowing the fractionation of peptides according to their size as well as the use of the skim milk as protein source, instead of casein, which is very expensive in the developing countries, represents a novel approach.Originality/valueProvides an evaluation of the profile of peptides isolated from skim milk hydrolysates.
Global HRM: aspects of a research agenda
Authors: Brewster Chris , Suutari Vesa 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThis paper introduces this special issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines some of the key themes in global human resource management.FindingsBy reviewing, briefly, the existing literature in these areas, the paper outlines a limited but crucial research agenda and sets the papers in this special issue in context.Originality/valueThis paper presents some new empirically‐based work on human resource development.
Facets and dimensions of cross‐cultural adaptation:refining the tools
Authors: Haslberger Arno 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe management literature on cross‐cultural adaptation has used a conceptualisation and measurement approach developed by Black and Stephens. Their work has led to significant development in the field. Now it is time to move beyond and use a more refined tool. This paper proposes such a tool and compares its characteristics with those of the older instrument.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a sample of 204 expatriates, who were surveyed using the older and the proposed instrument. It uses confirmatory factor analysis to compare the two instruments. Independent variables include cultural difference and language skills.FindingsThis study demonstrates that a more refined measurement of adaptation outcomes, which distinguishes cognitive and affective factors and four non‐work facets, is superior to measurement based on the older instrument. The new scale also provides a case for the improvement of cross‐cultural adaptation theory.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on a cross‐sectional sample and sample size is relatively small for confirmatory factor analysis. Additional research is necessary to corroborate the evidence presented here about the superiority of the proposed measure. The paper provides researchers with a new tool for use in cross‐cultural adaptation studies.Originality/valueThe paper describes a new, empirically developed measurement tool for cross‐cultural adaptation.
The right to time off for dependants
Authors: Wise Sarah 
Published: January 2005

PurposeTo examine the factors which influence the implementation of employees’ right to time off for dependants protected by the Employment Relations Act 1999.Design/methodology/approachThe responses of two organisations in the same corporate group with identical policy provision are examined. Formal provision in the two companies was broadly similar providing an opportunity to examine how centrally developed, statutory‐based policy operates in different organisational contexts. Using qualitative reports from line managers and human resource managers the interaction and tensions between formal policy and informal, discretionary practice are examined.FindingsLine manager attitudes to discretionary decision making and other company policies, especially flexitime, produced very different outcomes for employees highlighting a continuing challenge for governments and organisations: Is it more important to be consistent in implementation or responsive to individual circumstances?Research limitations/implicationsThe paper uses data from only two organisations, although it complements national research on the usage rates of parents’ statutory rights to leave.Practical implicationsFactors which can influence and detract from the effective implementation of statutory‐based employment rights are highlighted.Originality/valueIn focusing on parent's right to time off for dependant emergency an important element of the work‐life balance field is examined.
Right on the money
Authors: Hanley Glennis , Nguyen Loan 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe diffusion of performance related pay has attracted considerable academic attention over the past decade. While much contemporary debate has focussed on the excesses of executive remuneration at the “big end of town”, what is not so prominent are the views of unions representing employees at the other end of the remuneration spectrum: this is the purpose of this paper.Design/methodology/approachEvidence was gathered at two levels using two sets of research instruments: in‐depth interviews with senior union officials, and primary documentation analysis with specific reference to performance appraisal and performance‐related pay clauses in union Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.FindingsDocument analysis reveals that performance appraisal and performance‐related pay clauses range from mere stipulation of existence to detailed processes and principles of design and implementation. Specific clauses in the white‐collar unions’ agreements suggest that they are not totally opposed. However, the lack of performance appraisal and performance‐related pay clauses in the blue‐collar unions’ agreements illustrate their propensity to restrict pay increases to a job classification structure. Although there were clauses that aimed to ensure a performance‐oriented culture, their agreements seem to be mere sentiments. Overall, only one union supports the notion of performance related pay; the others find performance appraisals difficult to embrace. Negative experiences and consequent problems lead them to argue that the process is complicated and usually puts workers at a disadvantage.Originality/valueStrands of different explanations account for union opposition, but the principal issue is that performance appraisal has only an evaluative function, that is to link performance to pay. To minimise problems in shaping PRP schemes, the unions advocated the integration of a social dimension; transparency and equality.
Attitudes towards organizational change
Authors: Vakola Maria , Nikolaou Ioannis 
Published: January 2005

PurposeOccupational stress and organizational change are now widely accepted as two major issues in organizational life. The current study explores the linkage between employees’ attitudes towards organizational change and two of the most significant constructs in organizational behaviour; occupational stress and organizational commitment.Design/methodology/approachA total of 292 participants completed ASSET, a new “Organizational Screening Tool”, which, among other things, measures workplace stress and organizational commitment and a measure assessing attitudes towards organizational change.FindingsThe results were in the expected direction showing negative correlations between occupational stressors and attitudes to change, indicating that highly stressed individuals demonstrate decreased commitment and increased reluctance to accept organizational change interventions. The most significant impact on attitudes to change was coming from bad work relationships emphasizing the importance of that occupational stressor on employees’ attitudes towards change. The results did not support the role of organizational commitment as a moderator in the relationship between occupational stress and attitudes to change.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the research design could be that all measures originated from the same source resulting in possible contamination from common method variance. Further, the cross‐sectional research design adopted in the present study, as opposed to a longitudinal or experimental methodology, does not allow affirmative causal explanations.Originality/valueThe present study showed that good and effective work relationships are very important in organizational change. Handling conflicts, building supportive work relationships and communicating effectively all contribute to the formulation of positive attitudes to change and, therefore, to the success of a change programme. In addition, organizations need to examine the extra workload which organizational change may create. Increase in workload is not only easily attributable to the change but it also makes change unattractive and problematic leading to non‐supportive attitudes.
Aesthetic labour, cost minimisation and the labour process in the Asia Pacific airline industry
Authors: Spiess Leslee , Waring Peter 
Published: January 2005

PurposeLow cost carriers (LCC) in the Asia Pacific are pursuing a strategy of marketing the aesthetic qualities of their cabin crew in order to differentiate their “value proposition”. This strategy concentrates on the physical dispositions of employees, thus mobilising the concepts of aesthetic and sexualised labour for commercial purposes. This paper aims to investigate some of the practical and ethical issues of such a strategy. In addition, the paper seeks to explore the boundary between the theoretical concepts of aesthetic and sexualised labour.Design/methodology/approachPresents two vignettes from the emerging LCC industry in the Asia Pacific. The first vignettes is of Virgin Blue, a LCC operating in the Australian domestic airline industry; the second vignette is of Air Asia, first established as a domestic LCC in Malaysia, but has now expanded to international short‐haul routes within the region.FindingsThe strategic deployment of aesthetic and sexualised labour in LCCs is ethically problematic on a number of levels. Concomitantly, this strategy is potentially undermined by the contradictory focus on cost minimisation, essential for LCC survival. Thus, the use of aesthetic and sexualised labour as a commercial strategy has the potential to become unstable over time because of the competitive dynamics and the somewhat paradoxical need to reduce costs while improving service standards.Originality/valueThe conceptual boundary between aesthetic and sexualised labour is explored in the new LCC industry in the Asia Pacific. The ethical and practical consequences, and the sustainability of such a strategy in this new environment are considered.
Union organising in the “new economy” in Britain
Authors: Gall Gregor 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThis paper examines the attempts by trade unions in Britain to gain organisational rights for their members and for workers in organisations operating within the hitherto non‐unionised “new economy”.Design/methodology/approachBy using data drawn from fieldwork interviews with full‐time union officials and supplemented by secondary sources, the paper assesses the genesis and progress of these campaigns, suggesting a combination of employer hostility and worker indifference explain the limited advances made to date.FindingsIn particular, the paper considers the configuration of the inter‐relationship between employer action, union strength and sudden grievances as the major explanatory variable in accounting for the variation in the outcomes of the eight union recognition campaigns. Finally, the high degree of dependence and reliance on full‐time union officers, contra the “organising” model, is examined.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research on union presence and activity in the “new economy” are needed to critically examine these conclusions, given that the research was based on a study of eight employers.Practical implicationsThe implications for trade unions are that not all campaigns for union recognition can be expected to be equally successful, that campaigns are likely to take a relatively long period of time before significant advances are made and that greater scrutiny of potential campaigns is needed.Originality/valueProvides lessons for trade unions attempting to gain organisational rights for their members.
Understanding new‐to‐market product development in SMEs
Authors: Mosey Simon 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThis study aims to understand how small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) can build a dynamic capability for new‐to‐market product development.Design/methodology/approachFive innovative and ambitious case firms were selected and studied longitudinally over the course of five years.FindingsWithin this group distinct development processes are identified that enable them to satisfy the unmet needs of new customers using their current technologies. However to sustain this activity managers need to empower cross‐functional teams to evaluate new technologies with an ever‐increasing number of pioneering partners. An ideal sequence is proposed for them to achieve this by systematising learning between projects and thereby reconfiguring their development processes to meet the changing needs of the market.Research limitations/implicationsThis method appears most suited to SMEs able to develop new‐to‐market products in conjunction with technologically discerning customers and suppliers. As such it may be less applicable outside the observed business‐to‐business markets.Originality/valueThe five cases studied aptly illustrate the interplay of certain paths, positions and processes in terms of how they relate to new‐to‐market product development performance. The implication for researchers and managers is that consideration of all of these factors is necessary.
Strategic positioning: an integrated decision process for manufacturers
Authors: Baines Tim , Kay Gwyn , Adesola Sola , Higson Martin 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThis paper describes research that has sought to create a formal and rational process that guides manufacturers through the strategic positioning decision.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is based on a series of case studies to develop and test the decision process.FindingsA decision process that leads the practitioner through an analytical process to decide which manufacturing activities they should carryout themselves.Practical implicationsStrategic positioning is concerned with choosing those production related activities that an organisations should carry out internally, and those that should be external and under the ownership and control of suppliers, partners, distributors and customers.Originality/valueThis concept extends traditional decision paradigms, such as those associated with “make versus buy” and “outsourcing”, by looking at the interactions between manufacturing operations and the wider supply chain networks associated with the organisation.
The interactive firm – towards a new paradigm
Authors: Johansen John , Riis Jens O. 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe article discusses the characteristics of the future industrial company, the so‐called interactive firm, and the challenges awaiting it down the road. To this end, a framework for the strategic positioning of tomorrow's industrial company is proposed.Design/methodology/approachIn order to illustrate that the interactive firm may take on different forms, three archetypal, future‐oriented firms have been identified and tested in a panel of industrial managers to flesh out this framework.FindingsThe article provides a detailed picture of the strategic roles and functioning of the interactive firm.Practical implicationsIndividual firms may use the framework as a guide to position themselves in the industrial climate of the future. The framework also includes five different strategic production roles that an industrial firm should consider.Originality/valueThe value of the article is that it triggers both scholars and practitioners to study and consider different forms as well as key characteristics of the industrial enterprise of the future.
Corporate ID theft – is your company vulnerable?
Authors: Bunton Catherine 
Published: January 2005

PurposeReviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachWe scan the top 400 management publications in the world to identify the most topical issues and latest concepts. These are presented in an easy‐to‐digest briefing of no more than 1,500 words.FindingsWe have all heard of personal ID theft, carried out by individuals getting hold of personal details and using them to profit at your expense. But can you imagine this on a larger scale, having the entire identity of an organization stolen? The impact can be catastrophic, both on the victim's reputation and their bottom line.Practical implicationsProvides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.