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1 – 9 of 9Tainara Leal de Sousa, Jessyca Pinheiro da Silva, Ariadne Ribeiro Lodete, Daniele Silva Lima, Abner Alves Mesquita, Adrielle Borges de Almeida, Geovana Rocha Placido and Mariana Buranelo Egea
This study aims to analyze the levels of vitamin C, phenolic compounds and antioxidants in baby food. Providing nutritious food to the infants is essential for their growth and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the levels of vitamin C, phenolic compounds and antioxidants in baby food. Providing nutritious food to the infants is essential for their growth and development. Baby foods are foods prepared from any suitable nutritive material and intended for feeding children after six months of age. The search for foods that meet the nutritional needs of children and that also promote aspects of health has increased on the part of parents.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 17 different types of baby foods (2 brands) were purchased and the vitamin C content, total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity were determined. The authors also assessed the adequacy of labeling in accordance with regulatory parameters. Data was submitted to analysis of variance, and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. Principal component analysis was performed to evaluate the results (phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant activity) from the multidimensional point of view.
Findings
In general, the labeling of baby foods proved to be within the legislation, but with confusing information for the consumer. BF7-AAPO (apple pulp and juice, papaya and orange juice), BF-BAO (banana, apple juice and oatmeal) and BF-AA (apple pulp and juice) showed the highest vitamin C content (20–28 mg/100 g; p < 0.001). BF-A (apple), BF-B (banana) and BF-AA showed the highest TPC (7–8.2 mg/100 g; p < 0.001). BF-CP (cassava-parsley), BF-PCBCP (potato, carrot, beef and cassava-parsley) and BF-PCBB (potato, carrot, beef and broccoli) showed the highest antioxidant activity (44–48%; p < 0.001). High value of TPC was related to high value of antioxidant activity in baby foods. In conclusion, vitamin C content in the baby foods was different from those reported on the labels and there was a direct relationship between the content of TPC and the antioxidant capability.
Originality/value
The objective of this work was to evaluate bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in baby foods. So far, few papers have reported on the subject as the authors seek to know about essential nutrients. However, this knowledge is important because these compounds can decrease and/or prevent inflammatory processes in the body.
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Marcela Ferreira Regis, Elaine Pinto Varela Alberte, Daniele dos Santos Lima and Rosana Leal Simões Freitas
On average, only 10 percent workers at construction sites are women. This percentage, however, is not due to a lack of interest or capacity, but to discrimination against women…
Abstract
Purpose
On average, only 10 percent workers at construction sites are women. This percentage, however, is not due to a lack of interest or capacity, but to discrimination against women, sexual harassment and work safety. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main issues and current difficulties of women workers at construction sites, as well as good practices that might provide a better environment for them.
Design/methodology/approach
Interviews were carried out with workers and engineers who work/have worked at construction sites, to gather material for a discussion about the gender gap in this environment. The interviews were structured and analyzed around the following topics: acceptance, well-being, installations, gender perception and good practices.
Findings
The hiring of women usually occurs at the end of the construction period, which brings up the issue of sexual division of labor. Effects of the glass ceiling and the leaky pipeline phenomena were evident, as well as harassment, discrimination and sexism.
Originality/value
Studies about women in engineering have been become relative common, but studies about female workers on construction sites are still scarce. The women interviewed see themselves as warriors, symbolizing the gain of space within the construction sector and in society. It is hoped that the results can contribute to raising awareness about the benefits of gender mainstreaming at construction sites and to promote the health and well-being of women in these environments.
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Vincenza Gianfredi, Francesco Ceccarelli, Milena Villarini, Massimo Moretti and Daniele Nucci
The purpose of this study is to investigate food supplement intake among gym-goers.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate food supplement intake among gym-goers.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study, using a validated questionnaire, was conducted. All participants were gym-goers who voluntarily enrolled from eight selected gyms in Perugia. A multivariate regression analysis was performed.
Findings
In our sample, 44.9per cent (n = 57) of participants consumed dietary supplements, at least once a week, with no association with sex (p = 0.5) and educational level (p = 0.4). Supplements intake was statistically significant and associated with very low intake of mineral water (p = 0.01), diet specific for fitness programmes (p < 0.01), information about nutrition from personal trainers (p < 0.01), frequency of physical activity (p = 0.01), society’s attention to nutrition (p = 0.04) and marginally with frequency of weigh control (p = 0.05).
Originality/value
Food supplements intake seems to be extensively used among gym-goers, and it seems related to information about nutrition from personal trainers. However, specialized personnel, such as dietitian or nutritionist, should supervise supplements intake.
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Márcia Maria Garçon, Vânia Maria Jorge Nassif and Tiago Jessé Souza de Lima
The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model that aims to explain individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) focused on the context of social entrepreneurship (SE…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model that aims to explain individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) focused on the context of social entrepreneurship (SE) (Social-IEO) by considering the personal values and attitude toward social change through direct and indirect effects. To achieve this purpose, the authors created and validated a scale to measure Social-IEO.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses scale construction techniques (DeVellis, 2016) and survey method for data collection. As such, this study was conducted by considering a sample of 198 social entrepreneurs. Multivariate data analysis and structural equation modeling are used to validate the theoretical model.
Findings
The Social-IEO scale was validated and shows to adequately encompass and measure the construct. The proposed model has predictive relevance and explains 45% of Social-IEO. Findings suggest that self-transcendence value has no direct effect on Social-IEO. Additionally, conservation and self-promotion values do not have a negative correlation with Social-IEO. Finally, attitude of social change has a strong explanatory power to Social-IEO. The findings offer important theoretical and practical implications for the field of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial behavior.
Originality/value
The definition of a specific concept of IEO applied to the context of SE contributes to the correct understanding of its dimensions, measurement and management. This eliminates a gap in studies and contributes to expand and strengthen research. It also provides an original empirical approach, as the method used to measure IEO in a reflective way is unusual in previous studies.
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Daniele dos Reis Pereira Maia, Fabiane Letícia Lizarelli and Lillian Do Nascimento Gambi
There is increasing interest in the connection between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and operational excellence approaches; however, studies on the integration between Six Sigma (SS) and…
Abstract
Purpose
There is increasing interest in the connection between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and operational excellence approaches; however, studies on the integration between Six Sigma (SS) and I4.0 have been absent from the literature. Integration with I4.0 technologies can maximize the positive effects of SS. The purpose of this study is to understand what types of relationships exist between SS and I4.0 and with I4.0's technologies, as well as the benefits derived from this integration and future directions for this field of study.
Design/methodology/approach
A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was carried out to analyze studies about connections between I4.0 technologies and SS. SLR analyzed 59 articles from 2013 to 2021 extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, including documents from journals and conferences.
Findings
The SLR identified relationships between SS and several I4.0 technologies, the most cited and with the greatest possibilities of relationships being Big Data/Big Data Analytics (BDA) and Internet of Things (IoT). Three main types of relationships were identified: (1) support of I4.0 technologies to SS; (2) assistance from the SS to the introduction of I4.0 technologies, and, to a lesser extent; (3) incompatibilities between SS and I4.0 technologies. The benefits are mainly related to availability of large data sets and real-time information, enabling better decision-making in less time.
Practical implications
In addition, the study can help managers to understand the integration relationships, which may encourage companies to adopt SS/Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in conjunction with I4.0 technologies. The results also drew attention to the incompatibilities between SS and I4.0 to anticipate potential barriers to implementation.
Originality/value
The study focuses on three previously unexplored subjects: the connection between SS and I4.0, the existing relationships with different technologies and the benefits resulting from the relationships. In addition, the study compiled and structured different types of relationships for SS and I4.0 and I4.0's technologies, identifying patterns and presenting evidence on how these relationships occur. Finally, exposes current trends and possible research directions.
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Kamran Mahroof, Amizan Omar, Emilia Vann Yaroson, Samaila Ado Tenebe, Nripendra P. Rana, Uthayasankar Sivarajah and Vishanth Weerakkody
The purpose of this study is to evaluate food supply chain stakeholders’ intention to use Industry 5.0 (I5.0) drones for cleaner production in food supply chains.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate food supply chain stakeholders’ intention to use Industry 5.0 (I5.0) drones for cleaner production in food supply chains.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a quantitative research design and collected data using an online survey administered to a sample of 264 food supply chain stakeholders in Nigeria. The partial least square structural equation model was conducted to assess the research’s hypothesised relationships.
Findings
The authors provide empirical evidence to support the contributions of I5.0 drones for cleaner production. The findings showed that food supply chain stakeholders are more concerned with the use of I5.0 drones in specific operations, such as reducing plant diseases, which invariably enhances cleaner production. However, there is less inclination to drone adoption if the aim was pollution reduction, predicting seasonal output and addressing workers’ health and safety challenges. The findings outline the need for awareness to promote the use of drones for addressing workers’ hazard challenges and knowledge transfer on the potentials of I5.0 in emerging economies.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to address I5.0 drones’ adoption using a sustainability model. The authors contribute to existing literature by extending the sustainability model to identify the contributions of drone use in promoting cleaner production through addressing specific system operations. This study addresses the gap by augmenting a sustainability model, suggesting that technology adoption for sustainability is motivated by curbing challenges categorised as drivers and mediators.
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Juan P. Perez, Izaias Martins, Maria Dolores Mahauad and Paul Oswaldo Sarango-Lalangui
The purpose of this study is to test the effect of entrepreneurship education programs (EEPs) on the individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) by considering the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to test the effect of entrepreneurship education programs (EEPs) on the individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) by considering the innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking dimensions of undergraduate students and the role of these dimensions on the relationship between program inspiration (PI) and entrepreneurial intention (EI).
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a pre- and post-test analysis with data from 1,423 undergraduate students from two emerging countries in Latin America: Colombia and Ecuador. To verify the effect of the EEP on innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking at two-time points, the analysis of median for the difference of two paired populations (Sign Test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test) was used. In addition, structural equation modeling analysis under the covariance and multigroup approach was applied to test the relationship between PI, IEO and EI.
Findings
The results of this study show that the EEP enhances innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking whose effects are more prominent in Ecuadorian students. Equally importantly, the EEP benefits represented in PI translate into higher EI through the mediating effect of the IEO dimensions for both the Colombian and Ecuadorian contexts, where the findings suggest no significant differences between two groups.
Originality/value
The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of entrepreneurship education's role in entrepreneurial competence's development and intention by revealing the role of IEO dimensions. This study is one of the first studies that applies the IEO to contribute to the literature on the relationship between entrepreneurship education and intention from an emotional entrepreneurial perspective.
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Chun-Hsi Vivian Chen and Yu-Cheng Chen
In the digital economy, as artificial intelligence applications increase, big data analytical capability (BDAC) plays a crucial role, and intellectual capital is growing in…
Abstract
Purpose
In the digital economy, as artificial intelligence applications increase, big data analytical capability (BDAC) plays a crucial role, and intellectual capital is growing in importance. This study aims to examine the possible benefits and effects of intellectual capital, BDAC and integrations on operational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected data from firms in Asia, and a total of 257 senior managers completed a questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) is used for statistical analysis.
Findings
Intellectual capital positively correlates with BDAC, and BDAC positively relates to internal integration but not to external integration. Furthermore, both internal integration and external integration positively correlate with operational performance. This study supports that internal integration is a significant mediator in the influence of BDAC on operational performance.
Practical implications
First, the authors provide empirical evidence that intelligent capital in intangible resources helps firms to build BDAC. Second, this study stresses the importance of BDAC in business, which enhances the integration of the whole supply chain and results in superior operational performance.
Originality/value
This is a first attempt from the perspective of intelligent capital and uses SEM to emphasize the relationships among BDAC, supply chain integration and performance based on unique and irreplaceable intangible resources, thus providing a new perspective on the contributing factors of BDAC.
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Izaias Martins and Juan Pablo Perez
Drawing on the literature on entrepreneurial intention (EI), this paper develops and tests a model that aims to explain student EI by considering the valuation of entrepreneurship…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the literature on entrepreneurial intention (EI), this paper develops and tests a model that aims to explain student EI by considering the valuation of entrepreneurship and the venture failure stigmatization in the closer environment of the respondent and the role of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) through direct and indirect effects.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a survey method for data collection. As such, this study was conducted by considering a sample of 1,155 undergraduate students from different majors. Structural equation modeling is used to validate the theoretical model.
Findings
The findings suggest that a positive closer valuation of entrepreneurship facilitates students' EI. In turn, a closer stigma of entrepreneurial failure hinders students' EI. More importantly, IEO has a significant mediating role in both of these relationships. The findings offer important theoretical and practical implications for the field of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial behavior.
Originality/value
The paper offers a new insight relating environmental cognitive elements and their impact on EI, besides how IEO represents a determinant role shaping these relations. The proposed model is original and makes a connection between two widely validated constructs and evidences the relationship that may exist between the orientation and the real intention of setting up a business. Moreover, IEO has rarely been addressed for verifying interaction effects. This paper is one of the very first studies that applies the IEO (individual-level of entrepreneurial orientation) as a mediating variable.
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