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Article
Publication date: 12 February 2024

Hanis Mastura Yahya, Nurul Aini Fadzleena Mohd Zuhaimi, Sameeha Mohd Jamil, Suzana Shahar and Yee Xing You

Ulam is a traditional salad that contains high levels of antioxidants and is commonly consumed in raw form. However, the average ulam consumption among the low-income Malaysian…

Abstract

Purpose

Ulam is a traditional salad that contains high levels of antioxidants and is commonly consumed in raw form. However, the average ulam consumption among the low-income Malaysian population was only ½ serving daily. Thus, this study aimed to explore the motivators and barriers to ulam consumption among residents of low-cost housing areas (household income RM4849 or $1015.50) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Six focus group discussions were conducted with 27 Malay residents aged 18–59 years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The researchers asked the participants a series of semi-structured questions. All the interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers coded the transcripts independently, and several themes were identified. The data were analysed using Nvivo version 12 software.

Findings

Three main factors for ulam consumption were identified in this study: personal, environmental and behavioural. The motivators and barriers were identified based on nine main themes and 16 sub-themes.

Practical implications

The results of this study identified potential areas for an effective intervention to increase ulam intake among residents in low-cost housing areas.

Originality/value

This work has the potential to identify the factors that have an impact on consumers' ulam preferences to help fulfil daily vegetable recommendations.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2020

Yee Xing You, Suzana Shahar, Hasnah Haron, Hanis Mastura Yahya and Normah Che Din

Aging adults from low-income residential areas were found to have poor nutritional status and mental health based on National Health and Morbidity Survey Malaysia (2015). Good…

Abstract

Purpose

Aging adults from low-income residential areas were found to have poor nutritional status and mental health based on National Health and Morbidity Survey Malaysia (2015). Good nutrient intake contributes positively in averting these problems. Traditional Asian vegetables (ulam) are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants and fibres which could enhance nutritional status and mood state. This study intended to determine the relationship between habitual ulam intake and nutritional status, mood state and cognition among 252 aging Malaysian adults aged 45–80 years from the low-income residential areas in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

It was a cross-sectional study that used convenient sampling. Advertisement and invitation letters were sent to three selected community centres in Klang Valley prior to data collection. Informed consent was obtained prior to the collection of socio-demographic data. Anthropometric measurement was performed as per standard protocols. Validated surveys were conducted to obtain information on ulam consumption, mood state and cognitive status using validated food frequency questionnaires, Profile of Mood State and Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaires, respectively.

Findings

The average of ulam intake was 20.5 ± 2.5 g/day (½ serving daily). Habitual ulam intake was associated with lower waist circumference (R2 = 0.166, β = −0.216, p < 0.01), better MMSE scores (R2 = 0.337, β = 0.128, p < 0.05), less anger (R2 = 0.081, β = −0.116, p < 0.05), less tension (R2 = 0.139, β = −0.204, p < 0.01) and positive total mood disturbance (R2 = 0.095, β = 0.164, p < 0.05) after adjustment for gender, age, energy intake, total fruits and vegetables (non-ulam) consumption. The ulam intake at 100th percentile (=30g/day) associated to a better nutritional status, mood state and cognitive status in comparison to 25th percentile (<7.9 g/day) (p < 0.05).

Originality/value

Findings from this research would recommend people to consume not less than 1 serving of ulam everyday in order to have improved nutritional status, mood and cognition; nonetheless, future studies are required to clarify the causal mechanism concerning this relationship.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 122 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2013

Sheau‐yueh J. Chao

The purpose of this paper is to provide the historical background of genealogical records and analyze the value of Chinese genealogical research through the study of names and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the historical background of genealogical records and analyze the value of Chinese genealogical research through the study of names and genealogical resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the historical evolution and value of Chinese genealogical records, with the focus on researching the Islamic Chinese names used by the people living in Guilin. The highlight of this paper includes the analysis and evolution of the Islamic Chinese names commonly adopted by the local people in Guilin. It concludes with the recommendations on emphasizing and making the best use of genealogical records to enhance the research value of Chinese overseas studies.

Findings

The paper covers the history of Islam and describes how the religion was introduced into China, as well as Muslims' ethnicity and identity. It also places focus on the importance of building a research collection in Asian history and Chinese genealogy.

Research limitations/implications

This research study has a strong subject focus on Chinese genealogy, Asian history, and Islamic Chinese surnames. It is a narrow field that few researchers have delved into.

Practical implications

The results of this study will assist students, researchers, and the general public in tracing the origin of their surnames and developing their interest in the social and historical value of Chinese local history and genealogies.

Social implications

The study of Chinese surnames is, by itself, a particular field for researching the social and political implications of contemporary Chinese society during the time the family members lived.

Originality/value

Very little research has been done in the area of Chinese local history and genealogy. The paper would be of value to researchers such as historians, sociologists, ethnologists and archaeologists, as well as students and anyone interested in researching a surname origin, its history and evolution.

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2008

Sheau‐yueh J. Chao

This paper seeks to discuss the genealogical sources for Chinese immigrants as well as the settlement of Chinese in the USA and the historical evolution of Chinese names, their…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the genealogical sources for Chinese immigrants as well as the settlement of Chinese in the USA and the historical evolution of Chinese names, their origins, arrangement and development. It aims to cover the origins of various classes of Chinese surnames, followed by the content description of a traditional genealogical book for jiapu.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper researches the various ways that a Chinese person can find out about their ancestry.

Findings

The paper reveals the roles of libraries, including serving the needs of patrons interested in genealogical research, preserving and interpreting information through oral and family history projects and collaborating with other libraries through interlibrary loan, document delivery, library consortia, collection management and international resource‐sharing.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides information on where and how to locate the genealogical resources for researching the genealogy of a Chinese family.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes the value of genealogical research as a documentary source for population history, life expectancy in a clan, marriages and family connections, as well as lineage organizations and inter‐lineage relations.

Details

Collection Building, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0160-4953

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2019

Bao Cheng, Xing Zhou and Gongxing Guo

This study aims to explore family incivility as a source of stress originating in the family domain and empirically examine its spillover effects on the workplace.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore family incivility as a source of stress originating in the family domain and empirically examine its spillover effects on the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Through integrating the work–family interface model with conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study investigated the effect of family incivility as perceived by employees of the service industry on service sabotage, along with the mediating role of family-to-work conflict (FWC) and the moderating role of work–family centrality.

Findings

The results of a three-wave survey of 335 employees in China and 62 of their immediate supervisors demonstrated that family incivility was positively related to service sabotage, and FWC also mediated this relationship. Moreover, work–family centrality was found to strengthen the effect of family incivility on FWC, as well as the mediating effect of FWC on the relationship between family incivility and service sabotage.

Research limitations/implications

This study not only enriched the work–family interface literature but also suggested new insights into sabotage behaviors by focusing on antecedents in the family domain.

Practical implications

By realizing that family incivility has detrimental effects on service employee behaviors, enterprises and managers should provide greater support for employees in managing family incivility and help them to maintain a better balance between work and family life.

Originality/value

This study appears to be the first empirical evidence linking a family stressor (i.e. family incivility) with a workplace behavioral outcome in the service industry (i.e. service sabotage).

Details

International Journal of Conflict Management, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1044-4068

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 May 2017

Choo Jun Tan, Ting Yee Lim, Chin Wei Bong and Teik Kooi Liew

The purpose of this paper is to propose a soft computing model based on multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA), namely, modified micro genetic algorithm (MmGA) coupled with…

1703

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a soft computing model based on multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA), namely, modified micro genetic algorithm (MmGA) coupled with a decision tree (DT)-based classifier, in classifying and optimising the students’ online interaction activities as classifier of student achievement. Subsequently, the results are transformed into useful information that may help educator in designing better learning instructions geared towards higher student achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

A soft computing model based on MOEA is proposed. It is tested on benchmark data pertaining to student activities and achievement obtained from the University of California at Irvine machine learning repository. Additional, a real-world case study in a distance learning institution, namely, Wawasan Open University in Malaysia has been conducted. The case study involves a total of 46 courses collected over 24 consecutive weeks with students across the entire regions in Malaysia and worldwide.

Findings

The proposed model obtains high classification accuracy rates at reduced number of features used. These results are transformed into useful information for the educational institution in our case study in an effort to improve student achievement. Whether benchmark or real-world case study, the proposed model successfully reduced the number features used by at least 48 per cent while achieving higher classification accuracy.

Originality/value

A soft computing model based on MOEA, namely, MmGA coupled with a DT-based classifier, in handling educational data is proposed.

Details

Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1858-3431

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 7 September 2023

Pok Man Tang, Anthony C. Klotz, Joel Koopman, Elijah X. M. Wee and Yizhen Lu

Professional touching behavior (PTB), defined as intentional touching behavior that occurs between organizational members and that falls within the boundaries of appropriateness

Abstract

Professional touching behavior (PTB), defined as intentional touching behavior that occurs between organizational members and that falls within the boundaries of appropriateness and professionalism in the workplace, is prevalent in organizations. Scholars from multiple disciplines, including human resources researchers, have acknowledged the importance of physical contact for facilitating interpersonal communication and relationship-building. However, PTB may not only elicit positive reactions from those who receive it but also negative reactions as well, with implications for social dynamics in organizations. PTB can, on the one hand, fulfill employees’ desires for interpersonal connection; at the same time, such physical contact at work can represent a threat to employees’ health. To explain the nature and implications of these divergent effects of receiving PTB, the authors draw upon sociometer theory and behavioral immune system (BIS) theory to model the emotional, cognitive, and physiological processes via which, and the conditions under which, receiving such behavior will result in socially functional responses and prompt subsequent prosocial behavior, and when PTB will be perceived as a health risk and prompt withdrawal behavior. The theoretical framework of this chapter expands our conceptual understanding of the consequences of interpersonal physical contact at work and has important human resources management (HRM) implications for organizational managers.

Details

Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-389-3

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2008

Anna Marie Johnson, Sarah Jent and Latisha Reynolds

The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.

4363

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material, in the area of library instruction and information literacy.

Findings

The paper provides information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.

Originality/value

The information in the paper may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2015

Takahiro Komamizu, Toshiyuki Amagasa and Hiroyuki Kitagawa

The purpose of this paper is to extract appropriate terms to summarize the current results in terms of the contents of textual facets. Faceted search on XML data helps users find…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extract appropriate terms to summarize the current results in terms of the contents of textual facets. Faceted search on XML data helps users find necessary information from XML data by giving attribute–content pairs (called facet-value pair) about the current search results. However, if most of the contents of a facet have longer texts in average (such facets are called textual facets), it is not easy to overview the current results.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach is based upon subsumption relationships of terms among the contents of a facet. The subsumption relationship can be extracted using co-occurrences of terms among a number of documents (in this paper, a content of a facet is considered as a document). Subsumption relationships compose hierarchies, and the authors utilize the hierarchies to extract facet-values from textual facets. In the faceted search context, users have ambiguous search demands, they expect broader terms. Thus, we extract high-level terms in the hierarchies as facet-values.

Findings

The main findings of this paper are the extracted terms improve users’ search experiences, especially in cases when the search demands are ambiguous.

Originality/value

An originality of this paper is the way to utilize the textual contents of XML data for improving users’ search experiences on faceted search. The other originality is how to design the tasks to evaluate exploratory search like faceted search.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2023

Kwok Yip Cheung and Chung Yee Lai

This study aims to investigate the impact of the audit committee chair’s trust on the quality of interactions between the external auditor and the audit committee chair in Hong…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of the audit committee chair’s trust on the quality of interactions between the external auditor and the audit committee chair in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a questionnaire survey to gather data from the audit committee chairs of the listed companies in Hong Kong, with a response rate of 19.2%. Partial least squares structural equation modelling is used in this study.

Findings

The results reveal that the audit committee chair’s trust in the external auditor’s competence, integrity and goodwill is an important determinant of the interaction quality. The findings also show that interaction quality during the pre-engagement stage is important to mediate the relationships between the three dimensions of trust and interaction quality during the audit performance stage.

Originality/value

This is the first study, to the best of the author’s knowledge, that examines the impact of the audit committee chair’s trust in the external auditor on the quality of their interactions. The findings provide insights for board of directors, auditors and policymakers to implement policies that enhance trust between them to improve audit quality.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

Keywords

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