bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colwellia chukchiensis sp. nov., a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Yu Yong , Li Hui-Rong , Zeng Yin-Xin
Published: May 2010

A novel psychrotolerant bacterial strain, BCw111T, was isolated from seawater samples from the Chukchi Sea in the Arctic Ocean. Cells of strain BCw111T were Gram-negative, motile, facultatively anaerobic, curved rods and were able to grow at 0–30 °C (optimum 23–25 °C). Strain BCw111T had Q-8 as the major respiratory quinone and contained iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c (28.13 %), C16 : 0 (13.28 %) and C17 : 1 (12.90 %) as the major cellular fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 41.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain BCw11T formed a distinct lineage within the genus Colwellia and exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Colwellia polaris 537T (97.8 %) and Colwellia aestuarii SMK-10T (97.1 %). Based on phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness, a novel species, Colwellia chukchiensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is BCw111T ( = CGMCC 1.9127T  = LMG 25329T  = DSM 22576T).
Actinophytocola timorensis sp. nov. and Actinophytocola corallina sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Otoguro Misa , Yamamura Hideki , Tamura Tomohiko , Irzaldi Rohmatussolihat , Ratnakomala Shanti , Ridwan Roni , Kartina Gina , Triana Evi , Nurkanto Arif , Lestari Yulin , Lisdiyanti Puspita , Widyastuti Yantyati , Ando Katsuhiko
Published: May 2010

Two actinomycete strains, ID05-A0653T and ID06-A0464T, were isolated from soils of West Timor and Lombok island, respectively, in Indonesia. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis clearly demonstrated that the isolates belonged to the family Pseudonocardiaceae and were closely related to the genus Actinophytocola. Strains ID05-A0653T and ID06-A0464T exhibited 98.1 and 98.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively, with Actinophytocola oryzae GMKU 367T. The isolates grew well on ISP media and produced white aerial mycelium. Short spore chains were formed directly on the substrate mycelium. The isolates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose as cell-wall components, MK-9(H4) as the sole isoprenoid quinone, iso-C16 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acid and phosphatidylethanolamine as the diagnostic polar lipid. The DNA G+C contents of strains ID05-A0653T and ID06-A0464T were 69.7 and 71.2 mol%, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, DNA–DNA relatedness and 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strains ID05-A0653T and ID06-A0464T each represent a novel species of the genus Actinophytocola, for which the names Actinophytocola timorensis sp. nov. (type strain ID05-A0653T  = BTCC B-673T  = NBRC 105524T) and Actinophytocola corallina sp. nov. (type strain ID06-A0464T  = BTCC B-674T  = NBRC 105525T) are proposed.
Amycolatopsis thailandensis sp. nov., a poly(l-lactic acid)-degrading actinomycete, isolated from soil
Authors: Chomchoei Atchareeya , Pathom-aree Wasu , Yokota Akira , Kanongnuch Chartchai , Lumyong Saisamorn
Published: May 2010

A novel actinomycete that was capable of degrading poly(l-lactic acid), strain CMU-PLA07T, was isolated from soil in northern Thailand. Strain CMU-PLA07T had biochemical, chemotaxonomic, morphological and physiological properties that were consistent with its classification in the genus Amycolatopsis. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate formed a phyletic line within the genus Amycolatopsis. Strain CMU-PLA07T was most similar to Amycolatopsis coloradensis IMSNU 22096T (99.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Amycolatopsis alba DSM 44262T (99.4 %). However, strain CMU-PLA07T was distinguishable from the type strains of species of the genus Amycolatopsis on the basis of DNA–DNA relatedness and phenotypic data. Therefore, strain CMU-PLA07T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Amycolatopsis, for which the name Amycolatopsis thailandensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CMU-PLA07T ( = JCM 16380T = BCC 38279T).
Fructobacillus tropaeoli sp. nov., a fructophilic lactic acid bacterium isolated from a flower
Authors: Endo Akihito , Irisawa Tomohiro , Futagawa-Endo Yuka , Sonomoto Kenji , Itoh Kikuji , Takano Katsumi , Okada Sanae , Dicks Leon M. T.
Published: May 2010

A fructophilic lactic acid bacterium, designated strain F214-1T, was isolated from a flower of Tropaeolum majus in South Africa. Based on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, the strain formed a subcluster with Fructobacillus ficulneus and Fructobacillus pseudoficulneus and, based on recA gene sequences, the strain formed a subcluster with F. ficulneus. DNA–DNA hybridization studies showed that strain F214-1T was phylogenetically distinct from its closest relatives. Acid was produced from the fermentation of d-glucose, d-fructose and d-mannitol only. d-Fructose was the preferred sole carbon and energy source and was fermented more rapidly than d-glucose. Growth of the strain on d-glucose under anaerobic conditions was very weak but external electron acceptors such as oxygen and pyruvate enhanced growth on d-glucose. Lactic acid and acetic acid were produced from d-glucose in equimolar amounts. Ethanol was produced at very low levels, despite the strain’s obligately heterofermentative metabolism. Based on these data, strain F214-1T represents a novel species of fructophilic bacteria in the genus Fructobacillus, for which the name Fructobacillus tropaeoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is F214-1T ( = JCM 16675T  = DSM 23246T).
Prevotella fusca sp. nov. and Prevotella scopos sp. nov., isolated from the human oral cavity
Authors: Downes Julia , Wade William G.
Published: May 2010

Two strains of anaerobic, Gram-negative bacilli isolated from the human oral cavity were subjected to a comprehensive range of phenotypic and genotypic tests and were found to belong to two separate taxa. Phylogenetic analysis of full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strains were both related to, but distinct from, the type strain of Prevotella melaninogenica. Two novel species, Prevotella fusca sp. nov. and Prevotella scopos sp. nov., are proposed to accommodate these strains. Both strains were saccharolytic and produced acetic and succinic acids, with lesser amounts of lactic and isovaleric acids, as end products of fermentation, and both were sensitive to 20 % bile. The principal cellular long-chain fatty acids of both strains were ai-C15 : 0, 3-OH i-C17 : 0, 3-OH C16 : 0, i-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. The DNA G+C contents of the type strains of Prevotella fusca (W1435T  = DSM 22504T  = CCUG 57946T) and Prevotella scopos (W2052T  = DSM 22613T  = CCUG 57945T) were 43 and 41 mol%, respectively. The two species could be differentiated by gelatin hydrolysis, cellobiose and ribose fermentation, and production of β-glucosidase.
Bacteroides chinchillae sp. nov. and Bacteroides rodentium sp. nov., isolated from chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) faeces
Authors: Kitahara Maki , Tsuchida Sayaka , Kawasumi Koh , Amao Hiromi , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Benno Yoshimi , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: May 2010

Gram-negative anaerobic rods were isolated from chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) faeces and three strains, ST170T, ST180 and ST28T, were investigated taxonomically. On the basis of phylogenetic analyses and specific phenotypic characteristics, the three strains belonged to the genus Bacteroides. Phylogenetic analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains ST170T and ST180 formed a single cluster and a distinct line of descent. Strain ST170T exhibited 99.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with strain ST180 and 95.1, 94.6 and 94.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Bacteroides massiliensis JCM 13223T, Bacteroides dorei JCM 13471T and Bacteroides vulgatus JCM 5826T, respectively. Strain ST28T also formed a distinct line of descent and exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Bacteroides uniformis JCM 5828T (98.1 %). Low DNA–DNA relatedness (1 %) between strain ST28T and B. uniformis JCM 5828T clearly indicated that they belonged to different species. Analysis of hsp60 sequences also supported these relationships. The DNA G+C contents of strains ST170T and ST28T were 45.2 and 41.0 mol%, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic data, two novel species, Bacteroides chinchillae sp. nov. (type strain ST170T  = JCM 16497T  = CCUG 59335T) and Bacteroides rodentium sp. nov. (type strain ST28T  = JCM 16496T  = CCUG 59334T), are proposed.
Yersinia entomophaga sp. nov., isolated from the New Zealand grass grub Costelytra zealandica
Authors: Hurst Mark R. H. , Becher S. Anette , Young Sandra D. , Nelson Tracey L. , Glare Travis R.
Published: May 2010

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (MH96T) was isolated from diseased larvae of the New Zealand grass grub,Costelytra zealandica(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain MH96Tis a member of the genusYersinia, which is a member of the classGammaproteobacteria. The most similar 16S rRNA gene sequence to that of MH96Tis that of the type strain ofYersinia mollaretii(98.5 % similarity) followed by those of the type strains ofYersinia aldovae,Y. frederikseniiandY. rohdei(all 98.4 % similarity). Multilocus sequence typing of five housekeeping genes (dnaJ,glnA,gyrB,groELandrecA) identifiedYersinia ruckeri(81–92 % similarity) as the closest relative. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain MH96Tfrom the four most closely relatedYersiniaspecies with validly published names, including aY. ruckeriisolate. Strain MH96Ttherefore represents a novel species, for which the nameYersinia entomophagasp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain MH96T( = DSM 22339T = ATCC BAA-1678T).
Thermogemmatispora onikobensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Thermogemmatispora foliorum sp. nov., isolated from fallen leaves on geothermal soils, and description of Thermogemmatisporaceae fam. nov. and Thermogemmatisporales ord. nov. within the class Ktedonobacteria
Authors: Yabe Shuhei , Aiba Yoshifumi , Sakai Yasuteru , Hazaka Masaru , Yokota Akira
Published: May 2010

Two thermophilic, Gram-stain-positive, sporulating bacterial strains, which formed branched vegetative and aerial mycelia, were isolated from fallen leaves sampled from geothermal soils and designated ONI-1T and ONI-5T. Strain ONI-1T grew at 50–74 °C, with optimum growth at 60–65 °C, and strain ONI-5T grew at 45–74 °C, with optimum growth at 60–65 °C. The pH range for growth of the strains was pH 4.6–8.0, with optimum growth at pH 7.0. The DNA G+C contents of strains ONI-1T and ONI-5T were 60.2 and 58.1 mol%, respectively. The major fatty acid was iso-C17 : 0 and the major menaquinone was MK-9(H2). The cell walls of the strains contained glutamic acid, serine, glycine, histidine, alanine and ornithine. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol and a glycolipid. The cell-wall sugar was rhamnose. Detailed phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strains belong to the class Ktedonobacteria and that strains ONI-1T and ONI-5T are most closely related to Thermosporothrix hazakensis SK20-1T (85.3 and 84.5 % sequence similarity, respectively). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the two strains was 96.6 %. Based on the phenotypic features and phylogenetic position, we propose that strains ONI-1T and ONI-5T constitute a novel genus containing two novel species, for which we propose the names Thermogemmatispora onikobensis gen. nov., sp. nov. (the type species; type strain ONI-1T  = JCM 16817T  = KCTC 19768T) and Thermogemmatispora foliorum sp. nov. (type strain ONI-5T  = JCM 16818T  = KCTC 19767T), within the new family Thermogemmatisporaceae fam. nov. and order Thermogemmatisporales ord. nov.
Halogranum gelatinilyticum sp. nov. and Halogranum amylolyticum sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern, and emended description of the genus Halogranum
Authors: Cui Heng-Lin , Yang Xin , Gao Xia , Xu Xue-Wei
Published: May 2010

Two extremely halophilic archaeal strains, designated TNN44Tand TNN58T, were isolated from Tainan marine solar saltern near Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province, China. Cells of the two strains were pleomorphic and Gram-stain-negative; colonies were red-pigmented. Strains TNN44Tand TNN58Twere able to grow at 20–50 °C (optimum 37 °C for both), in the presence of 1.4–5.1 M NaCl (optimum 3.4–3.9 M NaCl) and at pH 5.5–9.0 (optimum pH 6.5–7.0); neither strain required Mg2+for growth. Cells lysed in distilled water. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strains TNN44Tand TNN58Twere related closely toHalogranum rubrumRO2-11T(96.2 and 97.2 % similarity, respectively). The polar lipids of the two strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate (trace), and one major glycolipid and one minor glycolipid chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and mannosyl glucosyl diether, respectively; other trace unidentified lipids were also detected. The DNA G+C content of strains TNN44Tand TNN58Twas 64.0 and 62.0 mol%, respectively. The level of DNA–DNA relatedness between strains TNN44Tand TNN58Twas 37.2 %, and these two strains showed a low level of DNA–DNA relatedness withHalogranum rubrumRO2-11T(40.6 and 44.4 %, respectively). Two novel species of the genusHalogranumare proposed to accommodate these two strains,Halogranum gelatinilyticumsp. nov. (type strain TNN44T = CGMCC 1.10119T = JCM 16426T) andHalogranum amylolyticumsp. nov. (type strain TNN58T = CGMCC 1.10121T = JCM 16428T).
Forms, effects, function: LIS students' attitudes towards portable e‐book readers
Authors: Pattuelli M. Cristina , Rabina Debbie
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the use of a popular portable e‐reader device, the Kindle 2, among library and information science (LIS) students and its effects on individual reading practices and the potential applications for library services.

Design/methodology/approach

Using journal logs and diary‐interviews as methods of data collection, the study analyzes the use of the Kindle over a one‐week period by a pool of 20 LIS students at Pratt Institute's School of Information and Library Science.

Findings

The findings reveal four key areas that provide a framework for data interpretation: usage patterns, user interaction, effect on reading habits, and future applications. One major finding is that the portability of the device and its convenience of use anywhere and any time is pivotal for enhancing the students' reading experience and outweighs the limitations of the device's usability.

Research limitations/implications

Results may not be generalizable due to the small size and homogeneity of the sample.

Originality/value

The social and cultural impacts of e‐book readers in everyday life have received little attention so far. In particular, questions about the effects of e‐readers on individual reading practices and the potential applications for library delivery systems have yet to be examined. This study is one of the first to investigate the use of portable e‐book readers.
The attitudes and behaviours of illegal downloaders
Authors: Williams Peter , Nicholas David , Rowlands Ian
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarise and evaluate the literature on digital consumer behaviour and attitudes towards digital piracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a review and synthesis of the academic literature on the subject, using the authors' unique “pro‐forma” approach to the evaluation of individual papers.

Findings

A major limitation in the studies reported became apparent. They are almost exclusively concerned with the behaviours and attitudes of young people. There is a dearth of studies looking at demographic differences, and also a lack of longitudinal work. Given these constraints, the literature strongly suggests that social and situational factors impact on the likelihood of illegally obtaining digital content more than ethical considerations. Anonymity is a strong indicator, “de‐individualising” people and releasing them from traditional societal constraints and making the digital world far different from the physical one. The literature is ambiguous on whether punishment acts as a deterrent.

Practical implications

The main point that comes out of these studies is that the digital world is not the same as the physical world. It is changing basic assumptions about the idea of ownership, sharing, and copying content. Laws prohibiting all unauthorised downloading potentially criminalise millions of people, so new and creative business models are needed to resolve the problem.

Originality/value

The authors believe this to be the first systematic review of current literature in this area since the issue became topical with the Pirate Bay trial and the Government's Digital Britain report.
Competitive intelligence skills needed to enhance South Africa's competitiveness
Authors: Strauss A.C. , du Toit A.S.A.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

South Africa as a country continues to rank low in the world of competitiveness. It is the aim of this paper to focus on the need for South African organisations to perceive competitive intelligence (CI) as one of the most important tools to improve their competitiveness through a systematic, practical approach to make the CI cycle worthwhile, especially through skills development. The paper intends to identify the skills CI professionals in South Africa need in order to conduct the CI process in organisations effectively, thereby improving the country's competitive position.

Design/methodology/approach

The research for the paper is based on an extensive review of literature to identify the skills needed by CI professionals. A survey was conducted, by questionnaire, among organisations in South Africa with existing CI units in which the respondents had to identify the skills they deemed necessary for the CI professional to run the CI process effectively.

Findings

Findings suggested that the majority of respondents were 40 years and older, in the top structure of larger organisations and had been using CI for longer than five years. The overwhelming result is that there are skills inequalities between what skills respondents view as crucial and those that rated highest in their self‐evaluation. Skills identified as most important include, among others, networking, research skills and analytical abilities.

Research limitations/implications

CI in South Africa is still in its infancy and in 2008 no professional CI groups existed. As a result, there is no recognised list of practising South African CI professionals available in South Africa. For this reason the respondent database consists of attendees of CI courses, workshops and seminars held by the Department of Information and Knowledge Management at the University of Johannesburg.

Practical implications

The research indicated that where CI had been established in certain organisations for at least five years, it did not reflect positively overall on South Africa's current competitive situation. Where there is a systematic CI approach, however, problem‐solving is easier to address and negatives could be turned around. With this in mind and a proper “buy‐in” into skills development, it will have a very positive outcome for all the organisations that wish to improve their competitiveness.

Originality/value

For a country such as South Africa (and other developing countries) this research is of extreme importance as the country is facing a serious shortage of skills. Skills development of CI professionals can create a strategic advantage for the country and increase South Africa's competitiveness.
LIS as a field of study: socio‐cultural influences on students' decision making
Authors: Moniarou‐Papaconstantinou Valentini , Tsatsaroni Anna , Katsis Athanassios , Koulaidis Vasilis
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Using Bourdieu‐inspired sociological literature, this paper aims to report on a study that examines the educational choices of new entrants in the three library and information science (LIS) schools operating in Greece at the undergraduate level, with reference to their socio‐cultural characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained through a questionnaire, distributed to 187 LIS students, aiming to address the question of what attracted them to the LIS field.

Findings

Analysis reveals three distinctive student groups in the sample and shows that these differ in respect to the reasons attracting them to LIS. The first group, with restricted cultural resources at their disposal, is attracted only by extrinsic reasons, namely the prospect of immediate employment. The second group, of middle level parental education, is attracted by intrinsic reasons, most notably the qualitative characteristics of the field as a future profession. This group seems to use these qualities to preserve the belief in an upwards moving and successful educational career. Qualities attracting the students of the third group, when examined with reference to their socio‐cultural characteristics, indicate that the choice of subject made is linked to their socially acquired ability to recognise what may be promising regarding possible future LIS career paths. This is in contrast to students from low socio‐cultural backgrounds, who seem not to have access to the high cultural resources the LIS field requires for “decoding” and understanding its hidden possibilities.

Originality/value

This paper uses socio‐cultural explanations of students' choice of LIS as a field of study, contributing methodologically and substantively to this area of research.
Biography
Authors: Turvey Calum G.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the life of the famous mathematician Kiyosi Itô and discuss his influence on the study of agricultural finance and agricultural economics.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a qualitative historical review.

Findings

The paper provides a biographical stretch of Itô's life. It is shown that his influence started to infiltrate the agricultural economics profession at around 1985 and is currently a major influence of a range of economic issues from farm policy to agricultural investments.

Research limitations/implications

The biography is limited to a review of Itô's academic life and influence.

Practical implications

The paper offers a historical perspective on how probability emerged as a critical piece of the economic puzzle. For scholars and practitioners of agricultural finance, the paper provides an in depth review of how Itô processes have, and can, be used.

Originality/value

This paper provides a historical perspective on Itô that is of use to students and scholars of rural credit. This is the first “biography” of Itô to discuss his influence on agricultural finance and agricultural economics.
A model of microfinance with adverse selection, loan default, and self‐financing
Authors: Batabyal Amitrajeet A. , Beladi Hamid
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze a market for microfinance in a region of a developing nation in which all projects are either of high or low quality. There is adverse selection because only borrowers know whether their project is of high or low quality but the microfinance institutions (MFIs) do not. The MFIs are competitive, risk neutral, and they offer loan contracts specifying the amount to be repaid only if a borrower's project makes a profit. Otherwise, this borrower defaults on his contract.

Design/methodology/approach

A game theoretic model is used that explicitly accounts for adverse selection and then a study is made of the trinity of adverse selection, loan default, and self‐financing.

Findings

First, in the pooling equilibrium, a borrower with a low‐quality business project will obtain positive expected profit. In contrast, this borrower will obtain zero expected profit in the separating equilibrium. Second, for small enough values of the probability p that a business project is of high quality, MFIs will not finance any business project in the pooling equilibrium. Third, the cost of sending a signal is not too high and hence a separating equilibrium exists. Finally, under some circumstances, self‐financing can be used to mitigate adverse selection related problems

Research limitations/implications

This paper studies a model with only two types of business projects. In addition, no allowance is made for repeated interactions between borrowers and MFIs.

Originality/value

This paper usefully shows that under some circumstances, a credible signaling device such as self‐financing can be used to mitigate adverse selection related problems that routinely plague interactions between poor borrowers in developing countries and MFIs.
Spatial producer heterogeneity in crop insurance product decisions within major corn producing states
Authors: Adhikari Shyam , Belasco Eric J. , Knight Thomas O.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the spatial components of producer heterogeneity in crop insurance product selection among US corn producers and identifies neighborhood spillover or agent marketing effects in these decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

County‐level insurance and yield data are used to demonstrate that a gradual shift from yield‐based insurance to revenue‐based insurance has spatial patterns. Conventional risk variables such as yield variability, price variability, prevalence of irrigation, other crops, and yield‐price relationships play an important role in this shift and are consistently estimated only when spatial components are included. A spatial random effects model is used to also identify the impact of spatial lag effects, which include neighborhood spillover and agent marketing effects, on the share of corn acres insured with revenue‐based plans vs yield‐based plans.

Findings

Theoretically consistent variables associated with risk are found to significantly influence the choice between crop revenue and yield insurance. Non‐linear parameters identify the region‐specific effects from changes in irrigation, yield price correlation, and the prevalence of corn production on insurance decisions. In addition, spatial components such as the decisions made by nearby producers and marketing drives are also found to influence decisions. These results may demonstrate the relative influence of trusted sources, such as nearby producers and insurance agents, on insurance decisions.

Originality/value

Traditional risk variables are consistently estimated by controlling for spatial heterogeneity. This study also reveals the propensity of producers to rely on the opinions of other producers or agents that they know.
A spatial Bayesian approach to weather derivatives
Authors: Paulson Nicholas D. , Hart Chad E. , Hayes Dermot J.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

While the demand for weather‐based agricultural insurance in developed regions is limited, there exists significant potential for the use of weather indexes in developing areas. The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of historical data availability in designing actuarially sound weather‐based instruments.

Design/methodology/approach

A Bayesian rainfall model utilizing spatial kriging and Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques is proposed to estimate rainfall histories from observed historical data. An example drought insurance policy is presented where the fair rates are calculated using Monte Carlo methods and a historical analysis is carried out to assess potential policy performance.

Findings

The applicability of the estimation method is validated using a rich data set from Iowa. Results from the historical analysis indicate that the systemic nature of weather risk can vary greatly over time, even in the relatively homogenous region of Iowa.

Originality/value

The paper shows that while the kriging method may be more complex than competing models, it also provides a richer set of results. Furthermore, while the application is specific to forage production in Iowa, the rainfall model could be generalized to other regions by incorporating additional climatic factors.
Assessing the potential value for an automated dairy cattle body condition scoring system through stochastic simulation
Authors: Bewley J.M. , Boehlje  , Gray A.W. , Hogeveen H. , Kenyon S.J. , Eicher S.D. , Schutz M.M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Automated body condition scoring (BCS) through extraction of information from digital images has been demonstrated to be feasible; and commercial technologies are being developed. The primary objective of this research was to identify the factors that influence the potential profitability of investing in an automated BCS system.

Design/methodology/approach

An expert opinion survey was conducted to provide estimates for potential improvements associated with technology adoption. A stochastic simulation model of a dairy system, designed to assist dairy producers with investment decisions for precision dairy farming technologies was utilized to perform a net present value (NPV) analysis. Benefits of technology adoption were estimated through assessment of the impact of BCS on the incidence of ketosis, milk fever, and metritis, conception rate at first service, and energy efficiency.

Findings

Improvements in reproductive performance had the largest influence on revenues followed by energy efficiency and then by disease reduction. The impact of disease reduction was less than anticipated because the ideal BCS indicated by experts resulted in a simulated increase in the proportion of cows with BCS at calving 3.50. The estimates for disease risks and conception rates, obtained from literature, however, suggested that this increase would result in increased disease incidence. Stochastic variables that had the most influence on NPV were: variable cost increases after technology adoption; the odds ratios for ketosis and milk fever incidence and conception rates at first service associated with varying BCS ranges; uncertainty of the impact of ketosis, milk fever, and metritis on days open, unrealized milk, veterinary costs, labor, and discarded milk; and the change in the percentage of cows with BCS at calving 3.25 before and after technology adoption. The deterministic inputs impacting NPV were herd size, management level, and level of milk production. Investment in this technology may be profitable but results were very herd‐specific. A simulation modeling a deterministic 25 percent decrease in the percentage of cows with BCS at calving ≤3.25 demonstrated a positive NPV in 86.6 percent of 1,000 iterations.

Originality/value

This investment decision can be analyzed with input of herd‐specific values using this model.
Corrosion resistance of duplex stainless steels in selected organic acids and organic acid/chloride environments
Authors: Adams F.V. , Olubambi P.A. , Potgieter J.H. , Van Der Merwe J.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to supplement the scant previous investigations on the corrosion behaviour of 2205 and 2507 duplex stainless steels in selected organic acids containing chloride additions.

Design/methodology/approach

Microstructural examination of the alloys was first carried out, after which the corrosion behaviour of the alloys in citric, oxalic, formic and acetic acids containing chloride additions at varying temperatures was studied using electrochemical techniques.

Findings

The alloy 2507 material had a larger grain size than did the alloy 2205 sample. The corrosion resistances of the alloys generally are highest in acetic acids and lowest in citric acid. The addition of chloride had a pronounced effect on their corrosion resistance. Alloy 2507 generally exhibited higher corrosion resistance in all of the acids than alloy 2205, with the exception of acetic acid at room temperature. The 50:50 ratio of ferrite to austenite composition, as revealed by phase compositional analysis, indicated no significant possibility for galvanic corrosion between the phases. This suggests that the corrosion behaviour of the alloys is controlled by their grain sizes and chemical compositions.

Originality/value

Although the corrosion behaviour of duplex stainless steels in some organic acid media has been reported, this investigation covers the major organic acids not previously reported. Since in real industrial systems a mixture of both organic and minerals acids/salts may typically exist, investigations of the combined effect of chloride ions with the organic acids reported in this paper typify real industrial operations. The paper thus provides a basis for material selection for the application of 2205 and 2507 in industrial systems where organic acids are mostly used.
Detection of corrosion on 304 stainless steel by acoustic emission measurement
Authors: Du Gang , Wang Weikui , Song Shizhe , Jin Shijiu
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report an investigation of the acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of the corrosion process of 304 stainless steel in acidic NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion behavior of a specimen with constant load in acidic NaCl solution was studied, and the AE signal characteristics of the corrosion process were analyzed. Stress corrosion cracking of the specimen was detected using the AE and electrochemical noise (EN) techniques, and the acquired data were compared.

Findings

The results indicated that AE technology is very sensitive to the AE signals generated by 304 nitrogen controlled stainless steel in acidic NaCl solution. The characteristics of AE signals at different stages of the corrosion process are significantly different. Additionally, the AE test result is confirmed by the EN test results.

Originality/value

The characteristics of AE signals at different stages of the corrosion process are gained for the first time, which is an important guide by which to distinguishing different stages of corrosion.
Electrochemical polarization and passivation of nanostructured iron in acid solution
Authors: Afshari Vahid , Dehghanian Changiz
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effect of grain‐size reduction on the stability of passive films formed on pure iron. Possible mechanisms capable of their improvement are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Nanocrystalline iron was produced by pulse electrodeposition using a citric acid bath. The grain size of the nanocrystalline surface was analyzed by X‐ray diffractometry and atomic force microscopy. The tests were carried out in 95‐97 percent H2SO4 aqueous solution. The stability of the passive films was investigated using Tafel polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements.

Findings

The corrosion resistance of Fe in concentrated sulfuric acid solution increased as the grain size decreased from microcrystalline to nanocrystalline. The decreased passive current density of nanocrystalline Fe may be due to the more rapid formation of continuous passive films at surface crystalline defects, compared with coarse‐grained Fe structures.

Originality/value

The behavior of passive film growth and corrosion is considered in terms of excess free energy caused by the nanocrystalline surface.
Sustainability as a new paradigm regarding food consumption
Authors: Schacht Karolin , Leal Filho Walter , Koppe Wolfgang , Struksnaes Gunvor , Busch‐Stockfisch Mechthild
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of sustainability as a new paradigm regarding food consumption and, by means of a case study from the aquaculture sector, to illustrate how sustainability elements may lead to a new paradigm in food consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study described involved sensory analyses and personal responses from different consumers representing the population for who the product is intended. Standard methods were adopted for field and laboratory studies.

Findings

The experimental studies have shown that appearance, flavour, odour, texture and overall acceptance of farmed salmon is at least as accepted as wild salmon. The sustainability analysis has shown that under the right conditions, sustainability elements may be applied in aquaculture as a means to improve quality and catalyse sustainable food consumption.

Practical implications

The work was carried out in order to discuss the extent to which the concept of sustainability may apply to food consumption projects.

Originality/value

This is the first time a holistic analysis of the links between sustainability in food consumption projects has been made. The paper provides useful data and knowledge on which further research can be carried out.
New paradigm for patterns of home packaged food intake
Authors: Poças M.F.F. , Oliveira J.C. , Pinto H.J. , Zacarias M.E. , Hogg T.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a pilot study characterizing the domestic usage of food packaging (amount and type) at the household level.

Design/methodology/approach

Collection and detailed characterization is carried out, from a sample of Portuguese consumers, of packages used at home during a seven‐day period.

Findings

The daily intake of domestically consumed, packaged food ranged from 5 to 50 g/kgbw. The average intake value for children below 12 years old was 26 g/kgbw. Considering all packaging materials, package usage ranged from 0.1dm2/day.kgbw to 0.6dm2/day.kgbw. Packaging usage factors and food‐type distribution factors for each packaging material were estimated.

Research limitations/implications

The period of packaging collection and the size of the sample limit the degree of generalized conclusions that can be drawn.

Practical implications

The data collected are the base for the development of a framework and could make an important contribution to the assessment of consumer exposure to substances migrating from packages into food, in this case of the Portuguese consumer.

Originality/value

The results achieved are analysed in relation to the current assumptions made for the safety assessment of materials in the relevant European legislation. Furthermore, the results achieved can be used in a probabilistic approach to these assessments as the distributions of values, and not only the per capita values, are known.
Ageing and food consumption in Portugal: new or old paradigms?
Authors: de Morais Cecília , Afonso Cláudia , de Almeida M.D.V.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the effects of ageing on food choice according to Portuguese elderly narratives within an eight‐country research project, the Food in Later Life (www.foodinlaterlife.org).

Design/methodology/approach

The project was organized into eight interrelated but independent work packages (WPs) using semi‐structured interviews, structured questionnaires and food diaries. Each interview took approximately one hour and was complemented by a background questionnaire (SF36) and seven day food diaries (shopping and consumption). The data from the interviews were transcribed and analysed using MaxQDA. Data from the Portuguese sample are presented and complemented by the eight country samples in the case of meal patterns, functional and convenience products. The sentences used to illustrate the memories of older people are quoted.

Findings

Health problems and physiological restraints along with social changes, loss of a partner and/or loneliness were identified as major factors behind the elderly food choice. Functional and convenience products are still not familiar to the elderly in Europe.

Research limitations/implications

More research on determinants of healthy ageing, especially in what concerns foods, and satisfaction with food, is required since efficient policies are needed to enable older populations to maintain their independence and a good satisfaction with food‐related life.

Originality/value

This cross‐cultural qualitative research provides important information about elderly food choice and the factors behind that choice.
Public perceptions of food‐related hazards: an application to Portuguese consumers
Authors: Miguel Cunha Luís , Pinto de Moura Ana , Lopes Zulmira , do Céu Santos Maria , Silva Isidro
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to assess public perception of food‐related hazards by Portuguese consumers at major metropolitan areas. A contrast was searched between controllable and non‐controllable hazards.

Design/methodology/approach

The Perceived Food Risk Index developed by Fife‐Schaw and Rowe, was administered to a sample of 666 subjects through a door to door interview using a random route walk procedure and following a quota sampling controlled for sex, age and location. Risk perception was evaluated over ten risk characteristics, for each of the hazards.

Findings

Through principal component analysis, two main components were identified: “Knowledge” and “Dread”. A perceptual map of the hazards was built over these two dimensions. A high level of worry and concern associated with fatty foods was found, clearly contradicting the expected attenuation of risk perception associated to greater perceived personal control. Contrarily to previous findings for other populations, GMOs yielded lower levels of both “Knowledge” and “Dread”. Based on risk perceptions, consumers were grouped in four segments: optimists, unconfident, fearless, and fearful.

Originality/value

This work adds to knowledge on the Portuguese consumer and its risk perceptions, a fairly unreported topic, thus helping to the success of food safety communication by different stakeholders.
The multidimensional nature of production competence and additional evidence of its impact on business performance
Authors: Avella Lucía , Vázquez‐Bustelo Daniel
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look into production competence theory by proposing and validating a multidimensional construct, and offering additional empirical evidence regarding the contribution of production competence to business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Production competence is defined as a second‐order factor/construct in terms of five underlying dimensions: cost, flexibility, quality, delivery and environmental protection competence. Different scales are used to measure the construct, validated by a multi‐step process. Data from 274 manufacturing firms and structural equation modelling as the main technique are used for the analysis.

Findings

The paper suggests that manufacturing capabilities and their alignment with the competitive priorities pursued must be considered to explain the contribution of manufacturing to business performance. The provided evidence suggests that the manufacturing function significantly contributes to business performance, and enables us to conclude that production competence is a determinant of business performance.

Practical implications

Firms should focus on the development of manufacturing capabilities that are key for the market (and consistent with the business strategy). To achieve this, the production function should be integrated into the strategic planning process of the overall business strategy.

Originality/value

Most research works to date deal with production competence as a one‐dimensional construct and reduce its measurement to a single index, fussing variables of different types. This paper provides a valid multidimensional operationalisation of production competence, considering environmental protection as a fifth manufacturing objective. It also offers additional empirical evidence regarding the positive link between production competence and business performance.
An exploratory study of human resource aspects of international technology transfers to Sri Lankan private sector manufacturing firms
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Garusinghe Saman
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore project‐level human resource aspects of international technology transfers (ITTs) to private sector manufacturing firms in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 35 ITT projects. A self‐administered survey questionnaire was chosen as the main mode for data collection. In addition to descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression were used to analyse data.

Findings

Firms have acquired product, process and management‐system technologies from countries having different institutional environments, namely, the USA, Europe, China, Japan and India. It was found that the country from which technology was sourced and the type of technology predict several project‐level human resource aspects explored in this paper.

Originality/value

The acquisition of human resource capabilities provides the central underpinning in ITTs. There is a marked absence of research‐led literature on technology transfers at the project‐level that resulted in less developed countries in Asia.
Interview with Alison Esse: Director, The Storytellers Ltd
Authors: by Juliet Norton Interview
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Alison Esse, Director of The Storytellers Ltd, an organization that has harnessed the power of Storytelling to help business leaders improve organizational performance by connecting employees to strategy, vision, values and change.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.

Findings

The Storytellers' innovative engagement programme has proved itself with dozens of blue chip organizations all over the world, and the company is now preparing for significant growth over the next few years. The vision of the company is that: “everyone in business will realise the power of their Story”.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Social implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.

Originality/value

This interview gives some insight into the Storytellers' innovative engagement programme, which can help business leaders connect their people to strategy, vision, values and change through the power of storytelling.
Challenging ethnic and gender identities
Authors: Atewologun ’Doyin , Singh Val
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how UK black professionals construct and negotiate ethnic/gender identities at work.

Design/methodology/approach

Separate semi‐structured focus groups for three females and four males are used.

Findings

Ethnicity, gender and their intersection play important roles in identity construction of black UK professionals, who frequently encounter identity‐challenging situations as they interact with explicit and implicit models of race and stereotyping. Males use agentic strategies to further their careers, drawing strength from “black men” identities. Women are less agentic, reframing challenging episodes to protect/restore their identity.

Research limitations/implications

This study helps understanding of workplace experiences of UK black professionals beyond entry level. Several years after graduation, they still engage frequently in identity work, facing stereotyping and expectations based on intersecting gender and ethnic social categories. The paper shows how aspects of “black identity” provide a resource that supports career progress. Main limitation is small sample size.

Practical implications

People managing diverse professionals and HRM specialists need to recognize how much identity work (e.g. frequently countering stereotyping) has to be done by black professionals in cultures that do not value diversity. As they gain access to senior positions, this will be increasingly an issue for talent retention.

Originality/value

This paper provides some rich understanding about identity construction of black male professionals, an under researched group. This paper extends the work on ethnic minority females, comparing them with male peers. It is shown that minority groups are not homogeneous, but may undergo different workplace experiences and adopt different strategies, drawing on various aspects of the generic “black identity”. This has implications for how organizational diversity is understood, managed and researched.