bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer satisfaction of retirees: products and services
Authors: PYSARCHIK DAWN THORNDIKE
Published: July 2007

This study was designed to assess the nature and extent of consumer satisfaction of retirees at two stages of retirement: Stage I, age 60–69; Stage age 70 and above. This cross‐sectional mail survey study contained 196 retiree households selected at random, representing retirees who had been retired for at least 1 year and were 60 years of age or older. Results indicate that retirees are in fact a heterogeneous group of consumers who are generally self‐reliant, with varying consumer problems and varying reasons for those problems. Results of this study, collectively, lend support to the notion that age alone is not an appropriate way of studying consumer concerns of retirees. Additionally, retirees' stage of retirement has no significant relationship to the person responsible for the weekly household shopping. Finally, reasons for consumer dissatisfaction are not related to the weekly household shopper.
Calcium, potassium and sodium ion levels in yogurts produced in Northern Ireland
Authors: STRUGNELL C. J.
Published: July 2007

Samples of yogurt produced by local creameries were purchased and analysed for potassium and sodium using flame photometry. Calcium was estimated for by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry because of interference from phosphates. The level of these ions was found to be significantly different from existing documented concentrations
Children's participation in household tasks as portrayed by national television advertisements in the U.S.A.
Authors: SWAGLER ROGER , SWEANEY ANNE , MARLOWE JULIA
Published: July 2007

This paper provides a content analysis of portrayals of children's participation in household tasks in national television advertisements within the U.S.A. The analysis indicates that children are rarely shown working in the home, even when they could help. Furthermore, parents are shown routinely performing tasks children could have done for themselves. The resulting stereotypes are clearly drawn: children are shown to be non‐productive and parents are portrayed as servants. Such portrayals may be counter‐productive in the context of growing time pressures in the household and the potential benefits that families might realize by working together towards common goals.
Cost and programme availability in co‐operative pre‐schools
Authors: SOMMER ROBERT , LYNCH LORI , BRUCKNER SIERRA
Published: July 2007

Co‐operative pre‐schools offer parents the option of.exchanging volunteer labour for price savings. Relative to private pre‐schools, co‐ops have lower tuition, lower teacher‐student ratio, more field trips, less structure, shorter sessions, and less emphasis on school readiness.
Problem recognition style: is it need specific or a generalized personality trait?
Authors: II GORDON C. BRUNER.
Published: July 2007

While the nature of consumer‐need acknowledgement has received some attention in recent years, the topic still remains relatively unexplored by consumer scientists and under‐utilized by practitioners. This study focuses on the first stage of the consumer‐decision process (problem recognition) and develops scales for measuring style of need perception for several product categories. Furthermore, an attempt is made to determine whether one's problem recognition style (PRS) is similar across product categories or if it is more need specific. Evidence here indicates strongly that PRS, which people develop, are need specific although similarities may exist between related product categories.
The relationship between importance of retail store attributes and lifestyle of mature female consumers
Authors: HUDDLESTON PATRICIA , FORD IMOGENE , MAHONEY MARIANNE Y.
Published: July 2007

Mature female consumers are an affluent market segment often ignored by retailers. This study examines the relationship between importance of selected store attributes (such as location and price) and lifestyle characteristics. The results indicate that certain lifestyle characteristics are related to the importance placed on store attributes.
Marital happiness: implications for dual career couples
Authors: STALNAKER SYLVIA D. , ERICKSEN MARY K.
Published: July 2007

Two marital myths, a woman's place is in the home and the husband is the primary wage earner or provider, were investigated in relation to marital happiness. No significant relationships were found between the variables indicating that changing lifestyles and the employment of females outside the home may be resulting in a greater equality between spouses and that women's employment does not affect marital happiness, even though job responsibilities and pressure may at times create conflict between dual career couples.
A comparison of monetary family policy in the European Community
Authors: HESSE K.
Published: July 2007

In a number of constitutions, in article 16.3 of the International Bill of Human Rights and in article 23.1 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights it is laid down that the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State. The following exposition aims to explain the monetary family policy and the extent of monetary transfers for the protection of families in the member countries of the European Community (EC).
Analysis of consumers' willingness to pay for new food prepared from cowpea flour
Authors: FLETCHER STANLEY M. , McWATTER KAY H. , RESURRECCION ANNA V.A.
Published: July 2007

Consumers' willingness to pay for cowpea products was analysed by a multi‐ordered response model. The analysis indicated that sociodemographic factors are weakly linked to consumers' willingness to pay while product characteristics are strongly linked. Marketing promotion is possible. Thus, akara products, made from cowpea paste, have potential for extending the utilization of cowpeas.
Professional development needs of international students in home economics
Authors: MUMAW CATHERINE R. , BALAKRISHNAN REVATHI
Published: July 2007

This paper focuses on the professional development needs of a selected group of international students enrolled in home economics programmes in universities in the United States. It presents a rationale for professional communication as a means for maintaining professional competencies. It reports findings from a survey of students in which they reported their interest in and their perception of the availability of professional activities after return to the home country. Implications are then discussed and recommendations are made for supporting professional development and strengthening professional communication, thereby easing professional integration problems of international students.
Life‐time income of men and women — the case in Denmark
Authors: BONKE JENS
Published: July 2007

Life‐time income is estimated here including the money value of household work. A modified opportunity principle is used, which means that non‐employed women's price of time is found by calculating reservation wage rates. The overall results demonstrate that Danish women's ‘loss' of labour income during the child caring period is difficult for them to regain, and just to reach the same level of income as childless Danish women seems impossible; furthermore Danish men get a higher life‐time income than Danish women even when we add the money value of household work.
Money‐off coupons and the consumer: are they worth the effort?
Authors: KOLODINSKY JANE
Published: July 2007

Is the use of coupons a worthwhile practice for consumers? What defines a cost‐effective money‐off coupon user? In this study, the time cost of clipping and organizing grocery coupons is compared to actual savings received. Forty per cent of consumers did not reap savings at least equal to their time cost of coupon clipping. Cost‐ineffective consumers are identified and compared to the cost‐effective group on several demographic and shopping characteristics. Differences are discussed in relation to consumer economics and super‐shopper role models.
Effects of family livelihoods on household resource allocation in highly industrialized society
Authors: CÉCORA J.
Published: July 2007

This contribution attempts to identify effects of the type of livelihood of rural family households on their economic behaviour. Economic behaviour is understood to be reflected in the total spectrum of income and allocation of household resources. A holistic approach must go beyond activity in the labour and consumer markets and include non‐market (‘informal’) activities of household members, taking into account domestic production of goods and services, interaction within social networks, the use of public and commercial infrastructure, etc.

Our study of resource income and allocation as a function of the household's livelihood undertook a comprehensive investigation of both market and non‐market resources of the sample households. Results for full‐ and part‐time farming family households, as well as for employee and self‐employed households in the non‐farm sector were compared. All survey households were comprised of four persons with an ‘intermediate’ level of family income living in disadvantaged rural areas.

Apparent, but yet unquantified differences between these socio‐professional groups, e.g. with regard to time‐inputs into gainful activity, to regularity of income, and to joint accounting of the family and the firm/holding in self‐employed households, had lent support to the hypothesis that there are marked differences in resource income and allocation strategies between these socio‐professional groups.

Survey results revealed, in quantitative terms, large workloads involved with self‐employment, fringe benefits from dependent employment and, on the other hand, side‐benefits from self‐employment, such as the use of business stocks for private consumption. Compensatory effects of the disposition and use of non‐market resources with regard to lower incomes was observed, as well as considerable differences between the socio‐professional subsamples in strategies for and amounts of capital formation and social security. Furthermore, productive roles within the household, and the household's interaction with its social networks and other public and semi‐public entities differed strongly between the socio‐professional groups.

Variance analysis disclosed that the findings on the above described differences in resource income and allocation between the socio‐professional subsamples were statistically highly significant.
Consumer acceptability of foods using low salt levels and salt substitutes
Authors: AINSWORTH PAUL , PIPER BRENDA , KNOTT SAMANTHA
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect first of sodium reduction and second its substitution (using LoSalt) on the acceptability of eating quality of chilli con carne and ratatouille. Hedonic assessment tests were carried out to determine the lowest levels of sodium necessary to produce acceptable dishes. Triangle tests were carried out to investigate whether differences could be observed when table salt was replaced by a salt substitute. Total sodium content of the dishes was determined by flame photometry. In the case of both dishes the sodium concentration of the most preferred samples was found to be similar. However, the chilli con carne was found to be acceptable at all additions of table salt. It was also found to be acceptable without the addition of any salt. Total substitution of added table salt with LoSalt was also successful in both dishes with panel members being unable to differentiate between salt and LoSalt samples. Thus it would appear that successful dishes can be produced by reducing added table salt levels or by substituting LoSalt, without affecting overall acceptability of the products.
A probability model of aggregate meat consumption in the U.S.A.*
Authors: AZZAM SARA M. , AZZAM AZZEDDINE M. , GUEST TINA
Published: July 2007

This study illustrates the use of Markov analysis to investigate the nature of competition among demand‐related products when only aggregate consumption data are available. Applied to meat consumption in the U.S.A. before and after 1976, the year in which per capita beef consumption began to decline, the results indicate that beef has not lost dramatically to chicken. This is contrary to conventional wisdom where consumers are thought to substitute chicken for beef because of the perceived high fat and cholesterol content of beef, and because of the relatively cheaper price of chicken.
The application of a repeated‐measures design to a Malaysian time‐use study
Authors: MASUD JARIAH , ABDEL‐GHANY MOHAMED
Published: July 2007

A repeated‐measures design is suggested for use when analysing time‐use data to correct for errors found in the test of significance due to ‘repeated’ use of subjects. The results indicate that there is no difference in a wife's time spent on the majority of household activities between 2 consecutive diary days.
The children's wear consumer: an investigation of store patronage patterns in the U.S.A.
Authors: NORUM PAMELA S. , WANG HUILAN
Published: July 2007

With a 1991 sales volume of over 820 billion. and recent annual sales increases ranging from 3 to 7%. understanding the patronage patterns of the children's wear consumer is becoming increasingly important to apparel retailers. This study. using responses from 953 midwestern households, analysed differences between shoppers and non‐shoppers of seven different types of retail institution: discount store, mass merchandiser, department store, specially store. factory outlet, catalogue order, and used clothing store. Results from t‐tests and logistic regression indicated that appearance. performance and functional factors. as well as marital status, education and income are important determinants of store choice. The results suggest the importance of recognizing the benefits sought by consumers when devising marketing strategies targeted towards the children's wear consumer.
The contribution of home economics teaching to nutrition knowledge and food choice among adolescents
Authors: SEAMAN CLAIRE E.A. , YOUNG DIANE
Published: July 2007

The diets of two groups of adolescent schoolchildren living in Lothian were assessed. Children who studied Home Economics at Standard Grade were compared with those who did not. A short questionnaire and a dietary diary were used to establish nutrition knowledge and food choice over a period of 7 days, allowing comparisons to be drawn between students who study Home Economics and those who do not. Nutrition knowledge was better among those studying Home Economics. Eating patterns among those studying Home Economics followed more closely the recommended percentages of dietary energy derived from protein, fat and carbohydrate, but there was also considerable evidence that those studying Home Economics tended to eat less generally and to have lower intakes of micronutrients, such as calcium, iron and folic acid. Possible reasons for the differences in nutrition knowledge and eating habits are discussed, with some indicators for future work in this area.
Analysis of away‐from‐home and at‐home calcium intake in the United States
Authors: NAYGA RODOLFO M.
Published: July 2007

Americans consume calcium considerably below the recommended daily allowance. This paper examines the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on individual intake of calcium from the away‐from‐home and at‐home markets. Results generally imply that older, hispanic, and black females, from larger and lower income households, who are food stamp recipients, and from the West, have lower average daily calcium intake away from home than others. On the other hand; older, taller, employed, hispanic, non‐white females from smaller and higher income households in the South have lower average daily calcium intake at home than others.
A comparison of the cooking performance of different appliances when following food manufacturers' instructions
Authors: HORTON MARY , AINSWORTH PAUL
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this research was to measure the temperature achieved in, and the microbiological count of, chicken burgers cooked following the preparation instructions given by the manufacturers. The work investigates the cooking of chicken burgers, manufactured by four different companies, cooked at different positions under a grill. Three appliances were used. Each showed uneven distribution of heat and a hot position and cool position was established for each grill. Differences in the temperature of the burgers cooked at different positions on the grills were also found. The burgers at the cool position attained a much lower cooking temperature and had a higher number of microorganisms surviving the cooking. The grill that produced the highest temperatures in the burgers had the lowest number of organisms surviving in the burgers. Only 24 out of the 72 burgers cooked to the manufacturers' instructions attained temperatures above 70°C. Some of the burgers appeared to be cooked when visibly assessed, but the core temperatures were low and had high microbial counts. The results obtained indicate that not all the cooking instructions were satisfactory and not all the appliances performed satisfactorily.
Board games in health education within primary schools
Authors: SEAMAN CLAIRE E.A. , McGURK CAROL
Published: July 2007

The effectiveness of a novel teaching method for health education within primary schools was established using pre‐test and post‐test assessments to measure the amount of information taken in by children in health education lessons. The assessment of effectiveness of health education teaching was carried out via a new and innovative approach to health education advice involving the use of an educational board game and posterdesigning techniques. Results suggest that the introduction of games and activities, such as poster designing, can be beneficial in terms of knowledge absorption and retention. The increase in knowledge between pre‐ and post‐test assessments was statistically significant (P < 0·05 or greater)where new methods were used to present information on the importance of exercise, sleep, oral hygiene, road safety and on certain physical and emotional aspects of growing up. Nutrition information was less well absorbed and the possible reasons for these results are discussed with areas in which future research would help to ensure maximum benefit for minimum teaching resources.
Family cheque accounts and banking deregulation in the US
Authors: XIAO JING JIAN , MALROUTU Y. LAKSHMI , OLSON GERALDINE I.
Published: July 2007

Data from the Surveys of Consumer Finances in 1983 and 1989 indicated that proportions of households owning all types of cheque accounts and regular cheque accounts increased, while the proportion owning money market‐type cheque accounts decreased. In addition, the average balances of primary cheque accounts went up over the 6‐year period. Results from descriptive and multivariate analyses suggest that compared with other households, low‐income households were worse off over the period in terms of owning various cheque accounts and balances of primary cheque accounts. Factors associated with the ownership of various cheque accounts and balances of primary cheque accounts are discussed. Findings have implications for public policies as the period of 1983–89 saw significant deregulation of US depository institutions.
Communicating food quality to consumers
Authors: SCHRÖDER M.J.A. , HORSBURGH K.
Published: July 2007

This study examines the role of cues on food packaging in consumers' prediction of product quality. Ten empty pork sausage packs (ingredients panel removed) and 10 corresponding ingredients lists were ranked in order of expected eating quality of the sausages. Five pork sausages were evaluated and rated for liking. Subjects, who up to this point had been unaware that packs, ingredients lists and the sausages themselves were related, then discussed their responses. Frozen sausages were expected to be of poorer quality than fresh ones. Packaging had a major effect on subjects' expectations of product quality. Brand name was the strongest factor in determining expectations of the quality of a product. Subjects were sensitive to issues related to food safety, such as likely pack integrity, presence of beef in pork sausage and presence of additives. Graphics and colour schemes also played an important role: perceived careless design of packaging suggested a similarly carelessly designed product. Health claims and quality marks and claims influenced expectations and were generally taken on trust. Study of the ingredients panels raised suspicions about quality where ingredients lists were ‘too long' and where there were items that subjects either did not know or did not think appropriate. The product for which the highest level of sensory enjoyment had been predicted, and which had a considerably higher meat content than any of the other sausages, did not fulfil subjects' expectations of eating quality. It failed on appearance, flavour and texture.
Nutrition knowledge and lunchtime eating habits of secondary school children in Lothian
Authors: SEAMAN CLAIRE E.A. , BOWER JOHN , FLEMING MARK
Published: July 2007

A total of 103 secondary school children attending five schools managed by Lothian Regional Council were surveyed to establish nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about healthy eating and their patterns of food consumption at lunchtime on schooldays. The results indicate that nutrition knowledge was surprisingly good and the children surveyed were proficient at identifying foods that were high in fibre and low in sugar, salt and fat. When questioned about their liking for foods, however, many identified foods that were characteristically high in fat, sugar and salt, and low in fibre. Examination of the dietary diaries kept at lunchtime confirmed that consumption of these types of foods was typically high, with very low consumption of fruit and vegetables being reported and high intakes of carbonated drinks, confectionery and chocolate. This conflict between nutrition knowledge and food choice patterns is discussed in the light of the probable future effects on health and the implications for health educators.
Critical thinking in consumer studies: part 2 of a content analysis of Canadian university consumer studies courses
Authors: McGregor Sue L. T. , MacDonald Susan
Published: July 2007

Abstract This paper concludes a two‐part study on a content analysis of Canadian university consumer studies courses offered in human ecology, home economics or related programmes. Phase 1 of the study profiles the programmes, professors, students and the results of a content analysis of these courses. This companion research examines the inferred level of learning associated with consumer concepts in the course outlines. Instructors were choosing verbs associated with knowledge and comprehension rather than application, analysis, synthesis or evaluation. Implications regarding the appropriateness of these courses to prepare graduates for consumer‐related careers are discussed. Lessons to be learned from the Canadian experience are tendered, especially the need for critical theory, a systems of actions perspective and an ethical, value‐based approach in consumer studies courses.
Food costs for the current and recommended diet of German infants, children and adolescents
Authors: Kersting Mathilde , Hellert Wolfgang Sichert , Kaiser Barbara , Manz Friedrich , Schöch Gerhard
Published: July 2007

Abstract Higher food costs of a recommended diet may be a barrier to the improvement of unhealthy dietary habits. For the assessment of food costs for children, age‐specific dietary intakes as well as average food prices must be known. This study is based on the measured food intake from a total of 1668 3‐day weighed diet records of children aged from 5 months to 18 years and on recommended dietary intakes for these age groups. Based on the food costs related to the energy intake (Deutschmarks per megajoule; DM per MJ), the recommended diet using common food products does not incur higher costs than the current diet in all age groups. For infants, a diet using commercial infant food conforming to the restrictive German pesticide regulations incurs 50–150% higher food costs than the use of home‐made meals. For children and adolescents, the nutritionally inferior quality of the current diet can be improved by a price‐balanced interchange of foods, mainly by favouring plant foods instead of meat and confectionery.
Fashion opinion leadership among working and non‐working women
Authors: MacGillivray Maureen , Koch Kathryn , Domina Tanya
Published: July 2007

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine fashion opinion leadership among working and non‐working women. Data were collected by mail survey from 630 working and non‐working women in the USA. Employment orientation (i.e. viewing work as either a job or a career) and satisfaction with career apparel were investigated among working women to determine whether there are differences in these dimensions between fashion leaders and fashion followers. Results contradict earlier studies by indicating that fashion opinion leadership among working and non‐working women is independent of education and income. Fashion opinion leadership among working women is independent of occupational level. Whether one works in a managerial position or a service position, or one considers work to be a job or a career, has no significant effect on fashion opinion leadership. Fashion opinion leaders among working women demonstrated greater satisfaction with career apparel and were younger than their fashion follower counterparts. Fashion leadership, regardless of work status, was found to be a strong determinant of apparel satisfaction for all women. The results suggest that the effect of being a fashion opinion leader may be greater when considering apparel that is more salient to the wearer.
Introductory nutrition students' attitudes towards obesity: ethnic and gender differences
Authors: Harris Mary B. , Sandoval Wendy M. , Cortese Sherise
Published: July 2007

Abstract The objectives of this study were to discover whether a multicultural sample of college students enrolled in an introductory nutrition class held negative attitudes towards personal obesity and obesity in others, whether these attitudes differed between men and women and whether personal obesity and attitudes towards obesity were related to ethnicity. Introductory nutrition students (n=390) from five ethnic groups completed an anonymous questionnaire containing various measures of opinions relevant to obesity. Attitudes towards obesity in others and oneself were somewhat negative. Women had higher restraint scales than men, were more dissatisfied with their weight and preferred a thinner figure than the one they considered healthiest. Similar gender differences were found for all ethnic groups. The results imply that education about the stereotyping of obesity should be included in nutrition education courses.
Late start of antenatal care among ethnic minorities in a large cohort of pregnant women
Authors: Alderliesten ME , Vrijkotte TGM , Van Der Wal MF , Bonsel GJ
Published: July 2007

Objectives  The objectives of this study were to investigate the difference in timing of the first antenatal visit between ethnic groups and to explore the contribution of several noneconomic risk factors.

Design  Prospective cohort study.

Setting  All independent midwifery practices in the city of Amsterdam and all six Amsterdam hospitals.

Population  Consecutive cohort of pregnant women (n = 12 381). Ethnic groups were distinguished by country of birth.

Methods  Questionnaire data showed possible risk factors for late start. A Cox‐proportional hazards model was created with (1) only ethnic group and (2) the addition of all significant risk factors, both time fixed and time dependent.

Main outcome measures  Gestational age at first visit.

Results  The questionnaire was returned by 8267 pregnant women (response rate 67%). All non‐Dutch ethnic groups were significantly later in starting antenatal care during the whole duration of pregnancy compared with the ethnic Dutch group (hazard ratio [95% CI]: other Western, 0.83 [0.76–0.90]; Surinamese, 0.62 [0.56–0.68]; Antillean, 0.56 [0.45–0.70]; Turkish, 0.62 [0.55–0.69]; Moroccan, 0.56 [0.52–0.62]; Ghanaians, 0.50 [0.43–0.58] and other non‐Western, 0.61 [0.56–0.67]). The range at which 90% were in care varied between 16 weeks and 3 days for Dutch and 24 weeks and 4 days for Ghanaians. These differences disappeared almost totally in the non‐Dutch‐speaking ethnic groups when the following risk factors were added to the model: poor language proficiency, low maternal education, teenage pregnancy, multiparity and unplanned pregnancy. The differences remained in the Dutch‐speaking ethnic groups.

Conclusions  We observed a disturbing delay by all ethnic groups in the timing of their first antenatal visit. In women born in non‐Dutch‐speaking, non‐Western countries, these differences were explained by a higher prevalence of the risk factors: poor language proficiency in Dutch, lower maternal education and more teenage pregnancies. In women born in Dutch‐speaking, non‐Western countries, the disparities cannot be explained by higher prevalence of these risk factors, indicating that cultural factors play a role.
Seedling Establishment and Survival on Restored Campsites in Subalpine Forest
Authors: Cole David N.
Published: July 2007

This study experimented with common restoration techniques (scarification, soil amendments, mulch, and seeding) on six closed wilderness campsites in subalpine forests in Oregon. Effectiveness in encouraging seedling establishment, growth, and survival was assessed every year for the first 7 years following treatment. Closure and restoration of the campsites increased the density of plants established from seed. Despite an original density of virtually zero, mean density of perennial plants was 55 plants/m2 7 years after closure. All the treatments, with the exception of the biodegradable mulch mat, increased plant density. Seven years after treatment, seeding had increased plant density 5‐fold, whereas scarification and soil amendments (organic matter, compost, and soil inoculum) had each increased density 3‐fold. The organic and compost amendments also had the positive benefit of increasing growth rates and shortening the time‐to‐reproductive maturity. Results suggest that restoration of the herbaceous cover on these campsites can occur rapidly using the techniques employed. All but one of the species we seeded established in substantial quantities and survived at densities exceeding their density in the naturally sparse herbaceous cover on these sites. Thirty‐six perennial species volunteered on these sites. The remaining challenge is reestablishment of the shrub species that comprise much of the ground cover in these forests. These species seldom establish from seed.
River and Riparian Restoration in the Southwest: Results of the National River Restoration Science Synthesis Project
Authors: Follstad Shah Jennifer J. , Dahm Clifford N. , Gloss Steven P. , Bernhardt Emily S.
Published: July 2007

Restoration activity has exponentially increased across the Southwest since 1990. Over 37,000 records were compiled into the National River Restoration Science Synthesis (NRRSS) database to summarize restoration trends and assess project effectiveness. We analyzed data from 576 restoration projects in the Southwest (NRRSS‐SW). More than 50% of projects were less than or equal to 3 km in length. The most common restoration project intent categories were riparian management, water quality management, in‐stream habitat improvement, and flow modification. Common project activities were well matched to goals. Conservative estimates of total restoration costs exceeded $500 million. Most restoration dollars have been allocated to flow modification and water quality management. Monitoring was linked to 28% of projects across the Southwest, as opposed to just 10% nationwide. Mean costs were statistically similar whether or not projects were monitored. Results from 48 telephone interviews provided validation of NRRSS‐SW database analyses but showed that project costs are often underreported within existing datasets. The majority of interviewees considered their projects to be successful, most often based upon observed improvements to biota or positive public reaction rather than evaluation of field data. The efficacy of restoration is difficult to ascertain given the dearth of information contained within most datasets. There is a great need for regional entities that not only track information on project implementation but also maintain and analyze monitoring data associated with restoration. Agencies that fund or regulate restoration should reward projects that emphasize monitoring and evaluation as much as project implementation.
River Restoration in Victoria, Australia: Change is in the Wind, and None too Soon
Authors: Brooks Shane S. , Lake P. Sam
Published: July 2007

Stream restoration has become a multibillion dollar industry worldwide, yet there are few clear success stories and the scientific basis for effective stream restoration remains uncertain. We compiled data on completed river restoration projects from four management authorities in Victoria, Australia, to examine how the available data could inform the science of restoration ecology in rivers, and thus improve future restoration efforts. We found that existing data sources are limited and much historical information has been lost through industry restructuring and poor data archiving. Examining records for 2,247 restoration projects, we found that riparian management projects were the most common, followed by bank stabilization and in‐stream habitat improvement. Only 14% of the project records indicated that some form of monitoring was carried out. It is evident that overall there is little scientific guidance and little or no monitoring and evaluation of the projects for which we had information. However, recent advances with mandatory, statewide reporting and an increased emphasis on project design and monitoring strongly suggest that the design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of stream restoration projects have improved in recent years and will continue to do so.
The Trait of Curiosity as a Predictor of Emotional Intelligence1
Authors: Leonard Nancy H. , Harvey Michael
Published: July 2007

This study examined the relationship between curiosity and emotional intelligence (EI) in a sample of graduate and undergraduate students in business administration courses (N = 312). To determine the nature of this relationship, curiosity was assessed using the Melbourne Curiosity Index (MCI; Naylor, 1981) and the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory (CEI; Kashdan, Rose, & Fincham, 2004). Emotional intelligence was measured using the Trait Meta‐Mood Scale (TMMS; Salovey, Mayer, Goldman, Turvey, & Palfai, 1995). The results indicate that there is a significant relationship between trait curiosity and emotional intelligence.

Curiosity [has been] conceptualized as a positive emotional‐motivation system associated with the recognition, pursuit, and self‐regulation of novelty and challenge. (Kashdan, Rose, & Fincham, 2004, p. 291)
Methods to Determine the Minimum Important Difference for a Sexual Event Diary Used by Postmenopausal Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Authors: Symonds Tara , Spino Cathie , Sisson Melanie , Soni Paresh , Martin Mona , Gunter Lacey , Patrick Donald L.
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Recently, there has been much discussion in the literature about how to determine the meaningfulness of results generated from a patient-reported outcome measure. A number of reviews have shown that there are two main approaches: anchor- and distribution-based approaches for determining the minimum important difference (MID) for a new measure. There are issues with calculating an MID using each method: Will the two approaches give the same estimate? If the estimates differ, how do you decide on one estimate? Would asking patients directly be more beneficial?

Aim

A case study was presented to address these issues based on a newly developed diary assessing number of satisfactory sexual events (SSEs) per week in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

Methods

Anchor- and distribution-based estimates were generated from data gathered in two double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trials for the treatment of HSDD (N = 788). A novel interview study was used to ask women directly about an MID for SSEs (N = 77).

Main Outcome Measures

Defining the MID for an SSE diary in women with HSDD.

Results

The estimates varied, producing a range of mean MID estimates between 0.04 and 0.46 SSEs per week.

Conclusions

We recommend that rather than defining the MID, a range should be selected from the set of estimates formed by the limits of the 95% confidence intervals.
FATHER INVOLVEMENT AND LONG‐TERM YOUNG ADULT OUTCOMES: THE DIFFERENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF DIVORCE AND GENDER
Authors: Finley Gordon E. , Schwartz Seth J.
Published: July 2007

The present study investigated the relationship between retrospectively reported father involvement and current reports of psychosocial outcomes in an ethnically diverse sample of 1,989 young adults. Outcomes included subjective well‐being, which has been traditionally used as an outcome of divorce, and desires for more or less father involvement, which have only recently been conceptualized as an outcome of divorce. The present results indicate that reported father involvement was related to subjective well‐being primarily in children from intact families, whereas it was related to desired father involvement primarily in children from divorced families. Among participants from divorced families, young women were more likely than young men to desire more expressive father involvement than they received. Implications for family court practices are discussed.
IN VITRO SURVIVAL AT LOW pH AND ACID ADAPTATION RESPONSE OF CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI AND CAMPYLOBACTER COLI
Authors: SHAHEEN BASHAR W. , MILLER MICHAEL E. , OYARZABAL OMAR A.
Published: July 2007

The survival of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli at pH 7.0, 6.0, 5.0 and 4.0 for up to 24 h, and the induction of an acid adaptation response in 12 C. jejuni and 10 C. coli strains in early exponential or late stationary phases in tryptic soy broth (TSB) and Brucella broth were investigated. C. coli strains were more sensitive than C. jejuni in media adjusted to pH 5.0 or 4.0 with hydrochloric acid. Five log10 cfu/mL of C. coli were inhibited at 12 h in pH 5.0, but only 2.5 log10 cfu/mL of C. jejuni cells were inhibited under the same conditions. No viable cells were detected at 4 h in pH 4.0 from an inoculum of 6 log10 cfu/mL of C. coli. Late stationary phase cells of C. jejuni exposed to pH 5.0 for 4 h in TSB exhibited a significant (P ≤ 0.05) acid tolerance response when compared to nonexposed cells. Late stationary phase cells of C. coli exposed to pH 5.0 for 3 h in TSB and late stationary and early exponential phase cells exposed to pH 5.0 for 3 h in Brucella broth showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) acid tolerance response when compared to nonexposed cells. The acid tolerance responses observed for C. jejuni and C. coli conferred adapted cells no more than 1 log10 cfu/mL survival advantage over nonadapted cells. Brucella broth appeared to be more protective than TSB for the survival of C. jejuni and C. coli at pH 4.0.
A Method for Managing River Abstractions and Protecting the Environment
Authors: DRAKE P. J. , SHERRIFF J. D. F.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

An Improved method has been developed to assess and control the quantity of water available to river abstractors. The methodology quantifies the sensitivity of the river environment to abstraction by a weighting system, and uses this to establish, on a subcatchment basis, maximum permissible volumes of abstraction and minimum permissible river flows. Guidelines developed from the methodology have been used as the basis for determining applications for abstraction licences in North Yorkshire, before being extended to cover the rest of the Yorkshire Water area.
The Reservoir Safety Programme in Northern Ireland
Authors: COOPER G. A.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

Following Publication of early proposals for the Reservoirs Act 1975, a systematic programme of reservoir investigation and repair work was carried out by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, Water Service.

The paper describes the full procedure followed for data collection, inspections, risk classification and stability and hydraulic investigations of 60 ‘large raised reservoirs’ impounded by dams up to 42 m high and up to 148 years old. Also described are examples of some unusual repair works carried out, and the implementation of a recording, monitoring, and inspection system which now continually oversees all of the reservoirs involved.
Environmental Health and the Water Distribution System: A Case History of an Outbreak of Giardiasis
Authors: BROWNING J. R. , IVES D. G.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

In July/August 1985 a significant outbreak of giardiasis occurred in part of south Bristol. An epidemiological inquiry carried out strongly suggested that the outbreak was water‐borne. Although no positive evidence was found to link the outbreak with mains water. the Company immediately accepted its feasibility m d co‐operated fully with the Hcalth Authorities in the ensuing investigation.

The piper ilescrihes the investigation to ascertain whether the supply system was involved, and considers some of the broader implications of the situation.
Mersey Valley Sludge Pipeline Terminal ‐ Design and Construction
Authors: BLAIN J. , PARK D. , SHAW A. P.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

This Paper covers the design and construction of the sludge terminal at present being constructed at the site of the old Sandon Dock, in Bootle. From this terminal North West Water will base their future sea disposal operation of sewage works sludges from the Manchester, Warrington, and Liverpool areas.
The Fate of Heavy Metals in Pilot‐Plant Scale Upflow Sludge‐Blanket Clarifiers
Authors: HUNTER M. , STEPHENSON T. , LESTER J. N.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

The Removal of heavy metals and aluminium residuals during upflow sludge‐blanket clarification was investigated using a pilot‐plant system. Pilot units treating predosed raw water on site were assessed for sludge‐blanket formation and stabilization, and were found to produce clarified water of a comparable quality to the main works units after the start‐up and stabilization periods were complete. The heavy metals Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni were the only heavy metals detectable at the investigation site and these occurred at concentrations well below guidelines values for potable abstraction and supply.

Mean removals of Fe, Mn, Cr, and Ni were about 98, 89, 51, and 30 per cent respectively, during steady‐state operation, and Fe, Mn, and Cr all displayed reduced removals during transient changes in surface load, whereas Ni removal appeared to be relatively independent. Aluminium residuals derived from the dosed alum coagulant also showed decreases in removal from about 83 per cent during steady‐state operation to between 40 and 50 per cent during transient experiments.
The Water Supplies of Bahrain Island – 21 Years On
Authors: WALTON N. R. G.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

The Paper describes the dramatic changes which have occurred in the provision of public water supplies in Bahrain over the past 21 years since an earlier paper' outlined the original situation in 1965. It shows how the serious and irreversible ramifications of the continuously declining piezometry and increasing salinity of the natural, brackish, artesian groundwaters were tackled by the Government. A massive and imaginative programme was introduced to convert almost the whole island population from groundwater to mainly desalinated water by 1986. The relative success of this expensive programme and its novel use of reverse osmosis for desalinating the deeper saline water to relieve the piezometric pressure invasions of the upper fresh water aquifers is discussed. Finally, the outlook for the future stability and management of the island's total water resources is mentioned.
Mathematical Model Study of Plug Flow in a Chlorine Contact Tank
Authors: FALCONER R. A. , LIU S. Q.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

The paper describes the refinement and application of a mathematical model to investigate the hydraulic design features of a chlorine contact tank. The mathematical model study is an extension of a previous theoretical and laboratory model study, where the main objectives were to modify the flow through features of an existing chlorine contact tank, in order to reduce the effect of short circuiting and the existence of dead space zones. Flow through curves for a plug source input were obtained from the two‐dimensional depth averaged mathematical model simulations, with the predicted outflow tracer time variations being compared with the corresponding laboratory model results and field data.

These comparisons were undertaken for several contact tank configurations, with encouraging agreement being obtained between the predicted and measured results for the original tank configuration. However, the agreement between both sets of results for the final tank configuration was not as good, due to the inability of the mathematical model to reproduce adequately complex three‐dimensional flow features.
Computer‐aided Load Smoothing with Energy Management (CALSEM) for Activated‐sludge Sewage Treatment Plants
Authors: NAGHDY G. , HELLIWELL P.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

Research over a ten‐year period leading up to a set of ten experiments lasting two years on a large two‐stream pilot sewage‐treatment plant has demonstrated process improvements and potential for considerable energy‐saving.

A reliable, low‐cost, user‐friendly computer system is used to control the outflow from balancing storage, using available sensors. The automation system can also control de‐sludging and activatedsludge surplusing as well as monitoring and storing data on plant performance. A strategy for forecasting flow and load is effective in minimizing balancing volume.

The system shows clear process improvements in reducing the risk of bulking sludge, in nitrification, and in reducing air requirement.

Control of storage within the sewerage system, using forecasting, may provide some or all of the storage required. Existing tankage will, in many cases, provide the remainder of storage needed.
Colour Removal in a Reservoir and the Dredging and Dewatering of the Deposited Waterworks Sludge
Authors: KENT A. , WILSON D. , PICKLES D. M.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

The Albert Reservoir of the Yorkshire Water Authority was built in the 1850s as the final raw water storage in the chain of impounding and storage reservoirs which feed Halifax, Brighouse, and Elland in West Yorkshire (Fig. 1).

This paper describes the problems encountered with increasing raw water colour since the mid1970s, the action taken to pretreat the water at the Albert reservoir prior to pressure filtration at the Thrum Hall Water Treatment Works (WTW), and the resulting problems with the deposited alum sludge in Albert reservoir.
Water and Environmental Management in the Third World
Authors: BANKS P. A.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

European efforts in water and environmental management are primarily concerned with the refinement and re‐moulding of well‐established institutional structures. In the Third World such structures either exist in a state of insecure infancy or have to be created. This paper contends that whilst consulting engineers have contributed significantly to technical developments in the Third World, their influence upon related management structures has been largely stifled. The reasons for this are drawn into focus by an examination of practice in other countries and suggestions are made for new approaches. The influence of International Funding Agencies is highlighted and questioned.