bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
JointSNVMix: a probabilistic model for accurate detection of somatic mutations in normal/tumour paired next-generation sequencing data
Authors: Roth Andrew , Ding Jiarui , Morin Ryan , Crisan Anamaria , Ha Gavin , Giuliany Ryan , Bashashati Ali , Hirst Martin , Turashvili Gulisa , Oloumi Arusha , Marra Marco A. , Aparicio Samuel , Shah Sohrab P.
Published: January 2012

Motivation: Identification of somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in tumour genomes is a necessary step in defining the mutational landscapes of cancers. Experimental designs for genome-wide ascertainment of somatic mutations now routinely include next-generation sequencing (NGS) of tumour DNA and matched constitutional DNA from the same individual. This allows investigators to control for germline polymorphisms and distinguish somatic mutations that are unique to the tumour, thus reducing the burden of labour-intensive and expensive downstream experiments needed to verify initial predictions. In order to make full use of such paired datasets, computational tools for simultaneous analysis of tumour–normal paired sequence data are required, but are currently under-developed and under-represented in the bioinformatics literature.

Results: In this contribution, we introduce two novel probabilistic graphical models called JointSNVMix1 and JointSNVMix2 for jointly analysing paired tumour–normal digital allelic count data from NGS experiments. In contrast to independent analysis of the tumour and normal data, our method allows statistical strength to be borrowed across the samples and therefore amplifies the statistical power to identify and distinguish both germline and somatic events in a unified probabilistic framework.

Availability: The JointSNVMix models and four other models discussed in the article are part of the JointSNVMix software package available for download at http://compbio.bccrc.ca

Contact:  sshah@bccrc.ca

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The City of London as an International Commercial and Financial Center since 1900
Authors: Mollan Simon , Michie Ranald
Published: January 2012

The relative importance of financial services in national economies varied over the course of the twentieth century. Rajan and Zingales note that “by most measures, countries were more financially developed in 1913 than in 1980 and only recently have they surpassed their 1913 levels” and that “indicators of financial development fell in all countries after 1929, reaching their nadir around 1980. Since then has been a revival of financial markets.” This revival of financial markets over the last thirty years has led to the study of “financialization” that is variously defined with differing uses, but here is understood as “the growing importance of financial markets as a source of profits in the economy.”
A randomized study of haemodynamic effects and left ventricular dyssynchrony in right ventricular apical vs. high posterior septal pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Kristiansen H.M. , Vollan G. , Hovstad T. , Keilegavlen H. , Faerestrand S.
Published: January 2012

Aims

The effect on left ventricular (LV) systolic function and LV dyssynchrony by alternative right ventricular (RV) lead position in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is unclear. In the present study, RV apical (RV‐A) was compared with RV high posterior septal (RV‐HS) lead position in CRT.

Methods and results

In 85 consecutive CRT patients (mean age 66 ±11 years) the RV lead placement was randomized to RV‐A (n = 43) or RV‐HS (n = 42). The LV lead was targeted to the latest activated LV segment (concordant LV lead), identified by two‐dimensional speckle tracking radial strain (ST‐RS) echocardiography. Concordant LV leads were obtained in 72%, similar in RV‐A and RV‐HS (79% vs. 64%; P = 0.13). Six months after CRT, no difference was found in LV reverse remodelling (reduction of LV end‐systolic volume ≥15%) according to RV‐A and RV‐HS leads [26 (65%) vs. 25 (64%); P = 0.93]. Superior LV reverse remodelling was observed in concordant LV leads compared with discordant LV leads [41 (73%) vs. 10 (43%); P = 0.01]. At 6‐month follow‐up, LV reverse dyssynchrony (reduction of anteroseptal to posterior delay ≥50%) using ST‐RS imaging was similar in RV‐A and RV‐HS [25 (63%) vs. 24 (62%); P = 0.93]. More LV reverse dyssynchrony was found in concordant LV leads vs. discordant LV leads [39 (70%) vs. 10 (43%); P = 0.03]. A concordant LV lead was an independent predictor of LV reverse remodelling (odds ratio, 3.65; P = 0.01) and LV reverse dyssynchrony (odds ratio, 4.22; P = 0.02) 6 months after CRT.

Conclusion

RV‐A and RV‐HS in CRT demonstrated similar LV reverse remodelling and LV reverse dyssynchrony at 6‐month follow‐up. Concordant LV leads provided superior LV reverse remodelling and LV reverse dyssynchrony.

Trial registration: NCT01035489
Bone mass loss in chronic heart failure is associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and has prognostic significance
Authors: Terrovitis John , Zotos Panagiotis , Kaldara Elissavet , Diakos Nikolaos , Tseliou Eleni , Vakrou Stella , Kapelios Chris , Chalazonitis Athanasios , Nanas Serafeim , Toumanidis Savas , Kontoyannis Dimitrios , Karga Eleni , Nanas John
Published: January 2012

Aims

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis. We investigated the relationship between severity of CHF and bone loss, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and the prognostic significance of bone mass changes in heart failure.

Methods and results

Total body (TB) and femoral (F) bone mineral density (BMD), and T‐ and Z‐scores in the femur were measured in 60 men with CHF (56 ± 11 years) and 13 age‐matched men free from CHF. The composite study endpoint was death, implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), or inotrope dependency during a median 2‐year follow‐up. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D were measured in all subjects. TBBMD, FBMD, T‐score, and Z‐score were significantly lower in men with CHF. Their PTH levels were also significantly increased (111 ± 59 vs. 39 ± 14; P < 0.001). Patients in New York Heart Association classes III–IV compared with those in classes I–II demonstrated significantly lower TBBMD, FBMD, T‐score, and Z‐score, and higher PTH (136 ± 69 vs. 86 ± 31; P= 0.001). Increased PTH levels were correlated with reduced TBBMD (P = 0.003), FBMD (P = 0.002), and femur T‐score (P = 0.001), reduced cardiac index (P = 0.01) and VO2 peak (P < 0.0001), and increased wedge pressure (P = 0.001). Low TBBMD [hazard ratio (HR) 0.003, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00–0.58; P = 0.03] and Z‐score (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35–0.90; P = 0.017) were associated with adverse outcome.

Conclusions

Secondary hyperparathyroidism and reduction in bone density occur in CHF patients and are associated with disease severity. Increased bone mass loss in CHF has prognostic significance.
The influence of the freshwater environment and the biological characteristics of Atlantic salmon smolts on their subsequent marine survival
Authors: Russell Ian C. , Aprahamian Miran W. , Barry Jon , Davidson Ian C. , Fiske Peder , Ibbotson Anton T. , Kennedy Richard J. , Maclean Julian C. , Moore Andrew , Otero Jaime , Potter Ted (E. C. E.) , Todd Christopher D.
Published: January 2012

Russell, I. C., Aprahamian, M. W., Barry, J., Davidson, I. C., Fiske, P., Ibbotson, A. T., Kennedy, R. J., Maclean, J. C., Moore, A., Otero, J., Potter, E. C. E., and Todd, C. D. 2012. The influence of the freshwater environment and the biological characteristics of Atlantic salmon smolts on their subsequent marine survival. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1563–1573. Atlantic salmon have declined markedly in the past 20–30 years throughout their range. Much of the focus for this decline has been on increased mortality during the marine phase of the life cycle. However, marine mortality does not operate independently of factors acting in freshwater and the biological characteristics of smolts migrating to sea. Over recent decades, juvenile salmon in many rivers have grown faster and migrated to sea at a younger age, so have been typically smaller than earlier. This has shortened the generation time for many individuals and may dampen the impact of increased marine mortality, assuming that expected higher in-river survival prior to smolting is not outweighed by increased mortality of smaller smolts at sea. Over the same period, smolt run-timing across the geographic range has been earlier, at an average rate of almost 3 d per decade. This has given rise to growing concerns about smolts potentially missing the optimum environmental migration “window”, the timing of which may also be changing. Contaminants and other factors operating in freshwater also impact smolt quality with adverse consequences for their physiological readiness for life at sea. Given that managers have very limited ability to influence the broad scale factors limiting salmon survival at sea, it is vital that freshwater habitats are managed to both maximize the smolt output and to minimize the impact of factors acting in freshwater that may compromise salmon once they migrate to sea.
Vibrio alfacsensis sp. nov., isolated from marine organisms
Authors: Gomez-Gil Bruno , Roque Ana , Chimetto Luciane , Moreira Ana Paula B. , Lang Elke , Thompson Fabiano L.
Published: January 2012

Five strains (CAIM 1831T, CAIM 1832, CAIM 1833, CAIM 1834 and CAIM 1836) were isolated from cultured sole (Solea senegalensis) in two regions of Spain, two strains (CAIM 404 and CAIM 1294) from wild-caught spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) in Mexico, and one strain (CAIM 1835) from corals in Brazil. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the novel isolates showed similarity to

Vibrio ponticus

(98.2–98.3 %, GenBank accession no. AJ630103) and to a lesser degree to

Vibrio furnissii

(97.2–97.3 %, X76336) and to

Vibrio fluvialis

(96.9–97.1 %, X74703). Multilocus sequence analysis clustered these strains closely together and clearly separated them from phylogenetically related species of the genus

Vibrio

. Genomic fingerprinting by rep-PCR clustered the novel strains according to their geographical origin. Phenotypic analyses showed a large variation among the new strains, but many tests enabled them to be differentiated from other species of the genus

Vibrio

. The mean ΔT
m values between the strains analysed here and closely related type strains were above 6.79 °C. The values between the novel isolates were below 2.35 °C, well outside the limit suggested for the delineation of a bacterial species. The phenotypic and genotypic data presented here clearly place these new strains as a coherent group within the genus

Vibrio

, for which we propose the name Vibrio alfacsensis sp. nov. with CAIM 1831T ( = DSM 24595T = S277T) as the type strain.
Paracoccus rhizosphaerae sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of the plant Crossostephium chinense (L.) Makino (Seremban)
Authors: Kämpfer P. , Lai Wei-An , Arun A. B. , Young Chiu-Chung , Rekha P. D. , Martin K. , Busse H.-J. , Chen Wen-Ming
Published: January 2012

A Gram-negative, coccoid-shaped bacterium, strain CC-CCM15-8T, was isolated from a rhizosphere soil sample of the plant Crossostephium chinense (L.) Makino (Seremban) from Budai Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis clearly allocated strain CC-CCM15-8T to the

Paracoccus

cluster, showing highest similarities to the type strains of ‘Paracoccus beibuensis’ (98.8 %),

Paracoccus homiensis

(97.6 %),

Paracoccus aestuarii

(97.7 %) and

Paracoccus zeaxanthinifaciens

(97.7 %). The fatty acid profile, comprising C18 : 1ω7c as the major component and C10 : 0 3-OH as the characteristic hydroxylated fatty acid, supported the placement of strain CC-CCM15-8T within the genus

Paracoccus

. The polyamine pattern consisted of putrescine and spermidine as major components. Ubiqinone Q-10 was the major quinone type (95 %); ubiquinone Q-9 was also detected (5 %). The complex polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and unidentified phospholipids, lipids and glycolipids. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain CC-CCM15-8T and ‘P. beibuensis’ LMG 25871T,

P. aestuarii

DSM 19484T,

P. zeaxanthinifaciens

LMG 21993T and

P. homiensis

KACC 11518T were 24.9 % (34.8 %, reciprocal analysis), 15.7 % (17.5 %), 17.7 % (23.4 %) and 16.0 % (25.4 %), respectively. Physiological and biochemical test results allowed the phenotypic differentiation of strain CC-CCM15-8T from its closest relatives in the genus

Paracoccus

. Based on the data presented, it is concluded that strain CC-CCM15-8T represents a novel species of the genus

Paracoccus

, for which the name Paracoccus rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-CCM15-8T ( = LMG 26205T = CCM 7904T).
Reassessment of the status of

Streptomyces setonii

and reclassification of

Streptomyces fimicarius

as a later synonym of

Streptomyces setonii

and

Streptomyces albovinaceus

as a later synonym of

Streptomyces globisporus

based on combined 16S rRNA/gyrB gene sequence analysis
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Ok , Shin Kwang-Soo , Kim Mi Na , Shin Kee-Sun , Labeda David P. , Han Ji-Hye , Kim Seung Bum
Published: January 2012

The 16S rRNA and gyrB genes of 22

Streptomyces

strains belonging to the

Streptomyces griseus

cluster were sequenced, and their taxonomic positions were re-evaluated. For correct analysis, all of the publicly available sequences of the species were collected and compared with those obtained in this study. Species for which no consensus sequence could be identified were excluded from the phylogenetic analysis. The levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity within the cluster ranged from 98.6 to 100 % with a mean value of 99.6±0.3 %, and those of the gyrB gene ranged from 93.6 to 99.9 % with a mean value of 96.3±1.5 %. The observed average nucleotide substitution rate of the gyrB gene was ten times higher than that of the 16S rRNA gene, showing a far higher degree of variation. Strains sharing 99.3 % or more gyrB sequence similarity (corresponding to an evolutionary distance of 0.0073) always formed monophyletic groups in both trees. Through the combined analysis of the two genes, clear cases of synonymy could be identified and, according to the priority rule, the assertion of the status of

Streptomyces setonii

as a distinct species and the reclassification of

Streptomyces fimicarius

as a later synonym of

S. setonii

and

Streptomyces albovinaceus

as a later synonym of

Streptomyces globisporus

are proposed. Emended descriptions of

S. setonii

and

S. globisporus

are provided.
TheArabidopsisTRM1–TON1 Interaction Reveals a Recruitment Network Common to Plant Cortical Microtubule Arrays and Eukaryotic Centrosomes
Authors: Drevensek Stéphanie , Goussot Magali , Duroc Yann , Christodoulidou Anna , Steyaert Sylvie , Schaefer Estelle , Duvernois Evelyne , Grandjean Olivier , Vantard Marylin , Bouchez David , Pastuglia Martine
Published: January 2012

Land plant cells assemble microtubule arrays without a conspicuous microtubule organizing center like a centrosome. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the TONNEAU1 (TON1) proteins, which share similarity with FOP, a human centrosomal protein, are essential for microtubule organization at the cortex. We have identified a novel superfamily of 34 proteins conserved in land plants, the TON1 Recruiting Motif (TRM) proteins, which share six short conserved motifs, including a TON1-interacting motif present in all TRMs. An archetypal member of this family, TRM1, is a microtubule-associated protein that localizes to cortical microtubules and binds microtubules in vitro. Not all TRM proteins can bind microtubules, suggesting a diversity of functions for this family. In addition, we show that TRM1 interacts in vivo with TON1 and is able to target TON1 to cortical microtubules via its C-terminal TON1 interaction motif. Interestingly, three motifs of TRMs are found in CAP350, a human centrosomal protein interacting with FOP, and the C-terminal M2 motif of CAP350 is responsible for FOP recruitment at the centrosome. Moreover, we found that TON1 can interact with the human CAP350 M2 motif in yeast. Taken together, our results suggest conservation of eukaryotic centrosomal components in plant cells.
TheYABBYGeneTONGARI-BOUSHI1Is Involved in Lateral Organ Development and Maintenance of Meristem Organization in the Rice Spikelet
Authors: Tanaka Wakana , Toriba Taiyo , Ohmori Yoshihiro , Yoshida Akiko , Kawai Arata , Mayama-Tsuchida Tomoko , Ichikawa Hiroaki , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Ohme-Takagi Masaru , Hirano Hiro-Yuki
Published: January 2012

The meristem initiates lateral organs in a regular manner, and proper communication between the meristem and the lateral organs ensures the normal development of plants. Here, we show that mutation of the rice (Oryza sativa) gene TONGARI-BOUSHI1 (TOB1) results in pleiotropic phenotypes in spikelets, such as the formation of a cone-shaped organ instead of the lemma or palea, the development of two florets in a spikelet, or premature termination of the floret meristem, in addition to reduced growth of the lemma or palea and elongation of the awn. These phenotypes seem to result from not only failure in growth of the lateral organs, but also defects in maintenance and organization of the meristem. For example, the cone-shaped organ develops as a ring-like primordium from an initial stage, suggesting that regulation of organ initiation in the meristem may be compromised. TOB1 encodes a YABBY protein, which is closely related to FILAMENTOUS FLOWER in Arabidopsis thaliana, and is expressed in the lateral organ primordia without any patterns of polarization. No TOB1 expression is detected in the meristem, so TOB1 may act non–cell autonomously to maintain proper meristem organization and is therefore likely to play an important role in rice spikelet development.
Culinary tourism in Córdoba (Spain)
Authors: López‐Guzmán Tomás , Sánchez‐Cañizares Sandra
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Gastronomy has become one of the key factors in the development and promotion of tourism, and offers the opportunity for certain locations to become specialised in culinary tourism. This paper aims to analyse the kind of tourist whose reason for travelling to a certain destination is to enjoy the local cuisine. In this case, the destination is Córdoba (Spain).

Design/methodology/approach

A list of restaurants and eating establishments offering dishes typical of Córdoba was compiled. A questionnaire was designed with the aim of analysing and defining tourists' opinions of Córdoba's cuisine. This questionnaire was filled out by a random sample of tourists in one of ten different restaurants. Of these ten establishments, four were classified as restaurants, three as tabernas, and three as a mixture of both restaurant and taberna. In each restaurant, the questionnaire was distributed randomly among Spanish and foreign tourists in the city on a daily basis. A total of 213 questionnaires was obtained. The fieldwork was carried out in October and November 2009. The tabling and analysis of the data obtained was carried out through the development of an appropriate database. The results were obtained using uni‐variant and bi‐variant analysis techniques (contingency tables, chi‐square contrasts and correlations).

Findings

The results of the study reflect the high level of education of the tourists surveyed, the length of their stay, the high percentage of foreign tourists, and the high level of satisfaction with both the local cuisine and with other tourist attractions Córdoba has to offer.

Practical implications

The results imply that there is scope for developing food tourism products which would attract such tourists and could be used to promote Córdoba as a centre for culinary tourism.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first studies on culinary tourism to be carried out in an important destination for cultural tourism in Europe, namely the city of Córdoba. This paper also tries to create a profile of the “food tourist”, a tourist whose primary motivation for visiting a given location is to explore the local cuisine.
Perceived risks and benefits of nanotechnology applied to the food and packaging sector in México
Authors: López‐Vázquez Esperanza , Brunner Thomas A. , Siegrist Michael
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Nanotechnology has great potential in the food industry. The goal of this study is to identify food applications that are more likely and food applications that are less likely to be accepted by the public.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in México and was a replica of a study conducted in Switzerland. Another goal is to compare the acceptance ratings of citizens from a highly developed European country to the ratings of citizens from a less developed country. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted in three different places in México, which yieldedN=378 datasets.

Findings

Affect and perceived control are important factors influencing risk and benefit perceptions. Applications that can be consumed are perceived as more controllable than applications related to the packaging or external use. The results are similar but not identical to the findings from Switzerland.

Research limitations/implications

A convenience sample was used that was clearly more highly educated than the average population. One should be cautious when generalizing the findings.

Practical implications

It is important to pay attention to public views regarding new technologies in the food business during the product development stage to avoid some of the pitfalls that GM technology had.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze perceptions of nanotechnology applications in a less developed country. Emerging countries often do not have regulations that are as strong as those of developed countries; therefore, analyzing these markets is important, too.
Access to healthy food in Nantes, France
Authors: Shaw Hillary
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate access to grocery retailing in Nantes, France.

Design/methodology/approach

The spatial distribution of all grocery retailers in Nantes was mapped. Socio‐demographic data as supplied by INSEE was mapped for Nantes, and these data used to determine areas of poor access to healthy food, e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables retailing.

Findings

There are six areas of Nantes which appear to have both poor physical access to grocery retailing and a socio‐demographic profile which suggests people living there may have difficulties in travelling to remote shops. These six areas generally do not coincide with the officially‐recognised ZUS deprived areas of Nantes.

Research limitations/implications

Data on obesity and related medical conditions were absent from INSEE, limiting the analysis that could be performed. The data were also liable to errors such as MAUP and ecological fallacy; however, the spatial detail was sufficient for meaningful conclusions to be drawn.

Practical implications

Previous food and dietary research in France has concentrated on economic factors mediating diet. There has been less research on spatial access to food and any correlations with areas of poverty or areas with other populations, e.g. pensioners, who may find travel to remote shops difficult. This research investigates these spatial linkages. Officially‐recognised areas of poverty in Nantes (ZUS areas) are not the areas presenting the most problematical physical access to healthy food retailing, therefore research based on financial aspects alone may miss some areas of difficult food access.

Originality/value

The spatial patterns of food access in Nantes, and the implications for targeting research and policy initiatives to these areas, have not previously been researched.
Nutritional quality and safety of wheat‐soy composite flour chapattis
Authors: Issa Khan Muhammad , Muhammad Anjum Faqir , Pasha Imran , Sameen Ayesha , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Unleavened bread (chapatti and roti) is the staple diet of people in the Indo‐Pak region, utilizing almost 90 percent of the wheat produced in the region. To improve the nutrition of chapattis, normally legume flour is used in the region. The purpose of the current study is to assess the nutritional quality and safety of chapattis supplemented with soy flour.

Design/methodology/approach

Wheat and soybean were procured and soy flour was prepared. Trypsin inhibitor contents and mineral contents of different flour and chapattis prepared were determined. Chapattis were prepared from different flour blends and whole wheat flour. To assess the quality and acceptability, the chapattis were presented to a panel of judges and the sensory evaluation was carried out for color, taste, aroma, chew ability, folding ability and overall acceptability characteristics. The data obtained for each parameter were subjected to statistical analysis to determine the level of significance.

Findings

The phytic acid and trypsin content were higher in un‐autoclaved soy flour supplement composite flour. The defattening of soy flour also increases the level of these anti‐nutrients in chapattis. The phytate and trypsin content of composite flour decreased as a result of baking. The protein, fiber and ash contents of composite flour increased while moisture content and nitrogen free extracts (NFE) decreased by the addition of soy flour. Mineral contents of chapattis except Mn increased by the incorporation of soy flour. The chapattis were found acceptable by the panel of judges at 10 percent replacement level of whole wheat flour by soy flour.

Practical implications

The results of the study indicate that 10 percent supplementation of soy flour in wheat flour was found acceptable by consumers as it did not affect the sensory attribute. For improved nutrition and to combat protein energy malnutrition, chapattis flour can be supplemented with soy flour.

Originality/value

The soy supplementation of wheat flour will improve the nutritional quality of the chapatti flour as soy flour is rich in high‐quality protein and mineral. The anti‐nutritional can be minimized or inactivated by autoclaving the soybean.
Finding uncontested markets for European fruit and vegetables through applying the Blue Ocean Strategy
Authors: Wubben Emiel F.M. , Düsseldorf Simon , Batterink Maarten H.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover an uncontested market space in the European fruit and vegetables industry (EFVI), and thereby assess theex‐anteapplicability of the Blue Ocean Strategy of Kim and Mauborgne.

Design/methodology/approach

The search for an untapped market space made it necessary to first configure the logic of the Blue Ocean Strategy, which the authors coined the BOS‐framework. Next, the application to the EFVI required a two‐stage research strategy, namely desk research with six case studies, and a large survey.

Findings

The findings confirm that the Blue Ocean Strategy‐framework enables one to identifyex antean untapped market space, characterized by the combination of sweeties' attributes with fresh fruit. The revolutionary untapped market space which the authors arrived at is “Youngfruit”, targeted at the new buyer group children and teenagers.

Originality/value

The research provides important insights in future key success factors to set oneself apart from competitors and change the rules of the game in the very competitive EFVI. Furthermore, this paper is (one of) the first to assess empirically the qualities and limitations of the Blue Ocean Strategy.
What matters to consumers of organic wine?
Authors: Mann Stefan , Ferjani Ali , Reissig Linda
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the importance of the “organic” attribute for wine in relation to other attributes and to identify the most important determinants as far as the consumption of organic wine is concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey based on interviews with 404 Swiss wine drinkers was conducted. The data were evaluated by means of conjoint and regression analyses.

Findings

The “organic” attribute was more important than the colour of the wine but less important than the price and the country of origin, foreign French wine being preferred to local Swiss wine. Urban and female consumers were relatively likely to consume organic wine, as were consumers who perceive organic wine as being healthy.

Practical implications

Marketing for organic wine in well‐developed markets should focus on the argument of image and health. Urban female consumers are the most important target group.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first results on the important attributes for marketing organic wine in developed organic food markets.
Consumer behaviour towards honey products in Western Australia
Authors: Batt Peter J. , Liu Aijun
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the factors impacting and influencing the consumer's decision to purchase honey in a retail store.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from shopping mall intercepts in Perth, Western Australia, using a structured questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the principal constructs which most influence the consumer's decision to purchase. On the basis of the ways in which honey was consumed within the household, cluster analysis was utilised to group the respondents into meaningful segments.

Findings

In Perth, Western Australia, honey is primarily consumed as a spread or a sweetener on breakfast cereals and porridge. However, honey is also used as a marinade, in cakes and cookies and as a beverage. According to the way in which honey is consumed in the household, five clusters were identified. In purchasing honey from a retail store, exploratory factor analysis revealed three principal constructs which were most influential in the consumer's decision to purchase: brand reputation, origin and value for money. Ethnicity was found to have a significant influence on the way in which honey was consumed in the household and the importance of the three constructs extracted.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that find a significant difference between Anglo Saxon and Asian consumers of honey.
Who's in charge of change?
Authors: Edgelow Chris
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The question of who is in charge of change is often met with confusing answers in changing organizations. That confusion is accompanied with a correspondingly poor ability to sustain change successfully. The purpose of this paper is to outline what is required to sustain constant, complex change and most importantly, who must be accountable.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on three decades of practical experience helping organizations change, it has become clear that unless a very small handful of groups inside a changing organization see themselves and are seen by everyone else as ultimately in charge of change, the organization will not be successful at sustaining constant change. The paper clarifies who those three groups are and what specific things they need to be accountable for to enable the organization to improve its ability to change successfully.

Findings

Many organizations attempt to in source or out source the responsibility for change to “change management” experts which usually leads to dismal results. The three essential groups that actually must own change are the executives, project teams and first level supervisors. Every other group involved plays a support function to those three groups who must be in charge of change.

Originality/value

When executives, project teams and first level supervisors align their efforts using an integrated approach to leading change, an organization significantly increases its capacity for sustaining successful change over the long haul. When an organization relies on external consulting firms, internal support functions or some combination of the two without having accountability for change resting with the three key groups, the capacity for change is compromised significantly.
The global training deficit: the scarcity of formal and informal professional development opportunities for women entrepreneurs
Authors: Davis Paul J.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the global dearth of training options to support women entrepreneurs and to forward a set of recommendations to better meet the learning needs of women who own their businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a thorough literature review on the topic, which examines the learning and training experiences of female entrepreneurs in a wide range of disparate societies.

Findings

The absence of leaning, training and professional development opportunities for women entrepreneurs is found to be an almost universal phenomenon. In the few examples where training has been planned and provided, the results have been very significant. Further, women and their businesses are disadvantaged by the lack of training available and that this comes at a high cost to their businesses.

Research limitations/implications

The implications are that countries are hindering economic activity, growth and prosperity by ignoring the professional development needs of women business owners.

Originality/value

The topic of professional development opportunities for women entrepreneurs, especially a comprehensive international comparison, appears to be a first in the literature. The value of the piece is that agencies supporting small business and/or women can identify ways in which they can improve service delivery and outcomes.
The art of successful influence: matching influence strategies and styles to the context
Authors: Manning Tony
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence to support the idea that the art of successful influence lies in matching the strategies and style used to the context. The paper describes research into the relationship between the frequency with which people use six influence strategies, and how they combine them to form various influence styles, and a wide variety of contextual variables found by previous research to be linked to influence behaviour. It is relevant to everyone at work, including leaders, managers and professionals involved in training, development, coaching and mentoring activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The model of influence behaviour identifies six sets of influence strategies used by people at work and three dimensions of influence style, based on research into how people tend to combine these strategies in practice. The research methodology involves looking at the degree of correlation and its statistical significance between the frequency with which people use these influence strategies and styles at work and 33 contextual variables. Data were collected from 161 men and women, at all levels, in a wide variety of public sector organisations in the UK, over a seven‐year period.

Findings

The author found support for the idea that influencing behaviour varied in different contexts. Statistically significant relationships were identified between the frequency of use of influence strategies and styles and the 33 contextual variables. Clusters of contextual variables were also shown to be related to influencing behaviour. It was argued that these findings can be used to guide action.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for the development of leaders and managers. The model of interpersonal influence allows individuals to identify their particular situation and draw conclusions, rooted in theory and derived from research, about how to enhance their effectiveness in influencing others at work.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this paper lies in the way in which it extends and develops previous theory and research, including that by the author and collaborators published in previous editions of Industrial and Commercial Training, thereby validating the model and the research instruments used to operationalise it. The findings confirm that influencing behaviour does vary in different contexts and provides evidence that clearly indicates the particular contextual variables linked to the frequency of use of specific influence strategies and styles.
Why personal reputation matters in virtual knowledge sharing
Authors: Emelo Randy
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an argument for implementing a reputation system into virtual knowledge sharing programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The author formulates opinions based on workplace realities, professional insights and personal experience.

Findings

To help knowledge workers be more generous with their insights and information in a virtual knowledge sharing platform, personal reputation must be examined, assessed, and leveraged as part of the intrinsic value of the program.

Practical implications

Several practical implications emerge in this article: knowledge sharing should be virtual; it should occur outside of functional boundaries; systems should include reputation assessments; power should be in the hands of the individual participants; and no monetary incentive should be given to participate.

Originality/value

The ideas and methods for implementing a reputation system are new. Readers will discover the latest trend emerging in the area of virtual knowledge sharing and collaborative learning.
Why goal setting can ruin your life
Authors: Alexander Sarah
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how setting goals and focusing on acquisition and achievement in life can lead to disappointment and misery, whereas focusing on the guidance of one's inner wisdom can lead to happiness and fulfilment.

Design/methodology/approach

The limitations and drawbacks of goal setting are outlined and case studies are provided to support this. Suggestions are provided for listening to one's intuition and allowing the Universe to direct one's life.

Findings

Both the author and a client are used as case studies that support the value of allowing intuition to be the guiding force in one's life. In both instances there is greater peace and satisfaction in life and the feeling that life is working out easily for both individuals.

Practical implications

This approach can be successfully used in any area of one's life and is valuable to people from all walks of life. However not everyone is willing to adopt this approach as it requires a willingness to let go of the desire to control one's life and in so doing, allow in what is really meant for us.

Social implications

This training to date has been presented to open audiences, executives and entrepreneurs with good results. It is clear that these ideas could also be of value to those leading larger organisations and in other key roles of leadership.

Originality/value

These techniques originate from the author's study of “A Course in Miracles”. The author has adopted its teaching within her own work and this, she believes, to be original ‐ although there are other coaches who may support such thinking with their clients. This thinking is of value to anyone who wishes to reduce anxiety and stress, feel more fulfilled in life and improve their relationships – both professional and personal.
Effect of frozen storage on nutritional composition of baby corn
Authors: Hooda Santosh , Kawatra Asha
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Baby corn (Zea mays) is young, finger‐like, unfertilized cobs of maize with one to three centimeters of emerged silk, preferably harvested within 24 hours of silk emergence depending upon the growing season. It is a very perishable vegetable and hence the purpose of this present study is to standardize the freezing method for extending the shelf life of baby corn and to study the effect of frozen storage of 90 days on its nutritional composition.

Design/methodology/approach

Frozen baby corn was analysed for various nutritional parameters, namely proximate composition, minerals, in vitro starch and protein digestibility and vitamin, at regular intervals of 30 days for nine months.

Findings

Moisture, crude protein, crude fat and crude fibre content of baby corn showed no significant change during 90 days of frozen storage. A significant reduction was observed in calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron content of frozen baby corn. In vitro starch and protein digestibility showed a non‐significant change during frozen storage. Ascorbic acid and beta‐carotene content of frozen baby corn decreased significantly by 11.60 and 10.75 percent, respectively, by the end of 90 days of storage.

Originality/value

The present study indicates that freezing is an effective processing technology to enhance the storage life of baby corn.
Can sanitizers reduce microbial load of coriander leaves?
Authors: Sukul Sujoya , Sheth Mini
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of NaOCl and KMnO4 at two levels in reducing the microbial load of coriander leaves.

Design/methodology/approach

Fresh coriander leaves procured from various markets were intensively sampled and administered to wash treatments with tap water and sanitizers at two levels. Hi media pre plated plates were used for determination of TPC (Total Plate Count), Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella and coliforms.

Findings

Unwashed coriander leaves showed TPC beyond the acceptable limits of 105 CFU/g. Bulk washing (10 g sample dipped in 1 litre tap water for 5 minutes) did not significantly reduce TPC and any of the pathogens. TPC decreased significantly by 1 log cycle up on treatment with 200 ppm NaOCl and 100 ppm KMnO4. Staphylococcus aureus could be reduced more effectively with 100 ppm of KMnO4; Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella showed significant reductions (P<0.05) using both sanitizers. Shigella decreased by more than 1 log cycle when treated with 100 ppm KMnO4.

Practical implications

Tap water is not sufficient to reduce the microbial load of fresh coriander. Use of 100 ppm NaOCl and 50 ppm KMnO4 may be considered to reduce the pathogenic load of coriander leaves. Since reduction of pathogenic load by 1 log cycle is insufficient, other means of disinfecting the raw produce need to be tested. Also, use of good irrigation practices and aseptic post harvest techniques cannot be ignored.

Originality/value

This is an original study, wherein use of sanitizers should be promoted in order to reduce the microbial load of coriander leaves.
Nutrient composition of mint powder prepared from various drying methods
Authors: Sangwan Anju , Kawatra Asha , Sehgal Salil
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to standardize the technique for the development of mint leaves powder. The effect of different drying methods on nutrient composition of mint leaves powder is studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The mint leaves powders were analyzed for the proximate composition, namely protein, crude fibre, fat, ash and moisture. Minerals, β‐carotene, ascorbic acid and polyphenol were estimated by employing standard techniques. Data thus obtained were subjected to analysis of complete randomized design and factorial complete randomized design. Sensory analysis was carried out using nine‐point hedonic scales by the panel of judges.

Findings

It was found that mint leaves powder prepared from the shade dried method had better nutritional and sensory profiles.

Originality/value

The paper shows that these developed powders could be easily stored and used in the off season at remunerative prices.
Antioxidant profile in north eastern India: traditional herbs
Authors: Srivastava Jyoti , Vankar Padma S.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This study is designed to determine the antioxidant profile of the crude aqueous and organic (Ethyl acetate) extract of 11 plants. These plants are mainly distributed in north eastern (NE) zones of India. Extracts of the aerial and/or underground parts have been applied in traditional medicine for the treatment of different diseases hence they have gained sufficient importance in alternate medicinal therapy.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activities of extracts NE in vitro systems to gain mechanistic insights.

Findings

Results from antioxidant assays together with authentic antioxidant standards revealed that aqueous extract (AqEx) showed strong superoxide radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and ferrous ion‐chelating ability. The ranges of total phenolic contents was determined and found from 2.0860 to 7.1193 in aqueous extract and 1.7716 to 5.4330 mg (GAEq/100 g) in ethylacetate extract. The results revealed that total flavonoid contents in the selected plant from NE and the range of the extract varied from 0.1769 to 1.6990 mg (QEq/100 g), respectively.

Originality/value

The present study focuses on the antioxidant activity of 11 extracts of Indian origin. The plant extracts are also screened for flavonoid contents and total phenolics.
Oxidative stability of soybean oil added to Lentinus edodes and Agaricus blazei mushrooms extracts in an accelerated storage test
Authors: Carolina da Silva Ana , Jorge Neuza
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the oxidative stability of soybean oil added by Lentinus edodes and Agaricus blezei extracts in accelerated storage test.

Design/methodology/approach

The following treatments were subjected to accelerated storage test in an oven at 60°C for 15 days: Control (soybean oil without antioxidants), TBHQ (soybean oil+100 mg/kg of TBHQ), BHT (soybean oil+100 mg/kg of BHT), L. edodes (soybean oil+3,500 mg/kg of L. edodes extract) and A. blazei (soybean oil+3,500 mg/kg of A. blazei extract). The samples were taken every three days and analyzed for peroxide values and conjugated dienes.

Findings

At the end of 15 days, the treatments TBHQ, A. blazei, L. edodes, Control and BHT showed 6.47, 8.81, 41.53, 71.28 and 78.40 meq/kg, respectively, for peroxide values and 0.37, 0.40, 0.67, 1.07 and 1.00 per cent, respectively, for conjugated dienes.

Originality/value

The research indicates that mushrooms may be a promising source of natural antioxidants. Therefore, natural extracts of mushrooms can be applied to vegetable oils as a way to reduce the degradation caused by lipid oxidation.
Changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices among coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Chaturvedi Richa , Singh Nimali
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding diet and life style related risk factors among male and female coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (30‐60 yrs), in Jaipur city.

Design/methodology/approach

All willing patients under medical supervision for CAD were included. A detailed pre‐tested and standardized interview schedule was used to elicit required information. In total, 100 subjects were assessed for KAP. Retrospective data were recorded for the information on KAP prior to the incidence of the disease.

Findings

The major findings revealed that there was a significant change in knowledge, attitudes and practices before and after the incidence of CAD. Knowledge and attitudes were found to have a strong association. Close association was statistically established between knowledge and smoking practice for male subjects and between attitudes and weight loss for female patients. No association could be established for other attributes.

Originality/value

The study explores the effect of CAD on the knowledge, attitude and practices of the patients regarding diet and life style related risk factors. It also observes and compares the data for prior to the frank expression of the disease and after the disease.