bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Action Spectrum for Cryptochrome-Dependent Hypocotyl Growth Inhibition in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ahmad Margaret , Grancher Nicholas , Heil Mary , Black Robert C. , Giovani Baldissera , Galland Paul , Lardemer Danielle
Published: July 2002

Cryptochrome blue-light photoreceptors are found in both plants and animals and have been implicated in numerous developmental and circadian signaling pathways. Nevertheless, no action spectrum for a physiological response shown to be entirely under the control of cryptochrome has been reported. In this work, an action spectrum was determined in vivo for a cryptochrome-mediated high-irradiance response, the blue-light-dependent inhibition of hypocotyl elongation in Arabidopsis. Comparison of growth of wild-type,cry1cry2 cryptochrome-deficient double mutants, and cryptochrome-overexpressing seedlings demonstrated that responsivity to monochromatic light sources within the range of 390 to 530 nm results from the activity of cryptochrome with no other photoreceptor having a significant primary role at the fluence range tested. In both green- and norflurazon-treated (chlorophyll-deficient) seedlings, cryptochrome activity is fairly uniform throughout its range of maximal response (390–480 nm), with no sharply defined peak at 450 nm; however, activity at longer wavelengths was disproportionately enhanced in CRY1-overexpressing seedlings as compared with wild type. The action spectrum does not correlate well with the absorption spectra either of purified recombinant cryptochrome photoreceptor or to that of a second class of blue-light photoreceptor, phototropin (PHOT1 and PHOT2). Photoreceptor concentration as determined by western-blot analysis showed a greater stability of CRY2 protein under the monochromatic light conditions used in this study as compared with broad band blue light, suggesting a complex mechanism of photoreceptor activation. The possible role of additional photoreceptors (in particular phytochrome A) in cryptochrome responses is discussed.
The Serine-Rich N-Terminal Domain of Oat Phytochrome A Helps Regulate Light Responses and Subnuclear Localization of the Photoreceptor
Authors: Casal Jorge J. , Davis Seth J. , Kirchenbauer Daniel , Viczian Andras , Yanovsky Marcelo J. , Clough Richard C. , Kircher Stefan , Jordan-Beebe Emily T. , Schäfer Eberhard , Nagy Ferenc , Vierstra Richard D.
Published: July 2002

Phytochrome (phy) A mediates two distinct photobiological responses in plants: the very-low-fluence response (VLFR), which can be saturated by short pulses of very-low-fluence light, and the high-irradiance response (HIR), which requires prolonged irradiation with higher fluences of far-red light (FR). To investigate whether the VLFR and HIR involve different domains within the phyA molecule, transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv Xanthi) and Arabidopsis seedlings expressing full-length (FL) and various deletion mutants of oat (Avena sativa) phyA were examined for their light sensitivity. Although most mutants were either partially active or inactive, a strong differential effect was observed for the Δ6-12 phyA mutant missing the serine-rich domain between amino acids 6 and 12. Δ6-12 phyA was as active as FL phyA for the VLFR of hypocotyl growth and cotyledon unfolding in Arabidopsis, and was hyperactive in the VLFR of hypocotyl growth and cotyledon unfolding in tobacco, and the VLFR blocking subsequent greening under white light in Arabidopsis. In contrast, Δ6-12 phyA showed a dominant-negative suppression of HIR in both species. In hypocotyl cells of Arabidopsis irradiated with FR phyA:green fluorescent protein (GFP) and Δ6-12 phyA:GFP fusions localized to the nucleus and coalesced into foci. The proportion of nuclei with abundant foci was enhanced by continuous compared with hourly FR provided at equal total fluence in FL phyA:GFP, and by Δ6-12 phyA mutation under hourly FR. We propose that the N-terminal serine-rich domain of phyA is involved in channeling downstream signaling via the VLFR or HIR pathways in different cellular contexts.
Differential Messenger RNA Gradients in the Unicellular AlgaAcetabularia acetabulum. Role of the Cytoskeleton
Authors: Vogel Heiko , Grieninger Gerd E. , Zetsche Klaus H.
Published: July 2002

The unicellular green alga Acetabularia acetabulum has proven itself to be a superior model for studies of morphogenesis because of its large size and distinctive polar morphology. The giant cell forms an elongated tube (a stalk of up to 60 mm in length), which at its apical pole makes whorls of hairs, followed by one whorl of gametophores in the shape of a cap. At its basal pole, the cell extends into a rhizoid wherein the single nucleus is positioned. In this study, we have determined the level of specific messenger RNAs in the apical, middle, and basal regions using reverse transcriptase-PCR methodology. Four mRNA classes were distinguished: those that were uniformly distributed (small subunit of Rubisco, actin-1, ADP-glucose, centrin, and α- and β-tubulin), those that expressed apical/basal (calmodulin-4) or basal/apical gradients (calmodulin-2 and a Ran-G protein), and those with development-specific patterns of distribution (mitogen-activated protein kinase, actin-2, and UDP-glucose-epimerase). Restoration of the apical/basal calmodulin-4 mRNA gradient after amputation of the apical region of the cell requires the nucleus and was abolished by cytochalasin D. Accumulation of actin-1 mRNA in the vicinity of the wound set by the amputation needs, likewise, the presence of the nucleus and was also inhibited by cytochalasin. This suggests that actin microfilaments of the cytoskeleton are involved in directed transport and/or anchoring of these mRNAs.
Leaf Senescence and Starvation-Induced Chlorosis Are Accelerated by the Disruption of an Arabidopsis Autophagy Gene
Authors: Hanaoka Hideki , Noda Takeshi , Shirano Yumiko , Kato Tomohiko , Hayashi Hiroaki , Shibata Daisuke , Tabata Satoshi , Ohsumi Yoshinori
Published: July 2002

Autophagy is an intracellular process for vacuolar bulk degradation of cytoplasmic components. The molecular machinery responsible for yeast and mammalian autophagy has recently begun to be elucidated at the cellular level, but the role that autophagy plays at the organismal level has yet to be determined. In this study, a genome-wide search revealed significant conservation between yeast and plant autophagy genes. Twenty-five plant genes that are homologous to 12 yeast genes essential for autophagy were discovered. We identified an Arabidopsis mutant carrying a T-DNA insertion withinAtAPG9, which is the only ortholog of yeast Apg9 in Arabidopsis (atapg9-1). AtAPG9 is transcribed in every wild-type organ tested but not in theatapg9-1 mutant. Under nitrogen or carbon-starvation conditions, chlorosis was observed earlier in atapg9-1cotyledons and rosette leaves compared with wild-type plants. Furthermore, atapg9-1 exhibited a reduction in seed set when nitrogen starved. Even under nutrient growth conditions, bolting and natural leaf senescence were accelerated in atapg9-1plants. Senescence-associated genes SEN1 andYSL4 were up-regulated in atapg9-1 before induction of senescence, unlike in wild type. All of these phenotypes were complemented by the expression of wild-type AtAPG9in atapg9-1 plants. These results imply that autophagy is required for maintenance of the cellular viability under nutrient-limited conditions and for efficient nutrient use as a whole plant.
Overexpression of Cytosolic Glutamine Synthetase. Relation to Nitrogen, Light, and Photorespiration
Authors: Oliveira Igor C. , Brears Timothy , Knight Thomas J. , Clark Alexandra , Coruzzi Gloria M.
Published: July 2002

In plants, ammonium released during photorespiration exceeds primary nitrogen assimilation by as much as 10-fold. Analysis of photorespiratory mutants indicates that photorespiratory ammonium released in mitochondria is reassimilated in the chloroplast by a chloroplastic isoenzyme of glutamine synthetase (GS2), the predominant GS isoform in leaves of Solanaceous species including tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). By contrast, cytosolic GS1 is expressed in the vasculature of several species including tobacco. Here, we report the effects on growth and photorespiration of overexpressing a cytosolic GS1 isoenzyme in leaf mesophyll cells of tobacco. The plants, which ectopically overexpress cytosolic GS1 in leaves, display a light-dependent improved growth phenotype under nitrogen-limiting and nitrogen-non-limiting conditions. Improved growth was evidenced by increases in fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf soluble protein. Because the improved growth phenotype was dependent on light, this suggested that the ectopic expression of cytosolic GS1 in leaves may act via photosynthetic/photorespiratory process. The ectopic overexpression of cytosolic GS1 in tobacco leaves resulted in a 6- to 7-fold decrease in levels of free ammonium in leaves. Thus, the overexpression of cytosolic GS1 in leaf mesophyll cells seems to provide an alternate route to chloroplastic GS2 for the assimilation of photorespiratory ammonium. The cytosolic GS1 transgenic plants also exhibit an increase in the CO2 photorespiratory burst and an increase in levels of photorespiratory intermediates, suggesting changes in photorespiration. Because the GS1 transgenic plants have an unaltered CO2 compensation point, this may reflect an accompanying increase in photosynthetic capacity. Together, these results provide new insights into the possible mechanisms responsible for the improved growth phenotype of cytosolic GS1 overexpressing plants. Our studies provide further support for the notion that the ectopic overexpression of genes for cytosolic GS1 can potentially be used to affect increases in nitrogen use efficiency in transgenic crop plants.
Microarray Analysis of Diurnal and Circadian-Regulated Genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Schaffer Robert , Landgraf Jeff , Accerbi Monica , Simon Vernadette , Larson Matt , Wisman Ellen
Published: July 2002

Plants respond to day/night cycling in a number of physiological ways. At the mRNA level, the expression of some genes changes during the 24-hr period. To identify novel genes regulated in this way, we used microarrays containing 11,521 Arabidopsis expressed sequence tags, representing an estimated 7800 unique genes, to determine gene expression levels at 6-hr intervals throughout the day. Eleven percent of the genes, encompassing genes expressed at both high and low levels, showed a diurnal expression pattern. Approximately 2% cycled with a circadian rhythm. By clustering microarray data from 47 additional nonrelated experiments, we identified groups of genes regulated only by the circadian clock. These groups contained the already characterized clock-associated genes LHY, CCA1, and GI, suggesting that other key circadian clock genes might be found within these clusters.
Molecular, crystallographic and algorithmic factors in structure determination from powder diffraction data by simulated annealing
Authors: Shankland Kenneth , McBride Lorraine , David William I. F. , Shankland Norman , Steele Gerald
Published: July 2002

The crystal structure of famotidine form B has been solved directly from powder diffraction data by the application of simulated annealing. The molecule crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupP21/cwith refined unit-cell dimensionsa = 17.6547 (4),b= 5.2932 (1),c= 18.2590 (3) Å and β = 123.558 (1)° atT= 130 K. The core of this work is a systematic investigation of the influence of algorithmic, crystallographic and molecular factors on the structure solution process. With an appropriate choice of annealing schedule, molecular description and diffraction data range, the overall number of successes in solving the crystal structure is close to 100%. Other factors, including crystallographic search space restrictions and parameter sampling method, have little effect on the structure solution process. The basic principles elucidated here have been factored into the design of theDASHstructure solution program.
Quantitative phase analysis by combining the Rietveld and the whole-pattern decomposition methods
Authors: Giannini Cinzia , Guagliardi Antonietta , Millini Roberto
Published: July 2002

The Rietveld quantitative phase analysis of polycrystalline mixtures is a model-dependent method. The absence of any structural information about even one phase in the mixture prevents the application of the method; on the other hand, the availability of a structural model that is not sufficiently representative of real data can actually reduce the accuracy of the weight-fraction estimates. In these cases, when the experimental pattern of one (or more) pure phase(s) with unknown or imperfectly known crystal structure is available, the whole-pattern decomposition techniques can be applied to extract a list of `observed' amplitudes to be used instead of those calculated from the model. Observed and calculated amplitudes can be successfully combined to carry out the Rietveld quantitative phase analysis of even complex structure mixtures, provided that the initial amplitudes are correctly placed on the absolute scale. In the absence of any structural model, the absolute scale supplied by the Wilson plot technique can be applied. A general scheme of the method is proposed here; it has been implemented into the programQUANTOand tested on real zeolites mixtures. The method is basically independent of the program used for the extraction of the integrated intensities.
Outcomes of the International Union of Crystallography Commission on Powder Diffraction Round Robin on Quantitative Phase Analysis: samples 2, 3, 4, synthetic bauxite, natural granodiorite and pharmaceuticals
Authors: Scarlett Nicola V. Y. , Madsen Ian C. , Cranswick Lachlan M. D. , Lwin Thaung , Groleau Edward , Stephenson Gregory , Aylmore Mark , Agron-Olshina Nicki
Published: July 2002

The International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) Commission on Powder Diffraction (CPD) has sponsored a round robin on the determination of quantitative phase abundance from diffraction data. The aims of the round robin have been detailed by Madsenet al.[J. Appl. Cryst.(2001),34, 409–426]. In summary, they were (i) to document the methods and strategies commonly employed in quantitative phases analysis (QPA), especially those involving powder diffraction, (ii) to assess levels of accuracy, precision and lower limits of detection, (iii) to identify specific problem areas and develop practical solutions, (iv) to formulate recommended procedures for QPA using diffraction data, and (v) to create a standard set of samples for future reference. The first paper (Madsenet al., 2001) covered the results of sample 1 (a simple three-phase mixture of corundum, fluorite and zincite). The remaining samples used in the round robin covered a wide range of analytical complexity, and presented a series of different problems to the analysts. These problems included preferred orientation (sample 2), the analysis of amorphous content (sample 3), microabsorption (sample 4), complex synthetic and natural mineral suites, along with pharmaceutical mixtures with and without an amorphous component. This paper forms the second part of the round-robin study and reports the results of samples 2 (corundum, fluorite, zincite, brucite), 3 (corundum, fluorite, zincite, silica flour) and 4 (corundum, magnetite, zircon), synthetic bauxite, natural granodiorite and the synthetic pharmaceutical mixtures (mannitol, nizatidine, valine, sucrose, starch). The outcomes of this second part of the round robin support the findings of the initial study. The presence of increased analytical problems within these samples has only served to exacerbate the difficulties experienced by many operators with the sample 1 suite. The major difficulties are caused by lack of operator expertise, which becomes more apparent with these more complex samples. Some of these samples also introduced the requirement for skill and judgement in sample preparation techniques. This second part of the round robin concluded that the greatest physical obstacle to accurate QPA for X-ray based methods is the presence of absorption contrast between phases (microabsorption), which may prove to be insurmountable in some circumstances.
Neutron diffraction studies of collagen in human cancellous bone
Authors: Skakle J. M. S. , Aspden R. M.
Published: July 2002

The interaction between bone mineral and collagen is essential to the formation and function of bone. It is important, therefore, to study collagenin situ,i.e.within the bone mineral. This represents a challenge, particularly as often the area of interest involves cancellous bone which, because it has an open porous structure, is less dense and can be difficult to section finely. The first neutron diffraction experiments on intact cancellous bone have been performed to examine the spacings between collagen molecules and have demonstrated that this is a feasible technique for such a study. A comparison is made with results on cortical bone.
E‐mail law
Authors: Eisenschitz Tamara
Published: July 2002

The distinction is made between regulation of the Internet in general and of e‐mail. Five topics are presented: identity and trust, employment, contents administration, records management and security issues. In all of them the important step is to define the issues, and the actual regulation then develops from that of non‐digital equivalents. The key finding is the need for education for all levels of user to clarify the issues. Simply not taking enough care seems to be at the root of many actionable issues. The characteristics of the medium are not being allowed for. The paper concludes with what we can put into a course right now and what relevant research questions could be asked.
Bio‐fouling and corrosion characteristics of 60/40 brass in Mandapam waters
Authors: Palraj S. , Venkatachari G. , Subramanian G.
Published: July 2002

The bio‐fouling and corrosion characteristics of 60/40 brass were investigated in the Palk Bay waters of the Mandapam Coast, India, over a period of a year. The experimental methods included corrosion rate by weight loss measurement and analysis of the corrosion product by X‐ray diffraction. The bio‐fouling characteristics of 60/40 brass were studied in terms of seasonality of recruitment of organisms and quantification of the fouling community development pattern. The XRD analysis of the products on brass threw more light on the protective nature of the compounds formed and their impact on the overall corrosion rate of the material. The organisms found in fouling deposits on brass included algae, bryozoans and hydroids. The results of the study are discussed in the light of the sea‐water characteristics and monsoonal effects.
Quality attributes and quality cues Effective communication in the UK meat supply chain
Authors: Northen James R.
Published: July 2002

This paper develops a conceptual framework, based on quality attributes and quality cues, to demonstrate the necessary requirements for effective communication of quality cues to customers in the supply chain and consumers at place of purchase. The “perceived quality” approach to product quality is adopted and the links between intrinsic/extrinsic cues and experience/credence attributes of a product are developed. The framework is applied to the UK meat sector by considering which attributes/cues are altered by farm assurance schemes and, hence, which type of cue is needed to signal these attributes, and what elements are necessary for effective signalling of this type of cue. It is shown that the necessary requirements for effective communication of each type of cue (intrinsic and extrinsic) vary considerably. Farm assurance schemes are shown to affect credence attributes; hence extrinsic cues must be used to signal these standards. It is concluded that the credibility of scheme standards and inspections to those standards is of crucial importance for the assurance scheme extrinsic cue (certificate/label) to be effective in predicting these credence attributes.
Consumers’ perception of quality in organic food
Authors: Cicia Gianni , Del Giudice Teresa , Scarpa Riccardo
Published: July 2002

With this study we investigate the preferences of an important category of consumers of organic products (regular consumers of organic food or RCOFs) allowing for preference heterogeneity. A survey instrument was developed to elicit preferences for important qualitative and quantitative attributes of extra virgin olive oil. The survey was administered via questionnaire to a random sample of 198 RCOFs in organic food stores of Naples, Italy. The choice task was organised around a fractional factorial main effects orthogonal design. Each respondent made eight choices to rank‐order nine product profiles in terms of their individual preference. Product attributes included price, origin of production, type of certification and visual appearance. Interestingly, the set of observed responses appears to display significant preference heterogeneity for origin of production and price. Once heterogeneity and correlation among repeated choice by the same respondent are accounted for by means of random‐parameter panel logit models, the fit increases dramatically with respect to the more restrictive fixed‐parameter logit models. Results also suggest that price plays an important role as quality proxy, while visual appearance is not significant in preference modelling and the type of certification programme has a fixed effect.
Food safety and organic fruit demand in Italy: a survey
Authors: Canavari Maurizio , Bazzani Guido Maria , Spadoni Roberta , Regazzi Domenico
Published: July 2002

Reports the first results of a study on how increased awareness of food safety can influence consumer behaviour regarding specific products. Looks into consumer attitudes towards organic apples by means of a survey conducted among customers of large retail outlets located in Emilia‐Romagna (Italy). Analyses consumer attitudes toward organic food, studying the price/quantity/quality relationship for this type of product. Consumers were directly interviewed at retail outlets, A questionnaire consisting of the following four sections was used: fruit consumption; pesticide abatement; organic fruit and organic apple demand; and demographic profile of respondent. Presents the results of the preliminary test phase of the survey. The pre‐test results are quite encouraging and enable us to start the final investigation round. The survey will continue in three rounds over a 12‐month period, trying in this way to override the relatively high seasonality of apple consumption.
The production and marketing of organic wine in Sicily
Authors: Crescimanno M. , Ficani G.B. , Guccione G.
Published: July 2002

This paper aims at a better knowledge of the organic wine sector in Sicily. In the last few years regulations 2078/92 and 2092/91 have had a wide diffusion in the agricultural regional context; a rapid increase of areas and farms justify the attention paid by the European union policies. Two aspects of the sector have been examined: the influence on the implementation of Reg. 2078/92 with regard to diffusion of the organic wine sector in Sicily; and a group of farms in the west of Sicily have been analysed to verify the scenario of organic wine, and the strategy used in the commercialization of organic production. The results show a very interesting framework for organic wine. This is a sector in the process of major expansion, especially with regard to the trade profile, mainly because of increasing demand from markets abroad.
The determinants of the price mark‐up for organic fruit and vegetable products in the European Union
Authors: La Via Giovanni , Antonio
Published: July 2002

This paper investigates the marketing and pricing policies for traditional and organic fruit and vegetable products of large food retailers in four European countries by means of a survey of 47 stores, including all major food retail chains. Data have been analysed to investigate what determines the presence of organic products, the extent to which the price mark‐up between traditional and organic products depends on the inherent quality of organic products rather than on the amount of extra service and information often associated with these products, and the importance of country location within the single European market in determining the characteristics of the retail outlets. The results of the econometric analysis indicate that the size, location and overall quality of the outlet, and the degree of product information and customer service are the variables which best predict the choice to sell organic products. Also, the results indicate that almost half of the price mark‐up between traditional and organic products is explained by store characteristics and the amount of extra service and information provided with these products.
Customers’ perspectives on the quality of organic olive oil in Greece
Authors: Sandalidou Evangelia , Baourakis George , Siskos Yannis
Published: July 2002

Consumers’ increasing need for safe and quality food has motivated this market research study. A customer satisfaction approach is followed to examine whether the quality of organic olive oil, the most important biological product that has recently entered the Greek food market, could affect consumers’ purchasing behavior. For this purpose a survey was conducted in the region of Thessaloniki, Greece. The implemented methodology is called MUlticriteria Satisfaction Analysis (MUSA) and takes into account that customers’ global satisfaction for organic olive oil depends on five criteria. The analysis showed that the average global satisfaction index was almost 78 percent. Health was considered to be the competitive advantage of organic olive oil. On the contrary, promotion and disposition seemed to be its greatest weaknesses. The price, along with the package, was also found to be significant. Finally, gives some recommendations for the continuing improvement of information and advertising, label information and image of the package, which are the weak characteristics of organic olive oil.
Prospects and challenges for developing countries in trade and production of organic food and fibers
Authors: Rehber Erkan , Turhan Sule
Published: July 2002

Especially after the Second World War, both in developed and to some extent developing countries, agriculture became highly mechanized and specialized as well as heavily dependent on agro‐chemicals. Such intensification of farming has produced higher yields and greater wealth but has also created some problems affecting the environment, food and farm‐worker safety. Today, different farming systems are subject to discussion and research to discover an alternative to this current agriculture such as organic production, to create conditions for sustainable agriculture and development. Organic farming has been developed in most Western countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan and European Union. In Turkey, organic farming is relatively new, but the number of producers involved in organic production activity has been increasing rapidly since the mid 1980s mainly by the relationships of some multinational companies in order to export organic products to the developed nations especially to the EU. Developing countries like Turkey have some advantages and also challenges for organic food and fiber production. First of all low‐input traditional systems are still a major part of those countries’ agriculture. Contrary to the developed countries, organic agriculture practices can help the farmers to increase productivity and to protect natural resources through using proper technological systems and also easy access to market and information. As in Turkey, most developing countries have small domestic organic markets and have begun to seize the export opportunities presented by organic farming. The main challenges they face are not having proper production practices, certification organizations and being tied only to foreign markets. It is a fact that development of organic production in these countries requires farmers to act in an organized manner instead of depending on a certification, export or import companies or a governmental body. The role of the government, of course, is also important to establish a legislative base and to support organic farming by convenient policy measures.
Cereal Breeding and Varietal Testing
Authors: Meikle Stuart M. , Scarisbrick David H.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the influence of cereal breeding on yield increase. Suggests
that future breeding programmes should be based on both financial
information and yield. Summarizes the results of a first attempt to
include financial and yield data for the National Institute of
Agricultural Botany (NIAB) leaflet Recommended Varieties of
Cereals. Discusses implications for breeders and farmers. Suggests that
evaluation by financial margins will be the criterion of greatest
importance in a future agricultural environment dictated by a movement
of cereal prices towards world levels under present common agricultural
policy.
Fostering Leaner Red Meat in the Food Supply
Authors: Watson Max J.
Published: July 2002

Increasing emphasis on the fat content of foods has focused particular
attention on red meat and poultry because most of the fat is highly
visible. At least some of the trend towards a decreased proportion of
beef and lamb in total meat and poultry consumption in many countries
can probably be attributed to consumer concern about the fat content of
retail cuts of meat. Discusses the reasons for and implications of these
trends; describes production and processing practices to facilitate the
supply of leaner red meat. While there are formidable problems in
reducing the fat content of beef and lamb in retail markets, in the long
term these barriers need to be addressed to prevent further erosion of
market share.
Time, Tastes and Technology: The Economic Evolution of Eating out
Authors: Cullen Peter
Published: July 2002

Eating out is part of the pattern of food production and consumption by
individuals in their household context. Changes in the importance and
pattern of eating out indicate changes in its economic function. These
changes reflect variations in household organization stemming from
long‐term increases in income per head reinforced by significant changes
in technology. Consumers will switch towards simpler eating habits and
meals bought out will reflect commercially provided time‐intensity or
skill‐requirement reduction. With changing technology, consumers will
constantly upgrade the kinds of meals that they buy outside. Patterns of
experimentation and cellularization of household members in eating out
are influenced by economic factors. Re‐examines the concepts of social
and convenience eating in the light of economic variables, particularly
changes in work and leisure activities that affect food consumption.
Food Journalism: A Medium for Conflict
Authors: Fattorini Joseph
Published: July 2002

Styles of food journalism are defined by the audience that specific
journals wish to attract. In the UK this has led to contrasting
representations of food and catering in different forms of media,
specifically those aimed at, on the one hand, catering professionals and
on the other, amateurs who retain an interest in food. For
“amateurs” interested in food, the images of catering work presented in
magazines and other media targeted at them is understood to be
“genuine”, while for those who work in the trade there is resentment at
what are seen as sanitized images that are taken for “reality” by amateur
audiences. This leads to a situation in the restaurant where differing
views of the world of catering and the ownership of “expertise” about that
world leads to conflict between patron and customer. Furthermore, this
conflict is increasingly expressed by both groups, as a result of easier
access to the media.
Beliefs about Food Components, Foods, Fat and Heart Disease in New
Zealand
Authors: Wiseman Juliet
Published: July 2002

Coronary heart disease is a serious problem in New Zealand. Diet and
health guidelines for the public have been published, but levels of
awareness of health recommendations vary. Some New Zealanders may lack
knowledge about foods and food components. This national survey (1,500
people) investigated New Zealanders′ awareness of recommended dietary
changes and beliefs about foods and food components and heart health. A
total of 835 people, a response rate of 56 per cent, answered the
survey. Results showed that most were aware of some health
recommendations, e.g. “eat less fat”, but that many were unaware of
recommendations relating to carbohydrate intake. Most respondents (65
per cent) believed that protein intake should be increased. A high
percentage (61 per cent) felt that reducing preservative consumption
would help to prevent heart disease. It was suggested that many foods
should be decreased, including meat, whole milk, cheese and white bread.
Many respondents were confused about the fat contents of foods, with
some foods rated as high fat which were low in fat (sugar, white bread)
and some high fat foods perceived as not high in fat (margarine,
vegetable oil). It is suggested that health educators should note
existing beliefs and views about foods and food components and target
areas of confusion in future health education initiatives.
Prepacked food labelling: past, present and future
Authors: Turner Alan
Published: July 2002

The historical development in the UK of the labelling of prepacked
food is traced and the evolution of regulatory controls is described, as
well as their nature. The impact of UK membership of the European Union
on food labelling requirements is considered and likely future
developments are included. The need to rethink approaches to food
labelling so as to facilitate multilingual labels is highlighted. The
desirability of reviewing food labelling regulatory practices in the
light of a future scenario driven by information technology and distance
shopping is emphasized.
An overview of diet survey methodology
Authors: Anderson Annie S.
Published: July 2002

Reviews a range of diet survey methods which are commonly utilized
by nutritionists. All methods are time‐consuming and demanding for
subjects and researchers. It is therefore essential that appropriate
retrospective or prospective methods are selected to meet the purpose of
the survey. For researchers concerned with changing dietary behaviour,
stresses that information on the social context within which food is
consumed should be collected as well as data on food and nutrient
intake.
Fat composition of free living and farmed sea species:
Authors: George R. , Bhopal R.
Published: July 2002

Dietary public health advice has been to consume fish. The fatty
acids in fish, specifically the ratio of n‐3 to n‐6, are reported to be
instrumental in determining the benefits. Looks at the available
literature on differences in fatty acid composition between wild and
farmed fish. Supports the hypothesis that farmed fish have a higher fat
content and a different fat composition to wild fish. Suggests that more
detailed studies, are required to compare the fat compositions of the
various types of wild and farmed fish.
A week that shook the meat industry: the effects on the UK beef industry of the BSE crisis
Authors: Palmer Clephan M.
Published: July 2002

The BSE crisis was triggered on 20 March 1996 by the statement from the Secretary of State for Health concerning the possible link between BSE and new variant CJD. Begins by discussing the state of the UK beef industry and British beef market prior to the announcement. Then looks in detail at the catastrophic effects that the crisis had on the industry in the following six months to October 1996. Clearly the beef crisis is not over but the industry has now entered a period of recovery. The way ahead for the industry will involve fundamental re‐engineering and rationalization accompanied by intensive marketing activity, as it tries to rebuild the domestic market and eventually to re‐ establish export markets. The domestic market for beef has been much more resilient than any dared hope but the industry faces a major challenge in restoring the high consumer confidence that beef once had. This reconstruction is now under way. Systems of traceability, monitoring, quality control and assurance are being set up to bring the competitive advantage needed to win back lost export markets and enable the industry to face the rigours of the world marketplace.
Talking to themselves: food commentators, food snobbery and market reality
Authors: Wood Roy C.
Published: July 2002

Offers a preliminary examination of the nature of food snobbery. However, any psychological evaluation of the concept of snobbery is eschewed in favour of discussion that locates professional food commentary in a market context. By understanding the narrow targeting of professional food commentary, it is simultaneously possible to illuminate the extent to which such commentary arises essentially as a function of journalistic rather than culinary or gastronomic values. In taking this approach, the intention is not to stereotype food journalism which, in some areas of commentary on food, exhibits a reflexive quality, but rather to emphasize that, contra relativist approaches to the study of taste (reflected in aphoristic expressions such as “each to his own taste”), journalistic commentary on food can be seen to be a phenomenon which, in fact, distorts public perceptions of the nature of food markets, especially in the context of dining out.
Gender perspectives on food and cooking skills
Authors: Dixey Rachael
Published: July 2002

Attempts to draw together some of the key themes which those attempting to promote food and cooking skills need to consider, with particular emphasis on issues affected by gender. Raises concerns about the construction of “eating disorders”, of diet and weight concerns among women, and of how food is managed in the household. Refers to some of the feminist literature in order to help to explain these patterns. Discusses how to tackle problems with food and eating in a preventive way in schools.
Organizational buyer behaviour: a study of UK restaurant chains
Authors: Mawson Elizabeth , Fearne Andrew
Published: July 2002

The food service sector represents almost two fifths of total household expenditure on food and continues to grow at a pace. While the major part of the food service industry remains highly fragmented, the importance of restaurant chains is increasing. Examines procurement policies adopted by chain restaurants using the buygrid model and presents the findings from six case studies. Concludes that restaurant chains have adopted many of the procurement practices introduced by the multiple retailers (centralized buying and distribution) and tend to look for similar characteristics in their suppliers ‐ volume, quality, consistency and competitive prices. The buygrid model was found to be a good predictor of buyer behaviour among restaurant chains.
The role of television in the food choices of 11‐18 year olds
Authors: Dickinson Roger , Leader Simon
Published: July 2002

Describes the main research objectives and reports on some findings from a Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAFF) funded research project on the role of television in food choice, currently in its second year. Begins by outlining the rationale for the study and presents some preliminary analysis of data obtained from a survey of some 200 11‐18 year olds.
The industry guides to good hygiene practice: a commentary and comparison with guidance issued to assist in compliance with health and safety law
Authors: Durell Timothy G. , Howard Michael
Published: July 2002

Notes that the Department of Health has begun approving industry guides for food safety, including one for the catering industry. Suggests that some in the industry fear these new guides may lead to a lowering of standards or be used as a “stick with which enforcement officers will beat them”. Addresses concerns and explains the rationale behind the guides and advocates a change in approach to food hygiene, from a basic environmental approach to a goal‐based approach of controlling risks. Concludes by stating that the industry guides have a major role in helping to interpret and assist in the regulatory changes and that full involvement of the the various food industry sectors is essential.
Gaining competitive advantage from packaging and labelling in marketing communications
Authors: Nancarrow Clive , Tiu Wright Len , Brace Ian
Published: July 2002

This paper illustrates how an understanding of consumer models, psychological processes and the appropriate use of marketing research techniques can help in the design of food packaging and label copy to provide a company with a competitive advantage. The paper examines the significance of the marketing functions of a pack and the perceptual processes of consumers in their information search concerning pack design and labelling in marketing research. Case study material is introduced to help illustrate the main points.
Eating out and the commercialisation of mental life
Authors: Warde Alan , Martens Lydia
Published: July 2002

This paper reflects on a sociological study of eating out in the UK. After a brief résumé of the study and its main empirical findings it addresses questions about the relationship between social scientific and other forms of practical knowledge about consumption. In the context of a process referred to as the commercialisation of mental life, the paper isolates a number of features which distinguish sociological from market research approaches to the topic. It is argued that too determined a practical focus to the study of consumer behaviour is likely to compromise understanding.
Biographies and geographies: consumer understandings of the origins of foods
Authors: Cook Ian , Crang Philip , Thorpe Mark
Published: July 2002

This article argues for a biographical and geographical understanding of foods and food choice. It suggests that such an approach highlights one of the most compelling characteristics of food ‐ that being the way in which it connects the wide worlds of an increasingly internationalised food system into the intimate space of the home and the body. More specifically, and based on ongoing empirical research with 12 households in inner north London, the article explores one aspect of food biographies, through an interlinked consideration of what consumers know of the origins of foods and consumers’ reactions to systems of food provision. It concludes that a structural ambivalence can be identified, such that consumers have both a need to know and an impulse to forget the origins of the foods they eat.
Heavy wine consumption: empirical and theoretical perspectives
Authors: Goldsmith Ronald E. , d’Hauteville François
Published: July 2002

A common approach to analysing markets and selecting the most profitable target consumers is to identify and focus on the heavy users. Although this is a widely used practice in food marketing, no general theory describes the characteristics of heavy users of food products. The purpose of this paper is to use data from four empirical studies to test hypotheses about heavy wine users with the objective of developing a comprehensive model of heavy usage. The topics of the surveys were wine attitudes and behaviours. Data came from samples of students and adult US consumers. The findings showed consistently that heavy wine users were more likely to be interested in and involved with wine. When compared with studies of heavy users in other product fields, the beginnings of a general model of heavy usage that focuses on product involvement rather than demographics can be proposed.
The effects of blind substitution of aspartame‐sweetened for sugar‐sweetened soft drinks on appetite and mood
Authors: Reid Marie , Hammersley Richard
Published: July 2002

It has been suggested that habitual consumers of sugar experience “cravings” when deprived. Subjects (n = 27) who habitually consumed sugar‐sweetened drinks were placed on a seven‐day regime receiving either sugar‐sweetened drinks, or aspartame‐sweetened alternatives. A between‐subjects design was used to prevent subjects comparing the drinks, which were given blind with the cover story that the study was testing a new drink. In fact commercial carbonated beverages were given. At the end, subjects were unable to guess which they had received. Subjects completed a prospective food diary and rated mood daily using the Profile of Mood States, as well as before and after each test drink, using simple visual analogue scales. Compared to subsequent days, on the first day of the study subjects receiving aspartame‐sweetened drinks ate fewer grams of carbohydrate and had fewer sugar episodes (where sugars, or sugar‐fat, or sugar‐alcohol mixtures were consumed). Overall energy intake for the day was unaffected. By day two, there were no differences between the groups in diet or mood. Body weight at seven days was unaltered from baseline. Blind substitution of aspartame‐sweetened for sugar‐sweetened soft drinks did not increase other sugar consumption and did not adversely affect mood. Any effects of this dietary change appear transient.
Changes in tastes in Britain, 1985‐1992
Authors: Tomlinson Mark
Published: July 2002

The paper analyses data from the British Health and Lifestyles Survey of 1984/5 and the follow‐up survey of 1992. It attempts to break down a large number of food consumption patterns into a smaller number of interpretable factors or tastes which are then used in statistical regression models to analyse the determinants and changes in the strengths of these tastes over time. The results show that the nature of change has been contradictory when looked at from a health‐based perspective. Some tastes are changing in a healthier direction, while others are not. Social class, age, and gender are all shown to be significant determinants of taste in both time periods.
School meals: teenagers’ attitudes to nutritional labelling and intended effects on food choice
Authors: Neale Roger , Langnäse Kristina
Published: July 2002

The study reports on a small‐scale survey of teenagers’ preferences for a selection of pre‐prepared foods sold by the school cash cafeteria, nutritional knowledge towards fat, attitudes to nutritional labelling of school food and their intended change in eating behaviour prompted by nutritional labelling. Results suggest that the provision of simple nutritional labelling information on school meals in cash cafeterias in secondary schools could have a positive influence on children’s choices of fat in school food and be a valuable educational resource to help in the long‐term aim of reducing fat consumption for the whole UK population.
Demystifying e‐learning standards
Authors: Singh Harvi , Reed Chris
Published: July 2002

Recently, a great buzz has been surrounding e‐learning standards. But what are these e‐learning “standards”, and what do they mean to the people designing and implementing e‐learning initiatives? Today, it may translate into confusion and a daunting level of research and mental investment. But, in the future, this work should give e‐learning the flexibility taken for granted in other applications. Standards often feel remote and abstract, yet they have impact on people’s lives every day. Content prepared for one system cannot be transferred easily, if at all, to another. If a company licenses a third‐party library, they find that the content not only is married to a specific delivery system but is also dependent upon a specific interface requiring its own log‐on and system for transcripts. It is no wonder that e‐learning activities remain more fragmented and less convenient than they should. Examines the issues around e‐learning standards and how a long‐term strategy can benefit your organization.