bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work based learning and the intellectual capital of universities and employers
Authors: Garnett Jonathan
Published: February 2005

This paper draws upon the extensive operating experience of work based learning programmes by the National Centre for Work Based Learning Partnerships (NCWBLP) at Middlesex University to identify the potential for work based learning to contribute to the intellectual capital not only of employer partners but also to the university. The paper argues that work based learning has the potential to provide the university with a unique opportunity to develop a new kind of knowledge based partnership. The characteristics of such partnerships are discussed with reference to the description of intellectual capital advanced by Stewart and the typology of work based learning put forward by Portwood.
Inter‐organizational trust in EDI adoption: the case of Ford Motor Company and PBR Limited in Australia
Authors: Ratnasingam Pauline
Published: February 2005

Inter‐organizational‐systems such as EDI have been the main form of business to business e‐commerce application in the automotive industry for the last two decades. However, previous studies in EDI adoption mostly examined environmental, organizational and technological factors. This study examines behavioral dimensions of trading partner trust in EDI adoption via a qualitative interpretative case study conducted between an automotive manufacturer and their first tier supplier. While trading partner trust was observed to be an implicit factor embedded in pre‐arranged contractual agreements, the findings of this study suggests that trading partner trust is important for cooperative long term trading relationships and contributes to increased awareness on the importance of trading partner trust in EDI adoption.
A new Web assessment index: Spanish universities analysis
Authors: Buenadicha Mateos María , Chamorro Mera Antonio , Miranda González Francisco Javier , Rodrigo González López Óscar
Published: February 2005

Despite the rapid growth of the World Wide Web in the last several years few studies have appeared in the literature assessing Web sites’ efficacy. This paper provides an original Web Assessment Index, focused on four categories: accessibility, speed, navigability and content. The scoring mechanism is explained and the index is applied to assess the Web sites of all Spanish universities. Finally, conclusions and implications derived from this study are presented.
Policing the information highway
Authors: McClure Ben
Published: February 2005

Discusses the problems created by shortfalls in the performance of certain information highway services, Asyncrous Transfer Mode, and in the behavior of users. Describes individual attempts which are being made to iron out these problems, in effect introducing a system of “policing” the network.
Virtual partners
Authors: Fojt Martin
Published: February 2005

Describes how one company, National Semiconductor Corp., has take a major step forward maximizing the potential of the Internet for its own benefit. Explains how the company began by studying and identifying its customer base. They then developed a means of using the Web to identify the information their customers required, and supplying it. Outlines the advantages of this method of disseminating information over traditional methods.
Lost in migration: offshore need not mean outsourced
Authors: Preston Simeon
Published: February 2005

Too often large corporations assume that migrating operations offshore requires outsourcing them to another company. Global outsourcing is not always a better alternative to going it alone offshore or teaming up with a partner overseas. On the contrary, companies that set up their own operations in low‐cost regions increasingly generate returns comparable to or higher than companies that outsource. What’s more, the delivery risk of putting a viable operation in place may actually be lower than that of outsourcing. Often there are sound strategic, operational and economic arguments for going offshore yourself and retaining at least partial control and/or ownership of operations. The key challenge to making the right move is to separate the decision to offshore from the decision to outsource. Based on our experience with a number of multinationals that have faced this choice, we believe that managers must first decide which operations to shift offshore, and then identify the most effective means of taking action – for example, to own those operations outright, outsource them or set up something in between, like a joint venture. Only after rigorously evaluating alternative offshoring business models and understanding the true end‐to‐end economics of each alternative will managers arrive at the best answer for increasing their companies’ long‐term value. As offshoring has flourished, it has also become more manageable. The political and regulatory environments of host countries have eased considerably (most notably in India). At the same time, the flexibility and skill‐level of local labor markets have increased without losing cost competitiveness (again, India stands out). Finally, shareholders and lenders have become less nervous about major investments in remote emerging markets. This article reexamines the alternatives between outsourcing and offshoring and shows executives how to make better decisions about moving operations to lower‐cost countries.
Do services exporters build relationships? Some qualitative perspectives
Authors: Hastings Kathleen , Perry Chad
Published: February 2005

Investigates whether success factors for Australian services firms that export to Asia are consistent with the theory of relationship marketing, and demonstrates the power of the in‐depth interview methodology for exploring marketing theory. Relationship marketing theory suggests that services firms should adopt a relationship marketing approach while goods firms might use a transactional approach. To investigate this theory, a series of in‐depth interviews were conducted in firms marketing agribusiness products to Asia. We found that growth in the agribusiness services sector could be attributed to their strategy of “pairing” with Australian commodity exporters rather than to entering the market directly. Contrary to expectations, we found that Australian goods firms consider building relationships with Asian distributors and customers crucial to initiating and maintaining an export strategy. Furthermore, Australian agribusiness services firms do not seek to enter the market on their own but build relationships with Australian firms as a means of accessing the Asian market. The results demonstrate the power of qualitative methods for uncovering results that confirm or disconfirm existing theory.
Internet marketing research: opportunities and problems
Authors: Furrer Olivier , Sudharshan D.
Published: February 2005

The Internet is promised a brilliant future among the favorite tools of marketing researchers. Develops a typology of Internet marketing surveys showing the existence of eight different designs that can be used by marketers. However, researchers who plan to develop research using the Internet need to be aware of several problems related to this new tool. In particular we show that the nature of the Internet creates different sampling problems. To identify these problems, a seven‐step procedure following the steps of the sampling process is proposed. Several practical problems are then discussed.
Consumer interaction in the virtual era: some qualitative insights
Authors: Evans Martin , Wedande Gamini , Ralston Lisa , van ‘t Hul Selma
Published: February 2005

Focuses on the exploration of consumer experience and attitudes towards online interaction within virtual communities. One of the emerging e‐commerce business models, the consumer to consumer “community” model, is relatively new but underpins the framework for the research conducted. The dramatic change in terms of how consumers interact with each other and potentially engage with direct marketers is epitomised by a change in the level of perceived control with a shift towards consumer‐controlled interaction. The growth in virtual or on‐line communities is part of this evolution, and this paper reports on the qualitative phase of an ESF/DMA‐funded research project.
Purchasing strategies and decision‐making processes in the food service industry: a case study of UK restaurant chains
Authors: Mawson Elizabeth , Fearne Andrew
Published: February 2005

Notes the decline in household expenditure on food, an increase in meals consumed outside the home and the consequent increasing importance of restaurant chains. Using a case study approach, attempts to identify the key elements of the buying process in a sample of UK chain restaurants. Uses the BUYGRID model as the theoretical framework for this research, pinpointing the evaluation criteria used by the companies and observing their relation to the procurement procedures subsequently adopted. Concludes that using such a framework can assist in the development of supplier marketing strategies which focus on the organizational requirements and decision‐making processes.
Emerging trends in police failure to train liability
Authors: Ross Darrell L.
Published: February 2005

The United States Supreme Court in the City of Canton v. Harris (1989) held failing to train police officers may be the basis for managerial liability under Title 42 United States Code Section 1983. Using a content analysis, 1,525 Section 1983 lawsuits alleging failure to train were reviewed from 1989 to 1999. The research revealed ten frequent topic areas where the plaintiff regularly identifies police administrators as defendants. Emerging trends of this litigation and recommendations for police administrators are discussed.
The effects of expectancy disconfirmation on outcome satisfaction in police‐citizen encounters
Authors: Reisig Michael D. , Stroshine Chandek Meghan
Published: February 2005

This study tests the expectancy disconfirmation model using survey data from citizens who recently had police encounters. We find support for the expectancy disconfirmation model’s primary hypothesis that increased disparity between expectations of police performance and actual service inversely affects citizen satisfaction with the way the police handle encounters. This finding persists for both voluntary (e.g. breaking and entering victims) and involuntary (e.g. traffic citations) police encounters. Our results also suggest that the scope of the expectancy disconfirmation model is limited. For example, the disparity between expectations and actual service is not correlated with citizen satisfaction with the police in general. Overall, the results show that the expectancy disconfirmation model is useful in that it provides conceptual guidance in an area of research that has been relatively void of theory, and can also help identify needed changes in police practices.
Achieving MRPII Class A status in an SME ‐ A successful case study
Authors: Humphreys Paul , McCurry Larry , McAleer Eddie
Published: February 2005

Implementing a Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRPII) system represents a significant challenge for all those involved in such projects. Indeed, many such change programmes result in failure or fall short of achieving the significant benefits that such systems have to offer. This paper investigates one such implementation within a medium‐sized company in the medical packaging industry. The application of behavioural and performance metrics was applied to monitor and facilitate the attainment of MRPII to Class A status. A longitudinal evaluation of the project is outlined and highlights a range of factors that ultimately affect the degree of success of MRPII implementation.
The impact of information technology on a section of the Australian health care industry
Authors: Orr Stuart , Sohal Amrik S. , Gray Katherine , Harbrow Jennine , Harrison David , Mennen Anne
Published: February 2005

This paper presents the results of a survey of senior and middle managers from the Southern Health Care Network in Victoria, Australia. The survey was conducted to determine whether IT is used as a strategic tool to meet competitive issues within the health care industry. A detailed interview was also conducted with the senior manager of information systems for the Southern Health Care Network. The research sought to identify the strategic IT issues facing the health care sector, whether IT was currently used as a source of competitive advantage within the network or by competitors, key factors for successful IT implementation and any impediments to taking full advantage of IT. The research identified a lack of understanding of IT options and potential benefits in this industry. It also determined that there was little or no awareness of the competitive advantage that could be achieved through IT. The role of IT within the network was found to be constrained at the level of providing a supporting infrastructure for users rather than one of being pivotal for organisational strategic advantage.
How stressful is the automated shopfloor?
Authors: Karuppan Corinne M.
Published: February 2005

The introduction of technology on the shop‐floor has often been
depicted as a stressful experience for workers. Adopts a
quasi‐experimental approach to determine whether the automated shopfloor
remains a stressful environment when considerable time for technological
changes to settle has elapsed. Automation does not seem to create additionalstress. However, computer numerical control (CNC)
machine/robot operators and conventional machine operators face
different sources of stress. CNC machine/robot operators are more
affected by quantitative overload and psychological demands, whereas
conventional machine employees are more subject to inadequate support
and role ambiguity. Both groups exercised relatively low levels of
control over their jobs. Provides suggestions to make the automated
shopfloor a better workplace.
Bionics: psychocybernetics of human memory
Authors: Mrchev Simeon J.
Published: February 2005

Presents research on human memory modelling. Gives a description of the memory process (as a whole) in its functional details by means of adding, processing and synthesizing psychological data using the creation of a model base. Compares the created psychological equivalent to the adequate mathematical‐algorithmic multi‐apparatus descriptions. Presents the programme‐developed human memory model as a precondition for micro‐electronic realizations (robot technique, computers and other bionic‐cybernetical systems).
Behavioural and life history traits in temporary and perennial waters: comparisons among three pairs of sibling dragonfly species
Authors: Suhling Frank , Sahlén Göran , Kasperski Judith , Gaedecke Dunja
Published: February 2005

Identifying and examining traits that influence the distribution of species is crucial to the understanding of community structure. Theory predicts that traits should differ between species that live in temporary and permanent waters because of differing major environmental variables; viz drying out and predator presence, respectively. Species, however, will also be influenced by their evolutionary history, i.e. by the traits of their common ancestors. We studied differences in life history and behaviour traits in a series of laboratory experiments using pairs of dragonfly species out of three genera of Namibian Libellulidae (Odonata) with one species from each type of habitat. As predicted, growth rates were significantly higher in the temporary water species compared to the permanent water species. Activity and foraging, in contrast, differed between the genera, but did not differ between the habitat types. Hence, our study implies that the behavioural traits are influenced by phylogenetic inertia rather than by the habitat variables, while growth rate is adapted to the habitat. We argue that in all three genera one species has diverged recently from a sister species that lives in the original habitat of the genus, which may be temporary waters inCrocothemisBrauer and inOrthetrumNewman, and permanent waters inTrithemisBrauer. The behavioural traits may therefore be less well adapted. Rapid growth may be the more relevant trait because it is crucial to survival in temporary waters.
Modelling population dynamics of seabirds: importance of the effects of climate fluctuations on breeding proportions
Authors: Jenouvrier Stéphanie , Barbraud Christophe , Cazelles Bernard , Weimerskirch Henri
Published: February 2005

Environmental factors and their interactions are likely to have shaped specific breeding and survival strategies in top predators. Understanding how climatic factors affect populations requires detailed investigation of the demographic parameters and population modelling. Here, we focus on the modelling of a southern fulmar population over a 39 year period in Terre Adélie, Antarctica, using Leslie matrix models to understand from a prospective and retrospective point of view, how vital rates and their variations, affect the cyclic population dynamics. The elasticity of population growth rate to adult survival was very high (0.95), as predicted by a slow–fast continuum in avian life histories. However, adult survival varied little between years (mean±SD: 0.92±0.07), and could not explain the strong fluctuations observed in the number of breeders and chicks. The high temporal fluctuations of the proportion of breeders (0.57±0.22) and breeding success (0.70±0.14) had the strongest impact on population dynamics, despite their weak elasticities (0.05). Before the 1980s, population fluctuations were mainly explained by a direct impact of sea‐ice extent (SIE) anomalies during summer (by a threshold effect) on the proportion of breeders. After 1980s, 3 years periodic population fluctuations were best predicted by 3 years cyclic variations in the proportion of breeders. SIE showed a marked change of periodicity during the 1980s, and SIE during winter fluctuated with a 3 years periodicity during 1980–1995. The marked change in population dynamics, through a change of the variations of the proportion of breeders, may be explained in the light of a regime shift that probably occurred around the 1980s, and which affected the sea ice environment, the availability of prey, and thus the demographic parameters and population dynamics of southern fulmars.
Somatic senescence: evidence from female Richardson's ground squirrels
Authors: Broussard D. R. , Michener Gail R. , Risch T. S. , Dobson F. S.
Published: February 2005

We studied reproductive and somatic investments in >700 female Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilusrichardsonii) of known age over a 14‐year period to evaluate three hypotheses, restraint, senescence, and residual reproductive value, proposed to explain age‐specific life history patterns in iteroparous vertebrates. We found that reproductive investment, measured as litter mass at first emergence from the natal nest, did not differ among age classes. Although yearling female Richardson's ground squirrels made a greater somatic investment during reproduction than older females, they produced similar numbers and mass of offspring as older females. Reproductive investment did not decline with age, though active season somatic investment was lowest in the oldest females. Somatic investment during reproduction was highest in yearlings. This combination of age‐related changes in somatic investment unaccompanied by changes in reproductive investment was not well explained by any of the hypotheses examined, though the senescence hypothesis best explained the combination of declining somatic investment and declining survival of the oldest females. Our results supported the ideas that reproductive and somatic senescence evolve independently, and that somatic senescence may be more common in relatively smaller species.
Pond drying and hatching date shape the tradeoff between age and size at emergence in a damselfly
Authors: Block Marjan De , Stoks Robby
Published: February 2005

The trade off between age and size at emergence, which plays a central role in life history theory, is hypothesized to be more pronounced under stressful conditions, especially when these conditions are combined. Empirical evidence for this is equivocal. We tested the hypothesis by imposing combinations of two types of time stress (pond drying and late hatching date) in larvae of the damselfly Lestes viridis. Larvae from a temporary pond and a permanent pond population were reared in outdoor tubs from egg hatching until emergence. Unexpectedly, larvae did not accelerate their life history in response to simulation of pond drying. Instead, larvae reared in temporary tubs generally had a slower development and growth than larvae reared in permanent tubs. Probably deteriorating growth conditions in temporary tubs associated with higher densities and lower food levels caused this pattern. In agreement with a higher time stress in late hatched larvae, they generally had faster development and growth than larvae that hatched early in the season. Drying regime and hatching date shaped the covariation pattern between age and size at emergence, but the tradeoff was only apparent when time stress was relaxed. The tradeoff between age and size at emergence was only present in early hatched larvae, especially in permanent tubs (lowest time stress). Conversely, in late hatched larvae there was a strongly negative relationship between age and size at emergence, especially in temporary tubs (highest time stress). Our results support an alternative hypothesis that deteriorating growth conditions (i.e. pond drying) may decouple the tradeoff under time stress. The absence of a tradeoff in more time‐stressed late hatched larvae can be explained by their higher intrinsic growth rates, independent of deteriorating growth conditions. We hypothesize that the pattern of less clear tradeoffs under the imposed types of time stress may be general.
Floater survival affects population persistence. The role of prey availability and environmental stochasticity
Authors: Penteriani Vincenzo , Otalora Fermín , Ferrer Miguel
Published: February 2005

We develop two individual‐based models using a large and detailed data set (information gathered over more than a century) on a population of a longlived and territorial predator, the Spanish imperial eagle. We investigated the relationship between survival and predator pressure, prey behaviour and patch availability (i.e. settlement areas). Survival of dispersing individuals was highly dependent on the number of available settlement areas, mediated by prey availability. Changes in prey behaviour due to predation pressure (e.g. shifting from diurnal to nocturnal activity) can decrease their availability for predators even if the density significantly exceeds the predator needs. Environmental stochasticity had a strong influence on population viability when it occurred in a synchroneous way between breeding and settlement areas, and an increase in floater mortality negatively influenced stability and dynamics of the breeding segment of populations in reproductive areas. Our simulations demonstrated the link between the dynamics in settlement and breeding areas: factors affecting floater survival also influence whole population dynamics. Moreover, model outputs provided insights into the relationship between environmental stochasticity and population dynamics.
The effect of prey abundance and foraging tactics on the population dynamics of a social, territorial carnivore, the spotted hyena
Authors: Höner Oliver P. , Wachter Bettina , East Marion L. , Runyoro Victor A. , Hofer Heribert
Published: February 2005

We used naturally occurring spatial and temporal changes in prey abundance to investigate whether the foraging behavior of a social, territorial carnivore, the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), conformed to predictions derived from the ideal free distribution. We demonstrate that hyenas in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, redistributed themselves from less profitable to more profitable areas, even when this required them to undertake foraging trips to areas beyond their clan territory boundary, or required normally philopatric females to emigrate. As expected for a system with rank related access to food resources in the territory, females of low social status foraged more often outside their territory and were more likely to emigrate than dominant females. Probably because Crater hyenas regularly foraged outside their territories, there was no correlation between clan size and prey density within territories, suggesting that clan sizes may have exceeded the carrying capacity of territories. A substantial decline of the hyena population in the Crater from 385 adults in the mid 1960s to 117 in 1996 was most likely due to a substantial decline of their main prey. The decline in the hyena population was associated with a decline in the size of clans but not in the number of clans. The number of clans probably remained constant due to emigration by females from large clans into vacant areas or clans with no adult females, and because hyenas regularly fed in areas containing concentrations of prey beyond their territory boundary. Between 1996 and 2003 annual recruitment rates of Crater hyenas consistently exceeded annual mortality rates, resulting in an almost doubling of the adult population. This increase was most likely due to an increase in prey abundance, a relatively low level of predation on hyenas by lions (Panthera leo), and an absence of high levels of disease related mortality.
Geographical variation in offspring size effects across generations
Authors: Marshall Dustin J.
Published: February 2005

Offspring size is thought to strongly affect offspring fitness and many studies have shown strong offspring size/fitness relationships in marine and terrestrial organisms. This relationship is strongly mitigated by local environmental conditions and the optimal offspring size that mothers should produce will vary among different environments. It is assumed that offspring size will consistently affect the same traits among populations but this assumption has not been tested. Here I use a common garden experiment to examine the effects of offspring size on subsequent performance for the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina using larvae from two very different populations. The local conditions at one population (Williamstown) favour early reproduction whereas the other population (Pt. Wilson) favours early growth. Despite being placed in the same habitat, the effects of parental larval size were extremely variable and crossed generations. For larvae from Williamstown, parental larval size positively affected initial colony growth and larval size in the next generation. For larvae from the other population, parental larval size positively affected colony fecundity and negatively affected larval size in the next generation. Traditionally, exogenous factors have been viewed as the sole source of variation in offspring size/fitness relationship but these results show that endogenous factors (maternal source population) can also cause variation in this crucial relationship. It appears offspring size effects can be highly variable among populations and organisms can adapt to local conditions without changing the size of their offspring.
Within‐season sequential density dependence regulates breeding success in mallards Anas platyrhynchos
Authors: Elmberg Johan , Gunnarsson Gunnar , Pöysä Hannu , Sjöberg Kjell , Nummi Petri
Published: February 2005

Density dependence in vital rates is a key issue in population ecology but remains largely unexplored experimentally. We studied breeding success, lake use, and prey availability in wild mallards Anas platyrhynchos on small nemoral lakes in a replicated, two‐year cross‐over experiment in which pair density was increased. The number of wild mallards that settled on lakes prior to introductions of extra pairs did not differ between control and introduction years. Introductions led to a lake‐level reduction in the number of broods observed. However, the number of stage 2+ (almost fledged) ducklings did not differ between treatments, nor did lake utilization by nonbreeding adults, broods and ducklings. Prey resource availability differed greatly among lakes, but it did not correlate with breeding success. Partialling out the possible effect of food competition from wild adult nonbreeding mallards did not change this conclusion. Our study demonstrates sequential density dependence in breeding success; introductions caused a decrease in brood number, but despite fewer broods a similar number of nearly fledged ducklings were produced. We suggest that predation and/or lake change of broods soon after hatching created these patterns. We conclude that using a single and late measure of breeding success such as fledged birds can mask regulatory processes. Implications of density dependence and its relation to individual reproductive success are understood better if breeding success is decomposed into nest success, duckling survival and fledgling survival.
Slow response to strong disturbance in an insect population with a temporal refuge
Authors: Widenfalk Olof , Solbreck Christer
Published: February 2005

The extent to which perturbations are modulated and delayed in population systems is a question of considerable theoretical and practical interest. Organisms with a temporal refuge, for example insects with prolonged diapause, are likely to have strongly buffered populations with long response lags, but little is known concerning how disturbances are actually mediated in natural populations. We show experimentally that the gall midge Contarinia vincetoxici has a prolonged diapause with a “bank” in the soil where diapausing larvae can reside for at least six winters. This bank acts as a strong buffer against disturbance. We stopped recruitment to the larval bank during eight years by removing all new galls, but no significant effects on gall density were found. Response lags may thus be very long even in populations of apparently shortlived animals. Population fluctuations during the last decade were evidently largely determined by events taking place prior to this period.
Exploring the mango – poison ivy connection: the riddle of discriminative plant dermatitis
Authors: Hershko Klilah , Weinberg Ido , Ingber Arieh
Published: February 2005

A relationship between sensitivity to poison oak or poison ivy and mango dermatitis has been suggested by previous publications. The observation that acute allergic contact dermatitis can arise on first exposure to mango in patients who have been sensitized beforehand by contact with other urushiol‐containing plants has been documented previously. We report 17 American patients employed in mango picking at a summer camp in Israel, who developed a rash of varying severity. All patients were either in contact with poison ivy/oak in the past or lived in areas where these plants are endemic. None recalled previous contact with mango. In contrast, none of their Israeli companions who had never been exposed to poison ivy/oak developed mango dermatitis. These observations suggest that individuals with known history of poison ivy/oak allergy, or those residing in area where these plants are common, may develop allergic contact dermatitis from mango on first exposure. We hypothesize that previous oral exposure to urushiol in the local Israeli population might establish immune tolerance to these plants.
Investigative methods for natural rubber latex allergy in the UK
Authors: Lowe J. G. , Green C. M. , Nasser S. M.
Published: February 2005

Allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) has become an important health issue in recent years, but little is known about how this condition is investigated by physicians in the UK. This postal questionnaire of British dermatology and allergy specialists shows substantial variation in diagnostic practice, most notably with regard to the utilization and choice of starting dose of commercial latex prick test dilutions, reliance on allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E measurement, investigation of associated fruit allergy and provision of resuscitation equipment/method of consent when challenge testing. 17% of responding physicians who investigate for NRL allergy do not perform prick test or glove challenge because of the potential risk of anaphylaxis or lack of resuscitation facilities. 87% of allergy clinic specialists report no reduction in the number of patients presenting as new referrals with suspected NRL allergy. These findings suggest a need for robust guidance to achieve more consistent investigative practice by those dealing with this condition.
Patch testing with methyldibromo glutaronitrile, a multicentre study within the EECDRG
Authors: Gruvberger B. , Andersen K. E. , Brandão F. M. , Bruynzeel D. P. , Bruze M. , Frosch P. J. , Goossens A. , Lahti A. , Lindberg M. , Menné T. , Orton D. , Seidenari S.
Published: February 2005

Contact allergy to and allergic contact dermatitis from methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN) have frequently been reported. As there has been no agreement on which MDBGN test preparation to use, a study was initiated to help determine the optimal patch test preparation for MDBGN. 2661 consecutively patch tested patients at 11 test clinics representing 9 European countries participated. Petrolatum preparations with MDBGN at 1.0%, 0.5%, 0.3% and 0.1% were inserted in the standard series. Contact allergy rates were noted in the range 4.4–1.1% following decreasing test concentrations. Reactions not fulfilling all criteria to be classified as allergic reactions could represent either weak allergic or irritant reactions, and such reactions were noted in the range 8.2–0.5% with decreasing concentrations. A significant number of these reactions represented weak allergic reactions, as allergic reactions were obtained to higher patch test concentrations in the same individual. Morphologically irritant reactions were noted only for the highest test concentrations. In summary, the contact allergy rates and frequencies of doubtful and irritant reactions vary with the patch test concentration. The final decision on patch test concentration for MDBGN should not only rely on these factors but also include information on patch test concentrations required to diagnose individual cases with allergic contact dermatitis from MDBGN as well as results of repeated open application tests.
Nickel on the Swedish market. Follow‐up after implementation of the Nickel Directive
Authors: Lidén Carola , Norberg Kristina
Published: February 2005

The Nickel Directive aims at the prevention of sensitization and elicitation of nickel dermatitis. It limits nickel release from, and nickel content in, certain items. The Directive came into full force by July 2001. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency on the market of items that release nickel and of nickel content in piercing posts, 2 years after coming into force of the Directive. Of special interest was to study changes compared to the situation in 1999, when a baseline study had been carried out. Nickel release from 786 items covered by the Nickel Directive was tested with the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test, and nickel content in 18 piercing posts was analysed. Nickel release was shown from 8% of items intended for direct and prolonged contact with the skin, and 17% of the piercing posts contained too much nickel, a decrease compared to 1999. There has been significant adaptation to the requirements of the Nickel Directive. The DMG test is useful for screening for nickel release and for monitoring the market. Provided there is further adaptation to the requirements, the risk of sensitization and elicitation of nickel dermatitis will be significantly reduced.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from lichens in present‐day Finland
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Lauerma Antti , Alanko Kristiina
Published: February 2005

Lichens are abundant in forests, living on trees, soil, stones and rocks. They contain usnic acid and other lichen acids that are contact allergens. Lichens and liverworts cause woodcutter's dermatitis, eczema that appears in the forest on the bare skin areas, especially in cold and wet weather. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from lichens occurs in forestry and horticultural workers and in lichen pickers. Lichens can cause immediate allergy, contact urticaria, rhinitis and asthma and probably also photoallergic contact dermatitis. Lichens are used for the manufacture of oak moss absolute, a fragrance constituent. Oak moss absolute contains lichen acids and is one of the commonest contact allergens. Lichen acid allergy develops either from contact with lichens or from fragrances. We describe 4 cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis from lichens during the past decade: 2 were farmers and 2 gardeners. 3 of them had allergic reactions to fragrance mix and oak moss absolute. Lichen contact allergy is an old, partly forgotten, syndrome that should be remembered for symptoms in contact with barked wood or wood dust.
QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE AND TOXIGENIC EVALUATIONS OF XEROPHILIC MOLD IN TRADITIONAL EGYPTIAN SALTED FISH, MOLOUHA
Authors: AHMED ALI MEAWAD , ISMAIL SOAD AHMED , ABD‐EL‐RAHMAN HOSNY ABD‐EL‐LATIEF
Published: February 2005

Sixty samples of salted fish (Molouha) were randomly collected from Ismailia City, Egypt to evaluate the quantitative, qualitative and toxigenicity of xerophilic mold. The results revealed that 50 (83.3%) out of 60 salted fish analyzed were contaminated by xerophilic mold, while 16.7% were negative. The mean value of total xerophilic mold was 2.45 ± 0.95 log10 cfu/g. Aspergillus spp. was the most predominant xerophilic mold (58.2%) in the fish followed by Penicillium spp. (32.7%). Aspergillus niger and P. verrecosum var. verrecosum were the most predominant mold strains in investigated samples. Thirty‐one (18.8%) toxigenic xerophilic mold strains out of 165 isolated xerophilic mold species found to be Sterigmatocystin and Aflatoxin B2, G1mycotoxin producers. Salted fish processing should be controlled by the authority in concern to solve the poor mycological quality of retail salted fish in Ismailia city. Measures must be developed to control the growth and activity of xerophilic mold in salted fish.
THERMAL INACTIVATION OF SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS BY BOILING AND FRYING EGG METHODS
Authors: DE PAULA CHEILA MINÉIA DANIEL , MARIOT ROBERTA FOGLIATTO , TONDO EDUARDO CESAR
Published: February 2005

Salmonella enteritidis was cultivated in egg yolks and submitted to boiling and frying methods commonly used in domestic conditions in the south of Brazil. The results have demonstrated a rapid growth of the microorganism reaching counts of 9.0 log10at 168 h. When contaminated shell eggs were placed in water and slowly heated, a population of approximately 7.0 log10was completely inactivated after boiling for 1 min. However, in eggs placed directly in boiling water, the reduction was only 1.35 log10after 1 min, and the entire population was eliminated after 3 min. A reduction of approximately 2.78 log10was observed after frying for 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 min. Even though the solidification of yolk has been pointed out as an indicator of S. enteritidis elimination in egg yolks, attention should be given to frying procedures, as considerable high levels of this microorganism could be recovered even from solidified yolks.
Ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer: molecular mechanisms
Authors: Hussein Mahmoud R.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Every living organism on the surface of the earth is exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) fraction of the sunlight. This electromagnetic energy has both life‐giving and life‐endangering effects. UV radiation can damage DNA and thus mutagenize several genes involved in the development of the skin cancer. The presence of typical signature of UV‐induced mutations on these genes indicates that the ultraviolet‐B part of sunlight is responsible for the evolution of cutaneous carcinogenesis. During this process, variable alterations of the oncogenic, tumor‐suppressive, and cell‐cycle control signaling pathways occur. These pathways include (a) mutated PTCH (in the mitogenic Sonic Hedgehog pathway) and mutated p53 tumor‐suppressor gene in basal cell carcinomas, (b) an activated mitogenic ras pathway and mutated p53 in squamous cell carcinomas, and (c) an activated ras pathway, inactive p16, and p53 tumor suppressors in melanomas. This review presents background information about the skin optics, UV radiation, and molecular events involved in photocarcinogenesis.
Bone morphogenetic protein‐mediated type II collagen expression in pilomatricoma and cutaneous mixed tumor
Authors: Mieno Hideki , Kuroda Kei , Tajima Shingo
Published: February 2005

Background:  We have previously reported that type II collagen deposition in overlying dermo–epidermal junction (DEJ) of pilomatricoma is mediated by bone morphogenetic protein 2/4 (BMP 2/4) expressed by shadow cells (SCs) of pilomatricoma.

Objective:  This time, we studied the expression of type II collagen and BMP in a large number of cases of pilomatricoma and extended our study to cutaneous mixed tumor (CMT).

Results:  We found type II collagen deposition in the overlying DEJ (16 of 50 cases) and in the SCs (19/50) of pilomatricoma. The number of case of type II collagen deposition in DEJ (DEJ+) and in SCs (SC+) of pilomatricoma correlated to the chronological stage of pilomatricoma. We also found type II collagen deposition in overlying DEJ (two of 11) and in the stromal chondroid tissue (four of 11) of CMT. BMP 2 was expressed in most cases of pilomatricoma (37/50) and CMT (seven of 11).

Conclusions:  The expression of type II collagen in pilomatricoma is dependent upon the chronological stage of pilomatricoma. Type II collagen expression in the overlying DEJ and chondroid matrix in CMT may be induced by BMP via the same mechanism as in pilomatricoma.
The combination of the Zenon labeling technique and microscopic image analysis to study cell populations in normal and psoriatic epidermis
Authors: Van Duijnhoven Mirella W. F. M. , Van De Kerkhof Peter C. M. , Pasch Marcel C. , Muys Leon , Van Erp Piet E. J.
Published: February 2005

Background:  In order to better characterize epidermal cell populations in psoriatic vs. normal skin, fluorescent immunohistochemical techniques were extended with a new labeling technique. The Zenon technique conjugates primary antibodies rapidly and quantitatively after which they are used in the same manner as covalently labeled primary antibodies. Digital microscopic images of epidermal expression of keratin 10 and keratin 6 (differentiation), Ki‐67 antigen (proliferation), and keratin 15 and β‐1 integrin (basal layer) were analyzed in a standardized way. Co‐expression of different proteins was demonstrated.

Methods:  Sections of normal skin and psoriatic lesions were compared immunohistochemically. Antibodies against keratin 6, 10, and 15 were labeled with the Zenon technique. Antibodies against the Ki‐67 antigen and β‐1 integrin were covalently fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labeled. Using standardized image analysis, intensity and positive surface area of the different antibodies in the epidermis were measured.

Results:  The number of Ki‐67‐antigen positive cells was significantly increased in lesional psoriatic skin. Intensity and positive surface area of keratin 10 and β‐1 integrin were significantly decreased in comparison to normal epidermis. Differential expression of keratin 6 and keratin 15 was demonstrated.

Conclusions:  Using Zenon technology and image analysis, a description of morphology, co‐expression, and quantification of representative markers for epidermal cell populations is possible.
Mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis are not present in erythema induratum/nodular vasculitis: a case series and literature review of the clinical and histologic findings
Authors: Bayer‐Garner Ilene B. , Cox Mark D. , Scott Margie A. , Smoller Bruce R.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Erythema induratum (EI)/nodular vasculitis (NV) is characterized by recurrent crops of tender oedematous nodules on the lower legs. A lobular panniculitis with granulomatous inflammation, vasculitis, focal necrosis and septal fibrosis is present. Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA has been detected in some lesions by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ten cases of EI/NV were found. H&E slides were reviewed. PCR assays for M. tuberculosis and mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis (MOTT) were performed. PCR did not reveal M. tuberculosis (0%) or MOTT (0%) DNA, with positive controls, indicating the reliability of the assays. Among the MOTT, cutaneous infections are most commonly caused by M. marinum. Subcutaneous tuberculoid granulomas may be seen with M. kansasii, M. marinum, M. scrofulaceum and M. avium complex. M. gordonae, M. szulgai and M. malmoense rarely cause cutaneous infections. M. simiae, M. gastri and M. asiaticum are probably not cutaneous pathogens. M. tuberculosis and MOTT DNA was not found in EI/NV. EI/NV has diverse aetiologies with varying pathogeneses leading to similar histologic changes. The cases analysed may not have had an infectious aetiology. However, in EI/NV, performance of PCR for MOTT as well as M. tuberculosis complex may still be beneficial, particularly in cases from immunocompromised hosts.
Congenital melanotic macules and Sebaceous Choristoma arising on the tongue of a newborn: epidermal choristoma?
Authors: Azorin D. , Enriquez de Salamanca J. , De Prada I. , Colmenero I. , Gonzalez Mediero I.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Oral hyperpigmentation is a common event in older individuals, however, is exceptional in neonates (congenital melanotic macules). Conversely, 70–80% of people have sebaceous glands in the oral mucosa, with the tongue representing an ectopic location and termed sebaceous choristoma by some authors. We report a case that fulfills both conditions in a tongue lesion. A 1‐month‐old boy presented with a pigmented macula on his tongue noted at birth. An excisional biopsy was performed showing a lesion lined by an epidermal‐like epithelium with basal pigmentation, under which, sebaceous glands, abortive hair follicles and ductal structures mimicking apocrine glands were found. Seven cases of congenital melanotic macules of the tongue have been reported, however, none of them showed sebaceous glands under the lesion. Furthermore, there has not been a reported case of sebaceous choristoma of the tongue present at birth. We present a case that shares clinical and histological features of both conditions and propose the name ‘epidermal choristoma’.