bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of age and of pre‐treatment with D‐cycloserine on the behavior of ethanol‐treated rats tested in the elevated plus‐maze apparatus
Authors: FERREIRA VÂNIA MARIA MORAES , MORATO GINA STRUFFALDI
Published: August 2003

There is evidence that ethanol is able to influence central functions through the antagonism of the NMDA‐receptor system. It has been shown that this system is also involved in the modulation of anxiety‐related behavior in rats. Recently, we observed gender‐ and age‐related behavioral influences in rats tested on the elevated plus‐maze apparatus The present study was undertaken in order to investigate: (1) the effects of ethanol (0.8, 1.0 or 1.2 g/kg, i.p.) on the behavior of male and female rats tested on the elevated plus‐maze at 2, 3, 4 or 5 months of age; (2) the effect of the pre‐treatment with D‐cycloserine (3.0 or 6.0 mg/kg), an agonist of the glutamate NMDA‐receptor system, 30 min before the ethanol (1.2 g/kg) injections, in rats tested in the elevated plus‐maze at 2 months or 4 months of age. The results demonstrated that ethanol did not affect the time spent and the frequency of entries on the open arms of the elevated plus‐maze in rats tested at 2 months of age, but increased these parameters in older animals. Moreover, the results showed that D‐cycloserine, at doses that did not affect the behavior of control animals, antagonized the increased frequency of entries and time spent on open arms produced by ethanol in rats tested at 4 months of age. Our results suggest an age‐related influence on the anxiolytic action of ethanol in rats tested in the elevated plus‐maze. Moreover, the results suggest that the NMDA‐receptor system can be involved in this effect, and strengthens the evidence for the participation of the NMDA‐receptor system in anxiety‐related behavior.
Role of parasympathetic (vagal) cardiac control in elevated heart rates of smokers
Authors: HIRSCH JUDITH ANN , BISHOP BEVERLY , YORK JAMES
Published: August 2003

Smokers may develop chronic increases in cardiac rate and alterations in cardiovascular control. If the increased mean heart rate (HR) in cigarette smokers is due in part to a deficit in vagal cardiac rate control, this should be reflected in a decreased amplitude of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). To test this hypothesis we studied 36 smokers and 36 non‐smokers, matched for age, race, gender and blood pressure. All subjects were studied in the supine and seated positions. Mean heart rate was determined from the ECG during 30 s of quiet breathing; RSA was determined for 10 consecutive deep (>50% vital capacity) slow (5‐7/min) breaths. Mean HRs in smokers were significantly higher than in non‐smokers, but the increases in mean HRs evoked by a shift from the supine to seated position were lower in smokers than in non‐smokers, suggesting that chronic tobacco use may alter the relative contributions of sympathetic and parasympathetic control of cardiac rate. Because neither the RSAs nor the position‐dependent increase in RSA were different between smokers and non‐smokers, we conclude that the elevated mean HRs in smokers were not the result of decreased respiratory or vasomotor modulation of vagal cardiac control, but instead were the result primarily of sympathetic stimulation.
Acute ethanol‐mediated insulin resistance in the rat: the role of ethanol oxidation
Authors: DHILLON AMARDEEP , XU DAN , PALMER T. NORMAN
Published: August 2003

Ethanol causes an acute and profound insulin resistance in humans and in the rat. Recent studies indicate that defects in skeletal muscle glucose uptake and utilization make a major contribution to this insulin resistance. In this study, we used the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp to examine the role that hepatic ethanol oxidation via alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) plays in the acute insulin resistance caused by ethanol in the rat. Treatment with the ADH inhibitor 4‐methylpyrazole (4‐MP) failed to abolish the insulin resistance as expressed as a decrease in the rate of glucose infusion required to maintain euglycaemia (GIR). A decrease in GIR was also observed in response to tert‐butanol, an alcohol that is not a substrate for hepatic ADH. These results indicate that oxidation via ADH is not a prerequisite for the inhibition by ethanol of whole‐body glucose utilization. In a separate study, we examined the relationship between blood ethanol concentration and GIR in order to determine the potency of ethanol in causing insulin resistance. These experiments showed that even at low blood concentrations (<2 mM), ethanol caused a profound decrease in GIR, similar in magnitude to that observed at higher blood concentrations (approximately 40 mM)
Antibodies to morphine as indicators of chronic morphine intoxication and impaired immune reactivity
Authors: GAMALEYA NATALIA , TRONNIKOV SERGEI , ULYANOVA LUDMILA , KLIMOVA SVETLANA , DMITRIEVA IRINA
Published: August 2003

Chronic morphine treatment of rats for 2 and 4 weeks led to an increase in morphine‐binding cells in the spleen, despite the general reduction of mononuclear cell content in the spleen and thymus. Simultaneously, serum antibodies to morphine (AbM) in haemagglutination titres 1:20 and higher appeared in 50% and 80% of animals, respectively. Animals with high titres of AbM had much weaker immune response to a thymus‐dependent antigen (sheep red blood cells). In humans chronic opiate intoxication was accompanied by significant reduction of functional activity of T‐lymphocytes, which was especially dramatic in addicts with high levels of antibodies to morphine: high incidence of infection was obvious in the latter group. Results suggest that high levels of antibodies to morphine serve as indicators, not only of chronic morphine intoxication, but of impaired immune reactivity, especially involving T‐cell functional activity.
Book and Media Reviews
Authors: COOK CHRIS
Published: August 2003

Books review in this article:

Book reviews in this column will primarily be of titles focusing completely, or in part, on biological aspects of addiction. However, significant titles of general relevance to the addictions field will also be included, even if they are not “biological”, as will titles of general methodological and clinical relevance, even if they are not on “addictions”. Similar considerations will apply to other media (software, audio tapes and CDs, videos, etc.). However, specific “addictions” software applications seem to be relatively uncommon and, as these items are rarely reviewed elsewhere, we will endeavour to include reviews of some of the older programmes that are still useful, as well as new titles that appear. I would appreciate suggestions of any items suitable for review, but especially software and other media of specific relevance to the addictions.

Books: Alcohol and Public Policy H. D. HOLDER & G. EDWARDS (Eds)

Treatment of the Addictions—Applications of Outcome Research for Clinical Management NORMAN S. MILLER (Ed.)

Alcoholism and Ageing: An Annotated Bibliography and Review N. J. OSGOOD, H. E. WOOD & I. A. PARHAM

Integrating Behavioral Therapies with Medications in the Treatment of Drug Depen‐dence. National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Monograph 150 L. S. ONKEN, J. D. BLAINE & J. J. BOREN (Eds)

Alcohol Problems in the Community LARRY HARRISON (Ed.)

Models for Mental Disorder: Conceptual Models in Psychiatry, 2nd edition P. TYRER & D. STEINBERG

The Thread of Life. The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering SUSAN ALDRIDGE

Handbook of Molecular and Cellular Methods in Biology and Medicine P. B. KAUFMAN, W. WU, D. KIM & L. J. CSEKE

Clinical Chemistry, 3rd edition WILLIAM J. MARSHALL

Models in Biology: Mathematics, Statistics and Computing D. BROWN & P. ROTHERY

Software: eBNF (Electronic British National Formulary) No. 30

TICTAC: The Identification CD‐ROM for Tablets and Capsules JOHN RAMSEY (Ed.)

DRUGDATA: A new computer program about drug use in the 1990s J. COHEN & J. KAY

Videos: LAAM: And Other Treatment for Opiate Addiction
The Rhodococcus sp. Cocaine Esterase: A Bacterial Candidate for Novel Pharmacokinetic‐based Therapies for Cocaine Abuse
Authors: Ascenzi Paolo , Clementi Emilio , Polticelli Fabio
Published: August 2003

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous stimulant and among the most abused of drugs. Despite decades of efforts, however, no effective pharmacological treatments are available against cocaine addiction or toxic effects. Classical receptor‐antagonist therapeutic approaches have not yielded significant effects, although cocaine targets are well known, thus fostering development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Recent evidence indicates that a sensible approach for treatment of cocaine abuse could be to interfere with cocaine pharmacokinetics, i.e. by preventing the drug from reaching the receptors responsible for its biological effects. Administration of cocaine binding antibodies as well as catalytic antibodies and enzymes that hydrolyze cocaine represent potential alternative therapeutic approach(es). The discovery of the cocaine esterase from the strain MB1 of the bacterium Rhodococcus sp. (cocE) could be a major breakthrough in this field; cocE hydrolyzes cocaine faster than any known cocaine esterase and catalytic antibody. IUBMB Life, 55: 397‐402, 2003
IRS‐1 Regulation in Health and Disease
Authors: Schmitz‐Peiffer Carsten , Whitehead Jonathan
Published: August 2003

The global incidence of diabetes is increasing at epidemic rates. Estimates suggest there are currently 150 million people with diabetes and this number is expected to double in the next 20 years. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 95% of all cases and is characterized in part by impaired sensitivity to insulin or 'insulin resistance'. Defects in the insulin signalling pathways underpin this resistance. In the current article we discuss the regulation of Insulin Receptor Substrate‐1 (IRS‐1), a protein that plays a pivotal role in insulin signalling and whose function is impaired in subjects with insulin resistance. Coordination of IRS‐1 function is multi‐faceted, involving phosphorylation of IRS‐1 at multiple serine/threonine residues. This controls many aspects of IRS‐1, including its interaction with the insulin receptor and subsequent tyrosine phosphorylation, as well as its subcellular distribution and targeting for degradation by the proteasome. Such tight control ensures appropriate transduction and attenuation of the insulin signal, thereby regulating insulin action in healthy individuals. Emerging evidence indicates that 'diabetogenic factors' associated with insulin resistance, such as TNF αand elevated circulating fatty acids, impact on insulin signalling at the level of IRS‐1 serine/threonine phosphorylation. The expression and/or activity of several kinases, such as I κB kinase β(IKK β) and salt‐induced kinase 2 (SIK2), and the phosphorylation of IRS‐1 at key sites, such as Ser307 and Ser789, are increased in states of insulin resistance. Identifying the pathways by which such factors activate these and other kinases, and defining the precise roles of specific serine/threonine phosphorylation events in IRS‐1 regulation, represent important goals which may eventually provide a rationale for therapeutic intervention. IUBMB Life, 55: 367‐374, 2003
Triggering of Apoptosis is not Sufficient to Induce Human Immunodeficiency Virus Gene Expression
Authors: Oakley Jacqueline , Taher Mohiuddin , Hershey Chad , Aggarwal Puneet , Estwani Isam , Valerie Kristoffer
Published: August 2003

We examined whether there is any causative link between apoptosis and HIV gene expression elicited in response to ultraviolet light (UV) and ionizing radiation (IR). We found that both UV and IR activate HIV gene expression in human T lymphoblastoid 1G5 (HIVluc) cells, but with different kinetics and magnitudes. Treatment with either type of radiation resulted in increased apoptosis, which correlated closely with HIV gene expression. The involvement of caspases in the IR response was demonstrated by using zVAD‐FMK and zDEVD‐FMK caspase inhibitors; both apoptosis and HIV gene expression were inhibited to similar extent. Surprisingly, treatment of 1G5 cells with FAS antibody triggered apoptosis but did not increase HIV gene expression. A correlation between increased apoptosis and gene expression was also demonstrated in human carcinoma HIVcat/A549 cells with UV whereas IR triggered apoptosis but did not activate HIV gene expression. Most significantly, UV activation of HIV gene expression, and NF‐ κB and p38 MAP kinase, both important for efficient HIV gene expression, were not affected by treatment with the zVAD‐FMK and zDEVD‐FMK inhibitors. Treatment of HIVcat/A549 cells with staurosporine or scrape‐loading of cells with cytochrome c resulted in apoptosis but no increase in HIV gene expression. Altogether, a direct correlation exists between apoptosis and HIV gene expression in T‐cells in response to both UV and IR but this is not the case in carcinoma cells. Triggering of apoptosis per se in either cell type does not necessarily result in increased HIV gene expression. Most importantly, the apoptotic and HIV gene expression responses elicited by UV are different to some extent and can be separated. IUBMB Life, 55: 415‐427, 2003
Effect of Moderate Acute Exercise on Expression of mRNA Involved in the Calcineurin Signaling Pathway in Human Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Hitomi Yoshiaki , Kizaki Takako , Katsumura Toshihito , Mizuno Masao , Itoh Choh‐ei , Esaki Kazuki , Fujioka Yasunori , Takemasa Tohru , Haga Shukoh , Ohno Hideki
Published: August 2003

Calcineurin, a calcium‐regulated protein phosphatase, activates gene expression specific to slow muscle fibers by dephosphorylating a family of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), which cooperates with myocyte enhancer factor‐2 (MEF2) and AP‐1. However, it remains unknown how acute exercise influences this signaling pathway and leads to the development of slow muscle fibers. In the present study, we investigated the effect of moderate acute exercise on mRNA expression of genes in the calcineurin signaling pathway in human skeletal muscle. Five healthy volunteers underwent 1 h bicycle ergometer at 50%VO 2 max, and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were collected before and after exercise. Four hours after exercise, alterations in mRNA expression of NFAT 1 S‐ S3 were observed with a wide variety among subjects, while c‐fos mRNA was significantly induced in all subjects. By contrast, the expression of calcineurin, MEF2, and myocyte‐enriched calcineurin‐interacting protein 1 (MCIP1) remained unchanged. These results suggest that even moderate acute exercise may change mRNA expression of genes in the calcineurin‐signaling pathway. IUBMB Life, 55: 409‐413, 2003
Redox Reactions and Electron Transfer Across the Red Cell Membrane
Authors: Kennett Eleanor , Kuchel Philip
Published: August 2003

Plasma membrane electron transport systems appear to be ubiquitous. These systems are implicated in hormone signal transduction, cell growth and differentiation events as well as protection from oxidative stress. The red blood cell is constantly exposed to oxidative stress; protection against the reactive species generated during this process may be the main role of its membrane electron transport systems. Membrane redox activity has been studied for over three‐quarters of a century, and yet many questions remain regarding its identity and likely roles: are electron transfers by distinct and specific mechanisms; what are the physiological donors and acceptors; and how do these systems affect metabolism? Current evidence suggests that the human erythrocyte membrane contains a number of distinct electron transfer systems, some of which, at least, involve membrane proteins, and NADH or ascorbate as electron donors. The activity of these systems appears to be closely related to the metabolic state of the cell, suggesting that mediation of reducing equivalents across the plasma membrane allows redox buffering of each environment, intra‐ and extracellular, by the other. We have decided to study this from a new perspective, NMR spectroscopy the area of our own technical expertise, hence this review is slanted towards this more recent analysis. IUBMB Life, 55: 375‐385, 2003
Functional Role of Caspases in Sphingosine‐Induced Apoptosis in Human Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Chang Hui‐Chiu , Hsu Chin , Hsu Hseng‐Kuang , Yang Rei‐Cheng
Published: August 2003

We have previously shown that sphingosine increased caspase‐3 activity and induced apoptosis in human hepatoma cells. Our data also suggest that other caspases may be involved in sphingosine‐triggered apoptosis. In order to clarify this issue, we used different approaches to study the functional role of several initiator or executioner caspases in apoptosis induced by sphingosine. Activation of procaspases‐2, ‐7, and ‐8, was clearly demonstrated during sphingosine‐triggered apoptosis. Pretreatment with chemical inhibitors for caspase‐7 and ‐8, attenuated apoptotic cell death induced by sphingosine. Conversely, pretreatment with specific caspase‐2 inhibitor Z‐VDVAD‐FMK did not show any protective effect. In addition, enforced expression of constitutively activated AKT kinase which is known to inhibit apoptosis induced by sphingosine, potently suppressed activation of procaspases‐7 and ‐8. In summary, these data suggest that in addition to caspases‐3, caspase‐7 and ‐8 are involved in the apoptosis induced by sphingosine. IUBMB Life, 55: 403‐407, 2003
Testing the tribological properties of lubricants and materials for the system “piston ring/cylinder liner” outside of engines
Authors: Woydt Mathias , Kelling Norbert
Published: August 2003

The test procedure for characterizing the tribological behavior of lubricants and materials for the system “piston ring/cylinder liner” outside of engines is now operational and validated. The test parameters presented in this paper (FN=50 N; v=0.3 m/s, s=24 km) may act only as an indicator and should be used to the tasks regarded. It allows the check prior expensive engine testing, if a tribomaterial, tribocouple or new lubricant will reach a satisfactory engine performance. The introduction of piston ring segments and cylinder liner as specimen into the test rig as well as the volumetric wear determined by means of stylus profilometry represented a big step forward in order to increase the transferability of “tribotests” to engine tests on an acceptable level.
An investigation on the effect of dimensional differences in friction welding of AISI 1040 specimens
Authors: Erol Akata H. , Sahin Mumin
Published: August 2003

Most of the machine parts can be produced using several manufacturing methods, such as forging, machining, casting or welding. The type of manufacturing method may be selected with respect to production costs of the alternatives for individual parts. In the presented study, an experimental friction welding set‐up was designed and constructed in order to investigate the effects of some welding parameters on the welding quality. The set‐up was constructed as continuous‐drive. Several groups of specimen were machined from the same material. Some pilot welding experiments under different process parameters were carried out in order to obtain optimum parameters according to statistical approach. The strengths of the joints were determined by tension tests, and the results were compared with those of specimen's material. Addition to the tensile test data, hardness variations and microstructures in the welding‐ zone were obtained and examined.
Combined effects of couple stresses and surface roughness on the lubrication of short journal bearings
Authors: Hsu Cheng‐Hsing , Lin Jaw‐Ren , Chiang Hsiu‐Lu
Published: August 2003

According to the Stokes microcontinuum theorem and Christensen's stochastic model, the main objective of this paper is to theoretically predict the combined influences of couple stresses and surface roughness on the lubrication performance of journal‐bearing systems. To take account of the presence of both the surface roughness of bearings and the couple stress effect due to the lubricant containing the polar suspensions, the generalized stochastic non‐Newtonian Reynolds‐type equation is derived. Compared to the Newtonian‐lubricant smooth‐bearing case, the couple stress effects and the longitudinal roughness improve the load carrying capacity, and thus decrease the attitude angle and friction parameter, while the effect of transverse roughness is opposite to that of the longitudinal one in the journal‐bearing system.
Numerical analysis on externally pressurized high‐speed gas‐lubricated porous journal bearings
Authors: Su Jerry C.T. , You Hsien‐I , Lai Jing‐Xain
Published: August 2003

High‐speed gas‐lubricated porous journal bearings up to 200,000 rpm are analyzed numerically. The effects of rotation speed, bearing eccentricity, permeability and thickness of the porous wall on bearing load capacity and attitude angle are investigated. The adequate initial conditions are necessary to improve the convergence of the numerical solutions for high rotation speeds. The results show that the hydrodynamic effect of high rotation speed is not as significant in gas‐lubricated film as the effect of bearing eccentricity to increase the load capacity. The results also show that the lower permeability and the thicker wall of the porous bearing produce the higher load capacity.
Introduction: quality, innovation and knowledge
Authors: Brown Alan , Patrickson Margaret
Published: August 2003

Introduces the four papers that are included in the Focus section of International Journal of Manpower, and which were presented at the International Conference on Quality, Innovation and Knowledge held in Kuala Lumpur in 2002. These papers have their central focus on the people element of quality, innovation and knowledge.
Performance management of Australian and Singaporean expatriates
Authors: Woods Peter
Published: August 2003

The cross‐cultural and practical challenge of evaluating the management performance of Australian and Singaporean expatriates has received little research attention. This paper explores critical perceptions of performance management by analysing the results of structured interviews with Australian and Singaporean expatriate managers and human resource professionals. Contrary to initial expectations, a slight majority of respondents were satisfied overall with the fairness and accuracy of expatriate performance management practices. Their proposals for more effective performance management are analysed, focussing on the efficacy of involving multiple, cross‐cultural raters in performance appraisal. The cultural differences between Australian and Singaporean expatriates are also explored. The findings of this research provide important direction for the development of culturally sensitive international human resource management practices.
The impact of senior managers’ commitment on the success of TQM programmes
Authors: Taylor W.A. , Wright G.H.
Published: August 2003

To date, little research has examined the role and impact of managers on the success of total quality management (TQM) programmes. Evaluations of TQM initiatives have been based on ad hoc surveys rather than longitudinal research designs. This paper presents the results of a cohort of 113 TQM programmes over a five‐year period. It highlights the impact of the softer elements of TQM, such as senior management commitment and employee involvement, on programme outcomes. We conclude that senior managers’ involvement, understanding and customer focus are essential antecedents of TQM success. These findings have important implications for strategic management, leadership and training in TQM organisations.
The human side of introducing total quality management
Authors: Edwards Ron , Sohal Amrik S.
Published: August 2003

The aim of this paper is to explore the reasons why businesses, having adopted total quality management (TQM), fail to sustain their reforms over time. In order to gain insights into the pressures that, despite good intentions, can make full implementation of TQM problematic, a case study approach is used. The research indicates that a lack of attention to the human element of change, especially inconsistent senior management support, a lack of involvement of supervisors and middle managers in planning for change, and lack of attention to groups of staff affected negatively by the changes, explain why businesses may face difficulty sustaining reform programs.
Modelling UK occupational employment
Authors: Briscoe G. , Wilson R.
Published: August 2003

This paper uses annual data from successive UK Labour Force Surveys to model occupational trends over the period 1981 to 1999. Time series models are developed for some nine occupational groups across 17 industrial sectors. Various economic variables, such as output, wages, unemployment, export and import shares are combined with different technology trend and interactive dummy terms to identify the most significant determinants of the changing demand for occupational skills. Data sets are pooled to overcome problems of shortages of degrees of freedom and to assist in the identification of the most statistically robust relationships. This methodology extends the analysis of occupational employment shares beyond the simple extrapolative approaches that have traditionally been applied.
Does job standardization increase job burnout?
Authors: Hsieh Yih‐Ming , Hsieh An‐Tien
Published: August 2003

This empirical study examines the relationship between job standardization, role stress and job burnout components (i.e. emotional exhaustion, diminished personal accomplishment and depersonalization). Data used here comes from 412 employees of manufacturing and service companies in Taiwan. A path analysis model is developed and tested that posits role conflict and ambiguity as a partial mediator of job standardization resulting in job burnout relationship. Empirical results suggest that increased job standardization diminishes job burnout indirectly, such that the true effect of job standardization may be understood with role stress constructs. However, we show that job standardization and job burnout components have spurious relationships. Results are contrasted with those from previous studies, and implications for managers are discussed.
Multi‐class interest profile: applications in the intelligence process
Authors: Nitse Philip S. , Parker Kevin R. , Dishman Paul L.
Published: August 2003

Noting that accurate information needs overlay the entire intelligence cycle from planning to reporting, the authors propose a new concept to fine‐tune the process of electronically gathering information. Since most tools are nondiscriminatory in information gathering, a new concept is needed to assist managers at all levels of the organization. The proposed multi‐class interest profile (M‐CLIP) provides the capability of expanding the representation of interests to reflect the assorted areas that make up a manager’s information needs. The M‐CLIP covers project, organizational, and industry class interest areas. Each area is customizable to make the search pertinent to the user while considering the need for both recall and precision. Supporting features, such as profile expansion, and fine‐tuning are also considered.
A Delphi study of Internet banking
Authors: Bradley Laura , Stewart Kate
Published: August 2003

Deregulation has brought down the boundaries of the banking industry, allowing new entrants and enabling a greater degree of competition. Into this scenario arrived the Internet – another radical technological innovation with the potential to change the structure and nature of banking. Many banks have adopted the Internet as a delivery channel (indeed, some banks have set up as Internet‐only delivery). This paper reports a Delphi study of the Internet momentum in banking. Informed by diffusion of innovation theory, the study sought to discern the key issues and to explore the future of Internet banking. The results show that Internet banking is a very important issue in retail banking. However, the Internet will contribute as part of a multi‐channel (bricks and clicks) strategy, rather than as a stand‐alone (clicks only) strategy. The developing functionality of Internet banking may enable some banks to achieve competitive advantage through delivering higher perceived customer value.
Managing an effective promotion campaign: lessons from retail advertisers in New Zealand, Portugal and Hungary
Authors: Shyan Fam Kim
Published: August 2003

The present study considers how clothing and shoe retailers in New Zealand, Portugal and Hungary manage promotion campaigns and looks at the objectives that are most important to these retailers as well as the marketing activities that are undertaken to reach these objectives. Change‐of‐season sales are found to be the most frequently used sales type by the retailers studied and these sales are linked with objectives of moving a volume of stock and activities such as co‐ordination of media across all forms. Secondary sales types include Christmas and general sales, and these are linked with other promotional objectives and activities such as increasing profit and dollar sales, and stock management.
Assessing customer‐salesperson interactions in a retail chain: differences between city and country retail districts
Authors: Wong Amy , Sohal Amrik
Published: August 2003

This study attempts to examine the relationship between the dimensions of service quality and customer loyalty in a retail chain departmental store setting in Victoria, Australia. The focus of the study is on the differences between two retail districts; namely, the city retail district, consisting of, primarily, two retail stores located approximately 20km from the city of Melbourne (n = 339); and the country retail district, consisting of, primarily, two retail stores located approximately 200km from the city of Melbourne (n = 324). The results showed that service quality is positively associated with customer loyalty, and that the most significant predictor of customer loyalty in the city retail district is empathy, while the most significant predictor of customer loyalty in the country retail district is tangibles. Further discussion and managerial implications can be interpreted from these findings
Internet‐induced changes in consumer music procurement behavior: a German perspective
Authors: Walsh Gianfranco , Mitchell Vincent‐Wayne , Frenzel Tobias , Wiedmann Klaus‐Peter
Published: August 2003

The aim of the present study is to investigate and analyze Internet‐related consumer music procurement behavior and its effects on traditional music procurement using a Web questionnaire with a sample of more than 4,000 Internet users (the word “procurement”, as opposed to purchase, is used because some procurement satisfies the consumers’ need for music but they do not pay for it). Four motive factors for the willingness to pay for online music were found and subsequent cluster analysis identified three meaningful and distinct downloader groups who are willing to pay for online music: demanding downloaders; general download approvers; procurement autonomous. Consumer price sensitivity for two different commercial online‐music distribution models was very similar and the majority of users had similar ideas as to how much a commercial download service should cost. Implications for marketing research and practitioners are discussed.
International marketing of British education: research on the students’ perception and the UK market penetration
Authors: Binsardi A. , Ekwulugo F.
Published: August 2003

The study functions as marketing intelligence inputs for the UK Government, the British Council as well as academic marketing planners for constructing their marketing opportunities‐threats audits, it investigates international students’ perception about the UK education and it researches UK performance in the world markets for international education. UK education has been known to be the best in the world. For many years, the UK universities have enjoyed a high reputation and have benefited in accelerating its market penetration worldwide. Unfortunately, this superiority has begun to decline. Other countries are strongly emerging with their quality education. The study shows that UK competitors achieved a remarkable growth of their international students’ enrolment while the UK achieves only a marginal growth with declining market penetration abroad. The findings confirmed the central importance of pricing, product and promotional variables in designing and marketing UK education abroad.
The mathematical logic failure of Einstein's special relativity
Authors: Bolstein Arthur
Published: August 2003

The proof of the mathematical logic failure of Einstein's special theory of relativity has been made.
An impossible physical reality in Einstein's relativity
Authors: Bolstein Arthur
Published: August 2003

A physical process, the course of which according to the Lorentz transformations is impossible in the frame of reference in inertial motion, can be created in some inertial frame of reference.
Scanning the structure of ill‐known spaces: Part 1. Founding principles about mathematical constitution of space
Authors: Bounias Michel , Krasnoholovets Volodymyr
Published: August 2003

Some necessary and sufficient conditions allowing a previously unknown space to be explored through scanning operators are reexamined with respect to measure theory. Some generalized concepts of distances and dimensionality evaluation are proposed, together with their conditions of validity and range of application to topological spaces. The existence of a Boolean lattice with fractal properties originating from non‐wellfounded properties of the empty set is demonstrated. This lattice provides a substratum with both discrete and continuous properties from which existence of physical universes can be proved, up to the function of conscious perception. Space‐time emerges as an ordered sequence of mappings of closed 3D Poincaré sections of a topological four‐space provided by the lattice, and the function of conscious perception is founded on the same properties. Self‐evaluation of a system is possible against indecidability barriers through anticipatory mental imaging occurring in biological brain systems; then our embedding universe should be in principle accessible to knowledge. The possibility of existence of spaces with fuzzy dimension or with adjoined parts with decreasing dimensions is raised, together with possible tools for their study. The work presented here provides the introductory foundations supporting a new theory of space whose physical predictions (suppressing the opposition of quantum and relativistic approaches) and experimental proofs are presented in detail in Parts 2 and 3 of the study.
Scanning the structure of ill‐known spaces: Part 2. Principles of construction of physical space
Authors: Bounias Michel , Krasnoholovets Volodymyr
Published: August 2003

An abstract lattice of empty set cells is shown to be able to account for a primary substrate in a physical space. Space‐time is represented by ordered sequences of topologically closed Poincaré sections of this primary space. These mappings are constrained to provide homeomorphic structures serving as frames of reference in order to account for the successive positions of any objects present in the system. Mappings from one section to the next involve morphisms of the general structures, representing a continuous reference frame, and morphisms of objects present in the various parts of this structure. The combination of these morphisms provides space‐time with the features of a non‐linear generalized convolution. Discrete properties of the lattice allow the prediction of scales at which microscopic to cosmic structures should occur. Deformations of primary cells by exchange of empty set cells allow a cell to be mapped into an image cell in the next section as far as the mapped cells remain homeomorphic. However, if a deformation involves a fractal transformation to objects, there occurs a change in the dimension of the cell and the homeomorphism is not conserved. Then, the fractal kernel stands for a “particle” and the reduction of its volume (together with an increase in its area up to infinity) is compensated by morphic changes of a finite number of surrounding cells. Quanta of distances and quanta of fractality are demonstrated. The interactions of a moving particle‐like deformation with the surrounding lattice involves a fractal decomposition process, which supports the existence and properties of previously postulated inerton clouds as associated to particles. Experimental evidence of the existence of inertons is reviewed and further possibilities of experimental proofs proposed.
Scanning the structure of ill‐known spaces: Part 3. Distribution of topological structures at elementary and cosmic scales
Authors: Bounias Michel , Krasnoholovets Volodymyr
Published: August 2003

The distribution of the deformations of elementary cells is studied in an abstract lattice constructed from the existence of the empty set. One combination rule determining oriented sequences with continuity of set‐distance function in such spaces provides a particular kind of space‐time‐like structure which favors the aggregation of such deformations into fractal forms standing for massive objects. A correlative dilatation of space appears outside the aggregates. At large scale, this dilatation results in an apparent expansion, while at submicroscopic scale the families of fractal deformations give rise to families of particle‐like structure. The theory predicts the existence of classes of spin, charges and magnetic properties, while quantum properties associated with mass have previously been shown to determine the inert mass and the gravitational effects. When applied to our observable space‐time, the model would provide the justifications for the existence of the creation of mass in a specified kind of void, and the fractal properties of the embedding lattice extend the phenomenon to formal justifications of big‐bang‐like events without any need for supply of an extemporaneous energy.
The theory of cold quantum: a counter theory of gravitation
Authors: Junfeng Cao
Published: August 2003

Through many years of study, we have found that cold quantum is the most important force in nature. Under the pressure of coldness on hotness, various materials are formed. Under the pressure of cold quantum, these materials are provided with gravity, and celestial bodies start to move. The pressure of cold quantum exists in space and materials. It is the pressure of cold quantum that huge changes between the four seasons on the earth begin to appear. The whirlpool, produced from the cold quantum pressure, pushes all the celestial bodies making them turn and change. The coldness converts frozen water into ice, which could not be achieved by any other force. The extreme and powerful strength of cold quantum has been well‐known. Therefore, we claim that the cold quantum pressure is the greatest force which ever existed in the universe.
A modification of the special theory of relativity
Authors: Paul Gibson B.
Published: August 2003

Light, when constructed in terms of the elementary quanta of light, may be viewed in particle‐like or wave‐like terms. The elementary quanta of light, when placed in motion through space/time at a speed of a constancy of c forms a light path through the space or reference frame viewed. The light path formed is curved, as space/time is curved. The curvilinear light path formed is a function of the gravitational potential within the viewed frame of reference. The linear description of this light path, termed the geodesic (Riemannian), does not describe the curvilinear light path, but rather the chord of the curvilinear path described by the inscribed arc. This linear description of the light path is the manner in which we describe the coordinate system involved, and is the same manner in which we determine the “speed of light”. The arc length of the light path, compared to the lesser value as described by the chord length, allows for a displacement to be determined, if both measures are applied to a linear measure. A displacement of linear coordinates then occurs, with this displacement a result of the gravitational potential occurring within the frame viewed. This displacement, derived via observation and predictions of the quantum model, resolves Maxwell as well as Newton. The theory concludes that the Special Theory of Relativity, suitably modified to account for gravitational displacement within one particular frame, derives a precise relative model of gravitation within the special frame. This model satisfies Newton, as the model arrives at an exact description of the three‐body problem.
The light path in three‐dimensional space
Authors: Paul Gibson B.
Published: August 2003

Light, when viewed as a particle, reacts in a determinable manner with reference to the gravitational potential existing within the reference frame viewed. The elementary quanta of light, expressed under the terms of Planck, and as derived via the expressions of Einstein as a particle, may not reach a speed exactly equating to the speed (electromagnetic) of light of c. Here c is viewed as an electromagnetic constancy in any gravitational frame of reference. The theory is that a relative particle of mass may not achieve the speed of light, for the energy of that particle would then equate to infinity or in that the force required allowing the relative particle to reach c would then be infinite. The theory is then totally reliant upon the tenants of what has become to be known as the Special Theory of Relativity. As per the General Theory, light would be “bent”, more or less, from one gravitational reference frame as compared to another gravitational reference frame. The theory then evolves that light, when viewed as a particle, forms a curvilinear light path through the gravitational reference frame viewed. However, until now, the light path has been solely described on a linear basis. It is the result of the theory that the light path may be described on a curvilinear basis, under the method of Lagrange. This method, or model, allows a particle of light (viewed as a projectile of mass under a constant velocity, therefore under a constant acceleration) to achieve Newton's description of the path of a projectile. Note that the following paper is applicable to a previous paper, which proposes a displacement of light within the gravitational field.
Relativistic coordinate shifting within three‐dimensional space
Authors: Paul Gibson B.
Published: August 2003

Let us consider that light, when viewed as a particle, forms a conic arc segment inscribed within the space viewed. The space (or frame) viewed is considered to exhibit a gravitational potential, and it is thus this potential that deforms the light path from a Euclidean/Newtonian derivation of a straight line to that of a relativistic curvilinear nature. Given a distance over this conic arc segment (assumed to form a parabolic arc segment) and a given time (considering the given distance involved), one derives a constancy of the speed of light of c, where c is considered as a constant regardless of the gravitational potential exhibited by the frame viewed. If we further consider that the Special Theory requires that light propagate on a linear measure as the velocity v (of necessity v being less than c on a comparable linear measure) between the axes concerned; then a displacement (in linear measure equal to c−v) occurs. The displacement evolved is then assumed to agree with the form of Maxwell. We assume that this linear displacement of c−v occurs upon the y‐axis of the frame viewed. Of necessity, a relative displacement must occur upon the x‐axis of the frame viewed. From the calculus, the dot products derived must vary in concept, in order to derive the totality of relative coordinate shifts occurring within any three‐dimensional space. One displacement is linear in nature, while the other is trigonometric in nature. We consider the displacement of Maxwell, Lorentz, Compton, and de Broglie to be linear in nature. Based on the principle of the Special Theory (and the other forms as mentioned), we consider the total displacement to be mechanically derivable. That derivation, once allowed, results the physics to agree with the observations complete to this moment in time. The paper concludes that the error in coordinate positioning shown by the global positioning satellite system (GPS satellite platform) is resolvable.
Time‐lapsed reality visual metabolic rate and quantum time and space
Authors: Harms John K.
Published: August 2003

This text proposes that time is essentially related to one's visual metabolic rate. Metabolic rate is regulated by the speed of the intake of energy, the rate of the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the visual areas. The author's working hypothesis is that the visual area of the brain known as human V5, the region involved in motion detection, may be the region most responsible for time perception. Our time sense from all the senses is, thus, compiled in the visual region, the speed of the human perception of reality. Time is the relationship of the human perception of reality and the rate that the reality itself is taking place (given by light waves in the environment). Hence, vision (and the visual cortex area V5) may be the vitally important aspects in answering the question: what is time? When we are not looking at a clock, time may be governed by our rate of metabolism; rate of the production of ATP by the mitochondria in V5. For example, when general human metabolism (and V5) is fast, time runs slow. When metabolic rate is relatively slow, time runs relatively faster. Many factors enter into the speed of metabolism such as age, sex, drug effects, velocity compared to speed c, states of boredom or excitement, darkness or light and mental states such as sleep. The relationship between time and space is discussed with the metabolic rate of V5 in mind. Because the uncertainty principle and the quantum picture of reality are adopted, this model qualitatively quantizes space and time, showing why they must forever be connected i.e. space‐time. This idea is discussed in relation to Zeno's paradox, which suggests that space and time are indeed quantized. Events, instants and entropy are defined. Reality can be understood in terms of the speed of the processing of instants. The arrow of time is pictured as caused by long‐term potentiation of synaptic neurons within the brain. Minkowski‐Einstein space‐time is analyzed and compared with the visual metabolic rate. The probable consequences of this model are proposed.
The space‐time equation of the universe dynamics
Authors: Kohut Peter
Published: August 2003

Space and time are the forms of material being of the Universe. They have a quantum character as a result of a dialectic relation between attraction and expansion, continuity and discreetness. Time and space consist of their elementary parts – quantums. The question is: does the Universe have its own time, despite the fact that according to the theory of relativity, the local parts of the Universe with different gravity or inertia have different local times? Yes, it does! The time etalon for the entire history of the Universe is represented by the cosmic quantum jump, in which the Universe realizes its transition from one quantum level to the next. The time quantifying enables the cosmic jump from the expansion to the contraction to be made and on the other hand, from the contraction to the expansion without getting to singularities. The Universe pulsates. The knowledge of the nature of time and space quantifying allowed us to find the basic equation of the space dynamics of the Universe. Its analysis gives the answer to the question: what is the nature of gravity, speed of light and gravitational constant.
Asymmetry of uniform motion
Authors: Kohut Peter
Published: August 2003

A new theory on asymmetry of uniform motion is presented.
The measurement of speed of gravitational wave
Authors: Madac Andrej , Madac Kamil
Published: August 2003

This paper introduces an hypothesis concerning the reason of gravitation. Preliminary results of the experiment, not finished yet, are presented.