bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food safety challenges and initiatives in the Dubai hospitality industry
Authors: Mohammed Sharif Al‐Awadhi Khalid , AbdulRahman Al Ali Ahmed , Snyder O. Peter , AlSheikh AbdulAziz , Krishna Bobby , Taylor Joanne
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the latest food safety initiatives for hospitality businesses in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE. It is the sixth paper in a themed issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes presenting international food safety management challenges and solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The Dubai Municipality Food Control Department food safety initiatives are presented, with a wider discussion of their impact.

Findings

Research shows that many hospitality businesses are not adequately managing food safety despite basic training of employees, which has prompted a move towards management level training. Case study research also demonstrates that innovative “evolving methods” of HACCP can assist in improving food safety management in local hospitality businesses. The Dubai Municipality Food Control Department is, therefore, working on two important strategies: first, the mandatory training of “Persons in Charge” in all food businesses, and subsequently the wider implementation of food safety management systems.

Practical implications

The paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.

Originality/value

This paper presents an insight into senior government strategy and motivations in Dubai.
Implementing the Menu‐Safe “evolving HACCP” system in Subway, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Authors: Oakden Shaina , Al Hamar Marwan
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the viewpoints of Subway UAE on their implementation Menu‐Safe, an evolving method of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) for the Hospitality industry. It is the seventh paper in a themed issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes presenting international food safety management challenges and solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Viewpoints are put forward by the lead food safety trainer and supported by the UAE Development Agent.

Findings

The implementation of the Menu‐Safe HACCP system in UAE Subway stores has seen an improvement in knowledge, attitude and behaviour amongst store managers and their staff; outcomes include the achievement of perfect inspection scores and international HACCP certification in certain stores. Key improvements and success factors are identified.

Practical implications

The paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.

Originality/value

This paper shows insights into food safety management within a large franchised international chain of restaurants, and identifies practical methods of enhancing food safety management.
Introduction to “Municipalities addressing climate change: a case study of Norway”
Authors: Kelman Ilan
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to and overview of this special issue titled “Municipalities addressing climate change: a case study of Norway”. It provides the rationale for the project leading to the special issue while summarizing the issue's contents and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven research institutes in Norway were brought together for a five‐year project examining adaptation to extreme weather in Norway at the municipal level.

Findings

The project led to individual and collaborative research linked to policy advice for Norwegian municipalities. Barriers and opportunities to act locally regarding extreme weather were identified, giving ways forward through more science along with policy and action possibilities.

Research limitations/implications

Only three main sectors were covered: drinking water supply, cultural heritage, and flood risk reduction. Extreme weather affects other sectors too, but no advice is given regarding those areas.

Practical implications

The project led to fact sheets, a web site, and engagement with practitioners at the municipal level in two ways. First, providing science‐based advice that can be used by those working for municipalities. Second, providing practical advice to scientists regarding what practitioners seek from research.

Social implications

The work will contribute to improving how Norwegian municipalities consider and address extreme weather, in the context of climate change amongst other hazards, along with further social and environmental changes affecting municipalities.

Originality/value

This special issue represents an interdisciplinary, cross‐sectoral approach towards useable science. It is also relatively original in providing an interdisciplinary approach for the case study of Norway.
Climate change and runoff from agricultural catchments in Norway
Authors: Deelstra Johannes , Øygarden Lillian , Blankenberg Anne‐Grete B. , Olav Eggestad Hans
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of extreme weather conditions on runoff, nutrient, and soil loss from agriculture‐dominated catchments at different locations in Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

Four catchments have been selected to study the potential effects of climate change on runoff and nutrient loss. The catchments are part of the Agricultural Environmental Monitoring Programme in Norway (JOVA) and represent different climatological conditions, agricultural production systems/practices, and soil types. Different characteristics were calculated on the basis of existing measurements and evaluated with respect to climate change.

Findings

In four selected catchments, climate change is predicted to lead to an increase in runoff. Under similar land use and tillage methods, this will most likely lead to an increase in nutrient and soil loss. Milder winters as a consequence of climate change might lead to extreme runoff conditions and severe erosion, caused by a combination of frozen soil, snowmelt, and intense rainfall. Existing large diurnal variations in discharge have to be taken into consideration in the future design of hydrotechnical implementations. Information about the potential effects of climate change on runoff generation, the magnitude of the different hydrological flow paths, and their potential effects on nutrient and soil loss processes is necessary in choosing the right mitigation measures.

Originality/value

Long time series on runoff and water quality (such as those collected in small agriculture‐dominated catchments as part of the Agricultural Environmental Monitoring Programme in Norway (JOVA)) are rare, but indispensable in evaluating the potential effects of climate change on nutrient and soil loss.
Impact of rainfall on microbial contamination of surface water
Authors: Tryland Ingun , Robertson Lucy , Blankenberg Anne‐Grete B. , Lindholm Markus , Rohrlack Thomas , Liltved Helge
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Increased annual precipitation and more frequent episodes with heavy precipitation are expected in Norway due to climate change. The purpose of this paper is to use two case studies to investigate effects of precipitation on the amounts of faecal indicator bacteria and parasitic protozoa (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) loaded to surface waters from catchment areas exposed to different faecal sources.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first case study, the loads of faecal indicator bacteria and Cryptosporidium and Giardia, were investigated in relation to precipitation in a stream from a small valley where cattle and sheep are grazed. In the second case study, historical data (monthly values from 2004‐2009) regarding faecal coliforms and water flow in five tributaries (urban and rural) of a lake used as a drinking water source, were used for calculating loads of faecal indicator bacteria. These loads were evaluated in relation to historical data on precipitation. Additional sampling during/after rainfall, including analysis of samples for Cryptosporidium and Giardia, was performed.

Findings

The study visualises how heavy rainfall may increase the load of faecal microorganisms and potential pathogens in Norwegian water sources.

Originality/value

This study provides supplementary information about microbial contamination (including by parasites) of Norwegian surface waters during or after rainfall. This is useful input for decision making regarding protection of vulnerable water sources and for risk assessments. Data are also provided for evaluation of water treatment needs for Norwegian municipalities and waterworks responsible for providing safe drinking water under future climatic conditions.
Preparations for climate change's influences on cultural heritage
Authors: Haugen Annika , Mattsson Johan
Published: November 2011

Purpose

In Norway the most critical effects of climate change are predicted to be increased rain and snow, higher temperatures, increased wind loads, and sea‐level rise. This will increase the number of floods and landslides, along with more cycles around the freezing point and increased exposure to high moisture. The main issue for protecting Norway's historical monuments from climate change is how to be aware of and how to handle the coming problems. One challenge is to define and give this information to heritage owners and local authorities. The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the practical threats related to climate change, and provide suggestions for mitigation and adaption strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical information of the problem is useful at a general level, but the practical impact has to be used at a local level. Improved knowledge about the risks for deterioration at different exposure levels, thorough surveys, and practical solutions, can significantly reduce the negative effects. This knowledge must reach the people that have local and daily contact with the cultural heritage. Information to the owners and responsible authorities about the normal risk of deterioration and how to identify risks related to climate change is crucial.

Findings

The main results of the authors' work is a methodology dealing with the problem step‐by‐step production of a web‐site based on fact sheets for heritage owners and managers. The fact sheets are divided amongst different subjects and are designed to be informative and easy to use for owners and responsible authorities.

Originality/value

The results presented in this paper will increase the knowledge of how owners of cultural heritage can be prepared for climate change on a practical, hands‐on level. This can, for example, be done by a brief overall analysis of the threats of the cultural heritage in a specific municipality. The analysis can be summarised in a list of increased possible risks, with direct practical information given to those needing it, and placed online. This would enable detection of and reaction to warning signs of an unusual situation. Information, training and production of both general and specific plans for action in case of extreme situations are also important in order to prevent the negative effects of climate change.
Managing biodiversity of floodplains in relation to climate change
Authors: Museth Jon , Johnsen Stein I. , Walseng Bjørn , Hanssen Oddvar , Erikstad Lars
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the importance of floodplains in preserving biodiversity, and call attention to alternative ways of managing floodplains in relation to probable scenarios of climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 20 water bodies on the floodplain at Flisa along the River Glomma (Hedmark County, Eastern Norway) were investigated with regards to crustacean zooplankton and water beetle species richness.

Findings

Both on a national and regional scale, the species diversity in the investigated water bodies was high. A total of 57 crustacean plankton and 77 water beetle species were recorded. Of these, ten and eight were new records of zooplankton and water beetle species in Hedmark County, respectively. Seven recorded water beetle species were specified in the 2010 Norwegian Red List of Species. Further, the localities on the Flisa floodplain are relatively unique with regard to the composition of species compared to other investigated localities in Hedmark County.

Social implications

Floodplains are intensively used and are considered as among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. More frequent and less predictable floods can be expected in the future due to climate change's influence. In some settings more frequent larger floods may work to re‐establish the connectivity, but larger floods might also result in demand for construction of more extensive flood mitigation measures.

Originality/value

The results from this case study underpin the high biodiversity of floodplains, an ecosystem infrequently examined in Norway. The results of this study are of importance regarding management and maintenance of ecosystem services (e.g. biodiversity and water retention) from floodplains.
Climate change knowledge acquisition in Norway's municipalities
Authors: Inge Orderud Geir
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to document and analyse the information network available to municipal mayors in Norwegian municipalities and environmental officers in the municipal administration, covering both public and private information sources.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a quantitative methodology. Survey data from a sample of all Norwegian municipalities are analysed, and explorative statistics, correlations and regression analysis are applied.

Findings

The most important information sources for Norwegian mayors are science, the County governor's environmental department and the municipal environmental officer, with consultancy playing a minor role. In the case of science, it is noticeable that females, central municipalities, and the disciplines of humanities and environment contribute to the strong position of science. Furthermore, the left axis of politics increases the quantity of intra‐municipal information sources. The most important contact points for the environmental officer are the County Governor and other primary municipalities. The county municipality, consultancy and research are of lesser importance. It is noticeable that full‐time environmental officers have a broader climate change information network than part‐time officers. Furthermore, a higher level of education is linked to increased interaction with other public sector actors.

Practical implications

The study documents a multi‐level governance of networking. The differences between full‐time and part‐time environmental officers should stimulate a debate and motivate further research to determine whether funding full‐time positions by the central government could foster more effective local climate change policies.

Originality/value

The study's value lies in its contribution to the climate governance literature, deepening our understanding of the role of different information sources and actors in facilitating sound climate change and environmental policies.
Role of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in seafood eco‐labelling policy in Japan
Authors: Gondor Darek , Morimoto Hideka
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Drawing on original and published research this paper seeks to examine the current situation of eco‐labelling in Japan, and the possible roles of two connected non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) – the Marine Stewarship Council (MSC) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – may have in future decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed‐method survey approach is used. Two quantitative surveys are followed by unstructured interviews of stakeholders in fisheries and eco‐labelling policy.

Findings

Environmental values of Japanese seafood consumers are complex and not explained by any one demographic factor. Environmental problems are becoming complex, and solutions are being sought from beyond the bureaucratic circles, including NGOs. However, neither WWF nor MSC are important stakeholders in policy decisions, but their influence is growing, particularly through relationships with private sector.

Research limitations/implications

Interviews do not offer a representative sample; important inferences but not causative conclusions can be made.

Originality/value

The paper contributes new findings on environmental values, MSC products, and the decision making situation surrounding seafood eco‐labels in Japan.
Innovation and its potential in the context of the ecological component of sustainable development
Authors: Bakhtina Victoria A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss technology transfer – and its role in climate change mitigation – within the United Nations framework of sustainable development. Innovation is broadly considered as a tool to bring about breakthrough results in climate change alleviation. To ensure that innovative technology serves sustainable development, a massive international effort on the part of the regulators is required to create an integrated legislative framework to standardize eco‐innovation policies worldwide. To facilitate a global ecological regulatory framework, it is essential to use universal measurement tools which provide input to the decision‐making process at an international level, and address the mechanism of monitoring progress.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of eco‐innovation potential is introduced as one of the inputs to the decision‐making process on the global level. A composite index with such constituents as ecological balance (deficit or reserve), innovation, and energy intensity of economy, is built. The concept of innovation credits is introduced.

Findings

The simulation shows that ecological balance can potentially be increased for countries with greater eco‐innovation potential. The innovation credits can be given to countries with the highest eco‐innovation potential to foster eco‐innovation and perform technology transfer.

Originality/value

Earlier research developed focus on innovation as a means to transition to sustainable development and to create climate positive technological regimes applied at a national or industry level. The paper illustrates that the eco‐innovation potential index can be applied globally and can provide key input to the decision‐making process at a global level.
Policy watch
Authors: Lawton‐Smith Simon
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review recent and forthcoming developments in mental health policy across the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarises and comments on recent policy documents and initiatives.

Findings

The paper suggests how changes to policy might impact on mental health services.

Originality/value

The paper updates knowledge of recent and forthcoming mental health policy.
Measuring the costs and benefits of promoting social inclusion
Authors: Shepherd Geoff , Parsonage Michael
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review representative literature on social inclusion and evaluate the usefulness of the concept in current mental health policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a selective review of the cost‐effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving social inclusion in children, young adults with first episode psychosis and unemployed adults of working age.

Findings

Social inclusion remains a useful concept in understanding both the causes of mental health problems and how these might best be addressed. Although measurement is not easy, it can be operationalised through a mixture of subjective and objective indicators. There is strong evidence for the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving social inclusion for the groups selected. These findings provide strong support for prioritising these interventions, especially in times of severe financial restrictions.

Research limitations/implications

The selection of literature for review limits the generalisability of the conclusions.

Originality/value

The paper sets out a clear and simple analysis of the concept of social inclusion and how it may be measured. It also brings together the cost‐effectiveness literature on attempts to improve social inclusion for three, key high‐risk groups. The paper strongly supports the value of retaining the concept of social inclusion, despite the fact that it has become temporarily unfashionable.
More than words – intergenerational participation and mental health
Authors: Ball Amy , Cummerson Rivkah
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to describe intergenerational participation work undertaken at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust with young and older people using mental health services where participants learn how to interview, role play, and put radio shows together.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study, younger and older people reflect on age and mental health discrimination through the production of radio programmes.

Findings

Radio provided fun and the acquisition of new skills, resulting in a product that could reach a wide audience. Intergenerational work gave participants an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and gain confidence, with positive effects on personal recovery and social inclusion.

Social implications

The radio programme invites listeners to challenge their own prejudices in relation to age and mental health.

Originality/value

The project is innovative in its intergenerational approach, its partnership between the NHS and an outside media facilitator, and the collaboration between participation workers across health departments.
Homelessness is more than houselessness: a psychologically‐minded approach to inclusion and rough sleeping
Authors: Seager Martin
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify and remedy a fundamental absence of psychological thinking in the current conceptual framework underpinning services for homeless people.

Design/methodology/approach

After describing the psychological limitations of current approaches to homelessness, an attempt is made to define what a psychologically‐minded service culture would look like and the concept of “re‐homing” is introduced. The concept of “psychologically informed environment” is explored as one important practical development in this direction. A brief case study is used to illustrate the power of re‐homing.

Findings

Findings and observations relating to the lack of psychologically‐informed practice within current approaches to homelessness and mental health are reported.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in its identification of a clear psychological basis for limitations within the current service paradigm for homelessness people and its provision of a new and pragmatic concept of “re‐homing” based on the psychological‐mindedness that is already to be found in other aspects of human society and culture.
The creative cycle: receiving and giving help in a black and minority ethnic counselling service
Authors: Costa Beverley
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an overview of Mothertongue, a multi‐ethnic counselling service which offers volunteering opportunities for people from a range of black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds. The paper aims to explore the roles that volunteers occupy, the ways these have changed over the life of the organisation, and the ways in which they provide opportunities for social inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a descriptive account of the project with discussion of the challenges the organisation has faced during its development.

Findings

Mothertongue provides a safe community space for individuals in distress to try out a range of activities and roles through its volunteering opportunities; and to move between dependency, independence, and the ability to offer support to others. The volunteering opportunities promote social inclusion for both clients and volunteers – offering possibilities to meet with people from a wide range of cultures.

Originality/value

There are limited expositions of the ways in which a BME counselling service can develop a non‐clinical volunteering arm which develops people's often undervalued skills of bilingualism.
A management framework for the built environment: BEM2/BEM3
Authors: Madritsch Thomas , Ebinger Matthias
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a process capability assessment tool to identify process maturity levels in the “built environment management” disciplines in various industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers investigated and evaluated current FM/RE management models and analysis tools and developed an assessment tool to measure Facility Management (FM) capability of an organization. The “Built Environment Management Model” (BEM2) is a process framework for FM/RE, which is extended into the “Built Environment Management Maturity Model” (BEM3) to measure FM/RE maturity. Using the tool, the research team analyzed the FM capability of more than 50 organizations with major real estate portfolios in the USA and Europe (primarily Austria).

Findings

BEM2 and BEM3 provide a simple, yet comprehensive tool set for the FM/RE industries. The resulting capability profiles provide a high‐level overview of current practices in FM. Further, the capability profiles allow organizations to benchmark their FM capability against peer groups and industry leaders.

Research limitations/implications

The two models are currently limited to a description of processes and are as such explaining the sequence and maturity of FM/RE business processes. The do not yet address the skill sets and capabilities required to effectively perform these functions. The integration with existing models in organisational and project management can also be further explored.

Practical implications

The capability profiles allow organizations to benchmark their FM capability against peer groups and industry leaders. The findings will help to further professionalize FM functions to raise the efficiency of organizational processes.

Originality/value

The proposed contributes to the discussion on standardization and taxonomy development in the FM/RE discipline. It draws principles from related management models and applies them successfully in FM and real estate management.
Multi‐criteria decision making for collaborative design optimization of buildings
Authors: Raphael Benny
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve current design processes by proposing a new approach based on multi‐criteria optimization of the designed asset. Management of design in construction projects is a complex task since it involves collaboration between professionals in multiple disciplines. Traditionally, designers work with a single solution at a time which is iteratively modified according to the view points of all the consultants. This results in sub‐optimal solutions. A multi‐criteria approach is able to accommodate diverse view points of specialist consultants in a construction project, aiming at a better optimized building system.

Design/methodology/approach

The shortcomings of current design practices are analyzed based on a literature review. It is found that current approaches involving single objective optimization or Pareto optimization are not adequate for supporting collaborative design processes. A new approach to managing multiple objectives in design is proposed. This involves performing multi‐objective optimization, presenting a population of good solutions to the design consultants and selecting the best solution through an algorithm called RR‐PARETO2 (Relaxed‐Restricted Pareto) filtering. A software tool with a graphical user interface was developed. An example of the design of a building façade is taken to evaluate the application of this approach.

Findings

The paper provides empirical evidence that a multi‐objective optimization approach is able to provide support for the task of accommodating multiple viewpoints in design. The proposed methodology allows navigation through the solution space and pruning it visually by applying constraints. It is shown that the RR‐PARETO2 is able to select a good compromise solution with the best trade‐offs among all the objectives.

Originality/value

The idea of visualizing and filtering a population of design solutions has been proposed by design researchers for a long time, but is not currently adopted in practice in construction projects. The idea of collaborative filtering of the solution space according to the viewpoints of all the consultants by visually applying constraints on design variables and objectives is a new concept, the ultimate aim being a better balanced built asset. This is the first time the RR‐PARETO2 algorithm has been applied to building design.
Performance of mid‐project reviews (MPRs): quantification based on fuzzy recognition
Authors: Xu Ming , Duffield Colin , Ma Jianqin
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate an innovative Fuzzy Recognition Based‐Benefit Estimation Model (FRB‐BEM) to quantify the benefits obtained from a Mid‐Project Review (MPR) (e.g. the Gateway Review Process (GRP)). This is a quantitative assessment to evaluate the benefits obtained from conducting MPRs. With the wide adoption of MPR internationally, such measurements will better support critical decisions in capital projects and also assist to optimize project lifecycle performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted Relative Membership Degree (RMD) based fuzzy sets as the fundamental theory to develop the FRB‐BEM utilizing linguistic information from MPR reports. It was then tested by analysis of an aviation IT project that underwent a Gateway review. A parametric study was also conducted to calibrate the model.

Findings

The FRB‐BEM developed and validated in this paper provided a viable approach to quantify the total benefits obtained from undertaking MPRs.

Research limitations/implications

Refinement of the FRB‐BEM assumptions would benefit from testing against a wide project sample set.

Practical implications

Using the FRB‐BEM applications to better demonstrate the benefits of MPRs.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how FRB‐BEM has extended RMD based fuzzy sets theory into applications for MPRs and incorporated fuzzy level values based on linguistic interpretation of hard data.
Impact of flood damaged critical infrastructure on communities and industries
Authors: Deshmukh Abhijeet , Ho Oh Eun , Hastak Makarand
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the severity of social and economic impact of floods on the communities and industries with respect to their reliance on the flood impacted critical infrastructure. This paper illustrates a severity assessment tool to determine the reduced serviceability level of critical infrastructure after a disaster, how the change in serviceability impacts activities of associated communities and industries, and the resulting social and economic impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The results presented in this paper are a part of a larger research designed to develop a decision support system for disaster impact mitigation. This research evaluated the impact of floods as a natural hazard on infrastructure and the related industries and communities in terms of criticality and vulnerability of infrastructure and the severity of social and economic impact if the critical infrastructure were to be affected. The overall research focused on the 2008 Midwest floods for the required data collection (including the cities of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Terre Haute, Indiana, St Louis, Missouri, Gulfport and Des Plaines, Illinois). Relevant data were collected through questionnaire surveys, personal interviews, and site visits.

Findings

The data collected through this research highlighted the importance of relationship between infrastructure, communities and industries with respect to technical, social and economic aspects. While the overall research resulted in a Decision Support System with three modules, to assess criticality, vulnerability and severity, this paper only elaborates the Severity Assessment Tool (SAT). Serviceability of an infrastructure plays an important role in post disaster recovery and response. Reduction in the serviceability of an infrastructure also affects the functionality of the activities that depend on the affected infrastructure resulting in social and economic impact. The tool presented in this paper determines the severity of social and economic impact by evaluating the reduction in the functionality of the affected activities.

Originality/Value

The model (SAT) presented in this paper determines the social and economic impact on communities and industries due to natural disaster when the serviceability of disaster impacted critical infrastructure is impaired. This tool can be effectively used by city managers as well as emergency planners for industries and communities in developing mitigation strategies based on the severity of social and economic impact due to the affected critical infrastructure. The results would also help the decision makers in arriving at more effective investment decisions to repair/rehabilitate certain critical infrastructure.
Boosting performance of road infrastructure
Authors: Yean Yng Ling Florence , Tat Ng Wee
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Singapore's land transportation is governed by a comprehensive set of rules, regulations, operations and systems to ensure its effectiveness and efficiency. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is the main agency in charge of road operations. Despite the LTA's best efforts, road related problems still surface every now and then. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to boost the performance of existing road infrastructure. Using Singapore as a case, the specific research objectives are to: ascertain motorists’ level of satisfaction with the road infrastructure; find out problems faced by motorists when using the road infrastructure; determine factors affecting motorists’ satisfaction with the road infrastructure; and design and test a model to predict motorists’ satisfaction with the road infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted on motorists. Through a combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling, a total of 53 responses were collected. After the survey, interviews were conducted with subject matter experts to understand the current practices and possible solutions to the problems.

Findings

The most significant problem is water ponding on roads. Traffic redirection due to road works and coordination among government agencies in road opening works also did not achieve significantly good ratings. Two practices are found to directly give rise to higher satisfaction with the road infrastructure: road cleanliness; and efficiency in traffic redirection arising from road works.

Research limitations/implications

Motorists were asked to rate on a ten‐point scale. This may give rise to bias because satisfaction and performance are subjective and not easily quantified.

Practical implications

Motorists’ satisfaction level with the road infrastructure is dependent on cleanliness of roads and efficiency of traffic diversion when there are road works. The implication is that the government should arrange for roads to be regularly cleaned and at the same time educate the public to keep roads clean and enforce laws against those who litter. The time for traffic diversion should be minimized by increasing productivity of road works, so that these can be completed quickly.

Originality/value

The road network is a valuable infrastructural asset of a country. Due to its large scale and complexity, managing road operations is no easy feat. Even though Singapore has a comprehensive set of procedures, rules and regulations to manage this asset, problems and complaints continue to surface. This study has identified the major problems plaguing Singapore's road infrastructure. Furthermore, a model to predict motorists’ satisfaction with the road infrastructure was successfully developed and tested. With this knowledge in mind, the LTA can focus on improving these factors to boost performance of road infrastructure through road maintenance and road works.
Relationship between monocyte/macrophage activation marker soluble CD163 and insulin resistance in obese and normal‐weight subjects
Authors: Zanni Markella V. , Burdo Tricia H. , Makimura Hideo , Williams Kenneth C. , Grinspoon Steven K.
Published: November 2011

Context  The relationship of monocyte/macrophage activation to insulin resistance in obesity is unknown.

Objective  To investigate a marker of macrophage activation, soluble CD163 (sCD163), in relationship to insulin resistance and metabolic parameters in obese and normal‐weight subjects.

Design and Participants  Ninety‐five healthy subjects (65 obese and 30 normal‐weight) were studied. Plasma concentrations of sCD163 were assessed, as well as markers of glucose homeostasis, anthropometrics, cytokines and adipokines. The relationships between sCD163 and these parameters were investigated, and multiple regression modelling assessing the contribution of sCD163 to insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was performed.

Results  Soluble CD163 was significantly increased in obese subjects compared with normal‐weight controls [974 (657, 1272) ng/ml vs 599 (423, 892) ng/ml, median (IQR); P < 0·0001]. sCD163 was strongly associated with HOMA‐IR (Spearman’s ρ = 0·37, P = 0·0003) and other metabolic parameters. In multiple regression modelling for log HOMA‐IR, sCD163 remained significantly associated (P = 0·005) controlling for known mediators of insulin resistance including age, gender, visceral adiposity and inflammatory markers (model R2 = 0·54, P < 0·0001). Additional nested multiple regression models for log HOMA‐IR showed that sCD163 added more than other adipokines and inflammatory markers to the prediction of HOMA‐IR.

Conclusions  Monocyte/macrophage activation, as reflected by sCD163 levels, is strongly associated with HOMA‐IR in normal‐weight and obese subjects after controlling for known mediators of insulin resistance. Moreover, sCD163 adds to standard risk markers for predicting insulin resistance. These data suggest that monocyte/macrophage activation may be an important determinant of insulin resistance in obesity.
Effects of music intervention with nursing presence and recorded music on psycho‐physiological indices of cancer patient caregivers
Authors: Lai Hui‐Ling , Li Yin‐Ming , Lee Li‐Hua
Published: November 2011

Aims and objectives.  To compare the effects of music intervention with nursing presence and recorded music on blood volume pulse amplitude, the low/high frequency ratio component of heart rate variability, depression, anxiety and sleep quality in cancer patient caregivers; to compare the participants evaluation of these two forms of musical intervention.

Background.  Presence is one of the activities of caring. However, little is known about the effect of music intervention with nursing presence on psycho‐physiological indices.

Design.  Randomised crossover controlled trial.

Method.  Thirty‐four female participants were randomly assigned to a music intervention with nursing presence/recorded music sequence or recorded music/music intervention with nursing presence sequence. Each intervention lasted 30 minutes and was held at the participant’s home. The music intervention with nursing presence consisted of an erhu and recorder performance. In the recorded music session, participants listened to prerecorded music for 30 minutes. Continuous measurements of blood volume pulse and low/high frequency ratio were taken throughout the procedure. Depression, anxiety and sleep quality were measured before and after each intervention.

Results.  Both music intervention with nursing presence and recorded music interventions had beneficial effects on anxiety, depression and blood volume pulse amplitude. Significant differences between the two interventions were also observed for anxiety. Music intervention with nursing presence was more effective in lessening anxiety and on improving the ease of getting to sleep compared with recorded music (p < 0·05). All participants reported that they preferred music intervention with nursing presence to recorded music. Significant differences were found in music evaluation scores between the two interventions in terms of harmony and friendliness (p < 0·05).

Conclusions.  Both music interventions were beneficial, as measured on psycho‐physiological indices. The music intervention with nursing presence provided a more friendly music experience to the listeners.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings provide evidence for nurses that the therapeutic use of music and nursing presence as a research‐based nursing intervention for the welfare of caregivers.
Sustained attention to response task (SART) shows impaired vigilance in a spectrum of disorders of excessive daytime sleepiness
Authors: VAN SCHIE MOJCA K. M. , THIJS ROLAND D. , FRONCZEK ROLF , MIDDELKOOP HUUB A. M. , LAMMERS GERT JAN , VAN DIJK J. GERT
Published: November 2011

The sustained attention to response task comprises withholding key presses to one in nine of 225 target stimuli; it proved to be a sensitive measure of vigilance in a small group of narcoleptics. We studied sustained attention to response task results in 96 patients from a tertiary narcolepsy referral centre. Diagnoses according to ICSD‐2 criteria were narcolepsy with (n = 42) and without cataplexy (n = 5), idiopathic hypersomnia without long sleep time (n = 37), and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (n = 12). The sustained attention to response task was administered prior to each of five multiple sleep latency test sessions. Analysis concerned error rates, mean reaction time, reaction time variability and post‐error slowing, as well as the correlation of sustained attention to response task results with mean latency of the multiple sleep latency test and possible time of day influences. Median sustained attention to response task error scores ranged from 8.4 to 11.1, and mean reaction times from 332 to 366 ms. Sustained attention to response task error score and mean reaction time did not differ significantly between patient groups. Sustained attention to response task error score did not correlate with multiple sleep latency test sleep latency. Reaction time was more variable as the error score was higher. Sustained attention to response task error score was highest for the first session. We conclude that a high sustained attention to response task error rate reflects vigilance impairment in excessive daytime sleepiness irrespective of its cause. The sustained attention to response task and the multiple sleep latency test reflect different aspects of sleep/wakefulness and are complementary.
Unraveling the regulatory network of the MADS box transcription factor RIN in fruit ripening
Authors: Qin Guozheng , Wang Yuying , Cao Baohua , Wang Weihao , Tian Shiping
Published: November 2011

The MADS box transcription factor RIN is a global regulator of fruit ripening. However, the direct targets modulated by RIN and the mechanisms underlying the transcriptional regulation remain largely unknown. Here we identified 41 protein spots representing 35 individual genes as potential targets of RIN by comparative proteomic analysis of a rin mutant in tomato fruits. Gene expression analysis showed that the mRNA level of 26 genes correlated well with the protein level. After examining the promoter regions of the candidate genes, a variable number of RIN binding sites were found. Five genes (E8, TomloxC, PNAE, PGK and ADH2) were identified as novel direct targets of RIN by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The results of a gel mobility shift assay confirmed the direct binding of RIN to the promoters of these genes. Of the direct target genes, TomloxC and ADH2, which encode lipoxygenase (LOX) and alcohol dehydrogenase, respectively, are critical for the production of characteristic tomato aromas derived from LOX pathway. Further study indicated that RIN also directly regulates the expression of HPL, which encodes hydroperoxide lyase, another rate‐limiting enzyme in the LOX pathway. Loss of function of RIN causes de‐regulation of the LOX pathway, leading to a specific defect in the generation of aroma compounds derived from this pathway. These results indicate that RIN modulates aroma formation by direct and rigorous regulation of expression of genes in the LOX pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that the regulatory effect of RIN on fruit ripening is achieved by targeting specific molecular pathways.
An alternative strategy of dismantling of the chloroplasts during leaf senescence observed in a high‐yield variety of barley
Authors: Krupinska Karin , Mulisch Maria , Hollmann Julien , Tokarz Krzysztof , Zschiesche Wiebke , Kage Henning , Humbeck Klaus , Bilger Wolfgang
Published: November 2011

Changes in function and composition of the photosynthetic apparatus as well as the ultrastructure of chloroplasts in mesophyll cells were analyzed in flag leaves of the high‐yield barley (Hordeum vulgare) variety cv. Lomerit during senescence under field conditions in two successive years. In contrast to previous results obtained with the elder variety cv. Carina photosystem II efficiency measured by Fv/Fm was found to be rather stable until a very late stage of senescence. Chlorophyll a fluorescence and P700 absorbance measurements revealed that the activities of the two photosystems declined in parallel. An increase in the chlorophyll a/b ratio at a late stage of senescence was observed to coincide with a decline in the level of the Lhcb1 apoprotein of the light harvesting complex (LHC) and the level of the corresponding transcript. Ultrastructural investigations revealed the presence of gerontoplasts that have long, single or pairwise thylakoids and lack large grana stacks. It is hypothesized that the early degradation of grana thylakoids harboring the major LHC reduced the risk of photoinhibition and might be causally related to the high yield of the barley variety cv. Lomerit.
Effects of transglucosidase on diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors and hepatic biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Sasaki M. , Imaeda K. , Okayama N. , Mizuno T. , Kataoka H. , Kamiya T. , Kubota E. , Ogasawara N. , Funaki Y. , Mizuno M. , Iida A. , Goto C. , Koikeda S. , Kasugai K. , Joh T.
Published: November 2011

In this 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, the efficacy and safety of transglucosidase (TGD) were compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). At 12 weeks, TGD 300 mg/day and TGD 900 mg/day significantly reduced HbA1c (0.18 and 0.21%) and insulin concentration (19.4 and 25.0 pmol/l), respectively, vs. placebo. TGD 300 mg/day and TGD 900 mg/day also significantly reduced low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.22 and 0.17 mmol/l, respectively). TGD 900 mg/day significantly reduced triglyceride by 0.24 mmol/l and diastolic blood pressure by 8 mmHg. Placebo was associated with a significant increase from baseline in body mass index, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (0.17 kg/m2, 3 and 2 U/l, respectively), whereas TGD was not. TGD 300 mg/day significantly increased high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin by 0.6 µg/ml. Adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups. TGD resulted in lowering of HbA1c and blood insulin level and improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM.