bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migraine‐Related Vertigo: Diagnostic Criteria and Prophylactic Treatment
Authors: Maione Arturo
Published: September 2006

Objective/Hypothesis: The objective of this prospective, observational study was to evaluate the efficacy of migraine pharmacologic prophylaxis on a group of vertiginous patients considered affected by migraine‐related vertigo on the basis of precise criteria of inclusion.

Methods: Fifty‐three patients affected by migraine‐related vertigo were selected from a cohort of 652 vertiginous patients referred to our Dizziness Unit from March 2001 to June 2005. Inclusion criteria were at least five vertigo attacks occurred in any period of time or dizziness and/or positional vertigo for at least 6 months; migraine, past or present, and/or a family history of migraine and/or motion intolerance; and exclusion of other causes. Patients were submitted to migraine pharmacologic prophylaxis selected on the basis of the characteristics of the patients and of the drug side effects. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated after 6 months by questionnaire divided into five outcome categories (resolution, substantial control, moderate control, minimal control, no improvement or worsening) and, for the patients with recurrent vertiginous attacks, also reporting the percentage reduction of the attack frequency.

Results: Thirty‐six patients completed the study and were submitted to analysis of the results: 10 reported complete resolution of symptoms, 15 substantial control, 7 moderate control, one minimum control and 3 no improvement. Thirty‐three of them had recurrent vertigo: 19 reported complete disappearance of the attacks, 8 reduction of the frequency >50%, 5 reduction <50%, and one no reduction.

Conclusions: Migraine prophylactic treatment shows encouraging results in patients with migraine‐related vertigo selected with our criteria of inclusion: 69.3% reported satisfactory control of symptoms (sum of complete resolutions and substantial controls) and 81.8% had at least a 50% reduction of the vertiginous episodes frequency.
Cartilage Regeneration in the Rabbit Nasal Septum
Authors: Kaiser Meghann L. , Karam Amir M. , Sepehr Ali , Wong Hausin , Liaw Lih‐huei L. , Vokes David E. , Wong Brian J.
Published: September 2006

Objective: Rhinoplasty frequently includes harvesting of nasal septal cartilage. The objective of this prospective basic investigation is to determine whether cartilage can regenerate after submucosal resection (SMR) of the nasal septum in the rabbit. Neocartilage formation has not heretofore been described in this model.

Methods: By lateral rhinotomy, SMR was performed on 17 rabbits followed by reapproximation of the perichondrium. After 7 months, septi were fixed, sectioned, and examined histologically. Findings were photographed and data tabulated according to location and extent.

Results: Sites of matrix‐secreting isogenous chondrocyte islands were identified between the perichondrial flaps of every animal, principally in the anterior inferior septum. The width of the islands averaged 190 μm, and the mean neocartilage height was found to be 840 μm. The newly formed cartilage consisted of chondrocytes within chondrons and was comparable in shape and structure to native septal cartilage.

Conclusions: After SMR, rabbit cartilage tissue can regenerate and form matrix within the potential space created by surgery. The surrounding stem cell‐rich perichondrium may be the site of origin for these chondrocytes. These findings suggest that after SMR of the human nasal septum, it may be possible for new cartilage tissue to develop provided the mucosa is well approximated. This biologic effect may be enhanced by insertion of cytokine‐rich tissue scaffolds that exploit the native ability of septal perichondrium to regenerate and repair cartilage tissue.
Office Steroid Injections of the Larynx
Authors: Mortensen Melissa , Woo Peak
Published: September 2006

Objective: Steroid injection into the larynx has been sporadically reported as helpful in benign lesions of the larynx. Its role in laryngology remains unclear. This study reviews the indications and results of 47 steroid injections in 34 patients in an office setting.

Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective review of 47 injections in 34 patients. Methylprednisolone acetate suspension, USP (40 mg/mL), was injected by indirect laryngoscopy under local anesthesia. Results were evaluated by stroboscopy and by perceptual evaluation of the GRABS scale before and after injection. Pre‐ versus postinjection ratings were compared by paired t test.

Results: Indications for injection were: 1) postoperative scar with local stiffness (12 patients), 2) vocal nodules and polyp (18 patients), and 3) sarcoidosis/granuloma (4 patients). Steroid injections were done in professional singers instead of repeated oral administration of steroids and/or to avoid surgery in patients with polyps and cysts. Improvement was noted in 28 of 34 (82%). Eleven of the 18 patients with polyps and nodules had significant improvement and avoided surgery. Vocal fold scars improved after injection with an improved voice grade (P < .01), an improved amplitude (P < .05), and improved mucosal wave (P < .05). There were no complications. Only two patients could not tolerate office injection.

Conclusion: Office steroid injections are a valuable adjunct in management of vocal fold scars, polyps, nodules, and granulomas.
Butterfly Cartilage Graft Inlay Tympanoplasty for Large Perforations
Authors: Ghanem Marcielle A. , Monroy Angelo , Alizade Farmarz S. , Nicolau Yamileth , Eavey Roland D.
Published: September 2006

Objective: Butterfly graft inlay tympanoplasty is a well‐established technique for the repair of small perforations. However, the efficacy of the technique for medium and large tympanic membrane perforations remains unknown.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: Postauricular tympanoplasty and tympanomastoidectomy using a large butterfly cartilage inlay graft (>4 mm diameter to total drum replacement) were analyzed in 90 pediatric patients (99 ears).

Results: Patient ages ranged from 2 to 20 years; mean follow‐up duration was 27.6 months. Successful closure occurred in 92% of the ears. No graft lateralized nor displaced into the middle ear. No retraction pocket occurred during the follow‐up period. In 62 cases, intact canal wall or canal wall window tympanomastoidectomy was performed; Fifty‐one (82.2%) of the patients having mastoidectomy procedures had chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma. The mean preoperative to postoperative four‐tone air‐bone gap improved from 23 to 21 dB; the number of patients with 0 to 10 dB hearing results increased from 16 ears preoperatively to 32 ears postoperatively. Postoperative suboptimal results included eight patients with postoperative perforations in the residual tympanic membrane adjacent to an intact cartilage graft; two of these patients were the only individuals who exhibited otorrhea.

Conclusions: Cartilage butterfly graft inlay tympanoplasty is effective in the vast majority of patients with moderate to large perforations. The closure rate exceeded 90% with no graft displacement, postoperative adverse events were respectably low, and hearing results improved or remained stable despite the need for concurrent mastoidectomy in the majority of patients.
Clinical Implementation of Endoscopic Thyroidectomy in Selected Patients
Authors: Terris David J. , Chin Edward
Published: September 2006

Objectives: Systematic investigation of minimal access thyroid compartment surgery combined with the advent of several key new technologies has culminated in the implementation of endoscopic thyroidectomy in specific clinical situations.

Study Design: The authors conducted a prospective, nonrandomized analysis of a consecutive cohort of surgical patients from the Medical College of Georgia Thyroid Center.

Methods and Materials: A series of patients meeting specific criteria underwent thyroid surgery with the intention of performing endoscopic thyroidectomy. Demographic and clinical data were prospectively collected and included age, gender, indications for surgery, length of incision, need for conversion, and pathology.

Results. Thirty‐five patients successfully underwent 36 endoscopic thyroidectomies between February 2005 and March 2006 (representing 28.8% of the 125 thyroidectomies done during that period of time). There were 32 females and three males with a mean age of 45.3 ± 13.9 years. There were five total thyroidectomies and 31 hemithyroidectomies. The mean incision length was 24.2 ± 0.5 mm. There were no cases of permanent hypocalcemia or recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Factors that increased the difficulty of endoscopic surgery included obesity, the presence of thyroiditis, and nodules >2.5 cm.

Conclusions: The combination of new technology and careful experimental investigation has spawned a new era of thyroidectomy in which definitive management of thyroid pathology may be accomplished through an incision of <1 inch. This approach is feasible in the hands of surgeons with high‐volume thyroidectomy practices who are comfortable with endoscopic principles. The cosmetic advantages are self‐evident.
Clinical Significance of Results from Olfactory Testing
Authors: Gudziol Volker , Lötsch Jörn , Hähner Antje , Zahnert Thomas , Hummel Thomas
Published: September 2006

Background: Although widely used in healthy subjects and patients with olfactory loss, the significance of changes of scores from validated olfactory tests is unknown.

Aim and Methods: The aim of the present study was to relate the self‐assigned changes of olfactory function in terms of “better,” “unchanged,” and “worse” in patients with smell disorders with the results from olfactory testing by means of a validated test set. Olfactory function of 83 anosmic or hyposmic patients (40 women, 43 men; age 12–84 yr) was tested on two occasions (mean interval 136 days, minimum 7 days, maximum 6.7 yr). Olfactory function was assessed using a validated technique (“Sniffin' Sticks”). This test consists of three subtests, one for odor threshold (T), odor discrimination (D), and odor identification (I), with possible results ranging up to 16 points each. From the sum of the results from the three subtests a composite “TDI” score was obtained.

Results: Forty‐four patients indicated an improvement of olfactory function, whereas 39 patients reported no change. No subject reported deterioration of olfactory sensitivity. Subjects assigned to group BETTER had higher TDI scores in the second olfactory tests than subjects assigned to the group UNCHANGED, both in absolute terms and as compared with the first olfactory test (effect “test occasion” by “self‐assessed improvement,” P < .001). There was no significant difference between groups with respect to age and sex (P = .99 and .84, respectively). Logistic regression showed that more than 60% of the subjects reported an improvement of olfactory sensitivity when the TDI score increased by 5.5 points.

Conclusion: We show that there is a statistically significant relation between measured and perceived improvement of olfactory function in patients who first presented with the diagnosis of anosmia or hyposmia. The results indicate that improved olfactory function in patients with olfactory deficiency is perceived as such in everyday life and is quantitatively related to an improvement in the composite TDI score of the “Sniffin' Sticks” olfactory test battery. This is the basis for the application of a specific therapy for olfactory loss because of a possible gain in quality of life for the patients.
A Novel Reconstructive Technique After Endoscopic Expanded Endonasal Approaches: Vascular Pedicle Nasoseptal Flap
Authors: Hadad Gustavo , Bassagasteguy Luis , Carrau Ricardo L. , Mataza Juan C. , Kassam Amin , Snyderman Carl H. , Mintz Arlan
Published: September 2006

Background: In patients with large dural defects of the anterior and ventral skull base after endonasal skull base surgery, there is a significant risk of a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak after reconstruction. Reconstruction with vascularized tissue is desirable to facilitate rapid healing, especially in irradiated patients.

Methods: We developed a neurovascular pedicled flap of the nasal septum mucoperiosteum and mucoperichondrium based on the nasoseptal artery, a branch of the posterior septal artery (Hadad‐Bassagasteguy flap [HBF]). A retrospective review of patients undergoing endonasal skull base surgery at the University of Rosario, Argentina, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was performed to identify patients who were reconstructed with a vascularized septal mucosal flap.

Results: Forty‐three patients undergoing endonasal cranial base surgery were repaired with the septal mucosal flap. Two patients with postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks (5%) were successfully treated with focal fat grafts. We encountered no infectious or wound complications in this series of patients. One patient experienced a posterior nose bleed from the posterior nasal artery. This was controlled with electrocautery and the flap blood supply was preserved.

Conclusion: The HBF is a versatile and reliable reconstructive technique for defects of the anterior, middle, clival, and parasellar skull base. Its use has resulted in a sharp decrease in the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks after endonasal skull base surgery and is recommended for the reconstruction of large dural defects and when postoperative radiation therapy is anticipated.
Radiofrequency Tongue Reduction Through a Cervical Approach: A Pilot Study
Authors: Blumen Marc B. , Coquille François , Rocchicioli Catherine , Mellot François , Chabolle Frédéric
Published: September 2006

Objective/Hypothesis: The objective of this prospective cohort study was to determine the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of radiofrequency tongue base reduction through a cervical approach in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Methods: Patients with moderate to severe OSAS and predominant tongue base obstruction by physical examination were included at our institution from 1999 to 2003. A sonogram was obtained to identify the lingual arteries, and an electrode was inserted through the neck and into the tongue under fluoroscopic guidance. Adverse events were recorded as well as efficacy on snoring (visual analog scale), daytime sleepiness (Epworth score), and polysomnography.

Results: The 10 patients received a mean of 14,288 ± 3,251 J per session. No cases of tongue palsy or infection occurred. During the first 7 days, mean pain score (0–10 scale) was 1.3 ± 1.5. Snoring volume (0–10 scale) decreased from 6.2 ± 2.3 to 3.9 ± 2.6 (P = .017) and sleepiness (0–24 scale) from 8.7 ± 5.6 to 4.7 ± 3.3 (P = .011). The respiratory disturbance index (events/hour) decreased from 52.0 ± 19.6 to 33.6 ± 24.4 (P = .016). Mean minimal oxygen saturation (%) increased from 64.2 ± 13.0 to 75.8 ± 10.3 (P = .003). Sleep architecture improved although not significantly.

Conclusion: Radiofrequency tongue base reduction through a cervical approach proved feasible and safe despite the large energy doses used. Fluoroscopic guidance enables to place the electrode at the desired site of treatment. Although OSAS improved in nine of 10 patients, greater efficacy might be achieved in patients with less severe OSAS at baseline. Studies are needed to correlate objective clinical efficacy with the dose per lesion site and the number of lesion sites per session.
Pediatric Tonsillotomy with Radiofrequency Technique: Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Ericsson Elisabeth , Graf Jonas , Hultcrantz Elisabeth
Published: September 2006

Objectives: Compare the effects of partial tonsil resection using a radiofrequency technique, tonsillotomy (TT), with total tonsillectomy (TE, blunt dissection) after 1 and 3 years. Compare frequency of relapse in snoring or infections and possible long‐term changes in behavior among TT children with those in TE children.

Method: Ninety‐two children (5–15 yr) randomized to TT (n = 49) or TE (n = 43) groups because of obstructive problems with or without recurrent tonsillitis. One year after surgery, general health, degree of obstruction, history of infections, and behavior were investigated using two questionnaires, the Qu1 and Child Behavior Checklist, as well as an ENT visit. After 3 years, two questionnaires, Qu2 and the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory, were answered by mail.

Results: After 1 year, both groups were in good health. The effect on snoring and total behavior was the same for both groups, and the rate of recurrence of infections was not higher in the TT group. After 3 years, two children in the TT group were tonsillectomized (4%, 2/49), one because of peritonsillitis and another because of increased snoring. Otherwise, no differences existed between the groups in general health, snoring, or number of infections.

Conclusion: Removing only the protruding parts of the tonsils has the same beneficial long‐term effect on obstructive symptoms and recurrent throat infections as complete TE in the majority of cases. The need for re‐operation is low; therefore, it appears inadvisable to follow the current common practice of routinely removing the whole tonsil given its higher morbidity and risk for serious complications.
SPINE workshop on automated X-ray analysis: a progress report
Authors: Bahar M. , Ballard C. , Cohen S. X. , Cowtan K. D. , Dodson E. J. , Emsley P. , Esnouf R. M. , Keegan R. , Lamzin V. , Langer G. , Levdikov V. , Long F. , Meier C. , Muller A. , Murshudov G. N. , Perrakis A. , Siebold C. , Stein N. , Turkenburg M. G. W. , Vagin A. A. , Winn M. , Winter G. , Wilson K. S.
Published: September 2006

The Structural Proteomics In Europe (SPINE) consortium contained a workpackage to address the automated X-ray analysis of macromolecules. The aim of this workpackage was to increase the throughput of three-dimensional structures while maintaining the high quality of conventional analyses. SPINE was able to bring together developers of software with users from the partner laboratories. Here, the results of a workshop organized by the consortium to evaluate software developed in the member laboratories against a set of bacterial targets are described. The major emphasis was on molecular-replacement suites, where automation was most advanced. Data processing and analysis, use of experimental phases and model construction were also addressed, albeit at a lower level.
Application of high-throughput technologies to a structural proteomics-type analysis of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Au K. , Berrow N. S. , Blagova E. , Boucher I. W. , Boyle M. P. , Brannigan J. A. , Carter L. G. , Dierks T. , Folkers G. , Grenha R. , Harlos K. , Kaptein R. , Kalliomaa A. K. , Levdikov V. M. , Meier C. , Milioti N. , Moroz O. , Müller A. , Owens R. J. , Rzechorzek N. , Sainsbury S. , Stuart D. I. , Walter T. S. , Waterman D. G. , Wilkinson A. J. , Wilson K. S. , Zaccai N. , Esnouf Robert M. , Fogg Mark J.
Published: September 2006

A collaborative project between two Structural Proteomics In Europe (SPINE) partner laboratories, York and Oxford, aimed at high-throughput (HTP) structure determination of proteins from Bacillus anthracis, the aetiological agent of anthrax and a biomedically important target, is described. Based upon a target-selection strategy combining `low-hanging fruit' and more challenging targets, this work has contributed to the body of knowledge of B. anthracis, established and developed HTP cloning and expression technologies and tested HTP pipelines. Both centres developed ligation-independent cloning (LIC) and expression systems, employing custom LIC-PCR, Gateway and In-Fusion technologies, used in combination with parallel protein purification and robotic nanolitre crystallization screening. Overall, 42 structures have been solved by X-ray crystallography, plus two by NMR through collaboration between York and the SPINE partner in Utrecht. Three biologically important protein structures, BA4899, BA1655 and BA3998, involved in tRNA modification, sporulation control and carbohydrate metabolism, respectively, are highlighted. Target analysis by biophysical clustering based on pI and hydropathy has provided useful information for future target-selection strategies. The technological developments and lessons learned from this project are discussed. The success rate of protein expression and structure solution is at least in keeping with that achieved in structural genomics programs.
Honing the in silico toolkit for detecting protein disorder
Authors: Esnouf Robert M. , Hamer R. , Sussman J. L. , Silman I. , Trudgian D. , Yang Z.-R. , Prilusky Jaime
Published: September 2006

Not all proteins form well defined three-dimensional structures in their native states. Some amino-acid sequences appear to strongly favour the disordered state, whereas some can apparently transition between disordered and ordered states under the influence of changes in the biological environment, thereby playing an important role in processes such as signalling. Although important biologically, for the structural biologist disordered regions of proteins can be disastrous even preventing successful structure determination. The accurate prediction of disorder is therefore important, not least for directing the design of expression constructs so as to maximize the chances of successful structure determination. Such design criteria have become integral to the construct-design strategies of laboratories within the Structural Proteomics In Europe (SPINE) consortium. This paper assesses the current state of the art in disorder prediction in terms of prediction reliability and considers how best to use these methods to guide construct design. Finally, it presents a brief discussion as to how methods of prediction might be improved in the future.
Researches on optimization of micro‐core attitude parameters
Authors: Jie Sun , Yang Zhao , Zhaowei Sun , Nan An
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To provide a new method to determine parameters of the attitude determination system facing micro‐core.

Design/methodology/approach

Take example for attitude determination systems based on star‐sensor and fiber‐optic gyroscope combination and only based on star‐sensor. The optimum parameters of sensors are obtained by setting up of optimization design model of the attitude determination system adopting genetic algorithm.

Findings

Put forward a new concept of micro‐core aiming at a micro satellite. Further aiming at micro‐core, a new method which differs from traditional satellite design methods is adopted in this paper. The method proposed in this paper is instructive to the design of future micro satellites.

Research limitations/implications

The method proposed in this paper only applied to attitude determination system. With the development of this method, it is hoped that the method can apply to other systems of a micro satellite.

Practical implications

The method proposed in this paper is instructive to the engineering design of a micro satellite.

Originality/value

Put forward a new concept of micro‐core, and aiming at its design a new method is proposed to design the attitude determination system by adopting genetic algorithm. The method is different from traditional satellite design methods.
Design of a supervisory controller for CLOS guidance with lead angle
Authors: Nobahari Hadi , Alasty Aria , Pourtakdoust Seid H.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a supervisory command‐to‐line‐of‐sight guidance law with lead angle which keeps the missile flight within the tracking beam.

Design/methodology/approach

A nonlinear supervisory controller is designed and coupled with the main sliding mode controller in the form of an additional control signal. The supervisory control signal is activated when the beam angle constraint goes to be violated. Initially a supervisory controller is designed using nonlinear control theory. Subsequently the main tracking controller is designed using sliding mode approach which forces the missile to fly along the desired line‐of‐sight. The stability of the supervisory controller coupled with the main controller is proved in the Lyapunov sense.

Findings

There exists a major drawback with the lead angle method of guidance, which is a high probability of flying out of the beam. The proposed supervisory controller has successfully overcome this deficiency. Thus, a better performance has been achieved.

Practical implications

The proposed guidance scheme can be applied to tactical surface to air missiles. Additionally the idea of supervisory controller can be applied to any similar control problem where there are some constrains over the states of the system.

Originality/value

The idea of supervisory controller has not been applied to the problem of command‐to‐line‐of‐sight guidance law. This paper utilizes and extends the idea of supervisory controller design to cases when a special state is to be supervised while considering the effect of external disturbances.
Simple autopilot design procedure based on a factorization approach
Authors: Nassirharand Amir , Hosain Alizadeh Mohammad
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply a factorization‐based control system design procedure to design of auto‐pilot systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach is based on a previously developed factorization‐based control system design procedure. The design approach requires a stable coprime factorization of the plant, a set of stable coprime factors that are solutions to the Bezout identity, the linear model of a desired response, and the desired frequency range of interest. When all this information is provided, the developed automated software outputs a candidate auto‐pilot whose performance should be verified.

Findings

For a specific class of aerospace vehicles, it is found that the described factorization‐based auto‐pilot design procedure may replace the presently complicated auto‐pilot design procedures. The final design is simpler than other techniques that are based on classical, robust, adaptive, QFT, gain scheduling, or interpolation techniques, and the total required man hours for the design loop is less than the mentioned alternative approaches.

Research limitations/implications

There are two basic limitations – time variations of plant parameters must not be very large as is the case with the agile aerospace vehicles, and specification of the desired closed‐loop system behavior is not systematic.

Practical implications

The major outcome of this research is that complicated autopilots of a class of aerospace vehicles may be replaced by simpler systems with competitive performance.

Originality/value

This is the first paper in the area of autopilot design that is based on the application of a simple factorization‐based design procedure.
Food safety management in broiler meat production
Authors: Manning L. , Baines R.N. , Chadd S.A.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Ensuring compliance with food safety legislation and market requirements is one of the key issues facing the poultry meat industry. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a pre‐requisite programme (PRP) and key performance indicators for food safety can be developed in the poultry meat supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The first stage of the research involved an examination of literature, which was conducted using desk research. The second stage includes a discussion on food safety management systems in primary production and the development of food safety plans with an associated PRP.

Findings

Effective food safety management systems in primary production are critical to supplying food which is safe and wholesome. In order to manage food safety effectively measurable indicators of performance should be developed. These will provide data on the suitability of the food for sale, the effectiveness of the food safety management system and any potential areas of weakness which in turn will drive continuous improvement.

Originality/value

This study is of benefit to the broiler industry in the further development of quality assurance standards and business improvement models.
Traceability data management for food chains
Authors: Folinas Dimitris , Manikas Ioannis , Manos Basil
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The main objectives of the paper are to identify the needs in data that are considered as fundamental for the efficient food traceability and to introduce a generic framework (architecture) of traceability data management that will act as guideline for all entities/food business operators involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The traceability system introduced is based on the implementation of XML (eXtensible Markup Language) technology. In the first stage, the necessary traceability data are identified and categorized. In the second stage, the selected data are transformed and inserted into a five‐element generic framework/model, using PML (Physical Markup Language), which is a standard technology of XML.

Findings

The assessment of information communication and diffusion underlines that the particular model is simple in use and user‐friendly, by enabling information flow through conventional technologies.

Practical implications

The main feature of this framework is the simplicity in use and the ability of communicating information through commonly accessible means such as the internet, e‐mail, and cell phones. This makes it particularly easy to use, even when it comes to the base of the supply chains (farmers, fishermen, cattle breeders, etc).

Originality/value

An integrated traceability system must be able to file and communicate information regarding product quality and origin, and consumer safety. The main features of such a system include adequate “filtering” of information, information extracting, from already existed databases, harmonization with international codification standards, internet standards and up to date technologies. The framework presented in this paper fulfills all the above features.
Obesity, convenience and “phood”
Authors: Dixon Jane M. , Hinde Sarah J. , Banwell Cathy L.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

With rising levels of obesity, public health attention has turned to the “obesogenic environment”, which includes the ready availability of convenience foods. We seek to provide an historical account of the popularity of convenience foods, alongside an elaboration of how international and Australian experts believe convenience food has contributed to rising rates of obesity. In this context, the paper aims to speculate about the likely success of functional foods, or “phoods”, and draw conclusions about potential implications for the obesity epidemic.

Design/methodology/approach

An “expanded” Delphi survey was utilised to identify key trends underpinning the rise in obesity and expert's hypotheses about how these trends have operated to promote obesity. Elaborating on these data, an historical perspective of the emergence and consolidation of convenience foods in Australian diets, with particular attention paid to foods that offer “healthy convenience”, is provided.

Findings

Australian research shows how the growing consumption of convenience foods is contributing to upward trends in overweight. It is argued that the functional food sector is well placed in a context where consumers are being encouraged to embrace convenient food solutions, while also being concerned about the nutritional qualities of foods.

Originality/value

Whilst the development of healthy and convenient “phoods” may benefit people's health, the paper identifies how they may also undermine efforts to reduce the weight of the population. This makes the regulatory issue of health claims pivotal to balance the interests of the functional food sector and the public health community.
Intrinsic and extrinsic quality attributes, loyalty and buying intention: an analysis for a PDO product
Authors: Fandos Carmina , Flavián Carlos
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To examine the influence of the perceived quality of a protected designation of origin (PDO) product on consumer loyalty and buying intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines the relationships between intrinsic and extrinsic quality attributes, loyalty and buying intention. Information was obtained from an initial qualitative approach based on a group dynamic to allow the development of scales to quantify the different concepts. Personal interviews were then conducted with 251 consumers based on a structured questionnaire.

Findings

The study reveals the existence of a positive and significant relationship between the extrinsic attributes of a traditional food product and loyalty expressed by consumers. It also shows that the perceived quality associated with the intrinsic attributes of the product has a positive and significant influence on buying intentions.

Practical implications

The PDO should seek to foster the perceived quality of intrinsic attributes in order to enhance consumer buying intentions, which may be viewed as the pragmatic side of consumer behaviour, an expression of the behavioural side of their attitude, and a reflection of their actions and short‐term behaviour. It should also foster the perceived quality of extrinsic attributes so as to achieve greater loyalty which, in turn, will be expressed as an increase in repeat purchases. This loyalty may be considered from an attitudinal standpoint involving feelings and affects towards a product or brand, and is related with ideal images held by consumers about their own actions.

Originality/value

This paper shows that positive attitudes, feelings and affects towards symbolic factors are fundamental components of attitudinal loyalty. These aspects reflect the consumer ideal, because such attitudes are based on positive feelings and affects towards symbolic factors. This loyalty, in turn, constitutes the ideal behaviour with which the consumer identifies, although it is not necessarily his/her actual behaviour.
Agrifood SMEs in Greece: the role of collective action
Authors: Lamprinopoulou Chrysoula , Tregear Angela , Ness Mitchell
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Many previous studies have indicated that by acting collectively, agrifood SMEs can improve performance and enhance their contribution to local areas. Although collective action between agrifood SMEs proliferates in many southern European countries, relatively few successful cases appear to exist in Greece. The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons for this, by relating the theoretical conditions of successful collective action to evidence from existing studies on the Greek situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the literature on small firm networks, and previous empirical studies of agrifood SMEs in Europe, the paper identifies six conditions that underpin successful collective action: three contextual (type of market, social cohesiveness, institutional involvement) and three behavioural (market orientation, co‐operative spirit, existence of an initiator).

Findings

Relating these conditions to existing evidence on Greek agrifood SMEs, the analysis suggests that socio‐cultural factors and institutional involvement are often barriers to successful collective action. However, the presence of at least some examples of strong agrifood SME networks in Greece indicates that such barriers can be overcome. The paper concludes by identifying the research questions to be tackled by future empirical study of Greek agrifood SMEs.

Originality/value

The paper explores the important phenomenon of small firm networks in the under‐researched country of Greece. In addition, the paper also presents an original synthesis of key conditions under which collective action thrives, drawn from many previous studies of networks and collective action in the agrifood sector throughout Europe.
Food hygiene education in UK primary schools: a nation‐wide survey of teachers' views
Authors: Bielby Gill , Egan Bernadette , Eves Anita , Lumbers Margaret , Raats Monique , Adams Martin
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to show how a nation‐wide survey of teachers investigated the teaching of food hygiene in primary schools. The survey determined which information sources were known and used by those responsible for teaching food hygiene.

Design/methodology/approach

Postal questionnaires were distributed to 3,806 primary schools throughout the UK (response rate 23 per cent). The questionnaire was developed based on the results of in‐depth interviews with school teachers and included topics such as where teachers gained up‐to‐date food hygiene messages, methods used to teach food hygiene, and how key food hygiene messages are reinforced. Teachers cited most preferred resources for teaching food hygiene, influences on the choice of these resources, and limitations on use.

Findings

Overall, the results indicated that food hygiene is taught in a number of subject areas, with handwashing and personal hygiene being the principal topics. Teachers use a combination of methods to teach food hygiene and to reinforce food safety messages. The principal limitations of teaching this topic were identified as a lack of suitable space and curriculum time. Teachers across the UK also identified new resources that would support the teaching of food hygiene.

Originality/value

The study identified how primary school teachers deliver food hygiene messages through the curriculum, daily routines and whole school initiatives. Ways in which primary school teachers could be supported when delivering food hygiene education have been suggested.
Assessment of consumer food safety education provided by local authorities in the UK
Authors: Redmond Elizabeth C. , Griffith Christopher J.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent, sources, diversity, costs, formats and content of food safety educational interventions for consumers provided by UK Local Authorities (LAs). Inadequate implementation of food safety practices in the home is known to contribute to the incidence of foodborne disease and therefore effective food safety education concerning risks and correct domestic food‐handling behaviours is essential.

Design/methodology/approach

A postal questionnaire was administered to all Environmental Health and Health Promotion departments in LAs in 2004 (n=436). The questionnaire assessed the extent of LA provision of consumer food safety advice, types, formats and content of interventions, rationale for information provision, methods used for design and delivery of information and participation in national initiatives.

Findings

A considerable quantity of food safety advice is provided to UK consumers; in general this is variable between regions, variable in quality, infrequently evaluated and relatively uncoordinated. Overall, 95 per cent of UK LAs who responded to the questionnaire reported current provision of consumer food safety advice. The most common intervention used for provision of consumer hygiene information was leaflets (93 per cent of LAs) and data indicated that this is likely to continue. Hand‐washing (87 per cent), cross‐contamination (85 per cent) and cooking (77 per cent) were the most common issues reportedly addressed in hygiene initiatives. Less than a third of LAs reported evaluating the effectiveness of food hygiene advice.

Originality/value

This study has provided evidence of a large quantity of unique and diverse intervention materials across the UK, and suggests the need for the sharing of information materials and areas of innovation between LAs. Provision of generic, managed and co‐ordinated general and targeted food safety education resources in the UK may not only decrease important time and financial costs within LAs, but also increase consumer confidence in the accuracy of information provided and alleviate the risk for potential confusion of information from differing sources.
Food safety education initiative to increase consumer use of food thermometers in the United States
Authors: McCurdy Sandra M. , Takeuchi Masami T. , Edwards Zena M. , Edlefsen Miriam , Kang Dong‐Hyun , Elaine Mayes V. , Hillers Virginia N.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to increase consumers' use of food thermometers to test the endpoint temperature of small cuts of meats.

Design/methodology/approach

The project integrates research, classroom and non‐formal education.

Findings

Instant‐read food thermometers were available in >73 percent of USA supermarkets and most were accurate within 1.1°C. Lethality findings include that ground beef patties should either be cooked in a two‐sided grill or turned frequently during cooking. Focus group participants said the primary motivator to food thermometer use was avoidance of foodborne illness. Educational materials positively affected thermometer use among consumers.

Practical implications

Behavior change will be facilitated by widespread availability of thermometers, inclusion of endpoint temperatures in recipes, and seeing others use food thermometers.

Originality/value

This project develops and delivers information to encourage use of food thermometers to assess endpoint temperature when cooking small meat items.
The selection of international business managers: part 1
Authors: Hurn Brian J.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine how potential international business managers used to be selected for overseas assignments and analyses selection methods currently employed, commenting on their validity.

Design/methodology/approach

The various methods are compared in an attempt to draw up a list of required competencies on which there is a fair degree of consensus. A comparison is also made between the requirements of the traditional expatriate manager and the new breed of young international managers who operate in the global marketplace. Included is the author's own experience in this field. The use of psychometric and personality tests, along with reliance on interviews and past performance, is also assessed. In addition, the increased use of assessment centres and their resulting advantages are highlighted. The concerns and expectations of young potential international managers faced with careers involving considerable time away from the home base are examined, in particular the problems of dual careers, future employment on repatriation and family concerns. Surveys by multinational companies are cited in support.

Findings

There is very often no apparent correlation between traditional methods of selection and actual performance. Recent research and the resulting practice put more emphasis on selection methods that attempt to assess the ability to work effectively and live harmoniously in a multinational, multicultural environment.

Originality/value

Against a background of a likely reduced pool of potential managers, the paper emphasises selection methods aimed at reducing the margin of error in the recruitment of international managers.
Audiovisual materials in UK public libraries: economic sense?
Authors: Morris Anne , Ayre Catherine , Jones Amy
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the provision of audiovisual materials in UK public libraries and their economic value.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey of all the public library authorities in the UK was used to investigate current provision of audiovisual material, expected future provision, and the amounts spent on and generated by audiovisual collections. Data collected, together with those available from other reputable sources, were then used to estimate the cost benefit or value of audiovisual provision.

Findings

The provision of audiovisual material in UK public libraries is widespread and varied. While audiovisual collections provide economic value and generate income from charging for loans, there are significant costs inherent in providing such services. Concerns are raised about the constant developments in media formats and the ability to make adequate provision. A cost benefit of 1:1.34 using the PVB (present value benefits) based on maximum loan charges was found, meaning that the UK gets £1.34 direct benefit from every £1.00 spent on the audiovisual service.

Research limitations/implications

There are different methods used by economists to estimate value of public services, all having limitations. The method used in this research is no exception. The cost‐benefit ratio found is based on maximum loan charges. However, this figure would be higher if the PVB had been based on purchase costs or lower if the PVB had been based on mean loan charges. Further, the figures do not include indirect benefits or option benefits, so are likely to be underestimates of the true cost benefit of the audiovisual service.

Practical implications

This research is likely to be of interest to public library managers and funding bodies needing evidence for the value of audiovisual provision.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to put a monetary value on audiovisual provision in the UK. It also provides insights into current and future audiovisual provision.
The invisible web: an empirical study of “cognitive invisibility”
Authors: Ford Nigel , Mansourian Yazdan
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report an empirical investigation into conceptions of the “invisible web”.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an exploratory qualitative study based on in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 15 members of academic staff from three biology‐related departments at the University of Sheffield. Concepts emerged from an inductive analysis of the interview data to form a tentative model.

Findings

A distinction is drawn between technical objective conceptions of the “invisible web” that commonly appear in the literature, and a cognitive subjective conception based on searchers' perceptions of search failure, and a tentative model of “cognitive invisibility” is presented. The relationship between objective and subjective conceptions, and implications for training, are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The research was qualitative and exploratory, designed to elicit sensitising concepts and to “map the territory”. It thus aims to provide a tentative model that could form the basis for more systematic study. Such research could investigate the validity of the categories in different and/or larger samples, seek further to illuminate, challenge, extend or refute the model, and address issues of generalisability.

Practical implications

The paper presents a conceptual model that is intended to be a useful reference point for researchers wishing to investigate user‐based aspects of search failure and the invisible web. It may also be useful to trainers and those interested in developing information literacy, in that it differentiates technical objective and cognitive subjective conceptions of “invisibility, and discusses the implications for helping searchers develop more effective searching capabilities.

Originality/value

The paper offers an alternative cognitive subjective view of “web invisibility” to that more commonly presented in the literature. It contributes to a still small body of empirical research into user‐based aspects of the invisible web.