bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrophobicity of Polyaniline Microspheres Deposited on a Glass Substrate
Authors: Ding Hangjun , Zhu Changjin , Zhou Zhiming , Wan Meixiang , Wei Yen
Published: July 2006

Summary: A highly hydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 148.0° has been constructed by depositing salicylic acid‐doped polyaniline (PANI‐SA) spheres on a glass substrate using a template‐free method. The hydrophobicity originates from the contribution of the air trapped in the inter‐space of a rough surface aggregated by micro‐ and nanospheres. Moreover, the deposition time strongly affects the hydrophobicity of the PANI‐SA spheres deposited on the substrate. The formation mechanism and hydrophobic origin of the PANI‐SA spheres deposited on the substrate are discussed.

The PANI films prepared at 60 min polymerization time is composed of co‐existing nano‐ and microspheres (left). The ability of the layers to trap large amounts of air makes the surface highly hydrophobic and results in a water contact angle of 148.0° (right).

magnified image

The PANI films prepared at 60 min polymerization time is composed of co‐existing nano‐ and microspheres (left). The ability of the layers to trap large amounts of air makes the surface highly hydrophobic and results in a water contact angle of 148.0° (right).
Electron ionisation and fast‐atom bombardment mass spectrometry study of diaryl carbonates
Authors: Pinto Vitor , Norberto Fátima , Pamplona Teresa , Fernandez M. Tereza , Duarte M. Filomena
Published: July 2006

Electron ionisation mass spectrometry studies were performed previously for p‐diphenyl carbonate and some monosubstituted diphenyl carbonates. In this work, p‐diphenyl carbonate and p‐methoxyphenylphenyl carbonate are re‐examined, and p‐chlorophenyl phenyl carbonate and two disubstituted diphenyl carbonates, bis (p‐chlorophenyl) carbonate and p‐methoxyphenyl‐p‐fluorophenyl carbonate, are studied for the first time. The previously established fragmentation routes were observed for all compounds investigated. Some other different sequences were observed, and a fragmentation path, other than decarboxylation, of the molecular ion is proposed.

In the fast‐atom bombardment study it was observed that the M+./[MH]+ ion abundance ratio increased from 0.44 for compound 1 to 2.95 for compound 5. [MH]+ is not a dominant ion in most of compounds studied, in spite of the presence of a carbonyl group, a strong proton acceptor. The presence of two oxygen atoms bonded to the carbonyl group appears to induce delocalisation of the electron pairs, thus deactivating the carbonyl site for protonation. In addition, m‐nitrobenzyl alcohol (NBA) being a relatively aprotic/hydrophobic matrix reinforces the deactivation for protonation. Because the carbonate group and NBA are common features to the study, the contributions of the substituents were taken into account to explain the different behaviour of the five compounds with respect to protonation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accurate mass measurement using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry for structure elucidation of designer drug analogs of tadalafil, vardenafil and sildenafil in herbal and pharmaceutical matrices
Authors: Gratz Samuel R. , Gamble Bryan M. , Flurer Rick A.
Published: July 2006

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors are a class of drugs used primarily in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved PDE‐5 inhibitors include sildenafil citrate, vardenafil hydrochloride and tadalafil. In this study, accurate mass measurements were made by electrospray ionization (ESI) using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICRMS) to elucidate the structures of sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil analogs that were found in products marketed as dietary supplements. Initial detection of these analogs was accomplished through routine screening of suspect samples by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multi‐stage mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MSn) on a low‐resolution ion trap instrument. The chromatographic behavior and mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns observed were often similar to those observed for FDA approved PDE‐5 inhibitors. The mass accuracy and resolving power associated with FTICRMS allows for the determination of elemental compositions. Elucidation of the product ion structures for the analogs was accomplished through the use of accurate mass measurements with the aid of Mass Frontier software (version 4.0). Using FTICRMS, accurate masses with measurement errors averaging <0.4 ppm were achieved, allowing assignment of one possible elemental formula to each fragment ion. The mass measurement errors associated with [M + H]+ for the analogs aminotadalafil, piperidino vardenafil, hydroxyacetildenafil and piperidino acetildenafil were 0.1, 0.0, 0.1 and 0.5 ppm, respectively. Based on the accuracy of the measurements, structural assignments could be made with a high degree of confidence. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does understory vegetation reflect the history of fluvial disturbance in a riparian forest?
Authors: Kamisako Masato , Sannoh Keinosuke , Kamitani Tomohiko
Published: July 2006

We have examined the relationship between the history of fluvial disturbance and understory vegetation in a riparian forest. The study site was divided into three sites, by use of aerial photographs and topographical maps, with different histories of fluvial disturbance: (1) Fagus‐type on land that has not been flooded for the last 39 years, at least; (2) Populus‐type on land that has not been flooded since debris flow occurred 34 years ago; and (3) Salix‐type on land that has been flooded periodically from an abandoned channel since debris flow occurred 34 years ago. Species richness in the Salix‐type was significantly higher than in the other types. Detrended correspondence analysis revealed obvious floristic differences among the three canopy types. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that herbaceous species were mainly found on lower plots with high moss cover, implying that moss layers may capture seeds transported by the stream. Tall herbs occurred in less shaded plots and on higher plots, suggesting that their rapid growth prevented the occurrence of other species. Fagus‐type was dominated by species with ingested fruits which depended on animals for their dispersal. Populus and Salix‐types were dominated by species with wind dispersal or no dispersal mechanism, which depended on physical phenomena for dispersal. Attributes of current understory vegetation were connected with historical events, suggesting that riparian vegetation reflects the history of fluvial disturbance.
Flight capabilities and feeding habits of silphine beetles: are flightless species really “carrion beetles”?
Authors: Ikeda Hiroshi , Kubota Kohei , Kagaya Takashi , Abe Toshio
Published: July 2006

We determined the flight capabilities and feeding habits of adults of nine silphine beetle species and illustrated their relationship. We examined the silphine beetles for the presence or absence of flight muscles and estimated their feeding habits by comparing the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios for them with those of necrophagous nicrophorine species and carnivorous carabine species. Three species (Silpha longicornis, S. perforata and Phosphuga atrata) completely lacked individuals with flight muscles, and one species (Eusilpha japonica) showed flight muscle dimorphism. Stable isotope analysis suggested that these species were carnivores, mainly feeding on soil invertebrates. Most flight species showed higher isotopic ratios than the flightless species. Some of them have isotopic ratios close to those of the nicrophorine species, suggesting that these species mainly feed on vertebrate carcasses. Flightless silphine species would have limited ability to search for patchy and unpredictable carcass resources. Further studies are necessary to understand the adaptive evolution of flight capability and the feeding habits in this group.
Health outcomes in adolescence: Associations with family, friends and school engagement
Authors: Carter Melissa , McGee Rob , Taylor Barry , Williams Sheila
Published: July 2006

Aim

To examine the associations between connectedness to family and friends, and school engagement, and selected health compromising and health promoting behaviours in a sample of New Zealand adolescents.

Methods

A web‐based survey was designed and administered to a random sample of 652 Year 11 students aged 16 years from all Dunedin (NZ) high schools between 30th July and 31st October 2001. Connectedness to family and friends, and school engagement were assessed, together with reports of various health compromising and health promoting behaviours. Logistic regression was used to determine the extent to which these family, friends and school variables were related to health compromising and health promoting behaviours.

Results

School engagement was strongly related to both low levels of health compromising and high levels of health promoting behaviours. Connectedness to family was associated primarily with fewer reports of suicidal ideation and increased reports of physical activity. Connectedness to friends was associated in the main with increased reports of health compromising behaviours.

Conclusion

This study reinforces the importance of school and family as support networks for young people. School may well play an especially important role in health promotion among young people. The mechanisms by which engagement with school operates need to be explored further.
Developmental assessment of competence from early childhood to middle adolescence
Authors: Obradović Jelena , van Dulmen Manfred H.M. , Yates Tuppett M. , Carlson Elizabeth A. , Egeland Byron
Published: July 2006

This study represents a developmentally informed, empirically validated examination of competence across multiple domains (Social, Cognitive, Emotional well‐being), gender and age (early childhood, middle childhood, early adolescence, middle adolescence). Competence indicators were created and the structure of these domains was tested using multi‐method, multi‐informant data collected on 191 participants drawn from a prospective study of at‐risk children. The results indicated that inter‐individual differences in Cognitive and Social competence were stable across time, whereas inter‐individual differences in Emotional well‐being were stable only between early and middle adolescence. While the strength of stability of Cognitive competence was similar across different time points, the stability of Social competence declined after middle childhood, suggesting more inter‐individual variability with regard to change. The findings also indicated that both the structure and the stability of competence are similar for boys and girls.
Disturbance of cerebellar synaptic maturation in mutant mice lacking BSRPs, a novel brain‐specific receptor‐like protein family
Authors: Miyazaki Taisuke , Hashimoto Kouichi , Uda Atsushi , Sakagami Hiroyuki , Nakamura Yoshitaka , Saito Shin-ya , Nishi Miyuki , Kume Hideaki , Tohgo Akira , Kaneko Izumi , Kondo Hisatake , Fukunaga Kohji , Kano Masanobu , Watanabe Masahiko , Takeshima Hiroshi
Published: July 2006

By DNA cloning, we have identified the BSRP (brain‐specific receptor‐like proteins) family of three members in mammalian genomes. BSRPs were predominantly expressed in the soma and dendrites of neurons and localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Expression levels of BSRPs seemed to fluctuate greatly during postnatal cerebellar maturation. Triple‐knockout mice lacking BSRP members exhibited motor discoordination, and Purkinje cells (PCs) were often innervated by multiple climbing fibers with different neuronal origins in the mutant cerebellum. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) were significantly downregulated in the mutant cerebellum. Because cerebellar maturation and plasticity require metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling and resulting PKC activation, BSRPs are likely involved in ER functions supporting PKCα activation in PCs.
Coffee inhibits the reactivation of glucocorticoids by 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1: A glucocorticoid connection in the anti‐diabetic action of coffee?
Authors: Atanasov Atanas G. , Dzyakanchuk Anna A. , Schweizer Roberto A.S. , Nashev Lyubomir G. , Maurer Evelyne M. , Odermatt Alex
Published: July 2006

Recent epidemiological studies demonstrated a beneficial effect of coffee consumption for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, however, the underlying mechanisms remained unknown. We demonstrate that coffee extract, corresponding to an Italian Espresso, inhibits recombinant and endogenous 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) activity. The inhibitory component is heat‐stable with considerable polarity. Coffee extract blocked 11β‐HSD1‐dependent cortisol formation, prevented the subsequent nuclear translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor and abolished glucocorticoid‐induced expression of the key gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. We suggest that at least part of the anti‐diabetic effects of coffee consumption is due to inhibition of 11β‐HSD1‐dependent glucocorticoid reactivation.
Cell expression of a four extra octarepeat mutated PrPC modifies cell structure and cell cycle regulation
Authors: Martín Sergio F. , Herva María E. , Espinosa Juan-Carlos , Parra Beatriz , Castilla Joaquín , Brun Alejandro , Torres Juan M.
Published: July 2006

RK13 cell lines generated to express bovine PrPC with a four extra octarepeat insertional mutation (Bo‐10ORPrPC) show partially insoluble PrPC and lower rates of cell growth when compared to either the same cells expressing wild type Bo‐6ORPrPC or the original RK13 cell line. The expression of Bo‐10ORPrPC in cell cultures was also associated with changes in cell size and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. This last process was reversed by Clostridium difficile toxin‐B, a specific inhibitor of small GTPase proteins. Further, in clones expressing Bo‐10ORPrPC, increased proportions of cells at cell cycle stage G2/M were observed. Proteasome inhibitors caused a further expansion of G2/M‐stage cells that was more marked in cell lines expressing Bo‐10ORPrPC than those expressing Bo‐6ORPrPC, while this effect was minimal or null in the original RK13 cell line. Hence, the presence of Bo‐10ORPrPC in RK13 cells promotes cell cycle arrest at G2/M, and the effect is amplified by proteasome inhibition. These findings suggest a role for PrPC in cell morphology and cell cycle regulation, and open new avenues for understanding the mechanisms underlying PrP mutation‐associated diseases.
Involvement of Rho/ROCK signalling in small cell lung cancer migration through human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Li Bo , Zhao Wei-Dong , Tan Zhi-Min , Fang Wen-Gang , Zhu Li , Chen Yu-Hua
Published: July 2006

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells migration across human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) is an essential step of brain metastases. Here we investigated signalling pathways in HBMECs contributing to the process. Inhibition of endothelial Rho kinase (ROCK) with Y27632 and overexpression of ROCK dominant‐negative mutant prevented SCLC cells, NCI‐H209, transendothelial migration and the concomitant changes of tight junction. Conversely, inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase C (PKC) had no effects. Furthermore, endothelial RhoA protein was activated during NCI‐H209 cells transendothelial migration. Rho/ROCK participated in NCI‐H209 cells transendothelial migration through regulating actin cytoskeleton reorganization. These results suggested that Rho/ROCK was required for SCLC cells transendothelial migration.
Storage and oxidation of long‐chain fatty acids in the C57/BL6 mouse heart as measured by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Stowe Kimberly A. , Burgess Shawn C. , Merritt Matthew , Sherry A. Dean , Malloy Craig R.
Published: July 2006

Triglyceride turnover in the isolated C57/BL6 mouse heart was measured by dynamic 13C edit‐1H observe NMR and the rate of fatty acid oxidation was determined by 13C NMR isotopomer analysis. In the presence of a physiological mixture of substrates, energy was produced in the citric acid cycle by oxidation of long‐chain fatty acids (18%), ketones (34%), lactate (24%), pyruvate (7%), and other sources (17%). Exogenous fatty acids appeared in the triglyceride pool at 0.24 μmol/g dry wt/min, similar to the rate of oxidation of long‐chain fatty acids, 0.16 μmol/g dry wt/min. Isoproterenol decreased the rate of de novo triglyceride synthesis and increased the rate of fatty acid oxidation.
Detection of an intermediate during the unfolding process of the dimeric ketosteroid isomerase
Authors: Jang Do Soo , Lee Hyeong Ju , Lee Byeongdu , Hong Bee Hak , Cha Hyung Jin , Yoon Jinhwan , Lim Kwanseop , Yoon Ye Jeong , Kim Jehan , Ree Moonhor , Lee Hee Cheon , Choi Kwan Yong
Published: July 2006

Failure to detect the intermediate in spite of its existence often leads to the conclusion that two‐state transition in the unfolding process of the protein can be justified. In contrast to the previous equilibrium unfolding experiment fitted to a two‐state model by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopies, an equilibrium unfolding intermediate of a dimeric ketosteroid isomerase (KSI) could be detected by small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and analytical ultracentrifugation. The sizes of KSI were determined to be 18.7 Å in 0 M urea, 17.3 Å in 5.2 M urea, and 25.1 Å in 7 M urea by SAXS. The size of KSI in 5.2 M urea was significantly decreased compared with those in 0 M and 7 M urea, suggesting the existence of a compact intermediate. Sedimentation velocity as obtained by ultracentrifugation confirmed that KSI in 5.2 M urea is distinctly different from native and fully‐unfolded forms. The sizes measured by pulse field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were consistent with those obtained by SAXS. Discrepancy of equilibrium unfolding studies between size measurement methods and optical spectroscopies might be due to the failure in detecting the intermediate by optical spectroscopic methods. Further characterization of the intermediate using 1H NMR spectroscopy and Kratky plot supported the existence of a partially‐folded form of KSI which is distinct from those of native and fully‐unfolded KSIs. Taken together, our results suggest that the formation of a compact intermediate should precede the association of monomers prior to the dimerization process during the folding of KSI.
Quantitative analysis of the effect of cell type and cellular differentiation on protective antigen binding to human target cells
Authors: Deshpande Alina , Hammon Rebecca J. , Sanders Claire K. , Graves Steven W.
Published: July 2006

We quantitatively measured protective antigen (PA) binding to human cells targeted by anthrax lethal toxin (LT). Affinities were less than 50 nM for all cells, but differentiated cells (macrophages and neutrophils) had significantly increased PA binding and endothelial cells demonstrated the most binding. Combined with the function of such cells, this suggests that PA receptors interact with the extracellular matrix and that differentiation increases the number of PA‐specific receptors, which supports previously observed differentiation‐induced LT susceptibility. Our results quantifiably confirm that the generality of PA binding will complicate its use as a tumor targeting agent.
Predicting juvenile Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) age from body and otolith size measurements
Authors: Fey Dariusz P. , Linkowski Tomasz B.
Published: July 2006

Six age-prediction models based on otolith size (weight, length, and width) and fish size (standard length, SL, and weight) were developed for juvenile Baltic cod Gadus morhua (SL, 40–153 mm; age, 90–230 d). Models were built based on stepwise selection and compared using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Reference age was estimated by counting the growth increments in the transverse sections of sagittal otoliths (n = 310). Final comparison of the utility of the six models was based on the AIC. The best model included SL, fish weight, and sampling month as independent variables. Sampling month was added to account for differences in fish growth, after it was shown that otolith size at age was related to differences in somatic growth. The predicted age of all juveniles collected between 1991 and 1995 was used to estimate their hatch dates and growth rates. The average growth rate was 0.78 mm d−1 when estimated from predicted ages (1990–1995; n = 2036) and 0.73 mm d−1 when age based on direct increment enumeration was used (1990–1993; n = 310).
Loss of regional population structure in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., following stocking
Authors: Ayllon Fernando , Martinez Jose L. , Garcia-Vazquez Eva
Published: July 2006

Many wild Atlantic salmon populations have been stocked with cultured fish during the past century. To evaluate the degree and the direction of the resulting genetic changes in wild southern European populations of Atlantic salmon, the variation at microsatellite loci was examined in historical and modern scale samples from five Spanish and two French rivers. Significant genetic differentiation between neighbouring rivers, which is typical of Atlantic salmon and which existed before stocking, appears to have been lost after only a decade of stocking with fish of foreign origin. Apparent introgression of foreign-origin genes into local gene pools was detected in the populations studied. These results indicate that stocking risks the loss of genetic diversity in wild salmon populations.
Fish are attracted to vessels
Authors: Røstad Anders , Kaartvedt Stein , Klevjer Thor A. , Melle Webjørn
Published: July 2006

Fish rapidly accumulated below research vessels (RVs) at anchor, kept stationary by dynamic satellite positioning, or freely drifting. This happened by day and night, beneath vessels with different noise levels, in fjords and the open ocean, comprised different species assemblages of fish, and spanned depths of several hundred metres. Acoustic backscatter (fish abundance) increased by more than an order of magnitude in less than an hour. One of the study sites was characterized by much ship traffic, and intermittent, strong decreases in the local fish aggregation beneath the RV were caused by fish swimming towards passing commercial vessels, before returning to the stationary RV. The study suggests more complex relationships between fish, vessels, and noise than previously anticipated. If fish are commonly attracted to vessels, this has implications for fish abundance estimates and basic ecological research.
Variation in the frequency of skipped spawning in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) off Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Rideout R.M. , Morgan M.J. , Lilly G.R.
Published: July 2006

Macroscopic maturity data collected between January and March of 1978–2004 during groundfish surveys were analysed to determine the frequency of skipped spawning for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) populations in the Northwest Atlantic. Nearly 18% of the 6583 potential female spawners sampled during this period would not have spawned in the subsequent spawning season. The frequency of skipped spawning was much higher on the Flemish Cap (NAFO Division 3M, ∼33%) and off the south coast of Newfoundland (Subdivision 3Ps, ∼21%) than that in three areas off eastern Newfoundland and southern Labrador (Divisions 3L, ∼8%; 3K, ∼3%; and 2J, <1%). Annual variation in the frequency of skipped spawning was apparent in all areas. Skipped spawning was most common in fish of medium size (60–79 cm). Non-reproductive cod were characterized by lower liver condition than reproductive cod, but not a lower gutted condition. Generalized linear models suggested that relative liver weight was the best predictor of spawning probability, and that age, length, and relative body condition were not good predictors. Models of spawning probability based on relative liver condition suggest that female fish in poor condition in 3KL are more likely to spawn than fish of equal condition in areas 3M and 3Ps.
Characterizing and structuring a new make‐to‐forecast production strategy
Authors: Meredith Jack , Akinc Umit
Published: July 2006

To date, the theory of production in operations management has lacked a production strategy for one major segment of the manufacturing industry. For large engineered equipment, a relatively recent but increasingly common production strategy has arisen to better meet today's competitive pressures for faster delivery of more customized products without increasing costs. A hybrid of the make‐to‐order (MTO) and make‐to‐stock (MTS) production strategies, manufacturers launch major product models to a demand forecast (MTS) and then modify the partially completed products as the actual orders arrive (MTO), a production strategy we refer to as make‐to‐forecast (MTF).

This paper has two purposes: (1) it describes and conceptualizes the MTF situation in a variety of industries and places the MTF strategy among the other major production strategies in the theory of production and (2) it analyzes decision rules for matching partially completed units to incoming customer orders—one of the unique and perhaps most demanding challenges of the MTF environment. It shows that two order matching rules developed in the paper outperform the ad hoc rules commonly used in practice. We test and confirm the generalizability of the superior performance of these two rules in 13 different industry variations of the MTF production situation. Last, the insights provided by the model are discussed in terms of their practical relevance.
Learning from the first Operations Management textbook
Authors: Voss Christopher A.
Published: July 2006

De Re Metallica by Georgius Agricola was published in 1556. It is arguably the first Operations Management textbook. In it the author describes the management and technologies of the mining and metallurgical industry of the period. Using the translation by Herbert and Lou Hoover, this paper reviews the book both to compare it with contemporary writing on Operations Management in process industries, and to draw lessons from its impact. Many areas which we see as contemporary, such as ethical and environmental issues, are explicitly addressed in the book although with a different view of their impact than today. The book describes how the operations should be organized and managed, the role of the foreman, and the education and training required. The characteristics of process industries as described by Agricola are compared to modern views. The most enduring lesson from this remarkable book is the importance of systematic capture and dissemination of knowledge in Operations Management.
Designing ligands to bind proteins
Authors: Whitesides George M. , Krishnamurthy Vijay M.
Published: July 2006

The ability to design drugs (so-called ‘rational drug design’) has been one of the long-term objectives of chemistry for 50 years. It is an exceptionally difficult problem, and many of its parts lie outside the expertise of chemistry. The much more limited problem – how to design tight-binding ligands (rational ligand design) – would seem to be one that chemistry could solve, but has also proved remarkably recalcitrant. The question is ‘Why is it so difficult?’ and the answer is ‘We still don't entirely know’. This perspective discusses some of the technical issues – potential functions, protein plasticity, enthalpy/entropy compensation, and others – that contribute, and suggests areas where fundamental understanding of protein–ligand interactions falls short of what is needed. It surveys recent technological developments (in particular, isothermal titration calorimetry) that will, hopefully, make now the time for serious progress in this area. It concludes with the calorimetric examination of the association of a series of systematically varied ligands with a model protein. The counterintuitive thermodynamic results observed serve to illustrate that, even in relatively simple systems, understanding protein–ligand association is challenging.
Towards 100 years of educating the information professions at UCL SLAIS
Authors: Dawson Andy , Brown David
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to introduce the theme of this special issue which contains a selection of papers written by the staff of UCL SLAIS.

Design/methodology/approach

The history of the School is briefly described and its philosophy of taking a broad and inclusive approach to professional education is reviewed.

Findings

There is considerable benefit to professional education in an institution which incorporates all branches of information work, and retains a sense of the value of traditional skills in tandem with an exploitation of new technologies. The contributors to this issue reflect this both by the range of disciplines which they represent and by the range of topics, from the most traditional to the most modern, and demonstrate the synergy between them.

Originality/value

The article provides an introduction to the special issue and promotes the value of an inclusive approach to professional education in the information disciplines.
Effect of chloride on the atmospheric corrosion of cast iron in sulphur‐bearing pollutant environments
Authors: Xia Cao , Chunchun Xu
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chloride on the atmospheric corrosion of cast iron in an atmosphere with sulphur‐bearing pollutants.

Design/methodology/approach

Periodic wet‐dry tests, surface tension tests, electrochemical impedance (EIS) measurements, stereoscopic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive atomic X‐ray analysis were used to investigate the corrosion processes and products. Weight loss measurements, electrochemical theory, as well as ion adsorption theory and penetration theory were used to explain the corrosion process.

Findings

The experimental results demonstrated that weight loss measurement approximately obeyed the relationship: ΔW=AtB. With addition of NaCl, the value of A decreased, whereas B increased. It is worth noting that NaCl acted as an inhibitor in the HSO3− bearing pollutant during the initial corrosion stage. However, as corrosion continued, the penetration effect of chloride and the different characteristics of the corrosion products tended to dominate the corrosion process, which led to changes of the corrosion rate. Both the EIS measurements and surface tension tests agreed well with the results of weight loss measurements.

Originality/value

The initial corrosion stage showed good agreement with associated surface activity. The paper explains the effect of chloride on the atmospheric corrosion of cast iron in sulphur bearing pollutants from a new viewpoint.
How wine sector SMEs approach strategic questions
Authors: Bouzdine‐Chameeva Tatiana
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Faced with major new challenges in a rapidly evolving world market, small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the wine sector in the Bordeaux region urgently need to reconsider their strategic options. This paper, through an analysis of the nature, role, and interaction of competencies in strategy‐making processes in the wine sector, aims to identify the main components of wine companies’ competencies in order to devise a tool to aid their strategic decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology, which is based on a cognitive approach, employs critical incidences methodology, content analysis and causal mapping.

Findings

A competencies study founded on a series of interviews conducted with the personnel of six wine SMEs in the Bordeaux region reveals the importance of eight core competencies (production, labour, costs, quality, investment, market, competition, and clients/sales) in devising strategy. In addition, this paper demonstrates that core factors affecting the success of strategic development include: knowledge versus know‐how; investment, quality; labour difficulties, team issues, market positioning; customer relationship and trust. The implications of the practical implementation of these results are discussed.

Originality/value

Shows the future prospects for French wine companies not being taken for granted. On account of radical market changes the French wine sector needs to re‐evaluate the situation and investigate new strategic options that might permit it to regain a competitive advantage in a changing environment.
Risk management of the agricultural income: the inter‐Rhône reserve
Authors: Viviani Jean‐Laurent
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Agricultural risks will tend to increase in the future, but risk management instruments and techniques at the disposal of wine companies are relatively limited. This paper aims to present an original risk protection mechanism implemented by the federation of Côte du Rhône (Inter‐Rhône) wine producers to build up a wine stock, or “reserve”, so as to protect their incomes against fluctuation in prices and production.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the VaR (value‐at‐risk) methodology, the stock level that will protect producers against a fall in their incomes is determined. More specifically, the probability that a given producer's current income falls lower than a target minimum income must be inferior or equal to a given (small) wine stock level. An agricultural income depends on price and production, so the reserve amount is expressed according to price and production quantity risk (measured by standard deviation), and the correlation between the two. The wine stock reserve is compared with a reserve invested in financial assets.

Findings

A static comparative analysis is made using simulations of the two types of reserves (wine stock and financial assets) according to the various explanatory variables. Empirical study makes it possible to calculate reserve amounts for each category of wine managed by Inter‐Rhône. The study reveals a strong disparity in the amount of reserves of each wine.

Originality/value

The reserve system is considered by some to give to the producer federation the power to control supply below the equilibrium level in order to receive monopoly rents. To avoid this occurring the constitution of a mutual fund is recommended. This solution allows producers to profit from diversification gains and greater managerial flexibility.
The nature of the demand for alcohol: understanding elasticity
Authors: Fogarty James
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The demand for alcohol is a well‐researched topic, yet the published literature regarding consumer responses to changes in the price of alcohol includes many conflicting and inconsistent results. This paper seeks to present an analysis of known own‐price elasticity estimates, and to attempt to understand why reported results differ.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken to analysing the data is the meta‐regression approach. Specifically, the meta‐regression considers 150 beers, spirits, and wines, own price elasticity point estimates, which have been drawn from studies that consider demand responses to changes in the price of alcohol in 18 different countries.

Findings

The results of the empirical work reported in this paper suggest that the year of the study, the length of study, the per capita level of alcohol consumption, and the relative ethanol share of a beverage are important factors when explaining variations in consumer demand responses to changes in the price of alcohol. Interestingly, the study also suggests that country‐specific and beverage‐specific effects are not important.

Originality/value

The paper is valuable as it uses the meta‐regression framework to control for study design characteristics and, once these characteristics are controlled for, it becomes possible to identify the underlying trend in the demand for alcohol. Specifically, the trend was shown to be one where the demand for alcoholic beverages became increasingly inelastic up to 1969 and decreasingly inelastic thereafter.
Ethical modelling of the food supply chain
Authors: Manning L. , Baines R.N. , Chadd S.A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Public concerns with issues including animal welfare and environmental management and stewardship have required organisations within the food supply chain to formally demonstrate their commitment to ethical issues. This has led to the development of corporate social responsibility strategies and the use of ethical risk assessment models. The purpose of the study is to review both qualitative and quantitative methods of assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins with a discussion on ethical issues. This is followed by an evaluation of current mechanisms for determining both scientific‐ and value‐based approaches to ethical food policy.

Findings

Legislation defines governmental policy but it does not define what is “good” or “right” and this is the role of ethics. In order to have ethic reasoning embedded in food policy either at governmental or at organisational level, policy makers must be able to understand and evaluate moral arguments, be fair‐minded and make well‐reasoned decisions. Consumers need to trust that both policy makers and those manufacturing and supplying food make decisions and provide information which is accessible, accurate and affords reasoned choice when purchasing food products.

Originality/value

This paper provides a review of ethical methodology and mechanisms for assisting in ethical decision making and will be of interest to academics and to industry.
The Central and Eastern European brewing industry since 1990
Authors: Larimo Jorma , Marinov Marin , Marinova Svetla
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article aims to analyse the strategies of international brewing companies in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) beer market and the development of national beer markets in the region since 1990.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is explorative, based on a broad variety of secondary data sources and company interviews.

Findings

The findings provide an insight into the approaches of foreign brewing companies operating in CEE markets. Despite some differences in the initial internationalisation motives, target market choice and market entry modes that reflected the strategic priorities of investing brewers, market‐seeking motives, strong brands, marketing intelligence, rapid aggressive internationalization and control over the operations have been the key success factors for Western brewers in CEE.

Research limitations/implications

The secondary nature of the research information is a limitation for the validity of the study. Nevertheless, the triangulation of data sources using various secondary data, supported by in‐company interviews and authors' insights, has aimed at minimising the research bias.

Practical implications

Considering the growth and consolidation in the brewing industry world‐wide, brewers in CEE should focus on further mergers and acquisitions, product diversification/upgrading and brand innovation.

Originality/value

This paper represents an original attempt to assess the trends in the development of the brewing industry in CEE post‐1990. It reflects the impact of international interest on the CEE brewing companies and raises some concerns associated with the preservation of the brewing heritage in the region.
Country‐of‐origin effects on Chinese wine consumers
Authors: Balestrini Pierre , Gamble Paul
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine Chinese consumers' wine‐purchasing behaviour and, more especially, the importance of country of origin (COO) effects in the evaluation and assessment of wine quality and as it relates to decision making for wine purchases.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected in 2004 through an interviewer‐administered, structured questionnaire targeted at randomly selected wine buyers in the ChangNing district of Shanghai (China). Chinese consumers tend to purchase wine primarily for sensorial reasons, consuming it on social occasions. Wine has never acquired the connotations of being merely a thirst‐quenching drink as it did in some European countries. They are also attracted to wine for its health benefits.

Findings

It was found that Chinese consumers are more likely to use extrinsic cues than intrinsic cues to evaluate wine quality. Thus, COO information is a significantly more important cue than price for Chinese consumers as a quality cue. However, there appears to be no significant difference in the importance of COO and brand in this regard. Wine is a complex product – small differences in any one of a huge range of variables, from the weather, through the grape, the production method, the storage and even the bottling can affect quality. As might be expected in a market that is relatively under‐developed and which has a smaller experience of wine drinking than some other parts of the world, Chinese consumers pay much more attention to COO when they purchase wine for special occasions, where their choice is exposed to the judgment of others. By contrast, when purchasing wine for their own private consumption, COO assumes a lesser importance.

Originality/value

This research can significantly help wine marketers to develop more effective positioning strategies in China. It will also help in the development of pricing and promotional decisions.
What parents think: children and healthy eating
Authors: Kelly James , Turner Jason J. , McKenna Kirsty
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to investigate parental perspectives of the influence of the media, peers and parents on a child's perceptions of healthy food products.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative analysis was conducted, using the results from 143 questionnaires, collected through a randomly selected primary school in Dundee.

Findings

A positive significant relationship was found (p=0.006) between parents being aware of the health impact of fatty foods and purchasing healthy food products both for themselves and for their children. With regard to the influence of the media the research found a positive significant relationship (p=0.004), between the influence of adverts on children and the pestering and giving in of parents in the supermarket. The aspects of the influence of peers found that 44 per cent of parents believed that peer pressure influenced a child's demands for healthy food with 60 per cent of parents stating the influence of peers on a child's demands for junk food. No significant relationship was found, however, on peer influence and parental yielding. In the final aspect, that of parental influence, no significant relationship was found between pester power and parental yielding.

Research limitations/implications

This was an exploratory study and carries the limitation of generalisability as it was conducted solely in one primary school in Dundee. Any further research should contrast perspectives from other UK cities and develop research into the family dynamics and education.

Practical implications

It is suggested that the media have a significant influence on a child's demands for junk food, which emphasises the importance of using the media to encourage children to eat more healthily. Further the paper provides insight into influencing factors, suggesting that advertising can play a prominent role in influencing children's eating habits.

Originality/value

This paper is helpful to both academics and practitioners in the field of marketing and food marketing. The paper provides some insight into parental perspectives of the influence of the media, peers and parents themselves on a child's healthy eating habits.
Factors affecting the flavour binding properties of lactones with soya protein
Authors: Gkionakis George A. , Heliopoulos George , Taylor Anthony K.D. , Ahmad John
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The objective of this article is to investigate the binding of several lactones to soya protein isolate and soya protein under different conditions and, particularly, the extent of binding of the lactones γ‐9, γ‐10, δ‐10 and δ‐11, in different concentrations as well as the effect of various parameters on their binding ability.

Design/methodology/approach

Capillary column gas chromatography was used for the determination of lactones and the manual system was used for taking samples and for headspace analysis. Infrared spectroscopy was used for confirmation and investigation.

Findings

The percentage of binding of lactones γ‐9, γ‐10, δ‐10, δ‐11 on the soya protein is almost the same (about 33‐34 per cent). According to the Klotz equation, the bound ligand concentration was calculating as the number of moles of ligand bound per mole of protein. The results varied, but were similar. Specific experiments in water system with soya protein isolate (1 per cent) showed that the time taken for lactones γ‐10 and δ‐11 to reach equilibrium, the factors of temperature and pH affected the percentage of lactone bound.

Research limitations/implications

The amount of added lactone in products containing soya protein isolate should be investigated by using panel tests to confirm the improvement of flavour.

Practical implications

Flavour binding of lactones can be used to provide some foods with the required flavour impression by adding lactones to a bland soy protein base.

Originality/value

The flavour binding of lactones, which was investigated in the present paper, has not been adequately investigated in previous scientific research and the effects of the factors that influence their binding are very important.
The refrigerator safari
Authors: Breen Abigail , Brock Sophie , Crawford Katrina , Docherty Mary , Drummond Gavin , Gill Lucy , Lawton Sophie , Mankarious Vivienne , Oustayiannis Andrea , Rushworth Gemma , Kerr Kevin G.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Food‐borne infection remains a major public health concern and it is important that healthcare professionals in training understand the epidemiology of gastro‐intestinal infection and strategies for its prevention. This article describes a student selected component (SSC), i.e. an element which supplements the core curriculum for undergraduate medical students and its use as an educational tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The SSC incorporated a refrigerator safari in which students examined a number of domestic refrigerators for factors which might affect adversely the microbiological quality of the food within them as well as determining refrigerator temperatures with a sensitive thermometer.

Findings

The refrigerator safaris, although small in number (n=25) highlighted a number of frequently occurring factors such as unacceptable refrigerator temperatures and foods which had passed their use by/best before dates. Student feedback indicated that the safari was much appreciated as a practical way of learning about food safety.

Originality/value

The refrigerator safari is a novel method for the teaching of undergraduate students about food hygiene in the domestic setting and emphasises that consumers have important roles and responsibilities in protecting themselves from food‐borne infection.