bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Strategies for the Study of Populism
Authors: Canovan Margaret
Published: August 2010

The reason why ‘populism’ has remained such a confused notion is that two different strategies can be adopted in trying to clarify it, and the more intuitively appealing of the two does not work. Attempts at a theory of populism invariably fail because they are either too wide-ranging to be clear or too restricted to be persuasive. The alternative is a phenomenological approach, leading to the construction of a descriptive typology.
Jeremy Bentham: Recent Interpretations
Authors: Rosen Frederick
Published: August 2010

The day for the commencement of this code [in England] with the stamp of authority on the first page of it, is the day which will give commencement to the hundred and first year, reckoning from the day on which the author will have breathed his last. In the meantime, to those who have the faculty of extracting amusement from dry matter, it may serve as a second Utopia, adapted to the circumstances of the age.1
It's Parties that Choose Electoral Systems (Or, Duverger's Laws Upside Down)
Authors: Colomer Josep M.
Published: August 2010

This article presents, discusses and tests the hypothesis that it is the number of parties that can explain the choice of electoral systems, rather than the other way around. Already-existing political parties tend to choose electoral systems that, rather than generate new party systems by themselves, will crystallize, consolidate or reinforce previously existing party configurations. A general model develops the argument and presents the concept of ‘behavioral-institutional equilibrium’ to account for the relation between electoral systems and party systems. The most comprehensive dataset and test of these notions to date, encompassing 219 elections in 87 countries since the 19th century, are presented. The analysis gives strong support to the hypotheses that political party configurations dominated by a few parties tend to establish majority rule electoral systems, while multi-party systems already existed before the introduction of proportional representation. It also offers the new theoretical proposition that strategic party choice of electoral systems leads to a general trend toward proportional representation over time.
Rethinking Agency: A Phenomenological Approach to Embodiment and Agentic Capacities
Authors: Coole Diana
Published: August 2010

Agency has been central to modern conceptions of politics but it is a complicated and contested idea that seems to have fallen into both theoretical and historical crisis. I explore the underlying ideas that have grounded it, as well as some recent historical and theoretical challenges. I respond by advocating an ontological agnosticism regarding who or what exercises agency and suggest a spectrum of agentic capacities instead. Commending a phenomenological approach, I then suggest that agentic capacities emerge and interact across this spectrum. At one pole I envisage pre-personal, corporeal processes and at the other, a transpersonal, intersubjective interworld that requires a novel social ontology. I locate individual or collective agents in the middle of the spectrum where they emerge as contingent singularities. My aim here is to retain agency as a necessary ingredient of politics while eliminating the Cartesian presuppositions that have, for example, rendered the agency-structure debate irresolvable and supported a subjectivist account of agents that is no longer tenable. I show how all three dimensions of the spectrum have political significance and discuss examples to illustrate this.
Arab States and the Role of Islam in the International Criminal Court
Authors: Roach Steven C.
Published: August 2010

This article assesses the various disagreements between Arab and western states that surfaced at the 1998 Rome Conference and Preparatory Commission. It also discusses the relationship between state repression and cultural adaptation by examining the undeveloped domestic criminal systems of Arab states and the ambiguous role played by shariah (Islamic law) in the constitutions of many of them. It argues two main points: that more mutual accommodation will be needed to resolve these and future conflicts between Islamic and international law; and that such conflicts between the ICC and Arab states expose the need for further cultural adaptation to the ICC Statute. It is out of this process of cultural adaptation that the relationship between Islam and serious international crimes will evolve.
How Terrorism Upsets Liberty
Authors: Meisels Tamar
Published: August 2010

As terrorism increasingly penetrates Western democracies, liberals and libertarians are obliged to ask themselves whether contending with it justifies restricting civil liberty and, if so, to what extent. Neither personal security nor individual liberty is ever fully realised – both are a matter of degree – and they are often perceived as being at odds with each other. Hence it has been suggested that we reconsider the existing trade-off between them, or reassess their ‘rate of exchange’. While such questions are sometimes raised by left-leaning liberals, they are in fact particularly acute for liberals on the right, or libertarians, who would normally resist any increase in government intervention. Right-wingers who advocate ‘hands off’ policies on all other occasions now call for an increase in government intervention as regards security measures. Many left-liberals, on the other hand, are reluctant to concede any further power to the state in order to combat terrorism.
Duverger's Law, Penrose's Power Index and the Unity of the UK
Authors: McLean Iain , McMillan Alistair , Leech Dennis
Published: August 2010

As predicted by Duverger's Law, the UK has had two-party competition for long periods in most electoral districts. However, there are different patterns of two-party competition in different districts and more than two effective parties in the Commons. Since 1874, parliament has always contained parties wishing to modify the Union and contesting seats only outside England. By calculating the Penrose power index for all parties in the House of Commons for all general elections since 1874, we identify when such parties were pivotal. We explain various legislative changes (for example the Crofters Act 1886, the first three Irish Home Rule Bills, the Parliament Act 1911) and non-changes (for example the failure to enact female suffrage before 1914) by reference to the Penrose index scores. The scores also explain how and why policy towards Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland changed and did not change in the 1970s.
The Rise of ‘New’ Policy Instruments in Comparative Perspective: Has Governance Eclipsed Government?
Authors: Jordan Andrew , Wurzel Rüdiger K. W. , Zito Anthony
Published: August 2010

Governance is a term in good currency, but there are still too few detailed empirical analyses of the precise extent to which it has or has not eclipsed government. This article explores the temporal and spatial characteristics of the governance transition by charting the deployment of new policy instruments in eight industrialised states and the European Union. The adoption and implementation of (‘old’ and ‘new’) policy instruments offer a useful analytical touchstone because governance theory argues that regulation is the quintessence of government. Although there are many ‘new’ environmental policy instruments in these nine jurisdictions, this article finds that the change from government to governance is highly differentiated across political jurisdictions, policy sectors and even the main instrument types. Crucially, many of the new policy instruments used require some state involvement (that is, ‘government’), and very few are entirely devoid of state involvement (that is, pure ‘governance’). Far from eclipsing government, governance therefore often complements and, on some occasions, even competes with it, although there are some cases of fusion. Future research should thus explore the many complex and varied ways in which government and governance interact in public policy-making.
Political Disagreement and Socratic Civic Competence
Authors: Bentley Russell
Published: August 2010

Contemporary democratic theories that draw on Socrates for inspiration have addressed his method of investigation too narrowly because there has been insufficient attention to the need for authority, which Socrates also identifies. Because his appeals to authority initially appear antidemocratic, we cannot overlook this aspect of his thought. I describe a virtue, civic competence, which is the excellence of citizens who critically engage with the norms of the community, but who also recognise that authority is politically necessary. Deliberation requires elenctic-like scrutiny, but also a willingness to accept some arguments as authoritative. My overarching claim is that failure to exhibit such character traits can appear in more than one form, a point neglected in recent literature, and that not all such forms are antidemocratic. Civic competence is susceptible to corruptions that may never result in citizenship that is simply undemocratic. I define two corruptions of civic competence: ‘disagonism’ and ‘eristicism’. The former treats disagreement as signalling either confusion or wickedness and deliberation as a process of clarifying and tidying discourse. The latter treats disagreement as ineliminable and deliberation as gaming with words in order to defeat an opponent in argument.
The Language of Democracy: Vernacular or Esperanto? A Comparison between the Multiculturalist and Cosmopolitan Perspectives
Authors: Archibugi Daniele
Published: August 2010

Will Kymlicka has argued that ‘democratic politics is politics in the vernacular’. Does this statement mean that democratic politics is impossible in a multilingual community, whether at the local, national, regional or global level? This paper discusses this assumption and maintains that democratic politics should imply the willingness of all players to make an effort to understand each other. Democratic politics depends on a willingness to overcome the barriers to mutual understanding, including the linguistic ones. Anytime that there is a community of fate, a democrat should search the available methods to allow deliberation according to the two key conditions of political equality and participation. If linguistic diversity is an obstacle to equality and participation, some methods should be found to overcome it, as it is exemplified by the Esperanto metaphor. The paper illustrates the argument with four cases of multilinguistic political communities: (1) a school in California with English-speaking and Spanish-speaking students; (2) the city of Byelostok in the second half of the nineteenth century, where four different linguistic communities (Polish, Russian, German and Yiddish) coexisted. This led Markus Zamenhof to invent Esperanto; (3) the linguistic problems of the Indian state and the role played by English – a language unspoken by the majority of the Indian population in 1947 – in developing Indian democracy; and (4) the case of the European Parliament, with 20 languages and a wealth of interpreters and translators.
Uninterested Youth? Young People's Attitudes towards Party Politics in Britain
Authors: Henn Matt , Weinstein Mark , Forrest Sarah
Published: August 2010

Following the outcome of the 2001 and 2005 general elections, when the numbers of abstainers outweighed the numbers of Labour voters on both occasions, much attention has focused upon the state of British democracy and how to enthuse the electorate, especially young people. Whilst the government is exploring ways to make the whole process of voting easier, it may be failing to tackle the real problem – that youth appear to find the business of politics uninviting and irrelevant. This paper examines data derived from a nationwide survey of more than 700 young people in order to shed light on what lies at the heart of young people's apparent disengagement from formal politics in Britain – political apathy or a sense of political alienation. The findings reveal that they support the democratic process, but are sceptical of the way the British political system is organised and led and are turned off by politicians and the political parties. However, there is no uniform youth orientation to politics, and the data indicate that views differ according to social class, educational history and also gender. However both ethnicity and region of the country in which young people live seem to have little influence in structuring political attitudes and behaviour.
Intervention and Empire: John Stuart Mill and International Relations
Authors: Prager Carol A. L.
Published: August 2010

It is surprising that John Stuart Mill's international thought, which focuses on intervention and empire, has not attracted the attention it warrants. It is particularly surprising that Mill has been largely overlooked by the English School, whose members acutely appreciate the contributions of classical political philosophers to international discourse. Galvanised by his introspection on his life, especially the impact of interference in his psychological and intellectual development, to his analysis of the impact of Britain on India's princely states and intervention in civil wars, Mill identified timeless problems intrinsic to international relations whilst profoundly appreciating the tensions they generated in the form of perverse effects, unintended consequences and moral hazard. Contemporary international relations are replete with examples of the unforeseen and unforeseeable developments that attend intervention and interference. If a concern of the English School is the tormenting decisions that fall to statesmen, Mill provides an understanding of the considerations that vastly complicate such decisions.
Fair-Play Obligations: A Critical Note on Free Riding
Authors: Parsons Stephen D.
Published: August 2010

McDermott rejects the argument that an individual, in receiving benefits from a political community, thus incurs a ‘fair-play obligation’ to contribute to the provision of these benefits. While acknowledging that an individual receiving benefits without contributing is ‘free riding’ and that free riding may be morally wrong, McDermott denies that such moral lapses entail communities having any right to demand support. Not contributing may be morally objectionable, but individuals may still have a right not to contribute. However, both proponents and opponents of the fair-play obligation claim do not sufficiently differentiate between different forms of free riding. Arguments tend to be based on rights that may or may not be invoked when individuals free ride through consuming externalities. However, this form of free riding does not entail any reciprocal obligations. Yet it can plausibly be argued that when free riding occurs in the case of the production of public goods, then communities can demand support from individuals, and can have a right to do so.
Age‐related lens yellowing per se contributes little to the increase in Farnsworth‐Munsell 100 hue error scores with age
Authors: Beirne Raymond O. , McIlreavy Lee , Gore Sophie , Zlatkova Margarita B.
Published: August 2010

Purpose:  To investigate the effects of real and simulated age‐related changes in crystalline lens yellowing on Farnsworth–Munsell (FM) 100 hue total and partial error scores.

Methods:  FM 100 hue total and partial error scores were measured in a group of younger (n = 10, mean age 22.2 ± 2.65 years) and a group of older (n = 10, mean age = 54.5 ± 2.64 years) normal observers along with psychophysical estimates of crystalline lens optical density and pupil size measurements. Three younger observers underwent repeated FM 100 hue testing using a variety of simulated age‐related lens yellowing conditions, using filters with well‐defined absorption properties which mimicked the real age‐related lens yellowing changes of the older group. FM 100 hue scores were also measured under different levels of background illumination and pupil size in the 3 younger observers.

Results:  FM 100 hue total and partial error scores were significantly higher in the older age group compared to the younger group (p <0.01). Lens density measures were significantly higher in the older age group compared to the young group (p<0.01), but showed less scatter with age than FM 100 hue error scores. Pupil size was significantly larger in the younger group compared to the older group (p<0.01). Simulated lens yellowing in the three younger observers, equivalent to the level of that of the older observers, did not affect any of their FM 100 hue total or partial error scores. Reductions in pupil size and illumination significantly affected the younger observers’ performance, with increases in error score equivalent to the observed age‐related decline between the younger and older group.

Conclusions:  Lens yellowing per se makes little contribution to the increase in Farnsworth–Munsell 100 hue error score with increasing age. Retinal illumination levels and pupil size can significantly affect the error score and should be considered when interpreting FM 100 hue error scores in older subjects. Clinicians should also consider iris colour and macular pigment density when interpreting FM 100 hue error scores.
The prevalence of suppression in amblyopic individuals
Authors: Barrett Brendan , Panesar Eve , Pacey Ian
Published: August 2010

Purpose:  A popular view of visual functioning in individuals with amblyopia is that the weaker eye is suppressed in key regions of the binocular visual field. Indeed, some have argued that chronic interocular suppression may represent the cause of amblyopia. Here we evaluate the prevalence of amblyopic‐eye suppression in a simple light detection task when the eyes are open, minimally dissociated and in their habitual motor position.

Methods:  A custom program on the Humphrey Field Analyzer (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA, USA) was used to measure detection thresholds for a blue light on a yellow background along the horizontal meridian at two‐degree intervals to an eccentricity of 25 degrees on either side of the fixation mark. The fellow eye was prevented from seeing the target using three different methods: (1) full‐occlusion (i.e. no light entered the fellow eye), (2) a translucent occluder (3) a yellow filter in front of the fellow eye. In (3), the yellow filter only prevented the fellow eye from seeing the blue stimulus; the fixation mark and the background remained visible (minimal‐dissociation condition). Fourteen amblyopes participated in the study, of whom 11 had strabismus.

Results:  Three basic patterns of results were observed. (1) Only three of the fourteen participants (∼21%) showed evidence of suppression, where amblyopic‐eye sensitivity was lower with the fellow eye open. In these cases, the retinal locations that showed greatest suppression corresponded to the direction and angle of the strabismus. (2) Three participants (∼21%) showed the opposite effect to the result in (1); i.e. amblyopic‐eye sensitivity was greatest when the fellow was open with minimal dissociation between the eyes. One possible explanation is that the dominance of the fellow eye caused this reduction. (3) Seven participants (50%) exhibited patterns of amblyopic sensitivity that did not depend upon the occlusion status of the fellow eye. The results for one participant did not fit into any of the above patterns.

Conclusions:  Suppression appears not to be a universal feature of central amblyopic vision. Our results for this simple detection task suggest that suppression may exist in as few as 20% of amblyopes. These results present a challenge to the view that suppression represents a root cause of amblyopia but they are consistent with the view that the amblyopic eye makes a useful contribution under habitual viewing conditions.
The interaction between size and accommodation cues in predicting proximity
Authors: Morrison Kathryn A. , Seidel Dirk , Strang Niall C. , Gray Lyle S.
Published: August 2010

Purpose:  We have shown previously that proximal stimulation using size change can enhance or degrade accommodation step responses in open and closed loop conditions. The aim of the current experiment is to determine the relationship between the perceptual response to proximal stimulation based on size change and blur change for a range of target vergences.

Methods:  Perceptual thresholds for pure blur change, pure size change, coherent blur and size change and conflicting blur and size change were measured monocularly in 12 visually normal subjects (mean refractive error of ‐0.79D ± 2.41D and mean age 25.17 years ±3.10 years) using a 2‐alternative forced‐choice technique with 20 presentations per condition. Threshold estimates were obtained from psychometric functions using the bootstrap method. All subjects were fully corrected and had normal amplitudes of accommodation for their age. Threshold for proximal perception to blur only stimulation was established using target vergence changes of 0, 1, 2 and 3D. The effect of size change was then assessed at the same four levels of blur change. Stimuli were presented randomly with the position of the near and far vergences also randomised. This was repeated under four conditions:

 (1) Blur only.

 (2) Size only.

 (3) Size change coherent with the vergence change.

 (4) Size change conflicting with the vergence change.

Targets consisted of pairs of photographic slides that contained strong monocular size and depth cues which were viewed successively in a 4D Badal lens system. On each trial the subjects compared the perceived proximity of the targets.

Results:  Considerable individual variation was found in the subject's perceptual responses to the four experimental conditions presented. The responses of all subjects were predicted by one of the following rules:

 (1) No effect of size.

 (2) Blur and size interact constructively.

 (3) No effect of blur.

 (4) Blur elicits a proximal response but size is used to determine the direction of the proximal effect.

Without any size cue, eight subjects (66%) identified the direction of the vergence change correctly while the remaining subjects consistently perceived the target with lower dioptric vergence to be closer. The threshold required to accurately determine proximity from blur only cues was 2.27D ± 0.31D. In the absence of blur, size cues induced a proximal effect in 33% (n = 4) subjects. The combination of size and blur cues produced a variety of response patterns, some subjects’ responses were dominated by blur cues while others relied heavily on size stimulation.

Conclusions:  Our ability to perceive a target as close can be dependent upon either size and/or accommodation signals. Interactions between the stimuli of dioptric target vergence and target size were found to be additive for producing a perceived proximity response.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the developed world and their effect on the eye and vision
Authors: Whatham Andrew , Bartlett Hannah , Eperjesi Frank , Blumenthal Caron , Allen Jane , Suttle Catherine , Gaskin Kevin
Published: August 2010

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common in developing countries, but also occur in developed countries. We review micronutrient deficiencies for the major vitamins A, cobalamin (B12), biotin (vitamin H), vitamins C and E, as well as the minerals iron, and zinc, in the developed world, in terms of their relationship to systemic health and any resulting ocular disease and/or visual dysfunction. A knowledge of these effects is important as individuals with consequent poor ocular health and reduced visual function may present for ophthalmic care.
A comparison of two methods for estimating polymegethism in cell areas of the human corneal endothelium
Authors: Doughty Michael J. , Oblak Emil
Published: August 2010

Purpose:  To compare the outcome measures from two different methods for estimating the coefficient of variation (COV) in cell area for human corneal endothelia.

Methods:  A single non‐contact specular micrograph was obtained from the central region of the corneal endothelium of 100 healthy non‐contact lens‐wearing white European subjects, aged from 32 to 62 years. The captured image file was either assessed using a machine‐based algorithm in which 21 cells were marked and their areas reported (designated as the TOPCON ‘centre‐dot’ method), or by an overlay and semi‐automated computer‐based image analysis system of the entire image of around 200 cells (designated as the AUTO method). The average cell area values were used to calculate the endothelial cell density (ECD), while the COV was calculated from the standard deviation of the cell area measures.

Results:  The TOPCON and AUTO methods yielded comparable data for average cell area (395 vs 391 μm2) and estimated ECD (2566 vs 2575 cells mm−2) that were not statistically different (p ≥ 0.351), although there was a slight bias between the two methods. However, the mean COV values were very different at 43.5 and 31.4% (p < 0.001). The overestimation of the COV was related to the difference in the largest cell area domain identified by the two methods (p < 0.001, r = ≥0.748).

Conclusions:  A centre‐dot method using a small number of cells generates useful data on cell area and ECD, but it should be used cautiously for estimates of COV.
Pantoscopic tilt in spectacle‐corrected myopia and its effect on peripheral refraction
Authors: Bakaraju Ravi C. , Ehrmann Klaus , Ho Arthur , Papas Eric B.
Published: August 2010

Spectacles are a common option for the correction of myopia in children and young adults. Visual scientists striving to explain the process of emmetropization and myopia progression have been interested in peripheral refraction, as well as on‐axis performance. Using a ray tracing technique and mathematical eye models for myopia, this study assessed the effect of pantoscopic tilt on peripheral refraction in spectacle‐corrected myopia. At the centre and throughout the periphery of corrected models, hyperopic shifts in the mean spherical equivalent component were found in all meridians. Horizontally, hyperopic shift tends to incline uniformly with the increase in pantoscopic tilt, but this did not occur in the other meridians. No change in the trend of the horizontal J180 refraction component was found with changes in pantoscopic tilt among all myopic errors. The J45 component produced considerable shifts in the horizontal periphery, which increased with increase in pantoscopic tilt. The ray tracing technique provides considerable information about the relationship between peripheral refraction and aberrations, with the tilt of the correcting spectacle lens. Larger degree of tilt on high myopic prescriptions seems to produce considerable non‐uniform, hyperopic shifts, along with astigmatism and coma, in the peripheral visual field. These effects may be sufficient to play a role in the progression of myopia; however, further studies are required to fully understand this relationship.
The effective corneal refractive surface as a function of a point in visual space: a three‐dimensional analysis
Authors: Freedman Kenn A. , Brown Sandra M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose:  To develop a three‐dimensional optical model of the anterior segment which will provide a basis for understanding the effects of corneal and adnexal problems on vision.

Methods:  A three‐dimensional optical model of the anterior segment was developed to calculate the effective corneal refractive surface (ECRS), which is a specific area of cornea that refracts incident light rays arising from an object in visual space through the physical pupil (PP); light rays refracted by cornea outside the ECRS do not traverse the PP. This model incorporated the patient variables of central anterior chamber depth (A) and central corneal curvature (K). A vector analysis was combined with three‐dimensional analytic geometry to create a unified solution for all object locations in visual space. A computer program in BASIC on a PC was developed to perform the calculations.

Results:  The ECRS was circular for objects on the line of sight, but with increasing displacement from the fixation point it became oval and eventually crescent shaped. The size of the ECRS increased as the distance of the object from the eye increased, but it rapidly reached a limiting value at about 200 mm. The size of the ECRS increased with PP diameter, but showed only a small dependence on A and minimal dependence on K.

Conclusion:  This comprehensive optical model of object space and the anterior segment of the eye allows clinicians to better understand the effects of corneal light transmission on vision.
Impact of land use changes on soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus and water pollution in an arid region of northwest China
Authors: Genxu Wang , Haiyan Ma , Ju Qian , Juan Chang
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Physical, chemical and environmental consequences of land use change from cultivated land to desert grassland and vice‐versa were monitored in the middle reaches of the Heihe River basin, which is one of the largest inland basins of arid northwest China. Levels of N and P in soils and surface waters and soil organic carbon were measured. After the first 3–5 years of cultivation the N and P contents of various former grassland soils, including mountain‐meadow and plains‐meadow grasslands, decreased significantly. After some 13 years of cultivation, soil nutrient content in former mountain meadow grasslands gradually stabilized, whereas those of desertified grassland, where cultivation had simply been abandoned, showed a notable decrease. Under these latter conditions, soil N and P were lost at a rate of 276 kg ha−1 and 360 kg ha−1, respectively, over the 13‐year period. The transformation of grassland into cultivated land and that of cultivated land into desert grassland resulted in organic carbon emissions of 1.68 Tg C and 0.55 Tg C, respectively, over 13 years. Land use changes in the arid inland region clearly have a significant influence on the soil organic carbon pool and carbon cycle. Falls in soil N and P led to 63% and 34% mean enrichment of N and P, respectively, in downstream waters, thus posing a future environmental problem for the arid region of northwest China.
Core Competencies in Food Science: Background Information on the Development of the IFT Education Standards
Authors: Hartel Richard W.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: In recent years, many professional organizations have shifted their program standards and program review away from course content‐based criteria and towards outcome‐based learning measures. IFT has recently done the same with implementation of the new IFT Education Standards. These Standards, which replace the old “Minimum Standards for Food Science Programs”, were approved by the Executive Committee at their meeting in June, 2001, with implementation beginning in fall, 2001. All food science programs will now be reviewed for IFT approval against these new Standards. This article describes the process by which this change has occurred over the past few years.
A Simple Laboratory Exercise in Food Structure/Texture Relationships Using a Flatbed Scanner
Authors: Stanley D.W. , Baker K.W.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: A laboratory experiment is described that has been designed to allow students to gather meaningful structural and mechanical data with limited equipment. Images are acquired using a computer‐interfaced flatbed scanner. Although intended for bread, this approach can be applied to other food products as well. This experiment may be as broad or narrow and as complex or simple as desired. Students have the decided advantage of gathering data themselves, not merely viewing a demonstration of expensive research‐grade instrumentation. Experience with image analysis software facilitates a better understanding of quantifying structural data than can be obtained from lecture or text material. Students should become aware of the dependence a specific property, texture, on the underlying structure of food materials and gain an appreciation of the role food structure has in determining many quality parameters.
A Multi‐Institutional Web‐Based Undergraduate Food Product Innovation and Marketing Course
Authors: Hood L.F. , Stefanou S.E. , Lord J.B. , Zoumas B.L. , Hernandez‐Serrano J.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Food product development courses at The Pennsylvania State University and Saint Joseph's University were combined into a single course with a common faculty, syllabus, and web‐based course management system. Industry specialists made weekly presentations on critical aspects of the product development and marketing process, via compressed video conferencing and the Web, to students at both locations. Cross‐institutional interdisciplinary student teams completed a comprehensive plan for developing, evaluating, and launching a new product. Assessment of student learning revealed an enhanced understanding of all aspects of the product innovation, development, and marketing processes. The net result is a model learning system transcending disciplines, place, and time.
A Method for Graduate Students to Provide Feedback to Their Major Professors
Authors: Dong F.M.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: A graduate student survey was developed and administered annually for 3 y by a graduate student committee in the School of Fisheries, Univ. of Washington, Seattle, Wash., U.S.A. The main objective of the 5‐point rating scale survey was to raise the consciousness level of faculty as to how they were being perceived as major professors by their students. Results indicate that the anonymous survey can be an effective assessment tool in the development of mentoring skills by a major professor, is a heuristic device, and should be continually improved based on results and feedback. It is also important that there be some way to help faculty with the process of improvement of mentoring skills if that is a desired outcome.
Food Engineering Education in Mexico, Central America, and South America
Authors: Welti‐Chanes J. , Vergara‐Balderas F. , Palou E. , Alzamora S. , Aguilera J.M. , Barbosa‐Cánovas G.V. , Tapia M.S. , Parada‐Arias E.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: The teaching of food engineering (FE) in Mexico and Central and South America began more than 50 years ago, initially with programs related to Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. The first programs clearly denominated as FE emerged during late 1960s and early 1970s; the support of the Organization of American States (OAS) and United Nations (UN) in some cases and the Science and Technology for Development Program (CYTED), launched in the early 1980s, stimulated and strengthened the development of FE. Relevant developments on FE in Latin‐America can be traced down to topics such as: evaluation of physicochemical and transport properties, water activity, high and intermediate moisture foods, food drying, modeling and simulation of processes, hurdle technology, minimal processing, and emerging technologies. At present, FE Education in Latin‐America interacts and coexists with the new paradigms related to the design of preservation processes and the development of Biotechnology.
Integrating Problem‐based Learning in an Introductory College Food Science Course
Authors: Duffrin M.W.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Problem‐based learning (PBL) activities incorporated into an introductory food science course can aid in student understanding of basic food science principles while developing students' problem‐solving and critical thinking skills. This article describes one example of how problem‐based learning was introduced into an introductory food science course designed for food and nutrition majors. Included are the problems that were developed for the course and the observed outcomes of the problem‐based learning activities. Integrated problem‐based learning aided students in developing communication, problem‐solving, self‐directed learning, and other desired skills and demonstrates the potential to be an enjoyable and challenging classroom experience for both students and teachers. However, poor problem design, such as introducing numerous problems for one subject area, may generate unanticipated quick answer approaches to solving problems.
Validation of Analytical Measurements by Single‐trial and Collaborative Study
Authors: Carpenter C.E.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Validation of analytical measurements is necessary to report scientifically justifiable results. In this exercise, students validate the accuracy and precision of analytical instruments in single trials and in collaborative study, and validation results are used to report measurements in a scientifically justifiable manner. Tables are provided to guide data collection and to clarify reporting of results. A set of allied questions explores validation theory to develop student understanding, stimulate discussion, and provide feedback to the instructor regarding student comprehension. References are given that reinforce the validation concepts.
On‐line Compared with Face‐to‐face Introductory Food Science Courses: An Assessment
Authors: Culbertson J.D. , Smith D.M.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: This study tracked and compared the performance of traditional classroom and on‐line students in 2 introductory level food science classes. Student evaluations were also compared for the 2 groups. All of the Face‐to‐face (FTF) students were full‐time college students. Seventynine percent of on‐line students lived over 50 miles from campus. About 21% of the on‐line enrollments were of skilled workers from the food industry. Performance on standardized exams was significantly higher for on‐line students. Student evaluations were very positive for both forms of instruction. Differences in maturity, academic load, motivation, class standing, and experience/knowledge of the food industry may have all played a role in the observed results. Although our study cannot differentiate between these effects, it is apparent that on‐line food science instruction can be an effective alternative for individuals who are unable to attend traditional courses.
Implementing a Total Quality Management Approach in the Design, Delivery, and Redesign of a Statistical Process Control Course
Authors: Mauer L.J. , La Lopa J.M.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: The benefit of implementing total quality management(TQM)into university classrooms has been demonstrated. The objective of this work was to develop a TQM project to use as a teaching tool for TQM and statistical process control (SPC) concepts, an assessment tool for the course, and as a means for involving students in improving the course in progress. A plan‐do‐study‐act (PDSA) assignment was developed to use SPC tools and the 4 concepts of TQM. The implementation of recommendations developed as part of the PDSA project significantly (p < 0.05) improved student performance on quizzes, student satisfaction with the course, student perception of instructor performance, as well as instructor satisfaction with the course.
Application of Gap Analysis to Education: A Case Study of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Program at the University of Guelph
Authors: Fuchs C. , Wilcock A. , Aung M.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to identify the skills and knowledge deemed important for food safety professionals and the degree to which the Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) program at the Univ. of Guelph helps students to develop these skills. The research included 2 phases: interviews were conducted to identify these skill and knowledge items, and the content of the interviews was then used to develop the survey. Individuals in various food safety roles in Canada and stakeholders in the FSQA program were surveyed. Important skill gaps were also identified through survey results. Personal skills were considered more important than technical skills to food safety professionals. Technical and personal skills deemed important by these professionals could be enhanced within the industry and within the food safety and quality assurance program at the Univ. of Guelph.
Seeing Is Believing: Effective Components of Professional Development Training for County Extension Educators on an Innovation Perceived as Risky—Food Irradiation
Authors: Thompson B.M. , Schielack J.F. , Vestal T.A.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Decades of research have provided evidence that food irradiation is a safe technology that can decrease the incidence of foodborne diseases; however, adoption of this technology has been slow. The purpose of our study was to qualitatively explore the effectiveness of various components of a professional development training on family and consumer sciences county extension educators' understanding of food irradiation. This training included presentations by experts in the field, a tour of a food irradiation research facility and a meat processing facility, group activities, and a computer simulation model. Data were collected using qualitative research methodology through in‐depth interviews conducted after the training. Results indicated that those components that allowed participants to visualize food irradiation processes seemed most beneficial to their understanding. Based on these data, implications for practice are discussed.
Development and Use of a Web Site with Multimedia Contents as a Complement to Traditional Unit Operations Courses
Authors: Tapia Cristián , Muller Mauricio , Sapag‐Hagar Jaime , Valenzuela Fernando , Basualto Carlos , Abugoch Lilian
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: The Unit Operations Laboratory offers 2 courses in unit operations. One is a 2‐semester course for chemistry and food engineering students that is more demanding because it considers more unit operations and places more emphasis on solving exercises. The other is a 1‐semester course for chemistry and pharmacy students that considers fewer unit operations and is more descriptive. We have developed a web site with multimedia contents and interactive exercises, mainly for students with fewer abstract and mathematical learning styles who prefer visual, spatial, and hands‐on learning situations. For the development of multimedia elements, the more common unit operations that have greater learning difficulties related to the course audience were considered. For the course oriented to chemistry and food engineering students, the unit operations considered were size reduction, mixing of liquids, distillation, microfiltration, and solid‐liquid extraction. The evaluation of the site consisted in gathering the students' opinions but did not measure the impact of learning. The results showed that the students have a good opinion of the design of the web site and that the multimedia elements included are useful teaching tools.
A Simple Laboratory Exercise for Ethanol Production by Immobilized Bakery Yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
Authors: Vullo Diana L. , Wachsman Mónica B.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: This laboratory experiment was designed for Chemistry, Food Technology, Biology, and Chemical Engineering undergraduate students. This laboratory experience shows the advantages of immobilized bakery yeasts in ethanol production by alcoholic fermentation. The students were able to compare the ethanol production yields by free or calcium alginate entrapped cells and appreciated the easy separation of the final product and the biocatalyst reutilization.
Assessment of the Joint Food Science Curriculum of Washington State University and the University of Idaho by Graduates and Their Employers
Authors: Clark Stephanie , McCurdy Alan , Roy Sharon , Smith Denise
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Thirty‐two recent graduates from the joint food science program of Washington State Univ. (WSU) and The Univ. of Idaho (UI) and 12 of their employers participated in a survey study to assess food science program outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the joint curriculum in its ability to prepare undergraduate students for critical thinking, problem solving, and technical competence in the food industry. Two survey tools, 1 for graduates and 1 for their employers, were designed to assess job preparedness and the skill set attained by food science program graduates. Graduates of the joint food science program generally indicated satisfaction with their food science education and suggested that they were adequately prepared for their jobs. Both students and employers indicated that most of the identified Success Skills are used daily on the job, and that graduates were well prepared with Success Skills. Graduates and employers reported adequate preparation in Food Processing and Engineering competence. Some significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in perceived and assessed competence. Specifically, while student indicated that they were well prepared with Food Chemistry and Analysis, Food Safety and Microbiology, and Applied Food Science competence, employers indicated only adequate preparation in Food Chemistry and Analysis, and Applied Food Science competence, but poor preparation in Food Safety and Microbiology competence. The findings suggest that students should be given opportunities for self‐evaluation in undergraduate courses. Because the survey models are based on Institute of Food Technologists requirements, it is expected that the surveys can be readily adopted by other institutions to assess student learning and program effectiveness.
Implementing Experiential Learning Activities in a Large Enrollment Introductory Food Science and Human Nutrition Course
Authors: Bohn Dawn M. , Schmidt Shelly J.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT:  Experiential learning activities are often viewed as impractical, and potentially unfeasible, instructional tools to employ in a large enrollment course. Research has shown, though, that the metacognitive skills that students utilize while participating in experiential learning activities enable them to assess their true level of understanding and mastery of the subject matter. The objectives of this study were to (1) create and implement 2 experiential learning activities in our introductory, large enrollment course and (2) evaluate their cognitive and affective impact on student learning. For the 1st activity, completed in class during the nutrition and health section, the instructional team asked the students to complete a dietary intake assessment. For the 2nd activity, completed via the course website, the instructional team asked the students to complete a food safety survey prior to the commencement of the food microbiology and processing section to assess the students' own personal food safety behaviors. The students were asked to evaluate both the cognitive and affective aspects of the experiential learning activities by completing a reflective questionnaire after participating in each activity. The majority of the students that participated in the experiential learning activities reported that the activities helped them learn the course material (97% for the dietary intake activity and 77% for the food safety activity) and that they liked participating in the activity (85% for the dietary intake activity) or were engaged by the activity (77% for the food safety activity). These results indicate that experiential learning activities can be successfully created for and implemented in large enrollment courses.
EXPERIMENTELLE UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DIE BEDEUTUNG DER NEBENNIEREN FÜR DIE BLUTZUCKER‐REGULIERUNG
Authors: Bøggild David H.
Published: August 2010

Resumé:

Die Versuche scheinen die Ansicht zu unterstÜtzen, 1) dass die Entfernung des Nebennierenmarkes ohne deutlicher Einfluss auf den Blutzuckerspiegel bei gesunden, nÜchternen Individuen ist und 2) dass die HypoglykÆmie nach totaler Nebennieren‐exstirpation abhängig ist von der Entfernung der Nebennierenrinde.

BezÜglich der Rolle des Adrenalins als entwicklende Ursache bei der Entstehungder Hyperglykämie bei experimentellen Diabetes sagen die Versuche nichts Sicheres.

Bei den starken Diabetesfällen trat kein starkes oder dauerndes Fallen des Blutzuckerspiegels nach Ausschaltung des Nebennierenmarkes auf. Das besagt aber nicht, dass die Adrenalinsekretion nicht in der angedeuteten Richtung von Bedeutung sein kann.

In den leichteren Diabetesfällen hat die Zerstörung des Nebennierenmarkes ohne Zweifel eine Senkung des Blutzuckerspiegels zur Folge gehabt.