bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of vegetable intake in Japan and the United Kingdom
Authors: MOTEKI M. , MULLER H. G.
Published: July 2007

According to published sources, the vegetable consumption in Japan and the U.K. between 1965 and 1985 has remained largely steady. However, in the U.K. the consumption of vegetables other than potatoes, has somewhat increased.

A questionnaire was designed to determine the attitude to and utilisation of vegetables in both Japan and the U.K. 750 questionnaires were distributed in Greater Tokyo (76.9% returns) and 400 in Leeds, U.K. (66.8% returns). On a hedonic scale (1–5) an almost identical number of respondents in both countries liked vegetables very much (J — 69.8%, U.K. — 70.0%). Approx. 60% of Japanese ate vegetables with every meal, while only 20% of the British did so. Up to 80% of the Japanese felt that they should eat more vegetables, while almost 60% of the British were satisfied with their level of intake. In both countries vegetables were eaten primarily because of taste and nutritional aspects. A significant number of Japanese used them because of colour.

In Japan an important source of information on cooking methods was the media, while in U.K. respondents mainly learned from their mothers. In both countries vegetables were most often obtained from supermarket and green grocer. A total of 31 vegetable varieties were mentioned in Tokyo and 29 in Leeds. Cabbage, carrots and potatoes were at the top of both lists. 46.8% of Japanese preferred raw cabbage, while the British preferred it boiled. Further information on seasoning and vegetable combinations is required.
A framework for conducting a customer orientation audit
Authors: NWANKWO SONNY A.
Published: July 2007

It can be all too easy for senior managers, especially those in large organisations to become cut off from their customers and hold comfortable illusions about how well products and services are being received. This underscores the difficulties companies face in sustaining a systematic programme of customer orientation.

This paper argues that the difficulties arise primarily from lack of effective internal organisation. It provides a framework which is intended to help decision makers in organisations to analyse and evaluate their overall customer strategies, and determine whether or not such strategies truly reflect a culture of customer orientation. The method offered here is requisite for strategic customer management, which is called for in today's turbulent business environment.
A survey of Canadian consumer perceptions of beef in relation to general perceptions regarding foods
Authors: JEREMIAH L. E. , TONG A. K. W. , JONES S. D. M. , McDONELL C.
Published: July 2007

Approximately 250 consumers were interviewed in each of three Canadian provinces Nearly all of the consumers interviewed expressed concerns about environmental issues, and a majority expressed strong concerns about such matters. A majority interviewed also felt agriculture and farming had an impact on the environment, and over one‐fourth (29–88%) believed modern beef production had an environmental impact. It was also evident that concern over environmental issues has influenced purchasing decisions and consumption patterns. A majority of the consumers interviewed also had concerns regarding the safety and wholesomeness of certain foodstuffs. However, 30·71% of the consumers interviewed considered beef to be an extremely safe and wholesome food and 38·03% indicated that this perception had influenced their purchasing habits and beef consumption. Over three fourths (75·7%) of the consumers interviewed expressed some concern regarding the Canadian meat inspection system. However, much of this concern was dispelled through provision of factual information. Although the quality of beef currently available is generally regarded as acceptable, a significant portion is regarded as unacceptable primarily as a result of toughness. Significant portions of the Canadian consumers interviewed perceived beef quality to have either improved or deteriorated during the past decade, and nearly half of these consumers indicated that these perceived changes had influenced their beef buying and consumption patterns.
The difference in microwave oven ownership and use in London, U.K. and Atlanta, Georgia
Authors: THOMPSON HEATHER , SWEANEY ANNE L.
Published: July 2007

In the present study of microwave oven ownership and use, three hypotheses were tested with data from 100 households in London, U.K. and 100 households in Atlanta, Georgia. The data were collected with a survey instrument administered by door‐to‐door interviews. The results of the study show that microwave owners are younger, have higher incomes, Larger families, and are more innovative than non‐owners. The study also revealed that country of residence made a great difference in level of use. Households from Atlanta, Georgia, are younger, have larger families, have microwaves with many more features, and have owned a microwave longer than low level microwave users. The research reinforces the need for cross‐cultural studies of this type.
Consumer acceptance of fatty spreads
Authors: STRUGNELL CHRISTOPHER
Published: July 2007

The effect of consumer trends on the purchase of reduced fat products in general and fatty spreads in particular are discussed. A variety of fatty spreads with fat levels ranging from 20 to 80% were assessed by cone penetration measurements and sensory assessments. The results indicated that butter had poor spreadability characteristics at 5° and 10°, while mechanically worked butter (spreadeasy butter) gave a significantly different texture profile, as measured by the Instron Model 1000. This butter type was assessed as being spreadable at 10° by the sensory panelists and by cone penetrometry. Comparable values of hardness were obtained using data obtained by cone penetrometry and texture profile analysis from the Instron. Low fat spreads (fat levels 25–39%) produced desirable spreadability characteristics using both objective and subjective methods of assessment. Sunflower oil‐based spreads and very low fat spreads, i.e. ≦ 25% fat, were assessed as being soft and oily. The results overall indicated that the use of a cone penetrometer and the subsequent calculation of a yield value gave, using Haighton's seven‐point scale, a good indication of spreadability characteristics.
Saving behaviours: first wave baby boomers
Authors: WARNER NAOMI , CRAMER SHERAN
Published: July 2007

The combination of lower saving rates in the 1980s, high consumer debt, and the impact of the baby boomer generation moving into retirement in an uncertain economic environment creates increasing concern for the financial state of the American household. This study explored the saving behaviours of baby boomers. The family management‐systems model was used as the framework for the study. Research questions included whether saving behaviours were related to income, education and presence of dependent children. Data are from the 1983 National Survey of Consumer Finances. The 1980s represent a decade critical to first wave baby boomers and their continued influence on American society. A study of their saving behaviours provides information necessary to help plan for their future needs. Frequency counts and cross‐tabulations of demographic data provide a profile of saving behaviours and attitudes toward risk and liquidity. Marital status and presence of children were significantly related to reasons for savings. Income, marital status, education and presence of children indicated a significant effect on net worth and attitude towards risk. Income and presence of children affected attitude towards liquidity. Income level was the strongest predictor of net worth as a measure of saving behaviours.
Regional characteristics of everyday diet in Switzerland from the Japanese viewpoint
Authors: AKINAGA YUKO
Published: July 2007

Regional characteristics of everyday diet in Switzerland were studied by analysing the fixed daily menus of restaurants in three districts. Many differences were noted: high utilization ratio of pork and low appearance ratio of potato as garniture were observed in Aarau (German‐speaking Switzerland); low preparation ratio of daily‐fixed soup, low ratio of meat dishes, numerous kinds of meats utilized, plentiful variety of the methods of cooking meat, and low ratio of noodles as garniture were observed in Pully (French‐speaking Switzerland); high ratio of vegetable soup and high ratio of processed meat were observed in the middle part of Engadine (Rhàeto‐Románic‐speaking Switzerland). The main factors which produced these characteristics seemed to be linguistic and cultural differences, and natural conditions. They might also be influenced by the efforts of the government and the citizens to promote and maintain the identities of each culture and by measures taken in response to Switzerland's low self‐sufficiency rate in satisfying eating habits through national agriculture production.
Can consumer interests really be incorporated into new marketing approaches?
Authors: KOLLMANN KARL
Published: July 2007

In this paper a crucial guideline for new marketing approaches is examined using viewpoints found in critical theory. The first part of this paper discusses the function of goods in modern, late‐industrial, and consumer society. The situation in which consumers interact is also briefly described, followed by an analysis of the social engineering of marketing approaches. Finally, some requirements for non‐manipulative marketing perspectives are suggested.
Is it an offence to overcharge?
Authors: FIDLER DAVID G.
Published: July 2007

This paper considers whether a trader commits an offence when he makes a mistake and overcharges a customer. It examines the offences found in section 20 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 ‐ as defined in section 21(1)(a) ‐ and looks at the effect of a recent decision of the appeal courts.
Effect of moisture migration on sandwich texture
Authors: GOMES F. , PATIENT D. , ROBERTS* D.G. , THOMASON S.A.
Published: July 2007

The effect of moisture migration on the texture of tuna sandwiches was studied using panel and instrumental methods.

Moisture migration from the spread to the bread was dependent on the percentage of water in the filling (r = 0.97).

Moisture content affected the firmness and cohesiveness of the sandwiches, as measured by panel and instrumental methods. A correlation was found with firmness (r = 0.75) but not with cohesiveness.
Family variables, nutrient intakes and perceived health among Malawian women
Authors: PRATT CHARLOTTE A. , MHANGO MARY , MILLER JULIA , NOOR ISMAIL
Published: July 2007

This study emphasises the inter‐relationships among family variables, nutrient intake and perceived health status among Malawian women. The sample consists of rural women residing in Zomba, Malawi, southern Africa. Data were collected from April to June 1993 on (1) family cohesion and adaptability, assessed by a modified version of Olson's FACES 11; (2) dietary intake using a modified food frequency questionnaire; and (3) a 24‐item questionnaire on perceived health status, barriers to health and desired methods of communicating nutrition information in the village. The results indicated that Malawian rural women perceived their families as highly cohesive and adaptable. Diseases frequently identified as common in the family were not perceived as related to nutrition. Income significantly correlated with dietary adequacy. The study suggests that efforts to promote health and nutritional status should be directed at disease prevention and its ecological relationship with nutrition. Strategies for communicating nutrition information in rural Malawi are provided.
Canadian university consumer studies courses: a content analysis
Authors: McGREGOR SUE L.T. , MACDONALD SUSAN
Published: July 2007

This study entailed a content analysis of Canadian university consumer courses offered in 14 human ecology, home economics or related programmes using the Classification System for Consumer Concepts (Classi)1. Both the baseline data and the refined research methodology fill a gap in the literature as there has not been an examination of consumer studies university courses or curricula in Canada. The three aspects of consumer education (decision making, resource management and citizen participation) are evident in the collection of 58 courses. However, a small number of the 154 Classi concepts received an inordinate amount of coverage in the course outlines leading one to conclude, rightly so or not, that many relevant concepts are under or totally unrepresented. Focus seemed to be on: (a) consumer decision making and marketplace behaviour (especially consumer behaviour); then (b) family and household resource management (especially financial planning); rather than (c) activism, advocacy and protection. Preliminary analysis suggests that the courses seem to be preparing graduates for careers in consumer studies (applied science) and consumer science (basic science) more so than consumer affairs.
Consumers' selection of textile products made from recycled fibres
Authors: SWINKER MARY E. , HINES JEAN D.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate consumers' selection patterns of textile products made from recycled fibres. A quasi‐experimental design was used. The 125 undergraduate students who participated in the study evaluated six identical sweatshirts and six identical carpet samples that were labelled with two manipulated information cues, price and fibre content. Chi‐square tests of independence were calculated to determine if there was a significant relationship between wearing apparel choice and home textile product choice when both price and fibre content were manipulated and when price was controlled and fibre content manipulated. The data indicated that when both price and fibre content were manipulated, over half of the subjects selected the lower priced sweatshirt and lower priced carpet regardless of fibre content. If a consumer selected a lower priced wearing apparel product s/he also selected a lower priced home textile product. When the price and fibre content were controlled, 66% of the respondents selected the sweatshirt labelled recycled polyester and 62% selected the recycled carpet. In addition, a consumer who selected a recycled wearing apparel product also selected a recycled home textile product. Results suggest that apparel and home textile products made from recycled fibres will be sellable if priced competitively with products made from virgin fibres.
Electronic temperature control in electric ovens for increased accuracy in food research
Authors: VILJOEN D.L. , MULLER M. , DE SWARDT J.B. , SADIE A.
Published: July 2007

In food research, temperature is one of the variables that must be controlled at all times; household electric ovens are often used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to determine whether an electronic temperature controller (ETC) – an electronic apparatus with a solid‐state switch and sensitive sensor – can provide improved temperature control, and consequently sustained food quality, compared with a capillary thermostat in a household electric oven. It was found that the ETC is indeed able to provide better temperature control in household electric ovens. It can, therefore, make a valuable contribution to food research, where consistency during replication is vital for the reliability of research results.
Assessment of the clothing and textile component in fashion merchandising programmes
Authors: Hines Jean D. , Swinker Mary E.
Published: July 2007

Abstract The purpose of the study was to examine the importance of the educational criteria to graduates of fashion merchandising programmes. A 74‐item questionnaire based on the core curricular competencies identified by the International Textiles and Apparel Association (ITAA) and course objectives of two fashion merchandising programmes was developed. The questionnaires were mailed to 296 alumni of two universities. The response rate was 37%. Twenty‐four (32%) of the criteria were rated as most important or very important. Of these, 42% were based on the ITAA core competencies and 58% on course objectives. An additional analysis was conducted to determine whether managers rated the criteria differently from merchandisers. t‐Tests determined that there was a significant difference in only 10 of the criteria. The results of this study provided a means to assess two fashion merchandising programmes. It also provided an initial validation of the ITAA core competencies from a fashion merchandising perspective and a preliminary examination of the educational criteria for a fashion merchandising core.
Characteristics of Asian and white female business owners
Authors: Mann Veena , Thorpe Richard
Published: July 2007

Abstract The study was designed to compare the demographic profile, business characteristics and entrepreneurial profile of Asian and white women owning small businesses in the clothing sector in Manchester. Data were collected through personal interviews administered to a population of 60 women (30 Asian and 30 white). Results revealed that the Asian and white entrepreneurs differed significantly in their level of education, type of family and family size. The business characteristics assessed by the entrepreneurs themselves were similar. The majority of Asian entrepreneurs had prior experience of business ownership. In addition, these respondents mentioned a desire to earn more money as the primary reason for starting their venture, whereas the white entrepreneurs were motivated by the feeling of independence that they obtained through ownership. Only a few respondents had received any business‐related training during the start‐up phase. Personal savings and family contributions were most commonly cited as major capital sources used to start the business. The biggest problem for Asian respondents concerned the management of business, whereas for white women it was attracting customers. Our results raise broader concerns regarding the formulation and implementation of special policy measures designed to assist female business owners in the small‐business sector.
JAK‐STAT signaling pathway mediates astrogliosis in brains of scrapie‐infected mice
Authors: Na Yeo‐Jung , Jin Jae‐Kwang , Kim Jae‐Il , Choi Eun‐Kyoung , Carp Richard I. , Kim Yong‐Sun
Published: July 2007

Scrapie is characterized histologically, in part, by astrogliosis in brain and spinal cord. However, the mechanisms of astrogliosis in brain injury occurring during prion infection are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the expression levels and cellular localization of Janus kinase (JAK) ‐signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling molecules and growth factors such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and ciliary neurotropic factor (CNTF) by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. We found that expression levels of LIF and CNTF were increased in scrapie‐infected brains and phosphorylated (p)‐JAK2, p‐STAT1 (Ser727 and Tyr701), p‐STAT3 (Tyr705), and glial fibrillary acidic protein were expressed strongly in scrapie‐infected brains. Moreover, we found that p‐STAT1 and p‐STAT3 were found mainly in the nucleus in scrapie‐infected brains. Immunohistochemically, p‐STAT1 was colocalized with LIF and CNTF and p‐JAK2 in many reactive astrocytes in scrapie‐infected brains. In contrast, immunostaining for p‐STAT3 was found in comparatively few astrocytes in limited regions; p‐STAT3 staining merged with p‐JAK2 in hippocampus sections of scrapie‐infected brains. Taken together, our results suggest that activation of JAK2‐STAT1 signaling pathway occurred in reactive astrocytes in hippocampus of scrapie‐infected brains.
Bronchial responsiveness in bakery workers: relation to airway symptoms, IgE sensitization, nasal indices of inflammation, flour dust exposure and smoking
Authors: Storaas Torgeir , Irgens Ågot , Florvaag Erik , Steinsvåg Sverre K. , Årdal Laila , Do Thien Van , Greiff Lennart , Aasen Tor B.
Published: July 2007

Background  Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is common in bakery workers. The relation between bronchial responsiveness measured with a tidal breathing method and smoking, airway symptoms, IgE‐sensitization, nasal indices of inflammation and flour dust exposure have been studied with bronchial responsiveness expressed as a continuous outcome.

Material and methods  Bakery workers (n = 197) were subjected to interviews, questionnaires, allergy tests, workplace dust measurements and bronchial metacholine provocation. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and α2‐macroglobulin were measured in nasal lavage. Bronchial responsiveness was expressed as slopeconc, a measurement based on regressing the per cent reduction in FEV1 at each provocation step.

Results  BHR expressed as slopeconc was associated with smoking (P = 0·009), asthma symptoms at work (P = 0·001), and occupational IgE sensitization (P = 0·048). After adjusting for baseline lung function the association between BHR and IgE sensitization was no longer present. We demonstrated an association between nasal ECP and BHR (slopeconc < 3: P = 0·012), but not to α2‐macroglobulin in nasal lavage. No association was seen between BHR and current exposure level of flour dust, number of working years in a bakery or a history of dough‐making.

Conclusion  BHR is related to baseline lung function, work‐related asthma symptoms, smoking and nasal eosinophil activity, but not to occupational IgE sensitization and current flour dust exposure when measured with metacholine provocation. The slopeconc expression seems to be a useful continuous outcome in bronchial responsiveness testing.
How Much Ecology Do We Need to Know to Restore Mediterranean Ecosystems?
Authors: Valladares Fernando , Gianoli Ernesto
Published: July 2007

Despite important advances in ecological knowledge of Mediterranean‐type ecosystems, advances in restoration ecology have not seen a parallel increase in these systems. Although some concepts such as positive plant–plant interaction (facilitation) have received attention in the restoration ecology community, others such as phenotypic plasticity have not. Some concepts (e.g., environmental heterogeneity) are mature enough for a wide use in restoration, whereas available knowledge on others (e.g., facilitation, plasticity) is less conclusive. However, the scientific knowledge is in general enough to significantly improve the guidelines for restoration of Mediterranean ecosystems. Our review suggests that (1) the extent of facilitation in dry ecosystems is partially understood, with supporting, but somewhat contradictory empirical evidence for its potential use in restoration; (2) the influence of habitat heterogeneity on plant performance and plasticity is only beginning to be understood, with a strong bias toward patterns of structural heterogeneity and negligible information on functional heterogeneity; and (3) sound evaluations of phenotypic plasticity might be useful to increase the success of restoration practices in patchy Mediterranean environments. Future global change scenarios involving temperature rise, reduced precipitation, increased frequency of extreme climatic events, and important land use changes and fragmentation must be particularly considered when restoring Mediterranean ecosystems. Further research on how to incorporate results on facilitation, environmental heterogeneity, and plasticity within a global change framework is clearly needed.
Stream Restoration Practices in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Sudduth Elizabeth B. , Meyer Judy L. , Bernhardt Emily S.
Published: July 2007

We collected information on 860 stream restoration projects in four states in the southeastern United States—Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina—to gain a better understanding of the practice of stream restoration in this area of high aquatic biodiversity and rapid metropolitan expansion. This was completed as a part of the National River Restoration Science Synthesis, with the larger goal of understanding the state of the science of stream restoration. Stream restoration project density, goals, and monitoring rates varied by state, although southeastern monitoring rates were higher than in other parts of the country. North Carolina had the most projects in the Southeast, of which 36% were monitored. In‐depth phone interviews with project managers from a random subsample of projects provided insights into the process of stream restoration. Land availability was the most common basis for site prioritization, and 49% of projects involved mitigation. Although 51% of projects were associated with a watershed assessment, only 30% of projects were done as part of a larger plan for the watershed. Projects were monitored using physical (77% of monitored projects), chemical (36%), and biological (86%) variables, although many projects were planned and ultimately evaluated based on public opinion. Our results suggest that stream restoration in the southeastern United States is at an exciting point where better incorporation of a watershed perspective into planning and establishment and evaluation of stated, measurable success criteria for every project could lead to more effective projects.
A Controlled Prospective Investigation of Psychiatric Comorbidity in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Jones Jana E. , Bell Brian , Fine Jason , Rutecki Paul , Seidenberg Michael , Hermann Bruce
Published: July 2007

Summary

Temporal lobe epilepsy patients (n = 48) and healthy controls (n = 69) underwent structured psychiatric interview at baseline and 4 years later to characterize the course of DSM‐IV Axis I disorders. Adjusting for the influence of prior psychiatric history, epilepsy subjects exhibit significantly greater risk of interval episodes of Total Axis I Disorders and Mood Disorders, indicating a poorer prognosis for these comorbidities in the context of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy.
The Middle of the Road: Results from the Aging Semantic Differential with Four Cohorts of Medical Students
Authors: Stewart Thomas J. , Eleazer G. Paul , Boland Rebecca , Wieland G. Darryl
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVES: To explore the presence of negative stereotypical attitudes among medical students and the extent to which attitudes changed over time.

DESIGN: Analysis of pre‐ and postexperience administration of attitude measures to four cohorts of medical students (two cohorts as quasi‐controls and two cohorts as curriculum “treatment” groups).

SETTING: The curriculum of a community‐based medical school in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Four sequential cohorts of medical students.

INTERVENTION: Experience in a required comprehensive vertically integrated curriculum.

MEASUREMENTS: The Aging Semantic Differential (ASD), using an 85‐year‐old woman as the cue image.

RESULTS: The reliability scores for all administrations were acceptable. The two control cohorts demonstrated no change in attitude scores, whereas the treatment cohorts reflected a slight shift toward more‐positive scores. However, all cohorts had scores for all sittings that were in the neutral range; on average students routinely scored 70% of the 32 items neither positively nor negatively.

CONCLUSION: These students seemed not to hold negative stereotypes as measured using the ASD. Although two of the 32 items prompted negative stereotyping, and six items elicited positive stereotyping, attitudes were neutral about older adults. Characteristics of the ASD itself or of the response set used in this study may have affected the results.
Design and Analysis of Two‐Phase Experiments for Gene Expression Microarrays—Part I
Authors: Jarrett Richard G. , Ruggiero Katya
Published: July 2007

SummaryGene expression microarray experiments are intrinsically two‐phase experiments. Messenger RNA (mRNA), required for the microarray experiment, must first be derived from plants or animals that are exposed to a set of treatments in a previous experiment (Phase 1). The mRNA is then used in the subsequent laboratory‐based microarray experiment (Phase 2) from which gene expression is measured and ultimately analyzed. We show that obtaining a valid test for the effects of treatments on gene expression depends on the design of both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 experiments. Examples show that the multiple dye‐swap design at Phase 2 is more robust than the alternating loop design in the absence of prior knowledge of the relative size of variation in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 experiments.
Reduced Use of Environmentally Friendly Modes of Transportation Caused by Perceived Mobility Necessities: An Extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior1
Authors: Haustein Sonja , Hunecke Marcel
Published: July 2007

An extended version of the theory of planned behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991) was used to explain travel mode choice. As a new predictor, perceived mobility necessities (PMNs) were introduced, which are defined as people's perceptions of mobility‐related consequences of their personal living circumstances. The database consisted of a survey of 1,545 car users in 3 large German cities. Using structural equation modeling, PMNs were integrated into TPB and showed the expected significant negative effect on use of environmentally friendly modes. In‐depth interviews with 82 selected participants indicated that PMN moderates the relationship between public transportation attitude and intention. This moderator effect was confirmed by a regression analysis. The extension of TPB by PMN allows deduction of more differentiated intervention strategies.
Visual cues override olfactory cues in the host‐finding process of the monophagous leaf beetle Altica engstroemi
Authors: Stenberg Johan A. , Ericson Lars
Published: July 2007

It is generally assumed that specialist insect herbivores utilize plant odours to find their particular host plants and that visual cues are of minor importance in the host‐finding process. We performed Y‐tube olfactometer bioassays and small‐scale field experiments to determine whether, under laboratory and field conditions, the monophagous herbivore Altica engstroemi J. Sahlberg (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae) is guided to its host plant Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. (Rosaceae) by visual or olfactory cues. The olfactometer tests showed that A. engstroemi was never attracted to odours, either from undamaged or from damaged plants. Even starvation for 24 h did not change this behaviour. However, the field experiment showed that visual cues alone were sufficient to attract a significant number of starved beetles when offered a choice between bagged host plants and bagged green plastic control ‘plants’. Our findings contrast with the general view that plant odours constitute the major cue in the host‐finding process among specialized phytophagous insects. A review of the literature for the period 1986–2006 inclusive, relating to host‐plant finding in Chrysomelidae, identified studies of 19 chrysomelid species, all of which were guided by olfactory cues. No species were guided to their host by visual cues. Although some studies demonstrated that chrysomelids may exhibit orientation responses to colour or contrast, our study on A. engstroemi is the only one demonstrating that visual cues affect host‐plant selection in a chrysomelid species. We suggest that the use of visual cues in host‐finding may evolve among chrysomelids with limited dispersal ability in persistent habitats and may be found among species monophagous on abundant host plants that dominate the structure of the plant community, that is, where the host plant's presence is predictable in time and space.
Morbidity and recovery of the Pacific Coast wireworm,Limonius canus, following contact with tefluthrin‐treated wheat seeds
Authors: Van Herk W. G. , Vernon R. S.
Published: July 2007

Late instars of the Pacific Coast wireworm,Limonius canus(LeConte) (Coleoptera: Elateridae), were exposed to wheat seeds treated with tefluthrin at 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 g active ingredient (a.i.) per 100 kg wheat seed for 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 min. All wireworms were moribund within 20 min of first exposure and recovered fully within 12 h. The time required for recovery (tr) after a single exposure increased with duration of exposure (e) and concentration (c), but decreased with wireworm weight (w), expressed as (tr)0.5 = 5.2812 + 0.9407e – 0.0259e2 + 0.1569c + 0.0254ec – 0.0174w – 0.0057ew. For wireworms exposed to treated seeds for 2 min, the time required for induction of morbidity decreased as concentration of tefluthrin increased and as wireworm weight decreased, expressed as (ti)0.5 = 2.613 – 0.039c + 0.018w, where tiis the induction time of morbidity, and c and w are as above. Wireworms re‐exposed to tefluthrin‐treated seeds after recovery from previous exposure were again moribund within 20 min of exposure, but recovery was significantly more rapid if the second exposure was 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h after recovery from first exposure. Recovery from a second exposure was not significantly faster when the second exposure was 96 h after recovery from the first exposure. The ability of wireworms to recover from tefluthrin‐induced morbidity may seriously limit the efficacy of this insecticide in actually reducing wireworm populations in the field.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE RADIATION RESISTANCE OF YERSINIA PESTIS SUSPENDED IN RAW GROUND PORK
Authors: SOMMERS CHRISTOPHER H. , NIEMIRA BRENDAN A.
Published: July 2007

Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague. While rare, pharyngeal plague in humans has been associated with consumption or handling of meat prepared from infected animals, and the risks of contracting plague from consumption of deliberately contaminated meat are currently unknown. Ionizing radiation can inactivate foodborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica in refrigerated and frozen raw meat. The radiation resistance of avirulent Y. pestis suspended in raw ground pork was 0.16 (±0.02), 0.27 (±0.02), 0.36 (±0.02) and 0.54 (±0.03) kGy when irradiated at 10, 0,−10 and−20C, respectively. When incorporated into a three‐dimensional mesh, the predictive equation followed a parabolic fit (R2 = 0.84) where log10 reduction = −0.264 − (0.039 × temperature) − (3.833 × dose)− (0.0013 × temperature2) − (0.728 × dose2). A radiation dose of 1.35 kGy would inactivate 5 log10 of Y. pestis in refrigerated (0C) ground pork, while a radiation dose of 2.7 kGy would be required for frozen (−20C) product. These results indicate that Y. pestis could easily be controlled in refrigerated and frozen raw ground meat using ionizing radiation.
Fully 2′‐Deoxy‐2′‐Fluoro Substituted Nucleic Acids Induce RNA Interference in Mammalian Cell Culture
Authors: Blidner Richard A. , Hammer Robert P. , Lopez Mandi J. , Robinson Sandra O. , Monroe W. Todd
Published: July 2007

RNA interference is a phenomenon in which RNA molecules elicit potent and sequence‐specific post‐transcriptional gene silencing. Recent studies have shown that small interfering RNA containing pyrimidine 2′‐fluoro modifications elicit RNAi. In this study, we demonstrate that fully‐2′‐fluorinated nucleic acids can be generated for RNAi studies through either custom solid‐phase synthesis or in vitro transcription using a mutated polymerase and fluorinated nucleoside triphosphates. Single‐stranded and hybridized fully‐2′‐fluorinated nucleic acids were subjected to a ribonuclease to assess their resistance to digestion. Duplex siFNA and antisense fully‐2′‐fluorinated nucleic acids were evaluated for their ability to knockdown green fluorescent protein expression in mammalian cell culture. Based on the results, fully‐2′‐fluorinated nucleic acids can be successfully generated, and fully‐2′‐fluorinated nucleic acids products show superior resistance to digestion over native RNA. Melt curve analysis suggests that transcribed fully‐2′‐fluorinated nucleic acids may contain base miscoding errors or early termination products. Small interfering fluoronucleic acid can induce RNAi and the silencing efficiency is nearly equivalent to the unmodified small interfering RNA species. Silencing from antisense fully‐2′‐fluorinated nucleic acids was greatly reduced relative to the duplex form. The lack of silencing activity from single‐stranded fully‐2′‐fluorinated nucleic acids, combined with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction data showing that mRNA decreases following siFNA treatment, suggests that knockdown from siFNA is likely enzymatically driven as opposed to simple translational arrest.
Health Risks of Chlorination ‐ is there a Problem?
Authors: FAWELL J. K. , FIELDING M. , RIDWAY J. W.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

Chlorine is an effective and reliable disinfectant whose use in the treatment of drinking water has ensured water of high microbiological quality. Although the benefits of chlorination are beyond doubt, the fact that chlorine reacts with many of the organic substances in raw waters forming some substances of potential risk to health has led to concern and has stimulated a series of investigations. These investigations have used a variety of approaches and techniques, including advanced organic analysis, epidemiology, and toxicology. The paper reviews this research and discusses some of the factors affecting the risks associated with drinking chlorinated water.
Practical Experience of Borehole Performance Evaluation
Authors: SKINNER A. C.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

Severn‐Trent Water is engaged on a programme of operational reviews within the water supply function. Standardized borehole performance tests form an essential part of the data gathering exercise. For some, particularly the older and smaller borehole sources, these tests are providing the first ever reliable documentation on their operational characteristics. The tests, linked where appropriate with geophysical and closed‐circuit television (CCTV) logging, are indicating where borehole operation could be improved and where rehabilitative measures are desirable. The tests also provide the basis of the cost‐output relationships necessary for modelling of the water supply system. The paper describes the programme in more detail and illustrates by examples some of the beneficial results being achieved.
Water Treatment Using Magnetite: A Study of a Sirofloc Pilot Plant
Authors: GREGORY R. , MALONEY R. J. , STOCKLEY M.
Published: July 2007

The Sirofloc PROCESS uses magnetite to remove colour, turbidity, iron, and aluminium from water. Subsequent filtration removes manganese and traces of magnetite. Trials with a 0.45 MI/d pilot plant at Morehall Water Treatment Works (WTW), Yorkshire Water Authority (YWA), have shown that this process can produce water which complies with the EC Drinking Water Directive. Two full‐size plants exist in Australia, and a 20/Ml/d plant is being commissioned at Redmires (YWA).
Pilot Scale Aerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor for Pig Waste Treatment
Authors: WONG S. H. , CHOI C. C.
Published: July 2007

An existing aetated lagoon treating piggery waste was converted into an aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR). After the commissioning period, the SBR plant treated piggery wastewater containing BOD and suspended solids (SS) concentrations of 2881 mg/l and 1419 mg/1 respectively, producing an effluent having an average BOD and SS of 18.7 mg/1 and 12.3 mg/1 respectively. The volumetric loadings on the SBR and the process were similar. However, the SBR process operated at a lower mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration and shorter sludge retention period. Although the capital and operating costs of the SBR are higher than for the aerated lagoon, the simplicity of operation, the high BOD and SS removal efficiency, and the small land requirement make this type of process an attractive treatment option, particularly in places where land supply is limited and expensive.
The Impact of Plastic Materials on Iron Levels in Village Groundwater Supplied in Malawi
Authors: LEWIS W. J. , CHILTON P. J.
Published: July 2007

Iron is not normally considered to be a constituent of health significance, and recommended limits for iron in drinking water supplies are based on aesthetic considerations. Experience in Malawi has demonstrated that, even when present in only trace amounts, iron can influence the consumer's acceptance of an improved borehole supply. The effect of the use of plastic construction materials on the iron content of village groundwater supplies was investigated using a statistical approach. The majority of groundwater points using only plastic materials was found to supply water containing less than the WHO guideline value of 0.3 mg/l iron. In contrast, the use of ferrous‐materials increased the iron content of the water to unacceptable levels, sometimes causing the consumers to reject the borehole as a source of drinking water.

Bacteriological data show that the quality of the alternative, traditional supply is far inferior to the new improved supply. An otherwise perfectly safe supply may therefore be abandoned as a direct result of contamination introduced by ‘down the hole’ components. This frustrates efforts to improve the well‐being of rural communities, and is a waste of precious development resources.
The New Zealand Rural Water Supply Concept and the Developing World
Authors: FAIRBURN B. A. , WISE H. R.
Published: July 2007

The historical development of the New Zealand rural water supply concept is described, and the basic principles are explained in terms of both its design features and reliance upon community involvement during the promotional, constructional and operational phases.

Conceptional and cost comparisons are made between the New Zealand rural water supply concept and its urban counterpart, and an analysis is undertaken of the transferability of the concept to a developing world situation with the consequent emphasis on low‐cost construction and self‐help operation.

The adoption of the New Zealand model is advocated as a potential design concept for a range of defined circumstances in developing countries.
A Review of Farm Waste Pollution
Authors: BECK L.
Published: July 2007

Post‐war changes in farming practices have resulted in the latter half of the 20th century suffering environmentally from the agricultural equivalent of the original industrial revolution. As we struggle to clean up the legacy of that first revolution in the dirty rivers, our so‐called clean rivers are now declining in quality, and the net effect is one of running hard to stand still. Recent pollution statistics are reviewed with some stories behind them. Remedies and initiatives are discussed from the point of view of the regulatory authorities.
Land Drainage: Agricultural Benefits and Environmental Impacts
Authors: MORRIS J.
Published: July 2007

The paper reviews the context and contribution of agricultural land drainage in the UK and discusses the design and performance of land drainage improvement and maintenance schemes. The environmental impacts of land drainage are considered, and how drainage activities can be, and are being, modified to meet environmental criteria.
Private Sector Funding for Redevelopment of Contaminated Land
Authors: IRONSIDE C. D.
Published: July 2007

Current Department of the Environment (DoE) guidelines under the Derelict Land Grant Scheme and the new City Grant are discussed together with grant coverage, procedures and policy.
Metering Trials for Water Supply
Authors: GADBURY D. , HALL M. J.
Published: July 2007

The Government's intention to abolish the rateable value system has made it urgent for the water industry to develop an alternative method of charging for its domestic customers. Metering is one option, and a description is given of the national programme of metering trials. These trials will provide better information on which to base future charging and metering decisions.

One area of 53 000 properties and eleven smaller areas of 1000 properties will be included in the trials. The paper covers their design and objectives and the location of the selected sites. The various metering systems are described including the meters, the installation location, the reading and billing systems and the metered tariffs to be used.
1. Design and Construct Contracts in the Water Industry ‐The Way Ahead? The Client's Viewpoint
Authors: WARD A. I. , BURKE C.
Published: July 2007

The paper addresses the basic dilemma for a water authority in how best to achieve the balance of risk sharing to obtain satisfactorily low competitive prices for its works whilst maintaining the possibility of the widest choice of options. It discusses the advantages of design and construct contracts and how these can be applied to meet the authority's objectives. Consideration is given to the demands placed on the client and how inherent disadvantages can be overcome. Comments are made arising from the authors' experience and questions are posed regarding the ability of the industry to meet the challenge.
3. Design and Construct Contracts in the Water Industry ‐ The Way Ahead? The Consultant's Viewpoint
Authors: GIBSON D. C.
Published: July 2007

Stages in developing engineering projects within the water industry are reviewed, with particular reference to the construction of wastewater treatment plants by adopting a design and construct approach. This is compared with the involvement of consulting engineers and the more traditional practices. The effect on responsibilities and the influence of the approaches to the management, engineering and outcome of the project are considered.
Groundwater Quality Monitoring in Relation to On‐site Sanitation in Developing Countries
Authors: WARD CATHERINE F.
Published: July 2007

Groundwater quality monitoring is considered to be an essential component of any sanitation programme where simultaneous groundwater abstraction and on‐site waste disposal are proposed. The low priority currently accorded to monitoring programmes reflects inexperience of monitoring in general and consequent misconceptions about the content and benefits of groundwater quality monitoring.

The purpose of this paper is two‐fold. Firstly to explain why groundwater quality monitoring is a requisite component of all pilot sanitation projects which involve on‐site disposal of human excreta. Secondly, to demonstrate that it is not unrealistic to expect groundwater quality monitoring to be carried out in relation to all such pilot projects.

The resource constraints inherent in developing countries need not prohibit routine monitoring. However, it is important to define clearly the specific objectives of any monitoring programme and to design a sampling network appropriate to both these objectives and the site conditions. Monitoring must not be confused with initial assessment of prevailing conditions, nor with research studies, for which the aims, duration, technical complexity, and hence investment, are quite different.

Monitoring is a process which can evolve with increased investment to address various questions regarding the causes, nature and processes of groundwater contamination.
Refinements to the BOD Test
Authors: TYERS R. G. , SHAW R.
Published: July 2007

For about eighty years the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) has remained one of the major indicators of organic pollution in the water industry.

Whilst many adaptations and refinements have been made over the last 2–3 decades, one of the most significant was to suppress nitrification by the addition of allylthiourea (ATU) at 0.5 mg/1, thus ensuring that only carbonaceous oxidation was measured. Evidence has accrued to show that, for some situations, this concentration is insufficient to fully suppress nitrification.

Poor stability is a problem with biochemical oxygen demand when samples have to be stored prior to analysis, and a method of storage is proposed which minimizes instability. As an empirical bioassay procedure, the accuracy of BOD can be poor compared with alternative methods such as chemical oxygen demand; and problems with incubator and refrigerator temperatures, the preparation of standards, and replacement batteries for dissolved‐oxygen probes are discussed.

The aim of this paper is to show that these problems with biochemical oxygen demand can be eliminated, thereby retaining confidence in its use.