bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resonant inelastic hard x-ray scattering with diced analyzer crystals and position-sensitive detectors
Authors: Huotari S. , Albergamo F. , Vankó Gy. , Verbeni R. , Monaco G.
Published: May 2006

A novel design of a high-resolution spectrometer is proposed for emission spectroscopy and resonant inelastic hard x-ray scattering applications. The spectrometer is based on a Rowland circle geometry with a diced analyzer crystal and a position-sensitive detector. The individual flat crystallites of the diced analyzer introduce a well-defined linear position-energy relationship within the analyzer focus. This effect can be exploited to measure emission spectra with an unprecedented resolution. For demonstration, a spectrometer was constructed using a diced Si(553) analyzer working at the CuK edge with an intrinsic resolution of 60meV. With the proposed design, spectrometers operating at the K edges of 3d transition metals can have intrinsic resolutions below 100meV even with analyzer crystals not working in Bragg-backscattering conditions.
Currents of the GaInP∕GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor as a function of the temperature
Authors: Mimila-Arroyo J. , Cabrera-Arenas V.
Published: May 2006

The behavior of the collector and base currents, as a function of the temperature, of the GaInP∕GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor shows that the emitter-base junction is a gradual one, and that the base diffusion current is due to injected holes into the emitter. At room temperature, the emitter and base band gaps at the places where the carrier injection takes place are just ∼13meV different. Such a band gap difference introduces a temperature dependence of the device current gain, which decreases as the temperature increases, leading to almost no difference on it for the “as-grown” and “current stressed” devices at operating temperatures higher than 130°C.
Impact of nitridation on open volumes in HfSiOx studied using monoenergetic positron beams
Authors: Uedono A. , Ikeuchi K. , Otsuka T. , Yamabe K. , Eguchi K. , Takayanagi M. , Ohdaira T. , Muramatsu M. , Suzuki R. , Hamid A. S. , Chikyow T.
Published: May 2006

The effects of nitridation on open volumes in thin HfSiOx films fabricated by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition were studied using monoenergetic positron beams. It was found that positrons were annihilated from the trapped state by open volumes that exist intrinsically in amorphous HfSiOx structures. In an as-deposited film, the positrons were annihilated from two different types of open volume. After plasma nitridation, the probability of positrons trapped by larger open volumes decreased, which is attributed to nitride trapped by such regions. The mean size of the open volumes increased after annealing, suggesting expansion of the open volumes due to the incorporation of nitride into the HfSiOx matrix.
Effective spin injection in Au film from Permalloy
Authors: Ku Jang-Hae , Chang Joonyeon , Kim Hijung , Eom Jonghwa
Published: May 2006

The electrical injection of spin current in the lateral Permalloy/Au/Permalloy spin valve devices was investigated. Clear spin valve effects were found in nonlocal spin valve measurements. The spin diffusion length of Au was evaluated to be 168nm. High spin injection polarization of 26% at 15K was achieved from our samples with low interface resistance. The observed spin injection reveals the highest polarization among the reported values. This work demonstrates the high spin injection polarization through clean interface with low interface resistance.
Establishment of multiple RT-PCR diagnostic techniques forAvian influenza virus(AIV),Newcastle disease virus(NDV),Classical swine fever virus(CSFV) andFoot-and-mouth disease virus(FMDV)
Authors: Wei-Quan Liu , Hai-Peng Liu , Yu Jiang , Ben-Xu Wang , Ji-Gui Wang , Shu-Yan Yang , Shao-Guang Sun , Chang-Chun Tu , Peng-Peng Liu
Published: May 2006

The homology of the sequences, reported and registered in GenBank, of different strains ofAvian influenza virus(AIV),Newcastle disease virus(NDV),Classical swine fever virus(CSFV) andFoot-and-mouth disease virus(FMDV), was analysed and compared with each other. According to the properties of these viruses, the conservative domain of theMgene for AIV, theFgene for NDV, the 5' non-coding domain end for CSFV and the2Bgene for FMDV were selected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. In order to prevent the formation of conformational dimers between different primers, four pairs of primers designed with the DNAsis system under the condition of G+C (50–60%),18–25 bp in length andTm(72–85), were analysed using the VNTI5.5 system. The specific fragments amplified were as follows: 141 bp for FMDV, 200 bp for CSFV, 319 bp for NDV and 471 bp for AIV. The optimal conditions of PCR for each virus mentioned above were determined by orthogonal assay, and two or four of the four pairs of primers were then combined and used for amplification trials. The results showed that four specific fragments of different lengths would be successfully amplified in one tube at the same time. The products of PCR were tested to be specific by sequencing. Out of 46 pathological samples detected with the multiple PCR, there were 5 AIVs, 7 NDVs, 15 CSFVs and 6 FMDVs. The amplification above was identified with a single PCR. On the other hand, the results corresponded to those of electronic microscopy, haemagglutination (HA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The method described here is practicable, sensitive, specific, simple and cheap. It could be used for diagnosing AIV, NDV, CSFV and FMDV in different animals.
Food Irradiation – Unsatisfactory Preservative
Authors: Lacey Richard W. , Dealler S.F.
Published: May 2006

Food irradiation, typified by gamma rays from a cobalt 60 source,
results in discontinuous or focal chemical damage to food components and
micro‐organisms. A host of variables make the identification of a
suitable dose for any food item difficult. There are so few products
suitable for this treatment that it will do little to reduce the
incidence of food poisoning. Before irradiation is used, the particular
product should be adequately researched under operational conditions.
The Sous‐vide System for Preparing Chilled Meals
Authors: Schafheitle J.M.
Published: May 2006

Recent interest in food production systems which provide dishes for
consumption at a later time, coupled with the heightened concern over
food safety, have led many institutions to become involved in the study
of the sous‐vide cooking method. Research studies on the sous‐vide system over the last five years, together with the
experience of commercial catering establishments using the system are
reported. The constraints and implications of producing food dishes by
this method are highlighted drawing attention not only to the positive
attributes, but also to the limitations of the system if it is wrongly
understood or misused.
The Microbiological Quality of Pre‐packed Sandwiches
Authors: Hunter Paul R. , Hornby Helen , Green Iain
Published: May 2006

A survey of the bacteriological quality of pre‐packed sandwiches on
sale in the UK is reported. A total of 91 sandwiches, of which 46 had
been on display at ambient temperature, were analysed. Total viable
counts were high: 38 per cent of all sandwiches had counts greater than
10⊃7. Coliforms were isolated from 37 per cent of the samples and at
levels greater than 10⊃7 in 10 per cent. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from 17 per cent of all sandwiches. Sandwiches that
had been on display at ambient temperature had higher total viable
counts and were more likely to contain listeria (28 per cent compared to
7 per cent for those stored at chilled temperatures). A small follow‐up
study of sandwich ingredients found high counts in salad. The
significance to the public health of the high contamination rate by
listeria is unclear. Nevertheless, it would seem appropriate to ensure
that sandwiches are always adequately refrigerated.
Pedestrian Flows and Retail Turnover
Authors: Thornton S.J. , Bradshaw R.P. , McCullagh M.J.
Published: May 2006

This feasibility study originated from a request
from a high‐quality confectionery manufacturer
and retailer for research into the possibility of
assessing the interaction of multiple outlets in the
same town. The particular problem was that of
estimating pedestrian flow patterns so that the
siting of new outlets would not attract business
away from existing outlets of the same company.
Various methods of collecting pedestrian data were
reviewed, and for reasons of cost and practicality
it was decided to concentrate on tracking (105 city‐centre
trips) and point‐counting methods. Time‐lapse
photography was used for point counting,
being the only method capable of handling the
volume of pedestrians (7,267). A number of
computer programs were written which allowed
the photographic data to be transformed into a
network flow model. A full‐scale test of the model
was made using data collected by Nottingham City
Council for a network of 57 links.
Packaging: An Environmental Perspective
Authors: Jones Bryn
Published: May 2006

A study carried out by the Gateway supermarket chain and Landbank
Environmental Consultancy partnership into environmental damage caused
by the production, distribution and disposal of packaging materials
produced a report providing Gateway′s packaging strategy for the 1990s.
The report is summarised, identifying those packaging materials or
systems which offer the clearest environmental benefits, noting the
principal environmental problems associated with particular packaging
materials, and setting a target for reducing energy consumption in their
production. The principles of an environmental approach to packaging
materials are also defined.
Introducing a Competence‐based Programme for Supervisory Management Education
Authors: Leonard Suzanne , Fowler David
Published: May 2006

The National Examining Board for Supervisory Management now has a
new award which has received recognition from NCVQ at Management Level
4. NEBSM Centres across the country have been assessing competences
routinely for some time, and their findings have proved invaluable in
helping to diagnose the learning needs of students, identify procedures
for the training of workplace assessors, and contribute to the
refinement of NEBSM procedures for the monitoring of workplace
assessment. Covers the experience of these Centres in introducing a
competence‐based programme including some of the problems they have
faced. It also presents certain issues to be considered by Centres
thinking of offering competence‐based programmes, including the
necessity for training of college tutors, the necessary increase in
marketing activity, and the high costs involved with running this type
of course.
Consultation: A Strategy for Improving Organisational Effectiveness?
Authors: Hayes J. , Prakasam R.
Published: May 2006

It is considered whether consultation is a strategy that can be
used to bring about change in those organisational settings where
attempts to provide senior managers with off‐the‐job training has had
little or no effect. Findings are reported which suggest that while
consultation can be effective, the mode of intervention used can have an
important impact on the degree of change achieved.
The Legal Mystification of Industrial Relations
Authors: Welch Roger
Published: May 2006

Providing workers with rights to take strike and
other forms of industrial action is an issue of
fundamental concern for trade unionists and
everyone involved in industrial relations. Naturally,
debate focuses on what rights trade unions and
their members should have and what limits (if any)
should be imposed. The form in which such rights
are provided is seen often, at most, as a matter
of secondary importance. In Britain, workers have
not been given positive rights to strike. Instead,
legislation has provided unions and their members
with immunities from the legal liabilities which the
organisation of industrial action involves, as a result
of developments in the law as made by the judges.
The history of the system of immunities is
examined, and it is contended that there are
practical and, in particular, ideological advantages
to trade unionists in adopting a system of positive
rights.
Workplace Industrial Relations in Local Government
Authors: Kessler Ian
Published: May 2006

The range of pressures which has impacted on local
government in the 1980s has forced the emergence
of dynamic and sophisticated forms of industrial
relations at the workplace level. It is clear, however,
that with conceptual tools forged to analyse
developments in the private manufacturing sector,
very few attempts have been made by academics,
policy‐makers or commentators to discuss the
structures and processes which have emerged.
The character of the changes at authority level are
considered using material from a survey of
personnel officers in over a third of authorities in
England and Wales and within the context of
prevailing analytical and theoretical frameworks. It
is argued that the distinctive development of the
personnel function in local government has resulted
in a managerial process which conforms to key
features of the human resource management
(HRM) model, in particular the devolution of
personnel responsibilities to line managers and the
integration of personnel concerns at the strategic
level. However, other features of this model are
less in evidence. The search for employee
commitment and flexibility remains patchy and
often appears as a practical response to labour
market and competitive pressures. Furthermore,
collectivist features of employee relations remain
well entrenched with the continued encouragement
of both union membership and involvement. This
is not to deny change beyond the HRM model.
Thus, it is clear that established joint machinery
is becoming increasingly unable to deal with
ongoing issues while the trade unions are gradually
being forced into a consultative rather than a
bargaining role.
Expert Systems: Implications for Operations Management
Authors: Kathawala Yunus
Published: May 2006

Several examples of successful expert systems applications are
presented. Examples of expert systems as applied in process planning,
operations planning, inventory control, process design, quality control
and scheduling are covered, and the performance of these expert systems
is described. Expert systems will become an essential part of
computer‐integrated manufacturing (CIM) and flexible manufacturing
systems (FMS) because they can perform several of the tasks mentioned
above.
Organisation, Communication and Co‐ordination of
International Sourcing
Authors: Narasimhan Ram , Carter Joseph R.
Published: May 2006

Many firms operating in the international marketplace are hampered
by their organisational structures; that is, their structures and
managerial practices do not match the requirements imposed by
multinational operations. International operations require an
organisational structure that can respond to the unique needs of the
international environment and fully exploit business opportunities.
Issues are focused on which arise when a firm implements a materials
management organisational structure to sustain international operations
and to exploit opportunities for sourcing abroad. The discussion
examines the structural and environmental issues that must be considered
in designing an effective organisation.
Strategic Responses of Multinationals to Competition from
Developing‐Country Cottage Firms
Authors: Vachani Sushil
Published: May 2006

This article reports on the unusual phenomenon of aggressive
competition from cottage firms encountered by multinationals and large
local firms in the developing‐country environment. It analyses the
conditions that enabled cottage firms to compete aggressively in five
industries in India, and how large firms dealt with such competition. It
discusses how such competition is likely to vary with industry
characteristics. It also discusses the implications of such competition
for the strategies of multinationals.
The Single Market: Finance for Small‐and Medium‐sized Enterprises
Authors: Binks Martin , Ennew Christine , Reed Geoff
Published: May 2006

The implementation of the EC′s programme to
liberalise the financial services sector as part of
the movement towards a Single European Market
will significantly reduce the costs of entry into non‐domestic
markets for Community banks.
Reducing entry costs will increase competition in
banking markets, but it is unlikely that all
segments of the banking market will experience
the same patterns of change. The large‐scale
corporate market already displays a high volume
of cross‐border trade, while retail markets may
be inaccessible for many non‐domestic banks,
except by acquisition. The small‐ and medium‐sized
corporate sector is widely regarded as an
attractive niche market at the European level and
it is suggested that there are particular gaps in
this market in the UK. These gaps may make
such a market susceptible to increased
competition from non‐UK Community banks,
although at the same time, improvements in the
product offerings to this market by UK banks may
provide the basis for a strategy to protect existing
domestic markets and develop into new non‐domestic
markets.
Using Conjoint Analysis to Design Financial Services
Authors: Christian Zinkhan F. , Zinkhan George M.
Published: May 2006

The application on conjoint analysis to the task
of customising financial services is discussed.
Conjoint analysis allows for the generation of the
utility levels associated with financial service
design alternatives. By evaluating service‐provider
and customer utility levels simultaneously, an
efficient frontier of financial service designs can
be identified. This process can greatly simplify
the financial service design selection decision,
since it eliminates inferior alternatives from
consideration. A hypothetical example, the
selection of commercial line of credit features for
a potential corporate customer, is demonstrated.
The Youth Market for Financial Services
Authors: Lewis Barbara R. , Bingham Graham H.
Published: May 2006

Findings are presented from an empirical investigation among the
youth market for financial services. Attention is focused on account
ownership and use of services, together with attitudinal data pertaining
to banks and building societies and the services they provide; of
particular interest is evidence of split banking and bank switching.
Overall, the heterogeneity of the youth market with respect to needs,
attitudes and behaviour is highlighted, and a number of implications for
the marketing strategies of banks and building societies are suggested.
Sociographic Segmentation: The SME Market and Financial
Services
Authors: Maru File Karen , Prince Russ Alan
Published: May 2006

Banking marketers are becoming alert to opportunities among the
small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that in the USA alone generate 40 per
cent of the GNP and make $1 trillion in annual purchases. In this
study, sociographic segmentation (based on a cluster analysis of
purchasing determinants) of 1,021 US SMEs revealed three significant and
stable market segments. Return Seekers (40 per cent of the market) are
most likely to be price‐sensitive, to create competitive conditions
among the banks that serve them, to adopt new products and to use more
banking services than other segments. Relevance Seekers (33 per cent)
tend to be sceptical and conservative, need to be assured that any
proposed service is of direct relevance to business, and lag in new
banking‐product adoption. Relationship Seekers (16 per cent) give great
weight to the personal referrals of colleagues; seek personal support;
and are highest in institutional loyalty.
Environmental Welfare Economics: Implications for Technology, Wages and Incomes
Authors: Krabbe Jacob J.
Published: May 2006

The character of environmental welfare economics is addressed and the idea of “nature‐sparing” technology is examined; if the conservation of nature is to work then this kind of technology should replace nature‐affecting technologies. A theory to effect this is formulated and an environmental policy is proposed.
The aging consumer: what’s all the fuss about anyway?
Authors: Leventhal Richard C.
Published: May 2006

Considers the “baby boom” generation, and that all of
them will be the new aging market starting in the 1990s. Argues that
when marketers are considering aging consumers, there are three
demographic issues that must be considered prior to the creation to any
strategy: (1) stereotypes concerning the aging consumer must be done
away with, (2) the aging consumer is not an isolated entity, and (3)
from a psychographic and numbers standpoint, the aging consumer market
of tomorrow is going to much different from the aging consumer market of
today.
Assessing the Decision‐making Patterns of School Principals
Authors: Glasman Naftaly S. , Fuller Jean
Published: May 2006

Presents selected findings from an ongoing investigation of
relationships between changes in student test scores and specific
actions taken by principals in regard to student learning. Uses a list
of 20 open‐ended questions to elicit from school principals verbal
descriptions of their behaviours associated with student test scores.
Each of the 20 questions deals with a different behavioural step
belonging to a rational decision‐making model and were addressed to two
samples of elementary school principals of schools which experienced
either a continuous improvement or a continuous decline in student test
scores in reading, writing and mathematics over a three‐year period.
Differences found between the two groups included those related to the
principals′ perceptions of the need to improve student test scores, and
those related to the nature of principals′ involvement in this area.
Also discusses selected issues concerning the research design and
methodology used in the study ‐ e.g. the cyclical nature of the two
central variables (change in test scores and change in principal
behaviour) – and the study′s internal validity. Concludes with a
brief analysis of the possible contributions of the findings to the
debate regarding the usefulness of the rational model of administrative
behaviour. Argues that, under conditions which force an emphasis on
outcomes, the concept of rationality in administrative behaviour has
both practical and theoretical implications.
Towards Measurement of School Vision
Authors: Greenfield William D. , Licata Joseph W. , Johnson Bob L.
Published: May 2006

Drawing on Blumberg and Greenfield′s studies of effective
principals, offers an operational definition of school vision, based on
teachers′ perceptions of that vision. The instrument developed consists
of three subscales: (1) vision exchange – the principal′s
effectiveness in exchanging his/her vision with the school community;
(2) vision internalization – the principal′s effectiveness in
getting others to internalize this vision, and; (3) vision sacrifice
– the principal′s effectiveness in encouraging others to sacrifice
for this vision. In an effort to validate the School Vision Inventory
(SVI), three hypotheses were tested. The perceived robustness of the
principal′s role was significantly correlated with two subscales of the
SVI: exchange and sacrifice. Significant correlations were also found
between teachers′ perceptions of the principal′s supervisory expertise
and vision exchange and sacrifice. Finally, there were higher mean
principal vision scores in schools where teachers perceived progress
being made towards vision realization. Presents the SVI as a potentially
useful way of assessing school vision, providing further insight into
the dynamics of professional life in schools.
WHO SHOPS WHERE? AND WHY?
Authors: Hallsworth Alan G.
Published: May 2006

The analysis of attitude statements made in respect of grocery
shopping has now been undertaken in several locations. Results from the
Portsmouth area are reported and such statements are related to the
grocery store actually reported as being used by respondents. A further
refinement is to disaggregate the results by contrasting two source
areas of shoppers, one with a higher socioeconomic profile. It is noted
that differences do sometimes emerge in the responses offered by this
segmentation. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Budget Allocation and Profit for Logistics and its Interfaces
Authors: Bookbinder James H. , Ulengin Fusun
Published: May 2006

Presents a multiple‐objective mathematical programming model to
co‐ordinate logistics decisions with those on the interface between the
production and marketing departments. The model can help decide on an
overall budget to request from senior management for logistics and these
interfaces, and in systematically allocating the funds between
transport, inventory and production. In so doing, this multi‐period
model specifies the timing and quantity of raw‐material purchases, and
the location and timing of production activities and distribution flows.
The budget for expenditures on logistics and its interface activities is
taken as an objective to minimise, instead of as a given dollar level to
be satisfied. A second objective is to maximise the profit of logistics
and its related interfaces. Trade‐offs between these two conflicting
aims yields the decision maker′s “best compromise” solution.
Homeworking and the New Technology: The Reality and the Rhetoric
Authors: Brocklehurst Mike
Published: May 2006

Post‐industrial predictions of a rapid growth in new technology homeworking have gained widespread currency to become part of the conventional wisdom. However the evidence, including primary research material, suggests that the claims for new technology homeworking, both regarding its extent and its alleged benefits, have been considerably overestimated. In particular, new technology homeworking by itself does not appear to open up opportunities for women to improve their position in the labour market; the demographic changes predicted for the 1990s may provide a better bet. Nevertheless, there is a danger in assuming that all firms apply the same strategy when employing homeworkers; at least three different variations can be identified and this has important implications for personnel managers. The overestimation of new technology homeworking stands in stark contrast to traditional homeworking where the extent has been considerably underestimated. This marginalisation of traditional homeworking stems in large part from the distortion caused by the conceptual split between private and public realms. The failure to find evidence to support the growth of new technology homeworking leads to a consideration of how the arguments may better be considered as rhetoric designed to advance a certain set of ideas – in particular that set associated with “privatisation” as a political ideology.
Human Resource Management: A European Perspective
Authors: Brewster Chris , Bournois Frank
Published: May 2006

Considers the concept of Human Resource Management (HRM), noting
particularly its origin in the USA and critiques of the concept in
Europe. Data from a major European research project are examined.
Differences between various European countries in their approach to HRM
are identified and differences between HRM in Europe and the United
States are suggested. It is argued that there is a need for the
development of a model which relates more closely than the American
literature to European HRM; and some tentative thoughts about such a
model are proposed.
THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF MOBILE LIBRARIES
Authors: Want Penny
Published: May 2006

Mobile libraries were originally seen as a way
of offering a library service to those groups
who would not otherwise receive one, but
nowadays many mobiles offer all the facilities
of a modern branch library. The client
groups of such libraries are considered,
together with the services provided and the
management decisions which must be made.
Brothers beneath the Skin? Evidence for Cross‐cultural
Similarities in Decision Styles
Authors: Bolon Donald S. , Crain Charles R.
Published: May 2006

Japanese and American management decision‐making patterns are
compared. The Daido Steel Company of Nagoya, Japan, was a very
co‐operative partner in providing both demographic and action step
information. Overall, three research hypotheses are focused on relating
to decision pattern, length of decision sequences, sex, job and type of
incident.
Building Circulation through Creative Marketing: An
Australian Case Example
Authors: Jackson John
Published: May 2006

This article presents a case study in the fields of marketing and
business problem solving in general. The formal disciplines of
structured creative problem solving were used to solve a substantial
problem and simultaneously to identify ways of exploiting the
opportunities that lay within it. This case was a team effort involving
a select group of Examiner Newspaper Group people in Australia with the
author as leader and co‐ordinator, and a Tasmanian company –
Tastech Developments. A circulation increase of approximately 20 per
cent was in fact achieved.
On the Internal Correlates of Export Stage Development: An
Empirical Investigation in the Korean Electronics Industry
Authors: Moon Junyean , Lee Haksik
Published: May 2006

Numerous researchers have addressed the issue of the internal
dynamics of export stage development. Many, if not all, have tried to
relate the univariate effect of each variable to each stage. In contrast
this research, conducted in the context of the Korean electronics
industry, has attempted to identify variables relevant to overall
stages. The export stages are operationalised in terms of five
variables. The results indicate that the following variables are
significant in explaining the dispersion of firms across the export
stages: (1) management′s perception of the importance of exporting as a
means of achieving their firm′s market share, ROI and growth goals; (2)
product uniqueness and price advantages; and (3) management′s desire to
control foreign marketing operations.
1992 – IS ″LANGUAGES FOR EXPORT″ ENOUGH?
Authors: Mughan Terence
Published: May 2006

Foreign language skills are invaluable tools for exporting firms,
and this area is focused on with reference to a case study of a West
Midlands‐based UK subsidiary of a German‐speaking international
metallurgical group.
Quality Costing – A Practical Approach
Authors: Carson J.K.
Published: May 2006

It is argued that total quality management has, as one of its
cornerstones, the measurement of quality‐related costs. These establish
where the main areas of failure costs are and also monitor the progress
of the quality improvement programme. A practical approach to both these
aspects is discussed.
Progress with Community Additive Controls
Authors: Horton J.
Published: May 2006

The Head of the Food Additives Policy Branch of the Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food reports progress towards completion of a
positive list and conditions of use for EC‐approved additives: Part I,
Sweeteners; Part II, Preservatives, Antioxidants and Other Additives;
Part III, Colours. The Part I Sweeteners proposal is already in Council;
the Part II proposal can be expected by the end of the year; Part III
will follow quickly. The application of these proposed regulations in
the particular conditions of the UK food industry is discussed.
Food Shopping and Cooking Cycles: ″Time″ – A Critical Dimension
Authors: McHugh Marie , Greenan Kate , Kerrigan Christine , Wightman Stephen
Published: May 2006

Changes in female food shopping habits and in retailing locations
have prompted a major survey investigation of food shopping by members
of the University of Ulster. The survey, which included interviews with
300 women, was carried out at three out‐of‐town shopping centres in
Northern Ireland. The findings reveal that many of the shoppers were
employed and were constrained by “time”: time for shopping
and time for cooking. Critical time pressures influenced the choice of
retailer, shopping times and product purchases, thus sending a number of
important signals to food retailers in Britain.
The Structural Reform of Secondary Education in China
Authors: Tsang Mun C.
Published: May 2006

In the 1980s, the Chinese government undertook a major structural
reform in education by which upper secondary education was converted
from predominantly general education to an equal mix of general
education and vocational/technical education. A critical examination is
provided of the rationale for and implementation strategies of the
reform, framed in a broader context of the development of secondary
education in the past four decades. It points out that, although the
reform was justified in largely economic terms, there is actually little
empirical support for the economic assumptions; the development of
vocational/technical education is prompted more by a desire to reduce
the social demand for higher education and to use education as a social
stratification device. The reform reflects changing perspectives of the
Chinese leadership on the role of education in national development; and
it can be seen as the outcome of the most recent episode of continuing
social and political conflicts in the Chinese state that began in the
1950s.
Affluent and Nonaffluent Consumers′ Needs: Attitudes, and
Information‐Seeking Behaviour in the Financial Services Marketplace
Authors: Thomas Edward G. , Rao S.R. , Javalgi Rajshekhar G.
Published: May 2006

Considers the proliferation of products and services in the
financial services industry aimed at different market segments.
Highlights the affluent and nonaffluent market segments. Employs
statistical analysis of survey data to evaluate the financial services
needs, attitudes, and information‐seeking behaviour of these segments.
Suggests implications for the managers of financial institutions, based
on the study findings. Includes appendices on methodology and
discriminant analysis used in the study.
Creating the Marketing‐Receptive Environment: Overcoming the Two‐Year Hatchet Limit for a Firm’s First Marketing Director
Authors: Rogers Martha , Buchanan Richard W.
Published: May 2006

Discusses the reasons for the high number of failures of first
marketing directors within organizations. Analyses the problems involved
in hiring first‐time marketing directors and offers solutions that
increase both the chances of survival of the marketing director, and the
firm′s marketing effort. Concludes that survival depends on the creation
of a marketing‐receptive environment through training, recruitment,
management structure, and well‐defined marketing expectations.
Ties for cavity walls and masonry cladding
Authors: de Vekey R.C.
Published: May 2006

Reviews the history of the development of cavity wall ties,
particularly in relation to their durability, and covers recent
improvements in both materials specifications and performance. Describes
newer forms of tie and illustrates those suitable for fixing new masonry
to timber, concrete, steel and lightweight concrete slabs or blockwork
as well as alternatives to the traditional tie types. Discusses products
installed in existing walls to deal with problems such as corrosion of
original ties, insufficient provision, or ties of the wrong
specification.
Accessing OCLC using a Macintosh and Red Ryder
Authors: Jonas Steve
Published: May 2006

Demonstrates how the Red Ryder software can be used to access OCLC,
it can also be programmed to dial automatically and it is possible to
set up macro keys for often‐used commands. Provides programming
instructions for this and also for an automatic dialling facility to
CompuServe.
Diet of the western carp gudgeon (Hypseleotris klunzingeri Ogilby) in an Australian floodplain lake: the role of water level stability
Authors: Balcombe S. R. , Humphries P.
Published: May 2006

To examine temporal variation in diet, two size classes of western carp gudgeon Hypseleotris klunzingeri were collected from macrophyte habitats in Dugays 2 billabong, a floodplain lake on the River Murray, Victoria, Australia, for 1 year. Fish were collected bimonthly during the day and at night between October 1995 and September 1996. Western carp gudgeon consumed a range of prey, including caddisflies, odonates, shrimps and detritus. The bulk of their diet volume, however, consisted of chironomids and zooplankton. The diets of small and large western carp gudgeon were similar and did not change from day to night. There was, however, high variability across sampling trips in fish diets, both at the community level and among selected prey groups, particularly chironomids, zooplankton and detritus. Community analysis revealed that diets of fish collected from the billabong following stable antecedent water levels were similar and showed little variation, while those collected following fluctuating antecedent water levels showed much more variation. These patterns were mirrored in the volumes of individual diet components.
Summer feeding habits of the Pacific pomfret Brama japonica in the transitional and subarctic waters of the central North Pacific
Authors: Watanabe H. , Kubodera T. , Kawahara S.
Published: May 2006

Feeding habits of the Pacific pomfret Brama japonica, ranging from 30 to 40 cm in standard length, were quantitatively evaluated using the index of relative importance and were compared between the transitional domain and subarctic region in the central North Pacific. In the transitional domain (between the subarctic boundary and the subarctic front), this species fed mainly on subarctic and transitional‐water gonatid squids such as Berryteuthis anonychus, Gonatus middendorffi and Gonatopsis borealis, the transitional‐water squid Onychoteuthis borealijaponica, and a subtropical and transitional‐water amphipod, Phronima sedentaria. These prey items accounted for 52·8% by wet mass of total stomach contents. In the subarctic region (north of the subarctic front), Pacific pomfrets preyed primarily on subarctic and transitional‐water squids, such as B. anonychus and G. middendorffi, and secondarily on subarctic amphipods such as Hyperia medusarum and Hyperia glaba. These four prey items comprised 71·6% by mass of total stomach contents. Major transitional domain prey items, such as G. borealis, O. borealijaponica and P. sedentaria, were almost non‐existent in stomachs of fish from the subarctic region. The mean wet stomach content mass expressed as a percentage of body mass was significantly higher in the subarctic region (2·35%) than in the transitional domain (0·75%), suggesting that, for this fish, prey items are more readily available in the subarctic region during summer and their northward migration is a feeding migration. Feeding strategy of the Pacific pomfret was discussed in relation to their seasonal south‐north migration.
Neutralization of interleukin‐2 retards the growth of mouse renal cancer
Authors: FUKUHARA HIROSHI , MATSUMOTO AKIHIKO , KITAMURA TADAICHI , TAKEUCHI TAKUMI
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE

To examine the significance of the thymus and the neutralization of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) in treating renal cancer, as the involvement of immunoregulatory cells in tumour development in vivo is well known, naturally occurring CD25+CD4+ T cells possess potent immunoregulatory functions, and they are of thymic origin dependent on IL‐2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We first tested activity against mouse renal cell carcinoma (RENCA) cells by adoptively transferring splenocytes of euthymic Balb/c mice depleted of CD25+ cells into athymic Balb/c nude mice bearing established macroscopic RENCA tumours. Second, we tested the anti‐RENCA activity in euthymic mice bearing macroscopic RENCA tumours by neutralizing IL‐2.

RESULTS

The intravenous administration of CD25+ cell‐depleted splenocytes of euthymic Balb/c mice initiated the retardation of macroscopic RENCA tumours subcutaneously established in athymic Balb/c mice. The tumour site showed massive lymphocyte infiltration of mainly CD4+ T cells. By eliminating either the CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, or natural killer (NK) cells with antibodies after the adoptive transfer of CD25+ cell‐depleted splenocytes of euthymic Balb/c mice, macroscopic RENCA tumour retardation was abrogated. The growth of macroscopic RENCA tumour established in euthymic Balb/c mice was also retarded with IL‐2 neutralization alone by anti‐IL‐2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), as well as co‐administration of anti‐IL‐2 mAb and anti‐CD25 mAb compared with that of the controls given vehicle. After tumour inoculation, peri‐ and intratumoral infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was very prominent in RENCA tumours in hosts given anti‐IL‐2 mAb, regardless of the administration of anti‐CD25 mAb. Two × 105 units of recombinant human IL‐2 reverted the retardation of RENCA tumour growth caused by the anti‐IL‐2 mAb. IL‐2 neutralization alone in euthymic Balb/c mice with no tumour inoculation did not suppress splenic CD25+CD4+ T cells.

CONCLUSION

Both the intravenous administration of CD25+ cell‐depleted splenocytes of euthymic Balb/c mice into athymic Balb/c nude mice and IL‐2 blocking with anti‐IL‐2 mAb in euthymic Balb/c mice retarded the growth of macroscopic RENCA tumours in vivo.
A novel approach to the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: HORVÁTH KATALIN , WALTER GYÖRGY , VARGA ATTILA , ROMICS IMRE
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of the combined α1‐ and postsynaptic α2‐blocker GYKI‐16084 compared to placebo during a 28‐day active treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After a 28‐day placebo run‐in phase, 7.5 and 15 mg GYKI‐16084 or placebo were administered twice daily for 28 days to patients with BPH in a randomized single‐blind Phase II study. Efficacy was primarily determined by changes in the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom scores and maximum urinary flow (Qmax), while safety was assessed by orthostatic changes and adverse‐event profile. A simplified International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire was used to assess effects on erectile function.

RESULTS

Data from 63 patients were evaluated; the decrease in the AUA score during the active phase was greater in the 15 mg group (−6.05, −32.7%) than in the placebo (−4.3, 22.7%) or 7.5 mg (−3.55, −19.5%) groups. Qmax improved in both active treatment groups (+3.3 and +2.16 mL for the 7.5 and 15 mg groups, respectively) compared to placebo (+1.29 mL). None of the drug‐related adverse events associated with selective α1‐blockers were reported.

CONCLUSION

The combined α1‐ and postsynaptically selective α2‐blocker GYKI‐16084 significantly improved the AUA symptom scores and increased Qmax in patients with BPH, without inducing any adverse reaction, orthostatic changes or erectile dysfunction.
Islamic State Practices, International Law and the Threat from Terrorism: A Critique of the 'Clash Of Civilisations' in the New World Order by Javaid Rehman
Authors: Khaliq Urfan
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed in this article:

ISLAMIC STATE PRACTICES, INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE THREAT FROM TERRORISM: A CRITIQUE OF THE ‘CLASH OF CIVILISATIONS’ IN THE NEW WORLD ORDER by JAVAID REHMAN
Perils and promises: University instructors’ integration of technology in classroom‐based practices
Authors: Brill Jennifer M. , Galloway Chad
Published: May 2006

Modern technologies such as the Internet present new opportunities for teaching and learning at all educational levels. Today, many universities strive to integrate appropriate technologies into campus classrooms. Despite sizeable investments in hardware, software and supporting infrastructures, little is known about implementation. The purpose of this study was to examine college‐level instructors’ use of and attitudes towards classroom‐based teaching technologies. The methodological design relied on qualitative measures through the use of two data collection methods, survey and interview. The research site was a large, public university in the United States. Findings revealed trends in current and future technology use, the positive influence of technology on teaching and learning, and significant barriers to technology use that resulted in practical recommendations for leveraging available resources towards the support of classroom‐based technologies. This study not only advances the knowledge base regarding the use of classroom‐based technologies in higher education but also serves as a practical resource for guiding future instructional technology practices on college campuses.
Cost‐Sharing for Emergency Care and Unfavorable Clinical Events: Findings from the Safety and Financial Ramifications of ED Copayments Study
Authors: Hsu John , Price Mary , Brand Richard , Ray G. Thomas , Fireman Bruce , Newhouse Joseph P. , Selby Joseph V.
Published: May 2006

Objective. To evaluate the effect of emergency department (ED) copayment levels on ED use and unfavorable clinical events.

Data Source/Study Setting. Kaiser Permanente–Northern California (KPNC), a prepaid integrated delivery system.

Study Design. In a quasi‐experimental longitudinal study with concurrent controls, we estimated rates of ED visits, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths associated with higher ED copayments relative to no copayment, using Poisson random effects and proportional hazard models, controlling for patient characteristics. The study period began in January 1999; more than half of the population experienced an employer‐chosen increase in their ED copayment in January 2000.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Using KPNC automated databases, the 2000 U.S. Census, and California state death certificates, we collected data on ED visits and unfavorable clinical events over a 36‐month period (January 1999 through December 2001) among 2,257,445 commercially insured and 261,091 Medicare insured health system members.

Principal Findings. Among commercially insured subjects, ED visits decreased 12 percent with the $20–35 copayment (95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 11–13 percent), and 23 percent with the $50–100 copayment (95 percent CI: 23–24 percent) compared with no copayment. Hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths did not increase with copayments. Hospitalizations decreased 4 percent (95 percent CI: 2–6 percent) and 10 percent (95 percent CI: 7–13 percent) with ED copayments of $20–35 and $50–100, respectively, compared with no copayment. Among Medicare subjects, ED visits decreased by 4 percent (95 percent CI: 3–6 percent) with the $20–50 copayments compared with no copayment; unfavorable clinical events did not increase with copayments, e.g., hospitalizations were unchanged (95 percent CI: −3 percent to +2 percent) with $20–50 ED copayments compared with no copayment.

Conclusions. Relatively modest levels of patient cost‐sharing for ED care decreased ED visit rates without increasing the rate of unfavorable clinical events.
Surface Feature Identification Using a Vision-Based Manifold for Robotic Demanufacturing
Authors: Bailey-Van Kuren Michael M.
Published: May 2006

Robotic demanufacturing requires efficient operation on complex product surfaces from a diverse product stream. A new vision-based approach for surface identification is proposed. Vision-based information defines a surface manifold utilizing structured lighting. The surface manifold model is integrated with a surface estimation model to relate information back to the robot work space. A technique for developing surface patches related to surface objects detected in machine vision images is shown. Case study results from a scrap keyboard are presented and discussed. It is shown that the method iteratively generates a complete surface patch for any viewable surface object.