bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoreduplication in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seeds during development, after processing and storage, and during germination
Authors: Rewers M. , Sadowski J. , Sliwinska E.
Published: October 2009

Flow cytometry was used to study endoreduplication in developing, stored and germinating seeds of cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Fruits growing in a commercial seed production field were collected every 7 days, starting 14 days after pollination (DAP) up to 63 DAP (commercial harvest time). Seeds were isolated and the proportion of nuclei with different DNA contents in the whole seeds and in the embryos was analysed. Germination capacity of fresh and dried seeds at 25°C was established. In addition, the same analyses were performed on the seeds after processing (fermentation, drying and cleaning), following 1 and 2 years of storage, and after imbibition for 3, 6 and 12 h. In the young developing seeds, endoreduplication up to 128C occurred but this decreased to 8C by maturity. The proportion of endosperm nuclei was the highest at 21 DAP (30%) and then decreased to below 14% at harvest and 8% after processing. In the mature processed seeds, the majority of embryo nuclei (about 80%) contained 2C DNA; however, about 2% of endoreduplicated (8C) nuclei were still present. Seeds did not show any germination capacity up to 21 DAP; then it gradually increased to reach 100% as early as 49 DAP, 2 weeks before commercial harvest time. The relationship between seed maturity, germination and cell cycle status is discussed. The mean C‐value of the seed cells as well as the (4C + 8C + 16C)/2C ratio are recommended as markers of cucumber seed maturity and the advancement of germination/priming (the stage of germination sensu stricto).
DETECTION OF SPINAL CORD TISSUES AS BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY SPECIFIED RISK MATERIAL IN BEEF CARCASSES DURING SPLITTING IN TURKISH ABATTOIRS
Authors: KALE M. , KURŞUN Ö. , AKCAN KALE A.S. , PEHLİVANOĞLU F. , GÜNER A. , BAŞKAYA R. , DOĞRUER Y. , ÖZTÜRK Ç.
Published: October 2009

We used an enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay to detect central nervous system (CNS)‐specific glial fibrillary acidic protein to show the presence of CNS material on the medial surface of each half (left and right) of washed carcasses after splitting with a band‐type saw. The high level contamination (≥0.4) was detected at the highest ratio on the brisket + plate area surface of carcasses (33.3%). The moderate level contamination (>0.2) was detected at the highest ratio on the brisket + plate and loin areas surface of carcasses (11.1%). The low‐level contamination (≥0.1) was detected at the highest ratio on the flank and hip areas surface of carcasses (100.0%). The similar level contamination risk was found on both the right and left half of 72 beef carcasses. Although no contamination was detected on the band‐type saw, the low‐level contamination (≥0.1) was detected on the floor where the splitting of the carcasses was performed. Even though the low‐level contamination (≥0.1) was detected on all areas of the carcasses, even after washing, the moderate and high level contamination were detected only on the chuck + rib, brisket + plate and loin areas.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The process of splitting of beef carcasses in the abattoirs involves some critical stages when tissues included in the so‐called specified risk material (SRM), particularly spinal cord, are released. This can obviously lead to potential dissemination of central nervous system material over the carcass and surrounding area, resulting in possible contamination with the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) infective agent.

By this study, the first time in Turkey, contamination of BSE‐SRM in beef carcasses during splitting in private abattoirs was investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay. The test was preferred because this is sensitive, very fast and cost‐saving on carcass and on surfaces (saw, floor), and detect the antigen called glial fibrillary acidic protein. This study, as a first report in Turkey, showed the contamination level of beef carcasses, instruments and tools and slaughterhouse environment with BSE‐SRM.
COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF STANDARD CULTURE AND REAL‐TIME POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION TO DETECT CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI IN RETAIL CHICKEN SAMPLES
Authors: DEBRETSION ARADOM , HABTEMARIAM TSEGAYE , WILSON SAUL , TAMERU BERHANU , WESLEY IRENE V. , YEHUALAESHET TESHOME
Published: October 2009

Contamination of poultry by Campylobacter is a significant source of human diarrheal illness. The purpose of this study was to compare standard culture‐based methods and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for detection of Campylobacter jejuni from retail chicken samples. Culture methods were compared with RT‐PCR (without enrichment) for detection of C. jejuni in naturally contaminated chicken samples. Purchased chicken samples (n = 43) were collected from four supermarkets. C. jejuni was detected by direct plating to selective agar (DPSA; 5/43, 11.6%), RT‐PCR (15/43, 34.9%) and Bolton's enrichment (BE; 8/43, 41.9%). Fifteen chicken samples were concordant by RT‐PCR and BE whereas three samples were positive only by BE. The sensitivity of the RT‐PCR and DPSA, when compared to BE as the reference standard (100% sensitivity) were 81 and 29%, respectively. Application of rapid and sensitive methods for detection and enumeration of C. jejuni is important for the maintenance of a safe poultry supply.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Campylobacter spp are one of the most common causes of bacterial diarrheal disease worldwide. This zoonotic pathogen is reported to have a low infective dose with high pathogenicity. The practical application of the experiment is directed to assess the “standard culture‐based methods and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR)” to detect Campylobacter jejuni, which is most commonly isolated campylobacter species from clinical infections and chicken samples. Because of the growth characteristics and difficulty of routine diagnostic technique, evaluation of food samples for the presence of C. jejuni can be challenging.

The main focus of the study is to assess the sensitivity and sensitivity of culture and RT‐PCR. The results are instrumental resources in the area of food safety, epidemiological surveillance, policy development to monitor and regulate the food matrices and diagnostic laboratories. The audiences of this information will be both academic and commercial sectors involved in poultry production and processing institutions, food regulatory and inspection institutions, risk assessment and also the consumer.
PURIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND N‐TERMINAL AMINO ACID SEQUENCING OF SAKACIN 1, A BACTERIOCIN PRODUCED BY LACTOBACILLUS SAKEI 1
Authors: D'ANGELIS C.E.M. , POLIZELLO A.C.M. , NONATO M.C. , SPADARO A.C.C. , DE MARTINIS E.C.P.
Published: October 2009

Biopreservation using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and/or their metabolites represents an alternative for improving food safety. LAB can synthesize and excrete antimicrobial peptides denominated bacteriocins, but only nisin has been largely commercially used as a food preservative. There are limitations in using this bacteriocin, in part due to its inactivation in meat products. Current research on LAB bacteriocins are conducted aiming to broad their application as natural food preservatives. Lactobacillus sakei 1, is a LAB previously isolated in our laboratory from pork sausage and it is capable to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes, by bacteriocin production. In this work, L. sakei 1 was grown in MRS broth and its bacteriocin was extracted by adsorption on its own cells and purified by cation‐exchange, followed by hydrophobic interaction and high performance reverse‐phase chromatography. An estimate of the molecular weight for the partially purified peptide (3,420 Da) was carried out using SDS‐PAGE stained by silver stain and with a bioindicator (L. monocytogenes). The purified bacteriocin was also analyzed by mass espectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) and the molecular weight was determined as 4,438.83 Da. Approximately 31 N‐terminal amino acid residues were sequenced by Edman degradation and the motif YGNGV (commonly found in Class IIa bacteriocins) was found in the N‐terminal sequence.

PRATICAL APPLICATIONS

Several antimicrobial peptides produced by lactic acid bacteria have been purified and they present potential for food applications. However, the only peptide largely applied commercially is the bacteriocin nisin. To widen the use of bacteriocins in food biopreservation, it is important to study bacteriocin‐producing strains that can be well adapted to foods where they intend to be used and to elucidate the structure of the inhibitory molecule, to allow production in large scale if the purified peptide is to be used. In the present work, the bacteriocin produced by the Brazilian meat isolate Lactobacillus sakei 1 has been characterized.
Predictors for visual field progression and the effects of treatment with dorzolamide 2% or brinzolamide 1% each added to timolol 0.5% in primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Martínez Antonio , Sanchez‐Salorio Manuel
Published: October 2009

Purpose:  This study aims to identify progression factors in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), including the effects of treatment with dorzolamide 2% or brinzolamide 1%, each added to timolol 0.5%.

Methods:  A sample of 161 POAG patients were prospectively randomized to receive either dorzolamide 2% (DT) or brinzolamide 1% (BT) b.i.d., each added to timolol 0.5%, during a 60‐month, evaluator‐masked study. Progression was determined by perimetric criteria. Factors associated with visual field progression were estimated using a conditional Cox hazard model with patient intraclass correlation and were expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results:  Predictive baseline factors were lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP), lower mean arterial pressure (MAP), antihypertensive treatment, lower end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) in the ophthalmic artery (OA) and short posterior ciliary artery (SPCA), and a higher resistivity index (RI) in the OA and SPCA. Progression risk decreased by approximately 30% and 20% with each centimetre per second increase of EDV in the OA and SPCA, respectively, from baseline to the last follow‐up visit. Each RI decrease (or increase) of 0.01 unit in the OA or SPCA was associated with an approximate 20% decrease (or increase) in risk for progression. In a multivariate analysis, progression risk was significantly lower in eyes treated with DT (HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.41–0.90) compared with those treated with BT.

Conclusions:  Progression increased with lower DBP, lower MAP, antihypertensive medication, lower EDV in the OA and SPCA, and higher RI in the OA and SPCA. The risk for progression in patients treated with DT was half that in patients treated with BT.
Vitreous and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet‐derived growth factor and their correlation in patients with non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy and clinically significant macula oedema
Authors: Praidou Anna , Papakonstantinou Eleni , Androudi Sofia , Georgiadis Nikolaos , Karakiulakis George , Dimitrakos Stavros
Published: October 2009

Purpose:  To investigate possible correlations between vitreous and/or serum levels of platelet‐derived growth factor isoforms (PDGF‐AA, ‐AB and ‐BB) with parameters associated with non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and clinically significant macula oedema (CSMO); to compare the results to relevant results regarding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is an established growth factor affecting NPDR.

Methods:  Fifteen patients with NPDR, 31 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 15 non‐diabetic patients were included in the study. Vitreous and serum samples were obtained during vitrectomy. PDGF‐AA, ‐AB and ‐BB, as well as VEGF, were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:  PDGF‐AA, ‐AB and ‐BB and VEGF were all expressed in the serum and vitreous of controls and patients with NPDR. The levels of PDGF‐AA, PDGF‐AB and VEGF in vitreous were significantly increased in the NPDR group compared to controls, while PDGF‐BB levels were significantly decreased in the NPDR group compared to controls. The levels of all PDGF isoforms and VEGF in vitreous were significantly increased in the PDR group compared to the NPDR group. No such differences were evident in serum. PDGF‐AA and VEGF correlated significantly to the severity of NPDR. PDGF or VEGF in vitreous of NPDR patients did not correlate with retinal photocoagulation (RP) or the serum levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). There was no correlation between the vitreous and serum levels of VEGF or PDGF in patients with PDR. Only PDGF‐AB vitreous levels correlated significantly with PDGF‐BB vitreous levels in the NPDR group.

Conclusion:  It appears that in addition to VEGF, almost all PDGF isoforms in the vitreous are also correlated with NPDR and CSMO.
Non‐invasive Assessments of Pediatric Voiding Dysfunction
Authors: CHANG Shang‐Jen , YANG Stephen Shei‐Dei
Published: October 2009

In the evaluation of pediatric dysfunction, the initial approach relies on non‐invasive diagnostic tools. Through these examinations, the possible etiology of pediatric voiding dysfunction may be identified, and children who require further evaluation with invasive diagnostic tools may be differentiated. In addition, these non‐invasive diagnostic tools can be used as surrogate parameters for follow‐up of voiding function in children with neurogenic or non‐neurogenic voiding dysfunction.

Updated information and controversy on this issue are provided and discussed in the present review. Thorough and well‐organized history taking and focused physical examination are essential. A 2‐day bladder diary and a 14‐daysbowel movement diary, at least, should be recorded. Dysfunctional voiding symptom scores have been recommended for identifying children with possible voiding dysfunction. Consensus on which scoring system is best for clinical practice has not been reached. Low inter‐observer agreement in interpreting specific types of abnormal uroflow pattern and high inter‐observer agreement in identifying “no abnormality” make uroflowmetry a first‐line screening tool for pediatric voiding dysfunction. Optimal bladder capacity is paramount in the interpretation of uroflowmetry curves and postvoid residual urine (PVR). Voided volume <50 mL is not eligible, while bladder over‐distention may result in an abnormal uroflow pattern and increased PVR volume. Renal ultrasonography has been recommended for the evaluation of children with enuresis. However, the gain achieved through routine renosonography may be small. Thickened bladder wall thickness warrants further investigation of voiding dysfunction. However, inter‐ and intra‐examiner's variability does not yet make this examination popular.
Experience with Tension‐free Vaginal Tape (TVT)‐SECUR for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: CHANG Yu‐Lung , LIN Alex T. L. , CHEN Kuang‐Kuo
Published: October 2009

Objectives: Tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT)‐SECUR is a technique specifically designed to place a short suburethral mesh sling for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The aim of the technique is to decrease surgical morbidity. We report our experience of applying this technique on 10 patients.

Methods: From June 2007 to July 2007, 10 female patients with SUI underwent TVT‐SECUR placement operation. The sling was inserted in a suprapubic direction over the inner surface of pubic bone (U‐shaped technique). Nine of the patients underwent videourodynamic study (VUDS). The maximal bladder neck decent distance (MBND) by abdominal straining was determined. We identified intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) as a valsalva leak point pressure lower than 60 cm H2O and hypermobility as MBND more than 2 cm.

Results: Two patients had pure ISD, three had hypermobility, and four had both ISD and hypermobility. All patients remained continent for first month after surgery. SUI recurred in five of nine patients at an average of 2.5 months. The recurrence appeared in all three groups of patients. The recurrent SUI was so severe that three patients required repeat surgery using percutaneous prolene tape sling. After surgery, no further SUI was noted in the three patients. During surgery the TVT‐SECUR sling was found to have firmly adhered to perivesical tissue rather than to the pubic bone.

Conclusion: Our experience shows that the current design of the TVT‐SECUR results in unpredictable outcomes. Some placed slings may migrate away from the inner surface of the pubic bone. To act as a reliable “hammock”, the sling must be securely fixed on immobile structures independent from the bladder/urethra.
Attenuation of Non‐neuronal Adenosin Triphosphate Release from Human Bladder Mucosa by Antimuscarinic Agents
Authors: YOSHIDA Masaki , MASUNAGA Koichi , NAGATA Takashi , MAEDA Yoshihiro , MIYAMOTO Yutaka , KUDOH Junzo , HOMMA Yukio
Published: October 2009

Objectives:To clarify the contribution of mucosal muscarinic receptors to bladder function, we investigated the effects of various antimuscarinic drugs on stretch‐induced non‐neuronal adenosin triphosphate (ATP) release in human bladder.

Methods:Human bladders were obtained from 17 patients. Bladder strips with and without mucosa were suspended in organ baths. A microdialysis probe was inserted into the strip, Ringer's solution was perfused into the probe, and dialysate was collected under tetrodotoxin pretreatment. The amount of ATP released in dialysate was measured by luciferin‐luciferase assay. The effects of various antimuscarinic drugs on non‐neuronal ATP release were evaluated.

Results:Non‐neuronal ATP release from bladder strips without mucosa was approximately 10% of that from strips with mucosa. Non‐neuronal ATP release was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with nifedipine or in Ca2+‐free medium. Both methoctramine (M2receptor selective antagonist) and 4‐diphenyl‐acetoxy‐N‐methylpiperidine methiodide (4‐DAMP [M3receptor selective antagonist]) significantly inhibited release. However, M1receptor selective antagonist (pirenzepine) did not have a significant effect on release. Oxybutynin, propiverine, tolterodine and solifenacin caused concentration‐dependent inhibition in non‐neuronal ATP release. The rank order of the maximum inhibition rate was propiverine ≥ solifenacin ≥ tolterodine ≥ oxybutynin. Solifenacin showed an inhibitory effect at a lower concentration compared to other drugs.

Conclusion:The data suggest that human bladder mucosa is a main source of stretch‐induced non‐neuronal ATP release, and that stimulation of M2and M3receptor subtypes of mucosa partly contributes to non‐neuronal ATP release. Various antimuscarinic drugs used for the treatment of overactive bladder may have different inhibitory effects on non‐neuronal ATP release.
Novel diversity of bacterial communities associated with bottlenose dolphin upper respiratory tracts
Authors: Johnson Wesley R. , Torralba Manolito , Fair Patricia A. , Bossart Gregory D. , Nelson Karen E. , Morris Pamela J.
Published: October 2009

Respiratory illness is thought to be most the common cause of death in both wild and captive populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The suspected pathogens that have been isolated from diseased animals have also been isolated from healthy individuals, suggesting they may be part of the normal flora. Our current understanding of the bacteria associated with the upper respiratory tract (URT) of bottlenose dolphins is based exclusively upon culture‐based isolation and identification. Because < 1% of naturally occurring bacteria are culturable, a substantial fraction of the bacterial community associated with the dolphin URT remains to be described. The dolphin URT microbiota revealed by sequencing of bacterial 16S rDNA exhibits almost no overlap with the taxa indicated in culture‐based studies. The most abundant sequences in our libraries were similar among all of our study animals and shared the greatest homology to sequences of bacteria belonging to the genera Cardiobacterium, Suttonella, Psychrobacter, Tenacibaculum, Fluviicola and Flavobacterium; however, they were sufficiently different from database sequences from both cultured and uncultured organisms to suggest they represent novel genera and species. Our findings also demonstrate the dominance of three of the four bacterial phyla that dominate other mammalian microbiomes, including those of humans, and show tremendous diversity at the species/strain level, suggesting tight coevolution of the dolphin host and its URT bacterial community.
Elucidating further phylogenetic diversity among the Defluviicoccus‐related glycogen‐accumulating organisms in activated sludge
Authors: McIlroy Simon , Seviour Robert J.
Published: October 2009

Glycogen‐accumulating organisms (GAO) are thought to out‐compete the polyphosphate‐accumulating organisms (PAO) in activated sludge communities removing phosphate (P). Two GAO groups are currently recognized, the gammaproteobacterial Candidatus‘Competibacter phosphatis’, and the alphaproteobacterial Defluviicoccus vanus‐related tetrad forming organisms (TFOs). Both are phylogenetically diverse based on their 16S rRNA sequences, with the latter currently considered to contain members falling into three distinct clusters. This paper identifies members of an additional fourth Defluviicoccus cluster from 16S rRNA gene clone library data obtained from a laboratory‐scale activated sludge plant community removing P, and details FISH probes designed against them. Probe DF181A was designed to target a single sequence and DF181B designed against the remaining sequences in the cluster. Cells hybridizing with these probes in the biomass samples tested always appeared as either TFOs or in large clusters of small cocci. Members of the Defluviicoccus‐related organisms were commonly found in full‐scale wastewater treatments plants, sometimes as a dominant population.
Evaluation of laparoscopic surgery for Hirschsprung's disease from the standpoint of invasiveness and colonic motility: Prolapsing technique with extra‐anal mucosectomy
Authors: Morikawa Y
Published: October 2009

Objective: Laparoscopic pull‐through has become the standard surgical modality for Hirschsprung's disease in the field of pediatric surgery. This article discusses the minimal invasiveness of the prolapsing technique. This technique allows mucosectomies to be performed under direct vision even at the deepest dissected portion because the procedure is conducted via an extra‐anal approach.

Method: The laparoscopic prolapsing technique (Lap) is compared with the conventional open Soave technique in terms of the change in CRP and WBC, defecation function, both clinical and manometric, after surgery.

Results: As a result, the timing of surgery has become earlier and the patients younger. Soiling occurs in 33% of open Soave and 0% of Lap patients. Manometry after Lap. pull‐through revealed a positive recto‐anal inhibitory reflex in 39% and evoked high amplitude propagated contraction was demonstrated in 85% of patients.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the present technique, including minimal dissections of the mesentery and the preservation of pelvic nerves in combination with fine mucosectomy under direct vision, could be beneficial for postoperative anorectal function in patients with Hirschspurung's disease.
What Future for the Future Fund?
Authors: Makin Anthony J.
Published: October 2009

This paper questions the rationale for the Future Fund. Contrary to existing policy, it proposes that further budgetary contributions needed to meet the Australian Government’s future superannuation liabilities be sourced from the expenses side of the federal budget on a predetermined basis, rather than until recently from budget surpluses ex post. New general formulae are derived for estimating the magnitude of annual budgetary contributions required to stabilise, as well as fully cover, unfunded liabilities many years ahead. Illustrative estimates are then provided of federal budgetary contributions needed to cover the Australian Government’s unfunded superannuation liabilities. The paper concludes by suggesting that the superannuation‐related activities of the Future Fund be wound up with the transfer of its assets to the trustees of existing government superannuation funds.
An Empirical Note on Weather Effects in the Australian Stock Market*
Authors: Worthington Andrew
Published: October 2009

The behavioural finance literature posits a link between the weather and equity markets via investor moods. This paper examines the impact of weather on the Australian stock market over the period 1958–2005. A regression‐based approach is employed where daily market returns on the Australian Securities Exchange’s All Ordinaries Price Index are regressed against eight daily weather observations (precipitation, evaporation, relative humidity, maximum and minimum temperatures, hours of bright sunshine, and the speed and direction of the maximum wind gust) at Sydney’s Observatory Hill and Airport meteorological stations. Consistent with studies elsewhere including the Australian market, the results indicate that the weather has absolutely no influence on market returns. Some directions for future research that may help address some of the deficiencies found in this intriguing body of work are provided.
Postage Price Parity*
Authors: Maesepp Maxwell N.
Published: October 2009

A large part of international economics research is devoted to the theory of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). There have been numerous attempts by economists over the years to devise an accurate, reliable and convenient measure for this theory – the most famous of these being the “Big Mac index” compiled by The Economist. In the spirit of the “Big Mac index”, this paper introduces another alternative measure of PPP here, using the prices of postage stamps for international mail delivery, that is just as, if not more, attractive as any other current measure.
Lifting the Cloud of Confusion over Monetary Policy*
Authors: Coombes Trevor , Reimers David
Published: October 2009

There is no doubt that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) controls base money, but this paper shows that the RBA does not, and has no need to, target base money in order to re‐set the cash rate. The money supply in Australia, including base money, is endogenous. Conceiving base money as an instrument of policy confuses normal smoothing operations with a change in stance.
Economic Welfare Comparisons: Australia, the United States and the European Union
Authors: Lombard Marc
Published: October 2009

Comparison of countries’ standard of living are often based on gross domestic product per capita, whether at market exchange rates or at purchasing power parity, and/or the United Nations’ Human Development Index. Yet, these statistical instruments do not provide an accurate picture of economic welfare comparisons. They ignore a number of essential factors determining economic welfare, such as income distribution, poverty levels, work–time ratio, and welfare provisions, among others. This paper examines these factors and others, to make some pertinent economic welfare comparisons between Australia, the United States, and the European Union and its leading economies.
The Ranking of Economics Journals by the Economic Society of Australia*
Authors: Abelson Peter
Published: October 2009

This paper describes how, in response to a government request, the Economic Society of Australia (ESA) prepared a ranking of economics journals for use in Australia. ESA commissioned the writer to manage the process and it was agreed that the journal ranking should be based on a survey of all professors of economics and econometrics employed in Australian universities. Following the development of the rankings, Heads of Economics Departments were asked in a follow‐up survey whether they viewed the process and the results as acceptable or whether amendments should be made. ESA concluded, as does this paper, that the process and the results were credible and generally accepted and that the findings should not be altered on an ad hoc piecemeal basis. ESA also concluded that any revision of these rankings should be based on a similar transparent process of consultation with the profession. Details of the rankings of the journals surveyed can be found on the ESA website.
Grandfathering and Greenhouse: The Role of Compensation and Adjustment Assistance in the Introduction of a Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme for Australia
Authors: Menezes Flavio , Quiggin John , Wagner Liam
Published: October 2009

The terms “grandfather clause” and “grandfathering” describe elements of a policy programme in which existing participants in an activity are protected from the impact of regulations, restrictions or charges applied to new entrants. In this paper, the role of grandfathering in the design of a carbon emissions trading scheme in Australia is assessed. It is argued that adjustment assistance policies such as those adopted in conjunction with previous microeconomic reform programmes are preferable to policies based on the free issue of emission permits. The suggestion that owners of capital assets should be compensated for changes in government policy that reduce the expected flow of income from those assets represents a radical, and undesirable, policy innovation.
The Global Financial Architecture: Twenty‐First Century Solutions*
Authors: AO Jane Diplock
Published: October 2009

Twentieth‐century global financial architectural solutions are outdated and have been found wanting. They are fundamentally structural solutions and continuing to rely on them would be to run the risk of repeating our mistakes. We must look to twenty‐first century solutions. Solutions created post‐1945 need replacing with networked solutions, reflecting what we see in the Internet and its development. These are not fanciful notions but concepts that have already been successfully modelled, albeit in a relatively narrow sphere. What we need is a mechanism by which global financial standards can be implemented in every jurisdiction around the world. This paper proceeds from the premise that the nexus between investor confidence and financial market stability is a crucial one, and one that a regulatory approach can impact. It discusses the international regulatory environment and the role of key players in the emerging global financial architecture, in particular the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). It also examines the potential that mutual recognition offers for the trans‐Tasman market.
The Role of the Independent Director: Evidence from a Survey of Independent Directors in Australia
Authors: Brooks Albie , Oliver Judy , Veljanovski Angelo
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a survey of independent directors on a range of issues relating to the execution of their role including the independent directors' perceptions relating to board effectiveness, board interactions, information sources, and performance and evaluation. A survey was forwarded to independent directors of the top 200 Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) listed companies. The paper aims to provide the perceptions of independent directors themselves and so contribute to the literature through a better understanding of the nature of the work performed by Australian company independent directors and the environment in which it occurs. Findings suggest that the fundamental role of the independent director has not changed as a result of the corporate governance reforms.
Assurance of Sustainability Reports: Impact on Report Users' Confidence and Perceptions of Information Credibility
Authors: Hodge Kristy , Subramaniam Nava , Stewart Jenny
Published: October 2009

This study examines whether (1) assurance, (2) the level of assurance (reasonable vs limited) and (3) the type of assurance practitioner (accountant vs specialist consultant) affect users' perceptions of reliability of sustainability reports. Based on an experimental questionnaire, we find that the provision of assurance improves perceived reliability of the environmental and social information. There are no significant main effects for both the level of assurance and type of assurance practitioner. However, a significant interaction is found between these two experimental factors and report users' perceptions of reliability of such reports. More specifically, report users place more confidence in sustainability reports when the level of assurance provided is reasonable (that is, high but not absolute), and when such assurance is provided by a top tier accountancy firm, compared to when the assurance is provided by a specialist consultant. No such difference is found when the level of assurance provided is limited for either type of assurance practitioner group. The results of this study thus highlight the relevance of assurance for sustainability reporting.
Transfer Price Negotiation in the Presence of Unequal Bargaining Power: The Effect of a Peer Evaluation Scheme on Inter‐divisional Profit Distribution
Authors: Cheng Mandy M. , Hsieh Cathy
Published: October 2009

This study examines how managers balance economic incentives and inter‐divisional equity considerations during transfer price negotiations. Our experiment shows that both buyers and sellers are willing to give up a significant amount of their profits to pursue a more equitable outcome (one that results in greater inter‐divisional profit equalisation). We also find that incorporating peer evaluation schemes into negotiators' formal incentive plans has both economic and social‐psychological impacts on negotiation behaviour, resulting in even greater inter‐divisional profit equalisation. While this outcome may seem ‘fairer’ to the individual managers, from the firms' perspective profit equalisation can obscure divisional performance, potentially leading to resource allocation inefficiencies.
Professional–Organisational Commitment: A Study of Canadian Professional Accountants
Authors: Gendron Yves , Suddaby Roy , Qu Sandy Q.
Published: October 2009

This paper extends the literature on professional and organisational commitment through an online survey of professional accountants that examines the influence of several contextual features; namely, workplace diversification, occupational stress, professional involvement and culture. The survey was carried out around the end of 2002 with Canadian chartered accountants (CAs) from four Canadian provincial institutes. Three of these provincial institutes are located in English‐speaking provinces (Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia), while the fourth CA association is in Quebec, a predominantly French‐speaking province. In contrast to prior research carried out more than two decades ago, our results indicate that respondents in public practice do not differ from respondents in non‐public accounting settings in their level of professional commitment and in their level of organisational commitment. Our results also suggest that occupational stress and professional involvement are both significantly related to professional commitment. Finally, our survey data indicate that accountants working in Quebec had a lower professional commitment than their peers working in English‐speaking provinces, thereby suggesting that culture exerts significant influence on professional commitment.
The Roles of Some Key Stakeholders in the Future of Accounting Education in Australia
Authors: Hancock Phil , Howieson Bryan , Kavanagh Marie , Kent Jenny , Tempone Irene , Segal Naomi , Freeman Mark
Published: October 2009

This article explores the role of institutional and systemic leadership in changing higher education in accounting in Australia. In particular, it discusses the roles of the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, the Australian Business Deans' Council Teaching and Learning Network, and the professional accounting bodies in meeting the challenges confronting accounting education in the tertiary sector today and in the coming years. The intersection of these leadership roles is exemplified in an accounting discipline research project that explores the critical non‐technical skills stakeholders require in graduate students and discusses stakeholders' roles and responsibilities in their development.
University Accounting Programs and Professional Accountancy Training: Can UK Pragmatism Inform the Australian Debate?
Authors: King Ruth , Davidson Ian
Published: October 2009

Professional accountancy training and academic accounting programs in the United Kingdom (UK) have remained resolutely separate, despite attempts at partial integration through a system of accreditation and exemptions. This is in contrast with the situation in some other countries, notably the United States (US) and until recently Australia. This paper identifies some historical reasons for their having developed in this way and for their continuing distinctiveness. We conclude that the approach is both workable and adaptable, albeit idiosyncratic, with changes occurring over time that reflect the shifting sands of market and political pressures. With six recognised accounting bodies in the UK, this ability to respond to change is important and we surmise that it would take some fundamental shift in circumstance, such as a move towards European standardisation, for a different model to prevail in the UK.
Strain Rate Effects and Rate-Dependent Constitutive Models of Lead-Based and Lead-Free Solders
Authors: Qin Fei , An Tong , Chen Na
Published: October 2009

As traditional lead-based solders are banned and replaced by lead-free solders, the drop impact reliability is becoming increasingly crucial because there is little understanding of mechanical behaviors of these lead-free solders at high strain rates. In this paper, mechanical properties of one lead-based solder, Sn37Pb, and two lead-free solders, Sn3.5Ag and Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu, were investigated at strain rates that ranged from 600 s−1 to 2200 s−1 by the split Hopkinson pressure and tensile bar technique. At high strain rates, tensile strengths of lead-free solders are about 1.5 times greater than that of the Sn37Pb solder, and also their ductility are significantly greater than that of the Sn37Pb. Based on the experimental data, strain rate dependent Johnson–Cook models for the three solders were derived and employed to predict behaviors of solder joints in a board level electronic package subjected to standard drop impact load. Results indicate that for the drop impact analysis of lead-free solder joints, the strain rate effect must be considered and rate-dependent material models of lead-free solders are indispensable.
Importance of Higher Order Modes and Refined Theories in Free Vibration Analysis of Composite Plates
Authors: Brischetto S. , Carrera E.
Published: October 2009

This paper evaluates frequencies of higher-order modes in the free vibration response of simply-supported multilayered orthotropic composite plates. Closed-form solutions in harmonic forms are given for the governing equations related to classical and refined plate theories. Typical cross-ply (0 deg/90 deg) laminated panels (10 and 20 layers) are considered in the numerical investigation (these were suggested by European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) in the framework of the “Composites and Adaptive Structures: Simulation, Experimentation and Modeling” (CASSEM) European Union (EU) project. The Carrera unified formulation has been employed to implement the considered theories: the classical lamination theory, the first-order shear deformation theory, the equivalent single layer model with fourth-order of expansion in the thickness direction z, and the layerwise model with linear order of expansion in z for each layer. Higher-order frequencies and the related harmonic modes are computed by varying the number of wavelengths (m,n) in the two-plate directions and the degrees of freedom in the plate theories. It can be concluded above all that—refined plate models lead to higher-order frequencies, which cannot be computed by simplified plate theories—frequencies related to high values of wavelengths, even the fundamental ones, can be wrongly predicted when using classical plate theories, even though thin plate geometries are analyzed.
Comparison of the HTTT Reheat-Gas-Turbine Combined Cycle With the HTTT Nonreheat Gas-Turbine Combined Cycle
Authors: Rice I. G. , Jenkins P. E.
Published: October 2009

High-temperature turbine technology (HTTT) when applied to the reheat-gas-turbine combined cycle (RHGT/CC) offers distinct advantages over the presently contemplated United States Department of Energy (DOE) HTTT simple-cycle gas-turbine combined cycle (SCGT/CC) being developed for gaseous fuel derived from coal. Specific improvements are: 1) higher combined-cycle efficiency, 2) higher specific output per unit of air flow, 3) less critical high-temperature nozzle-vane and rotating-blade surface area to be cooled, 4) less strategic high temperature metal material to be used, and 5) less overall cycle-cooling degradation allowing growth potential. New cooling techniques employing steam are required to accomplish these projections which necessitates advanced research and development and presently unavailable mathematical analytical approaches.
Full Potential Solution of Transonic Quasi-Three-Dimensional Flow Through a Cascade Using Artificial Compressibility
Authors: Farrell C. , Adamczyk J.
Published: October 2009

A reliable method is presented for calculating the flowfield about a cascade of arbitrary two-dimensional airfoils. The method approximates the three-dimensional flow in a turbomachinery blade row by correcting for streamtube convergence and radius change in the throughflow direction. The method is a fully conservative solution of the full potential equation incorporating the finite volume technique on a body-fitted periodic mesh, with an artificial density imposed in the transonic region to ensure stability and the capture of shock waves. Comparison of results for several supercritical blades shows good agreement with their hodograph solutions. Other calculations for these profiles as well as standard NACA blade sections indicate that this is a useful scheme for analyzing both the design and off-design performance of turbomachinery blading.
Calculation of the Theoretical Critical Flow Rate of Saturated Steam
Authors: Murdock J. W.
Published: October 2009

This paper is concerned with the computation of the theoretical critical flow of dry saturated steam through passages over a range of 1 psia (7 kPa) to the critical pressure of 3208.2 psia (22.12 MPa). Two computational methods are used: a theoretical method using ideal gas relations, and a flow maximization method using actual saturated steam properties. An equation is developed and based on the theoretical equation that yields flow rates that have an average deviation of 0.1 percent and a maximum deviation of 0.3 percent from the flow rate found by flow maximization. It is also demonstrated that Napier’s equation currently recommended by PTC 25.3-1976 “Safety and Relief Valves” is unsatisfactory for the calculation of theoretical critical flow rates.
A Simplified ASME Acceptance Test Procedure for Steam Turbines
Authors: Bornstein B. , Cotton K. C.
Published: October 2009

A simplified procedure is proposed, which reduces the cost of steam turbine acceptance testing without significantly affecting testing accuracy. This simplified acceptance test procedure is applicable to both fossil and nuclear power plants. It involves only the measurements required to calculate heat rate and required to compare the test value to guarantee. The object is to simplify the acceptance test and to reduce its cost to the extent that a no-tolerance acceptance test is conducted on every new, large steam turine-generator unit. While maintaining the traditional high level of testing accuracy, this method also facilitates periodic testing. The results of such tests can provide the information required for scheduling plant outages for maintenance or repair thus ensuring efficient operation of the steam turbine/feedwater cycle throughout the life of the turbine.
Development of a Low NOx Lean Premixed Annular Combustor
Authors: Roberts P. B. , Kubasco A. J. , Sekas N. J.
Published: October 2009

An atmospheric test program was conducted to define a low NOx annular combustor concept suitable for a supersonic, high-altitude aircraft application. The lean premixed combustor, known as the Vortex Air Blast (VAB) concept, was tested as a 22.0 cm diameter model in the early development phases to arrive at basic design and performance criteria. Final demonstration testing was carried out on a full scale combustor of 0.66 m diameter. Variable geometry dilution ports were incorporated to allow operation of the combustor across the range of conditions between idle (Tin = 422 K, Tout = 917 K) and cruise (Tin = 833 K, Tout = 1778 K). Test results showed that the design could meet the program NOx goal of 1.0 g NO2/kg fuel at a reduced atmospheric cruise condition.
Rotating Blade Vibration Analysis Using Shells
Authors: Leissa A. W. , Lee J. K. , Wang A. J.
Published: October 2009

Shallow shell theory and Ritz method are employed to determine the frequencies and mode shapes of turbomachinery blades having both camber and twist, rotating with non-zero angles of attack. Frequencies obtained for different degrees of shallowness and thickness are compared with results available in the literature, obtained from finite element analyses of nonrotating blades. Frequencies are also determined for a rotating blade, showing the effects of changing the (1) angular velocity of rotation (2) disk radius and (3) angle of attack, as well as the significance of the most important body force terms.
An Aerothermodynamic Analysis of Transonic Compressor Rotors Containing Three-Dimensional Shocks
Authors: Xu Jian-zhong , Jiang Zuo-ren , Yang Jin-sheng , Zhang Ying , Du Zhuan-she
Published: October 2009

Based on the basic aerothermodynamic equations in the differential and integral forms on an arbitrary stream surface in an arbitrary nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinate system derived in this paper, the relations between gas parameters ahead of and behind a shock on such a stream surface are established. These relations are greatly different from the relations for a plane shock because they contain the normal direction of the spatial shock, and the correlations between the stream surfaces are closer. Assuming the location and shape of the shock and using the above relations, calculations on the generalized surfaces of revolution are made, and the iterations between these calculations and the calculation on the central S2 stream surface are completed. These computational results and comparison with those of the conventional throughflow calculation demonstrate some important features of the three-dimensional shock and the tranconic flow in an axial compressor rotor. They are also useful for the aerothermodynamic design of compressors.
Time-Variant Aerodynamics of High-Turning Blade Elements
Authors: Rothrock M. D. , Jay R. L. , Riffel R. E.
Published: October 2009

Basic experimental data has been obtained from a linear cascade of five turbine airfoil sections undergoing torsional oscillation. A high-turning subsonic/transonic cascade was tested and both steady-state and time-variant data were obtained. A quasi-static investigation was conducted to compare static pressure distributions with the pressure distributions from the time-variant investigation. During the time-variant data acquisition, six values of interblade phase angle were investigated at each of four expansion ratios. Unsteady pressures were measured by flush-mounted Kulite pressure transducers on the center airfoil and compared with an oscillating flat-plate cascade analysis.