bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A framework for conducting a customer orientation audit
Authors: NWANKWO SONNY A. 
Published: July 2007

It can be all too easy for senior managers, especially those in large organisations to become cut off from their customers and hold comfortable illusions about how well products and services are being received. This underscores the difficulties companies face in sustaining a systematic programme of customer orientation.This paper argues that the difficulties arise primarily from lack of effective internal organisation. It provides a framework which is intended to help decision makers in organisations to analyse and evaluate their overall customer strategies, and determine whether or not such strategies truly reflect a culture of customer orientation. The method offered here is requisite for strategic customer management, which is called for in today's turbulent business environment.
Effect of moisture migration on sandwich texture
Authors: GOMES F. , PATIENT D. , ROBERTS* D.G. , THOMASON S.A. 
Published: July 2007

The effect of moisture migration on the texture of tuna sandwiches was studied using panel and instrumental methods.Moisture migration from the spread to the bread was dependent on the percentage of water in the filling (r = 0.97).Moisture content affected the firmness and cohesiveness of the sandwiches, as measured by panel and instrumental methods. A correlation was found with firmness (r = 0.75) but not with cohesiveness.
JAK‐STAT signaling pathway mediates astrogliosis in brains of scrapie‐infected mice
Authors: Na Yeo‐Jung , Jin Jae‐Kwang , Kim Jae‐Il , Choi Eun‐Kyoung , Carp Richard I. , Kim Yong‐Sun 
Published: July 2007

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

SummaryBackground  Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is common in bakery workers. The relation between bronchial responsiveness measured with a tidal breathing method and smoking, airway symptoms, IgE‐sensitization, nasal indices of inflammation and flour dust exposure have been studied with bronchial responsiveness expressed as a continuous outcome.Material and methods  Bakery workers (n = 197) were subjected to interviews, questionnaires, allergy tests, workplace dust measurements and bronchial metacholine provocation. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and α2‐macroglobulin were measured in nasal lavage. Bronchial responsiveness was expressed as slopeconc, a measurement based on regressing the per cent reduction in FEV1 at each provocation step.Results  BHR expressed as slopeconc was associated with smoking (P = 0·009), asthma symptoms at work (P = 0·001), and occupational IgE sensitization (P = 0·048). After adjusting for baseline lung function the association between BHR and IgE sensitization was no longer present. We demonstrated an association between nasal ECP and BHR (slopeconc < 3: P = 0·012), but not to α2‐macroglobulin in nasal lavage. No association was seen between BHR and current exposure level of flour dust, number of working years in a bakery or a history of dough‐making.Conclusion  BHR is related to baseline lung function, work‐related asthma symptoms, smoking and nasal eosinophil activity, but not to occupational IgE sensitization and current flour dust exposure when measured with metacholine provocation. The slopeconc expression seems to be a useful continuous outcome in bronchial responsiveness testing.
How Much Ecology Do We Need to Know to Restore Mediterranean Ecosystems?
Authors: Valladares Fernando , Gianoli Ernesto 
Published: July 2007

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

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

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

OBJECTIVES: To explore the presence of negative stereotypical attitudes among medical students and the extent to which attitudes changed over time.DESIGN: Analysis of pre‐ and postexperience administration of attitude measures to four cohorts of medical students (two cohorts as quasi‐controls and two cohorts as curriculum “treatment” groups).SETTING: The curriculum of a community‐based medical school in the United States.PARTICIPANTS: Four sequential cohorts of medical students.INTERVENTION: Experience in a required comprehensive vertically integrated curriculum.MEASUREMENTS: The Aging Semantic Differential (ASD), using an 85‐year‐old woman as the cue image.RESULTS: The reliability scores for all administrations were acceptable. The two control cohorts demonstrated no change in attitude scores, whereas the treatment cohorts reflected a slight shift toward more‐positive scores. However, all cohorts had scores for all sittings that were in the neutral range; on average students routinely scored 70% of the 32 items neither positively nor negatively.CONCLUSION: These students seemed not to hold negative stereotypes as measured using the ASD. Although two of the 32 items prompted negative stereotyping, and six items elicited positive stereotyping, attitudes were neutral about older adults. Characteristics of the ASD itself or of the response set used in this study may have affected the results.
Visual cues override olfactory cues in the host‐finding process of the monophagous leaf beetle Altica engstroemi
Authors: Stenberg Johan A. , Ericson Lars 
Published: July 2007

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

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

ABSTRACTYersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague. While rare, pharyngeal plague in humans has been associated with consumption or handling of meat prepared from infected animals, and the risks of contracting plague from consumption of deliberately contaminated meat are currently unknown. Ionizing radiation can inactivate foodborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica in refrigerated and frozen raw meat. The radiation resistance of avirulent Y. pestis suspended in raw ground pork was 0.16 (±0.02), 0.27 (±0.02), 0.36 (±0.02) and 0.54 (±0.03) kGy when irradiated at 10, 0,−10 and−20C, respectively. When incorporated into a three‐dimensional mesh, the predictive equation followed a parabolic fit (R2 = 0.84) where log10 reduction = −0.264 − (0.039 × temperature) − (3.833 × dose)− (0.0013 × temperature2) − (0.728 × dose2). A radiation dose of 1.35 kGy would inactivate 5 log10 of Y. pestis in refrigerated (0C) ground pork, while a radiation dose of 2.7 kGy would be required for frozen (−20C) product. These results indicate that Y. pestis could easily be controlled in refrigerated and frozen raw ground meat using ionizing radiation.
Health Risks of Chlorination ‐ is there a Problem?
Authors: FAWELL J. K. , FIELDING M. , RIDWAY J. W. 
Published: July 2007

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

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

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

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

ABSTRACTIron is not normally considered to be a constituent of health significance, and recommended limits for iron in drinking water supplies are based on aesthetic considerations. Experience in Malawi has demonstrated that, even when present in only trace amounts, iron can influence the consumer's acceptance of an improved borehole supply. The effect of the use of plastic construction materials on the iron content of village groundwater supplies was investigated using a statistical approach. The majority of groundwater points using only plastic materials was found to supply water containing less than the WHO guideline value of 0.3 mg/l iron. In contrast, the use of ferrous‐materials increased the iron content of the water to unacceptable levels, sometimes causing the consumers to reject the borehole as a source of drinking water.Bacteriological data show that the quality of the alternative, traditional supply is far inferior to the new improved supply. An otherwise perfectly safe supply may therefore be abandoned as a direct result of contamination introduced by ‘down the hole’ components. This frustrates efforts to improve the well‐being of rural communities, and is a waste of precious development resources.
The New Zealand Rural Water Supply Concept and the Developing World
Authors: FAIRBURN B. A. , WISE H. R. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe historical development of the New Zealand rural water supply concept is described, and the basic principles are explained in terms of both its design features and reliance upon community involvement during the promotional, constructional and operational phases.Conceptional and cost comparisons are made between the New Zealand rural water supply concept and its urban counterpart, and an analysis is undertaken of the transferability of the concept to a developing world situation with the consequent emphasis on low‐cost construction and self‐help operation.The adoption of the New Zealand model is advocated as a potential design concept for a range of defined circumstances in developing countries.
A Review of Farm Waste Pollution
Authors: BECK L. 
Published: July 2007

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

ABSTRACTThe Government's intention to abolish the rateable value system has made it urgent for the water industry to develop an alternative method of charging for its domestic customers. Metering is one option, and a description is given of the national programme of metering trials. These trials will provide better information on which to base future charging and metering decisions.One area of 53 000 properties and eleven smaller areas of 1000 properties will be included in the trials. The paper covers their design and objectives and the location of the selected sites. The various metering systems are described including the meters, the installation location, the reading and billing systems and the metered tariffs to be used.
1. Design and Construct Contracts in the Water Industry ‐The Way Ahead? The Client's Viewpoint
Authors: WARD A. I. , BURKE C. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe paper addresses the basic dilemma for a water authority in how best to achieve the balance of risk sharing to obtain satisfactorily low competitive prices for its works whilst maintaining the possibility of the widest choice of options. It discusses the advantages of design and construct contracts and how these can be applied to meet the authority's objectives. Consideration is given to the demands placed on the client and how inherent disadvantages can be overcome. Comments are made arising from the authors' experience and questions are posed regarding the ability of the industry to meet the challenge.