bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic differentiation of the pine wilt disease vectorMonochamus alternatus(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) over a mountain range – revealed from microsatellite DNA markers
Authors: Shoda-Kagaya E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo study the dispersal process of the pine sawyerMonochamus alternatus(Hope) in frontier populations, a microsatellite marker-based genetic analysis was performed on expanding populations at the northern limit of its range in Japan. In Asian countries,M. alternatusis the main vector of pine wilt disease, the most serious forest disease in Japan. Sawyers were collected from nine sites near the frontier of the pine wilt disease damage area. A mountain range divides the population into western and eastern sides. Five microsatellite loci were examined and a total of 188 individuals was genotyped from each locus with the number of alleles ranged from two to nine. The mean observed heterozygosity for all loci varied from 0.282 to 0.480 in the nine sites, with an overall mean of 0.364. None of the populations have experienced a significant bottleneck. Significant differentiation was found across the mountain range, but the genetic composition was similar amongst populations of each side. It is believed that the mountain range acts as a geographical barrier to dispersal and that gene flow without a geographical barrier is high. On the west side of the mountain range, a pattern of isolation by distance was detected. This was likely to be caused by secondary contact of different colonizing routes on a small spatial scale. Based on these data, a process linking genetic structure at local (kilometres) and regional spatial scales (hundreds of kilometres) was proposed.
Evaluation ofBt-toxin uptake by the non-target herbivore,Myzus persicae(Hemiptera: Aphididae), feeding on transgenic oilseed rape
Authors: Burgio G. , Lanzoni A. , Accinelli G. , Dinelli G. , Bonetti A. , Marotti I. , Ramilli F. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAs consequence of the concern about the biosafety of genetically modified plants, biological and ecological studies are considered crucial for environmental risk assessment. Laboratory experiments were carried out in order to evaluate the transfer of the Cry1AcBt-toxin from a transgenicBt-oilseed rape to a non-target pest,Myzus persicaeSulzer. Cry1Ac protein levels in plants and aphids were determined using a double sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Phloem sap from (Bt+) and (Bt−) oilseed rape plants was collected from leaves using a standard method of extraction in an EDTA buffer.Bt-toxin was present in phloem sap, with a mean concentration of 2.7±1.46 ppb, corresponding to a 24-fold lower level than in oilseed rape leaves. Toxin was also detected in aphid samples, with a mean concentration in the positive samples of 2.0±0.8 ppb. The evidence thatBt-toxin remains in herbivores, in this case an aphid, could be useful to clarify functional aspects linked to possible consequences ofBt-crops on food chains involving herbivore–natural enemy trophic systems. Further studies are needed in order to improve the knowledge on the functional aspects linked to the transfer of the Cry1AcBt-toxin from GM-oilseed rape to aphids and their possible consequence.
Timbral praxis: when a tree falls in the forest is it music?
Authors: Rudy Paul 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThere is growing evidence of widespread acceptance of timbre as a primary surface feature and as a structural device in music across genres. This is a result of a growing body of source material available in musical contexts through recording and sampling. Composers using new sounds are creating new musical syntax and structures, and consequently, new contexts and paradoxical or ‘synchretic’ situations that motivate resolution by the listener. New source materials, syntax, structure and synchresis pose challenges for the analyst in this largely non-notated music as well. Research in perception and the formation of conceptual frameworks is providing key information towards understanding this growing timbral common practice and how to talk about it with cogency and depth.
Growth pattern and prevalence of obesity in affluent schoolchildren of Delhi
Authors: Sharma A , Sharma K , Mathur KP 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of obesity in affluent schoolchildren of Delhi.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study covering over 4000 students. Anthropometric measurements and birth weights of all the students were recorded.Setting and subjectsThe study was carried out in a school catering to the affluent section of Indian society and included both boys and girls in the age range 4 to 17 years.ResultsThe heights and weights of the children were almost similar to those of the National Center for Health Statistics standards, and were much above the values reported by the Indian National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau, which largely captures rural children belonging to lower socio-economic strata in India. Of the subjects studied, 22% were overweight and 6% were obese. Only 6% of these children had low birth weight.ConclusionThe prevalence of obesity is rising among children because of their change in lifestyle. Children born with a birth weight of ≥ 3 kg tended to have higher body mass index in their adolescent years and maybe consequently in their adult years. Nutrition education can play an important part in reducing the incidence of overweight/obesity and its associated complications.
A comprehensive physical activity promotion programme at elementary school: the effects on physical activity, physical fitness and psychosocial correlates of physical activity
Authors: Verstraete Stefanie JM , Cardon Greet M , De Clercq Dirk LR , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse MM 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a comprehensive physical activity (PA) promotion programme in elementary schools on children's total PA levels, leisure-time PA, physical fitness and psychosocial correlates of PA.DesignA pre-test–post-test design over two school years.Setting and subjectsSixteen elementary schools (764 children, mean age: 11.2 ± 0.7 years) were randomly assigned to the intervention condition (n = 8) and the control condition (n = 8). The intervention included a health-related physical education programme, an extracurricular PA promotion programme and classroom-based PA education lessons. In the total sample, leisure-time PA, psychosocial correlates of PA and physical fitness were measured using a PA questionnaire and the Eurofit test battery. In a sub-sample, total PA levels were measured using an accelerometer.ResultsAccording to accelerometer data, children's moderate PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels decreased less in the intervention schools than in the control schools (P < 0.01). The average time spent on MVPA decreased by 9 min per day in the intervention schools compared with 33 min per day in the control schools. Children in the intervention schools reported significantly more moderate PA in leisure time than the controls (P < 0.05). No overall improvement of physical fitness and no effects on the psychosocial correlates of PA were found.ConclusionsThe comprehensive PA promotion programme was successful in preventing a decline in children's total activity levels. Furthermore, the intervention increased children's PA engagement in leisure time. Therefore, implementation needs to be encouraged.
Ground reaction force and hoof deceleration patterns on two different surfaces at the trot
Authors: Gustås Pia , Johnston Christopher , Drevemo Stig 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to compare the hoof deceleration and ground reaction forces following impact on two different surfaces. Seven unshod Standardbreds were trotted by hand at 3.0–5.7 m s− 1over a force plate covered by either of the two surfaces, sandpaper or a 1 cm layer of sand. Impact deceleration data were recorded from one triaxial accelerometer mounted on the fore- and hind hooves, respectively. Ground reaction force data were obtained synchronously from a force plate, sampled at 4.8 kHz. The differences between the two surfaces were studied by analysing representative deceleration and force variables for individual horses. The maximum horizontal peak deceleration and the loading rates of the vertical and the horizontal forces were significantly higher on sandpaper compared with the sand surface (P < 0.001). In addition, the initial vertical deceleration was significantly higher on sandpaper in the forelimb (P < 0.001). In conclusion, it was shown that the different qualities of the ground surface result in differences in the hoof-braking pattern, which may be of great importance for the strength of the distal horse limb also at slow speeds.
The Illusion of Importance: Reconsidering the UK'S Takeover Defence Prohibition
Authors: Kershaw David 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis article considers the significance of the UK Takeover Code's non-frustration prohibition. It asks to what extent the prohibition actually prevents post-bid, director-controlled defences that would not have been, in any event, either formally prohibited by UK company law without share-holder approval or practically ineffective as a result of the basic UK company law rule set. It finds that there would be minimal scope for director-deployed defences in the absence of the non-frustration prohibition, and that, in the context of UK company law, such defences have limited scope to be deployed for entrenchment purposes. Furthermore, this minimal scope for board defensive action would, in order to be compliant with a director's duties, require a pre-bid, shareholder-approved alteration to the UK's default constitutional balance of power between the board and the shareholder body to allow corporate powers to be used for defensive effect. In light of this conclusion the article looks for a rationale to justify denying shareholders the right to make this limited and potentially beneficial defensive election. It concludes that no persuasive rationale is available and that the prohibition is unnecessary and without justification.
Transpterygoid Transposition of a Temporoparietal Fascia Flap: A New Method for Skull Base Reconstruction after Endoscopic Expanded Endonasal Approaches
Authors: Fortes Felipe S. G. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Snyderman Carl H. , Kassam Amin , Prevedello Daniel , Vescan Allan , Mintz Arlan , Gardner Paul 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: Endoscopic expanded endonasal approaches (EEAs) for the resection of lesions of the anterior and ventral skull base can create large defects that present a significant risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. These defects, especially in patients who received preoperative radiotherapy, are best reconstructed with vascularized tissue. The Hadad‐Bassagasteguy flap, a pedicled nasoseptal flap, is our preferred method for reconstruction. This option is not available, however, in patients who underwent a previous posterior septectomy or in those with tumors that invade the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) or sphenoid sinus rostrum. In this scenario, we have used a temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) for the reconstruction of large surgical defects.Methods: We developed a new technique for the transposition of the TPFF into the nasal cavity to reconstruct skull base defects after EEA. The flap is harvested using a conventional hemicoronal incision but is then advanced to the defect using a temporal‐infratemporal tunnel and an endonasal transpterygoid approach. The latter is created using an endoscopic endonasal approach that involves the resection of the posterior wall of the antrum, dissection of the PPF, and partial resection of the pterygoid plates. These maneuvers open a bone window to accommodate the flap. The soft tissue tunnel, extending from the temporal to the infratemporal and then to the PPF, is opened with percutaneous tracheostomy dilators. We present a detailed description of the surgical technique and a retrospective review of two cases in which we used this technique.Results: Two patients with large CSF fistulas who had undergone preoperative radiotherapy were reconstructed transposing the TPFF through a transpterygoid tunnel. We obtained an adequate exposure for placing the flap endonasally, and the flap provided complete coverage of the skull base defect. Both CSF leaks were resolved without any additional morbidity from the flap or the access technique.Conclusion: The TPFF is a reliable and versatile method for the reconstruction of the anterior, middle, clival, and parasellar skull base after EEAs. Its harvesting requires an external incision; thus, it is not our preferred method of reconstruction. It is recommended for large dural defects in patients with previous posterior septectomy and previous radiation treatment.
Identification of satisfaction attributes using competitive analysis of the improvement gap
Authors: Tontini Gérson , Silveira Amélia 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo analyze the limitations of two methods used in the identification of satisfaction attributes in products and services – importance performance analysis (IPA) and Kano method – and to propose a new method for identification of improvement opportunities based on the competitive analysis of the improvement gap.Design/methodology/approachA case analyzing attributes of the service “rodizio de pizzas” a kind of pizzeria found in Brazil, was used to illustrate the proposed method. Resulting from a focus group, four attributes, one of them being an innovation, were specifically chosen to include the different categories of the Kano model: basic, performance and excitement attributes. A survey was conducted with a random sample of 110 undergraduate students that eat regularly at pizzerias.FindingsAs a major limitation, IPA leads to different conclusions depending on how an attribute's importance is figured. Also, it does not take into consideration the non‐linear relationship between the performance of the attributes and customer satisfaction, possibly misleading improvement decisions and hindering the introduction of innovations. The Kano method identifies the non‐linear relationship between performance and satisfaction, but it does not take into consideration the current level of attributes' performance in the analysis. The proposed method successfully identified improvement opportunities in a service case, including the possible impact of including a new attribute, i.e. an innovative attribute, overcoming limitations of the IPA and of the Kano method.Originality/valueThe paper provides an intuitive and simple method that correctly identified improvement decisions in the case studied, including the introduction of an incremental innovation.
MagneMotion's linear synchronous motor (LSM) driven assembly automation and material handling system designs
Authors: Ranky Paul G. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce novel linear synchronous motor (LSM) driven assembly automation and material handling system designs with examples.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses novel LSM technology principles with some practical system design and configuration examples for automated assembly and material handling. The high energy density and rugged design offers high duty cycle, high power, rapid acceleration, improved speed, high positioning repeatability, and increased performance for demanding installations.FindingsLSMs can increase throughput, reliability and payload information feedback. They can also decrease maintenance requirements, and the total cost of installation. MagneMotion's patented QuickStick system propels and controls each vehicle independently by interacting with a permanent magnet array mounted to each vehicle. As a consequence, the vehicles do not require communication or power cables, allowing a broad range of flexible, reconfigurable configurations and move profiles.Practical implicationsLSMs can increase throughput, reliability and payload information feedback. They can also decrease maintenance requirements, and the total cost of installation.Originality/valueDiscusses novel LSM technology principles with some practical system design and configuration examples for automated assembly and material handling.
MediSeal GmbH improves pharmaceutical packaging efficiency for small batch sizes
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the advances made by a particular pharmaceutical packaging machinery manufacturer for dealing with short product runs.Design/methodology/approachThe company and its blister packaging machinery products are described, with special attention to the modular servo‐driven range. The centralised control console and the capabilities of its software are reviewed. A collaborative investigation of a late‐stage customisation approach is reported.FindingsSmall lot‐size is an acute problem in Europe because of the variations in language, carton format and dimensions, and can make set‐up time dominate running time. Functional separation within the machinery and central set‐up control ameliorate this problem, and the use of a logistical storage unit greatly improves overall through‐put.Practical implicationsWhen lot sizes are small, the productivity of a manufacturing line is decided not by the maximum production rate of each machine, but by the logistics of job scheduling.Originality/valuePresents practical developments that improve productivity in pharmaceutical packaging.
Circulation analysis of an engineering monograph approval plan
Authors: Brush Denise 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to describe the quantitative evaluation of an engineering monograph approval plan using circulation analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe circulation frequency of titles purchased under the approval plan was analyzed, and compared with the circulation frequency of all engineering books during the same time period, purchased both individually and through the plan.FindingsIt was found that 23 percent of the approval plan books circulated, compared with 6 percent of engineering books as a whole. There was considerable variation in circulation frequency between engineering disciplines, but approval plan books circulated much more frequently in all subject areas.Research limitations/implicationsThis study assesses circulation only during the most recent complete year, which means that the approval plan books are all new books. However, more than half of the books in the engineering collection are less than ten years old, so age is unlikely to be the only reason for the much higher circulation of approval books.Practical implicationsSince this evaluation concludes that the approval plan does have value for Rowan University's users, such a plan might be worth considering by other academic libraries looking for a better way to obtain new engineering monographs which serve user needs.Originality/valueWhile the circulation data described in this study reflect the unique needs of the Rowan University user community, they can serve as a useful benchmark for engineering librarians who want to assess the usage of their monograph collections. The study also has value for academic librarians who are evaluating an approval plan from YBP or another vendor.
Report on the Charleston Conference 2006
Authors: Cassell Kay Ann 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the highlights of the 2006 Charleston Conference.Design/methodology/approachDocumentation of the presentations given at the conference.FindingsThe Charleston Conference report discusses new directions in many areas of collection development, including trends in e‐books, new developments in e‐resources, preservation of e‐resources, and scholarly communication.Practical implicationsThe report discusses new ideas and new directions in many areas of collection development that alert librarians to changes on the horizon.Originality/valueThis report is of interest to library and information management professionals.
Social metadata for the impact factor
Authors: Korfiatis Nikolaos , Poulos Marios , Bokos George 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to address the need for a definition of metadata descriptors for use in enhancing the accuracy of bibliometric instruments of scholarly evaluation, such as the impact factor.Design/methodology/approachA semantic vocabulary – COAP – is constructed, deployed on top of the Resource Description Framework (RDF), by extending the Friend‐of‐a‐Friend (FOAF) schema.FindingsAn extension of the FOAF vocabulary is considered as the ability to describe a publication record such as this paper in terms of scholar contributions and participations. In order to achieve that, the FOAF vocabulary is extended.Practical implicationsThe application of this semantic vocabulary could be used as a way of enhancing the accuracy of source data for bibliometric evaluation instruments.Originality/valueThe paper discusses how metadata descriptors can contribute to the improvement of already established scholar evaluation instruments such as the impact factor. It will be of use in the development of digital libraries.
Internet banking market performance: Turkey versus the UK
Authors: Sayar Ceren , Wolfe Simon 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare and evaluate the internet banking services of Turkey and the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an exploratory research for a sample of nine banks from each country, a web survey is conducted to collect data for each internet bank using an analytical framework based on a three dimensional model.FindingsIt is found that Turkish banks offer a wider range of services from their internet branches compared to British banks, despite the fact that the UK has a more favourable environment for internet banking in terms of the level of sophistication of its banking sector and technological infrastructure. Furthermore, a key difference is observed in the approaches of banks towards the issue of “security”.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this paper are reached by the use of a simplified model that only focuses on the transaction side of internet banking. Therefore, further research could encompass other aspects from the provider's perspective of the internet banking environment within a refined model.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that there is a fundamental difference in the banks' approaches to dealing with security problems and insights can be gained from cross‐country peer group analysis. Furthermore, the study assists researchers and practitioners to evaluate and build upon their e‐business provision.Originality/valueThe paper is the first of its kind, that the authors are aware of, to conduct a cross‐country analysis of internet banking services.