bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectrophotometric Determination of Cationic Surfactants Using Patent Blue V: Application to the Wastewater Industry in Algiers
Authors: Idouhar M. , Tazerouti A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPatent Blue V has been applied in a solvent extraction spectrophotometric method for the determination of cationic surfactants (CS) in industrial wastewaters. The method is based on the introduction of Patent Blue V as an anionic dye, and the formation of an ion pair association with CS in chloroform under the studied extraction conditions. The maximum wavelength of absorption for the ion pair is located at 627 nm, and a molar absorption coefficient of higher than 3.6 × 105 l mol−1 cm−1 was obtained. The calibration curve was linear between 0 and 5.48 × 10−6 M, and exhibited a significant coefficient of correlation. Based on the calculated values for the relative standard deviation (%) over the studied concentration range, the method was found to be highly sensitive, and the deduced limit of detection for the method was found to be very low (8.6 × 10−8 M of CTAB). It was also found that a washing step was necessary for the organic extract in order to remove interferences caused by foreign ions and species present in unknown samples. To validate this method, the procedure was used to determine the CS contents of samples collected from textile industry wastewaters in the Algiers region. The results obtained showed good agreement for the proposed method.
Seed dormancy in red rice. XIII: Interaction of dry-afterripening and hydration temperature
Authors: Gianinetti Alberto , Cohn Marc Alan 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWhile red rice (Oryza sativaL.) can remain dormant and viable for many years when fully imbibed, the environmental factors that stimulate germination or induce secondary dormancy in the field have not been characterized. In this study, the interactions between the extent of dry-afterripening and germination temperature have been evaluated as possible factors. Red rice dispersal units (florets) were afterripened for 0–10 weeks at 30°C and incubated in water at 1, 5, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C for 2 weeks; then, all the ungerminated florets were transferred to 30°C for two additional weeks. Germination at the end of each of the two sequential treatments was compared to define both the effect of differing temperatures on germination (first treatment), and the effect of these temperatures on subsequent germination at the optimum temperature (30°C, second treatment). In afterripening red rice, the opening of the temperature window for germination begins at 25–35°C. Fully dormant florets acquired the ability to germinate ≥ 90% at 30°C after 4 weeks of dry-afterripening. However, imbibing florets for 2 weeks at 15°C followed by 2 weeks at 30°C, yielded suboptimal germination and induced a degree of secondary dormancy, dependent upon the extent of previous dry-afterripening. Cold stratification (1°C) had a consistent promotive effect on the subsequent germination, particularly when preceded by 1–2 weeks of dry-afterripening at 30°C. To monitor the effects of germination temperature, median afterripening time was utilized as a relative dormancy index, and changes in this index have been interpreted as an overlapping of germination and the temperature-induced changes in the dormancy status. Field weather data suggested that low-temperature stratification may be a germination trigger in the field, even in southern Louisiana, and this merits further investigation in studies of soil-buried seeds.
Effects of Pravastatin on Obesity, Diabetes, and Adiponectin in Diet‐induced Obese Mice
Authors: Araki Kana , Masaki Takayuki , Katsuragi Isao , Kakuma Tetsuya , Yoshimatsu Hironobu 
Published: August 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo effects of pravastatin on the development of obesity and diabetes in diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice.Methods and Procedures: We examined food intake, body‐weight changes, visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) adiponectin and resistin levels, and energy metabolism.Results: Treatment with 100 mg/kg/day pravastatin for 28 days decreased diet‐induced weight gain and visceral adiposity. In addition, the weight of the WAT, the triglyceride (TG) contents of the liver and muscles, and the levels of serum insulin improved in the pravastatin‐treated DIO mice. Furthermore, pravastatin treatment changed the WAT adiponectin and resistin mRNA expression and serum levels compared with the controls. Finally, pravastatin treatment increased oxygen consumption and decreased the respiratory quotient (RQ).Discussion: Pravastatin treatment prevents the development of obesity and diabetes in DIO mice. The prevention of obesity may be mediated by increased oxygen consumption and a decrease in the RQ. These results provide novel insights into the use of pravastatin as a therapeutic tool for metabolic syndromes.
Freshwater fishes, their biodiversity, habitats and fisheries in the Nordic countries
Authors: Lehtonen Hannu , Rask Martti , Pakkasmaa Susanna , Hesthagen Trygve 
Published: August 2008

Finland, Norway and Sweden have in total about 126500 lakes larger than four hectares. In Finland and Sweden, approximately 10% of the surface area is freshwater; whereas in Norway, it is about 6%. Altogether 56 fish species are reproducing in the Nordic freshwaters, including four lamprey species. Due to geographical differences, the freshwater fish fauna differs considerably in the northern and southern parts; but species richness increases also from west to east. The proportion of recreational fishermen in Norway, Finland and Sweden was about 50%, 40% and 27 %, respectively, in 2004. Professional freshwater fishing is declining, but is still important in some lakes in Finland and Sweden. In all three countries, fishing rights belong to the water or land owner, with some exceptions.
Water quality has improved in recent decades due to decreased nutrient loads from point sources, but the limitation of scattered nutrient loads has been less successful. This development can also be seen in the responses of fish communities. Some 30–40 years ago, waters close to many cities or industrial plants were heavily polluted and had only limited recreational or fisheries value. Recently, they are often inhabited by healthy fish populations. On the other hand, there are many highly eutrophic lakes in agricultural areas of southern and western Finland and Sweden that regularly suffer from algal blooms and high biomasses of cyprinid fish. The increasing acidification problem of oligotrophic lakes was related to long distance air pollution in recent years, but the situation has now improved. Lake regulation impacts the littoral ecosystems in hundreds of lakes and causes considerable negative impacts on feeding and reproduction areas for fish. The main measure used for compensating the damaged fish numbers has been stocking. Many large rivers have been modified for hydropower production. Most activities of fish habitat restoration are directed at rivers. Fisheries management includes several tools: regulations on use and structure of fishing gear, temporal and regional fishing restrictions, the size limits of target fish, the limitations of fishing efficiency, and amount of catch. The general goal is to meet the principles of sustainable use of natural resources.
A dedicated software for aircraft sheet metal parts
Authors: Sedighi M. , Abolghasemi M.S. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeTraditional procedures in flat pattern design of aircraft sheet metal parts are generally based on technicians' personal idea and experiences which can cause unwanted inconsistency and errors. The main objective of this paper is to present an automated system for decreasing the time and increasing the accuracy in providing templates used in aircraft sheet metal parts manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the software (Developer) which is able to receive 2D drawing of a part and create the flat pattern template after applying the necessary changes. The system is also capable of supplying other components of sheet metal part template such as support, tooling hole, and lightening hole. AutoLISP has been used as a tool for internal access to a commercial software such as AutoCAD. An interface has been written by Visual Basic for Application (VBA) to enable the user easily to apply the subroutines related to the software system.FindingsSeveral algorithms have been developed and the necessary subroutines have been written in an integrated user‐friendly package. To clarify the process and its application, an application example is demonstrated.Originality/valueThe paper can provide automatically components that are not originally provided in other commercial software. It also has the ability to calculate spring‐back and provide unfold drawing. The known standard templates can also be created.
Workpiece temperature prediction by model and measurement by pyrometer
Authors: Longbottom J.M. , Dailami F. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the use of a commercial pyrometer to measure the surface temperature of workpieces as machining takes place. The pyrometer readings are to be compared with model predictions.Design/methodology/approachThe pyrometer was mounted on an industrial milling machine and the temperature of the workpiece was measured behind the cutting tool as it traversed the workpiece. A mathematical spreadsheet model was used to predict the temperatures at the point measured by the pyrometer and at the point where cutting took place.FindingsIt was found by selecting the “partition ratio” of the power being transmitted to the workpiece that agreement could be found between measured and predicted results.Research limitations/implicationsThe work was mainly carried out on aluminium samples, which exhibited low cutting temperatures.Originality/valueThe paper describes a method of finding the partition ratio of heat going into the workpiece.
Effect of humic acid on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in natural freshwaters
Authors: Jiang Li , Mao Xuhui , Yu Jianfei , Gan Fuxing 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study corrosion behavior and corrosion mechanism of carbon steel in natural freshwaters with humic acid (HA).Design/methodology/approachThe weight‐loss method, electrochemical measurements and surface analysis technique were used to study the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in freshwaters with HA.FindingsGeneral corrosion occurred when carbon steel was exposed to test solutions (fresh lake water with and without HA). The presence of HA in test solution can accelerated the corrosion rate of carbon steel.Originality/valueThere have been few reports on the effect of HA on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel. In this study, it is clearly shown that the presence of HA in fresh lake water can accelerate the corrosion rate of carbon steel. This research not only can offer theoretical guidelines for the prevention of pipelines and facilities from corroding, but also can provide a reference for suitable material selection and the further protection of carbon steel in hydraulic engineering.
Assessing export performance in the Greek food and beverage industry
Authors: Mavrogiannis Miltiadis , Bourlakis Michael A. , Dawson Philip J. , Ness Mitchell R. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and estimate an integrated empirical model of export performance. The paper aims to adopt an eclectic approach, which synthesises the literature to identify key determinants and then applies the model to Greek food and beverage exporters.Design/methodology/approachThis paper identifies the determinants of export performance from a literature review. An integrated structural equation model is then developed to estimate the directions and magnitudes of their interdependencies.FindingsResults show that the determinants of export performance are the export marketing mix, entrepreneurial orientation, trade barriers and export problems. In turn, the export marketing mix is indirectly determined by export market attractiveness, export competencies, and management.Practical implicationsThe multidimensional approach of this paper provides for a more integrated understanding of export performance than many of the partial studies found in the literature hitherto.Originality/valueThe paper identifies generic factors that are important for successful export marketing. These are incorporated into a structural equation model, which estimates their impacts and interdependencies on export performance simultaneously. The findings can aid Greek food and beverage exporters to formulate effective export marketing strategies.
Segmentation of US consumers based on food safety attitudes
Authors: Kennedy Jean , Worosz Michelle , Todd Ewen C. , Lapinski Maria K. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to segment US consumers based on their attitudes towards food safety and to demographically characterize each segment so that effective risk communication strategies and outreach programs may be developed to target vulnerable groups.Design/methodology/approachFactor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to data on consumer food safety attitudes of a probability sample of US adults, collected by telephone questionnaires (n=1,014).FindingsThe diversity of consumer attitudes was based on five factors; concern, trust, desire for a high level of regulation, acceptance for the number of people who are ill, hospitalized or die from foodborne illness, and preference for the right to purchase foods that are not guaranteed to be safe. The consumer segments identified on the bases of these factors can be classified as “confident,” “independent”, “trusting”, “cautious”, or “apprehensive” consumers. Socio‐demographic characteristics; education, income, person with allergy in the household, and person under the age of six living in the household, varied significantly between each consumer segment.Practical implicationsThis study can inform effective food safety intervention strategies and target consumers most in need of food safety education that may enhance overall food safety knowledge and/or lead to changes in their behavior.Originality/valueThis paper uses exploratory factor analysis to identify the factors that underlie consumers' attitudes towards food safety. It is the first study to segment US consumers based on these factors and to demographically characterize each segment.
Asceticism and hedonism in research discourses of veg*anism
Authors: Cole Matthew 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically examine the dominance of an ascetic discourse of veg*anism in social research literature, and to relate it to a dominant hierarchical ordering of Western diets (to refer collectively to veganism and vegetarianism).Design/methodology/approachA review of the extant social research literature on veg*anism was undertaken in order to discern whether a consistent type of descriptive language existed. This facilitated an understanding of the way in which that language is constitutive of research generated understandings of veg*anism.FindingsAn ascetic discourse of veg*anism is dominant in social research. This is reflected in the phraseology used by authors. Typical descriptive terms of a veg*an diet include “strict”, “restrictive”, or “avoidance”. This ascetic discourse reproduces the hierarchical ordering of Western diets such that veg*anism is denigrated and made to seem “difficult” and abnormal.Research limitations/implicationsVeg*anism arguably promises multiple benefits for human, environmental, and nonhuman animal well‐being. The potential to realize those benefits is hampered by the perpetuation of an understanding of veg*anism as an ascetic practice.Originality/valueThis paper provides the first comprehensive examination of the language used to describe veg*anism within social research. It can enhance reflexivity on the part of social researchers interested in veg*anism, and help inform research design. In providing an alternative hedonic discourse of veg*anism, this paper also makes a contribution towards realizing the potential benefits of veg*anism through making it a more attractive dietary practice.
Effect of probiotics on biotechnological characteristics of yoghurt
Authors: Sarkar S. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeProbiotics are known to extend health benefits and therefore may be included during yoghurt manufacture to enhance its prophylactic properties. Different probiotic strains may exhibit diverse biotechnological behaviour in association with yoghurt cultures, therefore interactive behaviour amongst probiotic and yoghurt cultures must be evaluated prior to their commercial application. This paper aims to assess the effect of inclusion of different probiotic cultures on various biotechnological (technological, dietetic and prophylactic) characteristics of yoghurt cultures.Design/methodology/approachYoghurt was assessed for technological characteristics based on acidification and flavour production, dietetic characteristics based on proteolytic activity, vitamin synthesis and L (+) lactic acid production and prophylactic characteristics based onβ‐galactosidase activity, antibacterial spectrum, viability in product as well as during gastro‐intestinal transit, intestinal colonization, immunomodulation, anti‐carcinogenicity and hypocholesterolemic effect.FindingsDifferent probiotic cultures exhibited diverse technological, dietetic and prophylactic behaviour in association with yoghurt cultures. Functional properties of traditional yoghurt could be enhanced with the combined introduction of probiotic cultures such asBifidobacterium bifidum,Bifidobacterium infantisandLactobacillus acidophilusand the resultant product may be recommended for consumption as a dietary adjunct.Originality/valueThe paper shows that combined introduction of probiotic cultures such asB. bifidum,B. infantisandL. acidophilus,as microbial additives during the manufacture of yoghurt would result in a product with enhanced functional properties.
Understanding and addressing bullying in the workplace
Authors: Townend Anni 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better understand bullying behaviours in the workplace and how these behaviours can be addressed as part of an ongoing and integral approach to diversity through building bigger and more assertive relationships in which there is greater awareness and understanding of each other – our differences and similaritiesDesign/methodology/approachA psychological approach is taken in order to better understand the phenomena of bullying and the kinds of interventions that can facilitate individuals, groups and organisations in becoming more inclusive and assertiveFindingsIncidents of bullying behaviour in organisations towards people most typically are directed at individuals from the very groups of people who are regularly targeted for bullying simply for being different from the majority and not because of something that they have done or not doneOriginality/valueA deeper understanding of the dynamics of bullying behaviour in organisations leading to suggestions as to how organisations can promote attitudes, values and behaviours that are inclusive and allowing of difference.
An epistemological critique of gap theory based library assessment: the case of SERVQUAL
Authors: Yu Liangzhi , Hong Qiulan , Gu Song , Wang Yazun 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to investigate the epistemological underpinning of SERVQUAL and its limitations; and second, to propose ways to enhance the utility of SERVQUAL as a library assessment tool.Design/methodology/approachThe study first conceptualises quality judgment as a knowing process and locates the epistemological stance of SERVQUAL within the general framework of epistemology demarcation; it then examines related SERVQUAL assumptions and their implications for library assessment in general and for service quality assessment in particular based on two empirical investigations: a questionnaire survey and an interview survey. The questionnaire survey applies the SERVQUAL instrument to three Chinese university libraries, with a view to examining the SERVQUAL score in light of epistemological considerations; the interview survey interviews 50 faculty users in one of the three universities with a view to illuminating the naturalistic process through which users develop their judgement of the library's service quality and through which the SERVQUAL score is formed.FindingsThe study shows that the actual SERVQUAL score is distributed in a very scattered manner in all three libraries, and that it is formed through a very complex process rooted primarily in the user's personal experiences with the library, which are in turn shaped by factors from both the library world and the user's life‐world. Based on these findings, this research questions a number of SERVQUAL assumptions and proposes three concepts which may help to contextualise the SERVQUAL score and enhance its utility in actual library assessment: library planning based variance of user perception, perception‐dependent user expectation and library‐sophistication based user differentiation.Originality/valueThe research presented in the paper questions a number of SERVQUAL assumptions and proposes three concepts that may help to contextualise the SERVQUAL score and enhance its utility in actual library assessment.
Syntagmatic relationships and indexing consistency on a larger scale
Authors: Olson Hope A. , Wolfram Dietmar 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine interindexer consistency on a larger scale than other studies have done to determine if group consensus is reached by larger numbers of indexers and what, if any, relationships emerge between assigned terms.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 64 MLIS students were recruited to assign up to five terms to a document. The authors applied basic data modeling and the exploratory statistical techniques of multi‐dimensional scaling (MDS) and hierarchical cluster analysis to determine whether relationships exist in indexing consistency and the coocurrence of assigned terms.FindingsConsistency in the assignment of indexing terms to a document follows an inverse shape, although it is not strictly power law‐based unlike many other social phenomena. The exploratory techniques revealed that groups of terms clustered together. The resulting term cooccurrence relationships were largely syntagmatic.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are based on the indexing of one article by non‐expert indexers and are, thus, not generalizable. Based on the study findings, along with the growing popularity of folksonomies and the apparent authority of communally developed information resources, communally developed indexes based on group consensus may have merit.Originality/valueConsistency in the assignment of indexing terms has been studied primarily on a small scale. Few studies have examined indexing on a larger scale with more than a handful of indexers. Recognition of the differences in indexing assignment has implications for the development of public information systems, especially those that do not use a controlled vocabulary and those tagged by end‐users. In such cases, multiple access points that accommodate the different ways that users interpret content are needed so that searchers may be guided to relevant content despite using different terminology.