bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Canada
Authors: Cameron Arlene , Goldman Anne , Findlay Chris J. 
Published: December 2008

Canada is located in the northern half of North America, and covers a land mass of 9 97 610 km2. The southern Canadian border of 8892 km is shared with the United States. Much of the Canadian population is concentrated along this border. Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories. There are six time zones across Canada. Newfoundland is 3 hours and 30 minutes behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Other time zones are the Atlantic (4 hours behind GMT), Eastern (5 hours behind GMT),Central (6 hours behind GMT),Rocky Mountain (7 hours behindGMT) and the Pacific, 8 hours behind GMT.
Canada is divided into several regions, each with a unique climate and landscape. The Pacific Coast has a moderate climate, with relatively dry summers and mild, wet winters. Other geographical areas of interest include the Rocky and Coastal mountain ranges, the plains of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, the rocky Canadian Shield region, and the cold Arctic region, north of the tree line. Only 12% of Canada’s land is suitable for agriculture. In general, summer temperatures in the milder regions can reach 35°C and higher, while winter temperatures of −25°C are not uncommon.
Canada is essentially stable politically and is undergoing no internal civil conflicts. Canadians as a whole are considered more conservative than their American counterparts. The Canadian infrastructure is highly developed for communication and transportation.
Canadian consumers are similar to other North American cultures (i.e., United States), but some cultural differences may affect research results. Canada recognizes two official languages, English and French. Of Canada’s 30 million people, 59 % declare English to be their mother tongue, 23 % state French as their first language and 18 % have more than one first language or their mother tongue is neither English nor French. More than two-fifths of Canadians have one origin other than British, French, or Aboriginal. Canadians take pride in their multiculturalism; Canada became the first country in the world to adopt a multiculturalism policy in 1971.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: France
Authors: Adam Christel , Brannan Grace , Ward Cindy 
Published: December 2008

France is the largest country in Western Europe, with a vast maritime zone (exclusive economic zone extending over 11 million sq. km). The total area is 547 030 sq. km.
Plains cover two-thirds of the total area. The principal mountain ranges are the Alps (of which the highest peak, Mont Blanc, rising to 4807 metres, is the highest mountain in Western Europe), Pyrenees, Jura, Ardennes, Massif Central, and Vosges. Bordered by four seas (North Sea, Channel, Atlantic Ocean, and Mediterranean), France has 5500 km of coastline.
There are three types of climates in metropolitan France: Oceanic in the west, Mediterranean in the south, and Continental in central and eastern France. Generally the winters are cool and the summers mild, but there are mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean area.
France has overseas subdivisions (departments): Mayotte, Saint Pierre et Miquelon, Guyane, Runion, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Nouvelle Caldonie, and Tahiti.
France is a multi-cultural society. From the beginning of the 20th century, immigration has been a phenomenon that distinguishes French society from other European countries, having welcomed more than 4 million foreigners (2004) to citizenship since 1900. At the turn of the 20th century, immigrants were predominantly of Portuguese, Polish, Italian, and Spanish descent. After the mid-20th century, there have been more African (Algeria War) and Asian immigrants (1980s).
France also has an aging population. There is an increasing part of the population over 60 years old, due to the baby-boomers born in the decades immediately following World War II. They currently have significant consumer buying power.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Kwang-Ok , Kim Sang Sook , Chung Seojin , Brannan Grace 
Published: December 2008

Republic of Korea, also known as South Korea, is situated on the Korean Peninsula, which spans 1100 kilometres from north to south. The Korean Peninsula is located on the northeast section of the Asian Continent and is adjacent to China and Japan. South Korea's total area, including over 3000 islands, is about 99 373 km2. Korea is politically separated into North and South Korea, which are two independent countries. Approximately 45% of the Korean Peninsula constitutes the territory of South Korea (http://www.korea.net by Korean Overseas Information Service).
South Korea is divided into two distinct regions: central and south. The central region consists of the Seoul (the capital city) metropolitan area, Gyeonggi-do Province, Chungcheong-do Province to the south, and Gangwon-do Province to the east. Seoul is the center of all political, economic, and cultural activities and its population is one-quarter of the whole South Korean population. The south region includes the Gyeongsang-do Province to the southeast, Jeolla-do Province to the southwest, and Jeju-do Province which lies off the south coast.
The climate of South Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. August is the hottest month with mean temperature ranging from 19-27°C. January is the coldest month with mean temperature ranging from −8°C to 7°C. Annual precipitation is about 1300 mm in the central region. More than a half of the total rainfall is concentrated in summer, while precipitation in winter is less than 10 % of the annual total.
Koreans are one ethnic family and speak one language. The Korean alphabet is called Hangeul and is easy to learn and write which has greatly contributed to Korea’s high literacy rate. They often understand written questionnaires better than verbal ones. Korean students start to learn English before junior high school.
Given the political differences between North and South Korea, this document will primarily focus on the execution of consumer tests in South Korea.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: The Netherlands
Authors: Yuksel Dogan 
Published: December 2008

The Netherlands is a Western European country between Belgium and Germany. Partly reclaimed from the waters of the North Sea, half of it lies at or below sea level (-7 m lowest point and 321 m highest point). Although the Netherlands' total area is relatively small, it is-with a population of almost 16 millions-one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The people of the world know that the Dutch people have generous and tolerant social qualities.
The Dutch consumers take only one hot meal a day, mainly in the evenings. The other two meals, breakfast and lunch, are sandwich meals. According to a survey conducted by a market research company (OP&P Product Research 2001) Dutch consumers like to eat the following food products using their national flavoring and quality understanding: Fresh dinner components (red or white meat, vegetables, and potatoes),All kinds of bread products,Fresh fruits and vegetables and canned vegetables,Dairy products including ice cream, cheese, fresh milk, and specialty milk products,Soft drinks,Cookies and desserts,Snacks, nuts, and nut products,Breakfast components, andCoffee, cocoa, and tea.
On the other hand, Dutch consumers like to experience new tastes and new food products when they are introduced to the market.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Spain
Authors: Guerrero Luis , Briz Julián 
Published: December 2008

It is difficult to define the average Spanish consumer. Spain is a complex country where a mixture of very different cultures have a common language but different regional languages, values, and traditions. This diversity represents an important handicap in order to select the consumers for a survey. Normally it will be necessary to recruit a large amount of individuals to include all of this cultural richness and to obtain an adequate image which reflects the real country.
In general, Spain can be regarded as a typical Latin country, where the “savoir vivre” has an important effect on consumer’s behavior. Undoubtedly, the climate has influenced and still influences the life and habits of the population. The Spanish like to go out frequently. It is usual to see people enjoying lunch or dinner including “tapeo” or “tapas” or simply walking along the main avenues of the city. Terraces are full of people talking and having a drink at midnight, any day of the week, when weather conditions permit (an average of six months a year).
The Spanish are open-minded, amusing, nice, and very friendly, although they are very critical about their environment. Usually they face up to problems openly and with an ironic attitude. Most of them believe that Spain is a nation with a good balance between work and leisure and one of the countries with the best way of life.
The main industry of the country is tourism. Every year Spain is visited by more than 50 million tourists. Logically this influences the habits of the principal tourist areas. This aspect should be taken into account when choosing the place and dates for carrying out a survey.
Consumers could be suspicious of the interviewer in certain areas, for this reason his∕her appearance, politeness, and identification are essential if a high level of participation is required.
The lack of punctuality is another important aspect to bear in mind, although it varies considerably from one place to another. In general, the infrastructures are well developed and they do not represent any problem when carrying out any type of study.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Thailand
Authors: Kongpensook Varapha , Chambers Edgar , Oupadissakoon Chintana 
Published: December 2008

Thailand is divided into 76 provinces (changwad) with five main regions (Central, Northern, Northeastern, Southern, and Eastern) with a diversity of landscape and natural resources.
Provinces in five regions of Thailand.
The Central Region and its plain has the highest fertility, is an extensive rice-producing area, and has many major industries around the densely populated area of Bangkok. The Northern Region comprises a mountainous area of natural forest, ridges, and deep, narrow alluvial valleys. Chiang Mai is the second-most populous city and province and is the center of the Northern Region. The Northeastern Plateau Region is an arid region with a rolling surface and undulating hills. The large Nakon Ratchasima Province serves as the gateway to the Northeastern Region. Khon Kaen and Ubon Rajathani are considered regional development provinces in the Northeastern Region after the establishment of government universities there. The rain-forested Southern Region peninsula is hilly, thick in forests, and has rich deposits of minerals and iron ores. This region is the center for the production of rubber and the cultivation of other tropical crops, and also is home to many Thai Muslims. Hat Yai, the major business district of Songkhla Province, serves as a regional center in transportation, communications, and education. Phuket is a major tourist attraction in the south. The Eastern Region, including Chon Buri Province, is known primarily as a major tourist area because of the beautiful seashores and good sources of seafood. From 1998, the eastern seaboard also was established to be the main business area of the petroleum industry and shipping. A new Bangkok International airport “Suvarnabhumi” (code BKK), situated approximately 30 miles from Bangkok, opened in the eastern area in late 2006 for both international and domestic travel and shipping. However, the older airport (Don Muang) still may be used for some domestic air service and some shipping. Thus, it is imperative to determine what airport is being used for domestic travel and air shipments.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: United Kingdom
Authors: Marshall Richard J. 
Published: December 2008

The UK is a multicultural society consisting of mainly Anglo-Saxon-European descendants with major Welsh, Scottish, Afro-Caribbean, Asian, and other European groups. There has been considerable mixing of cultures in many areas but also many ethnic groups wish to maintain their cultural heritage. This results in amajority who tend to be somewhat reticent in their attitudes overlaid by a still-strong element of class-consciousness. On the other hand, some of the ethnic groups can be very demonstrative and keen to participate in society. It is noticeable that even the traditionally reserved “Englishman” is now more likely to speak his, or her, mind.
The pressure of society and the articulation of the Protestant work ethic since the 1980s have brought about much of this change and people will declare that they have less time, or are less willing to give time, to answer questionnaires. In practice, people are usually quite cooperative and if they cannot spare the time, will very politely explain this to the researcher.
In certain areas, people will definitely not participate, seeing any inquiry into their personal life as an intrusion or even as a threat. This seems to occur mainly in areas where people have become alienated from mainstream society. Thus, any research should approach such areas with a high level of tact and be aware of such problematic cultural issues. A similar approach is needed where the culture of a particular ethnic group may restrict contacts with strangers. Such ethnic groups often have very strong religious beliefs and practices that must be respected.
There is also an increasing population aged over 50, those people born in the decades immediately following World War II. This generation was the flower children of the 1960s and it might be expected that as they come to retirement they will make their presence felt once again. They currently have significant consumer power.
Reference to professional organizations that provide specific services has been used in several places. This ASTM document does not endorse these companies.
Genome-Wide and Mla Locus-Specific Characterisation of Latvian Barley Varieties
Authors: Kokina Agnese , Rostoks Nils 
Published: December 2008

Genome-Wide and Mla Locus-Specific Characterisation of Latvian Barley Varieties
Genetic diversity in locally adapted germplasm forms the basis for crop improvement through breeding. While single loci have been routinely used for studies of genetic diversity, the highthroughput genotyping platforms that have recently become available for large genome crop plants offer an unbiased view on genetic diversity on a genome-wide scale. We assessed genetic diversity in Latvian barley varieties and some progenitors using DArT markers and studied the extent of linkage disequilibrium in Latvian germplasm. Further, genetic diversity at three loci flanking the barley powdery mildew Mla locus conferring race-specific resistance was studied in Latvian barley germplasm. The Mla locus encompasses several closely related resistance gene homologues with a complex evolutionary history, which complicates the design of molecular markers for different Mla genes. We observed significant linkage disequilibrium between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the three loci, 206i20_T7, ABC15612, and 538P8, flanking the Mla locus. SNP haplotypes were largely in agreement with known phenotypic data and, thus, may be potentially diagnostic for Mla resistance genes in hybrids.
Influence of Climatic Factors on the Annual Radial Growth of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Western Latvia
Authors: Zunde Māris , Briede Agrita , Elferts Didzis 
Published: December 2008

Influence of Climatic Factors on the Annual Radial Growth of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Western Latvia
Dendroclimatological research has been perfomed in Latvia after a break of about 25 years. The growth pattern of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in six districts of western Latvia is analysed in relation to climatic factors (monthly and seasonal mean air temperature and precipitation). Applying various statistical techniques, it was observed that in this area the growth of pine on mineral soils with normal moisture conditions has been affected most significantly by the mean air temperature during the period from the second half of January to the first half of April of the same year. Thus, the period when mean air temperature is the most significant influence is similar across an area at least from Lithuania (inclusive) to southern Scandinavia, while further north it is mean summer air temperature that gradually becomes the determining factor in the radial growth of pine. Also the quality of the dendrochronological signal in tree-ring chronologies of pine growing in the environmental conditions of Latvia was determined and signature years during the 20th century were identified, when the majority of pines throughout the territory of the Baltic States exhibit a similar change in annual radial growth.
Special Devices for Regional Anaesthesia
Authors: Vasiļevskis Edgars , Miščuks Aleksejs , Vanags Indulis 
Published: December 2008

Special Devices for Regional Anaesthesia
The rapid growth of regional anaesthesia in the last 20 years has resulted in an increasing number of technical devices. Technical resources play a very considerable role in modern regional anaesthesia and they are being introduced to facilitate the quality performance of this type of anaesthesia. The task of this survey is to summarise the most important technical devices currently utilised for regional anaesthesia and to provide a review of the history of their introduction. Technical devices for performing regional anaesthesia could be divided in seven groups: 1) neurostimulation and simple needles and catheters; 2) neurostimulator with transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS); 3) ultrasonograph with a device to fix the probe; 4) devices for injection of local anaesthetics, such as perfusors, patient controlled analgesia systems and elastomeric infusion systems; 5) arm, leg and instruments supports; 6) regional anaesthesia injection monitor and data register devices, and 7) catheter fastenings and auxiliary materials. It is recommended that all of the apparatus applied should be classified to make it easier to acquire more immediate and understanding, and be easy to add this knowledge to the overall checklist before starting anaesthesia. The history of the introduction of technical equipment shows how much time was necessary for the development of modern regional anaesthesia methods.
Effects of Epidural Anaesthesia on Intraoperative Core Temperature Changes in Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Rimaitis Kestutis , Pavalkis Dainius , Pundzius Juozas 
Published: December 2008

Effects of Epidural Anaesthesia on Intraoperative Core Temperature Changes in Colorectal Cancer Surgery
The purpose of our study was to compare two different methods of anaesthesia in colorectal cancer surgery with respect to the level of intra-operative heat loss and to evaluate its influence on surgical outcome. One hundred patients scheduled to undergo elective colorectal cancer surgery were randomised to receive general anaesthesia (GEN group) or combined general and epidural anaesthesia (GEN + EA group), with 50 patients in each group. Induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia were performed the same way in both groups. Core temperature in lower 1/3 of oesophagus was measured every five minutes after induction of anaesthesia till the end of the surgery. All postoperative complications were registered. There were no significant differences between both groups in respect to patient characteristics and operations carried out. Core temperature decreased during surgery from 36.5 ± 0.4 °C to 36.0 ± 0.5 °C in the GEN group, compared to 36.3 ± 0.4 °C to 35.7 ± 0.6 °C in GEN + EA group. Moreover, heat loss in the GEN + EA group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the GEN group. Surgical complications occurred in four (8%) patients in GEN group and eleven (22%) in the GEN + EA group (P = 0.09). Our study showed that heating of intravenous infusion fluids is not enough to protect from heat loss intraoperatively. Oesophageal core temperature decreased in all patients, but heat loss was greater in the combined general and epidural anaesthesia group. It seems likely that mild hypothermia is an important risk factor in the development of postoperative surgical complications.
Neuromidin Attenuates Neuropathic Pain in the Streptozocin-Induced Diabetes Model in Rats
Authors: Kluša Vija , Rumaks Juris , Karajeva Ñina 
Published: December 2008

Neuromidin Attenuates Neuropathic Pain in the Streptozocin-Induced Diabetes Model in RatsDiabetic neuropathy, which affects all peripheral nerves and may cause dramatic pain, is one of the most severe pathologies associated with hyperglycaemia, damage in the blood vessels, and inflammation in nerves. Anticonvulsants and antidepressants are still the most commonly used options to manage diabetic neuropathy. However, to improve clinical benefit in the treatment of diabetic neuropathies, as well as to minimize side effects, search for a new type of drugs to protect/treat neuropathic pain is still important. The aim of this study was to investigate neuromidin (ipidacrine, amiridin, NIK-247), an anticholinesterase drug of tetrahydroaminoacridine series, in the streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic neuropathic pain model in rats. Neuromidin was administered per os at daily doses 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg for ten days. The dynamics in the development of hyperalgesia (pain threshold) was measured by algesimeter for five weeks. The data obtained show that neuromidin considerably protects the development of peripheral neuropathic pain caused by STZ. The most active dose was the lowest—0.3 mg/kg. Neuromidin did not affect STZ-hyperglycemia, nor the weight gain in animal groups. Neuromidin per se at the doses 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg showed a short-term analgesic activity. The cholinergic mechanism of neuromidin may be considered as essential in attenuating of diabetic neuropathic pain; other mechanisms remain to be elucidated.