bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human arterial responses to isometric exercise: the role of the muscle metaboreflex
Authors: Davies Tom S. , Frenneaux Michael P. , Campbell Ross I. , White Michael J. 
Published: March 2007

The effects of exercise on the distensibility of large and medium-sized arteries are poorly understood, but can be attributed to a combination of local vasodilator effects of exercise opposed by sympathetic vasoconstrictor tone. We sought to examine this relationship at the conduit artery level, with particular reference to the role of the sympatho-excitatory muscle metaboreflex. The effect of maintained muscle metaboreflex activation on a previously passive or exercised limb femoral artery was investigated. A total of ten healthy volunteers performed 2 min of isometric ankle plantar-flexion at 40% MVC (maximal voluntary force), in conjunction with 2 min of either non-ischaemic isometric HG (handgrip; control condition) or IHG (ischaemic HG) at 40% MVC. IHG was followed by 2 min of PECO (post-exercise circulatory occlusion) to maintain muscle metaboreflex activation. FTPWV [femoral–tibial PWV (pulse wave velocity)] was measured in the exercised or contralateral limb at baseline and immediately following calf exercise. BP (blood pressure) and HR (heart rate) were measured continuously throughout. In the HG condition, BP and HR returned promptly to baseline post-exercise, whereas exercised leg FTPWV was decreased (less stiff) by 0.6 m/s (P&lt;0.05) and the non-exercised leg PWV was not changed from baseline. PECO caused a sustained increase in BP, but not HR, in the IHG condition. Contralateral leg PWV increased (stiffened) during PECO by 0.9 m/s (P&lt;0.05), whereas exercised limb FTPWV was not changed from baseline. In conclusion, muscle metaboreflex activation causes a systemic stiffening of the arterial tree, which can overcome local exercise-induced decreases in arterial PWV.
Graded occlusion of perfused rat muscle vasculature decreases insulin action
Authors: Vollus Georgie C. , Bradley Eloise A. , Roberts Merren K. , Newman John M. B. , Richards Stephen M. , Rattigan Stephen , Barrett Eugene J. , Clark Michael G. 
Published: March 2007

Insulin increases capillary recruitment in vivo and impairment of this may contribute to muscle insulin resistance by limiting either insulin or glucose delivery. In the present study, the effect of progressively decreased rat muscle perfusion on insulin action using graded occlusion with MS (microspheres; 15 μm in diameter) was examined. EC (energy charge), PCr/Cr (phosphocreatine/creatine ratio), AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) phosphorylation on Thr172 (P-AMPKα/total AMPK), oxygen uptake, nutritive capacity, 2-deoxyglucose uptake, Akt phosphorylation on Ser473 (P-Akt/total Akt) and muscle 2-deoxyglucose uptake were determined. Arterial injection of MS (0, 9, 15 and 30×106 MS/15 g of hindlimb muscle, as a bolus) into the pump-perfused (0.5 ml·min−1·g−1 of wet weight) rat hindlimb led to increased pressure (−0.5±0.8, 15.9±2.1, 28.7±4.6 and 60.3±9.4 mmHg respectively) with minimal changes in oxygen uptake. Nutritive capacity was decreased from 10.6±1.0 to 3.8±0.9 μmol·g−1 of muscle·h−1 (P&lt;0.05) with 30×106 MS. EC was unchanged, but PCr/Cr was decreased dose-dependently to 61% of basal with 30×106 MS. Insulin-mediated increases in P-Akt/total Akt decreased from 2.15±0.35 to 1.41±0.23 (P&lt;0.05) and muscle 2-deoxyglucose uptake decreased from 130±19 to 80±12 μg·min−1·g−1 of dry weight (P&lt;0.05) with 15×106 MS; basal P-AMPKα in the absence of insulin was increased, but basal P-Akt/total Akt and muscle 2-deoxyglucose uptake were unaffected. In conclusion, partial occlusion of the hindlimb muscle has no effect on basal glucose uptake and marginally impacts on oxygen uptake, but markedly impairs insulin delivery to muscle and, thus, insulin-mediated Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake.
Evaluating the free school breakfast initiative in Wales: methodological issues
Authors: Tapper Katy , Murphy Simon , Moore Laurence , Lynch Rebecca , Clark Rachel 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report findings on an initiative set up by The Welsh Assembly Government to provide free, healthy breakfasts to primary school children throughout Wales.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a cluster randomised controlled trial design with 58 schools in South, West and North Wales. Quantitative measures were taken at baseline, four months and 12 months.FindingsWith the injection of more money and effective services it was found that the free school breakfast initiative could help improve health and social inequalities.Originality/valueThis paper provides some of the background to the initiative, describes the evaluation and highlights some of the key methodological issues that arose during the course of the research.
Food product development
Authors: Mattsson Jan , Helmersson Helge 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to illustrate a new method to cluster consumer attribute preferences and to transform spontaneously written texts by consumers about a certain favourite food product (hamburger) into distinct preference clusters of attributes.Design/methodology/approachA new way of finding significant clusters of consumer attribute preferences is developed by means of a new text analytical approach (Pertex) and a multi‐step two‐sided cluster analysis procedure.FindingsClear linkages were ascertained between four respondent and four preference clusters for the two key product dimensions taste and ingredients of the hamburger.Research limitations/implicationsClusters expressed were in close conformity to the conception of the standard hamburger. Only one student sample (N=100) was used.Practical implicationsA new and practical method to transform written text into distinct consumer preferences (segments) was tested using a multi‐step cluster analysis to support food innovation in the food industry.Originality/valueProduct dimensions were integrated in a meaningful way into distinct preference clusters that could be used to segment consumers when innovating new food products.
Functional biscuits and coronary heart disease risk factors
Authors: Boobier Wyndham James , Steven Baker Julien , Hullen Dave , Graham Michael R. , Davies Bruce 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to biomedically assess biscuits designed to reduce selected risk factors for coronary heart disease, in particular serum homocysteine and glucose.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, one of the countries leading jam sandwhich biscuits was significantly modified, with particular attention being paid to sugar, fat and salt concentration. A traditional biscuit was converted to a functional food by the addition of vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C and Prebiotic fibre, while reducing salt and sugar.FindingsThe results obtained from a clinical trial demonstrated that serum homocysteine and blood glucose were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) when the modified product and the traditional biscuit were compared. These findings confirm that a health promoting biscuit can be produced commercially, and have similar organoleptic properties as the standard high fat, high sugar and salt product.Practical implicationsThese findings could have significant implications to the biscuit industry, as producers of products traditionally associated with poor health. This study shows that biscuit formulations can be modified significantly, and that the resultant dough yield biscuits which can be produced under commercial conditions, be organoleptically acceptable and reduce risk factors associated with coronary heart disease.Originality/valueMoving into the twenty‐first century, there is no reason why biscuit consumption should be associated with poor health. Recipe and processing modifications are possible, thanks to new and innovative raw materials and an understanding of dough rheology.
Study of some anionic surfactants as pour point depressants additives for a waxy gas oil
Authors: Khidr T.T. , Azzam E.M.S. , Mutawaa Sahar S. , Omar A.M.A. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo prepare surfactants and use as pour point depressants for a waxy gas oil.Design/methodology/approachSome anionic surfactants (Calcium O, P.dioctyl benzene sulphonate and calcium hexadecyl benzene sulphonate) were prepared in the laboratory. The physicochemical characteristics were investigated. The adsorption behavior of these surfactants at air/solution and oil/solution interfaces were investigated by measuring the surface tension and interfacial tension as functions of concentration.FindingsThe surface parameters and free energies of micellization and adsorption confirm the decreasing and improving of pour point by prepared surfactants. It is found that there is a good relation between surface properties especially interfacial tension of the prepared surfactants and their efficiency in depressing the pour point. Also, the results indicating that anionic surfactants can be improved pour point of waxy gas oil.Originality/valueAddresses long‐standing problem in the petroleum industry.
Particles distribution on wear behavior of an Al‐Gr(p) composite
Authors: Gomez‐Garcia C. , Rodríguez M.E. , Castaño V.M. , Herrera A. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to know the effect of graphite particles distribution on wear behavior of ingots of an aluminium‐graphite, Al‐Gr(p), composite.Design/methodology/approachBy SEM and optical microscope, it was observed that the graphite particles were entrapped and placed at different regions of the aluminium ingots as they were cooled under three different cooling rate during solidification, mantaining 4.5 wt% of graphite content. Size of particles entrapped, were measured at three different region of the ingots.FindingsSmaller size of graphite particles distribution were found in regions where the cooling rate was higher, while bigger size were located in regions where the cooling rate was lower, this phenomenon could improve the wear resistant performance found in ingots containing smaller graphite particles.Research limitations/implicationsA suitable dispersion of small graphite particles entrapped into a fine structure of the aluminium‐graphite composite as a result of high cooling rate while casting, could be extended to another processes for future researches.Practical implicationsThis material could be used in sliding mechanical pieces improved by a uniform dispersion of small particles inside.Originality/valueThe improvement of wear behavior could be succeeded by dispersion of smaller graphite particles into the ingots, influenced by a higher cooling rate, and maintaining the weight fraction content of reinforcement.
An investigation on the lubrication mechanisms of the mechanical radial face seals – I: general theory
Authors: Ceyhun Sabir Emel , Koç Erdem 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe main purpose of the study is to develop a theoretical model being capable of analysing the sealing and hydrodynamic‐hydrostatic lubrication mechanisms occuring between the mating surfaces of mechanical face seals.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical model developed is based on solving the governing basic lubrication equation (Reynolds differential equation) by employing a finite difference method. The main lubrication machanism is assumed to be converging‐diverging wedge which is formed by the relative tilt of the sealing surfaces. The non‐dimensional Reynolds equation was solved to give the pressure distribution and consequently the load and moment acting on the movable seal ring. The aim of the model is to predict the non‐dimensional hydrodynamic and hydrostatic load carrying capacity of the system.FindingsTheoretical model developed is capable of estimating the hydrodynamic and hydrostatic behaviour of mechanical radial face seals. It is shown that a converging‐diverging wedge mechanism produces hydrodynamic pressure which in turn maintains the seperation of the surfaces. The tilt appears to be caused mainly by bearing misalignment. It has been shown that hydrostatic load or pressure centre is an important parameter for load balance of moving seal ring. It is easy and useful to calculate the dimensional parameters defined taking into account the different geometrical and operating parameters.Originality/valueThis paper offers a quick and easy opportunity to examine the hydrodynamic behaviour of movable seal ring of a mechanical face seal and provides a considerable contribution to the lubrication and sealing research area. With the general theoretical model developed, the behaviour of the seal ring can be modelled and estimated.
Towards a pedagogy of inspirational parables
Authors: Pio Edwina , Haigh Neil 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to present a rationale for a learning and assessment activity involving students in the construction of inspirational parables for diversity management within a university business studies programme. The paper reviews processes from teacher and student perspectives, describes initial outcomes and foreshadows further exploration and research.Design/methodology/approachIn small groups, students prepared a booklet that included their inspirational parables on ethnic minority migrant women in the workplace, justifications for the parables and a bibliography of related diversity management literature. A group presentation on the booklet was also required. Assessment criteria related to parable content, references, booklet and oral presentation and represented 30 percent of the overall course assessment.FindingsStudents' informal feedback and the teacher's observations indicate an overall positive response, with students highlighting surprise at their own creativity and the time they readily invested in the task, the enjoyment it gave them and their view that the task merited more weighting. Issues arising from the teacher's observations include group and self‐assessment options, time allocation and the possible influence on students of the teacher's ethnicity.Originality/valueWhile there is increasing interest in the use of stories for teaching and learning purposes, most attention has focused on teacher rather than student story telling. Story writing by students to help them develop and demonstrate understandings, has received much less attention and there are few precedents for the parable story form being used for these two purposes in a university education context.
Students' self‐evaluation and reflection (part 2): an empirical study
Authors: Cambra‐Fierro Jesus , Cambra‐Berdún Jesus 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to demonstrate that students' self‐evaluations contribute to improving academic results and life skills.Design/methodology/approachTaking as reference a group of previously validated scales (part 1: measurement), a causal model is developed. Hypotheses are tested through the structural equations methodology by using the EQS software.FindingsAdvice, students' motivation, responsibility and self‐concept are elements that influence the self‐evaluation process. A direct and positive relation between self‐evaluation and good academic results is also demonstrated.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has been carried out in the Spanish pre‐university context. Possible generalisations to different contexts need to consider their specific characteristics.Practical implicationsBecause self‐evaluation processes contribute to improving academic results and developing students' autonomy, teachers and tutors must develop them, perhaps through the elements which have been shown to be antecedents of such processes.Originality/valueNo previous research has either developed or tested these hypotheses. The findings reinforce other studies, but now considering the pre‐university educational context, when students can critically develop this skill.
The sustainability of enterprise education: a case study in Hong Kong
Authors: Wai Mui Yu Christina , Wing Yan Man Thomas 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a case of an increasingly popular enterprise education programme in Hong Kong called the Teen Entrepreneurs Competition (TEC) and to examine its sustainability in different dimensions.Design/methodology/approachPost‐activity evaluation feedback was obtained from the participants and the stakeholders of the activity. Three systematic research studies were also conducted for investigating the impact of entrepreneurial characteristics and social interaction on the participants throughout TEC.FindingsParticipants and stakeholders generally provided positive feedback towards TEC. The research findings also showed that TEC was able to draw a positive impact on developing the participants' entrepreneurial characters and in turn made TEC sustainable on the provision of an enterprise education programme in the local community.Research limitations/implicationsIt is suggested that the sustainability of TEC is attributed to three dimensions, namely, opportunities for individual comprehensive understanding, context for collaborative learning, and network for institutional support.Practical implicationsSuggestions on how to further strengthen the sustainability of enterprise education programmes through these three dimensions are provided, for example, maximising individuals' practical experience, improving the quality of collaboration and developing a closer working relationship with various stakeholders.Originality/valueEnterprise education is recognised to have a significant influence on the development of entrepreneurial knowledge, skills and attitudes for youths. In order to widen the impact of enterprise education in society, it is necessary to sustain such enterprise education programmes over an extended period of time.
Comprehensive education or vocational training for the unemployed?
Authors: Stenberg Anders 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of comprehensive education as compared with vocational training by using Swedish data on a large sample of unemployed individuals aged 25 to 55.Design/methodology/approachThe Adult Education Initiative (AEI) in Sweden was introduced in the autumn of 1997 and generated a massive expansion of subsidized adult comprehensive education. Participants in the vocational part of Labour Market Training (LMT) are used as a comparison group. The relative program effects are obtained by way of OLS fixed effects estimates, using register data of annual wage earnings from 1991 to 2003.FindingsThere are weaker earnings effects of comprehensive education relative to vocational training. However, insignificant coefficient results are obtained for individuals aged 43‐55 and also for females who prior to enrolment had experienced two‐year upper secondary schooling or resided in a municipality associated with a low level of average educational attainment.Research limitations/implicationsIdentification of true underlying effects rely on fixed effects estimates. Using non‐experimental data, one would ideally have access to an instrumental variable, which could explain program choice without being correlated with wage earnings.Practical implicationsThe results add to our knowledge on the relative average returns to general and specific human capital accumulation. In this specific case, more careful targeting of participants in the AEI could have improved the relative efficiency of the program.Originality/valueThis study offers guidance to labour market policy makers on how an appropriate mix is attained between vocational training and comprehensive education.
Gender‐job satisfaction differences across Europe
Authors: Kaiser Lutz C. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe primary objective of this study is to test whether gender differences in job satisfaction are assignable to variations in labour market and welfare state regimes in the light of gender‐related labour market modernization.Design/methodology/approachUsing data derived from the European Household Community Panel (EHCP) and covering 14 member states of the European Union the study constructs a series of summary statistics to lay the foundation for the analysis. An ordinary ordered‐probit regression model is employed to test for the (non‐) emergence of a gender‐job satisfaction paradox.FindingsThe results suggest that objective (socio‐economic and institutional) determinants of labour market status and subjective (assessed and evaluated) perspectives are mutually complementary. The more restrictive the labour market access and process is for women, the more likely a gender‐job satisfaction paradox is to emerge in any country. Equal opportunities for women and men (such as those observed in Scandinavian countries) indicate that the gender‐job satisfaction paradox does not appear anymore due to a fading‐out process over past decades, which was driven by appropriate institutional labour market interventions.Originality/valueThe gender‐job satisfaction paradox was confirmed for the UK, whereas little has been done to test this hypothesis on a cross‐national basis. This investigation thus fills the gap in the empirical literature.
Robots meet machine tools at the IMTS party
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo review the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago with emphasis on innovative robot applications on display.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews were conducted with exhibitors of robots as well as system integrators who apply robots to specific categories of applications.FindingsRobots are becoming smarter with more integrated capabilities such as vision and autonomous part picking from random bin locations. They are becoming more economical, faster and more application specific. Robot system integrators are creating more efficient solutions for customers to consider.Originality/valueUsers who investigated robot solutions in the past and found they did not meet applications requirements should revisit robotics. Robot builders and system integrators are providing more suitable solutions that can better address application needs in a more cost‐effective manner than ever before.
Novel concepts for a planetary surface exploration rover
Authors: Bouloubasis Antonios , McKee Gerard , Tolson Peter 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to address some of the needs of present and upcoming rover designs, and introduces novel concepts incorporated in a planetary surface exploration rover design that is currently under development.Design/methodology/approachThe Multitasking Rover (MTR) is a highly re‐configurable system that aims to demonstrate functionality that will cover many of the current and future needs such as rough‐terrain mobility, modularity and upgradeability. lt comprises a surface mobility platform which is highly re‐configurable, which offers centre of mass re‐allocation and rough terrain stability, and also a set of science/tool packs – individual sub‐systems encapsulated in packs which the rover picks up, transports and deploys.FindingsEarly testing of the suspension system suggests exceptional performance characteristics.Originality/valuePrinciples employed in the design of the MTR can be used in future rover systems to reduce associated mission costs and at the same time provide multiples the functionality.