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The electrocatalytic oxidation of L-tyrosine (Tyr) was investigated on a carboxylic acid functionalised multi- walled carbon nanotubes modified carbon paste electrode using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The surface morphology of the electrodes was studied using field emission (FE)-SEM images, and the interface properties of bare and modified electrodes were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The influence of the amount of modifier loading and the variation of the pH of the solution on the electrochemical parameters have been investigated. Cyclic voltammetry was carried out to study the electrochemical oxidation mechanism of Tyr, which showed an irreversible oxidation process at a potential of 637.0 mV at modified electrode. The anodic peak current linearly increased with the scan rate, suggesting that the oxidation of Tyr at modified electrode is an adsorption-controlled process. A good linear relationship between the oxidation peak current and the Tyr concentration in the range of 0.8-100.0 μM was obtained in a phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.0 with a detection limit of 14.0± 1.36 nM (S/N=3). The practical utility of the sensor was demonstrated by determining Tyr in spiked cow’s milk and human blood serum. The modified electrode showed excellent reproducibility, long-term stability and antifouling effects.

Iron nanoparticles decorated multi-wall carbon nanotubes modified carbon paste electrode (Fe-MWCNTs/MCPE) was prepared by bulk-modification method. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) suggests least charge transfer resistance at the modified electrode. The electrochemical behavior of UA was studied in 0.1M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of pH3.0 using cyclic voltammetry (CV) while differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used for quantification. The spectroelectrochemial study of oxidation of UA at Fe-MWCNTs/MCPE showed a decrease in the absorbance of two peaks with time, which are ascribed to π to π(⁎) and n to π(⁎) transitions. Under optimum condition, the DPV response offered two linear dynamic ranges for UA in the concentration range 7.0×10(-8)M-1.0×10(-6)M and 2.0×10(-6)M-1.0×10(-5)M with detection limit (4.80±0.35)×10(-8)M (S/N=3). The practical analytical application of this sensor was successfully evaluated by determination of spiked UA in clinical samples, such as human blood serum and urine with good percentage recovery. The proposed electrochemical sensor offers a simple, reliable, rapid, reproducible and cost effective analysis of a quaternary mixture of biomolecules containing AA, DA, UA and Tyr which was free from mutual interferences.

Light plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems, both marine and freshwater. Penetration of light underwater influences various biogeochemical processes and also influences activities and behavioral patterns of marine organisms. In addition, dissolved and particulate water constituents present in the water column absorb and scatter light, giving water its characteristic color. The concentration or abundance of these constituents, referred to as optically active constituents (OACs) also determine light availability underwater. Thus color being an indicator of water column content, serves as a water quality parameter. Monitoring of the ocean color variables, such as the OAC concentrations and their optical properties, therefore, allows assessment of the health of an ecosystem. Advances in optical methodologies have improved the understanding of our ecosystems through multispectral and hyperspectral in situ measurements and observations. However, the ocean environment is vast and dynamic and so limitations of spatial and temporal coverage have been overcome with satellite remote sensing that provides oceanographers with repeated synoptic coverage. Being recognized as an essential climate variable (ECV) ocean color is monitored as part of the climate change initiative (CCI) of the European Space Agency (ESA). This chapter aims to provide the reader with an overview of the science of ocean color, introducing involved common terminologies and concepts and its global coverage using satellite remote sensing.

A simple, reproducible and efficient technique to decorate multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with barium oxide nanoparticles (BaO NPs) using infrared (IR) irradiation is developed. NaOH treatment leads to the purification of MWCNTs (p-MWCNTs). Functionalizing p-MWCNTs with tricarboxylic aryl diazonium salts generated in-situ and then reacting it with barium acetate in the presence of IR irradiation is the key step in efficiently impregnating p-MWCNTs-D3 with barium acetate (p-MWCNTs-D3/BA). Materials are characterized using XPS, TEM and PXRD. Homogeneous distribution of BaO NPs on MWCNTs is evidenced, with a Gaussian mean diameter of 5.1 nm. This method is also applicable to large scale preparation which opens interesting perspectives for nanotechnology applications.

Enhanced sensitivity and electro-catalytic activity for the sensor was achieved by incorporating platinum decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PtMWCNTs) into the carbon paste matrix and TritonX-100 (TX100) layered onto its surface. The modification of carbon paste electrode (CPE) using PtMWCNTs and TX100 was accomplished by employing bulk modification and drop cast methods, respectively. The electrochemical behaviour of Paracetamol (PA) at PtMWCNTs and TX100 modified CPE was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The electrode sensitivity for PA has shown significant variation on varying the amount of Pt nanoparticles on MWCNTs and the PtMWCNTs content in carbon paste matrix. The influence of variation of concentration, volume and time of adsorption of TX100 on the response of PA was investigated. The developed sensor was employed for the selective detection of PA using hydrodynamic amperometry at physiological pH in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and tryptophan (Trp). The surface morphology of the electrode was studied using FE-SEM images and the interface properties of bare and modified electrodes were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. PtMWCNTs in combination with TX100 resulted in an impressive enhancement in the redox current with an analytical advantage of complete elimination of the interference of AA in the simultaneous determination of PA in a mixture. A lower detection limit of (17.71 ± 2.03) nM ( S / N = 3) was achieved for PA. The modified electrode showed excellent reproducibility, long-term stability and antifouling effects. The practical analytical application was demonstrated by carrying out determination of PA in real samples.

A novel multi-walled carbon nanotube/poly-2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) film modified carbon paste electrode (MCPE/MWCNTs/p-DCPIP) was constructed using drop casting and electropolymerization methods. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometric techniques were employed for the determination of l-tyrosine (Tyr). An electrochemically induced oxa-Michael addition reaction has been proposed as a possible mechanism of the electropolymerization of DCPIP on the surface of the modified electrode. The surface morphology and interface properties of the electrodes were investigated by FE-SEM images and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), respectively. The AFM images confirm the formation of nano fibrous deposits of DCPIP. The spectroelectrochemical study performed reveals the structural changes in Tyr during oxidation. This sensor was used for the selective detection of Tyr at physiological pH in the presence of some common interfering biomolecules. Chronoamperometic technique was employed for the determination of the diffusion coefficient and the standard heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k0) of Tyr at the modified electrode. The sensor exhibited a linear response to Tyr over a wide concentration range of 0.3 μM-8.0 μM and 10.0 μM-110.0 μM with a detection limit (70.5 ± 2.35) nM (S/N = 3). The practical utility of the sensor was demonstrated by determining Tyr in spiked human blood serum and soya sauce.

We present the total particulate, non-algal and phytoplankton spectral absorption coefficients measured via the quantitative filter technique in a spectrophotometer with integrating sphere. Chl-a primary and secondary absorption peaks evident in the particulate absorption spectra, exhibited dominant influence of phytoplankton pigments on the total particulate absorption spectra. Additional peaks and shoulders were observed between the chl-a primary and secondary absorption peaks indicating presence of pigments other than chl-a. Non-algal absorption spectra increased exponentially with decreasing wavelength following similar exponential decay as colored dissolved organic matter. Phytoplankton specific absorption coefficients were within the range reported in literature. Knowledge of the spectral contributions of particulate fractions to total particulate absorption provides better parameterization in ocean color radiative transfer and primary productivity models.

Ruxolitinib, a selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, is the current first line therapy for myelofibrosis (MF), which reduces symptomatology and splenomegaly, but does not clearly modify disease course. Panobinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, was shown to be safe and tolerable in phase I and II trials and demonstrated clinical activity in approximately a third of treated patients. Combination therapy of ruxolitinib and panobinostat showed synergistic activity in a preclinical MF model, which prompted clinical evaluation of this combination in both ruxolitinib naïve and treated MF patients. Herein, we report the results of an investigator-initiated, dose escalation, phase I trial of ruxolitinib and panobinostat in 15 patients with primary MF and post-polycythemia vera/essential thrombocythemia MF. This combination treatment proved to be safe and tolerable without dose limiting thrombocytopenia and a maximum tolerated dose of both agents in combination was not determined. The majority of patients maintained stable disease with this combination treatment and 40 % attained a clinical improvement (spleen n = 5, anemia n = 1) by modified IWG-MRT at the end of 6 cycles. This is one of the first attempts of rationally designed, JAK inhibitor-based, combination therapy studies and exemplifies the feasibility of such an approach in patients with advanced MF.

With the various service industries accounting for more and more of the world's GDP, it is fast becoming a necessity for U.S. service firms to globalize their market offerings. This article offers a typology that categorizes services as being core or augmented and then determines both the process and content of service delivery and an appropriate delivery mode for each. This article integrates the concepts of service marketing and service standardization by offering a new typology for global service marketers.

An amperometric sensor for the determination of epinephrine (EP) was fabricated by modifying the carbon paste electrode (CPE) with pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (pMWCNTs) using bulk modification followed by drop casting of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) onto the surface for its optimal potential application. The modified electrode showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards EP by decreasing the overpotential and greatly enhancing the current sensitivity. FE-SEM images confirmed the dispersion of pMWCNTs in the CPE matrix. EDX analysis ensured the surface coverage of SDS. A comparative study of pMWCNTs with those of oxidized MWCNTs (MWCNTsOX) modified electrodes reveals that the former is the best base material for the construction of the sensor with advantages of lower oxidation overpotential and the least background current. The performance of the modified electrode was impressive in terms of the least charge transfer resistance (Rct), highest values for diffusion coefficient (DEP) and standard heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k°). Analytical characterization of the modified electrode exhibited two linear dynamic ranges from 1.0×10-7 to 1.0×10-6 M and 1.0×10-6 to 1.0×10-4 M with a detection limit of (4.5±0.18)×10-8 M. A 100-fold excess of serotonin, acetaminophen, folic acid, uric acid, tryptophan, tyrosine and cysteine, 10-fold excess of ascorbic acid and twofold excess of dopamine do not interfere in the quantification of EP at this electrode. The analytical applications of the modified electrode were demonstrated by determining EP in spiked blood serum and adrenaline tartrate injection. The modified electrode involves a simple fabrication procedure, minimum usage of the modifier, quick response, excellent stability, reproducibility and anti-fouling effects.

The electrochemical behavior of Hg2+ was investigated in poly(Eriochrome Black T)-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Poly(Eriochrome Black T) was prepared in an alkaline medium on the surface of the CPE using a solution of Eriochrome Black T with the CV technique. The electrochemical impedance study revealed a better charge transfer kinetics at the modified electrode. The effects of variation of the experimental conditions, such as the concentration of electrolytes, pH, deposition time, and the deposition potential, which maximize current efficiency were studied. The optimum response of Hg2+ was observed in 1.0 M KCl solution. The differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric technique was employed successfully to detect Hg2+, which gave a good linear response at low concentration levels of Hg2+. The detection limit was found to be 2.2 × 10−10 M (S/N = 3), which is comparable with that achieved in multiwall carbon nanotube-modified electrode. The remarkable electroanalytical performance of the modified electrode makes it amenable to employ it successfully as an electrochemical sensor for the determination of hazardous pollutant Hg2+ in environmental samples.

Information asymmetry is a significant issue facing the U.S. health care system. In this article, we investigate some methods of reducing this asymmetry. We trace the information asymmetry using the "wicked problem" of the health care distribution system. An information asymmetry reduction method requiring joint responsibilities among health care stakeholders is developed. It is argued that information asymmetry is a contributor to enormous health care inflation. Hence, any reduction in such asymmetry will reduce health care costs. Concepts from both signaling and corrective justice theories are integrated in this article to help reduce the information asymmetry that exists in the U.S. health care system. Getting health care costs in line with other "advanced" nations, is the long-term solution to the wicked problem that currently exists in the U.S. health care system. There is an immediate need for a centralized health care database with adequate provisions for individual privacy. Both processes as well as an outcome-based control system are essential for reducing information asymmetries in the U.S. health care system.

A modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) for the selective detection of dopamine (DA) in presence of large excess of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) at physiological pH has been fabricated by bulk modification of CPE with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) followed by electropolymerization of glycine (Gly). The surface morphology is compared using SEM images. The presence of nitrogen was confirmed by the energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) indicating the polymerization of Gly on the surface of the modified electrode. The impedance study indicates a better charge transfer kinetics for DA at CPE modified with MWCNT/polyglycine electrode. The presence of MWCNTs in carbon paste matrix triggers the extent of electropolymerization of Gly and imparts more selectivity towards DA by electrochemically not sensing AA below a concentration of 3.1×10-4M. Due to the exclusion of the signal for AA, the interference of AA in the determination of DA is totally ruled out by DPV method which is used for its detection at lower concentrations. Large peak separation, good sensitivity, reproducibility and stability allow this modified electrode to analyze DA individually and simultaneously along with AA and UA. Detection limit of DA was determined from differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) study and found to be 1.2×10-8M with a linear dynamic range of 5.0×10-7M to 4.0×10-5M. The practical analytical application of this electrode was demonstrated by measurement of DA content in dopamine hydrochloride injection and human blood serum.

An electrochemical sensor for the amperometric determination of l -tryptophan (Trp) was fabricated by modifying the carbon paste electrode (CPE) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using drop cast method. 4.0 μL of the dispersion containing 2.0 mg of MWCNTs in 1.0 mL of ethanol was drop cast onto the electrode surface and dried in hot air oven to form a stable layer of MWCNTs. The electro-catalytic activity of the modified electrode towards the oxidation of Trp was thoroughly investigated. The modification with MWCNTs has greatly improved the current sensitivity of CPE for the oxidation of Trp. A very minimal amount of the modifier was required to achieve such a high sensitivity. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images revealed a uniform coverage of the surface of CPE by MWCNTs. Nyquist plots revealed the least charge transfer resistance for the modified electrode. The analytical performance of the modified electrode was examined using amperometry under hydro-dynamic conditions. The two linear dynamic ranges observed for Trp were 0.6–9.0 μM and 10.0–100.0 μM. The amperometric determination of Trp did not suffer any interference from other biomolecules. The detection limit of Trp at modified electrode was (3.30 ± 0.37) × 10 −8 M ( S / N = 3). The analytical applications of the modified electrode were demonstrated by estimating Trp in the spiked milk and biological fluid such as blood serum. The modified electrode showed good reproducibility, long-term stability and anti-fouling effects.

Free radicals are formed as byproducts of metabolism, and are highly unstable due to the presence of unpaired electrons. They readily react with other important cellular components such as DNA causing them damage. Antioxidants such as (+)-catechin (CAT), neutralize free radicals in the blood stream. Hence there is a need for detection and quantification of catechin concentration in various food sources and beverages. Electro-oxidative properties of catechin were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). A carbon paste working electrode modified by electropolymerizing methylene blue (MB) was fabricated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were used to study the surface morphology of the electrode. Quasi-reversible electron transfer reaction occurred at + 0.260 V through a diffusion controlled process. In comparison to the bare carbon paste electrode (CPE), there was a significant 5.3 times increment in anodic current sensitivity at the modified electrode at physiological pH. Our findings indicate that for the electro-oxidation of CAT, CPE is a better base material for electropolymerization of MB compared to glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Nyquist plot followed the theoretical shape, indicating low interfacial charge transfer resistance of 0.095 kΩ at the modified electrode. Calibration plots obtained by DPV were linear in two ranges of 1.0 × 10− 3 to 1.0 × 10− 6 and 1.0 × 10− 7 to 0.1 × 10− 8 M. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) was 4.9 nM and 14 nM respectively. Application of the developed electrode was demonstrated by detecting catechin in green tea and spiked fruit juice with satisfactory recoveries. The sensor was stable, sensitive, selective and reproducible.

An electrochemical sensor for the selective detection of dopamine was developed by the electropolymerization of Rhodamine B dye at a carbon paste electrode. Under physiological conditions, the modified electrode was able to resolve the voltammetric peak of dopamine from all interfering species whose concentrations were thousand folds more than that of dopamine. A wide linear dynamic range of 6–1000 μM and a detection limit of 3.99 × 10− 6 M were observed for dopamine. The main advantage of the modified electrode using differential pulse voltammetric technique is its inability to sense the presence of micro-molar levels of ascorbic acid and uric acid while it can detect dopamine at the micro-molar level. This unique property of the modified electrode eliminates the possible interferences of low concentrations of ascorbic acid while also making it more sensitive and convenient to use as a sensor for the detection of low concentrations of dopamine in real samples. Satisfactory results were obtained while the modified electrode was employed for determination of dopamine in human blood serum and dopamine hydrochloride injection. The electrode showed excellent reproducibility, selectivity and antifouling effects.

Dear editor We have read with great interest the paper of de Oliveira et al, in which the authors report the case of a 76-year-old woman who presented with increased abdominal girth and dyspnea for 2 weeks.1 After extensive investigations, the patient was diagnosed with an abdominal pseudomyxoma peritonei and underwent right oophorectomy, omentectomy, and pseudomyxoma debulking. This disease is correctly characterized by the physicians as ranging from benign to borderline, to frankly malignant behavior and therefore, tends to be associated with misdiagnosis. This leads to its discovery in advanced stages, making this disease a challenging entity with potentially fatal complications. The described clinical scenario of pseudomyxoma peritonei is a pseudomyxoma clinically present with a variety of unspecific and uncommon signs and symptoms, except in advanced disease, when it is complicated by an increased abdominal girth and complaints of abdominal pain related to intestinal obstruction. The obstruction appears as a result of disseminated mucinous tumor cells and ascites, presenting at laparotomy with “jelly belly”. The best diagnostic tool is a computed tomography (CT) exam,2 which shows a characteristic pattern of mucinous accumulation, even though magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1- and T2-weighted techniques permit a very sensitive differential diagnosis between mucus and ascites. Tumor markers are used for the follow up of patients that undergo debulking surgery. All these investigations were used by our colleagues who reported that their case had an absence of leukocytosis, with neutrophilia and an increased value for C-reactive protein. In the current letter, we would like to point out that hematologic parameters associated with pseudomyxoma peritonei are not necessarily the ones described in the current case report as we have experience with a similar tumor with bicytopenia, confirmed by a bone marrow aspiration. As we have no clear reason for the clinical evolution, we can classify the bicytopenia as a paraneoplastic syndrome instead of pseudomyxoma peritonei.

A novel electrochemical sensor for the selective and sensitive detection of dopamine (DA) in presence of large excess of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) at physiological pH was developed by the bulk modification of carbon paste electrode (CPE) with biocompatible graphite oxide (GO). Very small quantity of GO in carbon paste matrix imparted selectivity through electrostatic interactions. The modifier was characterized using infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Large peak separation, good sensitivity and stability allow this modified electrode to analyze DA individually and simultaneously along with AA and UA. Applying differential pulse technique, DA could be detected even in the presence of 1000 fold excess of AA and UA. A linear dynamic range of 0.07–70 μM with detection limit of 1.5 × 10 −8 M was obtained for DA. None of the bulk modified electrodes reported in the literature have shown such a low detection limit at the physiological pH. The practical application of the modified electrode was demonstrated by spiking the human blood serum and cerebral fluid with dopamine and the results obtained were satisfactory.

Buyer—seller information asymmetry (BSIA) is a growing problem despite electronic modes of free global communications. The authors investigate this BSIA phenomenon from a macromarketing perspective. They first identify the defective structures and outcomes of BSIA and then examine the underlying structures of injustice that BSIA implies from a distributive justice view. Although distributive justice focuses on a universal mission of distributing burdens and benefits among all stakeholders, a complementary system, corrective justice, is needed to rectify specific injustices inherent in individual exchanges. Accordingly, the authors propose a BSIA reduction protocol based on both distributive and corrective justice principles so that the risks and causes of consumer harm inherent in BSIA will be progressively reduced. Finally, the authors discuss managerial implications of this combined justice approach and the BSIA reduction protocol it grounds.

The deposition and stripping processes of lead and copper and cadmium ions over the wide concentrations range of 1 × 10 −5 to 5 × 10 −9 M, have been studied at mercury film deposited on wax impregnated carbon paste electrode, using cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep anodic stripping voltammetry and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The carbon paste electrode modified with the mercury film was characterized for its physical and electrochemical properties. The parameters of deposition and stripping processes of the analytes have been investigated using standard solution of the metal ions at various concentrations and different supporting electrolytes and different pH. The linear sweep anodic stripping has been adopted for the determination of analytes at higher concentration whereas the analytes at lower concentrations were determined using DPASV. The DPASV behavior for the ions studied dependent on concentrations of the analyte as well as on the time used in the pre-concentration step. The method developed using standard solutions have been successfully applied for the determination of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) in Fin Fish muscles and water samples.

PurposeUnderstanding and delivering total customer experience (TCE) in order to sustain lasting customer loyalty (LCL) is increasingly important given the pressures of commoditization, globalization and market saturation in developed countries. The purpose of this paper is to review the concepts of TCE and LCL.Design/methodology/approachThe concepts of TCE and LCL are discussed and defined and their combined importance for marketers is outlined and few key cases of their best practices are analyzed in order to derive a set of managerial frameworks for strategizing TCE to achieve LCL. Customer loyalty as a hierarchical ladder starting from random casual awareness in the bottom rung to high bonding loyalty of brand communities in the topmost rung is derivedFindingsTCE is captured in its three essential interactive elements: physical moments, emotional involvement moments, and its value chain moments. Accordingly, a typology of customer loyalties is proposed as a function of high vs low levels of the three constitutive elements of TCE.Practical implicationsThe loyalty ladder is a useful classification tool to monitor customer loyalty and dollar‐effectiveness of customer loyalty programs. Each rung offers a managerial challenge to ascend to the next rung of loyalty.Originality/valueLinking TCE with LCL is unique and challenging. Adding the third dimension of value chain moments makes TCE more focused and loyalty‐driven. The typology of TCE‐based customer loyalty is new and offers a broad strategic canvas for marketers. The loyalty ladder with each rung buttressed by differentiated value, interactive relationship and TCE makes it credible, viable and a strategic destiny. TCE and LCL are also distinguished from related concepts in marketing to derive managerial implications.

The-N=N-moiety in the mesoionic 3-phenyl sydnone and its derivatives like tolyl sydnones and anisyl sydnones undergo two-electron irreversible electrochemical reduction in Britton-Robinson (BR) buffer at wax-impregnated carbon paste electrodes. Infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass-spectral data, used to characterize the reduced product, confirm the proposed mechanism. The pasting liquid at the surface of the electrode is found to decrease the electron-transfer rate and cause a higher overpotential compared to homogeneous electrodes. The influence of variation of pH on the peak current and peak potentials is studied in the acidic range. The cathodic peak shifts to more negative potentials with increase in pH, indicating the involvement of proton in the reduction process. This could be a new method of preparation of 2,4-dihydro-3-substituted 1,2,3-oxadiazole-5-one. The substituent effect and the effect of variation of scan rate, concentration, and temperature on peak currents and peak potentials is discussed. The cathodic shift in various organic co-solvents (methanol, acetonitrile, DMF, DMSO) using BRB as the supporting electrolyte is examined.

This study notes the differences between trust and distrust perceptions by the elderly as compared with younger populations. Given the importance of trust and distrust in compliance, changing behaviors, and forming partnerships for both health and disease management, it is necessary to be able to measure patient–doctor trust and distrust (PDTD). Following recent conceptualizations on trust and distrust as coexistent states, this study hypothesizes predictors of PDTD. We are proposing that these predictors form the basis for designing, developing and validating a PDTD scale (PDTDS). It is important to capture the trust–distrust perceptions of older patients as they confront the complexities and vulnerabilities of the modern healthcare delivery system. This is necessary if we are to design interventions to change behaviors of both the healthcare provider and the older patient.

SUMMARY Despite the recent growth and globalization of production and trade, global income inequalities are widening, especially among the developing nations and global sustainability is weakening. We suggest a macromarketing approach to resolve this situation. It is in the best interest of the governments and the multinational corporations of the developed world to offer and diffuse their development technologies among the developing nations. We apply the theories of economic resources, development technologies, global sustainability and distributive justice to characterize the nature, structure and ethics of such developmental interventions.

SUMMARY This is a response to Capaldi's reflections on our article in the same volume. Since reduction of global inequality is a necessary condition for global sustainability, our rejoinder focuses on global in-equality. Accordingly, our response: (a) defines inequality generally and specifically, (b) determines that the macromarketing effects of global inequality are the inadequate consumption by many and an unacceptable quality of human life for many, and hence (c) argues that the progressive reduction of global inequality is a challenge for macromarketing.

Traditional marketing strategies assume that customers involve (e.g. search, assess, purchase, use) with products or services mostly at the end of their value chain as finished market offerings. This article challenges managers to invite target customers to be involved at all stages of the value chain. The specific purpose of our new customer‐value‐chain involvement (CVCI) model is to enhance customer relationship management in conjunction with supply chain management, employee relationship management) and retailer partners’ relationship management. There are definite advantages to CVCI as it can provide continuous customer feedback and enable more objective quality assessment and judgment, but most importantly, it can elevate customer satisfaction to customer delight that spawns lifetime loyalty and positive referrals. The importance and managerial implications of CVCI are discussed.

Argues that online privacy rights of consumers are not absolute rights but joint ownership privileges they share with online marketers. Consumers can voluntarily transfer these privileges to online marketers under certain mutually agreeable conditions. Accordingly, online marketers can facilitate, motivate and compensate such transfers by designing various innovative personalization strategies that, rather than jeopardize the privacy privileges of consumers, would benefit them. Technology and society can progress only through such partnerships. Cites two consistently successful net companies, Dell and eBay, as examples of such partnered personalizations.

Customer in-store social responsibility is relatively a new concept that this paper seeks to explore. Several dimensions of such responsibility were brain-stormed, pretested, and then built-into a questionnaire which was then personally administered during an interview with selected retail managers. Retailer perceptions and expectations of in-store customer social responsibility reveal several gaps, which both managers and customers could bridge in bringing about higher levels of mutual satisfaction.

This paper demonstrates the use of a step-by-step approach that has been suggested elsewhere in developing measures of new marketing constructs. The concept of consumer purchase responsibilitity is defined,and a known procedure is applied in the development of a measuring instrument for the above concept. A multicriteria approach is utilized to test the internal consistency of the instrument. Some potential uses of the measurement device are discussed. Further research directions are examined.

This paper presents a relatively simple instrument for identifying and profiling the yuppie baby boomer market segment in a given market area. The demographic, sociographic and psychographic profiles that emerge from a real administration of this instrument on a metro household panel establish the internal and external validity of this psychographic segmentation instrument.

The use of college students as a data source by academicians has been a common practice in marketing research. Students have been used as surrogates for broader population groups because they are readily accessible, manageable and inexpensive to use. The suitability of the use of a sample in this fashion is open to question. This paper reviews the literature and examines suitability of student samples in the area of advertising research.

The United States Hispanic market has been growing steadily since 1970 at an average rate of 3.40% and was estimated at 19 million Hispanics in 1988. It is the fastest growing minority in the U.S., increasing both in number and in buying power; hence its critical importance among marketers and producers. Recently, major U.S. manufacturing companies and retailing businesses have been seriously targeting their products, promotional campaigns, and distributional strategies to suit and court the expanding Hispanic market in the U.S. This paper reviews recent literature to highlight some of the unique demographic, sociographic and psychographic features of this ethnic segment that make it more easily targetable than other ethnic markets.

A concept and scale of Consumer Shopping Responsibility in four measures: normative and actual, conscientious versus honest shopper is developed. The scale is tested for its multicultural sensitivities across three samples of "Generation X" Whites, African-Americans and Asians. No significant multicultural differences were found, but using LISREL-7 some group differences were identiffied.

This study relates health care services marketing to culturally sensitive physician’s duties of information disclosure on HIV/AIDS and Cancer. An ethical scale to assess multicultural ethical imperatives of medical residents to information disclosure is developed, validated and checked for convergent, discriminant and nomological validities. Health care marketing implications are discussed.

In this paper, some new interactive procedures are used to elicit husband-wife roles at various decision stages and substages regarding buying/consumption behavior. It was shown that apparently syncratic aggregate behaviors may have underlying nonsyncratic processes at the disaggregate level. The paper provides some evidence against the hypothesis that responses of one of the spouses are representative and reflective of both spouses. The findings favor an interactive approach to future research in family decis ion-making.

This research investigates service attributes and factors that influenced potential returning adults in college/university choices. Respondents rank quality-faculty, accreditation, and job-oriented majors highest among academic factors and convenient schedules, campus location and safety highest among non-academic factors. Marketing strategies for targeting returning adults are discussed.

Given shrinking national pool of high-school prospects, marketing of school "image" in relation to its academic and nonacademic services becomes important. Based on 1420 responses of past, present and future students, and parents of these past, present, and future students, contrasting parent -student expectation-confirmation profiles of 24 high-school academic and nonacademic services are analyzed. Results indicate significant gaps between what parents want for their children, versus what students want for themselves in pursuit of collegeoriented high-school education.

This paper investigates recently validated normative versus informative interpersonal influence scales in relation to teen shopping for leisure products. Three major influence sources - parents, peers, and the media - were considered, each under ordinary versus special shopping contexts. The normative/informative typology was generally verified. Parent informative influences significantly exceeded parent normative and peer influences. Media informative influence emerged as the next highest influence. Parental normative and informative influences during special leisure shopping significantly exceeded those under ordinary leisure shopping.

This paper introduces the Matrix Sampling Approach for optimal research designs in Marketing Research. Specifically, the paper presents models for a simultaneous optimization of both questionnaire designs and corresponding sample sizes for each design, using the matrix sampling methodology. The first model incorporates no overlap, which the second does. Solution procedures for both models are indicated, and simulation results presented to illustrate the use and implications of the models. The models are then applied to a known data base, and empirical findings indicate the timely usefulness of this joint optimization process in data collection procedures.

The insecticidal activity of transgenic cottons expressing endotoxin protein of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt cotton) was quantified by measuring survival of tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), larvae caged on different plant structures for varying lengths of exposure. Percentages of larvae surviving were measured on Bt cottons expressing Cry1Ab and CrylAc protein. Plant structure (terminal, leaf, square or boll) did not affect larval survival, and survival did not differ significantly between CrylAb and CrylAc cottons. Larvae exposed to Bt cotton for only 24 h had higher initial survival than larvae exposed for 48, 72 and 96 h. Larvae first exposed to Bt cotton at 4 d of age had higher survival than those first exposed as neonate or 2-d-old larvae. Survivorship of neonate and 4-d-old larvae exposed to CrylAc cotton was significantly reduced with only 48 h of exposure to the insecticidal plants. Seven-day-old larvae exhibited no significant reduction in survivorship with exposure to CrylAc cotton for 48 h.

Calculated multicomponent phase diagrams were used to identify high speed steel (HSS) type alloys having the potential to exhibit enhanced sinter ability. The requirement was for an extensive austenite + carbide + liquid phase field. Of the six tungsten and molybdenum based systems studied, Fe–14Mo–C + 4Cr–8Co systems were potentially the most promising. Appropriate compositions were water atomised and additional alloys prepared by blending annealed powders with graphite powders. Powders were compacted to green densities of about 70% theoretical and then vacuum sintered. Sinterability was assessed in terms of sintered densities and microstructures. Alloys containing Fe–13Mo–1·3C, Fe–14Mo–4Cr–1·3C, and Fe–14Mo– 8Co–4Cr–1·4C were sintered to full density at temperatures as low as 1170°C, 70–150 K lower than for existing HSSs. Sintering windows were 20– 30 K, a significant improvement on existing HSSs. As sintered microstructures consisted of angular M6 C carbides dispersed in martensitic matrixes, w...

The study analyzes medical residents (MRs) attitudes on the ethics of information disclosure in two case scenarios—HIV disease and cancer. A purposeful sample of 120 MRs took part in a self-completion questionnaire administered. Responses were factor analyzed and three factors (17 statements) protecting rights of (1) spouse/family, (2) patient and (3) society, were retained for study. Analysis revealed that: (1) MRs perceived greater justification (P

Susceptibility of field-collected strains of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), to commercial and experimental insecticides was evaluated in a diet overlay bioassay by using 2-d-old larvae. Larvae were collected from cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., fields in Alabama, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and from Rio Bravo, Mexico. Several field strains exhibited reduced susceptibility to chlorpymos and thiodicarb, which are the only 2 labeled insecticides recommended for beet armyworm control in Louisiana. In chlorpyrifos bioassays, 7 of the 11 field strains had significantly higher LC50s than the reference strain from the Southern Insect Management Laboratory at Stoneville, MS. In thiodicarb bioassays, 3 of the 10 field strains had significantly higher LC50s than the reference strain. Generally, LC50s of field strains to the experimental insecticides chlorfenapyr, spinosad, and tebufenozide were comparable to those of the reference strain. In chlorfenapyr bioassays, a field strain from Red Cross, LA, had a significantly higher LC50 than the reference strain. In spinosad bioassays, 3 field strains had LC50s that were significantly lower than the reference strain. In tebufenozide bioassays, a field strain from Starkville, MS, had a significantly higher LC50 than the reference strain.

A composite electrode for an amperometric detection of epinephrine (EP) has been developed by electropolymerizing bromothymol blue (BTB) on carbon paste electrode (CPE) bulk modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The field-emission scanning electron microscopy and the energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) confirm the formation of poly(bromothymol blue). A possible mechanism of electropolymerization of BTB has been proposed. The electropolymerization of BTB on the surface of CPE involves much less energy as compared to that of glassy carbon surface. The modification enhanced the current sensitivity of EP by 5.5 times as compared to the bare CPE. The electrocheinical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies revealed a least charge transfer resistance (R-ct) for the modified electrode. The sensor showed an optimum current response at physiological pH and the response was linear for the concentration of EP in the ranges 0.8-9.0 mu M and 10.0-100 mu M, with a detection limit of 8 x 10(-7) M. The amperometric response of EP remains unaltered even in the presence of 50-fold excess of uric acid, ascorbic acid and 100-fold excess of L-Tryptophan, L-Tyrosine, L-Cysteine and Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. This sensor has shown stability, reproducibility, anti fouling effects and was successfully applied for the determination of EP in blood serum and adrenaline injection. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The interactions of natural enemies and transgenic cotton expressing the endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner variety kurstaki (BTK cotton) on bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), survival were studied. Survival of bollworm larvae was measured on cotton not expressing endotoxin (non-BTK cotton) in field plots with 4 different densities of natural enemies. Larvae were conditioned on BTK or non-BTK cotton for 1, 2, or 4 d before infestation of the non-BTK cotton in the field plots. Environments with varying densities of natural enemies was a significant factor affecting bollworm survival at all postinfestations periods. Larval mortality increased with increased density of natural enemies. Tissue genotype on which bollworm larvae were predisposed significantly affected larval survival in environments with low, medium, and high density of natural enemies at 24, 96, and 48 h postinfestation, respectively. Larvae that were conditioned on BTK cotton tended to survive at lower rates than larvae conditioned on non-BTK cotton. Length of exposure was a significant factor affecting larval survival at all postinfestation time intervals in a cage environment with no natural enemies. In the absence of natural enemies, larval survival was correlated positively with length of exposure. Larvae that were conditioned for 4-d before field infestation survived at significantly higher rates than larvae that were conditioned for 1 and 2 d. Significant interactions between the effects of tissue genotype and length of exposure on larval survival were detected by analysis of variance in the environment with low densities of natural enemies at 48 and 96 h postinfestation. Significant linear regression equations that described larval survival as a function of densities of natural enemies were detected for larvae conditioned on BTK cotton for 1 d at 96 h and 4 d at 48 h postinfestation. Similar equations were found to be significant for larvae conditioned on non-BTK cotton for 2 d at 48 and 96 h postinfestation and for larvae conditioned for 4 d at all postinfestation periods.

Any credible agenda that seeks to eradicate global poverty must seek to correct the structural injustices and inequities that cause and perpetuate desperate endemic poverty. Such an agenda must aim not merely to aid the poor with grants, welfare and subsidies, but it must primarily seek to enhance the capabilities, skills, access and opportunities of the marginalized to participate on more equitable terms, in the dynamic process of overall economic growth. We apply a systems approach to poverty, the latter itself being a pernicious system. Eradication of global desperate poverty and its unjust structural causes can be done through two concurrent systems-thinking based strategies: (a) micro catalytic social entrepreneurship that leads to catalytic innovations that alleviate poverty, and (b) macro social catalytic political entrepreneurship that radically innovates legislation or designs macro-policy intervention systems that can effectively dismantle existing unjust structures of social injustice and inequities – the causes that perpetuate endemic global poverty. Using the theories of catalytic innovations and the bottom of the pyramid, we focus on solution (a) as being feasible, viable and doable and in the long run having the potential for eradicating global desperate poverty. We also provide two case studies where solution (b) was effectively implemented. The main proposition of the paper is that the use of both micro- and macro- catalyst can help alleviate poverty in the world. Keywords: Micro catalyst, macro catalyst, global poverty, system approach, catalytic innovation, macro-policy intervention.

A biocompatible electrochemical sensor for selective detection of epinephrine (EP) in the presence of 1000-fold excess of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) was fabricated by modifying the carbon paste electrode (CPE) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using a casting method. The electro-catalytic activity of the modified electrode for the oxidation of EP was investigated. The current sensitivity of EP was enhanced to about five times upon modification. A very minimum amount of modifier was used for modification. The voltammetric response of EP was well resolved from the responses of AA and UA. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) studies reveal the least charge transfer resistance for the modified electrode. The AA peak that is completely resolved from that of EP at higher concentrations of AA and the inability of the sensor to give an electrochemical response for AA below a concentration of 3.0 × 10- 4 M makes it a unique electrochemical sensor for the detection of EP which is 100% free from the interference of AA. Two linear dynamic ranges of 1.0 × 10 - 4-1.0 × 10- 5 and 1.0 × 10- 5-5.0 × 10- 7 M with a detection limit of 2.9 × 10 - 8 M were observed for EP at modified electrode. The practical utility of this modified electrode was demonstrated by detecting EP in spiked human blood serum and EP injection. The modified electrode is highly reproducible and stable with anti fouling effects.