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This paper examines the impact of technological alliance announcements in a nonfavorable environment, using event study methodology that includes robust tests to allow heteroskedasticity across firms and over time. The study is based on Spanish data, and focuses on the fact that Spanish market conditions do not favor firms that are deciding whether to enter a technological alliance. The paper is extended to analyze different features of alliances. Results suggest no stock market reaction on the day of the announcement, and a negative reaction on the days that follow. Our results also show that the stock market exacts no penalty on joint venture alliances, alliances involving public entities, alliances between Spanish firms, or alliances between competitors. The common feature revealed in these subgroups is the pursuit of security, a phenomenon that is consistent with the study environment.

Equipment and typical results from cathodic protection surveying systems. In the simplest form, cathodic protection surveying of fixed offshore platforms is achieved by the so called ‘dipping’ technique, dipping a reference electrode into the sea and measuring a steel/sea potential with respect to it via an indicating voltmeter and a metallic connection to the topside steelwork. This procedure is allowed in NACE RP‐01–76 REF 36 but the standard does address the importance of placing the electrode close to platform members, distant from anodes and into areas of greatest shielding. The conventionally undertaken dip survey, particularly in geographic regions with substantial sea currents which cany the electrode away from structure members, is nothing better than a general indication of the overall level of protection. The probability is of errors indicating better levels than actually exist, due to the IR related voltage drops in the sea between the electrode location and the platform member.

Purpose: We review theory and research to suggest how research on sexual and gender minority (SGM) population health could more completely account for social class.

Approach: First, we review theory on social class, gender, and sexuality, especially pertaining to health. Next, we review research on social class among SGM populations. Then, we review 42 studies of SGM population health that accounted for one or more components of social class. Finally, we suggest future directions for investigating social class as a fundamental driver of SGM health.

Findings: Social class and SGM stigma are both theorized as “fundamental causes” of health, yet most studies of SGM health do not rigorously theorize social class. A few studies control socioeconomic characteristics as mediators of SGM health disparities, but that approach obscures class disparities within SGM populations. Only two of 42 studies we reviewed examined SGM population health at the intersections of social class, gender, and sexuality.

Research implications: Researchers interested in SGM population health would benefit from explicitly stating their chosen theory and operationalization of social class. Techniques such as splitting samples by social class and statistical interactions can help illuminate how social class and SGM status intertwine to influence health.

Originality: We synthesize theory and research on social class, sexuality, and gender pertaining to health. In doing so, we hope to help future research more thoroughly account for social class as a factor shaping the lives and health of SGM people.

Synopsis A brief introduction is given to the theory of cathodic protection. Principles and design procedures are described for both sacrificial anode and impressed current cathodic protection with a comparative assessment of both systems and the anodes used in them.

Equipment for and typical results from fixed cathodic protection monitoring systems. The earliest ‘fixed’ offshore cathodic protection monitoring systems were probably those which formed an integral part of automatically controlled impressed current systems for ships. Early fixed monitoring systems for offshore platforms were developments from these ship systems using either fixed silver/silver chloride [Ag/AgCl] electrodes or fixed zinc [Zn] electrodes in some form of permanent housing that could be attached to the structure. They were exclusively hard wired from their locations to some form of topside display which had either no recording or the most rudimentary event counters.

Irrespective of the type of cathodic protection system applied to an offshore platform or pipeline the longevity and effectiveness of that system, and therefore the safety and continued revenue earning capacity of the platform or pipeline, can be assured only if adequate monitoring and surveying of the performance is undertaken.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the negotiation and otherization of the regional representations of southern foodways in public restaurants within a larger urban cultural setting often seen as its cultural antithesis.

The method and approach is multifaceted, including content and historical analysis and participant observation. The literature review lays the foundation for the otherization of the South in the USA. The content analysis explores various media publications relevant to southern food restaurants and the qualitative analysis demonstrates the nuances of southern restaurants in New York City.

The literature and content analysis demonstrates the socio‐historical grounding for the otherization of the South and southern foodways. The qualitative research demonstrates how southern restaurants are constructed and otherized differently in New York City depending upon their local context and the participants who are primarily involved.

A larger sample of restaurants could provide a potentially more valid and nuanced analysis of the phenomena.

Most research on regional, subcultural differences in foodways occurs within the imagined boundaries of that respective region, but this paper explores the historical proliferation of restaurants and the meanings of the production and consumption of southern regional foods in these restaurants within another region.

Acorn steps up colour powder coating production. Acorn Exal, Milton Keynes, is planning to double its colour powder coating output. This, according to the company, is because of the way demand is going. It says that the market for colour powder coatings, which are used primarily in architecture, is growing rapidly.

Summary This paper examines the function, protection and applications of complex components such as valves in off‐shore environments. Materials of Construction and the coating/lining techniques and procedures available to ensure acceptable function and protection are discussed, while the limitations of existing painting specifications from the point of view of the component manufacturer are emphasised. Off‐shore services utilising valves are summarised and the types of valves to be found in service on production platforms are indicated.

Summary The variety of approaches used to combat corrosion and afford protection of structures and components are outlined. Factors governing selection so often favour combinations of traditional metal and modern polymeric coating or lining. Emphasis is placed on the vital importance of surface preparation and comprehensive specifications. In this context, the role of Specialist Painting Inspectors is outlined and their contribution to quality assurance and improved standards of workmanship is illustrated by reference to bridges, offshore platforms, telescopes and lined components. Future trends are indicated with emphasis on newer methods of surface preparation and protection.