Search results

Genetic modification techniques have transformed the scope of biotechnology. Describes the new technology and its potential uses in the food industry. Safety is an important consideration and there are European Community and British legislative safeguards for human and environmental safety. Proposed EC legislation on novel foods, as drafted, contains equivalent provisions. There are wider questions about use of genetic modification in food and these have been addressed by a Government Committee on the Ethics of Genetic Modification and Food Use. Consideration has also been given by the Food Advisory Committee to the question of labelling.

In recent years, concern about the negative environmental effects of technologies, and in particular the use of genetic engineering in food production, has become a major topic in public debate. Public acceptance of genetic engineering is vital to development of this technology. This study, carried out in Christchurch, New Zealand, explores the role of consumers opinions, attitudes and behaviours toward genetic engineering. It focuses on the relative perceived risk associated with consuming genetically engineering food and the role of food labelling in reducing this risk. The study found that most consumers are uninformed about genetic engineering and the potential benefits it holds. The level of accurate knowledge held by the consumer was found to be an important determinant in the perceived level of risk and willingness to accept genetic engineering. Notable relationships were also found between demographic variables, attitudes and behaviours towards genetically engineered produce.

Seeks to answer the question “whose interests are being served by the laws of purporting to regulate genetically modified organisms?“ Considers the interests of the seed/chemical multinational companies, trade and investment for the countries in which these companies operate and the innovation of science and technology. Covers the European interests with regards to the single internal market and the conflict this can cause between economic and environmental/health interests. Looks at the issues from the US perspective and world trade. Continues by covering nature and the environment followed by health and safety and the rights of consumers. Assesses the regulations of the European community in order to find what protection is available.

Establishes what is meant by the term “genetic modification” and reviews the many methods used in agriculture to achieve it, including traditional breeding techniques and new, artificial recombinant DNA technologies (“new GM”). Argues strongly that it is important that neither side of the debate resorts to over‐simplified generalizations about the “new GM” but that each new development needs to be treated on its own, scientific, merit. Expresses concern that if politically pragmatic strategies are not developed on that basis, the opportunities presented by new GM technologies could be permanently lost.

Presents the views of farmers and growers on the use of biotechnology in the production of food. Identifies many significant benefits for consumers and producers. However, the National Farmers’ Union has a number of concerns about the technology, and recognizes that farmers and growers will have a key role to play in the responsible use of the technology.

Describes the work of the Advisory Working Group in Biotechnology established by the Institute of Grocery Distribution. This brought together representatives from a range of interests in the food chain to identify problems in relation to public acceptability of foods which involve the use of biotechnology and how they may be overcome.

The purpose of this paper is to develop an algorithm and software for determining the size of a line-start permanent magnet synchronous motor (LSPMSMs) based on its optimization.

The software consists of an optimization procedure that cooperates with a FEM model to provide the desired behavior of the motor under consideration. The proposed improved version of the genetic algorithm has modifications enabling efficient optimization of LSPMSMs. The objective function consists of three important functional parameters describing the designed machine. The 2-D field-circuit mathematical model of the dynamics operation of the LSPMSMs consists of transient electromagnetic field equations, equations describing electric windings and mechanical motion equations. The model has been developed in the ANSYS Maxwell environment.

In this proposed approach, the set of design variables contains the variables describing the stator and rotor structure. The improved procedure of the optimization algorithm makes it possible to find an optimal motor structure with correct synchronization properties. The proposed modifications make the optimization procedure faster and more

This proposed approach can be successfully applied to solve the design problems of LSPMSMs.

This paper describes the field of biotechnology and likely advances in health care, agricultural and other applications in industry, environmental science and energy over the next 15 years. The intent is to give those without a background in the life sciences a perspective of the broad scope of biotechnology. The forecasts at the end of each section illustrate some advances as well as some of the benefits and risks to society that might occur during the next 15 years.

During the late 1990s the controversy surrounding the use of genetically modified ingredients in food became an increasingly controversial issue within the UK. This paper provides a short case study which focuses on the principal issues within the GM debate and reviews the major food retailers policy responses to this debate.

Given the rapid rates of technological improvements possible, using modern biotechnology, the product life cycle of new genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is likely to be short and, hence, those investing in their development will desire access to the widest international market possible. There is, however, considerable consumer scepticism regarding GMOs, which is being translated into both government policy responses and actions by firms who are near the consumer end of the supply chain. As the licensing of GMOs is likely to vary from country to country and regulatory regimes will differ, firms involved in international supply chains for food products will be affected by the interplay of trade policy and consumer scepticism. All firms, even those not handling GMO products, will be affected because costly new monitoring procedures will be required. These additional monitoring costs suggest that competitive advantage is likely to be conferred on those supply chains which exhibit superior vertical co‐ordination.