Predictability of Food and Wine Pairing using a Sensory Approach

The purpose of this study was to explore significant differences in perception of match for a variety of food and wine styles; evaluate the impacts of wine sweetness level, wine acidity level, and wine tannin level on perception of match; and to investigate the impact of food and wine expertise on perceived level of match. A field research design was used to explore expert recommendations of food and wine combinations to obtain broader feedback on consumer perceptions. The population consisted of a convenience sample of 248 students enrolled in a continuing education course in food and wine pairing at George Brown College in Canada. Participants evaluated their perceived competency in food and wine pairing experience; sweetness, acidity and tannin levels for each wine; and perception of match with each food and wine combination using a survey instrument that employed 0 - 10 line scales for each evaluation. Participants were separated into expert and novice groups based on their self-evaluation of food and wine pairing experience in order to explore differences in perception between experts and novices. The highest perceived wine matches for each food item were: Sauvignon Blanc and chêvre (mean = 5.69; SD = 2.32), Chardonnay and brie (mean = 4.08; SD = 2.36), Cabernet Sauvignon and spicy Italian salami (mean = 5.09; SD = 2.45), and Port and milk chocolate (mean = 5.46; SD = 2.87). Wine sweetness, acidity and tannin levels all significantly impacted the level of match with certain food items. Food and wine expertise also significantly impacted the level of match, and differences between the expert and novice groups were found in regard to perception of match for select food and wine combinations and the impact sweetness, acidity, and tannin had on level of match

Population Models with Diffusion and Constant Yield Harvesting

In this paper we discuss reaction-diffusion equations arising in population dynamics with constant yield harvesting in one dimension. We focus on the mathematical models of the logistic growth, the strong Allee effect, and the weak Allee effect and their influence on the existence of positive steady states as well as global bifurcation diagrams. We analyze the equations using the quadrature method and the method of sub-super solutions

Developing For Our Future: A Perception Study of the Open Space Subdivision Technique

Communities throughout the United States are experiencing problems associated with rapid growth and urban sprawl. Infrastructure development costs, such as sewer, water and roads, are becoming increasingly expensive because of sprawl and inefficient land development practices. The open space subdivision technique is a development technique that encourages more compact development, provides open space amenities and reduces costs of infrastructure. However, this development technique has been little used in Southwest Missouri. This study identifies and evaluates the perceptions, attitudes and understanding of planning officials and developers/homebuilders in Greene and Christian counties on the open space subdivision technique to determine why this technique is not used more often. An infrastructure cost analysis for three cities in the study area was conducted to verify cost savings through use of this development technique. Planning officials, developers, and homebuilders were surveyed to determine perceptions, attitudes and understanding of the open space subdivision technique. Interviews were conducted with developers to further ascertain perceptions and attitudes. Primary findings of this research verify that infrastructure development costs can be reduced through more compact development. The survey and interview results indicate a disparity between planning officials and developers in actual understanding of the purpose and application of the open space subdivision technique. The marketability to the homebuyer may be the primary reason this development technique is little used. The research suggests that homebuyers are not interested in smaller lots and this technique is not as marketable in higher density urban areas. This technique may be more marketable in rural areas where the larger lot sizes could be reduced and infrastructure cost savings realized while still offering the homebuyer big backyards

Connecting backyard wildlife habitats in Austin, TX : case study of Wildlife Austin

textUrbanization is considered one of the leading threats to biodiversity and wildlife habitat (McKinney 2002; Shochat et al. 2006). Urban environments are humandominated systems, yet they support wildlife habitat and provide meaningful ecological functions. Methods to conserve biodiversity and minimize habitat loss and fragmentation in urban environments include utilizing private residential yards and gardens to enhance habitat connectivity. Private residential yards or gardens designed to attract and support wildlife are known as backyard habitats and wildlife gardens. The City of Austin, Texas initiated Wildlife Austin in 2007. Wildlife Austin coordinates backyard habitats in Austin as a National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat [trademark]. My research analyzes the goals of the Wildlife Austin from the perspective of landscape ecology and urban ecology; reviews research related to backyard habitats in order to identify ways of enhancing habitat connectivity for bird communities; and provides recommendations for a more scientifically grounded approach and management in the promotion of backyard wildlife habitat.Community and Regional Plannin