bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water as a corporate resource
Authors: S. Fogel Daniel , Elizabeth Palmer Janet
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Water is a unique resource that does not receive enough attention among companies given its essential contribution to human life. Its uniqueness among all resources results from its environmental, socio-political and economic characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to explore water's uniqueness to companies, especially how one company, Coca-Cola, is currently managing this resource and to describe a few serious challenges that companies will face.

Design/methodology/approach

– Coca-Cola has become a leader among these corporations, and we can learn from this company about suggested actions that others might want to use.

Findings

– The major actions that companies must take relate to impact assessment and reporting, increased stewardship as a corporate responsibility, observing principles of sustainability and the increased recognition of water in all environmental policies and regulatory actions, partnerships with government and non-government organizations, and technology and design, i.e. allocating financial and human capital to develop new technologies.

Originality/value

– Several corporations, in recognizing water's uniqueness as a resource, have taken actions for its management.
Two snapshots reinforcing systemic thinking and responsibility
Authors: Barter Nick , Russell Sally
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the concept of sustainable development through the lens of two United Nations (UN) publications, Our Common Future (1987) and the 25-year update Resilient People: Resilient Planet (2012). The analysis attempts to highlight how sustainable development requires a systemic understanding and this in turn necessitates an imperative of responsibility. To reinforce its case, the paper highlights how sustainable development has never been about saving the environment and to think so is naïve. In the final analysis, the paper outlines how a systemic understanding is a key concern for organisational leaders and in turn a responsible understanding of humanity's entwinement with, rather than separation from, all that surrounds us.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a discussion paper that weaves together existing literature.

Findings

– The aim of the paper is to reinforce systemic thinking and an imperative of responsibility.

Practical implications

– The arguments offered highlight how systemic thinking and the associated responsibility that comes with this view are necessary for realising sustainable outcomes.

Originality/value

– Weaving together and reinforcing arguments that highlight systemic thinking and responsibility.
On robots as genetically modified invasive species
Authors: Lemke Michael , W. Miller Keith
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore similarities and differences between robots, invasive biological species, and genetically modified organisms. These comparisons are designed to better understand the potential effects of robots on human society.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper applies established ideas in one discipline – biology – to issues that are less well understood, but actively being studied in another discipline – science and technology studies.

Findings

– Robots entering human society in large numbers share many of the characteristics of an invasive species entering a new ecosystem. The authors also find that robots have several characteristics that are similar to a genetically modified organism. Taken together, these similarities suggest that society should be cautious about the introduction of large numbers of robots in a short period of time.

Originality/value

– The approach taken here to assess robots in society by these analogies to ecological processes is, to the authors' knowledge, novel. Applying ideas from a better-known area to a less well-known area is routine in philosophy, but these particular analogies have not yet been carefully articulated in the literature.
Effective cooperation with energy consumers
Authors: Begier Barbara
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Research described in this paper focuses on a need to consult inhabitants about a new technical solution introduced in a country-wide scale like it is in the case of a smart metering system – finally, all energy consumers will become its users. Its social acceptance is required. So it is a good example of an ethical approach to introduce an innovative solution in the society. The conducted research was intended to help developing strategy to build appropriate relationships with energy consumers during the planned exchange of energy meters and to prepare energy consumers to make use of all functionality of the installed meters. The course of the conducted research and its results are presented. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The described forms of cooperation with people are direct interviews in focus groups and a questionnaire survey involving representative social sample (surveys have been conducted during direct meetings and via internet). They are described as a case study. An agenda of each interview and also a content of a questionnaire cover topics within the area of natural environment protection, a need to save energy, individual activities leading to energy saving, smart metering, its benefits and potential threats including risk of intrusion privacy. Selected results are included.

Findings

– Consultations (with energy consumers) based on focus groups and questionnaire surveys have been well accepted by the participants. Respondents feel a need to express their opinions on a given subject. Citizens' attention concerns mostly the economic aspects of a new system. Energy consumers are able to formulate and declare strong and weak points of smart meters. Some threats concerning intrusion of privacy have been expressed by respondents and included in the paper.

Practical implications

– General conclusion is the following – each large system is not only a set of technical devices and software routines but it is also a system built by humans and for humans. Wide consultations on a smart metering bring benefits and help ensuring social acceptance. The raising social awareness of the need to save energy is one more benefit from the undertaken activities. An importance of consulting people about new solution involving all inhabitants is emphasized. Direct and structured interviews are the preferred form of social consultations. it is highlighted by some of the pollsters involved in the survey that respondents tell the truth rather in a direct conversation than in a remote mode via internet (involved pollsters have had an opportunity to check if respondents' statements are true).

Originality/value

– The described research took place in November 2012. Earlier only technical experts and academia were involved in discussions concerning smart metering. Selected data are included to show results of the research. The presented approach may help interested parties to introduce new solution and to avoid social opposition, rejection of the idea and misunderstandings.
Slow Tech: a quest for good, clean and fair ICT
Authors: Patrignani Norberto , Whitehouse Diane
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the term Slow Tech as a way of describing information and communication technology (ICT) that is good, clean and fair. These are technologies that are human centred, environmentally sustainable and socially desirable.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper's approach is based on a qualitative discourse that justifies the introduction of Slow Tech as a new design paradigm.

Findings

– The limits of the human body, and the need to take into account human wellbeing, the limits of the planet and stakeholders' interests in decision making, all suggest the need for a new paradigm, Slow Tech, in the design of ICT and ICT systems. Three scenarios are described as case studies.

Practical implications

– In order to prepare the next generation of researchers and computer professionals, many different actions need to be taken. Universities and colleges need to redesign education programmes for computer scientists and engineers by introducing subjects related to the social and ethical implications of computing (currently, only few countries, like the UK, have already done this), and computer professionals' associations need to introduce a code of ethics or ethical analysis into their members' career development. As a result, future computer professionals who are familiar with the Slow Tech approach will be able to collaborate much more easily across the kind of cross disciplinary teams suited to design human centred, sustainable and desirable technologies.

Social implications

– Rather than simply focusing on the role of computer professionals, all members of society are called to play a new role in the design of future ICT scenarios. Starting a societal dialogue that involves computer professionals, users, researchers, designers, ICT industrialists, and policy makers is very much needed.

Originality/value

– The value of this paper is in its call for reflection followed by action. Based on an holistic approach to the design of new ICT systems, the paper advocates a new starting point for systems design: it should be based on a long-term view of the desirability and social importance of technologies, their environmental impact and sustainability, and the fairness and equity of the conditions of workers involved in the computing manufacturing processes.
Between solidarism and business management: assessing management factors for social enterprise: a survey in Italy
Authors: Linzalone Roberto , Lerro Antonio
Published: April 2014

Purpose

–The aim of this paper is to investigate the management dimensions and factors of social enterprise, in order to identify valuable management innovation challenges. Given the deep social changes occurring, and strong public spending reviews, social enterprises are called to a shift from a traditional management model based on solidarity to a business oriented one.

Design/methodology/approach

–The research is based on a survey administered to 344 enterprises, based in five regions of south Italy, with a response of 67 social enterprises. After a first round of six open interviews administered to social entrepreneurs, a closed questionnaire was designed and administered through web survey tools to the 344.

Findings

–The paper investigates social enterprises, with particular regard to the social cooperatives, identifying and assessing the management dimensions and factors constituting their management model. The analysis reveals and addresses management challenges helpful in driving a competitive growth of social enterprises.

Originality/value

–The paper explores a sector slightly investigated by management literature, and usually focused by the social literature. Collective interest, social value, mutualism, solidarity appear to be gaps in today's management models, contributing to financial crisis, employment crisis, social emergencies. Social enterprise may represent a new management model, revealing dimensions and factors of interest for a new business management, until it is supported with a more business management oriented model.
Seeking the stakeholder-oriented value of innovation: a CKI perspective
Authors: Palmieri Roberto , Giglio Carlo
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The paper focuses on the management of the innovation process. It provides a more comprehensive approach for the analysis of the mutual relationships among creativity, knowledge and innovation (CKI), thus going beyond the one-to-one basis of analysis prevailing in literature. Given the varied set of stakeholders concerned with innovation process outcomes, the need for adopting different perspectives emerges (i.e. macroeconomic, institutional, socio-cultural and corporate). A framework, including a set of indicators grouped by perspective is proposed in order to help capture several outputs of innovation processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a qualitative research paper based on the literature review and the development of theoretical remarks. The multiple-case study approach corroborates the theoretical analysis.

Findings

– The model aims to provide an operating tool for the management of innovation processes. It helps to assess the impact of innovation plans and operating actions at any level. The model may support decision making and control tasks in operating contexts, providing a strategic tool for governments and managers. This paper may encourage academicians to refine the CKI perspective and improve the model's capacity to predict and assess the impacts of innovation processes.

Originality/value

– The framework may help when analyzing a CKI interaction system. It allows understanding of the dynamics between creativity vs knowledge resource policies (creativity-based approach vs knowledge-based approach) and innovation goals. The model also serves to deepen the circular nature of CKI interactions and their outcomes.
The impact of obstacles defined by developmental antecedents on resilience in leadership formation
Authors: S. Howard Christopher , A. Irving Justin
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to report findings from research conducted that links the role of obstacles defined by developmental antecedents to the level of resilience within a leader.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study reflects responses from 167 participants and utilizes leadership antecedents categories, the Differentiation of Self Inventory, Short Form and the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale.

Findings

– The results demonstrate that resiliency is positively correlated with both the leadership antecedents and differentiation of self. In light of the research findings, the authors will highlight the relationship between resiliency and the leadership antecedents (including developmental assignments, developmental relationships, developmental experiences, and developmental training), highlight the relationship between resiliency and differentiation of self, and provide rationale for the absence of a relationship between differentiation of self and the leadership antecedents.

Research limitations/implications

– The study does not demonstrate how the developmental antecedents might work in combination with one another to develop resiliency. Therefore, one recommendation would be to further verify the interrelationship of developmental antecedents and the nature of their relationship with leader resiliency. If research can determine the interrelationship of these developmental antecedents on the development of resilience, then implications exist within the leadership formation process and for new forms of leadership training.

Originality/value

– Based on the findings, the authors intend to provide an argument for why obstacles and developmental experiences are a logical and necessary part of the formation process for leaders and suggest the importance of emerging leaders attending to this dimension of their own leadership formation journey.
Investigating temporal effects of risk perceptions and satisfaction on customer loyalty
Authors: Ha Hong-Youl , Son Hee-Young
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how product usage satisfaction mediates the link between two types of perceived risk and loyalty intentions, and investigate the three moderating effects (overall satisfaction of provider, switching costs, and remaining contract time) of the product usage satisfaction-loyalty intentions linkage.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a longitudinal study, a total of 253 usable responses are collected from timeTto timeT+1. The paper uses the partial least squares (PLS-Graph 3.0) approach for structural parameters in the proposed model.

Findings

– The findings show that the temporal effect of performance risk and product usage satisfaction negatively increases, whereas the temporal effect between product usage satisfaction and loyalty intentions decreases over time. While the moderating effect between overall satisfaction of provider and product usage satisfaction strengthens loyalty intentions, the switching costs attenuate loyalty intentions. The proposed model can be used to predict both the change in customer behavior and the moderating effects of overall satisfaction of providers (or switching costs) in the context of smartphone replacement period.

Originality/value

– This paper makes unique contributions to the literature. First, using the consumption-system approach as a theoretical base, the paper extends the product usage satisfaction-loyalty intentions linkage that can appear as a dynamic spiral during subsequent periods. Second, considering the temporal effects of the proposed relationships, the paper identifies the role of perceived risk that reveals how product usage satisfaction mediates the link between two types of perceived risk and loyalty intentions. Third, the paper emphasizes the importance of moderating effects when considering smartphone usage with a particular brand.
Moderators of the relationship between social bonding and organizational commitment
Authors: Shih-Tse Wang Edward
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The commitment of service employees to an organization is a critical concern that affects the success of an organization. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the social bonds between the supervisor and the employee, and among employees, foster organizational commitment in employees. The study subsequently explored the moderating role of work status (full-time vs parttime) and employee individualistic values in the relationship between social bonding and commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Empirical data were collected from the frontline employees of restaurants in Taiwan (n=395). Hierarchical moderated regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between social bonds and relationship commitment and the moderating effect of work status and individualistic values on the social bonding-commitment relationship.

Findings

– The results show that social bonding is an antecedent to organizational commitment, and work status and individualistic values moderate the social bonding-commitment relationship. The effect of social bonding on organizational commitment is stronger for full-time and less individualistic employees than for part-time and more individualistic employees.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to knowledge of the effect of social bonding on employee organizational commitment, and provides evidence showing that work status and employee values affect the social bonding-commitment relationship.
Municipal collaboration for carbon footprinting: Syracuse, New York case study
Authors: Ramsden Carolyn , C. Smardon Richard , Michel Gregory
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The City of Syracuse, New York, has undertaken energy conservation measures over the past decade. In 2011, the city completed a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory that serves as the basis for current sustainability planning processes, and the process to complete this analysis was uniquely collaborative and is offered as a case study. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This inventory was the product of collaboration between the city, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, through the Climate Change Innovation Program. Following guidance from International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives's Local Government Operations Protocol and utilizing Clean Air and Climate Protection software, the baseline year for the inventory was 2002, and the municipal analysis covered five sectors: buildings and facilities, vehicle fleet, aviation, water delivery, and streetlights and traffic lights. The city's community analysis assessed residential, commercial and industrial energy use, transportation and waste sectors.

Findings

– The City of Syracuse has achieved energy and GHG reductions over the inventory timeframe. While savings have been accomplished, significant challenges to future energy and GHG reductions remain.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations include obtaining data quality and consistency for analysis.

Practical implications

– This case study could serve as a model for moving forward with GHG inventory analysis and action for small- to medium-sized cities in the NE, USA.

Social implications

– This was an experiment in collaboration between an academic institution, NGOs and a municipal entity.

Originality/value

– The city's 2010 inventory has been followed by community outreach and stakeholder engagement for the sustainability planning process. The city formed advisory teams composed of community experts in the areas of energy and green building, natural environment, waste and recycling, education and outreach, and food systems. The collaborative approach the city utilized offers a helpful model for other municipalities to follow to overcome resource constraints and complete energy and cost-saving carbon footprinting assessments.
Carbon sequestered in the trees on a university campus: a case study
Authors: De Villiers Charl , Chen Sile , jin Chenxing , Zhu Yiner
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The authors aim to investigate the ability of a New Zealand university to rely on the CO2sequestered in the trees on campus to mitigate the CO2emissions caused by operations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors count and measure the trees on the university's 68 hectare main campus, ignoring smaller trees that sequester very little CO2.

Findings

– The authors estimate that the 4,139 trees the authors count contain 5,809 tonnes of CO2. The authors further estimate the additional CO2sequestration over the next ten years to be 253 tonnes per year. The university's annual CO2emissions were 4,086 tonnes in 2011. More than 70 per cent of this amount relates to overseas travel. Therefore, CO2sequestration in trees promises to mitigate only about 6 per cent of total emissions over the next ten years.

Practical implications

– This suggests that other initiatives will be needed if the university is serious about reducing its greenhouse gas emissions impact. An obvious avenue appears to be to reduce overseas travel, e.g. by finding different ways for academic staff to network and obtain feedback on their research. Other universities and other organisations starting to investigate their environmental impact are likely to similarly find that CO2sequestration in trees can only provide limited mitigation opportunities.

Originality/value

– The authors contribute to the ongoing debate around carbon emissions, exploring avenues to mitigate CO2emissions.
Incidence and molecular characterization of hepatitis A viruses in Korean surface water between 2007 and 2010
Authors: Lee Gyu‐Cheol , Kim Min‐Jeong , Nam Sehee , Lee Chan Hee
Published: April 2014

Several bodies of surface water in Korea were surveyed for the presence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) between 2007 and 2010. Of 265 surface water samples, 9 (3.4%) were HAV‐positive. HAVs were mainly detected in the summer (3/62, 4.8%) and spring (4/96, 4.2%) seasons. Comparing different water sources, the highest prevalence (6.6%) of positive samples was seen in lake water, four HAV‐positive samples being from lakes. Comparing prevalence rates across the four representative Korean basin systems, no HAVs were found in the Han or Nakdong river basins. The highest HAV prevalence was found in samples from the Yeongsan river and other basins (6.3%); the Geum/Seom river was also found to have a high HAV prevalence (5.7%). HAVs from the nine positive samples were then sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically. Two of the HAVs belong to genotype IA and fall within the same cluster as HAVs 6‐3(ASAN4) (EU049548), KANSAN‐PS1 (EU049554), and ASAN‐KM (EU049563), which were collected from the stools of patients with gastroenteritis in Korea. The seven other HAV nucleotide sequences belong to the genotype IB cluster. This is the first nationwide surveillance of HAV in major Korean water sources.
Near‐to‐nature logging influences fungal community assembly processes in a temperate forest
Authors: Bässler Claus , Ernst Raffael , Cadotte Marc , Heibl Christoph , Müller Jörg
Published: April 2014

As theEarth's biota enters the sixth great mass extinction event recorded in the history of the planet, it is predicted that the erosion of biodiversity will result in the reduction of the goods and services that ecosystems provide. To mediate the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function associated with wood production in temperate forests inEurope, a near‐to‐nature strategy has been developed. Whether this strategy enables natural assembly mechanisms of fungi responsible for major ecosystem processes is unknown.

We analysed variation in species richness and both the functional and phylogenetic structure of fungal assemblages of different trophic life histories (soil saprotrophic, wood saprotrophic, and ectomycorrhizal fungi) in 69 beech forest plots along a steep gradient of management intensity. We focused on reproductive traits to test the hypothesis that management intensity shifts community assembly mechanisms from limitations in niche overlap that promote the coexistence of dissimilar species to environmental filtering that selects for similar species. Specifically, we hypothesized that unpredictable resources in production forests filter the assemblages, promoting species with small fruit bodies and with small and elongated spores.

As management intensity increased, functional diversity decreased from a random pattern to a clustered pattern, which indicated that management intensity increased the strength of environmental filtering. However, phylogenetic diversity increased from a random pattern to an overdispersed pattern. Combining phylogenetic diversity with functional diversity did not provide additional insight into the traits but revealed a contrasting pattern. Reproduction traits of the assemblages shifted, with a decrease in mean fruit body size and an increase in spore elongation.

Synthesis and applications. Near‐to‐nature logging concepts are not able to mimic the major processes that shape fungal community assembly in protected forests. This could have severe consequences for important ecosystem functions provided by fungi. The phylogenetic overdispersion indicated that analyses of other traits in addition to reproductive traits are required to disentangle the factors affecting fungal community structure.
8 A wedge of time: futures in the present and presents without futures inMaputo,Mozambique
Authors: Nielsen Morten
Published: April 2014

A series of recent anthropological studies on time emphasize the crucial importance of the future as a guiding trope in the present. Although located beyond an immediate temporal horizon, the future is consequently taken as connected to the present in a meaningful way through a sequence of chronological moments and hence potentially accessible. This paper takes its point of departure from the growing body of anthropological work on time and futurity, but challenges the inherent assumption of linearity characterizing the relation between present and future. Based on fieldwork carried out inMaputo,Mozambique, it examines the non‐linear temporalities of house‐building. According to house‐builders living on the fringes of the city, the future constitutes a temporal position from where the present might be properly illuminated. However, when seen from the present, the future surprisingly seems to reflect its own inevitable collapse, thus making it crucial to maintain appropriate distance between the two. Whereas the imagined perspective from the future suggests an immediate readability of the present, the inverse temporal gaze (i.e. from the present) reflects the radical uncanniness of the future. Still, although prefigured as a failure at the end‐point on a linear scale, the future asserts itself by opening up the present. It wedges itself within the present moment and establishes temporal differentiations without indicating a progressing trajectory. In a peculiar inversion of conventional linearity, the present becomes the effect of the future rather than vice versa.
Effects of Dimethyl Dicarbonate (DMDC) on the Fermentation of Litchi Juice by Lactobacillus Casei as an Alternative of Heat Treatment
Authors: Yu Yuanshan , Xiao Gengsheng , Xu Yujuan , Wu Jijun , Wen Jing
Published: April 2014

This study investigated the effects of dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) on the fermentation of litchi juice by Lactobacillus casei as an alternative of heat treatment that may have undesirable effect on the juice. Quality attributes and products stability of both the fermented heat‐ and DMDC‐treated litchi juice by L. casei were compared. It was found that residual indigenous microorganisms in both the heat‐ and DMDC‐treated litchi juice cannot grow into dominant bacteria during further fermentation of litchi juice by L. casei. Compared with fermented heat‐treated litchi juice, fermented DMDC‐treated litchi juice showed a better color, flavor, and overall acceptance, and also retained more total phenolics and antioxidant capacity. The viability counts of L. casei in both the heat‐ and DMDC‐treated litchi juice were more 8.0 lg CFU/mL after 4 wk of storage at 4 °C. Also, some quality attributes in both the fermented heat‐ and DMDC‐treated litchi juices, including pH, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity, and so on, showed the tendency to slow decrease during storage at 4 °C, but the scores of overall acceptance showed no reduction after the storage of 4 wk at 4 °C. On the whole, the application of DMDC treatment could be an ideal alternative of heat treatment to ensure the microbial safety, consistent sensory, and nutritional quality of fermented litchi juice prior to fermentation.

Practical Application

The pasteurization treatment is often recommended prior to fermentation of fruit juice by probiotics, as it would lead to a rapid inactivation and inhibition of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, and ensure the fermented products with consistent sensory and nutritional quality. Dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) is a powerful antimicrobial agent, which was approved for use as a microbial control agent in juice beverages by FDA. This study provides a scientific basis for the application of DMDC prior to fermentation of litchi juice.
Enzyme‐Modified Starch as an Oil Delivery System for Bake‐Only Chicken Nuggets
Authors: Purcell Sarah , Wang Ya‐Jane , Seo Han‐Seok
Published: April 2014

This study investigated the effects of enzyme modification on starch as an effective oil delivery system for bake‐only chicken nuggets. Various native starches were hydrolyzed by amyloglucosidase to a hydrolysis degree of 20% to 25% and plated with 50% (w/w, starch dry basis) with canola oil to create a starch‐oil matrix. This matrix was then blended into a dry ingredient blend for batter and breader components. Nuggets were prepared by coated with predust, hydrated batter, and breader, and the coated nuggets were steam‐baked until fully cooked and then frozen until texture and sensory analyses. The enzyme‐modified starches showed a significant decrease in pasting viscosities for all starch types. For textural properties of nuggets, no clear relationship was found between peak force and starch source or amylose content. Sensory attributes related to fried foods (for example, crispness and mouth‐coating) did not significantly differ between bake‐only nuggets formulated using the enzyme‐modified starches and the partially fried and baked ones. The present findings suggest that enzyme‐modified starches can deliver sufficient quantity of oil to create sensory attributes similar to those of partially fried chicken nuggets. Further study is needed to optimize the coating formulation of bake‐only chicken nugget to become close to the fried one in sensory aspects.

Practical Application

The food industry has become increasingly focused on healthier items. Frying imparts several critical and desirable product functionalities, such as developing texture and color, and providing mouth‐feel and flavor. The food industry has yet to duplicate all of the unique characteristics of fried chicken nuggets with a baking process. This study investigated the application of enzyme‐modified starch as an oil delivery system in bake‐only chicken nugget formulation in attempts to provide characteristics of fried items. This information is useful to improve the nutritional value of fried food by eliminating the frying process while preserving the desired characteristics of fried products.
Investigation of Variations in the Acrylamide and Nε‐(Carboxymethyl) Lysine Contents in Cookies during Baking
Authors: Cheng Lu , Jin Cheng , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2014

Baking processing is indispensable to determine special sensory prosperities of cookies and induces the formation of some beneficial components such as antioxidants. However, the formation of some Maillard reaction‐derived chemical hazards, such as acrylamide (AA) and Nε‐(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML) in cookies is also a significant consequence of baking processing from a food safety standpoint. This study investigated the effects of baking conditions on the formation of AA and CML, as well as the antioxidant activity (AOA) of cookies. Cookies were baked at various baking temperatures (155 to 230 °C) and times (1.5 to 31 min). AA and CML contents were determined by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The highest level of AA was obtained in the cookies baked at 155 °C/21 min and 205 °C/11 min (328.93 ± 3.10 μg/kg and 329.29 ± 5.29 μg/kg), while the highest level of CML was obtained in the cookies baked at 230 °C/1.5 min (118.05 ± 0.21 mg/kg). AA was prone to form at relatively low temperature range (155 to 205 °C), however, CML at relatively high temperature range (205 to 230 °C). The CML content was much higher than the AA content in the same set of cookies, by about 2 to 3 orders of magnitude. The AOA of cookies increased at more severe baking conditions. According to the AA and CML content, AOA and sensory properties of cookies, the temperature–time regime of 180 °C/16 min might be a compromised selection. However, only optimizing the baking condition was not enough for manufacture of high‐quality cookies.

Practical Application

Cookies, a kind of widely consumed bakery products in the world, contain some potentially harmful compounds, like acrylamide (AA) and Nε‐(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML). AA in cookies has led to public health concern and several research efforts. But CML, another Maillard reaction‐derived chemical hazard, has been neglected so far, even though its content is much higher than that of AA in cookies. The results contribute to further insight into the Maillard reaction and are useful for the selection of baking conditions to produce high‐quality cookies with lower AA and CML contents, higher AOA, and better sensory properties.
Bringing the ‘New Wars’ Debate Back on Track: Building on Critiques, Identifying Opportunities, and Moving Forward
Authors: Juan Masullo J. , Jone Lauzurika Bajo
Published: April 2014

Kaldor's ‘new wars’ argument has stimulated a forceful debate over the last decade. Albeit providing important insights, this debate has messily conflated arguments, concepts and theories. As a result, when it comes to enhancing our understanding of contemporary armed conflicts, it is bringing diminishing results. In this article we suggest avenues for further research and point to current research programs that may help put the debate ‘back on track’ and push the discussion forward by examining systematically some of the aspects Kaldor described as defining features of ‘new wars’. Concretely, we stress the importance of undertaking a longer historical perspective for drawing inferences; call for bringing warfare in the study of civilian victimization; highlight the conceptual differences between ‘new wars’ and civil wars and emphasize the importance of taking their transnational dimension seriously; make a plea for disaggregation for capturing relevant temporal and spatial variation; and draw attention to new data sets and the opportunities they offer to statistically test the ‘new wars’ argument. In a concluding section, we broadly outline the significance of this discussion for policy making.
Factors driving James Cook University Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery graduates' choice of internship location and beyond
Authors: Schauer Anna , Woolley Torres , Sen Gupta Tarun
Published: April 2014

Objective

To identify the main reason James Cook University (JCU) Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery graduates chose their internship location and first four practice relocations.

Design & participants

This cross‐sectional study invited 261 JCU medical graduates to participate in an email or telephone survey.

Main outcome measures

Graduates' main reason for choosing internship location and up to four subsequent relocations, post‐graduate specialty training undertaken and practice location (either metropolitan or non‐metropolitan) for graduates' internship year and current practice year (2012).

Results

Respondents (n = 175; response rate = 67%) reported personal factors as the primary driver for choosing their internship location, with 33% returning to ‘near their family/home town’, and 21% staying in the town they were based in Years 5 and 6. Professional reasons dominated for subsequent relocations, particularly ‘long‐term career ambitions’. Fifty‐nine of the 175 (34%) JCU graduates had undertaken their internship in a metropolitan location (Australian Standard Geographical Classification Remoteness Area 1), while 80 (46%) currently (in 2012) practised in a metropolitan location. Internship location was not associated with later specialty training, but current metropolitan practice was associated with Surgical or Paediatrics training (P = 0.007 and P = 0.063, respectively), while current non‐metropolitan practice was associated with General Practice and Rural Generalist training (P = 0.010 and P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Personal decisions take precedence over professional career decisions for why JCU medical graduates chose their internship location, but subsequent relocations are driven by career ambitions, usually around specialty training requirements. These findings support establishing more post‐graduate training opportunities in non‐metropolitan settings for Surgical and Paediatric specialties as a retention strategy for a rural medical career.
Rural experience for junior doctors: Is it time to make it mandatory?
Authors: Rowe Casey Jane , Campbell Ian S. , Hargrave Lynton Ashley
Published: April 2014

Objective

To determine whether rural practice terms for junior doctors result in increased interest in rural practice and whether these terms improve learning experiences, clinical skills and insight into difficulties of rural practice.

Design

Semistructured, self‐administered survey with questions on respondent demographics, clinical experience during rural practice terms, post‐rural experience and personal opinion.

Setting

South East Queensland.

Participants

Thirty junior doctors from three tertiary hospitals were approached. The response rate was 100%.

Main outcome measures

Exploration of junior doctors' rural term experience.

Results

Two thirds (67%) of the respondents reported feeling uncomfortable with respect to clinical practice requirements during their rural terms. Half (47%) performed procedures they had only previously performed in simulation environments, and the majority (87%) relied on textbooks or other resources on a daily basis. Two thirds (67%) changed aspects of their usual clinical practice while practising in a rural setting, and 80% reported a change in attitude towards the hardships faced by rural practitioners. The majority of the respondents (87%) enjoyed their rural term, gaining confidence as a result of it, and more than half (53%) reported considering working in rural areas in the future.

Conclusions

The results of this survey suggest that junior doctors on rural rotations are required to perform at a clinical level higher than that required of them in metropolitan hospitals. While their clinical experience appears to result in a greater interest in future rural career possibilities for junior doctors, this survey highlights the requirement to improve support for junior doctors undertaking terms in rural areas.
Prevocational exposure to public health in the Kimberley: A pathway to rural, remote and public health practice
Authors: Hofer Alexandra , Parker Jake , Atkinson David , Moore Sarah , Reeve Carole , Mak Donna B.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate the Kimberley Population Health Unit (KPHU) prevocational public health placement in terms of its contribution to resident medical officers' (RMOs') knowledge, skills, career path and aspirations.

Design

All RMOs who had completed a public health placement at the KPHU (n = 27) during 2001–2012 were invited to complete an online survey in September 2012.

Setting

The KPHU, based in Broome, provides population health services to the Kimberley region, far north Western Australia.

Main outcome measures

The extent to which RMOs perceived the development of public health skills and knowledge during the placement, and the degree to which RMOs believe this placement influenced future career pathways and their current practice.

Results

Twenty‐three RMOs (85%) completed the survey. Sixty per cent are currently working in general practice or public health medicine; of these, 43% have returned to the Kimberley. Over 70% reported that the placement developed their knowledge of public health and Aboriginal health to a ‘great’ or ‘very great’ extent. Sixty‐one per cent felt that their placement influenced their future desire to work in public health ‘a lot’ or ‘a great extent’.

Conclusion

This placement provides a unique opportunity for RMOs to undertake public health and Aboriginal health work in a remote setting. Given the increasing demand for prevocational placements, the value of imparting sound public health knowledge to the next generation of doctors and the urgent need to recruit and retain rural doctors, this placement provides a potential model that could be expanded to other locations.
Interleukin‐33 requires CMRF35‐like molecule‐1 expression for induction of myeloid cell activation
Authors: Shik D. , Moshkovits I. , Karo‐Atar D. , Reichman H. , Munitz A.
Published: April 2014

Background

IL‐33 is a potent activator of various cells involved in allergic inflammation, including eosinophils and mast cells. Despite its critical role in Th2 disease settings, endogenous molecular mechanisms that may regulate IL‐33‐induced responses remain to be defined. We have recently shown that eosinophils express CMRF35‐like molecule (CLM)‐1. Yet, the role of CLM‐1 in regulating eosinophil functions is still elusive.

Methods

CLM‐1 and CLM‐8 expression and cellular localization were assessed in murine bone marrow‐derived and/or peritoneal cells at baseline and following IL‐33 stimulation (flow cytometry, western blot). IL‐33‐induced mediator release and signaling were assessed in wild‐type (wt) and Clm1−/− cells and mice.

Results

BM‐derived eosinophils express high levels of glycosylated CLM‐1. IL‐33 induced a rapid, specific, concentration‐ and time‐dependent upregulation of CLM‐1 in eosinophils (in vitro and in vivo). Clm1−/− eosinophils secreted less IL‐33‐induced mediators than wt eosinophils. CLM‐1 co‐localized to ST2 following IL‐33 stimulation and was required for IL‐33‐induced NFκB and p38 phosphorylation. Th2 cytokine (e.g., IL‐5, IL‐13) and chemokine (e.g., eotaxins, CCL2) secretion was markedly attenuated in IL‐33‐treated Clm1−/− mice. Subsequently, IL‐33‐challenged mice displayed reduced infiltration of mast cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and B cells. Despite the markedly impaired IL‐33‐induced eotaxin expression in Clm1−/− mice, eosinophil accumulation was similar in wt and Clm1−/− mice, due to hyperchemotactic responses of Clm1−/− eosinophils.

Conclusions

CLM‐1 is a novel regulator of IL‐33‐induced eosinophil activation. These data contribute to the understanding of endogenous molecular mechanisms regulating IL‐33‐induced responses and may ultimately lead to receptor‐based tools for future therapeutic intervention in IL‐33‐associated diseases.
Outcome of paediatric cataract surgery with primary posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy using intra‐operative preservative‐free triamcinolone acetonide
Authors: Gupta Rohit , Ram Jagat , Sukhija Jaspreet , Singh Rishiraj
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the intra‐operative and postoperative outcome of paediatric cataract surgery with primary posterior capsulotomy (PPC) and anterior vitrectomy using intra‐operative preservative‐free triamcinolone acetonide.

Methods

In this prospective, interventional case–control study, 20 Children who underwent cataract surgery for both eyes were enrolled and their eyes were randomized into two groups. Group A consists of 20 eyes in which standard phacoaspiration with PPC with intracameral triamcinolone was used, and Group B consists of 20 eyes in which triamcinolone were not used. Intra‐operative complications and postoperative outcome like intraocular pressure (IOP), posterior synechiae, pigment deposits and posterior capsule opacification (PCO) were studied.

Results

In both groups, age range varied between 2–8 years comprising 18 males and two females. The mean postoperative IOP did not show any significant variation during 6‐month follow‐up. In study group, all the 20 eyes were quiet at 2 weeks, while there was cellular reaction 1+ in four eyes (20%) and nil in 16 eyes (80%) at 2 week in the control group (p = 0.035). Pigment deposits on IOL optic was seen in two eyes (10%) of the study group while in control group, IOL deposits were present in 14 eyes (70%) (p = 0.001). Posterior capsule opacification was seen in two eyes (10%) in control group at 3 months while none occurred in study group.

Conclusions

Intra‐operative use of preservative‐free triamcinolone acetonide led to less anterior chamber inflammation and pigment deposits on IOL optic postoperatively compared to those eyes where it was not used.
Seroprevalence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in healthy adults from western Norway: risk factors and methodological aspects
Authors: Hjetland Reidar , Nilsen Roy M. , Grude Nils , Ulvestad Elling
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in a healthy adult population from Sogn and Fjordane county in western Norway by different assays. Sera from 1213 blood donors at four different blood banks were analysed in Enzygnost Lyme link VlsE/IgG (IgG), Enzygnost Borreliosis IgM (IgM), and Immunetics C6 Lyme ELISA kit (C6). Sera showing positive or grey‐zone reactivities were further examined with Borrelia‐EUROLine‐RN‐AT IgG blot and Borrelia‐EUROLine‐RN‐AT IgM blot. The seroprevalences were 9.6%, 8.2%, 8.4%, 6.4% and 5.7%, respectively. The seroprevalence for IgG was lower in the eastern part of the county and in owners of pet animals. It was higher in men, and increased with age and number of tick bites. C6 and IgG gave comparable results. IgM only was found in 4.5%, more often in women, did not increase with age, and showed no relationship with geography, and 56.4% were positive in IgM blot. In conclusion, antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. are common in blood donors in western Norway. The results may be used for evaluation of predictive values of test results in patients, as well as a basis for test algorithms in the laboratory.