bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of waste occurrence level indicator in Vietnam construction industry
Authors: Khanh Ha Duy , Kim Soo Yong
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the waste occurrence level in the construction industry. It includes: first, identifying the mean value of frequency of waste occurrence according to respondents’ characteristics; second, identifying the main predictive factors for waste occurrence based on latent relationships between initial waste factors; and third, identifying the waste occurrence-level indicator (WOLI) for the construction industry based on the main waste measurement factors.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 19 waste factors were sorted from the literature review. A structured questionnaire was adopted to carry out the survey. The respondents are professionals who have much experience in construction and management of project. Shapiro-Wilk test of normality, Levene’s test, ANOVA test, and factor analysis technique were used to analyze the collected data.

Findings

– Frequency of waste occurrence in construction projects is quite high. There was no statistically and practically significant difference in means for waste occurrence between selected population categories. Based on factor analysis technique, there were five principal components extracted with 56.7 percent of total variance. The WOLI in the construction industry was found as 61.55 per the scale of 100.

Research limitations/implications

– The non-probability sampling was applied to collect data because of several certain limitations and difficulties. The number of data sets is relatively small. This study has only examined the frequency of waste occurrence without quantitative information.

Practical implications

– This is another study of waste factors in the construction industry, which is different from traditional waste studies.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this study to the practical project management is that a proposed evaluation sheet for WOLI could be applied for any construction firm.
Climate and construction delays: case study in Chile
Authors: Ballesteros-Pérez Pablo , del Campo-Hitschfeld Maria Luisa , González-Naranjo Manuel Alejandro , González-Cruz Mari Carmen
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Construction projects usually suffer delays, and the causes of these delays and its cost overruns have been widely discussed, the weather being one of the most recurrent. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of climate on standard construction work activities through a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

– By studying the extent at which some weather variables impede outdoor work from being effectively executed, new maps and tables for planning for delays are presented. In addition, a real case regarding the construction of several bridges in southern Chile is analyzed.

Findings

– Few studies have thoroughly addressed the influences of major climatic agents on the most common outdoor construction activities. The method detailed here provides a first approximation for construction planners to assess to what extent construction productivity will be influenced by the climate.

Research limitations/implications

– Although this study was performed in Chile, the simplified method proposed is entirely transferable to any other country, however, other weather or combinations of weather variables could be needed in other environments or countries.

Practical implications

– The implications will help reducing the negative social, economic and environmental outcomes that usually emerge from project delays.

Originality/value

– Climatic data were processed using extremely simple calculations to create a series of quantitative maps and tables that would be useful for any construction planner to decide the best moment of the year to start a project and, if possible, where to build it.
Key factors for the BIM adoption by architects: a China study
Authors: Ding Zhikun , Zuo Jian , Wu Jinchuang , Wang JY
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– There has been a growing attention to building information modeling (BIM) globally due to its benefits to various stages of a building’s life cycle. To facilitate the implementation of BIM in the construction industry effectively, the purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the mechanism for BIM adoption by practitioners such as architects.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire survey of architects is conducted in Shenzhen, China. A structural equation model is built with survey data to identify the key factors affecting architects’ BIM adoption in the design firms.

Findings

– It is found that motivation, technical defects of BIM and BIM capability are the statistically significant factors affecting architects’ BIM adoption whereas management support and knowledge structure are not.

Research limitations/implications

– Only one architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) profession, i.e. architects were selected as research participants. In future, other professions such as construction engineers, project managers, etc. should be investigated with respect to their BIM adoption issues.

Practical implications

– BIM technology developers should improve the technology along the objectives of economic benefits, effectiveness and efficiency of BIM adoption. The compatibility and integration between BIM and other widely available software in the industry should also be improved. Moreover, AEC company and project managers should provide architects with opportunities of BIM training so that architects are more likely to apply BIM in future projects.

Originality/value

– A quantitative theoretical model, i.e. structural equation model is built to identify key factors affecting architects’ BIM adoption, which takes one step further to reveal the BIM adoption mechanism in contrast to previous descriptive-oriented studies.
Essential features of a building services standard method of measurement in Malaysia
Authors: Amuda-Yusuf Ganiyu , Mohamed Sarajul Fikri
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the need to develop building service standard method of measurement (BSSMM) that would provide a home ground advantage and a framework for managing the cost of building services by quantity surveyors.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of previous research on the rules of measurement was carried out. This exercise provides the basis for questionnaire design which was administered to quantity surveyors in Malaysia construction industry.

Findings

– The results indicated the need to develop BSSMM. In total, 23 variables were identified as essential features of such standard method of measurement. These variables were grouped into three categories and a priority ranking of them was carried out. The analysis revealed a strong agreement among quantity surveyors on the priority ranking of the essential features of the BSSMM.

Research limitations/implications

– Although, the research would assist industry stakeholders in developing BSSMM that reflects local and international best practices, there is need to further investigate how the rules of the BSSMM could be aligned with construction industry classification systems.

Practical implications

– The availability of information and computer technology (ICT) tools has transformed the traditional practices in the industry and offered values to quantity surveyors, but if quantity surveyors’ tools cannot be consolidated and incorporated into emerging ICT applications, then QS collaboration will be difficult, and the requirements for electronic data exchange will be impractical. Therefore, this type of standard method of measurement will facilitate cross-referencing and coordination between BoQ and other documents such as drawings, specifications and tender produced by other project participants and thereby lay efficient foundation for effective collaboration of quantity surveyors in BIM model. In addition, the BSSMM will not only comply with local industry practices, it will also be internationally compatible.

Originality/value

– Adoption of a structured format based on BSSMM to present building services cost information is essential in view of the increase in the value and complexity of building services in modern buildings. However, there is need to enhance quantity surveyors’ knowledge in the technology and cost management of building services so as to ensure the reliability of cost advice provided to clients. This goal would be partly achieved through education and training of Quantity Surveyors/Cost Consultants in the interpretation and use of the rules of an SMM.
Barriers to public private partnership projects in developing countries
Authors: Babatunde Solomon Olusola , Perera Srinath , Zhou Lei , Udeaja Chika
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Studies on barriers to public private partnerships (PPPs) in Nigeria, especially those that are empirical, remain rare. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify and classify barriers to PPP projects implementation in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

– Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaires to public sector authorities, concessionaires, local lenders, consultants, and contractors already involved in PPP projects. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, mean score, Kruskal-Wallis test, and factor analysis.

Findings

– The study identified 58 barriers and the analysis of the total ranking among stakeholders revealed that all the identified barriers were considered as serious barriers influencing PPP projects in Nigeria. The result of Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that except for 18 (out of 58) identified barriers, there was no statistical significant difference in stakeholders’ perceptions on barriers to PPPs project implementation in Nigeria. The study through factor analysis grouped the identified 58 barriers into ten principal factors with their components.

Practical implications

– This study provides an in-depth understanding on Nigeria’s PPP market environment current context in terms of prevalent barriers influencing PPPs project. This would be beneficial to PPP stakeholders in decision making and planning towards PPP projects implementation.

Originality/value

– The findings would be valuable in assisting all stakeholders, particularly potential local, and foreign private investors to recognise major barriers in the implementation of PPP projects in Nigeria and thus helping them to develop strategies for penetrating Nigeria and developing countries PPP market successfully. This study results are crucial as not many empirical studies have been conducted in Nigeria.
Group consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with fixed topologies
Authors: Liu Cong , Zhou Qiang , Hu Xiaoguang
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamical group consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with fixed topologies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The tool used in this paper to model the topologies of multi-agent systems is algebraic graph theory. The matrix theory and stability theory are applied to research the group consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with fixed topologies. The Laplace transform and Routh criterion are utilized to analyze the convergence properties of heterogeneous multi-agent systems.

Findings

– It is discovered that the dynamical group consensus for heterogeneous multi-agent systems with first-order and second-order agents can be achieved under the reasonable hypothesizes. The group consensus condition is only relied on the nonzero eigenvalues of the graph Laplacian matrix.

Originality/value

– The novelty of this paper is to investigate the dynamical group consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with first-order and second-order agents and fixed topologies and obtain a sufficient group consensus condition.
Value assessment of built heritage: a case study of Ferdowsi mausoleum
Authors: Daneshdoust Dousa
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Considering built heritage as public goods demands a lot of planning as usually historic sites and monuments are administrated by governments. The purpose of this paper is to propose and apply contingent valuation method (CVM) for the value assessment of historic sites as public goods.

Design/methodology/approach

– The aim of this research is to apply CVM to assess the total value as well as sub values, use and non-use values of a historic site. Ferdowsi mausoleum in Tus historic area near Mashhad city in Iran has been chosen as a case study.

Findings

– The paper indicates that historic sites meet all the criteria for being considered as public goods and obtained high amount of willingness to pay proves the significance of Ferdowsi mausoleum to the people of Mashhad city and its tourists. Non-use values comprise the highest share of value and cultural identity has the highest value among non-use values.

Practical implications

– It is recommended that CVM be applied in cost-benefit analysis of historic sites. This is useful in the process of prioritization of restoration and maintenance of historic sites and could be used by policy makers in policy crafting processes.

Originality/value

– CVM has been used for the first time for a mausoleum and for a site in Iran and sub values have been measured for the first time for a historic site.
Does religion influence consumers’ green food consumption? Some insights from Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Suki Norazah , Mohd Suki Norbayah
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine whether Muslim and non-Muslim consumers give different importance to green food consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were analysed using means comparison and multiple discriminant analysis across a sample of 700 students in a public higher learning institution in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia, using the convenience sampling technique.

Findings

– Empirical results via multiple discriminant analysis discovered that imperative aspects such as specific needs, personal environmental values related to green food and governmental efforts strongly predict discrimination towards green food consumption among the non-Muslim consumers. Muslim consumers follow a strict diet that complies with religious dietary laws.

Practical implications

– Understanding Muslim and non-Muslim consumers’ awareness of and intentions towards green food consumption is very important for any manager in the food industry or food market, as it is critical that the food they produce is safe, environmental and healthy. It is understood that Muslim consumers are very particular about food intake, as they can only consume food that complies with religious dietary laws.

Originality/value

– The results of this study presented vital insights and enhanced the understanding of the role of religion and its influence on green food consumption in Asia.
Family meals and identity in urban China
Authors: Yu Hongyan , Veeck Ann , Yu Fang (Grace)
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to, with family structures in urban China becoming increasingly diverse, examine how and to what extent the characteristics of everyday family meals relate to the establishment and strengthening of a collective sense of the Chinese family. Integrating ritual and family identity theories developed through studies conducted in the West, the research explores the relationship between family identity and the major dimensions that characterize ritualistic practices through an examination of family dinners in a non-Western context.

Design/methodology/approach

– The mixed-method approach combines a qualitative phase (focus groups and interviews) with a large-scale survey of households (n= 1,319) in four Chinese cities.

Findings

– The results find a positive relationship between family identity and commitment to family meals, as well as continuity promoted through family meals, at a 99 per cent confidence level.

Research limitations/implications

– One important research limitation is that the sample was limited to four cities. In addition, it is difficult for quantitative measures to capture the richness of emotionally and symbolically laden constructs, such as communication, commitment, continuity and family identity.

Practical implications

– The results provide insights into the meanings of family meals in China. With over one-third of household expenditures spent on food in Chinese cities, the formulation of brand positions and promotions can be informed through a greater understanding of the influence of family dynamics on food consumption.

Social implications

– The findings indicate that, within China’s dynamic environment of changing family values, strengthening the ritualistic characteristics of everyday family activities, such as family meals, can lead to an increase in a collective sense of family.

Originality/value

– The study demonstrates under what conditions, within this rapidly changing socioeconomic environment, the family dinner provides stability and a sense of unity for Chinese families. In China, a trend toward individualization is accompanied by a deep-seeded sense of obligation toward family that exerts an important influence on meal composition and patterns.
Practising conviviality: social uses of ethnic cuisine in an Asian multicultural environment
Authors: Zafari Katayoun , Allison Gareth , Demangeot Catherine
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to understand the social dynamics surrounding the consumption of non-native, ethnic cuisines in the multicultural context of an Asian city.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected via in-depth interviews with 21 culturally diverse residents of Dubai. Data were analysed inductively, leading to the emergence of three themes characterising social dynamics underpinning the consumption of non-native cuisines in an Asian multicultural environment.

Findings

– Three types of social dynamics were identified: instrumental uses, expressive uses and conviviality considerations.

Research limitations/implications

– The study suggests that the different types of cultural dynamics at play have different roles; some act as influencing or constraining factors in the everyday practice of multicultural consumption, whereas others are used more proactively as enablers.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the authors’ understanding of how people “practice conviviality” in multicultural marketplaces, providing insights into the complex social dynamics, underpinning the consumption of non-native cuisines in multicultural marketplaces. Although the consumer literature on food and cuisines has acknowledged the social influences surrounding cuisines and food consumption, these have typically been viewed in a single block. This study shows the importance of conviviality considerations in non-native cuisine consumption. Further, the paper shows that the consumption of non-native cuisines is an everyday practice in a multicultural context, which is used with varying degrees of proactiveness for social lubrication and multicultural socialisation.
Regional and historical factors supplement current climate in shaping global forest canopy height
Authors: Zhang Jian , Nielsen Scott E. , Mao Lingfeng , Chen Shengbin , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: November 2015

Canopy height is a key factor that affects carbon storage, vegetation productivity and biodiversity in forests, as well as an indicator of key processes such as biomass allocation. However, global variation in forest canopy height and its determinants are poorly known.

We used global data on Light Detection and Ranging‐derived maximum forest canopy height (Hmax) to test hypotheses relating Hmax to current climate (water availability, ambient energy and water–energy dynamics), regional evolutionary and biogeographic history, historical climate change, and human disturbance.

We derived Hmax for 32 304 forested 55‐km grid cells using 1‐km global canopy height data (maximum height of 1‐km cells within a 55‐km grid). Variation in Hmax was related to latitude and biomes, along with environmental and historical variables. Both spatial and non‐spatial linear models were used to assess the relative importance of the different hypothesized factors.

Hmax was inversely related to latitude (i.e. tall canopies at the equator), but with high geographical variability. Actual evapotranspiration and annual precipitation were the factors most correlated to Hmax globally, thus supporting the water–energy dynamics hypothesis. However, water limitation emerged as a key factor in tropical and temperate biomes within specific geographic regions, while energy limitation was a more important factor in boreal regions where temperature is more limiting to trees than water.

Hmax exhibited strong variation among biogeographic regions, supporting the role of regional evolutionary and biogeographic history in structuring broad‐scale patterns in canopy height. Furthermore, there were divergent relationships between climate and Hmax between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, consistent with historical evolutionary contingencies modulating these relationships. Historical climate change was also related to Hmax, albeit not as strongly, with shorter canopy heights where late‐Quaternary climate has been less stable. In contrast, human disturbance was only weakly related to Hmax at the scale (55 km) examined here.

Synthesis. This study confirms that forest canopy height is strongly controlled by current climate, but also provides evidence for an important supplementary role for regional–historical factors. This highlights the importance of considering evolutionary and biogeographic history for achieving a comprehensive understanding of forest ecosystem properties.
Higher seed number compensates for lower fruit set in deceptive orchids
Authors: Sonkoly Judit , E. Vojtkó Anna , Tökölyi Jácint , Török Péter , Sramkó Gábor , Illyés Zoltán , Molnár V. Attila
Published: November 2015

Floral deception is widespread in orchids, with more than one‐third of the species being pollinated this way. The evolutionary success of deceptive orchids is puzzling, as species employing this strategy are thought to have low reproductive success (less flowers yielding fruits) because of low pollination rates. However, direct measurements of total seed production in orchids – which is a better measure of reproductive success – are scarce due to the extremely small size of their seeds.

Here, we quantified seed numbers in 1015 fruits belonging to 48 orchid species from the Pannonian ecoregion (central Europe) and obtained fruit set and thousand‐seed weight data for these species from the literature. We used phylogenetic comparative methods to test the hypothesis that deceptive species should compensate for their lower fruit set by having either more flowers, larger seeds or more seeds in a fruit.

Similarly to previous studies, we found that deceptive orchids have substantially lower fruits‐set than nectar‐rewarding ones. Also, we found that deceptive species have more seeds in a fruit but not more flowers or larger seeds compared to nectar‐rewarding ones. Based on our results, deceptive species compensate for their lower fruit set by having higher seed numbers per fruit. As a consequence, their seed numbers per shoot do not differ from that of nectar‐rewarding ones.

Together with other benefits of deceptive pollination (e.g. lower energy expenditure due to the lack of nectar production and higher genetic variability due to decreased probability of geitonogamous pollination), our results can explain why deceptive strategies are so widespread in the orchid family.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that deceptive orchids can compensate for their lower fruit set by having more (but not larger) seeds in a fruit than rewarding species. These findings highlight possible ways in which plants can increase their reproductive success in face of pollinator limitation. We emphasize that fruit set in itself is an inappropriate measure of the reproductive success of orchids – the total number of seeds per shoot is a much better approximation.
Horizontally acquired oligopeptide transporters favour adaptation ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaewine yeast to oenological environment
Authors: Marsit Souhir , Sanchez Isabelle , Galeote Virginie , Dequin Sylvie
Published: November 2015

In the past decade, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has emerged as a major evolutionary process that has shaped the genome ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaewine yeasts. We recently showed that a largeTorulaspora microellipsoidesgenomic island carrying two oligopeptide transporters encoded byFOTgenes increases the fitness of wine yeast during fermentation of grape must. However, the impact of these genes on the metabolic network ofS. cerevisiaeremained uncharacterized. Here we show that Fot‐mediated peptide uptake substantially affects the glutamate node and theNADPH/NADP+balance, resulting in the delayed uptake of free amino acids and altered profiles of metabolites and volatile compounds. Transcriptome analysis revealed that cells using a higher amount of oligopeptides from grape must are less stressed and display substantial variation in the expression of genes in the central pathways of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, amino acid and protein biosynthesis, and the oxidative stress response. These regulations shed light on the molecular and metabolic mechanisms involved in the higher performance and fitness conferred by theHGT‐acquiredFOTgenes, pinpointing metabolic effects that can positively affect the organoleptic balance of wines.
Regulation of nitrogen metabolism in the nitrate‐ammonifying soil bacterium Bacillus vireti and evidence for its ability to grow using N2O as electron acceptor
Authors: Mania Daniel , Heylen Kim , van Spanning Rob J. M. , Frostegård Åsa
Published: November 2015

Bacillus vireti is a nitrate‐ammonifying bacterium and a partial denitrifier, reducing NO3−, NO2−, NO and N2O with NarG, NrfA, CbaA and NosZ respectively. Growth is optimized through successive use of the electron acceptors O2 and NO3−, followed by NO2−, NO and N2O. Fermentation takes place simultaneously with anaerobic respiration. When grown in batch culture with 5 mM initial NO3−, transcription of nrfA was high and most NO3− was reduced to NH4+. With 20 mM initial NO3−, nrfA transcription was lower and more than 50% of the nitrate was recovered as NO, N2O and N2. Analysis of gene transcription patterns and corresponding gas kinetics indicated that O2 and NO2− or NO are main controllers of nrfA, nirB, cbaA and nosZ transcription. This was corroborated by analyses of putative binding regions for specific transcriptional regulators. Furthermore, we demonstrate that N2O reduction in B. vireti supports growth. The high nosZ transcription but low N2O production seen at 5 mM NO3− implies that this organism can use N2O reductase to scavenge N2O from other organisms in the soil, thus possibly acting as a net sink for N2O.
Higher Incentive Payments in Medicare Advantage's Pay‐for‐Performance Program Did Not Improve Quality But Did Increase Plan Offerings
Authors: Layton Timothy J. , Ryan Andrew M.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effects of the size of financial bonuses on quality of care and the number of plan offerings in the Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration.

Data Sources

Publicly available data from CMS from 2009 to 2014 on Medicare Advantage plan quality ratings, the counties in the service area of each plan, and the benchmarks used to construct plan payments.

Study Design

The Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration began in 2012. Under the Demonstration, all Medicare Advantage plans were eligible to receive bonus payments based on plan‐level quality scores (star ratings). In some counties, plans were eligible to receive bonus payments that were twice as large as in other counties. We used this variation in incentives to evaluate the effects of bonus size on star ratings and the number of plan offerings in the Demonstration using a differences‐in‐differences identification strategy. We used matching to create a comparison group of counties that did not receive double bonuses but had similar levels of the preintervention outcomes.

Principal Findings

Results from the difference‐in‐differences analysis suggest that the receipt of double bonuses was not associated with an increase in star ratings. In the matched sample, the receipt of double bonuses was associated with a statistically insignificant increase of +0.034 (approximately 1 percent) in the average star rating (p > .10, 95 percent CI: −0.015, 0.083). In contrast, the receipt of double bonuses was associated with an increase in the number of plans offered. In the matched sample, the receipt of double bonuses was associated with an overall increase of +0.814 plans (approximately 5.8 percent) (p < .05, 95 percent CI: 0.078, 1.549). We estimate that the double bonuses increased payments by $3.43 billion over the first 3 years of the Demonstration.

Conclusions

At great expense to Medicare, double bonuses in the Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration were not associated with improved quality but were associated with more plan offerings.
Effect of Medicaid Expansions on Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Care among Low‐Income Adults with Behavioral Health Conditions
Authors: Wen Hefei , Druss Benjamin G. , Cummings Janet R.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To examine the effect of Medicaid expansions on health insurance coverage and access to care among low‐income adults with behavioral health conditions.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Nine years (2004–2012) of individual‐level cross‐sectional data from a restricted‐access version of National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Study Design

A quasi‐experimental difference‐in‐differences design comparing outcomes among residents in 14 states that implemented Medicaid expansions for low‐income adults under the Section §1115 waiver with those residing in the rest of the country.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The analytic sample includes low‐income adult respondents with household incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level who have a behavioral health condition: approximately 28,400 low‐income adults have past‐year serious psychological distress and 24,900 low‐income adults have a past‐year substance use disorder (SUD).

Principal Findings

Among low‐income adults with behavioral health conditions, Medicaid expansions were associated with a reduction in the rate of uninsurance (p < .05), a reduction in the probability of perceiving an unmet need for mental health (MH) treatment (p < .05) and for SUD treatment (p < .05), as well as an increase in the probability of receiving MH treatment (p < .01).

Conclusions

The ongoing implementation of Medicaid expansions has the potential to improve health insurance coverage and access to care for low‐income adults with behavioral health conditions.
Do Stop, Question, and Frisk Practices Deter Crime?
Authors: Weisburd David , Wooditch Alese , Weisburd Sarit , Yang Sue‐Ming
Published: November 2015

Research Summary

Existing studies examining the crime impacts of stop, question, and frisks (SQFs) have focused on large geographic areas. Weisburd, Telep, and Lawton (2014) suggested that SQFs in New York City (NYC) were highly concentrated at crime hot spots, implying that a microlevel unit of analysis may be more appropriate. The current study aims to address the limitations of prior studies by exploring the impact of SQFs on daily and weekly crime incidents in NYC at a microgeographic level. The findings suggest that SQFs produce a significant yet modest deterrent effect on crime.

Policy Implications

These findings support those who argue that SQFs deter crime. Nonetheless, it is not clear whether other policing strategies may have similar or even stronger crime‐control outcomes. In turn, the level of SQFs needed to produce meaningful crime reductions are costly in terms of police time and are potentially harmful to police legitimacy.
Yield and Textural Characteristics of Panela Cheeses Produced with Dairy‐Vegetable Protein (Soybean or Peanut) Blends Supplemented with Transglutaminase
Authors: Salinas‐Valdés Alicia , De la Rosa Millán Julián , Serna‐Saldívar Sergio O. , Chuck‐Hernández Cristina
Published: November 2015

The study evaluated panela cheeses made from dairy‐plant protein blends, using soybean or peanut protein isolates, supplemented with transglutaminase (TG). Plant proteins were isolated using an alkaline extraction method followed by acid precipitation, and added to the dairy system in order to increase 50% or 100% the protein concentration. The total protein extraction for peanut and soybean isolates was 30.3% and 54.6%, respectively (based on initial protein content of sources), and no impairment of their essential amino acid profile was detected. Cheeses supplemented with TG and soybean showed the highest moisture and crude yield (>67.8% and 20.7%, respectively), whereas protein content was higher in the peanut isolate—added samples without TG (>67.4%). Cheese solids yield (ratio between final and initial solids) was higher for treatments with TG and 100% of plant protein addition (>50.7%). Regarding texture, 4 parameters were measured: hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and springiness. All cheeses containing soybean isolates and TG presented the highest chewiness and cohesiveness values, similar to those of the control treatment. Springiness was similar for all treatments, but hardness was higher in cheeses prepared with the peanut protein isolate added with TG. From these results it can be concluded that panela cheeses can be elaborated following a traditional procedure, but with the addition of soybean or peanut protein to the dairy ingredients. Cheeses containing these protein isolates showed higher protein than the milk control cheese and similar textural characteristics.
Effects of Flavor and Texture on the Sensory Perception of Gouda‐Type Cheese Varieties during Ripening Using Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Shiota Makoto , Iwasawa Ai , Suzuki‐Iwashima Ai , Iida Fumiko
Published: November 2015

The impact of flavor composition, texture, and other factors on desirability of different commercial sources of Gouda‐type cheese using multivariate analyses on the basis of sensory and instrumental analyses were investigated. Volatile aroma compounds were measured using headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and steam distillation extraction (SDE)‐GC/MS, and fatty acid composition, low‐molecular‐weight compounds, including amino acids, and organic acids, as well pH, texture, and color were measured to determine their relationship with sensory perception. Orthogonal partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) was performed to discriminate between 2 different ripening periods in 7 sample sets, revealing that ethanol, ethyl acetate, hexanoic acid, and octanoic acid increased with increasing sensory attribute scores for sweetness, fruity, and sulfurous. A partial least squares (PLS) regression model was constructed to predict the desirability of cheese using these parameters. We showed that texture and buttery flavors are important factors affecting the desirability of Gouda‐type cheeses for Japanese consumers using these multivariate analyses.
Biofilm Formation Characteristics of Pseudomonas lundensis Isolated from Meat
Authors: Liu Yong‐Ji , Xie Jing , Zhao Li‐Jun , Qian Yun‐Fang , Zhao Yong , Liu Xiao
Published: November 2015

Biofilms formations of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria on food or food contact surfaces have attracted increasing attention. These events may lead to a higher risk of food spoilage and foodborne disease transmission. While Pseudomonas lundensis is one of the most important bacteria that cause spoilage in chilled meat, its capability for biofilm formation has been seldom reported. Here, we investigated biofilm formation characteristics of P. lundensis mainly by using crystal violet staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The swarming and swimming motility, biofilm formation in different temperatures (30, 10, and 4 °C) and the protease activity of the target strain were also assessed. The results showed that P. lundensis showed a typical surface‐associated motility and was quite capable of forming biofilms in different temperatures (30, 10, and 4 °C). The strain began to adhere to the contact surfaces and form biofilms early in the 4 to 6 h. The biofilms began to be formed in massive amounts after 12 h at 30 °C, and the extracellular polysaccharides increased as the biofilm structure developed. Compared with at 30 °C, more biofilms were formed at 4 and 10 °C even by a low bacterial density. The protease activity in the biofilm was significantly correlated with the biofilm formation. Moreover, the protease activity in biofilm was significantly higher than that of the corresponding planktonic cultures after cultured 12 h at 30 °C.
Imaging manifestations of acquired elastopathy resembling pseudoxanthoma elasticum in patients with beta thalassaemia major and sickle cell disease
Authors: Narayanan Harish , Cheng Ken , Lau Ken , Harish Radhika , Bowden Donald K
Published: November 2015

Development of an acquired systemic elastopathy resembling pseudoxanthoma elasticum in patients with chronic haemoglobinopathies such as beta thalassaemia major and sickle cell disease is well documented. There is paucity of any comprehensive literature on the radiological manifestations of this entity. This pictorial review aims to describe and illustrate the multi system and multi modality imaging findings of this condition.
Stage IB cervix cancer with nodal involvement treated with primary surgery or primary radiotherapy: Patterns of failure and outcomes in a contemporary population
Authors: Lapuz Carminia , Kondalsamy‐Chennakesavan Srinivas , Bernshaw David , Khaw Pearly , Narayan Kailash
Published: November 2015

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to evaluate patterns of failure, overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), prognostic factors and late toxicities in node positive International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB cervix cancer treated with curative intent.

Methods

Patients with FIGO stage IB cervix cancer and positive nodes were identified from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre prospective gynaecology database. Patients were treated with primary surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (S + RT) or primary radiotherapy (primary RT). Prognostic factors examined were tumour size, histology, grade, lymphovascular invasion or corpus uterine invasion, MRI tumour volume, number of nodes involved, highest site of nodal involvement, treatment modality, age and smoking.

Results

Of the 103 eligible patients, 43 patients had S + RT and 60 patients had primary RT. Tumours were significantly smaller in the S + RT group (mean 3.0 cm vs. 4.5 cm, P < 0.001). Five‐year OS (95% confidence interval) and DFS (95% confidence interval) for the whole cohort was 67.6% (56.5–76.4%) and 66.1% (55.7–74.6%), respectively. Tumour diameter and number of positive nodes were significant prognostic factors for OS and DFS and smoking was related to DFS. Treatment modality was not a significant prognostic factor in OS and DFS. Of 33 patients that relapsed, 32 patients relapsed outside the pelvis. One patient failed in the pelvis only.

Conclusions

Early stage cervix cancer with nodal involvement is associated with excellent pelvic disease control following curative intent treatment. Almost all relapses occurred beyond the pelvis and therefore more aggressive local treatment is unlikely to improve survival in these patients.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa AmrZ C‐terminal domain mediates tetramerization and is required for its activator and repressor functions
Authors: Xu Binjie , Ju Yue , Soukup Randal J. , Ramsey Deborah M. , Fishel Richard , Wysocki Vicki H. , Wozniak Daniel J.
Published: November 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important bacterial opportunistic pathogen, presenting a significant threat towards individuals with underlying diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The transcription factor AmrZ regulates expression of multiple P. aeruginosa virulence factors. AmrZ belongs to the ribbon–helix–helix protein superfamily, in which many members function as dimers, yet others form higher order oligomers. In this study, four independent approaches were undertaken and demonstrated that the primary AmrZ form in solution is tetrameric. Deletion of the AmrZ C‐terminal domain leads to loss of tetramerization and reduced DNA binding to both activated and repressed target promoters. Additionally, the C‐terminal domain is essential for efficient AmrZ‐mediated activation and repression of its targets.
Suicide attempts in bipolar disorders: comprehensive review of 101 reports
Authors: Tondo L. , Pompili M. , Forte A. , Baldessarini R. J.
Published: November 2015

Objective

Assess reported risk of suicide attempts by patients with bipolar disorder (BD).

Method

Systematic searching yielded 101 reports from 22 countries (79 937 subjects). We analyzed for risk (%) and incidence rates (%/year) of attempts, comparing sex and diagnostic types, including by meta‐analysis.

Results

Attempt risk averaged 31.1% [CI: 27.9–34.3] of subjects, or 4.24 [3.78–4.70]%/year. In BD‐I (43 studies) and BD‐II subjects (30 studies), risks (29.9%, 31.4%) and incidence rates (4.01, 4.11%/year) were similar and not different by meta‐analysis. Among women vs. men, risks (33.7% vs. 25.5%) and incidence (4.50 vs. 3.21%/year) were greater (also supported by meta‐analysis: RR = 1.35 [CI: 1.25–1.45], P < 0.0001). Neither measure was related to reporting year, % women/study, or to onset or current age. Risks were greater with longer exposure, whereas incidence rates decreased with longer time at risk, possibly through ‘dilution’ by longer exposure.

Conclusion

This systematic update of international experience underscores high risks of suicide attempts among patients with BD (BD‐I = BD‐II; women > men). Future studies should routinely include exposure times and incidence rates by diagnostic type and sex for those who attempt suicide or not.
Spleen preservation versus splenectomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: A comparison of short‐term outcomes
Authors: Usui Shinsuke , Tashiro Masaki , Haruki Shigeo , Arita Kaida , Ito Koji , Matsumoto Akiyo , Takiguchi Noriaki
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Splenic hilar lymph node dissection via a splenectomy for advanced proximal gastric cancer remains controversial. Recently, a laparoscopic spleen‐preserving hilar lymph node dissection procedure was described in several publications. To assess the feasibility and safety of spleen‐preserving laparoscopic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (LTG‐D2), the present retrospective study compared the short‐term surgical outcomes between spleen preservation and splenectomy during laparoscopic D2 total gastrectomy (LTG‐D2S).

Method

This study included 59 patients who underwent LTG‐D2 and 19 patients who underwent LTG‐D2S.

Results

The mean operation time did not significantly differ between the LTG‐D2 and LTG‐D2S groups (339.4 ± 56.8 vs 356.8 ± 46.0 min). The mean blood loss tended to be smaller in the LTG‐D2 group than in the LTG‐D2S group (105.9 ± 89.7 vs 210.0 ± 149.5 mL). The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes did not significantly differ between the LTG‐D2 and LTG‐D2S groups (39.9 ± 17.0 vs 40.6 ± 14.9), and the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes at the splenic hilum also did not significantly differ between the LTG‐D2 and LTG‐D2S groups (1.3 ± 1.7 vs 2.4 ± 2.6). Mild pancreatic fistula occurred in three cases (5%) in the LTG‐D2 group and in three cases (15.8%) in the LTG‐D2S group.

Conclusion

A LTG‐D2 is feasible in terms of the short‐term outcomes. However, the indications for this complicated procedure should be considered carefully.
Evaluation of an oral uracil loading test to identify DPD‐deficient patients using a limited sampling strategy
Authors: van Staveren Maurice C. , van Kuilenburg Andre B. P. , Guchelaar Henk‐Jan , Meijer Judith , Punt Cornelis J. A. , de Jong Robert S. , Gelderblom Hans , Maring Jan Gerard
Published: November 2015

AIM

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency can lead to severe toxicity following 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) or capecitabine (CAP) treatment. Uracil (U) can be used as a probe to determine systemic DPD activity. The present study was performed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a U loading dose for detecting DPD deficiency.

Methods

Cancer patients with Common Toxicity Score (CTC) grade III or IV toxicity after the first or second cycle of 5‐FU or CAP treatment were asked to participate. Based on DPD activity in PBMCs, patients were divided into two groups: DPD activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) <5 nmol mg−1*h−1 (deficient group) and ≥ 5 nmol mg−1*h−1. U 500 mg m–2 was administered orally and plasma concentrations of U and dihydrouracil (DHU) were determined. In the deficient group, polymerase chain reaction amplification of all 23 coding exons and flanking intronic regions of DPYD was performed. A U pharmacokinetic model was developed and used to determine the maximum enzymatic conversion capacity (Vmax) of the DPD enzyme for each patient. The sensitivity and specificity of Vmax, U concentration and the U/DHU concentration ratio were determined.

Results

A total of 47 patients were included (19 DPD deficient, 28 DPD normal). Of the pharmacokinetic parameters investigated, a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 98%, respectively, was obtained for the U/DHU ratio at t = 120 min.

Conclusions

The high sensitivity of the U/DHU ratio at t = 120 min for detecting DPD deficiency, as defined by DPD activity in PBMCs, showed that the oral U loading dose can effectively identify patients with reduced DPD activity.
Antidotes for poisoning by alcohols that form toxic metabolites
Authors: McMartin Kenneth , Jacobsen Dag , Hovda Knut Erik
Published: November 2015

The alcohols, methanol, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, have many features in common, the most important of which is the fact that the compounds themselves are relatively non‐toxic but are metabolized, initially by alcohol dehydrogenase, to various toxic intermediates. These compounds are readily available worldwide in commercial products as well as in homemade alcoholic beverages, both of which lead to most of the poisoning cases, from either unintentional or intentional ingestion. Although relatively infrequent in overall occurrence, poisonings by metabolically‐toxic alcohols do unfortunately occur in outbreaks and can result in severe morbidity and mortality. These poisonings have traditionally been treated with ethanol since it competes for the active site of alcohol dehydrogenase and decreases the formation of toxic metabolites. Although ethanol can be effective in these poisonings, there are substantial practical problems with its use and so fomepizole, a potent competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, was developed for a hopefully better treatment for metabolically‐toxic alcohol poisonings. Fomepizole has few side effects and is easy to use in practice and it may obviate the need for haemodialysis in some, but not all, patients. Hence, fomepizole has largely replaced ethanol as the toxic alcohol antidote in many countries. Nevertheless, ethanol remains an important alternative because access to fomepizole can be limited, the cost may appear excessive, or the physician may prefer ethanol due to experience.