bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breast milk polyunsaturated fatty acids: associations with adolescent allergic disease and lung function
Authors: Waidyatillake N. T. , Stoney R. , Thien F. , Lodge C. J. , Simpson J. A. , Allen K. J. , Abramson M. J. , Erbas B. , Svanes C. , Dharmage S. C. , Lowe A. J.
Published: December 2016

Background

It has been hypothesized that n−3 PUFA in breast milk may assist immune and lung development. There are very limited data on possible long‐term effects on allergic disease and lung function. The aim was to investigate associations of n−3 and n−6 PUFA levels in colostrum and breast milk with allergic disease and lung function at ages 12 and 18 years.

Methods

Polyunsaturated fatty acids were measured in 194 colostrum samples and in 118 three‐month expressed breast milk samples from mothers of children enrolled in the Melbourne Atopy Cohort (MACS) Study, a high‐risk birth cohort study. Associations with allergic diseases, skin prick tests and lung function assessed at 12 and 18 years were estimated using multivariable regression.

Results

Higher levels of n−3 but not n−6 PUFAs in colostrum were associated with a trend towards increased odds of allergic diseases, with strong associations observed for allergic rhinitis at 12 (OR = 5.69[95% CI: 1.83,17.60] per weight%) and 18 years (4.43[1.46,13.39]) and eczema at 18 years (9.89[1.44, 68.49]). Higher levels of colostrum n−3 PUFAs were associated with reduced sensitization (3.37[1.18, 9.6]), mean FEV1 (−166 ml [−332, −1]) and FEV1/FVC ratio (−4.6%, [−8.1, −1.1]) at 12 years.

Conclusion

Higher levels of colostrum n−3 PUFAs were associated with increased risks of allergic rhinitis and eczema up to 18 years, and sensitization and reduced lung function at 12 years. As residual confounding may have caused these associations, they should be replicated, but these results could indicate that strategies that increase maternal n−3 PUFA intake may not aid in allergic disease prevention.
Robot‐assisted surgery in gynecological oncology: current status and controversies on patient benefits, cost and surgeon conditions – a systematic review
Authors: Kristensen Steffen E. , Mosgaard Berit J. , Rosendahl Mikkel , Dalsgaard Tórur , Bjørn Signe F. , Frøding Ligita P. , Kehlet Henrik , Høgdall Claus K. , Lajer Henrik
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Robot‐assisted surgery has become more widespread in gynecological oncology. The purpose of this systematic review is to present current knowledge on robot‐assisted surgery, and to clarify and discuss controversies that have arisen alongside the development and deployment.

Material and methods

A database search in PubMed and EMBASE was performed up until 4 March 2016. The search strategy was developed in collaboration with an information specialist, and by application of the PRISMA guidelines. Human participants and English language were the only restrictive filters applied. Selection was performed by screening of titles and abstracts, and by full text scrutiny. From 2001 to 2016, a total of 76 references were included.

Results

Robot‐assisted surgery in gynecological oncology has increased, and current knowledge supports that the oncological safety is similar, compared with previous surgical methods. Controversies arise because current knowledge does not clearly document the benefit of robot‐assisted surgery, on perioperative outcome compared with the increased costs of the acquisition and application.

Conclusions

The rapid development in robot‐assisted surgery calls for long‐term detailed prospective cohorts or randomized controlled trials. The costs associated with acquisition, application, and maintenance have an unfavorable impact on cost–benefit evaluations, especially when compared with laparoscopy. Future developments in robot‐assisted surgery will hopefully lead to competition in the market, which will decrease costs.
Exercise during pregnancy and risk of preterm birth in overweight and obese women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Magro‐Malosso Elena Rita , Saccone Gabriele , Di Mascio Daniele , Di Tommaso Mariarosaria , Berghella Vincenzo
Published: December 2016

Introduction

The incidence of overweight and obesity in pregnancy has risen significantly in the last decades. Overweight and obesity have been shown to increase the risk for some adverse obstetric outcomes. Lifestyle interventions, such as diet, physical activity and behavior changes, may reduce these risks by promoting weight loss and/or preventing excessive weight gain. The possible impact of exercise on the risk of preterm birth (PTB) in overweight or obese women is controversial. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on the risk of PTB in overweight or obese pregnant women.

Material and methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov, OVID and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to November 2016. This meta‐analysis included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pregnant women assigned or not assigned before 25 weeks to an aerobic exercise regimen. Types of participants included overweight or obese (mean body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) women with singleton pregnancies without any contraindication to physical activity. The summary measures were reported as relative risk (RR) or as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The primary outcome was the incidence of PTB <37 weeks.

Results

Nine trials including 1502 overweight or obese singleton gestations were analyzed. Overweight and obese women who were randomized in early pregnancy to aerobic exercise for about 30–60 min three to seven times per week had a lower percentage of PTB <37 weeks (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41–0.95) compared with controls. The incidence of gestational age at delivery (MD 0.09 week, 95% CI −0.18 to 0.24) and cesarean delivery (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.77–1.10) were similar in both groups. Women in the exercise group had a lower incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41–0.90) compared with controls. No differences in birthweight (MD 16.91 g, 95% CI −89.33 to 123.19), low birthweight (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.25–1.34), macrosomia (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.72–1.18) and stillbirth (RR 2.13, 95% CI 0.22–20.4) between the exercise group and controls were found.

Conclusions

Overweight and obese women with singleton pregnancy can be counseled that, compared with being more sedentary, aerobic exercise for about 30–60 min three to seven times per week during pregnancy is associated with a reduction in the incidence of PTB. Aerobic exercise in overweight and obese pregnant women is also associated with a significant prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus, and should therefore be encouraged.
Contraceptive non‐use and emergency contraceptive use at first sexual intercourse among nearly 12 000 Scandinavian women
Authors: Guleria Sonia , Juul Kirsten E. , Munk Christian , Hansen Bo T. , Arnheim‐Dahlström Lisen , Liaw Kai‐Li , Nygård Mari , Kjær Susanne K.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to describe recent patterns of contraceptive use at first sexual intercourse and to examine whether selected factors are associated with non‐use and emergency contraceptive pill use at first sexual intercourse, among 18‐ to 26‐year‐old women from Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Material and methods

This was a population‐based, questionnaire study of randomly chosen 18‐ to 26‐year‐old Scandinavian women. The prevalence of contraception methods used at first sexual intercourse was calculated. Factors associated with contraceptive non‐use and emergency contraceptive pill use at first sexual intercourse were determined using log binomial models.

Results

The prevalence of contraceptive non‐use and emergency contraceptive pill use was lowest in Denmark (9.6 and 2.1%, respectively) compared with Norway (14.1 and 4.4%) and Sweden (16.6 and 4.5%). The risk of contraceptive non‐use increased in women who had first sexual intercourse at or before 14 years of age (13–14 years: prevalence ratio 1.40; 95% confidence interval 1.24–1.58). The risk of both non‐use and emergency contraceptive pill use increased when the partner at first sexual intercourse was 20 years or older, and with increasing age difference between the partner and the woman at her first sexual intercourse. Smoking initiation prior to first sexual intercourse increased risk of contraceptive non‐use (prevalence ratio 1.70; 95% confidence interval 1.50–1.92), and alcohol initiation prior to first sexual intercourse increased risk of emergency contraceptive pill use at first sexual intercourse (prevalence ratio 1.95; 95% confidence interval 1.49–2.54).

Conclusions

Contraceptive non‐use at first sexual intercourse was strongly associated with early age at first sexual intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pill and contraceptive non‐use at first sexual intercourse were both strongly associated with increasing partner age and an increasing difference in age between the woman and her partner. Hence, young women should be educated to negotiate contraceptive use with their partners.
Measurement of lacrimal punctum using spectralis domain anterior optical coherence tomography
Authors: Sung Youngje , Park Jong Seo , Lew Helen
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT) was used to image the lacrimal punctum and establish normal punctal parameters including the tear volume inside the punctum.

Methods

This study included totally 67 eyes from 38 normal subjects. Punctal parameters and tear meniscus height (TMH) were measured using spectralis OCT anterior‐segment scans. Outer punctal diameter (OPD), punctal depth, tear well diameter (TWD), tear well depth, punctal reserve (PR) and lower eyelid TMH were assessed. Authors defined a ‘tear well’ as a pool of standing tears in the punctum. Punctal reserve was defined as the difference between punctal depth and tear well depth.

Results

Outer punctal diameter was 614.6 ± 195.6 μm, the punctal depth was 545.8 ± 270.1 μm, TWD was 229.9 ± 133.8 μm, the tear well depth was 434.9 ± 247.8 μm, the PR was 110.9 ± 72.9 μm, the PR ratio was 0.20 ± 0.17, and the TMH was 222.9 ± 88.8 μm. The punctal depth decreased significantly according to the patient's age (correlation coefficient = −0.352, respectively).

Conclusion

AS‐OCT is useful for improving anatomical understanding of the lacrimal punctal structure. Quantitative punctum and tear well measurements were correlated with TMH.
Identification of the potential biomarkers for the metastasis of rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hua Yang , Ma Xiukun , Liu Xianglong , Yuan Xiangfei , Qin Hai , Zhang Xipeng
Published: December 2016

Rectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract, with a high incidence and high mortality. This study aimed to identify the potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for rectal adenocarcinoma (RAC) metastasis. The expression profiling of RAC patients with metastasis and RAC patients without metastasis was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The datasets were used to identify the genes associated with RAC metastasis. Fifty up‐regulated genes and seventeen down‐regulated genes were identified in the primary tumor loci of RAC metastasis compared with non‐metastasis. Sixty‐seven dysregulated gens were conducted to construct the protein–protein network, and CCND3 was the hub protein. The dysregulated genes were significantly enriched in pancreatic secretion, cell adhesion molecules pathways, response to vitamin D of biological process, and retinoid binding of molecular function. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction results demonstrated that CCND3, AQP3, PEG10, and RAB27B had the up‐regulated tendency in RAC metastasis; ADCY1 had the down‐regulated tendency in RAC metastasis. CCND3, AQP3, PEG10, RAB27B, and ADCY1 might play essential roles in the metastasis process of RAC through pancreatic secretion and cell adhesion molecules pathways. The five genes could be potential diagnosis biomarkers or therapeutic targets for RAC metastasis.
TIMP4 expression is regulated by miR‐200b‐3p in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Janiak Marek , Paskal Wiktor , Rak Beata , Garbicz Filip , Jarema Robert , Sikora Krzysztof , Włodarski Paweł
Published: December 2016

In prostate cancer TIMP4 expression level fluctuates with tumor progression. The mechanism and factors influencing its expression remain unclear. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis on regulation of TIMP4 by microRNA‐200b‐3p. The levels of TIMP4 and miR‐200b‐3p expression were determined by real time PCR in 27 prostate carcinomas and eight benign prostatic hyperplasia samples. We found that miR‐200b‐3p positively correlated with TIMP4 expression in cancer samples (r = 0.46; p < 0.02). Moreover, mean miR‐200b‐3p level and TIMP4 expression were both higher in cancer tissues compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia samples (p > 0.05). Next, to test probable mechanisms of the regulation androgen‐sensitive human prostate adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP) were transfected with synthetic‐miR‐200b‐3p or its synthetic antagonist. Modulation of miR‐200b‐3p in LNCaP cells had an impact on TIMP4 expression confirming the observation made in analyzed clinical samples. Two targets of miR‐200b‐3p: ZEB1 and ETS1 were investigated subsequently as potential regulators of TIMP4, however, no effect of their modulation on TIMP4 expression in LNCaP cells was found. Concluding, miR‐200b‐3p mediates regulation of TIMP4 expression in prostate cancer but exact mechanism needs to be investigated.
Relative Amplitude of Courtship Song Chirp and Trill Components Does Not Alter Female Teleogryllus oceanicus Mating Behavior
Authors: Balenger Susan L. , Lara Laura M. , Zuk Marlene
Published: December 2016

Low‐amplitude acoustic signals intended for short‐range communication, often called soft songs, remain poorly studied, especially among acoustically communicating invertebrates. Some insects do employ low‐amplitude acoustic signals, but it remains unclear what the specific function, if any, is of quietness per se. Male Teleogryllus oceanicus, or Pacific field crickets, produce a two component, short‐distance courtship song consisting of a high‐amplitude series of chirps followed by a lower‐amplitude trill. We investigated whether female T. oceanicus prefer to mate with males that sing courtship songs containing trill components that are equally as loud as (−0 dB) or quieter than (−3 dB and −10 dB) the loudest chirp (90 dB). We found no evidence that modifying trill amplitude affects female mate preference. We did, however, find that previously unmated females were faster to mount males than were females that had mated once before. Previous mating status showed no significant interaction with trill amplitude. What, if any, function of low‐amplitude components of field cricket courtship song remains to be determined.
Fatigue behaviour of dissimilar Al 5052 and Mg AZ31 resistance spot welds with Sn‐coated steel interlayer
Authors: Sun M , Behravesh S B , Wu L , Zhou Y , Jahed H
Published: December 2016

The fatigue property of dissimilar spot welds between an aluminium alloy (AA5052) and a magnesium alloy (AZ31) was studied in this research. The AA5052 and AZ31 coupons were resistance spot welded together by using an interlayer of Sn‐coated steel between the two coupons. The fatigue test results revealed that the Mg/Al joints had the same level of fatigue strength as Mg/Mg resistance spot welds. It was found that within the life range of Nf < 105 cycles, Mg/Al welds degraded faster than Mg/Mg joints. This was attributed to the larger bending moment on the plane of fatigue failure in the Mg/Al welds. Three failure modes were observed under different cyclic loading regimes: Al/steel interfacial failure, Mg coupon failure and Al coupon failure. Fatigue fracture surface of Mg/Al welds consisted of two distinct regions: crack propagation region with brittle morphology and final rupture with ductile morphology.
Impacts of global change on species distributions: obstacles and solutions to integrate climate and land use
Authors: Sirami Clélia , Caplat Paul , Popy Simon , Clamens Alex , Arlettaz Raphaël , Jiguet Frédéric , Brotons Lluís , Martin Jean‐Louis
Published: December 2016

Aim The impact of multiple stressors on biodiversity is one of the most pressing questions in ecology and biodiversity conservation. Here we critically assess how often and efficiently two main drivers of global change have been simultaneously integrated into research, with the aim of providing practical solutions for better integration in the future. We focus on the integration of climate change (CC) and land‐use change (LUC) when studying changes in species distributions.

Location Global.

Methods We analysed the peer‐reviewed literature on the effects of CC and LUC on observed changes in species distributions, i.e. including species range and abundance, between 2000 and 2014.

Results Studies integrating CC and LUC remain extremely scarce, which hampers our ability to develop appropriate conservation strategies. The lack of CC–LUC integration is likely to be a result of insufficient recognition of the co‐occurrence of CC and LUC at all scales, covariation and interactions between CC and LUC, as well as correlations between species thermal and habitat requirements. Practical guidelines for the study of these interactive effects include considering multiple drivers and processes when designing studies, using available long‐term datasets on multiple drivers, revisiting single‐driver studies with additional drivers or conducting comparative studies and meta‐analyses. Combining various methodological approaches, including time lags and adaptation processes, represent further avenues to improve global change science.

Main conclusions Despite repeated claims for a better integration of multiple drivers, the effects of CC and LUC on species distributions and abundances have been mostly studied in isolation, which calls for a shift of standards towards more integrative global change science. The guidelines proposed here will encourage study designs that account for multiple drivers and improve our understanding of synergies or antagonisms among drivers.
Ketamine Infusions for Treatment Refractory Headache
Authors: Pomeroy Jared L. , Marmura Michael J. , Nahas Stephanie J. , Viscusi Eugene R.
Published: December 2016

Background

Management of chronic migraine (CM) or new daily persistent headache (NDPH) in those who require aggressive outpatient and inpatient treatment is challenging. Ketamine has been suggested as a new treatment for this intractable population.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 77 patients who underwent administration of intravenous, subanesthetic ketamine for CM or NDPH. All patients had previously failed aggressive outpatient and inpatient treatments. Records were reviewed for patients treated between January 2006 and December 2014.

Results

The mean headache pain rating using a 0‐10 pain scale was an average of 7.1 at admission and 3.8 on discharge (P < .0001). The majority (55/77, 71.4%) of patients were classified as acute responders defined as at least 2‐point improvement in headache pain at discharge. Some (15/77, 27.3%) acute responders maintained this benefit at their follow‐up office visit but sustained response did not achieve statistical significance. The mean length of infusion was 4.8 days. Most patients tolerated ketamine well. A number of adverse events were observed, but very few were serious.

Conclusions

Subanesthetic ketamine infusions may be beneficial in individuals with CM or NDPH who have failed other aggressive treatments. Controlled trials may confirm this, and further studies may be useful in elucidating more robust benefit in a less refractory patient population.
Combined treatment with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (sitagliptin) and angiotensin‐II type 1 receptor blocker (losartan) suppresses progression in a non‐diabetic rat model of steatohepatitis
Authors: Okura Yasushi , Namisaki Tadashi , Moriya Kei , Kitade Mitsuteru , Takeda Kosuke , Kaji Kosuke , Noguchi Ryuichi , Nishimura Norihisa , Seki Kenichiro , Kawaratani Hideto , Takaya Hiroaki , Sato Shinya , Sawada Yasuhiko , Shimozato Naotaka , Furukawa Masanori , Nakanishi Keisuke , Saikawa Soichiro , Kubo Takuya , Asada Kiyoshi , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: December 2016

Aim

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) inhibitors (DPP4‐I) are oral glucose‐lowering drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Previously, we reported that DPP4‐I (sitagliptin) exerted suppressive effects on experimental liver fibrosis in rats. Blockade of the renin–angiotensin system by angiotensin‐II type 1 receptor blocker (losartan), commonly used in the management of hypertension, has been shown to significantly alleviate hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. We aimed to elucidate the effects and possible mechanisms of a sitagliptin + losartan combination on the progression of non‐diabetic non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a rat model.

Methods

To induce NASH, Fischer 344 rats were fed a choline‐deficient L‐amino acid‐defined diet for 12 weeks. We elucidated the chemopreventive effects of sitagliptin + losartan, especially in conjunction with hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress, all known to play important roles in the progression of NASH.

Results

Sitagliptin + losartan suppressed choline‐deficient L‐amino acid‐defined diet‐induced hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. The combination treatment exerted a greater inhibitory effect than monotherapy. These inhibitory effects occurred almost concurrently with the suppression of HSC activation, neovascularization, and oxidative stress. In vitro studies showed that sitagliptin + losartan inhibited angiotensin II‐induced proliferation and expression of transforming growth factor‐β1 and α1 (I)‐procollagen mRNA of activated HSC and in vitro angiogenesis, in parallel with the suppression observed in in vivo studies.

Conclusions

The widely and safely used sitagliptin + losartan combination treatment in clinical practice could be an effective strategy against NASH.
Strong territoriality and weak density‐dependent reproduction in Lesser Spotted Eagles Clanga pomarina
Authors: Treinys Rimgaudas , Bergmanis Uǵis , Väli Ülo
Published: December 2016

We assessed whether populations of the migratory, philopatric, territorial Lesser Spotted Eagle Clanga pomarina are regulated through territoriality and density‐dependent reproduction rates. In the north‐western part of the distribution to the east of the Baltic Sea, territories were spaced regularly and consistently between years. We did not find strong support for an improvement of reproductive output with an increase in distance to the nearest neighbour or with a decrease of the number of conspecifics within a 2‐km radius around nest‐sites. Eagles differed greatly in territory spacing across three studied geographical areas, but breeding performance did not follow the same pattern. Performance of birds at the northern limit of their distribution did not differ from that in an adjacent southern area. Moreover, breeding performance fluctuated synchronously across different geographical areas, perhaps indicating climatic spatial autocorrelation or trophic interactions with synchronous vole population fluctuations over large areas. Our data suggest population regulation through territoriality but do not identify density‐dependent breeding performance in this internationally protected raptor. Population density may be a good criterion for the selection of priority sites for conservation, but synchronous fluctuations in reproductive success over large geographical areas suggest that habitat conservation should similarly be focused at large scales.
Phylogeography of the Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Authors: Kayvanfar Nasrin , Aliabadian Mansour , Niu Xiaoju , Zhang Zhengwang , Liu Yang
Published: December 2016

The Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus is widely distributed in temperate to subtropical regions of the Palaearctic realm. Populations of Common Pheasant have been classified into five subspecies groups based on morphological variations in male plumage. Previous phylogeographical studies have focused on limited sets of subspecies groups in the eastern Palaearctic and knowledge on subspecies in the western Palaearctic region is still poor. In this study, we undertake the first comprehensive analysis of subspecies from all five defined subspecies groups across the entire Palaearctic region. Two mitochondrial (CYTB and CR) and two nuclear (HMG and SPI) loci were used to investigate genetic relationships of these subspecies groups and to infer their dispersal routes. Our results revealed that the subspecies elegans, with its range in northwestern Yunnan, China, was in the basal position among 17 studied subspecies, supporting a previous hypothesis that the Common Pheasant most probably originated in forests in southeastern China. Subspecies in the western Palaearctic region nested within the most subspecies‐rich torquatus group (‘Grey‐rumped Pheasants’), indicating that the torquatus group is not a clade but instead forms a gradation with other subspecies and subspecies groups. Our dating analysis suggested that the initial divergence among populations of Common Pheasant originated around 3.4 Mya with subsequent dispersal into the Western Palaearctic region during the Late Pliocene–Lower Pleistocene approximately 2.5–1.8 Mya. We propose two possible east‐to‐west colonization routes for the Common Pheasant and suggest conservation implications for some regional subspecies. Overall, this study demonstrates the lack of concordance between morphology‐based subspecies delimitation and their genetic relationships. This is likely to be a consequence of initial isolation due to historical vicariance followed by population admixture due to recent range expansion of Common Pheasant in the western Palaearctic region.
Audit Quality for US‐listed Chinese Companies
Authors: Dang Chien Minh , Fargher Neil , Lee Gladys
Published: December 2016

PCAOB Staff Audit Practice Alert No. 6 raised concerns regarding the quality of audit reports on financial statements filed by issuers with substantially all of their operations outside of the US. An area of specific concern is the audit of companies with operations predominantly based in mainland China. Using a sample of Chinese companies listed in the US, we examine whether measures of audit quality are affected by the location of the auditor. We find some evidence of higher levels of discretionary accruals when a US‐listed Chinese firm is audited by a small US auditor.
Perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward sustainable fashion: Application of Q and Q‐R methodologies
Authors: Song Sanga , Ko Eunju
Published: December 2016

While sustainability has increasingly attracted the attention of scholars and practitioners, consumer attitudes and behaviors toward sustainable consumption have not yet been elucidated. The decision‐making process around sustainable consumption involves diverse and complex considerations including some forms of compromise (tradeoff). In addition, sustainability is a broad and subjective concept, and is not a primary attribute of a product Impacting the choices of consumers. Therefore, it is necessary to apply new methods to overcome the limitations of conventional evidence‐based research. This research uses Q and Q‐R methodologies to identify consumers' subjective viewpoints toward sustainable fashion and to present socio‐demographic differences across segments of sustainable fashion consumers. Study 1 uses Q methodology to interview 26 consumers and to identify four types of decision makers: doubtful egoists, single‐minded bystanders, wavering intellects, and opinion leaders. Study 2 uses Q‐R methodology to verify the psychological and socio‐demographic variables among 328 consumers. The research provides useful suggestions for selecting and approaching target consumer segments in the sustainable fashion industry.
De‐ownership orientation and collaborative consumption during turbulent economic times
Authors: Lindblom Arto , Lindblom Taru
Published: December 2016

In this article we aim to increase understanding of which social factors are central when looking at de‐ownership orientation (DOO), collaborative consumption attitudes (CCA) and collaborative consumption intentions (CCI). In addition, we analyze how DOO, CCA and CCI are linked to each other. We scrutinize DOO, CCA and CCI in Finland during a period of economic crisis. Our results show that DOO is rather evenly spread across the socio‐demographic groups, and that CCA is at a much higher level than CCI among the respondents. CCA is less impacted by factors that originate from a consumer's social and economic conditions. The studied concepts are found to be closely associated: with the increase in DOO, the propensity for CCI and CCA to increase also grows. However, DOO has a stronger effect on CCA than on CCI. Of studied socio‐economic features, age clearly has the strongest effects on each studied factor. The younger age cohorts have more positive attitudes towards collaborative consumption than others. In terms of employment status the groups that are the most positive towards collaborative consumption are those staying at home on parental leave, whereas the retired, entrepreneurs (for CCI) and unemployed (for CCA) have the least inclination towards collaborative consumption. Thus, economic crisis can be seen as working against the development of the sharing economy and collaborative consumption, or at least it could create social divisions between groups who take part in it.
Ultrasound‐induced changes in physical and functional properties of whey proteins
Authors: Shen Xue , Shao Shengnan , Guo Mingruo
Published: December 2016

Use of high‐intensity ultrasound to modify certain functional properties of whey proteins is an alternative to traditional method in food industry. Whey protein isolate (WPI) solutions were treated with an ultrasound probe (20 kHz) at different intensities (20% or 30% amplitude) and durations (10 or 20 min). Results showed that ultrasound treatment changed physical and several functional properties of whey proteins including decreased particle size (from 190.4 nm to 138.0 nm), increased surface hydrophobicity (from 5.13 × 105 to 5.77 × 105), free sulphydryl groups (from 52.64 μmol SH g−1 to 53.64–58.77 μmol SH g−1), solubility (from 74.95% to 89.70%), emulsion activity index (from 3.18 m2 g−1 to 3.59–5.32 m2 g−1) and emulsion stability index (from 62.26 min to 71.44–104.83 min), and changed viscosity (from 5.51 mPa.s to 4.81–5.64 mPa.s). Therefore, we conclude that high‐intensity ultrasound can be potentially applied to whey proteins to improve its specific functions during food processing.
Tuna oil and Mentha piperita oil emulsions and microcapsules stabilised by whey protein isolate and inulin: characterisation and stability
Authors: Bakry Amr M. , Fang Zheng , Khan Muhammad Aslam , Chen Yantao , Chen Yong Q. , Liang Li
Published: December 2016

Whey protein isolate (WPI) and its polysaccharide complexes have been widely used to prepare oil‐in‐water emulsions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the emulsions and spray‐dried microcapsules containing tuna oil and/or mint oil and stabilised by combination of WPI with inulin in terms of physicochemical characteristics and storage stability. Stable emulsions were formed before drying. Tuna oil + Mentha piperita oil emulsions had smaller viscosity, surface tension and size than did tuna oil emulsions. Surface morphology showed that spray‐dried microcapsules were spheres but had many dents and apparent shrinkage. During storage, tuna oil and tuna oil + M. piperita oil microcapsules became larger. In the blend oil microcapsules, menthone was reduced to form menthol, loss of DHA and EPA was slightly less, the degree of oxidation characterised using peroxide value and headspace propanal was less but basically greater than half of that of WTI microcapsules.
Effect of virgin coconut oil cake on physical, textural, microbial and sensory attributes of muffins
Authors: Beegum Shameena , Sharma Monika , Manikantan Musuvadi Ramarathinam , Gupta Ram Kishor
Published: December 2016

A study was carried out to develop muffins by substituting refined wheat flour (RWF) with virgin coconut oil (VCO) cake (0–50 g/100 g flour blend). Progressive replacement of RWF with VCO cake resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decrease in peak viscosity of flour blends (from 2527.75 cP in the control to 389.5 cP in 50 g VCO cake/100 g flour blend) and the muffins height (from 34.26 mm in the control to 26.88 mm in 50 g VCO cake/100 g flour blend). Significant colour change was observed in the crust and crumb regions. Free fatty acid and microbial analysis revealed that the quality of muffin samples was unaffected by the addition of VCO cake during 16‐day storage at both refrigerated (4 ± 2 °C) and ambient temperature (35 ± 2 °C). Incorporation of 40 g VCO cake/100 g flour blend significantly (P < 0.05) increased the overall acceptability of the muffins (with a maximum score of 8.5). Muffins with 40 g VCO cake/100 g flour blend were enriched with protein (8.49 g/100 g), fat (18.46 g/100 g), crude fibre (1.14 g/100 g) and minerals (1.15 g/100 g).
Adapting training to meet the preferred learning styles of different generations
Authors: Urick Michael
Published: December 2016

This article considers how training professionals can respond to differences in training preferences between generational groups. It adopts two methods. First, it surveys the existing research and finds generally that preferences for training approaches can differ between groups and specifically that younger employees are perceived to leverage technology more at work. Second, it uses a qualitative grounded theory approach to examine the perspectives of a sample of older and a sample of younger workers in the United States. It finds that both samples perceive a greater comfort level of younger employees in leveraging technology‐enabled training and that the older sample were more comfortable with on‐the‐job and mentorship development efforts than more formal approaches. The implication for practice is that training needs to be more innovative so that, for any particular training intervention, potential trainees have a degree of freedom of choice of learning style. Possible approaches are discussed.
Les statistiques du travail en Europe du Sud‐Est: points communs et différences dans les définitions utilisées d'un pays à l'autre
Authors: FILIPI Gjergji
Published: December 2016

L'harmonisation des définitions statistiques de l'emploi, du chômage et de l'inactivité est nécessaire à la bonne appréciation de la réalité et à la comparaison internationale des données. L'auteur examine la pratique à cet égard dans des pays et territoires de l'Europe du Sud‐Est (Albanie, Bosnie‐Herzégovine, Bulgarie, Croatie, Kosovo, Macédoine, Monténégro, Serbie, Slovénie et Turquie). Il constate un recours généralisé aux enquětes sur la population active pour recueillir les données mais des écarts dans les définitions et les systèmes de classement utilisés, notamment pour ce qui touche au chômage. Il préconise un effort d'harmonisation supplémentaire pour venir à bout de ces dernières divergences.
The Socioeconomic Incorporation of Immigrant and Native‐born Day Labourers in Tshwane, South Africa
Authors: Theodore Nik , Blaauw Derick , Pretorius Anmar , Schenck Catherina
Published: December 2016

It has been widely documented that unauthorized immigrants experience adverse economic incorporation in destination countries, particularly in the global North. Faced with restricted employment opportunities, many are drawn into informalizing segments of the labour market where earnings are low and unstable. Much less is known about how immigrant workers fare in the informal economy of cities of the South. Using surveys conducted in 2004, 2007 and 2015, we examine the economic outcomes of immigrant and native‐born workers who participate in the day labour markets of Tshwane, South Africa. In 2004 there were signs that foreign‐born workers enjoyed modestly better outcomes than South Africa‐born workers. In the latter periods, however, these advantages have disappeared and there are indications of a downward convergence of employment outcomes. The article concludes with a call for creating worker centres to regulate informal job markets for the benefit of workers, regardless of immigration status.
Service and infrastructure needs to support recovery programmes for Indigenous community mental health consumers
Authors: Sayers Jan M. , Cleary Michelle , Hunt Glenn E. , Burmeister Oliver K.
Published: December 2016

Mental health is a major concern in Indigenous communities, as Indigenous people experience poorer health outcomes generally, and poorer social and emotional well‐being throughout their lives, compared to non‐Indigenous populations. Interviews were conducted with 20 mental health workers from a housing assistance programme for Indigenous clients with mental illness. Service and infrastructure needs identified to support clients were classified under the following overarching theme ‘supports along the road to recovery’. Subthemes were: (i) It is OK to seek help; (ii) linking in to the local community; (iii) trusting the workers; and (iv) help with goal setting and having activities that support their achievement. This paper highlights the importance of targeted housing and accommodation support programmes for Indigenous people to prevent homelessness, and the essential services and infrastructure required to support Indigenous clients’ mental health needs. These insights may inform service review, workforce development, and further research.
Free collective bargaining and incomes policy: learning from Barbara Wootton and Hugh Clegg on post‐war British Industrial Relations and wage inequality
Authors: Ackers Peter
Published: December 2016

Growing income inequality has returned as a major political issue in affluent, advanced economies, often associated directly with the decline of trade unions and collective bargaining. In policy terms, this has been reflected in the British campaign for a ‘Living Wage’ and the new German minimum wage. Yet on the broader front, Industrial Relations (IR) struggles to find a credible regulatory strategy to address inequality—one that combines state and civil society initiatives and can be legitimised in political philosophy. This History and Policy article argues that there is much to learn from the IR past, before neo‐liberalism. My focus is the writing of Barbara Wootton and Hugh Clegg on ‘Incomes Policy’, from the 1950s to the early 1980s, when this was a central intellectual and policy issue in British IR. I explore the differing justifications for Incomes Policy, from corporatist macro‐economic management to social equality, comparing and contrasting the democratic socialist political principles of Wootton with Clegg's social democratic pluralism. The conclusion relates this historical debate between state pattern and civil society process to current concerns about how social democratic ideas and IR policy can address the problem of labour market inequality.
Parent employment and preschool utilisation in urban China
Authors: Nyland Chris , Pan Beibei , Cooper Brian , Nyland Berenice , Zeng Xiaodong
Published: December 2016

China's government has abolished its one‐child policy and intends to universalise access to preschool education by 2020. It has also announced plans to raise the retirement age beginning in 2022. Together, these policies risk generating a major increase in the number of parents who must balance workplace–preschool demands with little assistance from grandparents. Drawing on a mixed‐method design and a sample of parent‐workers who reside in Beijing, this article finds that most parents currently deem the need to reconcile the respective demands of their workplace and preschool to be a concern of limited significance. But we also find that sustaining this situation will require the bolstering of government and enterprise supports that can assist parents provide for the education of their preschool‐aged children with diminished assistance from grandparents.
The effect of SiO2on electrical properties of low‐temperature‐sintered ZnO–Bi2O3–TiO2–Co2O3–MnO2‐based ceramics
Authors: Bai Hairui , Zhang Minghui , Xu Zhijun , Chu Ruiqing , Hao Jigong , Li Huaiyong , Gong Yunyun , Li Guorong
Published: December 2016

ZnO–Bi2O3–TiO2–Co2O3–MnO2‐based (ZBTCM) varistors were fabricated via the conventional solid‐state method, and the effect of SiO2content on the phase transformation, microstructure, and electrical properties of theZBTCMhad been investigated. Results showed that this varistor can be sintered at a low temperature of 880°C with a high sintering density above 0.95 of the ZnO theoretical density. In these components, SiO2acts as a controller in ZnO grain growth, decreasing the grain size of ZnO from 3.67 to 1.92 μm, which in turn results in an increase in breakdown voltageE1mAfrom 358.11 to 1080 V/mm. On the other hand, SiO2has a significant influence on the defect structure and component distribution at grain‐boundary regions. When SiO2content increases from 0 to 4 wt%, the value of the interface state density (Ns) increases sharply. At the same time, the electrical properties are improved gradually, and reach an optimized value with the nonlinear coefficient (α) up to 54.18, the barrier height (ϕb) up to 2.90 eV, and the leakage current (IL) down to 0.193 μA/cm2.
Sensory trait variation contributes to biased dispersal of threespine stickleback in flowing water
Authors: Jiang Y. , Peichel C. L. , Torrance L. , Rizvi Z. , Thompson S. , Palivela V. V. , Pham H. , Ling F. , Bolnick D. I.
Published: December 2016

Gene flow is widely thought to homogenize spatially separate populations, eroding effects of divergent selection. The resulting theory of ‘migration–selection balance’ is predicated on a common assumption that all genotypes are equally prone to dispersal. If instead certain genotypes are disproportionately likely to disperse, then migration can actually promote population divergence. For example, previous work has shown that threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) differ in their propensity to move up‐ or downstream (‘rheotactic response’), which may facilitate genetic divergence between adjoining lake and stream populations of stickleback. Here, we demonstrate that intraspecific variation in a sensory system (superficial neuromast lines) contributes to this variation in swimming behaviour in stickleback. First, we show that intact neuromasts are necessary for a typical rheotactic response. Next, we showed that there is heritable variation in the number of neuromasts and that stickleback with more neuromasts are more likely to move downstream. Variation in pectoral fin shape contributes to additional variation in rheotactic response. These results illustrate how within‐population quantitative variation in sensory and locomotor traits can influence dispersal behaviour, thereby biasing dispersal between habitats and favouring population divergence.
Amino Acid Improving and Physical Qualities of Extruded Corn Snacks Using Flours Made from Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) and Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.)
Authors: Peksa Anna , Kita Agnieszka , Jariene Elvyra , Danilcenko Honorata , Gryszkin Artur , Figiel Adam , Kulaitiene Jurgita , Cerniauskiene Judita , Aniolowska Magda
Published: December 2016

The effectiveness of supplementation with 5, 10 and 15% of flours made from Jerusalem artichoke roots (JAF), amaranth seeds (AF) and pumpkin tissue (PF) on the physical properties of corn‐based snacks and the improvement of their amino acids (aa) composition was studied. No higher than 10% enrichment of corn grits particularly improved texture, porosity and specific density of snacks and revealed suitable expansion, a delicate crunchy texture. The lightness of the extrudates decreased after PF and JAF had been used. PF or JAF at the higher level (10 or 15%) increased the redness of snacks. AF affected the reduction of their yellowness and the use of PF its increase. Particularly beneficial as the source of amino acids was JAF with 15% addition increasing the amount of essential aa (eaa) by 21%, particularly the content of lysine, methionine + cystine, leucine and isoleucine. AF did not cause much change in the content of eaa.

Practical Applications

From the study appears that such novel raw material in snacks production, like flours from amaranth seeds, Jerusalem artichoke roots and pumpkin tissue are desirable components of corn‐based snacks, particularly used as 10% additives. They do not alter significantly the expansion and porosity of extrudates, and decrease their specific density. Jerusalem artichoke and pumpkin flour are promising additives as decreasing the hardness of corn snacks, amaranth as lightening their color and Jerusalem artichoke flour additionally as the compound increasing the content of essential amino acids in the final product.
Microbial Ecology Dynamics in Portuguese Broa Sourdough
Authors: Rocha João M. , Malcata F. Xavier
Published: December 2016

This research effort aimed at a better understanding of microbial phenomena taking place during time in spontaneous sourdough fermentation for broa, a traditional Portuguese bread. Unlike most microbiological studies of sourdough, viable counts obtained were not limited to Lactobacillus and yeasts, but encompassed also molds, Gram‐negative rods, endospore‐(non)forming Gram‐positive rods and catalase‐positive/negative Gram‐positive cocci. This less conventional approach unveiled the ubiquitous Bacillus genus throughout spontaneous broa sourdough fermentation. Presumptive yeasts, Lactobacillus and Bacillus were found to low levels after kneading, but became dominant by the end of regular (no aeration) fermentation. They apparently inhibit undesired rods and Staphylococcus, which were found to relatively high numbers after kneading. By 24 h of fermentation, lactic acid cocci accounted for an important fraction of biodiversity, and pH decreased significantly reaching about 4.1. Aeration accelerated the microbial dynamics. In terms of total viable counts, such a long‐term fermentation appeared to reach a quasi‐stationary state.

Practical Applications

Microbial studies encompassing a large set of culture media and incubation conditions were previously undertaken in samples of maize and rye flours, and sourdoughs for broa obtained from 14 artisanal producers and in two seasons. Microbial counts and identification unfolded a complex wild microbiota, and fermentation played a major effect upon all microbial groups. Flours and mother‐dough microbiota were characterized during storage afterward. A similar approach was followed here to ascertain the microbiological profile of a wide range of microorganisms throughout long‐term sourdough fermentation, in attempts to answer the questions: how microorganisms evolve, and how they respond to increasing aeration. These studies provide an innovative way to look at sourdough systems and microbial dynamics therein. Results showed the importance of increasing fermentation time to take full advantage of ecological competition against undesirable microorganisms, and emphasized the need for further studies to reveal the role of Bacillus in sourdough fermentations.