bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance modeling of mobile phone providers: a DEA-ANN combined approach
Authors: Kwon He-Boong
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using artificial neural networks (ANNs) in conjunction with data envelopment analysis (DEA) for the performance measurement of major mobile phone providers, and for subsequent predictions related to best performance benchmarking and decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

– DEA and ANN are combined, providing an integrated modeling approach via a two-stage process. DEA is used for front end measurement, while ANN provides learning and prediction capabilities. DEA analysis of industry characteristics is based on the measurement of each decision-making unit's (DMU) performance. Back propagation neural networks (BPNN) can then predict each DMU's efficiency score, based on the results of the DEA models. Additional BPNN models provide best performance predictions.

Findings

– The DEA module successfully evaluates the competitive status of firms in the mobile phone industry in terms of efficiency. Efficiency trends over the observation period reveal the dynamic nature of competition in this industry. The predictive power of the BPNN module has been demonstrated as well. The proposed system is an effective benchmarking and decision support tool, via its capability to simulate performance scenarios, thereby facilitating insightful, prudent decision making.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes the use of two different but complementary methods, DEA and ANN, in a combined performance modeling approach, and examines mobile phone providers. This methodology can improve users’ performance benchmarking and decision-making processes. Additionally, adaptive prediction capability is provided through approximating efficient frontiers, in addition to performance measurement.
Implementing the international benchmarking labour productivity theoretical model
Authors: Ghoddousi and Parviz , T. Alizadeh Behzad , Reza Hosseini M. , Chileshe Nicholas
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Building upon the results of a critical review of previous studies, the purpose of this paper is to present a framework to enhance the reliability of the theoretical model for international benchmarking of labour productivity (TMIBLP) method for construction project activities. The next part of the paper presents the results of implementing the proposed framework for construction activities in the Iranian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper draws upon a critical review of the literature to highlight the drawbacks of the previous studies concerning implementing TMIBLP within the construction industry. Identifying these shortcomings, the authors propose a framework for construction projects, which presents the procedure for deploying TMIBLP for construction activities in a reliable manner. The final section of the paper demonstrates the empirical implementation of the proposed framework within the Iranian construction industry.

Findings

– The primary contributions of the paper include: identifying the drawbacks of previous studies within the construction context, the framework that would lead construction managers towards more reliable implementation of benchmarking for construction projects, and determining the baseline of erecting steel structures in a developing country.

Practical implications

– A practical implementation of the TMIBLP method was presented to address the lack of research in Iran and to show the feasibility of using the framework developed. The authors investigated the daily labour productivity for the activity of structural steel erection for six projects in Tehran in order to determine the values of the baseline productivity for each project. Accordingly, the disruption index, performance ratio and project management index as the project benchmarks were calculated for all six projects.

Originality/value

– Underlining the necessity of implementing methods such as TMIBLP, this study outlines the outcomes of the first study on the benchmarking of construction activities deploying the proposed framework and using the data on erecting steel structures from six construction projects in Iran. The discussions provide guidelines for construction project managers regarding benchmarking labour productivity. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research opportunities.
Supply chain performance measurement for third party logistics
Authors: Jothimani Dhanya , Sarmah S.P.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to explore the applicability of the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and to identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the service-oriented sector – namely a third-party logistics (3PL) service provider.

Design/methodology/approach

– The performance attributes of SCOR model (reliability, responsiveness, flexibility, cost measures and asset management efficiency) are used as the basis for defining the KPIs. A questionnaire was sent to relevant decision makers.

Findings

– This paper illustrates the use of the integrated approach of SCOR, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for measuring the supply chain performance (SCP) in the light of a real life case study company.

Research limitations/implications

– This method forms the basis for performance measurement using the SCOR model to evaluate strategy. In this work, the performance of the company has been compared with its own previous performance. The work can be extended to external benchmarking and also to other sectors.

Practical implications

– The paper attempts to overcome the conflict between the top-down strategy and bottom-up implementation process. The paper links the strategic objective with operations which would aid managers at different levels of an organization with decision making. The KPIs, when implemented in a business intelligence (BI) tool, would result in real time performance measurement.

Originality/value

– The paper focusses on 3PLs. It provides a base for measuring the SCP using SCOR model. The paper also identified KPIs for three domains of 3PL, namely freight forwarding, customs and warehousing.
The challenges of lean manufacturing implementation in SMEs
Authors: Dorota Rymaszewska Anna
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the lean manufacturing implementation challenges in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study is based on experiences of the Finnish furniture and boating sectors. The paper outlines the overall characteristics of the studied organizations and contrasts them with one of the most famous example of lean implementation – the Toyota Company. By comparing the different manufacturing environments as well as organizational characteristics, the potential challenges of lean adoption are outlined.

Design/methodology/approach

– The findings presented in this paper were achieved through the case study method. The research utilizes the deductive approach.

Findings

– The results present an assessment of the companies’ current situations. The results uncover their readiness for lean implementation and identify the challenges that might hinder lean implementation. Early identification of weaknesses will make companies more aware of their own capabilities. Moreover, it has potential for making them better prepared for lean implementation and more consistent in their process.

Practical implications

– The importance of addressing certain aspect of lean implementation in the specific context of SMEs characteristics might contribute to the successful implementation of lean.

Originality/value

– The author presents an original look at supporting companies in the process of adopting lean manufacturing.
Time affluence, material affluence and work experiences of professional women in Russia
Authors: J. Burke Ronald , Astakhova Marina , Singh Parbudyal
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of time affluence (TA) and material affluence (MA) in work and extra-work experiences of a sample of professional women working in Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected form 168 women using anonymously completed questionnaires. Measures included personal demographic and work situation characteristics, work outcomes, indicators of work investment and extra-work outcomes.

Findings

– TA and MA were significantly and positively correlated (r=0.22), with women indicating similar levels of TA and MA. Women reporting higher levels of MA generally indicated more favorable work outcomes (higher job satisfaction, lower intent to quit). Women reporting lower levels of TA generally indicated higher levels of work investment. However, neither TA nor MA predicted family satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– This study highlights the importance to take steps to increase TA and MA of Russian women to positively influence their work and extra-work experiences.

Originality/value

– These findings replicate and extend earlier USA, Egyptian and Turkish results to Russia. Unlike previous studies, the authors simultaneously included TA and MA constructs, thus providing important comparisons of their relationships with different outcomes. The authors also respond to the call to study TA and MA in different cultural contexts.
An evaluation of a toothbrushing programme in schools
Authors: Woodall James , Woodward Jenny , Witty Karl , McCulloch Shona
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of a toothbrushing intervention delivered in primary schools in Yorkshire and the Humber, a Northern district of England. The toothbrushing intervention was designed with the intention of improving the oral health of young children. The paper reports the effectiveness of the intervention and explores process issues related to its co-ordination and delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

– The evaluation had three data gathering approaches. These were: in-depth case studies of three selected schools participating in the toothbrushing programme; interviews with oral health promoters responsible for the programme in the district; and a small scale questionnaire-based survey which was sent to the 18 schools participating in the intervention.

Findings

– The intervention was accepted by children and they enjoyed participating in the toothbrushing scheme. Children had often become more knowledgeable about toothbrushing and the consequences of not regularly cleaning their teeth. The scheme was contingent on key staff in the school and the programme was more successful where school's embraced, rather than rejected the notion of improving children's health alongside educational attainment. Whether the intervention made differences to brushing in the home requires further investigation, but there is a possibility that children can act as positive “change agents” with siblings and other family members.

Practical implications

– This paper suggests that schools can be an effective setting for implementing toothbrushing interventions.

Originality/value

– Toothbrushing in schools programmes are a relatively new initiative that have not been fully explored, especially using qualitative approaches or focusing on the views of children. This paper makes a particular contribution to understanding the process and delivery of toothbrushing interventions delivered in primary schools. The implications for programmes outside of the UK context are discussed.
Application of self-reciprocity in estimating ultrasonic power with a novel measurement method
Authors: Yang Ping , Xing Guangzhen
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to propose a new measurement method for ultrasonic power based on self-reciprocity theorem which turns the estimation of ultrasonic power to the measurement of first echo current and open-circuit voltage of the driving source.

Design/methodology/approach

– The formula for ultrasonic power is derived which has corrected the position of pressure reflection coefficient on the interface of water and steel. The diffraction correction for focusing transducers is evaluated using numerical computation of the Rayleigh integral. One way to estimate the reflection coefficient of focusing beams on heterogeneous interface is also depicted.

Findings

– Comparison experiment with radiation force balance method demonstrates that ultrasonic power measurement using self-reciprocity is sound in theory and feasible in practice.

Originality/value

– It has a better capability of anti-environmental interference and, thus, can be extended to low-level and high-frequency power measurements.
Multi-pass path planning for thick plate by DSAW based on vision sensor
Authors: Yang Chengdong , Ye Zhen , Chen Yuxi , Zhong Jiyong , Chen Shanben
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to solve the problem that the changing of groove size and assembly gap would affect the precision of the multi-pass path planning and the welding quality and realize the automatic welding of a thick plate.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, a double-sided double arc welding (DSAW) system with a self-designed passive vision sensor was established, then the image of the groove was captured and the characteristic parameters of groove were extracted by image processing. According to the welding parameters and the extracted geometry size, multi-pass path planning was executed by the DSAW system.

Findings

– A DSAW system with a self-designed passive vision sensor was established which can realize the welding thick plate by double-sided double arc by two robots. The clear welding image of the groove was acquired, and an available image processing algorithm was proposed to accurately extract the characteristic parameters of the groove. According to the welding parameters and the extracted geometry size, multi-pass path planning can be executed by the DSAW system automatically.

Originality/value

– Gas metal arc welding is used for root welding and filler passes in DSAW. Multi-pass path planning for thick plate by Double-sided Double Arc Welding (DSAW) based on vision sensor was proposed.
Electrostatic charge interaction: a case study on tapered PMMA fiber for calcium nitrate detection
Authors: Batumalay M. , Lokman A. , Rahman H.A. , Harun S.W. , Ahmad H.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to propose and demonstrate a simple fiber optic sensor using a tapered plastic multimode fiber as a probe for measurement of calcium nitrate concentrations in de-ionized water.

Design/methodology/approach

– The working mechanism is based on the observed increment in the transmission of the sensor that is immersed in calcium nitrate solution of higher concentration. The tapering of the plastic fiber is carried out by etching method using acetone, sand paper and de-ionized water.

Findings

– Tapered fiber with diameter 0.45 mm gives the highest sensitivity of 0.028 mV/% due to better interaction between the evanescent field and the calcium nitrate solution with a good slope linearity of more than 98 per cent for a 1.07 per cent limit of detection in a straight probe arrangement. The use of calcium and nitrate ions within the sensing medium demonstrates the strong dependency of the sensor output trend on the electrolytic nature of the chemical solutions.

Originality/value

– Demonstration of tapered plastic multimode fiber sensor probe for measurement electrolytic chemical solutions.
Maximizing lifetime sequences of wireless sensor networks powered by renewable energy
Authors: Abu-Baker Amjad , Huang Hong , Misra Satyajayant
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate conditional and unconditional lifetime sequence of wireless sensor networks (WSN) that have many important practical applications. A significant limitation for WSN is its short lifetime due to the limited capacity of the battery. Renewable energy can significantly extend the lifetime of WSN. In this paper, we investigate the whole sequence of lifetimes of every sensor in WSN, as different application scenarios have different requirement on how many sensors can die until the WSN is no longer functional.

Design/methodology/approach

– Linear programming formulation was used to investigate both the conditional and unconditional lifetime sequence of WSN. The lifetime sequences of WSN without and with differ levels of solar power were studied.

Findings

– This investigation of lifetime sequences discovered three interesting phenomena: the sensors that die first are on the peripheral of the network, rather close to the base station; multiple sensors tend to die simultaneously; and the lifetimes of sensors that die later can be extended by renewable energy much more significantly than those that die early, which is very good news to applications that can tolerate the death of a fraction of sensors.

Originality/value

– In this paper, the first optimization formulation for maximizing both unconditional and conditional lifetime sequences of WSNs with renewable energy sources was provided. Only the conditional lifetime sequence has been investigated in a previous work, but this method runs n-times faster than the previous work, with n being the number of nodes in the WSN.
Development and commissioning of FBG sensors for impact test of rock fall protective barrier
Authors: Guo Yongxing , Zhang Dongsheng , Zhou Zude , Zhu Fangdong , Xiong Li
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to present an effective sensing detection system based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology for protective barriers that have been effectively applied to intercept and stop rocks from falling onto railway tracks. . Determination of exact stress and deformation values during impact tests for key components of the protective barrier forms important criteria for quality control of these barriers. Monitoring changes in force along the protective barrier when deployed in field application allows for real-time disaster warning for collapse and falling rocks.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, we propose a monitoring strategy for key components of a protective barrier. During performance tests, dynamic force and strain were measured for the steel strands and supporting I-beam, respectively. Design of a special elastic structure for the force transducer based on finite element analysis and tensile tests has been discussed here. Two types of FBG force transducers were manufactured based on the elastic structure. Four FBG force transducers and four FBG strain sensors were used for impact verification testing of a new rigid protective barrier with a design protection level of 25 KJ.

Findings

– Dynamic force and strain responses were obtained during an impact of free-falling block with a kinetic energy of 25 KJ.

Originality/value

– The FBG monitoring scheme can be extremely valuable for optimized design of the barrier and can provide real-time disaster warning in regions of collapse and falling rocks.
Improving the performance of electronic nose for wound infection detection using orthogonal signal correction and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Feng Jingwei , Tian Fengchun , Jia Pengfei , He Qinghua , Shen Yue , Fan Shu
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to detect wound infection by electronic nose (Enose) and to improve the performance of Enose.

Design/methodology/approach

– Mice are used as experimental subjects. Orthogonal signal correction (OSC) is applied to preprocess the response of Enose. Radical basis function (RBF) network is used for discrimination, and the parameters in RBF are optimized by particle swarm optimization.

Findings

– OSC is very suitable for eliminating interference and improving the performance of Enose in wound infection detection.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research is required to sample wound infection dataset of human beings and to demonstrate that the Enose with proper algorithms can be used to detect wound infection.

Practical implications

– In this paper, Enose is used to detect wound infection, and OSC is used to improve the performance of the Enose. This widens the application area of Enose and OSC.

Originality/value

– The innovative concept paves the way for the application of Enose.
Double Trouble: Sibling Rivalry and Twin Organizations in the 2008 Credit Crisis
Authors: Stein Mark
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and explore the novel idea of highly similar ‘twin organizations’. Drawing on psychoanalytic theory in his formulation, the author argues that the closeness of organizational identities in twin organizations may lead to increased rivalry, narcissism and a tendency for greater risk‐taking and vulnerability. Four of the biggest casualties of the 2008 credit crisis – two UK banks (HBOS and RBS) and two large US financial institutions (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) – are used to illustrate this conceptual development. The contribution of this paper is fivefold. First, this paper contributes the theoretical innovation of the idea of twin organizations to the organization studies literature. Second, it casts a fresh light on four of the organizations that got most deeply into trouble in the credit crisis. Third, it contributes to other areas of organizational scholarship, specifically the theory of risk and the theory of organizational identity. Fourth, this paper acts as a warning by identifying similar phenomena in the ongoing Eurozone crisis, and fifth, it contributes to the understanding of risk‐management practice and organizational consultancy.
Person centred planning ‘in action’: exploring the use of person centred planning in supporting young people's transition and re‐integration to mainstream education
Authors: Corrigan Emma
Published: September 2014

This study, by Emma Corrigan of the Plymouth Excellence Cluster and Community Psychology Service, explores the use of person centred planning (PCP) in supporting young people who have experienced school exclusion, in their transition and re‐integration to mainstream settings. Young people of different ages participated in the PCP process and multiple stakeholder perspectives provided insight into the implementation and outcomes of PCP over time. Reported findings indicate a positive impact upon young people's social‐emotional well‐being, attendance in school, and educational achievement, and highlight a range of ‘supports’ and ‘barriers’ that can facilitate and/or obstruct the use of PCP in practice. This research contributes towards practice‐based evidence at a time when legislative reform advocates a broader use of PCP to support special educational needs in the UK. Potential gains, pitfalls and further actions are considered to support a wider application of PCP within the new statutory framework and to inform implications for future practice and further research.
Adding scents to symbols: using food fragrances with deafblind young people making choices at mealtimes
Authors: Murdoch Heather , Gough Anne , Boothroyd Eileen , Williams Kate
Published: September 2014

This article is written by Heather Murdoch, research consultant for the Seashell Trust, Anne Gough, deputy headteacher at Royal School Manchester/Seashell Trust, Eileen Boothroyd, consultant for the Seashell Trust, and Kate Williams, a creative perfumer for Seven (PZ Cussons). It describes the use of food fragrances with deafblind students who are making lunchtime meal choices. The fragrances were added to picture symbols or objects of reference used to represent different menu options. A multiple case study, mixed methods design was used to evaluate three students' choice‐making before and after the introduction of the fragrances. Case study was chosen because of the complex and diverse needs created by deafblindness and because the project was an exploratory study of a new approach. The methods included semi‐structured interviews with students' 1:1 keyworkers and other staff, direct and videotaped observations of students' choice‐making, and written diary records of students' food choices and responses. The findings are necessarily tentative but support the use of food fragrances to assist students' understanding of mealtime choice‐making and their engagement with the process. The practicalities of using olfaction to support other sensory inputs are discussed, together with priorities for future research and practice in this area.
‘Index for Inclusion’: a framework for school review in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Alborno Nadera Emran , Gaad Eman
Published: September 2014

This study uses the ‘Index for Inclusion’, developed by Booth and Ainscow, as a framework for investigating inclusive provision in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), introduced through the ‘School for All’ initiative. The study, by Nadera Emran Alborno of the American University in Dubai and Eman Gaad of the British University in Dubai, adopts a qualitative research approach, using a multiple case study methodology, to provide a rich and contextualised picture of implementation from the perspective of the various stakeholders. Following the ‘Index for Inclusion’, the findings are presented in terms of the three key school dimensions of cultures, policies, and practices. Themes emerging from the data include barriers to participation and learning such as the lack of effective training, adequate support services, and inclusive classroom structures. Also included are positive system characteristics such as the welcoming school climate, support among stakeholders, and emerging parent and community involvement. The study provides insights into the possible challenges to the implementation of the ‘Index for Inclusion’ in schools in the UAE.
‘As Shakespeare so Memorably Said…’: Quotation, Rhetoric, and the Performance of Politics
Authors: Atkins Judi , Finlayson Alan
Published: September 2014

This article examines the use of quotation in British political rhetoric since 1945. It argues that quotations are not only a source of authority, but a way of claiming authorisation. The article also shows how, through quotations, party leaders try to establish connections between themselves and the common cultural resources of their audience, and how they attempt to show fidelity to a tradition even as they try to redirect it. The conclusion is that rhetorical analysis exposes the symbolic, ritualised aspect of contemporary political and ideological practices, the understanding of which requires the integration of rhetorical and performance theories.
Measuring the Quality of Politicians Elected by Gender Quotas – Are They Any Different?
Authors: Allen Peter , Cutts David , Campbell Rosie
Published: September 2014

Do gender quotas reduce the quality of politicians elected to a legislature? For the first time in the literature, this article addresses this question by examining the quality of ‘quota women’ compared to their non-quota colleagues at three stages of their political career: their electoral performance, their qualifications for political office and their post-election legislative career trajectories. Drawing on the unique case of Britain following the 1997 general election, no significant difference is found between the quality of ‘quota women’ and their non-quota colleagues. Voters do not punish ‘quota women’ at the ballot box; ‘quota women’ are as equally qualified for political office as their colleagues; and the gatekeepers of executive office do not discriminate against ‘quota women’ in front-bench promotions. Considering this, the article concludes by asking whether the similarity of ‘quota women’ to their colleagues may actually impact on their capacity to affect transformative substantive representation.
Herding cats or getting heard: The SENCo–teacher dynamic and its impact on teachers' classroom practice
Authors: Qureshi Saneeya
Published: September 2014

This article is based on two key findings of doctoral research into the impact that Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) in England have on teachers' skills when addressing the needs of children with SEN in mainstream primary schools. I use data from questionnaires and interviews with SENCos, teachers and headteachers to argue that key indicators for successful teaching of children with SEN include SENCos skilling teachers in their roles as ‘agents of change’ in relation to SENCos' views of their teaching colleagues, as well as the evolving nature of their own professional identity.
What can spelling errors tell us about the causes and treatment of dyslexia?
Authors: Giannouli V. , Pavlidis G. T.
Published: September 2014

Until recently the majority of research undertaken into dyslexia focused on English‐speaking dyslexics, who tend to make significantly more phonological than visual errors. This led to a major assumption about the possible cause of dyslexia being a lack of phonological awareness. According to the phonological deficit theory, the level of phonological consistency of a language determines not only the reading speed but also the amount and types of reading and spelling errors made by dyslexic people. This theory has been seriously challenged by the results of a number of studies in more phonologically consistent languages, such as Greek, Italian and Japanese, where morphology seemed to play a more crucial role than the phonological structure of a language per se. The 116 dyslexic people who took part in this experiment were matched on age, sex, IQ and psycho‐educational performance. A total of 58 US English‐speaking dyslexic people were compared to 58 Greek dyslexic people. Both groups met the diagnostic criteria. Results demonstrated that Greek dyslexics were found to make significantly fewer phonological errors (11.0%) than the US dyslexics (85.5%, p < .000), but comparatively more visual (66.8% to US 14.0%, P < .000) and grammatical errors (22.2% to US 0.1%, p < .000) than their English‐speaking counterparts. These data showed highly significant quantitative and qualitative spelling differences. Greek dyslexics could be accurately differentiated from the US English dyslexics based on the three types of spelling errors.
Generalist hydrocarbon‐degrading bacterial communities in the oil‐polluted water column of the North Sea
Authors: Chronopoulou Panagiota‐Myrsini , Sanni Gbemisola O. , Silas‐Olu Daniel I. , van der Meer Jan Roelof , Timmis Kenneth N. , Brussaard Corina P. D. , McGenity Terry J.
Published: September 2014

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of light crude oil on bacterial communities during an experimental oil spill in the North Sea and in mesocosms (simulating a heavy, enclosed oil spill), and to isolate and characterize hydrocarbon‐degrading bacteria from the water column. No oil‐induced changes in bacterial community (3 m below the sea surface) were observed 32 h after the experimental spill at sea. In contrast, there was a decrease in the dominant SAR11 phylotype and an increase in Pseudoalteromonas spp. in the oiled mesocosms (investigated by 16S rRNA gene analysis using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis), as a consequence of the longer incubation, closer proximity of the samples to oil, and the lack of replenishment with seawater. A total of 216 strains were isolated from hydrocarbon enrichment cultures, predominantly belonging to the genus Pseudoaltero monas; most strains grew on PAHs, branched and straight‐chain alkanes, as well as many other carbon sources. No obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria were isolated or detected, highlighting the potential importance of cosmopolitan marine generalists like Pseudoalteromonas spp. in degrading hydrocarbons in the water column beneath an oil slick, and revealing the susceptibility to oil pollution of SAR11, the most abundant bacterial clade in the surface ocean.
Effect of the food production chain from farm practices to vegetable processing on outbreak incidence
Authors: Jung Yangjin , Jang Hyein , Matthews Karl R.
Published: September 2014

The popularity in the consumption of fresh and fresh‐cut vegetables continues to increase globally. Fresh vegetables are an integral part of a healthy diet, providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other health‐promoting compounds. The diversity of fresh vegetables and packaging formats (spring mix in clamshell container, bagged heads of lettuce) support increased consumption. Unfortunately, vegetable production and processing practices are not sufficient to ensure complete microbial safety. This review highlights a few specific areas that require greater attention and research. Selected outbreaks are presented to emphasize the need for science‐based ‘best practices’. Laboratory and field studies have focused on inactivation of pathogens associated with manure in liquid, slurry or solid forms. As production practices change, other forms and types of soil amendments are being used more prevalently. Information regarding the microbial safety of fish emulsion and pellet form of manure is limited. The topic of global climate change is controversial, but the potential effect on agriculture cannot be ignored. Changes in temperature, precipitation, humidity and wind can impact crops and the microorganisms that are associated with production environments. Climate change could potentially enhance the ability of pathogens to survive and persist in soil, water and crops, increasing human health risks. Limited research has focused on the prevalence and behaviour of viruses in pre and post‐harvest environments and on vegetable commodities. Globally, viruses are a major cause of foodborne illnesses, but are seldom tested for in soil, soil amendments, manure and crops. Greater attention must also be given to the improvement in the microbial quality of seeds used in sprout production. Human pathogens associated with seeds can result in contamination of sprouts intended for human consumption, even when all appropriate ‘best practices’ are used by sprout growers.
Lentiviral Vector‐Mediated Dopamine D3 Receptor Modulation in the Rat Brain Impairs Alcohol Intake and Ethanol‐Induced Conditioned Place Preference
Authors: Bahi Amine , Dreyer Jean‐Luc
Published: September 2014

Background

It has been reported that dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) knockout mice display similar ethanol (EtOH) consumption compared to wild types. In addition, studies with D3R pharmacological targeting were inconclusive.

Methods

In the current study, we used both gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches to test the effects of central D3R manipulation on voluntary alcohol intake and EtOH‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. To this aim, we developed a lentiviral‐mediated gene transfer approach to examine whether D3R knockdown (LV‐siD3R) or overexpression (LV‐D3R) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is sufficient to modulate voluntary alcohol consumption and EtOH‐CPP.

Results

Using the standard 2‐bottle choice drinking paradigm and an unbiased CPP procedure, our results indicated that, like the D3R selective antagonist SB‐277011‐A, LV‐siD3R attenuated voluntary alcohol consumption. In contrast, LV‐D3R increased EtOH intake with no effect on total fluid intake. Similarly, the D3R agonist 7‐OH‐DPAT also exacerbated EtOH intake. Interestingly, neither pharmacological nor genetic manipulation of D3R activity affected saccharin and quinine consumption and preference. More importantly, we report that LV‐siD3R blocked, whereas LV‐D3R exacerbated, EtOH‐CPP.

Conclusions

These results support the notion that the D3R plays an important role in alcohol reward in rats and suggest that a key threshold range of D3R levels is associated with impaired alcohol consumption. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the D3R is an essential component of the molecular pathways underlying the reinforcing properties of alcohol. Thus, medications targeting the D3Rs may be beneficial to tackle EtOH abuse and alcoholism in humans.
Alcoholic Beverage Strength Discrimination by Taste May Have an Upper Threshold
Authors: Lachenmeier Dirk W. , Kanteres Fotis , Rehm Jürgen
Published: September 2014

Background

Given the association between alcohol consumption and negative health consequences, there is a need for individuals to be aware of their consumption of ethanol, which requires knowledge of serving sizes and alcoholic strength. This study is one of the first to systematically investigate the ability to discriminate alcoholic strength by taste.

Methods

Nine discrimination tests (total n = 413) according to International Standardization Organization (ISO) 4120 sensory analysis methodology “triangle test” were performed.

Results

A perceptible difference was found for vodka in orange juice (0.0 vs. 0.5% vol; 0 vs. 1% vol), pilsner and wheat beer (0.5 vs. 5% vol), and vodka in orange juice (5 vs. 10% vol, 20 vs. 30% vol, and 30 vs. 40% vol). The percentage of the population perceiving a difference between the beverages varied between 36 and 73%. Alcoholic strength (higher vs. lower) was correctly assigned in only 4 of the 7 trials at a significant level, with 30 to 66% of the trial groups assigning the correct strength. For the trials that included beverages above 40% vol (vodka unmixed, 40 vs. 50% vol and vodka in orange juice, 40 vs. 50% vol), testers could neither perceive a difference between the samples nor assign correct alcoholic strength.

Conclusions

Discrimination of alcoholic strength by taste was possible to a limited degree in a window of intermediate alcoholic strengths, but not at higher concentrations. This result is especially relevant for drinkers of unlabeled, over‐proof unrecorded alcoholic beverages who would potentially ingest more alcohol than if they were to ingest commercial alcohol. Our study provides strong evidence for the strict implementation and enforcement of labeling requirements for all alcoholic beverages to allow informed decision making by consumers.
Alcohol Consumption During Gestation Causes Histone3 Lysine9 Hyperacetylation and an Alternation of Expression of Heart Development‐Related Genes in Mice
Authors: Pan Bo , Zhu Jing , Lv Tiewei , Sun Huichao , Huang Xupei , Tian Jie
Published: September 2014

Background

Alcohol abuse during gestation may cause congenital heart diseases (CHDs). The underlying mechanisms of alcohol‐induced cardiac deformities are still not clear. Recent studies suggest that histone modification may play a crucial role in this pathological process. Moreover, our previous studies reported that ethanol could induce histone3 lysine9 (H3K9) hyperacetylation and overexpression of heart development‐related genes in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alcohol consumption during gestation on the imbalance of H3K9 acetylation and the alternation of the expression of heart development‐related genes during cardiogenesis.

Methods

Pregnant mice were exposed to a single dose of alcohol (10 μl/g/d, 56% alcohol) by gavage every day in the morning from embryo day 7.5 (E7.5) to E15.5. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was applied for observing the structure of the embryonic hearts. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used for detecting the level of H3K9 acetylation and gene expression. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities were detected by colorimetric assay and fluorometric assay.

Results

H&E staining of cardiac tissue showed abnormalities of embryonic hearts at E17.5. The level of H3K9 acetylation reached peak at E17.5 and decreased sharply to a low level at birth and maintained at low level afterward. Alcohol exposure increased H3K9 acetylation at E11.5, E14.5, E17.5, and E18.5, respectively (p < 0.05), and enhanced the expression of Gata4 in the embryonic hearts at E14.5 and E17.5, Mef2c at E14.5, and Nkx2.5 at E14.5 and E17.5, (p < 0.05) but not for Tbx5 (p > 0.05). On embryonic day 17.5, HAT activities of embryonic hearts increased significantly, however alcohol exposure did not alter HDAC activities.

Conclusions

These data indicate a time course of H3K9 acetylation change during heart development and demonstrate that alcohol exposure in utero may induce an increase of HAT activities, which results in H3K9 hyperacetylation and an increase of the expression of heart development‐related genes. These findings reveal a novel epigenetic mechanism that connects the alcohol consumption during the pregnancy and the development of CHD in the fetus.
Oral Self‐Administration of EtOH: Sex‐Dependent Modulation by Running Wheel Access in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Piza‐Palma Carlos , Barfield Elizabeth T. , Brown Jadeda A. , Hubka James C. , Lusk Cade , Schonhar Charles A. , Sweat Sean C. , Grisel Judith E.
Published: September 2014

Background

The effects of stress, including neuroendocrine and behavioral sequelae aimed at maintaining homeostasis, are associated with increased alcohol consumption. Because both stress and drinking are multifactorial, the mechanisms underlying the relationship are difficult to elucidate. We therefore employed an animal model investigating the influence of blocked access to a running wheel on drinking in C57BL/6J (B6) mice.

Methods

In the first experiment, naïve, adult male and female subjects were individually housed for 2 weeks with 24‐hour access to a running wheel and 12% ethanol (EtOH) in a 2‐bottle, free choice paradigm. After determining baseline consumption and preference, experimental subjects had the running wheel placed in a locked position for 6 hours, and the EtOH bottle was removed during the first half of this period. Two subsequent experiments, again in adult, naïve B6 mice, examined the influence of locked running wheels on self‐administration of 20% EtOH in a limited access paradigm, and blood EtOH concentrations (BECs) were determined on the final day of this protocol.

Results

In all 3 studies, using both between‐ and within‐subject analyses, females showed transient yet reliable increases in alcohol drinking during blocked access to a rotating activity, while drinking in male mice was largely insensitive to this manipulation, although both sexes showed appreciable BECs (>130 mg/dl in females and 80 mg/dl in males) following a 2‐hour EtOH access period.

Conclusions

These data add to a burgeoning literature suggesting that the factors contributing to excessive alcohol use differ between males and females and that females may be especially sensitive to the influence of wheel manipulation. Elucidating the sex‐dependent mechanisms mediating differences in alcohol sensitivity and response is critical to understanding the causes of alcoholism and in developing effective treatments and interventions.
The Dopamine β‐Hydroxylase Inhibitor, Nepicastat, Reduces Different Alcohol‐Related Behaviors in Rats
Authors: Colombo Giancarlo , Maccioni Paola , Vargiolu Daniela , Loi Barbara , Lobina Carla , Zaru Alessandro , Carai Mauro A. M. , Gessa Gian Luigi
Published: September 2014

Background

Recent experimental data indicate that treatment with the selective dopamine β‐hydroxylase inhibitor, nepicastat, suppressed different reward‐related behaviors, including self‐administration of chocolate and reinstatement of cocaine and chocolate seeking, in rats. This study was designed to extend to different alcohol‐related behaviors the investigation on the “anti‐addictive” properties of nepicastat.

Methods

Sardinian alcohol‐preferring (sP) rats, selectively bred for excessive alcohol consumption, were exposed to different procedures of alcohol drinking and self‐administration.

Results

Repeated treatment with nepicastat (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.], once daily for 10 consecutive days) produced a stable and dose‐related reduction in daily alcohol intake in sP rats exposed to the homecage 2‐bottle “alcohol (10% v/v) versus water” choice regimen with unlimited access. Acute treatment with nepicastat (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) completely suppressed the “alcohol deprivation effect” (i.e., the temporary increase in alcohol intake occurring after a period of abstinence; model of alcohol relapse episodes) in sP rats exposed to the 2‐bottle choice regimen. Acute treatment with nepicastat (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) dose dependently and selectively reduced oral alcohol self‐administration in sP rats trained to lever respond for alcohol (15% v/v) on a fixed ratio 4 schedule of reinforcement. Finally, combination of nepicastat (0, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) and alcohol (2 g/kg, intragastrically) did not alter spontaneous locomotor activity in sP rats.

Conclusions

Together, these data extend to alcohol the capacity of nepicastat to suppress different behaviors motivated by natural stimuli and drugs of abuse.
U.S. Trends in Light, Moderate, and Heavy Drinking Episodes from 2000 to 2010
Authors: Kerr William C. , Mulia Nina , Zemore Sarah E.
Published: September 2014

Background

Risks and potential benefits associated with alcohol use vary with the amount of alcohol consumed on a drinking occasion. Over time, changes in the absolute and relative numbers of light or heavy drinking episodes may occur, impacting health and social problems.

Methods

Analyses of the 2000, 2005, and 2010 National Alcohol Surveys focus on trends in the volumes of alcohol consumed on days where the drinker had 1 to 2, 3 to 4, or 5 or more drinks separately. These volume measures were obtained from graduated frequency questions with adjustments for estimated drink alcohol content for each drinker based on reported beer brand, spirits drink and pour method, contexts of drinking, and demographic characteristics. Respondents with especially high alcohol content drinks were adjusted up 1 category, and those with especially low alcohol content drinks were adjusted down 1 category. Trend significance was tested with adjusted Wald tests and in negative binomial models with 2000 as the reference year, indicators for race/ethnicity group and interactions between these and survey year, and adjustments for age, educational attainment, income, employment status, and wetness region. Analyses were conducted both in the overall sample including abstainers and in the current drinker sample only.

Results

Overall trend results indicate an increase in drink alcohol content‐adjusted alcohol volume of 25% from 2000 to 2010 with similar changes between 2000 to 2005 and 2005 to 2010. Most of the increase from 2000 to 2005 resulted from increased volume from light drinking (1 to 2 drinks) days for men and women and moderate to heavy drinking (3 to 4 drinks) days for women, while the change from 2005 to 2010 resulted mostly from volume from heavy drinking days (5+ drinks per day) for men. Black and Hispanic women were found not to have participated in the overall trend of increased alcohol volume.

Conclusions

Findings highlight shifts in drinking patterns suggesting increased heavy occasion drinking in 2010, particularly among men.