bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A baculoviral system for the production of human β-glucocerebrosidase enables atomic resolution analysis
Authors: Rowland Rhianna J. , Wu Liang , Liu Feng , Davies Gideon J.
Published: May 2020

The lysosomal glycoside hydrolase β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA; sometimes called GBA1 or GCase) catalyses the hydrolysis of glycosphingolipids. Inherited deficiencies in GBA cause the lysosomal storage disorder Gaucher disease (GD). Consequently, GBA is of considerable medical interest, with continuous advances in the development of inhibitors, chaperones and activity-based probes. The development of new GBA inhibitors requires a source of active protein; however, the majority of structural and mechanistic studies of GBA today rely on clinical enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) formulations, which are incredibly costly and are often difficult to obtain in adequate supply. Here, the production of active crystallizable GBA in insect cells using a baculovirus expression system is reported, providing a nonclinical source of recombinant GBA with comparable activity and biophysical properties to ERT preparations. Furthermore, a novel crystal form of GBA is described which diffracts to give a 0.98 Å resolution unliganded structure. A structure in complex with the inactivator 2,4-dinitrophenyl-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-β-D-glucopyranoside was also obtained, demonstrating the ability of this GBA formulation to be used in ligand-binding studies. In light of its purity, stability and activity, the GBA production protocol described here should circumvent the need for ERT formulations for structural and biochemical studies and serve to support GD research.
Crown-ether-mediated crystal structures of the glycosyltransferasePaGT3 fromPhytolacca americana
Authors: Maharjan Rakesh , Fukuda Yohta , Nakayama Taisuke , Nakayama Toru , Hamada Hiroki , Ozaki Shin-ichi , Inoue Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2020

Uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are ubiquitous enzymes that are involved in the glycosylation of small molecules. As glycosylation improves the water solubility and stability of hydrophobic compounds, interest in the use of UGTs for the synthesis of glycosides of poorly soluble compounds is increasing. While sugar-donor recognition in UGTs is conserved with the presence of a plant secondary product glycosyltransferase (PSPG) motif, the basis of the recognition of the sugar acceptor and the regioselectivity of the products is poorly understood owing to low sequence identity around the acceptor-binding region.PaGT3, a glycosyltransferase from the plantPhytolacca americana, can glycosylate a range of acceptors. To illustrate the structure–function relationship ofPaGT3, its crystal structure was determined. The sugar-donor and sugar-acceptor binding pockets inPaGT3 were recognized by comparison of its structure with those of other UGTs. The key feature ofPaGT3 was the presence of longer loop regions around the hydrophobic acceptor-binding pocket, which resulted in a flexible and wider acceptor binding pocket. In this study,PaGT3 crystals were grown by co-crystallization with 18-crown-6 ether or 15-crown-5 ether. The crown-ether molecule in the asymmetric unit was observed to form a complex with a metal ion, which was coordinated on two sides by the main-chain O atoms of Glu238 from two molecules of the protein. The crown ether–metal complex resembles a molecular glue that sticks two molecules ofPaGT3 together to enhance crystal growth. Thus, this result provides an insight into the substrate-recognition strategy inPaGT3 for the study of glycosyltransferases. Additionally, it is shown that crown ether–metal ion complexes can be used as a molecular glue for the crystallization of proteins.
Dipropylammonium 4-aminobenzenesulfonate
Authors: Sarr Bougar , Mbaye Abdou , Touré Assane , Diop Cheikh Abdoul Khadir , Sidibé Mamadou , Michaud François
Published: May 2020

In the title molecular salt, NH2(C3H7)2
+·[NH2C6H4SO3]−, the cation displays an extended conformation. In the crystal, anion-to-anion N—H...O and N—H...(O,O) hydrogen bonds generate (101) layers. Cation-to-anion N—H...O hydrogen bonds connect the layers into a three-dimensional network.
6,7-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]imidazole
Authors: Morales-Collazo Oscar , Lynch Vincent M. , Brennecke Joan F.
Published: May 2020

The crystal structure of 6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]imidazole, C6H8N2, at 100 K has monoclinic (P21/n) symmetry. The molecule adopts an envelope conformation of the pyrrolidine ring, which might help for the relief torsion tension. The crystal cohesion is achieved by C—H...N hydrogen bonds. Interestingly, this fused ring system provides protection of the α-C atom (attached to the non-bridging N atom of the imidazole ring), which provides stability that is of interest with respect to electrochemical properties as electrolytes for fuel cells and batteries, and electrodeposition.
2,3-Dimethyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium benzenesulfonate–1,2-dimethyl-1H-imidazole co-crystal
Authors: Cyr Noah , Zeller Matthias , Hillesheim Patrick C. , Mirjafari Arsalan
Published: May 2020

In the title co-crystal, C5H9N2
+·C6H5O3S−·C5H8N2, the two 1,2-dimethylimidazole rings exist as partially protonated moieties in the asymmetric unit as a two-part disordered unit wherein the acidic hydrogen atom is bound to each ring. The two imidazolium cations share a strong hydrogen bond via the acidic hydrogen atom, which is disordered between two positions, being bonded to the first versus second imidazole ring in a 0.33 (2) to 0.67 (2) ratio. A benzene sulfonate anion is present for charge balance and interacts with the aromatic H atoms on both imidazole rings as well as with the methyl groups on the rings.
Retail Apocalypse? Maybe blame accounting. Investigating inventory valuation as a determinant of retail firm failure
Authors: Kaufinger Gregory G. , Neuenschwander Chris
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether the selection of accounting method used to value inventory increases or decreases the probability of a retail firm's ability to remain in existence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a binary logistic regression model to predict group membership and the probability of failure. The study utilizes an unbalanced sample of US publicly traded failed and functioning retail firms over a ten-year period.

Findings

The results clearly support the conclusion that there is a difference in the probability of retail firm failure with respect to the accounting method used to value inventory. Merchants using a cost-based valuation method were 2.3 times more likely to fail than firms using a price-based method. The results also affirm existing bankruptcy literature by finding that profitability, liquidity, leverage, capital investment and cash flow are factors in retail failures.

Practical implications

The results suggest that traditional merchants cannot simply blame e-commerce or shifts in demographics for the retail Apocalypse; good management and proper valuation of stock still matter.

Originality/value

This study is the first to look at firm failure in the retail sector after the great recession of 2008, in an era known as the “retail Apocalypse.” In addition, this study differs from other firm failure literature by incorporating cost- and price-based inventory valuation methods as a variable in firm failure.
Leakage reduction technique for nano-scaled devices
Authors: Birla Shilpi , Mahanti Sudip , Singh Neha
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a leakage reduction technique which will works for complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and fin field effect transistor (FinFET). Power consumption will always remain one of the major concerns for the integrated circuit (IC) designers. Presently, leakage power dominates the total power consumption, which is a severe issue. It is undoubtedly clear that the scaling of CMOS revolutionizes the IC industry. Still, on the contrary, scaling of the size of the transistor has raised leakage power as one of the significant threats to the IC industry. Scaling of the devices leads to the scaling of other device parameters, which includes threshold voltage also. The scaling of threshold voltage leads to an exponential increase in the sub-threshold current. So, many leakage reduction techniques have been proposed by researchers for CMOS from time to time. Even the other nano-scaled devices such as FinFET, carbon nanotube field effect transistor and tunneling field effect transistor, have been introduced, and FinFET is the one which has evolved as the most favorable candidate for replacing CMOS technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Because of its minimum leakage and without having limitation of the short channel effects, it gradually started replacing the CMOS. In this paper, the authors have proposed a technique for leakage reduction for circuits using nano-scaled devices such as CMOS and FinFET. They have compared the proposed PMOS FOOTER SLEEP with the existing leakage reduction techniques such as LECTOR technique, LECTOR FOOTER SLEEP technique. The proposed technique has been implemented using CMOS and FinFET devices. This study found that the proposed method reduces the average power, as well as leakage power reduction, for both CMOS and FinFET devices.

Findings

This study found that the proposed method reduces the average power as well as leakage power reduction for both CMOS and FinFET devices. The delay has been calculated for the proposed technique and the existing techniques, which verifies that the proposed technique is suitable for high-speed circuit applications. The authors have implemented higher order gates to verify the performance of the proposed circuit. The proposed method is suitable for deep-submicron CMOS technology and FinFET technology.

Originality/value

All the existing techniques were proposed for either CMOS device or FinFET device, but the authors have implemented all the techniques with both the devices and verified with the proposed technique for CMOS as well as FinFET devices.
Flow structure and heat transfer analysis of the floatation nozzle with a moving wall
Authors: Huang Tianlun , Yang Zhiming , Diao Simian , Huang Zhigao , Zhang Yun , Zhou Huamin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of different surface-to-jet velocity ratios (Rsj) on the flow structure and the heat transfer of the floatation nozzle under different ratios (h/w) of the separation distance (h) to the slot width (w) and the differences of the flow structure and the heat transfer between the floatation nozzle and the slot nozzle.

Design/methodology/approach

The Nusselt number (Nu) and the pressure distribution of the floatation nozzle with a stationary wall are measured. Then the experimental results are used to validate the numerical model. Finally, a series of numerical simulations is carried out to achieve the purpose of this study.

Findings

The flow structure and heat transfer differences between the floatation nozzle and the slot nozzle are clarified. The floatation nozzle has more than 18 times the floatation ability of the unconfined slot nozzle. The Nu and pressure distributions of the floatation nozzle are experimentally measured. The effects of wall motion on the Nu and pressure distributions are identified.

Originality/value

The effects of the wall motion on the flow structure and the heat transfer of the floatation nozzle, and the differences between the floatation nozzle and the slot nozzle are first obtained. Therefore, it is valuable for engineers in engineering design of the floatation nozzle.
Development of semi-implicit midpoint and Romberg stress integration algorithms for single hardening soil constitutive models
Authors: Lal Divyanshu Kumar , Das Arghya
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Semi-implicit type cutting plane method (CPM) and fully implicit type closest point projection method (CPPM) are the two most widely used frameworks for numerical stress integration. CPM is simple, easy to implement and accurate up to first order. CPPM is unconditionally stable and accurate up to second order though the formulation is complex. Therefore, this study aims to develop a less complex and accurate stress integration method for complex constitutive models.

Design/methodology/approach

Two integration techniques are formulated using the midpoint and Romberg method by modifying CPM. The algorithms are implemented for three different classes of soil constitutive model. The efficiency of the algorithms is judged via stress point analysis and solving a boundary value problem.

Findings

Stress point analysis indicates that the proposed algorithms are stable even with a large step size. In addition, numerical analysis for solving boundary value problem demonstrates a significant reduction in central processing unit (CPU) time with the use of the semi-implicit-type midpoint algorithm.

Originality/value

Traditionally, midpoint and Romberg algorithms are formulated from explicit integration techniques, whereas the present study uses a semi-implicit approach to enhance stability. In addition, the proposed stress integration algorithms provide an efficient means to solve boundary value problems pertaining to geotechnical engineering.
Robustness-based multi-objective optimization for repetitive projects under work continuity uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Lihui , Dai Guyu , Zou Xin , Qi Jianxun
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Interrupting work continuity provides a way to improve some project performance, but unexpected and harmful interruptions may impede the implementation. This paper aims to mitigate the negative impact caused by work continuity uncertainty based on the notion of robustness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a float-based robustness measurement method for the work continuity uncertainty in repetitive projects. A multi-objective optimization model is formulated to generate a schedule that achieves a balance between crew numbers and robustness. This model is solved using two modules: optimization module and decision-making module. The Monte Carlo simulation is designed to validate the effectiveness of the generated schedule.

Findings

The results confirmed that it is necessary to consider the robustness as an essential factor when scheduling a repetitive project with uncertainty. Project managers may develop a schedule that is subject to delays if they only make decisions according to the results of the deadline satisfaction problem. The Monte Carlo simulation validated that an appropriate way to measure robustness is conducive to generating a schedule that can avoid unnecessary delay, compared to the schedule generated by the traditional model.

Originality/value

Available studies assume that the work continuity is constant, but it cannot always be maintained when affected by uncertainty. This paper regards the work continuity as a new type of uncertainty factor and investigates how to mitigate its negative effects. The proposed float-based robustness measurement can measure the ability of a schedule to absorb unpredictable and harmful interruptions, and the proposed multi-objective scheduling model provides a way to incorporate the uncertainty into a schedule.
Investigation of micropolar hybrid ferrofluid flow over a vertical plate by considering various base fluid and nanoparticle shape factor
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Kh. , Roghani So , Asadi A. , Mogharrebi Amirreza , Ganji D.D.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate micropolar magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) fluid flow passing over a vertical plate. Three different base fluids have been used that include water, ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol/water (50%–50%). Also, a nanoparticle was used in all of the base fluids. The effects of natural convection heat transfer and magnetic field have been taken into account.

Design/methodology/approach

The main purpose of solving the governing equations is to scrutinize the effects of the magnetic parameter, the nanoparticle volume fraction, micropolar parameter and nanoparticles shape factor on velocity, temperature and microrotation profiles, the skin friction coefficient and the Nusselt number. These surveys have been considered for three base fluids simultaneously.

Findings

The results indicate that for water-based fluids, the temperature profile of lamina-shaped nanoparticles is 38.09% higher than brick-shaped nanoparticles.

Originality/value

This paper provides micropolar MHD fluid flow analysis considering natural convection heat transfer and magnetic field in three different base fluids. The aim of assessments is the diagnosis of some parameter effects, such as magnetic parameter and nanoparticle volume fraction, on velocity, temperature and microrotation profiles and components. Also, the use of mixed base fluids presented as a novelty in this paper.
A new approach to determine the weights of project activities using data envelopment analysis: a case of Mobarakeh steel company
Authors: Berjis Negin , Shirouyehzad Hadi , Jouzdani Javid
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach to determine the project activities weight factors using data envelopment analysis. Afterward, the model is applied in Mobarkeh Steel Company as a case study. Accordingly, the project schedule and plans can be written on the basis of the gained weight factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposed an approach to determine the weights of activities using Data Envelopment Analysis. This approach consists of four phases. In the first phase, project activities are extracted based on the work breakdown structure. In the second phase, the parameters affecting the importance of activities are determined through a review of the related literature and based on the experts' opinions. In the third phase, the proper data envelopment analysis model is chosen and the inputs and outputs are signified. Then, the activities' weights are determined based on the efficiency numbers. Finally, the model is solved for the case of Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel Company.

Findings

The proposed method aimed to calculate the project activities weight factor. Thus, influential parameters on project activities importance include activity duration, activity cost, activity importance which includes successors and predecessors, activity difficulty which includes skill related (education and experience), safety, communication rate, intellectual effort, physical effort, unfavorable work conditions and work related hazards, have been recognized. Then, Projects' data were extracted from the organizational expert's opinions and recorded data in documents. Thereupon, applying DEA, the activities weight factor were calculated based on the efficiency numbers. The results show that the model is applicable and has promising benefits in real-world problems.

Originality/value

Planning is one the most fundamental steps of project management. The ever-growing business environment demands for more complex projects with larger number of activities wants more efficient project managers. Organizational resources are limited; therefore, activities planning is a critical from the perspectives of both managers and researchers. Knowing the importance of the activities can help to manage activities more efficient and to allocate time, budget, cost and other resources more accurate. Different elements such as cost, time, complexity, and difficulty can affect the activity weight factor. In this study, the proposed approach aims to determine the weights of activities using Data Envelopment Analysis.
A new fatigue damage accumulation rating life model of ball bearings under vibration load
Authors: Cui Li
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Bearings in electric machines often work in high speed, light load and vibration load conditions. The purpose of this paper is to find a new fatigue damage accumulation rating life model of ball bearings, which is expected for calculating fatigue life of ball bearings more accurately under vibration load, especially in high speed and light load conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A new fatigue damage accumulation rating life model of ball bearings considering time-varying vibration load is proposed. Vibration equations of rotor-bearing system are constructed and solved by Runge–Kutta method. The modified rating life and modified reference rating life model under vibration load is also proposed. Contrast of the three fatigue life models and the influence of dynamic balance level, rotating speed, preload of ball bearings on bearing’s fatigue life are analyzed.

Findings

To calculate fatigue rating life of ball bearings more accurately under vibration load, especially in high speed and light load conditions, the fatigue damage accumulation rating life model should be considered. The optimum preload has an obvious influence on fatigue rating life.

Originality/value

This paper used analytical method and model that is helpful for design of steel ball bearing in high speed, light load and vibration load conditions.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2019-0180/
Using FEM to study the frictional instability induced by third-body particles confined in frictional interface
Authors: Yan Xiaoyu , Wang Wei , Liu Xiaojun , Xu Jimin , Zhu Lihong , Yang Bingxun
Published: May 2020

Purpose

A finite element method (FEM) model of the frictional behavior of two rough surfaces with a group of third-body particles confined by the surface asperities is established. By monitoring the stress distribution, friction force and the displacement of the surfaces, how the frictional instability is induced by these particles is studied. This modeling job aims to explore the relation between the meso-scale behavior and the macro-scale frictional behavior of these particles.

Design/methodology/approach

By using FEM, a 2D model of two frictional rough surfaces with a group of elastic or elasto-plastic particles confined by surface asperities is established. The Mises stress, macro friction force and displacements of elements are monitored during compressing and shearing steps.

Findings

The macro friction coefficient is more stable under higher pressure and smaller under higher shearing speed. The dilatancy of the interface is caused by the elevation effect of the particles sheared on the peak of the lower surface, particles collision and third body supporting. The combined effect of particles motion and surface–surface contact will induce high-frequency displacements of surface units in restricted direction.

Originality/value

Previous studies about third-body tribology are mainly concentrated on the frictional behavior with large number of particles distributed homogeneously across the interface, but this paper focuses on the behavior of third-body particles confined by surface asperities.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2019-0544/
Determining corporate direction in sustainable development: a multi-dimensional framework in B2B
Authors: Rodríguez Rocío , Svensson Göran , Wood Greg
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to assess the determinants of corporate direction in sustainable development through time in a B2B setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has been conducted in one industry, and overcoming contextual bias as a judgmental sampling was used to select the organizations studied in a Business to Business (B2B) setting.

Findings

The determinants of sustainable development in this study indicate the existence of different corporate directions in a B2B setting taken through time in the healthcare organizations studied. The determinants found are change in organizational leadership, financial assets of the organization, religious orientation of the organization, organizational connection to the healthcare system, internal values of the organization and top-staff orientation in the organization.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical findings reported in a B2B setting have disclosed key determinants of corporate direction in sustainable development.

Practical implications

The determinants provide managerial guidance to assess the corporate direction in a B2B setting taken in the continuing development of sustainable practices in these organizations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a multidimensional framework of determinants in a B2B setting to assess the corporate direction taken in sustainable development through time in a B2B setting. The organizational gap between past and present sustainable development provides guidance to assess the corporate direction in B2B taken by an organization into the future.
Reengineering as a strategic stance for e-governance success - mediating role of core competencies
Authors: Hooda Apeksha , Singla M.L.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to strategically reengineer the government processes in e-governance to ensure the implementation of future-oriented and sustainable e-governance across developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used learning from the theory of strategic intent. The present study has been conducted using exploratory sequential mixed method research. The findings of exploratory study, supported by extant literature on reengineering, core competencies and e-governance success, forms the basis for proposed research framework, which is empirically tested with 359 respondents from the two government departments in India using partial least square technique.

Findings

The findings of this study suggested that it is needed to reengineer the government processes with a view to develop the core competencies to ensure the long-term success of e-governance implementation in terms of future-orientation and sustainability. The reengineering transformations are found to have significant positive effect on the core competencies development that, in turn, has a positive effect on the success of e-governance.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is the small sample size of qualitative and quantitative study owing to the missing willingness of government officials to respond to the research instruments.

Practical implications

The findings of this study would help e-governance practitioners to focus on the key strategic areas which will ensure the long-term success of e-governance and make the same valuable for the current and upcoming generations.

Originality/value

This study made an original contribution to e-governance literature by developing and validating a theoretical model for empirically assessing the strategic effect of business process reengineering changes on e-governance success (in terms of future orientation and sustainability) through mediating variable, core competencies.
Exploratory research on college students’ motivations to volunteer – a case of international events hosted in China
Authors: Qiao Guiqiang , Zhang Hongyue
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the motivations of college students to volunteer for international events in the context of China; to design, modify the volunteer motivation scale for measuring the young volunteers; and to compare the motivations between volunteers in China and western society.
Latitudinal pattern in community‐wide herbivory does not match the pattern in herbivory averaged across common plant species
Authors: Zvereva Elena L. , Zverev Vitali , Usoltsev Vladimir A. , Kozlov Mikhail V.
Published: May 2020

The latitudinal herbivory hypothesis (LHH) predicts that plant losses to herbivores decrease from low to high latitudes. Although the LHH is a community‐level hypothesis, it has been rarely tested with data on community‐wide herbivory, i.e. the percentage of annual production of foliar biomass consumed by insects from all plant species at a given site. Therefore, we asked whether community‐wide leaf herbivory follows the same latitudinal pattern as observed for an unweighted average of herbivory across common plant species.

We selected 10 study sites in boreal forests from 60 to 69°N along a 1,000‐km long latitudinal gradient in NW Russia. We measured relative foliar losses to insect herbivores in seven woody plant species (jointly comprising over 95% of the community‐wide above‐ground biomass) and estimated their current‐year foliar biomass. We averaged leaf herbivory for all seven species and calculated community‐wide leaf herbivory by weighting the relative foliar losses of each plant species against the contribution of that species to the annual foliar biomass production.

Leaf herbivory was five‐fold higher in deciduous species than in conifers. Latitudinal patterns in herbivory varied from a significant poleward decrease in all deciduous species to a significant poleward increase in Norway spruce. Herbivory values, averaged across seven plant species, decreased with latitude and followed the pattern observed in deciduous plants due to their higher foliar losses compared with conifers. By contrast, community‐wide herbivory did not change with latitude. This discrepancy emerged because the proportion of deciduous plant foliage in the community increased with increasing latitude, and this increase counterbalanced the simultaneous poleward decrease in losses of these species to insects.

Synthesis. The herbivory measured by averaging relative losses of individual plant species and community‐wide herbivory is likely to show different latitudinal patterns in various plant communities. The contributions of plant species to the total foliar biomass production should be taken into account in studies of spatial patterns of herbivory which test community‐level hypotheses. This approach may provide new insight into macroecological research on biotic interactions and improve our understanding of the role of insect herbivores in ecosystem‐level processes.
A social practice perspective on meat reduction in Australian households: Rethinking intervention strategies
Authors: Daly Jane
Published: May 2020

Recent widespread calls and strategies for consumers to change and reduce meat consumption position meat as both an environmentally unsustainable and highly desired food. Such change is often understood as an unattractive and difficult process of relinquishment, and that perspective informs interventions designed to lessen the presumed hardship involved. This article troubles such assumptions by reference to a practice theoretical approach and by extending conceptual debates circulating within consumption geographies. The work explores food preferences and tastes generated in what I describe as everyday “mealing” practices, within which meat's relevance may be diminishing, contingent, or negotiable. I draw on go‐along stories about meals‐in‐flux told to me by Australian householders participating in “Meat Free Mondays” and/or consuming meat substitute products. I analyse the practical, material, and sensorial aspects of “mealing‐practice” change and show how the stir‐fry is a meal displacing “meat and three veg.” The work contributes to geographical research increasingly focused on understanding desires and tastes produced through everyday practices. In the process, it complicates understandings of meat consumption reduction as sacrifice and points to possibilities for new research and more effective forms of intervention.
Governmentality and resident experience in an eco‐themed master‐planned estate
Authors: Smith Paul
Published: May 2020

Master‐planned estates are not only new urban spaces for living but also represent new approaches in urban governmentality. They entail systems of private governance not only to encourage self‐regulation of resident behaviour, but also to control how residents “consume” the estate. In middle‐class ethopolitics, acceptance is based on consumption that supports homeownership as an investment, supporting the creation and maintenance of value while achieving a broader social benefit of sustainability. This occurs within the context of a governmental dilemma of how much to control, as well as different ideas of value creation and the attainment of sustainability. Murrays Beach is an eco‐themed master‐planned estate on the east coast of Australia at Newcastle, New South Wales. The production of the estate was achieved partly through discursive practices such as building design covenants that define appropriate consumption. Consumption reflected an interpretation of sustainability based on the integration of ecology and lifestyle. Using a combination of discourse analysis and post‐occupancy evaluation, this article explores the experiences of residents as they rationalise and live with a system of private governance oriented towards a particular interpretation of sustainable consumption. I find evidence to support the conclusion that the lived experiences of residents are entangled with private governance, scripted consumption, commodity value, owner–investor rationalities, and homeowner rationalities.
Food Waste and Food Safety Linkagesalong the Supply Chain
Authors: Toma Luiza , Revoredo‐Giha Cesar , Costa‐Font Montserrat , Thompson Bethan
Published: May 2020

Food safety, whether actual or perceived, is one of the major reasons for food waste along the agri‐food supply chain. Food safety hazards at farm level such as mycotoxin contamination of feed, overuse of antimicrobials in livestock disease control, and zoonotic disease incursion may lead to food unfit for human consumption and thus waste. Given the importance of safety as one of the most important attributes of food, the appropriate management of risks along the supply chain can contribute to reductions in food loss and waste. However, a better coordination between food waste and safety policies is also needed, which requires: balancing the scientific evidence and the precautionary principle; reviewing current food safety regulations to identify areas potentially leading to avoidable waste; combining the monitoring of safety hazards and waste along the agri‐food chain; provision of tailored information on linkages between food safety and waste; and investment in technologies to accurately assess the edibility of food. Attention needs to be paid to policies and practices on food labelling and packaging to ensure that they do not lead to unintended or unnecessary impacts on food safety and waste, which are not justified by scientific evidence.
Insect diversity in Gonggeom‐ji, the first protected paddy field wetland in Korea
Authors: Hwang Jeong Ho , Kim Eunjoong , Choi Eun Young , Choi Jong Bong , Park Jong Kyun
Published: May 2020

Gonggeom‐ji pond is the first protected paddy field wetland area, designated by the Ministry of Environment of Korea in 2011, because of its high biodiversity and historic value. It contains reservoirs, paddy fields, and a forest site that provides diverse niches for insects. Quantitative methods were used in this study to estimate the insect diversity of this region. A transect of 50 m was designated in each site (reservoirs, paddy fields, and a forest site). Data were collected using sweeping and pitfall traps along each transect in May, August, and November 2017, representative of the seasons—spring, summer, and autumn, respectively. As a result, a total of 1079 individual insects representing 170 species from 60 families within nine orders were collected. Diversity, richness, and evenness indices were the highest in the forest site in May (4.77, 8.6, and 0.91, respectively). The dominance index was the highest in the forest site in November (0.64). Similarity index was the highest in the reservoir in May and August (0.519). These results would help compare different sites and their vegetation to assess relationships between insects and habitats.
The comparative research of structural and textural characteristics of six kinds of collagen‐based sauce braised meat products
Authors: Xu Chunyan , Wang Ying , He Jun , Pan Daodong , Wang Hongfei , Zhou Guanghong , Cao Jinxuan
Published: May 2020

Collagen‐based sauce braised meat products with a unique flavor, chewiness, and springiness are very popular in China. In order to understand how the structure, thermal properties, and chemical components of collagen‐based tissues influence the texture characteristics of collagen‐based meat products during stewing, three kinds of tendon tissues (chicken feet tendon [CFT], sheep tendon [ST], and bovine tendon [BT]) and three kinds of skin tissues (chicken feet skin [CFS], sheep skin [SS], and porcine skin [PS]) were selected to heat for 45 min at 95 °C, and texture, thermal properties, micromorphology, ultrastructure, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and collagen content were evaluated among the six kinds of collagen‐based tissues. Results showed that BT had the highest hardness, chewiness values, total collagen content, and the thickest fibers diameters, followed by ST, CFT, PS, and SS, whereas CFS had lowest values among six kinds of tissues. The thermal stability and GAG levels in tendon samples were higher than those in skin samples. Thicker diameters, higher thermal stability, GAG, and total collagen content could be responsible for the higher hardness and chewiness of tendon samples compared with skin tissues. These findings provide the understanding of relationship between meat quality of collagen‐based meat products and their morphological and chemical properties.

Practical Application

This research confirms that the difference in texture of different kinds of collagen‐based tissues was related to the difference in structure and chemical properties. The result can be used to optimize the processing conditions of collagen‐based sauce braised meat products in food industry.
Consumers’ perceptions of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes as indicators of safety and quality of chicken meat: Actionable information for public health authorities and the chicken industry
Authors: Katiyo Wendy , Coorey Ranil , Buys Elna M. , de Kock Henrietta L.
Published: May 2020

Understanding consumers’ perceptions toward chicken meat safety and quality could provide valuable information to public health educators since it is the most consumed meat. This study explores perceptions of a group of South African consumers on the safety and quality of chicken meat based on intrinsic and extrinsic attributes and identifies related safety risks. Data were collected through a web‐based survey (863 participants). A substantial proportion of consumers considered supermarkets as the most trusted outlets to sell safe and good quality chicken (compared with butcheries, wholesalers, farmers’ markets, street vendors, or “other retailers”). The majority of respondents (53%) most trusted refrigerated chicken to be of good quality compared with 36% trusting frozen chicken or 11% chicken at room temperature. Frozen chicken was considered most safe by 48% of consumers while 43% regarded refrigerated chicken as most safe. At point of purchase and home, smell, use‐by date, sell‐by date, and color were perceived as important attributes when judging chicken safety and quality. Consumers considered the absence of brine use and growth‐promoting hormones in chicken feed as relatively important. The majority of consumers can be classified as highly involved during purchasing. It is essential that consumers apply safe chicken handling practices from point of purchase to consumption, irrespective of the type of retailer, perceived sensory characteristics, and date labels to reduce or eliminate microbial risks. Addressing consumer's knowledge and expectations regarding factors such as growth‐promoting hormones and free range may improve safety and quality perceptions.

Practical Application

This study gives insight into perceptions of a group of South African consumers toward safety and quality of chicken meat. Understanding consumers’ perceptions can provide valuable information to public health educators since chicken meat is a common vehicle for Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp., which are human pathogens. Additionally, this information can assist the chicken industry to meet consumer expectations.
Use of the 50‐g glucose challenge test to predict small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates
Authors: Tanacan Atakan , Eyupoglu Mert , Fadiloglu Erdem , Zengin Hatice Yagmur , Karaagaoglu Ergun , Beksac Mehmet Sinan
Published: May 2020

Background

To determine a cutoff value for the 50‐g glucose challenge test (50‐g GCT) for the prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women who were screened with the 50‐g GCT at Hacettepe University Hospital between 1 January 2016 and 31 March 2019. Patients with 50‐g GCT values <74 mg/dL (<10th percentile) served as the study group (n = 244), while patients with 50‐g GCT values between 74 to 139 mg/dL served as the control group (n = 3104). Groups were compared in terms of demographic features, clinical characteristics, and obstetric outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of SGA. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the performance of 50‐g GCT values in predicting SGA.

Results

Lower birthweight, birthweight percentile, and 5th‐minute Apgar values, together with higher rates of SGA, were observed in the study group (P < .001 for all). A 50‐g GCT value below the 10th percentile (odds ratio: 3.29, 95% CI: 2.31‐4.69, P < .001) was a significant independent factor for SGA. A cutoff value of 89.5 mg/dL (84.9% sensitivity, 85.6% specificity) was determined for SGA.

Conclusions

Low 50‐g GCT values (<89.5 mg/dL) may be an early indicator for SGA.
Functional diversity metrics using kernel density n‐dimensional hypervolumes
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Cardoso Pedro
Published: May 2020

The use of n‐dimensional hypervolumes in trait‐based ecology is rapidly increasing. By representing the functional space of a species or community as a Hutchinsonian niche, the abstract Euclidean space defined by a set of independent axes corresponding to individuals or species traits, these multidimensional techniques show great potential for the advance of functional ecology theory.

In the panorama of existing methods for delineating multidimensional spaces, the r package hypervolume (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 23, 2014, 595–609) is currently the most used. However, functions for calculating the standard set of functional diversity (FD) indices—richness, divergence and regularity—have not been developed within the hypervolume framework yet. This gap is delaying its full exploitation in functional ecology, meanwhile preventing the possibility to compare its performance with that of other methods.

We develop a set of functions to calculate FD indices based on n‐dimensional hypervolumes, including alpha (richness), beta (and respective components), dispersion, evenness, contribution and originality. Altogether, these indices provide a coherent framework to explore the primary mathematical components of FD within a multidimensional setting. These new functions can work either with hypervolume objects or with raw data (species presence or abundance and their traits) as input data, and are versatile in terms of input parameters and options.

These functions are implemented within bat (Biodiversity Assessment Tools), an r package for biodiversity assessments. As a coherent corpus of functional indices based on a common algorithm, it opens the possibility to fully explore the strengths of the Hutchinsonian niche concept in community ecology research.
Effect of non‐sedation on post‐traumatic stress and psychological health in survivors of critical illness—A substudy of the NONSEDA randomized trial
Authors: Nedergaard Helene K. , Jensen Hanne I. , Stylsvig Mette , Olsen Hanne T. , Strøm Thomas , Toft Palle
Published: May 2020

Background

Critical illness can cause post‐traumatic stress and impaired mental health. The NONSEDA trial was a Scandinavian multicenter RCT, assessing non‐sedation versus sedation with a daily wake‐up call during mechanical ventilation in critically ill adults. The aim of this substudy was to assess the effect of non‐sedation on post‐traumatic stress and mental health.

Methods

This substudy is based on all participating patients from a single NONSEDA trial site (Kolding, Denmark). Patients were randomized to sedation or non‐sedation within the first 24 hours of mechanical ventilation. Three months after ICU discharge survivors were examined by a neuropsychologist for post‐traumatic stress, anxiety and depression, and filled out the SF‐36 questionnaire regarding quality of life.

Results

The two groups of survivors were similar with regard to baseline characteristics, length of admission and mechanical ventilation. Sedated patients received more propofol and midazolam. Doses of morphine and haloperidole were equal. Primary outcome: the number of patients with post‐traumatic stress disorder did not differ between groups (non‐sedated: 2 patients vs sedated: 0, P = .23). Secondary outcomes: there were no differences between groups in Beck Anxiety Index (median, non‐sedated: 0 vs sedated: 0, P = .62), Beck Depression Index (median, non‐sedated: 7 vs sedated: 4, P = .24), SF‐36 mental component score (mean, non‐sedated: 46.7 vs sedated: 47.5, P = .73) or number of patients with symptoms of post‐traumatic stress (8 in both groups, P = .89).

Conclusion

Levels of PTSD, anxiety and depression and quality of life regarding mental health were similar between the non‐sedated and sedated group.
Clinical validation of bioreactance for the measurement of cardiac output in pregnancy
Authors: Ling H. Z. , Gallardo‐Arozena M. , Company‐Calabuig A. M. , Nicolaides K. H. , Kametas N. A.
Published: May 2020

Maternal cardiac dysfunction is associated with pre‐eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and haemodynamic instability during obstetric anaesthesia. There is growing interest in the use of non‐invasive cardiac output monitoring to guide antihypertensive and fluid therapies in obstetrics. The aim of this study was to validate thoracic bioreactance using the NICOM® instrument against transthoracic echocardiography in pregnant women, and to assess the effects of maternal characteristics on the absolute difference of stroke volume, cardiac output and heart rate. We performed a prospective study involving women with singleton pregnancies in each trimester. We recruited 56 women who were between 11 and 14 weeks gestation, 57 between 20 and 23 weeks, and 53 between 35 and 37 weeks. Cardiac output was assessed repeatedly and simultaneously over 5 min in the left lateral position with NICOM and echocardiography. The performance of NICOM was assessed by calculating bias, 95% limits of agreement and mean percentage difference relative to echocardiography. Multivariate regression analysis evaluated the effect of maternal characteristics on the absolute difference between echocardiography and NICOM. The mean percentage difference of cardiac output measurements between the two methods was ±17%, with mean bias of −0.13 l.min−1 and limits of agreement of −1.1 to 0.84; stroke volume measurements had a mean percentage difference of ±15%, with a mean bias of −0.8 ml (−10.9 to 12.6); and heart rate measurements had a mean percentage difference of ±6%, with a mean bias of −2.4 beats.min−1 (−6.9 to 2.0). Similar results were found when the analyses were confined to each individual trimester. The absolute difference between NICOM and echocardiography was not affected by maternal age, weight, height, race, systolic or diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, NICOM demonstrated good agreement with echocardiography, and can be used in pregnancy for the measurement of cardiac function.