bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative Care Nursing Competence of Chinese Oncology Nurses and Its Related Factors
Authors: Shen Yuhan , Nilmanat Kittikorn , Promnoi Chantra
Published: June 2019

In China, the development of palliative care is challenging because of limited available resources and rapidly increasing demands. The nurses’ competence is a significant element in providing high-quality palliative care. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the palliative care competence among oncology nurses and to examine the relationships between it and palliative care knowledge, attitudes, and workplace learning conditions. A total of 220 nurses with more than 6 months of experience and who worked in inpatient wards were invited to participate in this study. Four questionnaires were administered to collect data—the Palliative Care Quiz for Nurses, the Attitudes Toward Palliative Care Scale, the Workplace Learning Conditions scale, and the Palliative Care Nursing Self-competence Scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations. The moderate level of competence was reported by 212 participants (response rate, 96.36%). The scores were lower in the aspects of competence such as spiritual care and ethical and legal issues. Competence was positively related to workplace learning conditions and knowledge but not attitudes. The results highlighted the necessity of improving the palliative care competence among oncology nurses. The optimization of learning conditions in the hospital is recommended to be a vital force in strengthening competence.
Age-Specific Distribution of Diagnosis and Outcomes of Children Admitted to ICUs: A Population-Based Cohort Study*
Authors: Jung Minyoung , Park Hyejeong , Kang Danbee , Park Jinkyeong , Jeon Kyeongman , Chung Chi Ryang , Yang Jeong Hoon , Cho Yang Hyun , Suh Gee Young , Guallar Eliseo , Cho Juhee , Cho Joongbum
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

Although several studies have reported outcome data on critically ill children, detailed reports by age are not available. We aimed to evaluate the age-specific estimates of trends in causes of diagnosis, procedures, and outcomes of pediatric admissions to ICUs in a national representative sample.

Design:

A population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Three hundred forty-four hospitals in South Korea.

Patients:

All pediatric admissions to ICUs in Korea from August 1, 2009, to September 30, 2014, were covered by the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation, with virtually complete coverage of the pediatric population in Korea. Patients less than 18 years with at least one ICUs admission between August 1, 2009, and September 30, 2014. We excluded neonatal admissions (< 28 days), neonatal ICUs, and admissions for health status other than a disease or injury. The final sample size was 38,684 admissions from 32,443 pediatric patients.

Intervention:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

The overall age-standardized admission rate for pediatric patients was 75.9 admissions per 100,000 person-years. The most common primary diagnosis of admissions was congenital malformation (10,897 admissions, 28.2%), with marked differences by age at admission (5,712 admissions [54.8%] in infants, 3,994 admissions [24.6%] in children, and 1,191 admissions [9.9%] in adolescents). Injury was the most common primary diagnosis in adolescents (3,248 admissions, 27.1%). The overall in-hospital mortality was 2,234 (5.8%) with relatively minor variations across age. Neoplasms and circulatory and neurologic diseases had both high frequency of admissions and high in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions:

Admission patterns, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of pediatric patients admitted to ICUs varied by age groups. Strategies to improve critical care qualities of pediatric patients need to be based on the differences of age and may need to be targeted at specific age groups.
Clinical Applications of Arterial Spin Labeling in Brain Tumors
Authors: Abdel Razek Ahmed Abdel Khalek , Talaat Mona , El-Serougy Lamiaa , Gaballa Gada , Abdelsalam Mohamed
Published: June 2019

The aim of this review was to review the basic background, technique, and clinical applications of arterial spin labeling in brain tumors. Arterial spin labeling is used for differentiation of brain tumors from nonneoplastic lesions such as infarction and infection. It has a role in the grading of gliomas and in the differentiation of gliomas from lymphomas and metastasis. It is used for detection of the best biopsy site and prediction of treatment response. Arterial spin labeling is used for the assessment of extra-axial tumors and pediatric tumors. Last, it has a role in the differentiation of tumor recurrence from postradiation changes and in monitoring patients after therapy.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma for the Prediction of Cervical Central Compartment Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Kefu , Ren Jiliang , Liu Weiyan , Chen Yongqi , Song Bin
Published: June 2019

Objective

Cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) is associated with local recurrence and distant metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This study was to assess magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics for predicting cervical LNM in PTC.

Materials and Methods

A total of 119 patients with 154 PTC examined by MRI were assessed. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 78 subjects (78 tumors) were included in the final analysis. Conventional MRI findings and apparent diffusion coefficient were recorded. Descriptive statistics for LNM, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of various features were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for identifying independent variables for predicting LNM. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the diagnostic performance of the independent variables and model.

Results

There were 31 node-positive and 47 node-negative PTCs in this study. Node-positive patients significantly differed from the node-negative group in age (P = 0.039), long/short diameter of lymph nodes (both P < 0.001), lymph nodes cystic change (P = 0.005), tumor size (P < 0.001), poorly defined tumor margin in contrast-enhanced imaging (P < 0.001), and thyroid contour protrusion sign (P < 0.001). Satisfactory interobserver agreement was obtained between the 2 examiners (Cohen κ of 0.871 and 0.872). Thyroid contour protrusion sign and poorly defined tumor margin were identified as independent predictive factors of LNM in PTC (both P < 0.05), with area under the curves of 0.813 and 0.851, and accuracies of 0.810 and 0.838. When the independent factors were combined, the diagnostic performance was improved with an area under the curve of 0.944 and an accuracy of 0.884.

Conclusions

Thyroid contour protrusion sign and poorly defined tumor margin in contrast-enhanced imaging could be 2 important predicted findings for cervical LNM in PTC.
Clinical and Payer-Based Analysis of Value of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for Workup of Incidental Abdominal Findings
Authors: Itani Malak , Bresnahan Brian W. , Rice Kenneth , Gunn Martin L. , Wang Sherry S. , Revels Jonathan W. , Mileto Achille
Published: June 2019

Objective

To perform a clinical and payer-based analysis of the value of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for workup of incidental abdominal findings.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospectively designed, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant study approved by our institutional review board. Sixty-nine examinations in 69 patients (45 men, 24 women; mean age, 57.7 years) who underwent single-phase postcontrast abdominal DECT studies between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2017, were included. Two radiologists, blinded to study objective and design, reviewed all cases and identified incidental abdominal findings needing further imaging. All incidental findings were reviewed by 2 other investigators, who determined whether an imaging-based diagnosis could be made using DECT virtual noncontrast images and iodine maps. Additional studies and associated payer-reimbursement amounts avoided by use of DECT were estimated. All imaging costs were estimated based on the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reimbursement amounts.

Results

Thirty-four incidental findings (renal mass, n = 20; adrenal nodule, n = 8; pancreatic cystic lesions, n = 3; others, n = 3) were identified in 19 (27.5%) of 69 patients. Dual-energy computed tomography characterized 27 incidental findings in 15 patients and accounted for cost savings of 15 additional imaging examinations (abdominal magnetic resonance imaging, n = 11; abdominal computed tomography, n = 4). Based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reimbursement amounts, we estimated that, by abolishing the need for additional imaging use, DECT saved US $84.95 per patient.

Conclusions

Dual-energy computed tomography can provide an imaging-based diagnosis of incidental abdominal findings, otherwise incompletely characterized on routine abdominal computed tomography, in approximately 21% of patients. In select patients, the monetary savings from abolishing additional imaging may reduce payer costs associated with use of DECT.
Rapidly Lethal Ruptured Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Disseminated Peritoneal Carcinomatosis on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Islam Zulqar , Hausauer Brett , Keshavamurthy Jayanth , Pucar Darko
Published: June 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma commonly metastasizes to lungs, lymph nodes, and bone. Although HCC usually occurs in setting of chronic liver disease due to alcoholism or HBV/HCV infection, the incidence of HCC arising from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is increasing. We present a very unusual initial presentation of occult HCC with peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to liver rupture in a 70-year-old man with known nonalcoholic steatohepatitis–cirrhosis, best appreciated on FDG PET/CT. Our patient died a few days later. Tumor rupture is a rare but usually rapidly lethal complication of HCC.
Risk Factors for Indeterminate Response After Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Jeong Eugene , Yoon Joon-Kee , Lee Su Jin , Soh Euy Young , Lee Jeonghun , An Young-Sil
Published: June 2019

Purpose

We investigated the risk factors of indeterminate response (IDR) in patients who underwent recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH)–aided radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT).

Methods

A total of 128 patients with papillary thyroid cancer were included in this retrospective study. The patients were classified into excellent response and IDR groups based on follow-up diagnostic whole-body scintigraphy (WBS) and TSH-stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg). Indeterminate response was defined as the presence of a faint uptake in the thyroid bed on the diagnostic WBS or a TSH-stimulated Tg detectable, but less than 10 ng/mL. Parameters that act as significant risk factors for IDR, including age, sex, stage, surgeon, time interval between surgery and RAIT, post-treatment WBS finding, urine iodine-to-creatinine ratio, TSH-unstimulated Tg, and rhTSH-stimulated Tg, were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards regression method.

Results

After treatment, 64 patients showed IDR. Recombinant human TSH–stimulated Tg was the only independent risk factor for predicting IDR. Patients with an rhTSH-stimulated Tg greater than 2 ng/mL prior to RAIT were 3.75 times more likely (95% confidence interval, 1.61–8.72) to have an IDR than those with a lower rhTSH-stimulated Tg (≤2 ng/mL).

Conclusions

Pre-RAIT TSH-stimulated Tg levels are a risk factor for IDR after RAIT.
A Case of Sarcoidosis After Lymphoma
Authors: Bando-Delaunay Aurélie , Luporsi Marie , Huchet Virginie , Cassou-Mounat Thibaut , Jehanno Nina
Published: June 2019

We report the case of a 62-year-old woman with previous history of stage III Hodgkin lymphoma. Routine follow-up CT scan revealed 2 years after end of treatment the appearance of mediastinal nodes, suspected of lymphoma recurrence. An 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed showing hypermetabolic mediastinal lymph nodes with diffuse symmetric osteomedullar hypermetabolism of pelvis and scapulae. In the hypothesis of either recurrence or multisystemic inflammatory disorder, bone marrow and lymph node biopsies were performed, revealing the presence of noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas, leading to the diagnosis of multisystemic sarcoidosis. This case illustrates the sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome.
Whole-Genome Association Analyses of Sleep-disordered Breathing Phenotypes in the NHLBI TOPMed Program
Authors: Cade Brian E. , Lee Jiwon , Sofer Tamar , Wang Heming , Zhang Man , Chen Han , Gharib Sina A. , Gottlieb Daniel J. , Guo Xiuqing , Lane Jacqueline M. , Liang Jingjing , Lin Xihong , Mei Hao , Patel Sanjay R. , Purcell Shaun M. , Saxena Richa , Shah Neomi A. , Evans Daniel S. , Hanis Craig L. , Hillman David R. , Mukherjee Sutapa , Palmer Lyle J. , Stone Katie L. , Tranah Gregory J. ,   NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Consortium, Abecasis Gonçalo R. , Boerwinkle Eric A. , Correa Adolfo , Cupples L. Adrienne , Kaplan Robert C. , Nickerson Deborah A. , North Kari E. , Psaty Bruce M. , Rotter Jerome I. , Rich Stephen S. , Tracy Russell P. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Wilson James G. , Zhu Xiaofeng , Redline Susan ,   TOPMed Sleep Working Group
Published: June 2019

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common disorder associated with significant morbidity. Through the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program we report the first whole-genome sequence analysis of SDB. We identified 4 rare gene-based associations with SDB traits in 7,988 individuals of diverse ancestry and 4 replicated common variant associations with inclusion of additional samples (n=13,257). We identified a multi-ethnic set-based rare-variant association (p = 3.48 × 10−8) on chromosome X with ARMCX3. Transcription factor binding site enrichment identified associations with genes implicated with respiratory and craniofacial traits. Results highlighted associations in genes that modulate lung development, inflammation, respiratory rhythmogenesis and HIF1A-mediated hypoxic response.
Dynamical Patterning Modules and Network Motifs as joint determinants of development: lessons from an aggregative bacterium
Authors: Guzmán-Herrera Alejandra , Angel Juan A. Arias Del , Rivera-Yoshida Natsuko , Benítez Mariana , Franci Alessio
Published: June 2019

Development and evolution are dynamical processes under the continuous control of organismic and environmental factors. Generic physical processes, associated with biological materials and certain genes or molecules, provide a morphological template for the evolution and development of organism forms. Generic dynamical behaviors, associated with recurring network motifs, provide a temporal template for the regulation and coordination of biological processes. The role of generic physical processes and their associated molecules in development is the topic of the Dynamical Patterning Module (DPM) framework. The role of generic dynamical behaviors in biological regulation is studied via the identification of the associated Network Motifs (NM). We propose a joint DPM-NM perspective on the emergence and regulation of multicellularity focusing on a multicellular aggregative bacterium,Myxococcus xanthus. UnderstandingM. xanthusdevelopment as a dynamical process embedded in a physical substrate provides novel insights into the interaction between developmental regulatory networks and generic physical processes in the evolutionary transition to multicellularity.
Evading non-essential fetal oocyte attrition maximizes the ovarian reserve
Authors: Tharp Marla E. , Malki Safia , Bortvin Alex
Published: June 2019

Female reproductive success depends on the size and quality of a finite ovarian reserve. Paradoxically, mammals such as mice and humans eliminate up to 80% of the initial oocyte pool during development through the enigmatic process of fetal oocyte attrition (FOA). Here we report that the combined inhibition of retrotransposon L1 reverse transcriptase and the Chk2-dependent DNA damage checkpoint prevents FOA, thus preserving the entire fetal oocyte population. Remarkably, reverse transcriptase inhibitor AZT-treated Chk2 mutant oocytes initially accumulate, but subsequently resolve L1-instigated genotoxic threats and differentiate, resulting in a maximized functional ovarian reserve. We conclude that FOA is a consequence of genotoxic stress that acts to preserve oocyte genome integrity, and is not an obligatory developmental program for oogenesis.
Dynamic morphoskeletons in development
Authors: Serra Mattia , Streichan Sebastian , Mahadevan L.
Published: June 2019

Morphogenetic flows in developmental biology are characterized by the coordinated motion of thousands of cells that organize into tissues, naturally raising the question of how this collective organization arises. Using only the Lagrangian kinematics of tissue deformation, which naturally integrates local and global mechanisms along cell paths, we can identifying the Dynamic Morphoskeletons (DM) behind morphogenesis, i.e., the evolving centerpieces of multi-cellular trajectory patterns. The DM is model and parameter-free, frame-invariant, robust to measurement errors, and can be computed from unfiltered cell velocity data. It reveals the spatial attractors and repellers of the embryo, objects that cannot be identified by simple trajectory inspection or Eulerian methods that are local and typically frame-dependent. Computing the DM underlying primitive streak formation in chicken embryo and early gastrulation in the whole fly embryo, we find that the DM captures the early footprint of known morphogenetic features, and reveals new ones, providing a geometric framework to analyze tissue organization.
Modelling Gene-Protein-Reaction Associations on an FPGA
Authors: Coggins Macauley
Published: June 2019

Genome-Scale metabolic models have proven to be incredibly useful. Allowing researchers to model cellular functionality based upon gene expression. However as the number of genes and reactions increases it can become computationally demanding. The first step in genome-scale metabolic modelling is to model the relationship between genes and reactions in the form of Gene-Protein-Reaction Associations (GPRA). In this research we have developed a way to model GPRAs on an Altera Cyclone II FPGA using Quartus II programmable logic device design software and the VHDL hardware description language. The model consisting of 7 genes and 7 reactions was implemented using 7 combinational functions and 14 I/O pins. This model will be the first step towards creating a full genome scale metabolic model on FPGA devices which we will be fully investigating in future studies.
Candida utilis yeast as a functional protein source for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): Local intestinal tissue and plasma proteome responses
Authors: Reveco-Urzua Felipe Eduardo , Hofossæter Mette , Kovi Mallikarjuna Rao , Mydland Liv Torunn , Ånestad Ragnhild , Sørby Randi , Press Charles McL. , Lagos Leidy , Øverland Margareth
Published: June 2019

Microbial ingredients such as Candida utilis yeast are known to be functional protein sources with immunemodulating effects whereas soybean meal causes soybean meal-induced enteritis in the distal intestine of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Inflammatory or immunomodulatory stimuli at the local level in the intestine may alter the plasma proteome profile of Atlantic salmon. These deviations can be helpful indicators for fish health and therefore potential tools in diagnosis of fish diseases. The present work aimed to identify local intestinal tissue responses and changes in plasma protein profiles of Atlantic salmon fed inactive dry Candida utilis yeast biomass, soybean meal, or combination of soybean meal based diet with various inclusion levels of Candida utilis. A fishmeal based diet was used as control diet. Inclusion of Candida utilis yeast to a fishmeal based diet did not alter the morphology, immune cell population or gene expression of the distal intestine, but gave a plasma proteome profile different from the fishmeal based control. Lower levels of Candida utilis combined with soybean meal modulated immune cell populations in the distal intestine and reduced the severity of soybean meal-induced enteritis, while higher inclusion levels of Candida utilis were less effective. The results suggest that Candida utilis could induce systemic responses without altering intestinal morphology, and thus could be a high-quality alternative protein source with potential functional properties in diets for Atlantic salmon.
Role of tumor and host autophagy in cancer metabolism
Authors: Poillet-Perez Laura , White Eileen
Published: June 2019

Macroautophagy (referred to here as autophagy) degrades and recycles cytoplasmic constituents to sustain cellular and mammalian metabolism and survival during starvation. Deregulation of autophagy is involved in numerous diseases, such as cancer. Cancers up-regulate autophagy and depend on it for survival, growth, and malignancy in a tumor cell-autonomous fashion. Recently, it has become apparent that autophagy in host tissues as well as the tumor cells themselves contribute to tumor growth. Understanding how autophagy regulates metabolism and tumor growth has revealed new essential tumor nutrients, where they come from, and how they are supplied and used, which can now be targeted for cancer therapy.
A novel TBK1 mutation in a family with diverse frontotemporal dementia spectrum disorders
Authors: Lamb Ruth , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Real Raquel , Lubbe Steven J. , Waite Adrian J. , Blake Derek J. , Walters R. Jon , Lashley Tammaryn , Revesz Tamas , Holton Janice L. , Morris Huw R.
Published: June 2019

Mutations in the TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) gene have recently been shown to cause frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The phenotype is highly variable and has been associated with behavioral variant FTD, primary progressive aphasia, and pure ALS. We describe the clinical, anatomical, and pathological features of a patient who developed corticobasal syndrome (CBS)/progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA) overlap. The patient presented with progressive speech difficulties and later developed an asymmetric akinetic–rigid syndrome. Neuroimaging showed asymmetrical frontal atrophy, predominantly affecting the right side. There was a strong family history of neurodegenerative disease with four out of seven siblings developing either dementia or ALS in their 50s and 60s. The patient died at the age of 71 and the brain was donated for postmortem analysis. Histopathological examination showed frontotemporal lobar degeneration TDP-43 type A pathology. Genetic screening did not reveal a mutation in the GRN, MAPT, or C9orf72 genes, but exome sequencing revealed a novel p.E703X mutation in the TBK1 gene. Although segregation data were not available, this loss-of-function mutation is highly likely to be pathogenic because it is predicted to disrupt TBK1/optineurin interaction and impair cellular autophagy. In conclusion, we show that TBK1 mutations can be a cause of an atypical parkinsonian syndrome and screening should be considered in CBS patients with a family history of dementia or ALS.
Screening Colonies by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: June 2019

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), rather than the more labor-intensive minipreps, is often used to screen colonies of Escherichia coli for recombinant plasmids containing sequences of interest. When screening colonies for a DNA fragment amplified by PCR, the same primers used in the amplification reaction can be used for screening. To discover the orientation of the cloned fragment, a third primer can be used that binds to the plasmid sequences immediately adjacent to the insertion site and points toward the insert.
Special Considerations for Making Explants and Transplants with Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Fisher Marilyn , Grainger Robert M.
Published: June 2019

Although Xenopus laevis is an important model organism for embryological experimentation, the smaller, more genetically tractable, and faster developing Xenopus tropicalis provides advantages for using genetic approaches to understand developmental mechanisms. Explant cultures and transplants of X. tropicalis embryonic tissues present unique opportunities to examine embryonic tissue determination in a simplified setting. Here we demonstrate preparation of explants and transplants of preplacodal head ectoderm in order to illustrate these approaches; however, these methods apply broadly to tissues throughout the embryo. We focus on technical adjustments to accommodate the differences in size, tissue character, and rate of development between X. laevis and X. tropicalis. With only modest modifications, X. tropicalis embryos are quite amenable to the same kinds of experimental manipulations as X. laevis.
Megaprimer Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-Based Mutagenesis
Authors: Forloni Matteo , Liu Alex Y. , Wajapeyee Narendra
Published: June 2019

The megaprimer method is a simple and versatile approach that can be adopted to create a single mutation in a specific target region as well as to create site-specific insertions, deletions, and gene fusions. This method uses three oligonucleotide primers, two rounds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and a DNA template containing the gene to be mutated. The first round of PCR generates a fragment with the desired mutation introduced by using one of the flanking primers and the mutant primer. This amplified fragment—the megaprimer—is used in the second PCR along with the remaining external primer to amplify a longer region of the template DNA. The final product is purified and can be cloned into an appropriate vector. By designing flanking primers with universal restriction site sequences, compatible with the vector of choice, it is possible to create different mutant clones by changing only the mutant primer. Recently, this approach has been improved by the use of forward and reverse flanking primers with significantly different melting temperatures. This allows researchers to perform both PCR steps in a single tube. This protocol has been successfully applied on templates with either low or high G + C content to amplify megaprimers 71–800 bp in length and final products ranging from 400 to 2500 bp.
An RNA-Seq Protocol for Differential Expression Analysis
Authors: Owens Nick D.L. , De Domenico Elena , Gilchrist Michael J.
Published: June 2019

Here we consider RNA-Seq, used to measure global gene expression through RNA fragmentation, capture, sequencing, and subsequent computational analysis. Xenopus, with its large number of RNA-rich, synchronously developing, and accessible embryos, is an excellent model organism for exploiting the power of high-throughput sequencing to understand gene expression during development. Here we present a standard RNA-Seq protocol for performing two-state differential gene expression analysis (between groups of replicates of control and treated embryos) using Illumina sequencing. Samples contain multiple whole embryos, and polyadenylated mRNA is measured under relative normalization. The protocol is divided into two parts: wet-lab processes to prepare samples for sequencing and downstream computational analysis including quality control, quantification of gene expression, and differential expression.
A coordination modelling approach for assembly of multi-constrained objects based on measured skin model
Authors: Jiang Yifan , Huang Xiang , Li Shuanggao , Deng Zhengping
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an assembly coordination modelling approach based on measured data for assembly quality control of multi-constrained objects in aircraft assembly. This approach aims to establish a high-precision digital mirror of physical assembly system in the virtual environment, with which the assembly process in the virtual environment can be performed synchronously with that in the physical world.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a realistic geometrical representation model based on measured point cloud, as well as the multiple constraints modelling methods for local and global constraints with the proposed representation model. For the assembly target optimization, a novel optimization method based on the evaluation of multi-dimensional tolerance zone is proposed, where the particle swarm optimization and simulated annealing algorithm are combined to calculate the optimal solutions.

Findings

As shown in the validation results, the minimum easiness value for easiness model in global optimization is 3.01, while the best value for weighting model by adjusting weights for more than 10 times is 1.94. The results verify that the proposed coordination modelling approach is effective to the assembly of multi-constrained objects, and the optimization model has an obvious advantage over the traditional weighting method.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new idea for the fine control of assembly quality of non-ideal components by introducing the measured data into the on-line assembly process. Besides, a novel optimization method based on the evaluation of multi-dimensional tolerance zone is proposed, which overcomes the problem of traditional weighting model wherein the weightings are difficult to determine.
Sodium reduction in butter using microparticulated salt
Authors: de Oliveira Daniela da Costa , Cristina Andrade Amanda Cristina , Guimarães Jéssica , Rodrigues Jéssica Ferreira , Natividade Mariana Mirelle Pereira , Bastos Sabrina Carvalho
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Excessive sodium intake is associated with several diseases. Accordingly, several measures, including microparticulate salt, have been adopted to reduce the salt contents of food products. However, no studies have reported the effectiveness of microparticulate salt in semisolid and liquid products. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the application of microparticulate salt to reduce sodium contents in semisolid products.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimal salt content to be added in butter was defined by the just-about-right-scale test. Butter samples were prepared using microparticulate salt to achieve 25, 50 and 75 per cent reductions in conventional salt concentrations. Multiple comparison tests were performed to evaluate sample taste.

Findings

The ideal concentration of conventional salt to be added to butter was 2.16 per cent. Discriminative tests showed that samples with 25 and 75 per cent salt reduction showed significant differences (p ⩽ 0.05) compared with butter prepared at the ideal salt content, whereas the sample with 50 per cent salt reduction had no significant difference (p > 0.05). Thus, microparticulate salt showed higher salting power than conventional salt. These results indicated the effectiveness of microparticulate salt in the preparation of semisolid products with sodium reduction.

Research limitations/implications

More detailed studies about the reduced-sodium butter shelf life are necessary to verify the microparticulate salt application in the product preparation. Moreover, microparticulate salt application in semisolid and liquid products elaboration must be more investigated to better elucidate its practicability of reducing sodium content in these kinds of products. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

Microparticulate salt has been successfully applied to reduce sodium in solid products, being added to the finished product surface. However, there are no studies that report its effectiveness in semisolid and liquid products, such as the butter, in which the salt is added during the product preparation. Thus, this research provides new scientific information to the food industry and research fields, to expand the knowledge of reduced-sodium products development using microparticulate salt with sensory quality.

Originality/value

No studies have evaluated the application of microparticulate salt for semisolid product preparation. Therefore, the findings will support the development of healthy products.
Sustainable responsible conduct beyond the boundaries of compliance
Authors: Fiandrino Simona , Busso Donatella , Vrontis Demetris
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether Italian listed companies within the food and beverage (F&B) industry adopt sustainable responsible conduct beyond the boundaries of compliance and which industry-specific matters the companies address as core to their business within a regulatory setting of sustainability disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a multiple case study of the five Italian listed companies in the F&B industry and employs a content analysis on their sustainability reports.

Findings

This study reveals a policies–practices decoupling along with a means–ends decoupling that jeopardises the commitment to sustainability. The results show a reasonable level of compliance, but companies are at an early stage of coherent and practical application.

Practical implications

This study offers practical avenues for companies, regulators and policy makers. Companies in the F&B industry are guided towards the learning process to shape sustainable, responsible practices at the core of their business, as this study provides a replicable assessment of F&B sustainability issues. Regulators and policy makers are called to monitor the concrete implementation of sustainability issues and improve the understanding of the sustainability agenda to overcome the misalignments that companies are currently facing.

Originality/value

This study provides fertile ground for assessing the degree of maturity in favour of sustainable responsible conduct within the F&B industry and shows the obstacles to this commitment in the mandatory setting of sustainability disclosure.
Synergetic effects between fasting, well-being and anti-consumption within the walls of Orthodox monasteries and outside them
Authors: Kiryakova-Dineva Teodora , Krasteva Ruska , Chankova Yana
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to explore the possible synergetic effects between food-restricted behaviour (fasting in Orthodox Christianity) and physical and mental health; and second, to ponder on the nature of fasting and to reveal the potentials monastery cuisine has, reaching outside the world of religion and entering the world of consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach has been applied in order to investigate the synergetic effects between fasting, well-being and anti-consumption. The analysis is based on in-depth interviews carried out in Orthodox monasteries, in particular, in three monasteries in the territory of Mount Athos and in three monasteries in Northern Greece. Additionally, ten Bulgarians who visited monasteries situated at Mount Athos have been interviewed. In a cultural materialistic perspective, this paper seeks to discuss and reveal food and eating habits patterns. It combines the social anthropology of food with the anthropology of Eastern Orthodox religion.

Findings

The discussed interrelations between fasting, well-being and anti-consumption confirm the synergetic effects, occurring at different points between them. Fasting practices definitely contribute to consumers’ health and well-being. The food-restricted behaviour and the monastery diet are presented as a means of purification not only of the soul but also of the body. Fasting is an intriguing issue that offers many perspectives for people not only within but also without the monastery walls. Food-restricted behaviour as practiced in Orthodox Christianity shall be considered as beneficial for people’s health and as such it can reveal a lot of additional spiritual values for non-believers.

Social implications

Future applications of fasting practices as a non-consumptive behaviour and in view of social movements for healthy nutrition. A possibility for fasting menus as an alternative to fast food menus can be exploited.

Originality/value

The study provides some useful insights into the contemporary practice of Eastern Orthodox fasting and confirms that fasting is a successful means of achieving mental and physical well-being. New perspectives for monastery cuisine as a resource and brand strategy for restaurant business and tourism can be mentioned as well.
What drives the purchasing of foods with high sugar? Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Sürmeli Gökhan , Elshiewy Ossama , Ülengin Burç
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the share of expenditure on foods with high sugar is influenced by purchasing behaviour and household characteristics in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

Food purchases of a large representative sample of Turkish households (n=10,682) were observed over a two-year time span. A linear mixed effects model is estimated to analyse the drivers of households’ share of expenditure on foods with high sugar in a longitudinal setting.

Findings

Lower shopping frequency, larger shopping baskets, more promotional purchasing and higher usage of modern retail formats lead to a higher share of expenditure on foods with high sugar. This share decreases with higher income and education. Households living in urban areas have lower expenditure on foods with high sugar. Households in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions show the highest share of expenditure on foods with high sugar across Turkey. Children within the household lead to a higher share of expenditure on foods with high sugar whereas this share decreases with increasing household size and being in later stages of life.

Originality/value

Analysing household panel data provides a more realistic perspective of longitudinal food purchasing behaviour compared to studies using cross-sectional designs. Furthermore, this large-scale study in Turkey provides valuable insights for health researchers and policymakers to improve public health due to being conducted in a newly industrialised country with high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, a fragmented retail environment and diverse geographical regions.
Effects of ingredients on sensory attributes of gluten-free breads available in the UK
Authors: Louis Leonardi , Fairchild Ruth , Setarehnejad Anita
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of alternative ingredients in three different gluten-free breads (GFBs) available in the UK market with regard to their quality attributes and consumer preference.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different GFB samples purchased from a UK retailer were visually assessed. Their quality attributes and consumer acceptability were analysed via an untrained taste panel (n=35) on Day 1. Texture was compared using a texture analyser on Days 1 and 8, to examine the differences between samples and the effects of ingredients towards staling.

Findings

Results from visual inspection showed that ingredients affected the appearance of samples, in terms of crumb structure, and both crumb and crust colour. Firmness and springiness were significantly different (p<0.05, p=0.007) between samples on Days 1 and 8 although no significant difference existed within each individual sample. Sensory analysis showed no significant differences between samples with respect to denseness, chewiness, crumbliness, dryness and overall preference.

Research limitations/implications

The ingredient combination in each bread differed, and thus it is not clear if the results are due to the incorporation of individual ingredient or a combination of them.

Practical implications

Results of this study will help food industry to make an easier decision on gluten-free ingredients.

Social implications

It will help people with coeliac disease and those who wish to remove gluten from their diets.

Originality/value

Overall, the study showed that the use of different ingredients affected the appearance, firmness and springiness of three GFBs available in the UK market. However, it did not affect denseness, chewiness, crumbliness, dryness or consumer preference. This indicates that a number of ingredient combinations are possible in the manufacturing of acceptable GFB.
Preliminary analysis on food intolerances of 88,436 healthy people to 14 kinds of foods
Authors: Zheng Yansong , Zhang Liping , Zeng Qiang , Han Chaojin
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Functional disorders caused by food intolerance (FI) are prevalent, thus it is important to analyze the FI of healthy people to common foods so as to guide the people for eating the healthy foods. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 88,436 healthy persons including 60,902 males and 27,534 females at the age ranging from 20 to 70 years old were subjected a normal physical examination. In total, 14 kinds of food-specific IgG antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay.

Findings

The total positive rate of 14 FIs was as high as 64.16 percent. Five kinds of foods (egg, crab, cod, shrimp and milk) accounted for 84.51 percent of the total positive rate. In more than one kind of FIs, egg took the largest proportion than the others and the proportion was 58.54 percent. The second was crab with a positive rate of 56.19 percent. The antibody positive rate of any food in one kind of FIs was significantly lower than that in more than one kind of FIs (χ2=629.35, p<0.001). Also, younger age subjects displayed the higher positive rate than the older age groups. In addition, there was no significant difference on FI between male and female subjects.

Originality/value

The results would not only prompt us to pay more attention to FI in daily life, but provide theoretical foundation for the early prevention, diagnosis and treatment of related clinical diseases as well as guiding people healthy meals.
Evaluation of the shelf-life extension of fresh-cut pineapple (Smooth cayenne) by application of different edible coatings
Authors: Pizato Sandriane , Chevalier Raquel Costa , Dos Santos Marcela Félix , Da Costa Tailine Saturnino , Arévalo Pinedo Rosalinda , Cortez Vega William Renzo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the shelf-life of minimally processed pineapple when subjected to the use of different edible coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

The pineapples were peeled and cut into cubes. The gums were prepared by dissolving them in distilled water and then heated to total dissolution. After calcium chloride, citric acid and ascorbic acid and glycerol were added in the solutions. The pieces of pineapple were completely submerged in the respective solutions and then drained. Four treatments were obtained, namely: T1 – control treatment (pineapple without coating); T2 – pectin; T3 – tara; T4 – xanthan. The cubes were stored in PET by 12 days at 4±1°C. Analyzes were carried out of mass loss, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, microbiological and sensory analysis.

Findings

It was possible to observe that the use of evaluated coatings was efficient to maintain the conservation of minimally processed pineapple in all analyzes, when compared with the control sample. The treatment with tara gum showed the best results to those obtained by the other studied gums.

Practical implications

The study may help small-scale establishments to increase the shelf-life of minimally processed pineapple.

Originality/value

Tara gum reduced the mass loss, delayed the microbial growth and maintained the sensorial quality of minimally processed pineapples for a longer time.
Investigation and analysis of research support services in academic libraries
Authors: Si Li , Zeng Yueliang , Guo Sicheng , Zhuang Xiaozhe
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims at understanding the current situation of research support services offered by academic libraries in world-leading universities and providing useful implications and insights for other academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Of the top 100 universities listed in the QS World University Rankings in 2017, 76 libraries were selected as samples and a website investigation was conducted to explore the research support services. The statistical method and visualization software was used to generalize the key services, and the text analysis and case analysis were applied to reveal the corresponding implementation.

Findings

Research support service has become one of the significant services of academic libraries in the context of e-research and data-intensive research. The research support services can be generally divided into seven aspects, as follows: research data management (62, 81.58 per cent), open access (64, 84.21 per cent), scholarly publishing (59, 77.63 per cent), research impact measurement (32, 42.11 per cent), research guides (47, 61.84 per cent), research consultation (59, 77.63 per cent) and research tools recommendation (38, 50.00 per cent).

Originality/value

This paper makes a comprehensive investigation of research support services in academic libraries of top-ranking universities worldwide. The findings will help academic libraries improve research support services; thus, advancing the work of researchers and promoting scientific discovery.
An efficient semantic recommender method forArabic text
Authors: Hawashin Bilal , Alzubi Shadi , Kanan Tarek , Mansour Ayman
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new efficient semantic recommender method for Arabic content.

Design/methodology/approach

Three semantic similarities were proposed to be integrated with the recommender system to improve its ability to recommend based on the semantic aspect. The proposed similarities are CHI-based semantic similarity, singular value decomposition (SVD)-based semantic similarity and Arabic WordNet-based semantic similarity. These similarities were compared with the existing similarities used by recommender systems from the literature.

Findings

Experiments show that the proposed semantic method using CHI-based similarity and using SVD-based similarity are more efficient than the existing methods on Arabic text in term of accuracy and execution time.

Originality/value

Although many previous works proposed recommender system methods for English text, very few works concentrated on Arabic Text. The field of Arabic Recommender Systems is largely understudied in the literature. Aside from this, there is a vital need to consider the semantic relationships behind user preferences to improve the accuracy of the recommendations. The contributions of this work are the following. First, as many recommender methods were proposed for English text and have never been tested on Arabic text, this work compares the performance of these widely used methods on Arabic text. Second, it proposes a novel semantic recommender method for Arabic text. As this method uses semantic similarity, three novel base semantic similarities were proposed and evaluated. Third, this work would direct the attention to more studies in this understudied topic in the literature.