bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks in Education and Practice for Professional Accountants
Authors: Kalbers Lawrence P. , Gross-Schaefer Arthur ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: February 2020

In the aftermath of the accounting scandals of the early 2000s, the accounting profession experienced increased legislation and rules regulating ethical behavior of professional accountants and accounting firms. This paper considers ethics education for professional accountants (particularly Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)) and concludes that there is a need for a broader, principles-based approach to continuing professional ethics (CPE) in the United States. This conclusion is supported by the recent trend toward principles-based global ethics standards and a review of the current professional standards and CPE requirements for ethics education for CPAs. We present tools, such as listing core values, creation of a personal mission statement, and the utilization of a comprehensive ethical decision-making framework, that can be incorporated into ethics CPE courses for CPAs, ethics education in academic programs, and ethical decisions in practice. We also present results from a survey about ethical dilemmas distributed to a sample of CPAs taking CPE ethics courses. Consistent with our expectations, we find that for ethical dilemmas in which professional standards more clearly apply and the facts were less ambiguous, the CPAs in the sample responded with higher average levels of ethicality and more agreement than for ethical dilemmas when professional standards were not as applicable and facts were more ambiguous. Finally, the paper demonstrates how a comprehensive ethical decision-making framework may be applied to ethical dilemmas, particularly those that cannot be satisfactorily resolved using a rulesbased approach and makes recommendations for future research.
Washington Hotline
Authors: Henderson Carol C.
Published: February 2020

Washington Hotline
The role of oxidative stress in the development of obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders
Authors: Čolak Emina , Pap Dragana
Published: February 2020

Obesity is a serious medical condition, defined as excessive accumulation of fat. Abdominal fat is recognized as the major risk for obesity related diseases such as: hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, stroke, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease etc. Fat accumulation is also related to pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory states. Recently published articles suggest that oxidative stress may be a link between obesity and related complications. Adiposity leads to increased oxidative stress via several multiple biochemical processes such as superoxide generation through the action of NADPH oxidase, glyceraldehyde auto-oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation, protein kinase C (PKC) activation, and polyol and hexosamine pathways. On the other hand, oxidative stress plays a causative role in the development of obesity, by stimulating the deposition of adipose tissue, including preadipocyte proliferation, adipocyte differentiation and growth. Exercise-induced weight loss can improve the redox state by modulating both oxidative stress and antioxidant promoters, which reduce endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.
Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes induce secretion of IGFBP7 to form type II rosettes and escape phagocytosis
Authors: Lee Wenn-Chyau , Russell Bruce , Sobota Radoslaw Mikolaj , Ghaffar Khairunnisa , Howland Shanshan W , Wong Zi Xin , Maier Alexander G , Dorin-Semblat Dominique , Biswas Subhra , Gamain Benoit , Lau Yee-Ling , Malleret Benoit , Chu Cindy , Nosten François , Renia Laurent
Published: February 2020

In malaria, rosetting is described as a phenomenon where an infected erythrocyte (IRBC) is attached to uninfected erythrocytes (URBC). In some studies, rosetting has been associated with malaria pathogenesis. Here, we have identified a new type of rosetting. Using a step-by-step approach, we identified IGFBP7, a protein secreted by monocytes in response to parasite stimulation, as a rosette-stimulator for Plasmodium falciparum- and P. vivax-IRBC. IGFBP7-mediated rosette-stimulation was rapid yet reversible. Unlike type I rosetting that involves direct interaction of rosetting ligands on IRBC and receptors on URBC, the IGFBP7-mediated, type II rosetting requires two additional serum factors, namely von Willebrand factor and thrombospondin-1. These two factors interact with IGFBP7 to mediate rosette formation by the IRBC. Importantly, the IGFBP7-induced type II rosetting hampers phagocytosis of IRBC by host phagocytes.
Social structure learning in human anterior insula
Authors: Lau Tatiana , Gershman Samuel J , Cikara Mina
Published: February 2020

Humans form social coalitions in every society, yet we know little about how we learn and represent social group boundaries. Here we derive predictions from a computational model of latent structure learning to move beyond explicit category labels and interpersonal, or dyadic, similarity as the sole inputs to social group representations. Using a model-based analysis of functional neuroimaging data, we find that separate areas correlate with dyadic similarity and latent structure learning. Trial-by-trial estimates of ‘allyship’ based on dyadic similarity between participants and each agent recruited medial prefrontal cortex/pregenual anterior cingulate (pgACC). Latent social group structure-based allyship estimates, in contrast, recruited right anterior insula (rAI). Variability in the brain signal from rAI improved prediction of variability in ally-choice behavior, whereas variability from the pgACC did not. These results provide novel insights into the psychological and neural mechanisms by which people learn to distinguish ‘us’ from ‘them.’
SpeciesPrimer: a bioinformatics pipeline dedicated to the design of qPCR primers for the quantification of bacterial species
Authors: Dreier Matthias , Berthoud Hélène , Shani Noam , Wechsler Daniel , Junier Pilar
Published: February 2020

Background

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is a well-established method for detecting and quantifying bacteria, and it is progressively replacing culture-based diagnostic methods in food microbiology. High-throughput qPCR using microfluidics brings further advantages by providing faster results, decreasing the costs per sample and reducing errors due to automatic distribution of samples and reagents. In order to develop a high-throughput qPCR approach for the rapid and cost-efficient quantification of microbial species in complex systems such as fermented foods (for instance, cheese), the preliminary setup of qPCR assays working efficiently under identical PCR conditions is required. Identification of target-specific nucleotide sequences and design of specific primers are the most challenging steps in this process. To date, most available tools for primer design require either laborious manual manipulation or high-performance computing systems.

Results

We developed the SpeciesPrimer pipeline for automated high-throughput screening of species-specific target regions and the design of dedicated primers. Using SpeciesPrimer, specific primers were designed for four bacterial species of importance in cheese quality control, namely Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Pediococcus acidilactici and Pediococcus pentosaceus. Selected primers were first evaluated in silico and subsequently in vitro using DNA from pure cultures of a variety of strains found in dairy products. Specific qPCR assays were developed and validated, satisfying the criteria of inclusivity, exclusivity and amplification efficiencies.

Conclusion

In this work, we present the SpeciesPrimer pipeline, a tool to design species-specific primers for the detection and quantification of bacterial species. We use SpeciesPrimer to design qPCR assays for four bacterial species and describe a workflow to evaluate the designed primers. SpeciesPrimer facilitates efficient primer design for species-specific quantification, paving the way for a fast and accurate quantitative investigation of microbial communities.
Genetic structure is stronger across human-impacted habitats than among islands in the coralPorites lobata
Authors: Tisthammer Kaho H. , Forsman Zac H. , Toonen Robert J. , Richmond Robert H.
Published: February 2020

We examined genetic structure in the lobe coralPorites lobataamong pairs of highly variable and high-stress nearshore sites and adjacent less variable and less impacted offshore sites on the islands of Oahu and Maui, Hawaii. Using an analysis of molecular variance framework, we tested whether populations were more structured by geographic distance or environmental extremes. The genetic patterns we observed followed isolation by environment, where nearshore and adjacent offshore populations showed significant genetic structure at both locations (AMOVAFST= 0.04∼0.19,P < 0.001), but no significant isolation by distance between islands. Strikingly, corals from the two nearshore sites with higher levels of environmental stressors on different islands over 100 km apart with similar environmentally stressful conditions were genetically closer (FST= 0.0,P= 0.73) than those within a single location less than 2 km apart (FST= 0.04∼0.08,P < 0.01). In contrast, a third site with a less impacted nearshore site (i.e., less pronounced environmental gradient) showed no significant structure from the offshore comparison. Our results show much stronger support for environment than distance separating these populations. Our finding suggests that ecological boundaries from human impacts may play a role in forming genetic structure in the coastal environment, and that genetic divergence in the absence of geographical barriers to gene flow might be explained by selective pressure across contrasting habitats.
Comparisons of Social Support and Social Networks in Homeless and Vulnerably Housed Women
Authors: Rattelade Stephanie , Farrell Susan
Published: February 2020

Social support is closely connected to mental health and well-being as well as experiences of housing vulnerability. This study explored differences between homeless and vulnerably housed women in their experiences of social support. Forty-nine homeless and 43 vulnerably housed women completed 3 measures to assess their social networks, social support networks, and global social support. Vulnerably housed women reported fewer social support network members than homeless women. Social support network size was found to be a predictor of global social support score. These findings suggest that housing status impacts social support in homeless and vulnerably housed women, which may have implications for their well-being.
Studies on Physicochemical and Microbial Profiles of Selected Hotel Swimming Pools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Belonwu D. C. , Duru M. K. C. , Adenikinju A. T. O. , Alisa C. O. , Dawodu O. T. , Ike C. C. , Eze A. A. , Kalu W. O.
Published: February 2020

Studies on physicochemical and microbial profiles of selected hotel swimming pools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria was carried out using standard methods. Six swimming pools of selected hotels within the Port Harcourt city that people use for recreational activity were selected for this study. The selection was done in such a way that all the zones within the city were considered. The hotels names were coded with alphabets for confidentiality. Each swimming pool was divided into up and down ends for this study. Average result obtained for both ends in each pool was taken as a sample value for each pool and was compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) standard for recreational water. Physicochemical results such as pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, chlorine and residual chlorine of most of the studied pools were not within WHO standard. The microbial loads of the studied pools in terms of total coliform, faecal coliform and Escherichia coli were higher than WHO standard. There is no doubt that most of the studied hotel swimming pools fall short of WHO standard for recreational activity. This becomes important when the consequences of swimming in such pools to humans are considered. There is urgent need for the hotels hosting the studied swimming pools to adopt the important five keys to maintaining water quality in swimming pool, which include proper filtration, proper chlorination as well as adjustment of pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness levels as stipulated by WHO standards. This study has shown the physicochemical and microbial profiles of selected hotel swimming pools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Analysis of Correlation between In-service Training and Academic Achievement of Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Kenya
Authors: Mukolwe Joseph O. , Michael Okwara O. , Jack Ajowi O.
Published: February 2020

In-service teacher education has been used as a tool for capacity building world over and in Kenya. Despite the perceived importance of continuing in-service training for teachers in updating their professional knowledge, its provision was inadequate in Kenya. It is within this context that this study examined the extent to which the in-service training was being provided and how it predicted the academic achievement of pupils in Kenya with specific reference to Teso North sub-county. This research adopted a descriptive survey research design of ex-post-facto type. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 272 respondents (55 deputy headteachers and 217 teachers). Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Structured questionnaire and document analysis were instruments of data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviations and inferential statistics of Chi-Square, independent T-Test and linear regression. The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that the extent of the provision of in-service training in the sub-county was low. The hypothesis testing through the Chi-Square indicated that there was a significant relationship between the provision of in-service training and academic achievement of pupils (x2=200.14, p = 0.0000). Linear regression analysis revealed that the influence of in-service training on academic achievement was significant (R = 0.898, p < 0.05). Therefore, the study recommends that the Ministry of Education should formulate in-service training policy for the teachers and the training should be structured and closely aligned with the acquisition of skills and knowledge gaps.
Investment in Human Asset: For or Against
Authors: Eze Gbalam Peter , Johnny Nelson
Published: February 2020

Human asset investment as an essential tool for individual, household, firm and nation building has drawn wider attention due to increasing globalization in the world economy with the felt increasing need for higher earnings and productivity. Human asset investment has been considered to be one of the fundamental solutions to the challenges facing firm’s greater productivity and nation building in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. This study thus examined the relationship between human asset investment and organization performance from various critical perspectives with the aim to making necessary policy recommendations. The study adopts logical literature review technique to present a technical evaluation of the achievements that adds to the individuals, household, firms and countries that invest in human asset. This study concluded that those companies and nations which invest in human asset have the tendency to be more successful, profitable economically, tactically placed and generally have motivated employees which in addition leads to stable and better performing employees as compared to the firm’s and nations that are less insistent in human asset investment.
Effects of Foliar Application of Indol Butyric Acid(IBA), Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Zinc (Zn) on Yield and Quality of Tomato
Authors: Islam Md. Shoriful , Hoque Md. Ashabul , Sumi Shamim Ara , Jony Mohammad , . Kamrunnahar , Ranu Sarmin Akter , Shamsuzzaman Md.
Published: February 2020

The yield and quality of tomato largely depend on soil and climatic conditions and also on variety. Plant growth regulators function as chemical messengers for intercellular communication. In tomato, different growth regulators and zinc play a pivotal role in germination, root development, branching, flower initiation, fruiting, lycopene development, synchronization and early maturation, parthenocarpic fruit development, ripening, TSS, acidity, seed production etcetera. The field experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Farm, Dhaka, Bangladesh during October 2017 to April, 2018 to evaluate the effect of foliar application of IBA, GA3 and Zn on yield and quality of tomato [1]. Single variety BARI Tomato-14 and foliar application of IBA 5 ml/L, GA3 5 ml/l and Zn were used to conduct this experiment. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having three factors and replicated three times. Data were collected on chlorophyll content of leaf, number of flowers cluster per pant, number of fruit per plant, yield per hectare, Vitamin-C content and TSS% content. A statistically significant variation was recorded in terms of the above characters about yield and quality of tomato. All the characters shows maximum result in treatment of T7 (IBA+GA3+Zn).The treatment combination of T7 (IBA 5 ml / L, GA3 5 ml / L and Zn 1 kg/ha) and T4 (IBA 5 ml / L, GA3 5 ml / L) gave the maximum yield (100.00 t/ha) and the minimum yield (39.75 t/ha) was found from the treatment combination on T0 (control). The highest Vitamin C content (113.10 mg/100 gm) and highest TSS (%) (7.000) were found from T7 (IBA 5 ml / L, GA3 5 ml / L and Zn 1 kg/ha) than that of control under present experiment. So, it can be concluded that treatment combination of T7 (IBA 5 ml / L, GA3 5 ml / L and Zn 1 kg/ha) is the best for yield and quality of tomato and can be tested further under different field conditions.
Use of Signed Permutations in Cryptography
Authors: Raharinirina Iharantsoa Vero
Published: February 2020

In this paper we consider cryptographic applications of the arithmetic on the hyperoctahedral group. On an appropriate subgroup of the latter, we particularly propose to construct public key cryptosystems based on the discrete logarithm. The fact that the group of signed permutations has rich properties provides fast and easy implementation and makes these systems resistant to attacks like the Pohlig-Hellman algorithm. The only negative point is that storing and transmitting permutations need large memory. Using together the hyperoctahedral enumeration system and what is called subexceedant functions, we define a one-to-one correspondence between natural numbers and signed permutations with which we label the message units.
Resistivity imaging survey of Capo Long Barrow, Aberdeenshire
Authors: Neighbour Tim , Strachan Richard , Collier Lindsey , Hobbs Bruce , Warren Graeme , Mudie George
Published: February 2020

Non-invasive fieldwork carried out on the Neolithic long barrow at Capo, present-day Aberdeenshire (NGR NO 633 664) has considerably enhanced our knowledge of this monument. Topographical survey has provided the first detailed record of the barrow and its environs. Resistivity imaging has revealed key elements of the structure of the long barrow, including side revetment walls, a flat fa�e and possible mortuary structures, confirming that the barrow at Capo is of a similar morphology to the nearby (excavated) long barrow at Dalladies. The resistivity survey has demonstrated that rabbit burrowing and the roots of the tree stumps that covered the barrow have had little effect on the integrity of the major structural elements of the monument (the revetments and fa�e). However, it is not possible to assess the more subtle damage, such as mixing of archaeological layers, which may have been caused. It is concluded that, whilst resistivity imaging at the survey density employed here is time-consuming and would not be appropriate at many sites, as a management tool and as a means to explore sites that are unavailable for excavation, such as scheduled ancient monuments, it has been demonstrated to be of considerable value.
Early land-use and landscape development in Arisaig
Authors: Carter Stephen , Dalland Magnar , Long Deborah , Wickham-Jones Caroline
Published: February 2020

Re-alignment of a 6km section of the A830 road in Arisaig provided an opportunity to investigate the archaeology of this poorly understood area of the West Highlands. A combination of archaeological and palaeoenvironmental techniques were used to investigate the road corridor. Archaeological survey, followed up by selected excavations, identified a previously unrecorded Bronze Age kerb cairn and two areas of shieling huts. Investigation of the shielings obtained evidence for repeated reuse of sites and reconstruction of structures through the medieval and post-medieval periods. In both cases, Bronze Age deposits were also recorded at the base of the medieval sequence. Analysis of a long peat core from a basin close to one of the shielings revealed a history of continuous but gradual decline in woodland, starting in about 3200 BC and continuing to the present day. Collation of archaeological and palaeoenvironmental data from the present project and previous investigations in the area have allowed the creation of a tentative model of landscape evolution for Arisaig.
Re-examination of the quartz artefacts from Scord of Brouster: a lithic assemblage from Shetland and its Neolithic context
Authors: Ballin Torben
Published: February 2020

In the late 1970s, a substantial quartz assemblage was recovered from the Neolithic settlement at Scord of Brouster, Shetland. At the time, bipolar technique (which is responsible for a substantial proportion of the assemblage), as well as quartz technology in general, were poorly understood, and it was not possible to fully make use of the assemblage in the interpretation of the site, the region, or the period. With our expanded understanding of bipolar approaches and quartz technology, this is now possible, and, in the present paper, the assemblage is re-examined, re-classified and re-interpreted. The quartz assemblage is used to gain a deeper insight into the site itself, and its lithic component and a first sketch of the territorial structure of Neolithic Scotland is presented.
Cramond Roman Fort: evidence from excavations at Cramond Kirk Hall, 1998 and 2001
Authors: Masser Paul , Hunter Fraser , Hastie Mhairi , Evans Jeremy
Published: February 2020

Excavation on the site of an extension to Cramond Kirk Hall has provided new evidence for the layout of the defences of the Roman fort, the route of the road immediately beyond it and for the phases of Roman military occupation at Cramond postulated by previous excavators. The features encountered included a broad right-angled ditch, possibly part of the outer defences, turning at this point to run parallel with the road into the fort. Three much slighter parallel ditches or gullies at the south end of the site are tentatively identified as drainage features beside the Roman road which, on this interpretation, would lie just beyond the limit of excavation. At a later date, the ditch had been allowed to silt up and features including pits and a stone box-drain were cut on a different alignment, through the fill of the earlier ditch; a well was also cut across two of the roadside ditches. These later features appear to represent encroachment of extramural settlement on the defences during the Severan occupation, at a time when a large defended annexe had been constructed to the east of the fort.
The Archaeology of the Streets of North Berwick and Implications for the Development of the Burgh
Authors: Dingwall Kirsty , Franklin Julie
Published: February 2020

Replacement and upgrading of the mains water system in North Berwick provided an opportunity to identify and record deposits and structures across the core of the medieval burgh. The methods of trench excavation used meant that archaeological features were largely only seen in section, however, a large amount of information about the development of the burgh, and its layout, was collected despite this. Over much of the central core of the medieval burgh, layer upon layer of occupation deposits and more mixed material were interspersed with obvious inundations of wind-blown sand. The existence of a rough surface running east-west along much of the High Street could suggest that this is the more likely candidate for the earliest focus for the burgh, rather than the north/south running Quality Street further to the east. Road surfaces were also seen along East Road, running out of the town. The density of occupation deposits markedly lessened along Westgate, the continuation of the High Street, indicating the limits of the medieval core. A number of structures were also identified, including a wall at the east of the town that may represent the town wall, or at least define the limit of settlement to the east. The data collected from the watching brief will allow better assessments for future planning decisions, and also shows the importance of archaeological monitoring of this type of construction work.
The Excavation of an Early Bronze Age Burnt Mound at Arisaig, Lochaber, Highland
Authors: Suddaby Ian , Ballin Torben , Cressey Michael , Ellis Clare , Clarke Karen , Whitelaw Leeanne
Published: February 2020

During the upgrading of the A830(T), the 'Road to the Isles', the remains of a disturbed burnt mound deposit were discovered and later excavated during September and October 2005 by CFA Archaeology Ltd. This is the first such feature to have been excavated in this part of the Highlands.The burnt mound was discovered lying partly below a modern field bank on the edge of Arisaig during a trial trenching evaluation. Excavation demonstrated that the feature was formed in an active fluvial environment and that, despite the rural and boggy location, it had suffered considerable damage since its formation, caused by both the fluvial action of the adjacent stream and by a field drain. No evidence was found for either a hearth or a formal trough. The implication of a small assemblage of local quartz from within the burnt material is discussed. The charcoal assemblage is compared to spectra of pollen from contemporary deposits of peat in the area. Studies of the nature and origin of the burnt material via the results of soil magnetic susceptibility and thin-section analyses are presented. Six radiocarbon dates from three associated contexts span the period from 2550 to 1900 BC and suggest the burnt mound accumulated during the Early Bronze Age.
Excavations on the Route of the Dalkeith Northern Bypass, 1994-95 and 2006
Authors: Dunwell Andrew , Cressey Michael , Cameron Kirsty , Strachan Richard , Suddaby Ian , Rees Alastair , Mitchell Stuart , Alexander D , Anderson Sue , Ballin Torben , Caldwell David , Clarke C , Finlayson B , Jackson Adam , Johnson M , Hunter Fraser , McCulloch R , Oliver F , Pelling R , Thoms J , Wild F
Published: February 2020

An evaluation and subsequent targeted excavations were carried out along the route of the proposed A68 Dalkeith Northern Bypass by the Centre for Field Archaeology (CFA) between September 1994 and March 1995, with additional watching briefs taking place in 1997. The work was commissioned by Historic Scotland on behalf of the Roads Directorate of the Scottish Office Industry Department. The bypass was not constructed at the time, and further pre-construction mitigation work was recommended in 2005, with fieldwork being carried out in 2006-08 by CFA Archaeology Ltd, for Historic Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland.This report describes the results of the evaluations and each excavation individually. The route traverses a narrow strip of the Lothian plain which contained several prehistoric sites (two ring-groove structures, a stone-paved area and two pit alignments), a Roman temporary camp, a post-medieval building, an 18th-century designed landscape, and two industrial sites (a brick and tile works and a coal pit engine house). Several sites also produced ephemeral remains of earlier or later date. Overall, the results indicated a settlement pattern and land use which concentrated on the sands and gravels of the river terraces, with far less settlement on the unforgiving compacted clays which otherwise characterise large parts of the road corridor.
A Rural Medieval Settlement and Early Iron Age Funerary Remains at Hallhill, Dunbar, East Lothian
Authors: Mitchell Stuart , Anderson Sue , Hall Derek , Cox Adrian , Jackson Adam , Smith Catherine , Ceron-Carrasco R
Published: February 2020

An archaeological excavation at Hallhill, Dunbar, has revealed the remains of a rural medieval settlement. Few such sites have been identified in Scotland. Two irregular structures, an enclosure and other possible structures, as well as numerous pits and several gullies and ditches were identified. Large quantities of medieval pottery were recovered from the fills of many of the features, as well as animal bone, coarse stone and metal artefacts. Further to the north, a sub-square ditched enclosure was also found, although this could not be stratigraphically related to the medieval remains and is undated. Adjacent to it was a pit containing incomplete remains of a human skeleton which have been dated to the Late Bronze Age. The work was sponsored by George Wimpey East Scotland Ltd.
Antioxidants: Science, Technology, and Applications
Authors: Senanayake S.P.J. Namal , Wanasundara P.K. Janitha P.D. , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: February 2020

Antioxidants are compounds that are used to enhance shelf life and preserve the quality of fats and oils and lipid‐containing foods by suppressing oxidation reactions of their unsaturated components. These compounds could be naturally present, deliberately added, or generated during processing. Antioxidants are needed in small quantities to participate or interfere in the lipid autoxidation reaction cascade via various mechanisms. They should be easy to handle and use, cost‐effective, and readily available. Antioxidants should not impart any undesirable flavor, odor, or color to the food; they should be stable and safe for use in food. Application of these antioxidants differs depending on the nature of the food, conditions of intended processing, desired shelf life, and storage. However, antioxidants that are deliberately added to foods are thoroughly scrutinized for their safety and toxicology aspects. Their usage in food is regulated under different legislatures in various countries. This article examines the purpose of antioxidant use, chemistry of antioxidant activity, and naturally derived and synthetic compounds that exert antioxidative activity in foods, as well as the relevant technological, toxicological, and regulatory considerations.
Rice Bran Oil
Authors: Orthoefer Frank T.
Published: February 2020

The market for rice bran oil is expected to grow significantly due to its popularity in foods, food supplements, cosmetics, and health care. The advantages of rice bran oil are certainly its unique properties and nutritional benefits. The presence of a unique antioxidant called oryzanol contributes maximum antioxidant activity to rice bran oil. This article explains the composition, milling, refining, specifications, processing, and utilization of rice oil production.
Gamma Linolenic Acid: Sources and Functions
Authors: Kapoor Rakesh , Nair Harikumar
Published: February 2020

Gamma‐linolenic acid (GLA,cis6,cis9,cis12‐octadecatrienoic acid) is a conditionally essential fatty acid of the n‐6 family. It is produced in the mammalian body from enzymatic desaturation of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that must be supplied by the diet. It is widely distributed in plant kingdom in trace amounts, and is not present in major commercial vegetable seed oils. It is present in seeds of many species belonging to families Aceraceae, Boraginaceae, Cannabinaceae, Liliaceae, Onagraceae, Ranunculaceae, Saxifragaceae, and Scrophulariaceae. A very limited number of plant sources have been commercialized in last 30 years as a source of GLA, mainly in the health food industry and to a limited extent in pharmaceutical, pet food, and cosmetic industries. These include oils of borage, black currant, evening primrose, and recently hemp. The total market for GLA‐containing oils is about $60–$70 million per year.

Research on GLA in last three decades has focused on the physiological and pharmacological effects, including its effects on second messenger system in the body. On the production side, research focus is on identification of new sources and yield optimization. This article reviews the current state of knowledge about sources, and nutritional and health benefits of GLA and attempts to identify areas for future research that will help develop markets for GLA.
Animal Fats
Authors: Richards Mark P. , Olson Jake M. , Haas Michael J.
Published: February 2020

The depot lipids of land animals have long been used by humans in edible and industrial applications and as ingredients for animal feeds. They differ from the lipids of temperate region plants in that they are solid at room temperature (and are therefore termed fats). This solidity is largely a result of their relatively higher content of saturated fatty acids and reduced content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid contents and the arrangement of these constituent fatty acids within the acylglycerols of animal fats confer distinctive properties that lend these lipids to various applications. The major industrial animal fats are tallow, which is obtained from cattle (Bos taurus) and sheep (Ovis aries), lard, which is produced by pigs (Sus scrofa), and poultry fat, obtained primarily from chickens (Gallus gallus). Greases are often a blend of different animal fats and used primarily in animal feeds. Greases are also derived from spent deep fat fryers that can be a mixture of vegetable oils and animal fats. This article provides an overview of the structures, properties, types and classes, and industrial processing technologies of animal fats. Contemporary issues impacting animal fat usage include (i) concerns for their contribution to coronary disease when consumed as a dietary lipid, (ii) the effects of alternative feed ingredients on animal fat composition and quality, (iii) their use as feedstocks for the production of diesel engine fuels (biodiesel), and (iv) the discovery of the health‐promoting effects of the consumption of specific animal fatty acids.
Soaps
Authors: Solaiman Daniel K.Y. , Ashby Richard D. , Erhan Sevim Z.
Published: February 2020

Soap is a general term that refers to materials that serve to remove undesirable soils from clothing, body/skin, and other articles. Archeological discoveries described the making and the use of a soap‐like substance as far back as ca. 5000 years ago. Throughout the ages, the soap‐like substance having a cleaning function has evolved into many physical forms, starting with the most familiar bar soaps to the more recent liquid soaps and the washing gels. Along with the evolution of the physical form of soap, the scientific basis of its washing ability had also been studied which lead to the invention of new chemicals to suit various applications and formulations. In this article, a brief history of the discovery of soap is presented, together with the theoretical basis of its cleaning activity. A few commonly employed production processes for making the soap products is also discussed. The key materials used in the manufacturing process of soap are highlighted. Finally, the commercial and economic aspects of the present days soap manufacturing were analyzed. It is the goal of this contribution to provide a broad view of the arts, science, and economics of soapmaking.
Shortenings: Types and Formulations
Authors: O'Brien Richard D. , Oswell Natalie J. , Pegg Ronald B.
Published: February 2020

Shortening has historically been referred to a solid fat that is added to a dough to prevent the development of long strands of gluten in a baked product. This results in crumbly, dense doughs that are required in the production of various confections. Today, the term “shortening” typically describes a vegetable oil‐based ingredient; while in baking applications, either vegetable shortening or the more traditional lard can be used somewhat interchangeably. The composition of shortening has evolved significantly, and today's shortenings may contain mixtures of solid and liquid fats as well as additives like emulsifiers, and antioxidants, among others.

Specific topics discussed in this article are source oils, shortening attributes, a base stock system that uses a limited number of hydrogenated stocks for blending, formulations, crystallization, plasticized shortening consistency, liquid opaque shortenings, and shortening chips and flakes.
Margarine Processing Plants and Equipment
Authors: Alexandersen Klaus A. , Ghazani Saeed M. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: February 2020

When designing margarine processing plants and choosing the equipment to be installed, a wide range of considerations have to be made with regard to issues like actual processing, hygiene, sanitation, and efficiency. In margarine production, oils and fats usually are considered to be the most important raw materials used, as oils and fats are significant in relation to the characteristics of the finished margarine. The type of oils or fats used has a considerable influence on the crystallization characteristics during the margarine processing, which has to be considered when choosing the equipment involved in the processing line. The criteria involved in choosing this equipment are to a certain extent based on the knowledge about product characteristics, polymorphism, and crystal structure of the margarine and related products. In this article, crystallization of oil and fat products, margarine processing equipment and packaging methods, processing methods, and specific process flows are discussed. Various oil types exhibiting interesting crystallization habits are reviewed along with certain specialized margarine or fat products and new processing methods such as interesterification and oleogelation. Storage of the finished products, as well as production quality control and hygiene, are also covered.
Toxicity and Safety of Fats and Oils
Authors: Feng Shi , Wang Yu
Published: February 2020

Chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease have become a global health issue in the last century. To prevent and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, healthy eating patterns are believed to be essential. In the dietary guideline, limiting the consumption of saturated fats and
trans
fats has been proposed due to their associations with multiple health concerns. In this article, the updated information referring to the safety and toxicity of saturated fats,
trans
fats, and fat‐related food contaminants is reviewed. This article includes the corresponding formation pathways, safety issues as well as regulations. Better understanding and improved awareness by the consumer as well as the food industry regarding the safety of fat consumption will help to promote the healthy eating pattern among customers, and therefore improve the public health.
Hydrogenation: Processing Technologies
Authors: Farr Walter E. , Ghazani Saeed M. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: February 2020

Although there is a continued need for hydrogenation of oils and fats for food industry, in recent years the final hydrogenated products mainly switched to fully hydrogenated fats instead of partially hydrogenated oils. With the increasing consumer awareness about the deleterious effects of
trans
fatty acids, the consumption of industrially hydrogenated oils and fats has decreased. However, demand for substitution of hydrogenated fats with oils naturally high in saturated fatty acids, such as palm oil and its derivatives, is increasing. The current research on the elimination of
trans
‐fatty acids in food products through innovations and developments in hydrogenation process, novel catalysts and supports, and using novel oils and fats sources could be promising solutions to eliminate or dramatically decrease
trans
fatty acids; however, these findings need to be practically confirmed in industrial scale production plants.
Quality Assurance of Fats and Oils
Authors: Shahidi Fereidoon , Ambigaipalan Priyatharini
Published: February 2020

The quality of fats and oils is dictated by several physical and chemical parameters that are dependent on the source of oil: geographic, climatic, and agronomic variables of growth in the case of plant oils as well as processing and storage conditions. Thus, quality assurance criteria may depend partly on the type of oil under investigation as well as on other factors that may vary depending on the intended use and regulations that vary in different countries.
A Primer on Oils Processing Technology
Authors: Anderson Dan , Hossain Abul , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: February 2020

In the last couple of decades, the emphasis has been placed from stand‐alone operations toward the integrated manufacturing facility, producing a more complete range of value‐added products from the raw seed to the dinner table. During this transition, operations have become more dependent on each other, as the individual functions involved must now consider the impact of their actions on the total process. At the same time, the scope of knowledge each operation must have of other functions has expanded, and it is important that at least a basic understanding of the “big overall picture” be available to the decision‐maker. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the typical processes and interrelations associated with a total integrated facility.
Health Effects of Short‐Chain, Medium‐Chain, and Long‐Chain Fatty Acids, Saturated Vs Unsaturated and Omega‐6 Vs Omega‐3 Fatty Acids and Trans Fats
Authors: Wang Siyu , Wang Yu , Shahidi Fereidoon , Ho Chi‐Tang
Published: February 2020

Increasing attention has been paid to the role of fats and oils in modern diet during recent decades due to their high caloric contribution and health issues associated with increasing concern of obesity. Growing evidence indicates that in addition to the known functions, according to the length and degree of unsaturation of hydrocarbon chains, different fatty acid species also exert a wide spectrum of critical functions in physiological activities. Fatty acids have moved from speculation about their functions to solid evidence that they are not only essential nutrients but may also modulate many human diseases and conditions. In this article, we compare different fatty acid species by chain length, degree of unsaturation, and configuration, comprehensively providing their effect on human health.
Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Health
Authors: Furlan Cibele P.B. , de Camargo Adriano C. , Marostica Mario R.
Published: February 2020

Current data highlight the importance of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in maintaining the integrity of intestinal epithelial barrier function. In contrast, breakdown of intestinal barrier function due to high intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) facilitates lipopolysaccharides (LPS) migration into the bloodstream, thus enabling systemic inflammation, which is common to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the axes for the formation of lipoproteins (LP) are the intestine and liver. The first one produces LP from dietary lipids, while in the liver LP are generated from endogenous lipids. Therefore, the role of intestine in several chronic ailments has been in the spotlight. The benefits of omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids have been covered in other articles in this series. Therefore, this contribution summarizes the potential of dietary lipids in improving health by describing the role of omega‐9 fatty acids and its sources in influencing gut health and beyond.
Lipids, Weight Gain and Obesity
Authors: Deng Zeyuan , Li Jing , Lei Lin
Published: February 2020

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancers are mainly induced by body weight gain and obesity. It is recognized that excess calorie intake and reduced physical activity are the fundamental causes for weight gain and obesity, among which dietary lipids have been correlated with increases in body mass index. An increasing attention has focused on dietary lipids, both quantity and quality, to prevent the development of obesity. The first part of this article introduces the contemporary understanding of dietary lipids in weight gain and obesity, including the transcriptional factors, namely, sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins (SREBPs) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs), involved in fatty acids metabolism. The second part reviews the role of overweight and obesity in chronic diseases, with focus on the underlying mechanism of obesity‐induced inflammation, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers.
Conjugated Lipids and Health
Authors: Park Yeonhwa
Published: February 2020

Naturally occurring conjugated fatty acids are reported to possess many health benefits. Among them, conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) have been extensively studied for the last three decades. This article provides a review of the known effects of CLA (anticancer, antiobesity, modulation of inflammation and immune responses, bone health effects, and lipid metabolism effects) followed by the potential adverse effects of CLA (oxidative stress, insulin resistance, milk fat depression, and hepatic dysfunctions). There are also other naturally occurring conjugated polyenes, including punicic, eleostearic, jacaric, catalpic, calendic, and parinaric acids. Although the research on these conjugated polyenes is limited, a summary is provided to summarize their health benefits.
Digital magic, or the dark arts of the 21stcentury—how can journals and peer reviewers detect manuscripts and publications from paper mills?
Authors: Byrne Jennifer A. , Christopher Jana
Published: February 2020

In recent years, it has been proposed that unrealistic requirements for academics and medical doctors to publish in scientific journals, combined with monetary publication rewards, have led to forms of contract cheating offered by organizations known as paper mills. Paper mills are alleged to offer products ranging from research data through to ghostwritten fraudulent or fabricated manuscripts and submission services. While paper mill operations remain poorly understood, it seems likely that paper mills need to balance product quantity and quality, such that they produce or contribute to large numbers of manuscripts that will be accepted for publication. Producing manuscripts at scale may be facilitated by the use of manuscript templates, which could give rise to shared features such as textual and organizational similarities, the description of highly generic study hypotheses and experimental approaches, digital images that show evidence of manipulation and/or reuse, and/or errors affecting verifiable experimental reagents. Based on these features, we propose practical steps that editors, journal staff, and peer reviewers can take to recognize and respond to research manuscripts and publications that may have been produced with undeclared assistance from paper mills.