bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling two-dimensional polymerization in the single crystal
Authors: Hofer Gregor , Grieder Florian , Kröger Martin , Schlüter A. Dieter , Weber Thomas
Published: March 2018

Two-dimensional single-crystal-to-single-crystal polymerization and depolymerization are described in detail. The results are based on in-house and synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments conducted on several samples at 100 K and room temperature. The reactions are associated with considerable molecular motions of all components (monomer, template and incorporated solvent molecules), which can be as large as 1 Å. Continuous polymerization leads to a gradual gap opening between the emerging two-dimensional polymer layers, which allows for increased mobility of the solvent molecules. The positional flexibility of both the solvents and the weakly bound templates buffers the local strain induced by polymerization through a complex chain of movements. As a consequence, the accumulated global strain remains small enough to essentially preserve the single-crystalline state in the course of a complete polymerization/depolymerization cycle. The unit-cell parameters evolve in an unusual way. The a and c axes of the trigonal lattice slightly increase during polymerization, even though van der Waals interactions are replaced by shorter covalent bonds and the involved molecules shrink. However, the c axis experiences a significant drop of more than 1 Å during the first depolymerization step. Progressive depolymerization expands the c axis again, but it does not quite reach the value of the fresh crystal. These effects can be explained by local strain formation and compensation mechanisms and by annealing effects during heat-induced depolymerization. An interesting side effect of the polymerization is the reorientation of incorporated solvent molecules, which give the crystal a tunable dipole moment. Of particular importance for the understanding of two-dimensional polymers is the evolution of the connectivity between molecules during polymerization and depolymerization. Combining reaction kinetics with structural information, such as the polymerization-induced displacement of reactive sites, allowed for the development of a propagation model, in which both polymerization and depolymerization proceed in a self-impeding fashion. This model is supported by Monte Carlo simulations.
μCHILL: a lightweight, modular system for handling crystalline samples at low temperatures under inert conditions
Authors: Solar Michael , Trapp Nils
Published: March 2018

A procedure for preparing and mounting crystals under inert conditions is demonstrated, using a specialized apparatus (μCHILL) to provide a cold gas stream fed from a liquid nitrogen (LN2) reservoir or an open bath heat exchanger. A second, dry gas stream at room temperature enwraps the cold gas, protecting the sample preparation zone from ambient moisture. The technique is extremely flexible, requiring only a single operator, little practice and almost no preparation time. The device enables operation in a wide temperature range (at least 213 K to room temperature), providing temperature control and very stable conditions with no icing for extended time periods. The flexible, modular and low-cost design is based on three-dimensional-printed parts and readily available standard components, potentially making the device available to a wide range of users and applications not limited to single-crystal studies.
Implementation of cross correlation for energy discrimination on the time-of-flight spectrometer CORELLI
Authors: Ye Feng , Liu Yaohua , Whitfield Ross , Osborn Ray , Rosenkranz Stephan
Published: March 2018

The CORELLI instrument at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a statistical chopper spectrometer designed and optimized to probe complex disorder in crystalline materials through diffuse scattering experiments. On CORELLI, the high efficiency of white-beam Laue diffraction combined with elastic discrimination have enabled an unprecedented data collection rate to obtain both the total and the elastic-only scattering over a large volume of reciprocal space from a single measurement. To achieve this, CORELLI is equipped with a statistical chopper to modulate the incoming neutron beam quasi-randomly, and then the cross-correlation method is applied to reconstruct the elastic component from the scattering data. Details of the implementation of the cross-correlation method on CORELLI are given and its performance is discussed.
Online restaurant entrepreneurship: the story of Holachef in an increasingly digitalized India
Authors: Jha Sumi , Sekhar Bhattacharyya Som
Published: March 2018

Subject area

This case can be used in courses on strategic management for second year masters’ level management students (with a focus on strategic analysis of internet-based business models in India) and entrepreneurship (with a focus on business growth). The primary focus of the case is how an internet-based business model in the food industry took shape.

Study level/applicability

The case enumerates how strategic analysis can be performed to analyze the firm based on topics such as the analysis of the mission and vision of Holachef based on the Ashridge mission model, examining strategy with Mintzberg’s 5Ps of strategy, performing a PESTLE analysis of HolaChef, evaluating Holachef with Porter’s industry analysis, performing Value net analysis for Holachef, examining Holachef’s business with strategy group analysis, examining the roots of core competencies of Holachef and explaining Holachef’s resource and capabilities with the valuable, rare, inimitable, non-substitutable (VRIN) Framework.

Case overview

Saurabh Saxena and Anil Gelra co-founded Holachef, “a restaurant in cloud” in March 2014. In a city like Mumbai, there are many households where both partners work; this had led to difficulties for people finding time to prepare food at home. Holachef is an online delivery platform which aggregates chefs for home-like multiple cuisine preparation. Holachef’s vision is to satisfy the need for homemade healthy food. The three pillars of Holachef to provide such food are technology (orders are taken through a website, mobile application and phone calls), food (enlisted chefs on the website) and logistics. The food prepared by chefs is assembled at different distribution centres and routed to customers. The efficient logistics and storage system maintain the quality of food. These pillars help Holachef to serve customers with efficiency at affordable prices.

Expected learning outcomes

Performing strategic analysis from both an industrial organization theory and resource-based view (RBV) perspective with VRIN framework. This is in the context of online business models in a digitizing India. Entrepreneurial strategy concepts and challenges faced by entrepreneurs in an online business.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions among students in vocational training programmes
Authors: Galvão Anderson , Marques Carla Susana , Marques Carlos Peixeira
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to research on individual entrepreneurial intention (IEI) by assessing the importance of entrepreneurship education to students in vocational training programmes and using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to analyse these students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The family background of the students and their exposure to entrepreneurship subject matter were included as antecedents of TPB components and IEI.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the research model, the primary data were collected with questionnaires distributed to students in their last year of vocational training programmes with and without entrepreneurship coursework, in a region of Northern Portugal. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results show that TPB dimensions substantially contribute to explaining students’ IEI. However, their family background makes only a minor contribution, and exposure to entrepreneurship education has no influence on IEI.

Research limitations/implications

Given these results, the authors propose a broader discussion is needed of the importance of introducing business classes into the curricula of vocational training programmes.

Originality/value

This research’s results show that IEI models need to assign greater importance to variables related to previous exposure to entrepreneurial experiences through direct family members. The findings contribute to a fuller understanding of IEI and the factors that precede the formation of this intention among students in training programmes.
Analysis of skill gap for business graduates: managerial perspective from banking industry
Authors: Abbasi Farhad Khurshid , Ali Amjad , Bibi Naila
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the gap between skills expected by managers and skills possessed by business graduates employed by banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with bank officers under whom fresh business graduates were working. They were asked to indicate the importance of 12 employability skills in the industry and to rate business graduates working under them against these skills. Results are achieved by applying paired samples and independent samples t-tests on data collected from 121 bank officers.

Findings

Results prove that overall employability skills of the graduates are lesser than expected by the managers. Significant skill gaps were found for listening, problem solving, communication, leadership, interpersonal, analytical, self-management, numeracy and critical thinking. Results also reveal that problem-solving skill of male graduates is superior that that of females.

Practical implications

The study makes business graduates clear in what skills they are to learn and how it relates to the expectations of managers in banking industry. It helps business schools to revise and improve curriculum of some specialized banking programs according to the needs of the industry.

Originality/value

This is the first study that investigates the skills required by the banking industry out of business graduates. It also identifies the skill gaps for fresh business graduates from managerial perspective in banking industry of Pakistan.
Development of insect repellent finish by a simple coacervation microencapsulation technique
Authors: Sharma Rachna , Goel Alka
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The paper focused onto the development of microcapsules by using two essential oils. It proposes the uses of eucalyptus oil and cedarwood oil as a natural insecticide. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of developed microcapsules to impart insect repellency on textile substrate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an experimental study using two essential oils and gum in formations of microcapsules through a simple coaseravtion encapsulation technique. The developed solution was analyzed, including confirmation of size and structure through. Application of developed finish on substrate was also undertaken to prove better ability as repellent fabric.

Findings

The paper highlights useful invention of microencapsulated fabric developed with the combination of gum acacia and eucalyptus oil as core and shell material. The developed fabric has better ability to repel silverfish as compared to microencapsulated fabric developed with gum acacia (shell) and cedarwood oil (core).

Research limitations/implications

Due to the lack of time and less availability of essential oils, only two oils were used to test the insect repellent behavior.

Practical implications

This paper fulfills an identified need, it includes implications for the development of a very useful natural insecticide to repel silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) insect. This insect is a very common problem found in cloth wardrobes and bookshelves; it mainly attacks the fabric with cellulosic content and starch.

Social implications

Society will get major benefit of using these microencapsulated finished fabrics, which repel silverfish from their home and keep their clothing and books safe for longer period. The natural fragrance and medicinal benefits of these essential oils can never be ignored.

Originality/value

This study sets a new approach to repel insects like silverfish from the bookshelves and clothing wardrobes. A layer of insect repellent microencapsulated finished fabric can be added in these shelves and wardrobes. It is an eco-friendly approach of using natural essential oils instead of chemical insecticides.
Using international sport events as part of a brand construction strategy
Authors: Puente-Díaz Rogelio
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the author examines how the destination brand Mexico is using international sporting events as part of its branding strategy to deal with the challenges faced by destinations and to overcome some of its weaknesses. Second, the author assesses the positive and negative consequences of such strategy. The investigation tries to fill a gap in terms of understanding and assessing opportunities and challenges experienced by the sport industry in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a case study research strategy, relying on documentation, archival records, and personal interviews with experts as sources of evidence. Given that most research efforts have focused on developed countries, this research approach was exploratory and descriptive.

Findings

The thematic analysis revealed the presence of five major themes related to the process of hosting and using Formula One (F1), National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and National Basketball Association (NBA) games as part of a brand strategy. These five major themes were labeled: brand strategy challenges and opportunities, balancing short- and long-term goals and benefits, tension between stakeholders from different destinations, social issues, and areas of improvement.

Originality/value

The findings shed light on the challenges and opportunities that hosting international sport events bring to a destination brand with an emerging economy such as Mexico. The opportunity to host these types of events comes from the expansion strategies of well-known sport brands such as F1, NFL, MLB, and NBA.
Financial inclusion: perceptions of visually impaired older Nigerians
Authors: Okonji Patrick Emeka , Ogwezzy Darlington Chukwunalu
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore areas of challenge in managing personal finances among visually impaired older people, with critical appraisal of current structures available in financial institutions for equal access to financial services. The paper intends to create understanding of the drawbacks to financial inclusion from the perspectives and experiences of older people with vision impairment in Nigeria as well as highlighting areas where support is/are needed to tackle digital exclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a qualitative approach, interviewing 30 visually impaired older adults, aged 60 years and over. Participants were drawn from a voluntary organisation for people living with vision impairment in Southwest Nigeria. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using qualitative data analysis software – NVivo (version 11).

Findings

Results provide clear insight on the nature of the challenges faced by visually impaired older people, particularly with managing finances on computer-enabled platforms. The findings also revealed fears and hopes of this group about the rapid evolution of technologies for managing finances.

Originality/value

The study critically explored an understudied population, showing peculiar challenges and made a case for inclusive designs that are useful for digital inclusion of this population.
Population health management guiding principles to stimulate collaboration and improve pharmaceutical care
Authors: Steenkamer Betty , Baan Caroline , Putters Kim , van Oers Hans , Drewes Hanneke
Published: March 2018

Purpose

A range of strategies to improve pharmaceutical care has been implemented by population health management (PHM) initiatives. However, which strategies generate the desired outcomes is largely unknown. The purpose of this paper is to identify guiding principles underlying collaborative strategies to improve pharmaceutical care and the contextual factors and mechanisms through which these principles operate.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation was informed by a realist methodology examining the links between PHM strategies, their outcomes and the contexts and mechanisms by which these strategies operate. Guiding principles were identified by grouping context-specific strategies with specific outcomes.

Findings

In total, ten guiding principles were identified: create agreement and commitment based on a long-term vision; foster cooperation and representation at the board level; use layered governance structures; create awareness at all levels; enable interpersonal links at all levels; create learning environments; organize shared responsibility; adjust financial strategies to market contexts; organize mutual gains; and align regional agreements with national policies and regulations. Contextual factors such as shared savings influenced the effectiveness of the guiding principles. Mechanisms by which these guiding principles operate were, for instance, fostering trust and creating a shared sense of the problem.

Practical implications

The guiding principles highlight how collaboration can be stimulated to improve pharmaceutical care while taking into account local constraints and possibilities. The interdependency of these principles necessitates effectuating them together in order to realize the best possible improvements and outcomes.

Originality/value

This is the first study using a realist approach to understand the guiding principles underlying collaboration to improve pharmaceutical care.
Management simulations for Lean healthcare: exploiting the potentials of role-playing
Authors: Barnabè Federico , Giorgino Maria Cleofe , Guercini Jacopo , Bianciardi Caterina , Mezzatesta Vincenzo
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potentials of role-playing (RP) both in training healthcare (HC) professionals to implement tools and improvement actions based on Lean principles, and in supporting group discussion and the sharing of different competencies for the development of Lean HC.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the case study of an RP simulation called LEAN HEALTHCARE LAB, which is used to train HC professionals at Siena University Hospital. The paper reports and discusses the results of a specific two-day simulation session and of a questionnaire that was distributed to gather feedback from the participants.

Findings

The paper verifies the potentials of RP to be a powerful educational and training tool that is able to stimulate the HC participants to apply Lean thinking principles and share their competencies in collaborative decision-making processes.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides data in reference to one single simulation session, although the game has already been applied several times in different HC organizations with very similar outcomes. Moreover, a more in-depth analysis of players’ perceptions and decisions could be performed using different tools in addition to the adopted questionnaire.

Practical implications

RP games (RPGs) are effective training and educational tools for HC professionals. They offer benefits and learning conditions which are definitely different if compared with more conventional education programs for HC professionals.

Originality/value

While previous studies have extensively discussed the potentialities of RPG and simulations in training programs, only a few articles have discussed the RP adoption for Lean thinking and even less to educate HC professionals on Lean principles and tools.
Numerical analysis on circular concrete-filled tubular columns subjected to fire
Authors: Pires Tiago A. de C. , Rodrigues João Paulo C. , Silva Jose J.R.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Nowadays, circular concrete-filled tubular (CFT) columns are largely used in construction because of structural and architectural advantages such as high load bearing capacity and aesthetic appearance. The behavior of CFT columns at ambient and high temperatures is good; however, there are problems related to their behavior in fire when inserted in a real building structure, as for example, the influence of the restraining to thermal elongation that have to be addressed in order to improve their design. This study aims to present the results of a numerical study on the behavior of CFT columns with restrained thermal elongation in case of fire.

Design/methodology/approach

The parameters tested in the numerical simulations included column slenderness, load level, surrounding structure stiffness and steel reinforcement ratio. A sequentially coupled thermal stress analysis was carried out. The numerical model was validated with results from a large series of fire resistance tests carried out at Coimbra University, in Portugal. From these, simple equations to evaluate CFT column critical times were derived.

Findings

The results were also compared with the ones obtained from the current EN 1994-1-2:2005 simplified calculation and tabulated data methods. For the analyzed cases, it was verified that, while the simplified calculation method led to safe results on the evaluation of the fire resistance of CFT columns with restrained thermal elongation, the tabulated data method led, in certain cases, to unsafe results. This research showed also lower critical times than those from literature on similar type of columns.

Originality/value

The influence of the stiffness of the surrounding structure on the behavior of CFT columns subjected to fire was not yet clear in the major part of the studies already carried out. So, this paper has the originality to consider this parameter in the numerical simulations of this type of columns.
Mechanism between perceived organizational support and transfer of training
Authors: Islam Talat , Ahmed Ishfaq
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mechanism between perceived organizational support and transfer of training using self-efficacy and job satisfaction as mediating variables. More specifically, self-efficacy is examined as a mediator between perceived organizational support and job satisfaction, whereas job satisfaction is examined as a mediator between perceived organizational support and transfer of training.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study is based on data collected from 409 employees of the banking sector on a random basis.

Findings

Structural equation modeling analysis confirmed the mediating role of job satisfaction between perceived organizational support and transfer of training. In addition, self-efficacy was found to perform the mediating role between perceived organizational support and job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The data for this study were collected at one point of time, and it has implications for organizations and employees.

Originality/value

This study highlights the emerging issue of transfer of training and gives a practical model to the organizations to strengthen their human resources. This study is perhaps the first attempt to empirically investigate the mediating role of self-efficacy and job satisfaction.
Exploring antecedents of social media usage in B2B: a systematic review
Authors: Pascucci Federica , Ancillai Chiara , Cardinali Silvio
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to review the state-of-the-art literature on social media adoption in business-to-business (B2B) contexts to propose an inclusive and theoretical viewpoint to understand the antecedents of this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of a systematic literature review. For this purpose, 29 studies published in academic journals, books and conference papers in the field of marketing and management from 2001 to 2017 were analysed.

Findings

The results show that the number of studies has increased in the past five years. Three different groups of antecedents are identified by considering the nature of these factors (personal, organisational and external) and analysed at two different levels of adoption: individual and firm/function. Managerial implications and future research insights are provided.

Research limitations/implications

This research area deserves much more attention, both theoretical and empirical, to analyse the existing classifications and develop new categories of antecedents of social media adoption in B2B. Further studies are needed on the individual level of adoption, on new skills and capabilities required to use social media as well as on the social factors influencing usage.

Practical implications

The literature review allows to understand the role of personal, organisational and social antecedents and suggest ways to improve the level and quality of adoption.

Originality/value

Despite a considerable interest in research on social media, this paper provides the first complete framework in the new field of study concerning social media adoption in B2B.
AldB controls persister formation in Escherichia coli depending on environmental stress
Authors: Kawai Yuto , Matsumoto Shinya , Ling Yiwei , Okuda Shujiro , Tsuneda Satoshi
Published: March 2018

Persisters are multidrug‐tolerant cells that are present within antibiotic‐sensitive populations. Persister formation is not induced by genetic mutations, but rather by changes in the degree of expression of some genes. High redundancy has been observed among the pathways that have been hypothesized to respond to specific stresses. In this study, we conducted RNA sequencing of Escherichia coli persisters under various stress conditions to identify common mechanisms. We induced stresses such as glucose or amino acid exhaustion, acid stress and anaerobic conditions, all of which are encountered during bacterial pathogenesis. We found that most genes are differentially expressed depending on the specific stress condition; however, some genes were commonly expressed in persisters in most stress conditions. Commonly expressed genes are expected to be promising therapeutic targets for combating persistent infections. We found that knockdown of aldehyde dehydrogenase (aldB), which was expressed in every condition except for acid stress, decreased persisters in the non‐stressed condition. However, the same strain unexpectedly showed an increased number of persisters in the amino acid‐limited condition. Because the increase in persister number is glycolytic metabolite‐dependent, metabolic flow may play a crucial role in aldB‐mediated persister formation. These data suggest that environmental stresses alter persister mechanisms. Identification of environmental influences on persister formation during pathogenesis is therefore necessary to enabling persister eradication.
Sulfated vizantin induces formation of macrophage extracellular traps
Authors: Oda Masataka , Kurosawa Mie , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Domon Hisanori , Kimura Tatsuya , Isono Toshihito , Maekawa Tomoki , Hayashi Naoki , Yamada Noriteru , Furue Yui , Kai Daichi , Terao Yutaka
Published: March 2018

Vizantin is an insoluble adjuvant that activates macrophages and lymphocytes. Recently, 2,2′,3,3′,4,4′‐hexasulfated‐vizantin (sulfated vizantin), which enables solubilization of vizantin, was developed by the present team. Sulfated vizantin was found to enhance bactericidal activity against multi‐drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, spread of P. aeruginosa was inhibited in RAW264.7 cells treated with sulfated vizantin. When only sulfated vizantin and P. aeruginosa were incubated, sulfated vizantin did not affect growth of P. aeruginosa. Formation of DNA‐based extracellular traps (ETs), a novel defense mechanism in several types of innate immune cells, helps to eliminate pathogens. In the present study, ET‐forming macrophages constituted the majority of immune cells. Sulfated vizantin induced ET formation in RAW264.7 cells, whereas a Ca‐chelating reagent, EDTA, and T‐type calcium channel blocker, tetrandrine, inhibited ET formation and attenuated inhibition of spread of P. aeruginosa in sulfated vizantin‐treated cells. Thus, sulfated vizantin induces ET formation in phagocytic cells in a Ca‐dependent manner, thus preventing spread of P. aeruginosa. Hence, sulfated vizantin may be useful in the management of infectious diseases.
Disentangling the effects of multiple environmental drivers on population changes within communities
Authors: Bowler Diana E. , Heldbjerg Henning , Fox Anthony D. , O'Hara Robert B. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin
Published: March 2018

The effects of different environmental drivers on the changes in species’ population abundances can be difficult to disentangle as they often act simultaneously. Researchers have built statistical models that include environmental variables (such as annual temperature) or species attributes (such as a species’ temperature preference), which are assumed to detect the impacts of specific drivers (such as climate change). However, these approaches are often applied separately or, if combined, not explicitly compared.

We show the complementary insights gained by applying both these approaches to a community dataset on Danish terrestrial birds. We use our analysis to compare the relative importance of climate change and agricultural land‐use change for the abundance changes within the community between 1983 and 2013.

Population models were fitted to the community data of species’ annual abundances with predictors comprising: species attributes (species’ temperature and habitat preferences), environmental variables (climatic and agricultural land‐use change variables) or both. Relationships between species’ abundances and environmental variables were used to identify the drivers associated with average abundance changes of species in the community. Relationships between species’ abundances and their attributes were used to understand the drivers causing interspecific variation in abundance changes.

Warmer winters were positively associated with community‐level abundances, and warm‐adapted species had more positive abundance changes than cold‐adapted ones. Agricultural land‐use area was negatively associated with community‐level abundances, and birds using a high proportion of meadow and habitat specialists had more negative abundance changes than birds using other habitats and habitat generalists. Effect sizes of environmental variables were larger for agricultural land‐use change while those of species attributes were larger for climate change.

The environmental data approach suggested that agricultural land‐use change has decreased the average abundances of species in the community, affecting total community size while the species attribute‐based approach suggested that climate change has caused variation in abundance among species, affecting community composition. Environmental variables and species attributes that are hypothesized to link to specific drivers can be used together to provide complementary information on the impacts of different drivers on communities.
Multi‐Level Policy Implementation: A Case Study on China's Administrative Approval Intermediaries’ Reforms
Authors: Zhang Nandiyang , Rosenbloom David H.
Published: March 2018

Policy output and outcome shortfalls are often attributable to deficits in implementation. Drawing on data collected from multi‐level governmental documents and in‐depth interviews regarding the ongoing reforms of the use of ‘administrative approval intermediaries’ in China, we identified a genre of policy implementation in which the policy implementers themselves are targets of reform. These implementers swing between fulfilling tasks and deviation from formal requirements. By illustrating how the implementation gap in the reform widened as the implementation moved downstream and the exercise of centralized authority deteriorated, we found that the implementation deficits worsen as the targets’ interests were increasingly undermined by the policy. This was largely due to an administrative design in which the objective was established at the top, implementation depended on change by the bottom and coordination was horizontal across the middle.
Rationale behind IPO Underpricing: Evidence from Asian REIT IPOs
Authors: Ooi Joseph T.L. , Mori Masaki , Wong Woei‐Chyuan
Published: March 2018

This article examines the rationale behind IPO underpricing using a sample of REIT IPOs in Asia. Although the IPOs registered an average initial return of 3.08%, the issuers were able to sell the IPO shares above their fundamental values by timing the listings in periods when existing REIT stocks are traded at a premium to their net asset values (NAV). An IPO could therefore be underpriced and yet produce a net gain for the issuer. The issuers’ net gain from IPO is, however, negatively related to long‐run performance of REIT IPOs.
Fruit and Vegetable Waste: Bioactive Compounds, Their Extraction, and Possible Utilization
Authors: Sagar Narashans Alok , Pareek Sunil , Sharma Sunil , Yahia Elhadi M. , Lobo Maria Gloria
Published: March 2018

Fruits and vegetables are the most utilized commodities among all horticultural crops. They are consumed raw, minimally processed, as well as processed, due to their nutrients and health‐promoting compounds. With the growing population and changing diet habits, the production and processing of horticultural crops, especially fruits and vegetables, have increased very significantly to fulfill the increasing demands. Significant losses and waste in the fresh and processing industries are becoming a serious nutritional, economical, and environmental problem. For example, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has estimated that losses and waste in fruits and vegetables are the highest among all types of foods, and may reach up to 60%. The processing operations of fruits and vegetables produce significant wastes of by‐products, which constitute about 25% to 30% of a whole commodity group. The waste is composed mainly of seed, skin, rind, and pomace, containing good sources of potentially valuable bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, polyphenols, dietary fibers, vitamins, enzymes, and oils, among others. These phytochemicals can be utilized in different industries including the food industry, for the development of functional or enriched foods, the health industry for medicines and pharmaceuticals, and the textile industry, among others. The use of waste for the production of various crucial bioactive components is an important step toward sustainable development. This review describes the types and nature of the waste that originates from fruits and vegetables, the bioactive components in the waste, their extraction techniques, and the potential utilization of the obtained bioactive compounds.
Bioavailability of Quercetin in Humans with a Focus on Interindividual Variation
Authors: Almeida A. Filipa , Borge Grethe Iren A. , Piskula Mariusz , Tudose Adriana , Tudoreanu Liliana , Valentová Kateřina , Williamson Gary , Santos Cláudia N.
Published: March 2018

After consumption of plant‐derived foods or beverages, dietary polyphenols such as quercetin are absorbed in the small intestine and metabolized by the body, or they are subject to catabolism by the gut microbiota followed by absorption of the resulting products by the colon. The resulting compounds are bioavailable, circulate in the blood as conjugates with glucuronide, methyl, or sulfate groups attached, and they are eventually excreted in the urine. In this review, the various conjugates from different intervention studies are summarized and discussed. In addition, the substantial variation between different individuals in the measured quercetin bioavailability parameters is assessed in detail by examining published human intervention studies where sources of quercetin have been consumed in the form of food, beverages, or supplements. It is apparent that most reported studies have examined quercetin and/or metabolites in urine and plasma from a relatively small number of volunteers. Despite this limitation, it is evident that there is less interindividual variation in metabolites which are derived from absorption in the small intestine compared to catabolites derived from the action of microbiota in the colon. There is also some evidence that a high absorber of intact quercetin conjugates could be a low absorber of microbiota‐catalyzed phenolics, and vice versa. From the studies reported so far, the reasons or causes of the interindividual differences are not clear, but, based on the known metabolic pathways, it is predicted that dietary history, genetic polymorphisms, and variations in gut microbiota metabolism would play significant roles. In conclusion, quercetin bioavailability is subject to substantial variation between individuals, and further work is required to establish if this contributes to interindividual differences in biological responses.
Review article: Investigations and the pregnant woman in the emergency department – part 2: Point‐of‐care ultrasound, electrocardiography, respiratory function tests and radiology
Authors: Morton Adam , Teasdale Stephanie
Published: March 2018

Accurate assessment of the pregnant patient in the ED depends on knowledge of physiological changes in pregnancy, and how these changes may impact on pathology tests, appearance on point‐of‐care ultrasound, electrocardiography and respiratory function tests. In addition, the emergency physician needs to be cognisant of disorders that are unique to or more common during pregnancy. Part 2 of this review addresses the role of point‐of‐care ultrasound in pregnancy, physiological changes that may affect interpretation of point‐of‐care ultrasound, changes in electrocardiography and respiratory function tests, and the safety of radiological procedures in the pregnant patient. Part 1 addressed potential deviations in laboratory investigation reference intervals resulting from physiological alterations in pregnancy and the important causes of abnormal laboratory results in pregnancy.
Comparative susceptibility and immune responses of Asian and European honey bees to the American foulbrood pathogen, Paenibacillus larvae
Authors: Krongdang Sasiprapa , Evans Jay D. , Chen Yanping , Mookhploy Wannapha , Chantawannakul Panuwan
Published: March 2018

American foulbrood (AFB) disease is caused by Paenibacillus larvae. Currently, this pathogen is widespread in the European honey bee—Apis mellifera. However, little is known about infectivity and pathogenicity of P. larvae in the Asiatic cavity‐nesting honey bees, Apis cerana. Moreover, comparative knowledge of P. larvae infectivity and pathogenicity between both honey bee species is scarce. In this study, we examined susceptibility, larval mortality, survival rate and expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) including defensin, apidaecin, abaecin, and hymenoptaecin in A. mellifera and A. cerana when infected with P. larvae. Our results showed similar effects of P. larvae on the survival rate and patterns of AMP gene expression in both honey bee species when bee larvae are infected with spores at the median lethal concentration (LC50) for A. mellifera. All AMPs of infected bee larvae showed significant upregulation compared with noninfected bee larvae in both honey bee species. However, larvae of A. cerana were more susceptible than A. mellifera when the same larval ages and spore concentration of P. larvae were used. It also appears that A. cerana showed higher levels of AMP expression than A. mellifera. This research provides the first evidence of survival rate, LC50 and immune response profiles of Asian honey bees, A. cerana, when infected by P. larvae in comparison with the European honey bee, A. mellifera.
Antimicrobial Carvacrol in Solution Blow‐Spun Fish‐Skin Gelatin Nanofibers
Authors: Liu Fei , Saricaoglu Furkan Türker , Avena‐Bustillos Roberto J. , Bridges David F. , Takeoka Gary R. , Wu Vivian C.H. , Chiou Bor‐Sen , Wood Delilah F. , McHugh Tara H. , Zhong Fang
Published: March 2018

Carvacrol is a volatile monoterpenic phenol and main component of oregano essential oil that shows nonspecific antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Fish‐skin gelatin (FSG) nanofibers encapsulating carvacrol (15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%, w/w FSG) were successfully prepared via solution blow‐spinning (SBS) technique using lecithin (2.475% wb) as the surfactant. FSG emulsions with lower carvacrol ratios (5% and 10%) showed higher values in particle size and surface tension as well as lower values in viscosity and modulus, which led to failure of maintaining nanofibers shape. The formed carvacrol‐FSG nanofibers showed round and smooth morphologies with average fiber diameters ranging from 103.2 to 138.1 nm as the carvacrol ratio increased from 15% to 30%. Carvacrol was evenly dispersed within the interior of nanofiber matrix. All carvacrol‐FSG nanofibers showed inhibitive effects against the growth of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes. Moreover, nanofibers with lower carvacrol ratios showed bigger inhibition zones for E. coli and L. monocytogenes (20 mm compared with 12.5 mm for lowest to highest carvacrol ratios, respectively). Nanofibers stored at 20 °C (51% RH) showed better retention (40% to 60%) for carvacrol during the first 4 weeks of storage, while nanofibers stored at 2 °C (70% RH) showed better retention (10% to 30%) at the end of storage.

Practical Application

Results obtained in the study may help with antimicrobial carvacrol addition levels for gelatin fiber preparation using solution blow spinning (SBS) method. SBS gelatin fibers with added antimicrobials have potential applications for food packaging and medical wound dressing.
Prediction of Liquid Specific Heat Capacity of Food Lipids
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyi , Phinney David M. , Paluri Sravanti , Heldman Dennis R.
Published: March 2018

Specific heat capacity (cp) is a temperature dependent physical property of foods. Lipid—being a macromolecular component of food—provides some fraction of the food's overall heat capacity. Fats/oils are complex chemicals that are generally defined by carbon length and degree of unsaturation. The objective of this investigation was to use advanced specific heat capacity measurement to determine the effect of fatty acid chemical structure on specific heat capacity of food lipids. In this investigation, the specific heat capacity of a series of triacylglycerols were measured to quantify the influence of fatty acid composition on specific heat capacity based on two parameters; the ‐average carbon number (C) and the average number of double bonds (U). A prediction model for specific heat capacity of food lipids as a function of C, U and temperature (T) has been developed. A multiple linear regression to the three‐parameter model (R2 = 0.87) provided a good fit to the experimental data. The prediction model was evaluated by comparison with previously published specific heat capacity values of vegetable oils. It was found that the model provided a 0.53% error, while three other models from the literature predicted cp values with 0.85% to 1.83% average relative deviation from experimental data. The outcomes from this research confirm that the thermophysical properties of fat present in foods are directly related to the physical chemical properties.

Practical Application

The specific heat capacity of food products is widely used in process design. Improvements of current models to predict specific heat capacity of food products will assist in the development of efficient processes and in the control of food quality and safety. Furthermore, the understanding of how changes in chemical structure of macromolecular components of foods effect thermophysical properties may begin to allude to models that are not just empirical, but represent portions of the differences in chemistry.
The Impact of the Roast Levels of Coffee Extracts on their Potential Anticancer Activities
Authors: Mojica Benigno E. , Fong Lisa E. , Biju Denny , Muharram Alfeah , Davis Isabel M. , Vela Klarisse O. , Rios Diana , Osorio‐Camacena Elena , Kaur Baljit , Rojas Sebastian M. , Forester Sarah C.
Published: March 2018

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and contains numerous phytochemicals that are beneficial to consumer health. The phytochemical profile of coffee, however, can be affected by the roast level. In this study, we compared the effect of roasting level on the growth inhibitory activity of HT‐29 (colon) and SCC‐25 (oral) cancer cell lines. The different roasting stages selected for this study were green, cinnamon/blonde, city/medium, full city/medium‐dark, and full city plus/dark. Cancer cells were treated with various concentrations of coffee extracts for 72 hr. Cell viability was quantified using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay. It was found that the lighter roast extracts, Cinnamon in particular, reduced cell growth more than darker roast extracts. The Cinnamon extract had the greatest amount of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Relative levels of gallic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acid in the extracts were also compared. The Cinnamon coffee extract had the highest levels of gallic and caffeic acids, which have both been widely‐regarded as bioactive phytochemicals. In conclusion, the consumption of lighter roasted coffee, may contribute to the prevention of certain types of cancer such as oral and colon.

Practical Application

Chemical compounds in coffee may reduce the risk for certain types of cancers. These compounds may be particularly abundant in lighter roasted coffee. Therefore, lighter roasted coffee could contribute to the prevention of cancer through a healthy diet.
Development of Anti‐Insect Microencapsulated Polypropylene Films Using a Large Scale Film Coating System
Authors: Song Ah Young , Choi Ha Young , Lee Eun Song , Han Jaejoon , Min Sea C.
Published: March 2018

Films containing microencapsulated cinnamon oil (CO) were developed using a large‐scale production system to protect against the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). CO at concentrations of 0%, 0.8%, or 1.7% (w/w ink mixture) was microencapsulated with polyvinyl alcohol. The microencapsulated CO emulsion was mixed with ink (47% or 59%, w/w) and thinner (20% or 25%, w/w) and coated on polypropylene (PP) films. The PP film was then laminated with a low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film on the coated side. The film with microencapsulated CO at 1.7% repelled P. interpunctella most effectively. Microencapsulation did not negatively affect insect repelling activity. The release rate of cinnamaldehyde, an active repellent, was lower when CO was microencapsulated than that in the absence of microencapsulation. Thermogravimetric analysis exhibited that microencapsulation prevented the volatilization of CO. The tensile strength, percentage elongation at break, elastic modulus, and water vapor permeability of the films indicated that microencapsulation did not affect the tensile and moisture barrier properties (P > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that effective films for the prevention of Indian meal moth invasion can be produced by the microencapsulation of CO using a large‐scale film production system.

Practical Application

Low‐density polyethylene‐laminated polypropylene films printed with ink incorporating microencapsulated cinnamon oil using a large‐scale film production system effectively repelled Indian meal moth larvae. Without altering the tensile and moisture barrier properties of the film, microencapsulation resulted in the release of an active repellent for extended periods with a high thermal stability of cinnamon oil, enabling commercial film production at high temperatures. This anti‐insect film system may have applications to other food‐packaging films that use the same ink‐printing platform.