bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing a customer satisfaction model for online services
Authors: Cappelli Lucio , Guglielmetti Roberta , Mattia Giovanni , Merli Roberto , Francesca Renzi Maria
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to illustrate the results of a testing activity of a general customer satisfaction management model designed for online services provided by public administrations.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are part of a wider research project, aimed at the implementation of a customer satisfaction management model for online services, starting out from citizen evaluations concerning the quality of services provided by public administrations. The model presupposes that the aspects of the service on which citizens are called to express their perceptions refer to well‐identified phases of the supply process, in such a way as to facilitate improvement measures. The testing activity involved a pilot group of Italian public administrations.

Findings

As a result of the testing activity's initial stage, some major issues can be identified that concern the need to properly focus the questionnaire design and simultaneously make use of different data analysis techniques in order to strengthen the impact of the survey results in supporting appropriate service quality improvement decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of the present paper should be seen as an intermediate result and can be assumed to be part of wider research aimed at the implementation of a general customer satisfaction management model designed for online services supplied by Italian public administrations.

Originality/value

The paper offers a key to understanding the methodological and operating approach as well as the empirical evidence emerging from testing a general customer satisfaction management model.
Antecedents and effects of employees' feelings of joy on employees' innovative behaviour
Authors: Slåtten Terje
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to undertake an empirical examination of some of the antecedents and effects of positive emotions from an employee perspective. More specifically, this study investigates the relationships between one extreme point of discrete types of positive emotions (joy), two types of employee perception (managerial relationship quality and benefit of one's work role), and employees' innovative behaviour in service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents a conceptual model of the aforementioned relationships. The model of the proposed relationships is tested in a survey study in which 279 frontline employees in the hospitality industry participated.

Findings

It was found that both employee perception of managerial and work role benefit are directly related to employees' feelings of joy and employees' innovative behaviour. Employees' feelings of joy were found to have a direct effect on employees' innovative behaviour. Moreover, it was found that employees' feelings of joy mediate the relationship between the two antecedent variables (managerial relationship quality and work role benefit) and employees' innovative behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to study two antecedents to employees' feelings of joy. Moreover, only one effect of employees' feelings of joy is included in the model.

Practical implications

This paper emphasizes the importance of managers knowing how employees feel about their work role. Therefore, employees' emotions should be taken seriously in service‐quality management. Consequently, one general and key implication from this study is the importance of measuring employees' emotions since it is linked to employees' innovative behaviour when they offer a service to customers.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by enhancing the knowledge on the role of emotions in service‐quality management.
Exploring the role of the service environment in forming customer's service experience
Authors: Pareigis Jörg , Edvardsson Bo , Enquist Bo
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify and describe important dimensions of the service process as defined by customers, and to compare the results from a specific use context with the recent conceptualization of the experience room.

Design/methodology/approach

Public transport travellers were provided with a public transport travel diary and were encouraged to make detailed notes about their service experience during their journey. The diaries were than transcribed and coded in NVivo8 using a constant comparative method.

Findings

The qualitative analysis of the public transport travel diaries revealed six emerging themes of service experience: customer processes, other customers, physical environment, contact personnel, provider processes and wider environment. The interplay between these themes is what forms the service experience of customers. The inductive analysis of the empirical material contextualizes the experience room model in a utilitarian and facility‐driven service. This deductive analysis of 100 customer experiences shows that the dimensions customer involvement, customer placement and physical artefacts are most important for the customer's service experience in this context.

Originality/value

This paper offers a set of important empirically based customer experience dimensions with public transport. The paper also provides a contextualization of a theoretical model, the experience room model. The contribution results show the importance of interactions with other customers and the physical environment for the customer's experience.
Do security analysts follow diversified firms?
Authors: Cai Weixing , Zeng Cheng
Published: February 2011

Purpose

By using data on China's security market, this paper aims to examine the relationship between corporate diversification and security analyst following in terms of behavioral decision‐making process.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study.

Findings

The results show that the numbers of analysts covering a firm are negatively associated with the firms level of diversification. As the lines of business of firms increase, the cost of analysts' acquiring information will accordingly go up, forcing security analysts to give up following such firms. A further study finds that the firms with related diversification are more likely to be followed by analysts than those with irrelevant diversification, because the related lines that make information and analysis technique generally used could reduce the cost of security analysts.

Originality/value

Extant studies focus too narrowly on statistical properties of the forecasting or market reaction to the analyst reports. However, this paper examines the association between corporate diversification and analysts following by looking at the economic incentives that affect analysts' decisions. Moreover, this paper contributes to the literature on security analysts in China.
CEO power, disclosure quality and the variability of firm performance
Authors: Wu Shinong , Quan Xiaofeng , Xu Liang
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how disclosure quality affects the relation between chief executive officer (CEO) power and the variability of firm performance. Moreover, it also examines the impacts of ownership structure and disclosure quality on the relationship between CEO power and performance variability.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research was carried out.

Findings

It was found that: first, firms whose CEOs have more power will exhibit higher performance, but display more variability in firm performance. Second, disclosure quality can affect the relationship between CEO power and the variability of firm performance and more specifically, increase in disclosure quality reduces the performance variability caused by CEO power. Third, the effects of CEO power on the variability of firm performance are higher in state‐owned firms than in non‐state‐owned firms. Moreover, the effect of higher disclosure quality for lowering the variability of firm performance is stronger in state‐owned firms than in non‐state‐owned firms.

Practical implications

First, the authors find that when evaluating corporate governance practices, both firm performance and the variability of firm performance should be taken into account. Second, this paper fills the void in the extant literatures by demonstrating that CEO power, as well as disclosure quality, can affect firms' operational risk. Third, for firm owners, when firms are facing large uncertainty from institutional environment, a great trade‐off between firm performance and operational risk, when determining the degree of CEO power, will play an important role in corporate governance.

Originality/value

This paper complements the extant literatures by examining the impacts of CEO power to firm output from the dimensions of both firm performance and operational risk; and by examining the impacts of ownership structure and disclosure quality on the relationship between CEO power and performance variability.
The impact of front end innovation in new product development in Japanese manufacturing companies
Authors: Cao Yong , Zhao Li , Nagahira Akio
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore fuzzy front end (FFE) of new product development (NPD) in Japanese manufacturing companies and report on the key factors for success with regard to the front end activities of NPD.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the literature review, the authors lay out an analytical framework and hypothesis and develop and test a causal model of relationships among key variables relating to the front end factors and success. The causal model is tested with AMOS using information from 513 completed NPD projects from Japanese manufacturing companies.

Findings

The results of this study are summarized as follows: first, the more both market and technical uncertainties are reduced during the front end, the higher is the effectiveness of NPD projects. Second, the more intensively new projects are planned prior to the start of development, the more both market and technical uncertainties are reduced. Finally, in the industry goods firms, it is easy for managers to develop the initial planning, and it has a greater impact on reduction of market uncertainty compared to the consumer goods firms.

Research limitations/implications

First, it is the scope and size of the sample. Our research mainly focuses on the precision apparatus, chemical and material products, electronic products, food processing and pharmaceutical industry in Japan. Second, the research concentrates less on the interaction between initial planning, planning changes and process management style.

Practical implications

The paper provides several insights that will help managers to improve the success of their NPD activities.

Originality/value

The paper provides additional evidence regarding the strong positive effect of FFE activities on NPD success. The model presented enhances understanding of the dynamics of the FFE.
S100A4 protects gastric cancer cells from anoikis through regulation of αv and α5 integrin
Authors: Shen Wei , Chen Danqi , Fu Hao , Liu Shanshan , Sun Kailai , Sun Xiuju
Published: February 2011

Detachment from the extracellular matrix induces a form of programmed cell death termed anoikis. Resistance to anoikis permits cancer cells to survive in systemic circulation and facilitates their metastasis to distant organs. It is well known that S100A4 is overexpressed in many tumors and involved in tumor metastasis, but the mechanisms of the metastasis‐promoting function of S100A4 are not fully understood. We hypothesized that S100A4 might play a role in anoikis of gastric cancer cells and further affects their metastasis. To test this hypothesis, we changed the expression of S100A4 by means of RNA interference or experimental overexpression and investigated the effect on anoikis. We found that knockdown of S100A4 by RNA interference led to significantly increased anoikis, whereas overexpression of S100A4 resulted in inhibition of anoikis. Furthermore, we provide evidence that inhibition of S100A4 resulted in the downregulation of α5 and αv integrin expression. These findings suggest that S100A4 protects gastric cancer cells from anoikis by regulation of αv and α5 integrin expression, which sheds a novel light for the role of S100A4 in cancer metastasis. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1014–1018)
Effectiveness of combined treatment using X‐rays and a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor, ZSTK474, on proliferation of HeLa cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Anzai Kazunori , Sekine‐Suzuki Emiko , Ueno Megumi , Okamura Mutsumi , Yoshimi Hisashi , Dan Shingo , Yaguchi Shin‐ichi , Enami Jumpei , Yamori Takao , Okayasu Ryuichi
Published: February 2011

ZSTK474 is a novel orally applicable phosphoinositide 3‐kinase‐specific inhibitor that strongly inhibits cancer cell proliferation. To further explore the antitumor effect of ZSTK474 for future clinical usage, we studied its combined effects with radiation. The proliferation of HeLa cells was inhibited by treatment with X‐rays alone or ZSTK474 alone. Combination treatment using X‐rays then ZSTK474 given orally for 8 days, starting 24 h post‐irradiation, significantly enhanced cell growth inhibition. The combined effect was also observed for clonogenic survival with continuous ZSTK474 treatment. Western blot analysis showed enhanced phosphorylation of Akt and GSK‐3β by X‐irradiation, whereas phosphorylation was inhibited by ZSTK474 treatment alone. Treatment with ZSTK474 after X‐irradiation also inhibited phosphorylation, and remarkably inhibited xenograft tumor growth. Combined treatment with X‐rays and ZSTK474 has greater therapeutic potential than radiation or drug therapy alone, both in vitro and in vivo. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1176–1180)
Recent advances in the pathogenesis and treatment of juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia
Authors: Loh Mignon L.
Published: February 2011

Myeloid neoplasms derive from the pathological clonal expansion of an abnormal stem cell and span a diverse spectrum of phenotypes including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Expansion of myeloid blasts with suppression of normal haematopoiesis is the hallmark of AML, whereas MPN is associated with over‐proliferation of one or more lineages that retain the capacity to differentiate, and MDS is characterized by cytopenias and aberrant differentiation. MPD and MDS can progress to AML, which is likely due to the acquisition of cooperative mutations. Juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) is an aggressive myeloid neoplasm of childhood that is clinically characterized by overproduction of monocytic cells that can infiltrate organs, including the spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and lung. JMML is categorized as an overlap MPN/MDS by the World Health Organization and also shares some clinical and molecular features with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, a similar disease in adults. While the current standard of care for patients with JMML relies on allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), relapse is the most frequent cause of treatment failure. This review outlines our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of JMML with a recent update on the discovery of novel CBL mutations, as well as a brief review on current therapeutic approaches.
Association of CD8+ T cell infiltration in oesophageal carcinoma lesions with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen expression and survival
Authors: Tsuchikawa T , Ikeda H , Cho Y , Miyamoto M , Shichinohe T , Hirano S , Kondo S
Published: February 2011

Oesophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive tumours with a poor prognosis. However, little is known about the immune response in the tumour microenvironment. To investigate the role of immunosurveillance in the clinical course of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 98 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary tumours were analysed using immunohistochemical methods for human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I heavy chain and β2-microglobulin expression and for CD4-, CD8- and CD57-positive cell infiltration. HLA class I expression of tumour cells was correlated positively with infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the cancer nest, but not with the clinical course of disease. However, CD8+ and CD4+ T cell infiltration was correlated with prognosis. These results suggest that tumour antigen-specific cellular immune response plays a role in the clinical course of the disease and that HLA class I antigen expressed on tumour cells contribute to this association most probably by mediating the interactions between tumour cells and CD8+ T cells.
Intracellular bacteria recognition contributes to maximal interleukin (IL)-12 production by IL-10-deficient macrophages
Authors: Naruse H , Hisamatsu T , Yamauchi Y , Chang J E , Matsuoka K , Kitazume M T , Arai K , Ando S , Kanai T , Kamada N , Hibi T
Published: February 2011

Interleukin (IL)-12 is a key factor that induces T helper cell type 1-mediated immunity and inflammatory diseases. In some colitis models, such as IL-10 knock-out (KO) mice, IL-12 triggers intestinal inflammation. An abundant amount of IL-12 is produced by intestinal macrophages in response to stimulation by commensal bacteria in IL-10 KO mice. Intact bacteria are more potent inducers of macrophage IL-12 production than cell surface components in this model. This suggested that cell surface receptor signalling and intracellular pathogen recognition mechanisms are important for the induction of IL-12. We addressed the importance of intracellular recognition mechanisms and demonstrated that signal transducers and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signalling activated bacterial phagocytosis and was involved in the induction of abnormal IL-12 production. In IL-10 KO mouse bone marrow-derived (BM) macrophages, Escherichia coli stimulation induced increased IL-12p70 production compared to lipopolysaccharide combined with interferon (IFN)-γ treatment. Significant repression of IL-12 production was achieved by inhibition of phagocytosis with cytochalasin D, and inhibition of de novo protein synthesis with cycloheximide. Induction of IFN regulatory factors-1 and -8, downstream molecules of STAT1 and the key transcription factors for IK-12 transcription, following E. coli stimulation, were mediated by phagocytosis. Interestingly, STAT1 was activated after stimulation with E. coli in IL-10 KO BM macrophages, although IFN-γ could not be detected. These data suggest that molecules other than IFN-γ are involved in hyper-production mechanisms of IL-12 induced by E. coli stimulation. In conclusion, enteric bacteria stimulate excessive IL-12p70 production in IL-10 KO BM macrophages via phagocytosis-dependent signalling.
Immunomodulatory properties and therapeutic application of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Shi M , Liu Z-W , Wang F-S
Published: February 2011

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi-potent progenitor cells that are isolated from the bone marrow and several adult organs and tissues. These cells possess remarkable immunosuppressive properties and can inhibit the proliferation and function of the major immune cell populations, including T cells, B cells and natural killer (NK) cells; modulate the activities of dendritic cells (DCs); and induce regulatory T cells both in vivo and in vitro. These unique properties make MSCs ideal candidates for clinical application as immunosuppressants. The immunomodulatory effect of MSCs is mediated by a non-specific anti-proliferative action of these cells, which is dependent on cell–cell contact or secreted soluble factors such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), histocompatibility leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-1β. Considerable progress has been obtained in preclinical studies on MSCs, including those on their ability to activate allogeneic cells. This review examines the current understanding of the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs and its therapeutic implication for immune-mediated diseases and transplant rejection.
Antibody-mediated depletion of lymphocyte-activation gene-3 (LAG-3+)-activated T lymphocytes prevents delayed-type hypersensitivity in non-human primates
Authors: Poirier N , Haudebourg T , Brignone C , Dilek N , Hervouet J , Minault D , Coulon F , de Silly R V , Triebel F , Blancho G , Vanhove B
Published: February 2011

Lymphocyte-activation gene-3 (LAG-3, CD223) is a marker for recently activated effector T cells. Activated T lymphocytes are of major importance in many autoimmune diseases and organ transplant rejection. Therefore, specifically depleting LAG-3+ T cells might lead to targeted immunosuppression that would spare resting T cells while eliminating pathogenic activated T cells. We have shown previously that anti-LAG-3 antibodies sharing depleting as well as modulating activities inhibit heart allograft rejection in rats. Here, we have developed and characterized a cytotoxic LAG-3 chimeric antibody (chimeric A9H12), and evaluated its potential as a selective therapeutic depleting agent in a non-human primate model of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). Chimeric A9H12 showed a high affinity to its antigen and depleted both cytomegalovirus (CMV)-activated CD4+ and CD8+ human T lymphocytes in vitro. In vivo, a single intravenous injection at either 1 or 0·1 mg/kg was sufficient to deplete LAG-3+-activated T cells in lymph nodes and to prevent the T helper type 1 (Th1)-driven skin inflammation in a tuberculin-induced DTH model in baboons. T lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration into the skin was also reduced. The in vivo effect was long-lasting, as several weeks to months were required after injection to restore a positive reaction after antigen challenge. Our data confirm that LAG-3 is a promising therapeutic target for depleting antibodies that might lead to higher therapeutic indexes compared to traditional immunosuppressive agents in autoimmune diseases and transplantation.
The absence of immunoglobulin D B cell receptor-mediated signals promotes the production of autoantibodies and exacerbates glomerulonephritis in murine lupus
Authors: Guo L , Tian J , Guo Z , Zheng B , Han S
Published: February 2011

Immunoglobulin (Ig)D is the major antigen receptor isotype co-expressed with IgM on the surface of most peripheral B cells in mice and humans. However, the biological role of IgD as B cell receptor (BCR) has remained unclear. Previous studies have indicated that IgD may play a role in B cell tolerance. To understand the role of IgD in B cell tolerance and autoimmunity, we have examined the development of autoimmune syndrome in lpr mice deficient for IgD. The present study showed that IgD deficiency did not alter lymphoproliferation and lymphocyte activation in lpr mice. The survival and proliferation of B cells were not affected by the absence of IgD, indicating that IgD BCR-mediated signals do not have an important role in negative selection of autoreactive B cell clones. Interestingly, compared to IgD-competent littermates, lpr mice with IgD deficiency had elevated autoantibody production, increased deposition of immune complex in the kidney and more severe nephritis. Accumulation of abnormal CD4–CD8–αβ+ T cells was accelerated in IgD−/− lpr mice compared to lpr mice. These results suggest that IgD BCR-mediated signals may be involved in the differentiation of autoreactive B cells into plasma cells and abnormal T cell expansion.
Infections and immunodeficiency in Down syndrome
Authors: Ram G , Chinen J
Published: February 2011

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disease and presents with cognitive impairment, cardiac and gastrointestinal abnormalities, in addition to other miscellaneous clinical conditions. DS individuals may have a high frequency of infections, usually of the upper respiratory tract, characterized by increased severity and prolonged course of disease, which are partially attributed to defects of the immune system. The abnormalities of the immune system associated with DS include: mild to moderate T and B cell lymphopenia, with marked decrease of naive lymphocytes, impaired mitogen-induced T cell proliferation, reduced specific antibody responses to immunizations and defects of neutrophil chemotaxis. Limited evidence of genetic abnormalities secondary to trisomy of chromosome 21 and affecting the immune system is available, such as the potential consequences of gene over-expression, most significantly SOD1 and RCAN1. Secondary immunodeficiency due to metabolic or nutritional factors in DS, particularly zinc deficiency, has been postulated. Non-immunological factors, including abnormal anatomical structures (e.g. small ear canal, tracheomalacia) and gastro-oesophageal reflux, may play a role in the increased frequency of respiratory tract infections. The molecular mechanisms leading to the immune defects observed in DS individuals and the contribution of these immunological abnormalities to the increased risk of infections require further investigation. Addressing immunological and non-immunological factors involved in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases may reduce the susceptibility to infections in DS subjects.
The interface between thyroid and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Duntas Leonidas H. , Orgiazzi Jacques , Brabant Georg
Published: February 2011

Thyroid disease and type 1 but also type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are strongly associated, and this has important clinical implications for insulin sensitivity and treatment requirements. The pathophysiological basis of this association has only recently been better elucidated. It rests on a complex interaction of common signalling pathways and, in the case of type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease, on a linked genetic susceptibility. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this linked regulation are increasingly being unravelled. They are exemplified in the regulation of 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), a central target not only for the modulation of insulin sensitivity but also for the feedback of thyroid hormones on appetite and energy expenditure. The present review will discuss these concepts and their consequences for the clinical care of patients with DM and thyroid disorders. Moreover, it makes reference to the added effect of metformin in suppressing TSH.
Improving the quality of fresh‐cut melon through inactivation of degradative oxidase and pectinase enzymatic activities by UV‐C treatment
Authors: Chisari Marco , Barbagallo Riccardo N. , Spagna Giovanni , Artes Francisco
Published: February 2011

This work investigated the effect of exposure of fresh‐cut melon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus) to ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C, 254 nm, 0.04 kJ s−1 m−2) radiation for different times (30, 60, 120 s) on main degradative enzymatic activities (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonase) and quality parameters (firmness, colour) during storage at 5 °C. Enzymatic activities in samples washed with water and treated with UV‐C radiation were similar to samples washed with 100 mg L−1 NaOCl and significantly lower than untreated samples, especially after 7 days of storage at 5 °C. Tissue softening was noticed in all samples although those treated with UV‐C light resulted 7–12% firmer than untreated ones. The lowest perceptible colour variation, expressed as ΔE*, was in samples exposed to 120 s radiation (ΔE = 8.58), while the highest value was noticed in untreated sample (ΔE = 11.06). Postcut UV‐C fruit treatment was effective in extending the shelf life of minimally processed ‘Galia’ melon.
Aptamers for safety and quality assurance in the food industry: detection of pathogens
Authors: Kärkkäinen Riikka M. , Drasbek Mette Ryun , McDowall Ian , Smith Christopher J. , Young Niall W.G. , Bonwick Graham A.
Published: February 2011

Aptamers are biomolecular ligands composed of nucleic acids. They can be developed to bind specifically to a range of target molecules and subsequently exploited in a fashion analogous to more traditional biomolecules such as antibodies. Methods for the production of aptamers and their potential applications to the food industry in the form of rapid assays and biosensors are discussed. In contrast to antibody‐based diagnostics, aptamers can be produced in animal‐free systems which have clear ethical and financial benefits. This review identifies a need for the development of new aptamers with specificity against micro‐organisms and highlights their potential use for the detection of food‐borne pathogens.
Effects of specific lactic acid bacteria species on biogenic amine production by foodborne pathogen
Authors: Özogul Fatih
Published: February 2011

The influences of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on biogenic amines formation by foodborne pathogens (FBP) were investigated. Biogenic amines production by single and mix cultures was tested in histidine decarboxylase broth. All of the mix cultures (LAB with FBP) inhibited significantly (P < 0.05) the ammonia accumulation except for Escherichia coli with Lactococcus lactic subsp. lactic and Lactobacillus plantarum. Although LAB with most of the pathogen showed considerably stimulation effects on putrescine, cadaverine, spermine, 2‐phenylethylamine, histamine (HIS), tyramine, trimethylamine, dopamine and agmatine (AGM), some of the LAB with pathogens showed poor inhibition effect on different amines formation. HIS production by Klebiella pneumonia was 0.16 mg L−1, whereas HIS value in presence of Lb. plantarum increased to 30.92 mg L−1. Consequently, LAB inhibition of the ammonium production by FBP is favourable, while the stimulation effects of LAB on biogenic amines formation by FBPs are not desirable for food industry.
Predicting the drying kinetics of salted codfish (Gadus Morhua): semi‐empirical, diffusive and neural network models
Authors: Boeri Camila , Neto da Silva Fernando , Ferreira Jorge , Saraiva Jorge , Salvador Ângelo
Published: February 2011

This work aims to compare the accuracy of several drying modelling techniques namely semi‐empirical, diffusive and artificial neural network (ANN) models as applied to salted codfish (Gadus Morhua). To this end, sets of experimental data were collected to adjust parameters for the models. Modelling of codfish drying was performed by resorting to Page and Thompson semi‐empirical models and to a Fick diffusion law. The ANN employed a neural network multilayer ‘feed‐forward’, consisting of one input layer, with four neurons, one hidden layer, formed by five neurons and one output layer with a convergence criterion for training purposes. The simulations showed good results for the ANN (correlation coefficient between 0.987 and 0.999) and semi‐empirical models (correlation coefficient ranging from 0.992 to 0.997 for Page’s model, and from 0.993 to 0.996 for Thompson’s model), while improvements were required to obtain better predictions by the diffusion model (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.864 to 0.959).
Effect of initial aflatoxin concentration, heating time and roasting temperature on aflatoxin reduction in contaminated peanuts and process optimisation using response surface modelling
Authors: Arzandeh S. , Jinap S.
Published: February 2011

Response surface methodology was applied to optimise the aflatoxin reduction in both naturally and artificially contaminated samples using dry oven. The effect of initial aflatoxin concentration (0–400 ng g−1), heating time (30–120 min) and temperature (90–150 °C) was evaluated. The maximum reduction of AFB1 (78.4%) and AFB2 (57.3%) of artificially contaminated samples with initial aflatoxin concentration of 237 and 68 ng g−1, and those of AFG1 (73.9%) and AFG2 (75.2%) with initial aflatoxin concentration of 215 and 75 ng g−1 was obtained at 150 °C. The maximum reduction of AFB1 (80.2%) and AFB2 (69.7%) of naturally contaminated samples with initial aflatoxin concentration of 174 and 25 ng g−1 was obtained at 150 °C and 130 °C, respectively.
Shelf life of Merino lamb meat retail packaged under atmospheres of various compositions
Authors: Gutiérrez Juan I. , Tejeda Juan F. , Carrapiso Ana I. , Petrón María J. , Lara María S. , Andrés Ana I.
Published: February 2011

The effect of four different gas mixtures on several characteristics of Merino fresh lamb meat quality was studied. Merino lamb meat was packed under four different atmospheres (Batch 1: Ambient air; Batch 2: 70% O2 + 30% CO2; Batch 3: 80% O2 + 20% CO2 and Batch 4: 30% CO2 + 69.6% Ar + 0.4% CO) and stored in darkness and under refrigeration (3 ± 1 °C) for 12 days. pH values and weight losses of lamb meat showed no significant changes during 12 days storage (P > 0.05) and were not affected by the different used atmospheres (P > 0.05). Lightness (L*) was not significantly affected by gas atmospheres until day 12 of storage, lamb meat packed in contact with air (Batch 1) showing the lowest lightness (P < 0.001). Samples in contact with ambient air, presented the lowest a*‐values during most of the storage period (P < 0.001). Batch 4 (30% CO2 + 69.6% Ar + 0.4% CO) showed the highest a*‐values after 7 days storage. Batches 2, 3 and 4 presented a lower microbial count of total aerobic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae than batch 1 (P < 0.05), whereas for lactic acid bacteria counts there were not significant differences (P > 0.05).
Proximate, mineral, amino acid, fatty acid, vitamin E, phytate phosphate and fibre composition of Mimusops zeyheri (Red Milkwood) seed
Authors: Chivandi Eliton , Davidson Bruce , Pretorius Beulah , Erlwanger Kennedy
Published: February 2011

Mimusops zeyheri, an indigenous tree widely distributed in sub‐Saharan Africa, provides edible fruit. Research on the tree has focused on fruit pulp composition and uses. This study evaluated the nutritional potential of M. zeyheri seed by determining the proximate, fibre and phytate‐phosphate content, the amino acid and fatty acid profiles and vitamin E content of the seed. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and ash constituted 91.1%, 88.3%, 9.3%, 25.6% and 2.8% of the seed mass respectively. Glutamic acid (1.29 g per 100 g) was the most abundant amino acid. Lysine and phenylalanine were low. Calcium (587.4 mg per 100 g) was the most concentrated macro‐mineral assayed. Gross energy value was 24.34 MJ kg−1. Lipid yield was 21.3%. Oleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid. Vitamin E concentration was about 2 μg g−1. Phytate‐phosphate content was 0.03%. Neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre constituted 33.2% and 15.3% respectively. M. zeyheri seed could be exploited as a dietary energy supplement and an oil source rich in oleic acid.
Chemical composition of virgin olive oils from Koroneiki cultivar grown in Tunisia with regard to fruit ripening and irrigation regimes
Authors: Dabbou Samia , Dabbou Sihem , Chehab Hechmi , Brahmi Faten , Taticchi Agnese , Servili Maurizio , Hammami Mohamed
Published: February 2011

The impact of different irrigation regimes based on two ripeness index, on the quantity and quality of virgin olive oil from the introduced olive cultivar Olea europaea L. Koroneiki grown at a high‐density olive orchard in northern Tunisia, was assessed. Olive trees were subjected to three treatments (T1, T2 and T3) that received a seasonal water amount equivalent to 50%, 75% and 100% of the estimated local evaporative demand by a drip irrigation system and olives were collected in two different ripeness index. The olive oil content decreased when the water applied was increased but rose during ripening. The quality indexes and fatty acid composition were less affected by the irrigation schedule but most significantly by the maturity of olives. Moreover, phenol contents increased according to fruit ripening whereas no clear cut differences or consistent effects were observed by irrigation. α‐tocopherol decreased slightly in the oils as ripening progressed while insignificant differences between the irrigation treatments studied were obtained. Consequently, a restitution of 75% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc.) was sufficient to achieve good minor compounds; however, higher water volumes (100% ETc.) gave little additional α‐tocopherol and phenols increases.
Simulation and experimental validation of simultaneous heat and mass transfer for cooking process of Mortadella Bologna PGI
Authors: Rinaldi Massimiliano , Chiavaro Emma , Gozzi Elisa , Massini Roberto
Published: February 2011

In this study, Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Mortadella Bologna cooking process was investigated for heat and mass transfer. Apparent mass and heat transfer coefficient functions as well as apparent thermal diffusivity and mass diffusion coefficients were experimentally estimated. These thermo‐physical properties were used to develop a mathematical model for the simulation of simultaneous heat and mass transfer during Mortadella Bologna PGI cooking. The developed method was successfully validated for both heat and mass transfer by means of experimental cooking tests: maximum errors of about 3.5% and 4% were found for final product temperature and cooking time experimentally obtained respectively. Simulated weight loss values were also found not to differ significantly from those experimentally obtained. In addition, the developed model was successfully validated during a Mortadella cooking process carried out in an industrial plant proposing itself as a predictive tool to forecast and optimise cooking time and weight loss of this type of meat product. The proposed approach may be also used to design air cooking processes of other food products.
Analysis of dryer performance for the improvement of small‐scale litchi processing
Authors: Precoppe Marcelo , Nagle Marcus , Janjai Serm , Mahayothee Busarakorn , Müller Joachim
Published: February 2011

Litchi is a significant cash crop in Thailand, but marketing is constrained by the perishable nature of the fruit. Drying can extend the shelf life of the fruit; however, in Thailand drying technology is still in its early stages of development. With the aim of improving locally available small‐scale drying equipment, the performance of a litchi batch‐dryer by a farmers’ cooperative near Chiang Mai was studied. Drying conditions, energy consumption and product quality were monitored over three trials. Energy performance was analysed using instantaneous indices, leading to suggestions for possible design‐modifications. About 29.8% of the heat input was used for moisture evaporation, 38.4% was lost via unsaturated exhaust air and 17.6% was lost to the ambient environment. An optimum air flow rate, one that minimises exhaust heat losses without increasing the drying time, was calculated. Temperature and air flow within the drying chamber varied, resulting in a non‐uniform batch. To improve performance, a new design for the drying chamber air inlet is recommended.
Drying characteristics and sorption isotherms of silverside fish (Atherina)
Authors: Toujani Mohsen , Hassini Lamine , Azzouz Soufiene , Belghith Ali
Published: February 2011

The aim of this work was to report drying characteristics and sorption isotherms of silverside fish. The sorption isotherm was determined at four temperature levels 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C and at water activities, ranging from 0.058 to 0.89, using the static gravimetric method. Five sorption models were fitted with the desorption data generated from the gravimetric method. It was found that the Peleg model suitably represents the sorption experimental data in the mentioned investigated ranges of temperature and water activities. Sorption isosteric heat was determined from sorption data using the Clausius–Clapeyron equation. The relationship between the net isosteric heat of sorption and the moisture content was best expressed by the Tsami’s equation. The drying characteristic curve and the drying rate expression of silverside fish have been established from experimental convective drying kinetics.
Characterization of hot air drying and microwave vacuum drying of fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata)
Authors: Therdthai Nantawan , Northongkom Hasaya
Published: February 2011

Fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata) was subjected to hot air drying and microwave vacuum drying. Effective moisture diffusion coefficient during the hot air drying at 60 and 70 °C were 0.2073 × 10−10 and 0.4106 × 10−10 m2 s−1 respectively. By using the microwave vacuum drying (13.3 kPa) at the power of 2880 and 3360 W, the effective moisture diffusion coefficient were increased to 5.7910 × 10−10 and 6.8767 × 10−10 m2 s−1 respectively. Based on Lewis model, drying rate constants were 0.0002, 0.0004, 0.0061 and 0.0072 s−1 for the hot air drying at 60 and 70 °C and the microwave vacuum drying at 2880 and 3360 W respectively. Compared with the hot air drying, the microwave vacuum drying decreased drying time by 90%. Rehydration ability of the microwave vacuum dried samples was also significantly improved (P ≤ 0.05), because of porous structure. In addition, the rehydrating water of the microwave vacuum dried samples contained higher b*‐value (yellowness) than that of the hot‐air‐dried samples (P ≤ 0.05).
Quality and antioxidant capacity of fresh‐cut apple wedges enriched with honey by vacuum impregnation
Authors: Rößle Christian , Brunton Nigel , Gormley Thomas R. , Butler Francis
Published: February 2011

The effect of vacuum impregnation (VI) of fresh‐cut apple wedges with honey, in presence and absence of a browning inhibitor on physicochemical, sensory and antioxidant properties over 7 days of storage at 2–4 °C was studied. Infusion of wedges with honey resulted in very little weight change indicating loss of internal water and ingress of honey carbohydrates into the wedges, hence the correlation coefficients with soluble solids content (r = −0.91) and dry matter (r = −0.77). Water infused samples showed the highest water uptake resulting in an increase in weight of 30%. Browning (P < 0.001) and firmness (P < 0.001) of apple wedges were the quality parameters most affected by VI. Samples dipped in browning inhibitor prior AS1 showed slightly better performance than undipped wedges with regard to browning and firmness. Total phenol content and antioxidant activity were significantly (P < 0.001) lower for honey infused apple wedges.
Physical properties of goat milk powder with soy lecithin added before spray drying
Authors: Fonseca Carolina R. , Bento Milena S. G. , Quintero Ednelí S. M. , Gabas Ana Lúcia , Oliveira Carlos A. F.
Published: February 2011

In this study, physical characteristics of goat milk powder produced with the addition of soy lecithin at levels of 0 (control), 0.4, 0.8 and 1.0 g lecithin/100 g of total solids in concentrated milk before the spray drying process were investigated. Goat milk was pasteurised, concentrated at 40% of total solids, spray dried and packed in plastic bags under vaccum conditions. Lecithin addition decreased the wetting time of milk powders, although no influence was observed on dispersibility, water sorption, water activity and particle size distribution of the powders. Powders with higher levels of lecithin showed significantly lower brightness, with a greater intensity of yellow colour. It was concluded that lecithin addition before spray drying process at the minimal proportion in concentrated milk of 0.4 g lecithin/100 g of total solids in concentrated milk is useful for achieving more rapid wetting time of goat milk powder.
Effects of ionising irradiation on quality and sensory attributes of ready‐to‐eat dry fermented sausages enriched with folic acid
Authors: Galán Irene , García Maria L. , Selgas Maria D.
Published: February 2011

Dry fermented sausages have been manufactured with different concentrations of folic acid (FA) (0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 mg per 100 g of original mixture). Then, they were prepared as ready‐to‐eat meat products by using E‐beam radiation (2, 3 and 4 kGy) to increase their safety. The stability of this vitamin as well as the physico‐chemical properties, microbiological counts, colour, texture and sensory properties of the sausages was studied after irradiation. The more important changes were observed in hardness, which increased with increasing FA amount; in contrast, colour was similar in all batches, independently of FA concentration or irradiation doses applied. The sensory properties of these products were judged acceptable to tasters, although significant differences were observed between the taste of nonirradiated and irradiated samples with 3 kGy. The ionising treatment caused a decrease of 15–29% in the FA content only at the highest dose (4 kGy). Despite this loss, this new product is suitable for assuring the daily intake of FA recommended as healthy (400 μg).
Impact of β‐glucan and other oat flour components on physico‐chemical and sensory properties of extruded oat cereals
Authors: Yao Ni , White Pamela J. , Alavi Sajid
Published: February 2011

Whole oat flour, N979‐5‐2‐4 (N979), IA95111 (IA95), ‘Jim’ and ‘Paul’ with β‐glucan concentration of 8.6%, 7.6%, 5.3%, and 5.9%, respectively, was made into extruded breakfast cereal (EBC). EBC β‐glucan had greater peak molecular weight than corresponding whole oat flour. Both whole oat flour and EBC from N979 and IA95 had greater peak viscosity (PV), as measured using a Rapid ViscoAnalyser, than that from Jim or Paul. Bile acid binding of EBC, correlated with total β‐glucan concentrations and PV, was either similar or greater than that of corresponding whole oat flour. Jim EBC had the least expansion ratio, lowest brown colour and cereal aroma but greatest tooth packing values. Paul and N979 EBC, although different from each other in a few sensory attributes, had similar acceptability as judged from a consumer test, suggesting that oats with elevated β‐glucan concentrations can be successfully incorporated into EBC with minimal processing alterations.
Improvement of emulsifying properties of milk proteins with κ or λ carrageenan: effect of pH and ionic strength
Authors: Mena‐Casanova Edith , Totosaus Alfonso
Published: February 2011

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of λ‐carrageenan or κ‐carrageenan on the emulsion capacity, emulsion work and emulsion stability of milk proteins concentrate (MP) or sodium caseinate (SC) emulsions at different levels of pH and ionic strength. Incorporation of carrageenans to proteins emulsions resulted in an improvement of emulsifying properties at pH 6.0 and low ionic strength (0.2 m NaCl). Although emulsion capacity was high in MP than for SC, irrespectively of carrageenan employed, addition of λ‐carrageenan increased twofold emulsion work values (15 327 Ω s−1 for MP and 11 455 Ω s−1 for SC; around 6000 Ω s−1 in the other treatments). Emulsion stability was high with λ‐carrageenan (9.8 s) than MP‐κ‐carrageenan or MP (7.45 and 7.40 s, respectively). Carrageenan improving of emulsion properties was because of the complex formation with MP, characteristic of this type of food system when pH was above of isoelectric point.
Influence of isolated flaxseed mucilage as a non‐starch polysaccharide on noodle quality
Authors: Kishk Yasser F. M. , Elsheshetawy Hemat E. , Mahmoud Eman A. M.
Published: February 2011

Physicochemical, cooking quality and sensory characteristics of noodles enriched by extracted flaxseed mucilage were evaluated. Noodles were prepared with replacement wheat flour with different mucilage concentrations and drying at different temperatures. Generally, physicochemical and noodle quality characteristics improved with adding flaxseed mucilage compared to control sample. The correlation between optimum cooking time with mucilage concentrations and drying temperatures established by nonlinear regression. The obtained data of cooking yield, swelling index, cooking loss and nitrogen loss were analysed using the two‐dimension response surface method. The mucilage concentration of 3% and drying temperature ranging between 68.2 and 70 °C were the best condition to prepare the noodle with high cooking quality compared to the control sample. The received scores from sensory evaluation showed that replacement of wheat flour by flaxseed mucilage improved the texture and overall acceptability of prepared noodle.