bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of WO3‐Doping on the Microstructure and Electrical Properties of ZnO–Bi2O3 Varistor Ceramics Sintered at 950°C
Authors: Xiao Xiangkai , Zheng Liaoying , Cheng Lihong , Tian Tian , Ruan Xuezheng , Podlogar Mateja , Bernik Slavko , Li Guorong 
Published: January 2015

The phase evolution, microstructure, and electrical properties of WO3‐doped ZnO–Bi2O3‐based varistors were investigated for different amounts x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.60 mol%) of the dopant. When x was less than 0.40, the dissolved W6+ in the β‐Bi2O3 acted as a donor in the grain boundaries and reduced the electrical properties of the ZnO varistors. However, when x was 0.40 mol%, which meant an amount of WO3 equal to that of Bi2O3, the electrical properties dramatically increased, which means the W6+ donor effect is removed at the grain boundaries because a new Bi2WO6 phase was formed in the grain‐boundary regions. The Bi2WO6 phase has high oxygen conductivity at high temperatures; it transfers more oxygen to the grain boundaries in order to further enhance the electrical properties. For x values higher than 0.40 (i.e., an addition of WO3 that is greater than the content of Bi2O3), the electrical properties were steadily reduced in comparison to the composition with x = 0.40. This could be explained by the reduced amount of Co, Mn, and Al at the grain boundaries and in the ZnO grains as a result of their incorporation into the ZnWO4 phase. The electrical properties of the ZnO grains and the grain boundaries were in agreement with the results of the impedance spectroscopy analysis.
Explaining External Perceptions: The EU and China in African Public Opinion
Authors: Keuleers Floor 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWhile the past decade has seen a remarkable growth in research on external perceptions of the EU, this literature remains characterized by three important gaps: highly uneven geographical coverage, lack of comparisons between the EU and other actors, and a near‐exclusive focus on description to the detriment of explanation. This article introduces a novel explanatory framework for perceptions research and applies this to popular perceptions of the EU and China in 19 Sub‐Saharan African countries, shedding light on a neglected dimension of the ‘traditional’ versus ‘emerging donors’ debate. It finds, first, that China has quickly succeeded in becoming more well‐known among African populations than the EU. Second, popular perceptions do not reflect the antagonism pervading the discourse on ‘emerging donors’, with both the EU and China enjoying broad‐based popular support. Finally, preferences are a function primarily of individual experiences and outlooks, refuting earlier claims on the importance of national‐level factors.
Managing oral hygiene as a risk factor for periodontal disease: a systematic review of psychological approaches to behaviour change for improved plaque control in periodontal management
Authors: Newton J. Timothy , Asimakopoulou Koula 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundPlaque control in patients with periodontal disease is critically dependent upon self‐care through specific oral hygiene‐related behaviours.ObjectivesTo determine the relationship between adherence to oral hygiene instructions in adult periodontal patients and psychological constructs. To determine the effect of interventions based on psychological constructs on oral health‐related behaviour in adult periodontal patients.Data SourcesThe Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO.Study Appraisal and Synthesis MethodsStudies were grouped according to the study design, and appraised using an appropriate methodology, either the Newcastle‐Ottawa assessment for observational studies, or the Cochrane criteria for trials.ResultsFifteen reports of studies were identified.LimitationsThere was a low risk of bias identified for the observational studies. Older trials suffered from high risk of bias, but more recent trials had low risk of bias. However, the specification of the psychological intervention was generally poor.Conclusions and Implications of Key FindingsThe use of goal setting, self‐monitoring and planning are effective interventions for improving oral hygiene‐related behaviour in patients with periodontal disease. Understanding the benefits of behaviour change and the seriousness of periodontal disease are important predictors of the likelihood of behaviour change.
Efficacy of inter‐dental mechanical plaque control in managing gingivitis – a meta‐review
Authors: Sälzer Sonja , Slot Dagmar E. , Van der Weijden Fridus A. , Dörfer Christof E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractFocused questionWhat is the effect of mechanical inter‐dental plaque removal in addition to toothbrushing, on managing gingivitis using various formats of inter‐dental self‐care in adults based on evidence gathered from existing systematic reviews?Material & MethodsThree Internet sources were searched by a strategy designed to include systematic reviews on inter‐dental cleaning devices. Plaque and gingivitis scores were the primary parameters of interest. Characteristics of selected papers were extracted. The potential risk of bias was estimated and the acquired evidence was graded.ResultsScreening of 395 papers resulted in six systematic reviews. Two papers evaluated the efficacy of dental floss, two of inter‐dental brushes (IDB), one of woodsticks and one of the oral irrigator. Weak evidence of unclear or small magnitude was retrieved that supported dental floss, woodsticks and the oral irrigator to reduce gingivitis in addition to toothbrushing. No concomitant evidence for an effect on plaque emerged. There is moderate evidence that IDBs in combination with toothbrushing reduce both plaque and gingivitis.ConclusionEvidence suggests that inter‐dental cleaning with IDBs is the most effective method for inter‐dental plaque removal. The majority of available studies fail to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal. All investigated devices for inter‐dental self‐care seem to support the management of gingivitis, however, to a varying extend.
Efficacy of commercially available predators, nematodes and fungal entomopathogens for augmentative control of Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Woltz J. M. , Donahue K. M. , Bruck D. J. , Lee J. C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe recent arrival of Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest of soft‐skinned fruit with a wide host range, has resulted in increased production costs for growers and the need for additional insecticide applications each growing season. There are few effective organic insecticides for D. suzukii, and insecticide use in conventional farms may be disruptive to natural enemies, suggesting a need for effective biological control to combat D. suzukii. Commercially available natural enemies were evaluated for their potential use in augmentative releases, including: the predators Orius insidiosus and Dalotia coriaria; the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus; and the entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema feltiae and S. carpocapsae. This suite of natural enemies was chosen to target D. suzukii adults as well as larvae in hanging or dropped fruit. Of the cultured fungal strains tested, only M. anisopliae significantly decreased D. suzukii survival, but it had low residual activity and no effect on D. suzukii fecundity. O. insidiosus decreased D. suzukii survival in simple laboratory arenas but not on potted blueberries or bagged blueberry branches outdoors. D. coriaria did not decrease D. suzukii survival in infested blueberries in simple laboratory arenas. The nematodes tested showed low infection rates and were not able to affect D. suzukii survival. Although this suite of natural enemies showed limited ability to suppress D. suzukii under the tested conditions, these and related natural enemies are present as part of the endemic natural enemy community in agricultural fields, where they may contribute to D. suzukii suppression.
Removal of Heavy Metal Contamination from Peanut Skin Extracts by Waste Biomass Adsorption
Authors: Massie B.J. , Sanders T.H. , Dean L.L. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPeanut skins are a processing waste product with potential as a low‐cost source of polyphenols for nutraceutical or functional food ingredient use. Aqueous extractions of peanut skins and subsequent concentration of these extracts can result in normally innocuous levels of heavy metals present to be increased to concentrations of human health concern. Adsorption utilizing waste biomasses is a promising method of removing these contaminants from extracts. Peanut hulls and chitosan cross‐linked beads were evaluated as possible adsorbents. The Langmuir adsorption model determined that peanut hulls were the more effective material. Peanut hulls removed 88.6 ± 1.9% of the cadmium present. Apparent removal of arsenic (21.7 ± 9.5%) showed no correlation to adsorbent dosage. Successful removal of cadmium without reduction of the phenolic content of the extracts showed that this strategy is effective for heavy metal remediation of peanut skin extracts, making them a viable source of antioxidants in food applications.Practical ApplicationsPolyphenols are a rapidly increasing portion of the nutraceutical and functional food marketplace. Peanut skins are a waste product from the peanut blanching and roasting industry which have potential as a low‐cost source of polyphenols. Extraction and concentration of peanut skin extracts can cause normally innocuous levels of the heavy metal content to be increased to concentrations of concern. Adsorption utilizing waste biomasses is a promising method of removing contaminants from extracts. The present study developed peanut hulls as a possible adsorbent material for the remediation of peanut skin extracts. The results of this study will be useful to peanut growers and shellers to develop new ingredient applications for peanut skin polyphenol extracts.
Ultrasonic Enhancement on Propolis Extraction at Varied pH and Alcohol Content
Authors: Yeo Kai Liang , Leo Choe Peng , Chan Derek Juinn Chieh 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPropolis extraction using hydroalcoholic solutions at varied pH was ultrasonically enhanced in order to reduce the extraction duration. The studied parameters also involved the ethanol concentration, pH and duration. The ultrasonic enhancement consisted of 14 cycles with each cycle of 10 min of ultrasonication and 10 min of cooling down. The total phenolic and the flavonoid contents of the extract samples were determined. Within 100 min, it was found that the optimum propolis extract could be collected using the solvent with ethanol concentration of 30% and pH 10 under ultrasonication. The bioactivities of the optimum extract, such as antioxidant and antibacterial attributions, were further studied. The optimum propolis extract exhibited lower antioxidant properties compared with the propolis extract produced via maceration (24 h, 70% ethanol). However, the optimum extract that exhibited slightly greater effect toward gram‐positive bacteria was the propolis extract prepared through maceration.Practical ApplicationsPropolis extraction is always time‐consuming and requires great amount of ethanol. This study presented the significant improvement in propolis extraction using ultrasonication, which is biochemically safe. Ultrasonication enhances the removal and recovery of active compounds from propolis matrix during extraction because the solvent has been energized. As the process time has been greatly shortened, the scale of extraction unit can also be greatly reduced. Such technique is believed to appeal to industries that seek an economical and green alternative extraction technique to produce commercialized functional food.
The Developmental Evaluation of Aspergillus Tubingensis CTM 507 Glucose Oxidase Toxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors: Kriaa Mouna , Mnafgui Kais , Belhadj Sahla , El feki Abdelfattah , Kammoun Radhouane 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe glucose oxidase (GOD) produced by the fungus Aspergillus tubingensis will be used to improve the quality of bread. The GOD preparation was assessed in a set of toxicological tests to document its safety in use. The oral administration of the GOD preparation to rats at a dose level of 0.4 mg/kg body weight/day did not cause any overt toxic effect on the survival, food intake and body weight gain throughout the 4‐week treatment period. The statistically significant changes in serum biochemical indices in treated groups like the increase in the blood glucose levels and the enzymatic activities of alpha amylase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were not concomitant with pertinent histopathological changes and were hence toxicologically inconsequential. No microscopic lesions attributable to the treatment were manifested in the experimental groups. The tested dose level has no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level for developmental toxicity in rats. This GOD can be considered as a candidate for future application especially in the food industry.Practical ApplicationsThe GOD has gained considerable importance in biotechnological applications. In fact, this enzyme is a potential candidate for both biomedical and agricultural field including the biological control of crop pest as well as food processing and formulation. It also has great benefits to biopharmaceutical field. Few studies have so far dealt with the toxicity of GOD. Indeed, studying the toxicity of GOD from A. tubingensis, a new isolate fungus, was necessary to assess its potential application in many other fields. Results showed that GOD preparation was not toxic and could be potentially used for large‐scale application. This study is of great interest as it gives us the chance to use the GOD preparation as a food additive and in bio‐pharmacy.
Alcohol‐Mediated Hemolysis in Dairy Yeast Isolates and Hemolytic Activities on Blood Agar Media Containing Milk and Cheese
Authors: Atanassova M. , Fernández‐Otero C. , Centeno J.A. , Garabal J.I. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOf a total of 143 presumptive yeast isolates obtained fromGalician (north‐westSpain) short‐ripened raw cow's milk starter‐free cheeses, 27 exhibited microbial alcohol‐conferred hemolytic (MACH) activity. Among theMACH‐positive isolates, eight were identified asYarrowia lipolyticaand four asKluyveromyces lactis. These isolates of potential technological interest were subjected to spot agar assays on special blood agar media prepared with skim milk, whole milk and cheese. The hemolytic activities of theK. lactisisolates were generally more evident on skim‐milk blood agar. However, the hemolytic activities of theY. lipolyticaisolates were strongest on whole‐milk blood agar and cheese blood agar, and all of these isolates displayed total or predominantly beta‐hemolysis reaction after 72‐h incubation. Despite the fact that theMACH‐positive yeast isolates assayed in the special media produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, particularly proteases and esterases, the hemolytic activity in these yeasts might be predisposed or triggered by environmental conditions which could be common in dairy products.Practical ApplicationsYeasts displaying alcohol‐conferred hemolytic activity (MACH) were isolated from traditional raw‐milk cheeses. Among these yeast isolates, some species of technological interest for the food industry,Yarrowia lipolyticaandKluyveromyces lactis, were identified. Despite the fact that theMACH‐positive yeast produce proteases and esterases, these dairy yeasts were able to develop alcohol‐induced hemolysis on standard media and as well as hemolysis in conditions designed to simulate dairy products. Currently, the specific virulence factors that differentiate pathogenic yeasts from innocuous ones are not conclusively known and little research has been made in relation to microbial hemolytic activities expressed both in the absence and in the presence of alcohol vapor. Hemolysis is generally associated with higher virulence in microorganisms, so new research might be needed to understand these hemolytic events predisposed/triggered by environmental growth conditions in relationship to food safety.
Removal of Patulin from Aqueous Solution Using Cross‐Linked Chitosan Beads
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Jiayu , Meng Xianghong , Liu Bingjie 
Published: January 2015

AbstractChitosan beads were prepared by the method of inverse suspension cross‐linking characterized and applied to remove patulin from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the optimum adsorption conditions and reusability. The results showed that chitosan beads were effective in removing patulin from aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity of chitosan beads for patulin was 626.4 μg/g at pH 7.0, 40C for 24 h. The kinetics and isotherm models were investigated to characterize the mechanism of patulin adsorption. Adsorption process of patulin on chitosan beads could be described by pseudo second‐order model and Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. It was concluded that chitosan beads were very promising biosorbent for patulin removal from aqueous solution.Practical ApplicationsThis study established the basis for the removal of patulin from aqueous solution, and chitosan beads were applied to strengthen the control of patulin for the first time. Therefore, this work was of great significance in protecting human health from patulin contamination.
Evaluation of the Potential of Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopy to Assess the Microbiological Quality of Ham
Authors: Moreirinha Catarina , Nunes Alexandra , Barros António , Almeida Adelaide , Delgadillo Ivonne 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe accurate reliable detection and identification of microorganisms in food is critical to public safety. Consequently, it is extremely important to develop rapid and inexpensive methods for the detection of food microorganisms in order to minimize or even replace the traditional analysis methods that are expensive and time‐consuming. In this study, the potential of mid‐infrared spectroscopy was evaluated, for the first time, to detect changes in colony forming units of microorganisms in freshly cut ham along the time. A partial least squares regression model was performed and a good linear relationship was obtained between spectra information and microbial load. It was concluded that infrared spectroscopy easily and quickly allows the separation of ham samples according to their microbial content and could be used to predict the microbial concentration from the spectra, using the fingerprint region (1,200–950 cm−1), without sample preparation or handling.Practical ApplicationsAs it is essential to avoid infections caused by foodborne bacteria, it is important to develop a rapid, low cost and easy to perform technique to face the increasing demands of the food industry. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy, coupled to multivariate analysis, has potential to be used as a first‐screening approach and to assess the microbial concentration in ham samples, avoiding the traditional plating methods that are time‐consuming.
A thematic analysis of experiences of varicose veins and minimally invasive surgery under local anaesthesia
Authors: Hudson Briony F , Ogden Jane , Whiteley Mark S 
Published: January 2015

Aims and objectivesTo gain insight into the experience of living with varicose veins and undergoing minimally invasive surgery under local anaesthesia in a private clinic.BackgroundMinimally invasive surgery under local anaesthesia is replacing traditional surgical stripping for the treatment for varicose veins. Conscious surgery has previously been associated with elevated levels of anxiety and some associated pain. There is limited research exploring the experiences of patients undergoing varicose vein surgery under local anaesthesia.DesignQualitative semi‐structured interviews with 20 patients who took part in a mixed methods study exploring the effects of distraction on intra‐operative pain and anxiety.MethodsParticipants were interviewed eight weeks post surgery about their experiences before, during and after surgery. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes were captured (1) negative emotions associated with symptoms, (2) unpreparedness for the surgical process, (3) feeling cared for and (4) improvements in well‐being. An overarching theme of relationships was identified. Overall, varicose veins had a detrimental impact on quality of life prior to surgery. Patients felt unprepared for their procedure and experienced the operation as anxiety provoking and uncomfortable. This was much helped by the support of nursing staff in the theatre. Post surgery, patients' quality of life was reported as improved.ConclusionsMore emphasis needs to be placed on preparing patients for surgery under local anaesthesia. The role of the nurse is central to creating a caring, relaxed environment which could improve patient experience.Relevance to clinical practicePatients' experiences of varicose veins and their treatment both influence, and are influenced by relationships with others at all stages of the management process. Nurses play an important role in improving patient experience during surgery and care needs to be taken to ensure that patients understand and accept the processes of surgery and recovery.
Changes in Parent, Sibling, and Peer Support During the Transition to Young Adulthood
Authors: Guan Shu‐Sha Angie , Fuligni Andrew J. 
Published: January 2015

Longitudinal trajectories of parent, sibling, and peer support during the transition to young adulthood were compared among 600 participants (51.1% female) from Asian, European, and Latin American backgrounds. Participants completed questionnaires at 12th grade, 2 and 4 years after high school. Results indicated that parent support increased across this period for participants from European backgrounds but remained stable for participants from Asian and Latin American backgrounds. Peer and sibling support remained relatively stable. Supports had specific implications for self‐esteem and depressive mood. On average, young adults with higher levels of support reported greater expectations to reciprocate support within the family. Together, these findings highlight the changing dynamics of family and friends during the transition to young adulthood.
Structural features of colloidal species in the human fasted upper small intestine
Authors: Müllertz Anette , Reppas Christos , Psachoulias Dimitrios , Vertzoni Maria , Fatouros Dimitrios G 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Objectives
This paper aims to study the features of colloidal species in the lumen of the upper small intestine of two healthy adults at fasted state by means of electron microscopy.

Methods
Samples were aspirated from a location near the ligament of Treitz 30 min (volunteer no. 1, Aspirate30min sample) and 60 min (volunteer no. 2, Aspirate60min sample), after administration of 240 ml of an aqueous solution in the fasted state.

Key findings
In the Aspirate30min sample micelles coexist with multi-, oligo- and unilamellar vesicles. Tubular structures and long structures were frequently visualised. In the Aspirate60min sample micelles, few unilamellar vesicles, long structures and tubular structures were the dominating structural features. In both samples, multivesicular structures and faceted vesicles (previously visualised at fed state) were absent. Structural features of both samples bear similarities with previously studied samples from the lower intestine in the fasted state. Micelles and unilamellar vesicles observed in both samples closely resemble morphological characteristics of those found in fluids simulating the colloidal species in fasted upper intestinal environment.

Conclusions
Features of colloidal species in contents of fasted small intestine have similarities with fluids simulating the contents in fasted upper small intestine and with contents of lower intestine in the fasted state.