The role of social media in enhancing guanxi and perceived effectiveness of E-commerce institutional mechanisms in online marketplace

This study extends literature on e-commerce trust and repurchase intentions by exploring the role of swift guanxi and the perceived effectiveness of institutional mechanisms (PEEIM) in the context of a Chinese e-marketplace – Taobao. We explore how Taobao’s social media technologies (online reviews and instant messenger) can improve swift guanxi and PEEIM by increasing online interactivity and presence. We find that buyers’ PEEIM negatively moderates trust in online sellers and repurchase intentions. We show that swift guanxi, created by social media’s interactivity and presence, enhances trust, which further increases repurchase intentions. Theoretical and managerial implications and future research directions are discussed.     

Assessment of aliphatic poly(ester-carbonate-urea-urethane)s potential as materials for biomedical application

Selected mechanical and biological properties of biodegradable elastomeric poly(ester-carbonate-urea-urethane)s (PECUUs) point towards their potential to be applied as scaffolds in tissue engineering. Here we explore their medical applicability taking into account their hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity. The influence of the ester monomer (derivatives of adipic and succinic acids), as well as diisocyanate type (IPDI and HDI) on the investigated PECUUs properties is presented. The presence of aliphatic diisocyanates, cyclic IPDI or linear HDI, governs the adhesion of Candida cells to these polymers offering the possibility to control the biofilm formation on their surface. In comparison to the linear form, cyclic diisocyanates with pentamethylene succinate or adipate fragments had two to three times lower biofilm mass formation on their surface. Reduced hemoglobin release from red blood cells observed during incubation of tested polymers with human erythrocytes suspension indicates their potential biocompatibility with human tissues. PECUUs were also able to support the growth of human keratinocytes HaCaT on their surface when coated with collagen. In effect, IPDI derivatives might possess a high potential for use in biomedical applications.     

Quality characteristics of angel food cake and muffin using lentil protein as egg/milk replacer

Replacement of animal proteins could be interesting for the food industry because it allows long‐term cost savings, among other reasons. Replacing egg/milk protein (50–100 wt%) by lentil protein (LP) was evaluated on angel cake/muffin quality. The replacement did not significantly affect final product volume, neither the muffins nor the angel food cakes. LP did not affect dough formation and contributed to hold crumb structure building an entangled network in both cake products. In addition, angel cakes and muffins containing LP had significantly lower baking loss than the control. Inferior quality for angel cakes and muffins containing LP was observed regarding hardness and chewiness that increased upon storage, compared to the control. For sensory evaluation in angel cakes, appearance of LP formulations showed lower scores than the control, likely due to the change of crumb colour. Other attributes were not significantly impacted by LP presence. For muffins, M‐100‐LPC formulation showed significant differences with the control for most of the attributes, except appearance and flavour. Indeed, consumers preferred muffins with 100% egg/milk protein replacement, which received higher acceptability scores than control. They also appreciated the ‘nutty’ flavour and moisture of angel cake with 50% egg protein replacement. This research suggests that lentil protein can totally or partially substitute egg/milk protein as foam and emulsion stabiliser in cakes, producing products with satisfactory quality.     

Physicochemical and Biological Characterisation of Diclofenac Oligomeric Poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) Hybrids as β-TCP Ceramics Modifiers for Bone Tissue Regeneration

Nowadays, regenerative medicine faces a major challenge in providing new, functional materials that will meet the characteristics desired to replenish and grow new tissue. Therefore, this study presents new ceramic-polymer composites in which the matrix consists of tricalcium phosphates covered with blends containing a chemically bounded diclofenac with the biocompatible polymer—poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate), P(3HO). Modification of P(3HO) oligomers was confirmed by NMR, IR and XPS. Moreover, obtained oligomers and their blends were subjected to an in-depth characterisation using GPC, TGA, DSC and AFM. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the hydrophobicity and surface free energy values of blends decreased with the amount of diclofenac modified oligomers. Subsequently, the designed composites were used as a substrate for growth of the pre-osteoblast cell line (MC3T3-E1). An in vitro biocompatibility study showed that the composite with the lowest concentration of the proposed drug is within the range assumed to be non-toxic (viability above 70%). Cell proliferation was visualised using the SEM method, whereas the observation of cell penetration into the scaffold was carried out by confocal microscopy. Thus, it can be an ideal new functional bone tissue substitute, allowing not only the regeneration and restoration of the defect but also inhibiting the development of chronic inflammation.     

Characterisation of composite edible films based on wheat starch and whey‐protein isolate

Composite films prepared by casting wheat starch and whey‐protein isolate at proportions of 100–0%, 75–25%, 50–50%, 25–75% and 0–100% were characterised. Combination of both substances gave continuous and homogeneous films. The more the starch is in a film, the more dull is the appearance. The highest water adsorption was observed for pure whey‐protein films and the lowest for pure wheat starch films with the final water content of 0.264 and 0.324 g water g d.m.^?1, respectively. An exponential equation well fitted the experimental data of water vapour kinetics (R² ≥ 0.99). The highest values of thickness and elongation at break were observed for films obtained by blending of wheat starch and whey protein. With the increasing content of whey‐protein isolate, the values of the swelling index and tensile strength increased from 34.31% to 71.01% and from 2.29 to 8.90 MPa, respectively. The values of water vapour permeability depended on humidity conditions and decreased slightly with the increasing content of whey‐protein isolate.     

The impact of treatment of cereal mashes with hydrolases of non‐starch polysaccharides and pullulanase on the chemical composition of the obtained distillates

The distilling industry has been looking for more efficient technologies for spirit production. The pressureless starch liberation method (PLS) is an energy‐saving alternative to high‐pressure treatment of starch raw materials. Also, one of the promising solutions is the use of supportive enzymatic preparations during the mashing of starch raw materials. Rye and corn mashes obtained by the PLS method were treated with enzymes (pullulanase, xylanase, cellulases and cellobiase). The composition of volatile compounds in the distillates of the fermentation mashes was determined. Acetaldehyde was the dominant aliphatic carbonyl compound found in the raw distillates. Rye‐based fermentation distillates contained small amounts of propionaldehyde, isobutyraldehyde and isovaleraldehyde, which were not found in any of the corn distillates. The treatment of mashes with cellulolytic preparations caused an increase in the methanol content of the obtained distillates. All of the mashes treated with auxiliary enzymes yielded raw distillates with much higher levels of higher alcohols. The application of hydrolases of non‐starch polysaccharides, or pullulanase preparations, during the mashing of the starch raw materials affects the chemical composition of the distillates. Xylanase and pullulanase can be used in the processing of rye and corn mashes for subsequent use in distilled ethanol beverage production. Copyright © 2014 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Broadening project participation through a modified building sustainability assessment

Building assessment tools are used as a means to assess and encourage the adoption of sustainability-led thinking and practice in the delivery of buildings. However, the established tools focus primarily on the aspects of green or sustainable building (i.e. building as an end-product), rarely exploring the contributions towards sustainable product delivery (i.e. the building process). However, some principles of sustainable development are best implemented within the process rather than by being embedded in the product. By addressing the issues of equity via participation through stakeholder-oriented sustainability assessment, building assessment tools could be used to enhance significantly the overall sustainability of project delivery in the construction sector. A theoretical justification is advocated for implementing a participatory approach that is underpinning the development of a specification for a building sustainability assessment model currently under development. The barriers to participation in the construction process are considered as well as the need to develop innovative mechanisms to broaden membership of the construction project team. The philosophical approaches and resultant practices drawn from Environmental Assessment and the Process Protocol are presented as examples of potential solutions for incorporating stakeholder participation in a modified building assessment process.     

Transdermal Delivery Systems for Ibuprofen and Ibuprofen Modified with Amino Acids Alkyl Esters Based on Bacterial Cellulose

The potential of bacterial cellulose as a carrier for the transport of ibuprofen (a typical example of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) through the skin was investigated. Ibuprofen and its amino acid ester salts-loaded BC membranes were prepared through a simple methodology and characterized in terms of structure and morphology. Two salts of amino acid isopropyl esters were used in the research, namely L-valine isopropyl ester ibuprofenate ([ValOiPr][IBU]) and L-leucine isopropyl ester ibuprofenate ([LeuOiPr][IBU]). [LeuOiPr][IBU] is a new compound; therefore, it has been fully characterized and its identity confirmed. For all membranes obtained the surface morphology, tensile mechanical properties, active compound dissolution assays, and permeation and skin accumulation studies of API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) were determined. The obtained membranes were very homogeneous. In vitro diffusion studies with Franz cells were conducted using pig epidermal membranes, and showed that the incorporation of ibuprofen in BC membranes provided lower permeation rates to those obtained with amino acids ester salts of ibuprofen. This release profile together with the ease of application and the simple preparation and assembly of the drug-loaded membranes indicates the enormous potentialities of using BC membranes for transdermal application of ibuprofen in the form of amino acid ester salts.     

Cherry (Prunus cerasus cv Montmorency) extract with standardised antioxidant potential as preservative for refrigerated storage of ground pork

Antioxidants occurring naturally are much sought‐after for their safety of use for human nutrition and strong preservative properties. The study was performed to determine the antioxidant potential of sour cherry extract and its effect (equivalent of 20 mg and 40 mg GAE kg^?1) on the quality of ground pork patties during 8‐day storage. The patties were analysed for antioxidant capacity, oxidation, profile of fatty acids, flavour, colour, sensory properties and aerobic bacteria count. Patties with addition of cherry extract (40 mg GAE kg^?1) showed higher antioxidant capacity of 844 ± 149 μmol TE L^‐1 on the last day of the storage than the control group where the result was 480 ± 81 μmol TE L^‐1. The addition of extract caused lower overall increase in lipid oxidation and prevented loss of redness even on the last day of the storage. Flavour changes resulted from oxidation and decrease in the amount of desirable volatile compounds in storage. The application of the extract from Prunus cerasus combined with vacuum packaging inhibited both oxidation and quality deterioration of pork patties in cold storage.