Effect of Capsicum carotenoids on growth and aflatoxins production by Aspergillus flavus isolated from paprika and chilli

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a carotenoid mixture (Capsantal FS-30-NT), containing capsanthin and capsorubin, on growth and aflatoxins (AF) production of AF-producing Aspergillus flavus isolates.     

An experimental study of factors associated with driver frustration and overtaking intentions

This study examined directly the impact of various factors associated with driving on ‘A-class’ roads in the United Kingdom (specifically length of platoon, proportion of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), speed and opportunities for overtaking) on self-reported frustration and overtaking intentions. The impact of situational variables (being under time pressure, and time behind a slower moving platoon) were also examined, as was the association between frustration and self-reported overtaking intentions. 183 members of the public from the areas around Perth and Inverness, Scotland took part in the study. Participants viewed simulated ‘driver’s viewpoint’ clips representing all the combinations of the experimental variables (except time pressure, which was a between-groups variable, and time behind platoon, which was examined separately in four specific clips). After each clip, participants responded on a paper questionnaire as to the level of frustration they would feel for a given clip, and the likelihood that at some point during the clip they would have attempted an overtake manoeuvre. The findings show that the links between traffic variables such as speed and platoon length, and behaviourally-relevant variables such as frustration and overtaking intentions, are not simple. Although there are broad and predictable effects of speed and platoon length (lower speeds and longer platoons leading to greater frustration) these are mediated by other variables, and it is not always the case that more frustration leads to more intention to overtake. Analysis of driver attitudes identified three clusters (low, medium and high risk drivers) and suggests that higher risk drivers’ levels of frustration are more affected by situational changes than those of lower risk drivers.     

The principal factors affecting construction project overhead expenses: an exploratory factor analysis approach

Estimation is the first step in the project development process. Information technology provides an efficient platform for estimators to obtain quotations and specifications for their bid estimates. However, in practice, project overhead estimation relies heavily on the professional judgement and intuition of the estimators. This reduces the overall accuracy and reliability of the bid and a better understanding of the factors affecting project overheads is fundamental before any improved estimating methods can be devised. Unfortunately, the published literature on this topic is very limited. Using exploratory factor analysis, we aim to bridge the current knowledge gap by highlighting the principal factors affecting project overheads. Questionnaires detailing 27 variables were sent to quantity surveying managers of large contractors in Hong Kong. Seventy-nine valid responses were analysed by exploratory factor analysis. From the results, eight factors were extracted with their latent properties identified with reference to the expert opinions collected from telephone interviews. The findings clarify some misconceptions about the factors affecting project overheads and provide useful evidence for practitioners and researchers to understand project overheads. Estimators who address the identified factors when assessing future project overhead costs can improve the accuracy of their cost estimates and project budgets.     

Judicial review in the New Zealand planning system: 1926–1977

This paper explores the development of the planning appeal system in New Zealand in the period from 1926 to 1977 under the first two town planning acts, in particular focusing on the judicial aspects of that process. Drawing on archival and oral history sources it traces the development of the system from one of an expert panel to an appeal board which functioned as a tribunal and increasingly blended town planning and legal considerations. It was also a system that ran on the proverbial shoestring while at the same time developing an appeals system and a cannon of decisions that influenced the development of town planning in New Zealand.     

Trading properties after the earthquake: the rebuilding of eighteenth‐century Lisbon

This paper introduces the innovative system used in the reconstruction of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. Its findings are based on original documents that offer a detailed picture of the principles and methods established to convert the land and properties of the old city into the new and standardized gridded Plan. Implemented in the mid‐eighteenth century, the methodical system outlined was, undoubtedly, an important point of reference for the large‐scale urban improvement and redevelopment operations that would follow in nineteenth‐century Europe.     

Sustained release of potassium diclofenac from a pH‐responsive hydrogel based on gum arabic conjugates into simulated intestinal fluid

This work describes the preparation, the swelling properties and the potassium diclofenac (KDF) release profile of hydrogels of gum arabic (GA), N′,N′‐dimethylacrylamide, and methacrylic acid. In order to convert GA into a hydrogel, the polysaccharide was vinyl‐modified with glycidyl methacrylate. The hydrogels showed pH‐responsive swelling changes, which were more expressive in the basic environment. Release data of KDF were adjusted to a diffusion‐based kinetic model that provides an important insight on affinity of the drug for hydrogel and solvent, which may be the leading parameter for release of guest molecules from polymers. The KDF release from the hydrogels into simulated intestinal fluid decreases when the amount of modified GA increases. This was demonstrated to be due to the higher affinity of KDF for GA‐richer hydrogel, which makes the anti‐inflammatory release less favorable. The analysis of released drug half‐time (t_1/2 = 16.10 and 21.51 h) indicated sustained release characteristics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43319.     

Maternal Flaxseed Oil During Lactation Enhances Bone Development in Male Rat Pups

Flaxseed oil is an alpha linolenic acid source important in the growth and body development stage; furthermore, this acid acts on adipose tissue and bone health. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition, fatty acid composition, hormone profile, retroperitoneal adipocyte area and femur structure of pups at weaning, whose mothers were fed a diet containing flaxseed oil during lactation. After birth, pups were randomly assigned: control (C, n = 12) and flaxseed oil (FO, n = 12), rats whose mothers were treated with diet containing soybean or flaxseed oil. At 21 days, the pups were weaned and body mass, length, body composition, biochemical parameter, leptin, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, fatty acids composition, intra‐abdominal fat mass and femur structure were analyzed. FO showed (p < 0.05): higher body mass (+12 %) and length (+9 %); body fat mass (g, +45 %); bone mineral density (+8 %), bone mineral content (+55 %) and bone area (+35 %), osteocalcin (+173 %) and osteoprotegerin (+183 %). Arachidonic acid was lower (p < 0.0001), alpha‐linolenic and eicosapentaenoic were higher (p < 0.0001). Intra‐abdominal fat mass was higher (+25 %), however, the retroperitoneal adipocytes area was lower (?44 %). Femur mass (+10 %), distance between epiphyses (+4 %) and bone mineral density (+13 %) were higher. The study demonstrates that adequate flaxseed oil content during a lactation diet plays an important role in the development of pups.     

Ni/Al Multilayers Produced by Accumulative Roll Bonding and Sputtering

Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance - Ni/Al multilayers are known to transform into NiAl in a highly exothermic and self-sustaining reaction. The fact that this reaction has a high...