Abstract
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Amine Allaoui, Cristina Barranquero, Sanaa Yahia, Luis Vicente Herrera-Marcos, Souhila Benomar, Mourad Jridi, María Ángeles Navarro, Maria Jesús Rodriguez-Yoldi, Moncef Nasri, Jesús Osada and Ahmed Boualga
This paper aims to investigate the in vivo hypocholesterolemic property of fenugreek proteins (FP), Purafect-fenugreek protein hydrolysate (PFPH) and Esperase-fenugreek protein…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the in vivo hypocholesterolemic property of fenugreek proteins (FP), Purafect-fenugreek protein hydrolysate (PFPH) and Esperase-fenugreek protein hydrolysate (EFPH) on high cholesterol (HC)-fed rats.
Design/methodology/approach
Rats were randomized into five groups: four were fed for four weeks a hypercholesterolemic diet and the tested products were given by gavage. The fifth group was taken as control (C) receiving the same diet without cholesterol.
Findings
Results showed that the elevated aspartate aminotransferase activity in HC group plasma was significantly corrected by FP and EFPH administration (−33 per cent; p = 0.0003). HC liver lipids and total cholesterol (TC) contents were not markedly affected by FP and EFPH. However, liver triglycerides (TG) contents trended to decrease in FP rats vs HC (p = 0.07), while, the TG decrease was significant in groups fed the proteins hydrolysates (p = 0.02). On the other hand, serum TC and TG decreased by 53 per cent (p = 0.0003) and 20 per cent (p = 0.04), respectively, in FP treated rats compared to HC group. This decrease was associated with a high fecal cholesterol excretion (2.5-fold higher in FP vs HC; p = 0.0001). Likewise, EFPH-treated rats exhibited lower TC compared to HC rats (p = 0.004). The very low density lipoprotins was the main affected fraction in these two groups, while there were no significant difference in apolipoproteins (Apo) B, A-I and A-IV contents between the different groups, except in FP group, where Apo A-I and A-IV decreased by 26 and 17 per cent, respectively, compared to C rats (p = 0.02). The high density lipoproteins (HDL) of rats treated with proteins hydrolysates showed a better antioxidant property compared to those of HC rats, which was accompanied with an increase in paraoxonase activity when compared to HC group.
Originality/value
Unlike PFPH which had almost no effect, FPs and EFPH could constitute a nutraceutical ingredient in cardiovascular disease management.
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This chapter analyzes events leading to the collapse of President Dilma Rousseff’s parliamentary base that are essential for understanding the impeachment process in 2016. First…
Abstract
This chapter analyzes events leading to the collapse of President Dilma Rousseff’s parliamentary base that are essential for understanding the impeachment process in 2016. First, it assesses structural factors shaping the Brazilian political system and the adaptation strategy of Lula da Silva’s government in its relationship with the National Congress. Next, it analyzes the changing relationship between Dilma Rousseff’s government and Congress, especially the House of Representatives, as the main locus for presidential impeachment actions.
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Mahsa Khodadoostan, Majid Aghadavood Marnani, Amir Reza Moravejolahkami, Gholamreza Askari and Bijan Iraj
Today, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) treatment is an evolving process, and synbiotic administration has been suggested as a new therapeutic strategy. This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Today, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) treatment is an evolving process, and synbiotic administration has been suggested as a new therapeutic strategy. This study aims to investigate the effect of synbiotic supplementation in COVID-19 patients.
Design/methodology/approach
In this placebo-controlled trial, 80 patients were randomized to receive oral synbiotic capsule (containing fructooligosaccharide and seven bacterial strains; Lactobacillus (L) casei, L. rhamnosus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, L. bulgaricus, each one 109 colony-forming units) or placebo for two months. Inflammatory markers (Interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and white blood cell (WBC) count were evaluated at two timepoints (baseline, two months later). The measured variables were adjusted for confounders and analyzed by SPSS v21.0.
Findings
All 80 enrolled patients completed the study. The study adherence was good (approximately 70%). The mean changes for IL-6 were not significant (Δ = −0.6 ± 10.4 pg/mL vs Δ = +11.2 ± 50.3 pg/mL, p > 0.05). There were no significant improvements for CRP, ESR and WBC.
Originality/value
Administration of synbiotics for two months did not improve inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients.
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Hong-Chuong Tran, Yu-Lung Lo, Trong-Nhan Le, Alan Kin-Tak Lau and Hong-You Lin
Depending on an experimental approach to find optimal parameters for producing fully dense (relative density > 99%) Inconel 718 (IN718) components in the selective laser melting…
Abstract
Purpose
Depending on an experimental approach to find optimal parameters for producing fully dense (relative density > 99%) Inconel 718 (IN718) components in the selective laser melting (SLM) process is expensive and offers no guarantee of success. Accordingly, this study aims to propose a multi-scale simulation framework to guide the choice of processing parameters in a more pragmatic manner.
Design/methodology/approach
In the proposed approach, a powder layer, ray tracing and heat transfer simulation models are used to calculate the melt pool dimensions and evaporation volume corresponding to a small number of laser power and scanning speed conditions within the input design space. A layer-heating model is then used to determine the inter-layer idle time required to maximize the temperature convergence rate of the solidified layer beneath the power bed. The simulation results are used to train surrogate models to construct SLM process maps for 3,600 pairs of the laser power and scanning speed within the input design space given three different values of the underlying solidified layer temperature (i.e., 353 K, 673 K and 873 K). The ideal selection of laser power and scanning speed of each process map is chosen based on four quality-related criteria listed as follows: without the appearance of key-hole melting; an evaporation volume less than the volume of the d90 powder particles; ensuring the stability of single scan tracks; and avoiding a weak contact between the melt pool and substrate. Finally, the optimal laser power and scanning speed parameters for the SLM process are determined by superimposing the optimal regions of the individual process maps.
Findings
The feasibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated by fabricating IN718 test specimens using the optimal processing conditions identified by the simulation framework. It is shown that the maximum density of the fabricated parts is 99.94%, while the average density is 99.88% and the standard deviation is less than 0.05%.
Originality/value
The present study proposed a multi-scale simulation model which can efficiently predict the optimal processing conditions for producing fully dense components in the SLM process. If the geometry of the three-dimensional printed part is changed or the machine and powder material is altered, users can use the proposed method for predicting the processing conditions that can produce the high-density part.
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Yiran Deng, Xianliang Wang and Dandan Li
The study aims to delve into the interactive relationships among brand authenticity, brand attachment, brand trust and brand loyalty using the ERC authenticity framework…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to delve into the interactive relationships among brand authenticity, brand attachment, brand trust and brand loyalty using the ERC authenticity framework, exploring the potential mechanisms and different configurations affecting brand loyalty through brand authenticity.
Design/methodology/approach
About 446 valid samples were collected through an online survey of Chinese consumers of international sports brands. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) were employed to test the research hypotheses.
Findings
SEM results indicate significant positive correlations among brand true-to-ideal authenticity, true-to-fact authenticity and true-to-self authenticity. All dimensions of brand authenticity exert notable positive impacts on brand attachment, brand trust and brand loyalty. Brand true-to-ideal authenticity, true-to-fact authenticity and true-to-self authenticity not only directly influence consumer brand loyalty but also indirectly affect it through brand attachment and brand trust; fsQCA results reveal five heterogeneous configurations to predict brand loyalty.
Originality/value
This study not only uses SEM to validate the structural relationships among the three dimensions of brand authenticity and their linear relationships with brand attachment, brand trust and brand loyalty but also uses fsQCA to identify nonlinear relationships between concepts. It extends complexity theory to the research field of brand authenticity–brand loyalty. Furthermore, based on the research results, this study provides management suggestions for brand managers and marketers.