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Article
Publication date: 29 July 2024

Eunhye Son

Natural food colors used in food are generally perceived as additives. Therefore, many studies have been conducted to prove the health benefits and risks of using natural food…

Abstract

Purpose

Natural food colors used in food are generally perceived as additives. Therefore, many studies have been conducted to prove the health benefits and risks of using natural food colors, which play an important role in the food industry, and to identify realistic stabilization methods. This paper aims to examine the health effects of natural food colors from a pharmacological approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper searches for relevant literature using keywords such as “natural food coloring”, “stabilization” and “antioxidant effects”. For the case study area, this paper added “food science and technology” to identify methods for stabilizing natural food coloring. From this review, the authors ultimately selected 79 articles that appeared to meet the research objectives.

Findings

When using natural food coloring in food, there are concerns about stabilization. However, with the development of food science and technology, the authors have found that there are multi-layer emulsification methods that can be applied before, during and after food manufacturing, and storage standards are also important. Natural food coloring is playing a diverse role in food science.

Originality/value

Natural food coloring has been reported in various types of literature to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. The most common pigments are carotenoids. Considering the positive effects of natural food coloring on human health, the authors suggest future directions for the development of food science and technology and provide a perspective for changing consumer perceptions.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Roza Rafiei, Leila Roozbeh Nasiraie, Zahra Emam Jumeh and Sara Jafarian

The use of polysaccharides increases solubility and consistency and causes functions such as viscosity? Moisture and food emulsifier stabilizer. This study aims to enrich the…

Abstract

Purpose

The use of polysaccharides increases solubility and consistency and causes functions such as viscosity? Moisture and food emulsifier stabilizer. This study aims to enrich the formulation of low-fat mozzarella cheese using microcoated vitamin D3 (VD3).

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the addition of hydrocolloids to low-fat mozzarella cheese to enhance its properties and nutritional value. Tests were conducted on cheese samples with 0.05% and 0.25% hydrocolloid concentrations at various stages: before production and at three and six months’ postproduction. The samples were evaluated for elasticity, pH and solubility to select the best one, which was then fortified with VD3. The vitamin was microencapsulated using alginate and whey protein to shield it from light and oxygen, optimizing the formula using the response surface method. The fortified cheese was tested for VD3 content over its shelf life.

Findings

Results indicated that all hydrocolloids tested improved moisture and meltability of the cheese while higher protein levels increased stretchability two to threefold. Rice starch hydrocolloid at 0.05% concentration was chosen due to superior sensory scores and minimal oil separation. This study concluded that VD3 levels remained stable during the cheese’s shelf life, suggesting that this approach could enhance the nutritional value of low-fat cheese without compromising its quality. Therefore, after examining the obtained results and comparing the regression models, the results indicated that the Quadratic model was chosen to investigate the effect of independent variables on the response rate, which had a statistically significant difference with other models (p = 0.0019). Also the results of the area under the curve and using the encapsulation efficiency equation, the percentage of microencapsulated vitamin was obtained, and according to the simulation results, the encapsulation efficiency was reported as 89.02%.

Originality/value

Developing innovative functional dairy products fortified with VD3 could improve the vitamin D status in deficient populations. Therefore, these designs can be applied at industrial scales for functional cheese production.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 54 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Ch Kapil Ror, Vishal Mishra, Sushant Negi and Vinyas M.

This study aims to evaluate the potential of using the in-nozzle impregnation approach to reuse recycled PET (RPET) to develop continuous banana fiber (CBF) reinforced…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the potential of using the in-nozzle impregnation approach to reuse recycled PET (RPET) to develop continuous banana fiber (CBF) reinforced bio-composites. The mechanical properties and fracture morphology behavior are evaluated to establish the relationships between layer spacing–microstructural characteristics–mechanical properties of CBF/RPET composite.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses RPET filament developed from post-consumer PET bottles and CBF extracted from agricultural waste banana sap. RPET serves as the matrix material, while CBF acts as the reinforcement. The test specimens were fabricated using a customized fused deposition modeling 3D printer. In this process, customized 3D printer heads were used, which have a unique capability to extrude and deposit print fibers consisting of a CBF core coated with an RPET matrix. The tensile and flexural samples were 3D printed at varying layer spacing.

Findings

The Young’s modulus (E), yield strength (sy) and ultimate tensile strength of the CBF/RPET sample fabricated with 0.7 mm layer spacing are 1.9 times, 1.25 times and 1.8 times greater than neat RPET, respectively. Similarly, the flexural test results showed that the flexural strength of the CBF/RPET sample fabricated at 0.6 mm layer spacing was 47.52 ± 2.00 MPa, which was far greater than the flexural strength of the neat RPET sample (25.12 ± 1.94 MPa).

Social implications

This study holds significant social implications highlighting the growing environmental sustainability and plastic waste recycling concerns. The use of recycled PET material to develop 3D-printed sustainable structures may reduce resource consumption and encourages responsible production practices.

Originality/value

The key innovation lies in the concept of in-nozzle impregnation approach, where RPET is reinforced with CBF to develop a sustainable composite structure. CBF reinforcement has made RPET a superior, sustainable, environmentally friendly material that can reduce the reliance on virgin plastic material for 3D printing.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2024

B. R. Viswalekshmi and Deepthi Bendi

Construction waste reduction (CWR) plays a vital role in achieving sustainability in construction. A good CWR practice can result in optimizing material usage, conserving natural…

Abstract

Purpose

Construction waste reduction (CWR) plays a vital role in achieving sustainability in construction. A good CWR practice can result in optimizing material usage, conserving natural resources, limiting environmental pollution, protecting the environment and enhancing human health. In this regard, the purpose of the current study is to identify the most relevant organizational policies that aid in waste reduction and concurrently explores the congruent measures to be adopted during the construction process in the Indian high-rise building sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research findings were obtained through a mixed- method approach. Content analysis was used to identify waste reduction measures (variables) targeting on the two domains of construction – “waste-efficient execution” and “waste – mitigating organizational policies.” Furthermore, the authors explored and documented the key measures from the identified waste reduction measures using the constraint value of the relative importance index. As the next step, the study listed the theoretical hypothesis based on expert interviews and tested the theory through confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that “waste sensitive construction techniques and strategies” as the most significant category under the domain “Execution” with a path coefficient of 0.85. Concurrently, the study has also determined that “control procedures for budget, quality and resources” as the most effective organizational approach in reducing construction waste in the Indian building industry, with a path coefficient of 0.83.

Originality/value

The current research is context-sensitive to the Indian construction sector. It presents the stakeholder’s perspective on construction waste reduction and the relevant measures to be implemented to reduce construction waste in high-rise building projects in India. It can also act as a concordance for decision-makers to further focus on CWR management and aid in formulating policies suitable for the Indian context.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2024

Junhui Zhang, Sai Zhang, Yuhua Yang and Wendong Zhang

Based on the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, acoustic emission sensors have gained popularity owing to their small size, consistency, affordability and easy…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, acoustic emission sensors have gained popularity owing to their small size, consistency, affordability and easy integration. This study aims to provide direction for the advancement of MEMS acoustic emission sensors and predict their future potential for structural health detection of microprecision instruments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes the recent research progress of three MEMS acoustic emission sensors, compares their individual strengths and weaknesses, analyzes their research focus and predicts their development trend in the future.

Findings

Piezoresistive, piezoelectric and capacitive MEMS acoustic emission sensors are the three main streams of MEMS acoustic emission sensors, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. The existing research has not been applied in practice, and MEMS acoustic emission sensor still needs further research in the aspects of wide frequency/high sensitivity, good robustness and integration with complementary metal oxide semiconductor. MEMS acoustic emission sensor has great development potential.

Originality/value

In this paper, the existing research achievements of MEMS acoustic emission sensors are described systematically, and the further development direction of MEMS acoustic emission sensors in the future research field is pointed out. It provides an important reference value for the actual weak acoustic emission signal detection in narrow structures.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2024

Muhammed Kofoğlu, Doruk Erdem Yunus and Necati Ercan

Lattice structures are widely used for achieving optimal topology in additive manufacturing. However, the use of different lattices in a single design can result in stress…

Abstract

Purpose

Lattice structures are widely used for achieving optimal topology in additive manufacturing. However, the use of different lattices in a single design can result in stress concentrations at the transition points. This study aims to investigate the influence of Bezier curves on mechanical properties during the transformation from one lattice structure to another. It specifically focuses on the transition from a hexagonal to diamond lattice, using Bezier curves of various orders.

Design/methodology/approach

The curves were designed by passing them through the same control points for different orders, such as third, fifth and seventh. The samples were sliced for 3D printing, and a tensile test was conducted. Young’s modulus and energy absorption abilities were measured to compare the mechanical properties of the models created with Bezier curves for the transformation between hexagonal and diamond models.

Findings

The analysis revealed a gradual change in mechanical properties from the hexagonal to the diamond lattice. Moreover, different orders of Bezier curves exhibited varying mechanical properties during the transformation between the two lattices. As the order of the Bezier curve increased, the mechanical properties smoothly changed from the hexagonal to diamond lattice. This prevented stress concentrations or mechanical behavior mismatch caused by sudden deformations at the transitions between the curves used in the design.

Originality/value

The study’s innovative use of Bezier curves of different orders to smoothly transformation between hexagonal and diamond lattices in additive manufacturing offers a practical solution to prevent stress concentrations and mechanical inconsistencies during such design transitions.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2024

Taha Husain

This study aims to explore the prevalence and patterns of workplace sexual violence against women workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the prevalence and patterns of workplace sexual violence against women workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate workplace sexual violence against women workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data collection spanned four months, using structured interviews, self-administered questionnaires and qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. A stratified random sampling technique ensured a diverse representation across sectors like garment manufacturing, domestic work and construction. Quantitative data from 384 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, while qualitative data provided practical insights into participants' experiences. Limitations included sample specificity to Dhaka, underreporting bias and potential biases in self-reported data, impacting generalizability and data validity.

Findings

The findings reveal significant demographic trends, with younger age groups (16–35 years) experiencing higher rates of harassment, particularly within the garment industry. Occupation-wise, garment workers report more incidents of harassment, while housemaids and child domestic workers face comparatively lower risks. The length of time in current employment shows mixed correlations with harassment prevalence. Fears of job loss, social stigma and reliance on internal resolution mechanisms within workplaces influence reporting behaviors.

Practical implications

This research highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions to protect young women in the garment sector and vulnerable occupations from sexual harassment. Policy reforms should enhance reporting mechanisms and address cultural barriers to reporting, ensuring safer workplaces and fair treatment for all female workers in Bangladesh.

Originality/value

This research contributes original insights by examining demographic correlates of sexual harassment across diverse occupations in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It uniquely identifies age-related vulnerabilities, occupational disparities and reporting behaviors, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing sexual violence in a critical socio-economic context.

Details

Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-6599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2024

Djeffal Mohamed, Merdas Abdelghani and Douara Taha Hocine

Although the reinforcement of concrete and brick masonry with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) has been extensively researched, its application and impact on natural stone…

Abstract

Purpose

Although the reinforcement of concrete and brick masonry with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) has been extensively researched, its application and impact on natural stone, especially in historic preservation, have received less attention. This study aims to examine the bond-slip characteristics of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) with two types of natural stone masonry, aiming to enhance their effectiveness in reinforcing historic structures. The stones studied include one from the Chouf-Lekdad region (A) and another from a historic structure in Sétif City (B). Both stones were strengthened using CFRP and carbon fiber fabric (CFF) through near-surface mount (NSM) and external bonding (EBR) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The interaction was assessed during the pull-out test by analyzing the stress transfer mechanisms, adhesion and deformation. This study also examines the effects of the following parameters on the bond between CFRP and stone: type of stone (A and B), type of reinforcement (plat CFRP and CFF), various notch shapes and sizes (bp, tp and Lb), and reinforcement techniques (NSM and EBR).

Findings

This study demonstrated the practicality and effectiveness of enhancing natural stone masonry of old buildings by integrating NSM and EBR techniques with CFRP. With a bond length of 30 mm, the pull-out force correlates with the strength of the stone. This indicates the importance of stone strength in obtaining better adhesion. The CFF–resin interface is more cohesive than the CFRP plate–resin interface because the resin penetrates the flexible CFF strip, ensuring better adhesion. In contrast, the CFRP plate interface is rigid and smooth. The results suggest that natural stone–CFRP adhesion is more effective than CFRP bonded to concrete and brick masonry due to the stone's strong resistance.

Originality/value

This experimental investigation provides new study into the bond-slip behavior of CFRP-reinforced natural stone masonry, filling the gap in existing research. The findings offer useful direction for creating FRP strengthening solutions that are specifically adapted to the properties of natural stone used in historic constructions. This study helps to improve preservation procedures by guiding the selection of reinforcing techniques, such as NSM versus EBR, and finding ideal bond lengths. This work's novelty stems from its ability to improve the structural integrity of culturally significant buildings while preserving their historical authenticity.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2023

Rasha H. Majeed and Alaa A.D. Taha

This paper seeks to investigate the factors influencing auditors' behavioural intentions towards blockchain technology (BT) adoption in Iraqi government banks. It also highlights…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the factors influencing auditors' behavioural intentions towards blockchain technology (BT) adoption in Iraqi government banks. It also highlights the relationships between these factors to determine if the proposed model can provide a more comprehensive means of comprehending how auditors in government banks have adopted BT.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and expands it by incorporating five external constructs: “system trust”, “cost”, “transparency”, “security” and “auditor's skill.” This study employed a quantitative and exploratory methodology through the gathering and examination of data from 300 auditors. For the evaluation of the measurement and structural models, the authors adopted the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach with SmartPLS v4.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that “auditor's skill and four government features of BT adoption” are major factors in government bank auditors' adoption of BT. Additionally, the findings indicate that social influence is a potent indicator of one's intention to adopt BT in the banking industry.

Research limitations/implications

One limit of this study is the selection of governmental perspective. This study is limited to auditors' opinions, who work at the government banks. Further studies may consider other perspectives in order to provide an in-depth analysis of blockchain.

Practical implications

This paper offers valuable insights into the factors influencing the adoption of blockchain technology in Iraqi governmental banks. It provides empirical evidence supporting auditing units and internal auditors in enhancing their job performance through the adoption of such technology.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on technology adoption within the audit profession, specifically examining the use of blockchain technology. By exploring the features of technology adoption within government institutions in the auditing field, it introduces a new perspective, emphasizing the importance of auditor skills.

Details

Asian Review of Accounting, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1321-7348

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 9 September 2024

Reham ElMorally

Abstract

Details

Recovering Women's Voices: Islam, Citizenship, and Patriarchy in Egypt
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83608-249-1

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