The Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cocoa Butter (CB) and Cocoa Butter Alternatives (CBA) in Chocolate Manufacture

This study aimed at (a) comparing the effectiveness of the use of Cocoa Butter (CB) and Cocoa Butter Alternatives (CBA) on food products and (b) measuring the effectiveness of the sub-groups of the Cocoa Butter Alternatives. In this study, the researchers used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with the Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. The analysis showed that (a) CB was more effective in the utilization than CBA and (b) after comparing sub-groups of the CBA examined in this study, Cocoa Butter Substitute (CBS) was more effective than Cocoa Butter Replacer (CBR) and Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE). This study is a practical recommendation for the use of CBA so that it can be widely applied in the chocolate industry.

Antecedent factors of violation of information security rules

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the influence of moral disengagement, perceived penalty, negative experiences and turnover intention on the intention to violate the established security rules. Design/methodology/approach The method used involves two stages of analysis, using techniques of structural equation modeling and artificial intelligence with neural networks, based on information collected from 318 workers of organizational information systems. Findings The model provides a reasonable prediction regarding the intention to violate information security policies (ISP). The results revealed that the relationships of moral disengagement and perceived penalty significantly influence such an intention. Research limitations/implications This research presents a multi-analytical approach that expands the robustness of the results by the complementarity of each analysis technique. In addition, it offers scientific evidence of the factors that reinforce the cognitive processes that involve workers’ decision-making in security breaches. Practical implications The practical recommendation is to improve organizational communication to mitigate information security vulnerabilities in several ways, namely, training actions that simulate daily work routines; exposing the consequences of policy violations; disseminating internal newsletters with examples of inappropriate behavior. Social implications Results indicate that information security does not depend on the employees’ commitment to the organization; system vulnerabilities can be explored even by employees committed to the companies. Originality/value The study expands the knowledge about the individual factors that make information security in companies vulnerable, one of the few in the literature which aims to offer an in-depth perspective on which individual antecedent factors affect the violation of ISP.

Physical Activity and Nutritional Influence on Immune Function: An Important Strategy to Improve Immunity and Health Status

Physical activity (PA) and nutrition are the essential components of a healthy lifestyle, as they can influence energy balance, promote functional ability of various systems and improve immunity. Infections and their associated symptoms are the common and frequent challenges to human health that are causing severe economic and social consequences around the world. During aging, human immune system undergoes dramatic aging-related changes/dysfunctions known as immunosenescence. Clinically, immunosenescence refers to the gradual deterioration of immune system that increases exposure to infections, and reduces vaccine efficacy. Such phenomenon is linked to impaired immune responses that lead to dysfunction of multiple organs, while lack of physical activity, progressive loss of muscle mass, and concomitant decline in muscle strength facilitate immunosenescence and inflammation. In the present review, we have discussed the role of nutrition and PA, which can boost the immune system alone and synergistically. Evidence suggests that long-term PA is beneficial in improving immune system and preventing various infections. We have further discussed several nutritional strategies for improving the immune system. Unfortunately, the available evidence shows conflicting results. In terms of interaction with food intake, PA does not tend to increase energy intake during a short time course. However, overcoming nutritional deficiencies appears to be the most practical recommendation. Through the balanced nutritious diet intake one can fulfill the bodily requirement of optimal nutrition that significantly impacts the immune system. Supplementation of a single nutrient as food is generally not advisable. Rather incorporating various fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins and probiotics may ensure adequate nutrient intake. Therefore, multi-nutrient supplements may benefit people having deficiency in spite of sufficient diet. Along with PA, supplementation of probiotics, bovine colostrum, plant-derived products and functional foods may provide additional benefits in improving the immune system.

Modern trends in breeding and genetic improvement of sunflower varieties and hybrids at VNIIMK

Modern sunflower breeding is significantly diversified due to the different needs of agricultural production. The breeding of sunflower varieties and hybrids is carried out at V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops (VNIIMK) in all areas in demand on the market and is based on fundamental biological research. In the field of breeding for faster maturing, the following commercial cultivars were obtained: very early maturing, cv. Skormas and the three-way hybrid Achilles, early maturing cvs. Varyag and Uspekh, medium maturing cvs. Amelie, Aris and Aurus. Within the framework of breeding for immunity, eight hybrids and one variety have been produced. So at the Don experimental station (Rostov region), productive hybrids were bred, resistant to the virulent broomrape of the G race due to the presence of the Or7 gene: ‘Gorstar’, ‘Gorfild’, ‘Grant’, ‘Status’, ‘Fogor’ and the three-way hybrid Nika. On the central experimental base, the following were obtained: the mid-early hybrid Typhoon and the earlymaturing variety Platonych with resistance to common races of downy mildew and a high oil content of achenes (up to 53 %) as well as the mid-early hybrid Tayzar, which is simultaneously resistant to virulent races of broomrape and to the causative agent of downy mildew. The early maturing large-fruited sunflower variety Belochka was included in the“Russian State Register of Selection Achievements…”, and the large-fruited varieties Karavan, Konditer and Kalibr are currently undergoing state tests. The breeding use of germplasm with genes for herbicide resistance wasaccompanied by their extensive genetic study. A practical recommendation for all three alleles of the ALS gene (Imr, CLHA-Plus, Sur) was the need to create homozygous hybrids for their reliable use in appropriate production systems. For Clearfield technology, the hybrids Imidzh, Arimi and Immi have been developed; for Clearfield Plus, the hybrid Klip; and for Express Sun (or SUMO), the hybrid Surus. Klip and Surus are mid-oleic. All newly developed fertile ornamental sunflower varieties – Aurelia, Fizalia, Zhemchuzhny, Rumyanets, Agat and Mazhor – were transferred for practical use to a sterile CMS RIG basis. Thus, new achievements have been attained across the entire spectrum of modern trends in sunflower breeding.

Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Prenatal Effects on Growth and Metabolism

Maternal supplementation with antioxidants and n-3 PUFAs may be a promising strategy to reduce the risk of intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery, which may diminish the appearance of low-birth-neonates. A previous studies showed beneficial outcomes of the combination of hydroxytyrosol and linoleic acid, but there is no data of its prenatal effects. The present study aimed to determine the possible prenatal implications of such maternal supplementation at prenatal stages in swine, a model of IUGR pregnancies. Results showed effects on litter size, with treated sows having larger litters and, therefore, smaller fetuses. However, the brain/head weight ratio showed a positive effect of the treatment in development, as well as in some other major organs like lungs, spleen, or kidneys. On the other hand, treated piglets showed better glycemic and lipidemic profiles, which could explain postnatal effects. However, further research on the implications of the treatment on litter size and prenatal and postnatal development must be done before practical recommendation can be given.

The anatomy of non-Muslim consumers’ halal fashion buying behaviour: a quantitative approach

Purpose The purpose of this study is two-fold: classifying non-Muslim halal fashion buyers by applying quantitative techniques and identifying the persuading determinants of the non-Muslim women’ halal fashion buying behaviour (HFBB). Design/methodology/approach By adapting items from prior studies, a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed face-to-face to various Muslim fashion stores in Malaysia. After a one-month effort, 221 responses were obtained from non-Muslim consumers by using convenience sampling. Next, a clustering analysis was used to classify them from a contrasting perspective. Finally, regression and Andrew F. Hayes’s process procedures were applied to examine the three independent variables’ effect and the moderating variables. Findings The results revealed the characteristic behaviour of the non-Muslim women explicitly, which is related to their halal fashion purchasing decision. Based on the ANOVA results, there were different motives for buying halal fashion by non-Muslim women. Additionally, it was found that the most crucial determinants for non-Muslim’s HFBB are “cultural adaptation”, albeit, there is no substantial proof of a significant moderating effect of age and income on the consumers. Research limitations/implications These discoveries are advantageous for halal fashion retailers and provide an appealing domain for further investigations in the context of the global halal study. Practical implications This study provided an idea for an untapped segment on the halal fashion sellers’ segmentation and positioning strategy. The study’s results suggested specific managerial and practical recommendation that the sellers can use to attract non-Muslim consumers. Originality/value This study was amongst the uncommon investigations within the halal fashion context that will enlighten the managers’ selling strategy on the most neglected market segment. The results of this study provided an empirical understanding of how to sell halal fashion to non-Muslim consumers.

Scientist or Entrepreneur? Identity centrality, university entrepreneurial mission, and academic entrepreneurial intention

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between identity centrality and entrepreneurial intention. Based on a survey of 275 academic scientists from 14 Chinese universities, the results show that entrepreneurial identity centrality positively influences the intention to engage in research commercialisation activities, such as spin-off creation, patenting and licensing, contracting research and consulting. We also found that the conflict between entrepreneurial and scientific identity centrality is less problematic than expected in the literature. In fact, the interaction between both identity centralities strengthens academics scientists’ intention to involve in academic entrepreneurship. Concerning the influence of institutional factor on academic entrepreneurship, the finding confirms that university entrepreneurial mission moderates the relationship between both identity centralities and the intention to establish spin-offs. Finally, this paper provides insights for academic entrepreneurship in China and practical recommendation for policy makers.

The Human–Horse Relationship: Identifying the Antecedents of Horse Owner Attitudes towards Horse Husbandry and Management Behaviour

The welfare of recreational horses is an important issue. Horse owner attitudes towards horse ownership are likely to influence owner behaviour in terms of horse husbandry and management practices and human–horse interactions, which in turn are likely to affect the welfare of the horse. Based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour, this paper examines the relationships between horse owner attributes, specifically background factors (demographics, knowledge, and experience) and attitudes (beliefs) towards horse husbandry and management behaviour. Data were collected via a random telephone survey and during on-site inspections with Victorian horse owners and their horses (n = 57), using an attitude questionnaire. Relationships were found between horse owner background factors and horse owner attitudes towards horse husbandry and management behaviour. Generally, belief variables correlated significantly with background factors that were primarily related to knowledge and experience. Further, beliefs concerning three key husbandry practices (parasite control, hoof care, and dental care) all appear to be predicted to some degree by background factors associated with knowledge and experience. Therefore, a practical recommendation may be the implementation of education and training programs aimed at improving horse owner knowledge and experience regarding effective horse husbandry and management to promote horse welfare. Clearly, further research is warranted.

Adaptive Performance

COVID-19 has prompted an urgent need for organisations to adapt to continuously changing circumstances. Given the unpredictable challenges, a traditional, tightly planned approach to managing episodic change is likely to be suboptimal. Based on the need to manage continuous change and ensure workplaces are prepared for further unexpected events, it is argued that developing employees' adaptive performance is a better approach. Drawing on the literature identified in Park and Park's recent review of adaptive performance and its antecedents, the authors conduct a parallel review of the managerial implications of these findings. Findings are organised into sections related to employee selection, training, work design, leader behaviour, and organisational climate. Each practical recommendation is reviewed in terms of its feasibility of implementation and likely effectiveness.