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Additive manufacturing enables the production of complex structures with emerging approaches showing great promise in the food industry for design customization. Three-dimensional food printing has...

Background/Objectives High egg consumption is associated with poor glycemic control. Considering the widespread consumption of eggs, it is crucial to determine causality in this association. We tested if egg consumption acutely alters glucose disposal in the absence or presence of saturated fat, which is frequently consumed with eggs. Subjects/Methods In a randomized partial crossover clinical trial, 48 subjects (consuming ≥ 1 egg/week) received two of four isocaloric, macronutrient-matched breakfasts. The groups were defined based on the main ingredient of the breakfasts offered: eggs (EB); saturated fat (SB); eggs and saturated fat (ES); and control, which included a cereal based breakfast (CB). The breakfasts were offered in two testing sessions spaced seven days apart. Six blood samples (pre breakfast (fasting); 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes post breakfast) were collected to measure glucose and insulin levels. Area under the curves (AUC) were analyzed controlling for the baseline concentrations using mixed-effects models accounting for within-subject dependencies to compare these across breakfast assignments. Results Forty-eight patients (46% males, age 25.8 ± 7.7 years, BMI 25.7 ± 4.6 kg/m2) were included. Neither EB, SB nor ES was associated with a significant difference in AUC of glucose or insulin compared to CB (p > 0.1). Conclusions Acutely, consumption of egg breakfast with or without accompanying saturated fat does not adversely affect glucose disposal in healthy adults. While this is reassuring for continued egg consumption, a long-term evaluation of egg intake with or without saturated fat would be the next step.

We compared the effects of consuming egg-breakfast of superior protein quality to cereal-breakfast of similar energy density and protein quantity, but lower protein quality. Two, two-week randomised crossover clinical trials included 30 otherwise healthy women with overweight or obesity. Subjects received counselling to follow a reduced-calorie diet. Under supervision, participants consumed either breakfast for one-week then crossed over to the opposite breakfast. Experiment-1 outcome variables included post-breakfast appetite hormones, glucose and insulin, subjective markers of satiety and energy intake at lunch and dinner. In Experiment-2, an appealing food (brownies) was included in lunch. Following the breakfasts, Experiment-1 showed no significant differences in outcome variables. In Experiment-2, the egg-breakfast increased fullness (

Summary Objective Identifying predictors of early weight loss may have value in predicting longer‐term success in weight loss programmes. This study examined if weight history variables (ie, weight cycling history [WCH], age of onset of obesity [AOO]), and preintervention Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Power of Food Scale (PFS) scores predicted weight loss (WL) and fat mass loss (FML) following a 3‐week calorie restriction intervention. Methods Thirty‐two participants (19‐60 y; body mass index [BMI] 30‐39.9 kg/m2) participated in a 3‐week calorie restriction intervention (1120 kcal/d) as part of a larger clinical trial with 28 completers included in the current analyses. Preintervention WCH, AOO, TFEQ, and PFS subscale scores were collected, and WL and FML were measured. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to predict WL and FML for relevant covariates in this study. Results WCH, AOO, preintervention TFEQ subscale scores, and PFS subscale scores did not predict WL (all Ps > .08) or FML (Ps > .06) except, PFS‐food tasted scores significantly predicted WL (r = −0.40, P = .03). Conclusion Although these variables were not robust predictors, results for at least the PFS suggest there may be value in further exploring this measure using larger sample sizes.

The current systematic review considered research published within the 10 years preceding June 2019, dealing with the topic of obesity and pain. Within the context of the complex biological and behavioral interrelationships among these phenomena, we sought to identify gaps in the literature and to highlight key targets for future transdisciplinary research. The overarching inclusion criteria were that the included studies could directly contribute to our understanding of these complex phenomena. We searched PubMed/Medline/Cochrane databases dating back 10 years, using the primary search terms “obesity” and “pain,” and for a secondary search we used the search terms “pain” and “diet quality.” Included studies (n = 70) are primarily human; however, some animal studies were included to enhance understanding of related basic biological phenomena and/or where human data were absent or significantly limited. Our overall conclusions highlight (1) the mechanisms of obesity-related pain (i.e., mechanical, behavioral, and physiological) and potential biological and behavioral contributors (e.g., gender, distribution of body fat, and dietary factors), (2) the requirement for accurate and reliable objective measurement, (3) the need to integrate biological and behavioral contributors into comprehensive, well-controlled prospective study designs.

Additive manufacturing is becoming widely practical for diverse engineering applications, with emerging approaches showing great promise in the food industry. From the realization of complex food designs to the automated preparation of personalized meals, 3D printing promises many innovations in the food manufacturing sector. However, its use is limited due to the need to better understand manufacturing capabilities for different food materials and user preferences for 3D food prints. Our study aims to explore the 3D food printability of design features, such as overhangs and holes, and assess how well they print through quantitative and qualitative measurements. Designs with varied angles and diameters based on the standard design limitations for additive manufacturing were printed and measured using marzipan and chocolate. It was found that marzipan material has a minimum feature size for overhang design at 55° and for hole design at 4mm, while chocolate material has a minimum overhang angle size of 35° and does not reliably print holes. Users were presented a series of designs to determine user preference (N = 30) towards the importance of fidelity and accuracy between the expected design and the 3D printed sample, and how much they liked each sample. Results suggest that users prefer designs with high fidelity to their original shape and perceive the current accuracy/precision of 3D printers sufficient for accurately printing three-dimensional geometries. These results demonstrate the current manufacturing capabilities for 3D food printing and success in achieving high fidelity designs for user satisfaction. Both of these considerations are essential steps in providing automated and personalized manufacturing for specific user needs and preferences.

Objectives Calorie restriction via total meal replacement (TMR) results in greater reduction of food cravings compared to reduced-calorie typical diet (TD). Direct evidence of the impact of these interventions on human brain fMRI food-cue reactivity (fMRI-FCR) and functional connectivity is absent. We examined the effects of a 3-week 1120 kcal/d TMR intervention as compared to an iso-caloric TD intervention using an fMRI-FCR paradigm. Methods Thirty-two male and female subjects with obesity (19–60 years; 30–39.9 kg/m 2 ) participated in a randomized two-group repeated measures dietary intervention study consisting of 1120 kcal/d from either 1) TMR (shakes), 2) TD (portion control). Pre-intervention and following the 3-week diet fMRI-FCR, functional connectivity, food cravings (Food Craving Inventory) and weight were considered. Results Compared to TD, TMR showed increased fMRI-FCR of the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal (dlPFC), orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate, primary motor and left insular cortices and bilateral nucleus accumbens regions in the post-intervention state relative to the pre-intervention state. Compared to TD, TMR was also associated with negative modulation of fMRI-FCR of the nucleus accumbens, orbitofrontal cortex and amygdala by dlPFC. Reduced body weight (4.87 kg, P Conclusions Greater weight loss and reduced cravings, coupled with stronger activations and potential negative modulation of the food reward related regions by the dlPFC during exposure to visual food cues is consistent with increased executive control in TMR vs. TD.

Identifying and implementing thoughtful, evidence-based (or at least evidence-informed) public health approaches to influencing obesity is a complex issue fraught with multiple challenges. These challenges begin with determining whether obesity policy approaches should be implemented. This is considered within the broader context of how common public health policy approaches may be relevant and applied to obesity. Additional challenges discussed include inconsistencies in clearly identifying obesity policy targets (for example, prevention versus treatment), selection of appropriate intervention targets and the identification and measurement of meaningful outcomes. Current policy initiatives are drawn upon to illustrate these challenges in the context of promoting solution-focused dialog aimed toward improving current initiatives and informing the development of new programs.

OBJECTIVES: Sedentary behavior has been linked to increased health risks yet few RCTs examine sedentary behavior in the context of meaningful health outcomes. Furthermore, few studies examine scalable interventions. This 3-week pilot study examined if cognitive behavioral sedentary behavior intervention (CBSB) or stress management (CBSM) intervention delivered via the internet (video) had a positive effect on sedentary behavior measured via the Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ) and pedometer. The study further investigated changes in body weight (∆BW), body fat mass (∆BF), fat free mass (∆FFM), total cholesterol (∆TC), triglycerides (∆TG), low-density lipoprotein (∆LDL), high-density lipoprotein (∆HDL), and fasting glucose (∆Glc). METHODS: Twenty-one subjects were randomized into one of the 3 groups, control (C), CBSB, or CBSM. All subjects received educational handouts at the first assessment visit. CBSB and CBSM received one group-specific CBT video lesson weekly; C received a neutral video. Daily step count was collected throughout the study via pedometer. Blood lipid panels (TC, TG, LDL, and HDL) and Glc were collected via finger stick at baseline and after the 3-week intervention. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare difference scores (between baseline and post-intervention) across groups. RESULTS: Change in daily step count and SBQ score did not significantly differ across groups (P = .767, P = .796 respectively). No significant group differences were found in ∆TC, ∆TG, ∆LDL, ∆HDL, and ∆Glc (P = .478, P = .499, P = .675, P = .536, P = .062 respectively). ∆BW, ∆BF, and ∆FFM were not significantly different across three groups (P = .817, P = .056, P = .069 respectively). Adherence to assigned intervention was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that a 3-week CBT intervention delivered remotely may have been insufficient to induce meaningful behavioral and biological change. However, excellent adherence in this pilot study provides initial proof of concept regarding the acceptability of the intervention and thus the potential for this scalable intervention to be delivered successfully. Larger studies that include health and behavioral outcomes, utilize longer and possibly higher intensity remotely delivered intervention are needed. FUNDING SOURCES: Texas Tech University.

Creating a negative energy balance by decreasing caloric consumption and increasing physical activity is a common strategy used to treat obesity. A large number of review and original research papers have considered the role of physical activity in weight loss and maintenance. However, their conclusions are at times conflicting. In this review, we have critically evaluated the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses and supplemented their conclusions with recently published, high-quality clinical trials. We have eliminated studies that were methodologically flawed in an attempt to reduce the ambiguity in the literature. We further sought, through selective review of these publications, to isolate the effects of various types of exercise, independent of dietary interventions, to further clarify their independent contributions. Thus, our review describes (i) combined calorie restriction with physical activity interventions, (ii) physical activity interventions without calorie restriction and (iii) the role of physical activity on maintenance of weight loss. Through this critical examination of the literature, we have provided conclusions to address certain ambiguities regarding the role of physical activity in obesity treatment that will inform clinical practice. We have also identified several long-standing gaps in knowledge that will inform future research.

Obesity is a complex disease of diverse etiology. Among the potential influences in the development of obesity, the food supply chain remains an important influence. We provide a conceptual overview related to the food industry's role in obesity prevention. We first discuss some limitations of current public health efforts. We then describe how a model that attends to personal autonomy in the context of supportive policy intervention can empower individuals in their efforts to navigate the food supply chain. We then provide an evidence informed overview of key areas where continued efforts to collaboratively engage the food industry, through solution-focused dialogue and action, have the potential to contribute to obesity prevention. While challenging, appropriately transparent, well-governed public-private partnerships have the demonstrated potential to benefit the communities we serve.

OBJECTIVES: Self-reported dietary data suffer from high measurement error and findings that rely on them are of limited value. We determined the association of diet quality related biomarkers with associated measures from Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and Automated Self-Administered 24-hour dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24); and the association of FFQ and ASA24. METHODS: This cross-sectional single-visit study included 127 subjects (18–60 years, BMI ≥18.5 kg/m(2)). Diet quality related biomarkers were collected from pre-planned subsample (N = 33) to measure - plasma alkylresorcinol for whole grain, omega-3 index, serum fatty acid composition for dairy, serum carotenoids for fruit and vegetable, and serum selenium for seafood intake. Self-reported dietary intake data for whole grain, Omega-3 index, fatty acid, carotenoids, and selenium were calculated per instrument guidelines using FFQ and ASA24. Biomarkers were analyzed by Mass Spectrometry Facility, TTU. Outcomes with missing data were handled via multiple imputation with predictive mean matching. Spearman's correlation coefficient (using R statistical software) were used to assess the association of biomarkers with self-reported measures (N = 33), and the association between FFQ and ASA24 (N = 33, and N = 127). RESULTS: Diet quality related biomarkers were not associated with self-reported intake (all P > 0.07), except, omega-3 index was significantly correlated with reported intake in FFQ (P = 0.01). Significant associations were reported for whole grain, omega-3 index, and dairy intake between FFQ and ASA24 (P = 0.02, P = 0.01, P = 0.05 respectively; N = 33). After further analysis with N = 127 between FFQ and ASA24 significant association were reported in whole grain (P = 0.02), Omega-3 index (P = 4.90e-3), dairy (P = 1.79e-8), and seafood intake (P = 6.06e-4), but not carotenoid intake (P = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: A significant association between measures via FFQ and ASA24 suggests consistency in self-reporting and also the likelihood these measures do not capture the time-frames they purport to – but rather a self-belief/representation of habitual intake patterns. Interestingly, the association of one of the biomarkers with self-reported intake suggests the necessity of including larger sample to better determine validity of self-reported data. FUNDING SOURCES: Texas Tech University.

Pain, psychosocial issues and impaired activities of daily living (ADLs) are common in sickle cell disease (SCD). Improved longevity may be leading to increases in body mass index (BMI). We both describe an SCD clinic population and determine if BMI, psychosocial distress, and pain predict impairments in ADLs. Archival data from 252 adult African American SCD clinic patients were examined (ie gender, BMI, SCD type, psychosocial status via Symptom Checklist-90-Revised; pain via Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire: Sensory Pain, Affective Pain (AP), Present Pain Intensity and ADLs. In total, 44% of the sample was overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Depression, anxiety, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised Global Severity Index were in the clinical range. Patients with HbSβ+-thalassemia and hemoglobin SC disease had higher BMIs than those with HbSS (P < 0.001). AP and age-predicted impaired ADLs. In an OW/OB subsample, AP, age, and SCD severity predicted impaired ADLs. The consistent relationship of AP to ADL impairment suggests targeting AP via behavioral pain management may improve functioning.

In the management literature, tacit knowledge has been conceptualized in divergent, contradictory and flawed ways. This paper reconciles these differences by explaining how they address different aspects of the theory of tacit knowing developed in the seminal work of Michael Polanyi. To clarify Polanyi's work we provide a more inclusive theoretical framework for scholars concerned with the creation and transfer of knowledge. We explain that the management literature has examined the concept of tacit knowledge from three main theoretical perspectives (psychology, economics and management). Using a theoretical framework developed from Polanyi's tacit knowing we examine the implications for theory and practice of these different conceptualizations. We also propose areas of further research for each theoretical perspective. We conclude by proposing that new insights can be gained by a focus upon the process of "indwelling" where tacit knowing is developed through practical immersion.

Objective To examine whether subscales of Food Craving Inventory (FCI) and Three-factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) correlate with brain functional magnetic resonance imaging food-cue reactivity (fMRI-FCR) in the brain. Methods Thirty-two male and female adults with obesity (19–60 years; 30–39.9 kg/m2) participated in a 3-week dietary intervention (1120 kcal/day from either 1) total meal replacement shakes, 2) portion-controlled typical food. FCI, TFEQ and fMRI-FCR were measured pre- and post-intervention. Correlations between pre-intervention fMRI-FCR and standardized pre-intervention FCI and TFEQ subscales; and also post- versus pre-intervention change in fMRI-FCR (ΔfMRI-FCR) and standardized changes in FCI and TFEQ subscales were examined at the whole brain level using tools in FMRIB Software Library. Results Twenty-eight subjects completed the intervention. Pre-intervention high-fat food cravings (P = 0.041) and fast-food cravings (P = 0.017) were negatively correlated with fMRI-FCR of several brain regions that regulate executive control over ingestion (i.e. bilateral lateral frontal pole, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex). Post- vs. pre-intervention change in sweet (P = 0.012) and fast food cravings (P = 0.004) were negatively correlated with ΔfMRI-FCR of bilateral lateral frontal pole, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus (pars opercularis) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (i.e. brain regions that regulate executive control over ingestion). Negative correlations were also observed between the changes in sweet and fast food cravings and ΔfMRI-FCR of brain regions that regulate food reward (i.e. bilateral mid-anterior insula, right nucleus accumbens), motor readiness to ingest (i.e. bilateral precentral gyrus), internally focused attention (i.e. bilateral precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex) and visual object recognition (i.e. occipital pole, lateral occipital cortex and middle and inferior temporal cortices). Changes in cravings for starchy food (P = 0.032) and overall food cravings (P = 0.027) were also negatively correlated with ΔfMRI-FCR of brain regions involved in regulating internally focused attention and visual object recognition. Conclusions In individuals with obesity, decreased food cravings seem to be reflective of increased fMRI-FCR of brain regions that regulate executive control over ingestion. Taken together, constructs measured by FCI seem to be reflective of neurophysiological processes underlying ingestive behavior and the changes in neurophysiological processes occurring during calorie restriction. Clinical trials registry number NCT02637271; the protocol is available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02637271

Oral intake of l-theanine and caffeine supplements is known to be associated with faster stimulus discrimination, possibly via improving attention to stimuli. We hypothesized that l-theanine and caffeine may be bringing about this beneficial effect by increasing attention-related neural resource allocation to target stimuli and decreasing deviation of neural resources to distractors. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to test this hypothesis. Solutions of 200mg of l-theanine, 160mg of caffeine, their combination, or the vehicle (distilled water; placebo) were administered in a randomized 4-way crossover design to 9 healthy adult men. Sixty minutes after administration, a 20-minute fMRI scan was performed while the subjects performed a visual color stimulus discrimination task. l-Theanine and l-theanine-caffeine combination resulted in faster responses to targets compared with placebo (∆=27.8milliseconds, P=.018 and ∆=26.7milliseconds, P=.037, respectively). l-Theanine was associated with decreased fMRI responses to distractor stimuli in brain regions that regulate visual attention, suggesting that l-theanine may be decreasing neural resource allocation to process distractors, thus allowing to attend to targets more efficiently. l-Theanine-caffeine combination was associated with decreased fMRI responses to target stimuli as compared with distractors in several brain regions that typically show increased activation during mind wandering. Factorial analysis suggested that l-theanine and caffeine seem to have a synergistic action in decreasing mind wandering. Therefore, our hypothesis is that l-theanine and caffeine may be decreasing deviation of attention to distractors (including mind wandering); thus, enhancing attention to target stimuli was confirmed.

We considered 1) influence of self-reported hunger in behavioral and fMRI food-cue reactivity (fMRI-FCR) 2) optimal methods to model this. Adults (N = 32; 19–60 years; F = 21; BMI 30–39.9 kg/m2) participated in an fMRI-FCR task that required rating 240 images of food and matched objects for ‘appeal’. Hunger, satiety, thirst, fullness and emptiness were measured pre- and post-scan (visual analogue scales). Hunger, satiety, fullness and emptiness were combined to form a latent factor (appetite). Post-vs. pre-scores were compared using paired t-tests. In mixed-effects models, appeal/fMRI-FCR responses were regressed on image (i.e. food/objects), with random intercepts and slopes of image for functional runs nested within subjects. Each of hunger, satiety, thirst, fullness, emptiness and appetite were added as covariates in 4 forms (separate models): 1) change; 2) post- and pre-mean; 3) pre-; 4) change and pre-. Satiety decreased (Δ = −13.39, p = 0.001) and thirst increased (Δ = 11.78, p = 0.006) during the scan. Changes in other constructs were not significant (p’s > 0.05). Including covariates did not influence food vs. object contrast of appeal ratings/fMRI-FCR. Significant image X covariate interactions were observed in some fMRI models. However, including these constructs did not improve the overall model fit. While some subjective, self-reported hunger, satiety and related constructs may be moderating fMRI-FCR, these constructs do not appear to be salient influences on appeal/fMRI-FCR in people with obesity undergoing fMRI.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a risk factor for acute and chronic pain. Research on obesity and pain sensitivity (PS) and tolerance (PT) has produced mixed results. We examined the association of body weight (BW), fat mass (FM) and weight status (WS; BMI 18.5 – 24.9 or ≥25 kg/m(2)) with pre- and post-exercise PS and PT to better understand these relationships. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis (N = 120, 18 - 60 years, BMI ≥18.5 kg/m(2)) of data obtained during a single session. First, BW, FM were measured and BMI calculated. Dolorimetry measured PS and PT before and after a moderate exercise session (elliptical trainer; 2.5 – 3 mph, ≤42 mins.). Dolorimeter applied non-damaging pressure on the middle finger; PS is the pressure when the subject first reports pain, PT is the pressure when the subject is too uncomfortable to tolerate further. We performed multiple linear regression to determine the association of outcome variables (pre- and post- PS and PT and change of PS and PT) with predictor variables (BW, FM, and WS) using relevant covariates (age, sex). We conducted backwards stepwise model selection and reported the best models according to the Bayesian Information Criterion. RESULTS: None of the full models explained > 9% of the outcome variation, across all outcomes. Pre- and post- PT were positively associated with BW (r = .262, P = .003; r = .185, P = .047). The association of BW with pre- and post- PS, and changes in PS and PT were not significant. FM and age had no significant associations with outcome variables. The only linear models with significant predictors after backwards selection modeled pre-PT, and differed depending on whether or not BW was included directly or dichotomized as WS: The model with WS devolved to one with only FM and age, where higher FM is associated with more pre-PT (+51 gf/cm(2) per kg, P = .024) and men have more pre-PT than women (1296 gf/cm(2), P = .013). The model that instead began with BW devolved to one with only BW, where higher BW is associated with more pre-PT (+38 gf/cm(2) per kg, P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: People with higher BW had higher PT at baseline. However, pre-PS and changes in PS and PT following exertion were not significantly affected by our covariates of interest. Whether the observed relationship between BW and pre-PT is trying to capture FM and/or sex differences is unclear, as these are all strongly co-linear. FUNDING SOURCES: Texas Tech University.

SummaryPurpose To provide a qualitative synthesis of the available literature on the role of sedentary behavior in health. Aims We sought to determine if (i) being sedentary ‘causes’ health problems and (ii) interventions to reduce sedentary behavior improve health status. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were utilized. Manuscripts published from 2001 to 2015 using specific keyword combinations (eg sedentary behavior, physical activity, sitting, intervention) were included and qualitatively reviewed. Results Data is suggestive of an association of sedentary behavior and negative health indicators. The association between sedentary behavior and mortality is stronger. There is some limited evidence suggesting short-term health benefit to reducing sedentary behavior. Discussion Evidence linking sedentary behavior to negative health outcomes is incomplete and often largely associational in nature thus not allowing for causal inference. In addition, interventional literature frequently fails to measure health outcomes, relying instead on the erroneous endpoint of changing sedentary behavior alone. Conclusion Taken as a whole the literature is suggestive that there may be value in reducing sedentary behavior to have modest impact on health. However, the magnitude of the benefit appears minor and must be considered before making largescale and potentially costly clinical and public health recommendations.

The development of entrepreneurial intentions by academics remains a relatively unexplored area. This study investigates the transition from intentions to career destinations in a group of early career bioscientists following their participation in a business plan competition. Despite a significant proportion of academics stating entrepreneurial intentions, very few were seen to subsequently create new ventures. Through a longitudinal analysis distinct patterns of changing aspirations are observed as academics attempt to develop ventures within academe or leave to pursue industrial careers. Propositions are developed explaining how the use of social capital influences changing ambitions and destinations. We observe that weak ties are used to reveal the specific skills needed to realise entrepreneurial intentions. By contrast, strong ties are used to either reinforce entrepreneurial intentions or change career aspirations altogether.

Introduction: The psychological influence of food (PFS) and perceived barriers to lifestyle change (PBLC) were considered as predictors of body mass index and website tool utilization (TU) in an online weight loss program. Materials and Methodology: An archival analysis of all (N = 1361) overweight/obese (BMI M = 31.6 + 6.24 kg/m2), adult (M = 42.0 + 10.72 years) users (82.4% female) of an evidence-based, multidisciplinary Internet weight loss program was performed. Predictor variables included: PFS and PBLC, age, and longest maintained weight loss in relation to 1) BMI 2) TU. Results: Both PBLC and PFS were correlated with baseline BMI and TU. Regression analyses indicated that only PFS independently predicted BMI (p = .0001) and TU (p = .001) when the model included all predictor variables. One-way ANOVA indicated gender differences on both PBLC and PFS scores (p = .001). Subsequent regression analyses separated by gender showed that in females PFS predicted BMI (p = .0001) and TU (p = .005). For males no variable significantly predicted BMI (p’s > .05) however PBLC did predict TU (p = .008). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that when developing online weight loss programs clinical characteristics of the user could inform website algorithms to maximize website utilization. Gender differences indicated that for women it may be important to understand how factors related to the psychological influence of food impact utilization of online weight loss programs, however, for men broader barriers to lifestyle change is an important consideration.

Background: Large portions of food promote intake, but the mechanisms that drive this effect are unclear. Previous neuroimaging studies have identified the brain-reward and decision-making systems that are involved in the response to the energy density (ED) (kilocalories per gram) of foods, but few studies have examined the brain response to the food portion size (PS).

We consider how the development of students' capabilities for identifying business opportunities is underpinned by a change in their opportunity-identification mental frames. We observe that studen...

Pain may interfere with daily functioning in obese persons and also with outcomes during weight loss. We examined the relationship between pain and (1) interference with daily functioning (DFi) and (2) outcomes in an obese treatment-seeking population. Participants were 386 patients entering a residential weight loss program (body mass index, 40.7 ± 10.12 kg/m2). We examined the relationships of demographic factors, pain types, and emotional status with both baseline DFi and short-term weight loss. Regression analysis showed that overall, total pain scores significantly predicted DFi even after controlling for other confounders (p

In obese subjects, the liver may be differentially affected by significant weight loss depending on as yet unknown factors. We explored clinical factors associated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) changes during significant weight loss in a residential weight loss program. Clinical data from 362 adults who received a comprehensive weight loss intervention (ie, diets, physical fitness, and behavioral modification) in the program were analyzed. Serum ALT was used as a surrogate marker of liver injury. The ALT changes during the program were calculated to create study outcome categories (improvement, no change, or deterioration of ALT during significant weight loss). Variables of demography, lifestyle, and comorbidities at baseline, and total/rate of weight change during the program were explored for associations with the ALT change categories using multiple logistic regression models. Variation by sex was apparent among predictors of ALT deterioration; men with rapid weight loss and women with higher initial body mass index were more likely to experience ALT deterioration, whereas men with prior alcohol consumption were less likely to experience ALT deterioration even after adjusting for baseline ALT (Ps < .03). Variation by age was apparent among predictors of ALT improvement; younger patients with current smoking and older patients with rapid weight loss, diabetes or impaired fasting glucose, or sleep apnea or who followed a reduced-carbohydrate diet were less likely to experience ALT improvement (Ps < .05). A number of clinical factors influence ALT changes during weight loss in sex- and age-specific manners. The patterns that we detected may have pathophysiologic significance beyond the practical implications of our findings in clinical practice related to underlying changes in fat metabolism.

To evaluate the rate of remission of metabolic syndrome (Met Syn) among patients undergoing a brief, low-calorie lifestyle change weight loss intervention and to compare the baseline characteristics of patients who were remitted and not remitted from Met Syn at post-treatment.Obese adults (N=36) meeting criteria for Met Syn enrolled in an outpatient fee-for-service behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants were assessed on key Met Syn variables (waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and fasting blood glucose) at pre- and post-treatment.The majority of patients (61%) responded to treatment after a 9.9% mean weight loss. Although Met Syn responders did not differ significantly from Met Syn non-responders on any baseline Met Syn criterion variable, responders had significantly lower baseline body mass indices (BMI; kg/m(2)) and met criteria for fewer baseline Met Syn variables. As expected, Met Syn responders, compared with Met Syn non-responders, had significantly lower post-treatment waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. Patient groups did not differ significantly on weight lost (kg or %), or on the proportion of patients losingor =10% of initial body weight.In a community population, Met Syn responds to weight loss through a low-calorie lifestyle intervention; for some patients, however, the recommended 10% weight loss may not be enough for Met Syn remission.

We evaluated changes in sexual quality of life as they relate to weight loss over a 2-year period in individuals undergoing weight loss treatment. Six dimensions of sexual quality of life were measured using items from the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life questionnaire (feeling sexually unattractive, lacking sexual desire, reluctance to be seen undressed, difficulty with sexual performance, avoidance of sexual encounters and lack of enjoyment of sexual activity). At baseline women were more likely than men to report lack of sexual enjoyment and reluctance to be seen undressed in spite of lower body mass index (BMI). Weight loss averaged 13.1% and was significantly associated with improvements in all sexual quality of life dimensions. A 3-4% regain did not appear to negatively affect sexual quality of life. The greatest improvements for women had occurred by 3 months and were observed in all dimensions, whereas for men only 'not feeling sexually attractive' showed marked improvement in this short time frame.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how banks have a critical role in helping SMEs by providing investment capital that businesses need and by offering sound financial advice through the growth of the company.Design/methodology/approachUsing the Forum of Private Business (FPB) Bank Report of 2004, the total sample represents responses from the FPB and customers of six participating clearing banks. Although the total sample is used to compile performance indices by the bank, the rest of this paper is based solely on the FPB sample.FindingsBusiness and their managers should improve their knowledge of financial management. Appreciation on the part of banks that SMEs' confidence in formalised process will be greater where small firms’ own representatives have set up contingencies to overcome relationship problems when trading difficulties arise.Originality/valueIt was found that in order to pursue economic competitiveness it is necessary for many SMEs to have a flexible working relationship with their banks.

The UK Cruickshank Report (2000) highlighted the potential for market powerissues where bank concentration could lead to more expensive credit. Because of the many riskfactors influencing the cost of credit, it is difficult to establish whether differences in pricing isa consequence of risk or is due to differential pricing practices among lenders. In this study, wefind that even when risk factors are taken into account, considerable variation in pricing amongUK lenders remains. Moreover, the lenders with the largest market share in SME finance overthe 8 years surveyed, charged significantly higher interest premia. Keywords: bank credit costs, lender concentration 1. INTRODUCTIONIn November 1998, a committee was set up led by Don Cruickshank charged withreviewing inter alia the competitiveness of UK banking services. The investigationconcluded that while access to finance for SMEs did not appear to be a problem,further problems in the provision of financial services to commercial borrowers couldnot be ruled out (Cruickshank Report, 2000). The fact that levels of UK bankingconcentration exceeded the maximum recommended levels set out by the US FederalTrade Commission on mergers (1998), was raised as a cause for concern. However, thecommissionwasunabletoaddressfullytheissueofwhetherhighbankingconcentrationlevels would necessarily translate into higher margins on products such as term loansand overdrafts. This is because interest margins can be driven by both risk as well asmarket power. The report argues that

The creation of university spin-out companies that create wealth is a major policy objective of governments and universities. Finance is a catalyst of this wealth creation yet access to venture capital is a major impediment faced by these companies. In this article we adopt a finance pecking order perspective to examine the problems faced by those university spin-out companies seeking to access venture capital. We triangulate evidence from spin-out companies, university technology transfer offices and venture capital firms in the UK and Continental Europe to identify the problems and to suggest policy developments for these parties as well as government. We compare perceptions of high-tech venture capital firms that invest in spin-outs with those that do not, and also consider VCs’ views on spin-outs versus other high-tech firms. Our evidence identifies a mismatch between the demand and supply side of the market. In line with the pecking order theory, venture capitalists prefer to invest after the seed stage. However, in contrast to the pecking order theory, TTOs see venture capital as more important than internal funds early on. We develop policy implications for universities, technology transfer offices, academic entrepreneurs, venture capital firms and government and suggest areas for further research.

This paper examines entrepreneurship education in the light of debates about the future of the business school, the nature of the MBA, with which management education is generally synonymous, and the links that need to be created between teaching and research. There is increasing focus on the general utility of entrepreneurial skills and aptitudes (i.e. creativity, independent thinking, opportunity recognition and exploitation, etc.), and it is our contention that entrepreneurship education offers an innovative new paradigm for business school education that answers some of the challenges that are currently levelled against the MBA. Given the breadth of relevance in terms of the issues around Entrepreneurship Education and future pedagogical development in Business Schools, this paper is also well placed as a vehicle to introduce the rest of the coverage in this special issue of TASM. This paper therefore also summarises the papers presented in terms of their contribution to our understanding of ...

Within the area of marketing, the ability to retain existing customers is increasingly seen as central to successful performance. This is particularly true in the service sector, where it is often argued that customer attraction costs are significantly higher than customer retention costs. This paper examines customer satisfaction and retention in banking, where a key strategy is the building and maintenance of a loyal customer base.

Policy-makers and practitioners are considering whether to allocate resources towards portfolio and serial entrepreneurs, as well as the provision of additional initiatives to increase the pool of novice entrepreneurs. To inform this policy debate, univariate statistical tests were used to test for differences between 354 firms owned by novice, serial and portfolio entrepreneurs in Scotland. Also, univariate tests were conducted to compare responses made by pairwise groups of entrepreneurs. No significant differences were detected between the three types of entrepreneurs with regard to several entrepreneur and firm demographic characteristics. Additional analysis revealed that portfolio entrepreneurs have more diverse experiences, and more resources than serial or novice entrepreneurs. On average, portfolio entrepreneurs appear to offer more attractive growth prospects than other entrepreneurs.

Support is being provided to increase the pool of novice entrepreneurs who have no prior business ownership experience. Policymakers and practitioners are, however, considering whether to allocate resources towards portfolio and serial entrepreneurs who have prior business ownership experience. To inform this policy debate, similarities and differences between novice, serial, and portfolio entrepreneurs in Scotland and their 354 surveyed firms are highlighted. Evidence suggests that portfolio entrepreneurs have more diverse resources than either serial or novice entrepreneurs. On average, portfolio entrepreneurs appear to offer more attractive growth prospects than other entrepreneurs. A case for support tailored to the aspirations and needs of novice, serial, and portfolio entrepreneurs is presented.

KOLOTKIN, RONETTE L., ERIC C. WESTMAN, TRULS OSTBYE, ROSS D. CROSBY, HOWARD J. EISENSON, AND MARTIN BINKS. Does binge eating disorder impact weight-related quality of life? Obes Res. 2004;12:999 –1005. Objectives: To determine whether binge eating disorder (BED) impacts weight-related quality of life in obese individuals seeking weight loss treatment and to investigate the role of psychological symptoms, BMI, and demographic variables in the relationship between BED and weightrelated quality of life. Research Methods and Procedures: Three hundred seventeen women (BMI 37.6) and 213 men (BMI 41.3) completed questionnaires on admission into an intensive residential lifestyle modification program. Weight-related quality of life was assessed using the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQOL-Lite). The presence of BED was determined using the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-Revised. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory and the global severity index of the Symptom Checklist 90-R. Results: BED prevalence in this sample was 17.9%. Participants with BED, in comparison with those without BED, were more likely to be women (75.8% vs. 56.3%, p 0.001), younger (45.0 vs. 49.7 years, p 0.003), white (98.9% vs. 91.7%), heavier (BMI 42.0 vs. 38.5, p 0.002), psychologically distressed, and more impaired on total IWQOL-Lite (51.5 vs. 65.3, p 0.001) and all IWQOL-Lite subscales. However, after controlling for demographic variables, BMI, and psychological symptoms, BED was not independently associated with weight-related quality of life. Discussion: The association between BED and impairment in quality of life that has been previously reported in the literature may largely be accounted for by differences between those with and without BED on demographic variables, BMI, and psychological symptoms. BED does not seem to independently impact weight-related quality of life.

This study explores whether there are differences between established “rural” and “urban” SMEs with regard to the decision to sell goods or services abroad. Several hypotheses were formulated and tested. In 1990/1991, survey responses were gathered from 621 independent businesses located in the UK. In 1997, a follow‐on telephone survey was conducted with 150 surviving firms. Urban exporting SMEs reported superior performance to urban non‐exporting SMEs in 1997. Rural and urban SMEs, however, did not significantly differ from each other with regard to the reasons cited for not exporting, the reasons cited for exporting, and the modes of entry into the largest current foreign market selected by exporters. Nevertheless, some rural SMEs had circumvented local resource constraints and entered foreign markets by engaging in networking. Implications for policy‐makers, practitioners and researchers are highlighted.

Habitual (experienced) entrepreneurs are an important sub-group of entrepreneurs who make a fundamental contribution to the process of wealth creation in society. They have been associated with the“entrepreneurial mindset” which induces them to passionately seek and exploit the best opportunities. Despite these exceptional qualities, there are conflicting views among financiers as to whether the additional experience possessed by habitual entrepreneurs is an asset or a liability. Furthermore, there has been limited empirical work that has examined how these experienced entrepreneurs identify and exploit opportunities and whether their practices do indeed differ from those of their novice counterparts. This study seeks to address this void by examining the attitudes and behaviors of 773 novice and habitual entrepreneurs who own firms located throughout Great Britain.