Unilever (Australia)

The fourth Industrial Revolution is driving the creation of a more connected ecosystem. Organizations are now re-shaping their strategies to become increasingly transparent, including their supply chain management (SCM). The area of supply chain digitalization is starting to attract growing attention; however, its research status remains unclear. We set out, in this study, to understand what constitutes the underlying structure of its research, what topics have been investigated, what areas need further attention, how the existing literature can be classified and how the discipline can move forward. We applied a mixed-method approach using both quantitative and qualitative techniques to achieve this. A bibliometric analysis of 331 articles with 12,709 references was first conducted followed by a qualitative content analysis. Results point at a tentative future research agenda featuring five paths: data science-enabled SCM, supply chain agility, humanizing manufacturing through digital manufacturing strategy, Omni-channel and Internet of Things, and resource-based view and beyond.

Abstract The effects of dietary fiber inclusion on biscuit texture, cooking properties, and sugar release after in vitro degradation were investigated. Inulin, β-glucan enriched fraction (BGEF), potato fiber, and a resistant starch were used. Effects of the dietary fibers on the pasting properties of flour based mixtures were investigated using a rapid visco analyzer. Results showed a reduction in visco-pasting properties (peak viscosity and final viscosity) of the flour–dietary fiber systems with increasing fiber content. Addition of dietary fiber into the biscuits affected biscuit shrinkage and height development during cooking, as well as generally reducing the resistance of biscuits to snapping during texture analysis tests. Sugar release during in vitro degradation studies showed a highly significant decline when comparing dietary fiber enriched biscuits to the control samples. This would have a beneficial effect in potentially reducing the glycaemic index and subsequent glycaemic loading of such foods.

Abstract Those aspects of the quantitative methanolysis of fats with fatty acids containing four or more carbon atoms and the gas liquid chromatographic analysis of the methyl esters which have not been adequately dealt with to date were investigated. Accurate analysis of the esters requires the optimization of the total chromatographic system using a carefully prepared methyl ester primary standard and applying, as the only correction factors, the theoretical flame ionization detector response factors of Ackman and Sipos. These factors now have also been shown to be highly accurate for short chain saturated fatty acid methyl esters, in particular methyl butyrate and methyl caproate. Under the conditions specified by the international methods for the methylation (methanolic KOH) of fats with fatty acids containing four or more carbon atoms, saponification of the esters, once formed, proceeds much more rapidly for short chain than for long chain esters. This problem is easily overcome by neutralizing the catalyst, which then leads to very stable solutions and contributes to column life. This step should be mandatory in the international procedures. Tristearin methylated more slowly than other triacylglycerols under the standard conditions, but there was no difficulty in the case of unsaturated fatty acids of this chain length. Satisfactory results could not be obtained when sodium methoxide was the catalyst. The optimum procedure rendered unnecessary the use of methyl pentanoate as an internal standard for the accurate quantitation of methyl butyrate.

Abstract Because unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) are subject to autoxidation, it is virtually impossible to obtain and maintain high purity standards. Accordingly, it is not possible to determine flame ionization detector response factors by the usual technique of analyzing standard mixtures of known composition. In an alternative approach, the response factors of methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl linolenate, methyl arachidonate and methyl 4,7,10,13,16,19‐docosahexaenoate relative to methyl stearate were estimated by determining the peak areas before and after quantitative hydrogenation in the presence of an internal standard. The estimates showed excellent agreement in all cases with the theoretical factors predicted by Ackman and Sipos and thus constitute an independent and unambiguous proof that the theoretical factors are highly accurate for all olefinic unsaturated FAME. Whereas it is common practice to determine an empirically derived correction factor for each FAME by analyzing standard mixtures of known composition, the thesis is now proposed that, for both saturated and olefinic unsaturated FAME, the proper approach to accurate analysis requires that peak areas be corrected using the theoretical response factors as the only correction factors. If the correct result cannot be obtained when analyzing a primary standard of saturated FAME, it is an indication of faulty technique or equipment, and the only acceptable resolution of the problem is to locate and correct the fault(s).

Abstract The generally accepted approach to the analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) is to analyze a standard mixture of known composition and to determine empirical correction factors for individual FAME. These correction factors, which are a composite of the theoretical flame ionization detector (FID) relative response factors and an empirical factor to correct for any system errors that may be present, then are used to correct the raw peak areas of the individual FAME of the sample undergoing analysis. It is proposed that this approach is fundamentally unsound as a means of generating consistently accurate results. Rather, it has been proven that theoretically calculated FID relative response factors are valid, both for the saturated and unsaturated FAME commonly encountered in edible oils, and that these should be used as the only response factors for the correction of raw peak areas. Thus, the proper approach to the generation of highly accurate results is to optimize both equipment and operator technique so that a correct answer is obtained for a primary standard when these theoretical factors are used, rather than to introduce an empirical correction factor other than the theoretical response factor to take account of faulty practice. Eight facets of equipment operation or operator technique have been identified which must be addressed to optimize accuracy.

The issue of measuring service quality has been widely debated in the literature. Two main scales have been developed and criticized in the last few years: SERVQUAL and SERVPERF. Attempts to identify which one of these scales would be best suited for the purpose of Australian advertising agencies. SERVPERF was found to be the best overall predictor of service quality. Discusses the study’s limitations and makes suggestions for further research in the concluding section.

Abstract Die Untersuchung befaßt sich mit der selektiven Hydrierung von polyensäurehaltigen fetten Ölen. In der ersten Phase der Hydrierung wird wahrscheinlich die Katalysatoroberfläche weitgehend von den Polyensäuren bedeckt. Monoensäuren werden dann kaum hydriert, und auch die Monoensäure‐Isomerisation wird gehemmt. Die Analyse der aus Linolsäure entstandenen Monoensäuren zeigt, daß die Zusammensetzung des Reaktionsproduktes derart ist, als hätte man ein äquimolares Gemisch von 9‐cis, 11‐trans‐ und 10‐trans, 12‐cis‐konjugierten Isolinolsäuren eingesetzt. Offenbar ist die Katalysatoroberfläche mit konjugierten Polyensäuren bedeckt.

Abstract A comparison is presented of a method for the preparation of fatty acid methyl esters, involving hydroxide catalyzed transesterification at ambient temperature, with a second method employing methoxide catalyzed transesterification at reflux temperature. The first of these methods was specifically designed for the analysis of fats that contain very short chain length fatty acids (butyric and caproic acids), but it has been suggested that it might be suitable as a general method for the preparation of esters. It is now shown that the methoxide/reflux method gives more accurate results than does the hydroxide/ambient method when the samples to be analyzed contain high levels of long chain length fatty acids (e.g. stearic, palmitic, elaidic, oleic) and that it is quicker and at least as simple to carry out. The hydroxide/ambient method should be used only for its specific purpose and, when used, the procedure should be strictly followed and carefully standardized. Results obtained from fats that contain significant quantities of long chain length components should be viewed with suspicion.

In 2023, an increased number of urogenital and anorectal infections with Neisseria meningitis serogroup Y (MenY) were reported in New South Wales (NSW). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) found a common sequence type (ST-1466), with limited sequence diversity. Confirmed outbreak cases were NSW residents with a N. meningitidis isolate matching the cluster sequence type; probable cases were NSW residents with MenY isolated from a urogenital or anorectal site from 1 July 2023 without WGS testing. Of the 41 cases, most were men (n = 27), of whom six reported recent contact with women in sex work. Five cases were men who have sex with men and two were women in sex work. Laboratory alerts regarding the outbreak were sent to all Australian jurisdictions through the laboratories in the National Neisseria Network. Two additional states identified urogenital MenY ST-1466 infections detected in late 2023. Genomic analysis showed all MenY ST-1466 sequences were interspersed, indicative of a multi-jurisdictional outbreak. The incidence of these infections remains unknown, due to varied testing and reporting practices both within and across jurisdictions. Isolates causing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Australia are typed, and there has been no MenY ST-1466 IMD recorded in Australia to end of March 2024. Concerns remain regarding the risk of IMD, given the similarity of these sequences with a MenY ST-1466 IMD strain causing a concurrent outbreak in the United States of America.

Abstract Steam distillation of dehydrated Boletus edulis gave a ‘flavour essence’ which contained only the off‐flavour components of the sample and was reminiscent of town gas and/or rubber. The true mushroom flavour was found to be non‐volatile, the residue after distillation being of undiminished flavour intensity. About half of the sample was water soluble and this extract contained all of the flavour components. These were concentrated into the basic fraction by an ion‐exchange technique, and further separated into fractions containing amino‐acids of progressively increasing basicity by a displacement development ion‐exchange chromatographic technique. The most basic compounds tasted most characteristically of mushrooms, but it was clear that all the nitrogenous constituents contributed something to the overall flavour profile. The contribution of the highly basic amino‐acids is considered to be especially important as it was found that their flavours lingered in the mouth and were therefore savoured more strongly than would be expected simply from a consideration of their taste intensity as measured by threshold dilution technique.

Human skin and its commensal microbiome form the first layer of protection to the outside world. A dynamic microbial ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses, with the potential to respond to external insult, the skin microbiome has been shown to evolve over the life course with an alteration in taxonomic composition responding to altered microenvironmental conditions on human skin. This work sought to investigate the taxonomic, diversity and functional differences between infant and adult leg skin microbiomes. A 16S rRNA gene-based metataxonomic analysis revealed significant differences between the infant and adult skin groups, highlighting differential microbiome profiles at both the genus and species level. Diversity analysis reveals differences in the overall community structure and associated differential predicted functional profiles between the infant and adult skin microbiome suggest differing metabolic processes are present between the groups. These data add to the available information on the dynamic nature of skin microbiome during the life course and highlight the predicted differential microbial metabolic process that exists on infant and adult skin, which may have an impact on the future design and use of cosmetic products that are produced to work in consort with the skin microbiome.

Abstract A method is described for the determination of small amounts of 1‐monoglycerides in fats. The method consists of a periodic acid oxidation, the resulting glycol aldehyde fatty acid ester then being converted to the 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative, which is determined spectrophotometrically. The colored solutions are stable and follow Beer舗s law in the range 0.0舑1.0% 1‐monoglycerides with a standard deviation of ŷ0.024%. Glycerol does not interfere.

Food and agribusiness companies face increasing scrutiny of their corporate social responsibilities (CSRs) due to the impacts of their business activities on the environment and in society. In particular, the procurement practices of some companies in the commercial food industry have been linked to unsustainable farming, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. This study investigates the extent to which a positive CSR reputation influences consumers' evaluations of a company and its new products following brand misconduct involving unethical procurement of palm oil. The results of an experiment revealed that a positive CSR reputation prior to the misconduct enhanced consumers' evaluations of the company and their support for its new products, thereby facilitating its recovery. These findings extend understanding of the potential insurance afforded by a positive CSR reputation and its halo effect in situations of brand misconduct in the food industry, in this case where a brand has failed to meet consumers' expectations of its obligations to avoid commercial activities that threaten the natural environment.

Abstract Der Äthylenoxyd (Ä.O.)‐Gehalt von Nonylphenol‐ und Fettalkohol‐Ä.O.‐Kondensaten wird nach einer modifizierten Zeisel‐Methode bestimmt. Die Ä.O.‐Gruppen reagieren mit Jodwasserstoffsäure; das gebildete Äthyljodid und Äthylen werden bestimmt. Die Standardabweichung beträgt ca. 0.6% rel. Der Ä.O.‐Gehalt kann jedoch schneller bestimmt werden mit Hilfe der IR‐Absorption bei 2485 mμ. Für Produkte mit mehr als 30 bis 35% Ä.O. beträgt die Standardabweichung ca. 0.4% absol. Beide Methoden weisen übereinstimmende Ergebnisse auf. Die Vorgänge werden beschrieben.

Abstract A differential infrared spectrophotometric method is described for the determination of trans unsaturation in fats. The method utilizes absorption at 965 cm 蜢1 , due to the C蜢H out‐of‐plane deformation vibrations of trans unsaturated compounds. The method is rapid, accurate, and directly applicable to the determination of trans unsaturation in triglycerides. It is applicable to samples which contain low concentrations of trans acids (down to 2%) and also to samples with fatty acids of mixed chain length.

Abstract A method is proposed for the determination of the mutton tallow content of mixed beef and mutton tallow samples. The calculation is based on the determination of conjugated diene, trans acids, and mono cis unsaturated acids in the sample. The analytical findings are employed in a single equation which is weighted to minimize uncertainty due to natural variation. The method is largely independent of the degree of “seeding” of the tallow prior to sampling and is accurate to approximately ±14%. This accuracy is considered reasonable in view of the natural variations of the two fats and their close analytical similarity.

Abstract Die bisherigen Untersuchen an Seifensystemen gestatten folgende Rückschlüsse: Im Bereich der flüssig‐kristallinen Gebiete, wo Gleichgewichtszustände sich eher einstellen als im festen Seifenstück, haben sich die Ansichten McBain's nicht prinzipiell geändert, Die micelläre Struktur dieser Phasen ist jedoch noch nicht eindeutig geklärt. Die Polymorphie anhydrischer Natrium‐Seifen wurde weitgehend bestätigt. Strukturbestimmungen von einigen dieser Phasen wurden bereits ausgeführt.

Abstract 2‐Benzoyloxy‐4,6‐dihydroxy‐benzaldehyd ( 1 ) wird in einer Ausbeute von 53% d. Th. durch Reaktion von Phloroglucinaldehyd mit Benzoylchlorid bei Anwesenheit von Triäthylamin dargestellt.

Abstract Die Ross‐Miles‐Apparatur für die Messung der Schaumhöhe von Detergentien wurde derart modifiziert, daß die Bestimmung der Schaumkraft und Schaumstabilität auch bei Temperaturen über 60° C mit großerer Genauigkeit möglich ist. Die mit dem modifizierten Apparat für verschiedene Detergentien‐Lösungen erhaltenen Ergebnisse werden beschrieben und mit den Daten verglichen, die mit der Standardapparatur ermittelt wurden.

Abstract Die Biosynthese von PGE durch Enzympräparate aus epididymalem Fettgewebe von Ratte und Widder aus 14 C markierten ungesättigten Fettsäuren wird beschrieben. In der Tri‐ und Diglycerid‐Fraktion des Fettgewebes der Ratte wurden di‐homo‐γ‐Linolensäure und Arachidonsäure nachgewiesen. Die gefundenen Mengen sind wahrscheinlich ausreichend, um die Synthese von PGE im intakten Fettgewebe quantitativ zu erklären. Die Spezifität der antilipolytischen Wirkung von PGE‐Homologen wurde untersucht. Prostaglandine aus EFA‐aktiven Fettsäuren mit 20 und 21 C‐Atomen sind ebenso aktiv wie PGE 1 , während Prostaglandine aus EFA‐inaktiven Fettsäuren viel weniger aktiv sind. Die Prostaglandine mit weniger als 20 C‐ Atomen weisen nur eine geringe Aktivität auf. Der mögliche Einfluß von PGE 1 auf die Bildung und den Abbau von cyclischem Adenosin‐3′, 5′‐monophosphat wurde an Hand von isolierten Enzymsystemen untersucht. Eine direkte Wirkung von PGE 1 konnte nicht nachgewiesen werden.