bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximizing the physics potential of
B±→π±μ+μ−
decays
Authors: Marshall Alexander Mclean , McCann Michael Andrew , Patel Mitesh , Petridis Konstantinos A. , Reboud Méril , van Dyk Danny
Published: June 2024

We present a method that maximizes the experimental sensitivity to new physics contributions in B±→π±μ+μ− decays. This method relies on performing an unbinned maximum likelihood fit to both the measured dimuon q2 distribution of B±→π±μ+μ− decays, and theory calculations at spacelike q2, where QCD predictions are most reliable. Using known properties of the decay amplitude we employ a dispersion relation to describe the nonlocal hadronic contributions across spacelike and timelike q2 regions. The fit stability and the sensitivity to new physics couplings and new sources of CP-violation are studied for current and future data-taking scenarios, with the LHCb experiment as an example. The proposed method offers a precise and reliable way to search for new physics in these decays.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Perturbative unitarity and the four-point vertices in the constructive standard model
Authors: Christensen Neil
Published: June 2024

We find a complete set of four-point vertices in the constructive Standard Model (CSM). This set is smaller than in Feynman diagrams as the CSM does not need or allow any additional four-point vertices (or “contact” terms) beyond what is present in Feynman diagrams and, furthermore, it does need or allow a four-point vertex for Z,Z,W¯,W, W,W,W¯,W¯, γ,Z,W,W¯ or γ,γ,W,W¯, in addition to the already known absence of the four-gluon vertex. We show that with this set of four-point vertices, perturbative unitarity is satisfied in the CSM. Additionally, we show that many constructive diagrams are not Feynman diagrams rewritten in spinor form. In fact, we show that there is a significant rearrangement of contributions from the diagrams in constructive calculations relative to Feynman diagrams for some processes. In addition to the already known or expected rearrangement in diagrams involving external photons, we also find that diagrams involving four-vector bosons are also significantly different from their Feynman counterparts.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How does the
X(3872)
show up in
e+e−
collisions: Dip versus peak
Authors: Baru Vadim , Guo Feng-Kun , Hanhart Christoph , Nefediev Alexey
Published: June 2024

We demonstrate that the dip observed near the total energy of 3872 MeV in the recent cross section data from the BESIII Collaboration for e+e−→J/ψπ+π− admits a natural explanation as a coupled-channel effect: it is a consequence of unitarity and a strong S-wave DD¯* attraction that generates the state X(3872). We anticipate the appearance of a similar dip in the e+e−→J/ψπ+π−π0 final state near the D*D¯* threshold driven by the same general mechanism, then to be interpreted as a signature of the predicted spin-2 partner of the X(3872).

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Influence of ionization and cumulative effects on laser-induced crystallization in multilayer dielectrics
Authors: Ricca Ruben , Boureau Victor , Bellouard Yves
Published: June 2024

Crystallization of amorphous layers has been demonstrated under various radically different laser-exposure conditions, including continuous wave (cw) and pulsed lasers. Here, we investigate the specific role of ionization in the crystallization of dielectric SiO2/SiNx multilayers. This choice is motivated by the technological relevance of the interaction between lasers and a multilayer thin films system in distributed Bragg reflectors. Specimens were exposed to both femtosecond laser pulses, triggering bulk ionization thanks to nonlinear absorption processes, and a cw infrared laser, whose photon energy is lower than the dielectrics band gap, resulting in a purely linear absorption mechanism rather than ionization. While femtosecond laser exposure leads to the formation of Si nanocrystals homogeneously confined within the focal volume and extending to adjacent SiNx layers, cw laser exposure leads to the formation of polymorphic crystalline phases of Si3N4 in the SiNx layers, along with a Si phase the SiO2 layers, which otherwise remain amorphous.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sentiment and thematic analysis of faculty responses: Transition to online learning
Authors: Green Colin , Brewe Eric , Mellen Jillian , Traxler Adrienne , Scanlin Sarah
Published: June 2024

This project aims to understand physics faculty responses to transitioning to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed 662 physics faculty from the United States following the Spring 2020 term; of these, 258 completed a follow-up survey after the Fall 2020 term. We used natural language processing to measure the sentiment scores of 364 Spring 2020 responses and another 134 Fall 2020 responses of physics faculty who completed an optional written prompt. Additionally, we determined the change in sentiment scores of the 100 individuals who responded to both surveys. These sentiment scores measured between −1 and 1 for completely negative and completely positive, respectively. Sentiment scores after Spring 2020 were slightly positive with a median value of 0.2347. The distribution of sentiment changes was approximately normally distributed with a mean centered near zero. Analysis suggests the average sentiment did not change from the initial to follow-up surveys. To identify major topics within the responses for both surveys, latent Dirichlet allocation analysis was applied to the data. The topic distribution for the initial survey is given as course modifications and technology, negative aspects of the transition—primarily with labs and cheating, exam and evaluation difficulties, and difficulties with student understanding. The topics were noticeably different in the follow-up survey with differences between Fall and Spring, cooperative learning strategies, strategies that worked in the remote space, and benefits of in-person labs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Statistical optimization of guest uptake in crystalline sponges: grading structural outcomes
Authors: Carroll Robert C. , Coles Simon J.
Published: June 2024

Investigation of the analyte soaking conditions on the crystalline sponge {[(ZnI2)3(tpt)2·x(solvent)]
n
} method using a statistical design of experiments model has provided fundamental insights into the influence of experimental variables. This approach focuses on a single analyte tested via 60 experiments (20 unique conditions) to identify the main effects for success and overall guest structure quality. This is employed as a basis for the development of a novel molecular structure grading system that enables the quantification of guest exchange quality.
A hybrid analysis method for calculating the cogging torque of consequent pole hybrid excitation synchronous machine
Authors: Wu Jie , Wang Kang , Zhang Ming , Guo Leilei , Shen Yongpeng , Wang Mingjie , Zhang Jitao , Snasel Vaclav
Published: June 2024

Purpose

When solving the cogging torque of complex electromagnetic structures, such as consequent pole hybrid excitation synchronous (CPHES) machine, traditional methods have a huge computational complexity. The notable feature of CPHES machine is the symmetric range of field-strengthening and field-weakening, but this type of machine is destined to be equipped with a complex electromagnetic structure. The purpose of this paper is to propose a hybrid analysis method to quickly and accurately solve the cogging torque of complex 3D electromagnetic structure, which is applicable to CPHES machine with different magnetic pole shapings.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a hybrid method for calculating the cogging torque of CPHES machine is proposed, which considers three commonly used pole shapings. Firstly, through magnetic field analysis, the complex 3D finite element analysis (FEA) is simplified to 2D field computing. Secondly, the discretization method is used to obtain the distribution of permeance and permeance differential along the circumference of the air-gap, taking into account the effect of slots. Finally, the cogging torque of the whole motor is obtained by using the idea of modular calculation and the symmetry of the rotor structure.

Findings

This method is applicable to different pole shapings. The experimental results show that the proposed method is consistent with 3D FEA and experimental measured results, and the average calculation time is reduced from 8 h to 4 min.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new concept for calculating cogging torque, which is a hybrid calculation of dimension reduction and discretization modules. Based on magnetic field analysis, the 3D problem is simplified into a 2D issue, reducing computational complexity. Based on the symmetry of the machine structure, a modeling method for discretized analytical models is proposed to calculate the cogging torque of the machine.
Nothing for us, except by us – Support for queer ethnic young people in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Nakhid Camille , Long Tommy Sokun , Fu Mengzhu , Tuwe Makanaka , Ali Zina Abu , Vano Lourdes , Subramanian Pooja , Yachinta Caryn , Farrugia Claire
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper looks at mainstream lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) support services in Aotearoa New Zealand, which predominantly center white queer voices and services and fail to account for the intersectional identities of young ethnic queers.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory, qualitative study investigated the social and professional support experienced and responded to by 43 young ethnic queers living in Aotearoa New Zealand, who were between 18 and 35 years of age. Participants identified as queer, non-binary, gay, pansexual, demisexual, gender fluid, non-binary and trans among others and held ethnic heritage from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Persadie and Narain's Mash Up methodological approach (2022) was used to analyze the data. Mash Up allowed us to understand the intersectional spaces of queer ethnic lives in white-dominated spaces, the ways in which young ethnic queers resisted the marginalization of their racialized being and took agency to counter actions and decisions that negated their presence and intersectional identities.

Findings

The findings from the study showed that young ethnic queers responded to the lack of adequate support services by establishing their own voluntary organizations and support networks. The study revealed that ethnic queer young people were critical of the white-dominated LGBTQIA+ support organizations; they created their own transformative spaces where they found “family” and community where they could be open about their queerness without the fear of rejection and stigma, while still advocating for equitable resources and an intersectional approach in queer mainstream services.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable information on the lack of support for queer ethnic young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. The absence of information on the needs of this group poses a challenge to government departments, which rely on data to inform policy and allocate resources. The limited research and knowledge of this community make them less visible and, consequently, less likely to be given resources. It also means that harmful practices and behaviors toward queer ethnic young people by families and communities are more likely to go unnoticed and unaddressed. The paper also shows that the agency of young ethnic queers to create their own transformative spaces and to challenge the white-centric spaces, which have failed to consider their intersectional identities, has been instrumental to their well-being.
Effects of vibration on natural convection in a square inclined porous enclosure filled with Cu-water nanofluid
Authors: Sayyou Hamza , Belabid Jabrane , Öztop Hakan F. , Allali Karam
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of gravitational modulation on natural convection in a square inclined porous cavity filled by a fluid containing copper nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study uses a system of equations that couple hydrodynamics to heat transfer, representing the governing equations of fluid flow in a square domain. The Boussinesq–Darcy flow with Cu-water nanofluid is considered. The dimensionless partial differential equations are solved numerically using finite difference method based on alternating direction implicit scheme. The cavity is differentially heated by constant heat flux, while the top and bottom walls are insulated. The authors examined the effects of gravity amplitude (λ), vibration frequency (σ), tilt angle (α) and Rayleigh number (Ra) on flow and temperature.

Findings

The numerical simulations, in the form of streamlines, isotherms, Nusselt number and maximum stream function for different values of amplitude, frequency, tilt angle and Rayleigh number, have revealed an oscillatory behavior in the development of flow and temperature under gravity modulation. An increase of amplitude from 0.5 to 1 intensifies the flow stream (from |ψmax| = 21.415 to |ψmax| = 25.262) and improves heat transfer (from Nu¯ = 17.592 to Nu¯ = 20.421). Low-frequency vibration below 50 has a significant impact on the flow and thermal distributions. However, once this threshold is exceeded, the flow weakens, leading to a gradual decrease in heat transfer rate. The inclination angle is an effective parameter for controlling the flow and temperature characteristics. Thus, transitioning the tilt angle from 30° to 60° can increase the flow velocity (from 22.283 to 23.288) while reducing the Nusselt number (from 16.603 to 13.874). Therefore, by manipulating the combination of vibration and inclination, it is founded that for a fixed frequency value of σ = 100 and for increased amplitude (from 0.5 to 1), the flow intensity at inclination of 60° is boosted, and an increase of the heat transfer rate at inclination of 30° is also observed. Convective thermal instabilities may arise depending on the different key factors.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is original in its examination of the combined effects of modulated gravity and cavity inclination on free convection in nanofluid porous media. It highlights the crucial roles of these two important factors in influencing flow and heat transfer properties.
Working on boundaries: linking research and practice
Authors: Mohajerzad Hadjar , Diekmann Daniel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate how educational researchers work together with practitioners in practical research projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed-method.

Findings

Our findings suggest that researchers recognize their own limitations as well as those of practitioners and policy makers and learn from collaboration, but that they lack ideas on what activities they can undertake to overcome limitations. Furthermore, educational researchers emphasize the importance of continuous and systematic organized exchange with educational practitioners. We discuss the needs and challenges of educational researchers interacting with educational practitioners during their research.

Originality/value

We believe that sustainable research and practice partnerships (RPPs) provide a more effective platform for collaboration between researchers and practitioners. This is because long-term engagement in cross-boundary work within these partnerships promotes the development of new knowledge, routines and methods, thereby improving educational practice. Unfortunately, there are few RPPs in Germany (the context of the researchers interviewed). Consequently, it is critical that funding policies, particularly outside the United States, provide greater support for RPPs and the necessary resources for these partnerships. Even if funding for RPPs is not always possible, our research suggests that short-term collaborative agreements in research-practice projects are preferable to relying on informal transfer channels.
Female power, ownership and ESG decoupling: evidence from China
Authors: Yang Lu , Ye Meng , Wang Hongdi , Lu Weisheng
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study explores the influence of female executives on the misalignment between corporate ESG commitments and practices, a phenomenon known as ESG decoupling. It also enhances the understanding of female power on affecting ESG decoupling under different ownership settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative research design to explore the impact mechanism of female executives’ proportion on corporate ESG decoupling under different ownership contexts based on a sample of 2,585 firm-year observations from publicly traded Chinese companies between 2011 and 2021.

Findings

Based on agency theory, upper echelons theory and gender socialization theory, our findings indicate that (1) female executives are significantly effective in reducing ESG decoupling, and (2) this effect is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs) compared to state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Originality/value

This study contributes original insights into the ESG decoupling literature by demonstrating the external influences of corporate governance structure, particularly in the context of China’s unique corporate ownership environment. It also provides strong social implications by highlighting the role of gender dynamics in corporate governance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) behaviors and ESG alignment.
A multi-method examination of barriers to traceability in Industry 5.0-enabled digital food supply chains
Authors: Sarkar Bishal Dey , Sharma Isha , Shardeo Vipulesh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Recent worldwide developments have altered how businesses operate. As a result, when making business decisions, the emphasis for many industries has shifted towards digital adoption to ensure sustainability, and the food supply chain is no exception. However, a substantial gap exists in assessing the barriers to a digitised food supply chain enabled by Industry 5.0 technologies. This study strives to bridge the gap by identifying and assessing the barriers to improved traceability.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, a mixed method approach was used encompassing both qualitative and quantitative techniques, including an online survey, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the fuzzy evidential reasoning approach (FERA). The literature survey and expert opinion first yielded a list of 18 barriers, which were subsequently examined using EFA. As a result, four barriers were removed. The remaining 14 barriers were then assessed using FERA from the perspectives of the Technology, Organisation and Environment (TOE) framework. Further, a sensitivity analysis was performed to test the model’s reliability.

Findings

The present study resulted in the prioritisation of barriers from the TOE perspective. According to the findings, the top three barriers that impede the traceability of Industry 5.0-enabled digital food supply chains are Limited Digital and Physical Infrastructure, Inadequate Capital Investment, and the Intricate Supply Chain Framework.

Research limitations/implications

The findings from this research will prove valuable for decision-makers, practitioners and policymakers in developing methods for improving traceability within the digital food supply chain. Concerned stakeholders may use the findings to identify and take immediate action for better decision-making.

Originality/value

This study’s originality lies in its position as one of the first to identify and examine the challenges to better traceability in an Industry 5.0-enabled digital food supply chain. It also adds value by broadening the TOE framework’s scope in the Industry 5.0-enabled digital food supply chain context.
Physical internet enabled sustainable and resilient production-routing problem with modular capacity
Authors: Peng Xiaoshuai , Ji Shoufeng , Zhang Lele , Thompson Russell G. , Wang Kangzhou
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Modular capacity units enable rapid reconfiguration, providing tactical flexibility to efficiently meet customer demand during disruptions and ensuring sustainability. Moreover, the Physical Internet (PI) enhances the potential of modular capacity in addressing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience challenges. To evaluate the sustainability and resilience advantages of the PI-enabled reconfigurable modular system (PI-M system), this paper studies a PI-enabled sustainable and resilient production-routing problem with modular capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

We develop a multi-objective optimization model to assess the sustainability and resilience benefits of combining PI and modular capacity in a chemical industry case study. A hybrid solution approach, combining the augmented e-constraint method, construction heuristic, and hybrid adaptive large neighborhood search, is developed.

Findings

The experimental results reveal that the proposed solution approach is capable of obtaining better solutions than the Gurobi and the existing heuristic in a shorter running time. Moreover, compared with the traditional system, the PI only and traditional with modular capacity systems, PI-M system has significant advantages in both sustainability and resilience.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to integrate the PI and modular capacity and investigate sustainability and resilience in the production-routing problem.
A comparative analysis of “building well-being” factors for prime office workers in London and Hong Kong
Authors: Perry Hugo , Dericks Gerard
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In order to determine whether the factors affecting office worker well-being are location dependent, this exploratory study analyses the relative importance of different “building well-being” factors for prime office workers in two leading but environmentally contrastive real estate markets: London and Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a mixed methods sequential explanatory design (follow-up explanations model), consisting of three phases: an exploratory phase to refine the building well-being factors, a quantitative phase utilising a questionnaire to assess the relative importance of these building well-being factors (N = 281: London = 171; Hong Kong = 110), followed by a final phase of follow-up interviews with respondents to explore the reasons behind the significant differences observed in the quantitative phase (N = 13: London = 7; Hong Kong = 6).

Findings

While London and Hong Kong share some highly-ranking factors in common, significant differences in importance are observed for 17 of the 31 identified factors as a result of contrasting physical, economic, and cultural environments.

Originality/value

Despite growing recognition of the importance of the built environment on well-being, to the authors’ knowledge there has been no previous research investigating how building well-being demands may vary systematically across geographies. Understanding these differences has important implications for interpreting building well-being research, effective business operations, real estate investment, building certification scheme design, and governance of the built environment.
Team cognitive diversity and individual creativity: the roles of team intellectual capital and inclusive climate
Authors: Qu Jiaojiao , Liu Mingwei , Zhao Shuming , Zhao Yixuan , Cao Xia
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The function of cognitive diversity has not yet been studied to a sufficient degree. To address this gap, the current study aims to answer the questions of how and when team cognitive diversity fosters individual creativity by integrating the intellectual capital view and the inclusion literature.

Design/methodology/approach

With a paired and time-lagged sample consisting of 368 members and 46 leaders from Chinese high-tech organizations, a multilevel moderated mediation model was developed to test the hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Team cognitive diversity is positively related to individual creativity via team intellectual capital, but this positive indirect effect is obtained only when the inclusive team climate is high.

Research limitations/implications

Team intellectual capital serves as an alternative mechanism for translating team cognitive diversity into favorable outcomes, and an inclusive team climate plays a pivotal role in harvesting the benefits of team cognitive diversity. Future research could extend our study by adopting a multiwave longitudinal or experimental design, examining the possibility of curvilinearity, considering the changes in patterns over time, and conducting cross-cultural studies.

Practical implications

Managers should take the initiative to assemble a team featuring cognitive diversity when facing creative tasks, and should proactively cultivate an inclusive culture when leading such a team.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to consider the mediating role of team intellectual capital in the cross-level effect of team cognitive diversity on individual creativity and to examine the boundary role of an inclusive team climate with respect to this indirect effect.
Building international standards for Islamic education teacher candidates with reference to CAEP guidelines
Authors: AlHouli Ali I.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to develop precise statements (standards) to describe the knowledge and skills that should be possessed by Islamic education (IE) teacher candidates who receive their initial preparation in various international higher-education institutions. These statements must be compatible with the requirements and guidelines for building specialized standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), so that they can be used for accreditation and improving quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Two panels of IE experts participated in developing and validating the standards, using a combination of Delphi and content validity methods. Alongside this research activity, management activity ensured that the process ran smoothly, as the researcher coordinated panels, allocated resources and tracked progress during standard development.

Findings

Twenty-six components divided into five standards were developed into a final list based on the panels.

Originality/value

This study provides standards for the preparation of IE teachers in higher-education institutions that can be applied in different countries and geographical regions. Furthermore, it aims to make the subject of IE more comparable with other academic disciplines, and appropriate for CAEP accreditation.
Unveiling fairness in scoring: a thorough method for precise cutoff score calculation in education assessment
Authors: Akbari Alireza , Shahrokhi Mohsen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to address the need for a robust system to accurately determine a cutoff score by using the Angoff method and leveraging the Rasch infit and outfit statistics of item response theory by detecting and removing misfitting items in a test.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers in educational evaluation support the use of grades as a complete measure to evaluate students’ overall academic performance. In higher education, determining cutoff scores is crucial for assessing academic progress and achievement. Higher education institutions worldwide set predefined minimal standards of success, sometimes referred to as cutoff thresholds. These thresholds serve as benchmarks for assessing performance quality and determining eligibility for academic credit or advancement.

Findings

The proposed approach combines the Angoff method with Rasch item fit statistics to precisely determine the cutoff score by excluding items that do not fit well (misfitting items) in a test. This methodology holds the potential to enhance the fairness and accuracy of grading practices, ensuring that assessments align with educational objectives and provide meaningful feedback to students.

Originality/value

The value of this research extends to various fields where cutoff scores are used for decision-making purposes. By using Rasch item fit statistics and the Angoff method, practitioners and researchers can enhance the quality and validity of their assessments.
Host country nationals and cultural intelligence: from two distant scholarly conversations to a joint line of inquiry
Authors: Michailova Snejina , Ott Dana L. , Fee Anthony
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The stand-alone scholarly conversations on host-country nationals (HCNs) and cultural intelligence (CQ) have developed over decades but have remained distant from each other. This paper aims to bridge them and explain why such a link can offer an initial understanding of HCNs’ CQ and yield new insights that could enrich and extend existing knowledge in the two literature streams.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper establishes a set of arguments that explain why and how the scholarly conversations on HCNs and CQ can be bridged. The authors supplement these arguments with three specific avenues for research that can guide new scholarly inquiry. Each avenue is accompanied with specific research questions that the authors find promising for generating new insights into issues related to HCNs’ CQ.

Findings

The two scholarly conversations that the authors link are strong, vibrant and mature. Each has yielded substantial conceptual and theoretical insights and produced rich empirical evidence. They have, however, remained relatively separate from each other. To bring them together, the authors propose three avenues by considering the role of HCNs’ CQ: in their cultural adjustment, for knowledge sharing and when supporting expatriates. The authors outline the implications of such studies for HCNs’ careers, performance and well-being, for the subsidiaries that constitute their immediate work environment and, for multinational corporations as HCNs’ broader organizational settings.

Originality/value

CQ is an important enabler of effective intercultural interactions in culturally diverse settings, precisely the types of encounters that HCNs have with their expatriate colleagues. Surprisingly, the HCN literature has not crossed paths with CQ research in a substantial manner. The authors rectify this by establishing that bridging the two conversations is meaningful and has a high potential for deepening the understanding of HCNs’ CQ as an under-researched but important phenomenon.
Production of yogurts fortified with nanoencapsulated coenzyme Q10: Technological feasibility and bioactive's release during in vitro digestion
Authors: Brito‐Oliveira Thais C , Gonçalves Gracielle A , Ferreira Leticia S , Santos Yves J S , Turatti Roger C , de Oliveira Gustavo C , Pinho Samantha C , Callejon Daniel R
Published: June 2024

The feasibility of incorporating different concentrations (0; 1% – ‘Y1’; 7% – ‘Y7’) of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)‐loaded nanoemulsions (Ynano Q10) in yogurts was evaluated, as well as the bioactive's stability during static in vitro digestion. Yogurts were characterised regarding CoQ10 concentrations, physicochemical/rheological properties and sensory acceptability. Ynano Q10 incorporation has not negatively affected yogurts properties, stability and overall acceptance on sensory tests. Bioactive's stability during in vitro digestion was higher in Ynano Q10 than in fortified yogurts; however, CoQ10 concentrations in yogurts after the intestinal phase (0.008% for Y1 and 0.175% for Y7) were sufficiently high, considering CoQ10 recommended daily intake.
The chemical and microbiological safety of emerging alternative protein sources and derived analogues: A review
Authors: Milana M. , van Asselt E. D. , van der Fels‐Klerx H. J.
Published: June 2024

Climate change and changing consumer demand are the main factors driving the protein transition. This shift toward more sustainable protein sources as alternatives to animal proteins is also reflected in the rapid upscaling of meat and dairy food analogues. Such changes could challenge food safety, as new food sources could result in new and unexpected food safety risks for consumers. This review analyzed the current knowledge on chemical and microbiological contamination of emerging alternative protein sources of plant origin, including soil‐based (faba bean, mung bean, lentils, black gram, cowpea, quinoa, hemp, and leaf proteins) and aquatic‐based (microalgae and duckweeds) proteins. Moreover, findings on commercial analogues from known alternative protein sources were included. Overall, the main focus of the investigations is on the European context. The review aimed to enable foresight approaches to food safety concerning the protein transition. The results indicated the occurrence of multiple chemical and microbiological hazards either in the raw materials that are the protein sources and eventually in the analogues. Moreover, current European legislation on maximum limits does not address most of the “contaminant‐food” pairs identified, and no legislative framework has been developed for analogues. Results of this study provide stakeholders with a more comprehensive understanding of the chemical and microbiological safety of alternative protein sources and derived analogues to enable a holistic and safe approach to the protein transition.
Volatilomics as a tool to ascertain food adulteration, authenticity, and origin
Authors: Kaldeli Aikaterini , Zakidou Panagiota , Paraskevopoulou Adamantini
Published: June 2024

Over recent years, there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of food fraud incidents, whereas at the same time, consumers demand authentic products of high quality. The emerging volatilomics technology could be the key to the analysis and characterization of the quality of different foodstuffs. This field of omics has aroused the interest of scientists due to its noninvasive, rapid, and cost‐profitable nature. This review aims to monitor the available scientific information on the use of volatilomics technology, correlate it to the relevant food categories, and demonstrate its importance in the food adulteration, authenticity, and origin areas. A comprehensive literature search was performed using various scientific search engines and “volatilomics,” “volatiles,” “food authenticity,” “adulteration,” “origin,” “fingerprint,” “chemometrics,” and variations thereof as keywords, without chronological restriction. One hundred thirty‐seven relevant publications were retrieved, covering 11 different food categories (meat and meat products, fruits and fruit products, honey, coffee, tea, herbal products, olive oil, dairy products, spices, cereals, and others), the majority of which focused on the food geographical origin. The findings show that volatilomics typically involves various methods responsible for the extraction and consequential identification of volatile compounds, whereas, with the aid of data analysis, it can handle large amounts of data, enabling the origin classification of samples or even the detection of adulteration practices. Nonetheless, a greater number of specific research studies are needed to unlock the full potential of volatilomics.
Synthetic microbial communities: Novel strategies to enhance the quality of traditional fermented foods
Authors: Jin Ritian , Song Jing , Liu Chang , Lin Rong , Liang Duo , Aweya Jude Juventus , Weng Wuyin , Zhu Longji , Shang Jiaqi , Yang Shen
Published: June 2024

Consumers are attracted to traditional fermented foods due to their unique flavor and nutritional value. However, the traditional fermentation technique can no longer accommodate the requirements of the food industry. Traditional fermented foods produce hazardous compounds, off‐odor, and anti‐nutritional factors, reducing product stability. The microbial system complexity of traditional fermented foods resulting from the open fermentation process has made it challenging to regulate these problems by modifying microbial behaviors. Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) have been shown to simplify complex microbial communities and allow for the targeted design of microbial communities, which has been applied in processing traditional fermented foods. Herein, we describe the theoretical information of SynComs, particularly microbial physiological processes and their interactions. This paper discusses current approaches to creating SynComs, including designing, building, testing, and learning, with typical applications and fundamental techniques. Based on various traditional fermented food innovation demands, the potential and application of SynComs in enhancing the quality of traditional fermented foods are highlighted. SynComs showed superior performance in regulating the quality of traditional fermented foods using the interaction of core microorganisms to reduce the hazardous compounds of traditional fermented foods and improve flavor. Additionally, we presented the current status and future perspectives of SynComs for improving the quality of traditional fermented foods.
Microbiological and chemical hazards in cultured meat and methods for their detection
Authors: Sogore Tahirou , Guo Meimei , Sun Na , Jiang Donglei , Shen Mofei , Ding Tian
Published: June 2024

Cultured meat, which involves growing meat in a laboratory rather than breeding animals, offers potential benefits in terms of sustainability, health, and animal welfare compared to conventional meat production. However, the cultured meat production process involves several stages, each with potential hazards requiring careful monitoring and control. Microbial contamination risks exist in the initial cell collection from source animals and the surrounding environment. During cell proliferation, hazards may include chemical residues from media components such as antibiotics and growth factors, as well as microbial issues from improper bioreactor sterilization. In the differentiation stage where cells become muscle tissue, potential hazards include residues from scaffolding materials, microcarriers, and media components. Final maturation and harvesting stages risk environmental contamination from nonsterile conditions, equipment, or worker handling if proper aseptic conditions are not maintained. This review examines the key microbiological and chemical hazards that must be monitored and controlled during the manufacturing process for cultured meats. It describes some conventional and emerging novel techniques that could be applied for the detection of microbial and chemical hazards in cultured meat. The review also outlines the current evolving regulatory landscape around cultured meat and explains how thorough detection and characterization of microbiological and chemical hazards through advanced analytical techniques can provide crucial data to help develop robust, evidence‐based food safety regulations specifically tailored for the cultured meat industry. Implementing new digital food safety methods is recommended for further research on the sensitive and effective detection of microbiological and chemical hazards in cultured meat.
A review of the use of numerical analysis in stomach modeling
Authors: Liu Xinying , Fletcher David F. , Bornhorst Gail M.
Published: June 2024

Food digestion is important for human health. Advances have been made using in vitro models to study food digestion, but there is considerable potential for numerical approaches in stomach modeling, as they can provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex flow and chemistry in the stomach. The focus of this study is to provide a concise review of the developed numerical stomach models over the past two decades. The gastric physiological parameters that are required for a computational model to represent the human gastric digestion process are discussed, including the stomach geometry, gastric motility, gastric emptying, and gastric secretions. Computational methods used to model gastric digestion are introduced and compared, including different computational fluid dynamics as well as solid mechanics methods. The challenges and limitations of current studies are discussed, as well as the areas for future research that need to be addressed. There has been progress in simulating gastric fluid flow with stomach wall motion, but much work remains to be done. The complex food breakdown mechanisms and a comprehensive chemical digestion process have not been implemented in any developed models. Numerical method that was once computationally expensive will be revolutionized as computing power continues to improve. Ultimately, the advancement of modeling of gastric food digestion will allow for additional hypothesis testing to streamline the development of food products that are beneficial to human health.
Coevolutionary analysis of Pseudomonas syringae–phage interactions to help with rational design of phage treatments
Authors: Rabiey Mojgan , Grace Emily R. , Pawlos Paulina , Bihi Muscab , Ahmed Haleem , Hampson Georgina E. , Al Riyami Amna , Alharbi Leena , Sanchez‐Lucas Rosa , Korotania Naina , Ciusa Maria Laura , Mosley Olivia , Hulin Michelle T. , Baxter Laura , Dhaouadi Sabrine , Vinchira‐Villarraga Diana , Jackson Robert W.
Published: June 2024

Treating plant bacterial diseases is notoriously difficult because of the lack of available antimicrobials. Pseudomonas syringae pathovar syringae (Pss) is a major pathogen of cherry (Prunus avium) causing bacterial canker of the stem, leaf and fruit, impacting productivity and leading to a loss of trees. In an attempt to find a treatment for this disease, naturally occurring bacteriophage (phage) that specifically target Pss is being investigated as a biocontrol strategy. However, before using them as a biocontrol treatment, it is important to both understand their efficacy in reducing the bacterial population and determine if the bacterial pathogens can evolve resistance to evade phage infection. To investigate this, killing curve assays of five MR phages targeting Pss showed that phage resistance rapidly emerges in vitro, even when using a cocktail of the five phages together. To gain insight to the changes occurring, Pss colonies were collected three times during a 66‐h killing curve assay and separately, Pss and phage were also coevolved over 10 generations, enabling the measurement of genomic and fitness changes in bacterial populations. Pss evolved resistance to phages through modifications in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis pathways. Bacterial fitness (growth) and virulence were affected in only a few mutants. Deletion of LPS‐associated genes suggested that LPS was the main target receptor for all five MR phages. Later generations of coevolved phages from the coevolution experiment were more potent at reducing the bacterial density and when used with wild‐type phages could reduce the emergence of phage‐resistant mutants. This study shows that understanding the genetic mechanisms of bacterial pathogen resistance to phages is important for helping to design a more effective approach to kill the bacteria while minimizing the opportunity for phage resistance to manifest.
Chest computed tomography findings among adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis in the Top End Northern Territory of Australia
Authors: Heraganahally Subash Shanthakumar , Howarth Timothy , Gibbs Claire , Heraganahally Sanjana , Sorger Lisa
Published: June 2024

Introduction

There is limited evidence in the literature illustrating chest computed tomography (CT) characteristics among adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis. This retrospective study evaluates the radiological characteristics of bronchiectasis in Aboriginal Australians residing in the Top End, Northern Territory of Australia.

Methods

Patients aged >18 years with chest CT‐confirmed bronchiectasis between 2011 and 2020 were included. Demographics and relevant clinical parameters were collected. Alongside confirming bronchiectasis, chest CT reports were assessed for (i) lobar location (ii) unilateral or bilateral involvement and (iii) bronchiectasis type when available.

Results

A total of 459 patients were identified with chest CT‐confirmed bronchiectasis, with a median age of 47 years, and 55% were females. Bronchiectasis was predominantly recorded in the left lower lobe (LLL) (73%), followed by the right lower lobe (RLL) (62%) and the left upper lobe (LUL) was least common (22%). Females recorded the right middle lobe (RML) affected significantly more often than males (50 vs. 34%, P = 0.012). Bilateral involvement was common (74%), with the strongest pairwise correlation associated between the right upper lobe (RUL) and LUL (P < 0.001). Cylindrical (50%) and cystic (28%) types were most common. The RML and LLL showed positive correlation with cylindrical and LUL with cystic bronchiectasis. Neither lobar location nor bronchiectasis type showed any significant association with lung function parameters other than RML, Lingula and LUL involvement being associated with better percent predicted values of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. There were no significant associations between sputum culture and type or lobar locations of bronchiectasis except for non‐Aspergillus fungus culture prevalence was higher with cystic or cylindrical types.

Conclusion

The results of this study may be an avenue to develop CT bronchiectasis severity scale in the future specific for Aboriginal Australians.
Estonia: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: MÖLDER MARTIN
Published: June 2024

Parliamentary elections in March 2023 brought a stronger than ever mandate for the ruling Reform Party, which formed a new all‐liberal coalition with the Social Democratic Party and Estonia 200. However, the deteriorating public image of the Prime Minister and her party, the fact that Estonia 200 lost its new party image, and the political decisions made by the new government brought government approval and support drastically down by the end of the year. Struggling to tackle a growing budget deficit and to invigorate an economy in recession, it was a politically tough year for Estonia. And the fact that all viable coalitions until the next parliamentary elections in 2027 must include the Reform Party was likely to keep politics rigid, on the one hand, and tense on the other.
Indian Economy: Performance, Policies, Politics, and Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Panagariya Arvind
Published: June 2024

The paper begins with a bird's‐eye view of growth, showing that the Indian economy grew slowly during 1951–1988, faster during 1988–2003, and the fastest during 2003–2023. India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, sought to establish a self‐sufficient and socialist economy. Accordingly, he focused upfront on heavy industries, with the public sector leading the way. Employment and production of consumer goods were left to tiny household enterprises. The result was a highly controlled formal sector with nearly all capital and a swath of the informal sector with nearly all labor. Slow growth was the inevitable outcome. Some ad hoc liberalization began in the 1980s and became more systematic in the 1990s. However, socialism remained entrenched, resulting in a stop‐go process of liberalization. With reforms accumulating, the paper predicts a bright future, though the migration of the vast workforce from agriculture to industry and services is likely to remain a challenge.
When do no harm becomes harm done: Re‐centering ethics in anthropology
Authors: Pérez Ramona L.
Published: June 2024

As we continue to define anthropology for the 21st century, I argue that ethics—what we mean by ethics, how we invoke ethics, and how we demonstrate our ethics—should be at the center of our conversation. Through this presidential address, I offer a challenge to center an ethics of care in our work that derives not from the Common Rule or broad policies of US institutions, but rather is derived from our responsibility for the impact of our actions, whether intentional or unintentional, and is situated in the moral narratives of the communities that we serve.