bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray crystal structure of a designed rigidified imaging scaffold in the ligand-free conformation
Authors: Agdanowski Matthew P. , Castells-Graells Roger , Sawaya Michael R. , Cascio Duilio , Yeates Todd O. , Arbing Mark A.
Published: May 2024

Imaging scaffolds composed of designed protein cages fused to designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) have enabled the structure determination of small proteins by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). One particularly well characterized scaffold type is a symmetric tetrahedral assembly composed of 24 subunits, 12 A and 12 B, which has three cargo-binding DARPins positioned on each vertex. Here, the X-ray crystal structure of a representative tetrahedral scaffold in the apo state is reported at 3.8 Å resolution. The X-ray crystal structure complements recent cryo-EM findings on a closely related scaffold, while also suggesting potential utility for crystallographic investigations. As observed in this crystal structure, one of the three DARPins, which serve as modular adaptors for binding diverse `cargo' proteins, present on each of the vertices is oriented towards a large solvent channel. The crystal lattice is unusually porous, suggesting that it may be possible to soak crystals of the scaffold with small (≤30 kDa) protein cargo ligands and subsequently determine cage–cargo structures via X-ray crystallography. The results suggest the possibility that cryo-EM scaffolds may be repurposed for structure determination by X-ray crystallography, thus extending the utility of electron-microscopy scaffold designs for alternative structural biology applications.
Can board funds, bank credit, and economic development improve food production? Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Farooq Usman , Chandio Abbas Ali , Guan Zhenzhong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of board funds, banking credit, and economic development on food production in the context of South Asian economies (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used data from the World Development Indicators covering the years 1991–2019. To investigate the relationship between the variables of the study, we employed the panel unit root test, panel cointegration test, cross-sectional dependence test, fully modified least squares (FMOLS), and panel dynamic least squares (DOLS) estimators.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that board funding significantly increase food production; however, banking credit had a negative impact. Furthermore, the findings indicate that economic development, Arable land, fertilizer consumption, and agricultural employment play a leading role in enhancing food production. The results of the Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test also show substantiated the significance of the causal relationship among all variables.

Practical implications

South Asian countries should prioritize board funding, bank credit, and economic development in their long-term strategies. Ensuring financial access for farmers through micro-credit and public bank initiatives can spur agricultural productivity and economic growth.

Originality/value

This study is the first to combine board funding, banking credit, and economic development to better comprehend their potential impact on food production. Instead of using traditional approaches, this study focuses on these financial and developmental aspects as critical determinants for increasing food production, using evidence from South Asia.
Assessing urban growth through morphological spatial pattern analysis in cloud computing platform
Authors: Shohan Ahmed Ali A. , Bindajam Ahmed , Al-Shayeb Mohammed , Thi Hang
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to quantify and analyse the dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) changes over three decades in the rapidly urbanizing city of Abha, Saudi Arabia, and to assess urban growth using Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification in Google Earth Engine, changes in land use in Abha between 1990 and 2020 are accurately assessed. This method leverages cloud computing to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of big data analysis. Additionally, MSPA was employed in Google Colab to analyse urban growth patterns.

Findings

The study demonstrates significant expansion of urban areas in Abha, growing from 62.46 km² in 1990 to 271.45 km² in 2020, while aquatic habitats decreased from 1.36 km² to 0.52 km². MSPA revealed a notable increase in urban core areas from 41.66 km² in 2001 to 194.97 km² in 2021, showcasing the nuanced dynamics of urban sprawl and densification.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in its integrated approach, combining LULC and MSPA analyses within a cloud computing framework to capture the dynamics of city and environment. The insights from this study are poised to influence policy and planning decisions, particularly in fostering sustainable urban environments that accommodate growth while preserving natural habitats. This approach is crucial for devising strategies that can adapt to and mitigate the environmental impacts of urban expansion.
Spatiotemporal climate variability and extremes in Middle Awash Afar region Ethiopia: implications to pastoralists and agro-pastoralists food security
Authors: Aytenfisu Ameha Tadesse , Tolossa Degefa , Feleke Solomon Tsehay , Ayal Desalegn Yayeh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the phenomenon of climate variability and its implications for pastoralists and agro-pastoralists food security in Amibara and Awash Fentale districts of the Afar region, Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relied on meteorological records of temperature and rainfall in the study area between 1988 and 2018. Besides, literature on the topic was reviewed to make caveats on the literal picture that comes from quantitative data, and that is the contribution of this study to the existing debate on climate change and variability. The spatiotemporal trend was determined using the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator, while variability was analyzed using the coefficient of variation and standardized anomaly index, and standardized precipitation index/standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index were applied to determine the drought frequency and severity.

Findings

The result reveals that the mean seasonal rainfall varies from 111.34 mm to 518.74 mm. Although the maximum and minimum rainfall occurred in the summer and winter seasons, respectively, there has been a decrease in seasonal and annual at the rate of 2.51 mm per season and 4.12 mm per year, respectively. The study sites have been experiencing highly seasonal rainfall variability. The drought analysis result confirms that a total of nine agricultural droughts ranging from moderate to extreme years were observed. Overall, the seasonal and annual rainfall of the Amibara and Awash Fentale districts showed a decreasing trend with highly temporal variations of rainfall and ever-rising temperatures, and frequent drought events means the climate situation of the area could adversely affect pastoral and agro-pastoral households’ food security. However, analysis of data from secondary sources reveals that analyzing precipitation just based on the meteorological records of the study area would be misleading. That explains why flooding, rather than drought, is becoming the main source of catastrophe to pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods.

Practical implications

The analysis of temperature and rainfall dynamics in the Afar region, hence the inception of all development interventions, must take the hydrological impact of the neighboring regions which appears to be useful direction to future researchers.

Originality/value

The research is originally conducted using meteorological and existing literature, and hence, it is original. In this research, we utilized a standardized and appropriate methodology, resulting in insights that augment the existing body of knowledge within the field. These insights serve to advance scholarly discourse on the subject matter.
Affordances, constraints and collaborative potential of e-mentoring platforms and their features for K–12 educators: a systematic literature review
Authors: Bell Kristina
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic literature review is to catalog, explore and disseminate knowledge developed related to the affordances, constraints and collaborative practices of e-mentoring in order to offer recommendations for mentoring programs.

Design/methodology/approach

After identifying studies utilizing inclusion and exclusion criteria and a variety of relevant databases, chosen studies were organized into three categories based on e-mentoring practices.

Findings

Results reflect chat-room-based e-mentoring and e-mentoring with a video component both to have various affordances and collaborative features. These forms of e-mentoring can potentially be relevant to new teachers’ needs, may promote community and are disconnected from mentees’ school systems. A third form of e-mentoring, virtual reality e-mentoring, however, has the potential for accessibility issues and lack of relevancy to the mentoring process.

Originality/value

Chat-room-based e-mentoring and e-mentoring with a video component may benefit new teachers who do not have access to in-person mentors. However, these forms of e-mentoring may necessitate a component that ensures mentors and mentees alike remain consistently engaged in the e-mentoring process.
Intelligent crop management system for improving yield in maize production: evidence from India
Authors: Vishnoi Sakshi , Persis Jinil
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Managing weeds and pests in cropland is one of the major concerns in agriculture that greatly affects the quantity and quality of the produce. While the success of preventing potential weeds and pests is not guaranteed, early detection and diagnosis help manage them effectively to ensure crops’ growth and health

Design/methodology/approach

We propose a diagnostic framework for crop management with automatic weed and pest detection and identification in maize crops using residual neural networks. We train two models, one for weed detection with a labeled image dataset of maize and commonly occurring weed plants, and another for leaf disease detection using a labeled image dataset of healthy and infected maize leaves. The global and local explanations of image classification are obtained and presented

Findings

Weed and disease detection and identification can be accurately performed using deep-learning neural networks. Weed detection is accurate up to 97%, and disease detection up to 95% is made on average and the results are presented. Further, using this crop management system, we can detect the presence of weeds and pests in the maize crop early, and the annual yield of the maize crop can potentially increase by 90% theoretically with suitable control actions

Practical implications

The proposed diagnostic models can be further used on farms to monitor the health of maize crops. Images obtained from drones and robots can be fed to these models, which can then automatically detect and identify weed and disease attacks on maize farms. This offers early diagnosis, which enables necessary treatment and control of crops at the early stages without affecting the yield of the maize crop

Social implications

The proposed crop management framework allows treatment and control of weeds and pests only in the affected regions of the farms and hence minimizes the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides and their related health effects on consumers and farmers.

Originality/value

This study presents an integrated weed and disease diagnostic framework, which is scarcely reported in the literature
Examining the relationship among constraints, facilitators and ski participation in the host city of the 2022 Winter Olympics
Authors: Yang Yiqi , Macintosh Eric , Xing Xiaoyan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The study’s purpose is to investigate the constraints and facilitators influencing skiing participation in Beijing. This research includes three segments based on the frequency of skiing participation (i.e. non-, low-frequency-, and high-frequency skiers). By doing so, the study offers an enhanced understanding of the Chinese skiing market and unveils insights assisting industry professionals to effectively address their customers' diverse needs and expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was developed based on prior research and consisted of four sections: (1) skiing participation; (2) constraints; (3) facilitators; (4) demographics. Items in the constraint and facilitator scale were measured using a 7-point Likert scale. A total of 409 participants completed the survey. The participants included 137 non-skiers, 134 low-frequency skiers, and 138 high-frequency skiers.

Findings

Through an exploratory factor analysis, three constructs emerged: general constraints, facilitators and learning constraints. As expected, facilitators were a positive predictor of skiing participation. Importantly, the emergent construct of learning constraints was a negative predictor of skiing and yet, the construct of general constraints was insignificant. Furthermore, the three segments differ significantly in household status, income, and education level.

Originality/value

These results support previous research noting the relevance in skiing participation of the dimensions: facilitators and learning constraints. The findings point to the need for ski resorts in Beijing to offer instructional sessions for beginners so they may become familiar with skiing fundamentals and enhance their confidence, particularly among nonskiers and low-frequency skiers.
Wear particle image analysis: feature extraction, selection and classification by deep and machine learning
Authors: Vivek Joseph , Venkatesh S. Naveen , Mahanta Tapan K. , V. Sugumaran , Amarnath M. , Ramteke Sangharatna M. , Marian Max
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the integration of machine learning (ML) in tribology to optimize lubrication interval decisions, aiming to enhance equipment lifespan and operational efficiency through wear image analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a data set of scanning electron microscopy images from an internal combustion engine, the authors used AlexNet as the feature extraction algorithm and the J48 decision tree algorithm for feature selection and compared 15 ML classifiers from the lazy-, Bayes and tree-based families.

Findings

From the analyzed ML classifiers, instance-based k-nearest neighbor emerged as the optimal algorithm with a 95% classification accuracy against testing data. This surpassed individually trained convolutional neural networks’ (CNNs) and closely approached ensemble deep learning (DL) techniques’ accuracy.

Originality/value

The proposed approach simplifies the process, enhances efficiency and improves interpretability compared to more complex CNNs and ensemble DL techniques.
Emerging opportunities for information systems researchers to expand their PLS-SEM analytical toolbox
Authors: Cepeda Gabriel , Roldán José L. , Sabol Misty , Hair Joe , Chong Alain Yee Loong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Rigorous applications of analytical tools in information systems (IS) research are important for developing new knowledge and innovations in the field. Emerging tools provide building blocks for future inquiry, practice and innovation. This article summarizes the findings of an analysis of the adoption and reporting of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analytical tools by Industrial Management & Data Systems authors in the most recent five-year period.

Design/methodology/approach

Selected emerging advanced PLS-SEM analytical tools that have experienced limited adoption are highlighted to broaden awareness of their value to IS researchers.

Findings

PLS-SEM analytical tools that facilitate understanding increasingly complex theoretical models and deliver improved prediction assessment are now available. IS researchers should explore the opportunities to apply these new tools to more fully describe the contributions of their research.

Research limitations/implications

Findings demonstrate the increasing acceptance of PLS-SEM as a useful alternative research methodology within IS. PLS-SEM is a preferred structural equation modeling (SEM) method in many research settings and will become even more widely applied when IS researchers are aware of and apply the new analytical tools.

Practical implications

Emerging PLS-SEM methodological developments will help IS researchers examine new theoretical concepts and relationships and publish their work. Researchers are encouraged to engage in more complete analyses by applying the applicable emerging tools.

Originality/value

Applications of PLS-SEM for prediction, theory testing and confirmation have increased in recent years. Information system scholars should continue to exercise sound practice by applying these new analytical tools where applicable. Recommended guidelines following Hair et al. (2019; 2022) are included.
Pose detection and docking control for autonomous dynamic docking mechanism with non-cooperative targets
Authors: Zhan Gan , Chen Zhihua , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhan Jigang , Yu Wentao , Li Jiehao
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to address the issue of random movement and non coordination between docking mechanisms and locking mechanisms, and proposes a comprehensive dynamic docking control architecture that integrates perception, planning, and motion control.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the proposed dynamic docking control architecture uses laser sensors and a charge-coupled device camera to perceive the pose of the target. The sensor data are mapped to a high-dimensional potential field space and fused to reduce interference caused by detection noise. Next, a new potential function based on multi-dimensional space is developed for docking path planning, which enables the docking mechanism based on Stewart platform to rapidly converge to the target axis of the locking mechanism, which improves the adaptability and terminal docking accuracy of the docking state. Finally, to achieve precise tracking and flexible docking in the final stage, the system combines a self-impedance controller and an impedance control algorithm based on the planned trajectory.

Findings

Extensive simulations and experiments have been conducted to validate the effectiveness of the dynamic docking system and its control architecture. The results indicate that even if the target moves randomly, the system can successfully achieve accurate, stable and flexible dynamic docking.

Originality/value

This research can provide technical guidance and reference for docking task of unmanned vehicles under the ground conditions. It can also provide ideas for space docking missions, such as space simulator docking.
Leveraging strategic network resources into firm performance: the roles of dynamic capabilities and platform monitoring
Authors: Sheng Lixin , Wu Jianlin , Gu Jibao
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Drawing from the resource-based view (RBV), this study aims to develop a parsimonious model in the context of digital platforms that links strategic network resources (SNR) and firm performance through considering dynamic capabilities (DC) as important mediating mechanisms. In addition, we also investigate how platform monitoring shapes the relationship between SNR and DC.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the survey data from 162 firms in eastern China.

Findings

The findings indicate that both two DC dimensions (i.e., sensing and reconfiguring) significantly mediate the relationship of SNR-performance. Moreover, platform monitoring positively moderates the relationship of SNR and sensing as well as SNR and reconfiguring.

Originality/value

With these findings, this study advances SNR and digital platform research and provides insights into how to transform SNR into superior performance through DC.
Prediction of the performance of halal food industry using a system dynamics simulation model
Authors: Susanty Aries , Puspitasari Nia Budi , Rosyada Zainal Fanani
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a system dynamics (SD) simulation model to forecast the performance of the Indonesian halal industry to verify whether decision-making has been properly executed to increase the contribution of the success factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study establishes a SD-based model using three subsystems, namely, the halal assurance and certification process, the government and the export–import subsystem.

Findings

The best scenario is the third scenario or the combined scenario of providing facilities to accelerate the micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), carrying out halal certification, reducing the time for the certification process, increasing the number of the halal auditor and increasing the awareness from enterprises (both MSMEs and large enterprises) to carry out halal certification because of the internal and external motivations.

Research limitations/implications

First, the demand for certification of the type of food product is acquired using the number of SMEs and large companies. Second, the model does not include the government budget as a constraint.

Practical implications

This study provides essential insights into implementing the best policies that can increase the performance of the halal industry.

Social implications

This study revealed that relevant policy scenarios could be built after simulating and analyzing each scenario’s effect on the halal industry’s performance.

Originality/value

This study will enrich the scientific insight related to institutional theory and resource-based view, as those theories identify success factors associated with the performance of the halal food industry. This study will also enrich the scientific insight related to system dynamic methodology, as it is used to model the performance of the halal industry.
The intersection of faith and tourism: an exploratory study on halal tourism motivations among Indian millennials
Authors: Kalyan Preeti , Ekka Punit Moris
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the motivations of emerging market millennial Muslims to partake in halal tourism, a developing sector of the travel industry that caters to the religious practices of Muslim tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is qualitative in nature. In-depth interviews were conducted with millennials aged 25–40 in India to gain an understanding of the factors that influence their decision-making and travel behaviour. Further, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings emphasise the intricate interplay between faith, cultural and social factors in millennial Indians’ motivations for halal travel. The study found that religious motivations, such as the desire to fulfil religious duties and participate in spiritual experiences, were significant factors in halal tourism. Social motivations, such as the desire to interact with other Muslims and strengthen family ties, also played a significant role. The study also highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability and conservation efforts in the decision-making process of Indian millennials when choosing halal travel options.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on halal tourism by exploring the motivations of emerging-market millennial Muslims. The study is original in its focus on the Indian context and the inclusion of sustainability and conservation efforts in the analysis of motivations for halal tourism.
Demystifying the product attribute nexus: illuminating webrooming behavior in emerging fashion industry
Authors: Lavuri Rambabu , Gopi Rajendra Kumar
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of product complexity, product involvement and product diagnosticity on shaping webrooming behavior in emerging fashion retailing, with product knowledge acting as a moderator and information processing, and uncertainty reduction theory contributing as the theoretical foundation.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 371 responses were collected from fashionable consumers who had recently purchased fashion products via a purposive sampling approach, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and PROCESS macro.

Findings

The results illustrated that product complexity had a significant impact on product involvement and product diagnosticity, and consumer attitude. Attitude, in turn, had a favorable impact on webrooming behavior. Likewise, product diagnosticity and product involvement had a positive mediating association between product complexity and consumer attitude. Product knowledge significantly moderated the relationship between product complexity, product involvement, and consumer attitude, but it exhibited a negative moderation association between product complexity, product diagnosticity, and attitude.

Originality/value

This study represents a novel research endeavor, shedding light on webrooming from the perspective of product attributes in fashion retailing. It contributes to the growing body of literature on fashion marketing by analyzing the rapidly evolving phenomena of webrooming behavior within the multichannel context of the fashion industry.
Evolutionary sensemaking: a managerial metacognitive dynamic capability to reduce information asymmetry
Authors: Kulkarni Subodh , Cristofaro Matteo , Ramamoorthy Nagarajan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

How can managers reduce information asymmetry in dyadic manager-external stakeholder relationships in a complex and evolving environment? Addressing this question has significant implications for firm survival, growth, and competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

We have adopted a multiparadigm approach to theory building, known as metatriangulation. We integrate the dynamic capabilities, sensemaking, and evolutionary theory literatures to theorize how managers can relate to stakeholders in a complex and evolving environment.

Findings

We propose, via a conceptual framework and three propositions, “evolutionary sensemaking” as the managerial metacognitive dynamic capability that helps managers hone their understanding based on the evolutionary changes in the stakeholder’s interpretations of information quality preferences. The framework unfolds across three evolutionary stages: sensing preferences' variation of the stakeholder, seizing preferences, and transforming for complexity alignment and retention. The propositions focus on managing complexity in stakeholder information quality preference, employing cognitive capabilities to simplify, interpret, and align interpretations for effective information asymmetry reduction.

Practical implications

To develop the metacognitive dynamic capability of evolutionary sensemaking, managers need to train for and foster the underlying complex cognitive capabilities by enhancing their (1) perception and attention skills, (2) problem-solving and reasoning skills, and (3) language, communication, and social cognition skills, focusing specifically on reducing the complexity embedded in stakeholder cognition and diverse stakeholder preferences for information quality. Contrary to the current advice to “keep things simple” and provide “more” information to the stakeholders for opportunism reduction, trust-building, and superior governance, our framework suggests that managers hone their cognitive capabilities by learning to deal with the underlying complexity.

Originality/value

The proposed framework and propositions address research gaps in reducing information asymmetry. It enriches the dynamic capabilities literature by recognizing complexity (as opposed to opportunism) as an alternative source of information asymmetry, which needs to be addressed in this stream of research. It extends the sensemaking literature by identifying the complexity sources – i.e. stakeholder preferences for diverse information quality attributes and the associated cognitive preference interpretation processes. The article enhances evolutionary theory by delving into microprocesses related to information asymmetry reduction, which the existing literature does not thoroughly investigate.
Geopolitical risk and tourism in Turkey
Authors: Tütüncü Asiye
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the effect of Turkey's geopolitical risk on the number of international tourist arrivals to the country. When Turkish economy in 2019 is analyzed, it is seen that the share of tourism in national income is 11%. For this reason, national economy is significantly affected by changing of the number of international tourist arrivals. Security problems are an important variable affecting tourist arrivals.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focused on secondary data for the period 2000–2019 for macroeconomic variables. Accordingly, the number of international tourist arrivals was added as a dependent variable, geopolitical risk as an independent variable, gross domestic product (GDP) and economic freedom index as control variables and inflations as an external variable to the model. The residual augmented least squares–the autoregressive distributive lag (RALS-ADL) cointegration test and the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) coefficient estimator were used. It allows for more robust results to be obtained when the residues do not have a normal distribution.

Findings

The RALS-ADL cointegration test result shows that there is a cointegration relationship between variables at a 1% significance level. Moreover, the DOLS coefficient estimator results indicate that an increase in economic freedom and GDP increase the number of international tourists, whereas an increase in the Geopolitical Risk Index and inflation decreases the number of international tourism arrival. It can be said that tourists consider the security and economic stability of the host country when making tourism decisions.

Originality/value

Turkey is one of the most risky developing countries, as well as one of the most popular travel destinations. When the literature is examined, it has been found that studies for Turkey usually determine the relationship between the variables for a short period of time. However, to ensure sustainable growth and environment of confidence, the long-run relationship between variables should be determined so that policymakers can make more impactful decisions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to make a literature contribution, taking into account the long-term effects. In addition, unlike other studies, this study fills the gap in literature using the RALS-ADL cointegration test, which produces robust estimators.
Formulation analysis and follow-up study of multi-turn configuration for performance enhancement of MEMS piezoresistive pressure sensor utilized for low-pressure measurement applications
Authors: Kanekal Dadasikandar , Sabhapandit Eshan , Jindal Sumit Kumar , Patil Hemprasad Yashwant
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the performance of piezoresistive pressure sensors using polysilicon as the piezoresistive material, which is typically used to measure pressure in high-temperature environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance of this sensor is enhanced by studying the influence of multi-turn configuration at which the piezoresistors are arranged. Different configurations are studied and compared by laying down their analytical solution.

Findings

The validation of analytical results is accomplished through finite element analysis using the software COMSOL Multiphysics. The best configuration, which uses a partial triple-turn configuration, was able to achieve a sensitivity of 116.00 mV/V/MPa over a simulated pressure range of 0 to 500 KPa.

Originality/value

The literature shows the study of single-turn and double-turn meander-shaped configuration of micro-electromechanical systems piezoresistive pressure sensor but multi-turn meander-shaped configuration using a square silicon diaphragm has not been reported. Its study has reflected promising results than its counterparts based on key performance parameters such as sensitivity and linearity and are more effective to be used for automotive, aviation, biomedical and consumer electronics applications.
Role of biosensors and nanomaterials in the detection of adulterants (melamine and urea) in milk and milk products
Authors: Venkatachalapathi Shyamala , Shankararajan Radha , Ramany Kiruthika
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Milk is often referred to as the ultimate food because it meets the nutritional needs of infants, children and adults alike. It is a rich source of protein, fat, sweetness, vitamins and minerals. Because of its widespread usage as a healthy dairy product, the issue of milk adulteration is of global significance. The increasing frequency of fraudulent methods in the dairy business raises concerns about its purity and quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A study was conducted and reviewed that looked at several approaches for detecting milk adulteration during the past 15 years. This study examines the current state of research and analyzes recent advances in development.

Findings

There are ways and technology available that can effectively put an end to the abhorrent practice of milk adulteration.

Originality/value

This research takes a unique approach, focusing on the application of milk adulteration. It provides an overview of milk adulteration detection and investigates the effectiveness of biosensors in identifying common milk adulterants.
Initiating and sustaining partnerships between research and practice: Lessons learned from school and district leaders
Authors: Lentz Arielle K. , Ramirez Alexus G. , Pickett Amanda , Purinton Annastasia B. , Farley-Ripple Elizabeth N.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Many researchers partner with schools but may be unfamiliar with practices for initiating contact and sustaining relationships with school leaders. Partnering with schools requires significant effort from the researcher to nurture communication and trust. This can pose challenges for researchers who are new to the field, have relocated to a new university or need to rebuild relationships due to transitions in school staffing.

Design/methodology/approach

In this mixed-methods study, we interviewed and surveyed school and district leaders in Delaware to learn how researchers can best communicate and form relationships with schools and districts.

Findings

We found no singular best method exists to initiate contact with schools and districts. Rather, researchers should consider the unique needs of the local context. Leaders’ decision to participate in research was most influenced by their own interest in the research topic, alignment with schools’ needs and researchers’ willingness to build a relationship with the local education agency.

Originality/value

Despite broad acknowledgment about the importance of school–university partnerships, few studies directly engage educators in discussing their goals, preferences and needs when working with researchers. We sought to formalize an understanding of best practices researchers can consider when initiating contact and building relationships with schools, directly from the perspective of school and district leaders. Developing these understandings from practitioners ensures the information authentically represents the perspectives of those who researchers seek to connect with, rather than assumptions of the researcher.
Long‐term climate and hydrologic regimes shape stream invertebrate community responses to a hurricane disturbance
Authors: Strickland Bradley A. , Patrick Christopher J. , Carvallo Fernando R. , Kinard Sean K. , Solis Alexander T. , Reese Brandi Kiel , Hogan J. Derek
Published: May 2024

Disturbances can produce a spectrum of short‐ and long‐term ecological consequences that depend on complex interactions of the characteristics of the event, antecedent environmental conditions, and the intrinsic properties of resistance and resilience of the affected biological system.

We used Hurricane Harvey's impact on coastal rivers of Texas to examine the roles of storm‐related changes in hydrology and long‐term precipitation regime on the response of stream invertebrate communities to hurricane disturbance.

We detected declines in richness, diversity and total abundance following the storm, but responses were strongly tied to direct and indirect effects of long‐term aridity and short‐term changes in stream hydrology. The amount of rainfall a site received drove both flood duration and flood magnitude across sites, but lower annual rainfall amounts (i.e. aridity) increased flood magnitude and decreased flood duration. Across all sites, flood duration was positively related to the time it took for invertebrate communities to return to a long‐term baseline and flood magnitude drove larger invertebrate community responses (i.e. changes in diversity and total abundance). However, invertebrate response per unit flood magnitude was lower in sub‐humid sites, potentially because of differences in refuge availability or ecological‐evolutionary interactions. Interestingly, sub‐humid streams had temporary large peaks in invertebrate total abundance and diversity following recovery period that may be indicative of the larger organic matter pulses expected in these systems because of their comparatively well‐developed riparian vegetation.

Our findings show that hydrology and long‐term precipitation regime predictably affected invertebrate community responses and, thus, our work underscores the important influence of local climate to ecosystem sensitivity to disturbances.
International Biological Flora:Ceratonia siliqua
Authors: Thomas Peter A. , Garcia‐Martí Xavier , Mukassabi Tarek A. , Tous Joan
Published: May 2024

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology ofCeratonia siliquaL. (Carob) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of theInternational Biological Flora: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.

Ceratonia siliquais a lowland evergreen shrub or tree, native around the Mediterranean basin and widely cultivated in areas with a warm temperate and subtropical climate, with more than 100 named cultivars. Carob grows on a wide range of soils including nutrient‐poor and strongly calcareous, dry soils.

Carob is dioecious or rarely hermaphrodite although females dominate in cultivation due to their fruit. Pollination is primarily by insects and the relatively large seeds are spread mainly by ingestion of fruits by mammals. Seed dormancy is imposed by a hard seed coat and seeds germinate readily after natural or artificial scarification.

Drought tolerance is very high, acting as a drought avoiding water spender. Carob is also very tolerant of saline conditions and tolerant of fire and can act to restrict wildfire spread by generating fuel discontinuity. It shows high post‐fire regrowth. Old individuals house a diversity of associated fauna and are comparatively unaffected by serious pests and diseases.

Carob has a long cultural history around the Mediterranean as a food source for humans and domesticated animals, in herbal and modern medicine and, more recently, for the carob bean gum used in a variety of domestic products and foods. Commercial production of fruits has declined over past decades but the low cultural care needed in growing orchards, potential new markets for fruit and seeds, and growing use of the tree to prevent soil erosion and sequester carbon gives carob a brighter future.
How do street‐level organisations adapt to a new policy framework? Evidence from a Swiss canton
Authors: Domenig Claudio , Sager Fritz
Published: May 2024

This article examines how street‐level organisations (SLO) respond to new legal framework conditions after regulatory reform. Organisational response to a changed legal framework is key to understand implementation resilience as established organisational practice may collide with new legal obligations. Our cases are four family support and child protection organisations in a Swiss canton facing new legislation. These SLO and their personnel are strongly committed to their clientele and thus cannot simply adapt to new legislation. The study shows how the organisations perceive their discretion in the implementation of the new policy framework, the accountabilities they are bound by, and the way they cope with divergent requirements and conflicting priorities given their dependence on the regulator as commissioner of their work. SLO differ in their strategies for dealing with the new legal framework depending on the economic context in which they operate, in particular if they act as mainly privately run organisations.

Points for practitioners

Members of street‐level organisations (SLO) are strongly committed to their clientele and thus cannot simply adapt to new legislation.

Facing legal restrictions, SLO members aim to maintain their client‐oriented services and to exercise their discretion as far as possible.

SLO that are administratively and financially dependent on the regulator and the service commissioners cannot ignore a new legal framework.

SLO differ in their strategies for dealing with the new legal framework depending on the economic context in which they operate, in particular if they act as mainly privately run organisations.
Bank failures, capital buffers, and exposure to the housing market bubble
Authors: Kara Gazi I. , Vojtech Cindy M.
Published: May 2024

We develop housing overvaluation measures that are separate from local economic conditions and show that banks with greater exposure to such overvalued markets have higher mortgage delinquency and charge‐off rates and significantly higher probabilities of failure during the 2007–2009 financial crisis even after controlling for bank characteristics. While high house prices relative to fundamentals present a greater likelihood of house price correction, we find no evidence that banks managed this risk by building capital. We also show that our overvaluation measures are important in explaining individual mortgage loan defaults and could be used to improve bank risk management.
Implementation of an eFAST guideline and teaching to improve documentation practices and saving of ultrasound images
Authors: Rossi Joseph , Van Assche Anthony
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To investigate whether implementation of a hospital‐based Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (eFAST) guideline and teaching improved documentation and saving of images.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on trauma patients aged ≥16 years presenting to St Vincent's Hospital Sydney Emergency Department over two, three‐month periods in 2023.

Results

Guideline and teaching implementation resulted in statistically significant improvement in documentation on the Trauma Response Form, 85% (113/133) to 93% (120/129), odds ratio (OR) 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–5.40), P = 0.04, and images saved, 4% (5/133) to 21% (27/129), OR 6.7 (95% CI = 2.5–18.2), P < 0.001.

Conclusions

Developing an eFAST Standard of Care Guideline and education was associated with improvements in documentation and saving of images to ultrasound machines.
‘On‐Demand’ snack service in a rehabilitation setting: Impact on satisfaction, intake, waste and costs
Authors: Ellick Jennifer , Pashley Alice , Cave Danielle , Nelson Oliver , Wright Olivia
Published: May 2024

Aim

To evaluate an ‘On‐Demand’ snack service in a rehabilitation setting for satisfaction, intake, waste and cost.

Methods

In September 2021, a trial of an ‘On‐Demand’ snack service was conducted on two general rehabilitation wards in a purpose‐built rehabilitation hospital. A retrospective comparison of pre‐implementation, 1‐month and 8‐month post‐implementation audit data was used to evaluate staff and patient satisfaction, nutritional intake, waste and cost (labour and food). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed for intake quantitative data and content analysis was conducted for qualitative data.

Results

A total of 26 responses from staff and 34 from patients were received. Staff reported higher overall satisfaction with the ‘tea‐trolley’ service (50% vs. 32%; χ2 6.815 [2]; p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction ratings of the original ‘tea‐trolley’ system were higher than the ‘On‐Demand’ snacks system (96% vs. 59%; χ2 41.60 [2]; p < 0.0001). Median daily intake from snack food and drinks was maintained (938 kJ and 6 g protein vs. 925 kJ and 6 g protein) and waste (23.3% vs. 20.9%; p < 0.05) decreased with the ‘On‐Demand’ service. Cost of ordered food was similar ($778.15 ‘tea‐trolley’ vs. $746.1 ‘On‐Demand’), however cost of waste ($179.47 ‘tea‐trolley’ vs. $128.7 ‘On‐Demand’) and labour ($1650.46 ‘tea‐trolley’ vs. $926.44 ‘On‐Demand’) reduced by 28% and 44%, respectively, with the ‘On‐Demand’ snack service.

Conclusion

Implementing an ‘On‐Demand’ snack service in the general inpatient rehabilitation setting resulted in reductions in food waste, foodservice staff labour and waste costs, while intake was maintained. Patient and staff satisfaction decreased warranting further investigation into appropriate implementation methods.
Effect of the storage process on quality characteristics of hemp‐enriched “tsoureki” a rich‐dough baked Greek product
Authors: Lazou Andriana E. , Chatzimichail Kyriaki , Revelou Panagiota‐Kyriaki , Tarantilis Petros , Protonotariou Styliani , Mandala Ioanna , Strati Irini F.
Published: May 2024

The effects of the storage process on the quality characteristics of a hemp‐enriched “tsoureki” (a rich‐dough baked Greek product, rich‐dough baked product [RDBP]) were investigated. The wheat flour was substituted with defatted hemp flour at selected ratios (0%–50% hemp:wheat flour). The baked products were stored at 25°C and at specific time intervals (0, 1, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days), and their properties were determined, including moisture content, water activity, structure, texture, color, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity. Moreover, analyses of phenolic compounds were performed using quadrupole time of flight liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy, identifying 14 compounds. Both the first‐order kinetic model and modified Avrami equation, including the hemp‐to‐wheat ratio effect in the rate constant, well described the changes in the quality characteristics. The results showed that storage time and hemp incorporation significantly affected the quality of the product. Water activity decreased from 0.901 to 0.859, whereas moisture content decreased from 30.52%–32.33% (0 days) to 26.97%–27.02% w.b. (14 days) with storage time for all hemp additions. Hardness was greatly affected by hemp flour addition and approached 14.72 and 17.85 N after 14 days of storage for 30% and 50% substitutions, respectively. Springiness and cohesiveness decreased with hemp addition and storage time. The color difference of the hemp‐enriched products compared to the control sample increased during storage. TPC increased due to the addition of hemp flour, whereas 14 compounds were identified. Based on property correlation, the hemp‐enriched RDBP‐tsoureki held its high‐quality characteristics for 7 days of storage and contained a significant amount of bioactive compounds.

Practical Application

Industrially produced, defatted hemp is a promising byproduct that can be used to nutritionally enhance baked goods. Modeling results can be used for the prediction of the properties that define product storage ability and also that the hemp‐enriched, rich dough‐baked Greek “tsoureki” could be produced while maintaining total phenolic content and antioxidant activity during 7 days of storage. These findings are expected to be used in the future in baked goods industry applications to produce goods with an improved nutritional profile.