bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An in vivo and in vitro spatiotemporal atlas of human midbrain development
Authors: Budinger Dimitri , Puigdevall Costa Pau , Hall George T. , Roth Charlotte , Xenakis Theodoros , Marrosu Elena , Jerber Julie , Di Domenico Alessandro , Kilpinen Helena , Castellano Sergi , Barral Serena , Kurian Manju A.
Published: September 2024

The dopaminergic system has key roles in human physiology and is implicated in a broad range of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions that are increasingly investigated using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived midbrain models. To determine the similarity of such models to human systems, we undertook single cell and spatial profiling of first and second trimester fetal midbrain and compared it to in vitro midbrain models. Our initial histological analysis of second trimester fetal midbrain revealed structural complexity already similar to that of adult tissue, although this similarity did not fully extend to transcriptional activity. Moreover, we show that in vitro models recapitulate the transcriptional activity of late first trimester fetal midbrain, while 3D models replicate the spatial organization and cellular microenvironments of first and second trimester fetal midbrain. Understanding the extent of human tissue recapitulation in midbrain laboratory models is essential to justify their use as biological proxies.
Grasping the constraints of pure bacterial strains for the complete catabolism of micropollutants: a proteomic and kinetic study
Authors: Lopez Gordillo Ana P. , Trueba-Santiso Alba , Smith Kilian E.C. , Schäffer Andreas , Lema Juan M.
Published: September 2024

Research into the microbial degradation of organic micropollutants (OMP) often involves monitoring depletion of the parent compound and analyzing the biotransformation pathways that can lead to the production of metabolites, some being toxic, and/or to their mineralization. For the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX), previous studies testing a range of SMX concentration (mg down to ng L−1), have shown incomplete biotransformation of the parent SMX. This occurred both during wastewater treatment with mixed microbial communities and in studies with pure bacterial strains acclimated to SMX. This study explores the mechanism of SMX biotransformation and relationships with the proteome profile as possible reasons for the incomplete degradation of the parent SMX.Microbacterium spBR1 served as an acclimated bacterial degrader of SMX in the range of µg L−1to ng L−1. Depletion of the SMX was incomplete whereas the metabolite 3-amino-5-methylisoxazole (3A5MI) accumulated. The activity of the enzymes for the initial transformation of the parent SMX (SadA) was higher than that of further biotransformation steps (SadB). These results showcase that even a highly sensitive and metabolically active strain at very low SMX concentrations may require complementary enzymatic machineries to degrade metabolites that have an inhibitory impact in the biodegradation and persistence of this antibiotic.

Synopsis

A complete removal of organic micropollutants from water is challenging. This article delves into the bacterial degradation of the antibiotic SMX and proteome analysis to clarify underlying causes of its incomplete elimination
De novodesign of parallel and antiparallel A3B3heterohexameric α-helical barrels
Authors: Chubb Joel J. , Albanese Katherine I. , Rodger Alison , Woolfson Derek N.
Published: September 2024

Thede novodesign of α-helical coiled-coil peptides is advanced. Using established sequence-to-structure relationships, it is possible to generate various coiled-coil assemblies with predictable numbers and orientations of helices. Here we target new assemblies, namely A3B3heterohexamer α-helical barrels. These designs are based on pairs of sequences with 3-heptad repeats (abcdefg) programmed witha= Leu,d= Ile,e= Ala, andg= Ser, andb=c= Glu to make the acidic (A) chains andb=c= Lys in the basic (B) chains. These design rules ensure that the desired oligomeric state and stoichiometry are readily achieved. However, controlling the orientation of neighboring helices (parallel or anti-parallel) is less straightforward. Surprisingly, we find that assembly and helix orientation are sensitive to the starting position of the heptad repeats (the register) in the peptide sequences. Peptides starting atg(g-register) form a parallel 6-helix barrel in solution and in an X-ray crystal structure, whereas theb- andc-register peptides form an antiparallel complex. In lieu of experimental X-ray structures forb- andc-register peptides, AlphaFold-Multimer is used to predict atomistic models. However, considerably more sampling than the default value is required to match the models and the experimental data, as many confidently predicted and plausible models are generated with incorrect helix orientations. This work reveals the previously unknown influence of heptad register on the orientation ofα-helical coiled-coil peptides and provides insights for the modeling of oligopeptide coiled-coil complexes with AlphaFold.
Transcription arrest induces formation of protective RNA granules in mitochondria
Authors: Hansen Katja G. , Baxter-Koenigs Autum , Weiss Caroline A. M. , McShane Erik , Stirling Churchman L.
Published: September 2024

Mitochondrial gene expression regulation is required for the biogenesis of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes, yet the spatial organization of mitochondrial RNAs (mt-RNAs) remains unknown. Here, we investigated the spatial distribution of mt-RNAs during various cellular stresses using single-molecule RNA-FISH. We discovered that transcription inhibition leads to the formation of distinct RNA granules within mitochondria, which we term inhibition granules. These structures differ from canonical mitochondrial RNA granules (MRGs) and form in response to multiple transcription arrest conditions, including ethidium bromide treatment, specific inhibition of the mitochondrial RNA polymerase, and depletion of the SUV3 helicase. Inhibition granules appear to serve a protective function, stabilizing certain mt-mRNAs during prolonged transcription inhibition. This phenomenon coincides with an imbalance in OXPHOS complex expression, where mitochondrial-encoded transcripts decrease while nuclear-encoded subunits remain stable. We found that cells recover from transcription inhibition via resolving the granules, restarting transcription and repopulating the mitochondrial network with mt-mRNAs within hours. We suggest that inhibition granules may act as a reservoir to help overcome OXPHOS imbalance during recovery from transcription arrest.
Inflammation cellular platform (INCEPLAT) for testing anti-inflammatory compounds for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: López-Ayllón Blanca D. , Mendoza-García Laura , de Lucas-Rius Ana , García-García Tránsito , Fernández-Rodríguez Raúl , Romero-Guillén Antonio , Serrat Judit , Zúñiga Sonia , Redondo Natalia , Siles-Lucas Mar , Garrido Juan J. , Montoya María
Published: September 2024

From the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, an excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL6, was detected in serum from patients. As a consequence, several anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Dexamethasone (a strong corticoid), were used to counteract such cytokine storm occurring during severe disease. By contrast, pro-inflammatory interleukin 11 (IL11), a member of the IL6 family, was detected in respiratory tissues from infected patients and in experimental epithelial cellular models. In this work, human A549 lung epithelial cells were individually transduced with SARS-CoV-2 open reading frames (ORFs), resulting in a IL11 increase, which was significantly decreased after Dexamethasone treatment. The use of this cellular platform allowed us to screen for new possible anti-inflammatory compounds fromFasciola hepatica. Our results highlighted the ability of FhNEJ (Fasciola hepaticanewly excysted juvenile flukes) somatic extract to decrease IL11 levels in ORF-transduced cells. These results emphasized the role of IL11 in lung epithelial inflammation, making it a potential target for future treatments of lung inflammation which occurs in COVID-19, and validate the use of these ORF-expressing cells as a cellular platform to test anti-inflammatory compounds for COVID-19 disease.
The capacity of the medial temporal lobe to represent memory items in their ordinal position in a sequence is domain-general
Authors: Temudo Ainsley , Dolfen Nina , King Bradley Ross , Albouy Genevieve
Published: September 2024

Memory systems in humans are less segregated than initially thought as learning tasks from different memory domains (e.g., declarative vs. procedural) can recruit similar brain areas. However, it remains unclear whether the functional role of these overlapping brain regions and the hippocampus in particular is domain-general. Here, we test the hypothesis that the hippocampus encodes and preserves the temporal order of sequential information irrespective of the nature of that information. We used multivariate pattern analyses (MVPA) of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquired in young healthy individuals during the execution of learned sequences of movements and objects to test whether the hippocampus represents information about the temporal order of items in a learned sequence irrespective of their nature. We also examined such coding in brain regions involved in both motor (primary and premotor cortices) and object (perirhinal cortex and parahippocampus) sequence learning. Our results suggest that hippocampal and perirhinal multivoxel activation patterns do not carry information about specific items or temporal position in a random series of objects or movements. Rather, these regions code for the representation of items in their learned temporal position in sequences irrespective of their nature (i.e., item-position coding). In contrast, although all other ROIs showed evidence of item-position coding, this representation could at least partially be attributed to the coding of other information such as position information. Altogether, our findings indicate that the capacity of regions in the medial temporal lobe to represent the temporal order of sequential information is domain-general. Our data suggest that these regions contribute to the development of item-position maps that might provide a cognitive framework to order sequential behaviors irrespective of their nature.
Genomic mosaicism reveals developmental organization of trunk neural crest-derived ganglia
Authors: Vong Keng Ioi , Alvarez Yanina D. , Noel Geoffroy , Barton Scott T. , Chung Changuk , Howarth Robyn , Meave Naomi , Zhang Qingquan , Jiwani Fiza , Barrows Chelsea , Patel Arzoo , Wang Jiang Xiong , Chi Neil , Kingsmore Stephen F. , White Melanie D. , Yang Xiaoxu , Gleeson Joseph G.
Published: September 2024

The neural crest generates numerous cell types, but conflicting results leave developmental origins unresolved. Here using somatic mosaic variants as cellular barcodes, we infer embryonic clonal dynamics of trunk neural crest, focusing on the sensory and sympathetic ganglia. From three independent adult neurotypical human donors, we identified 1,278 mosaic variants using deep whole-genome sequencing, then profiled allelic fractions in 187 anatomically dissected ganglia. We found a massive rostrocaudal spread of progenitor clones specific to sensory or sympathetic ganglia, which unlike in the brain, showed robust bilateral distributions. Computational modeling suggested neural crest progenitor fate specification preceded delamination from neural tube. Single-cell multiomic analysis suggested both neurons and glia contributed to the rostrocaudal clonal organization. CRISPR barcoding in mice and live imaging in quail embryos confirmed these clonal dynamics across multiple somite levels. Our findings reveal an evolutionarily conserved clonal spread of cells populating peripheral neural ganglia.

Highlights

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Genetic mosaicism and real-time imaging reveal trunk neural crest cellular dynamics.

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DRG or SG cells from different axial levels are more lineage-related than from the same level.

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Cell fate specification of trunk neural crest progenitors occurs before neural tube delamination.

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These aspects of clonal organization are evolutionarily conserved across mammals and avians.
Balancing Growth: GROOT Genes Link Plant Biomass and Temperature Adaptation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Razzaque Samsad , Zhang Ling , Garcia Ana Paez- , Caputi Yosemite , Busch Wolfgang
Published: September 2024

Root systems take up water and nutrients from the soil and thereby underpin all essential plant functions. The size of the root system affects the ability of roots to capture these resources and determine the amount of carbon that roots transfer into the soil. Understanding the genetic basis of root biomass is therefore very important for enhancing crop resilience and productivity, especially in the face of climate change, as for soil carbon sequestration efforts. In our study, we catalogued root biomass of a diverse set of Arabidopsis accessions mainly derived from Sweden and Spain and utilized GWAS to identify loci associated with root biomass in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that genetic variants associated with high biomass are enriched in accessions originating from distinct biogeographic regions in Spain. Among the most significant SNPs, one SNP on chromosome 3, was closely linked to three genes for which loss of function mutations caused significant increases in root, shoot and seed biomass and that we named GROOT genes. These genes act as general growth limiters. Additionally, our analysis revealed that the GROOT genes are in strong linkage disequilibrium, implying a potential coordinated function in regulating growth. Furthermore, accessions carrying the non-reference allele at this SNP showed markedly higher biomass under elevated temperatures, suggesting that these genes may also play a role in temperature adaptation. The discovery that the GROOT genes can enhance biomass without negative trade-offs across multiple traits opens new avenues for further research aimed at understanding genetically determined growth limitations, and for improving crop resilience and adaptability, as well as carbon sequestration.
Multi-omics identification of extracellular components of the fetal monkey and human neocortex
Authors: Vilicich Felipe , Vettiatil Dhanya , Kattapong-Graber Seth , Nawsheen Nadiya , Patel Neel , Quezada Alexandra , Gurney Elizabeth , Smith Emma , Nelson Hallie , Pesci Susan , Atrio Jessica , Moreno Nadjeda , Jones Aragorn , Murphy Melinda , Benfield Nerys , Hennebold Jon , Solanky Nita , Lisgo Steven , Glass Ian ,   Birth Defects Research Laboratory (BDRL), Sidoli Simone
Published: September 2024

During development, precursor cells are continuously and intimately interacting with their extracellular environment, which guides their ability to generate functional tissues and organs. Much is known about the development of the neocortex in mammals. This information has largely been derived from histological analyses, heterochronic cell transplants, and genetic manipulations in mice, and to a lesser extent from transcriptomic and histological analyses in humans. However, these approaches have not led to a characterization of the extracellular composition of the developing neocortex in any species. Here, using a combination of single-cell transcriptomic analyses from published datasets, and our proteomics and immunohistofluorescence analyses, we provide a more comprehensive and unbiased picture of the early developing fetal neocortex in humans and non-human primates. Our findings provide a starting point for further hypothesis-driven studies on structural and signaling components in the developing cortex that had previously not been identified.
Broken detailed balance and entropy production in directed networks
Authors: Nartallo-Kaluarachchi Ramón , Asllani Malbor , Deco Gustavo , Kringelbach Morten L. , Goriely Alain , Lambiotte Renaud
Published: September 2024

The structure of a complex network plays a crucial role in determining its dynamical properties. In this paper , we show that the the degree to which a network is directed and hierarchically organized is closely associated with the degree to which its dynamics break detailed balance and produce entropy. We consider a range of dynamical processes and show how different directed network features affect their entropy production rate. We begin with an analytical treatment of a two-node network followed by numerical simulations of synthetic networks using the preferential attachment and Erdös-Renyi algorithms. Next, we analyze a collection of 97 empirical networks to determine the effect of complex real-world topologies. Finally, we present a simple method for inferring broken detailed balance and directed network structure from multivariate time series and apply our method to identify non-equilibrium dynamics and hierarchical organisation in both human neuroimaging and financial time series. Overall, our results shed light on the consequences of directed network structure on non-equilibrium dynamics and highlight the importance and ubiquity of hierarchical organisation and non-equilibrium dynamics in real-world systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum jump photodetector for narrowband photon counting with a single atom
Authors: Zarraoa Laura , Veyron Romain , Lamich Tomas , Bianchet Lorena C. , Mitchell Morgan W.
Published: September 2024

Using a single neutral Rb87 atom held in an optical trap, and “quantum jump” detection of single-photon-initiated state changes, we demonstrate a single-photon quantum jump photodetector (QJPD) with intrinsically narrow bandwidth and strong rejection of out-of-band photons, of interest for detecting weak optical signals in the presence of a strong broadband background. By analyzing fluorescence photon count distributions for the bright and dark states with and without excitation, we measure quantum efficiency of 2.9(2)×10−3, a record for single-pass quantum jump production, and signal-photon-unprovoked “dark jump” rate—analogous to the dark count rate of other detectors —of 3(10)×10−3jumps/s during passive accumulation plus 4.0(4)×10−3 jumps per readout, orders of magnitude below those of traditional single-photon detectors. Available methods can substantially improve QJPD quantum efficiency, dark jump rate, bandwidth, and tunability.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Zakat Wakalah system in Malaysia: an extension of innovation diffusion theory
Authors: Amin Hanudin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate drivers that explain the acceptance of the zakat Wakalah (ZW) system in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Innovation diffusion theory (IDT) was tested to examine 441 zakat payers’ willingness to perform the ZW system using SmartPLS4.0.

Findings

All factors sourced from the IDT, including gender, were significantly related to the acceptance of the ZW system.

Research limitations/implications

The generalisation of the outcomes generated was limited to the geography concerned and the confined exogenous variables.

Practical implications

By focusing on the key attributes of the IDT and the gender role, zakat institutions can enhance the system’s appeal, improve its adoption rates and ensure that it is effectively meeting the needs of the community.

Originality/value

This study introduced a modified IDT called ZW–IDT framework to analyse its adoption, scalability and impact on zakat distribution effectiveness.
Branding Muslim hijabi fashion: exploring influencer trends and impact
Authors: Poulis Athanasios , Farache Francisca , Elbayouk Ola , Nikas Ioannis A
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This research explores the intricate relationship between fashion, identity and religion in Muslim hijabi fashion. More specifically, it examines the impact of global brands’ inclusion of Muslim veiled females in their fashion lines.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a qualitative approach, the research involved 20 in-depth interviews with Muslim women who wear hijab and those who dress modestly without it. Participants were chosen through judgemental sampling, focusing on individuals interested in fashion and brand trends. The study investigated perceptions of brand strategies, the role of influencers and consumer responses within this context.

Findings

The research suggests consumers have different viewpoints about these brands that are compliant with hijabi fashion. This incorporation benefits Muslim women by enhancing their status and recognition, hence fostering the growth of the Muslim fashion industry. In Western society, it promotes a sense of belonging and individuality. Certain individuals see the exploitation of their religious affiliation for financial gain, thereby raising doubts about these companies’ comprehension of Islamic modesty. This has engendered a sense of distrust and suspicion.

Originality/value

This research illuminates the intricate connection between religion, fashion and market dynamics in the realm of Muslim hijabi fashion. This paper explores the multifaceted responses of Muslim women to the marketing methods used by global fashion designers, which include a delicate balance between cultural representation and commercial exploitation. The results shed light on the ways in which fashion both empowers and creates divisions among religious and cultural groups.
Foretelling the compressive strength of bamboo using machine learning techniques
Authors: Dubey Saurabh , Gupta Deepak , Mallik Mainak
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate a machine learning (ML) algorithm to accurately predict bamboo compressive strength (BCS). Using a dataset of 150 bamboo samples with features such as cross-sectional area, dry weight, density, outer diameter, culm thickness and load, various ML algorithms including artificial neural network (ANN), extreme learning machine (ELM) and support vector regression (SVR) were tested. The ELM algorithm outperformed others, showing superior accuracy based on metrics like R2, MSE, RMSE, MAE and MAPE. The study highlights the efficacy of ELM in enhancing the precision and reliability of BCS predictions, establishing it as a valuable tool for assessing bamboo strength.

Design/methodology/approach

This study experimentally created a dataset of 150 bamboo samples to predict BCS using ML algorithms. Key predictive features included cross-sectional area, dry weight, density, outer diameter, culm thickness and load. The performance of various ML algorithms, including ANN, ELM and SVR, was evaluated. ELM demonstrated superior performance based on metrics such as coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), establishing its robustness in predicting BCS accurately.

Findings

The study found that the ELM algorithm outperformed other ML algorithms, including ANN and SVR, in predicting BCS. ELM achieved the highest accuracy based on key metrics such as R2, MSE, RMSE, MAE and MAPE. These results indicate that ELM is a highly effective and reliable tool for predicting the compressive strength of bamboo, thereby enhancing the precision and dependability of BCS evaluations.

Originality/value

This study is original in its application of the ELM algorithm to predict BCS using experimentally derived data. By comparing ELM with other ML algorithms like ANN and SVR, the research establishes ELM’s superior performance and reliability. The findings demonstrate the significant potential of ELM in material strength prediction, offering a novel and robust approach to evaluating bamboo’s compressive properties. This contributes valuable insights into the field of material science and engineering, particularly in the context of sustainable construction materials.
Evaluation of digital innovation in smart homes – based on bibliometrics and rooted theory
Authors: Yu Wenfan , Zhou Shaozhen , Nie Xiaodong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the level of digital innovation in the smart home industry.

Design/methodology/approach

By employing bibliometric analysis and grounded theory, this study aims to assess the innovation capabilities of leading manufacturing enterprises and establish a digital innovation evaluation system for smart homes.

Findings

Scientific arguments show that the cultivation of innovation capability should focus on three aspects of knowledge innovation, product innovation and technological innovation. Utilizing the four first-level indicators and 15 second-level indicators derived from the previous sections, we conducted TF-IDF (Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency) words frequency matching on the annual reports of A-share smart home listed companies. The resulting score for the company across these four primary indicators was then considered as the score for the digital innovation level indicator.

Originality/value

The evaluation system includes first-level indicators such as technological innovation, production innovation, management innovation and sales innovation and second-level indicators such as digital technology, intelligent manufacturing, industrial Internet, green intelligent manufacturing, flexible robot production and cross-border integration, which provides smart home enterprises with a reference to understand the level of digital innovation, improve the deficiencies and promote the development of the smart home industry.
The impact of operational police stress on affective commitment: the mediating role of psychological safety
Authors: Zanini Marco Tulio Fundão , Hilal Susan , Johnson Andrew , Carvalho Juliana
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Police stress is a critical concern for public safety agencies. This study proposes a research model to examine the relationship between police operational stress and affective commitment, mediated by psychological safety.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was developed and administered to law enforcement professionals from two large police agencies in a Midwestern US state and Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.

Findings

The results suggest the research model applies similarly in both countries. A significant relationship between police operational stress and lower affective commitment was found. Psychological safety mediated this effect, suggesting its importance in mitigating stress. The focus on psychological safety offers valuable insights for understanding officer well-being in high-stress environments.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative methods might be used to help better understand the contextual elements around police stress and its consequences. Results indicate that supportive work environments that foster psychological safety can be a powerful tool to buffer the negative effects of stress and promote officer well-being and retention.

Practical implications

A comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors influencing officer morale and engagement is essential for developing interventions to enhance law enforcement effectiveness. Psychological safety helps create a supportive work environment, reducing stress’s negative impact on officer commitment.

Originality/value

This study makes a distinctive contribution by examining the mediating role of psychological safety in the relationship between operational stress and affective commitment among police officers in two countries. Building upon prior research that has examined the impact of stress and psychological safety, this study is among the first to investigate how psychological safety specifically mitigates the negative impact of stress on officer commitment.
Numerical modeling and optimization of fillet height of reinforced SAC305 solder joint in an ultra-fine capacitor assembly
Authors: Apalowo Rilwan Kayode , Muhamed Mukhtar Muhamed Abdul Fatah , Abas Mohamad Aizat , Che Ani Fakhrozi
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the design configuration for an optimum solder height of reinforced SAC305 solder joint in an ultra-fine capacitor assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiphase finite volume model is developed for reflow soldering simulations to determine the fillet height of reinforced SAC305 solder joint in an ultra-fine capacitor assembly. Different solders, namely SAC305-x, SAC305-xNiO and SAC305-xTi, with varying percentage weight compositions of nanoparticles (x = 0 Wt.%, 0.01 Wt.%, 0.05 Wt.%, 0.10 Wt.%, 0.15 Wt.%) are investigated. A reflow soldering experiment is also conducted, and the cross-sections of the reflowed packages are examined using a High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM). The optimum design configurations (nanoparticle composition and material) for the solder fillet height are investigated using the Taguchi orthogonal array method.

Findings

Good correlations were recorded between the HRTEM micrographs and the numerical predictions of the nanoparticles' distribution in the molten solder. The numerical prediction of the fillet height also agrees with the experiment, with a maximum disparity of 5.43%. It was found that Ti nanoparticles, having the smallest density compared to NiO and, exhibit the highest buoyancy effect in the molten solder. The Taguchi analysis revealed that the nanoparticles' material factor is more significant than the Wt.% factor for an optimum fillet height. An optimum design configuration for fillet height was established as SAC 305–0.15 Wt.% Ti, corresponding to a 41.13% improvement of the plain SAC 305 solder.

Practical implications

The fillet height of solder joints greatly influences the solder joint reliability of miniaturized electronic packages. Solder joint reliability of ultra-fine capacitors can be improved using this study's findings on the optimum design configuration for the capacitor's solder fillet. The study’s findings can be practically implemented in industries such as electronics manufacturing, where enhanced solder joint reliability is critical.

Originality/value

Investigation of the optimum design configuration for reinforced SAC305 solder fillet is almost nonexistent in the literature. This study explored the optimization of fillet height of reinforced SAC305 solder joints in miniaturized capacitor assembly.
Maggie Timoney of Heineken: shattering the glass ceiling and forging a new path
Authors: Prasad V. Namratha
Published: September 2024

Research methodology

The case was written using information and data from secondary sources. It describes real people, real companies and the situations experienced by them. It does not use any fictitious names, scenarios or organizations.

Case overview/synopsis

The case “Maggie Timoney of Heineken: Shattering the Glass Ceiling and Forging a New Path,” traces the career of Maggie Timoney (Timoney) (she), the CEO of Heineken USA (HU) – a subsidiary of Dutch multinational brewing company Heineken N.V. (Heineken). The case starts by documenting the early life experiences of Timoney that were thought to have shaped her thinking and strategic capability. It then describes in detail the 25+ years of her career at Heineken, wherein she held several senior positions and worked in various global offices of Heineken. Timoney had a leadership style that was transformational, collaborative and inclusive. In 2018, she was made the CEO of HU and consequently, she became the first woman to hold the top position at one of the top five beer companies in the USA.

The case then describes in detail the challenges she faced as the CEO of HU, which led her to formulate various strategies. Timoney brought innovation to Heineken’s core brands to meet customer needs and follow industry trends; diversified into new market segments; served new consumption occasions; and reached out to the customers through novel marketing strategies. Timoney did achieve excellent business results at HU, but the decline in the global beer industry was still a tough challenge. Having broken gender stereotypes and become a role model through her leadership capability, can Timoney put HU on the path of sustainable future growth?

Complexity academic level

The case is intended for use in teaching the subjects, “Leadership Skills & Change Management,” “Organizational Behavior” and “Organizational Development: Diagnosis and Interventions” in both graduate and postgraduate programs.
Empowering leadership and the role of work-related curiosity in employee job crafting behavior: the role of low gender egalitarianism
Authors: Jaleel Aqsa , Sarmad Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

How leaders’ empowerment impacts followers' job performance in learning organizations seeks much attention. Under the lens of self-determination theory, this research examines the mediating role of work-related curiosity between empowering leadership and job-crafting behaviors. Furthermore, by applying trait activation theory, this study aims to examine the moderating role of gender egalitarianism in the relationship between empowering leadership and work-related curiosity among teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lagged data from 310 teachers was collected. The quantitative research method under the deductive approach and positivism research philosophy was applied. The data was analyzed through the SPSS and structured equation modeling technique under SMART-PLS.

Findings

The results show that empowering leadership is positively related to job crafting dimensions. Simultaneously, work-related curiosity mediates these predictive relations. Moreover, low gender egalitarianism moderates empowering leadership and work-related curiosity.

Originality/value

Investigating the direct and indirect effects of empowering leadership on the dimensions of job crafting is scarce, especially in learning organizations with a low gender egalitarian culture. By using the self-determination theory, this study analyzed work-related curiosity as a mediating path between empowering leadership and job crafting. The cultural circumstances under empowering leadership are important for work-related curiosity. Finally, the moderating role of gender egalitarianism is established between empowering leadership and work-related curiosity in the unique context of an underdeveloped country, Pakistan. In addition, this study provides important theoretical and managerial implications for learning organizations for needful job crafting behaviors.
An efficient pseudoelastic pure P‐mode wave equation and the implementation of the free surface boundary condition
Authors: Mu Xinru , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: September 2024

Based on the elastic wave equation, a pseudoelastic pure P‐mode wave equation has been recently derived by projecting the wavefield along the wavefront normal direction. This pseudoelastic pure P‐mode wave equation offers an accurate simulation of P‐wave fields with accurate elastic phase and amplitude characteristics. Moreover, considering no S‐waves are involved, it is computationally more efficient than the elastic wave equation, making it an excellent choice as a forward simulation engine for P‐wave exploration. Here, we propose a new pseudoelastic pure P‐mode wave equation and apply the stress image method to it to implement the free surface boundary condition. The new pseudoelastic wave equation offers significantly improved computational efficiency compared to the previous pseudoelastic wave equation. Additionally, the wavefields simulated by this new pseudoelastic wave equation exhibit clear physical interpretations. We evaluate the accuracy of the new wave equation in simulating elastic P‐waves by employing a model with high‐velocity contrasts. We find that this new equation, which purely admits P‐waves, though having exact amplitude and phase behaviour as the elastic waves for transmission components, the amplitudes slightly suffer in the scattering scenario. The difference in amplitude between the elastic and our pseudoelastic increases as the contrast in velocity at the interface (interlayer velocity ratio) increases, especially the S‐wave velocities. This has negative implications on scattering from the free surface boundary condition or the sea bottom interface, especially if the shear wave velocity below the surface or the sea bottom is high. However, in cases where, like for land data in the Middle East, the transition to a free surface is smoother, the accuracy of the pseudoelastic equation is high. In all cases, regardless of the interlayer velocity ratio, the accuracy of the pseudoelastic wave equation in simulating the elastic case, for scattered waves, exceeds that of the acoustic wave equation in phase and amplitude.
Temporal variability in host availability alters the outcome of competition between two parasitoid species
Authors: Wang Hua , Liu Tiantian , Sun Shucun , Lewis Owen T. , Xi Xinqiang
Published: September 2024

Variability in the availability of resources through time is a common attribute in trophic interactions, but its effects on the fitness of different consumer species and on interspecific competition between them are not clearly understood.

To investigate this, we allowed two parasitoid species, Trichopria drosophilae and Pachycrepoideus vindemiae, to exploit Drosophila host pupae under different temporal variability treatments, either on their own or simultaneously.

When tested individually (in the absence of interspecific competition), both parasitoid species had lower fitness when hosts were exposed for a short duration at high density than when exposed for a long duration at low density. When both parasitoid species exploited hosts simultaneously, interspecific competition significantly decreased the number of offspring for both parasitoid species. The outcome of this interspecific competition depended on host temporal variability, with T. drosophilae or P. vindemiae dominating in short and long host exposure treatments, respectively.

These results can be explained by the combination of host availability and egg load of female adult parasitoids. When abundant hosts are provided for a short period, the ample mature eggs of the proovigenic T. drosophilae enable them to exploit hosts more efficiently than P. vindemiae, which is synovigenic. However, P. vindemiae is an intrinsically superior competitor and dominates when multiparasitism occurs. Multiparasitism is more frequent when hosts are at low levels relative to the egg load of the parasitoids.

Our results clearly demonstrate that resource temporal availability can alter the outcome of competition between consumers with different reproductive traits.
Spatial modelling and estimation of mammals' mortalities by Pantanal 2020 megafires
Authors: Brack Ismael V. , Cordeiro José L. P. , Kindel Andreas , Rangel Barbara Z. , Crawshaw Danielle , Heiermann Dener , Berto Douglas O. , Sicuro Fernando L. , de Oliveira Gabriela S. , Servi Gonçalves Guilherme , Franceschi Ingridi C. , Lermen Isabel S. , de Oliveira Marcione B. , Thomas Pedro A. , de Oliveira Rafaella A. A. , Conceição Thais F. , de Oliveira Luiz F. B.
Published: September 2024

Extreme wildfire events, such as the Pantanal 2020 megafires, are expected to become more common. Assessing the impacts of such extreme events on wildlife is imperative for conservation planning. Direct observation of carcasses can provide valuable information on how these impacts relate to spatial heterogeneity.

Here, we use double‐observer carcass surveys to assess the numbers and spatial patterns of direct mortalities of medium‐ to large‐sized mammals resulting from the Pantanal 2020 megafires in a large reserve (1080 km2) in the northern Pantanal wetland. Accounting for imperfect detection, we model the spatial variation in mortality occurrence and abundance, testing the effects of habitat‐related variables and wildfire severity using multi‐species N‐mixture models.

We found that 26 out of 27 species of medium and large‐sized mammals died from the fires with a mean estimate of around 49 thousand individuals. The most affected species included capuchin monkeys, agoutis, peccaries, tapirs, brocket deer, tamanduas, coatis and capybaras.

Direct mortality of mammals by wildfires was affected by landscape factors related to species habitats, species traits (probably related to escape or refuge strategies), and the intensity of the wildfires. Mortalities presented a general positive relationship with non‐flooded forests (a fire‐sensitive habitat in Pantanal) and with the severity of wildfires. Artificial water bodies, a common landscape structure in Pantanal, had 7.5 times more deaths than other areas.

Synthesis and applications: With the approach used, we were able to: (i) identify mortality hotspots associated with landscape features; (ii) simultaneously identify the most affected species and assess the average relationships for all the assemblage of medium‐ and large‐sized mammals. We discuss conservation and management actions in two contexts: species prioritization for rescuing and monitoring; and territory prioritization for fire prevention and fighting.
Ectomycorrhizal tree islands in arbuscular mycorrhizal forests: Hotspots of fungal inoculum important for seedling establishment of historically dominant trees
Authors: Cortese Andrew M. , Horton Thomas R.
Published: September 2024

Deciduous forests in northeastern North America are comprised of a mixture of ectomycorrhizal (EM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees. However, land use legacies and other factors have decreased EM and concomitantly increased AM tree dominance, potentially limiting forest ecosystem functioning. We investigated how scattered EM tree patches and soil inoculum from local EM tree‐dominated forests influence EM fungal colonisation, survival and growth of EM Tsuga canadensis, Pinus strobus and Quercus spp. tree seedlings in AM‐dominated secondary forests.

Seedlings were planted next to dominant AM Acer and scattered EM Betula trees across three New York secondary forests. A subset of seedlings also received soil inoculum from local EM‐dominated forests. We monitored the survival and height growth of seedlings for 2 years and then measured seedling shoot biomass, assessed EM colonisation and identified EM fungi from seedling roots.

All genera of seedlings planted near EM Betula had higher EM colonisation and fungal richness than those planted near AM Acer trees. Inoculation with EM forest soil increased EM colonisation and fungal richness of seedlings only near AM Acer, showing great effectiveness in areas lacking native EM fungi. Total EM fungal diversity on seedling roots was highest near EM Betula, which included numerous taxa usually associated with mature trees. In contrast, EM fungal communities near AM Acer were sparse and mostly dominated by relatively few taxa of spore‐bank fungi. Although seedling survival did not differ between treatments, soil inoculation and proximity to EM Betula increased second‐year height growth of Pinus and Tsuga while soil inoculation alone significantly enhanced shoot mass of Quercus seedlings.

Synthesis. Agricultural land use legacies have resulted in expansive secondary forests dominated by AM trees. In these forests, establishment of EM tree seedlings outside existing EM tree patches may be hindered by a lack of EM fungi, but local soil inoculum from EM tree‐dominated forests can reintroduce native EM fungi into secondary forests lacking established EM trees.
Study on stability of rose anthocyanin extracts and physicochemical properties of complex with whey protein isolate after spray drying
Authors: Wang Yun , Xiao Yuan , Zhang Lianfu , Zhang Haifeng , Li Chunmei
Published: September 2024

Pingyin rose is an edible flower rich in anthocyanins. In this study, antioxidant capacity and color were used as the main evaluation indexes to investigate the effects of common physical and chemical factors on the stability of rose anthocyanin extracts (RAEs). In addition, the physicochemical properties of the whey protein isolate (WPI)‐RAEs complex after spray drying were studied. Vitamin C, temperature, and some metal ions can cause different degrees of discoloration of RAEs solution. More importantly, heat treatment, as well as most metal ions and sugars, had no significant effect on the antioxidant capacity of RAEs solution (p > 0.05). Moreover, compared to spray‐dried pure WPI, the WPI‐RAEs powder was delicate and uniform, and had higher particle size, bulk density, moisture activity, and better gel properties. The release rate of all WPI‐RAEs sol/gel to RAEs reached about 89% in the intestinal digestion stage, but the WPI‐RAEs interaction reduced the digestibility of protein in the intestinal digestion stage. We hope that this study can provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of WPI‐RAEs as food ingredients.
Abnormal phenotypic defects detection of jujube using explainable machine learning enhanced computer vision
Authors: Zhang Luwei , Chen Yan , Guo Xiangyun , Li You , Chen Chao , Zou Yu , Zhang Xiaoshuan , Hu Jinyou
Published: September 2024

Jujube is susceptible to biotic and abiotic adversity stresses resulting in abnormal phenotypic defects. Therefore, abnormal phenotype fruits should be removed during postharvest sorting to increase added value. An improved maximum horizontal diameter linear regression (MHD‐LR) method for size grading of jujube prior to detection of abnormal phenotypic defects was developed. The accuracy of the MHD‐LR model is 95%, with an error of only 0.95 mm. In addition, a method for detecting abnormal phenotypic defects in jujube was established. It can effectively and accurately classify seven kinds of jujube phenotypes (regular, irregular, wrinkled, moldy, hole‐broken, skin‐broken, and scarred). The data augmentation method based on linear interpolation can effectively expand the dataset with a variance of only 0.0006. Support vector machine‐decision tree (SVMDT), logistic regression, back propagation neural network, and long short‐term memory network models were established to classify jujube samples with different phenotypes, with accuracies of 99.57%, 99.00%, 99.14%, and 99.29%, respectively. The results showed that the SVMDT model had higher accuracy and explainability. This research is expected to provide a new method to improve the precise classification of abnormal phenotypic defects in postharvest jujube.