bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human social learning biases in immersive virtual environments
Authors: Easter C. , Hassall C.
Published: August 2022

Social learning strategies describe what, when, and from whom individuals choose to learn. Evidence suggests that both humans and animals are capable of strategic social learning. However, human research generally lacks ecological and spatial realism, making it difficult to understand the importance of our use of social information in an evolutionary context. In this study, we use virtual reality to simulate three novel tasks inspired by the animal literature (Container, Route Choice and Foraging tasks) within complex, three-dimensional environments. In each experiment, combinations of demonstrators with different characteristics gave opposing solutions to the task to determine from whom participants preferentially learned. Importantly, participants were able to freely navigate the environment and attempt the task in any way they chose by using or ignoring social information. We found that participants displayed an overall bias towards learning asocially (independently) rather than socially. Asocial learning was favoured more strongly during complex tasks that spanned larger spatial scales, potentially due to the difficulties in keeping track of social information in such scenarios. When learning from others, participants displayed a bias towards learning from the majority over the minority (positive frequency-dependent social learning) and towards learning from the most successful demonstrators (payoff-based social learning), which supports the findings of previous, lab-based experiments. There was no apparent bias with respect to demonstrator dominance status, gender and body size. Our findings are the first to show a variation in the use of social learning across task and environmental complexities in humans, to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of hypothetical human learning biases, and to provide a methodological link between non-human and human social learning experiments. As demonstrated here, immersive virtual environments have great potential for research into human social evolution and we strongly encourage future research to adopt a similar approach.
Self-regulating arousal via pupil-based biofeedback
Authors: Meissner Sarah Nadine , Bächinger Marc , Kikkert Sanne , Imhof Jenny , Missura Silvia , Carro Dominguez Manuel , Wenderoth Nicole
Published: August 2022

The brain’s arousal state is controlled by several neuromodulatory nuclei known to substantially influence cognition and mental well-being. Here, we investigate whether human participants can gain volitional control of their arousal state using a pupil-based biofeedback approach. Our approach inverts a mechanism suggested by previous literature that links activity of the locus coeruleus (LC), one of the key regulators of central arousal, and pupil dynamics. We show that pupil-based biofeedback enables participants to acquire volitional control of pupil size. Applying pupil self-regulation systematically modulates activity of the LC and other brainstem structures involved in arousal control. Further, it modulates cardiovascular measures such as heart rate, and behavioural and psychophysiological responses during an oddball task. We provide evidence that pupil-based biofeedback makes the brain’s arousal system accessible to volitional control, a finding that has tremendous potential for translation to behavioral and clinical applications across various domains, including stress-related and anxiety disorders.
Alcohol dependence modifies brain networks activated during abstinence and reaccess: a c-fos-based analysis in mice
Authors: Roland Alison V. , Coelho Cesar A.O. , Haun Harold L. , Gianessi Carol A. , Lopez Marcelo F. , D’Ambrosio Shannon , Machinski Samantha N. , Kroenke Christopher D. , Frankland Paul W. , Becker Howard C. , Kash Thomas L.
Published: August 2022

High-level alcohol consumption causes neuroplastic changes in the brain that lead to negative affective and somatic symptoms when alcohol is withdrawn, promoting relapse drinking. We have some understanding of these plastic changes in defined brain circuits and cell types, but unbiased approaches are needed to explore broader patterns of adaptations. Here, we employed whole-brain c-fos mapping and network analysis to assess how brain-wide patterns of neuronal activity are altered during acute alcohol abstinence and reaccess in a well-characterized model of alcohol dependence. Mice underwent four cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure (CIE) with alternating weeks of voluntary alcohol drinking, and a subset of mice underwent forced swim stress (FSS) prior to drinking sessions to further escalate alcohol consumption. After four CIE cycles, brains were collected from mice in each group either 24 hours (abstinence) or immediately following a one-hour period of alcohol reaccess. Brains from CIE mice during acute abstinence displayed widespread neuronal activation relative to those from AIR mice, independent of FSS, and this increase in c-fos was reversed by reaccess drinking. For network analysis, mice were then classified as high or low drinkers (HD or LD). We computed Pearson correlations for all pairs of brain regions and used graph theoretical methods to identify changes in network properties associated with high-drinking behavior. Network modularity, a measure of network segregation into communities, was increased in HD mice after alcohol reaccess relative to abstinence. Within-community strength and diversity measures were computed for each region and condition, and highly coactive regions were identified. One high-diversity region, the cortical amygdala (COA), was further interrogated using a chemogenetic approach. COA silencing in CIE mice reduced voluntary drinking, validating our network analysis and indicating that this region may play an important but underappreciated role in alcohol dependence.
ATNr: Allometric trophic models in R
Authors: Gauzens Benoit , Brose Ulrich , Delmas Eva , Berti Emilio
Published: August 2022

Understanding and predicting how densities of interacting species change over time has been one of the main goals of community ecology, which has become a pressing challenge in the context of global change.

We present the R packageATNr, which provides an implementation of different versions of Allometric Trophic Network models (Yodzis and Innes (1992)) that simulate the biomass dynamics of trophically interacting species.

Relying onC++routines, theATNrproposes an efficient and standardized implementation of the different ATNs models.

By proposing a set of built in functions ready to use in a language widely used in the community of ecologists, theATNrpackage offers an easy access to ATN models.
Nucleobase adduct-containing metabolites are MR1 ligands that stimulate self-reactive MR1T cells
Authors: Vacchini Alessandro , Yang Qinmei , Chancellor Andrew , Spagnuolo Julian , Joss Daniel , Øyås Ove , Beshirova Aisha , De Gregorio Corinne , Pfeffer Michael , Stelling Jörg , Häussinger Daniel , Lepore Marco , Mori Lucia , De Libero Gennaro
Published: August 2022

MR1T lymphocytes are a recently identified population of T cells that recognize unknown self-antigens presented by the non-polymorphic MHC-I-related molecule, MR1. MR1T cells can kill tumor cells and modulate the functions of other immune cells with promising therapeutic applications. By integrating genetic, pharmacological and biochemical approaches we identified carbonyl stress and alterations of nucleobase metabolism in tumor target cells that promote recognition by MR1 T cells. We dissected these pathways and found that nucleobase adduct-containing metabolites are self-antigens stimulating MR1T cells. Several nucleobase adducts are presented by MR1 molecules and stimulate individual MR1T cells. Our data suggest that MR1T cells are surveyor of cellular metabolic alterations occurring in conditions of metabolic stress, such as cancer, and lay the groundwork for the development of novel HLA-unrestricted T cell-based therapies.
Membrane Tethering of SepF, a Membrane Anchor for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Z-ring
Authors: Dey Souvik , Zhou Huan-Xiang
Published: August 2022

Bacterial cell division begins with the formation of the Z-ring via polymerization of FtsZ and the localization of Z-ring beneath the inner membrane through membrane anchors. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), SepF is one such membrane anchor, but our understanding of the underlying mechanism is very limited. Here we used molecular dynamics simulations to characterize how SepF itself, a water-soluble protein, tethers to acidic membranes that mimic the Mtb inner membrane. In addition to an amphipathic helix (residues 1-12) at the N-terminus, membrane binding also occurs through two stretches of positively charged residues (Arg27-Arg 37 and Arg95-Arg107) in the long linker preceding the FtsZ-binding core domain (residues 128-218). The additional interactions via the disordered linker stabilize the membrane tethering of SepF, and keep the core domain of SepF and hence the attached Z-ring close to the membrane. The resulting membrane proximity of the Z-ring in turn enables its interactions with and thus recruitment of two membrane proteins, FtsW and CrgA, at the late stage of cell division.
Initial development of tandem wing UAV aerodynamic configuration
Authors: Kostić Ivan , Tanović Dragoljub , Kostić Olivera , Abubaker Ahmed Ali Irhayim , Simonović Aleksandar
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with remote and/or automated flight and mission controls have replaced airplanes with pilots in many important roles. This study aims to deal with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and development of the aerodynamic configuration of a multi-purpose UAV for low and medium altitudes. The main aerodynamic requirement was the application of the tandem wing (TW) concept, where both wings generate a positive lift and act as primary lifting devices.

Design/methodology/approach

Initial design analyses of the UAV’s aerodynamic configuration were performed using ANSYS Fluent. In previous work in Fluent, the authors established a calculation model that has been verified by experiments and, with minor adjustments, could be applied for subsonic, transonic and supersonic flow analyses.

Findings

The design evolved through eight development configurations, where the latest V8 satisfied all the posted longitudinal aerodynamic requirements. Both wings generate a substantial amount of positive lift, whereas the initial stall occurs first on the front wing, generating a natural nose-down stall recovery tendency. In the cruising flight regime, this configuration has the desired range of longitudinal static stability and its centre of pressure is in close proximity to the centre of gravity.

Practical implications

The intermediate development version V8 with proper longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics presents a good starting point for future development steps that will involve the optimization of lateral-directional aerodynamics.

Originality/value

Using contemporary CFD tools, a novel and original TW aerodynamic configuration have evolved within eight development stages, not being based on or derived from any existing designs.
A combination method for integrated modular avionics safety analysis
Authors: Yang Haiyun , Sun Youchao
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to solve the problem that the traditional hierarchically performed hazard origin and propagation studies (HiP-HOPS) cannot make dynamic model for the complex system such as integrated modular avionics (IMA) system.

Design/methodology/approach

A new combination method that combines HiP-HOPS with architecture analysis and design language (AADL) is proposed.

Findings

The combination method potentially reduces the amount of rework required for safety analysis and modelling of a modified design.

Research limitations/implications

Modelling the IMA system with the combination method can just make qualitative analysis but cannot make quantitative analysis.

Practical implications

The static model depicts the fault propagation among the components while the dynamic model describes the composite fault with AADL for IMA system.

Originality/value

The results of the case study show that the proposed method not only keeps model consistency but also makes safety analysis and modelling for IMA system efficiently.
Bilateral and multilateral aid perspectives of economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Edo Samson , Matthew Oluwatoyin , Ogunrinola Ifeoluwa
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of disaggregate official development aid (ODA) on economic growth, and ascertain whether bilateral and multilateral aid played complementary role with private sector, government sector and external sector in driving growth of sub-Saharan African economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The role of bilateral and multilateral aid in economic growth of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is investigated in this study. The vector error correction model (VECM) and generalized method of moments (GMM) techniques are employed in estimating the short-run and long-run impacts, over the period 1980–2020.

Findings

The estimation results reveal that the effect of bilateral aid is positive, and more significant than multilateral aid. Their effect on economic growth is, however, less significant than the effects of domestic private investment and government spending. Nonetheless, aid complemented private and government sectors in facilitating growth. External trade is the only exogenous variable in estimation that is insignificant. The results further reveal that economic growth is unable to significantly respond to its own lag. Generally, the estimation results conform to theoretical expectations.

Practical implications

One major implication of the findings is that SSA countries have benefited substantially from development aid. It is, therefore, important for these countries to develop stronger institutions that would attract more inflows of development aid.

Originality/value

The study was motivated by the fact that less attention has been given to the role of disaggregate ODA in economic growth of African countries. Previous research works have tended to focus more on aggregate ODA. Furthermore, adequate research has yet to be done on how ODA complements the private sector, government sector and external sector in facilitating growth of African countries. These issues are investigated in the study.
Reviewing topics of COVID-19 news articles: case study of CNN and China daily
Authors: Yuan Yue , Liu Kan , Wang Yanli
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the topics of COVID-19 news articles for better obtaining the relationship among and the evolution of news topics, helping to manage the infodemic from a quantified perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze COVID-19 news articles explicitly, this paper proposes a prism architecture. Based on epidemic-related news on China Daily and CNN, this paper identifies the topics of the two news agencies, elucidates the relationship between and amongst these topics, tracks topic changes as the epidemic progresses and presents the results visually and compellingly.

Findings

The analysis results show that CNN has a more concentrated distribution of topics than China Daily, with the former focusing on government-related information, and the latter on medical. Besides, the pandemic has had a big impact on CNN and China Daily's reporting preference. The evolution analysis of news topics indicates that the dynamic changes of topics have a strong relationship with the pandemic process.

Originality/value

This paper offers novel perspectives to review the topics of COVID-19 news articles and provide new understandings of news articles during the initial outbreak. The analysis results expand the scope of infodemic-related studies.
Consumer willingness to pay for traceable food products: a scoping review
Authors: Vriezen Rachael , Plishka Mikayla , Cranfield John
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Traceability is an increasingly important tool for reducing food safety risks and managing supply logistics. Given the costs of implementing and maintaining traceability systems, it is crucial to understand consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for traceable products.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a scoping review to collate the existing literature on consumer WTP for traceability in food products to determine the nature of the evidence base and to identify research gaps.

Findings

A total of 77 articles were included in the review. The number of studies published per year generally increased over the review period, and China and the United States were the most common countries in which studies were conducted (43.6 and 14.1% of total studies, respectively). All but one of the studies investigated at least one factor that might influence consumer WTP for traceability, the most common of which was socio-demographic characteristics (72.7%). Three-quarters of studies used hypothetical methods to elicit WTP values (75.3%), whereas one-quarter used non-hypothetical methods (24.7%). Most studies included some measure of preference heterogeneity (83.1%).

Research limitations/implications

There is some potential for systematic bias in the evidence due to the predominance of studies from only a few countries and the possible presence of hypothetical bias. These potential biases could be corrected through future research.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, no previous study systematically and comprehensively identifies and summarizes the evidence base on consumer WTP for traceable food products.
The influence of technostress on the intention to use blockchain technology: the perspectives of Jordanian auditors
Authors: Alshurafat Hashem , Al-Mawali Hamzah , Al Shbail Mohannad Obeid
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Blockchain technology is an indispensable solution for all professionals. However, auditors have not been adequately prepared to use blockchain technology. This study aims to examine the impact of technostress on auditors’ acceptance to use blockchain technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A model combining the technostress and factors from the technology acceptance model is proposed. Data were obtained from 142 auditors in the Big 4 and non-Big 4 firms through previously tested and validated questionnaires.

Findings

As hypothesized, the results show that technostress influences the perceived usefulness and ease of use of blockchain technology. This study finds that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness are significant predictors of attitudes toward use decisions, while the latter is a significant predictor of behavioral intention to use blockchain technology. The results are valuable to accountants, auditors and audit firm managers.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical evidence on the impact of technostress on auditor acceptance to use blockchain technology, which is deemed as a debate viewpoint.
Assessing the value of 3G and 4G network modes in mobile phone pricing
Authors: Ahmed Tanvir , Ahmad Waseem , Ahmad Bashir
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Mobile phone network third-generation (3G) and fourth-generation (4G) modes are the most commonly used modes in many developing countries. This study aims to assess the impact of these network modes and other mobile phone attributes on their retail prices in Pakistan, the fifth most populous and developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has been conducted in Punjab province, which shares about 53% of the Pakistan’s population. Hedonic price analysis was carried out on all new mobile phone attributes sold in Punjab’s markets at the retail level. Various econometric tests, that is, Ramsey regression equation specification error, Breusch–Pagan/Cook–Weisberg and variance inflation factor, were calculated to check the robustness of the results.

Findings

Results of this study indicated that the mobile phone prices were significantly higher for the sets having 4G network mode than the 3G mode. In addition to this, other mobile phone attributes that significantly influenced their prices were brand, weight, camera, random access memory (RAM), memory size, operating system, battery capacity and display size.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for mobile phone sales and marketing strategies of the manufacturers, importers, retailers and others involved in the mobile phone business in developing countries like Pakistan. Mobile phone manufacturers/importers can increase their profits by producing/importing the 4G enabled devices.

Originality/value

Although many studies in the literature estimated the implicit price of mobile phone attributes, none of these had explicitly assessed the impact of network mode generation of mobile phones on their prices.
Probabilistic method for impact load estimation by Stochastic Model – a Fan Blade Off event
Authors: Narayanan Govindarajan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The front bearing mount structure in an aero engine has been severely loaded under the fan blade off (FBO) event since imbalance forces at high amplitude but low frequency is transformed to the engine front mount structure. The bearing mount structural forces are estimated by an integrated implicit-explicit analysis process of whole engine model of an aero engine. Since there are many dependent factors which are governing those predicted loads, experimental evidence on FBO is becoming necessary to validate the model used for the load prediction which is more expensive and also time consuming. This paper aims to discuss the above mentioned issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The current paper deals with the high impact but low probability nature of FBO load prediction on the bearing mount structure by stochastic approach which could be replaced for FBO experiments which is highly essential for current economic conditions. Several influential factors on the predicted loads have been chosen in the stochastic model and sensitive analysis has also been performed to bring down the variation involved in the predicted load.

Findings

The predicted load by proposed stochastic model is then compared with the experimental results. The conclusion on the predicted load with various dependent influential factors is matching well with certain value of damage factor from planned FBO test event.

Research limitations/implications

Limitation of this paper could be that it does not cover with range of load amplitude and is only applicable for civil small and medium engines.

Practical implications

The high amplitude but low frequency load pattern is assessed with impact condition by stochastic model.

Originality/value

Combining experimental and probabilistic load prediction was never done before and read across from previous engine test program could be effectively performed with stochastic model approach.
Development of a faculty satisfaction questionnaire for Ecuadorian higher institutions
Authors: Estrada Aguilar Leonardo Mario , Yoong Parraga Cristina Edith , Bustamante Gracia Karen Stefanie
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a context-specific scale to assess faculty job satisfaction for Ecuadorian higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A draft questionnaire was developed after reviewing the literature. Then, following a pilot study the questionnaire was administered to a stratified random sample of 261 faculty members of an Ecuadorian University. An exploratory factor analysis based on a pairwise polychoric correlation matrix was carried out to validate the scale.

Findings

A 24-item faculty satisfaction questionnaire was developed. The scale showed high reliability and validity. Following an exploratory factor analysis five dimensions emerged: 1) rewards and benefits, 2) IT and facilities services, 3) administrative and other campus services, 4) teaching support and development and 5) working relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Although our sample size is considered good, the ratio subjects to items of 6:1 was just above the recommended minimum. Due to the split questionnaire design for the research support and community services support sections and the fact that more than a half of the participants did not fill them we had to exclude the items from those sections from the analysis.

Practical implications

The scale can be used by higher education institutions to assess faculty satisfaction periodically.

Originality/value

To our knowledge this is the first study to develop a context-specific instrument to measure job satisfaction in Ecuadorian higher education institutions using exploratory factor analysis.
How do women entrepreneurs influence the strategic orientation of family businesses? A typology of Swedish decision-making in Småland community
Authors: Gashi Nulleshi Shqipe
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to add to the theorization of family dynamics and women’s entrepreneurship by examining women’s influence on decision-making in family businesses. Business decisions in family firms, in particular, are not free from family influence in terms of goals and strategies, and the role of women in decision-making processes is of particular interest. Consequently, the role of women entrepreneurs in family firms and their influence on business development requires a more fine-grained analysis of the family dynamic within the family and the business.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on a qualitative study and focuses on the life story narratives of nine women in rural family businesses in rural communities of Småland province in Sweden to empirically examine the decision-making processes. This region is known both for its entrepreneurial culture and traditional gender order. Based on the narrative accounts of women entrepreneurs in family businesses, the data analysis method is thematic, using a Gioia-inspired method.

Findings

The complexity of decision-making in rural family firms is further complicated in part due to a closeness with the rural community. Thus, a typology of three decision-making modes in family firms emerges an informal family-oriented mode, a semistructured family/employee consensus mode and a formal board mode with at least one nonfamily member. Moreover, the advantages, disadvantages and strategies that women use to influence decisions within the respective mode are outlined.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the study of women’s agency and its implications in family business and entrepreneurship in the rural context. The study implies that women’s agency shapes the (rural) entrepreneurship context and, likewise, the (rural) entrepreneurship context influences women’s agency. Hence, the author challenges the view of women as only caregivers and sheds light on the practices and processes behind the scenes of entrepreneurial family businesses.
Trade effects of a negative export shock on direct exporters and wholesalers
Authors: Juust Mathias
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of a multifaceted negative Russian export shock of 2014 on the exports Estonian firms that exported non-embargoed goods to Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

The dataset covers all the Estonian exporters that exported non-embargoed goods to Russia in 2013 and the empirical analysis uses a difference-in-difference method in combination with the coarsened exact matching method to account for heterogeneities between the treatment and control groups.

Findings

The empirical findings show that wholesalers affected were generally able to show better export performance after the negative shock than direct exporters were. The trade performance after the shock was lower for both wholesalers and direct exporters that had lower initial productivity levels.

Originality/value

As a novelty, this study simultaneously addresses several firm heterogeneities to illustrate how the trade effects of a negative export shock differ between firms with different key characteristics, including between wholesalers and direct exporters.
Financial inclusion washing
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Financial inclusion washing has not been considered to be a crime although it should be. This paper aims to present a discussion about financial inclusion washing. It was argued that financial inclusion washing is the deliberate or unintentional use of exaggerated claims or misleading claims to describe an entity’s commitment to increase the level of financial inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used the conceptual discourse analysis methodology.

Findings

This paper showed that many entities are at risk of practicing financial inclusion washing such as international development organizations, aid organizations, government agencies, central banks, financial institutions, financial inclusion support groups and associations, among others. This paper also highlighted the manifestations, motivations and consequences of financial inclusion washing. This paper also identified ways through which entities can avoid financial inclusion washing.

Originality/value

The literature has not examined how exaggerated claims about financial inclusion efforts mislead people.
The effect of deepfake video advertisements on the hotel booking intention of tourists
Authors: Sivathanu Brijesh , Pillai Rajasshrie
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of deepfake video advertisements on hotel booking intention by applying the media richness theory (MRT) and information manipulation theory (IMT).

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to understand the effect of deepfake hotel video advertisements on booking intention. A large cross-section of 1,240 tourists was surveyed and data were analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The outcome of this research provides the factors affecting the booking intention due to deepfake hotel video advertisements. These factors are media richness (MR), information manipulation (IM) tactics, perceived value (PV) and perceived trust (PT). Cognitive load and perceived deception (DC) negatively influence the hotel booking intention.

Practical implications

The distinctive model that emerged is insightful for senior executives and managers in the hospitality sector to understand the influence of deepfake video advertisements. This research provides the factors of hotel booking intention due to deepfake video advertisements, which are helpful for designers, developers, marketing managers and other stakeholders in the hotel industry.

Originality/value

MR and IMT are integrated with variables such as PT and PV to explore the tourists' hotel booking intention after watching deepfake video advertisements. It is the first step toward deepfake video advertisements and hotel booking intentions for tourists. It provides an empirically tested and validated robust theoretical model to understand the effect of deepfake video advertisements on hotel booking intention.
Initial preference algorithm of industrial project portfolio
Authors: Cihan Ercan Emin , Alabaş-Uslu Çiğdem , Kabak Özgür
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an algorithm to pretest an industrial portfolio on a new scale. Portfolios include complex and uncertain projects at the front-end phase. The study, therefore, proposes a procedure that helps decision-makers to handle various complex projects and defines a common scale applicable to various kinds of industrial projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Decision-makers can employ the preference algorithm to reach a common understanding. To this end, the current paper posits the organization of criteria in various project sets. A sexagesimal scale is developed based on project complexity and its ability to achieve broad impact, both these factors being gauged on a five-point scale of user-friendly numberings.

Findings

The proposed algorithm shows the equivalence of industrial projects in different fields. Also, the algorithm articulates the status in terms of uncertainty, complexity, risk, and value of projects. The connections between decision-makers and criteria operate on the basis of the foreseen complexity, risk, and value. It can be said that this study exemplifies and visualizes the portfolio and criteria relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The procedure covers contingency exercises at the front-end phase of a portfolio and supports decisions. However, updated information can change support positions.

Originality/value

The paper presents original scoring guidance for portfolio complexity on a new scale. The scaling and scoring are adjustable and calibrated using the proposed sexagesimal system. It presents an original classification of project risk and value. The main contribution is the presented algorithm which can be used to pretest industrial portfolios composed of projects that vary in both size and context.
The consumer perception and purchasing attitude towards organic food: a critical review
Authors: Roy Arijit , Ghosh Arpita , Vashisht Devika
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to critically review the literature based on the factors identified by the authors to discuss and provide direction for future research. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the factors responsible for affecting consumers’ perceptions and purchasing attitudes toward organic food products.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review follows the review methodology elaborating on key factors identified which affect the consumer’s perception and attitude toward organic farming and products. A total of 50 articles are downloaded from different sources such as Google Scholar and Scopus and later the articles were finalized based on core areas and specializations.

Findings

The findings reveal that the behavioral aspect plays a crucial role in the adoption of organic products by consumers; also various factors such as customer perspective, demand and supply, health aspect, cost-effectiveness, standard and reliability are responsible in endorsing organic products. The authors also reveal that among the factors mentioned, the lack of a supply chain market for organic products is the prime concern for the non-availability of products.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of effective distribution and promotion system affects the availability of organic food products.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comprehensive review of organic food in terms of highlighting the factors affecting the perception and purchasing attitude of consumers toward organic food products consumption. Also, the present review study gives an idea of organizing the literature on the organic food based on factors influencing the customer responses.
Additive manufacturing of Ti-Al functionally graded material by laser based directed energy deposition
Authors: Chen Bo , Wang Tao , Xi Xin , Tan Caiwang , Song Xiaoguo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Ti-Al composite plates have been used in aerospace and other important fields for specific purposes in recent years. However, relatively few studies have concentrated on Ti-Al additive manufacturing because during additive manufacturing process the local fusion and mixing of Ti/Al are inevitable. These areas where Ti and Al are mixed locally, especially interface, could easily generate high residual stresses and cracks. This study aims to manufacture Ti-Al functionally graded material and investigate the interaction of interface.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, Ti6Al4V/AlSi10Mg functionally graded materials were fabricated by laser based directed energy deposition (L-DED) and a strategy using V interlayer to relieve interfacial stress was investigated.

Findings

The area between the two materials was divided into transition zone (TZ) and remelting zone (RZ). The phase distribution, microstructure and micro-Vickers hardness of the TZ and RZ were investigated. Typical intermetallic compounds (IMCs) such as TiAl3, Ti3Al and Ti5Si3 were found in both composites. The addition of V interlayer promoted the homogenization of IMCs near interface and led to the formation of new phases like V5Si3 and Al3V.

Originality/value

The solidification process near the interface of Ti-Al functionally graded material and the possible generation of different phases were described. The result of this paper proved the feasibility of manufacturing Ti-Al functionally graded material by L-DED.
An initial assessment of the sustainability of waterbird harvest in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ellis Matthew B. , Cameron Tom C.
Published: August 2022

There is a need to assess the sustainability of wild bird harvest in the United Kingdom (UK), and more widely, across Europe. Yet, data on populations and harvest sizes are limited.

We used a demographic invariant method (DIM) to estimate potential excess growth (PEG) for populations of UK wintering waterbirds and calculated a sustainable harvest index (SHI) for each. We compared this with population trends and conservation classifications (e.g. Birds of Conservation Concern [BoCC]) to assess the sustainability of harvests and the utility of these classifications.

Our approach found evidence for potential overharvest of mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Eurasian teal Anas crecca, gadwall Mareca strepera, Canada geese Branta canadensis, greylag geese Anser anser and woodcock Scolopax rusticola. Whether DIM methods predict overharvest is highly dependent on estimates of maximum population growth rates inferring PEG. We found estimates of maximum population growth to be variable across a range of different methods.

We found no relationship between SHI and short‐term wintering trends or conservation classification under the UK's BoCC framework. There was however a positive relationship between SHI and long‐term wintering trends.

Policy implications. Our results suggest that UK‐based harvest is unlikely to be a major determinant of population trends for the majority of UK overwintering waterbirds, but harvest rates for some species may exceed that required to maintain stationary population growth. The lack of a relationship between conservation classifications and SHI strongly suggests that such conservation classifications are not an appropriate tool for making decisions about harvest management. Instead, our assessment provides the basis for a framework to make evidence‐based decisions on sustainable harvest levels in the face of incomplete data. There is currently no clear policy instrument in the UK to support such a framework via controls on either harvest effort or mortality of waterfowl. We believe such an instrument is urgently needed to ensure the UK can adapt to changing pressures and ensure the sustainable use of our wildlife populations.
The changing face of telesupervision and digital training in response toCOVID‐19
Authors: Grames Heath , Sims Pat , Holden Chelsey , Rollins Pam , Jeanfreau Michelle , Fitzgerald Michael
Published: August 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has rapidly changed the ways in which marriage and family therapists (MFTs)/couple and family therapists (CFTs) engage in clinical supervision. Traditional face‐to‐face supervisory relationships have transitioned to telesupervision, which refers to supervisors using the internet as a training medium for their supervisees. Supervisors and supervisees alike are necessarily adapting to telesupervision relationships in an evolving world. As emergency protocols begin to give way to more routine procedures, it is important for supervisors to engage in meaningful conversations around the benefits, the challenges, and the future of telesupervision. This article discusses the various facets of telesupervision, including ethical implications, supervision modalities, the virtual supervisory alliance, the impact of telesupervision upon self‐of‐the‐therapist work, and the potential benefits of telesupervision.

Practitioner points

Establishing effective telesupervision requires increased intentionality on part of the supervisor. Authenticity and transparency become more critical in establishing connections and trust with supervisees in an online format.

Supervisors should collaborate with supervisees to establish processes for the times technology‐related problems occur.

Supervisors must also understand the unique ethical issues that are presented with providing supervision through an online format.
Genetic, physiological, and cellular heterogeneities of bacterial pathogens in food matrices: Consequences for food safety
Authors: Martin Cédric Saint , Jubelin Grégory , Darsonval Maud , Leroy Sabine , Leneveu‐Jenvrin Charlène , Hmidene Ghaya , Omhover Lysiane , Stahl Valérie , Guillier Laurent , Briandet Romain , Desvaux Mickaël , Dubois‐Brissonnet Florence
Published: August 2022

In complex food systems, bacteria live in heterogeneous microstructures, and the population displays phenotypic heterogeneities at the single‐cell level. This review provides an overview of spatiotemporal drivers of phenotypic heterogeneity of bacterial pathogens in food matrices at three levels. The first level is the genotypic heterogeneity due to the possibility for various strains of a given species to contaminate food, each of them having specific genetic features. Then, physiological heterogeneities are induced within the same strain, due to specific microenvironments and heterogeneous adaptative responses to the food microstructure. The third level of phenotypic heterogeneity is related to cellular heterogeneity of the same strain in a specific microenvironment. Finally, we consider how these phenotypic heterogeneities at the single‐cell level could be implemented in mathematical models to predict bacterial behavior and help ensure microbiological food safety.
Reassessment of adipocyte technology for cellular agriculture of alternative fat
Authors: Sugii Shigeki , Wong Cheryl Yeh Qi , Lwin Angela Khin Oo , Chew Lamony Jian Ming
Published: August 2022

Alternative proteins, such as cultivated meat, have recently attracted significant attention as novel and sustainable food. Fat tissue/cell is an important component of meat that makes organoleptic and nutritional contributions. Although adipocyte biology is relatively well investigated, there is limited focus on the specific techniques and strategies to produce cultivated fat from agricultural animals. In the assumed standard workflow, stem/progenitor cell lines are derived from tissues of animals, cultured for expansion, and differentiated into mature adipocytes. Here, we compile information from literature related to cell isolation, growth, differentiation, and analysis from bovine, porcine, chicken, other livestock, and seafood species. A diverse range of tissue sources, cell isolation methods, cell types, growth media, differentiation cocktails, and analytical methods for measuring adipogenic levels were used across species. Based on our analysis, we identify opportunities and challenges in advancing new technology era toward producing “alternative fat” that is suitable for human consumption.
Melanoidins present in traditional fermented foods and beverages
Authors: Yang Shiqi , Fan Wenlai , Xu Yan
Published: August 2022

Traditional fermented foods and beverages (TFFB) are an important dietary component consumed in large quantities worldwide. Currently, much attention has been focused on the health benefits of TFFB. Melanoidins, a class of bioactive substance produced in the final stage of the Maillard reaction, not only have a significant impact on sensory properties of TFFB but also contribute to the health effects. Melanoidins formed in the fermentation system with a long reaction time at low temperature could be different from those obtained from high‐temperature, short‐duration roasted systems due to the multiple formative stages and involvement of microorganisms and enzymes. In this paper, the current state of knowledge regarding the formation, distribution, extraction and purification, physicochemical properties, structure characteristics, and biological activities of TFFB melanoidins are comprehensively reviewed, with predominant focus on TFFB that are typically brown like douchi, miso, cheonggukjang, soy sauce, huangjiu (Chinese rice wine), beer, vinegar, and sweet wine. The current challenges and prospective recommendations for the research of melanoidins in fermented systems are also presented. In future, people should pay more attention to the basic research on TFFB melanoidins, especially purification methods and formation mechanisms, further substantiation of health properties of TFFB melanoidins in vivo, and development of specific melanoidins to fulfill technological, productive, or health needs of consumers.
An updated review on the stability of anthocyanins regarding the interaction with food proteins and polysaccharides
Authors: Zang Zhihuan , Tang Siyi , Li Zhiying , Chou Shurui , Shu Chi , Chen Yi , Chen Wei , Yang Shufang , Yang Yiyun , Tian Jinlong , Li Bin
Published: August 2022

The health benefits of anthocyanins are compromised by their chemical instability and susceptibility to external stress. Researchers found that the interaction between anthocyanins and macromolecular components such as proteins and polysaccharides substantially determines the stability of anthocyanins during food processing and storage. The topic thus has attracted much attention in recent years. This review underlines the new insights gained in our current study of physical and chemical properties and functional properties in complex food systems. It examines the interaction between anthocyanins and food proteins or polysaccharides by focusing on the “structure–stability” relationship. Furthermore, multispectral and molecular computing simulations are used as the chief instruments to explore the interaction's mechanism. During processing and storage, the stability of anthocyanins is generally influenced by the adverse characteristics of food and beverage, including temperature, light, oxygen, enzymes, pH. While the action modes and types between protein/polysaccharide and anthocyanins mainly depend on their structures, the noncovalent interaction between them is the key intermolecular force that increases the stability of anthocyanins. Our goal is to provide the latest understanding of the stability of anthocyanins under food processing conditions and further improve their utilization in food industries.

Practical Application: This review provides support for the steady‐state protection of active substances.
Ecological Impacts of Agribusiness Transformation in a Spanish Mediterranean Enclave: Impacts on the Mar Menor Coastal Lagoon
Authors: Rodríguez‐Calles Luis
Published: August 2022

In recent decades, most Spanish Mediterranean agricultural regions have been transformed to meet global food demands and have joined global agricultural production networks: a convergence process that has granted them steady economic growth. In certain cases, however, this transformation has led to a process of ecological degradation. This article focuses on the Torre‐Pacheco case, in the Campo de Cartagena region (southeast Spain, Murcia), to reconstruct the events that have led the region to become a global production enclave in agribusiness and to determine the connections between agribusiness transformation and ecological degradation. To this end, a water transfer project is first addressed as the turning point for the local agricultural sector from which the transformation of agribusiness is described regarding land use, technical adaptations, employment/recruitment changes, etc. A documented result of these agribusiness transformations is subsequently presented: a significant contribution to the ecological degradation of the Mar Menor coastal lagoon, whose natural site will remain endangered if ‘business as usual’ continues.