bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative hunting in artificial agents with deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Tsutsui Kazushi , Tanaka Ryoya , Takeda Kazuya , Fujii Keisuke
Published: October 2022

Collaborative hunting, in which predators play different and complementary roles to capture prey, has been traditionally believed as an advanced hunting strategy requiring large brains that involve high level cognition. However, recent findings that collaborative hunting have also been documented in smaller-brained vertebrates have placed this previous belief under strain. Here, we demonstrate that decisions underlying collaborative hunts do not necessarily rely on sophisticated cognitive processes using computational multi-agent simulation based on deep reinforcement learning. We found that apparently elaborate coordination can be achieved through a relatively simple decision process of mapping between observations and actions via distance-dependent internal representations formed by prior experience. Furthermore, we confirmed that this decision rule of predators is robust against unknown prey controlled by humans. Our results of computational ecology emphasize that collaborative hunting can emerge in various intra- and inter-specific interactions in nature, and provide insights into the evolution of sociality.
A conserved and tunable mechanism for the temperature-controlled condensation of the translation factor Ded1p
Authors: Jegers Ceciel , Franzmann Titus M. , Hübner Julian , Schneider Jakob , Landerer Cedric , Wittmann Sina , Toth-Petroczy Agnes , Sprangers Remco , Hyman Anthony A. , Alberti Simon
Published: October 2022

Heat shock promotes the assembly of translation factors into condensates to facilitate the production of stress-protective proteins. How translation factors detect heat and assemble into condensates is not well understood. Here, we investigate heat-induced condensate assembly by the translation factor Ded1p from five different fungi, including Ded1p fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Using targeted mutagenesis andin vitroreconstitution biochemistry, we find that heat-induced Ded1p assembly is driven by a conformational rearrangement of the folded helicase domain. This rearrangement determines the assembly temperature and the assembly of Ded1p into nanometer-sized particles, while the flanking intrinsically disordered regions engage in intermolecular interactions to promote assembly into micron-sized condensates. Using protein engineering, we identify six amino acid substitutions that determine most of the thermostability of a thermophilic Ded1p ortholog, thereby providing a molecular understanding underlying the adaptation of the Ded1p assembly temperature to the specific growth temperature of the species. We conclude that heat-induced assembly of Ded1p into translation factor condensates is regulated by a complex interplay of the structured domain and intrinsically disordered regions which is subject to evolutionary tuning.
Towards improving the design and planning of post-conflict housing reconstruction projects: a conceptual framework
Authors: Iskandarani Heba , Proverbs David G. , Xiao Hong
Published: October 2022

Purpose

There is a significant dearth of theoretical and practical knowledge with respect to the design and planning stages of post-conflict housing reconstruction projects. This research presents the development of a conceptual framework towards improving the design and planning processes of post-conflict housing reconstruction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the literature on post-conflict housing reconstruction in developing countries, incorporating the themes of collaboration and stakeholder engagement, is presented. A synthesis of this literature is used to inform the development of a conceptual framework that seeks to address the limitations of current housing reconstruction models in post-conflict environments by establishing collaborative approaches at the initial stages of design, as well as the tasks required to achieve efficient results through the aid of relief organisations (NGOs).

Findings

While the review essentially identifies the fundamental issues and inadequacies of the current housing reconstruction models, the proposed framework aims to enable the implementation of better and efficient collaborative design and planning strategies and practices in post-conflict housing reconstruction.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework aims to promote more effective collaboration through the design of post-conflict housing reconstruction projects by strengthening communication and coordination between the key stakeholders. Furthermore, the research highlights several gaps in the extant literature, signposting new directions for future research in the area of stakeholder engagement during the design and planning post-conflict housing.
The history of knowledge and the history of education
Authors: Barnes Joel , Pietsch Tamson
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to introduce the themed section ofHistory of Education Reviewon “The History of Knowledge and the History of Education”, comprising four empirical articles that together seek to bring the history of education into fuller dialogue with the approaches and methods of the nascent field of the history of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

This introductory article provides a broad overview of the history of knowledge for the benefit of historians of education, introduces the four themed section articles that follow, and draws out some of their overarching themes and concepts.

Findings

The history of knowledge concept of “arenas of knowledge” emerges as generative across the themed section. Authors also engage with problems of the legitimacy of knowledges, and with pedagogy as practice. In addition, focusing on colonial and postcolonial contexts raises reflexive questions about history of knowledge approaches that have so far largely been developed in European and North American scholarship.

Originality/value

The history of education has not previously been strongly represented among the fields that have gone into the formation of the history of knowledge as a synthetic, interdisciplinary approach to historical studies. Nor have historians of education much engaged with its distinguishing concepts and methodologies. The themed section also extends the history of knowledge itself through its strong focus on colonial and postcolonial histories.
Light-driven mixing strategy inside a nanofluid droplet by asymmetrical Marangoni flow
Authors: Liu Zhe , Wei Hao , Chen Li , Cui Haihang , Sun Bohua
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish an effective numerical simulation method to describe the flow pattern and optimize the strategy of noncontact mixing induced by alternating Gaussian light inside a nanofluid droplet and analyzing the influencing factors and flow mechanism of fluid mixing inside a droplet.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the heat converted by the alternating incident Gaussian light acting on the nanoparticles was considered as the bulk heat source distribution, and the equilibrium equation between the surface tension and the viscous force at the upper boundary force was established; then, the numerical simulation methods for multiple-physical-field coupling was established, and the mixing index was used to quantify the mixing degree inside a droplet. The effects of the incident position of alternating Gaussian light and the height of the droplet on the mixing characteristics inside a droplet were studied. Finally, the nondimensional Marangoni number was used to reveal the flow mechanism of the internal mixing of the droplet.

Findings

Noncontact alternating Gaussian light can induce asymmetric vortex motion inside a nanofluid droplet. The incident position of alternating Gaussian light is a significant factor affecting the mixing degree in the droplet. In addition, the heat transfer caused by the surface tension gradient promotes the convection effect, which significantly enhances the mixing of the fluid in the droplet.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the possibility of the chaotic mixing phenomenon induced by noncontact Gaussian light that occurs within a tiny droplet and provides a feasible method to achieve efficient mixing inside droplets at the microscale.
Will temperature affect the export quality of firms? Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Junmei , Li Hongyi
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether temperature affects the product quality of exporters and whether the effect is non-linear. More specifically, whether the impact of high temperatures differs from the impact of low temperatures, and whether different types of companies or industries are affected differently.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses detailed data covering all Chinese exporters from 2000 to 2016 to estimate the effects of temperature on the product quality of export firms. To clarify the relationship between them, the authors use a semi-parametric regression method, trying to test whether there is a non-linear relationship between temperature and the export quality of firms.

Findings

The increase in the number of high temperature days significantly reduces the quality of exported products, and this negative effect increases as the temperature rises. High temperature has the most significant negative impact on export quality for firms with low technical complexity, private firms and firms with no intermediate imports and located in historical hot cities. Product quality of both labor-intensive and capital-intensive firms will be affected by heat. High temperatures have the greatest negative impact on the export quality of newly entering products, followed by exiting products, with the least negative impact on persisting product.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the impact of temperature on the quality of economic development. The findings of this paper again show that the potential economic impacts of global warming are huge. In addition to some potentially devastating impacts in the future, global warming is already causing imperceptible impacts in the present. Public and economic agents need to fully understand the possible adverse impacts of climate change and take corresponding adaptation measures to cope with global warming.
Multi-attribute group decision-making method with linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy information based on bi-direction Choquet integral
Authors: Weng Ling , Lin Jian , Lv Shujie
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (LqROFS) information VIKOR method based on the bi-direction Choquet integral (BDCI), taking into account the correlation between information. The method can enrich the existing studies related to LqROFS information and better solve the problem of MAGDM problem.

Design/methodology/approach

Since applying Choquet integral (CI) depict information interaction is a common operation in MAGDM. However, the traditional CI has some limitations. The unidirectional alignment may affect the MAGDM results. Therefore, a LqROFS-VIKOR method based on BDCI is proposed, where BDCI is used to aggregate the decision matrix. Furthermore, it is not reasonable to apply exact numbers to express the similarity between two qualitative data. Then a new method of defining similarity using linguistics is proposed. The similarity is used to calculate attribute weights.

Findings

The validity and potential application of MAGMD method with linguistic q-rung orthopair fuzzy information based on BDCI are demonstrated in a numerical examples study.

Originality/value

According to the study of available literature, the current research on LqROFS is incomplete. The existing studies of both similarity and aggregate operators have certain shortcomings. The definition of similarity proposed in this paper is more in line with reality. And compared with the existing methods, the BDCI-based aggregate operator can describe the interaction between information more reasonably. Based on this VIKOR method based on BDCI under the LqROFS environment can better select the alternative.
Risk mitigation effect of foreign debt: evidence from loan pricing
Authors: Chandera Yane
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The author examines the presence of foreign currency effects and the risk-mitigation channel through which a foreign-currency denomination reduces the loan spread.

Design/methodology/approach

The author runs regression analyses using loan data of firms incorporated in member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from 2000 to 2020. The author also runs several robustness tests to address forward exchange rate bias, endogeneity concern and sample-selection bias.

Findings

Consistent with the currency matching motive of foreign debt use, the results show that a foreign currency denomination is associated with a lower spread and the relationship is amplified when there is a positive correlation between the changes in the return on assets and in the exchange rate.

Research limitations/implications

This paper enriches existing studies on the use of foreign debt as an exchange rate risk management tool.

Practical implications

The results suggest that as firms utilize foreign debt and policymakers need to design banking regulations that not only oversee but also encourage the use of foreign debt as a hedging instrument to lower firms' borrowing costs.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to extant studies by examining the presence of foreign currency effects in emerging countries' loan markets and by exploiting the micro-level demand-side factors as the channel through which the currency denomination affects the loan spread.
A conceptual framework for co-creating memorable experiences: the metaphor of the journey
Authors: Angeloni Silvia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a conceptual framework to capture the essence of memorable experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework based on the service marketing and tourism literature is proposed to understand how memorable experiences are co-created. A particular context is presented to test the hypotheses using structural equation modelling. The quantitative findings are further explained using qualitative data.

Findings

The findings show that co-creation, novelty, theming and storytelling serve as antecedents of entertainment, education, escapism and esthetics, consequently resulting in positive memorable experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This study aids researchers and managers in understanding and co-creating memorable customer experiences.

Originality/value

The metaphor of the journey may help to rethink business models by implementing practices suggested by both marketing and tourism research.
Conceptual research methodology to investigate the relationship between fees and quality of professional service outputs
Authors: Govender Neil , Laryea Samuel , Watermeyer Ron
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Construction projects require a range of documents (e.g. drawings and specifications) prepared by built environment professionals. In recent years, there has been a perception amongst professionals that quality of documentation has declined. “Low” professional fees were cited as one of the reasons for poor quality documentation. However, most studies on the topic contained inappropriate methodologies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to develop a conceptual methodology to comprehensively examine the relationship between fees and professional service output quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to evaluate the limitations of previous methodologies and identify variables in the relationship between fees and quality of professional service outputs. Findings from the SLR were used to develop a conceptual methodology to investigate the relationship between fees and quality of professional service outputs.

Findings

Based on a frequency analysis of factors in the construction literature, the three main variables influencing professional service output quality were fees, coordination and amount of time available for project tasks. The SLR and shortcomings in previous studies informed the development of a conceptual methodology to examine the relationship between fees and professional service output quality.

Practical implications

The conceptual methodology will assist in comprehensively investigating the effect of fees on the quality of professional service outputs. This is particularly relevant in countries where clients procure built environment professional services based on the lowest fee tendered but are concerned about quality. The methodology can establish how and to what extent “low” fees impact on professional service output quality. Industry professionals can also use variables identified in this paper to mitigate quality-related risks when producing professional service outputs.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the body of knowledge by identifying variables in the relationship between fees and professional service output quality. The identified variables can be monitored and controlled by researchers during future investigations. Additionally, a conceptual methodology was proposed to assist researchers to determine the effect of fees on professional service output quality. The flexibility of the conceptual methodology enables it to comprehensively investigate other key variables (apart from fees) impacting on professional service output quality.
Authentic leader(ship) development and leaders' psychological well-being: an outcome-wide analysis
Authors: Yemiscigil Ayse , Born Dana , Snook Scott , Pate Emily
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Despite a fast-growing interest in leadership development programs, there is limited research on the impacts of leadership development and a narrow focus on professional competencies as outcomes. The authors’ aim was to test whether authentic leadership development (ALD), an identity-based leadership development approach, is associated with positive changes in leaders' psychological well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

In a large sample of leaders (N = 532) from five different ALD programs, the authors conducted a pre-registered outcome-wide analysis and tested within-person changes in key indicators of psychological well-being and explored individual differences moderating these changes.

Findings

Results showed significant increases in self-concept clarity, sense of purpose in life and personal growth about two to three weeks after the programs ended. Changes in stress and health were not consistent. These changes did not differ across socio-demographic status (gender, age), work-related factors (leadership, industry and tenure) and most personality factors (extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience). Those with high emotional variability experienced greater improvements in some outcomes of well-being while individuals with higher income and conscientiousness (who had high baseline self-concept clarity) experienced smaller improvements. Longer follow-up assessments were associated with smaller changes.

Originality/value

As one of the most comprehensive assessments of ALD outcomes to date, this study shows the potential of ALD for improving outcomes beyond leadership skills, the well-being of leaders, highlighting the return on value in leadership development and pointing to learning and development as a workplace well-being intervention.
The role of self-service technology and graduates’ perceived job performance in assessing university service quality
Authors: Chikazhe Lovemore , Bhebhe Thomas , Nyagadza Brighton , Munyanyi Edmore , Singizi Tricia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how graduates’ perceptions of self-service technology and perceived job performance can be used to assess university service quality. Also, this study examines the mediating role of perceived job performance on the effect of university service quality on graduates’ satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was adopted where university graduates’ perceptions of self-service technology and job performance were used to assess the level of the university’s service quality. Through a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 280 university graduates employed in Chinhoyi town, Zimbabwe, during the period between August and December 2021.

Findings

This study’s findings indicate that self-service technology influences university service quality which in turn impacts on graduates’ perceived job performance, satisfaction and loyalty. Graduates' perceived job performance was also found to partially mediate the effect of university service quality on satisfaction and loyalty among graduates.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s results are instrumental to enable university’s management in developing economies to adopt and improve self-service technologies as this enhances university service quality and graduates’ perceived job performance, satisfaction and loyalty.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insights, that is, the incorporation of graduates’ perceptions of self-service technology and job performance in assessing the university’s service quality. This research further clarifies the function of graduates’ perceived job performance in mediating the effect of university service quality on graduate satisfaction and loyalty. This study further adds to our understanding of tools, criteria and methods for assuring university service quality.
Additive manufacturing for prostheses development: state of the art
Authors: Savsani Smitkumar , Singh Shamsher , Mali Harlal Singh
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Medical devices are undergoing rapid changes because of the increasing affordability of advanced technologies like additive manufacturing (AM) and three-dimensional scanning. New avenues are available for providing solutions and comfort that were not previously conceivable. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the research on developing prostheses using AM to understand the opportunities and challenges in the domain. Various studies on prosthesis development using AM are investigated to explore the scope of integration of AM in prostheses development.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of key publications from the past two decades was conducted. Integration of AM and prostheses development is reviewed from the technologies, materials and functionality point of view to identify challenges, opportunities and future scope.

Findings

AM in prostheses provides superior physical and cognitive ergonomics and reduced cost and delivery time. Patient-specific, lightweight solutions for complex designs improve comfort, functionality and clinical outcomes. Compared to existing procedures and methodologies, using AM technologies in prosthetics could benefit a large population.

Originality/value

This paper helps investigate the impact of AM and related technology in the field of prosthetics and can also be viewed as a collection of relevant medical research and findings.
Excellent acetone sensing performance of Au NPs functionalized Co3O4-ZnO nanocomposite
Authors: Wang Ziyan , Yang Xueli , Sun Caixuan , Liu Hongyan , Shao Junkai , Wang Mengjie , Dong Junyi , Cao Guanlong , Pan Guofeng
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to successfully synthesize three-dimensional spindle-like Au functionalized Co3O4-ZnO nanocomposites; characterize the structure, morphology and surface chemical properties of the products; study the effect of Au NPs doping concentration, operating temperature different gas to, sensing properties; and introduce an attractive gas sensor for acetone detection.

Design/methodology/approach

Au NPs functionalized Co3O4-ZnO nanocomposite was prepared by coprecipitation and impregnation methods; the structure and surface chemical property of the products were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis, BET and XPS. The sensing ability of Au@Co3O4-ZnO for acetone and mechanism was analyzed systematically.

Findings

The results of gas sensing tests show that the unique component structure, Schottky junction and catalytic effect of Au functionalization make it have low operating temperature, excellent selectivity, high response (10 ppm, 56) and rapid response recovery time.

Research limitations/implications

All the characterization and test data of the prepared materials are provided in this paper and reveals the gas sensing mechanism of the gas sensor.

Practical implications

The detection limit is 2.92–100 ppb acetone. It is promising to be applied in low-power, micro detection and miniature acetone gas sensors.

Social implications

The gas sensor prepared has a lower working temperature and low detection limit, so it has promising application prospects in low-concentration acetone detection and early warning.

Originality/value

The unique component structure, Schottky junction and catalytic effect of Au functionalization Co3O4-ZnO make it have low operating temperature, excellent selectivity and rapid response recovery time.
Phytoplankton assemblage shifts with dissolved organic matter properties: A functional perspective for sentinel lakes
Authors: Dory Flavia , Cavalli Laurent , Franquet Evelyne , Mounier Stéphane , Höhener Patrick , Misson Benjamin , Martin Mathieu , Arnault Quentin , Tatoni Thierry , Bertrand Céline
Published: October 2022

Climate change is altering both dissolved organic matter (DOM) properties and phytoplankton dynamics in lakes. High‐altitude lakes are good sentinels of global change. However, their value as sentinels depends on how well we understand their functioning. This study analysed physical, chemical and biological data during three pre‐defined periods running from complete ice‐cover right to the end of the ice‐free season, in a high‐altitude oligotrophic lake. A functional approach was used to assess how relationships between DOM and the planktonic community vary over time.

Phytoplankton functional change was found to occur with shifts in DOM. During the ice‐influenced period, from February to the end of the thaw, the phytoplankton community was dominated by small autotrophs and mixotrophic flagellates and DOM from sediment and terrestrial origin dominated the DOM pool of the lake. Phytoplankton diversity and richness increased during the post‐snowmelt overturn period, when terrestrial DOM dominated the DOM pool. Finally, large siliceous autotrophs, competitive under low nitrogen concentrations and high temperature, dominated almost exclusively during the late summer period (LSP). Increased phytoplankton biomass meant that phytoplankton‐derived DOM was dominant during the LSP.

These phenological changes in the phytoplankton community resulted in functional shifts at the base of the food web. Based on the relationships between the variables in the study, it can be deduced that the nature of the relationship between phytoplankton and bacteria progressively shifted from strong top‐down control exerted by phytoplankton over bacteria towards predominantly bottom‐up control at the end of the ice‐free season.

Synthesis. Using a field survey starting from complete ice‐cover and lasting right to the end of the ice‐free season in a sentinel lake, we show seasonal shifts in the link between DOM properties and plankton community traits. Differences in environmental conditions and DOM origin explained variation in phytoplankton community structure and function, pointing to seasonal shifts in microbial food web interactions. Our research suggests that, under climate change, the balance between mixotrophy and autotrophy and the control exerted by phytoplankton over bacterioplankton will change in oligotrophic high‐altitude lakes with large, vegetated catchments.
Potential roles of ellagic acid on metabolic variables in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review
Authors: Maleki Vahid , Abbaszadeh Sepideh , Seyyed Shoura Seyyed Morteza , Sohrabnavi Asma , Sepandi Mojtaba , Taghdir Maryam
Published: October 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a widespread endocrine disorder globally. Due to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, ellagic acid has the potential to improve the metabolic effects of chronic non‐communicable diseases. This systematic review summarizes current evidence about the potential effects of ellagic acid on metabolic variables in diabetes mellitus. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, ProQuest and Google Scholar from inception until March 2022. All animal studies and clinical trials were eligible for inclusion. Studies using in vitro models or published in a non‐English language were excluded. Of 1320 articles, 23 were selected for assessment, including 21 animal studies and two randomized controlled trial studies. Following ellagic acid administration, findings reported improvement in FBS, HbA1c, insulin (20, 8 and 12 studies, respectively), TG, TC, HDL‐C (13, 10 and 5 studies, respectively), MDA, GSH, CAT, SOD (11, 6, 3 and 4 studies, respectively), and TNF‐α and IL‐6 (6 and 3 studies, respectively). In conclusion, ellagic acid may improve glycaemic indicators, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes mellitus. However, further clinical trials are needed to explore the mechanisms more precisely and to observe the applied consequences.
Disproportionality in the attainment of pupils with special educational needs at the end of primary school in England
Authors: Demie Feyisa
Published: October 2022

This research article aims to examine disproportionality in the attainment of pupils with special educational needs at the end of primary education. The sample consisted of 3,025 pupils who completed Key Stage 2 in one LA in London. Two methodological approaches were used in the data collection. The background data related to special educational needs were collected as part of the January school census and this was then matched at the pupil level to their Key Stage 2 results collected by the Department for Education for all state‐educated pupils in England at end of the summer term. The data were then analyzed further using descriptive statistics. The findings of the analysis of Key Stage 2 results show that pupils with special educational needs in England are much less likely to meet the expected standard, raising key concerns for policymakers and teachers. A number of factors were identified, including pupils' type of need, gender, socio‐economic status, ethnic background and exclusions rate. The data show that some ethnic minorities are more likely to be identified with some types of special educational need compared to White British pupils. Policy implications for tackling disproportionality in special educational needs and further research are discussed in the concluding section.
Bureaucratic entrepreneurship and morality politics: Dividing lines within the state
Authors: MAVROT CÉLINE
Published: October 2022

Based on a qualitative and quantitative research design, this article examines the implementation of a morality policy – the medical cannabis policy in Switzerland – to investigate three understudied aspects of bureaucratic entrepreneurship. First, moving away from mono‐professional studies, the focus is on a policy characterized by a dispute between two groups of bureaucrats: physicians and jurists. Second, key conditions triggering bureaucratic policy entrepreneurship are identified, with a focus on mid‐level administrative entrepreneurs. Third, vertical alliances between bureaucrats and politicians of the executive and legislative branches are examined and these processes are reflected in the wider perspective of the politics‐administration dichotomy. Results show that law obsolescence, disputes between groups of bureaucrats and the need for political arbitration are favourable conditions for bureaucratic policy entrepreneurship. The study also shows that within the traditional separation of powers, bureaucratic entrepreneurship reinforces the executive power and creates dividing lines within the different branches of government.
Investigation of non‐Saccharomyces yeasts with intracellular β‐glycosidase activity for wine aroma modification
Authors: Graf Felix M. R. , Weber Heike E. , Buchhaupt Markus
Published: October 2022

Since high proportions of aroma‐relevant molecules in plant‐derived juices are present in glycosylated forms, the introduction of glycosidase activity during processing is an important tool to modify the aroma composition of the product. During winemaking, the addition of β‐glycosidase enzyme or microorganisms with β‐glycosidase activity is an established technology. However, low stability under acidic conditions and low selectivity for hydrolysis of different glycosides are still drawbacks, which limit application possibilities. Here, we report the identification and characterization of non‐Saccharomyces yeast strains with relatively high β‐glycosidase activity in their cultures. We found strong indications for intracellular localization of the enzymes, which is in line with the pH robustness found in experiments with whole cells. Furthermore, we compared the selectivity of aroma compound release from glycoside mixtures using whole cells or cell extracts. The results showed strong differences for the released aroma patterns, which indicates the transport of glycosides and intracellular hydrolysis. Our work demonstrates the application potential of yeasts with intracellular β‐glycosidase activities as catalysts with high pH robustness and selective aroma release properties.

Practical Application

The yeast strains identified and characterized within this work can be applied in wine processing but also in other processes to release aroma molecules from their glycosylated precursors provided by the plants. The strains show relatively high activity of the relevant enzyme, β‐glycosidase, also at low pH, which is essential in many processes. In contrast to most other approaches, the enzyme is inside the cells, which can lead to a specific release of certain aroma compounds.
Flower‐visitor diversity and pollination of Indian olive (Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume)
Authors: Oraon Satyajit , Pal Soumitra , Mondal Subrata
Published: October 2022

This study assessed flower‐visitor assemblages, breeding system and pollination of Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume (Elaeocarpaceae) which is widely distributed throughout Asian countries. As soon as flowers opened, an array of flower visitors including members of Diptera, Hymenoptera and Thysanoptera visited flowers for their forage. The members of Diptera (82.6%) were the dominant visitors in comparison to Hymenoptera (10.4%) and Thysanoptera (7.0%). The flower visitor frequency, activity rate and index of visitation rate revealed that Chrysomya sp., Musca domestica and Eristalinus sp. of Diptera acted as potential pollinators. Self‐incompatibility index and reproductive efficacy were 0.53 and 0.35 respectively, indicating incomplete self‐compatibility. Hand pollination showed significantly higher fruit set in xenogamous pollination (36%) than open pollination (12.82%). A detailed understanding of such flower‐visitor interactions will be helpful in the conservation and sustenance of the species as well as biodiversity.
Morphological analysis of the reproductive activity of Curimatella lepidura (Characiformes: Curimatidae)
Authors: Gontijo Daniel Lopes , Marcon Lucas , Rizzo Elizete , Bazzoli Nilo , dos Santos José Enemir
Published: October 2022

Curimatella lepidura, commonly known as the manjuba, belongs to the Curimatidae family. To assess the reproductive activity of this species, fish were collected from three sections of the São Francisco River: section 1 = the Três Marias reservoir (TMR), section 2 = the SFR immediately downstream of the TMR, and section 3 = the SFR 54 km downstream from the TMR after the confluence of the SFR with the Abaeté River. Fish were collected bimonthly from January to December 2012. From this, the gonadosomatic index (GSI), Fulton condition factor (K), gonadal maturation stages in females and males, and diameters of vitellogenic follicles were determined. That is, this study employed histological and histometrical techniques to study the ovaries and testes of collected fish. The Fulton condition factor was statistically higher in section 1 than in the other sections, indicating that C. lepidura presents better health conditions in this section. Fish in the maturation/mature gonadal stage were collected in the November/December and January/February bimesters, coinciding with high temperatures, a long photoperiod, and abundant rainfall in this region. The mean vitellogenic follicle diameter was statistically lowest for sections 2 and 3, with a better impact on reproduction than in section 1. Overall, the results show that C. lepidura has reproductive success in lentic environments, such as in section 1, the TMR.
Salivary progesterone as a biomarker for predicting preterm birth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cando Leslie Faye T. , Dispo Micah D. , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G.
Published: October 2022

Problem

Several biomarkers have been studied to predict spontaneous preterm birth, including salivary progesterone. However, due to limited studies, the utility of this biomarker remains controversial. This study synthesized the available literature and determined the role of salivary progesterone as a potential biomarker for preterm birth.

Method of Study

All studies reporting the levels of salivary progesterone among pregnant women with reported birth outcomes were obtained from Ovid Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to January 10, 2022. A review of titles and abstracts was done independently by three reviewers. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Meta‐analysis was performed in R v.4.1.3 using the “meta” package.

Results

Five studies involving 861 pregnant patients from Egypt, India, Iraq, and the US were included in this meta‐analysis. The random‐effects model showed that salivary progesterone level after the 28th week of gestation was significantly different between patients with term and preterm birth (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .44–3.54) with a high degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 96%, P < .001). Based on the results of this meta‐analysis, women with term birth had higher level of salivary progesterone after the 28th week of gestation than those with preterm birth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study results suggest that low salivary progesterone level after the 28th week of gestation is significantly associated with preterm birth. This study also highlights the use of saliva samples for monitoring sex steroid hormones throughout pregnancy.
The neuroscience of trust violation: Differential activation of the default mode network in ability, benevolence and integrity breaches
Authors: van der Werff Lisa , O'Shea Deirdre , Healy Graham , Buckley Finian , Real Colette , Keane Michael , Lynn Theo
Published: October 2022

Trust is widely regarded as being foundational in workplace relationships. The violation of interpersonal trust results in a range of negative affective, cognitive and behavioural consequences for the injured party. However, research has yet to isolate the specific neural areas and processes activated when different types of interpersonal trust are breached. Using electroencephalogram with 68 participants, we identified the effects of three distinct types of trust violations—ability violation, integrity violation and benevolence violations—on electrical brain activity. Our findings indicate that trust violations are processed in social cognitive‐related brain areas. Specifically, our results identify the significance of the default mode network (DMN), relevant to the processing of social information, in trust violation and further isolated distinct activity for ability, integrity and benevolence trust violation, with integrity violations demonstrating the greatest reaction in the DMN. Benevolence violations generated the next greatest reaction but were not significantly different from the ability violations. This potential distinction may be worth further investigation in future research. Our findings highlight the potential importance of the DMN in processing cues regarding the trustworthiness of others and the distinctiveness of the processing of violation cues of the three facets of trustworthiness.
Letter: fighting the battle but losing the war—inflammatory bowel disease and venous thromboembolism
Authors: Sahyoun Laura , Dahiya Dushyant Singh , Cheng Chin‐I , Sultan Keith
Published: October 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Faye et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17162 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17227
Editorial: colorectal cancer in elderly‐onset IBD—what is the risk? Authors' reply
Authors: Everhov Åsa H. , Olén Ola
Published: October 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Everhov et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17175 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17207
Letter: immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases and inflammatory bowel disease—are we ready for a Copernican revolution?
Authors: Bezzio Cristina , Alimenti Eleonora , Saibeni Simone
Published: October 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Falloon et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16853
Effect of the human endotoxin challenge on tedizolid tissue penetration
Authors: Jorda Anselm , Wulkersdorfer Beatrix , Schoergenhofer Christian , Matzneller Peter , al Jalali Valentin , Bauer Martin , Wölfl‐Duchek Michael , Lackner Edith , Dorn Christoph , Jilma Bernd , Zeitlinger Markus
Published: October 2022

The effects of the human endotoxin challenge on tissue pharmacokinetics are unknown. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effect of the endotoxin challenge on interstitial fluid pharmacokinetics of tedizolid in healthy volunteers using intramuscular microdialysis. Eight healthy male subjects were treated with 200 mg of tedizolid phosphate for 6 days. On Day 6, an intravenous bolus of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (2 ng/kg body weight) was administered. LPS infusion did not affect plasma pharmacokinetics of tedizolid. In contrast, following LPS infusion, median muscle tissue fAUC (0.83 [0.75–1.15] vs. 1.14 [1.11–1.43] mg × h/L, P = .0078) and muscle tissue fCmax (0.15 [0.14–0.19] vs. 0.19 [0.18–0.24] mg/L, P = .0078) were significantly increased by 38% and 24%, respectively. The human endotoxin challenge was associated with increased tissue concentrations of tedizolid, without affecting its plasma concentration–time profile. The human endotoxin challenge combined with microdialysis may be used to investigate the influence of systemic inflammation on tissue pharmacokinetics.
Changes in Chinese students' academic emotions after examinations: Pride in success, shame in failure, and self‐loathing in comparison
Authors: Fang Jinjing , Brown Gavin T. L. , Hamilton Richard
Published: October 2022

Background

Several attempts have been made to examine students' academic emotions (AEs) in Western contexts, but less is known about how students' self‐reported emotions vary over time.

Aims

The study aimed to understand Chinese students' emotional responses to academic events and the impact of high‐stakes testing on their AEs in the first year with a repeated‐measures survey after the Semester 1 and Semester 2 mid‐term examinations.

Samples

351 first‐year university students completed both surveys in an elite Chinese university, where the top 10% of first‐year students were assigned to an honours programme.

Methods

Self‐reported AEs survey responses were evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis. Invariance testing between honours and ordinary students and between semesters was used to examine between‐group differences across time.

Results

A three‐factor model of AEs (i.e., admired, shame, and self‐loathing) was found in both semesters, with strong invariance between semesters. Mean scores between groups were equivalent and semester. However, self‐loathing had the lowest mean (mean = 2.50; between mostly disagree and slightly agree), admired was at moderately agree (mean = 4.00), and shame was strongest at just over moderately agree (mean = 4.20).

Conclusions

This study reveals a three‐factor structure of AEs and the stability of these emotions among highly successful Chinese learners. Despite being elite students, this sample of Chinese learners felt shame and pride in response to mid‐term examinations.
Adaptations in models of urological regulation and their application to sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Payne Stephen R. , Olatosi John , Mabedi Charles , Adeyoju Adebanji
Published: October 2022

Regulation of medical care is something that has grown from humble roots in professional craft groups to huge establishment in well‐resourced, high‐income countries. Self‐regulation was the preferred method of determining appropriate behaviour initially, but a lack of public trust in this, and the desire of patients to contribute to the establishment of the standard of care that they receive, has meant that most Anglophone countries have adopted some form of independent regulation. Regulators are responsible for the registration of doctor's qualifications, licensing them to practise, accrediting institutions to provide undergraduate and postgraduate education and certifying the attainment of accepted standards of achievement by some form of assessment process. Regulators also have powers to sanction individuals whose practice falls outside expected levels of competence. Both centralized and devolved models of regulation have evolved. Much of the accreditation for postgraduate education and training has been handed down to collegiate bodies, or non‐governmental organizations, who can also certify completion of training. Evidence‐based medicine and clinical practice guidelines have enforced an informal tier of regulation in high‐income countries; guideline‐derived practice is now widely regarded as an accepted standard of care. In low‐ and middle‐income countries in sub‐Saharan Africa the governmental and legislative structures and finance available to provide the regulation espoused in more privileged environments is rarely available. The workforce is structured in a completely different way and some care groups are totally unregulated. Medical councils in sub‐Saharan Africa fulfil a registration and licensing function but surgical collegiate bodies provide the structure for postgraduate training. The East and West African Colleges of Surgeons have developed into robust organizations, who have verifiable, quality‐assured, accreditation systems that have helped improve standards of care for the large populations for which their member surgeons are responsible. Formal regulation of continuing practice and sanctions are challenges that are, at present, largely unaddressed.
Paternal and maternal rejection and Chinese children's internalizing and externalizing problems across the transition to siblinghood: A developmental cascade model of family influence
Authors: Chen Bin‐Bin , Volling Brenda L.
Published: October 2022

This longitudinal study examined the reciprocal associations between paternal and maternal rejection and firstborn children's (Mage = 49.9 months; 55% boys) behavior problems across the transition to siblinghood in a sample of 120 families recruited from 2016 to 2018 from Shanghai, China. Parental rejection and behavior problems were assessed before (prenatal) and 1, 6, and 12 months after the birth of a baby sibling. Random intercept cross‐lagged panel models revealed positive relations between internalizing problems and both maternal and paternal rejection, and between externalizing problems and paternal rejection at the between‐person level (rs = .32–.37), but only cross‐lagged effects from children's internalizing and externalizing problems to maternal rejection at the within‐person level (βs = .30–.54).