bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring football clubs' human capital: analytical and dynamic models based on footballers' life cycles
Authors: Rubio Martín Gracia , Manuel García Conrado Miguel , Rodríguez-López Ángel , Gonzalez Sanchez Francisco José
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This research proposes analytical valuation models throughout football players' life cycles based on crowd valuations from social media to produce dynamic sporting human capital disclosures, and therefore, supplying further useful information to capture the intellectual capital (IC) of football clubs.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is carried out using an econometric model that includes 658 observations of crowd judgments versus their transfer fees, for the best footballers of the three major European Leagues between 2006 and 2018. To make the model more parsimonious, the set of independent variables that really add value has been found across the stepwise methodology.

Findings

The significant differences between both models are analyzed, integrating previous academic literature based on the existence of negotiation elements in prices, and in the capacity of crowdsourcing to explain assessments of football players, from a dynamic perspective, alongside a new variable: injuries, which has not been explained before.

Originality/value

The broader assessments from crowdsourcing should be integrated in intellectual capital disclosures (ICD), from a critical, novel and dynamic perspective, creating a virtuous cycle between managers and fans, to increase transparency of financial information for stakeholders and society.
Work flexibility-ability and work–family conflict: the joint role of willingness and worry
Authors: Li Weihe , Tang Hanying , Ma Hongyu , Zhang Jing , Zhang Nan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study introduced a focus on work flexibility-worry and intended to test whether work flexibility-worry would weaken the strengthening power of work flexibility-willingness on the relationship between work flexibility-ability and work–family conflict from the perspective of person–situation interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 924 employees recruited by the snowballing technique. They completed questionnaires about demographics and work flexibility. Multivariate stepwise regression was used to analyze the collected data.

Findings

Results showed that work flexibility-ability can reduce work-to-family conflict. However, this effect is most pronounced only among individuals with a high work flexibility-willingness who simultaneously experience low work flexibility-worry.

Practical implications

For organizations that want to provide work flexibility benefits to employees, they should not only pay attention to employees' personal preference for work flexibility but also create a climate in which all employees are allowed to use the flexibility supply without criticism from coworkers and without impacting organizational evaluations, which can benefit employees' functioning in both their work and family roles.

Originality/value

This study clarified the joint role of willingness and worry in predicting the extent to which work flexibility-ability reduces work–family conflict, which helps organizations to better understand the conditions under which work flexibility can better reduce work–family conflict.
A systematic and bibliometric review on risk culture: a novel theoretical framework
Authors: Cimini Riccardo
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper includes a systematic and bibliometric review of research products that address risk culture published between 1996 and 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol has been followed for the systematic literature review. As to the bibliometric analysis, a network helps the readers to identify the most prominent research, if any, in terms of mutual references.

Findings

Risk culture has been extensively investigated under different perspectives by scholars who belong to a research community not so much integrated in terms of reciprocal references.

Practical implications

Managers, policy makers and politicians should learn that it is important to understand risk culture because the effectiveness of corporate strategies and reforms pass also through cultural values of people that determine their conduct in the everyday lives.

Originality/value

Being still lacking, this article contributes to the literature by providing a novel theoretical framework that reconciles the different approaches through which risk culture has been investigated. The framework explains that behind risk culture there are always people and their behaviour facing risk and uncertainty. In the extent, bounded rationality might produce (mis)perceptions of risks, a large variety of human behaviour, and so different risk cultures can be observed.
Network analysis of collaboration in networked universities
Authors: Meisel Jose D. , Montes Felipe , Ramirez Angie M. , Lemoine Pablo D. , Valdivia Juan A. , Zarama Roberto
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the access of students to higher education has presented an extraordinary growth over the past fifteen years. This rapid growth has presented a challenge for increasing the system resources and capabilities while maintaining its quality. As a result, the networked universities (NUs) organized themselves as a collaborative network, and they have become an interesting model for facing the complexity driven by globalization, rapidly changing technology, dynamic growth of knowledge and highly specialized areas of expertise. In this article, we studied the NU named Red Universitaria Mutis (Red Mutis) with the aim of characterizing the collaboration and integration structure of the network.

Design/methodology/approach

Network analytic methods (visual analysis, positional analysis and a stochastic network method) were used to characterize the organizational structure and robustness of the network, and to identify what variables or structural tendencies are related to the likelihood that specific areas of a university would collaborate.

Findings

Red Mutis is a good example of regional NUs that could take advantage of the strengths, partnerships, information and knowledge of the regional and international universities that form the network. Analyses showed that Red Mutis has a differentiated structure consisting of academic and non-academic university areas with a vertical coordination (by steering and management) of the different university areas.

Originality/value

The methodology could be used as a framework to analyze and strengthen other strategic alliances between universities and as a model for the development of other NU in local and global contexts.
The “so-called” UGC: an updated definition of user-generated content in the age of social media
Authors: Santos Marcelo Luis Barbosa dos
Published: May 2021

Purpose

When a concept is diffusely defined or, as this article argues, “taken for granted”, it becomes very difficult to track such concept on the literature and have some continuity as researchers build on top of previous results. This article proposes a definition for user-generated content, a term that though has lost some saliency, stands in the center or the social media phenomenon, so it should not be disregarded as an object of study.

Design/methodology/approach

Celebrating 20 years of the concept, this research performs a multidisciplinary literature review of 61 academic articles on UGC. Through deconstruction of the acronym UGC, it builds on the present converging, conflicting and diverging definitions and/or approaches to UGC on an attempt to consolidate a broader definition that encompasses the complexities of the phenomenon in a context of consolidation of social media, to be applied to social sciences.

Findings

Following the present analysis, UGC is defined as any kind of text, data or action performed by online digital systems users, published and disseminated by the same user through independent channels, that incur an expressive or communicative effect either on an individual manner or combined with other contributions from the same or other sources.

Originality/value

This is the first academic effort that aims to create an in-depth dialogue over the different approaches to UGC across disciplines on the social sciences field. It should help reignite interest in the acronym, which got somehow eclipsed by the broader field of social media; whilst without UGC, social media would not exist or would not have the same social impact it does in its current form. Analogously, UGC as a topic of research has been deeply affected by the emergence and consolidation of Social Media. As this debate evolves, this contribution should be helpful as a reference to operationalize UGC on future research.

Peer review

The peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-06-2020-0258
Understanding online health community users' information adoption intention: an elaboration likelihood model perspective
Authors: Zhou Tao
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to draw on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) to examine users' information adoption intention in online health communities (OHC).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected 350 valid responses using a survey and conducted the moderated regression analysis to examine the research model.

Findings

The results indicated that users' information adoption intention is influenced by both central cues (argument quality) and peripheral cues (source credibility and emotional support). In addition, self-efficacy moderates the effect of both central cues and peripheral cues on information adoption intention.

Originality/value

Previous research has focused on the effect of individual motivations such as reciprocity and benefits on user behavior, and has seldom disclosed the influencing process of external factors on OHC users' behavioral decision. This research tries to fill the gap by adopting ELM to uncover the mechanism underlying OHC users' information adoption.
The case for social support in social marketing
Authors: Baptista Nuno , Alves Helena , Pinho José
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to reinforce the arguments for applying the social support concept in social marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to conceptually outline the potential positive contribution of social support for social marketing practice as a tool to induce behavior change.

Findings

This paper focuses on the philosophical principle of social exchange, highlights the consumer-centered perspective of social marketing, which implies the natural evaluation of the social networks of influence and support and presents social support as a mechanism to induce long-term behavior change.

Research limitations/implications

No empirical (qualitative or quantitative) investigations were used to test the application of the concept in practical interventions.

Practical implications

This paper provides significant insights for intervention developers that can be used to program and theoretically justify future social marketing interventions applying the social support concept.

Social implications

Empirical research concluded for a positive relation between social support and human health and well-being. Thus, increasing the use of the concept in social marketing can serve to attain these social goals.

Originality/value

The concept of social support has gained considerable interest in the areas of behavioral medicine and health psychology. Despite such interest, it is still not clear how it can be approached in social marketing as there is a lack of conceptual literature discussing social support from a social marketing perspective, the number of social marketing interventions operationalizing the concept is limited and, till date, no research has focused in comprehensively establishing a theoretical rationale to operationalize the concept in social marketing.
Trust and product as moderators in online shopping behavior: evidence from India
Authors: Davis Felicita , Francis Gnanasekar Manoj Britto , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The present study is aimed at examining the antecedents of online shopping user behavior and customer satisfaction. More specifically, (1) the effect of social influence, variety seeking behavior, advertising and convenience on user behavior, and (2) the effect of user behavior on customer satisfaction are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is developed and tested after verifying the psychometric properties of the survey instrument. Data were collected from 556 respondents from three major cities (Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore) in the southern part of India using structured instrument. Hierarchical regression is performed. Measurement model was checked using structural equation modeling (Lisrel package).

Findings

The results reveal that (1) social influence, (2) variety seeking, (3) advertising, (4) convenience, (5) trust and (6) product factors were positively related to online user behavior. Results also show that user behavior is significantly and positively related to customer satisfaction. The hierarchical regression results also showed moderating effects of (1) trust in the relationship between social influence, variety seeking and user behavior, and (2) product factors in the relationship between advertising, convenience and user behavior. Finally, results suggest that user behavior is partially mediating the relationship between trust and customer satisfaction, i.e. trust has both direct and indirect effect on customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

As with any survey-based research, the present study suffers from the problems associated with self-report measures viz., common method bias and social desirability bias. However, the authors attempted to minimize these limitations by following appropriate statistical techniques.

Practical implications

This study contributes to both practicing managers and the literature on advertising. The study suggests that trust and product play a major role in strengthening the relationship between antecedents and user behavior.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights about the importance of gaining trust in influencing consumer behavior. The conceptual model the authors developed is novel in the sense not many studies are available in India to empirically examine the moderating relationships of trust and product in consumer behavior.
Barriers to sustainable tourism for small hotels in small island developing states and some suggested remedies
Authors: Guden Nafiya , Unal Girgen Mete , Saner Tulen , Yesilpinar Erkan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the barriers and difficulties small hotels encounter in Cyprus and to identify possible solutions and remedies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on both academic and trade literature to explore the challenges facing small hotel operations in Cyprus, both in the South and in the North of the Island and some possible remedies. Interviews with representatives from 12 small hotels across Cyprus were conducted online and in person.

Findings

Cyprus is a small island that is vulnerable to fluctuations in tourism numbers, has limited economic independence, unique characteristics of biological and cultural diversity, scarce resources and fragile and sensitive ecosystems. The Northern part of the island is more vulnerable and highly dependent on economic support from Turkey. Further, the North has less international support because of its status, while small hotels in the Republic of Cyprus benefit from being able to promote themselves internationally. In contrast, hotels in the North have more limited scope to promote their activity.

Originality/value

This paper raises awareness of the barriers to sustainable tourism and especially as it relates to small hotels in small island developing states. One of the main findings is that there are common barriers relating to sustainable tourism in both North and South Cyprus.
Adoption of digital marketing tools in independent businesses: experiences of restaurant entrepreneurs in India and United Kingdom
Authors: Dabas Swati , Sharma Savita , Manaktola Kamal
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the experience of adoption of digital marketing and related tools by restaurant entrepreneurs or owners of restaurants in the UK and India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on qualitative research. In-depth interviews were conducted with restaurant owners to understand the extent of adoption of digital marketing tools and how they have embraced the digital change in running their business operations.

Findings

Findings shed light on major changes in consumer behaviour and the readiness of restaurant owners to adopt digital tools for marketing restaurant businesses. Additionally, this paper also probes restaurant owners’ apprehensions in the process with an objective of retaining customers for a longer period.

Originality/value

It is also evident that there is a clear gap in the restaurant space in India and the UK as far as the adoption of digital marketing tools is concerned. The restaurants in India are yet to adequately harness the digital medium as a strategic tool for marketing. This research can potentially form the basis of further research in terms of using technology and digital tools to reach customers and creating a more personalized experience for them.
Techno-business strategies for enhancing guest experience in luxury hotels: a managerial perspective
Authors: Bharwani Sonia , Mathews David
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This research aims at understanding techno-based strategies deployed by the hospitality industry by exploring the emerging technological product and process innovations that are actively being used in the hospitality space to deliver enhanced guest experiences. It also aims at gaining perspective about the challenges of technology adoption faced by the Indian luxury hotels that have traditionally been driven by high-touch, unscripted and personalised service.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted a two-pronged methodology for data collection – in-depth semi-structured interviews with General Managers of Luxury Hotels in India and literature-based innovation output (LBIO). NVivo12 software was used to carry out a qualitative thematic analysis of the data. The primary data collected was then triangulated with secondary data gathered through literature review of academic papers, industry reports and studies on the use of technology for enhancing and co-creating customer experience in luxury hotels.

Findings

The research brings in to focus the importance of technology and high-tech, state-of-the-art tools in facilitating the co-creation and delivery of experiences in the context of luxury hospitality. However, it also emphasises that the high-touch dimension is the core of hospitality in luxury and premium hotels and should remain the primary driver of this segment. Luxury hotels will have to fine-tune and tailor their services and provide the right mix of high-tech and high-touch, depending on the micro-niche segments to which they cater.

Practical implications

Practitioners, researchers and educationists in the hospitality industry would find the implications of this study useful in context of the evolving technology imperative and the present customer-centric business environment where hotels are constantly striving to meet the exponentially rising bar of guest expectations.

Originality/value

This study is the one of the few empirical explorations of the techno-based strategies adopted by luxury hotels for co-creating enhanced and high-value experiences leading to critical implications for both hospitality and tourism theory and practice.
Prp19‐associated splicing factor Cwf15 regulates fungal virulence and development in the rice blast fungus
Authors: Liu Xinsen , Pan Xiao , Chen Deng , Yin Changfa , Peng Junbo , Shi Wei , Qi Linlu , Wang Ruijin , Zhao Wensheng , Zhang Ziding , Yang Jun , Peng You‐Liang
Published: May 2021

The splicing factor Cwf15 is an essential component of the Prp19‐associated component of the spliceosome and regulates intron splicing in several model species, including yeasts and human cells. However, the roles of Cwf15 remain unexplored in plant pathogenic fungi. Here, we report that MoCWF15 in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is non‐essential to viability and important to fungal virulence, growth and conidiation. MoCwf15 contains a putative nuclear localization signal (NLS) and is localized into the nucleus. The NLS sequence but not the predicted phosphorylation site or two sumoylation sites was essential for the biological functions of MoCwf15. Importantly, MoCwf15 physically interacted with the Prp19‐associated splicing factors MoCwf4, MoSsa1 and MoCyp1, and negatively regulated protein accumulations of MoCyp1 and MoCwf4. Furthermore, with the deletion of MoCWF15, aberrant intron splicing occurred in near 400 genes, 20 of which were important to the fungal development and virulence. Taken together, MoCWF15 regulates fungal growth and infection‐related development by modulating the intron splicing efficiency of a subset of genes in the rice blast fungus.
‘Qu'il est question d'une langue sauvage’: Phrasebooks for European Travellers in Eighteenth‐Century North America
Authors: Iannuzzi Giulia
Published: May 2021

This article explores the vocabularies of Amerindian languages published as part of the travel accounts written by explorers, traders and colonial policymakers in North America over the eighteenth century. Starting with the renowned Voyages by the Baron de Lahontan, the analysis takes as its endpoint the journals of the famous expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The aim of this study is to foreground what these lexicographic compilations reveal about European encounters with societies categorised as radically different from – and less civilised than – the traveller's own: an ‘otherness’ sometimes exploited as a mirror and term of comparison that challenged the observer's ethnocentrism. Drawing on existing scholarship about the cultural history of Euro‐American encounters in the modern age, this study puts forward an original analysis of the temporal conceptualisations underpinning vocabularies of ‘savage languages’, in terms of both historical diachronicity and time as a culturally constructed frame of human experience.

This focus on the lists of words and phrases included in travel accounts, journals and relations makes it possible to question the relationship between the recording of linguistic evidence and travel narratives, and explore the complex negotiations between empirical observation and pre‐existing cultural categories and stereotypes. A close reading of these often‐neglected primary sources helps us to identify recurrent conceptual tropes and assign a central role to the historicisation of the Amerindian within wider processes of cultural construction of a global Europeanness.
Almond oil: A comprehensive review of chemical composition, extraction methods, preservation conditions, potential health benefits, and safety
Authors: Ouzir Mounir , Bernoussi Sara El , Tabyaoui Mohamed , Taghzouti Khalid
Published: May 2021

Almond oil, a rich source of macronutrients and micronutrients, is extracted for food flavorings and the cosmetics industry. In recent years, the need for high‐quality and high‐quantity production of almond oil for human consumption has been increased. The present review examines the chemical composition of almond oil, storage conditions, and clinical evidence supporting the health benefits of almond oil. From the reviewed studies, it appears that almond oil contains a significant proportion of poly and monounsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid as the main compound, and an important amount of tocopherol and phytosterol content. Some variations in almond oil composition can be found depending on the kernel's origin and the extraction system used. Some new technologies such as ultrasonic‐assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, subcritical fluid extraction, and salt‐assisted aqueous extraction have emerged as the most promising extraction techniques that allow eco‐friendly and effective recovery of almond oil. This safe oil was reported by several clinical studies to have potential roles in cardiovascular risk management, glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress reduction, neuroprotection, and many dermatologic and cosmetic applications. However, the anticarcinogenic and fertility benefits of almond oil have yet to be experimentally verified.
Protein deamidation to produce processable ingredients and engineered colloids for emerging food applications
Authors: Chen Xing , Fu Wenyan , Luo Yangchao , Cui Chun , Suppavorasatit Inthawoot , Liang Li
Published: May 2021

With the ever‐increasing demands for functional and sustainable foods from the general public, there is currently a paradigm shift in the food industry toward the production of novel protein‐based diet. Food scientists are therefore motivated to search for natural protein sources and innovative technologies to modify their chemical structure for desirable functionality and thus utilization. Deamidation is a viable, efficient, and attractive approach for modifying proteins owing to its ease of operating, specificity, and cost‐effective processes. Over the past three decades, the knowledge of protein deamidation for food applications has evolved drastically, including the development of novel approaches for deamidation, such as protein‐glutaminase and ion exchange resin, and their practices in new protein substrate. Thanks to deamidation, enhanced functionalities of food proteins from cereals, legumes, milk, oil seeds and others, and thereby their processabilities as food ingredients have been achieved. Moreover, deamidated proteins have been used to fabricate engineered food colloids, including self‐assembled protein particles, protein–metallic complexes, and protein–carbohydrate complexes, which have demonstrated tailored physicochemical properties to modulate oral perception, improve gastrointestinal digestion and bioavailability, and protect and/or deliver bioactive nutrients. Novel bioactivity, altered digestibility, and varied allergenicity of deamidated proteins are increasingly recognized. Therefore, deamidated proteins with novel techno‐functional and biological properties hold both promise and challenges for future food applications, and a comprehensive review on this area is critically needed to update our knowledge and provide a better understanding on the protein deamidation and its emerging applications.
Total volatile basic nitrogen and trimethylamine in muscle foods: Potential formation pathways and effects on human health
Authors: Bekhit Alaa El‐Din A. , Giteru Stephen G. , Holman Benjamin W. B. , Hopkins David L.
Published: May 2021

The use of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) as a quality parameter for fish is rapidly growing to include other types of meat. Investigations of meat quality have recently focused on TVB‐N as an index of freshness, but little is known on the biochemical pathways involved in its generation. Furthermore, TVB‐N and methylated amines have been reported to exert deterimental health effects, but the relationship between these compounds and human health has not been critically reviewed. Here, literature on the formative pathways of TVB‐N has been reviewed in depth. The association of methylated amines and human health has been critically evaluated. Interventions to mitigate the effects of TVB‐N on human health are discussed. TVB‐N levels in meat can be influenced by the diet of an animal, which calls for careful consideration when using TVB‐N thresholds for regulatory purposes. Bacterial contamination and temperature abuse contribute to significant levels of post‐mortem TVB‐N increases. Therefore, controlling spoilage factors through a good level of hygiene during processing and preservation techniques may contribute to a substantial reduction of TVB‐N. Trimethylamine (TMA) constitutes a significant part of TVB‐N. TMA and trimethylamine oxide (TMA‐N‐O) have been related to the pathogenesis of noncommunicable diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancers, and diabetes. Proposed methods for mitigation of TMA and TMA‐N‐O accumulation are discussed, which include a reduction in their daily dietary intake, control of internal production pathways by targeting gut microbiota, and inhibition of flavin monooxygenase 3 enzymes. The levels of TMA and TMA‐N‐O have significant health effects, and this should, therefore, be considered when evaluating meat quality and acceptability. Agreed international values for TVB‐N and TMA in meat products are required. The role of feed, gut microbiota, and translocation of methylated amines to muscles in farmed animals requires further investigation.
Computer simulation of submicron fluid flows in microfluidic chips and their applications in food analysis
Authors: Xie Zhaoda , Pu Hongbin , Sun Da‐Wen
Published: May 2021

In recent years, countries around the world have maintained a zero‐tolerance attitude toward safety problems in the food industry. In order to ensure human health, a fast, sensitive, and high‐throughput analysis of food contaminants is necessary to ensure safe food products on the market. Microfluidics, as a high‐efficiency and sensitive detection technology, has many advantages in the detection of food contaminants, including foodborne pathogens, pesticides, heavy metal ions, toxic substances, and so forth, especially in conjunction with a variety of submicron fluid driving methods, making food detection and analysis more efficient and accurate. This review introduces the principle of submicron fluid driving modes and discusses the driving simulation of submicron fluid in microfluidic chips. In addition, the latest developments in the application of simulation in food analysis from 2006 to 2020 are discussed, and the computer simulation of submicron fluid flow in microfluidic chips and its application and development trend in food analysis are also highlighted. The review indicates that microfluidic technology, using numerical simulation as an auxiliary tool, combined with traditional methods has greatly improved the detection and analysis of food products. In addition, microfluidics combined with a variety of control methods embodies the ability of specific, multifunctional, and sensitive detection and analysis of food products. The development of high‐sensitivity, high‐throughput, portable, integrated microfluidic chips will enable the technology to be applied in practice.
Thermal treatment of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): Factors determining cooking time and its consequences for sensory and nutritional quality
Authors: Wainaina Irene , Wafula Elizabeth , Sila Daniel , Kyomugasho Clare , Grauwet Tara , Van Loey Ann , Hendrickx Marc
Published: May 2021

Over the past years, the shift toward plant‐based foods has largely increased the global awareness of the nutritional importance of legumes (common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in particular) and their potential role in sustainable food systems. Nevertheless, the many benefits of bean consumption may not be realized in large parts of the world, since long cooking time (lack of convenience) limits their utilization. This review focuses on the current insights in the cooking behavior (cookability) of common beans and the variables that have a direct and/or indirect impact on cooking time. The review includes the various methods to evaluate textural changes and the effect of cooking on sensory attributes and nutritional quality of beans. In this review, it is revealed that the factors involved in cooking time of beans are diverse and complex and thus necessitate a careful consideration of the choice of (pre)processing conditions to conveniently achieve palatability while ensuring maximum nutrient retention in beans. In order to harness the full potential of beans, there is a need for a multisectoral collaboration between breeders, processors, and nutritionists.
Novel extraction chemistry and alternative amplification strategies for use with rootless hair shafts
Authors: Gutierrez Ryan , LaRue Bobby , Houston Rachel
Published: May 2021

Rootless hair shafts are often considered unsuitable for STR genotyping due to the known high failure rate. The same samples can be reliably processed with mitochondrial sequencing. However, the minimal discriminatory power of widely implemented control region mitochondrial sequencing techniques limits its utility in some forensic casework. In this research, multiple variables were tested to provide information on rootless hair shaft sample genotyping success. Results showed external decontamination procedures decreased drop‐in alleles but also greatly reduced profile recovery. The novel InnoXtract™ chemistry was comparable to automated EZ1 DNA Investigator extraction. With thoroughly decontaminated hairs, InnoTyper® 21 amplification generated random match probabilities higher than STR chemistry in 71.875% of samples and 18.75% of samples benefitted from the use of InnoTyper® 21 amplification compared with estimated mtDNA profile rarity. Compared with the capillary electrophoresis‐based amplification chemistries tested, the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep chemistry paired with massively parallel sequencing was the most discriminatory amplification strategy tested.
Characterizing Maillard reaction kinetics and rheological changes in white chocolate over extended heating
Authors: Rodier Liana C. , Hartel Richard W.
Published: May 2021

Molten white chocolate held at high temperatures for extended periods of time undergoes thickening and nonenzymatic browning reactions. Lactose and milk proteins participate in Maillard browning, which occurs more rapidly at higher temperatures. Crystallization of amorphous lactose and high temperature contribute to rheological changes over heating. In the present study, five white chocolates of varied compositions were sampled over time at different temperatures. White chocolates containing amorphous lactose showed increases in complex viscosity, while chocolates with crystalline or no lactose showed no change in rheological properties. Maillard browning was measured through both colorimetry and spectrophotometric analysis of brown pigments. Both markers showed the greatest browning for Nonfat dry milk (NFDM)—containing systems. Chocolates containing no NFDM (milk protein isolate, MPI, or crystalline lactose) showed no change in absorbance after clarification, but some browning in colorimetry results, likely due to residual amorphous lactose in the MPI or increased mobility of lactose from crystals at high temperatures. The evolution of fluorescent intermediates was visualized using fluorescence spectroscopy, revealing that these intermediates were formed prior to colored end stage products and were consumed as the reaction approaches completion. An excess of lactose in the system meant reducing sugar declines were relatively small throughout. Kinetic models were created to determine the influence of chocolate composition and temperature on thickening as related to complex viscosity (first order) and browning via colorimetry and absorbance (pseudo‐zero order). Both thickening rate and Maillard reaction rates were faster in chocolates with greater levels of amorphous lactose and when held at higher temperatures.

Practical Application

So‐called “golden chocolate” is white chocolate that has been held at warm temperatures for a period of time to undergo Maillard browning. However, thickening of the chocolate during heating can cause processing problems. In this study, viscosity changes are correlated with Maillard browning kinetics to help chocolate manufacturers find optimal conditions for creating new products.
Re‐Os Isotopic Age of Molybdenite of the Jingren Deposit and its Mineralogical Significance of Magnetite, Pyrite and Chalcopyrite
Authors: CAO Li , YI Liwen , DAI Wei , XIE Binggeng , LI Xiaoqing , LU Anhuai , GU Xiangping
Published: May 2021

The Jingren deposit is part of the Qimantage metallogenic belt within the eastern Kunlun orogenic belt, the largest metallogenic belt in Qinghai Province, northwestern China. Exploration data show that the metal resources of the Jingren deposit are greater than 93000 t in a mining area of 76.15 km2, which indicates significant exploration potential in the near future. Three W–E‐trending faults, F1‐3, dominate the extension of the mineralization zone, which consists of chalcopyrite, pyrite, magnetite, galena, sphalerite, and molybdenite as well as bismuth‐bearing minerals. The deposit contains a large amount of late Triassic intrusive rocks, however, previous research did not reach a consensus on the timing or the origin of the mineralization owing to a lack of geochronological data and poor exposure conditions. In the present study, Re‐Os isotopic dating from six molybdenite samples collected from a borehole of the granodiorite in the Jingren deposit using negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry (NTIMS) showed 187Re and 187Os concentrations of 0.26–4.40 ppm and 1.03–16.46 ppb, respectively, with an initial 187Os/188Os value of 0.06 ± 0.19. This proves that the Jingren deposit has a metallogenic age of (225 ± 4) Ma and is the product of united mineralization of the Qimantage metallogenic belt and that the Jingren deposit might actually be an Indosinian metallogeny. In addition, the Re content of these samples, at 0.42 ppm to 7.00 ppm shows that the mineralization was derived mainly from a crustal source. Furthermore, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) conducted on chalcopyrite obtained from 22 metallic mineral samples revealed (Fe + Cu)/S ratios of 1.801–1.947 with an average of 1.852, which is lower than the ideal value (1.875). Besides, the main ore body formed in a relatively higher temperature environment than the surrounding rocks in the Jingren deposit. These data indicate that the Jingren deposit formed in a metallogenic environment at lower temperature. Moreover, according to the TiO2‐Al2O3‐(MgO + MnO) and TiO2‐Al2O3‐MgO genetic classification diagram for magnetite, the Jingren deposit most likely belongs to the skarn family. In addition, the Co‐Ni‐As genetic classification diagram of the pyrite indicates sedimentary and skarn genetic characteristics.
Titanium Isotope Analysis of Igneous Reference Materials using a Double‐spike MC‐ICP‐MS Method
Authors: LI Jin , TANG Suohan , ZHU Xiangkun , MA Jianxiong , ZHAO Xinmiao
Published: May 2021

Ti separation was achieved by ion‐exchange chromatography using Bio‐Rad AG 1‐X8 anion‐exchange and DGA resins. For high‐Fe/Ti and high‐Mg/Ti igneous samples, a three‐column procedure was required, whereas a two‐column procedure was used for low‐Fe/Ti and low‐Mg/Ti igneous samples. The Ti isotopes were analysed by MC‐ICP‐MS, and instrumental mass bias was corrected using a 47Ti‐49Ti double‐spike technique. The 47Ti‐49Ti double‐spike and SRM 3162a were calibrated using SRM 979‐Cr, certificated value 53Cr/52Crtrue = 0.11339. Isobaric interference was evaluated by analysing Alfa‐Ti doped with Na, Mg, Ca, and Mo, and results indicate that high concentrations of Na and Mg have no significant effect on Ti isotope analyses; however, Ca and Mo interferences lead to erroneous δ49/47Ti values when Ca/Ti and Mo/Ti ratios exceed 0.01 and 0.1, respectively. Titanium isotopic compositions were determined for 12 igneous reference materials, BCR‐2, BHVO‐2, GBW07105, AGV‐1, AGV‐2, W‐2, GBW07123, GBW07126, GBW07127, GBW07101, JP‐1, and DTS‐2b. Samples yield δ49/47Ti (‰) of −0.035 ± 0.022, −0.038 ± 0.031, 0.031 ± 0.022, 0.059 ± 0.038, 0.044 ± 0.037, 0.000 ± 0.015, 0.154 ± 0.044, −0.044 ± 0.018, 0.010 ± 0.022, 0.064 ± 0.043, 0.169 ± 0.034, and −0.047 ± 0.025 (relative to OL‐Ti, ±2SD), respectively; of which isotopic compositions of DTS‐2b, JP‐1, GBW07101, GBW07105, GBW07123, GBW07126, and GBW07127 are reported for the first time. Standard Alfa‐Ti was analysed repeatedly over a ten‐month period, indicating a reproducibility of ±0.047 (2SD) for δ49/47Ti, similar to the precisions obtained for geochemical reference materials.
Middle Permian Mixed Siliciclastic‐Carbonate System on the Northwestern Margin of the Indian Plate, Pakistan: Implications for Paleoclimate and Carbonate Platform Evolution
Authors: WADOOD Bilal , KHAN Suleman , LI Hong
Published: May 2021

A mixed siliciclastic‐carbonate system that responds to changes in Permian climate and subsequent carbonate platform evolution is investigated using microscopic details of the Middle Permian Amb Formation (Fm.), in Saiyiduwali section, Khisor Range, northern Pakistan. Thin sections were made from rocks throughout the stratigraphic section of the Amb Fm. and analyzed with an emphasis on carbonate and clastic microfacies, and the latter interpreted within the existing chronostratigraphic framework. Outcrop observations reveal that the units comprise coarse‐grained, channelized, ripple‐marked, and burrowed sandstone and sandy, fossiliferous limestone with minor marls and shale intercalations, suggesting deposition in a subaqueous tide‐dominated delta to beach barrier. Based on the determined seven microfacies coupled with outcrop observation, the Amb Fm. was deposited in a tide‐influenced subaqueous delta to middle shelf environment under fluctuating sea level. The deposition of compositionally mature sandstone in the lower part of the formation suggests reworking of detritus from the rift shoulders and an adjacent source area with an ambient warm and humid climate. The stratal mixing of carbonates and compositionally mature siliciclastic units in the middle part suggest deposition under tectonic and climate‐induced terrigenous and carbonate fluxes to the basin. Thus the deposition shows a perfect transition from clastic‐dominated deltaic to pure carbonate platform settings as a result of warm climate and tectonics. This Middle Permian warming is confirmed by sea‐level rise and the presence of a temperature‐sensitive fusulinid fauna in association with photozoan‐based ooids. Deposition of the Amb Fm. and establishment of a carbonate platform are envisaged to be associated with major rifting of northern Gondwana, which subsequently resulted in the development of a rift basin at the passive margin of the NW Indian Plate then in northern Pakistan.
Petrogenesis, Geodynamics and Radioactivity of the Granitic Rocks of the Nugrus Weakness Zone, South Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: ABU ELATTA Abdallah Mahmoud Soliman , MANSOUR Gehad M.R.
Published: May 2021

The studied granitic bodies belong to the south Eastern Desert of Egypt. They extend in a NNW–SSE trend along the same strike of the Nugrus weakness zone by which they are structurally controlled. These rocks are composed of biotite and biotite‐muscovite monzogranites to syenogranites. Geochemically, a higher abundance of Ba and Rb in biotite granites with a relatively low abundance in biotite‐muscovite granites as well as the diversity of Th, U, Nb, Ta, Zr, and REE reflects their origin from different sources and geodynamic settings. The biotite granites are predominantly metaluminous to low peraluminous whereas the biotite‐muscovite granites have a peraluminous nature. Potassium enrichment at the expense of calcium in these rocks reflects a derivation from crustal sources by partial melting in the presence of a volatile system. Radiometric investigation showed high abundances of U (up to 38 ppm) and Th (up to 26 ppm) in biotite‐muscovite granites relative to biotite granites (up to 5 ppm U and 18 ppm Th). Radioactive anomalies furthermore have been recorded in parts of biotite‐muscovite granites that were affected by the faults (up to 116 ppm eU and 97 ppm eTh). Consequently, biotite‐muscovite granites form a potentially fertile source for uranium mineralization.
Geochemical and Mineralogical Studies of the Mylonite Xenoliths and Monzogranite Rocks at Wadi Abu Rusheid, South Eastern Desert, Egypt: Insights on the Genesis of Mineralization
Authors: KAMAR Mohamed Salem
Published: May 2021

Abu Rusheid area lie in the south of the Eastern Desert of Egypt and comprises (1) ophiolitic mélange, consisting of ultramafic rocks and layered metagabbros in metasedimentary matrix (2) cataclastic group, consisting of protomylonites, mylonites, ultramylonites and silicified ultramylonites (3) monzogranites (4) pegmatite pockets, quartz veins and post‐granite dykes. Focus on the monzogranites and the xenoliths of mylonite rocks from the geochemical and mineralogical points of view introduces a new view about the genesis of the related mineralization. Geochemically, the monzogranites have a metaluminous character and were crystallized under moderate water‐vapor pressure around 3 kb and temperatures of 750–800°C. The monzogranites are altered along strike‐slip faults exhibiting propylitic, with slightly sodic metasomatism and record high radioactive measurements. The average uranium and thorium (U and Th) contents in fresh monzogranites, mylonite xenolith and altered monzogranites are (7.3, 21.20), (40.36, 94.82), (60.34 and 347.88 ppm), respectively. These high radioactivities are attributed to the presence of kasolite, uranothorite, cerite, fluorite, zircon, apatite and columbite. The mylonite xenolith is higher in radioactivity than the surrounding fresh monzogranites, reflecting U and Th enrichment before emplacement of the monzogranites, then the latter were subjected to right lateral strike‐slip faulting with producing hydrothermal solution rich in Th and U.
Selling strategic information in digital competitive markets
Authors: Bounie David , Dubus Antoine , Waelbroeck Patrick
Published: May 2021

This article investigates the strategies of a data broker selling information to one or to two competing firms. The data broker combines segments of the consumer demand that allow firms to third‐degree price discriminate consumers. We show that the data broker (1) sells information on consumers with the highest willingness to pay; (2) keeps consumers with low willingness to pay unidentified. The data broker strategically chooses to withhold information on consumer demand to soften competition between firms. These results hold under first‐degree price discrimination, which is a limit case when information is perfect.
Guest editors’ foreword
Authors: Bonnéric Julie , Crassard Rémy , Al‐Duwaish Sultan
Published: May 2021

This special issue of Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy is the result of the conference ‘Archaeological Failaka, Recent and Ongoing Investigations’ organised at the National Library of Kuwait by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) of the State of Kuwait and the French Research Center of the Arabian Peninsula (CEFREPA, formerly known as CEFAS) between 26 and 28 November 2019. Not less than 13 articles on the archaeology of Failaka offer an overview of the most recent works on sites dating from its first occupation in the Bronze Age to the late Islamic period. It provides a new insight into the rich history of Failaka – an island explored by Kuwaiti and international teams since the 1950’s and that was connected with Mesopotamia, Iran, the Near East and India – and begin to fill in some gaps, in particular concerning the late Islamic period, the pottery studies, the long‐distance trade and the geomorphology of the island.
The Hummingbird House: Indigenous Pedagogies and Cultural Revitalization in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Fine‐Dare Kathleen S.
Published: May 2021

This article analyzes the effectiveness of public pedagogical practices underpinning urban Indigenous cultural identity, recognition, and historical awareness carried out by four generations of people who are members of the Indigenous organization Casa Kinde, located in northwestern Quito, Ecuador. I argue that these practices create a definition of Indigeneity not dependent upon territory and language but rather on practices of enactment, intention, and revitalization.