bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of dormant propagule banks in shaping eco-evolutionary dynamics of community assembly
Authors: Lin Jian-Hao , Han Bo-Ping , Urban Mark C. , De Meester Luc
Published: November 2024

The metacommunity framework provides a theoretical framework for understanding how dispersal alters species distribution patterns at different spatial scales. Dormancy is a strategy that decreases the extinction risk and can be viewed as dispersal over time, shaping the assembly dynamics of populations and communities. However, dormancy has only recently been recognized as a potentially important mediator of metacommunity-level processes. Here, we extend an individual-based model of metacommunity dynamics by adding propagule banks that store dormant propagules that can hatch in subsequent growing seasons. By systematically varying the propagule bank size in the model, we investigated how dormant propagule bank size influenced the eco-evolutionary dynamics of community assembly in populations of both asexual and sexual species at three dispersal levels (isolated communities and weakly and strongly connected communities). Our simulations show that as the propagule bank size increases, 1) the rate of evolution decreases in asexual species, whereas the rate of evolution increases in sexual species; 2) species sorting becomes less important while evolution-mediated zpriority effects (monopolization) make a more significant contribution; and 3) α-diversity decreases and β-diversity increases. We also found that patches with well-established propagule banks contributed more to the regional species pool than patches with less well-developed propagule banks. Dispersal asymmetries also emerge as patches with a well-established bank tend to reduce the invasion success of new arrivals while also providing more emigrants with diverse genetic variation to the other patches, fostering regional monopolization. To this end, we regard the banks in a metacommunity as a hidden state of a local community, a potential gene pool, and a latent part of a regional species pool.
A single-gene-based AI model to identify core and context-specific essential genes by biological interpretation from pooled genome-wide CRISPR and omics data
Authors: Chou Chih-Yuan , Lee Jung-Yu , Lee Chia-Hwa , Yang Jinn-Moon
Published: November 2024

Genome-wide Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a powerful tool for screening essential genes (EGs) and studying gene function by systematically knocking out individual genes. EGs are essential for the survival of organisms and can be divided into core EGs (CEGs) and context-specific EGs, which are crucial for the development of drugs. Although a variety of CEGs have been identified using knockout technology, the concordance among these CEG sets is extremely low; there is a lack of studies on the EG mechanisms. Therefore, developing systematic methods to identify CEGs and reveal corresponding mechanisms are important biological issues.

To address these issues, we propose a comprehensive ensembled-based model utilizing gene community-regulated pathways to decipher pan-cancer CEGs and context-specific EGs across 29 cancer types and provide insights into their regulatory abilities for each pathway. The project aims include developing a model with Systematic Identification of Essential Gene (SIEG) scores for CEGs and Context-Specific Enrichment (CSE) scores for context-specific EGs. Subsequently, we assess the regulated pathways and mechanisms of these identified EGs by integrating diverse data sources such as genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens, multiple omics data, KEGG pathways, and Gene Ontology. Ultimately, we aim to establish a user-friendly web service.

In our preliminary results, we gathered 1,845 genome-wide CRISPR datasets and various omics datasets, including 8,941 clinical samples and 1,346 cell lines, leading to the identification of 3,213 CEGs. By employing the SIEG score, we found that 1,178 of these pan-cancer CEGs overlapped with previously defined CEGs, reflecting a 60% similarity rate. These 3,213 CEGs play crucial roles in regulating pathways associated with cell viability, expansion, and proliferation. Additionally, they exhibit characteristics typical of CEGs, showing less favorable as therapeutic targets and centralizing within protein-protein interaction networks. Moreover, we delineated six pathway signatures of pan-cancer CEGs, encompassing transcription, translation, protein folding, replication and repair, cell growth and death, as well as energy. We anticipate that these signatures will contribute to the future redefinition of CEGs.
Inhibition of Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) with Verteporfin Enhances Radiosensitivity in Chordoma by Inducing G2M Arrest and Inhibiting the DNA Damage Response
Authors: Akinduro Oluwaseun O. , Suarez-Meade Paola , Schiapparelli Paula , Whitehead Rachel , Tzeng Stephany Y. , Rosenfeld Steven S. , Kim Sungjune , Palena Claudia , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Green Jordan J. , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: November 2024

Chordomas are locally invasive cancers that are highly resistant to radiotherapy. The Brachyury and Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) regulatory axis has been implicated as the primary driver of tumorigenicity in chordoma. Here, we aimed to enhance chordoma radiosensitivity by repurposing the FDA-approved YAP inhibitor, Verteporfin. We used five patient-derived chordoma cell lines and generated two YAP1 knockdown cell lines to validate the YAP-targeting phenotype in chordoma. Verteporfin treatment reduced the expression of DNA damage repair proteins and genes. YAP inhibition with either verteporfin or YAP knockdown resulted in enhanced DNA double-stranded breaks after radiation via inhibition of the DNA damage repair pathway and accumulation of cells in the G2M phase. Verteporfin inhibited chordoma tumor growth alone and in combination with radiation in a xenograft mouse model treated with verteporfin loaded microparticles, resulting in sensitization of chordoma tumors to radiation. YAP inhibition with verteporfin renders chordoma more sensitive to radiation via inhibition of the DNA damage repair cascade and accumulation of cells in G2M when they are most susceptible to radiation damage.
Learning interpretable representations of single-cell multi-omics data with multi-output Gaussian Processes
Authors: Moslehi Zahra , Buettner Florian
Published: November 2024

Learning representations of single-cell genomics data is challenging due to the non-linear and often multi-modal nature of the data on one hand and the need for interpretable representations on the other hand. Existing approaches tend to either focus on interpretability aspects via linear matrix factorisation or on maximising expressive power via neural-network based embeddings using black-box variational autoencoders or graph embedding approaches. We address this trade-off between expressive power and interpretability by introducing a novel approach that combines highly expressive representation learning via an embedding layer with an interpretable multi-output Gaussian processes within a unified framework. In our model, we learn distinct representations for samples (cells) and features (genes) from multi-modal single-cell data. We demonstrate that even a few interpretable latent dimensions can effectively capture the underlying structure of the data. Our model yields interpretable relationships between groups of cells and their associated marker genes: leveraging a gene relevance map, we establish connections between cell clusters (e.g. specific cell types) and feature clusters (e.g., marker genes for those specific cell types) within the learnt latent spaces of cells and features.
High-throughput Generation of Collagen Microbeads for 3D Cell Culture and Extracellular Vesicle Production
Authors: Ali Samantha , Mastantuono Fabiana , Orozco-Torres Andrea , Barua Niloy , Zhou Xin , Wu Lizi , He Mei
Published: November 2024

Collagen type I, a fundamental component of natural extracellular matrices across species, is an attractive material for the development of tissue engineering constructs. Nevertheless, the poor mechanical properties and thermal instability hinder its use for specific construction of 3D cultures and 3D printing. In this study, we present a microfluidic high-throughput approach for producing high-quality and uniform collagen microbeads without introducing any chemical modification. We achieved rapid and uniform collagen droplet fabrication with sizes spanning from 50 µm to 1200 µm in a production rate of up to 10000 droplets per minute. The resulting collagen microbeads can serve as numerous microbioreactors which are suspended in the culture medium without precipitation and are ideal for 3D cell growth. We demonstrated excellent cell compatibility, facilitating cell attachment and proliferation, as well as promoting extracellular vesicle secretion from collagen microbeads. This technology is facile and versatile for high throughput 3D cell culture, heterogeneous tissue modeling, and extracellular vesicle production, which is essential in drug delivery and drug screening.
Tetraquarks made of sufficiently unequal-mass heavy quarks are bound in QCD
Authors: Assi Benoît , Wagman Michael L.
Published: November 2024

Tetraquarks, bound states composed of two quarks and two antiquarks, have been the subject of intense study but are challenging to understand from first principles. We apply variational and Green’s function Monte Carlo methods to compute tetraquark ground-state energies in potential nonrelativistic QCD using a wide range of color and spatial wave functions. We find no evidence for bound tetraquarks composed of equal-mass quarks and antiquarks. Conversely, we find clear evidence for the existence of bound tetraquarks for sufficiently unequal quark/antiquark mass ratios at all overall mass scales where our effective theory results are applicable. We predict the critical mass ratios for bound state formation and study tetraquark bound states’ spatial and color structure at leading order and next-to-leading order in potential nonrelativistic QCD.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bootstrapping gauge theories
Authors: He Yifei , Kruczenski Martin
Published: November 2024

We consider asymptotically free gauge theories with gauge group SU(Nc) and Nf quarks with mass mq≪ΛQCD that undergo chiral symmetry breaking and confinement. We propose a bootstrap method to compute the S matrix of the pseudo-Goldstone bosons (pions) that dominate the low-energy physics. For the important case of Nc=3, Nf=2, a numerical implementation of the method gives the phase shifts of the S0, P1 and S2 waves in good agreement with experimental results. The method incorporates gauge theory information (Nc, Nf, mq, ΛQCD) by using the form-factor bootstrap recently proposed by Karateev, Kuhn and Penedones together with a finite energy version of the Shifman-Vainshtein-Zakharov (SVZ) sum rules. At low energy we impose constraints from chiral symmetry breaking. The only low-energy numerical inputs are the pion mass mπ and the quark and gluon condensates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Global shift symmetry on an ADM hypersurface: Toward emergent gravity
Authors: Kim Ki-Seok , Mitra Arpita , Mukherjee Debangshu , Nishida Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2024

Generalized symmetries and their spontaneous breakdown serve as the fundamental concept to constrain the many-body entanglement structure, which allows us to characterize quantum phases of matter and emergent collective excitations. For example, emergent photons may be understood by spontaneous 1-form symmetry breaking, which results from a long-ranged entanglement structure between UV microscopic degrees of freedom. In this study, we show that emergent “gravity” may also arise in a similar fashion, where quotes have been used to emphasize that the symmetry-constrained gravitons show unconventional properties compared to usual gravitons. As the electric 1-form symmetry in Maxwell theory is realized as a global shift symmetry of the spatial component of the U(1) gauge field, generated by the electric field, we demonstrate that a constant shift of the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) metric on the spatial hypersurface can be viewed as a global symmetry, generated by the ADM canonical momentum. Deriving a vector-type conserved charge from the variation of action, we construct a shift symmetry operator. Considering a Wick rotation, we demonstrate that a gravitational Wilson loop is charged under the action of this shift symmetry operator, which thus confirms the existence of a generalized global symmetry on the ADM hypersurface. Based on the Ward identity, we show that the spontaneous breaking of this global shift symmetry may give rise to a nonpropagating massless symmetric gauge field at the boundary of the hypersurface.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Numerical modeling of heterogeneous stimuli-responsive hydrogels
Authors: Rahmat Amin , Altunkeyik Berk , Safdari Shadloo Mostafa , Montenegro-Johnson Tom
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we introduce a computational technique for modeling heterogeneous thermoresponsive hydrogels. The model resolves local fluid-solid interactions in hydrogel pores during the deswelling process. The model is a Lagrangian particle-based technique, which benefits from computational grids that represent polymer beads inside hydrogel scaffolds. The results show that the mechanical properties of hydrogels during deswelling, e.g., shrinkage ratio and elastic modulus, have a direct effect on the development of the front of expelled fluid. It is also observed that in certain parameter regimes the hydrogel may generate inertial fluid jets at the early stages of deswelling. Finally, simple heterogeneous designs are developed using Menger sponge-inspired shapes to investigate the effect of design heterogeneity on promoting directional release.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Modular Quantum Processor with an All-to-All Reconfigurable Router
Authors: Wu Xuntao , Yan Haoxiong , Andersson Gustav , Anferov Alexander , Chou Ming-Han , Conner Christopher R. , Grebel Joel , Joshi Yash J. , Li Shiheng , Miller Jacob M. , Povey Rhys G. , Qiao Hong , Cleland Andrew N.
Published: November 2024

Superconducting qubits provide a promising approach to large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computing. However, qubit connectivity on a planar surface is typically restricted to only a few neighboring qubits. Achieving longer-range and more flexible connectivity, which is particularly appealing in light of recent developments in error-correcting codes, however, usually involves complex multilayer packaging and external cabling, which is resource intensive and can impose fidelity limitations. Here, we propose and realize a high-speed on-chip quantum processor that supports reconfigurable all-to-all coupling with a large on-off ratio. We implement the design in a four-node quantum processor, built with a modular design comprising a wiring substrate coupled to two separate qubit-bearing substrates, each including two single-qubit nodes. We use this device to demonstrate reconfigurable controlled-Z gates across all qubit pairs, with a benchmarked average fidelity of 96.00%±0.08% and best fidelity of 97.14%±0.07%, limited mainly by dephasing in the qubits. We also generate multiqubit entanglement, distributed across the separate modules, demonstrating GHZ-3 and GHZ-4 states with fidelities of 88.15%±0.24% and 75.18%±0.11%, respectively. This approach promises efficient scaling to larger-scale quantum circuits and offers a pathway for implementing quantum algorithms and error-correction schemes that benefit from enhanced qubit connectivity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mapping the global regulatory terrain in digital banking: a longitudinal study across countries
Authors: Seyedjafarrangraz Fariba , De Fuentes Claudia , Zhang Michael
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to comprehensively understand the regulatory landscape and digital transformation (DT) within the banking sector, anchored in the theory of national innovation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Using insights from a comprehensive literature review, an innovative framework is introduced to categorize regulators and digital banking attributes across 88 countries. The study uses k-means clustering to analyze the digital banking and regulatory status of 88 countries, tracing their evolution over two distinct timeframes.

Findings

The cross-country analysis spanning 2014 and 2022 reveals compelling trends in regulatory rankings and digital banking across diverse nations. These findings shed light on the dynamic interplay between regulatory environments and technological innovation.

Originality/value

This research contributes to knowledge by establishing a robust framework for understanding regulator dynamics in digital banking across a wide spectrum of countries. It offers valuable insights for academia, practitioners and policymakers by elucidating the complex relationship between the regulatory landscape and DT, shaping discourse and implications in this field, and informing strategic decision-making and policy formulation in the global financial landscape.
Optimized design of energy absorption of aluminum foam filled CFRP thin-walled square tube based on agent model
Authors: Xiao Yong , Hu Honglin , Li Zhao , Long Hai , Wu Qianwen , Liu Yu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Aluminum foam-filled thin-walled unit structures have received much attention for their excellent energy absorption properties. To improve the energy absorption effect of car energy absorption box under axial compression, this paper optimizes the fiber lay-up sequence, fiber angle and aluminum foam density of aluminum foam filled carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) thin-walled square tubes.

Design/methodology/approach

Design of sample points required to construct the proxy model using design of experiments (DOE) method, and the data sample points of different models are obtained through Abaqus simulation and test. A double high-precision proxy model with the maximum specific energy absorption (SEA) and the minimum initial peak crash force (PCF) as the evaluation index is constructed based on the response surface function method. The NSGA-II multi-objective genetic algorithm was used to optimize the design parameters and obtain the optimal solution for the Pareto front, and the results were verified by using the multi-objective optimization toolbox in design-expert.

Findings

The results show that the optimal solution to the multi-objective optimization problem with the inclusion of the lay-up sequence is ρ = 0.5g/cm3 for a fiber lay-up angle varying in the range ±15–90° and an aluminum foam density varying in the range 0.2g/cm3-0.5g/cm3, with a lay-up method of [±87°/±16°/±15°/±89°]. The two optimization methods correspond to SEA and PCF errors of 2.109% and 4.1828%, respectively. The optimized SEA value is 18.2 J/g and the PCF value is 18,230 N. The optimized design reduces the peak impact force and increases the specific energy absorption, which improves the energy absorption effect of thin-walled energy-absorbing boxes for automobiles.

Originality/value

In this paper, the impact resistance of CFRP thin-walled square tubes filled with aluminum foam is optimized. Based on numerical simulations and experiments to obtain the sample point data for constructing the dual-agent model, we investigate the effect of filling with different densities of aluminum foam under the simultaneous change of fiber lay-up angle and order on its mechanical properties in this process, and carry out the multi-objective optimization design with NSGA-II algorithm.
Exploring employable profiles of elite student athletes through fsQCA: unleashing the power of their soft skills
Authors: Vidal-Vilaplana Alberto , González-Serrano María Huertas , Calabuig-Moreno Ferran
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To analyse the degree to which elite student athletes acquire different soft skills (resilience, creativity, proactivity and problem solving) and the role they play in their perceived employability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study assessed 163 elite Spanish student athletes. A validated survey to measure perceived employability and the degree of acquisition of soft skills was employed. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Students and athletes perceived a high degree of development of these skills and employability. Six solutions accounting for 64% of the cases were identified for achieving high employability levels. Three profiles emphasised combinations of elevated resilience with either creativity or problem-solving skills. Education and competition levels differed depending on the skill combination. Identifying and promoting the transferability of student athletes’ sports skills to the labour market was important for enhancing their employability. Collaboration with academic institutions and increased awareness of social media can facilitate the successful integration of elite athletes into the labour market.

Originality/value

The development and analysis of soft skills in the context of sports provide a foundation for future research in the field of athlete employability. This paper provides important information for academic institutions, through a novel method in the field, on the development and transfer of student-athlete soft skills from sports to the labour market.
Flow, job performance and psychological wellbeing: the role of psychological ownership and trust in the ICT work place
Authors: Nguyen Duyen Le , Nguyen Thuy-Nhu Thi , Nguyen Tuan Manh
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper, drawing on self-enhancement theory and from employee perspective, aims to develop and validate an integrative theoretical model that centers on the trust–psychological ownership (PO) link to investigate information and communications technology (ICT) employee work outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey with PLS-SEM analysis of 424 employees in ICT industry in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, reports that all of 10 hypotheses are empirically supported.

Findings

PO is found to be an important driver of employee flow, job performance and psychological wellbeing. Moreover, it is posited that trust acts a moderator of the relationship between flow experience and job performance, and between job performance and psychological wellbeing.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first to affirm that trust in work environment serves as both an enabler for PO and a moderator for the relationship between flow experience–job performance as well as between job performance–psychological wellbeing path. The study also affirms that flow state plays a mediating role in the PO–job performance path, and that job performance acts as a mediator in the flow experience–psychological wellbeing sequence. Finally, new evidence expectedly highlights the positive impact of job performance, a short-term work outcome, on psychological wellbeing, a long-term work outcome.
Gender diversity in top management team and corporate social responsibility performance: examining the moderating nature of TMT international experience
Authors: Chiao Yu-Ching , Chang Yu-Chen , Hsu Yi-Jung , Lu Chang Hong , Chang Man-Ling
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study is based on the role congruity theory that examines the association between top management team (TMT) gender diversity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from the Taiwan Economic Journal database and the Market Observation Post System provided by the Taiwan Stock Exchange. The sample consists of 4,140 annual observations of Taiwanese-listed companies in the electronics industry from 2016–2020.

Findings

The results revealed that TMT gender diversity is positively associated with CSR performance, and TMT international experience strengthens the positive association between TMT gender diversity and CSR performance.

Practical implications

CSR is imperative. The TMT’s gender diversity aligns with current environmental trends and social expectations, driven for CSR implementation essential. This diverse configuration enables the TMTs to address corporate adaptability and maintain global competitiveness.

Originality/value

The findings contribute significantly to the literature on TMT gender diversity by extending the application of role congruity theory beyond individual to team-level contexts and across gender boundaries. By incorporating diverse capabilities such as international experience within TMTs, the authors identify key boundary conditions that foster CSR. This expansion not only aligns with practical realities but also opens new avenues for research into the dynamics of diverse management teams.
Circular economy adoption in MSMEs: unveiling enablers and barriers
Authors: Mishra Sarmistha , Sahoo Dukhabandhu , Mohapatra Souryabrata
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study aims to explore the enablers and barriers to the adoption of circular economy (CE) practices in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and examine how these factors differ between developed and developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology to identify key enablers and barriers to CE adoption in MSMEs. The SLR process involved a detailed search and analysis of relevant academic articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure transparency.

Findings

The study identifies 19 enablers and 16 barriers to CE adoption in MSMEs. Technological upgrades are the key factor helping MSMEs successfully implement CE practices, while financial constraints are the main challenge they face, according to studies from both developed and developing countries.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing body of literature by not only identifying the primary factors that either support or impede the implementation of CE by MSMEs but also by classifying them according to developed and developing countries to provide policymakers and MSME stakeholders with valuable insights on enhancing the implementation of CE in both countries by taking into account the particular barriers and enablers faced by each group individually.
Driving circular economy adoption through top management commitment and organisational motivation: a quantitative study on small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Al Rawashdeh Salam , Nasaj Mohamed , Ahmad Syed Zamberi
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to influence top management commitment and organisational motivation on small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) adoption of circular economy practices in the United Arab Emirates.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 438 middle- and higher-level managers, owners, directors and chief executive officers of SMEs through an online survey. The theoretical model was tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results reveal positive relationships between top management commitment, organisational motivation and circular economy adoption. Furthermore, organisational motivation partially mediates the impact of top management commitment on adoption, highlighting the importance of both direct and indirect influences of leadership.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the emerging discourse on circular economy adoption in emerging markets by offering insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders and SMEs aiming for sustainable growth amidst resource constraints.
Education for sustainable development: an assessment of Australian and Canadian business schools
Authors: Ordonez-Ponce Eduardo , Nejati Mehran , Ahmad Rahatulaain
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether and how business schools in Australia and Canada advocate for education for sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study used a sequential mixed methods design, using a combination of qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. During phase 1, sustainability reports developed by Australian and Canadian business schools (SIP reports), which are signatories to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), were reviewed using qualitative content analysis methods. Following that, a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with nine representatives from selected business schools from Australia and Canada were conducted to triangulate and interpret the findings from phase 1.

Findings

Australian and Canadian business schools incorporate sustainability into their teaching practices through mandatory courses designed around sustainability and its relationship with business and linking sustainability with other business-related courses by including relevant aspects of sustainability with course contents. Sustainability education in Australia and Canada is being addressed through a variety of degree and non-degree programs showing an increasing relevance for sustainability across business schools. However, results also show differences between the two countries, dependence on leadership, at times lack of support and infrastructure and not always clear strategies to place sustainability at the core of business education.

Originality/value

Despite previous attempts at examining sustainability practices across business schools, there is a dearth of research looking into a cross-country comparison of integrating sustainability in learning and teaching for business education.
Enhancing wineries’ sustainability through territorial certifications: a case study in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Authors: Ceccacci Alberto , Camanzi Luca , Rota Cosimo , Fiorentini Riccardo , Malorgio Giulio
Published: November 2024

Purpose

As sustainability concerns become increasingly influential in shaping wineries’ strategies at the production and processing stages, this study aims to investigate the anticipated benefits, incentives and constraints associated with a territorial sustainability certification in the wine industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on wine producers from the Romagna Consortium (Italy), the research explores the influence of firm characteristics on sustainability attitudes and explores the Consortium potential role in facilitating the ecological transition. Data are collected through an online survey and analyzed by means of factor and cluster analysis.

Findings

Findings reveal the Consortium capacity to expand its scope, incorporating elements of sustainability, resilience and territorial development. In addition, it emerges that the perception of sustainability among local producers extends beyond environmental concerns, encompassing the economic and social domains.

Practical implications

Acting as a cluster constituent, the Consortium can stimulate collaborative behavior and promote knowledge dissemination contributing to a mature collaborative environment. A territorial sustainability certification is thus viewed as multifunctional tool, enhancing economic performance and collective reputation, while addressing the numerous environmental challenges faced by the sector.

Originality/value

The study’s originality lies in its direct engagement with a considerable number of producers in a geographic area boasting a mature wine industry but with limited research focusing on coordinated efforts for improved sustainability performance.
Perception of Shariah Scholars toward Islamic Banking in Pakistan
Authors: Nizam Kehkashan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Islamic finance growth depends on factors that are crucial for fostering positive perceptions and increasing acceptance, particularly in Muslim countries. This study aims to investigate the influence of awareness, knowledge, religion and the advantages on perceptions of Shariah scholars toward Islamic banks in Pakistan and the mediating role of attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data through a questionnaire from 200 Shariah scholars in Pakistan who have completed or are currently enrolled in Islamic banking and finance courses. It employed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using SPSS and AMOS software to analyze the data to evaluate measurement and structural models, ensuring the validity and reliability of the constructs and testing hypotheses to examine the relationships among factors and perception.

Findings

The study identified a significant influence of knowledge and attitude on perception, thus supporting H3 and H9. H2, H6 and H8 indicate an insignificant impact of awareness, religious motivation and advantage on perception. This highlights the need for Islamic banks to bridge academic and industry gaps, ensuring that their promotional efforts emphasize monitoring by Sharia committees. The research revealed significant impacts of factors on attitude, confirming H1, H3, H5 and H7. Importantly, attitude was found to play a pivotal role as a mediator between factors and Shariah scholars’ perceptions of Islamic banking in Pakistan.

Research limitations/implications

By investigating the perspectives of Shariah scholars, this research seeks to provide insights into enhancing the understanding and development of Islamic banking practices within the context of Islamic principles and global financial landscapes.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the field by uniquely focusing on Shariah scholars’ perceptions of Islamic banking, addressing a significant gap in literature because little research has been conducted to address these issues from the Shariah scholars’ perspectives.
Comprehensive review of additive manufacturing lifecycle optimization in a cloud environment: from distributed manufacturing to postprocessing
Authors: Xiao Xiaomin , Fu Guang , Song Pengpeng , Peng Qingguo , He Naihui , Mo Taiqian , Zhang Zhengwen
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a comprehensive review and categorization of production optimization throughout the additive manufacturing lifecycle in a cloud environment. It aims to provide a structured approach to identifying and addressing issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically reviews 75 technical papers on cloud manufacturing, nesting, scheduling and postprocessing in additive manufacturing. This includes a detailed discussion of the key issues.

Findings

This paper introduces a production framework for the entire lifecycle of additive manufacturing in a cloud environment. This framework aids in problem identification and decision-making based on the process flow. It provides an integrated view from cloud to postprocessing, examining decision interdependencies and enhancing problem identification and organization.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to review the complete lifecycle of additive manufacturing, emphasizing the often-overlooked aspects of postprocessing and cloud manufacturing. It offers a comprehensive study of lifecycle optimization challenges and suggests ways to streamline the production process.
Soft tissue scavenging patterns of mice on human remains
Authors: Smith Alexander J.
Published: November 2024

Rodent scavenging of human remains is repeatedly documented in literature. However, most of this documentation is based on single‐case examples. While this information is valuable, it does not provide an in‐depth understanding of scavenger behavior in a single environment. Mouse scavenging data, in particular, lack larger sample sizes and data representing the full duration of scavenging activity. In documented cases, mice scavenge primarily the hands, the feet, and the head without significant progression into the rest of the body. At the Forensic Investigation Research Station in Whitewater, Colorado, deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus group) scavenged tissue from 11 human donors. Motion activated game cameras and regular field photography documented scavenging progression and deer mouse behavior. Deer mice generally showed a preference for skin and fat, rarely consuming enough muscle to expose bone. The most scavenged sections of the body were the limbs and deer mice generally ignored the hands, the feet, and the head, unlike previous documentation. In a few cases, deer mice consumed tissue on the limbs in a distinct trail pattern. Most of the scavenging began in spring. This sample greatly expands on the existing documentation of mice overall and contributes much needed data on the progression of scavenging. Scavengers can have a significant impact on a death scene, so detailed documentation of different scavengers in a variety of environments can prove useful in the investigation process.
NompC regulates locomotion and touch sensation in Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Su Hong‐Ai , Zhang Miao‐Miao , Wei Hui , Yu Hai‐Kuo , Lu Yong‐Yue , Qi Yi‐Xiang
Published: November 2024

No mechanoreceptor potential C (NompC) is a major mechanotransduction channel with an important role in sensing of external mechanical stimuli by insects, which help these organisms to avoid injury and adapt to environmental changes. To explore the biological functions of NompC in Bactrocera dorsalis, a notorious agricultural pest, we successfully generated NompC knockout strains using clustered regularly interspaced small palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) technology. BdorNompC knockout led to an adult lethal phenotype, with approximately 100% mortality at 3 d after eclosion. Morphological observation revealed that the legs and wings of BdorNompC knockout insects were deformed, while behavioral assays showed that the locomotion was impaired in both adults and larvae, relative to that of the wild‐type strain. Moreover, BdorNompC knockout reduced gentle‐touch response in larvae. These results suggest that BdorNompC is critical for B. dorsalis survival, and that this mechanosensation channel represents a potential new target for pest control agents. Our findings also represent novel evidence indicating that insect NompC is involved in modulating adult wing and leg morphology.
Characterization of dark chocolates based on polyphenolic profiles and antioxidant activity
Authors: Parada Tamara , Pardo Pablo , Saurina Javier , Sentellas Sonia
Published: November 2024

Dark chocolates were characterized according to geographical origin, cocoa variety, and cocoa content using the methylxanthine and polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity as the data. The main study objective was to uncover sample patterns and identify possible markers of quality, variety, or origin to deal with authentication or fraud detection issues. In the study, a set of 26 dark chocolates from different varieties (e.g., Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario) harvested in Africa, America, and Asia was analyzed. The optimized sample treatment consisted of defatting the chocolate (1 g of sample with 5 mL of cyclohexane for 15 min, three times) and then extracting the analytes by sonication with methanol/water 60:40 (v:v) for 15 min. The filtered extracts were analyzed by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV and spectrophotometric methods (Folin–Ciocalteu, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and aluminum methods) to determine individual phenolics and overall indexes of antioxidant and flavonoid content. Results from this chocolate set indicated that American samples are richer than African counterparts in alkaloids and phenolics (e.g., 1.7 vs. 1.1 mg g−1 caffeine and 14.5 vs. 12.5 mg g−1 total flavanols, respectively). Regarding cocoa varieties, Criollo cocoa was richer in bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity (e.g., 16, 15, and 12 mg g−1 total flavanols for Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario, respectively). These results indicate that the analytes resulted in potential descriptors of varietal or geographical attributes.
Impact of green techniques on intricate cell wall structure of bee pollen to enhance functional characteristics and improve its in vitro digestibility
Authors: Sharma Anamika , Thakur Avinash , Nanda Vikas
Published: November 2024

Bee pollen is a nutrient‐rich super food, but its rigid dual‐layered structure limits nutrient release and absorption. The outer exine, composed of stress‐resistant sporopollenin, and the inner intine, consisting of cellulose and pectin, form a barrier to digestive breakdown. This study investigates the potential of green techniques, specifically supercritical fluid extraction and ultrasonication, to disaggregate pollen cell walls, enhancing its bioavailability and maximizing nutrient utilization. Ultrasonication treated pollen (USTP) and supercritical fluid extraction‐treated pollen (STP) demonstrated disruption, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy imaging. In relation to scanning electron microscopy, techno‐functional, antioxidant, and compositional analysis displayed a positive outcome, with crude lipid, protein, antioxidant activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl activity and 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid assay) and total phenolic content increased by 34.80%, 32.58%, 10.80%, 11.37%, and 83.94%, respectively. Based on the above properties, USTP for 4 h and STP at 400 bar for 40 min were identified as the optimal conditions for disintegration. Furthermore, optimized samples analyzed for amino acid and mineral release revealed a notable increase in composition of essential amino acid and minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, etc.) by ∼1.5 and 1.2 times, respectively. Along with significant changes in composition, fractured pollen exhibited 1.4 folds increase in protein digestibility with minor differences in thermal stability, and crystallinity as established by differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The study confirms that nutrient release and absorption remain restricted without pre‐treatment, highlighting the necessity of specific treatment to disintegrate bee pollen before its use as a functional food ingredient.

Practical Application

Bee pollen is a rich source of all the essential nutrients required by the humans and recognised as a complete food. However, its tough cellular structure restricts its utilisation in numerous food applications. Therefore, to disintegrate bee pollen and release its nutrients, ultrasonication and super critical fluid extraction processes were employed to improve its utilization for human purposes. Both the treatment techniques, enhanced bee pollen's bioavailability and functional properties, making it more suitable for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods.These treatments proved to increase the antioxidant capacity, digestibility, and create high‐value ingredient for supplements, beverages, and fortified foods.
Detection of early bruises in apples using hyperspectral imaging and an improved MobileViT network
Authors: Yang Mianqing , Chen Guoliang , Lv Feng , Ma Yunyun , Wang Yiyun , Zhao Qingdian , Liu Dayang
Published: November 2024

Apples are susceptible to postharvest bruises, leading to a shortened shelf life and significant waste. Therefore, accurate detection of apple bruises is crucial to mitigate food waste. This study proposed an improved lightweight network based on MobileViT for detecting early‐stage bruises in apples, utilizing hyperspectral imaging technology from 397.66 to 1003.81 nm. After acquiring hyperspectral images, the Otsu threshold algorithm was employed for mask extraction, and principal component analysis was used for feature image extraction. Subsequently, the improved MobileViT network (iM‐ViT) was implemented and compared with traditional algorithms, utilizing depthwise separable convolutions for parameter reduction and integrating local and global features to enhance bruise detection capability. The results demonstrated the superior performance of iM‐ViT in accurately detecting apple bruises, showing significant improvements. The F1 score and test accuracy for detecting apple bruises using iM‐ViT reached 0.99 and 99.07%, respectively. The fivefold cross‐validation strategy was used to assess the stability and robustness of iM‐ViT, and ablation experiments were performed to explore the effects of depthwise separable convolutions and local features on parameter reduction and classification accuracy improvement for early‐stage bruise detection in apples. The results demonstrated that iM‐ViT effectively reduced parameters and improved the ability to detect early bruises in apples.

Practical Application

This study proposed an improved lightweight network to detect early bruises in apples, providing a reference for quick detection of bruises caused in the production process. Potential insights into the nondestructive detection of apple bruises using lightweight networks have been presented, which might be applied to mobile or online devices.
Trisomy 26 in a Holstein calf with disorders of sex development
Authors: Freick Markus , Jacinto Joana G. P. , Häfliger Irene M. , Weber Jim , Behn Holger , Schreiter Ruben , Drögemüller Cord
Published: November 2024

Hypospadias occurs sporadically in male livestock and is characterized by a non‐fused urethra during fetal development. In this study, perineal hypospadias, a bifid scrotum, penile hypoplasia, and bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism were diagnosed in a neonatal Holstein male calf. Septicemia was also suspected due to hypothermia, blurred conjunctivae, and loss of sucking and swallowing reflexes. Gross pathology revealed that both testicles were located intraabdominally caudally to the kidneys. Histopathological examination of the hypospadias showed a urothelium‐lined mucosal fold and parts of the corpus cavernosum penis and prepuce in the subcutis. Whole genome sequencing was performed on the affected calf. Analysis of short‐read coverage depth along the chromosomes identified an entire extra copy of chromosome 26. Based on the comparison of available variant calling data from the sire, the identified trisomy 26 is due to non‐disjunction of homologous chromosomes during the generation of paternal gametes. We have shown for the first time an association between bovine hypospadias and trisomy 26, which adds to the understanding of variation in fetal male sexual development.