bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Cultural Validation of Acculturation Measures: Expanding the East Asian Acculturation Framework for Global Applicability
Authors: Idemudia Erhabor Sunday , Karing Constance , Ugwu Lawrence Ejike
Published: September 2024

In a globalised world, understanding acculturation—the process by which individuals adapt to new cultural environments—is crucial, especially in multicultural societies. The East Asian Acculturation Measure (EAAM), rooted in Berry’s acculturation model, has been extensively used to assess acculturation strategies among East Asian populations in the United States. However, its application to other cultural groups remains limited due to its specificity. This study aims to adapt and validate the EAAM for broader applicability across diverse cultural contexts, particularly among populations outside the East Asian demographic.

The study involved 819 international students in Germany and South Africa from 112 countries. It was conducted in two phases: the first included 490 and 329 in the second. The psychometric properties of the EAAM were evaluated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Initial CFA results showed that the original four-factor model did not adequately fit the diverse sample, prompting further EFA, which revealed a more suitable five-factor structure. This new structure termed the Shortened Adapted Acculturation Scale (SAAS), comprises five dimensions: Social Disconnection, Cultural Adaptation, Social Perception, Interpersonal Comfort, and Language Integration. The SAAS demonstrated high internal consistency and reliability across all factors, with significant evidence of measurement invariance across genders.

The findings emphasise the importance of culturally adapting psychological measures to ensure validity and reliability across diverse populations. The SAAS offers a robust tool for assessing acculturation beyond East Asian contexts, providing valuable insights into the complexities of cultural adaptation. The study’s outcomes contribute significantly to the field of cross-cultural psychology and highlight the need for continued research on acculturation processes in an increasingly diverse world.
Evolverator: An engineeredin celluloyeast system to drive rapid continuous evolution of proteins
Authors: Azizoglu Asli , Bijman Eline Y. , Stelling Jörg , Brent Roger
Published: September 2024

In vivocontinuous directed evolution generates genetic diversity and selects a target phenotype to generate proteins with desired functionality. However, in current systems, the two processes do not operate simultaneously in the same cell, restricting applications such as evolution of eukaryotic protein-ligand binding. Here, we describe EvolveratorSaccharomyces cerevisiaecells that combine inducible targeted mutagenesis with engineered gene circuits that link the emergence of a desired function to graded increases in cell proliferation. Poor ligand binding induces targeted mutagenesis and cells with mutations that improve ligand binding overtake the cell population. By combining strain development with mathematical modeling for systems and process design, we evolved ligand specificities of the human estrogen receptor and more effective variants of the bacterial lacI repressor. Previously undescribed mutations affected residues plausibly involved in ligand binding and residues that exert allosteric effects. Evolverator should aid generation of proteins that bind new targets for many applications.
Genome-wide CRISPRi-seq identified ferredoxin-NADP reductase FprB as a synergistic target for gallium therapy inPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Tingting , Xiao Xue , Kawalek Adam , Ou Jinzhao , Ren Anmin , Sun Wenhao , de Bakker Vincent , Liu Yujie , Li Yuelong , Yang Liang , Ye Liang , Jia Ning , Veening Jan-Willem , Wang Yejun , Liu Xue
Published: September 2024

With the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, non-antibiotic therapies like gallium are increasingly gaining attention. Gallium ions exhibit potent activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and intravenous gallium nitrite is under phase 2 clinical trials to treat chronicPseudomonas aeruginosainfections in cystic fibrosis patients. However, its clinical efficacy is constrained by the achievable peak concentration in human tissue. To address this limitation, we applied a genome-wide CRISPR interference approach (CRISPRi-seq), to identify potential synergistic targets with gallium. Through the systemic screening, we classified the essential genes by response time and growth reduction, pinpointing the most vulnerable therapeutic targets in this species. In addition, we identified a highly conserved genefprB, encoding a ferredoxin-NADP+reductase, the downregulation of which dramatically sensitized the cells to gallium. Using a null mutant, we confirmed the loss offprBlowers the minimum inhibitory concentration of gallium from 320 µM to 10 µM and shifted gallium’s mode of action from bacteriostatic to bactericidal. Further investigation revealed that FprB plays a critical role in modulating oxidative stress induced by gallium, via control of the iron homeostasis and reactive oxygen species accumulation. DeletingfprBalso enhanced gallium’s efficacy against biofilms formation and improved outcomes in murine lung infection model ofP. aeruginosa,suggesting FprB as a promising drug target in combination with gallium. Overall, our data showed CRISPRi-seq as a powerful tool for systematic genetic analysis ofP. aeruginosa, advancing identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Exchange, promiscuity, and orthogonality inde novodesigned coiled-coil peptide assemblies
Authors: Kurgan Kathleen W. , Martin Freddie J. O. , Dawson William M. , Brunnock Tom , Orr-Ewing Andrew J. , Woolfson Derek N.
Published: September 2024

De novoprotein design is delivering new peptide and protein structures at a rapid pace. Many of these synthetic polypeptides form well-defined and hyperthermal-stable structures. Generally, however, less is known about the dynamic properties of thede novodesigned structures. Here, we explore one aspect of dynamics in a series ofde novocoiled-coil peptide assemblies: namely, peptide exchange within and between different oligomers from dimers through to heptamers. First, we develop a fluorescence-based reporter assay for peptide exchange that is straightforward to implement, and, thus, would be useful to others examining similar systems. We apply this assay to explore both homotypic exchange within single species, and heterotypic exchange between coiled coils of different coiled-coil oligomer states. For the former, we provide detailed study for the dimeric coiled coil CC-Di finding a half-life for exchange of 4.2 ± 0.3 minutes when the concentration of CC-Di is 200 µM. Interestingly, more broadly when assessing exchange across all of the oligomeric states, we find that some of the designs are faithful and only undergo homotypic strand exchange, whereas others are promiscuous and exchange to form unexpected hetero-oligomers. Finally, we develop two design strategies to improve the orthogonality of the different oligomers: (i) using alternate positioning of salt bridge interactions; and (ii) incorporating of non-canonical repeats into the designed sequences. In so doing, we reconcile the promiscuity and deliver a set of faithful homo-oligomericde novocoiled-coil peptides. Our findings have implications for the application of these and other coiled coils as modules in chemical and synthetic biology.
Biological sex determines skeletal muscle atrophy in response to cortical TDP-43 pathology
Authors: Odierna G Lorenzo , Reale Laura A , Dickson Tracey C , Blizzard Catherine A
Published: September 2024

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and incurable neurodegenerative condition. In ALS, wasting of skeletal muscle causes weakness, paralysis and ultimately, death due to respiratory failure. Diagnosis of ALS is a long process and delays in diagnosis are common, which impedes rapid provision of patient care and treatment. Additional tools or methodologies that improve early detection might help overcome the diagnostic delays and enhance survival and quality of life for people with ALS. In this study, we used a transgenic mouse model to create a detailed catalogue of skeletal muscle wasting with the goal of finding muscles that can be examined to enhance early diagnosis of ALS.

Methods

Cortical pathology was induced by crossing CaMKIIa-tTA and tetO-hTDP-43ΔNLStransgenic mice (ΔNLS). Transgenic expression was induced at 30-days postnatal via removal of doxycycline diet. Mice were aged to 15-, 20-, 30- and 45-days post transgene induction. Microdissection was applied to isolate 22 individual hindlimb muscles for measurement of weight. Both males and females were used at all timepoints.

Results

We found that male and female ΔNLS mice exhibited hindlimb skeletal muscle atrophy relative to controls. Multiply innervated muscles, also known as series-fibered muscles, were especially vulnerable to atrophy. The strongest predictor of the atrophic response across all hindlimb muscles was the extent to which any individual muscle was larger in males than females, known also as sexual dimorphism. In males, muscles that are usually larger in males compared to females experienced the most atrophy. Conversely, in females, muscles that are usually of similar size between males and females experienced the most atrophy. Segregating muscles based on whether they were more affected in males or females revealed that hip extensors, knee flexors, knee extensors, ankle dorsiflexors and ankle evertors were more affected in males. Hip adductors, hip rotators, hip flexors and ankle plantarflexors were more affected in females.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the difference in the size of skeletal muscles in males compared to females is the most powerful predictor of muscle atrophy in response to dying forward pathology. This indicates that sex is a strong determinant of skeletal muscle vulnerability in ALS. Our results provide new insights into determinants of skeletal muscle atrophy and may help inform selection of muscles for diagnostic testing of ALS patients.
Supporting women, girls and people who menstruate to participate in physical activity – Rapid evidence summary
Authors: Csontos Judit , Edwards Deborah , Gillen Elizabeth , Hounsome Juliet , Kiseleva Meg , Mann Mala , Sidhu Amrita , Macey Steven , Lewis Ruth , Edwards Adrian , Cooper Alison
Published: September 2024

Insufficient physical activity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases and has a negative effect on mental health and quality of life. Women, girls and people who menstruate living in Wales are less likely to engage in regular physical activity than boys and men. The aim of this rapid evidence summary is to identify research focusing on physical activity participation (including exercise and sport) of women, girls and people who menstruate in relation to the menstrual cycle, to inform the Welsh Government Period Proud Action Plan.

Results

42 reports were identified, including overviews of reviews, systematic reviews, a scoping review, organisational reports, and primary studies. The secondary research evidence was published between 2008 and 2024 with the most recent searches being conducted in September 2023. The primary studies were published between 2020 and 2022. The organisational reports were published between 2018 and 2024.

Research Implications and Evidence Gaps

There is a need for interventions that could support physical activity participation (including exercise or sport) of women, girls and people who menstruate in relation to the menstrual cycle. These interventions need to consider and address barriers that women, girls and people who menstruate face in relation to their menstrual cycle, and robust evaluations are required to determine effectiveness.

Funding statement

The Cardiff Evidence Synthesis Collaborative were funded for this work by the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, itself funded by Health and Care Research Wales on behalf of Welsh Government.
Dynamic allelic expression in mouse mammary gland across the adult developmental cycle
Authors: Hanin Geula , Costello Kevin R , Tavares Hugo , Patel Shrina , Ferguson-Smith Anne C
Published: September 2024

The mammary gland, which primarily develops postnatally, undergoes significant changes during pregnancy and lactation to facilitate milk production. Through the generation and analysis of 480 transcriptomes, this study provides the first detailed allelic expression map of the mammary gland, cataloguing cell-type specific expression from ex-vivo purified cell populations over 10 developmental stages of the reproductive cycle enabling comparative analysis of cellular properties during this critical process.

Genomic imprinting, a mechanism regulating gene expression based on parental origin, plays a crucial role in controlling gene dosage and stem cell potential throughout development and adult life. Although some imprinted genes have been identified in the mammary gland, a comprehensive assessment has been lacking. Our analysis identified 25 imprinted genes that are monoallelically expressed in the mammary gland, with several showing allele-specific expression in distinct cell types. No imprinted genes showed biallelic expression and novel imprinted genes were not identified.

This research highlights known transcriptional dynamics within mammary gland cell types and identifies novel candidate genes potentially significant in the mammary gland as it develops during gestation and lactation. Additionally, our findings suggest that, unlike in brain, selective absence of imprinting does not serve as a mechanism for gene dosage control in the mammary gland.

Overall, this comprehensive atlas of cell type, parent-of-origin, and stage-specific expression in the mammary gland represents a valuable resource for future studies on expression and transcriptional dynamics in mammary gland cell types.
Characterization of root exudates of black oat in the presence of interspecific weed species neighbours and intraspecific neighbours, and their effects on root traits
Authors: Eroğlu Çağla G. , Bennett Alexandra A. , Steininger-Mairinger Teresa , Hann Stephan , Puschenreiter Markus , Wirth Judith , Gfeller Aurélie
Published: September 2024

Root exudates are composed of primary and secondary organic compounds that function as signalling molecules and play important roles in plant-environment interactions. The quantity and composition of root exudates vary depending on the species, genotype, and environmental conditions, including the presence and identity of neighbouring plants. Although cover crops are commonly used in agricultural practices for their ecosystem services, such as weed suppression, pathogen control, and soil structure improvement, studies on their root exudates are limited. Our study provides the first characterization of the root exudates of black oat interacting with weed neighbours, redroot pigweed and blackgrass, as well as with neighbours of the same species, black oat. We investigated how these interactions influence the black oat root exudation patterns. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of black oat presence on neighbours and how exposure to black oat root exudate treatments affects the root traits of weeds. The upregulated compounds detected in root exudates in response to neighbouring plants primarily belonged to the organic oxygen compounds superclass, with most of which identified as amino acids and carbohydrates. In the presence of redroot pigweed, a general increase in root exudation was observed, with amino acids and sugar sulphates being upregulated. The presence of black oat had varying effects among the neighbouring plants. While significant decreases observed and black oat in redroot pigweed root traits, an increase was observed in blackgrass. Similarly, more pronounced effects were observed in redroot pigweed compared to blackgrass upon root exudate application. This study provides a characterization and insights into the dynamic nature of root exudates and their influence on root traits and plant interactions.
Thermodynamically optimal information gain in finite-time measurement
Authors: Nagase Rihito , Sagawa Takahiro
Published: September 2024

The tradeoff relation between speed and cost is a central issue in designing fast and efficient information processing devices. We derive an achievable bound on thermodynamic cost for obtaining information through finite-time (non-quasi-static) measurements. Our proof is based on optimal transport theory, which enables us to identify the explicit protocol to achieve the obtained bound. Moreover, we demonstrate that the optimal protocol can be approximately implemented by an experimentally feasible setup with quantum dots. Our results would lead to design principles of high-speed and low-energy-cost information processing.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Magnetogenesis via the canonical battery effect
Authors: Laishram Modhuchandra , Yun Gunsu S. , Yoon Young Dae
Published: September 2024

We show by analyzing the time evolution of canonical vorticity that spontaneous generation of magnetic fields within an initially unmagnetized, vorticity-free plasma must be achieved through the canonical battery effect. This effect generalizes well-known magnetogenesis mechanisms across different regimes such as the Biermann battery in the isotropic regime and the Weibel instability in the kinetic regime, the latter of which is further verified by particle-in-cell simulations. Using the canonical battery term, a general prediction of any configuration of the pressure tensor that allows for magnetogenesis can be established. One such configuration—a two-dimensionally localized pressure anisotropy—that does not correspond to either of the mechanisms is derived and numerically verified. The advantage of using this term in magnetogenesis analyses is discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Evaluating the students’ academic performance in the higher education sector through using social media platforms
Authors: Al-Busaidi Fatma Saif , Al Balushi Wisal , Al-Salti Zahran , Malik Aqdas , Shiyyab Fadi Shehab , Al-Okaily Manaf
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the factors that affect higher education students’ behavioral intention and use of social media for educational purposes in the COVID-19 era, where the UTAUT2 model was adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

Convenience sampling was used to collect the required sample size and 301 completed questionnaires were analyzed. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS4.

Findings

The analysis highlights in this study that eight hypotheses were supported, whereas six were not. The evidence from this study suggests that students in Oman have the needed resources that facilitate their adoption and use of social media for learning. Also, they have a more robust tendency level for the intention to use it in the future. With these in hand, higher education institutions must enforce the use of social media in education to take advantage of its availability where students can access valuable learning content at no cost.

Originality/value

This study offers empirical evidence on critical success factors underlying using online learning systems that can help system developers, higher education institutions and policymakers develop better strategies and systems that can support students' online learning and education.
Unraveling the dark side of resilience: entrepreneurial resilience diversity in new venture teams and entrepreneurial performance
Authors: Jiao Yishuo , Zhu Renhong , Fu Jialiang , Liu Qin , Li Xiaowei
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Previous studies may have overstated the benefits of entrepreneurial resilience while neglecting its potential adverse effects, especially in the context of team entrepreneurship. This study focuses on the structural characteristics of resilience, entrepreneurial team resilience diversity, to delve into the potential dark side effects of entrepreneurial resilience. Drawn upon the similarity-attraction theory, this study investigates the detrimental impact of entrepreneurial team resilience diversity on entrepreneurial performance from the team-member exchange (TMX) perspective, which describes the reciprocal relationships within a team and the moderating effect of environmental hostility.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data by conducting a two-wave survey. With the assistance of officials from entrepreneurship service agencies, entrepreneurship parks and entrepreneurship training institutions in southeast China, this study collected survey data from 361 participants of 91 entrepreneurial teams. The current research conducted empirical tests with SPSS and PROCESS macro to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Empirical results from a two-wave survey of 91 entrepreneurial teams in China reveal the detrimental effects of entrepreneurial resilience. In the context of team entrepreneurship, the diversity of a team’s entrepreneurial resilience negatively impacts entrepreneurial performance by impairing the quality of TMX. Moreover, the indirect effect of TMX is strengthened in more hostile environments.

Originality/value

Existing studies have mainly focused on the positive side of resilience. However, based on the similarity-attraction theory, this study explores the potential adverse effects of the structural characteristics of entrepreneurial team resilience from the perspective of team-member exchange (TMX). This study enriches the literature on resilience by demonstrating how resilience functions in new venture teams and challenges the assumption that resilience is universally beneficial to entrepreneurs. Introducing team members with high resilience in a hostile environment may not always benefit the team, deepening the understanding of entrepreneurial resilience when confronting adversities.
The relative importance of economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk on U.S. REITs returns
Authors: Coën Alain , Desfleurs Aurélie
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Our aim in this study is to investigate the relative importance of the economic policy uncertainty and of the geopolitical risk on U.S. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) returns with a special focus on the different real estate sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

We use an augmented Fama-French (1993)’s asset pricing model, including economic policy uncertainty indices (EPU), introduced by Baker et al. (2016), and geopolitical risk indices (GPR) recently developed by Caldara and Iacoviello (2022), to price the potential risk factors for U.S. Nareit indices returns. To obtain robust economic results, we correct for the problems of errors-in-variables in linear asset pricing models; we advocate the use of higher moments estimators as instruments in a generalized method of moments (GMM) framework.

Findings

Our results report that economic policy uncertainty (EPU), and geopolitical risk (GPR) are priced for the different Nareit sectors for the last three decades. The GPR index stands as a relevant risk factor. The coefficient estimates are low compared to Fama-French risk factors. They are higher for Shopping Centers, Retail and Region Malls and lower for Health Care and Lodging/Resorts. EPU indices are also priced and less statistically significant. Health Care sector, followed by Shopping Centers and Retail are the most policy-sensitive sectors.

Practical implications

In their “2023–2024 Top Ten Issues Affecting Real Estate” “political unrest and global economic health” is ranked 1 issue by the Counselors of Real Estate. Our results report that economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk are priced for the different Nareit sectors. They suggest implications for investors, insurers, bankers, policymakers and other stakeholders. The geopolitical risk index (GPR) stands as a relevant and significant risk factor for REITs returns.

Originality/value

Based on parsimonious robust asset pricing models, the results shed a new light on the relative importance of geopolitical risk and economic policy uncertainty in the real estate sector, with a special focus on the different U.S. REITs sectors. They suggest possible implications for investors, insurers, bankers, policymakers and other stakeholders in a context marked by higher uncertainty shocks and geopolitical risks.
Analysis of the drivers and barriers influencing artificial intelligence for tackling climate change challenges
Authors: Moghayedi Alireza , Michell Kathy , Awuzie Bankole Osita
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Facilities management (FM) organizations are pivotal in enhancing the resilience of buildings against climate change impacts. While existing research delves into the adoption of digital technologies by FM organizations, there exists a gap regarding the specific utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) to address climate challenges. This study aims to investigate the drivers and barriers influencing the adoption and utilization of AI by South African FM organizations in mitigating climate change challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on South Africa, a developing nation grappling with climate change’s ramifications on its infrastructure. Through a combination of systematic literature review and an online questionnaire survey, data was collected from representatives of 85 professionally registered FM organizations in South Africa. Analysis methods employed include content analysis, Relative Importance Index (RII), and Total Interpretative Structural Modeling (TISM).

Findings

The findings reveal that regulatory compliance and a responsible supply chain serve as critical drivers for AI adoption among South African FM organizations. Conversely, policy constraints and South Africa’s energy crisis emerge as major barriers to AI adoption in combating climate change challenges within the FM sector.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing knowledge by bridging the gap in understanding how AI technologies are utilized by FM organizations to address climate challenges, particularly in the context of a developing nation like South Africa. The research findings aim to inform policymakers on fostering a conducive environment for FM organizations to harness AI in fostering climate resilience in built assets.
The moderating effect of collectivistic workplace culture on the link between political skill and knowledge sharing among faculty members
Authors: Yuan Tiantong , Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of political skills of faculty members in Chinese universities on their tendency to obtain knowledge shared by their colleagues, as well as their tendency to share knowledge with their colleagues. Moreover, this study investigated the role of collectivistic culture in a workplace as the moderating variable that may influence the effect of political skill on knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were obtained from 387 faculty members across six universities located in the northern and the central cities of China. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used as the statistical method for data analysis.

Findings

The results provided significant evidence that supported the positive effect of political skill on knowledge sharing. Furthermore, the moderating effect analysis showed that in the workplaces that had strong collectivist culture, the degree to which employees obtained knowledge shared by others, as well as the willingness of employees to share their knowledge to others, was more likely to happen as compared to that in the workplaces that had a weak collectivist culture.

Practical implications

As part of human capital development policies, political skill training could be an intervention to promote knowledge sharing among faculty members. The training may be particularly helpful to promote knowledge sharing in a workplace that adopts individualistic culture more than in a workplace that adopts collectivistic culture.

Originality/value

This study provided new evidence that extended previous studies by unveiling the moderating effect of collectivist culture in a workplace that was found to reduce the effect of political skill on knowledge sharing.
Ensembled surrogate-assisted material extrusion additive manufacturing for enhanced mechanical properties of PEEK
Authors: Padhy Chinmaya Prasad , Simhambhatla Suryakumar , Bhattacharjee Debraj
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to improve the mechanical properties of an object produced by fused deposition modelling with high-grade polymer.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an ensembled surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm (SAEA) to optimize the process parameters for example, layer height, print speed, print direction and nozzle temperature for enhancing the mechanical properties of temperature-sensitive high-grade polymer poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) in fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing while considering print time as one of the important parameter. These models are integrated with an evolutionary algorithm to efficiently explore parameter space. The optimized parameters from the SAEA approach are compared with those obtained using the Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) Taguchi method serving as a benchmark. Later, the study also highlights the significant role of print direction in optimizing the mechanical properties of FDM 3D printed PEEK.

Findings

With the use of ensemble learning-based SAEA, one can successfully maximize the ultimate stress and percentage elongation with minimum print time. SAEA-based solution has 28.86% higher ultimate stress, 66.95% lower percentage of elongation and 7.14% lower print time in comparison to the benchmark result (GRA Taguchi method). Also, the results from the experimental investigation indicate that the print direction has a greater role in deciding the optimum value of mechanical properties for FDM 3D printed high-grade thermoplastic PEEK polymer.

Research limitations/implications

This study is valid for the parameter ranges, which are defined to conduct the experimentation.

Practical implications

This study has been conducted on the basis of taking only a few important process parameters as per the literatures and available scope of the study; however, there are many other parameters, e.g. wall thickness, road width, print orientation, fill pattern, roller speed, retraction, etc. which can be included to make a more comprehensive investigation and accuracy of the results for practical implementation.

Originality/value

This study deploys a novel meta-model-based optimization approach for enhancing the mechanical properties of high-grade thermoplastic polymers, which is rarely available in the published literature in the research domain.
Plant traits determine seed retention times in frugivorous birds: Implications for long‐distance seed dispersal
Authors: Bracho‐Estévanez Claudio A. , Cuadrado Mariano , Sánchez Iñigo , Onrubia Alejandro , González‐Varo Juan P.
Published: September 2024

Seed dispersal by frugivorous animals is a key process for plant populations and communities. When frugivores consume fruits, seeds are temporarily retained inside their guts until seed deposition. Hence, information on retention times is essential to estimate seed‐dispersal distances. Although it is well known that retention times are affected by the body size of frugivores, there is an important knowledge gap on the effects of plant species traits, such as seed size and pulp content.

Here, we comprehensively address whether and which plant traits affect seed retention times in frugivorous birds. On the one hand, we conducted a first set of experiments to assess variation in retention times among 31 plant species dispersed by a single bird species, and a second set to assess variation among five plant species dispersed by a guild of five frugivorous passerines. On the other hand, we conducted a literature review retrieving retention times for 231 interactions involving 155 plant species and 55 bird species from nine different avian orders.

Seed size had negative effects on retention times at the three levels addressed in this study: the larger the seeds, the shorter the times. The effects of seed size were higher within a single bird species, intermediate for the small assemblage of five passerine species, and lower for all frugivorous birds included in the compilation. Notably, the effects of seed size on retention times were comparable to that of frugivore body size in Passeriformes. We analysed the effects of the pulp content on a single bird species, but these lacked predictive power. Importantly, the effects of seed size were indirect and mediated by the type of seed ejection (digestive processing): birds generally defecate smaller seeds and regurgitate the larger ones.

We provide comprehensive evidence that retention times are intrinsically linked to plant traits and to frugivores' response to such traits, particularly to seed size and the type of seed ejection, respectively. Thus, our study unveils a source of interspecific variability in the capacity of plants to disperse at long distances. Moreover, we provide methodological improvements to trait‐based models that estimate mean retention times and seed‐dispersal distances.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Nephila spider male aggregation: preference for optimal female size and web clustering
Authors: KUNTNER Matjaž , KUNTNER Maj , KUNTNER Eva , KUNTNER Irena , FAGANELI PUCER Jana , ŠTRUMBELJ Erik , LI Daiqin
Published: September 2024

Sexual size dimorphism theory predicts biased operational sex ratios (OSRs) and an uneven distribution of males among certain females. We studied this phenomenon through a field census of the giant wood spider Nephila pilipes (family Nephilidae) in Singapore, a species where females are, on average, 6.9 times larger than males. Specifically, we tested two hypotheses concerning male distribution, given their tendency to aggregate in certain female webs. The optimal female size hypothesis predicts that males would predominantly occupy webs of intermediate‐sized females. The web clustering hypothesis posits that more males would be found in webs closer together compared to those farther apart. Our snapshot census revealed a female‐biased OSR (females: males = 1.85) with an uneven distribution of males in female webs. Most males were found in webs of intermediate‐sized females aligning with the optimal female size hypothesis. Proximity among female webs was indicative of male presence, lending support to the web clustering hypothesis. While our study's limited sample size warrants caution, we conclude that in N. pilipes, male occupation of female webs is facilitated by the clustering of webs, and males prefer to cohabit with optimally sized, receptive females.
Aggregated health risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl acids migrated from convenience food contact materials
Authors: Wang Xun , Liu Yao , Jiang Jian‐Ming , Zhang Xi‐Long , Li Minjie , Hong Wen‐Jun , Guo Liang‐Hong
Published: September 2024

Ingestion of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) via contaminated food contact materials (FCMs) is an important human exposure source. This study adopts a toxicity equivalent approach to evaluate the collective health risk of multiple PFAAs in FCMs. A comprehensive extraction and analysis of 21 PFAAs in FCMs was performed. Among the analyzed substances, 15 PFAAs were detected. Migration experiment using three food simulants revealed the migration range of seven PFAAs from FCMs into the simulant to be 0.47–46.7 ng/cm2. The hazard quotient results suggest minimal health risk, except for 9% of packaged samples where perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) poses a higher risk. Utilizing PFOA toxic equivalent concentrations, comprehensive risk calculations showed ∼77% of samples potentially posing elevated health risks due to PFAA exposure. This emphasizes the substantial contribution of PFAAs beyond PFOA and underscores the importance of considering them in related assessments. The aggregated risk assessment reflects actual exposure circumstances more accurately.
Predictive modeling of rice milling degree for three typical Chinese rice varieties using interpretative machine learning methods
Authors: Yang Liu , Xu Zilong , Xiao Xuan , Cui Bo , Luo Yang , Fan Lanlan , Fan Yuchao , Song Shaoyun , Zhang Yonglin , Pei Houchang
Published: September 2024

Brown rice over‐milling causes high economic and nutrient loss. The rice degree of milling (DOM) detection and prediction remain a challenge for moderate processing. In this study, a self‐established grain image acquisition platform was built. Degree of bran layer remaining (DOR) datasets is established with image capturing and processing (grain color, texture, and shape features extraction). The mapping relationship between DOR and the DOM is in‐depth analyzed. Rice grain DOR typical machine learning and deep learning prediction models are established. The results indicate that the optimized Catboost model can be established with cross‐validation and grid search method, with the best accuracy improving from 84.28% to 91.24%, achieving precision 91.31%, recall 90.89%, and F1‐score 91.07%. Shapley additive explanations analysis indicates that color, texture, and shape feature affect Catboost prediction accuracy, the feature importance: color > texture > shape. The YCbCr‐Cb_ske and GLCM‐Contrast features make the most significant contribution to rice milling quality prediction. The feature importance provides theoretical and practical guidance for grain DOM prediction model.

Practical Application

Rice milling degree prediction and detection are valuable for rice milling process in practical application. In this paper, image processing and machine learning methods provide an automated, nondestructive, and cost‐effective way to predict the quality of rice. The study may serve as a valuable reference for improving rice milling methods, retaining rice nutrition, and reducing broken rice yield.
Determining the impact of pre‐pressing pretreatments applied to sugarcane on the aroma compounds and quality characteristics of sugarcane juice
Authors: Yetisen Mehmet , Baltacioglu Cem , Baltacioglu Hande , Uslu Hasan
Published: September 2024

The study examined the effects of three pretreatments, blanching (5, 10, and 30 min), ultrasound (15, 20, and 30 min), and steam blanching (10, 20, and 30 min) on sugarcane, assessing their impact on sugarcane juice quality parameters and aroma compounds. The control had the highest soluble solid content, while the ultrasound‐15 min (US‐15 min)‐treated sample had the lowest, affecting pH, total acidity, and color values significantly. Color analysis showed lower L* values and less greenish tones in treated samples. The implemented pretreatments effectively reduce the browning index, with the US‐20 min treatment showing the most significant reduction compared to the control sample. All pretreatments deactivated polyphenol oxidase. Carbon isotope analysis yielded significant results. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering linked 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with 2,2′‐azino‐bis 3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) with total phenolic content. The study also highlights significant variations in aroma compound profiles among pretreated sugarcane juice samples, with blanching for 10 min showing notable increases in specific compounds like 2‐heptanone and nonanol. Hierarchical clustering showed similarities between blanching‐30 min and US‐30 min, contrasting with the control. Blanching‐10 min had a positive impact on sugarcane juice quality. In conclusion, the study emphasized how pretreatments affect physicochemical properties and aroma compounds in sugarcane juice.

Practical Application

The research findings suggest that blanching and ultrasound pretreatments can be used by the food industry to improve sugarcane juice quality by reducing browning, enhancing color, and altering aroma profiles. These pretreatments could extend the shelf life and appeal of sugarcane juice, making it more attractive to consumers while maintaining its nutritional properties.
Efficacy of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei fermented milk on a model of constipation induced by loperamide hydrochloride in BALB/c mice
Authors: Xue Cheng , Li Ming , Luo Min , Zhang Baoping , Wang Yifan
Published: September 2024

Currently, most studies focus on the functions of probiotic‐fermented milk, whereas there are relatively few studies on the function of postbiotic‐fermented milk in relieving constipation. In this study, we aimed to assess the modulation of constipation symptoms and its mechanism of action by different concentrations of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei‐fermented milk as a postbiotic in a loperamide hydrochloride‐induced constipation model in BALB/c mice. By comparing the relevant indexes, colon histological analysis, gene expression level, and intestinal flora structure in the constipation model of mice, we found that high and ultra‐high doses of fermented milk can effectively relieve constipation. Fermented milk effectively reduced defecation time, increased the rate of small intestinal propulsion in constipated mice, and alleviated colonic inflammation, safeguarding the normal function of the intestinal tract. In addition, it can regulate the intestinal flora, downregulate the abundance of Proteobacteria, upregulate the abundance of species of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota, and improve the overall abundance level of intestinal flora in mice.
Structural and sensory impact of various emulsifiers in cocoa hazelnut spread formulations
Authors: Icyer Necattin Cihat , Ozmen Duygu , Sener Dilek , Kokyar Nagihan , Toker Omer Said
Published: September 2024

In this study, the effects of emulsifiers such as lecithin, AMPs, Palsgaard® Oil‐Binder and GMS on cocoa hazelnut spread rheology were compared under the same process conditions and formulation. Emulsifiers were added to the formulation separately at rates of 0.3%–0.4%–0.5%. Hardness values in cocoa hazelnut spread were examined at 15‐day intervals until the 60th day. In addition, viscosity, rheological analyses, color, spreadability, stability tests, and sensory analyses were performed. In the production of cocoa hazelnut spread, lecithin and AMP have less hardness and lower viscosity, greater fluent consistency, better spreadability, and lower “work of shear” values compared with other emulsifiers. The emulsifier type/ratio difference did not affect the color value statistically. It was determined that the use of Oil‐Binder and GMS significantly protected the stability compared with other emulsifiers. During the 60‐day storage period, lecithin preserved its hardness properties better than other emulsifiers. When sensory properties were examined, the use of lecithin and AMP in cocoa hazelnut spread samples scored high in brightness, spreadability, mouthfeel, and taste parameters. As a result, lecithin comes to the fore in the use of different types and ratios of emulsifiers in cocoa hazelnut spread production technology.
Strangers in a foreign land: ‘Yeastizing’ plant enzymes
Authors: Van Gelder Kristen , Lindner Steffen N. , Hanson Andrew D. , Zhou Juannan
Published: September 2024

Expressing plant metabolic pathways in microbial platforms is an efficient, cost‐effective solution for producing many desired plant compounds. As eukaryotic organisms, yeasts are often the preferred platform. However, expression of plant enzymes in a yeast frequently leads to failure because the enzymes are poorly adapted to the foreign yeast cellular environment. Here, we first summarize the current engineering approaches for optimizing performance of plant enzymes in yeast. A critical limitation of these approaches is that they are labour‐intensive and must be customized for each individual enzyme, which significantly hinders the establishment of plant pathways in cellular factories. In response to this challenge, we propose the development of a cost‐effective computational pipeline to redesign plant enzymes for better adaptation to the yeast cellular milieu. This proposition is underpinned by compelling evidence that plant and yeast enzymes exhibit distinct sequence features that are generalizable across enzyme families. Consequently, we introduce a data‐driven machine learning framework designed to extract ‘yeastizing’ rules from natural protein sequence variations, which can be broadly applied to all enzymes. Additionally, we discuss the potential to integrate the machine learning model into a full design‐build‐test cycle.
Perceived acceptability of online volunteer‐led exercise classes: Perspectives of rural volunteer exercise leaders and older people
Authors: McDermott Natalie , Rahman Md Saifur , Winterton Rachel , Ahasan Nazmul , Barnes Carly , Kennedy Adelle
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study assessed perceived acceptability of online rural volunteer‐led exercise classes among volunteer leaders and older people during the COVID‐19 pandemic and interrogate differences in acceptability between older people who were currently participating in regular exercise and those who were not.

Method

A case study was conducted of an existing volunteer‐led exercise program using a cross‐sectional preintervention survey (38 volunteer exercise leaders and 172 program participants).

Results

Thirty per cent (n = 11) of the volunteer leaders reported an interest in running the online classes. Motivations included providing opportunities for participants and keeping themselves and participants fit. Thirty‐four per cent (n = 42) of the older participants reported an intent to join the online classes, which was primarily attributed to the desire to keep active and to socialise. However, over 60% of the respondents across both categories did not want to engage in online exercise classes. This was primarily attributed to a preference for face‐to‐face classes and lack of confidence in conducting or using online activities or services. Older participants who did not regularly exercise were statistically more likely to report perceived challenges attending an online class, and to identify the use of internet‐based technologies as a barrier to attendance.

Conclusion

Digital literacy was a challenge for the older respondents, particularly for those who were not currently engaged in regular exercise. Organisations implementing online exercise programs should recognise that this form of delivery will pose challenges to cohorts of rural older people who are not undertaking regular physical activity and address the individual and environmental barriers to digital uptake.