bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-supervised learning fabric defect segmentation using anomaly generation
Authors: Qi Kankan , Guo Yanchi , Zhou Jian
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The problem of fabric defect detection is a particularly challenging task, as the fabric defects occupy only a small portion of the image pixels and it is difficult to collect sufficient samples for training deep learning-based models. The purpose of this work is to present a novel self-supervised learning method to address this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to solve the problem of lack of defect samples, based on the fabric-specific degree of texture regularity, we propose an anomaly generation method to create synthetic fabric defects by destroying the normal fabric texture. To improve the detection of defects of different sizes, a global–local parallel detection mechanism is proposed. A self-supervised model including an anomaly generation module, a reconstruction subnetwork and a discriminative subnetwork is established to achieve model training without prior anomaly information.

Findings

The proposed method features self-supervised training, does not require no labelled anomaly data and detects anomalies by distinguishing their distance from normal samples at both global and local levels. When tested on four fabric datasets, our approach outperforms state-of-the-art unsupervised and self-supervised methods and achieves significantly higher localization accuracy.

Originality/value

A high-fidelity fabric defects synthesis method is presented to alleviate the problem of collecting numerous fabric defects, providing a reference for other surface anomaly detection problems. The proposed global–local parallel detection mechanism can serve as a reference for other methods dedicated to detecting particular anomalies. The proposed self-supervised network model can effectively locate fabric anomalies without prior labelling information, which could be used as a framework for other model designs.
Innovativeness and start-up performance: a configurational analysis of relational factors
Authors: Donaldson Colin , Kraus Sascha , Kallmuenzer Andreas , Cheng Cheng-Feng
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore which relational factors are crucial for accelerator-based start-ups to achieve high financial performance and whether innovation levels influence this relationship. Utilizing fsQCA and drawing from the resource-based view (RBV), we analyze 128 start-ups in a Spanish accelerator, split by innovativeness, to understand the impact of relational and human capital factors on performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate conditions leading to high financial performance among 128 start-ups in a Spanish accelerator, divided by innovativeness. Four key factors are analyzed: social capital, social competence, resource mobilization and entrepreneurial ecosystem support. fsQCA examines complex relationships between these factors and financial performance.

Findings

Relational and human capital factors significantly impact start-up financial performance, varying with innovativeness. Highly innovative start-ups benefit from social competence and networked support, while less innovative but profitable start-ups rely on resource mobilization skills. The study highlights the contingent value of these factors, showing that unique configurations drive financial success.

Research limitations/implications

The paper enhances the RBV in entrepreneurial contexts by highlighting the critical role of relational resources and their configurations. It suggests social competence and networked support are crucial for highly innovative start-ups, while resource mobilization is key for less innovative ones. These findings encourage nuanced theorizing of start-up success strategies, considering varying innovativeness levels and their impact on performance.

Originality/value

This study enhances understanding of the relationship between relational factors and financial performance in accelerator-based start-ups, considering innovation levels. It provides insights into how different configurations of social capital, competence, resource mobilization and ecosystem support lead to success. It underscores the importance of considering the contingent value of relational factors for start-up growth.
Digital transformation, dynamic capability and total factor productivity of manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Luo Taiye , Qu Juanjuan , Cheng Shuo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Enhancing total factor productivity through digital transformation is a crucial pathway for the high-quality development of manufacturing enterprises. This research aims to investigate the impact mechanisms of manufacturing enterprises’ total factor productivity in the context of digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data from 536 Chinese listed manufacturing enterprises from 2018 to 2021, this research divides digital transformation into two dimensions (i.e. digital transformation breadth and digital transformation depth) and examines their impacts on total factor productivity as well as the mediation effects of innovation capability and reconfiguration capacity.

Findings

It is found that digital transformation breadth, digital transformation depth and their interaction can positively affect manufacturing enterprises’ total factor productivity. The innovation capability and reconfiguration capacity of manufacturing enterprises act as mediators between digital transformation breadth and total factor productivity, as well as between digital transformation depth and total factor productivity.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first attempts to investigate the impact mechanisms of manufacturing enterprises’ total factor productivity from the perspective of digital transformation breadth and depth.
An integrative perspective on inter-organisational collaboration in healthcare: a modified total interpretive structural modelling approach
Authors: Yadav Sunil Kumar , Singh Shiwangi , Prusty Santosh Kumar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study develops a model for understanding the relationships and interactions between the antecedents influencing inter-organisational collaboration in the healthcare sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive and systematized search was conducted on Scopus to identify all relevant studies investigating the antecedents of inter-organisational collaboration in the healthcare sector. Antecedents were identified based on insights from experts and a systematised search method. A modified total interpretive structural model (m-TISM) was used to determine the hierarchical relationships between the identified antecedents. Finally, the Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis was employed to categorise the identified antecedents into clusters based on their driving or dependence influence.

Findings

Eight antecedents of inter-organisational collaboration in the healthcare sector were identified. The results revealed that having a shared vision and goals, digital infrastructure and proximity are the most crucial antecedents of inter-organisational collaboration in healthcare, along with leadership, shared resources and communication.

Research limitations/implications

Future research on inter-organisational collaboration in the healthcare sector can include additional factors that may influence collaboration beyond those currently studied. Structural equation modelling can be employed to validate the proposed model.

Originality/value

The study proposes a hierarchical model for inter-organisational collaboration in the healthcare sector. The framework will help healthcare executives and academicians identify key antecedents that are most critical to enabling effective collaboration.
Leveraging social media data in knowledge management to identify noncompliance: insights from the foodservice industry
Authors: Lee Carmen Kar Hang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Social media data contains a wealth of content related to customers’ reactions to, and comments on, firms’ performance. Through the lens of signaling theory, this paper aims to investigate the use of social media data as a knowledge resource in communicating firms’ noncompliance risk to regulatory agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a two-step social media analytics framework to detect noncompliant firms. First, it creates a context-specific dictionary that contains keywords relevant to firms’ noncompliant behaviors. Next, it extracts those keywords from customer reviews, customer sentiment and emotions to predict firm noncompliance. It tests these ideas in the context of food safety regulations.

Findings

It identified over 100 words that are related to restaurants’ hygiene deficiencies. Using the occurrence of these words in customer reviews, as well as sentiments and emotions expressed within them, the author’s best-performing model can identify nearly 90% of the restaurants that severely violated regulations.

Practical implications

After being processed by appropriate machine learning algorithms, customer reviews serve as valuable knowledge resources, enabling regulatory agencies to identify noncompliant firms. Regulatory agencies can use this model to complement the current compliance monitoring scheme.

Originality/value

This research contributes a novel methodology for creating a context-specific dictionary that keeps only the relevant words customers use when discussing firms’ noncompliant acts. In the absence of such an approach, numerous irrelevant signals would be included in the modeling process, thereby increasing the cost of social media analytics.
Entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable business model innovation through technology transfer. A study of SMEs leadership in knowledge-based economies
Authors: Korayim Diana , Shaik Aqueeb Sohail , Agarwal Reeti , Nijjer Shivinder , Sasso Pasquale
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the connections between knowledge-based economies, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), sustainable business model innovation and technology transfer (TT). This study specifically investigates whether TT might foster EO and long-term business model innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study focuses on economies that are knowledge-based, where information is viewed as a vital resource for economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses structural equation modelling method and a quantitative research strategy to analyse data gathered from 309 SMEs in knowledge-based economies. A survey questionnaire created to examine the relevant factors was used to gather the sample data from PROLIFIC platform using judgemental sampling technique.

Findings

This study’s conclusions point to an association between TT and EO that is favourable, SMEs’ ability to use TT to strengthen their EO and the significance of EO in fostering innovation in SMEs. This study offers empirical proof of the role that TT may play in fostering innovation in sustainable business models and EO in SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers, business professionals and academic researchers who are interested in the function of TT in knowledge-based economies will find it to be a helpful source of information. According to this study’s results, TT can assist SMEs in using outside expertise and assets to grow their entrepreneurial capacities, promote innovation and build long-term business strategies.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence of the role of TT in fostering innovation within sustainable business models and cultivating EO within SMEs, contributing to the literature on these critical topics.
Accelerating Benders Decomposition for sustainable food closed-loop supply chain network under uncertainty: a case study
Authors: Heidari Ali , Khalilzadeh Mohammad , Pamucar Dragan , Ecer Fatih
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to address waste management in the food supply chain (FSC) through the integration of inspection processes in production and distribution centers under uncertain conditions, aiming to enhance sustainability across environmental, economic and social dimensions. The study introduces a sustainable forward and reverse FSC network using a closed-loop supply chain network approach to prevent the transfer of spoiled products, ultimately providing competitive advantages to stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

A robust multi-objective mathematical programming model is proposed, incorporating inspection processes to manage perishable products effectively. The model is solved using the Augmented Epsilon Constraint technique implemented in GAMS software, providing Pareto-optimal solutions tailored to decision-makers’ preferences. Furthermore, the methodology is applied in a real-world case study and solved with the Benders Decomposition algorithm to validate its practicality and effectiveness.

Findings

The proposed methodology effectively minimizes waste and enhances sustainability in the FSC by optimizing decision-making processes under uncertainty. The illustrative examples and real case study demonstrate the efficiency of the model and solution approach, highlighting the significant role of inspection in improving all three dimensions of sustainability.

Practical implications

The study offers valuable insights into and tools for food industry managers to make informed strategic and tactical decisions. By addressing waste management through advanced supply chain modeling, the research helps organizations reduce costs, improve sustainability and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Originality/value

This research is novel in its focus on integrating inspection into the FSC network and addressing uncertainty through robust mathematical modeling. It contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating the impact of inspection on sustainability in FSCs and providing practical solutions for real-world implementation.
Examining the role of green marketing mix elements on green purchase behavior
Authors: Irshad Madeeha
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines the impact of green promotions and green packaging on the green purchase behavior through the mediating role of environmental knowledge and green satisfaction in the context of fast-food chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a quantitative approach for data collection. The data were collected from 400 consumers of fast food chains operating in Pakistan through questionnaires.

Findings

The results showed that green promotions and green packaging had a strong positive impact on consumers’ green satisfaction, environmental knowledge and green purchase behavior. Green satisfaction and environmental knowledge mediated the relationship between green promotions and green purchase behavior and green packaging and green purchase behavior.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to determine the mediating roles of green satisfaction and environmental knowledge in the context of green marketing. The research offers significant theoretical and managerial insights.
Effect of silicone monomers on the properties of fluorinated acrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive for ePTFE bonding
Authors: Ma Xiao-Yan , Ren Yi-Wen , Li Hui , Li Wei , Liang Yanli , Zheng Wenjiang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Silicon-containing groups were introduced into fluoroacrylate polymer to further improve the comprehensive performance of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) for expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) bonding.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of silicon-containing fluorinated acrylic copolymers were synthesized through free radical solution polymerization with vinyloxy trimethylsilane, allyltrimethylsilane, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate or 1,3,5-tris(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) methylcyclotrisiloxane as silicon monomers, and comprehensive performance of the copolymers was evaluated based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), gel permeation chromatography, glass transition temperatures (Tg), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, water contact angle, the track, 180° peel strength, and shear holding power.

Findings

Based on the FTIR and XPS results, it is confirmed that the silicon monomers were successfully introduced into the fluorinated acrylate copolymer. XPS analysis indicated that the silicon groups had the tendency to enrich on the surface of the film, thereby reducing the F content on the film surface. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the PSAs increased when silicon monomers were introduced, while the thermal stability declined. The contact angles of the acrylic PSA films were increased with the introduction of silicon monomers. From the perspective of bonding performance, the track, 180° peel strength and shear holding power decreased to varying degrees compared to silicon-free PSA, except significantly elevated holding power with MPS as the silicon monomer.

Originality/value

Silicon-containing fluorinated acrylic copolymers were synthesized, and the comprehensive performance was evaluated as PSAs of ePTFE for the first time.
Emerging trends and critical insights in international business research: a hybrid review
Authors: Bui Huynh Nguyen , Phung Nam Phuong , Le My Linh , Nguyen Tan Hai Dang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to present a hybrid review combining the theory, context, characteristics and methodology (TCCM) framework and bibliometric analysis of international business research from 1991 to 2023, shedding light on the field’s growth, trends and key contributors.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant papers were selected using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses model. Initially, this paper conducted a descriptive analysis to identify prolific institutions, countries and journals. Using bibliometric techniques and the TCCM framework, this paper analyzed theory, context and method visualized through word clouds and keyword co-occurrence. The characteristic aspect was analyzed using bibliographic coupling to identify major themes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the most significant factors in international business research.

Findings

The analysis of a data set comprising 5,644 documents reveals a steady increase in the annual growth rate of publications, highlighting the growing significance of international business in the global economy. First, this paper noticed a significant increase in publications in leading international business journals, with the Journal of International Business Studies being the most prolific. Second, using the TCCM framework, this paper discovered that the resource-based view, institutional theory, transaction cost theory and internalization theory are predominant in international business research. Most studies have concentrated on firm or enterprise-level entities, followed by country-level analyses. This paper also identified six main themes: (1) innovation and strategy, (2) market, (3) HR impact and leadership, (4) marketing, (5) internationalization and (6) entrepreneurship. Quantitative methods have been the most frequently used research design, followed by qualitative and mixed methods.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers researchers and practitioners a roadmap for future investigations, collaboration and innovation in international business, thereby advancing the knowledge and understanding of this complex field within a globally interconnected economy.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into growth and trends, identifying journals, clustering research topics and enhancing theoretical and methodological understanding in the field of international business.
The moderating role of environmental ethics in the effect of green innovation awareness on corporate social responsibility
Authors: Yazıcı Ayşe Meriç , Çiçeklioğlu Hüseyin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how green innovation awareness is integrated into corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and what regulatory role environmental ethics plays in this process. This study evaluates how green innovation shapes the environmental, social and economic responsibilities of businesses and its impact on achieving sustainable development goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of this study consists of four field operation centers of a nuclear power plant operating in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. The sample consists of 397 employees in the field operation center using simple random sampling method.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed positive and significant relationships between the variables. According to the results obtained from both models, green innovation awareness and environmental ethics variables have a positive and significant effect on CSR, but environmental ethics does not have a moderating role in the effect of green innovation awareness on CSR.

Originality/value

This study is important in that it will help to clarify the gray areas in the literature by developing recommendations for practitioners, researchers and professionals in line with the research results. In addition, the fact that the research was conducted in the field studies of a nuclear power plant, which is one of the best places to address the issues of green innovation, CSR and environmental ethics, increases its importance.
Individual Kaizen in Japan: an exploratory multiple case study in a micro work environment
Authors: Suárez-Barraza Manuel F. , Miguel-Davila José Ángel , Yokozawa Kodo , Cosme-Castorena Julissa E.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Understanding work and its improvement from the individual’s perspective has become a critical issue in the 21st century. We are witnessing an overwhelming amount of information that is contributing to high stress levels among workers worldwide, which in turn has a significant impact on their physical health. From Imai's (1986) concept of Kaizen-Individual and Ohno’s (1978) idea of Manual Kaizen, the individual has always been at the heart of Kaizen philosophy. Recent research continues to explore this concept, focusing on aspects such as a sense of urgency or self-improvement. In this way, the purpose of this research is to explore and understand in depth Individual Kaizen in the micro work of Japanese companies; for this, the following research question is available: How is Individual Kaizen implemented in the work processes of the Japanese manufacturing companies examined?

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used was qualitative due to its exploratory nature. To this end, the strategy of multiple case studies was used during stays in manufacturing companies in Japan. Methods of direct observation, documentary analysis, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were used.

Findings

The study in Japanese companies shed light on the micro work environment and how workers execute their processes through operational standards focused on visual control (mieruka), individual and manual Kaizen as well as quality at the source. With all this context, the result was that Individual Kaizen is made up of four major elements: willingness to improve (Jishusei), life purpose (Ikigai), sense of urgency and commitment to work (Kodawari).

Research limitations/implications

The authors acknowledge that this study may have certain limitations due to its exploratory nature. Although a case study methodology was employed, limitations are always possible, primarily due to the small sample size and the bias that may arise from leaving out certain companies or key actors. Furthermore, the interviews were conducted only in a few Japanese companies, most of which are large and have an international presence.

Originality/value

Few studies have analyzed Kaizen in Japan, perhaps those by Brunet and New (2003), Macpherson (2015) and Yokozawa et al. (2021). However, delving deeper into the term Individual Kaizen in the micro-work of Japanese companies is novel and unique, in the sense of generating more theoretical constructs of Kaizen. First article that attempts to explain this work dynamic in micro work through Individual Kaizen.
Marrying the Unbeliever: Gender, Law, and Disparitas Cultus in Early Modern Japan*
Authors: de Oliveira Coutinho Silva Luisa Stella
Published: January 2025

The marriage between a Christian and a non‐Christian has been a highly discussed topic in the history of the Catholic Church and canon law. This study aims to analyse the construction of knowledge concerning disparitas cultus by using a broad array of sources including moral theology, canon law, and missionaries' cases that circulated in different regions of the Iberian Empires. It examines theoretical discussions by theologians in Japan and other parts of the Iberian Empires, as well as case studies described by missionaries in Japan involving Japanese Christians married to non‐Christians. The focus lies on revealing the arguments used both for and against marriage with disparity of cults, and on demonstrating the existence of diverse arrangements of marital cohabitation beyond the theoretical debates held on by scholars in Europe and Asia. From the perspective of women's legal history, it explores the relativisation of paternal consent, religious beliefs and social practices of cohabitation, gender roles within such relationships, household compositions and human relations, all contributing to the numerous situations in which couples live in disparitas cultus. Lastly, this article showcases how missionaries' sources can offer fresh interpretations to women's history in sixteenth and seventeenth‐century Japan.
ATHENS'S PHILANTHROCAPITALIST LANDSCAPE WITHIN THE CRISIS–AUSTERITY CONJUNCTURE
Authors: Koutrolikou Penny (Panagiota) , Papangelopoulos Antonis , Georgakopoulos Christos
Published: January 2025

The hegemony of neoliberal and austerity policies, which became further entrenched within the continuum of crises unfolding in the past 30 years, has provided ample opportunities for corporate actors and foundations to gain an increasingly decisive role in aspects of social and political life and governance. In several crisis‐afflicted cities, local and global philanthropic and philanthrocapitalist foundations became key stakeholders in urban development and governance, as well as in restructuring the terrain of urban policies and decision making. This article explores the growing influence that philanthrocapitalist foundations have acquired in the city of Athens in the past 15 years of entangled crises. By focusing on urban projects leveraged or implemented by these foundations in Athens, we trace the philanthrocapitalist urban landscape of the city and explore the transformations it prompts, not only in the ‘image of the city’, but also in urban governance and urban and political imaginaries. This emerging urban landscape is diverse and multiscalar, consisting of interventions in urban governance, developing or promoting landmark projects and implementing a multitude of small‐scale projects dispersed over neighbourhoods. It reflects the omnipresence of philanthrocapitalism in the city's affairs and raises questions about the impact that this recent transformation might have.
Recent advances in research on biomass‐based food packaging film materials
Authors: Mu Yanlu , Lv Shenghua , Liu Jinru , Tong Jiahao , Liu Leipeng , Wang Jiaqi , He Tingxiang , Wei Dequan
Published: January 2025

Although traditional petroleum‐based packaging materials pose environmental problems, biodegradable packaging materials have attracted extensive attention from research and industry for their environmentally friendly properties. Bio‐based films, as an alternative to petroleum‐based packaging films, demonstrate their significant advantages in terms of environmental friendliness and resource sustainability. This paper provides an insight into the development of biomass food packaging films such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, and gelatine, including their properties, methods of preparation (e.g., solution casting, extrusion blow molding, layer‐by‐layer assembly, and electrostatic spinning), and applications in food packaging. Through these preparation methods, the paper analyzes how the properties of the films can be effectively tuned and optimized to meet specific packaging needs. It was found that biomass film materials for food packaging not only possess functional properties such as antimicrobial, preservation, and indication, but also that their continued material innovation and technological improvements offer promising prospects for their use in commercial applications. These advances could help advance the global sustainable development goals, while showing great potential for improving food safety and extending shelf life. Future research will further explore new functions and applications of biomass films, providing additional solutions for environmental protection and sustainability.
Global insights and advances in edible coatings or films toward quality maintenance and reduced postharvest losses of fruit and vegetables: An updated review
Authors: Ali Maratab , Ali Akhtar , Ali Sajid , Chen Hangjun , Wu Weijie , Liu Ruiling , Chen Huizhi , Ahmed Zienab F. R. , Gao Haiyan
Published: January 2025

Transitioning to safe, nonthermal, and edible strategies for maintaining fruit and vegetable (F&V) quality, reducing postharvest losses (up to 55% annually), and ensuring food security requires extensive research and innovation in postharvest technologies. This review aims to provide an updated understanding of edible coatings or films (ECF), focusing on their role in reducing F&V postharvest losses, based on data from the last 40 years retrieved from the Web of Science database. The global ECF research network is represented by publication trends, majorly researched F&V, key research areas, influential and emerging authors, and global research ranking. The role of ECF in preserving F&V quality has been assessed by examining critical quality parameters, including weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ripening, softening, sensory and organoleptic characteristics, browning, chilling injury, and microbial safety. Furthermore, recent advancements in ECF formulations, including nanoscale ingredients and application methodologies, have been critically discussed. Sources, categorization, application strategies, mode of action, functional properties, sustainable development goals (SDGs), challenges, safety, legislations, and future perspectives in ECF research have also been discussed. The key findings indicate that China (20.34%) and the USA (9.94%) are the leading countries in ECF research. Studies have demonstrated ECF's potential in reducing F&V postharvest losses by maintaining quality parameters through advanced nanoscale compositions and methodologies. Notably, ECF research supports multiple SDG targets, including SDGs 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 15. Future ECF research should explore 3D‐printed coatings, nonflavor‐altering components, and potential crosslinking agents to enhance F&V quality and reduce postharvest losses.
Screening and characterizing indigenous yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, and acetic acid bacteria from cocoa fermentation in Hainan for aroma Development
Authors: Chang Haode , Gu Chunhe , Wang Mengrui , Chen Junxia , Yue Mingzhe , Zhou Junping , Chang Ziqing , Zhang Chao , Liu Fei , Feng Zhen
Published: January 2025

Fermentation is crucial for inducing desirable flavor and aroma profiles in cocoa products. This research focused on identifying microbial strains isolated from spontaneous cocoa fermentation in Hainan through 16S and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing. Pectinase activity was screened, and metabolic dynamics of sugars and organic acids were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was employed for the quantification of volatile compounds. The fermentation potentials of isolated yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and acetic acid bacteria were analyzed from multiple perspectives. Pichia fermentans XY23.1 and Hanseniaspora uvarum XY23.1 exhibited significant pectinolytic activity, essential for breaking down pectin in cocoa pulp. Moreover, H. uvarum XY23.1, H. occidentalis XY23.1, Saccharomyces cerevisiae XY23.2, and P. fermentans XY23.1 were identified as producers of notable amounts of alcohols and esters, contributing sweet and floral notes to the fermentation profile. Furthermore, Levilactobacillus brevis exhibited strong fructophilicity, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains showed high metabolic rates and lactic acid production abilities, crucial for enhancing fermentation efficiency. Assessment of growth rate and acid production performance revealed that Gluconobacter potus XY23.2 and Acetobacter oryzifermentans XY23.1 can produce less acid during rapid growth, avoiding flavor defects caused by excessive acidity. This study demonstrates the impact of various flavor compounds on the flavor characteristics of cocoa pulp. It highlights the potential of these microbial strains for use in starter culture cocktails, which can significantly improve the quality of cocoa products by enhancing desirable flavor and aroma profiles while maintaining balanced acidity.

Practical Application

This study screened and characterized microorganisms isolated from the fermentation of Hainan cocoa (Trinitario) through a series of experiments, providing new insights for the future selection of cocoa fermentation starters.
Stacking and Burning Invasive Acacia saligna Trees in South African Fynbos: Can Native Plant Species Passively Recover?
Authors: Nsikani Mlungele M. , Sadan Tashreeqah , Geerts Sjirk
Published: January 2025

The management of invasive taxa is crucial to mitigating their negative impacts and facilitating native biodiversity recovery. A common feature of clearing invasive trees in fire‐prone systems is the ‘stack burning’ method. The intense and long duration of the heat experienced during burning, with areas at the centre of the stack reaching over 300°C and 175°C at the edge, often leaves persistent stack burn scars, limits native biodiversity recovery, facilitates secondary invasion, and alters soil biotic, chemical and physical conditions. Despite such negative impacts, stack burning remains a method for clearing invasive plants because it is an economical way to dispose plant biomass. Our study investigated the recovery of native species in 80 stack burn scars in lowland fynbos (Cape Flats Sand Fynbos) and mountain fynbos (Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos) of South Africa over 3 years after clearing. Our results indicate that the (1) native species recovery in stack burn scars was limited and (2) stack burn scars showed higher native species richness and cover in lowland than mountain fynbos. To encourage the recovery of native soil seed banks and biota in stack burn scars, active seeding and/or by covering them with topsoil is recommended.
Baseline Drug Clearance Predicts Outcomes in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated With Vedolizumab: Results From the VedoKids Prospective Multicentre Study
Authors: Stein Ronen , Turner Dan , Hussey Séamus , Kawasmi Aysha , Ledder Oren , Levine Jeremiah , Markowitz James , Matar Manar , Orlanski‐Meyer Esther , Russell Richard K. , Shaoul Ron , Yerushalmy‐Feler Anat , Mould Diane R. , Conrad Maire A.
Published: January 2025

Background

The pharmacokinetics of biologic agents can differ between children and adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), often necessitating modified paediatric dosing strategies.

Aims

To define the exposure–response relationship of vedolizumab in the paediatric IBD VedoKids cohort including the effect of baseline clearance on deep biochemical remission (normal C‐reactive protein [CRP]/erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and steroid‐free remission) at 30 weeks, and to use population pharmacokinetic models to find the best matches between adult and paediatric pharmacokinetic profiles.

Methods

We sought a pharmacokinetic model on 312 serum vedolizumab concentrations from 129 children, assisted by a published adult model as a Bayesian prior. We employed the model for exposure–response evaluation and for investigating doses in paediatric patients to match the adult exposure at the labelled dose.

Results

At Week 30, 104/129 (81%) children (53% female and 47% Crohn disease) remained on vedolizumab, of whom 39 (31%) in the exposure‐response evaluation were in deep biochemical remission. Increased baseline drug clearance was associated with lower deep biochemical remission rates at Week 30 based on ESR/CRP (OR 0.47 [95% CI 0.2–1.05, p = 0.08]) and calprotectin < 100 μg/g (OR 0.13 [95% CI 0.1–0.79, p < 0.05]). Higher weight and lower serum albumin were associated with increased clearance (p < 0.001). Simulation models found that, for children ≤ 30 kg, tiered fixed dosing regimens best matched adult drug concentrations.

Conclusions

Drug clearance was strongly influenced by serum albumin. Baseline clearance predicted deep biochemical remission at Week 30. Further investigation is needed to better understand optimal dosing strategies—especially for lower‐weight children receiving vedolizumab.
Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral With Collagen for Anterior Maxillary Ridge Augmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yu Zhou , Wang Yuchen , Chen Yitong , Tang Like , Lai Kaichen , Yu Ke , Huang Tingben , Yang Guoli
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the effects of deproteinized bovine bone mineral with collagen (DBBMC) combined with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) on facial alveolar bone augmentation in the anterior maxillary region.

Materials and Methods

Patients receiving dental implant placement with simultaneous lateral bone augmentation using DBBM (control group) or DBBMC combined with DBBM (test group) were included in the study. The radiographic assessment of facial alveolar bone, such as facial horizontal bone thickness (FHBT), facial vertical bone level (FVBL), and square of facial bone (SFB), was taken by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Generalized estimated equation (GEE) was performed to identify influencing factors associated with the contraction in square of facial bone (SFBC).

Results

A total of 164 implants from 164 patients were included in this study. After 6 months post‐surgery, the SFBC and the alterations of FHBT and FVBL in the test group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). After 1–2 years after restorations, the SFBC and the alterations of FHBT and FVBL in the test group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between the alterations of FVBL and FHBT at the implant platform level in the test group (rs = 0.322, p = 0.001; rs = 0.349, p = 0.002). Implant timing of early loading (p = 0.014) and the implant site of the central incisor (p = 0.040) were significantly associated with the SFBC.

Conclusions

The applications of DBBMC combined with DBBM achieved better facial alveolar bone augmentation in the anterior maxillary region, especially in early implant placement.
Single‐cell multi‐omics deciphers hepatocyte dedifferentiation and illuminates maintenance strategies
Authors: Hao Jie , Wang Zhenyi , Ren Jilong , Cao Shenghao , Xie Zhongchen , Yang Jinghuan , Li Jiachen , Ding Weizhe , Li Jie , Han Zhiqiang , Yuan Ye , Hai Tang , Ding Sheng , Zhang Michael Q. , Shi Minglei
Published: January 2025

Due to the similarity to human hepatocytes, porcine hepatocytes play an important role in hepatic research and drug evaluation. However, once hepatocytes were cultured in vitro, it was often prone to dedifferentiate, resulting in the loss of their characteristic features and normal functions, which impede their application in liver transplantation and hepatotoxic drugs evaluation. Up to now, this process has yet to be thoroughly investigated from the single‐cell resolution and multi‐omics perspective. In this study, we utilized 10× multiome technology to dissect the heterogeneity of porcine hepatocytes at different time points (Days 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7) during dedifferentiation. We comprehensively investigated cell heterogeneity, cellular dynamics, signalling pathways, potential gene targets, enhancer‐driven gene regulatory networks, cell–cell communications of these cells and the conservation of mechanisms across species. We found that a series of critical signalling pathways driven by ERK, PI3K, Src and TGF‐β were activated during this process, especially in the early stage of dedifferentiation. Based on these discoveries, we constructed a chemical combination targeting these pathways, which effectively inhibited the dedifferentiation of porcine hepatocytes in vitro. To validate the effectiveness of this combination, we transplanted such treated hepatocytes into FRGN mice, and the results demonstrated that these cells could effectively repopulate the liver and improve the survival of mice.
Phonological Feature Abstraction Before 6 Months: Amodal Recognition of Place of Articulation Across Multiple Consonants
Authors: Altuntas Eylem , Best Catherine T. , Kalashnikova Marina , Götz Antonia , Burnham Denis
Published: January 2025

The classical view is that perceptual attunement to the native language, which emerges by 6–10 months, developmentally precedes phonological feature abstraction abilities. That assumption is challenged by findings from adults adopted into a new language environment at 3–5 months that imply they had already formed phonological feature abstractions about their birth language prior to 6 months. As phonological feature abstraction had not been directly tested in infants, we examined 4–6‐month‐olds’ amodal abstraction of the labial versus coronal place of articulation distinction between consonants. In the training phase, infants heard a series of labial non‐words paired with an animal image and a series of coronal non‐words (multisyllabic) paired with another image. At test, they viewed a silent video of a talker producing coronal and labial words, paired with either the familiarised image or the contrary image. The infants looked significantly longer on matching trials than mismatching trials, suggesting amodal abstraction of this consonantal place of articulation distinction by 4–6 months. These findings provide direct evidence for the inference from the adoptee findings that phonological feature abstraction emerges prior to perceptual attunement.
Forms of Innovation and the Core‐Periphery Divide: (Non‐) Technological Innovation and Geo‐Remoteness in Israel
Authors: Israel Emil , Salinger Eyal
Published: January 2025

Scholarly interest in innovation in the periphery has recently grown, along with the prevalence of studies investigating different forms of innovation. Given the relative paucity of research in these fields, this study aims to examine the probability of technological and non‐technological innovation in peripheral areas, compared to core regions. Drawing on a sample of over 3800 Israeli firms, we analyzed how their peripheral geographic location impacts their chances to innovate, in comparison to firms in Israel's core regions. The results showed that the probabilities to technologically innovate in most of the defined peripheries significantly exceed the probabilities in the core. Those probabilities decrease with the region's increasing peripherality. Peripheral firms that do tend to technologically innovate were found to be deeply embedded in their region's economy. Unlike technological innovation, peripheries' non‐technological innovation activity was found to benefit from urban agglomerations that endow local economies with an (technological) innovative buzz. The results have policy implications for the promotion of regional economic growth.
How Should We Use Hyaluronidase for Dissolving Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?
Authors: Hong Gi‐Woong , Hu Hyewon , Wan Jovian , Chang Kathleen , Park Youngjin , Vitale Massimo , Damiani Giovanni , Yi Kyu‐Ho
Published: January 2025

Background

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are commonly used in esthetic medicine for facial contouring and rejuvenation. However, complications such as overcorrection, vascular occlusion, and irregular filler distribution necessitate the use of hyaluronidase to dissolve the fillers. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hyaluronidase in degrading different types of HA fillers and provide clinical guidelines for its use based on filler type, dosage, and application techniques.

Methods

A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the dissolution of biphasic and monophasic HA fillers using varying concentrations of hyaluronidase. The in vivo component used animal models to determine the duration of hyaluronidase activity in biological tissues, whereas the in vitro study examined the dissolution rates of HA fillers in response to different hyaluronidase concentrations and application methods. A control study using saline was also performed to compare the natural hydration process of the fillers.

Results

Hyaluronidase efficacy was found to vary based on the type of HA filler and the enzyme's concentration. Biphasic fillers dissolved more rapidly at lower concentrations of hyaluronidase compared to monophasic fillers, which required higher concentrations and longer exposure times for effective breakdown. The study also demonstrated that direct injection of hyaluronidase into the filler mass was more effective than surface application. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that hyaluronidase activity diminished within 30 min in biological tissues, highlighting the need for timely intervention in clinical scenarios.

Conclusion

Hyaluronidase is effective in dissolving HA fillers, with its efficacy dependent on the type of filler, concentration, and application technique. Biphasic fillers respond more quickly to hyaluronidase, whereas monophasic fillers require higher doses and multiple treatments. Clinical recommendations include using direct injection techniques, tailoring hyaluronidase dosage based on the filler type, and considering hypersensitivity reactions. Future research should focus on the long‐term effects of hyaluronidase and refining clinical protocols for its use.