bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial indicators of suicidal ideation among acid attack survivors
Authors: Asif Shakeela , Khan Soulat , Butt Tayyab Ali , Mehmood Anisa , Zulfiqar Aimen , Mubashar Tahira
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to probe the relationship of facial disfigurement, stigmatization, burdensome, hopelessness and suicidal ideation in acid attack survivors and to scrutinize the mediating role of perceived burdensome and hopelessness in connection between facial disfigurement, social stigmatization and suicidal ideation among acid attack survivors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from Holy Family Hospital which is located in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Acid Survivors Foundation and social media sites. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect the sample. Sample comprised of N = 74 acid attack survivors. English version of discrimination and stigma scale, interpersonal needs questionnaire perceived burdensome scale, suicidal ideation attributes scale, Beck hopelessness scale and observer-rated facial disfigurement scale were used for the assessment. Statistical analysis includes correlation and mediation analysis through process macro.

Findings

Results indicated significant positive relationship between facial disfigurements, unfair treatment, stopping self and perceived burdensome with suicidal ideation, whereas overcoming stigma, hopelessness and positive treatment present a negative relationship with suicidal ideation. Results of the current study also showed that burdensome and hopelessness appear as significant mediator in association between facial disfigurement, social discrimination and suicidal ideation. This study provides the awareness about how by decreasing the hopelessness and perceived burdensome and resolving social stigmatization can minimize suicidal ideation and risks accompanying it.

Originality/value

This research covers a topic that violates human rights, it is a topic that never gets old and people are still facing its effects.
Modified invasive weed optimization-based path exploration for mobile robot
Authors: Dhal Ipsit Kumar , Kumar Saroj , Parhi Dayal R.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to modify a nature-based numerical method named the invasive weed optimization (IWO) method for mobile robot path planning in various complex environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing IWO method is quick in converging to a feasible solution but in a complex environment; it takes more time as well as computational resources. So, in this paper, the computational part of this artificial intelligence technique is modified with the help of recently developed evolution algorithms like particle swarm optimization, genetic algorithm, etc. Some conditional logic statements were used while doing sensor-based mapping for exploring complex paths. Implementation of sensor-based exploration, mathematical IWO method and prioritizing them for better efficiency made this modified IWO method take complex dynamic decisions.

Findings

The proposed modified IWO is better for dynamic obstacle avoidance and navigating a long complex map. The deviation of results in simulation and experiments is less than 5.5%, which validates a good agreement between simulation and real-time testing platforms.

Originality/value

As per a deep literature review, it has found that the proposed approach has not been implemented on the Khepera-III robot for smooth motion planning. Here a dynamic obstacle mapping feature is implemented. A method to selectively distribute seeds instead of a random normal distribution is also implemented in this work. The modified version of IWO is coded in MATLAB and simulated through V-Rep simulation software. The integration of sensors was done through logical conditioning. The simulation results are validated using real-time experiments.
Logistics 4.0 in warehousing: a conceptual framework of influencing factors, benefits and barriers
Authors: Perotti Sara , Bastidas Santacruz Roman Felipe , Bremer Peik , Beer Jakob Emanuel
Published: October 2022

Purpose

In the last decade, the Industry 4.0 paradigm had started to rapidly expand to the logistics domain. However, Logistics 4.0 is still in an early adoption stage: some areas such as warehousing are still exploring its applicability, and the technological implementation of this paradigm can become fuzzy. This paper addresses this gap by examining the relationship among influencing factors, barriers, and benefits of Logistics 4.0 technologies in warehousing contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach with 56 examined documents published in scientific journals or conference proceedings, a conceptual framework for Logistics 4.0 in warehousing is proposed. The framework encompasses multiple aspects related to the potential adopter’s decision-making process.

Findings

Influencing factors toward adoption, achievable benefits, and possible hurdles or criticalities have been extensively analyzed and structured into a consistent picture. Company’s digital awareness and readiness result in a major influencing factor, whereas barriers and criticalities are mostly technological, safety and security, and economic in nature. Warehousing process optimization is the key benefit identified.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a major gap since most of the research has focused on specific facets, or adopted the technology providers’ perspective, whereas little has been explored in warehousing from the adopters’ view. The main novelty and value lie in providing both academics and practitioners with a thorough view of multiple facets to be considered when approaching Logistics 4.0 in logistics facilities.
Cross-actor pallet exchange platform for collaboration in circular supply chains
Authors: Lehner Roland , Elbert Ralf
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Pallets ensure efficient processes in logistics and are exchanged between the different actors, while passing through various supply chains several times. In common practice, the exchange is often not directly carried out on site, e.g. due to a lack of time, so that additional trips and new pallet purchases become necessary. To reduce these negative effects, a digital cross-actor platform is designed, and its potential is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed an agent-based simulation model with mathematical optimization. Using experience from practitioners, as well as real-world datasets which were analyzed, the authors ensure a realistic model of the pallet exchange system in Germany.

Findings

The authors demonstrated that, with the help of this platform concept, transport routes can be shortened, debts and receivables can partly be equaled out through balancing, and the quantity of pallets in the overall system can be reduced.

Research limitations/implications

The results are not directly transferable to pallet exchange systems in other countries without considering their general settings.

Practical implications

Digital networking increases the efficiency of the existing pallet exchange system. Even small collaborations prove to be reasonable.

Originality/value

The authors developed new mechanisms for a digital pallet exchange platform, which takes on the role of a central planning instance, in addition to recording pallet receivables and debts. It enables the planning of the commodity flow of empty pallets, which are transported by the forwarders on regular routes, and distributed between the platform participants.
A multi-tier approach to supply chain collaboration: implications of shopper solutions
Authors: Newman Christopher , Gligor David , Cho Yoon-Na
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The authors explored the impact of a popular supply chain collaboration initiative – the shopper solution – on both retailers and manufacturers, as well as on the shopper.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a quasi-experimental field study, an experimental online study and an experimental behavioral lab study.

Findings

Overall, results revealed that shopper solutions increase the quantity and breadth of displayed products sold, along with sales totals. Shoppers also expressed higher willingness-to-pay (WTP) for products displayed in solutions. Shoppers positively (negatively) attributed the presence (absence) of solutions more strongly to retailers than to manufacturers due to perceived differences in manufacturers' concern for shoppers. Specifically, shoppers expressed higher (lower) word-of-mouth (WOM) and loyalty intentions toward retailers than manufacturers when solutions were (not) provided.

Originality/value

The authors provide a more holistic view of supply chain collaboration by showing how different chain members (retailers vs manufacturers) can experience disparate benefits from collaboration. The authors explain this within the context of shopper solutions by demonstrating that differences in perceived concern for shoppers underlies these effects. Thus, findings suggest that shopper marketing initiatives, such as solutions, are not always “win-win-win” outcomes for retailers, manufacturers and shoppers as intended. Overall, this is the first research to assess the implications of shopper solutions for retailers, manufacturers and shoppers, alike.
Women empowerment in inherited land rights: end of violence in rural areas
Authors: Parveen Sajida , Ahmad Bilal , Iram Tahira , Rasool Yasir
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the dynamics behind the violence against the share of women in their inherited land. This study explores the subject matter from the perspective of actual victims and law experts in the domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Informed by the interpretivist paradigm, the authors studied the subject matter through qualitative inquiry. Through semistructured interviews, data were collected from 16 women who have been deprived of their share in inherited land and 11 law experts who have been dealing with property-related court cases.

Findings

Thematic analyses through NVivo-11 evinced five themes related to the possible causes of women depriving of their property rights. From the victims’ perspective, the major causes of violence against women’s share in their inherited property rights are fear of income disaggregation, male dominance, forceful gifting, relational bond and fear of physical violence. Law experts’ views on the subject matter were somehow in convergence with the views of the actual victims. They reported a lack of social support, court delays and lack of knowledge about the law as the major causes of violence against women’s inherited property rights.

Originality/value

A reasonable volume of research is available on the subject of women’s empowerment. However, little attention is paid to investigating the causes of violence against women sharing in their inherited property rights – and suggesting some suitable ways to resolve the problem. Against this backdrop, this study is intended to explore the dynamics behind the violence against the share of women in their inherited land from the perspective of actual victims and law experts in the domain.
Career decisiveness: the role of motivational factors and career planning attitudes
Authors: Chatterjee Srabasti , Afshan Nikhat , Chhetri Prerna
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the mediating role of career planning attitudes (career optimism, career adaptability and perceived knowledge of job market) on the relationship between motivational factors (goal, emotion, context belief and capability belief) and career decisiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 302 undergraduate final semester students in India. Data were collected using survey questionnaire methods at two phases T1 and T2 within an interval of eight months. Structural equation modeling using AMOS was used for data analysis.

Findings

The findings of the study suggested that individual components of career planning attitudes as well as the collective career planning attitudes fully mediate dimensions of motivational systems theory and career decisiveness relationship.

Practical implications

The findings of the study could help those who are associated with developing and conducting career planning and development programs.

Originality/value

This study explored the antecedents and consequences of career planning attitudes, integrating both individual and contextual factors.
Prospects of negative heritage management in Syria
Authors: Zarka Wesam , Hajismail Salah
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate some of the negative heritage created in Syria over the 11 bloody years following the start of the uprising in 2011 and how this heritage can be managed to promote justice.

Design/methodology/approach

Different motives and methods for negative heritage management are exemplified and compared to find out the most appropriate one(s) that can be adapted and adopted in the Syrian context. Based mainly on Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports, suggestions are made for the management of three cases of negative heritage in Syria by planning measures and solutions to promote justice. The three cases are the targeting of schools and hospitals, chemical attacks and Aleppo’s River Massacre. The effectiveness of the proposals is discussed and piloted by conducting a one-on-one conversational interview in 2021, related to the first proposal, and soliciting feedback on a social media platform, related to the third proposal.

Findings

Values-centred preservation based on the efforts of the community concerned with negative heritage, rather than the four existing governments in Syria, can lead to good management of recent negative heritage. The proposed virtual application of the proposals is a step that may itself be useful and may facilitate future practical application, as most of the exemplified sites are no longer accessible on the ground.

Originality/value

Ethically productive management of the negative heritage is promoted to seek more value-oriented dimensions of the conflict. Considering a fruitful use of the conflict in Syria can encourage positive thinking and counter the passive attitude towards the prolonged conflict.
Business process innovations in family firms: evidence from Serbia
Authors: Paunović Mihailo , Mosurović Ružičić Marija , Lazarević Moravčević Marija
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the innovation performance of Serbian family firms, the differences in the innovation performance between family and non-family firms as well as different family firms, and the relationship between business process innovation and customer satisfaction among family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 207 valid responses from young Serbian companies from various industries founded in 2015 that published their financial statements in 2017. The statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and correlation analysis.

Findings

The study results indicate that family businesses in Serbia are innovation-oriented and that they introduced a number of innovations in business processes related to the production and distribution of goods or services and the development of products and business processes. The results also suggest that family and non-family firms are equally committed to introducing innovations in business processes. In addition, the study did not confirm significant differences in the performance of business process innovations among family firms in the manufacturing, trade, and service sectors. Finally, the results demonstrate that introducing business process innovations is positively associated with customer satisfaction and customer retention rate in Serbian family firms.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first comprehensive analysis of the innovation performance of Serbian family firms and can help policymakers assess the contribution of innovation to economic goals.
Econometric analysis of influence by the factors on the volume of shadow economy in the countries of Europe
Authors: Kravchenko Valentina , Karapetov Vadim , Nechepurenko Ignat
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the factors which influence the change in the volume of shadow economy in the countries of Europe to explain its growth or reduction through the change in the identified factors. This would help to determine which factors are worth impacting to reduce the volume of shadow economy in the countries of Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

This work sets out an econometric analysis. For the purpose of making research calculations, MS Excel software package has been chosen. It has been decided to use linear multiple regression and several auxiliary tools allowing research accuracy to be increased.

Findings

Final model has shown that the levels of corruption and inflation have a positive effect on the volume of shadow economy. Also, with the low level of significance it has been proved that foreign direct investments have a negative impact on the volume of shadow economy. From the hypotheses, it has also been ascertained that the rule of law and gross domestic product influence the volume of shadow economy negatively. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that the magnitude of shadow economy can be controlled by increasing the efficiency of the rule of law and the economy’s growth.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the limited data on such an indicator as the shadow economy, in this work, this study used data for only one year – 2015, which may reduce the objectivity and reliability of the results obtained. But because of the fact that 38 European countries were taken and, as a result, the selection was larger, objectivity is preserved. As a result, three hypotheses were confirmed.

Practical implications

From the point of view of practical implications, this study should help determine the number of parameters, which affect the volume of the shadow economy in a particular country in Europe. Understanding of such correlations will help to regulate the volume of the shadow economy, which will mostly affect the overall development of the country.

Social implications

From a point of view of social implications, this study will help to solve some problems in Europe countries. Because this study is focused on finding parameters that affect the shadow economy, it is possible to reduce the volume of shadow economy. This changes can lead to a number of social improvements, such as a reduction of crime, a reduction of poverty, a reduction of unemployment, an increase of revenues to the country's treasury and a general increase of living standards.

Originality/value

Within the framework of this work, unique empirical research has been undertaken. This work helps to establish the factors which are the most influential in respect of the volume of shadow economy and which graphically indicate the following: what precisely needs to be prioritized to overcome one of the crucial socioeconomic problems for the majority of European countries.
The impact of tourism supply chain on sustainable performance in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Suleiman Mohammed Ali
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The fast-growth of tourism industry in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has increased supply chain activities that harm the environment. Although there are some studies which have investigated the impact of tourism supply chain on sustainable performance, little is known on the side of SSA. Based on the natural resource-based view (NRBV), this study examines the effects of green purchasing, green packaging and reverse logistics on sustainable performance in SSA.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the conceptual model based on the data collected in mid of 2020 from 167 firms in tourism industry in Tanzania.

Findings

The results demonstrate that green purchasing (GP) has positive effects on environmental performance (EVP) and social performance (SCP). Green packaging (GPa) has positive effects on EVP but no significant influence on SCP. Also, reverse logistics (RL) has positive effects on SCP but no significant influence on EVP. Besides, both EVP and SCP positively influence ECP and mediate the relationships between GP, GPa and RL with ECP.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel framework in sustainable tourism supply chain literature by empirically investigating the relationship between tourism supply chain practices and sustainable performance in SSA.
Chinese cultural element in brand logo and purchase intention
Authors: Shi Jiarong , Jiang Zihao
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the effects of the Chinese cultural element in the brand logo (CCEBL)-product function congruence and CCEBL-brand image congruence on consumer-brand identification and subsequent purchase intention. The authors also explore the moderating role of cultural element authenticity in the process of consumer-brand identification formation.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted in China between January and February 2021. A total of 340 valid responses were collected and analyzed. A bootstrap method was employed to verify the hypotheses.

Findings

CCEBL-product function congruence and CCEBL-brand image congruence significantly improve consumers' purchase intentions, and the effects vary among product categories. Consumer-brand identification mediates these relationships. Finally, the relationships between CCEBL-product function congruence, CCEBL-brand image congruence, and consumer-brand identification are moderated by cultural element authenticity.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to investigate how local cultural elements in brand logos affect purchase intentions in the context of ethnocentrism. Additionally, this study advances the understanding of brand logo design by explaining and comparing the differences in the effectiveness of local cultural elements in brand logos among utilitarian and hedonic products. Additionally, this study links authenticity to cultural marketing and thus contributes to the literature.
Optimizing older adult co-researchers’ involvement in PAR: proposed evaluation tool
Authors: Raymond Emilie , Tremblay Christophe , Lebel Jean-Guy
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to share a practical evaluation tool intended to guide and support the participation of older people in PAR projects. Participatory action research (PAR) studies with older adults have been increasing over the past ten years. Scientific evidence provides key principles for PAR projects to achieve meaningful participation by older people; however, respecting the ideals of PAR is not always straightforward.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a case study that evaluated the involvement of nonacademic researchers in a PAR project using an evaluation tool derived from a literature review of PAR undertaken with this population (Corrado et al., 2020). The study goals were first to assess the assets and limits of the older co-researchers’ participation within the PAR project, and second to provide a revised version of the evaluation tool to support future PAR with older people. First, the authors designed an evaluation tool for nonacademic participation in PAR studies by older people that covers three main themes: older people positioned as prominent research partners; symmetrical power relations between academic and nonacademic researchers; and commitment regarding inclusiveness and long-term collaboration. Second, the authors performed an evaluation using this tool within the Active Aging with Dignity PAR Project.

Findings

Third, the authors used the results of this experiment to suggest improvements for an enhanced version of the evaluation tool aiming at supporting fuller involvement of older nonacademic researchers in PAR studies.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this evaluative tool is a methodological innovation in gerontology.
Structural modelling of 100% cotton single jersey fabrics for optimum UV protection
Authors: Imrith Manoj Kumar , Rosunee Satyadev , Unmar Roshan
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Lightweight, open construction cotton knitted fabrics generally do not impart good protection from solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). As lightweight 100% cotton single jersey is highly cherished for summerwear, it is sine qua non to understand the structural parameters that effectively strike a good balance between UV protection and thermophysiological comfort of the wearer. Relatively heavy fabrics protect from UVR, but comfort is compromised because of waning porosity, increase in thickness and thermal insulation. The purpose of this paper is to engineer knits that will bestow maximum UV protection while preserving the thermophysiological comfort of the wearer.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 27 cotton single jersey fabrics with different areal densities and yarn counts were selected. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) was calculated based on the work of Imrith (2022). To précis, the authors constructed a UV box to measure the UPF of fabrics, denoted as UPFB. UPFB data were correlated with AATCC 183-2004 and yielded high correlation, R2 0.977. It was concluded that UPF 50 corresponds to UPFB 94.3. Thermal comfort properties were measured on the Alambeta and water-vapour resistance on the Permetest. Linear programming (LP) was used to optimize UPFB and comfort. Linear optimization focused on maximizing UPFB while keeping the thermophysiological comfort and areal density as constraints.

Findings

The resulting linear geometrical and sensitivity analyses generated multiple technically feasible solutions of fabrics thickness and porosity that gave valid UPFB, thermal absorptivity and water-vapour and thermal resistance. Subsequently, an interactive optimization software was developed to predict the stitch length, tightness factor and yarn count for optimum UPFB from a given areal density. The predicted values were then used to knit seven 100% cotton single jersey fabrics and were tested for UV protection. All seven fabrics gave UPFB above the threshold, that is, higher than 94.3. The mathematical model demonstrated good correlations with the optimized parameters and experimental values.

Originality/value

The optimization software predicted the optimum UPFB reasonably well, starting from the fabric structural and constructional parameters. In addition, the models were developed as interactive user interfaces, which can be used by knitted fabric developers to engineer cotton knits for maximizing UV protection without compromising thermophysiological comfort. It has been demonstrated that LP is an efficient tool for the optimization and prediction of targeted knitted fabrics parameters.
Investigating the future of model-based construction in the UK
Authors: Brooks Tara , Zantinge Ryan , Elghaish Faris
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Although data rich building information models have been widely adopted in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry in the United Kingdom (UK), use of 2D drawings on site for construction is still the norm. The ability of 2-dimensional (2D) drawings to convey complex 3-dimensional information is limited and requires interpretation from operatives, and 2D drawings can be quickly superseded by model updates. Although constructing directly from a model has been adopted in the aerospace and automotive industries, its use in construction is in its infancy. This research therefore aims to investigate the potential for, and barriers to, model-based construction in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a qualitative approach, thematically analysing 13 semi-structured interviews with UK-based construction professionals who have experience of paperless or model-based construction.

Findings

Although model -based construction has been implemented to a limited extent on some civil engineering projects; research and investment in software, network capacity, legal and contractual issues, and cultural and human factors will need to be considered before model-based construction can be implemented more widely.

Originality/value

The research contributes to an understudied, emergent area of construction practice and outlines hurdles that need to be understood and overcome before more widespread adoption of model-based construction can take place.
A case study on marketing strategy of boAt
Authors: Singh Lakshya , Agrawal Amit Kumar
Published: October 2022

Research methodology

All aspects like finances, marketing strategy, competitors, etc. have been taken into account to provide the readers a complete and realistic image about the working, decisions and their outcomes for boAt. Secondary data has been used from blogs, company website and other sources in this study.

Case overview/synopsis

This case presents boAt’s growth in the Indian market because of India’s exponentially growing customer base in the tech and audio industry. This case brings to light all the factors considered and the business decisions to be made while growing in the market. The challenges faced by boAt after they entered the market and the company’s business decisions to overcome these challenges are also discussed. This case provides an opportunity for students to understand the dynamics associated with expanding in a competitive market to maintain growth and maximize profits.

Complexity academic level

This case is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students and can be used for courses in strategy, marketing, entrepreneurship and business management.
Developing and refining a process to improve teacher engagement with the performance management system in a school setting
Authors: Hawkins Emma , Grant Kate , Szabo Mariann , Hewett Kate
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to review and make changes to the performance management process in place for teachers in a school for autistic children with learning disabilities. The performance management process consisted of line managers setting targets for their staff and points were given for targets met. Targets were related to improving outcomes for the children in the school. Teacher engagement in the performance management process was measured by the number of teachers reporting their points monthly and the number of points earned monthly.

Design/methodology/approach

The PDC (Austin, 2000) was conducted to determine changes to the process to improve teacher engagement with the performance management system. These changes to the performance management process consisted of an antecedent and information intervention (flowchart implemented summarising performance management process), equipment and processes interventions (change to graphing requirement, set rolling targets implemented) and consequence interventions (teachers set rolling targets to meet with their line manager regularly and to report on targets met monthly).

Findings

The number of teachers completing and submitting monthly summary forms increased following the changes made to the performance management process. The average number of points received increased significantly during the intervention. The intervention implemented following the use of the PDC led to increased teacher engagement in the performance management process and thus potentially improved the outcomes for the children within the school.

Originality/value

The PDC is a fairly simple tool to use to identify solutions to problems in the workplace. The procedure used herein is replicable across many settings and different workplace issues.
Fitness costs ofWolbachiashift in locally‐adaptedAedes aegyptimosquitoes
Authors: Ross Perran A. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: October 2022

Aedes aegyptimosquito eggs can remain quiescent for many months before hatching, allowing populations to persist through unfavourable conditions.A. aegyptiinfected with theWolbachiastrainwMel have been released in tropical and subtropical regions for dengue control.wMel reduces the viability of quiescent eggs, but this physiological cost might be expected to evolve in natural mosquito populations that frequently experience stressful conditions. We found that the cost ofwMel infection differed consistently between mosquitoes collected from different locations and became weaker across laboratory generations, suggesting environment‐specific adaptation of mosquitoes to thewMel infection. Reciprocal crossing experiments show that differences in the cost ofwMel to quiescent egg viability were mainly due to mosquito genetic background and notWolbachiaorigin.wMel‐infected mosquitoes hatching from long‐term quiescent eggs showed partial loss of cytoplasmic incompatibility and female infertility, highlighting additional costs of long‐term quiescence. Our study provides the first evidence for a shift inWolbachiaphenotypic effects following deliberate field release and establishment and it highlights interactions betweenWolbachiainfections and mosquito genetic backgrounds. The unexpected changes in fitness costs observed here suggest potential tradeoffs with undescribed fitness benefits of thewMel infection.
Alternative(s): Better or just different?
Authors: Engelmann Sebastian
Published: October 2022

This paper aspires to show the often-obscured structure of alternatives in education. Alternative education is generally understood as an umbrella term for educational thought and practice for and in schools differing from an assumed ‘mainstream’, where ‘alternative’ is often taken to mean ‘better’. In many cases, ‘mainstream’ serves as an empty signifier that can be substituted by various forms of criticism. Just as progressive education is supposed to remedy all the ills of traditional education, alternative education is often positioned as a safe place to retreat to, away from the mainstream. I argue that this leads to a dichotomous structure. The mainstream, however, is not an empirical reality, for example, a specific form of curriculum, differentiation of different types of schooling, or anything else. ‘Mainstream’ serves as a generic critical reference point. My argument is developed through a series of historical discussions around alternative education explored through the lens of contemporary analysis of the category. I then offer a more systematic account of the terminology in order to establish a perspective from which to assess the flaws and problems of alternative education alongside its potential virtues and benefits.
Relative Valuation with Machine Learning
Authors: GEERTSEMA PAUL , LU HELEN
Published: October 2022

We use machine learning for relative valuation and peer firm selection. In out‐of‐sample tests, our machine learning models substantially outperform traditional models in valuation accuracy. This outperformance persists over time and holds across different types of firms. The valuations produced by machine learning models behave like fundamental values. Overvalued stocks decrease in price and undervalued stocks increase in price in the following month. Determinants of valuation multiples identified by machine learning models are consistent with theoretical predictions derived from a discounted cash flow approach. Profitability ratios, growth measures, and efficiency ratios are the most important value drivers throughout our sample period. We derive a novel method to express valuation multiples predicted by our machine learning models as weighted averages of peer firm multiples. These weights are a measure of peer–firm comparability and can be used for selecting peer‐groups.
Nanofibrils of food‐grade proteins: Formation mechanism, delivery systems, and application evaluation
Authors: An Di , Ban Qingfeng , Du Hengjun , Wang Qi , Teng Fei , Li Liang , Xiao Hang
Published: October 2022

Due to the high aspect ratio, appealing mechanical characteristics, and various adjustable functional groups on the surface proteins, food‐grade protein nanofibrils have attracted great research interest in the field of food science. Fibrillation, known as a process of peptide self‐assembly, is recognized as a common attribute for food‐grade proteins. Converting food‐grade proteins into nanofibrils is a promising strategy to broaden their functionality and applications, such as improvement of the properties of gelling and emulsifying, especially for constructing various delivery systems for bioactive compounds. Protein source and processing conditions have a great impact on the size, structure, and morphology of nanofibrils, resulting in extreme differences in functionality. With this feature, it is possible to engineer nanofibrils into four different delivery systems, including gels, microcapsules, emulsions, and complexes. Construction of nanofibril‐based gels via multiple cross‐linking methods can endow gels with special network structures to efficiently capture bioactive compounds and extra mechanical behavior. The adsorption behavior of nanofibrils at the interface is highly complex due to the influence of several intrinsic factors, which makes it challenging to form stabilized nanofibril‐based emulsion systems. Based on electrostatic interactions, microcapsules and complexes prepared using nanofibrils and polysaccharides have combined functional properties, resulting in adjustable release behavior and higher encapsulation efficiency. The bioactive compounds delivery system based on nanofibrils is a potential solution to enhance their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, improve their bioavailability, and deliver them to target organs. Although food‐grade protein nanofibrils show unknown toxicity to humans, further research can contribute to broadening the application of nanofibrils in delivery systems.
Research progress on quality deterioration mechanism and control technology of frozen muscle foods
Authors: Du Xin , Wang Bo , Li Haijing , Liu Haotian , Shi Shuo , Feng Jia , Pan Nan , Xia Xiufang
Published: October 2022

Freezing can prolong the shelf life of muscle foods and is widely used in their preservation. However, inevitable quality deterioration can occur during freezing, frozen storage, and thawing. This review explores the eating quality deterioration characteristics (color, water holding capacity, tenderness, and flavor) and mechanisms (irregular ice crystals, oxidation, and hydrolysis of lipids and proteins) of frozen muscle foods. It also summarizes and classifies the novel physical‐field‐assisted‐freezing technologies (high‐pressure, ultrasound, and electromagnetic) and bioactive antifreeze (ice nucleation proteins, antifreeze proteins, natural deep eutectic solvents, carbohydrate, polyphenol, phosphate, and protein hydrolysates), regulating the dynamic process from water to ice. Moreover, some novel thermal and nonthermal thawing technologies to resolve the loss of water and nutrients caused by traditional thawing methods were also reviewed. We concluded that the physical damage caused by ice crystals was the primary reason for the deterioration in eating quality, and these novel techniques promoted the eating quality of frozen muscle foods under proper conditions, including appropriate parameters (power, time, and intermittent mode mentioned in ultrasound‐assisted techniques; pressure involved in high‐pressure‐assisted techniques; and field strength involved in electromagnetic‐assisted techniques) and the amounts of bioactive antifreeze. To obtain better quality frozen muscle foods, more efficient technologies and substances must be developed. The synergy of novel freezing/thawing technology may be more effective than individual applications. This knowledge may help improve the eating quality of frozen muscle foods.
Polysaccharide‐based porous biopolymers for enhanced bioaccessibility and bioavailability of bioactive food compounds: Challenges, advances, and opportunities
Authors: Ubeyitogullari Ali , Ahmadzadeh Safoura , Kandhola Gurshagan , Kim Jin‐Woo
Published: October 2022

Bioactive food compounds, such as lycopene, curcumin, phytosterols, and resveratrol, have received great attention due to their potential health benefits. However, these bioactive compounds (BCs) have poor chemical stability during processing and low bioavailability after consumption. Several delivery systems have been proposed for enhancing their stability and bioavailability. Among these methods, porous biopolymers have emerged as alternative encapsulation materials, as they have superior properties like high surface area, porosity, and tunable surface chemistry to entrap BCs. This reduces the crystallinity (especially for the lipophilic ones) and particle size, and in turn, increases solubilization and bioavailability. Also, loading BCs into the porous matrix can protect them against environmental stresses such as light, heat, oxygen, and pH. This review introduces polysaccharide‐based porous biopolymers for improving the bioaccessibility/bioavailability of bioactive food compounds and discusses their recent applications in the food industry. First, bioaccessibility and bioavailability are described with a special emphasis on the factors affecting them. Then, porous biopolymer fabrication methods, including supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) drying, freeze‐drying, and electrospinning and electrospraying, are thoroughly discussed. Finally, common polysaccharide‐based biopolymers (i.e., starch, nanocellulose, alginate, and pectin) used for generating porous materials are reviewed, and their current and potential future food applications are critically discussed.
Nanozyme‐encoded luminescent detection for food safety analysis: An overview of mechanisms and recent applications
Authors: Li Yuechun , Sun Jing , Huang Lunjie , Liu Sijie , Wang Shaochi , Zhang Daohong , Zhu Mingqiang , Wang Jianlong
Published: October 2022

With the rapid growth in global food production, delivery, and consumption, reformative food analytical techniques are required to satisfy the monitoring requirements of speed and high sensitivity. Nanozyme‐encoded luminescent detections (NLDs) integrating nanozyme‐based rapid detections with luminescent output signals have emerged as powerful methods for food safety monitoring, not only because of their preeminent performance in analysis, such as rapid, facile, low background signal, and ultrasensitive, but also due to their strong attractiveness for future sensing research. However, the lack of a full understanding of the fundamentals of NLDs for food safety detection technologies limits their further application. In this review, a systematic overview of the mechanisms of NLDs and their applications in the food industry is summarized, which covers the nanozyme‐mimicking types and their luminescent signal generation mechanisms, as well as their applications in monitoring common foodborne contaminants. As demonstrated by previous studies, NLDs are bridging the gap to practical‐oriented food analytical technologies and various opportunities to improve their food analytical performance to be considered in the future are proposed.
Correlation analysis between extrusion process variables and quality of purslane leaf powder rice extrudates
Authors: Qi Jiahui , Han Feng , Liu Xinhua , Li Ruihong , Wang Chenjie , Li Hongjun , Chen Shanfeng
Published: October 2022

Extrusion has become one of the most popular techniques in food processing, and the process parameters are closely related to product quality. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) can be used in medical and food products as a vegetable and herb. It has limited application in extrusion. The effects of extrusion process variables (screw speed, barrel temperature, and feed moisture) on system variables (specific mechanical energy [SME], die head pressure, and torque) and target variables (water absorption index, water solubility index, iodine blue value, color, pasting properties, and textural properties) of purslane powder compound rice were studied. The results showed that SME was moderately positively correlated with screw speed (r = 0.608, p < 0.05). However, torque was moderately negatively correlated with feed moisture (r = −0.574, p < 0.05), and die head pressure was moderately negatively correlated with barrel temperature (r = −0.635, p < 0.01). The target variables of extrudates were also correlated with the system parameters to varying degrees. These results are helpful to control and predict the texture, pasting properties, and other quality characteristics of extruded products containing purslane powder.

Practical Application

The results showed that torque and die head pressure were moderately negatively related to barrel temperature, specific mechanical energy was moderately positively related to screw speed, peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity were moderately negatively related to specific mechanical energy, and water absorption index was moderately negatively related to torque and die head pressure. It provides a reference for the research of influencing system parameters and changing product quality by controlling extrusion process parameters. In this study, some possibilities for the application of broken rice and purslane in extrusion processing were proposed.
Iteratively mapping ancient DNA to reconstruct highly divergent mitochondrial genomes: An evaluation of software, parameters and bait reference
Authors: Westbury Michael V. , Lorenzen Eline D.
Published: October 2022

The ability to obtain ancient DNA (aDNA) from extinct species has greatly improved our ability to study their evolutionary histories. Most aDNA studies focus on mitochondrial DNA for both population‐level and species‐level insights, due to its relatively high abundance and increased obtainability. Although several approaches are available to assemble mitogenomes, high levels of DNA damage and non‐target contaminating DNA make many approaches unsuitable for aDNA. Further complicating matters for most extinct species is the lack of a sufficiently closely related extant relative to act as a reference.

Iterative mapping can assemble mitogenomes without using a close reference sequence, and has been applied to aDNA from various extinct species. Despite its widespread use, the accuracy of the reconstructed assemblies is yet to be comprehensively assessed. Here, we investigated the influence of (i) mapping software (Burrows–Wheeler Alignment [BWA], MITObim and NOVOplasty), (ii) parameters and (iii) bait reference phylogenetic distance on assembly accuracy using two simulated datasets: spotted hyena and various mammalian bait references; southern cassowary and various avian bait references, and two empirical datasets: extinct cave hyena; two extinct sloth species. Specifically, we assessed the accuracy of results through three parameters: pairwise distance to a reference conspecific mitogenome, number of incorrectly inserted base pairs and total length of the assembly.

We found large discrepancies in the accuracy of reconstructed assemblies using different mapping software, parameters and bait references. Results also varied depending on the dataset, thereby making broad, generalised conclusions difficult. However, the overall most accurate results were obtained with either BWA using a minimum mapping quality of 20 and relaxed mismatch parameters (‐n 0.001 ‐o 2), or MITObim using a mismatch value of 3 or 5. We also show accuracy could be further improved by combining results from multiple bait references.

Our study provides information on how divergent mitogenomes are best reconstructed from aDNA. By obtaining the most accurate reconstruction possible, one can be more confident as to the reliability of downstream analyses, and the evolutionary inferences made from them.