bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Contribution of Sustainable Packaging to the Circular Food Supply Chain
Authors: Zambujal‐Oliveira João , Fernandes Cristina
Published: March 2024

As food supply chains pursue sustainability, numerous questions arise from their agents, focusing on the role of reverse logistics in sustainable packaging design and its effective contribution to waste reduction and the conservation of natural resources. With the goal of developing a new multi‐criteria decision‐making framework, this article examines how several multi‐criteria decision‐making approaches can be used to facilitate the selection of sustainable product‐package designs. Using a case study, the multi‐criteria decision‐making method analyses package design, helping decision‐makers to determine and minimize the percentage of food losses at each step of the supply chain. Furthermore, the design of both the product and its packaging must encompass the entire life cycle, including materials sourcing, production, transportation, use and disposal. Achieving sustainability requires a collaborative effort among all supply chain agents, from producers to consumers. Consequently, this study aims to explore the challenges and opportunities of attaining sustainable product and packaging design in the food supply chain, emphasizing the need for a long‐term, collaborative approach to sustainability. This study concludes that sustainable packaging is highly relevant in the circular food supply chain due to its direct contributions to reducing food waste, conserving resources, mitigating carbon emissions, and meeting consumer preferences for eco‐friendly products. Given the consideration of relevant criteria, the multicriteria method appears to be suitable for analysing food supply chains, thanks to its systematic approach in managing the application of sustainable packaging throughout the entire process, including the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food products.
Measurement of Rubidium Vapor Density Based on Spin‐Exchange Rate
Authors: Shang Huining , Zou Sheng , Zhang Hong , Fang Jiancheng
Published: March 2024

An efficient method is proposed for quantifying rubidium vapor density by analyzing the spin‐exchange rate between alkali metals. This method effectively addresses two primary challenges in measuring alkali vapor density. First, it overcomes the limitation of absorption spectroscopy to measure vapor density under optically thick conditions, typically restricted to temperature higher than 420K, equivalent to alkali vapor density exceeding . Second, it mitigates the risk of disrupting shielding functionality due to the application of a strong magnetic field, often in the range of several tens of Gauss or higher, when employing the Faraday rotation for vapor‐density measurement. The spin‐exchange rate between atoms, inherently related to the vapor density, is evident in the electron‐paramagnetic‐resonance spectrum of spin‐polarized , thereby providing a possibility for measuring alkali vapor density. To eliminate overlap between two Lorentzian curves resulting from two decomposed components of an oscillating field, a small rotating magnetic field with identical amplitude and frequency but a 90‐degree phase shift along both the x and y axes is applied. This method is successfully employed to measure vapor density in the temperature range of 373–433 K, with the measured outcomes closely matching the saturation vapor curve.
Litter and root sources of soil organic matter in a temperate forest: Thirty years in the DIRT
Authors: Bowden Richard D. , Simpson Myrna J. , Saucedo Nathalie Paz , Brozell Katherine , DiGiacomo Jackie , Lajtha Kate
Published: March 2024

Managers increasingly seek to increase forest soil carbon but long‐term controls on soil organic matter (SOM) sources and stability are weakly understood. We used a 30‐year detrital input/removal treatment experiment in a deciduous forest to evaluate the importance of root and leaf litter to SOM. Inputs were assessed by excluding roots and leaves (litter) or by doubling litter inputs. In mineral soil, %SOM differed only at 0–10 cm (p = 0.11), with concentrations in the no litter and no roots treatments of 26% and 9%, respectively, lower than the controls. Cessation of litter inputs had a stronger effect on SOM than cessation of root inputs, but root litter inputs may contribute stable SOM. Doubled litter increased mineral SOM.
Fostering sustainable production via the Amazon Fund collaborative platform
Authors: Bizzo Eduardo , Michener Gregory
Published: March 2024

Motivated by the notion that collaboration is essential to achieving sustainable development, this research explores the impact of the Brazil‐based Amazon Fund Collaborative Platform in boosting sustainable production across multiple forest and agroforestry initiatives in the Amazon region. Collaborative platforms represent a relatively new concept, amounting to governance structures that facilitate the creation, adaptation, and success of multiple ongoing collaborative projects or networks. Utilizing data sourced from the Brazilian Amazon spanning from 2003 to 2017, we employ a difference‐in‐differences with multiple time periods estimation to understand the effects of the Amazon Fund Collaborative Platform on the production of forest and agroforestry goods. Our results, which show that collaborative platforms are associated with significantly higher production, enjoin policymakers to adopt platforms in promoting sustainable development.
Asymmetrically Coordinated Mn‐S1N3 Configuration Induces Localized Electric Field‐Driven Peroxymonosulfate Activation for Remarkably Efficient Generation of 1O2
Authors: Yang Zhaoyi , Yang Xiaofang , Zhang Weijun , Wang Dongsheng
Published: March 2024

Singlet oxygen (1O2) species generated in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)‐based advanced oxidation processes offer opportunities to overcome the low efficiency and secondary pollution limitations of existing AOPs, but efficient production of 1O2 via tuning the coordination environment of metal active sites remains challenging due to insufficient understanding of their catalytic mechanisms. Herein, an asymmetrical configuration characterized by a manganese single atom coordinated is established with one S atom and three N atoms (denoted as Mn‐S1N3), which offer a strong local electric field to promote the cleavage of O─H and S─O bonds, serving as the crucial driver of its high 1O2 production. Strikingly, an enhanced the local electric field caused by the dynamic inter‐transformation of the Mn coordination structure (Mn‐S1N3 ↔ Mn‐N3) can further downshift the 1O2 production energy barrier. Mn‐S1N3 demonstrates 100% selective product 1O2 by activation of PMS at unprecedented utilization efficiency, and efficiently oxidize electron‐rich pollutants. This work provides an atomic‐level understanding of the catalytic selectivity and is expected to guide the design of smart 1O2‐AOPs catalysts for more selective and efficient decontamination applications.
A Cross‐linked n‐Type Conjugated Polymer with Polar Side Chains Enables Ultrafast Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Quek Glenn , Ohayon David , Ng Pei Rou , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: March 2024

Pseudocapacitors bridge the performance gap between batteries and electric double‐layer capacitors by storing energy via a combination of fast surface/near‐surface Faradaic redox processes and electrical double‐layer capacitance. Organic semiconductors are an emerging class of pseudocapacitive materials that benefit from facile synthetic tunability and mixed ionic‐electronic conduction. Reported examples are mostly limited to p‐type (electron‐donating) conjugated polymers, while n‐type (electron‐accepting) examples remain comparatively underexplored. This work introduces a new cross‐linked n‐type conjugated polymer, spiro‐NDI‐N, strategically designed with polar tertiary amine side chains. This molecular design aims to synergistically increase the electroactive surface area and boost ion transport for efficient ionic‐electronic coupling. Spiro‐NDI‐N demonstrates excellent pseudocapacitive energy storage performance in pH‐neutral aqueous electrolytes, with specific capacitance values of up to 532 F g−1 at 5 A g−1 and stable cycling over 5000 cycles. Moreover, it maintains a rate capability of 307 F g−1 at 350 A g−1. The superior pseudocapacitive performance of spiro‐NDI‐N, compared to strategically designed structural analogues lacking either the cross‐linked backbone or polar side chains, validates the essential role of its molecular design elements. More broadly, the design and performance of spiro‐NDI‐N provide a novel strategy for developing high‐performance organic pseudocapacitors.
The power of representation: Statistical analysis of diversity in US Alzheimer's disease genetics data
Authors: Xue Diane , Blue Elizabeth E. , Conomos Matthew P. , Fohner Alison E.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disease influenced by genetics and environment. More than 75 susceptibility loci have been linked to late‐onset AD, but most of these loci were discovered in genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) exclusive to non‐Hispanic White individuals. There are wide disparities in AD risk across racially stratified groups, and while these disparities are not due to genetic differences, underrepresentation in genetic research can further exacerbate and contribute to their persistence. We investigated the racial/ethnic representation of participants in United States (US)‐based AD genetics and the statistical implications of current representation.

METHODS

We compared racial/ethnic data of participants from array and sequencing studies in US AD genetics databases, including National Institute on Aging Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) and NIAGADS Data Sharing Service (dssNIAGADS), to AD and related dementia (ADRD) prevalence and mortality. We then simulated the statistical power of these datasets to identify risk variants from non‐White populations.

RESULTS

There is insufficient statistical power (probability <80%) to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with low to moderate effect sizes (odds ratio [OR]<1.5) using array data from Black and Hispanic participants; studies of Asian participants are not powered to detect variants OR <= 2. Using available and projected sequencing data from Black and Hispanic participants, risk variants with OR = 1.2 are detectable at high allele frequencies. Sample sizes remain insufficiently powered to detect these variants in Asian populations.

DISCUSSION

AD genetics datasets are largely representative of US ADRD burden. However, there is a wide discrepancy between proportional representation and statistically meaningful representation. Most variation identified in GWAS of non‐Hispanic White individuals have low to moderate effects. Comparable risk variants in non‐White populations are not detectable given current sample sizes, which could lead to disparities in future studies and drug development. We urge AD genetics researchers and institutions to continue investing in recruiting diverse participants and use community‐based participatory research practices.
One loop QCD corrections to gg → $$t\overline{t }H$$ at $$\mathcal{O}\left({\epsilon }^{2}\right)$$
Authors: Buccioni Federico , Kreer Philipp Alexander , Liu Xiao , Tancredi Lorenzo
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We compute the one-loop corrections to gg → $$t\overline{t }H$$ up to order $$\mathcal{O}\left({\epsilon }^{2}\right)$$ in the dimensional-regularization parameter. We apply the projector method to compute polarized amplitudes, which generalize massless helicity amplitudes to the massive case. We employ a semi-numerical strategy to evaluate the scattering amplitudes. We express the form factors through scalar integrals analytically, and obtain separately integration by parts reduction identities in compact form. We integrate numerically the corresponding master integrals with an enhanced implementation of the Auxiliary Mass Flow algorithm. Using a numerical fit method, we concatenate the analytic and the numeric results to obtain fast and reliable evaluation of the scattering amplitude. This approach improves numerical stability and evaluation time. Our results are implemented in the Mathematica package TTH.
Rational Angles and Tilings of the Sphere by Congruent Quadrilaterals
Authors: Luk Hoi Ping , Cheung Ho Man
Published: March 2024

We apply Diophantine analysis to classify edge-to-edge tilings of the sphere by congruent almost equilateral quadrilaterals (i.e., edge combination $$a^3b$$

a
3

b

). Parallel to a complete classification by Cheung, Luk, and Yan, the method implemented here is more systematic and applicable to other related tiling problems. We also provide detailed geometric data for the tilings.
Comprehensive analysis of MAPK gene family in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and functional characterization of GhMPK31 in regulating defense response to insect infestation
Authors: Wang Fuqiu , Liang Sijia , Wang Guanying , Wang Qiongqiong , Xu Zhongping , Li Bo , Fu Chunyang , Fan Yibo , Hu Tianyu , Alariqi Muna , Hussain Amjad , Cao Jinglin , Li Jian , Zhang Xianlong , Jin Shuangxia
Published: March 2024

Key message

The transcriptomic, phenotypic and metabolomic analysis of transgenic plants overexpressing GhMPK31 in upland cotton revealed the regulation of H2O2 burst and the synthesis of defensive metabolites by GhMPK31.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a crucial class of protein kinases, which play an essential role in various biological processes in plants. Upland cotton (G. hirsutum) is the most widely cultivated cotton species with high economic value. To gain a better understanding of the role of the MAPK gene family, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the MAPK gene family in cotton. In this study, a total of 55 GhMPK genes were identified from the whole genome of G. hirsutum. Through an investigation of the expression patterns under diverse stress conditions, we discovered that the majority of GhMPK family members demonstrated robust responses to abiotic stress, pathogen stress and pest stress. Furthermore, the overexpression of GhMPK31 in cotton leaves led to a hypersensitive response (HR)-like cell death phenotype and impaired the defense capability of cotton against herbivorous insects. Transcriptome and metabolomics data analysis showed that overexpression of GhMPK31 enhanced the expression of H2O2-related genes and reduced the accumulation of defensive related metabolites. The direct evidence of GhMPK31 interacting with GhRBOHB (H2O2-generating protein) were found by Y2H, BiFC, and LCI. Therefore, we propose that the increase of H2O2 content caused by overexpression of GhMPK31 resulted in HR-like cell death in cotton leaves while reducing the accumulation of defensive metabolites, ultimately leading to a decrease in the defense ability of cotton against herbivorous insects. This study provides valuable insights into the function of MAPK genes in plant resistance to herbivorous insects.
Transparency-enhancing technology allows the three-dimensional assessment of esophageal carcinoma obtained by endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Asahina Yuichi , Hinata Munetoshi , Tanaka Asami , Oshio Kaori , Ogawa Haruki , Aihara Makoto , Onodera Hiroshi , Ushiku Tetsuo
Published: March 2024

Background

Although much progress has been made in diagnosis of carcinomas, no established methods have been confirmed to elucidate their morphological features.

Methods

Three-dimensional structure of esophageal carcinomas was assessed using transparency-enhancing technology. Endoscopically resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was fluorescently stained, optically cleared using a transparency-enhancing reagent called LUCID, and visualized using laser scanning microscopy. The resulting microscope images were converted to virtual HE images for observation using ImageJ software.

Results

Microscopic observation and image editing enabled three-dimensional image reconstruction and conversion to virtual HE images. The structure of abnormal blood vessels in esophageal carcinoma recognized by endoscopy could be observed in the 3 dimensions. Squamous cell carcinoma and normal squamous epithelium could be distinguished in the virtual HE images.

Conclusions

The results suggested that transparency-enhancing technology and virtual HE images may be feasible for clinical application and represent a novel histopathological method for evaluating endoscopically resected specimens.
Granzyme B degrades extracellular matrix and promotes inflammation and choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Obasanmi Gideon , Uppal Manjosh , Cui Jing Z. , Xi Jeanne , Ju Myeong Jin , Song Jun , To Eleanor , Li Siqi , Khan Wania , Cheng Darian , Zhu John , Irani Lyden , Samad Isa , Zhu Julie , Yoo Hyung-Suk , Aubert Alexandre , Stoddard Jonathan , Neuringer Martha , Granville David J. , Matsubara Joanne A.
Published: March 2024

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common retinal neurodegenerative disease among the elderly. Neovascular AMD (nAMD), a leading cause of AMD-related blindness, involves choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which can be suppressed by anti-angiogenic treatments. However, current CNV treatments do not work in all nAMD patients. Here we investigate a novel target for AMD. Granzyme B (GzmB) is a serine protease that promotes aging, chronic inflammation and vascular permeability through the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and tight junctions. Extracellular GzmB is increased in retina pigment epithelium (RPE) and mast cells in the choroid of the healthy aging outer retina. It is further increased in donor eyes exhibiting features of nAMD and CNV. Here, we show in RPE-choroidal explant cultures that exogenous GzmB degrades the RPE-choroid ECM, promotes retinal/choroidal inflammation and angiogenesis while diminishing anti-angiogenic factor, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). The pharmacological inhibition of either GzmB or mast-cell degranulation significantly reduces choroidal angiogenesis. In line with our in vitro data, GzmB-deficiency reduces the extent of laser-induced CNV lesions and the age-related deterioration of electroretinogram (ERG) responses in mice. These findings suggest that targeting GzmB, a serine protease with no known endogenous inhibitors, may be a potential novel therapeutic approach to suppress CNV in nAMD.
Deep reinforcement learning based on balanced stratified prioritized experience replay for customer credit scoring in peer-to-peer lending
Authors: Wang Yadong , Jia Yanlin , Fan Sha , Xiao Jin
Published: March 2024

In recent years, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) models have been successfully utilised to solve various classification problems. However, these models have never been applied to customer credit scoring in peer-to-peer (P2P) lending. Moreover, the imbalanced class distribution in experience replay, which may affect the performance of DRL models, has rarely been considered. Therefore, this article proposes a novel DRL model, namely a deep Q-network based on a balanced stratified prioritized experience replay (DQN-BSPER) model, for customer credit scoring in P2P lending. Firstly, customer credit scoring is formulated as a discrete-time finite-Markov decision process. Subsequently, a balanced stratified prioritized experience replay technology is presented to optimize the loss function of the deep Q-network model. This technology can not only balance the numbers of minority and majority experience samples in the mini-batch by using stratified sampling technology but also select more important experience samples for replay based on the priority principle. To verify the model performance, four evaluation measures are introduced for the empirical analysis of two real-world customer credit scoring datasets in P2P lending. The experimental results show that the DQN-BSPER model can outperform four benchmark DRL models and seven traditional benchmark classification models. In addition, the DQN-BSPER model with a discount factor γ of 0.1 has excellent credit scoring performance.
Gender Self-Identification: Opinions About Transgender Women from a National Online Survey in Taiwan
Authors: Chao Kuo-Yu , Chou Chih-Chiang , Chen Ching-I , Cheng Wei
Published: March 2024

Gender self-identification (transgender) is not permitted in most Asian countries. In Taiwan, individuals recognized as transgender must meet requirements mandated by the Gender Recognition Act. Currently, lifting the requirement for proof of sex-reassignment surgery is pending. The aim of this study was to survey a large sample of Taiwanese to gain a better understanding of the general population’s attitudes toward gender self-identification. A self-report survey, entitled “Opinions of Gender Self-Identification,” collected demographic information and responses (agree = 1, disagree = 0) to 14 statements about transgender women and women’s safety, personal rights, and the law; one statement discussed rights of transgender men to give birth; total scores ranged from 0 to 14. The online survey was distributed to non-government organizations across Taiwan and the Taiwanese islands and was available between April 16 and 30, 2022. Most of the 10,158 respondents were female (77.4%); ages of respondents ranged from 15 to > 65 years. The mean total score was 0.95 ± 2.27, indicating respondents strongly disagreed with support for transgender females; 91.56% disagreed with all statements. Although there were significant differences in scores between parents and non-parents, and those ≤ 35 years versus ≥ 36 years (p < .01), all strongly disagreed with gender self-identification. Given the majority of respondents were females, survey findings should be regarded with caution. Public acceptance of gender self-identification requires support from its residents. Our findings suggest that gender self-identification has not begun to approach even a moderate level of public support among survey respondents.
Soil liquefaction sites following the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş-Türkiye earthquake sequence
Authors: Cetin Kemal Onder , Soylemez Berkan , Guzel Hayri , Cakir Elife
Published: March 2024

Seismically induced soil liquefaction was listed as one of the major causes of damage observed in the natural and built environment during the 2023 Türkiye-Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence. Reconnaissance field investigations were performed to collect perishable data and document the extent of damage immediately after the events. The sites with surface manifestations of seismic soil liquefaction in the form of soil ejecta, excessive foundation and ground deformations were identified and documented. The deformations were mapped, and samples from ejecta were retrieved. The ejecta samples were predominantly classified as sands with varying degrees of fines. Laboratory test results performed on liquefied soil ejecta revealed that the fines-containing liquefied ejecta samples are mostly classified as low plasticity clays (CL). Most of CL soil type ejecta were retrieved from Gölbaşı–Adıyaman region. The liquid limits of these samples varied in between 32 and 38%, their plasticity index values were estimated in the range of 16–23%. Surprisingly, two ejecta samples with plasticity indices higher than 30% were retrieved from Hatay airport, one of which was classified as high plasticity clay (CH). The majority of the fine-grained ejecta samples fall either on “Zone B: Testing Recommended” region of the Seed et al. (Keynote presentation, 26th Annual ASCE Los Angeles Geotechnical Spring Seminar, Long Beach, CA, 2003) susceptibility chart. Moreover, 12 out of 74 samples fall outside the susceptible limits defined by Seed et. These preliminary results suggest that clayey soils can produce liquefied ejecta when subjected to cyclic loading. Detailed site investigation and laboratory testing programs are ongoing to further investigate this rather unexpected response. Until their findings become available, the liquefaction susceptibility of silty-clayey soils’ mixtures is recommended to be assessed conservatively with caution.
Bi–axially loaded RC beam–column joints and haunch retrofit
Authors: Angelo Marchisella , Giovanni Muciaccia
Published: March 2024

In this study, seismic bi–axially loaded RC beam–column joints are investigated. An experimental campaign on shear–critical corner joints is presented, including two as–built specimens and one retrofitted using fully–fastened–haunches (FFHR). Bi–axial tests adopted hexagonal protocol which is essentially to apply load in one direction double with respect to the other. Results obtained for as–built condition were included in a database of corner joints tested bi–axially and discussed in the light of the impact of bi–axial load on joint’s shear strength. Further, non–linear finite elements were employed to thoroughly evaluate the bi–axial response. Haunch retrofit was capable to reduce both shear stresses and distortion at joint. Experimentally–derived internal forces were used to validate three–dimensional Strut-and-Tie model of the joints. Such design tool is recommended for practice cases adopting FFHR.
Response of functional diversity of fish communities to habitat alterations in small lowland rivers
Authors: Stefani Fabrizio , Fasola Emanuele , Marziali Laura , Tirozzi Pietro , Schiavon Alfredo , Bocchi Stefano , Gomarasca Stefano
Published: March 2024

Functional diversity has proven to be more responsive than traditional taxonomic diversity to alterations for a wide set of communities, especially in aquatic ecosystems. Habitat alterations are among the most relevant causes of biodiversity loss in freshwater ecosystems, nevertheless their effect on functional diversity has been scarcely investigated so far. In this study, functional diversity of fish communities in the River Po basin, north Italy, were related to habitat quality at different spatial scales. Land use and riparian vegetation were identified as the most influent factors on freshwater fish functional diversity. On the other hand, habitat descriptors at smaller scale did not influence functional diversity of fish. The evidenced responses were driven by the contribution of exotic species, which maximized ecological niche occupancy, either by exploiting increased habitat heterogeneity or by interaction with native species. Moreover, traits filtering, disadvantaging large predators such as salmonids, was also observed in the studied communities, but likely this effect was related to other factors than habitat alterations. Overall, this study confirms that land use changes can be considered as valid proxies for anthropogenic alterations. Moreover, possible effects at ecosystem level, also related to the spread of exotic species, could be hypothesized, giving that traits mostly influencing the observed patterns of diversity in communities were related to trophic niche, a factor that has been associated with crucial processes like nutrient cycling or energy transfer.
The Indirect Diversification Benefits of Investing in Japanese Firms: An Alternative Perspective
Authors: Chadha Pearlean , Berrill Jenny
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the role of firm-level multinationality in equity portfolio diversification for Japanese firms from 1998 to 2015. We use a unique multinationality dataset for constituents of the Nikkei 225 based on two measures of sales and subsidiaries. We employ an extended version of the traditional Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) to analyse the exposure of firm returns to various geographical regions. There is evidence that firms are not influenced by the geographic regions where they report operations. The results also indicate that there are benefits from investing in Japanese multinationals but these benefits do not increase with increasing multinationality. A new category of firms is identified that may be beneficial to investors—firms that are influenced by a geographical region where they do not report sales or subsidiaries. This finding has far reaching implications for portfolio management. Investors must do more than analyse the international location of firm operations. They must analyse the geographical influences on firm returns. Existing studies fail to distinguish between these two criteria, assuming them to be the same. We find evidence to the contrary.
A Critical Exploration of Bargaining in Purchasing and Supply Management: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kelly Stephen , Chicksand Daniel
Published: March 2024

Bargaining with suppliers is a key Purchasing and Supply Management (PSM) activity but there is considerable ambiguity over what bargaining entails and the concept currently lacks a systematic treatment, despite its significant interest to PSM professionals. The literature shows that bargaining can be seen as an adversarial approach to negotiation (in contrast to more integrative/collaborative ones) and also the back-and-forth discussion over price and other variables between buying and supplying organisations to reach an agreement. In addition, many will move between fundamentally distributive and integrative approaches as the discussions play out. A systematic literature review of the Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, JSTOR and Web of Science databases was undertaken to address this gap, identifying 427 relevant journal papers that were systematically analysed. First, descriptive techniques identified the trajectory of published papers, methods, theories and their industrial context. Second, content analysis identified the key constructs and associated operational measures/variables of bargaining. Third, the constructs have then been ordered temporally and by areas of location (organisational/departmental and individual levels) to generate a model and inform a series of practice-based recommendations at different stages of the bargaining process. The findings will allow future researchers to use the constructs either directly in developing focused hypotheses to test relationships or as a basis for refinement and extension in cumulative theory building and testing. In addition, a series of focused research gaps have been identified, such as addressing the current contradictory findings of the effect of purchasing volume or organisational size on bargaining power.
Pension funds and fossil fuel phase-out: historical developments and limitations of pension climate strategies
Authors: McDonnell Clara
Published: March 2024

Despite the decades of international climate negotiations and several landmark agreements, global efforts to date to restrict fossil fuel production in line with climate targets have been unsuccessful. As national and international policies continue to fall short of phasing out fossil fuels, increasing attention has been paid to non-state actors, like pension funds, as a potential source of more ambitious climate action. As major asset owners, large shareholders in fossil fuel companies, and historically activist investors, pension funds are theoretically well-placed to contribute to phasing out fossil fuels. Despite growing recognition of this potential role for pension funds and other major investors in climate change mitigation, there has been little attention to pension funds’ historical record on climate change, or to how their climate strategies have developed and changed over time. This paper examines how the climate strategies of the largest US and European pension funds have evolved in relation to key developments in international climate agreements and the extent to which these strategies contribute to restricting fossil fuel supply. Through an analysis of the annual, governance, and sustainability reports of 6 pension funds from 1997 to 2022, we examine the strategies pension funds have adopted to address both climate change and fossil fuels. Pension funds have demonstrated responsiveness to the signals of international climate agreements, adopting a range of strategies with respect to climate change (amongst others, integrating ESG principles, increasing their sustainable investments, and setting net zero goals). Their explicit attention to fossil fuels and contribution to supply-side interventions take the form of systematic shareholder engagement, (selective) divestment, and lobbying policymakers. While pension fund climate action is growing , the ambition of their strategies is not aligned with a rapid fossil fuel phaseout; their efforts are often focussed on improving disclosure and transparency and demonstrate complacency with minimal improvements from fossil fuel companies. If pension funds are to significantly contribute to phasing out fossil fuels, redefining pension fund responsibilities and the traditional shareholder role will likely be required.
Suspended filamentous algal cultures for wastewater treatment: A review
Authors: Sabatte F. , Baring R. , Fallowfield H.
Published: March 2024

More than 50 years have passed since the first studies of microalgae treating effluents were published. Suspended growth of filamentous algae in wastewater ponds has been considered in several publications for over a decade. However, despite all the research efforts and the knowledge generated, the technology is far from being adopted. This review compiles all the publications identified in different databases, which used filamentous algal ponds to remediate varied wastewaters, with the aim of identifying the research needs to allow the technology’s application. The experimental methods and results obtained were extracted and compiled for comparison from 28 relevant studies, in which municipal wastewater and Oedogonium spp. were most used. Most of the studies were performed at a small laboratory scale and for short time periods. There was a remarkable use of effluents with a high degree of pretreatment and more studies focused on the biomass productivity than the treatment performance. It is recommended that future research use wastewater, with minimum intervention, rather than defined nutrient solutions, to assess the potential for wastewater treatment. Transitioning from laboratory to outdoor systems at scale should be a primary aim to further adopt this technology.
A comprehensive review of the effects of roads on salamanders
Authors: Ochs Alison E. , Swihart Robert K. , Saunders Mike R.
Published: March 2024

Context

Road expansion has raised concerns regarding road effects on wildlife and ecosystems within the landscape. Salamanders, critical ecosystem components and bioindicators, are vulnerable to road impacts due to habitat loss, migrations, and reliance on stream health. Systemic reviews considering the effects of different road types on salamanders are lacking.

Objectives

We summarize 155 studies of road effects on salamanders, including paved, unpaved, and logging roads, hiking trails, railroads, and powerlines. We examine trends in road type, study area, and impacts on salamanders; summarize current knowledge; and identify knowledge gaps.

Methods

We used Web of Science for literature searches, completed in January 2023. We reviewed and summarized papers and used Chi-squared tests to explore patterns in research efforts, research gaps, and impacts on salamanders.

Review

Roads had negative effects on salamanders through direct mortality, damaging habitat, and fragmenting populations. Traffic and wetland proximity increased negative impacts in some studies; abandoned logging roads showed negative effects. Positive effects were limited to habitat creation along roads. Habitat creation and under-road tunnels with drift fencing were effective mitigation strategies. Non-passenger vehicle roads were critically understudied, as were mitigation strategies such as bucket brigades and habitat creation along roads.

Conclusions

With road networks expanding and salamander populations declining, managers must account for road effects at landscape scales. The effects of non-paved roads on salamanders are poorly understood but critically important as such roads are frequently located in natural areas. Managers should incorporate mitigation strategies and work to reduce road impacts on vulnerable wildlife.
Coffee pollination and pest control are affected by edge diversity at local scales but multiscalar approaches and disservices can not be ignored
Authors: Hohlenwerger Camila , Spake Rebecca , Tambosi Leandro R. , Aristizábal Natalia , González-Chaves Adrian , Librán-Embid Felipe , Saturni Fernanda , Eigenbrod Felix , Metzger Jean-Paul
Published: March 2024

Context

Managing landscapes to increase multiple services provision in search of higher agricultural yield can be an alternative to agricultural intensification. Nonetheless, to properly guide management, we need to better understand how landscape structure affects multiple services at different scales.

Objectives

Focused on synergies and trade-offs in real-world landscapes, we investigated how and at which scale landscape features related to the supply, demand and flow of services act as a common driver of pollination and pest control in coffee plantations.

Methods

Considering landscapes in an important coffee-producing region in Brazil, we tested the effects offorestandcoffee cover,distance to forest,forest-coffee edge densityandcoffee edge diversityat multiple scales on pollination and pest control by birds, bats and ants.

Results

Coffee edge diversity (number of land uses in contact with coffee) was an important driver of pollination and pest control, being consistently relevant at local scales (up to 300 m). However, services were also affected by other landscape features and the ‘scale of effect’ of these relationships varied. Additionally, results show the complex nature of pest control once the direction of effect revealed services and disservices.

Conclusions

Besides reinforcing the importance of known landscape effects, this study adds to previous studies by showcasing the relevance of diverse land uses around coffee crops as a common driver of pollination and pest control provision by different species. Moreover, we highlight how understanding the combined local and landscape effects may aid in offsetting disservices and tackling the variety of ‘scales of effect’ found.
Why Aristotle Isn’t a Virtue Ethicist. Living Well and Virtuously in Aristotelian and Contemporary Aretaic Ethics
Authors: Kaya Deniz A.
Published: March 2024

Drawing on Anscombe, in this essay I argue that we should not take Aristotle to be a moral philosopher, nor a virtue ethicist. This is because contemporary virtue ethics has little to do with Aristotelian ethics. While contemporary virtue ethics (or aretaic moral theory, as one may call it) operates on the level of moral and thus categorical norms, Aristotelian ethics—an aretaic life ethics—is primarily concerned with pragmatic norms. The main question for Aristotle is what a good general conduct of life is. The major concern of aretaic moral theory, on the other hand, is to provide a criterion of morally right action and hence to define the concepts of the morally right, the impermissible and moral duty in aretaic terms. This shows that contemporary authors assume a primacy of virtue, while Aristotle assumes a primacy of eudaimonia. I illustrate this distinction by addressing the question of how the virtues benefit their possessor.
Use of wildlife-friendly structures in residential gardens by animal wildlife: evidence from citizen scientists in a global biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Van Helden Bronte E , Skates Laura M , Close Paul G
Published: March 2024

Private gardens comprise a large component of greenspace in cities and can offer substantial conservation opportunities. There has been strong advocacy from researchers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners to engage householders in wildlife-friendly gardening practices to increase the quantity, quality and connection of habitat resources for urban wildlife. Despite this call to action, there remains limited knowledge on the use and benefit of some wildlife-friendly structures within gardens, such as artificial refuges and water sources. In collaboration with 131 citizen scientists in southwestern Australia, we examined the use of seven wildlife-friendly structure types by four vertebrate taxa groups. Following 2841 wildlife surveys undertaken between 31 July 2022 and 22 February 2023, we found that all structures were used primarily by target taxa, water sources were often used by relatively common species, certain structures such as possum shelters were used by rare and threatened species (e.g. western ringtail possum), and that there was evidence of animals making use of the wildlife-friendly structures for reproduction (e.g. bird eggs in nest boxes and tadpoles in water sources). Water sources were used more frequently and by a greater diversity of wildlife than artificial refuges. In particular, bird baths were used by the highest number of species (mainly birds) while ponds were used by the greatest variety of taxa (birds, reptiles, frogs, mammals). Our findings provide evidence-based support for the advocacy of wildlife-friendly gardening practices and further highlight the role of residential gardens for biodiversity conservation.
Creating valid adversarial examples of malware
Authors: Kozák Matouš , Jureček Martin , Stamp Mark , Troia Fabio Di
Published: March 2024

Because of its world-class results, machine learning (ML) is becoming increasingly popular as a go-to solution for many tasks. As a result, antivirus developers are incorporating ML models into their toolchains. While these models improve malware detection capabilities, they also carry the disadvantage of being susceptible to adversarial attacks. Although this vulnerability has been demonstrated for many models in white-box settings, a black-box scenario is more applicable in practice for the domain of malware detection. We present a method of creating adversarial malware examples using reinforcement learning algorithms. The reinforcement learning agents utilize a set of functionality-preserving modifications, thus creating valid adversarial examples. Using the proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm, we achieved an evasion rate of 53.84% against the gradient-boosted decision tree (GBDT) detector. The PPO agent previously trained against the GBDT classifier scored an evasion rate of 11.41% against the neural network-based classifier MalConv and an average evasion rate of 2.31% against top antivirus programs. Furthermore, we discovered that random application of our functionality-preserving portable executable modifications successfully evades leading antivirus engines, with an average evasion rate of 11.65%. These findings indicate that ML-based models used in malware detection systems are sensitive to adversarial attacks and that better safeguards need to be taken to protect these systems.
Cultural Evolution of Religion, Spirituality and Ritual: Impacts On Human Cooperation
Authors: McNamara Rita Anne
Published: March 2024

From the classic gene-centred view of evolution, cooperation is a mystery. This paper reviews the cultural evolutionary approach, which asks how genes and culture both carry information across generations to produce adaptive responses. Cultural evolution approaches ritual, religion and spirituality as collective responses to cooperation challenges. Ritual engages with individual and collective neuro-biological responses that cue group cohesion and facilitate trust. Ritual simultaneously cues social learning and can alleviate anxiety by downregulating neurological arousal. Religion forms a complex set of socio-cultural behaviours and beliefs that facilitate group identification and may help to resolve classic dilemmas of cheaters and free-riders who threaten the long-term survival of cooperative systems. Spirituality engages ways of being that are targeted at relational, holistic, and communal awareness that facilitates healthy relationships among individuals, communities and ecosystems. The cultural evolutionary view can reveal an underlying sensibility to beliefs and behaviours that seem on their surface nonsensical to an outside observer—helping to explain why they persist across groups despite costliness to individuals. It can also help to shed light on why some religious and spiritual forms spread while others do not, providing insight into how these forms change when groups mix.
Gene Editing for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Hoekstra Menno , Van Eck Miranda
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

Here, we summarize the key findings from preclinical studies that tested the concept that editing of hepatic genes can lower plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels to subsequently reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk.

Recent Findings

Selective delivery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated gene editing tools targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) to hepatocytes, i.e., through encapsulation into N-acetylgalactosamine-coupled lipid nanoparticles, is able to induce a stable ~ 90% decrease in plasma PCSK9 levels and a concomitant 60% reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels in mice and non-humane primates. Studies in mice have shown that this state-of-the-art technology can be extended to include additional targets related to dyslipidemia such as angiopoietin-like 3 and several apolipoproteins.

The use of gene editors holds great promise to lower plasma LDL-cholesterol levels also in the human setting. However, gene editing safety has to be guaranteed before this approach can become a clinical success.
Gravity-Dependent Modulation of Downbeat Nystagmus and Subjective Visual Vertical in the Roll Plane
Authors: Macher Stefan , Dunkler Daniela , Fiehl Anuscha Theresa , Rommer Paulus Stefan , Platho-Elwischger Kirsten , Schwarz Felix Konstantin , Wiest Gerald
Published: March 2024

Downbeat nystagmus (DBN) is the most common form of acquired central vestibular nystagmus. Gravity perception in patients with DBN has previously been investigated by means of subjective visual straight ahead (SVA) and subjective visual vertical (SVV) in the pitch and roll planes only during whole-body tilts. To our knowledge, the effect of head tilt in the roll plane on the SVV and on DBN has not yet been systematically studied in patients. In this study, we investigated static and dynamic graviceptive function in the roll-plane in patients with DBN (patients) and healthy-controls (controls) by assessment of the Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) and the modulation of slow-phase-velocity (SPV) of DBN. SPV of DBN and SVV were tested at different head-on trunk-tilt positions in the roll-plane (0°,30° clockwise (cw) and 30° counterclockwise (ccw)) in 26 patients suffering from DBN and 13 controls. In patients, SPV of DBN did not show significant modulations at different head-tilt angles in the roll-plane. SVV ratings did not differ significantly between DBN patients vs. controls, however patients with DBN exhibited a higher variability in mean SVV estimates than controls. Our results show that the DBN does not exhibit any modulation in the roll-plane, in contrast to the pitch-plane. Furthermore, patients with DBN show a higher uncertainty in the perception of verticality in the roll-plane in form of a higher variability of responses.