bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breakthrough in Dicot Prime Editing: Enabling Heritable Desired Edits in Tomato andArabidopsis
Authors: Vu Tien Van , Nguyen Ngan Thi , Kim Jihae , Song Young Jong , Nguyen Thu Hoai , Kim Jae-Yean
Published: February 2024

Prime editing (PE) enables almost all types of precise genome editing in animals and plants. It has been successfully adapted to edit several plants at variable efficiency and versatility. However, this technique is inefficient for dicots for unknown reasons. Here, by employing novel combinations of PE components, including an RNA chaperone and modified epegRNAs driven by a PolII-PolIII composite promoter and a viral replicon system, we obtained up to 9.7% of the desired PE efficiency at the callus stage assessed by targeted deep sequencing. Subsequently, we identified that up to 38.2% of transformants contained desired PE alleles in tomatoes andArabidopsis, marking the first successful heritable PE transmission in dicots. Our PE tools also showed high accuracy, specificity, and multiplexing capability, which unlocked the potential for practical PE applications in dicots, paving the way for transformative advancements in plant sciences.
Bats of a feather: Range characteristics and wing morphology predict phylogeographic breaks in volant vertebrates
Authors: Decker Sydney K. , Provost Kaiya L. , Carstens Bryan C.
Published: February 2024

Intraspecific genetic variation and phylogeographic structure can be influenced by factors such as landscape features, environmental gradients, historical biogeography, and organismal traits such as dispersal ability. Since deep genetic structure is often considered a precursor to speciation, identifying the factors that are associated with genetic structure can contribute to a greater understanding about diversification. Here, we use repurposed data to perform a global analysis of volant vertebrates (i.e., bats and birds) to estimate where intraspecific phylogeographic breaks occur and identify the factors that are important predictors of these breaks. We estimate phylogeographic breaks using Monmonier’s maximum difference barrier algorithm and conduct a Random Forests analysis using the presence of a phylogeographic break as a response variable. In bats, phylogeographic breaks are concentrated in biodiversity hotspots while breaks estimated in bird species are more widespread across temperate and tropical zones. However, for both clades geographical features such as maximum latitude, measures of wing morphology, and organismal traits associated with feeding ecology were found to be important predictors of phylogeographic breaks. Our analysis identifies geographical areas as wells as suites of organismal traits that could serve as a starting point for more detailed studies of biodiversity processes.
Mind the blank: behavioral, experiential, and physiological signatures of absent-mindedness
Authors: Musat Esteban Munoz , Corcoran Andrew W. , Belloli Laouen , Naccache Lionel , Andrillon Thomas
Published: February 2024

Does being awake mean being conscious? This study investigates Mind Blanking (MB), characterized by an "emptiness of mind", comparing it with Mind Wandering (MW) and On-task (ON) states. Using a sustained attention task and electroencephalogram monitoring on 26 participants, behavioral and neurophysiological signatures of MB were examined. MB exhibited a specific pattern of behavioral lapses, as well as decreased fast oscillatory activity and complexity over posterior electrodes compared to MW. Functional connectivity analyses also revealed decreased frontal-posterior connectivity during MB and event-related potentials indicated a disruption in late-stage visual processing, suggesting a lack of conscious access to sensory information during MB. EEG-based neural features enabled trial-level prediction of mental states, furnishing estimates of the fine-grained dynamics of consciousness beyond subjective reports. Overall, these findings challenge the notion of continuous wake consciousness, suggesting that MB represents genuine gaps in our stream of thoughts.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Employing cutting-edge neurophysiological techniques on high-density EEG recordings, our study unveils unique neurophysiological markers of mind blanking—a phenomenon characterized by lapses in conscious content amidst the flow of consciousness. Distinguished from task-oriented states and mind wandering, this signature sheds light on the elusive nature of mind blanking. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of decoding consciousness dynamics solely from EEG features, transcending the limitations of intermittent subjective reports. Our findings not only provide a novel framework for investigating the stream of consciousness but also challenge the conventional notion that wakefulness invariably signifies consciousness.
traits.build: a data model, workflow and R package for building harmonised ecological trait databases
Authors: Wenk Elizabeth , Bal Payal , Coleman David , Gallagher Rachael , Yang Sophie , Falster Daniel
Published: February 2024

Trait databases have proliferated over the past decades, facilitating research on the ecology, evolution, and conservation of taxa across the Tree of Life. Typically, teams of independent researchers build these databases, and each must develop their own workflow and output structure. This divests research hours from downstream tasks such as trait-based analysis and interpretation and the resultant datasets are often difficult to integrate due to disparate database structures. Here we introduce the {traits.build} package, which offers a generalised workflow for building trait databases. {traits.build} contains bespoke functions for propagating metadata files, extensive tutorials, and sample configuration files, allowing researchers to efficiently build a new trait database using open source tools. In addition, the {traits.build} output structure is fully documented by a data model, ensuring the meaning of each variable and sematic relationship between variables is transparent and consistent. The data standard links to terms in previously published data standards, drawing strongly on DarwinCore and the Ecological Trait-data Standard, but also includes the ability to fully map location and context properties absent from these vocabularies., It is the first published database-building workflow that adheres to the Extensible Observation Ontology. Simultaneously developing a generalised workflow and publishing a data standard for the workflow provides {traits.build} users a straightforward pathway to build a new trait database that achieves the FAIR principles. The meaning of all variables in a {traits.build} database are already documented, allowing further integration with either other {traits.build} databases or indeed any other database with a documented data model. This follows the vision of the Open Traits Network to build trait databases whose data can be easily integrated for further analysis.
Two distinct mechanisms for Nav1.7 null analgesia
Authors: Kanellopoulos Alexandros H. , Tian Naxi , Cox James J. , Zhao Jing , Woods Christopher G. , Wood John N
Published: February 2024

Genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition are distinct approaches to unravelling pain mechanisms, identifying targets and developing new analgesics. Both approaches have been applied to the voltage-gated sodium channels Nav1.7 and Nav1.8. Genetic deletion of Nav1.8 in mice leads to a loss of pain, and antagonists are effective analgesics. Complete embryonic loss of Nav1.7 in humans or in mouse sensory neurons leads to profound analgesia substantially mediated by endogenous opioid signaling, and anosmia that is opioid independent. Autonomic function appears to be normal. Adult deletion of Nav1.7 in sensory neurons also leads to analgesia with diminished sensory neuron excitability but there is no opioid component of analgesia. Pharmacological inhibition of Nav1.7 leads to dramatic side-effects on the autonomic nervous system. Here we compare and contrast the distinct embryonic and adult null mechanisms of Nav1.7 loss-of-function analgesia. We describe an endogenous opioid mechanism of analgesia that provides new opportunities for therapeutic intervention and pain relief.

In contrast to Nav1.8, Nav1.7, a genetically validated human pain target is unsuitable for small molecule drug development because of its wide spread expression both centrally and peripherally.
Probing entanglement and testing Bell inequality violation with
e+e−→τ+τ−
at Belle II
Authors: Ehatäht K. , Fabbrichesi M. , Marzola L. , Veelken C.
Published: February 2024

We present a feasibility study to probe quantum entanglement and Bell inequality violation in the process e+e−→τ+τ− at a center-of-mass energy of s=10.579  GeV. The sensitivity of the analysis is enhanced by applying a selection on the scattering angle ϑ in the τ+τ− center-of-mass frame. We analyze events in which both τ leptons decay to hadrons, using a combination of decay channels τ−→π−ντ, τ−→π−π0ντ, and τ−→π−π+π−ντ. The spin orientation of the τ leptons in these decays is reconstructed using the polarimeter-vector method. Assuming a dataset of 200 million τ+τ− events and accounting for experimental resolutions, we expect the observation of quantum entanglement and Bell inequality violation by the Belle-II experiment will be possible with a significance well in excess of five standard deviations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Leveraging information communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance auditing practices
Authors: Thottoli Mohammed Muneerali
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In the fourth industrial revolution, where business accounting integrates with automation through artificial intelligence (AI) and information communication technology (ICT), auditors must be able to access and analyze vast data and information to identify potential risks and issues. Using data analytics and AI to study significant amounts of data linked to audits, this study aims to investigate auditing practices by leveraging ICT and AI to enhance the audit process.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric and quantitative research techniques have been used in the study’s mixed-method process. The theoretical underpinnings of AI have been investigated using the bibliometric research method, and the challenge of implementing ICT-enabled auditing practices among auditing professionals has been studied using the quantitative research method. Surveys, interviews and bibliometric analysis have all been used as data-gathering techniques.

Findings

Research in AI and auditing has a broad worldwide scope, involving developed and developing nations. ICT perceived benefits have no direct effect on auditing practices. However, ICT training has a mediating effect on the relationship between ICT perceived benefits and auditing practices. ICT adoption has no moderating effect on the relationship between ICT training and auditing practices.

Research limitations/implications

Findings have significance for lead auditors, policymakers and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), who are keenly interested in upgrading the auditing practice of accounting professionals in India by incorporating AI and ICT determinants.

Practical implications

This research makes a significant contribution by offering a thorough framework for improving the knowledge management of practising auditors regarding ICT adoption, training and perceived benefits, a crucial component of auditing practices in the digital age. In addition, it provides insightful information about how AI affects accounting practices, which may point the way for further study in this area.

Originality/value

This research has significant implications for auditing firms in India. It can inform ICAI, policymakers and regulators in their attempts to foster the incorporation of AI and ICTs in auditing practice.
Librarians’ views of the readiness of university libraries in Indonesia to adopt virtual and augmented reality
Authors: Mayesti Nina , Huang Chen Hao , Azmir Aviazka Firdhaussi , Adzani Diah Melati
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the extent of virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) adoption in university libraries in Indonesia and identify librarians’ views of library readiness. The assessment centers on two crucial dimensions: library readiness, gauged by commitment and efficacy, and librarian readiness, appraised through cognitive and affective aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The research features a survey-based quantitative method. A sample of 259 librarians from university libraries, all members of the Indonesian Higher Education Library Forum, responded to the online survey.

Findings

Indonesian university libraries, especially in Central Java, express strong interest in VR/AR despite low current adoption. Librarians believe in their commitment and efficacy for adoption, with improvements needed in budget procurement and human resources. Librarians are optimistic about innovating academic activities with VR/AR, despite concerns about collaboration, data governance and human resource insecurity. The research underscores the simultaneous influence of librarians’ and libraries’ readiness on VR/AR adoption, emphasizing their interconnectedness and mutual support within library management.

Practical implications

There are practical implications for library institutions in Indonesia in terms of understanding the attendant opportunities and challenges when preparing organizational ecosystems. These findings provide a broad overview of VR/AR adoption in university libraries in Indonesia and contribute to understanding the specific needs and interests of universities in Indonesia considering adopting VR/AR. In addition to preparing adequate infrastructure, libraries should ensure the availability of adequate human resources.

Originality/value

In the Indonesian context, this study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, makes the first attempt to examine the librarian’s view as part of library management to face the dilemmas that may arise during the adoption of VR/AR despite university libraries’ commitment and efficacy to enable this technology. This research also identifies librarians’ cognitive and affective readiness as individual characteristics and resources able to influence adequate adoption.
The impact of biomass power plants on Brazilian workers’ income: a synthetic difference-in-differences approach
Authors: Uhr Daniel de Abreu Pereira , Cordeiro Mikael Jhordan Lacerda , Uhr Júlia Gallego Ziero
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This research assesses the economic impact of biomass plant installations on Brazilian municipalities, focusing on (1) labor income, (2) sectoral labor income and (3) income inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

Municipal data from the Annual Social Information Report, the National Electric Energy Agency and the National Institute of Meteorology spanning 2002 to 2020 are utilized. The Synthetic Difference-in-Differences methodology is employed for empirical analysis, and robustness checks are conducted using the Doubly Robust Difference in Differences and the Double/Debiased Machine Learning methods.

Findings

The findings reveal that biomass plant installations lead to an average annual increase of approximately R$688.00 in formal workers' wages and reduce formal income inequality, with notable benefits observed for workers in the industry and agriculture sectors. The robustness tests support and validate the primary results, highlighting the positive implications of renewable energy integration on economic development in the studied municipalities.

Originality/value

This article represents a groundbreaking contribution to the existing literature as it pioneers the identification of the impact of biomass plant installation on formal employment income and local economic development in Brazil. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to uncover such effects. Moreover, the authors comprehensively examine sectoral implications and formal income inequality.
“Weaving tales of resilience”: cyborg composing with AI
Authors: Li Ruth
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to offer an approach to cyborg composing with artificial intelligence (AI). The author posits that the hybridity of the cyborg, which amalgamates human and artificial elements, invites a cascade of creative and emancipatory possibilities. The author critically examines the biases embedded in AI systems while gesturing toward the generative potential of AI–human entanglements. Drawing on Bakhtinian theories of dialogism, the author contends that crafting found poetry with AI could inspire writers to problematize the ideologies embedded into the corpus while teasing apart its elisions or contradictions, sparking new forms of expression at the interface of the organic and the artificial.

Design/methodology/approach

To illustrate this approach to human–AI composing, the author shares a found poem that she wrote using ChatGPT alongside her reflection on the poem. The author reflects on her positionality as well as the positionality of her artificial interlocutor, interrogating the notion of subjectivity in relation to Bakhtinian dialogism and multivocality.

Findings

Weaving tales of resilience in harmony or tension with AI could unravel threads of possibility as human writers enrich, deepen or complicate AI-generated texts. By composing with AI, writers can resist closure, infiltrate illusions of objectivity and “speak back” to AI and the dominant voices replicated in its systems.

Originality/value

By encouraging students to critically engage with, question and complicate AI-generated texts, one can open avenues for alternative ways of thinking and writing, inspiring students to imagine and compose speculative futures. Ultimately, in animating assemblages of the organic and the artificial, one can invite transformative possibilities of being and becoming.
Drones in last-mile delivery: a systematic literature review from a logistics management perspective
Authors: Jazairy Amer , Persson Emil , Brho Mazen , von Haartman Robin , Hilletofth Per
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the interdisciplinary literature on drones in last-mile delivery (LMD) to extrapolate pertinent insights from and into the logistics management field.

Design/methodology/approach

Rooting their analytical categories in the LMD literature, the authors performed a deductive, theory refinement SLR on 307 interdisciplinary journal articles published during 2015–2022 to integrate this emergent phenomenon into the field.

Findings

The authors derived the potentials, challenges and solutions of drone deliveries in relation to 12 LMD criteria dispersed across four stakeholder groups: senders, receivers, regulators and societies. Relationships between these criteria were also identified.

Research limitations/implications

This review contributes to logistics management by offering a current, nuanced and multifaceted discussion of drones' potential to improve the LMD process together with the challenges and solutions involved.

Practical implications

The authors provide logistics managers with a holistic roadmap to help them make informed decisions about adopting drones in their delivery systems. Regulators and society members also gain insights into the prospects, requirements and repercussions of drone deliveries.

Originality/value

This is one of the first SLRs on drone applications in LMD from a logistics management perspective.
Supply chain partnership and sustainable performance: does TQM mediate the relationship?
Authors: Alsmairat Mohammad A.K. , Al-Ma’aitah Noor , Al-hwameil Tahani , Elrehail Hamzah
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of supply chain (SC) partnerships on sustainable performance (SP) and investigate the potential mediating role of total quality management (TQM).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 185 responses were collected from pharmaceutical industry employees. The research data were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

The results reveal that relationships with suppliers (RS), distributors (RD) and intermediaries (RI) have a direct impact on SP. In addition, this study found that TQM serves as a mediator between RS, RD, RI and SP. This study enhances the understanding of the significance of TQM, SC and SP in business environment development. The findings suggest that organizations in the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry should prioritize the enhancement of their RS, intermediaries and distributors to improve their SP.

Originality/value

By providing decision-makers with valuable information, this study enables them to identify and implement TQM and SC practices to enhance the SP of pharmaceutical companies in Jordan.
Expanding financial inclusion participation in Muslim-dominated communities through Islamic finance products (IFP) adoption
Authors: Musa Haruna , Ahmad Nor Hayati Binti , Nor Alias Mat
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to expand the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to understand determinants of financial inclusion participation behaviour through the mediating effect of Islamic finance product (IFP) adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was deployed using primary data from a survey conducted within the Muslim-dominated regions in Nigeria, which was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

It was found that the original TPB variables, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC) and behavioural intention have strong positive influences on financial inclusion participation behaviour, however, among the new variables, government support and IFPs adoption directly influence, while awareness and access to banking and digital channels were not. Furthermore, IFPs adoption significantly mediates the relationship between attitude, behavioural intention, government support and access to banking and digital channels and financial inclusion participation, but it failed to mediate that of subjective norms, PBC and awareness.

Research limitations/implications

These findings imply the need to establish more Islamic financial institutions or conventional banks to introduce IFPs in Muslim-dominated regions in Nigeria, as such products are desirable in expanding financial inclusion. While such is being pursued, policymaking bodies responsible for financial inclusion should design appropriate programmes to create awareness of IFPs for expanding financial inclusion.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study could be the first to expand the TPB by integrating IFP adoption as a mediator within the context of financial inclusion participation as well as the incorporation of awareness, government support and access to banking and digital channels as additional variables.
Beyond halal: exploring Muslim and non-Muslim tourists’ halal food experiences
Authors: Xiong Jia , Chia Kei Wei
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Given the scarcity of studies regarding religious food as a destination attraction and limited research on tourist halal food experience, this study aims to explore and compare halal food experience perceived by Muslim and non-Muslim tourists in a non-Islamic destination.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out in a halal food street in Yuanjia Village, China. It used a qualitative approach and interviewed 16 Muslim tourists and 20 non-Muslim tourists.

Findings

Six themes and 18 attributes of halal food experience were identified. The findings revealed that Muslim tourists saw the reassuring options and religious value of halal food as important experiences. By contrast, the experiences of abundant choices, value for money, sensory pleasure and unique charm were frequently mentioned by non-Muslim tourists. The nature of halal food, the context of China (i.e. Chinese halal food culture) and the feature of research site (i.e. food operation of Yuanjia Village) work together to create such experiences.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to explore and compare halal food experiences of Muslim and non-Muslim tourists in a non-Islamic country (China). This study suggests that halal food could be an appealing destination attraction, even in non-Islamic destinations. Thus, this study contributes to a better understanding of the halal food experiences and assists destination marketers in promoting halal food.
The political alignment of presidents of the early Royal Society of London
Authors: Govier Mark Adrian
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the political alignment and political activity of the 11 Presidents of Britain’s most important scientific organisation, the Royal Society of London, in its early years 1662–1703, to determine whether or not the institution was politically aligned.

Design/methodology/approach

There is almost no information addressing the political alignment of the Royal Society or its Presidents available in the institution’s archives, or in the writings of historians specialising in its administration. Even reliable biographical sources, such as the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography provide very limited information. However, as 10 Presidents were elected Member of Parliament (MP), The History of Parliament: British Political, Social and Local History provides a wealth of accurate, in-depth data, revealing the alignment of both.

Findings

All Presidents held senior government offices, the first was a Royalist aristocrat; of the remaining 10, 8 were Royalist or Tory MPs, 2 of whom were falsely imprisoned by the House of Commons, 2 were Whig MPs, while 4 were elevated to the Lords. The institution was Royalist aligned 1662–1680, Tory aligned 1680–1695 and Whig aligned 1695–1703, which reflects changes in Parliament and State.

Originality/value

This study establishes that the early Royal Society was not an apolitical institution and that the political alignment of Presidents and institution continued in later eras. Furthermore, it demonstrates how the election or appointment of an organisation’s most senior officer can be used to signal its political alignment with government and other organisations to serve various ends.
The challenges to circular economy in the Indian apparel industry: a qualitative study
Authors: Zaidi Ahmed Ashraf , Chandra Rahul
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In recent years, researchers and practitioners have paid a great deal of attention to the circular economy (CE) due to its potential social and environmental benefits. However, limited attention has been devoted in the literature to studying the barriers to CE implementation in the apparel retail industry in emerging and developing nations besides China. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the barriers to implementing CE in the Indian garment retail market.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study uses a comprehensive literature analysis to identify the micro-level impediments to CE adoption in India's garment retail industry. The study aims to identify these barriers using a Delphi process, consisting of three stages. The first stage involves literature reviews and expert opinions, while the second and third stages involve survey methods with 14 industry professionals and academics. The use of the two primary data sources allows for triangulation of the data, which improves the validity of the findings and enables broader conclusions to be drawn from the results.

Findings

This study indicates that the top three challenges to implementing CE principles in the Indian apparel retail industry are “standards and regulation barriers” (84%), “strategic barriers” (82%) and “supply chain management and technology barriers” (79%). Strategies for overcoming these obstacles include gaining top management support, coordinating supply chain components, training and employee motivation.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers only Indian apparel retail industry, and the practical implications could potentially limit the study to emerging Asian economies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research of its type to explore CE obstacles at the organizational level in the Indian garment retail business. Thus, it contributes to a greater understanding of the topic and enables practitioners to develop effective policies and business strategies for CE and sustainability.
The speaking, saying and doxa of Samarco Mineração S.A. and Brazilian magazines on Mariana’s environmental crime: notes from the treadmills of production, crime, and law
Authors: Borim-de-Souza Rafael , Fernandes Yasmin Shawani , Capucho Pablo Henrique Paschoal , Galleli Bárbara , dos Santos João Gabriel Dias
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze what Samarco and Brazilian magazines speak and say about Mariana’s environmental crime. Discover their doxa in this subject. Interpret the speakings, sayings and doxas through the theories of the treadmills of production, crime and law.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a qualitative and documental research and a narrative analysis. Regarding the documents: 45 were from public authorities, 14 from Samarco Mineração S.A. and 73 from Brazilian magazines. Theoretically, the authors resorted to Bourdieusian sociology (speaking, saying and doxa) and the treadmills of production, crime and law theories.

Findings

Samarco: speaking – mission statements; saying – detailed information and economic and financial concerns; doxa – assistance discourse. Brazilian magazines: speaking – external agents; saying – agreements; doxa – attribution, aggravations, historical facts, impacts and protests.

Research limitations/implications

The absence of discussions that addressed this fatality, with its respective consequences, from an agenda that exposed and denounced how it exacerbated race, class and gender inequalities.

Practical implications

Regarding Mariana’s environmental crime: Samarco Mineração S.A. speaks and says through the treadmill of production theory and supports its doxa through the treadmill of crime theory, and Brazilian magazines speak and say through the treadmill of law theory and support their doxa through the treadmill of crime theory.

Social implications

To provoke reflections on the relationship between the mining companies and the communities where they settle to develop their productive activities.

Originality/value

Concerning environmental crime in perspective, submit it to a theoretical interpretation based on sociological references, approach it in a debate linked to environmental criminology, and describe it through narratives exposed by the guilty company and by Brazilian magazines with high circulation.
Overcoming the barriers to food recovery
Authors: Atkins Ryan , Deranek Kim , Sroufe Robert
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Research and interest in food loss and waste (FLW) have increased, but barriers stand in the way of firms engaging in food recovery efforts. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of how firms overcome these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a qualitative, field-study-based research design in which 23 decision-makers at food-based organizations were interviewed. Quotes were extracted and categorized to develop a conceptual model of the food recovery process.

Findings

The conceptual model that evolved helps to explain decision-making related to FLW across the following dimensions: barriers to food recovery, incentives to overcome the barriers, internal processes for engaging in food recovery and external relationships influencing internal incentives and processes. In addition, the barriers and incentives were divided into operational and managerial issues.

Originality/value

Building on the barriers to food recovery in prior research, we explored the processes that help firms overcome these barriers. The model developed in this study is an important step toward addressing these processes and relationships. It can serve as a foundation for a variety of future studies of food recovery.
Creating, executing and sustaining a high-reliability organization in health care
Authors: Ford Jennifer , Isaacks David B. , Anderson Timothy
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study demonstrates how becoming a high-reliability institution in health care is a priority, given the high-risk environment in which an error can result in harm. Literature conceptually supports the need for highly reliable health care facilities but does not show a comprehensive approach to operationalizing the concept into the daily workforce to support patients. The Veterans Health Administration closes the gap by documenting a case study that not only demonstrates specific actions and functions that create a high-reliability organization (HRO) for safety and improvement but also created a learning organization by spreading the knowledge to other facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors instituted a methodology consisting of assessments, training and educational simulations to measure, establish and operationalize activities that identified and prevented harmful events. Visual communication boards were created to facilitate team huddles and discuss improvement ideas. Improvements were then measured and analyzed for purposeful outcomes and return on investment (ROI).

Findings

HRO can be operationalized successfully in health care systems. Measurable outcomes verified that psychological safety was achieved through the identification and participation of 3,184 process improvement projects over a five-year period, which yielded a US$2.8m ROI. Documented processes and activities were used for educational teachings, which were disseminated to other Veteran Affairs Medical Center’s through the Truman HRO Academy.

Practical implications

This case study is limited to one hospital in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) network. As the VHA continues to deploy the methods outlined to other hospitals, the authors will perform incremental data collection and ongoing analysis for further validation of the HRO methods and operations. Hospitalists can adapt the methods in the case study for practical application in a health care setting outside of VHA. Although the model is rooted in health care, the methods may be adapted for use in other industries.

Originality/value

This case study overcomes the limitations within literature regarding operationalizing HRO by providing actual activities and demonstrations that can be implemented by other health care facilities.
Food‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis caused by leek and several allergens of the allium family
Authors: Takamatsu Noriko , Nakamura Kazuko , Suzuki Mao , Ito Akiko , Moriyama Tatsuya , Kanbara Takeshi
Published: February 2024

Exercise‐induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is a relatively rare condition but can be a diagnostic pitfall in daily practice. Leek allergy is extremely rare, and there have been no reports, to our knowledge, of leek‐dependent EIA. Here, we report the first case of exercise‐ and leek‐induced anaphylaxis. An 18‐year‐old woman presented with symptoms of anaphylaxis after exercise in the morning. Prick‐to‐prick tests for leek was 1+ and challenge test for heated leek was negative, but leek‐dependent physical exertion challenge test evoked anaphylaxis. We diagnosed food‐dependent EIA by some additional tests including immunoblotting assay with patient's serum. Leek allergy is an extremely rare condition, so careful interview and investigation of allergens is important to eliminate causative substances of anaphylaxis.
An integrated assessment model of the impacts of agricultural intensification: Trade‐offs between economic benefits and water quality under uncertainty
Authors: Souto Augusto , Carriquiry Miguel , Rosas Francisco
Published: February 2024

We integrate a model that simulates biophysical processes in soils and water with spatial and temporal heterogeneity at the basin scale with an economic model of decisions under uncertainty, to simultaneously evaluate the economic and environmental effects of farming practices and land uses that characterise agricultural intensification. The introduction of uncertainty allows the evaluation of economic impacts both due to changes in average profits and in their volatility. Through our model integration, we endogenously tackle the trade‐offs between economic benefits and environmental outcomes, in terms of nutrient levels in water. Results show that a sizable increase in economic benefits from supplemental irrigation comes from lower risk premiums. Medium‐to‐high increments of fertiliser rates in irrigated crops are dominated in terms of economic benefits by low fertiliser rate increments. We find that water quality deteriorates with intensive farming practices. However, the magnitude of the trade‐offs between economic benefits and water quality is mixed and depends on the nutrient and level of risk aversion considered. The ability of our model to quantify and document the mentioned effects is a relevant input to inform the decision‐making process of agricultural and environmental authorities, often characterised by competing and opposing objectives.
A physicochemical evaluation of ossein–hydroxyapatite within the bovine bone matrix revealed demineralization and making type I collagen available as a result of processing and solubilization by acids
Authors: Biancardi Vanessa Ricas , da Silva Ferreira Marcus Vinícius , Bigansolli Antônio Renato , de Freitas Karine Moura , Zonta Everaldo , Barbosa Maria Ivone Martins Jacintho , Kurozawa Louise Emy , Barbosa Junior José Lucena
Published: February 2024

Bovine bone is an animal‐origin matrix rich in type I collagen (COL I) and it necessitates prior demineralization and makes COL I available. This study investigated the ossein–hydroxyapatite physicochemical properties evaluation as a result of processing and solubilization by acids and revealed the bone matrix demineralization and making COL I available. The tibia residue from bovine sources was processed, ground, and transformed into bone matrix powder. The bone matrix was solubilized in acetic acid followed by lactic acid. The bone matrix was evaluated as a result of processing and solubilization by acids: ossein and hydroxyapatite percentages by nitrogen and ash content, mineral content, particle size distribution, Fourier‐transformation infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. For the obtained residual extracts, pH and mineral content were evaluated. The solubilization by acids affected the ossein–hydroxyapatite physicochemical properties, and the bone matrix solubilized by acetic and lactic acid showed the preservation of the ossein alongside the loss of hydroxyapatite. The processing and the solubilization by acids were revealed to be a  alternative to bone matrix demineralization and enabling the accessibility of bone COL I.

Practical Application

Bovine bone is an abundant type I collagen source, but processing maneuvers and demineralization effect present limitations due to the rigidity of the structural components. Exploring methodologies to process and demineralize will allow type I collagen to be obtained from the bone source, and direct and amplify the potentialities in the chemical and food industries. The research focused on bone sources and collagen availability holds paramount significance, and promotes repurposing agribusiness residues and development of protein–base products.
Spillovers from ancillary services to wholesale energy markets
Authors: Buchsbaum Jesse , Hausman Catherine , Mathieu Johanna L , Peng Jing
Published: February 2024

In electricity markets, generators are rewarded for providing energy and for enabling grid reliability. The two functions are compensated separately: with energy market payments and ancillary services market payments. We provide evidence of changes in the generation mix in the energy market that are driven by exogenous changes in an ancillary services market. We provide a theoretical framework and quasi‐experimental evidence for understanding the mechanism: it results from the multi‐product nature of power plants combined with discontinuities in costs. Although much research focuses solely on the energy market, our results suggest that spillovers between the two markets are important.
Does Firm‐level Political Uncertainty Affect the Mispricing of Earnings? A Natural Experiment through Government‐to‐business Revolving Door
Authors: Huang Haijie , Lee Edward , Lyu Changjiang , Zhu Zhenmei (Judy)
Published: February 2024

We utilize a unique setting associated with the mandatory closure of the government‐to‐business revolving door to examine whether and how an exogenous rise in firm‐level political uncertainty affects the mispricing of earnings. The tension that underlies our study stems from two opposing effects. To the extent that such uncertainty can trigger opinion divergence (rational attention) among investors, it is expected to delay (accelerate) price discovery and increase (decrease) security mispricing. Our identification strategy draws on the difference‐in‐differences analysis associated with the Chinese regulation in 2013 that mandated the resignation of corporate independent directors with a government background. Consistent with the dominance of the opinion divergence effect, we observe that these involuntary resignations unintentionally increase delays in share price responses following earnings announcements. These findings are more evident among firms that enjoy more benefits from independent directors with a government background. Further analyses confirm that these involuntary resignations trigger more opinion divergence rather than rational attention among investors by showing significant increases in analyst forecast diversity but no changes in analyst coverage following such resignations. We provide novel evidence that market information efficiency could deteriorate as an unintended consequence of the escalation of firm‐level political uncertainty.
Uncomfortable Echoes: Blackfishing First Nations Trauma During COVID‐19
Authors: Vogt Richard A.
Published: February 2024

The concept of enforcing or mandated medical treatment has a history for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that it does not have for those in the broader Australian migrant and settler communities. This involves not just physical sites of hospitals, lockdowns or quarantine camps but also central issues of identity involved with the larger arguments over citizenship and sovereignty. These are important claims of control over others and for what reason or legitimacy. There is a hauntology that persists here for First Nations people and discussions around COVID‐19 management especially in rural and remote areas of Australia must openly acknowledge this upfront. Since 2020, this discussion has involved competing and conflicting medical advice, hyper‐partisan politics and conspiracy theories imported from overseas Sovereign Citizen movements that were not aggressively present during the previous H1N1 pandemic of over a decade ago. As such, this article skirts issues of uncomfortable echoes of medicalised quarantines of the past and uncomfortable alliances between (on the surface) seemingly ill‐fitted groups, using the pandemic years as a case study in blackfishing, astroturfing, and co‐opted grievance.
Field notes and Polaroids: Engaging with Black lives in West London
Authors: Télémaque Nathaniel
Published: February 2024

This short paper explores the practice of putting Polaroid photographs into field notebooks. It draws on the ethnographic research and collaborative photography associated with my PhD on the everyday lives of young Black people in West London. I begin by describing how and why I put Polaroids into my A6 sized field notebooks in an attempt to think harder about how these lives might be represented. Then, looking to encourage other geographers to consider using Polaroids in this way, I discuss how traditional approaches to field notetaking can be replaced by something more collaborative. Doing so, I contend, can help you to engage productively with those involved in your studies as you take and talk about photos together.
Pteropox infection in a juvenile grey‐headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)
Authors: Valenza LD , Bishop T , Cramieri S , Wang J , Ploeg RJ
Published: February 2024

A juvenile grey‐headed flying fox (GHFF) (Pteropus poliocephalus) presented to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after a wildlife carer found the animal hanging on the outside of an aviary. On presentation, the animal was emaciated and moribund with disseminated, multifocal, depigmented and proliferative lesions on the wing membranes and skin of the neck. Histopathology revealed multiple, well‐circumscribed proliferative epidermal lesions with intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. A poxvirus was identified via transmission electron microscopy and next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Analysis of sequences obtained demonstrated 99% nucleotide identity to Pteropox virus strain Australia (GenBank KU980965). To the authors' knowledge, this paper describes the first case of Pteropox virus infection in a GHFF.
Population pharmacokinetics and exposure‐response analyses for efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Bhatnagar Sumit , Eckert Doerthe , Stodtmann Sven , Song In‐Ho , Wung Peter , Liu Wei , Mohamed Mohamed‐Eslam F.
Published: February 2024

Upadacitinib is an orally administered, selective, Janus kinase inhibitor that is approved for several auto‐immune conditions, such as axial spondyloarthritis, an inflammatory rheumatic disease that includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non‐radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr‐axSpA). The approvals of upadacitinib for the treatment of AS and nr‐axSpA were based on the safety and efficacy data for upadacitinib 15 mg once‐daily compared to placebo from the SELECT‐AXIS 1 and SELECT‐AXIS 2 studies. Population pharmacokinetic analyses based on data from 244 patients with axSpA showed that the pharmacokinetics of upadacitinib were comparable in subjects with AS and nr‐axSpA. Exposure‐response relationships were characterized for key efficacy and safety end points using data from 482 patients with axSpA. The exposure‐response analyses for efficacy based on Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS)20 and ASAS40 responses at week 14, showed a clear differentiation from placebo with no evidence of increased responses with increasing upadacitinib plasma exposures. There were no clear exposure‐response trends observed for safety end points that included serious infections, herpes zoster, pneumonia, lymphopenia (grade ≥3), neutropenia (grade ≥3), or a greater than 2 g/dL decrease in hemoglobin from baseline through week 14. The exposure‐response analyses for efficacy and safety presented here supported the favorable benefit–risk profile with the use of upadacitinib 15 mg once‐daily for the treatment of axSpA.