bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell type specific firing patterns in a V1 cortical column model depend on feedforward and feedback-driven states
Authors: Moreni Giulia , Pennartz Cyriel M. A. , Mejias Jorge F.
Published: April 2024

Stimulation of specific cell groups under different network regimes (e.g., spontaneous activity or sensory-evoked activity) can provide insights into the neural dynamics of cortical columns. While these protocols are challenging to perform experimentally, modelling can serve as a powerful tool for such explorations. Using detailed electrophysiological and anatomical data from mouse V1, we built a novel spiking network model of a cortical column, which incorporates pyramidal cells and three distinct interneuron types (PV, SST, and VIP cells, specified per lamina), as well as the dynamic and voltage-dependent properties of AMPA, GABA, and NMDA receptors. We first demonstrate that thalamocortical feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) stimuli arriving in the column have opposite effects, leading to net columnar excitation and inhibition respectively and revealing translaminar gain control via full-column inhibition by layer 6. We then perturb one cell group (i.e. a cell type in a specific layer) at a time and observe the effects on other cell groups under distinct network states: spontaneous, feedforward-driven, feedback-driven, and a combination of feedforward and feedback. Our findings reveal that when a given group is perturbed, the columnar response varies significantly based on its state, with strong sensory feedforward input decreasing columnar sensitivity to all perturbations and feedback input serving as modulator of intra columnar interactions. Given that activity changes within specific neuronal populations are difficult to predict a priori in experiments, our model may constitute a useful tool to predict outcomes of perturbations and assist in experimental design.
Implications of the weak gravity conjecture for de Sitter space decay by flux discharge
Authors: Kaloper Nemanja , Westphal Alexander
Published: April 2024

We examine the implications of the weak gravity conjecture for the mechanisms for discharging cosmological constant via membrane nucleations. Once screening fluxes and membranes which source them enter, and weak gravity bounds are enforced, a generic de Sitter space must be unstable. We show that when all the flux terms which screen and discharge the cosmological constant are dominated by quadratic and higher order terms, the bounds from weak gravity conjecture and naturalness lead toward anthropic outcomes. In contrast, when the flux sectors are dominated by linear flux terms, anthropics may be avoided, and the cosmological constant may naturally decay toward smallest possible values.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Emergence of Memory in Equilibrium versus Nonequilibrium Systems
Authors: Zhao Xizhu , Hartich David , Godec Aljaž
Published: April 2024

Experiments often probe observables that correspond to low-dimensional projections of high-dimensional dynamics. In such situations distinct microscopic configurations become lumped into the same observable state. It is well known that correlations between the observable and the hidden degrees of freedom give rise to memory effects. However, how and under which conditions these correlations emerge remain poorly understood. Here we shed light on two fundamentally different scenarios of the emergence of memory in minimal stationary systems, where observed and hidden degrees of freedom either evolve cooperatively or are coupled by a hidden nonequilibrium current. In the reversible setting the strongest memory manifests when the timescales of hidden and observed dynamics overlap, whereas, strikingly, in the driven setting maximal memory emerges under a clear timescale separation. Our results hint at the possibility of fundamental differences in the way memory emerges in equilibrium versus driven systems that may be utilized as a “diagnostic” of the underlying hidden transport mechanism.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fluctuating Landscapes and Heavy Tails in Animal Behavior
Authors: Costa Antonio Carlos , Sridhar Gautam , Wyart Claire , Vergassola Massimo
Published: April 2024

Animal behavior is shaped by a myriad of mechanisms acting on a wide range of scales, which hampers quantitative reasoning and the identification of general principles. Here, we combine data analysis and theory to investigate the relationship between behavioral plasticity and heavy-tailed statistics often observed in animal behavior. Specifically, we first leverage high-resolution recordings of locomotion to show that stochastic transitions among long-lived behaviors exhibit heavy-tailed first-passage-time distributions and correlation functions. Such heavy tails can be explained by slow adaptation of behavior over time. This particular result motivates our second step of introducing a general model where we separate fast dynamics on a quasistationary multiwell potential, from nonergodic, slowly varying modes. We then show that heavy tails generically emerge in such a model, and we provide a theoretical derivation of the resulting functional form, which can become a power law with exponents that depend on the strength of the fluctuations. Finally, we provide direct support for the generality of our findings by testing them in a mutant where adaptation is suppressed and heavy tails thus disappear, and recordings of larval zebrafish swimming behavior where heavy tails are again prevalent.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The urban transport companies in Spain: analysis of efficiency with data envelopment analysis
Authors: Flores-Ureba Sandra , Simon de Blas Clara , Sánchez Toledano Joaquín Ignacio , Sánchez de Lara Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to define the efficiency achieved by urban transport companies in Spain concerning the resources they use, considering the type of management used for implementation, public-private, and size.

Design/methodology/approach

This study consisted of an analysis of the efficiency of 229 public-private urban transport operators during the period 2012–2021 using Data Envelopment Analysis, the Malmquist Index and inference estimators to determine productivity, efficiency change into Pure Technical Efficiency Change (PTECH), and scale efficiency change.

Findings

Based on the efficiency analysis, the authors concluded that of the 229 companies studied, more than 35 were inefficient in all analysed periods. Considering the sample used, direct management is considered significantly more efficient. It cannot be concluded that the size of these companies influences their efficiency, as the data show unequal development behaviours in the studied years.

Originality/value

This study provides arguments on whether there is a significant difference between the two types of management in the urban transport sector. It also includes firm size as a study variable, which has not been previously considered in other studies related to urban transport efficiency. Efficiency should be a crucial factor in determining funding allocation in this sector, as it encourages operators to optimize and improve their services.
Using the theory of interpersonal behaviour to explain employees’ cybercrime preventative behaviour during the pandemic
Authors: Wright Tim , Ruhwanya Zainab , Ophoff Jacques
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a significant shift in how employees executed their professional responsibilities. Concurrently, the incidence of cybercrime experienced a noteworthy surge due to the increased utilisation of cyberspace. The abrupt transition to telecommuting altered the interpersonal dynamics inherent in traditional work environments. This paper aims to examine the impact of interpersonal factors on the cybercrime preventative measures adopted by telecommuting employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model, grounded in the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour, is evaluated through an online survey. The data set comprises responses from 209 employees in South Africa, and the analysis uses partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results reveal substantial predictive power to explain cybercrime preventative behaviours. Notably, the study underscores the significant influence of habit and affect on intention and subsequent behaviour.

Practical implications

The results suggest that practitioners should give due attention to emotional dimensions (affect) as a catalyst for information security behaviour. The formulation of employees’ information security responsibilities should be pragmatic, fostering subconscious compliance to establish routine behaviour (habit).

Originality/value

This research underscores the pivotal roles played by habit and emotions in shaping behavioural patterns related to information security. Furthermore, it provides researchers with an illustrative model for operationalising these constructs within the realm of security. The results contribute additional perspectives on the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on cybercrime preventative behaviours.
Wellbeing in the age of virtual teams and workplace automation – a systematic review and future research agenda
Authors: Murphy Liam
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic organisations are adapting to a new environment of global talent shortages, economic uncertainty and geo-political turmoil. As an outcome, the organisational strategies of digital transformation and remote working have been accelerated in the race to boost innovation, competitivity and attract staff. This has led to the rise of two new organisational dynamics: the increase of virtual teams (VTs) and focus on widespread work automation. However, despite the rise of these two related phenomena, literature does not connect them as one research area, and there is a gap in the understanding of the new employee wellbeing needs they form and how to respond to them. This paper aims to bridge this gap through a systematic literature across these areas.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a systematic literature review across the areas of leadership, VTs and automation over the past three years.

Findings

In this review, a number of newly arising employee wellbeing needs are identified such as fear of job displacement, a lack of self-efficacy and social cohesion, poor relationships with leaders and more. In addition, this paper recommends three fundamental research gaps to be addressed by future studies: 1. How to build and cultivate the new leadership skills needed to support VTs and workplace automation? 2. How to design work in a way that caters for employee wellbeing needs when operating in VTs or hybrid teams and working on or with workplace automation? 3. How to design work in a way that builds and emphasises the new employee skillsets to support augmentation and solves for the new employee wellbeing needs experienced by workplace automation?

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel contribution to literature by centralising current schools of thought across the cross-disciplinary themes and synthesising literature to recommend new wellbeing and leadership skills for organisations to focus on, alongside producing a new research agenda for scholars to focus.
The effect of remote work on millennials’ organizational commitment: the moderating role of shared leadership and followership
Authors: Kim Minseok , Kim Taehyung
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of remote work (RW) on millennials’ organizational commitment (OC) by addressing four research gaps identified in existing studies. Drawing on social exchange theory (SET), the authors also investigate if millennials are well-suited for RW environment and how shared leadership (SL) and followership moderate the relationship between RW and millennials’ OC.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted involving 154 millennial employees. Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were performed to investigate the moderating effect of SL and followership on the relationship between RW and millennials’ OC.

Findings

The results reveal that millennials’ OC increases with the degree of RW. Moreover, both SL and followership exhibited a moderating effect on the RW-millennials’ OC relationship, emphasizing their importance in shaping millennials’ OC.

Research limitations/implications

While the effect of RW on individual-level outcomes remains controversial, this study sheds light on the positive impact based on millennials' characteristics and suggests strategies to strengthen their OC in remote working environments. However, due to the cross-sectional nature of our research, a longitudinal study would be valuable to provide deeper insights.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of organizational behavior (OB) by connecting millennials’ traits with SL and followership, offering valuable insights into strengthening their OC within the context of RW through the lens of SET. By addressing and filling the four identified research gaps, our research advances knowledge in the improvement of millennials’ OC within the RW environment.
Design thinking for just transitions: exploring relational and justice-oriented learning at the Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
Authors: Aránguiz Mesías Pablo , Palau Salvador Guillermo , Peris-Blanes Jordi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how young students experience the contribution of a pedagogical assemblage based on design thinking (DT) while contributing to the transition to a more just and sustainable university.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research considers the case of two pedagogical experiences developed at Universitat Politècnica de Valencià, Spain. In both experiences, a methodological proposal that includes practices of care, just transitions and DT was implemented. The data obtained through in-depth interviews, surveys and digital whiteboard labels was analyzed under the lens of three relational categories in the context of sustainability.

Findings

Learnings are acquired through five categories: place-based learning, prior learning, embodied learning, collaborative teamwork and intersectionality. The research shows how the subjective knowledge of young students positions them as co-designers and leaders of a University that drives a more just and sustainable transition.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in the shift of DT from a human-based approach to a justice-oriented relational approach.
Digital transformation in accounting: elevating effectiveness across accounting, auditing, reporting and regulatory compliance
Authors: N. Abhishek , Suraj Neethu , Rahiman Habeeb Ur , Nawaz Nishad , Kodikal Rashmi , Kulal Abhinandan , Raj Keerthan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The study aims to analyse the role of digitisation in accounting in enhancing the overall effectiveness of accounting functions. To achieve this, the study provides empirical evidence from the stakeholder’s perspective of digitisation of accounting, auditing, reporting and regulatory compliance procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has applied a quantitative approach to identify the thoughts of auditors, accountants and academicians on the impact of digitalised accounting applications on accounting functions. The data was collected by administering an empirical study and a sample of 482 professionals from the accounting, auditing and academic sectors. To analyse and interpret data descriptive statistics, structured equation modelling and mediation analysis has been used.

Findings

The finding of the study signifies the relevance of digitalised accounting applications in accounting functions and reveals that there is a significant impact of digitalisation on accounting, auditing, reporting and regulatory compliance aspects of accounting functions. The outcome of the study explores that a digitalised accounting system reduces possible errors and improves the accuracy and transparency of the system.

Research limitations/implications

The study highlighted the importance of developing new methods and techniques that can be used in practice. This indirectly advocates the inclusion of such concepts in accounting curricula to emphasise the need to understand the challenges and opportunities created by digitisation. Furthermore, the study will become a motivation to scholars who intend to explore different areas through which new technologies can be adopted to transform traditional accounting systems.

Practical implications

The contributions of the current study have implications that the adoption of digitised accounting enhances economic efficiency through a reduction in accounting costs, and enhanced accuracy that leads to the elimination of penalties and litigations for non-compliance with regulatory authorities. This indirectly impacts positively on the financial health of the business organisations and economies at large. This implication becomes greater evidential support to the organisations which are yet to plan the adoption and implementation of digital tools in their organisation for accounting functions.

Originality/value

Digitalisation is a relevant part of the accounting function to improve efficiency and accuracy. Since accounting and auditing practitioners struggle to control the accuracy and efficiency of transactions. Furthermore, the outcome of the study assists organisations in gaining real-time access to financial data, transforms workflows and empowers management to make timely informed sound decisions, optimise resource allocation, efficient regulatory compliance and so on.
Integrated Reporting and the experience of the Pilot Programme: perspective of an Italian pioneer company over ten years
Authors: Piedepalumbo Palmira , Evangelista Ludovica , Mancini Daniela , Magnaghi Elisabetta
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose a longitudinal analysis of motivations for Integrated Reporting (IR) adoption, internal changes, the benefits of IR implementation and compliance challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse a longitudinal case study of an Italian-listed company (Eni) participating in the IR-Pilot Programme (PP) and covering 10 years of IR adoption. The analysis was based on a mixed-method approach that included semi-structured interviews, content analysis of annual reports and triangulation with other data sources. Results are discussed regarding institutional theory, legitimacy theory and diffusion of innovation theory.

Findings

The study suggests that motivations for adopting IR change over time and participation in the IR-PP helps Eni acquire a comprehensive and substantial integrated view of value creation over time, makes integrated culture a key factor for strategic business sustainability and confirms the readiness of early adopters to comply with the non-financial Directive (NFD).

Originality/value

This study, among the few longitudinal case studies, provides organisations, regulators and academics with insights into the motivations driving the successful adoption and implementation of IR and the NFD. The results may help companies consider one of the tools currently deemed to bring sustainability into action and participation in pilot groups.
Effect of audit client’s use of blockchain technology on auditing accounting estimates: evidence from the Middle East
Authors: Elmaasrawy Hamada Elsaid , Tawfik Omar Ikbal , Abdul-Rahaman Abdul-Rashid
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of audit client’s use of blockchain (BC) on auditing accounting estimates (AEs), especially the inherent risk (IR), control risk (CR) and collection of audit evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a questionnaire to collect data for a sample of 249 auditors. A partial least squares method is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed positive relationship between audit client’s use of BC and both IR and CR when auditing AEs. The results also showed the BC improves the collection of sufficient and appropriate audit evidence when auditing AEs.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not address all the risks associated with auditing AEs, including fraud, detection, sampling and nonsampling risks, and the procedures and tests for auditing AEs.

Practical implications

There are several implications of this research, including that it informs the revision of auditing standards and guidelines to correspond with successive technological changes, which subsequently clarify the roles and responsibilities of auditors, and the study findings will also cause changes to the design and form of audit procedures so as to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is considered the first of its kind that deals with the effects of audit client’s use of BC on audit AEs in the Middle East and North Africa region. This study also presented different sets of measures as proxies for measuring IR, CR and AE.
The use of telepsychiatry during COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand: experiences, learnings and cultural safety
Authors: Barnett Lauren , Vara Alisha , Lawrence Mark , Ma'u Etuini , Ramalho Rodrigo , Chen Yan , Christie Grant , Cheung Gary
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Many psychiatrists and trainees in Aotearoa New Zealand used telepsychiatry during COVID-19 lockdowns, despite minimal experience and training in the area. Research on a culturally safe telepsychiatry framework is lacking in Aotearoa. This study aims to provide a better understanding of telepsychiatry in the Aotearoa context and identify potential gaps with the current practice, with a focus on exploring telepsychiatry use with Maori, Pacific peoples and Asians.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study was guided by the principles of the Kaupapa Maori methodology and the “Give Way Rule” from Pan-Pacific studies, to ensure culturally appropriate analysis and outcomes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of psychiatrists and trainees recruited from Aotearoa members of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. The qualitative data were then analysed using general inductive thematic analysis to identify the major themes.

Findings

In total, 18 participants were interviewed. Three key themes were identified: cultural safety such as preparation for a telepsychiatry session, cultural practices and equity issues; clinical practice such as continuity of care, patient selection and limitations; and process of running a telepsychiatry service.

Originality/value

The analysis of the main themes gives both practical ideas for providing a culturally safe telepsychiatry appointment, as well as a wider base for developing a telepsychiatry service that works particularly for Maori, Pacific and Asians mental health users. Issues around resources and expertise in the field are lacking and further frameworks to support infrastructure and training are needed.
Does ESG performance affect the systemic risk sensitivity? Empirical evidence from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Saci Fateh , Jasimuddin Sajjad M. , Zhang Justin Zuopeng
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and systemic risk sensitivity of Chinese listed companies. From the consumer loyalty and investor structure perspectives, the relationship between ESG performance and systemic risk sensitivity is analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Since Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) ESG officially began to analyze and track China A-shares from 2018, 275 listed companies in the SynTao Green ESG testing list for 2015–2021 are selected as the initial model. To measure the systematic risk sensitivity, this study uses the beta coefficient, from capital asset pricing model (CPAM), employing statistics and data (STATA) software.

Findings

The study reveals that high ESG rating companies have high corresponding consumer loyalty and healthy trading structure of institutional investors, thereby the systemic risk sensitivity is lower. This paper reveals that companies with high ESG rating are significantly less sensitive to systemic risk than those with low ESG rating. At the same time, ESG has a weaker impact on the systemic risk of high-cap companies than low-cap companies.

Practical implications

The study helps the companies understand the influence of market value on the relationship between ESG performance and systemic risk sensitivity. Moreover, this paper explains explicitly why ESG performance insulates a firm’s stock from market downturns with the lens of consumer loyalty theory and investor structure theory.

Originality/value

The paper provides new insights on the company’s ESG performance that significantly affects the company’s systemic risk sensitivity.
Developing the AMPHORA policy guidelines for heritage projects as mental health interventions: a Delphi consultation
Authors: Burnell Karen J. , Everill Paul , Makri Eva , Baxter Louise , Watson Kathryn
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Engaging with heritage to support mental health and wellbeing has become a focus of research and policy, more recently moving towards social prescription of heritage interventions. While there are benefits to active participation, there are potential risks to those taking part and to the non-renewable historic remains and landscape that form the core of these projects. The purpose of the current research paper was to develop best practice guidelines for organisations offering heritage projects as interventions for people who live with mental health issues to protect both participants and heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

There were two research phases; a Sandpit with World Café discussions to produce a set of research priorities, and a Delphi Consultation, using three questionnaires distributed over six months, to develop best practice guidelines. The panel in both phases comprised experts through lived experience, policy, practice and research.

Findings

The Authentic and Meaningful Participation in Heritage or Related Activities (AMPHORA) guidelines cover three stages: project development, project delivery and project follow-up, with a set of action points for each stage. Of particular importance was authentic participation and expertise to ensure appropriate management of heritage/ historic environment assets and support for participants.

Social implications

The AMPHORA guidelines can assist all organisations in the delivery of safe projects that support the mental health of those involved, as well as enhancing and protecting the historic environment.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, these are the first research-led guidelines that help heritage organisations support those living with mental health issues.
Multiphysics simulations of uniaxial compression applied to various rock samples subject to microwave pretreatment
Authors: Allen Jeff , Patel Reena , Mondragon Tomas , Taylor Oliver
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Among the various applications involving the use of microwave energy, its growing utility within the mining industry is particularly noteworthy. Conventional grinding processes are often overburdened by energy inefficiencies that are directly related to machine wear, pollution and rising project costs. In this work, we numerically investigate the effects of microwave pretreatment through a series of compression tests as a means to help mitigate these energy inefficiencies.

Design/methodology/approach

We investigate the effects of microwave pretreatment on various rock samples, as quantified by uniaxial compression tests. In particular, we assign sample heterogeneity based on a Gaussian statistical distribution and invoke a damage model for elemental tensile and compressive stresses based on the maximum tensile stress and the Mohr–Coulomb theories, respectively. We further couple the electromagnetic, thermal and solid displacement relations using finite element modeling.

Findings

(1) Increased power intensity during microwave pretreatment results in decreased axial compressive stress. (2) Leveraging statistics to induce variable compressive and tensile strength can greatly facilitate sample heterogeneity and prove necessary for damage modeling. (3) There exists a nonlinear trend to the reduction in smax with increasing power levels, implying an optimum energy output efficiency to create the maximum degradation-power cost relationship.

Originality/value

Previous research in this area has been largely limited to two-dimensional thermo-electric models. The onset of high-performance computing has allowed for the development of high-fidelity, three-dimensional models with coupled equations for electromagnetics, heat transfer and solid mechanics.
Use behaviour of academic social networking sites in research communication: a structural equation model
Authors: Baquee Abdul , Sevukan Rathinam , Gul Sumeer
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The current study seeks to investigate, why and how faculty members of Indian central universities are using academic social networking sites (ASNs) for research communication and information dissemination, as well as validate and update the results of previous scholarship in this area. To achieve this, the paper uses structural equation model (SEM).

Design/methodology/approach

A simple random sampling method was adopted. Online survey was conducted using a well-designed questionnaire circulated via email id among 3384 faculty members of Indian Central Universities. A SEM was designed and tested with International Business Machines (IBM) Amos. Apart from this, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 22 and Microsoft Excel 2010 were also used for data screening and analysis.

Findings

The study explores that most of the respondents are in favour of using the ASNs/tools for their professional activities. The study also found that a large chunk of the respondents used ASNs tools during day time. Apart from it, more number of faculty members used ASNs in research work than general purpose. No significant differences were found among the disciplines in use behaviour of ASNs in scholarly communication. Three hypotheses have been accepted while two were rejected in this study.

Research limitations/implications

The study was confined to the twelve central universities, and only 312 valid responses were taken into consideration in this study.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the faculty members’ use behaviour of ASNs in their research communication. The study also contributes new knowledge to methodological discussions as it is the first known study to employ SEM to interpret scholarly use of ASNs by faculty members of Indian central universities.
Theory and practice for assessing structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Zeng Yuanchen , Song Dongli , Wang Zhiwei
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The safety and reliability of high-speed trains rely on the structural integrity of their components and the dynamic performance of the entire vehicle system. This paper aims to define and substantiate the assessment of the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains in both theory and practice. The key principles and approaches will be proposed, and their applications to high-speed trains in China will be presented.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains are defined, and their relationship is introduced. Then, the principles for assessing the structural integrity of structural and dynamical components are presented and practical examples of gearboxes and dampers are provided. Finally, the principles and approaches for assessing the dynamical integrity of high-speed trains are presented and a novel operational assessment method is further presented.

Findings

Vehicle system dynamics is the core of the proposed framework that provides the loads and vibrations on train components and the dynamic performance of the entire vehicle system. For assessing the structural integrity of structural components, an open-loop analysis considering both normal and abnormal vehicle conditions is needed. For assessing the structural integrity of dynamical components, a closed-loop analysis involving the influence of wear and degradation on vehicle system dynamics is needed. The analysis of vehicle system dynamics should follow the principles of complete objects, conditions and indices. Numerical, experimental and operational approaches should be combined to achieve effective assessments.

Originality/value

The practical applications demonstrate that assessing the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains can support better control of critical defects, better lifespan management of train components and better maintenance decision-making for high-speed trains.
Design and development of ethylene gas sensor for non-destructive analysis of food quality: an updated review
Authors: Sreeram Adhithya , Kathirvelan Jayaraman
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Artificial fruit ripening is hazardous to mankind. In the recent past, artificial fruit ripening is increasing gradually due to its commercial benefits. To discriminate the type of fruit ripening involved at the vendors’ side, there is a great demand for on-sight ethylene detection in a nondestructive manner. Therefore, this study aims to deal with a comparison of various laboratory and portable methods developed so far with high-performance metrics to identify the ethylene detection at fruit ripening site.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on various types of technologies proposed up to date in ethylene detection, fabrication methods and signal conditioning circuits for ethylene detection in parts per million and parts per billion levels. The authors have already developed an infrared (IR) sensor to detect ethylene and also developed a lab-based setup belonging to the electrochemical sensing methods to detect ethylene for the fruit ripening application.

Findings

The authors have developed an electrochemical sensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes whose performance is relatively higher than the sensors that were previously reported in terms of material, sensitivity and selectivity. For identifying the best sensing technology for optimization of ethylene detection for fruit ripening discrimination process, authors have developed an IR-based ethylene sensor and also semiconducting metal-oxide ethylene sensor which are all compared with literature-based comparable parameters. This review paper mainly focuses on the potential possibilities for developing portable ethylene sensing devices for investigation applications.

Originality/value

The authors have elaborately discussed the new chemical and physical methods of ethylene detection and quantification from their own developed methods and also the key findings of the methods proposed by fellow researchers working on this field. The authors would like to declare that the extensive analysis carried out in this technical survey could be used for developing a cost-effective and high-performance portable ethylene sensing device for fruit ripening and discrimination applications.
Estimating migration timing and abundance in partial migratory systems by integrating continuous antenna detections with physical captures
Authors: Dzul M. C. , Kendall W. L. , Yackulic C. B. , Van Haverbeke D. R. , Mackinnon P. , Young K. , Pillow M. J. , Thomas J.
Published: April 2024

Many populations migrate between two different habitats (e.g. wintering/foraging to breeding area, mainstem–tributary, river–lake, river–ocean, river–side channel) as part of their life history. Detection technologies, such as passive integrated transponder (PIT) antennas or sonic receivers, can be placed at boundaries between habitats (e.g. near the confluence of rivers) to detect migratory movements of marked animals. Often, these detection systems have high detection probabilities and detect many individuals but are limited in their ability to make inferences about abundance because only marked individuals can be detected.

Here, we introduce a mark–recapture modelling approach that uses detections from a double‐array PIT antenna system to imply movement directionality from arrays and estimate migration timing. Additionally, when combined with physical captures, the model can be used to estimate abundances for both migratory and non‐migratory groups and help quantify partial migration. We first test our approach using simulation, and results indicate our approach displayed negligible bias for total abundance (less than ±1%) and slight biases for state‐specific abundance estimates (±1%–6%).

We fit our model to array detections and physical captures of three native fishes (humpback chub [Gila cypha], flannelmouth sucker [Catostomus latipinnis] and bluehead sucker [Catostomus discobolus]) in the Little Colorado River (LCR) in Grand Canyon, AZ, a system that exhibits partial migration (i.e. includes residents and migrants). Abundance estimates from our model confirm that, for all three species, migratory individuals are much more numerous than residents.

There was little difference in movement timing between 2021 (a year without preceding winter/spring floods) and 2022 (a year with a small flood occurring in early April). In both years, flannelmouth sucker arrived in mid‐March whereas humpback chub and bluehead sucker arrivals occurred early‐ to mid‐April. With humpback chub and flannelmouth sucker, movement timing was influenced by body size so that large individuals were more likely to arrive early compared to smaller individuals.

With more years of data, this model framework could be used to evaluate ecological questions pertaining to flow cues and movement timing or intensity, relative trends in migrants versus residents and ecological drivers of skipped spawning.
Can livestock grazing dampen density‐dependent fluctuations in wild herbivore populations?
Authors: Sharma Manvi , Khanyari Munib , Khara Abhirup , Bijoor Ajay , Mishra Charudutt , Suryawanshi Kulbhushansingh Ramesh
Published: April 2024

Conservation policy for the high mountains of Asia increasingly recognises the need to encompass large multi‐use landscapes beyond the protected area network. Due to limited long‐term research in this region, our understanding of even fundamental processes, such as factors regulating large mammal populations is poor.

Understanding the factors that regulate animal populations, especially those generating cyclicity, is a long‐standing problem in ecology. Long‐term research across multiple taxa (mainly from Europe and North America) has focussed on the relative roles of food and predation in generating cyclicity in population dynamics. It remains unclear how trophic interactions that are influenced by anthropogenic stressors can affect population dynamics in human‐modified landscapes.

We present a 10‐year study to compare the effects of livestock grazing on density‐dependent dynamics in two populations of bharal, Pseudois nayaur, in the Himalayas. We combine this with a mechanistic understanding of whether density dependence in these two sites acts predominantly by affecting adult survival or recruitment. We compared and quantified density dependence in the bharal population by fitting Bayesian Gompertz state‐space models.

We found evidence for negative density dependence which indicates possible cyclic dynamics in the bharal population of the site (Tabo) with low livestock density. The population dynamics of this site were driven by recruited offspring—with a 2‐year density‐dependent lag effect—rather than adult survival. In the site with high livestock density (Kibber), this density dependence was not detected. We postulate the potential role of excessive grazing by livestock in affecting offspring recruitment, thereby affecting the bharal population in Kibber.

Synthesis and applications: Our results suggest that conservation action to facilitate wild herbivore population recovery, such as the development of protected areas and village reserves, needs to account for density‐dependent regulation. Sites with trophy hunting require continuous monitoring to understand the effects of density dependence so that appropriate hunting quotas can be formulated.
Cheese whey for production of breast milk‐derived bifidobacteria: Influence of fermentation conditions on the survival to spray drying and storage
Authors: Senovieski Matías L. , Loyeau Paula A. , Puntillo Melisa , Binetti Ana , Vinderola Gabriel
Published: April 2024

Common factors influencing the survival of microbes to spray drying include microbial intrinsic resistance, properties of the carrier, inlet and outlet temperatures, and rate of feeding. In this work, cheese whey was used as both a growth medium and a carrier for spray drying of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis INL1. The growth of the strain was favoured by acid conditions, reaching higher counts when pH was not controlled during fermentation and when pH was controlled at a constant value of 5.5, compared with 6.5. Powders containing ca. 9 log order (cfu/g) of B. lactis INL1 were obtained by direct spray drying of the culture coming out of the fermenter. No differences in survival to spray drying were observed in terms of fermentation conditions. However, fermentation conditions are considered to have influenced the strain's survival along the storage. Spray drying in acid conditions was detrimental to the survival along storage.
Developing active and intelligent biodegradable packaging from food waste and byproducts: A review of sources, properties, film production methods, and their application in food preservation
Authors: Xie Delang , Ma Haiyang , Xie Qiwen , Guo Jiajun , Liu Guishan , Zhang Bingbing , Li Xiaojun , Zhang Qian , Cao Qingqing , Li Xiaoxue , Ma Fang , Li Yang , Guo Mei , Yin Junjie
Published: April 2024

Food waste and byproducts (FWBP) are a global issue impacting economies, resources, and health. Recycling and utilizing these wastes, due to processing and economic constraints, face various challenges. However, valuable components in food waste inspire efficient solutions like active intelligent packaging. Though research on this is booming, its material selectivity, effectiveness, and commercial viability require further analysis. This paper categorizes FWBP and explores their potential for producing packaging from both animal and plant perspectives. In addition, the preparation/fabrication methods of these films/coatings have also been summarized comprehensively, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and their commercial adaptability. Finally, the functions of these films/coatings and their ultimate performance in protecting food (meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables) are also reviewed systematically. FWBP provide a variety of methods for the application of edible films, including being made into coatings, films, and fibers for food preservation, or extracting active substances directly or indirectly from them (in the form of encapsulation) and adding them to packaging to endow them with functions such as barrier, antibacterial, antioxidant, and pH response. In addition, the casting method is the most commonly used method for producing edible films, but more film production methods (extrusion, electrospinning, 3D printing) need to be tried to make up for the shortcomings of the current methods. Finally, researchers need to conduct more in‐depth research on various active compounds from FWBP to achieve better application effects and commercial adaptability.
Characterization of the potential allergenicity of enzymatically hydrolyzed casein in Balb/c mouse model
Authors: Liang Xiaona , Qu Yezhi , Gou Xiurong , Hu Xiuming , Zhou Weini , Bai Jingyan , Qin Rui , Wang Jing , Diao Enjie , Zhou Xiujuan
Published: April 2024

Bovine casein is a major allergen present in cow milk to induce anaphylaxis. In this study, the potential allergenicity of enzymatically hydrolyzed casein (HC) was evaluated based on in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that Alcalase and Protamex treatment (AT, PT) reduced the potential allergenicity of CN, with the greatest reductions of 68.25% and 50.75%, respectively. In addition, in vivo results showed that HC effectively alleviated allergic response symptoms of Balb/c mice; a significant tendency toward decreased serum IgG1 and mast cell tryptase levels was observed, accompanied by a decrease of Th2‐associated IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 and an increase of IFN‐γ levels in spleen. Moreover, the inflammation of the lung, jejunum, and ileum was remarkably ameliorated. The findings indicated that HC induced a shift toward Th1 response and maintained the Th1/Th2 immune balance. Importantly, our results provide the basis for the production of hypoallergenic dairy products.
1‐MCP treatment improves the postharvest quality of Jinxiu yellow peach by regulating cuticular wax composition and gene expression during cold storage
Authors: Qin Keying , Ge Shuai , Xiao Guangjian , Chen Fei , Ding Shenghua , Wang Rongrong
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to analyze the effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatment on the postharvest quality, epidermal wax morphology, composition, and gene expression of Jinxiu yellow peach during cold storage. The results showed that 1‐MCP treatment could maintain the postharvest quality of peach fruit as compared to control (CK) during cold storage. The wax crystals of peach fruit were better retained by 1‐MCP, and they still existed in 0.6 and 0.9 µL/L 1‐MCP treated fruit at 36 days. The total wax content in all the fruit increased first and then decreased during cold storage. Meanwhile, n‐alkanes and primary alcohols were the main wax components. Compared to CK, 1‐MCP treatment could delay the reduction of wax content during cold storage. The correlation analysis indicated that the postharvest quality of yellow peach was mainly affected by the contents of fatty acids and triterpenoids in cuticular wax. The transcriptomics results revealed PpaCER1, PpaKCS, PpaKCR1, PpaCYP86B1, PpaFAR, PpaSS2, and PpaSQE1 played the important roles in the formation of peach fruit wax. 1‐MCP treatment upregulated PpaCER1 (18785414, 18786441, and 18787644), PpaKCS (18774919, 18789438, and 18793503), PpaKCR1 (18790432), and PpaCYP86B1 (18789815) to deposit more n‐alkanes and fatty acids during cold storage. This study could provide a new perspective for regulating the postharvest quality of yellow peach in view of the application of cuticular wax.

Practical Application

‘Jinxiu’ yellow peach fruit is favorable among consumers because of its high commercial value. However, it ripens and deteriorates rapidly during storage, leading to serious economic loss and consumer disappointment. The effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatment on the postharvest quality, epidermal wax morphology, composition, and genes regulation of ‘Jinxiu’ yellow peach during cold storage was assessed. Compared to control, 1‐MCP treatment could retain the storage quality of yellow peach by affecting cuticular wax composition and gene expression. This study could provide new perspective for regulating the postharvest quality of yellow peach in view of the application of cuticular wax.