bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A FEM-based model for failure initiation in the microstructure of gray cast iron under uniaxial compression
Authors: Li Zhen , Lei Zhao , Sun Hengyang , Li Bin , Qiao Zhizhong
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to validate the feasibility of the proposed microstructure-based model by comparing the simulation results with experimental data. The study also aimed to investigate the relationship between the orientation of graphite flakes and the failure behavior of the material under compressive loads as well as the effect of image size on the accuracy of stress–strain behavior predictions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a microstructure-based model that utilizes the finite element method (FEM) combined with representative volume elements (RVE) to simulate the hardening and failure behavior of ferrite-pearlite matrix gray cast iron under uniaxial loading conditions. The material was first analyzed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify the different phases and their characteristics. High-resolution SEM images of the undeformed material microstructure were then converted into finite element meshes using OOF2 software. The Johnson–Cook (J–C) model, along with a damage model, was employed in Abaqus FEA software to estimate the elastic and elastoplastic behavior under assumed plane stress conditions.

Findings

The findings indicate that crack initiation and propagation in gray cast iron begin at the interface between graphite particles and the pearlitic matrix, with microcrack networks extending into the metal matrix, eventually coalescing to cause material failure. The ferritic phase within the material contributes some ductility, thereby delaying crack initiation.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel approach by integrating microstructural analysis with FEM and RVE techniques to accurately model the hardening and failure behavior of gray cast iron under uniaxial loading. The incorporation of high-resolution SEM images into finite element meshes, combined with the J–C model and damage assessment in Abaqus, provides a comprehensive method for predicting material performance. This approach enhances the understanding of the microstructural influences on crack initiation and propagation, offering valuable insights for improving the design and durability of gray cast iron components.
Point-of-interest recommendation based on the spatial-temporal graph
Authors: Li Mengyue , Li Fei , Wang Zhanquan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Point-of-interest (POI) recommendation techniques play a crucial role in mitigating information overload and delivering tailored services. To address limitations in conventional POI recommendation systems, constrained by sparse user-POI interactions and incomplete consideration of temporal dynamics, POI recommendation based on the spatial-temporal graph (STG-POI) is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Spatial-temporal sequence graphs from geographical locations and user interaction history data are constructed, which are used to mine spatial-temporal sequence information. Using the data filtered by the band-pass filter, graph neural networks with distance-awareness and sequence-awareness are applied to capture high-order spatial-temporal connections within diverse graph topologies. The model leverages contrastive learning for self-supervised disentanglement of graph representations, providing self-supervised signals for sequential and geographical intent perception, thereby achieving more precise POI personalization.

Findings

Compared to the baseline model GSTN, experiments on the Foursquare and Gowalla data sets reveal that STG-POI improves testing AUC by 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.0% and decreases logloss by 1.9%, 3.3%, 0.3%, respectively. These results indicate the model’s effectiveness in capturing spatial-temporal information, surpassing mainstream POI recommendation baseline models.

Originality/value

This approach constructs a dual graph from user interaction data, harnessing sequential and geographical information as self-supervised signals. It yields decoupled representations of these influences, offering a comprehensive insight into user behaviors and preferences within location-based social networks, thus enhancing recommendation accuracy and interpretability. This approach addresses the challenge in graph convolutional network where only rough and smooth features are conducive to recommendation by using band-pass filters to significantly reduce computational complexity, thereby enhancing recommendation speed by filtering out noise data that does not contribute to recommendation performance. Experimental results indicate that this model surpasses current mainstream approaches in POI recommendation tasks, effectively integrating both geographical and temporal features.
Analytical study on deposits of the aircraft engine piston
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ma Zhe , Li Jing , Wang Jiangbing , Sun Xin , Zhao Yong
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide data references for deposit cleaning, fuel formulation and lubricant formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The engine disassembly procedure was carried out based on the IO540 operation manual part number 60297-10-1-7 document. Except for the normal disassembly and assembly of the engine and the measurement of parts, the main test contents included break-in run operation, cylinder pressure test, oil consumption run, pretest calibration run, post-test calibration test and the most critical endurance test. The Lycoming IO-540-V4V5 engine and the customized Hartzell CK319 propeller were selected for the test run.

Findings

The deposits were mainly composed of C, O, B, Al, Br and Pb, which were mainly sourced from fuel, lubricating oil and body materials. XPS analysis showed that the presence of O determined the richness of the deposit components, giving the deposit structure with organic and inorganic components.

Originality/value

This work provides certain data support and reference for subsequent aircraft maintenance, fuel formula and lubricating oil formula. The long-term stability and safety of the aircraft run can be ensured through continuous research, improvement and optimizing the operating of the engine.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2024-0300/
The sliding mode controller with composite reaching law for upper limb rehabilitation robot
Authors: Wang Peng , Liu Luyu , Nan Fanghao , Dong RenQuan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Assisted training using upper limb rehabilitation robots is beneficial for flaccid paralysis patients in recovering their functional abilities. In the assisted training mode, the patient’s motor ability is limited by factors such as limb muscle tension, and it is prone for the rehabilitation robot to deviate from the prescribed training trajectory. A sliding mode control method based on a fixed time observer is proposed to address the problem of delayed trajectory tracking response of upper limb rehabilitation robots caused by external disturbances such as patient limbs.

Design/methodology/approach

First, aiming at the problem of estimating and compensating for external disturbances in the upper limb rehabilitation robot system, a fixed time observer was designed based on the robot’s dynamic model. Second, the composite sliding mode reaching law combining the smooth function and the power-exponential function is proposed to shorten the convergence time of system states in the startup phase, thereby reducing chattering in the control process and realizing the real-time tracking of the training trajectory by the control system.

Findings

The proposed method provides a solution for the trajectory tracking speed of upper limb rehabilitation robot controllers. In the circular trajectory tracking control, compared to the sliding-mode control method combined with the variable-exponential composite reaching law based on the fixed-time observer, the method in this paper reduces the time for the system state to reach the sliding surface by 0.89 s and improves the response speed by 0.66%.

Originality/value

The composite sliding mode approach law based on smooth function and power exponent function can reduce the time it takes for the system state to reach and remain on the sliding surface and improve the trajectory tracking speed of upper limb rehabilitation robots. This controller improves the accuracy of trajectory control and ensures the robustness of auxiliary rehabilitation training.
Strong presidents and grand corruption scandals in the Philippines
Authors: Batalla Eric V.C.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper provides evidence from the Philippines that strong presidents (termed here as hyper-presidents) have failed to address systemic corruption despite their anti-corruption rhetoric and promises.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a case study methodology to review how “strong presidents” have dealt with the problem of corruption in the Philippines and to examine their handling of grand corruption scandals. Data were collected from court decisions, congressional reports, news reports, journal articles, and other academic publications.

Findings

The paper has two major findings. First, none of the strong presidents were able to build the social and political foundations for anti-corruption reform. Second, in dealing with corruption scandals, the strong presidents observed selective persecution and particularistic concealment (cover-ups) instead of allowing the rule of law to prevail. These findings dismiss the idea of the sufficiency of strong presidents, some of whom project the possession of the political will necessary to combat corruption in the country.

Originality/value

While the need for strong leaders has been emphasized in the anti-corruption literature, this paper argues that such leaders do not necessarily add to the political commitment needed to fight systemic corruption or even lay the political, institutional, and social foundations for reform. Strong presidents in the weak Philippine state are powerless against the institutions and culture that encourage and tolerate grand corruption.
Essential lessons from an unpromising source: what reformers can learn from the Philippines on corruption control
Authors: Johnston Michael
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Corruption control in the Republic of the Philippines (RP) has hardly failed, but it is not (yet) a success story either. Dramatic “people power” episodes have occurred, but populism has also, at times, led to repression. Still, essential reform lessons are available.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual reassessment of corruption control. Central concerns include the types of corruption experienced in the country, incentives that might sustain collective action, the need to measure both corruption and reform, and linking reform to citizens’ quality of life.

Findings

Top-down, whole-country approaches to reform often treat corruption as if it were the same everywhere, thereby emphasizing “best practices”. However, that can be misleading: a best practice in one society might be irrelevant, impossible, or harmful in another. Contemporary reformers must carefully examine the historical, social, economic, and political contexts, as well as the consequences of corruption. Groups and activities seemingly unrelated to corruption control can prove essential. Reformers must fight corruption with people, not for them.

Originality/value

The ultimate goal of reform must be justice: redressing imbalances of power while building social and political trust.
Measuring authentic strategy in local government agencies in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Jabnoun Naceur
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper develops an instrument for measuring authentic strategy and evaluates the adoption of its dimensions by the local government agencies of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

The dimensions of authentic strategy are identified using factor analysis. Cronbach alpha coefficient and multiple linear regression are used to examine the reliability and predictive validity of the instrument. One-sided and one-way ANOVA are used to assess the adoption levels of the dimensions of authentic strategy.

Findings

This paper has identified three valid dimensions of authentic strategy: (a) strategy uniqueness, (b) leadership commitment and stakeholders’ management, and (c) implementation. The results show that RAK local government agencies have adopted all three dimensions. There were no significant differences between the levels of adoption of the three dimensions of authentic strategy.

Originality/value

The instrument can serve as an effective self-assessment tool for organizations aiming at developing genuine strategies and improving outcomes. This paper adds to the limited literature on strategy within the Arab public sector by analyzing strategy practices in the UAE.
Strategic changes in talent development and leadership management in the funeral service industry in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Alan , Lau Yui-yip , Lee Stephanie W.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper identifies the strategic changes and explores the solutions for talent development and leadership management to address the challenges faced by the funeral service industry in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven key personnel (funeral director, salesperson, coffin shop owner, and mortuary transporter) engaged in the funeral service industry in Hong Kong. Thematic coding was used to identify and organize emerging themes from the data.

Findings

Four overarching themes were identified: (1) Perception of the funeral service industry in Hong Kong; (2) Recruitment, retention, and talent development; (3) Prospects of the funeral service industry in Hong Kong; and (4) Other novel challenges. The findings reveal continuous, radical, and complex challenges that may exceed the capacity of any leader to develop workable solutions.

Originality/value

The funeral service industry is facing radical challenges in modern times. A death-denying attitude is observed, which has severely undermined the study of the funeral service industry.
The effects of conflicting economic and environmental goals on local governments’ responses to citizens’ complaints: evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Xinghua , Cheng Zheng
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The paper examines how local governments’ responses to citizens’ complaints about environment issues are affected when the complaints involve conflicting goals, particularly economic versus environmental goals. This study focuses on the responsiveness of provincial governments to citizen environmental complaints on the Local Leader Message Board (LLMB) in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected 125,364 environment-related complaints lodged by citizens on the LLMB from 2013 to 2021 and identified complaints embodying conflicting goals through a Structural Topic Model (STM). Advanced supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms were employed to enhance the robustness of the findings.

Findings

The results indicate that provincial governments prioritize citizens’ complaints across different types of issues. However, complaints embodying conflicting goals (related to environmental issues) are less likely to get a response. This relationship is moderated by an inverted U-shaped effect of economic dependence on industries. This suggests that the impact of conflicting goals on government responsiveness is dynamic, with the likelihood of provincial governments responding to conflicting complaints initially increasing and then decreasing as economic dependence on industries rises.

Originality/value

The findings enrich the understanding of the consequences of conflicting goals by highlighting their potential as a mechanism to explain the strategic reactions of governments to citizens.
Two decades of cross-border mergers and acquisitions research: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Jain Akanksha , Kashiramka Smita , Jain Sonali
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present the overall trend and dynamics in global mergers and acquisitions activity while suggesting future research avenues in this domain. The analysis covers two aspects to examine the main contours of the domain, that is performance analysis followed by thematic cluster analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric analysis has been used for examining 1,433 publications extracted from the Scopus database to identify the research trend between 2000 and 2021. With the help of VosViewer (a bibliometric software), bibliographic coupling, citation, co-authorship, keyword and network analysis have been carried out.

Findings

The analysis reveals that most of the research on cross-border mergers and acquisitions (CBMA) is concentrated in the context of developed markets, USA and UK being the largest. Most of the research till date is confined to wealth effects, value creation, corporate governance, socio-cultural aspects and various determinants of CBMA, all from the standpoint of the acquirer.

Practical implications

The present study highlights numerous opportunities for future research based on empirical analysis. There exists a dearth of studies around CBMA in the context of emerging nations which provides a relatively unexplored field to carry out research work.

Originality/value

The study makes use of a comprehensive list of keywords to have an extensive analysis. This is a pioneering study that has used bibliographic coupling of documents for content analysis and to the best of authors’ knowledge, no previous works on cross-border acquisitions have performed bibliographic coupling for this.
Spatter detection and tracking in high-speed video observations of laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Gobert Christian , Diewald Evan , Beuth Jack L.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing, spatter particles are ejected from the melt pool and can be detrimental to material performance and powder recycling. Quantifying spatter generation with respect to processing conditions is a step toward mitigating spatter and better understanding the phenomenon. This paper reveals process insights of spatter phenomena by automatically annotating spatter particles in high-speed video observations using machine learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A high-speed camera was used to observe the L-PBF process while varying laser power, laser scan speed and scan strategy on a constant geometry on an EOSM290 using Ti-6Al-4V powder. Two separate convolutional neural networks were trained to segment and track spatter particles in captured high-speed videos for spatter characterization.

Findings

Spatter generation and ejection angle significantly differ between keyhole and conduction mode melting. High laser powers lead to large ejections at the beginning of scan lines. Slow and fast build rates produce more spatter than moderate build rates at constant energy density. Scan strategies with more scan vectors lead to more spatter. The presence of powder significantly increases the amount of spatter generated during the process.

Originality/value

With the ability to automatically annotate a large volume of high-speed video data sets with high accuracy, an experimental design of observed parameter changes reveals quantitively stark changes in spatter morphology that can aid process development to mitigate spatter occurrence and impacts on material performance.
No evidence of early life resource pulse effects on age‐specific variation in survival, reproduction and body mass of female Siberian flying squirrels
Authors: Le Coeur C. , Berger V. , Lummaa V. , Wistbacka R. , Selonen V.
Published: November 2024

Understanding the diversity and causes of senescence patterns in the wild remains a challenging task, in particular among fast‐living species for which senescence patterns have been poorly studied. Early life environmental conditions can shape senescence by influencing trade‐offs between early and late life performance (disposable soma theory) or individual fitness through lifelong positive effects (silver spoon effects).

Using a 23‐year‐long monitoring dataset of two populations of Siberian flying squirrels (Pteromys volans L.) in western Finland, we analysed the occurrence, onset and rate of senescence in female survival, body mass and reproductive performance. We also examined how early life pulsed resources (tree masting during the year of birth) influence age‐specific variations in these traits.

Our results indicate that survival senescence occurs after sexual maturity from 3 years of age. Females experiencing high resource availability at birth tended to survive better, but the age‐specific trend was not affected by early life resource conditions. Maternal body mass declined slightly with age, starting at 4 years, regardless of early resource conditions. Similarly, among reproductive traits, we showed late‐onset senescence in both litter size and annual reproductive probability, with no evidence supporting an effect of early life resources on these trends. We found no decline in juvenile body mass or in the juvenile size‐number trade‐off with maternal age.

Our findings suggest that pulsed resources experienced at birth have a limited long‐lasting impact on the life‐history traits of this fast‐living rodent, with no significant effect on senescence patterns.
Seasonally variable thermal performance curves prevent adverse effects of heatwaves
Authors: Sasaki Matthew , Finiguerra Michael , Dam Hans G.
Published: November 2024

1. Differential vulnerability to heatwaves may affect community dynamics in a changing climate. In temperate regions, this vulnerability to heatwaves depends on the interactions between seasonal temperature fluctuations and the capacity to rapidly shift thermal performance curves.

2. Here we investigate how these dynamics affect the vulnerability of two ecologically important copepod congeners, Acartia tonsa and A. hudsonica, to heatwaves of different durations. Using a combination of field observations and simulated laboratory heatwave experiments, we uncover strong seasonal variation in the performance curves of A. tonsa but not A. hudsonica. This translated to species‐specific seasonal patterns of vulnerability to heatwaves, with increased vulnerability in A. hudsonica.

3. By reducing parental stress during simulated heatwaves, seasonal performance curve shifts likely reduced indirect, transgenerational effects of these events on offspring performance in A. tonsa.

4. Our results illustrate how different levels of seasonal variation in thermal performance curves will affect population persistence in a changing climate
Landscape metrics predict habitat redundancy of restored oyster reefs for recruitment enhancement of dominant estuarine fish
Authors: Davenport Theresa M. , Hughes A. Randall , Grabowski Jonathan H.
Published: November 2024

Structured biogenic habitats in estuarine and coastal landscapes (or seascapes) augment nekton species' production; yet, landscape setting may make restored habitats functionally redundant to co‐occurring habitats for some species. Few relationships between recruitment enhancement and continuous landscape metrics have been quantified, limiting our ability to incorporate functional redundancy into restoration practice.

To address this gap, we quantified two landscape metrics, per cent structure of proximal habitat and near distance to co‐occurring structured habitats, for experimentally restored oyster reefs in an intertidal landscape in Middle Marsh, North Carolina, USA. We then examined relationships between each landscape metric and recruitment enhancement of juvenile pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), a species that uses multiple biogenic habitats and has high site fidelity as juveniles.

We estimated that reefs with <33% proximal structured habitat within 15 m and <59% within 50 m contributed to recruitment enhancement, as defined by greater juvenile pinfish abundances at reefs than controls and no overlap in 95% confidence intervals.

Additionally, functional redundancy, assigned according to per cent structure of proximal habitat within 15 or 50 m of restored reefs, reduced estimates of nekton recruitment enhancement in this experimental landscape by 58.3% or 33.3%, respectively. Estimates of nekton production augmented by restoration may be inflated if they have not been adjusted to account for habitat redundancy.

Synthesis and applications. Landscape metrics offer some predictive capacity to help restoration practitioners avoid habitat redundancy for recruitment enhancement and extend beyond considering individual habitats toward integrating landscape scale processes into predictions and restoration practice. We demonstrated a straightforward process for restoration practitioners to identify where habitats may be redundant and incorporate the landscape into restoration siting decisions: delineate co‐occurring structured habitat with publicly accessible orthoimagery and model juvenile nekton relationships with proximal percent structure and near distance to other structured habitats.
Widespread resilience of animal species, functional diversity, and predator–prey networks to an unprecedented gigafire
Authors: Linley Grant D. , Jolly Chris J. , Wooster Eamonn I. F. , Spencer Emma E. , Cowan Mitchell A. , Geary William L. , de Laive Alana , Michael Damian R. , Ritchie Euan G. , Nimmo Dale G.
Published: November 2024

Climate change is altering fire regimes globally, leading to an increased incidence of large and severe wildfires, including gigafires (>100,000 ha), that homogenise landscapes. Despite this, our understanding of how large, severe wildfires affect biodiversity at the landscape scale remains limited.

We investigated the impact of a gigafire that occurred during the unprecedented 2019–20 Australian ‘Black Summer’ on terrestrial fauna. We selected 24 study landscapes, each 0.785 km2 in size, that represented a gradient in the extent of high severity fire, unburnt vegetation, and the diversity of fire severity classes (‘pyrodiversity’). We used wildlife cameras to survey biodiversity across each landscape and quantified species activity, community and functional diversity, and predator–prey network metrics. We used Bayesian mixed‐effects models to assess the influence of fire‐induced landscape properties on these measures.

Most native species showed resilience to the 2019–20 wildfires, displaying few relationships with fire‐induced properties of landscapes, including the extent of high severity fire, unburnt vegetation, or pyrodiversity.

Community and functional diversity and measures of predator–prey networks were also largely unaffected by fire‐induced landscape properties, although landscapes with a greater proportion of high severity fire had higher abundance and richness of introduced animal species.

Synthesis and applications: Despite prevailing narratives of widespread ecological destruction following the 2019–20 wildfires, our findings suggest widespread resilience, potentially facilitated by evolutionary adaptations of animals to fire. Interventions aimed at helping such species recover may not be necessary and could instead focus on the subset of species that are vulnerable to severe fire. While mixed‐severity fires are often advocated to promote biodiversity through pyrodiversity, our results suggest that such management efforts might not be necessary in our study region. Given that severe fire favours introduced animal species, invasive species management could focus on large, severely burnt areas.
Understanding vegetative ecophysiological responses of herbaceous species from a Brazilian dry forest by simulating 60‐year precipitation extremes
Authors: Aguiar Bruno Ayron de Souza , de Souza José Djalma , Simões Júlia Arruda , da Silva Prazeres Fernanda Polyana , de Andrade Juliana Ramos , da Silva Kleber Andrade , Lopes Clarissa Gomes Reis , de Lima Araújo Elcida
Published: November 2024

In the Caatinga, a Brazilian dry forest, low water availability is a limiting factor that affects the growth and survival of herbaceous plants. Thus, we hypothesize that simulated extreme changes in precipitation modify aboveground and belowground vegetative responses differently between annual and perennial herbaceous species. Seedlings of the species were obtained through seed germination. During 1 year, they were submitted to three rainfall simulation (RS) treatments, defined from a 60‐year sequence: Twet‐RS of rainy years; Tcontrol‐RS of years close to the historical average; Tdry‐RS of dry years; and with 30 repetitions per treatment. The daily water administration corresponded to the daily average of rainfall in the past. In the simulation of dry years, the annual species reduced the growth drastically, while the perennials showed a moderate reduction. All species reduced biomass and production and expansion of their leaves in dry years but invested in water storage and leaf longevity. Below ground, annuals explored surface water resources and perennials invested in root growth, accessing underground layers. If reductions in rainfall are confirmed, the allocation of herbaceous biomass may follow an “optimal partitioning” strategy, along with maintaining higher water content in the organs, which is an efficient survival strategy.
Bovine milk as a source of nitro‐conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: Barbeito Joaquín , Mastrogiovanni Mauricio , García‐Roche Mercedes , Mendoza Alejandro , Rubbo Homero , Carriquiry Mariana , Trostchansky Andrés
Published: November 2024

Nitrated fatty acids (NO2‐FAs), specifically nitroalkenes, are gaining recognition for their anti‐inflammatory and therapeutic properties. Bovine milk, a major dietary component, may serve as a significant source of these bioactive molecules, complementing its established nutritional profile. This study examined nitroalkene's presence in milk from different bovine strains and lactation stages. NO2‐conjugated linoleic acid (NO2‐cLA) was detected at concentrations up to 5 μM, comprising 2.7% of total cLA. The concentration of NO2‐cLA varied slightly with the Holstein strain and lactation stage, with its free form predominantly observed, suggesting limited triglyceride incorporation. Further research into NO2‐cLA's biological significance in milk is required.
Zinc oxide nanomaterials: Safeguarding food quality and sustainability
Authors: Gökmen Gökhan Gurur , Mirsafi Fatemeh Sadat , Leißner Till , Akan Tamer , Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Kışla Duygu
Published: November 2024

In this era, where food safety and sustainability are paramount concerns, the utilization of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising solution to enhance the safety, quality, and sustainability of food products. ZnO NPs in the food industry have evolved significantly over time, reflecting advancements in synthesizing methods, antimicrobial activities, and risk assessment considerations for human health and the environment. This comprehensive review delves into the historical trajectory, current applications, and prospects of ZnO NPs in food‐related contexts. Synthesizing methods, ranging from solvothermal and solgel techniques to laser ablation and microfluidic reactors, have facilitated the production of ZnO NPs with tailored properties suited for diverse food applications. The remarkable antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs against a wide spectrum of pathogens has garnered attention for their potential to enhance food safety and extend shelf‐life. Furthermore, comprehensive risk assessment methodologies have been employed to evaluate the potential impacts of ZnO NPs on human health and the environment, regarding toxicity, migration, and ecological implications. By navigating the intricate interplay between synthesis methods, antimicrobial efficacy, inhibitory mechanisms, and risk assessment protocols, by elucidating the multifaceted role of ZnO NPs in shaping the past, present, and future of the food industry, this review offers valuable insights and promising avenues for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to enhance food safety, quality, and sustainability.
Machine vision combined with deep learning–based approaches for food authentication: An integrative review and new insights
Authors: Shen Che , Wang Ran , Nawazish Hira , Wang Bo , Cai Kezhou , Xu Baocai
Published: November 2024

Food fraud undermines consumer trust, creates economic risk, and jeopardizes human health. Therefore, it is essential to develop efficient technologies for rapid and reliable analysis of food quality and safety for food authentication. Machine vision–based methods have emerged as promising solutions for the rapid and nondestructive analysis of food authenticity and quality. The Industry 4.0 revolution has introduced new trends in this field, including the use of deep learning (DL), a subset of artificial intelligence, which demonstrates robust performance and generalization capabilities, effectively extracting features, and processing extensive data. This paper reviews recent advances in machine vision and various DL‐based algorithms for food authentication, including DL and lightweight DL, used for food authenticity analysis such as adulteration identification, variety identification, freshness detection, and food quality identification by combining them with a machine vision system or with smartphones and portable devices. This review explores the limitations of machine vision and the challenges of DL, which include overfitting, interpretability, accessibility, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and design and deployment of lightweight DLs, and miniaturization of sensing devices. Finally, future developments and trends in this field are discussed, including the development of real‐time detection systems that incorporate a combination of machine vision and DL methods and the expansion of databases. Overall, the combination of vision‐based techniques and DL is expected to enable faster, more affordable, and more accurate food authentication methods.
Salmonella Presence and Risk Mitigation in Pet Foods: A Growing Challenge with Implications for Human Health
Authors: Dhakal Janak , Cancio Leslie Pearl M. , Deliephan Aiswariya , Chaves Byron D. , Tubene Stephan
Published: November 2024

Pet food is increasingly recognized as a significant vehicle for the transmission of foodborne pathogens to humans. The intimate association between pets and their owners, coupled with the rising trend of feeding pets raw and unprocessed foods, contributes substantially to this issue. Salmonella contamination in pet food can originate from raw materials and feed ingredients, the processing environment, and postprocessing handling and applications. The absence of standardized postprocessing pathogen mitigation steps in the production of dry kibble and treats, along with the lack of validated heat and chemical interventions in raw pet foods, renders pet food susceptible to contamination by pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, etc. Pets can then serve as carriers of Salmonella, facilitating its transmission to pet owners. Since 1999, there have been over 117 recalls of pet foods due to Salmonella contamination in the United States, with 11 of these recalls linked to human outbreaks. Notably, 5 of the 11 human outbreaks involved multidrug‐resistant Salmonella strains. Various antimicrobial interventions, including high‐pressure processing, ozone, irradiation, chemical treatments such as organic acids and acidulants, plant‐derived antimicrobials, and biological interventions such as bacteriophages, have proven effective against Salmonella in pet foods. This review aims to summarize the prevalence of Salmonella in different types of pet foods, identify common sources of contamination, outline reported outbreaks, and discuss control measures and the regulatory framework governing pet food safety.
Humoral factors in serum as predictors of therapeutic response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Saito Keisuke , Yamamoto Shotaro , Kamata Yasuyuki , Nagashima Takao , Sato Takeo , Minota Seiji , Sato Kojiro
Published: November 2024

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum humoral factors in determining the therapeutic responses to biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs), especially TNF inhibitors (TNFis), in patients with RA.

Methods

A cohort of 52 patients with RA who were treated with bDMARDs, including TNFis, abatacept, and tocilizumab, was analyzed. Serum samples were collected at baseline (t1), 5 ± 1 (t2), and 14 ± 2 weeks (t3) after treatment. A bead‐based immunoassay was used to quantify serum cytokines/chemokines. Treatment response was determined 1 year after initiation.

Results

Distinct patterns of IL‐6 behaviors were observed among different bDMARDs. Patients exhibiting IL‐6 rebound at 14 weeks were more likely to be non‐responders to TNFi after 1 year, and this rebound appeared to be associated with increases in IFN‐γ and IL‐12 levels. IFN‐β was more detectable than IFN‐α2 in RA. Additionally, patients with measurable IFN‐β at baseline tended to be TNFi responders.

Conclusion

Monitoring serum humoral factors may offer valuable insights into the likelihood of therapeutic success of TNFi in patients with RA. IL‐6 rebound at 14 weeks might serve as an early indicator of non‐responsiveness to TNFi. These findings highlight the potential of personalized treatment strategies for RA based on serum humoral factor profiling. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these results and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
The contribution of beneficial wheat seed fungal communities beyond disease‐causing fungi: Advancing heritable mycobiome‐based plant breeding
Authors: Becker Lindsey E. , Cubeta Marc A.
Published: November 2024

Wheat (Triticum sp.) is a staple cereal crop, providing nearly a fifth of the world's protein and available calories. While fungi associated with wheat plants have been known for centuries, attention to fungi associated with wheat seeds has increased over the last hundred years. Initially, research focused on fungal taxa that cause seed‐borne diseases. Seeds act as a physical link between generations and host specialized fungal communities that affect seed dormancy, germination, quality, and disease susceptibility. Interest in beneficial, non‐disease‐causing fungal taxa associated with seeds has grown since the discovery of Epichloë in fescue, leading to a search for beneficial fungal endophytes in cereal grains. Recent studies of the wheat seed mycobiome have shown that disease, seed development, and temporal variation significantly influence the composition and structure of these fungal communities. This research, primarily descriptive, aims to better understand the wheat seed mycobiome's function in relation to the plant host. A deeper understanding of the wheat seed mycobiome's functionality may offer potential for microbiome‐assisted breeding.
Kingston Student Housing Co‐operative: Budgeting and Governance in a Global Crisis*
Authors: Stack Ryan , Malsch Bertrand
Published: November 2024

This field research case focuses on a housing cooperative based in Kingston, Ontario. The key issue is the need to craft a budget to support the general manager, Brent Bellamy, as he plans for the coming academic year. Because of the COVID‐19 pandemic, Queen's University suspended in‐person classes for the 2020–2021 school year. The Kingston Student Housing Co‐operative (KSHC) depends on student members who attend Queen's to stay in its rooms and participate in its operations and governance structure. With Queen's effectively shutting down, KSHC's key source of funds will be absent for the coming year. Brent needs help recalculating the budget for the coming year, leading to advice on some of his strategic options. He is also worried about other issues at KSHC: (1) the organization's long‐time bookkeeper has just given notice of her intent to retire, and he must evaluate the bookkeeping tasks that were her responsibility; (2) he has concerns about the governance structure, which sees a lack of continuity in the board of directors between years; and (3) KSHC was considering a significant build project prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic that Brent would like to advance. In considering these issues, Brent must acknowledge and respect the unique nature of a cooperative as a member‐owned nonprofit organization based on certain cooperative principles.
Finland: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: PALONEN EMILIA
Published: November 2024

Parliamentary elections in 2023 brought in a discourse on debt. Power was passed from the Marin I to the Orpo I government. This was historically the most right‐wing government to date in Finland, whose formation also took historically long but finally united both the populist‐nativist right with the liberal right in the same coalition. The ministerial appointments raised questions among the opposition, and the issue of racism was discussed in connection to the coalition partners. The government's austerity policies sought to limit the power of trade unions, which in turn generated strong reactions. Proposals to limit strike action were faced with opposition. As the three largest parties shifted around, the political centre chose to remain in the opposition and also took issue with the underfunding of social services. The parliamentary polarisation formed a stark contrast to the consensual way in which Finland had approached North Atlantic Treaty Organisation membership, for which a compatible institutional setting was built.
Ambient air pollution exposure and incidence of cataract surgery: The prospective 3City‐Alienor study
Authors: Gayraud Laure , Mortamais Marion , Schweitzer Cédric , de Hoogh Kees , Cougnard‐Grégoire Audrey , Korobelnik Jean‐François , Delyfer Marie‐Noelle , Rougier Marie‐Bénédicte , Leffondré Karen , Helmer Catherine , Vienneau Danielle , Delcourt Cécile
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Cataract, the leading cause of blindness worldwide, is a multifactorial disease involving oxidative stress mechanisms. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between air pollution exposure and the incidence of cataract surgery.

Methods

The 3C‐Alienor study is a population‐based cohort of residents of Bordeaux, France, aged 65 years or more, recruited in 1999–2000 and followed every 2–3 years until 2017. Cataract surgery was self‐reported and checked at slit‐lamp by trained professionals. Average air pollution exposure (particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), nitrogen dioxide (NO2)) in the 10 years preceding baseline was estimated at the participants' geocoded residential address, using temporally adjusted land use regression. Associations of 10‐year average air pollution exposure with incidence of cataract were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for confounders.

Results

The study included 829 subjects without cataract surgery prior to inclusion; the mean age at inclusion was 72.6 years (standard deviation (SD): 4.2) and 61% were women. The median (Interquartile‐range (IQR)) follow‐up duration was 14.1 (6.4) years during which 507 participants underwent cataract surgery. Exposure to a concentration ≥40 μg/m3 of NO2 (the current regulatory limit value in Europe) was associated with incident cataract surgery (HR = 1.46, CI (1.16, 1.84), p = 0.001). No statistically significant association was found with PM2.5 and BC.

Conclusion

Long‐term exposure to a NO2 concentration ≥ 40 μg/m3 was associated with an increased incidence of cataract surgery. Complying with current European air pollution standards could reduce cataract surgery costs and improve population quality of life.
The expression of keratin 17 and p27 predicts clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hong Mineui , Kim Jeong Won , Hong Soon Auck , Kim Joo Young
Published: November 2024

Keratin 17 (K17) is frequently overexpressed, associated with poor prognosis in various cancers, and contributes to p27 degradation during cancer progression. Using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated K17 and p27 expression and assessed their biological behavior and prognostic significance in 326 colorectal cancers. High K17 expression was associated with poorly differentiated tumors, high pT classification, and lymph node metastases. Low p27 expression was associated with large tumors, high pT classification, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastases. The overall survival of patients with high K17 expression was significantly worse than that of patients with low K17 expression [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.805, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.169–2.787; p = 0.007]. Patients with low p27 expression showed significantly worse overall survival than those with high p27 expression (HR = 3.082, 95% CI 1.722–5.517; p < 0.001). When combining the results of K17 and p27 expression, the K17highp27low expression group showed the worst overall survival. On the contrary, the K17high/lowp27high group showed the best overall survival (p < 0.001). Therefore, K17highp27low expression is an independent poor prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. Thus, high K17 and low p27 expression correlate with aggressive clinicopathologic behavior and can be used as poor prognostic markers in colorectal cancer.
Viral intruders in the heart: A review of RNA viruses and their role in cardiac disorders
Authors: Jalilian Shahram , Vasei Mona , Garshasbi Ashkan , Nabavi Seyed Salaheddin , Bastani Mohammad‐Navid
Published: November 2024

Viral cardiac diseases have a significant impact on global health, and RNA viruses play a crucial role in their pathogenesis. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between RNA viruses and cardiac diseases, focusing on the molecular processes and clinical implications of these interactions. The paper begins by discussing the various RNA viruses that have been linked to cardiac infections. Subsequently, the study explores the mechanisms through which RNA viruses can cause cardiac injury, including direct viral invasion, immune‐mediated responses, and molecular mimicry. The review extensively examines the intricate interplay between the host immune system and RNA viruses, shedding light on both protective and harmful immune responses. Additionally, it investigates the role of viral persistence and chronic inflammation in the long‐term effects on cardiac health. The thorough analysis presented not only enhances our scientific understanding of how RNA viruses contribute to the development of cardiac diseases but also highlights potential avenues for future research and breakthroughs in this field. Given the significant global health threat posed by viral cardiac disorders, unraveling the molecular foundations of these diseases is essential for advancing diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic interventions.
Understanding linear interaction analysis with causal graphs
Authors: Kim Yongnam , Jung Geryong
Published: November 2024

Interaction analysis using linear regression is widely employed in psychology and related fields, yet it often induces confusion among applied researchers and students. This paper aims to address this confusion by developing intuitive visual explanations based on causal graphs. By leveraging causal graphs with distinct interaction nodes, we provide clear insights into interpreting main effects in the presence of interaction, the rationale behind centering to reduce multicollinearity, and other pertinent topics. The proposed graphical approach could serve as a useful complement to existing algebraic explanations, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanics of linear interaction analysis.