bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformational polymorphism of 3-(azidomethyl)benzoic acid
Authors: Decato Daniel , Jahnke Michael , Berryman Orion
Published: August 2023

Three conformational polymorphs of 3-(azidomethyl)benzoic acid, C8H7N3O2, are reported. All three structures maintain similar carboxylic acid dimers and π–π stacking. Crystal structure analysis and computational evaluations highlight the azidomethyl group as a source of conformational polymorphism, thus having potential implications in the design of solid-state reactions.
Integrating technology acceptance model with diffusion of innovation theory: an empirical investigation of the usage behaviour of XBRL-based Malaysia business reporting system
Authors: Uyob Roslee , Ku Bahador Ku Maisurah , Saad Ram Al Jaffri
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the usage behaviour associated with adopting the extensible business reporting language-based Malaysia business reporting system (MBRS). An extended technology acceptance model (TAM) was used, which was tested and examined using both the TAM and the diffusion of innovation theory (DIT).

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical results were obtained from 267 members of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, who are responsible for preparing and filing company reports with the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

Findings

The findings show that user intention has a significant impact on MBRS usage behaviour. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and cost have an impact on users’ intention to use, while attitude and compatibility have no impact. Only perceived ease of use has a significant impact on user attitude. For perceived usefulness, cost and compatibility are found to have a significant impact but not perceived ease of use.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that integrates TAM and DIT to analyse MBRS usage behaviour.
Zepto – 10-min grocery delivery service
Authors: Saldanha Avil
Published: August 2023

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Learning outcomes

Learning objectives are as follows: critically analyze the business model of the Instant Grocery Delivery Model like Zepto; infer the importance of competitor analysis in determining the success of a startup; and analyze customer complaints and develop a corrective action plan.

Case overview / synopsis

The focus of this case is the controversy faced by Zepto due to its aggressive 10-min instant delivery service. This case discusses the negative publicity and criticism faced by Zepto from various influential netizens like members of the parliament, a well-known industrialist and independent experts questioning the 10-min express delivery plan that could endanger the lives of its delivery partners. The case also discusses customer complaints and the negative publicity faced by Zepto in digital forums and social media. The primary focus of this case is the dilemma faced by Zepto’s young founders in resolving the criticism faced by Zepto due to its 10-min delivery model and due to mounting customer complaints regarding poor product quality and deficient service. The key managerial decision that the protagonists are facing is whether should Zepto continue to operate in the 10-min delivery model or should it increase the delivery time to 15 to 20 min.

Complexity academic level

Undergraduate students studying Marketing courses in Commerce and Business Management streams can use this case.

Subject Code

CSS 8: Marketing.
ESG and financial variables: a systematic review
Authors: Saini Mohit , Aggarwal Vaibhav , Dhingra Barkha , Kumar Pankaj , Yadav Mahender
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The growing trend in environmental, social and governance (ESG) research, along with its relevance to the financial performance of firms, has gained a lot of attraction in academia and industry. This study aims to fill the existing gap in the literature by conducting a thorough systematic review with the latest research articles in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a blend of systematic literature review and bibliometric techniques. A proper search string was used to retrieve the data from the Scopus database. The final dataset comprises 296 documents used for science mapping, and the review was done of 60 articles finalised after further refining the documents.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that stakeholder, legitimacy and signalling theories are the foundation for ESG and financial performance. Social firms have a lower capital cost because of their low-risk potential. Moreover, this study provides the knowledge structure by framing four clusters, “CSR/ESG determinants and firm performance”, “Moderators and Mediators”, “Investors’ perception” and “CSR in the tourism sector”.

Originality/value

This study has reviewed the literature with both tools, that is, qualitative (systematic review) and quantitative (bibliometric). Moreover, this study presents the latest synthesis of the literature.
The impact of cryptocurrencies on the gold, WTI, VIX index, G7 and BRICS index before and during COVID-19: a quantile regression and NARDL analysis
Authors: Aloui Mouna , Hamdi Besma , Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Jeribi Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero and Ripple) on the gold, WTI, VIX index, G7 and the BRICS index before and during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This research analyzes the impact of cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero and Ripple) on the gold, WTI, VIX index, G7 and the BRICS index before and during COVID-19, using the quantile regression approach for the 2016–2020 period. In addition, to catch long- and short-run asymmetries of cryptocurrencies on aforementioned dependent variables, an asymmetric nonlinear co-integration (nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag [NARDL]) approach is applied.

Findings

The result of the quantile regression shows that in a high market, which corresponds to the 90th quantile, the FTSE MIB, CAC40, SSE, BSE 30, and BVSP stock market showed a statistically insignificant negative coefficient, on the Bitcoin price. In a middle and low markets, which correspond to the 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5th quantiles, the BVSP, FTSE MIB, S&P/TSX, SSE and Nikkei stock markets show statistically significant and positive on Bitcoin. Evidence from the NARDL shows a statistically significant positive impact of cryptocurrencies on the gold, WTI, VIX index, G7 and BRICS indices before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

These results can provide investors with valuable analysis and information and help them make the best decisions and adopt the best strategies. Therefore, future investigations may concentrate and examine the monetary and governmental policies to be adapted to face the COVID-19 pandemic’s dangerous effects on both the society and the economy. For this reason, investors should take this into account when making their asset allocation decisions. Moreover, the portfolio managers, such as index funds, may consider few eligible cryptocurrencies for their inclusion into the portfolio. However, the speculators present in both stock and crypto markets may opt for a spread strategy to improve their portfolio returns.
Waqf-based qardhul hassan financing preference in Malaysia: an exploratory study
Authors: Amin Hanudin , Hassan M. Kabir , Shaikh Imran Mehboob
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine donors’ or waqifs’ desire for waqf-based qardhul hassan financing in Malaysia using a maqasid method, where a pragmatic approach is used.

Design/methodology/approach

Using judgemental sampling, a total of 275 waqifs participated in this work to identify their preference in donating their money to the facility should it is introduced. Using the developed waqf-based qardhul hassan scale (WAQASCALE), this study examined the preference accordingly. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 27.

Findings

The results obtained were as follows: the first factor considered by the waqifs in donating money was perceived household well-being, followed by perceived recipients’ welfare, perceived mankind benevolence and perceived Muslims’ community security.

Research limitations/implications

The authors developed construct items that had generalisability issues as they were at the infancy stage of development among social finance scientists along with the narrow geographical constraint where the actual survey was conducted.

Practical implications

The results were useful in giving new guidance to state governments and Islamic banks (IBs) in Malaysia to explore further this sort of facility for the improved well-being of those affected by COVID-19. Besides, sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as poverty, hunger and responsible consumption, among others can be addressed effectively for the mutual well-being of those affected by the health crisis in an effort of combating financial hardships in the meeting of basic needs, at least. The partnership between the state government and IBs could lead to the offered qardhul hassan financing-sourced funding from waqf for reduced financial hardships by needy and poor folks.

Originality/value

This study introduced a new WAQASCALE in the context of qardhul hassan financing in Malaysia.
Promoting sustainable consumption among university students: a systematic literature review
Authors: Herrera Burstein Yuri Enrique , Goñi Avila Niria Marleny
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify and analyze research that promotes sustainable consumption among university students, understand what areas of consumption were addressed, how consumption was intended to become more sustainable and what results were reported.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science databases and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology. Main criteria for inclusion were focus on changing the consumption behavior of university students, not just diagnosing them, and that students were directly involved in the efforts.

Findings

A total of 1,619 articles were extracted, and 34 were included in the study. These selected investigations conducted between 2012 and 2022 focused on areas of consumption such as food, plastic waste, fashion, energy and water. Sustainable consumption was promoted through training programs ranging from one-hour seminars to full-semester courses, marketing and communication campaigns and direct experimentation and interventions. Most articles reported positive results.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to research carried out to reduce current consumption by university students; it does not include research aimed at improving students’ professional skills for promoting sustainable consumption.

Practical implications

This study compiles previous research on reducing consumption by university students in a structured manner according to the consumption area, applied strategy and the results obtained.

Originality/value

This research is unique and will serve as a source of inspiration and consultation for academics and university managers concerned about human consumption. It presents successful projects and strategies that can be implemented in their own universities to make their students’ consumption more sustainable.
Information technology and people involvement in organizational performance through supply chain collaboration
Authors: Rashid Aamir , Rasheed Rizwana , Amirah Noor Aina
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Supply chain collaboration (SCC) benefits organizational performance (OP). Although it is complex, it is also hard to implement and measure collaborative initiatives in the field of the supply chain. This study aims to examine the role of information technology (IT) and people’s involvement in OP through the mediation of supply chain collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a deductive and quantitative approach to test the research hypotheses. Data was collected from 249 supply chain professionals working at various manufacturing firms.

Findings

This research found a significant effect of IT on supply chain collaboration. Similarly, people involvement (PI) also significantly influenced the supply chain collaboration. For the mediation hypotheses, SCC significantly mediates the relationships between two independent variables (IT and PI) and OP. Furthermore, the full mediation of SCC occurred.

Originality/value

This study provides a framework emphasizing manufacturing firms’ practices, SCC and OP. The “people involvement” was found as a novel variable in the tested model using the resource-based view as a supporting theory. The research findings can benefit the professionals working on supply chain business processes to improve OP.
Garment sizing system development for Amhara policemen uniforms using data mining techniques
Authors: Bizuneh Berihun , Destaw Abrham , Hailu Fasika , Tsegaye Solomon , Mamo Bizuayehu
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Sizing system is a fundamental topic in garment fitting. The purpose of this study was to assess the fit of existing police uniforms (shirt, jacket, overcoat and trousers) and develop a sizing system for upper and lower body uniforms of Amhara policemen in Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 35 body dimensions of 889 policemen were taken through a manual anthropometric survey following the procedures in ISO 8559:1989 after each subject was interviewed on issues related to garment fit. The anthropometric data were pre-processed, key body dimensions were identified by principal components analysis and body types were clustered by the agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm and verified by the XGBoost classifier in a Python programming environment. The developed size charts were validated statistically using aggregate loss and accommodation rate.

Findings

About 44% of the subjects encountered fit problems every time they own new readymade uniforms. Lengths and side seams of shirts, and lengths and waist girths of trousers are the most frequently altered garment sites. Analysis of the anthropometric measurements resulted in 13 and 15 sizes for the upper and lower bodies, respectively. Moreover, the comparison of the developed upper garment size chart with the existing size chart for a shirt showed a considerable difference. This indicates that inappropriate size charts create fit problems.

Originality/value

The study considers the analysis of fit problems and sizing system development in a less researched country. Moreover, the proposed data mining procedure and its application for size chart development is unique and workable.
Sociology of corporate governance and the emerging disintermediation
Authors: Bolton Joel , Yoder Michele E. , Gong Ke
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to observe and discuss an emerging disintermediation in transportation, finance and health care, and explain how these three key areas depend on intermediary institutions that are the fruit of modern corporate governance conditions that find their roots in classical sociological theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review and incorporate a diversity of research literature to explain the likelihood for the development and continuation of disintermediation.

Findings

The authors map two sociological perspectives (Emile Durkheim’s theory of interdependence and Herbert Spencer’s theory of contracts) to two modern corporate governance theories (resource dependence theory and agency theory). The authors then discuss the challenging social situation resulting from modern corporate governance and show how these conditions create the potential for a continuum of disintermediation across the specific and crucial economic sectors of transportation, finance and health care.

Originality/value

The implications of this theoretical integration can help organizational leaders navigate complex social and strategic issues and prepare for the consequences that may result from the emerging disintermediation.
Can we do it alone? The case of De Cyber hotel
Authors: Ahmad Halimah Nasibah , Amran Noor Afza , Arshad Darwina
Published: August 2023

Research methodology

The interviews were conducted with the respondents (the founder and Manager of De Cyber Hotel). Other data were obtained through the websites of the relevant businesses.

Case overview/synopsis

Siti Alia and her friends established De Cyber Hotel in January 2019. It was incorporated as a Malaysian private limited company in Cyberjaya, Selangor. Siti Alia was appointed as the hotel manager and was responsible for managing the hotel’s day-to-day operations and financial matters. Being a new budget hotel, competing with other established hotels was quite difficult. De Cyber Hotel used brochures and word-of-mouth for its promotion activities and mainly depended on walk-in guests. Siti Alia knew she had to take immediate action to ensure the hotel’s survival and could no longer rely on walk-in guests. Hence, to increase the occupancy and revenue rate, on 27 March 2019, De Cyber Hotel management decided to accept an offer from ABC Digital Booking to implement a digital booking mechanism and form a partnership for at least a year. ABC Digital Booking provided an online system to enable the listing and booking of budget accommodations and partnered with hotels to provide similar guest experiences across countries. After working and collaborating for 10 months with ABC Digital Booking, Siti Alia had to decide whether De Cyber Hotel should continue its alliance with ABC Digital Booking. Hence, she had to think thoroughly and consider the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the impact of her decision on the business.

Complexity academic level

Undergraduate Integrated Case Studies, Seminar in Management, Risk Management and Corporate Governance, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Strategic Management. Postgraduate Organizational Behaviour, Management Accounting and Controls, Strategic Management Accounting, Marketing Management, Hospitality Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship Development.
Movement of protistan trophic groups in soil–plant continuums
Authors: Lin Chenshuo , Li Wen‐Jing , Li Li‐Juan , Neilson Roy , An Xin‐Li , Zhu Yong‐Guan
Published: August 2023

Protists, functionally divided into consumers, phototrophs, and parasites act as integral components and vital regulators of microbiomes in soil–plant continuums. However, the drivers of community structure, assembly mechanisms, co‐occurrence patterns, and the associations with human pathogens and different protistan trophic groups remain unknown. Here, we characterized the phyllosphere and soil protistan communities associated with three vegetables under different fertilization treatments (none and organic fertilization) at five growth stages. In this study, consumers were the most diverse soil protist group, had the role of inter‐kingdom connector, and were the primary biomarker for rhizosphere soils which were subjected to decreasing deterministic processes during plant growth. In contrast, phototrophs had the greatest niche breadth and formed soil protistan hubs, and were the primary biomarkers for both bulk soils and the phyllosphere. Parasites had minimal input to microbial co‐occurrence networks. Organic fertilization increased the relative abundance (RA) of pathogenic protists and the number of pathogen–consumer connections in rhizosphere soils but decreased protistan richness and the number of internal protistan links. This study advances our understanding of the ecological roles and potential links between human pathogens and protistan trophic groups associated with soil–plant continuums, which is fundamental to the regulation of soil–plant microbiomes and maintenance of environmental and human health.
Bacterial adaptation to cold: Conservation of a short J‐domain co‐chaperone and its protein partners in environmental proteobacteria
Authors: Weber Lana , Gilat Atar , Maillot Nathanael , Byrne Deborah , Arnoux Pascal , Giudici‐Orticoni Marie‐Thérèse , Méjean Vincent , Ilbert Marianne , Genest Olivier , Rosenzweig Rina , Dementin Sébastien
Published: August 2023

Bacterial genomes are a huge reservoir of genes encoding J‐domain protein co‐chaperones that recruit the molecular chaperone DnaK to assist protein substrates involved in survival, adaptation, or fitness. The atc operon of the aquatic mesophilic bacterium Shewanella oneidensis encodes the proteins AtcJ, AtcA, AtcB, and AtcC, and all of them, except AtcA, are required for growth at low temperatures. AtcJ is a short J‐domain protein that interacts with DnaK, but also with AtcC through its 21 amino acid C‐terminal domain. This interaction network is critical for cold growth. Here, we show that AtcJ represents a subfamily of short J‐domain proteins that (i) are found in several environmental, mostly aquatic, β‐ or ɣ‐proteobacteria and (ii) contain a conserved PX7W motif in their C‐terminal extension. Using a combination of NMR, biochemical and genetic approaches, we show that the hydrophobic nature of the tryptophan of the S. oneidensis AtcJ PX7W motif determines the strong AtcJ–AtcC interaction essential for cold growth. The AtcJ homologues are encoded by operons containing at least the S. oneidensis atcA, atcB, and atcC homologues. These findings suggest a conserved network of DnaK and Atc proteins necessary for low‐temperature growth and, given the variation in the atc operons, possibly for other biological functions.
Nobody likes to sleep alone: aspiring to kinship futures in post‐Soviet Cuba
Authors: Härkönen Heidi
Published: August 2023

In post‐Soviet Cuba, instead of the political future envisioned by Revolutionary authorities, poor residents of Havana aspire to create kinship futures where there is no need to ‘sleep alone’. Here, the idea of ‘sleeping together’ represents a trustworthy social bond that shelters a person from loneliness over time. For thesehabaneros, sexual love between men and women cannot be trusted, since it is often plagued by suspicions of material interest. By contrast, they view parent‐child connections as a way to secure a cared‐for future for themselves. Nevertheless, as Cuban socialism undergoes transformations, gendered inequalities create obstacles for many people's aspirations for parenthood. This article explores the contrast between sexual and filial love in Cubans’ efforts to create kinship futures for themselves, thereby adding to our understandings of poor people's life projects.
The play of ‘dirty politics’: ordinary ethics and the evidence of experience on the workfloor in New Delhi, India
Authors: Jaju Garima
Published: August 2023

This article explores the tensed sociality amongst precariously employed service economy workers in the retail outlets of a prominent eyewear company in New Delhi, India. The bickering staff label the ongoing interpersonal strife ‘dirty politics’. Linked to this are their confident assertions that, in fact, all politics is dirty, and dirty politics is the only type of politics possible – rejecting formal party politics and labour unions as morally vacuous and motivated by utilitarian individualism. Engaging with the anthropology of ordinary ethics, the article demonstrates how the affectively charged experience and talk of petty politicking on the neoliberal workfloor provides critical ‘evidence’ that ‘confirms’ such a politico‐ethical view.
Promoting Women's Rights, Hiding the Empire: Marie‐Hélène Lefaucheux, an Imperialist Woman at the United Nations
Authors: Nasser Anna
Published: August 2023

This contribution examines the role of Marie‐Hélène Lefaucheux, the French representative in the UN Commission on the Status of Women between 1948 and 1953. By focusing on Lefaucheux's activism and connection with the French government, this article intends to analyse how French post‐imperial policy carried out by reformist women's organisations pursued the expansion of women's and human rights whilst supporting the empire. Using a range of archival sources and the Commission's reports, this work argues that the role of reformist imperial women and organisations was crucial in influencing the Commission which was both a place of contestation and protection of the gendered and colonial order.
Recent advances in rare earth ion‐doped upconversion nanomaterials: From design to their applications in food safety analysis
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Sheng Wei , Haruna Suleiman A. , Hassan Md. Mehedi , Chen Quansheng
Published: August 2023

The misuse of chemicals in agricultural systems and food production leads to an increase in contaminants in food, which ultimately has adverse effects on human health. This situation has prompted a demand for sophisticated detection technologies with rapid and sensitive features, as concerns over food safety and quality have grown around the globe. The rare earth ion‐doped upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)‐based sensor has emerged as an innovative and promising approach for detecting and analyzing food contaminants due to its superior photophysical properties, including low autofluorescence background, deep penetration of light, low toxicity, and minimal photodamage to the biological samples. The aim of this review was to discuss an outline of the applications of UCNPs to detect contaminants in food matrices, with particular attention on the determination of heavy metals, pesticides, pathogenic bacteria, mycotoxins, and antibiotics. The review briefly discusses the mechanism of upconversion (UC) luminescence, the synthesis, modification, functionality of UCNPs, as well as the detection principles for the design of UC biosensors. Furthermore, because current UCNP research on food safety detection is still at an early stage, this review identifies several bottlenecks that must be overcome in UCNPs and discusses the future prospects for its application in the field of food analysis.
Effect of the incorporation of pregelatinized cassava starch on the physicochemical, textural, and acoustic characteristics of baked snacks
Authors: Cazzaniga Amanda , Brousse M. Marcela , Linares Andrés R.
Published: August 2023

Almost all the dehydrated cassava puree is pregelatinized cassava starch (PCS). Its potential application in food would add variety. But food characteristics vary depending on the raw materials used. We examined how the structure of snacks changed when PCS was used instead of flour in terms of porosity, instrumental textural parameters, and acoustic parameters and compare them to commercial crackers. The volume of air was unaffected by the substitution. However, substitution did reduce thickness and alter the number, size, and wall firmness of pores, as well as their distribution and shape, which raise the values of firmness, fracturability, hardness, and fragility, though not linearly. The partial substitutions and the control did not exhibit any appreciable differences in the acoustic parameters. The total replacement sample was noisier and maintained a wide variety of sounds. The PCS vitreous state is primarily responsible for structure changes, but other elements, such as processing conditions, contribute to differences in comparison to the commercial samples. The porosity of commercial samples was lower than that of the elaborated samples. Texturally, it led to lower fracturability and greater fragility (less mm until fracture and fewer force peaks). The elaborated samples were all louder than the commercials. Although sensory analysis is required to classify a food as crunchy, the physicochemical changes caused by the substitution and their impact on the structure's behavior were established. Each textural parameter cannot determine whether the food is crunchy, crispy, or friable on its own; an analysis that incorporates all the characteristics is required. Supplement Material.

Practical application

This study demonstrates that pregelatinized cassava flour can be used to partially or completely replace wheat flour in baked snacks. Although textural differences were noted, these alterations were acceptable for products with a similar market niche. These findings might be used in the food business, notably by companies aiming to offer baked snack choices that are not made with standard wheat flour.
Modeling of the inactivation kinetics of aerobic mesophiles and yeasts and molds natural microbiota in nonthermal plasma‐treated pineapple (Ananas comosus) juice
Authors: Pipliya Sunil , Kumar Sitesh , Srivastav Prem Prakash
Published: August 2023

The nonthermal plasma (NTP) technology is a promising nonthermal technology that can be employed for pasteurization of fruit juice. The effect of NTP on the natural microbiota, namely, aerobic mesophiles (AM), and yeasts and molds (YM) in pineapple juice were examined in the experimental range of 25–45 kV up to 10 min treatment time. At an applied voltage of 45 kV, the AM and YM count reductions of 4.7 and 4.1 log cfu/mL were obtained at the end of the 14‐min treatment. The inactivation kinetics of microbes were attempted to be explained using nonlinear models, including Weibull + tail, Geeraerd, log‐logistic, Coroller, and Cerf. The residual population (Nres) model parameter in the Geeraerd model explained the tailing behavior of microbes. Furthermore, the estimated values for the scale parameter and destruction rate constants were used to describe the sensitive and resistant percentages of the microbial population. According to statistical parameters (R2: 0.978–0.999, RMSE: 0.034–0.277) and validation indicators (accuracy factor: 1.013–1.152, bias factor: 0.985–1.12), all models performed well. Akaike's theory was used to select the best‐fit model, and the Coroller model was shown to be the most accurate one for AM and YM, exhibiting the lowest Akaike increment (Δi = 0).

Practical Application

Nonthermal plasma may be used as an alternate nonthermal process for this product in order to meet customer appeal for safe and nutritious juice with minimal processing. The goal of this work was to produce a nutritious and safe pineapple juice by using nonthermal processing.
Sustained ameliorative effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA85 on dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis in mice
Authors: Han Mei , Liao Wenyan , Dong Yao , Fei Teng , Gai Zhonghui
Published: August 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease associated with immune system dysfunction caused by gut dysbiosis. This study aimed to investigate the alleviating effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA85 on colitis and its underlying mechanism using mouse models of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced UC. The UC mouse models were established by treating C57BL/6J male mice with 2.5% (w/v) DSS in drinking water for 7 days. These mice received supplementation with either L. acidophilus LA85 (1 × 109 colony‐forming units/day) or 200 µL of sterile water once daily (LA85‐treated and UC model mice, respectively). The disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and histological changes in the colons of mice were then analyzed at Day 21, and the effects of L. acidophilus LA85 on the gut microbiota and serum inflammatory cytokines were also investigated. Compared with the UC model mice, L. acidophilus LA85‐treated UC mice showed significant reductions in a variety of colitis symptoms, including weight loss, the DAI score, colon shortening, and colon tissue damage. Lactobacillus acidophilus LA85 supplementation also significantly decreased the serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin‐6 while increasing the serum concentration of IL‐10. Furthermore, LA85 supplementation improved the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota, both of which had been decreased by DSS. In particular, L. acidophilus LA85‐treated UC mice showed higher relative abundances of Akkermansia and Romboutsia than the UC model mice. These results demonstrate that L. acidophilus LA85 can alleviate inflammatory diseases of the intestine, such as inflammatory bowel disease, by regulating immune responses and restoring the gut microbiota.

Practical Application

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease caused by imbalance of gut microbiota. This study showed that L. acidophilus LA85 can alleviate DSS‐induced colitis in mice through regulation of inflammatory cytokines, protection of intestinal barrier, and regulation of specific gut microbiota. L. acidophilus LA85 is a promising probiotic candidate for the treatment of UC.
Oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum WHH2270 ameliorates type 2 diabetes in rats
Authors: Gao Kan , Ren Xueliang , Chen Cailing , Fan Qiuling , Li Yanjun , Wang Haifeng , Chen Su
Published: August 2023

Accumulating evidence suggests that specific probiotic strains exert hypoglycemic effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and probiotic strains within Bifidobacterium exhibit potential beneficial effects on T2DM. In this study, α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of 14 Bifidobacterium strains were assessed in vitro. The hypoglycemic effects of Bifidobacterium longum WHH2270 with high α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity (42.03%) were then investigated in a high‐fat diet/streptozotocin‐induced T2DM rat model. Oral administration of WHH2270 (4 × 109 CFU/kg/day) for 8 weeks significantly reversed the reduced body weight and ameliorated the levels of fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Using 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing of feces, WHH2270 was revealed to reshape the gut microbiome composition by increasing the abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and decreasing the abundances of UCG_005, Clostridium, and Faecalibacterium in T2DM rats. Besides, the fecal levels of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including acetate, propionate, and butyrate were also elevated after WHH2270 administration. Moreover, the gene expressions of SCFA receptors FFAR2 and FFAR3 in the colon and pancreas of T2DM rats were restored by WHH2270 administration, accompanied by increased levels of serum acetate. In summary, these results provide evidence that WHH2270 has the potential to improve T2DM symptoms by alleviating hyperglycemia, which was associated with changes in the gut microbiome composition and SCFA production.

Practical Application

Bifidobacterium longum WHH2270 with high α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity may serve as a promising hypoglycemic agent for the treatment of T2DM.
Low temperature inhibits pectin degradation by PpCBFs to prolong peach storage time
Authors: Guo Tingting , Li Jianzhao , Guo Meiling , Yang Qi , Dai Xiaonan , Qiao Xuqiang , Song Zhizhong , Tian Changping , Li Yanju , Ge Hang , Cheng Jieshan , Liang Meixia
Published: August 2023

Low‐temperature storage is a widely used method for peach fruit storage. However, the impact of PpCBFs on pectin degradation during low‐temperature storage is unclear. As such, in this study, we stored the melting‐flesh peach cultivar “Fuli” at low temperature (LT, 6°C) and room temperature (RT, 25°C) to determine the effect of different temperatures on its physiological and biochemical changes. Low‐temperature storage can inhibit the softening of “Fuli” peaches by maintaining the stability of the cell wall. It was found that the contents of water‐soluble pectin and ionic‐soluble pectin in peach fruit stored at RT were higher than those stored at LT. The enzyme activities of polygalacturonase (PG), pectate lyase (PL), and pectin methylesterase (PME) were all inhibited by LT. The expressions of PpPME3, PpPL2, and PpPG were closely related to fruit firmness, but PpCBF2 and PpCBF3 showed higher expression levels at LT than RT. The promoters of PpPL2 and PpPG contain the DER motif, which suggested that PpCBF2 and PpCBF3 might negatively regulate their expression by directly binding to their promoters. These results indicated that LT may maintain firmness by activating PpCBFs to repress pectin‐degradation‐related enzyme genes during storage.
Effects of sprouting duration on the nutrient, functional, and phytochemical properties of tiger nut flour, and the sensory properties of bread made thereof
Authors: Kizzie‐Hayford Nazir , Abano Ernest Ekow , Akanson Joshua , Dankwa Esi , Rohm Harald , Ampofo‐Asiama Jerry
Published: August 2023

The influence of sprouting on tiger nut's (TN) nutritional, functional, and phytochemical quality was examined, and the flour used for bread making to evaluate the feasibility as a functional ingredient. TN was sprouted and sampled at 3 days intervals for 12 days, dried and milled into flour and analyzed. Subsequently, 25% of wheat flour (WF) was replaced with the 9 days‐sprouted TN flour for bread. Sprouting for 9 days increased the protein content from 9.19 ± 0.04 to 9.79 ± 0.15 g/100 g dry matter (DM), fiber from 6.75 ± 0.16 to 9.27 ± 0.44 g/100 g DM, and ash from 2.34 ± 0.10 to 2.70 ± 0.06 g/100 g DM but decreased fat content from 26.10 ± 0.18 to 23.18 ± 0.43 g/100 g DM and soluble sugar from 33.13 ± 1.25 to 23.75 ± 1.44 °Bx. We observed increases in the polyphenols (94.16 ± 6.43–214.23 ± 6.98 mg GAE/100 g) and ascorbic acid (26.66 ± 0.17–65.13 ± 0.19 mg AE/100 g) and decreases in the cyanogenic glycosides (273.79 ± 0.37–231.54 ± 3.53 mg/100 g) and oxalates (19.04 ± 1.14–5.65 ± 0.93 mg/100 g) contents. Sprouting decreased the particle size and increased the water retention and swelling power of TN flour. WF bread was described as stretchy, sweet, and creamy, whereas sprouted TN bread was brown, nutty, and wheat‐like. Consumer acceptance for the sprouted TN bread was comparable to WF bread, showing the possible application in bread making.

Practical Application

The outcome of the study could help to exploit the nutri‐functional and phytochemical benefits of sprouted TN in the baking industry for producing acceptable products. This would enhance the utility of TN for food in regions where TNs grows.
Effect of fucoidan on gut microbiota and its clinical efficacy in Helicobacter pylori eradication: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Shu , Tian Zi Bin , Chen Jian Wei , Cong Pei Shan , Ding Xue Li , Zhang Cui Ping , Yin Xiao Yan , Yang Lin , Jing Xue , Mao Tao , Li Xiao Yu , Sun Zhan Yi , Jiang Jin Ju , Yu Ya Nan
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess the clinical efficacy of fucoidan‐assisted standard quadruple therapy (SQT) in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and the improvement of gut microbiota.

Methods

An open‐label randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University in Shandong Province, China. Ninety patients who tested positive for H. pylori were randomized to the standard quadruple therapy (SQT) group (SQ), SQT + fucoidan combination group (SF), and fucoidan + sequential SQT group (FS), respectively. Stool samples were collected for gut microbiota composition at baseline and after treatment.

Results

After H. pylori eradication, the relative abundances of most conditional pathogens in the SQ decreased, while those of several beneficial bacteria increased or decreased (P < 0.05). In FS, the abundances of most beneficial bacteria increased gradually from baseline to week 12, while those of the conditional pathogens decreased (P < 0.05). The abundance of Bifidobacterium had a decreasing trend in SQ, but remained unchanged in SF and increased in FS (P < 0.05). The abundances of most beneficial bacteria were significantly higher in FS than in SQ and SF (P < 0.05). Addition of fucoidan enhanced symptom improvement during H. pylori eradication compared with SQT alone.

Conclusions

Fucoidan considerably improved gut dysbiosis during SQT for H. pylori eradication. Gut microbiota can be maintained by the addition of fucoidan before eradication therapy with SQT rather than by concomitant addition with therapy. Fucoidan‐assisted SQT could relieve gastrointestinal symptoms during H. pylori eradication.
Significance and prognostication of mediastinal lymph node enlargement on chest computed tomography among adult Indigenous Australians
Authors: Doss Arockia X , Howarth Timothy P , Ng Lai , Doss Shibi A , Heraganahally Subash Shanthakumar
Published: August 2023

Introduction

There is a lack of data on chest computed tomography (CT) findings on mediastinal lymph node enlargement (MLE), including normal size threshold of less than 10 or 15 mm for MLE among Indigenous Australians. In this study, we assessed the significance and the applicability of the current guidelines for the threshold for abnormal MLE among adult Indigenous Australians.

Methods

Patients who underwent chest CT between 2012 and 2020 among those referred to undergo lung function test (spirometry) were assessed for the presence of MLE which were classified as Group A (no measurable nodes), Group B (<10 mm), Group C (≥10 to 14.99 mm) and Group D (≥15 mm).

Results

Of the total 67 patients identified to have MLE, 49 patients had at least two CT scans available for assessment over a median follow‐up period of 101.3 weeks (IQR: 62.4, 235.6) and were included in the analysis. Evidence of chronic lung disease was common, with a significant proportion demonstrating either COPD or bronchiectasis and a high proportion with smoking history (93%). During the first CT scan, 34/49 (69%) had >10 mm nodes, of which 12/34 (35%) reduced in size, 22/34 (65%) remained stable, and 3/34 (9%) had malignancy on follow‐up.

Conclusion

Despite most patients demonstrating the presence of significant MLE with varying size and in most >10 mm, the majority remain stable or benign in nature and only a minor proportion showed evidence of lung malignancy. Further prospective studies are needed in the characterisation of MLE among Indigenous patients.
A pile of pipelines: An overview of the bioinformatics software for metabarcoding data analyses
Authors: Hakimzadeh Ali , Abdala Asbun Alejandro , Albanese Davide , Bernard Maria , Buchner Dominik , Callahan Benjamin , Caporaso J. Gregory , Curd Emily , Djemiel Christophe , Brandström Durling Mikael , Elbrecht Vasco , Gold Zachary , Gweon Hyun S. , Hajibabaei Mehrdad , Hildebrand Falk , Mikryukov Vladimir , Normandeau Eric , Özkurt Ezgi , M. Palmer Jonathan , Pascal Géraldine , Porter Teresita M. , Straub Daniel , Vasar Martti , Větrovský Tomáš , Zafeiropoulos Haris , Anslan Sten
Published: August 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has gained growing attention as a strategy for monitoring biodiversity in ecology. However, taxa identifications produced through metabarcoding require sophisticated processing of high‐throughput sequencing data from taxonomically informative DNA barcodes. Various sets of universal and taxon‐specific primers have been developed, extending the usability of metabarcoding across archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. Accordingly, a multitude of metabarcoding data analysis tools and pipelines have also been developed. Often, several developed workflows are designed to process the same amplicon sequencing data, making it somewhat puzzling to choose one among the plethora of existing pipelines. However, each pipeline has its own specific philosophy, strengths and limitations, which should be considered depending on the aims of any specific study, as well as the bioinformatics expertise of the user. In this review, we outline the input data requirements, supported operating systems and particular attributes of thirty‐two amplicon processing pipelines with the goal of helping users to select a pipeline for their metabarcoding projects.
Hope Springs Eternal: Plurilaterals, the WTO and APEC*
Authors: Emerson Craig
Published: August 2023

The rules‐based international trading system is under the greatest pressure since its inception in 1948 when the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) came into force. The rules of the GATT's successor, the World Trade Organization (WTO), are being flouted, and the Appellate Body of the dispute‐settlement system is no longer functioning. Superpower rivalry is likely to prevent new multilateral trade negotiations leading to substantive agreements. In these circumstances, like‐minded countries should begin negotiating plurilateral agreements at the WTO and within APEC.
Strategies for senolytic drug discovery
Authors: Power Helen , Valtchev Peter , Dehghani Fariba , Schindeler Aaron
Published: August 2023

Senolytics are a category of drugs that reduce the impact of cellular senescence, an effect associated with a range of chronic and age‐related diseases. Since the discovery of the first senolytics in 2015, the number of known senolytic agents has grown dramatically. This review discusses the broad categories of known senolytics—kinase inhibitors, Bcl‐2 family protein inhibitors, naturally occurring polyphenols, heat shock protein inhibitors, BET family protein inhibitors, P53 stabilizers, repurposed anti‐cancer drugs, cardiac steroids, PPAR‐alpha agonists, and antibiotics. The approaches used to screen for new senolytics are articulated including a range of methods to induce senescence, different target cell types, various senolytic assays, and markers. The choice of methods can greatly influence the outcomes of a screen, with high‐quality screens featuring robust systems, adequate controls, and extensive validation in alternate assays. Recent advances in single‐cell analysis and computational methods for senolytic identification are also discussed. There is significant potential for further drug discovery, but this will require additional research into drug targets and mechanisms of actions and their subsequent rigorous evaluation in pre‐clinical models and human trials.
Land use impacts of the Conservation Reserve Program: An analysis of rejected offers
Authors: Rosenberg Andrew B. , Pratt Bryan
Published: August 2023

The Conservation Reserve Program is the largest agricultural land retirement program in the United States, with more enrolled acreage entering the program through a competitive auction called the General Signup than any other component. In this study, we assess the land use impacts of the Conservation Reserve Program by observing the land use decisions of parcels following the 2016 General Signup. We estimate land use impacts using a regression discontinuity design based on the Environmental Benefits Index, the program's selection and ranking mechanism. Our estimates largely rely on the auction design of the General Signup, such that we observe the land use decisions of rejected offers. We also use information on the rental rates of these offers to understand what the program pays to retire land in different uses. We estimate that a marginal acre of land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program replaces 0.30 acres in cropland, 0.25 acres in mixed forage, 0.32 acres in grassland, 0.12 acres in idle or fallow land, and 0.01 acres in timberland. We also find that enrollments from newly offered fields are more likely to displace cropland and less likely to displace grassland than returning fields. Consequently, we estimate that new enrollments lead to 47% greater reductions in water‐driven erosion and 12% greater reductions in wind‐driven erosion, compared to fields with prior enrollment.