bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the role of non-helpers in group-living thrips
Authors: Gilbert James D. J.
Published: September 2023

Behavioural variation among individuals is a hallmark of cooperative societies, which commonly contain breeders and non-breeders, helpers and non-helpers. In some cases labour is divided, with non-breeders “helping”. Conversely, in some societies subordinate non-breeders often donothelp. These individuals may be (i) an insurance workforce to ensure continuity of help for breeders when other helpers are lost, (ii) conserving energy while waiting to breed themselves, or (iii) simply of too poor physiological quality either to help or breed.

In the Australian Outback, Acacia thripsDunatothrips aneurae(Thysanoptera) glueAcaciaphyllodes into “domiciles” using silk-like secretions, either alone or cooperatively. Domicile maintenance is important for humidity, so repair can be interpreted as helping. I found that not all females helped to repair experimental damage; some repaired partially or not at all ("non-helpers"). At the same time, some co-foundresses are non- or only partially reproductive, and their role is currently unknown.

I first tested the possibility that helping and breeding are divided, with non-helping females breeding, and non-breeders helping. In a lab experiment, I rejected this idea. Experimentally damaged domiciles were typically repaired by reproductive females, and not by non- or partially reproductive individuals.

To test whether non-helpers are an insurance workforce, I successively removed repairing females and found that non-helping females did not increase effort as a result. Then, in a field experiment, I tested whether non-helping females were conserving energy while waiting to breed by removing all other females, allowing either a helpful female or a non-helping female to “inherit” her domicile. Isolated like this, non-helpers laid very few eggs compared to helpers or naturally occurring single foundresses, despite having similar ovarian development.

My findings show that labour was not divided: reproduction and helping covaried positively, probably depending on individual variation in female quality and intra-domicile competition. Non-helping females were neither an insurance workforce nor conserving energy waiting to breed themselves. They are likely simply of poor quality, freeloading by benefiting from domicile maintenance by others. I hypothesize they are tolerated because of selection for indiscriminate communal brood care in the form of domicile repair.
Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, interaction energy and energy framework calculations, as well as density functional theory (DFT) computation, of methyl 2-oxo-1-(prop-2-ynyl)-1,2-dihydroquinoline-4-carboxylate
Authors: El-Mrabet Ayoub , Haoudi Amal , Dalbouha Samira , Skalli Mohamed Khalid , Hökelek Tuncer , Capet Frederic , Kandri Rodi Youssef , Mazzah Ahmed , Sebbar Nada Kheira
Published: September 2023

In the title molecule, C14H11NO3, the dihydroquinoline core deviates slightly from planarity, indicated by the dihedral angle of 1.07 (3)° between the two six-membered rings. In the crystal, layers of molecules almost parallel to the bc plane are formed by C—H...O hydrogen bonds. These are joined by π–π stacking interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (36.0%), H...C/C...H (28.9%) and H...O/O...H (23.5%) interactions. The evaluation of the electrostatic, dispersion and total energy frameworks indicates that the stabilization is dominated by the dispersion energy contribution. Moreover, the molecular structure optimized by density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level is compared with the experimentally determined molecular structure in the solid state. The HOMO–LUMO behaviour was elucidated to determine the energy gap.
N,N′-[1,4-Phenylenebis(iminocarbonyl)]bis(L-phenylalanine) tetrahydrofuran disolvate
Authors: Stapf Manuel , Schwarzer Anke
Published: September 2023

The title compound, C26H26N4O6·2C4H8O, representing a bis-urea with terminal phenylalanine units, crystallized with two tetrahydrofuran (THF) molecules. The main molecule is located on a crystallographic twofold axis, while the solvent molecule is disordered over two positions, with occupancies of 0.571 (15) and 0.429 (15). The host molecules are linked by N—H...O=C hydrogen bonds and C—H...O contacts with R
2
1(6) and R
2
1(7) ring motifs. The THF molecules enclosed in the crystal are connected to the bis-urea compound via O—H...O and C—H...O interactions.
Workplace spirituality: exploring past, present and future through bibliometric analysis
Authors: Barik Satyajit , Nayak Tanaya
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to do a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on workplace spirituality to address the intellectual framework of workplace spirituality and the framework's future direction.

Design/methodology/approach

A multistep screening procedure was used to obtain data from the Scopus database, which included 648 papers ranging from 1998 to 2023. The bibliometric analysis is conducted by using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny.

Findings

The bibliometric analysis showcases that workplace spirituality is a multidimensional concept primarily studied in the organizational behavior domain. The most important research themes were organizational culture and spirituality. In addition, this paper advances workplace spirituality literature by identifying the keywords, prominent authors, journals and conceptual structure.

Research limitations/implications

The study summarizes the existing knowledge on workplace spirituality using bibliometric analysis, classifies thematic areas, identifies research gaps and suggests future avenues of research.

Originality/value

The review paper conducts a bibliometric analysis of the emerging area of workplace spirituality over time. These results can also serve as a guide for future research in the subject of workplace spirituality.
Critical factors influencing the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) using technological adoption framework and structural equation modelling
Authors: Wong Chee Fui , Lau See Hung , Tan Ooi Kuan , Yap Jeffrey Boon Hui
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper studies the critical factors from the perspectives of technological quality, personal compatibility and organisational commitment using the technological adoption framework (TAF). The proposed TAF studies the critical factors that influence the intention to use building information modelling (BIM) taking into consideration of the “Perceived Ease of Use (PEU)” and “Perceive Usefulness (PU).”

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed study is a quantitative research study using the TAF model and the statistical analysis using “Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).” The questionnaires are developed based on the literature review study and disseminated to the stakeholders in the Malaysian construction industry, including consultants, contractors, and clients. The data collected are analysed using PLS-SEM to identify the correlation between the critical factors influencing BIM adoption and the moderation influence of the PEU and PU towards the “Intention to Use (IU)” BIM.

Findings

The data collected from 185 construction industry stakeholders in Malaysia was utilised to develop the structural equation model. The measurement model was analysed in terms of composite reliability, discriminant validity, and collinearity issues. Subsequently, the SEM is analysed, and the findings on the hypothesis on the correlation between the critical factors and the intention to use BIM are examined. The study also examines the mediation effects of the PEU and PU towards the BIM adoption in the Malaysian construction industry.

Originality/value

This research conceptual framework, TAF, is derived from the integration of the existing underpinning theories of the technological adoption model and the technology–organisation–environment framework. This new TAF can be used for the study of new technology adoption. This cross-sectional research study is in line with the “Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan” in Malaysia to establish the current BIM adoption scenario and formulate the framework to promote incentives to promote BIM adoption.
Linking technology readiness and customer engagement: an AI-enabled voice assistants investigation
Authors: Shah Tejas R. , Kautish Pradeep , Walia Sandeep
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to establish and empirically investigate a research model examining the effect of four dimensions of the technology readiness index – optimism, innovativeness, discomfort and insecurity – on customer engagement that further influences purchase intention in the context of online shopping through artificial intelligence voice assistants (AI VAs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in India from 429 customers in a self-administered online survey. Data analysis uses the structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

Technology readiness dimensions, e.g. optimism, innovativeness, discomfort and insecurity, are critical factors driving customer engagement. Customer engagement further results in purchase intention in online shopping through AI VAs.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to the literature by understanding how customers’ technology readiness levels drive engagement and purchase intention. However, this study includes customer engagement as a unidimensional construct. Further research can consist of customer engagement as a multidimensional construct.

Practical implications

The findings offer guidelines for e-retailers to enhance customer engagement that matches their personality traits, thereby strengthening their purchase intention through AI VAs.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the literature by empirically investigating a research model, revealing optimism, innovativeness, discomfort and insecurity as crucial parameters for customer engagement and purchase intention.
Embedding a sustainability mindset in responsible management education
Authors: Cripps Karen , Smith Simon
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Organisational responses to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals depend on the competency and mindset of business leaders to lead responsibly. This study is informed and underpinned by the Principles of Responsible Management Education. This study aims to examine how embedding the “sustainability mindset principles” within a university programme can contribute to responsible management education and, by extension, leadership development.

Design/methodology/approach

An illustrative case study using 84 students was applied, including undergraduate, postgraduate and executive Master of Business Administration students. An exploratory, qualitative design was followed, primarily adopting focus groups.

Findings

Evidenced learning gains in connecting sustainability knowledge with personal beliefs and behaviours, provide a compelling basis for educational and business practitioners to focus on the sustainability mindset principles (SMPs). Mapping of mindset against leading global competency frameworks provides important theoretical insight. Learning is illustrated through multiple dimensions (i.e. cognitive, behavioural and affective) to inform leadership development approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The mapping of sustainability competency frameworks against the SMP, alongside qualitative research insights, provides a compelling basis for further research into the learning gains from embedding the mindset principles. The situated nature of the study and the lack of longitudinal measurement of what students take forward into their lives and workplaces is a limiting factor to be considered.

Practical implications

This study evidences the value of “whole-person” learning for responsible management, which can helpfully inform the design of both educational and workplace leadership development programmes.

Originality/value

This study is original in the pedagogic examination of the learning dimensions of the SMPs in a Business and Management programme. It also offers new insights in terms of the implications for leadership development.
Reliability characteristics of COVID-19 death rate using generalized progressive hybrid censored data
Authors: Irfan Mohd , Sharma Anup Kumar
Published: September 2023

Purpose

A progressive hybrid censoring scheme (PHCS) becomes impractical for ensuring dependable outcomes when there is a low likelihood of encountering a small number of failures prior to the predetermined terminal time T. The generalized progressive hybrid censoring scheme (GPHCS) efficiently addresses to overcome the limitation of the PHCS.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, estimation of model parameter, survival and hazard rate of the Unit-Lindley distribution (ULD), when sample comes from the GPHCS, have been taken into account. The maximum likelihood estimator has been derived using Newton–Raphson iterative procedures. Approximate confidence intervals of the model parameter and their arbitrary functions are established by the Fisher information matrix. Bayesian estimation procedures have been derived using Metropolis–Hastings algorithm under squared error loss function. Convergence of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) samples has been examined. Various optimality criteria have been considered. An extensive Monte Carlo simulation analysis has been shown to compare and validating of the proposed estimation techniques.

Findings

The Bayesian MCMC approach to estimate the model parameters and reliability characteristics of the generalized progressive hybrid censored data of ULD is recommended. The authors anticipate that health data analysts and reliability professionals will get benefit from the findings and approaches presented in this study.

Originality/value

The ULD has a broad range of practical utility, making it a problem to estimate the model parameters as well as reliability characteristics and the significance of the GPHCS also encourage the authors to consider the present estimation problem because it has not previously been discussed in the literature.
Intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) in Islamic banks: does the diversity of Shariah committee matters?
Authors: Adznan Syaima , Muhamad Sori Zulkarnain Bin , Mohamad Shamsher
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the moderating effects of the Shariah committee (SC) on the extent of intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) of Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides evidence from an analysis of a sample of Islamic banks in multiple countries over a seven-year period (2012–2018). The extent of intellectual capital information was measured and regressed against several corporate governance attributes covering board and audit committee characteristics, gender diversity of SC members and moderating variables of the SC, while controlling for firm-specific variables. A checklist was developed to measure the extent of the ICD of Islamic banks on a rubric scale ranging from 0 to 3.

Findings

The results show that the size and gender diversity among SC significantly influence the ICD practices of Islamic banks. Apart from contributing to the literature, this study may serve as valuable input for Islamic banking practitioners including regulators and standard setters to empower women and use all their potential for better intellectual capital output.

Practical implications

The paper highlights two main implications. Firstly, the regulator should look at the size and composition of the SC to enable a conducive environment for sound deliberation of Shariah matters. Secondly, the gender diversity among SC should be considered because women and man may have different approaches, and the best optimal combination of resources could enhance Islamic banks’ competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of gender diversity and size of SC in influencing the disclosure practices related to Shariah matters by the Islamic banks.
Preventing financial statement fraud in the corporate sector: insights from auditors
Authors: Mandal Abinash , S Amilan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how auditors perceive the influence of crucial fraud prevention factors in deterring financial statement fraud within the corporate sector. Additionally, this research explores the mediating effect of fraud awareness in elucidating the impact of ethical leadership and internal control systems on preventing financial statement fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an online survey, targeting a sample of 141 professionally qualified auditors with at least one year of practical experience in the field. The researchers used “Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)” to examine relationships between latent variables using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The study investigated the impact of whistleblowing systems, fraud awareness, ethical leadership, internal control systems and corporate governance on fraud prevention.

Findings

This research finding provides evidence to the corporate sector by establishing the significance of fraud awareness as the most influencing factor in preventing financial statement fraud. Furthermore, the combined explanatory variables account for 77.4% of the overall variance in financial statement fraud prevention. The study reveals a partial mediation effect of fraud awareness on the relationship between the internal control system and financial statement fraud prevention.

Practical implications

This research finding may assist in developing an effective fraud prevention programme to mitigate fraud instances and improve financial reporting quality. In the corporate sector, each organisation should clearly specify the policies on whistleblowing systems, fraud awareness training, internal control systems and corporate governance. To foster a comprehensive fraud prevention programme, the leaders should enforce these policies with employee support.

Originality/value

This research integrated crucial elements to develop a new theoretical framework for investigating financial statement fraud prevention within the corporate context. Accordingly, this research framework provides a more in-depth explanation of preventing financial statement fraud from an auditor’s perspective. Additionally, this research is the first to explore the mediating role of fraud awareness in influencing the effectiveness of the internal control system in preventing financial statement fraud.
Information systems research on mergers and acquisitions: a systematic literature review
Authors: Aboagye-Darko David , Attuquayefio Samuel Nii Boi , Ankomah Nathaniel , Okronipa Amanda Quist , Nyame Jones Yeboah
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Thus, this study aims to determine the status-quo of research on the role of IT in M&A from 2010 to 2022 by providing a summative meta-analysis of this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a meta-analysis of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) research in information systems (IS), aimed at accounting for themes in M&A literature over the past 13 years, research methodology, research frameworks, level of analysis and geographical distribution. A total of 47 articles from 24 peer review articles and 23 conference publications were analyzed from 2010 to 2022.

Findings

Findings of the study suggest that M&A research in IS emphasizes IS integration at the expense of other under-explored dimensions such as M&A context, stakeholder involvement and within-firm conditions. Although studies on M&A have increased over the past 10 years, a significant number of studies have not been underpinned by models and theories. Also, a large number of studies adopted the qualitative approach as research methodology compared to quantitative, design science and mixed methods.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on M&A in IS by proposing an M&A in IS research framework that bridges the gap between existing and future studies on M&A in IS research by shedding more light into well research areas and opportunities for further studies.
Socially responsible life cycle assessment: organizational activity for the greater good
Authors: Ertz Myriam , Kashav Shashi , Zeng Tian , Sun Shouheng
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Traditionally, life cycle assessment (LCA) has focused on environmental aspects, but integrating social aspects in LCA has gained traction among scholars and practitioners. This study aims to review key social life cycle assessment (SLCA) themes, namely, drivers and barriers of SLCA implementation, methodology and measurement metrics, classification of initiatives to improve SLCA and customer perspectives in SLCA.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 148 scientific papers extracted from the Web of Science database were used and analyzed using bibliometric and content analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that the existing research ignores several aspects of SCLA, which impedes positive growth in topical scholarship, and the study proposes a classification of SLCA research paths to enrich future research. This study contributes positively to SLCA by further developing this area, and as such, this research is a primer to gain deeper knowledge about the state-of-the-art in SLCA as well as to foresee its future scope and challenges.

Originality/value

The study provides an up-to-date review of extant research pertaining to SLCA.
Looking good or doing good? Define the U.S. university's public mission by analyzing mission statements and strategic planning
Authors: Papadimitriou Antigoni , Schiffecker Sarah Maria
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to find possible answers to whether U.S. universities are merely looking good or doing good regarding their third mission using elements of the triple bottom line (people, planet, prosperity) and the 2030 Agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative exploratory empirical study based on an in-depth analysis of publicly available documents (i.e. mission statements and strategic planning) and information from the Impact Rankings 2020 edition (webpages). The study uses a multilevel analysis to capture the parameters “looking good” and “doing good.” The sample consists of 15 U.S. universities.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that universities are looking good in terms of their effort to support their third mission. Data show that all universities covered themes related to people and prosperity in their mission statements and strategic planning. However, when the authors dived into the managerial metrics, KPIs, benchmarks and other evidence to characterize them as doing good, the authors encountered some challenges in identifying evidence. The data suggest that universities most likely participated in the Impact Ranking act as “cherry pickers” and might participate in unproblematic goals for their organization.

Originality/value

The 3Ps and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals used in this study to examine the university public mission never used in other studies. The goal in this study was not to evaluate those universities in terms of looking good and doing good but rather to contribute to the gap in the literature and provide suggestions to university C-suite.
Development of a nutritionally balanced, melt‐in‐the‐mouth chocolate for patients with epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Nakamura Kosei , Takashima Shota , Nohara Takuma , Watanabe Mika , Natsuga Ken , Ujiie Hideyuki
Published: September 2023

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited blistering disorders that primarily affect the skin and mucous membranes of the digestive tract, which can lead to poor nutritional status. Dietary supplements and nutritional support methods, such as nasogastric tubes and gastrostomy, have been employed to improve the nutritional status of patients with EB; however, few foods are suitable for enjoyable eating with family and friends. Here, we introduce a nutritionally balanced, melt‐in‐the‐mouth chocolate called andew, which was specifically designed for patients with EB. The andew chocolate is nutritionally superior and melts more easily than traditional chocolates, thus it is suitable for patients with EB, who are prone to oral erosions. Patients responded more favorably to the taste and texture of andew than to those of other dietary supplements. Not only does andew provide nutritional benefits, but it also promotes enjoyable eating with family members and friends, which could positively impact patients' mental health.
Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance approach in people with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study
Authors: Saeidi Borujeni Mehrdad , Akbarfahimi Nazila , Hosseni Seyed Ali , Karbalaei Nouri Ashraf , Vahedi Mohsen , Ebrahimi Elaheh
Published: September 2023

Background

Multiple sclerosis is the most important cause of non‐injury‐related disability in young adults. The disease has unknown causes and distresses and affects daily activities. While therapeutic interventions mainly focus on body function and structure to reduce impairment, Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO‐OP) is a cognitive approach that provides intervention at the level of activity and participation.

Purpose

We aim to examine the effects of CO‐OP approach on fatigue, quality of life, occupational performance, and satisfaction in people living with multiple sclerosis; and to examine whether they could transfer strategies and skills learned during CO‐OP to untrained goals.

Methods

A pre‐post design was used. Assessment tools included Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, Fatigue Impact Scale and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Six individuals living with multiple sclerosis participated in 10 CO‐OP sessions twice a week. The sessions were held in an environment of the participants' choice, along with an extra session added to determine the goals. The study was registered in the ethics committee of University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (IR.USWR.REC.1399.089).

Results

The performance improved (2‐point positive change) in 12 out of 18 trained goals and in three out of six untrained goals (self‐report). The improvement was maintained at a 3‐month follow‐up assessment. There was a statistically significant difference in Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (χ2 = 11.565, p = 0.003 same for performance and satisfaction scores), Fatigue Impact Scale (χ2 = 7.000, p = 0.030), and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale scores over time (χ2 = 9.478, p = 0.009) respectively.

Conclusion

The CO‐OP approach has the potential to improve daily activity performance, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people living with multiple sclerosis. A definitive randomised controlled trial is required.
Anaerobic methanotrophy is stimulated by graphene oxide in a brackish urban canal sediment
Authors: Pelsma Koen A. J. , van Helmond Niels A. G. M. , Lenstra Wytze K. , Röckmann Thomas , Jetten Mike S. M. , Slomp Caroline P. , Welte Cornelia U.
Published: September 2023

Anthropogenic activities are influencing aquatic environments through increased chemical pollution and thus are greatly affecting the biogeochemical cycling of elements. This has increased greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, from lakes, wetlands, and canals. Most of the methane produced in anoxic sediments is converted into carbon dioxide by methanotrophs before it reaches the atmosphere. Anaerobic oxidation of methane requires an electron acceptor such as sulphate, nitrate, or metal oxides. Here, we explore the anaerobic methanotrophy in sediments of three urban canals in Amsterdam, covering a gradient from freshwater to brackish conditions. Biogeochemical analysis showed the presence of a shallow sulphate–methane transition zone in sediments of the most brackish canal, suggesting that sulphate could be a relevant electron acceptor for anaerobic methanotrophy in this setting. However, sediment incubations amended with sulphate or iron oxides (ferrihydrite) did not lead to detectable rates of methanotrophy. Despite the presence of known nitrate‐dependent anaerobic methanotrophs (Methanoperedenaceae), no nitrate‐driven methanotrophy was observed in any of the investigated sediments either. Interestingly, graphene oxide stimulated anaerobic methanotrophy in incubations of brackish canal sediment, possibly catalysed by anaerobic methanotrophs of the ANME‐2a/b clade. We propose that natural organic matter serving as electron acceptor drives anaerobic methanotrophy in brackish sediments.
Responsabilité sociale, Performance financière et Durabilité environnementale: Étude de l'effet médiateur de l'innovation managériale et modérateur de la structure industrielle: cas des entreprises manufacturières Tunisiennes
Authors: Kalai Lamia
Published: September 2023

Avec le développement de l'industrialisation, les préoccupations environnementales constituent un défi important pour les entreprises industrielles. Notre étude a pour objectif d'étudier la relation entre les stratégies managériales socialement responsables, la durabilité environnementale et la performance financière sur un échantillon constitué de 60 entreprises industrielles tunisiennes sur la période 2013–2021. Les résultats de notre étude ont montré que les stratégies fondées sur la RSE ont un impact positif significatif sur la durabilité environnementale des entreprises agissant pour la légitimité organisationnelle. Par ailleurs, notre modèle montre un coefficient négatif et significatif pour l'indice de structure industrielle, aussi la structure industrielle n'est pas encore favorable aux objectifs de durabilité environnementale et joue un rôle plutôt modérateur sur les stratégies RSE pour les entreprises industrielles tunisiennes. Nos résultats ont montré que les stratégies fondées sur la RSE présentent un impact positif significatif sur la performance financière. L'innovation managériale contribue de façon majeure à la performance de l'entreprise et joue un rôle médiateur sur la relation entre stratégie RSE et performance financière. Notre recherche présente des résultats intéressants poour les politiques gouvernementales et les pratiques managériales. Le concept d'écologie industrielle est mobilisateur dans son principe, néanmoins ce concept reste en perpétuelle métamorphose et son application nécessite l'intégration de plusieurs restructurations organisationnelles.
Early‐life risk factors for food allergy: Dietary and environmental factors revisited
Authors: Zhang Qiaozhi , Zhang Chi , Zhang Yong , Liu Yinghua , Wang Jin , Gao Zhongshan , Sun Jinlyu , Li Qianqian , Sun Jiachen , Cui Xin , Wang Yanbo , Fu Linglin
Published: September 2023

There appears a steep increase in the prevalence of food allergy worldwide in the past few decades. It is believed that, rather than genetic factors, the recently altered dietary and environmental factors are the driving forces behind the rapid increase of this disease. Accumulating evidence has implied that external exposures that occurred in prenatal and postnatal periods could affect the development of oral tolerance in later life. Understanding the potential risk factors for food allergy would greatly benefit the progress of intervention and therapy. In this review, we present updated knowledge on the dietary and environmental risk factors in early life that have been shown to impact the development of food allergy. These predominantly include dietary habits, microbial exposures, allergen exposure routes, environmental pollutants, and so on. The key evidence, conflicts, and potential research topics of each theory are discussed, and associated interventional strategies to prevent the disease development and ameliorate treatment burden are included. Accumulating evidence has supported the causative role of certain dietary and environmental factors in the establishment of oral tolerance in early life, especially the time of introducing allergenic foods, skin barrier function, and microbial exposures. In addition to certain immunomodulatory factors, increasing interest is raised toward modern dietary patterns, where adequately powered studies are required to identify contributions of those modifiable risk factors. This review broadens our understanding of the connections between diet, environment, and early‐life immunity, thus benefiting the progress of intervention and therapy of food allergy.
Environmental persistence of Listeria monocytogenes and its implications in dairy processing plants
Authors: Chowdhury Bhaswati , Anand Sanjeev
Published: September 2023

Listeriosis, an invasive illness with a fatality rate between 20% and 30%, is caused by the ubiquitous bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Human listeriosis has long been associated with foods. This is because the ubiquitous nature of the bacteria renders it a common food contaminant, posing a significant risk to the food processing sector. Although several sophisticated stress coping mechanisms have been identified as significant contributing factors toward the pathogen's persistence, a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying persistence across various strains remains limited. Moreover, aside from genetic aspects that promote the ability to cope with stress, various environmental factors that exist in food manufacturing plants could also contribute to the persistence of the pathogen. The objective of this review is to provide insight into the challenges faced by the dairy industry because of the pathogens’ environmental persistence. Additionally, it also aims to emphasize the diverse adaptation and response mechanisms utilized by L. monocytogenes in food manufacturing plants to evade environmental stressors. The persistence of L. monocytogenes in the food processing environment poses a serious threat to food safety and public health. The emergence of areas with high levels of L. monocytogenes contamination could facilitate Listeria transmission through aerosols, potentially leading to the recontamination of food, particularly from floors and drains, when sanitation is implemented alongside product manufacturing. Hence, to produce safe dairy products and reduce the frequency of outbreaks of listeriosis, it is crucial to understand the factors that contribute to the persistence of this pathogen and to implement efficient control strategies.
Molecular identification and expression analysis of magnetic receptor in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an invasive species in China
Authors: Li Jihu , Liu Jianbai , Yi Jiequn , Mao Yongkai , Cheng Yinjie , Lin Mingjiang , Xu Hanliang , An Yuxing , Wu Han
Published: September 2023

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), has emerged as a highly invasive pest globally in the past decade due to its remarkable migratory capabilities. Magnetic receptors play an important role in the migration and navigation of the animal, but little is known about the molecular mechanism of the magnetic receptors of S. frugiperda (SfMagR). In this study, we successfully cloned the cDNA encoding SfMagR, which has a 396 bp of open reading frame (ORF) encoding 132 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high conservation of magnetic receptors among various animal species, notably demonstrating a 98.4% sequence identity between S. frugiperda and Spodoptera litura, and a 70.3% identity with Homo sapiens, a vertebrate species. Expression analysis conducted across different developmental stages demonstrated SfMagR expression in the egg, larval, and pupal stages of the moth, but exhibited predominate expression in the adult stage, particularly in male adults. Moreover, the tissue expression profile indicated that SfMagR expression primarily occurred within the thorax of the moth, specifically in the thorax excluding the legs and wings. These findings not only provide fundamental data and a molecular foundation for future investigations into the function of SfMagR, but also offer valuable insights for the future management of invasive species.
Inactivation of Tulane virus and feline calicivirus by aqueous ozone
Authors: Choi Joseph Moon , D'Souza Doris H.
Published: September 2023

Ongoing challenges with reproducible human norovirus cultivable assays necessitate the use of surrogates, such as feline calicivirus (FCV‐F9) and Tulane virus (TV), during inactivation studies. Chlorine alternates used as control strategies include aqueous and gaseous ozone. This study aimed at determining the inactivation of FCV‐F9 and TV by a portable ozone‐generating device. FCV‐F9 (∼8 log PFU/mL) or TV (∼6 log PFU/mL) in sterile‐low‐organic matter‐containing‐water was treated for 0–5 min, or in sterile‐water containing newborn calf serum (high‐organic matter/protein) for 0–38 min with ∼1 ppm ozone (pH 7–6). Infectivity was determined from triplicate treatments using plaque assays. FCV‐F9 titers significantly decreased by 6.07 log PFU/mL after 5 min in ozonated low‐organic‐matter‐containing‐water and was non‐detectable (≤2 log PFU/mL) after 36 min treatments in high‐organic‐matter‐containing water (p < 0.05). TV titers decreased by 4.18 log PFU/mL after 4 min in ozonated low‐organic‐matter water (non‐detectable after 4.5 min) and were non‐detectable after 22.5 min treatments of high‐organic‐matter‐containing water (p < 0.05). Overall, ∼1 ppm aqueous ozone significantly decreased FCV‐F9 by >6 log PFU/mL after 5 min, TV to non‐detectable levels (≤2 log PFU/mL) after 4.5 min and required longer treatments (>32 and >20 min, respectively) for ≥4 log reduction in high‐organic‐matter‐containing water (p < 0.05). For ozone treatment of both viruses, the linear and Weibull models were similar for low‐organic‐load water, though the Weibull model was better for the high‐organic load water. Prior filtration or organic load removal is recommended before ozonation for increased viral inactivation with decreased treatment‐time.
Leuconostoc mesenteroides WHH1141 ameliorates ovalbumin‐induced food allergy in mice
Authors: Gao Kan , Chen Lie , Chen Cailing , Chen Zuoguo , Zhang Qiwen , Fan Qiuling , Li Yanjun , Chen Su
Published: September 2023

Food allergy (FA) is acknowledged as a significant public health and food safety issue, due to its manifestation as an amplified immune reaction to food antigens. Recently, probiotics within Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been highlighted as a promising strategy against allergic disease by modulating the balance of Th1/Th2 responses. However, the allergy‐alleviating effects of probiotic Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains are unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the potentials of eleven L. mesenteroides strains on the Th1/Th2 balance in vitro by evaluating the expression patterns of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) (Th1 cytokine) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) (Th2 cytokine) in mesenteric lymph node‐derived lymphocytes from ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized mice. Among strains, WHH1141 incubation caused the highest IFN‐γ/IL‐4 ratio. Oral administration of WHH1141 (1 × 109 CFU/mL) in the OVA‐induced FA mouse model for 40 days improved the weight loss and FA pathological symptoms and normalized the serum immunoglobulin E levels. Meanwhile, the OVA‐induced elevated gene expressions of cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13) and tight‐junction proteins (ZO‐1 and Occludin) and levels of cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13) and histamine in the jejunum were restored by WHH1141. Furthermore, WHH1141 reversed the reduced gut microbial diversity and short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, specifically increased Bacteroidota abundance, and decreased Firmicutes abundance in OVA‐induced mice. Overall, these findings suggest that WHH1141 exerts FA‐alleviating effects on OVA‐induced mice, which is involved with the inhibition of the jejunal Th2 immune responses and the modulation of gut microbiome composition and SCFA productions.

Practical Application

Leuconostoc mesenteroides WHH1141 with FA‐alleviating potentials may be considered a promising approach in the mitigation of FA symptoms.
Evolutionary history and seascape genomics of Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) across environmental gradients in the North Atlantic and adjacent waters
Authors: Celemín Enrique , Autenrieth Marijke , Roos Anna , Pawliczka Iwona , Quintela María , Lindstrøm Ulf , Benke Harald , Siebert Ursula , Lockyer Christina , Berggren Per , Özturk A. Amaha , Özturk Bayram , Lesage Véronique , Tiedemann Ralph
Published: September 2023

The Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is a highly mobile cetacean species primarily occurring in coastal and shelf waters across the Northern hemisphere. It inhabits heterogeneous seascapes broadly varying in salinity and temperature. Here, we produced 74 whole genomes at intermediate coverage to study Harbour porpoise's evolutionary history and investigate the role of local adaptation in the diversification into subspecies and populations. We identified ~6 million high quality SNPs sampled at eight localities across the North Atlantic and adjacent waters, which we used for population structure, demographic and genotype–environment association analyses. Our results suggest a genetic differentiation between three subspecies (P.p. relicta,P.p. phocoenaandP.p. meridionalis), and three distinct populations withinP.p. phocoena: Atlantic, Belt Sea and Proper Baltic Sea. Effective population size and Tajima's D suggest population contraction in Black Sea and Iberian porpoises, but expansion in theP.p. phocoenapopulations. Phylogenetic trees indicate post‐glacial colonization from a southern refugium. Genotype–environment association analysis identified salinity as major driver in genomic variation and we identified candidate genes putatively underlying adaptation to different salinity. Our study highlights the value of whole genome resequencing to unravel subtle population structure in highly mobile species, shows how strong environmental gradients and local adaptation may lead to population differentiation, and how neutral and adaptive markers can give different perspectives on population subdivision. The results have great conservation implications as we found inbreeding and low genetic diversity in the endangered Black Sea subspecies and identified the critically endangered Proper Baltic Sea porpoises as a separate population.
New perspectives on how to formulate alcohol drinking guidelines
Authors: Shield Kevin , Paradis Catherine , Butt Peter , Naimi Tim , Sherk Adam , Asbridge Mark , Myran Daniel , Stockwell Tim , Wells Samantha , Poole Nancy , Heatley Jennifer , Hobin Erin , Thompson Kara , Young Matthew ,   the Low‐Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines Scientific Expert Panel
Published: September 2023

Background

Low‐Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (LRDGs) aim to reduce the harms caused by alcohol. However, considerable discrepancies exist in the ‘low‐risk’ thresholds employed by different countries.

Argument/analysis

Drawing upon Canada's LRDGs update process, the current paper offers the following propositions for debate regarding the establishment of ‘low‐risk’ thresholds in national guidelines: (1) as an indicator of health loss, years of life lost (YLL) has several advantages that could make it more suitable for setting guidelines than deaths, premature deaths or disability adjusted years of life (DALYs) lost. (2) Presenting age‐specific guidelines may not be the most appropriate way of providing LRDGs. (3) Given past overemphasis on the so‐called protective effects of alcohol on health, presenting cause‐specific guidelines may not be appropriate compared with a ‘whole health’ effect derived from a weighted composite risk function comprising conditions that are causally related to alcohol consumption. (4) To help people reduce their alcohol use, presenting different risk zones associated with alcohol consumption instead of a single low risk threshold may be advantageous.

Conclusions

National LRDGs should be based on years of life lost and should be neither age‐specific nor cause‐specific. We recommend using risk zones rather than a single drinking threshold to help people assess their own risk and encourage the adoption of behaviours with positive health impacts across the alcohol use spectrum.
DEL‐1, as an anti‐neutrophil transepithelial migration molecule, inhibits airway neutrophilic inflammation in asthma
Authors: Jia Man , Fu Heng , Jiang Xinyu , Wang Lina , Xu Jiayan , Barnes Peter J. , Adcock Ian M. , Liu Yi , He Shujuan , Zhang Fan , Yao Lei , Sun Peng , Yao Xin
Published: September 2023

Background

Neutrophil migration into the airways is a key process in neutrophilic asthma. Developmental endothelial locus‐1 (DEL‐1), an extracellular matrix protein, is a neutrophil adhesion inhibitor that attenuates neutrophilic inflammation.

Methods

Levels of DEL‐1 were measured in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and serum in asthma patients by ELISA. DEL‐1 modulation of neutrophil adhesion and transepithelial migration was examined in a co‐culture model in vitro. The effects of DEL‐1‐adenoviral vector‐mediated overexpression on ovalbumin/lipopolysaccharide (OVA/LPS)‐induced neutrophilic asthma were studied in mice in vivo.

Results

DEL‐1 was primarily expressed in human bronchial epithelial cells and was decreased in asthma patients. Serum DEL‐1 concentrations were reduced in patients with severe asthma compared with normal subjects (567.1 ± 75.3 vs. 276.8 ± 29.36 pg/mL, p < .001) and were negatively correlated to blood neutrophils (r = −0.2881, p = .0384) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r = −0.5469, p < .0001). DEL‐1 concentrations in the EBC of severe asthmatic patients (113.2 ± 8.09 pg/mL) were also lower than normal subjects (193.0 ± 7.61 pg/mL, p < .001) and were positively correlated with the asthma control test (ACT) score (r = 0.3678, p = .0035) and negatively related to EBC IL‐17 (r = −0.3756, p = .0131), myeloperoxidase (MPO) (r = −0.5967, p = .0055), and neutrophil elastase (NE) (r = −0.5488, p = .0009) expression in asthma patients. Neutrophil adhesion and transepithelial migration in asthma patients were associated with LFA‐1 binding to ICAM‐1 and inhibited by DEL‐1. DEL‐1 mRNA and protein expression in human bronchial epithelial cells were regulated by IL‐17. Exogenous DEL‐1 inhibited IL‐17‐enhanced neutrophil adhesion and migration. DEL‐1 expression was decreased while neutrophil infiltration was increased in the airway of a murine model of neutrophilic asthma. This was prevented by DEL‐1 overexpression.

Conclusions

DEL‐1 down‐regulation leads to increased neutrophil migration across bronchial epithelial cells and is associated with neutrophilic airway inflammation in asthma.