bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different drying methods and storage conditions on the
reduction of Escherichia coli and the quality parameters of
barley sprouts
Authors: Choi Song-Yi , Chae Hyo-Bin , Hwang In-Jun , Hyun Jeong-Eun , Seo Woo-Duck , Kim Se-Ri
Published: January 2023

Due to their high nutritional value and functional content, barley sprouts are
commonly ground into powder for human use. This study investigated the effect of
drying methods, viz., hot-air drying (HAD), freeze-drying (FD), and infrared
drying (IRD), and storage conditions for the removal of Escherichia
coli quality parameters of barley sprouts. Herein, the barley
sprouts were subjected to HAD, FD, and IRD and stored at different temperatures,
such as −20, 4, and 25°C, for six months. The changes in the
colony count of E. coli and food quality indicators, viz.,
Hunter color, chlorophyll, and saponarin, were measured once a month. The HAD
and FD were found to reduce E. coli from 7 log CFU/g to 4 log
CFU/g, whereas IRD eliminated them (limit of detection ⟨ 1 log CFU/g). In
the case of HAD, the E. coli counts and the quality of dried
leaves did not change significantly (p>0.05) for six months under all storage
conditions. Freeze-dried leaves stored at 25 and 4°C showed a decrease in
E. coli counts from 4.5 to 1.2-1.5 log CFU/g after six
months (p⟨0.05), and no significant change in quality during their
storage was observed (p⟩0.05). In the case of infrared-dried samples,
E. coli was not detected even after six months under all
storage conditions, storing at −20°C was the best condition for
the chlorophyll content and Hunter color (p⟨0.05). On the other hand, the
content of saponarin was constant regardless of the drying method and
storage.
The Effects of 6 Weeks of Resistance Training on the Gut Microbiome and Cardiometabolic Health in Young Adults with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Cullen John M.A. , Shahzad Shahim , Kanaley Jill A. , Ericsson Aaron C. , Dhillon Jaapna
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a known risk factor for the development of insulin resistance and other cardiometabolic disorders. Recently, the gut microbiome has been associated with obesity and subsequent health complications. Exercise has been regularly utilized as a therapeutic intervention to treat obesity and its associated comorbidities. This study examined the effects of a 6-week resistance training exercise program (RT) on the diversity, composition, and metabolic pathways of the gut microbiome.

METHODS

Sedentary young adults (age 18-35 years) with overweight and obesity (BMI 25-45 kg/m2) were recruited to participate in this randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to RT (n=16), a 6-week resistance training program (3 days/week), or control (CT) (n=16), a non-exercising control. Main outcomes of the study included gut microbiome measures (taxa abundances, diversity, and predicted function) and cardiometabolic outcomes (blood pressure (BP) and glucoregulation).

RESULTS

Increased abundances ofRoseburia, a short chain fatty acid (SCFA) producer and predicted starch and sucrose metabolism pathway were observed over 6 weeks (W6) with RT in comparison to CT (group × week, p<0.05, q<0.25). RT also induced higher abundance of microbial flagellar assembly, a pathway involved in cell motility, at W6 compared to CT (group × week, p<0.05, q<0.25). Moreover, RT resulted in higher QUICKI and lower diastolic BP at W6 compared to CT (BL-adjusted p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study provides preliminary evidence that resistance training increases abundance of selected SCFA producers and microbial pathways and improves cardiometabolic health. Additionally, the associations of cardiometabolic indicators with the microbial community structure warrants further investigation.
Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection drives long-term remodeling of the memory B cell repertoire in vaccinated individuals
Authors: Sokal Aurélien , Barba-Spaeth Giovanna , Hunault Lise , Fernández Ignacio , Broketa Matteo , Meola Annalisa , Fourati Slim , Azzaoui Imane , Vandenberghe Alexis , Lagouge-Roussey Pauline , Broutin Manon , Roeser Anais , Bouvier-Alias Magali , Crickx Etienne , Languille Laetitia , Fournier Morgane , Michel Marc , Godeau Bertrand , Gallien Sébastien , Melica Giovanna , Nguyen Yann , Canoui-Poitrine Florence , Noizat-Pirenne France , Megret Jérôme , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Fillatreau Simon , Reynaud Claude-Agnès , Weill Jean-Claude , Rey Félix A. , Bruhns Pierre , Mahévas Matthieu , Chappert Pascal
Published: January 2023

How infection by a viral variant showing antigenic drift impacts a preformed mature human memory B cell (MBC) repertoire remains an open question. Here, we studied the MBC response up to 6 months after Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection in individuals previously vaccinated with three doses of mRNA vaccine. Longitudinal analysis, using single-cell multi-omics and functional analysis of monoclonal antibodies from RBD-specific MBCs, revealed that a BA.1 breakthrough infection mostly recruited pre-existing cross-reactive MBCs with limitedde novoresponse against BA.1-restricted epitopes. Reorganization of clonal hierarchy and new rounds of germinal center reaction, however, combined to maintain diversity and induce progressive maturation of the MBC repertoire against common Hu-1 and BA.1, but not BA.5-restricted, SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD epitopes. Such remodeling was further associated with marked improvement in overall neutralizing breadth and potency. These findings have fundamental implications for the design of future vaccination booster strategies.
MOTIFS IN SARS-COV-2 EVOLUTION
Authors: Barrett Christopher , Bura Andrei C. , He Qijun , Huang Fenix W. , Li Thomas J. X. , Reidys Christian M.
Published: January 2023

We present a novel framework enhancing the prediction of whether novel lineage poses the threat of eventually dominating the viral population. The framework is based purely on genomic sequence data, without requiring prior established biological analysis. Its building blocks are sets of co-evolving sites in the alignment (motifs), identified via co-evolutionary signals. The collection of such motifs forms a relational structure over the polymorphic sites. Motifs are constructed using distances quantifying the co-evolutionary coupling of pairs and manifest as co-evolving clusters of sites. We present an approach to genomic surveillance based on this notion of relational structure. Our system will issue an alert regarding a lineage, based on its contribution to drastic changes in the relational structure. We then conduct a comprehensive retrospective analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic based on SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence data in GISAID from October 2020 to September 2022, across 21 lineages and 27 countries with weekly resolution. We investigate the performance of this surveillance system in terms of its accuracy, timeliness and robustness. Lastly, we study how well each lineage is classified by such a system.
Poles apart: the structure and composition of the bird community in bamboo in the Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Srinivasan Sidharth , Biswakarma Aman , Pradhan D.K. , Rai Shambu , Srinivasan Umesh
Published: January 2023

Bamboos (Poaceae: Bambuseae) are a unique and diverse group of plants (> 1500 species) that are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Various birds, mammals, and insects use bamboo either directly or indirectly, and some species are obligate bamboo specialists. For instance, several species of Neotropical birds are found in bamboo alone. However, the mechanisms underlying dependence on/associations with bamboo are almost entirely unknown. We studied bird communities in bamboo and rainforest across two seasons in the Eastern Himalaya, where we explored a possible mechanism for bird associations with bamboo – dietary resource specialization. We calculated use of bamboo versus rainforest by bird species and described the structure and composition of the bird and arthropod communities in both habitats and seasons. We provide the first systematic evidence of bamboo specialist bird species from the Eastern Himalaya. Although the species richness of birds and arthropods in both habitats and seasons did not vary starkly, we found that the composition of bird and arthropod communities in both habitats and both seasons to be distinct. Interestingly, we found arthropod communities in different substrates of bamboo to also be distinct. Bird specialization in bamboo in the Eastern Himalaya could be because of their dietary specialization to the unique arthropods found in bamboo. The results from this study emphasise the importance of bamboo in the Eastern Himalaya and provide baseline information that might aid in conservation.
demuxmix: Demultiplexing oligonucleotide-barcoded single-cell RNA sequencing data with regression mixture models
Authors: Klein Hans-Ulrich
Published: January 2023

Motivation

Droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is widely used in biomedical research to interrogate the transcriptomes of single cells on a large scale. Pooling and processing cells from different samples together can reduce costs and batch effects. In order to pool cells, cells are often first labeled with hashtag oligonucleotides (HTOs). These HTOs are sequenced along with the cells’ RNA in the droplets and are subsequently used to computationally assign each droplet to its sample of origin, which is referred to as demultiplexing. Accurate demultiplexing is crucial and can be challenging due to background HTOs, low-quality cells/cell debris, and multiplets.

Results

A new demultiplexing method, demuxmix, based on negative binomial regression mixture models is introduced. The method implements two significant improvements. First, demuxmix’s probabilistic classification framework provides error probabilities for droplet assignments that can be used to discard uncertain droplets and inform about the quality of the HTO data and the demultiplexing success. Second, demuxmix utilizes the positive association between detected genes in the RNA library and HTO counts to explain parts of the variance in the HTO data resulting in improved droplet assignments. The improved performance of demuxmix compared to existing demultiplexing methods is assessed on real and simulated data. Finally, the feasibility of accurately demultiplexing experimental designs where non-labeled cells are pooled with labeled cells is demonstrated.

Availability

R/Bioconductor package demuxmix (https://doi.org/doi:10.18129/B9.bioc.demuxmix)
ChromDL: A Next-Generation Regulatory DNA Classifier
Authors: Hill Christopher , Hudaiberdiev Sanjarbek , Ovcharenko Ivan
Published: January 2023

Motivation

Predicting the regulatory function of non-coding DNA using only the DNA sequence continues to be a major challenge in genomics. With the advent of improved optimization algorithms, faster GPU speeds, and more intricate machine learning libraries, hybrid convolutional and recurrent neural network architectures can be constructed and applied to extract crucial information from non-coding DNA.

Results

Using a comparative analysis of the performance of thousands of Deep Learning (DL) architectures, we developed ChromDL, a neural network architecture combining bidirectional gated recurrent units (BiGRU), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and bidirectional long short-term memory units (BiLSTM), which significantly improves upon a range of prediction metrics compared to its predecessors in transcription factor binding site (TFBS), histone modification (HM), and DNase-I hypersensitive site (DHS) detection. Combined with a secondary model, it can be utilized for accurate classification of gene regulatory elements. The model can also detect weak transcription factor (TF) binding with higher accuracy as compared to previously developed methods and has the potential to accurately delineate TF binding motif specificities.

Availability

The ChromDL source code can be found athttps://github.com/chrishil1/ChromDL.
Delivering mRNAs to mouse tissues using the SEND system
Authors: Ohtsuka Masato , Imafuku Jurai , Hori Shuho , Kurosaki Aki , Nakamura Ayaka , Nakahara Tsubasa , Yahata Takashi , Bhat Kolari , Papastefan Steven T , Nakagawa So , Quadros Rolen M , Miura Hiromi , Gurumurthy Channabasavaiah B
Published: January 2023

mRNAs produced in a cell are almost always translated within the same cell. Some mRNAs are transported to other cells of the organism through processes involving membrane nanotubes or extracellular vesicles. A recent report describes a surprising new phenomenon of encapsulating mRNAs inside virus-like particles (VLPs) to deliver them to other cells in a process that was named SEND (Selective Endogenous eNcapsidation for cellular Delivery). Although the seminal work demonstrates the SEND process in cultured cells, it is unknown whether this phenomenon occursin vivo. Here, we demonstrate the SEND process in living organisms using specially designed genetically engineered mouse models. Our proof of principle study lays a foundation for the SEND-VLP system to potentially be used as a gene therapy tool to deliver therapeutically important mRNAs to tissues.
Autotrophic adaptive laboratory evolution of the acetogenClostridium autoethanogenumdelivers the gas-fermenting strain LAbrini with superior growth, products, and robustness
Authors: Ingelman Henri , Heffernan James K. , Harris Audrey , Brown Steven D. , Shaikh Kurshedaktar Majibullah , Saqib Asfand Yar , Pinheiro Marina J. , de Lima Lorena Azevedo , Martinez Karen Rodriguez , Gonzalez-Garcia Ricardo A. , Hawkins Grant , Daleiden Jim , Tran Loan , Zeleznik Hunter , Jensen Rasmus O. , Reynoso Vinicio , Schindel Heidi , Jänes Jürgen , Simpson Séan D. , Köpke Michael , Marcellin Esteban , Valgepea Kaspar
Published: January 2023

Microbes able to convert gaseous one-carbon (C1) waste feedstocks are increasingly important to transition to the sustainable production of renewable chemicals and fuels. Acetogens are interesting biocatalysts since gas fermentation usingClostridium autoethanogenumhas already been commercialised. However, most acetogen strains need complex nutrients, display slow growth, and are not robust for routine bioreactor fermentations. In this work, we used three different and independent adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) strategies to evolve the wild-typeC. autoethanogenumto grow faster, without yeast extract and to be robust in operating continuous bioreactor cultures. Multiple evolved strains with improved phenotypes were isolated on a minimal medium with one strain, named “LAbrini” (LT1), exhibiting superior performance regarding the maximum specific growth rate, product profile, and robustness in continuous cultures. Whole-genome sequencing of the evolved strains identified 25 mutations. Of particular interest are two genes that acquired seven different mutations across the three ALE strategies, potentially as a result of convergent evolution. Reverse genetic engineering of sporulation-related mutations in genes CLAU_3129 (spo0A) and CLAU_1957 recovered all three superior features of our ALE strains through triggering significant proteomic rearrangements. This work provides a robustC. autoethanogenumstrain to accelerate phenotyping and genetic engineering and to better understand acetogen metabolism, which we named “LAbrini”.
Dopamine promotesKlebsiella quasivariicolaproliferation and inflammatory response in the presence of macrophages
Authors: Li Xiang , Cheng Lin , Liu Xueyang , Wang Xiaoli , Li Rui , Fan Shao , Yan Qiulong , Ma Tonghui , Ma Yufang , Kang Jian
Published: January 2023

Klebsiella quasivariicolawas a novel strain ofKlebsiellaspecies and had potential pathogenicity. Our previously studies showed dopamine, one of the most commonly used rescue drugs for critically ill patients, had clear effects on the growth ofK. quasivariicolain culture medium, however, its effects on host immune system were ignored. Therefore, in consideration of the host immunity, the interactions ofK. quasivariicola, dopamine and macrophages were explored. In this study, RAW264.7 cells and C57/BL6 mice were infected withK. quasivariicola, and the bacterial growth in macrophage, the production of inflammatory cytokines and the pathological changes of mice lung were detected, in the absence or presence of dopamine. Our results showed dopamine inhibited theK. quasivariicolagrowth in medium, but promoted the bacterial growth whenK. quasivariicolawas co-cultured with macrophages; The expression of proinflammatory cytokines inK. quasivariicolainfected RAW 264.7 were increased, while a sharp rise was observed with the addition of dopamine; Infection ofK. quasivariicolato mice induced an inflammatory response and lung injury, which were exacerbated by dopamine administration. It can be concluded that dopamine administration resulted in a significantly increase ofK. quasivariicolaburdens in the presence of macrophage, consequently, aggravated the inflammatory response and inflammatory injury.

Importance

Dopamine is one of the most commonly used rescue drugs for critically ill patients. Here we indicatedK. quasivariicolawas a potential pathogen of pulmonary infection, and dopamine significantly increased the proliferation ofK. quasivariicolawhen exposed to macrophage, subsequently result in severe inflammatory response and inflammatory injury. We also proposed anin vitromodel of microbes-drugs-host immune cells that could better mimicin vivoenvironment and more suitable for the studies of inhibitor screening. This fundamental work had contributed to the present understanding of the crosstalk between pathogen, dopamine and host immune cells. Furthermore, our data showed dopamine was one of the risk factors for patients withK. quasivariicolainfection, which provided a basis for clinical precision medicine.
The post-translational modification profile of TAR DNA-Binding Protein (TDP-43) in platelets of patients with Alzheimer’s disease: An exploratory study for blood-based biomarker development
Authors: Johnson Qwynton , Hadjian Mahan , Bah Alpha , Smith Sean , Kosa Edina , Agbas Abdulbaki
Published: January 2023

The assignment of blood-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases is of great clinical value. Well-developed and validated blood-based biomarkers can serve in early diagnosis and prognosis as well as aid in patient screening when recruiting for clinical trials. We attempted to establish a portfolio for post-translationally modified TAR DNA/RNA-binding protein (TDP-43), a regulator of nuclear transcription, in platelet cytosol obtained from patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) comparing to age-matched healthy subjects and a disease control cohort. We aimed to identify the most prominent post-translational modifications of TDP-43 as an AD-relevant biomarker and to demonstrate that such an assessment can be performed in peripheral blood. We have isolated TDP-43 protein from human platelet cytosol utilizing an Immunoaffinity chromatography. The eluates were immunoprobed with a series of antibodies raised against post-translationally modified proteins. We employed a capillary electrophoretic immunoassay (CEI) to assess the phosphorylated TDP-43 profile. We observed that SUMOylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and cysteine oxidation of TDP-43 are more prominent in platelet cytosol of AD patients as compared to control subjects. These studies will pave the way for identifying disease-specific TDP-43 derivatives that can be potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and the development of therapeutics.
Promote the “wow”: (mis)representation, perception and reception of media promotion on wheelchair rugby
Authors: Hu Tiao , Cottingham Michael , Shapiro Deborah , Lee Don
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This phenomenological study aims to explore how media promote and should promote wheelchair rugby.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 athletes at National Wheelchair Rugby Championship. In using a reflective thematical analysis approach, three themes were identified – media coverage: the promise of an unknown quantity; the battle of inspiration and athleticism; and leverage marketing and promote the “wow”.

Findings

Lacking fair representation from media resulting in the perception and reception gap between the general public and spectators was identified and explained by most of the athletes. Besides urging increased coverage with a shifting focus on athleticism, the important role of marketing was highlighted.

Originality/value

In short, the “wow” factor of the sport is its aggressiveness which can be its bestselling feature and used by stakeholders for maximum impact when marketing wheelchair rugby.
Effect of limestone usage on tribological properties in copper and asbestos-free brake friction materials
Authors: Yavuz Hicri
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to determine the braking performance of limestone as a filler in brake friction materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples containing limestone material (30-35-40%), which can be an alternative to brake friction material filler, were produced. The samples were weighed on precision scales, mixed homogeneously and produced using the hot molding method. The physical and tribological properties of the produced samples were determined, and their microscopic analyzes were made with scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

As the amount of limestone increased, the density of the samples decreased. The friction coefficient and wear rates were close to each other and within the optimum limits for all samples. Limestone materials can be used instead of barite materials studied in the literature on brake linings. Microcracks were observed only in samples containing 30% and 35% limestone in microscopic images.

Originality/value

In this study, the wear rate, coefficient of friction and microstructures on the friction surfaces of brake friction materials containing limestone were investigated. The usability of limestone as a filler in brake friction materials provides valuable information to researchers and industrial organizations in the brake friction material field.
Effects of organizational climate, role clarity, turnover intention, and workplace burnout on audit quality and performance
Authors: Hegazy Mohamed , El-Deeb Mohamed Samy , Hamdy Hosny Ibrahim , Halim Yasser Tawfik
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of the auditors’ burnout determinates on audit quality and performance. It also analyses whether the demographic characteristics of gender, age group, education and job positions affect auditors’ decisions for burnout, audit quality and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was distributed on a sample of auditors in the top ten auditing firms in an emerging market including the Big 4. Factor analysis, correlation matrix and structural equation modeling were used for the analysis of the collected data and testing the developed hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that burnout has negative consequences for both the auditor and the auditing firm. While good organizational climate has a negative significant association with audit quality, nonethical decisions and audit performance, role clarity has positive significant association with the audit quality and performance and has an insignificant association with nonethical decisions. Also, turnover intention has significant positive association with nonethical decision, audit quality and performance.

Originality/value

This research is among the first to focus on auditor’s burnout determinates on audit quality and performance in an emerging market characterized by different socioeconomic, political and cultural factors compared with those of developed markets. Auditors, regulators and professional policymakers can benefit from the results of this research.
Does startup culture in the emerging country grow around societal sustainability? An empirical study through the lens of co-creational capital and green intellect
Authors: Verma Rajeev , Arya Vikas , Thomas Asha , Bolognesi Enrica , Mueller Jens
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of green intellectual capital in fostering societal sustainability. Also, this study investigated how co-creational customer capital mediates the relationship between green intellectual capital and societal sustainability. The paper draws attention to co-creating customer capital and understanding its impact on societal sustainability in high-contact service startups.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from responses from 376 high-contact service startup firms headquartered in the Indian subcontinent, particularly emerging markets. The proposed conceptual model was analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The analysis is based on primary data obtained from strategic-level employees.

Findings

The results highlight the impact of co-creational customer capital in the Green Intellectual Capital – Societal Sustainability (GICS) model. Green intellectual capital components significantly influence societal sustainability outcomes in the existence of co-created customer values. It establishes customer capital as an essential factor that mediates the relationship between green intellectual capital and societal sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides conceptualization and subsequent investigation of customer value creation in service-led startups. The construct co-creation is more appropriate for the service industry in common.

Practical implications

This paper establishes co-created customer capital as an enabler in transforming underlying components of green intellectual capital into societal sustainability measures. Firms may generate higher customer value by pooling green human and relational capital along with active customer response and shared knowledge. This creates an organizational asset termed co-created customer capital specific to service industries.

Originality/value

The article proposes a novel way to analyze customer value in service organizations. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has looked at how co-creational customer capital could act as a mediator between green intellectual capital and societal sustainability in the service industry context, particularly for SMEs and startups from emerging economies. Co-created customer capital may be used as an instrument to overcome managerial challenges in the context of transforming green intellectual capital into societal capital.
Unpacking the relationship between customer citizenship behavior and dysfunctional customer behavior: the role of customer moral credits and entitlement
Authors: Gong Taeshik , Wang Chen-Ya
Published: January 2023

Purpose

While the positive effects of customer citizenship behavior are well established, research on its potential negative consequences is scarce. This study aims to examine the indirect relationship between customer citizenship and dysfunctional customers via customer moral credits and entitlement, as well as the moderating influence of customer citizenship fatigue.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 employed a cross-sectional design with a self-administered survey. The data were collected from 314 customers using an online research panel. In Study 2, the authors manipulated customer citizenship behavior using 203 participants to establish causality and rule out alternative explanations of the findings of Study 1. In Study 3, the authors replicated Study 2 and enhanced internal validity by using a more controlled experimental design using 128 participants.

Findings

This study shows that when customer citizenship fatigue is high, customer citizenship behavior elicits customer moral credit, which leads to customer entitlement and, in turn, promotes dysfunctional customer behavior. Conversely, when customer citizenship fatigue is low, customer citizenship behavior does not generate moral credit or entitlement, preventing dysfunctional customer behavior.

Practical implications

The study shows that promoting customer citizenship behavior does not always lead to positive outcomes. Therefore, when promoting customer citizenship behavior, managers should consider the psychological licensing process and ways to mitigate the influence of moral credits.

Originality/value

This study challenges common wisdom and investigates the dark side of customer citizenship behavior. Specifically, it demonstrates that customer citizenship behavior could backfire (e.g. dysfunctional customer behavior). It also shows that only customers who experience a high level of fatigue from their citizenship behaviors are psychologically licensed to gain moral credit, leading to dysfunctional customer behavior.
Which is better? Business models of partial and cross ownership in an NEV supply chain
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxi , Liu Juan , Gu Meifei , Yang Changhui
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To examine how shareholding affects optimal profits, R&D innovation, NEV market scale and social welfare in two supply chain models with partial and cross ownership patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

The gradual retreat of government subsidies has directly weakened the financial support available to the stakeholders of new energy vehicles (NEVs). In this context, upstream and downstream enterprises of NEV are constantly seeking new business models of cooperation to achieve possible win-wins. NEV supply chain shareholding is an emerging new practice for such explorations. However, its performance in the NEV supply chain is seldom investigated. In this paper, we employ a Stackelberg game model to investigate how partial and cross-ownership affect the optimal decisions in a NEV supply chain.

Findings

Results showed that: (1) Compared with the unilateral shareholding model, the battery supplier will benefit from cross-ownership in the supply chain, while the NEV manufacturer will not necessarily benefit from it. At the same time, cross-ownership will bring the greatest incentive for battery R&D (2) Supply chain downstream competition will not necessarily lead to the improvement of the total consumption of NEVs or the level of battery design. Pareto improvement can be brought only when one of the manufacturers holds less than a certain equity threshold. In addition, downstream competition will also not necessarily bring more benefits to the battery supplier.

Originality/value

At present, NEV supply chain management has attracted widespread attention from scholars from all walks of life. Previous studies have been carried out that covers topics such as pricing strategies and optimal profits and the role of NEV in the sustainable development of the automotive industry supply chain, or disparate impacts of government subsidies and carbon emission regulation on supply chain members. However, as far as the authors know, compared with the new emerging NEV corporate practice, the shareholding phenomenon between upstream and downstream in the supply chain of NEV has not been studied in the existing studies.
Genetic variability and plasticity of plant allometry
Authors: Vasseur François , Violle Cyrille , Enquist Brian J. , Vile Denis
Published: January 2023

The metabolic scaling theory (MST) predicts quasi‐universal trait–size relationships in plants, characterised by a unique allometric exponent within and across large taxonomic scales. However, recent studies have identified variability in allometric relationships, without a clear understanding of the modulating role played by genetic variation and environment.

Here, we investigated (1) the allometric relationships for two central traits of MST, namely total leaf area and plant growth rate, in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, (2) the variability of plant allometries between genotypes and (3) the plastic responses of plant allometries under water deficit, high temperature and their interaction.

Using a population of 120 genotypes, we found that intraspecific allometries adhered on average with MST predictions. However, a broad variability but a moderate plasticity in the allometric exponents was observed across genotypes and environments. Allometric exponents were impacted significantly, yet weakly, by water deficit, but not by high temperature. Moreover, genotypes that deviated from MST predictions exhibited more plasticity in trait–size relationships than genotypes that followed MST predictions.

Our study suggests that plant allometry is genetically variable and might be related to different adaptive strategies to cope with stressing conditions. Thus, our results highlights the need of assessing trait–size relationships within species to understand the mechanisms of plant adaptation to contrasted environments.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Drill‐bit position monitoring using seismic‐while‐drilling data; numerical and field examples from Sweden
Authors: Wilczynski Zbigniew , Kaslilar Ayse , Ivandic Monika , Juhlin Christopher
Published: January 2023

The undesired drill‐bit deviation is a source of drilling risks and requires monitoring. Seismic‐while‐drilling is one potential method to achieve this and has been tested in a number of previous studies. In August 2020 in Örebro, Sweden, we conducted an experiment to test the feasibility of seismic‐while‐drilling drill‐bit positioning and other applications of the method. We used the hammer drill‐bit signal generated while drilling a 200 m deep well in hardrock conditions and implemented vertical stacking of the subsequent impulsive signals from the hammer source, generating enhanced direct arrivals from the drill‐bit. Then, we used the relative arrival times to estimate the drill‐bit position for selected bit depths, confirming our methodology with two numerical studies. We successfully estimated the position of the drill‐bit for the numerical examples and for several of the real data examples, with the accuracy dependent on the receiver array geometry and the quality of the data. We conclude that this drill‐bit positioning method shows potential for near‐real‐time monitoring in drilling operations that could be applicable for both impulsive and noise‐retrieved drill‐bit signals.
Pre‐pregnancy participation and performance in world's largest cross‐country ski race as a proxy for physical exercise and fitness, and perinatal outcomes: Prospective registry‐based cohort study
Authors: Axfors Cathrine , Wikström Anna‐Karin , Sundström Poromaa Inger , Hållmarker Ulf , Michaëlsson Karl , Wallert John , White Richard A. , Skalkidou Alkistis
Published: January 2023

Objective

Investigate associations between pre‐pregnancy participation and performance in a demanding cross‐country ski race (proxy for exercise volume and fitness) and perinatal outcomes. Pre‐registered protocol: osf.io/aywg2.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Based on entire overlap between the Vasaloppet registry and the population‐based Swedish Pregnancy Register.

Sample

All female Vasaloppet participants 1991–2017 with subsequent singleton delivery (skiers), and age‐ and county‐matched non‐skiers.

Methods

We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for non‐skiers versus skiers (model 1) and, among skiers, by performance (model 2), in Bayesian logistic regressions adjusted for socio‐demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. We repeated calculations adjusting for early pregnancy body mass index (potential mediator) and explored robustness (selection/exposure settings; multiple comparisons correction).

Main outcome measures

Twenty‐nine important perinatal outcomes, predefined based on existing expert consensus.

Results

Non‐skiers (n = 194 384) versus skiers (n = 15 377) (and slower versus faster performance, not shown) consistently had higher odds of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR 1.70, 95% highest density interval: 1.40–2.09), excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) (1.28, 1.22–1.38), psychiatric morbidity (1.60, 1.49–1.72), any caesarean section (CS) (1.34, 1.28–1.40), elective CS (1.39, 1.29–1.49), and large‐for‐gestational‐age babies (>90th percentile, 1.11, 1.04–1.18); lower odds of inadequate GWG (0.83, 0.79–0.88); and no associations with fetal/neonatal complications (e.g. preterm birth [1.09, 0.98–1.20], small for gestational age [SGA] [1.23, 1.05–1.45]). Adjustment for body mass index attenuated associations with excessive (1.20, 1.14–1.30) and inadequate GWG (0.87, 0.83–0.92) and large for gestational age (1.07, 1.00–1.13).

Conclusion

Non‐skiers compared with skiers, and slower versus faster performance, consistently displayed higher odds of GDM, excessive GWG, psychiatric morbidity, CS and large‐for‐gestational‐age babies; and lower odds of inadequate GWG, after adjustment for socio‐demographic and lifestyle factors and comorbidities. There were no associations with fetal/neonatal complications.
Where is the opportunity in opportunity zones?
Authors: Sage Alan , Langen Mike , van de Minne Alex
Published: January 2023

In December 2017, the U.S. Congress passed into law the Opportunity Zone (OZ) program. As an OZ, designated low‐income census tracts provide considerable tax breaks to property investors, intending to attract investments and spur economic growth. As the success of the program is dependent on investors' responses, we analyze market reactions in a difference‐in‐differences framework. We identify two potential effects on property markets: tax breaks for investors and expected land value appreciation. Our results show that tax breaks are priced efficiently. Qualified properties increase by 7–20% in price, while vacant land increase up to 37%. In contrast, we find limited signs of expected land value appreciation.
Recent advances in shelf life prediction models for monitoring food quality
Authors: Cui Fangchao , Zheng Shiwei , Wang Dangfeng , Tan Xiqian , Li Qiuying , Li Jianrong , Li Tingting
Published: January 2023

Each year, 1.3 billion tons of food is lost due to spoilage or loss in the supply chain, accounting for approximately one third of global food production. This requires a manufacturer to provide accurate information on the shelf life of the food in each stage. Various models for monitoring food quality have been developed and applied to predict food shelf life. This review classified shelf life models and detailed the application background and characteristics of commonly used models to better understand the different uses and aspects of the commonly used models. In particular, the structural framework, application mechanisms, and numerical relationships of commonly used models were elaborated. In addition, the study focused on the application of commonly used models in the food field. Besides predicting the freshness index and remaining shelf life of food, the study addressed aspects such as food classification (maturity and damage) and content prediction. Finally, further promotion of shelf life models in the food field, use of multivariate analysis methods, and development of new models were foreseen. More reliable transportation, processing, and packaging methods could be screened out based on real‐time food quality monitoring.
How do dietetics students learn about sustainability? A scoping review
Authors: McCormack Joanna , Rutherford Shannon , Ross Lynda J. , Noble Christy , Bialocerkowski Andrea
Published: January 2023

Aim

Globally, sustainability and planetary health are emerging as areas of critical importance. In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by the United Nations member states. Since then, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Commonwealth Secretariat have published guidelines for educators to embed sustainability content into curricula. This scoping review aims to identify how student dietitians learn about sustainability, how learning opportunities are evaluated, their outcomes, and whether these guidelines have translated into teaching activities contained in dietetic degrees.

Methods

A scoping review was used to address the aims. Eight electronic databases and Google Scholar were searched from inception to March 2022 for articles describing dietetics students' participation in learning activities focused on sustainability. Data that addressed the research aims were charted independently by two researchers, then narratively synthesised.

Results

Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. A range of teaching approaches and evaluation methods were used, from passive learning in lectures to experiential learning activities. A change in knowledge or behaviour was found for experiential learning activities (n = 5). For articles published after 2015 (n = 9), two mentioned the Sustainable Development Goals and no articles referenced the published guidelines.

Conclusions

A paucity of evidence exists describing how dietetics students learn about sustainability and their learning outcomes. Of the 12 articles published, varied teaching approaches and evaluation methods have resulted in inconsistencies in the reporting of outcomes. The minimal reference to the Sustainable Development Goals and published guidelines suggests a slow translation of knowledge to practice.
A scoping review of parental values during prenatal decisions about treatment options after extremely premature birth
Authors: de Boer Angret , de Vries Marieke , Berken Dirk‐Jan , van Dam Hiske , Verweij E. Joanne , Hogeveen Marije , Geurtzen Rosa
Published: January 2023

Aim

To describe what is known in the literature about parental perspectives in making prenatal decisions regarding treatment after birth at the limit of viability, as a better understanding of parental values can help professionals support parents as they decide.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant literature from 1 January 2010 to 22 April 2022 on parental decision making. Data were extracted from selected studies and organised into themes. The final themes were formed through collaboration with the parents of a premature infant born at 24 weeks.

Results

Of the 15,159 papers examined, 17 were included. Parental perspectives were described in terms of long‐term outcomes for the infant, survival, protection against the burden of neonatal treatment, long‐term impact on the family, religion and spiritual beliefs, to do everything possible, hope, sense of responsibility, wanting the best, doing what is right, giving a chance and the influence of experience.

Conclusion

The extracted parental perspectives show the complexity of these decisions. Some perspectives were clear, but others were multi‐interpretable. Increasing the understanding of common parental perspectives can help improve shared prenatal decisions and lead to further improvement and personalisation of the process.
Letter: diet‐responsive or just diet‐adherent in EoE. Where is the dietitian? Authors' reply
Authors: Wang Lillian , Alexander Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wang et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17221 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17312
The prognostic value of including non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in the definition of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Fu Clarissa Elysia , Yong Jie Ning , Ng Cheng Han , Nah Benjamin , Chew Nicholas W. S. , Chin Yip Han , Kong Gwyneth , Tan Darren Jun Hao , Lim Wen Hui , Lim Lincoln Kai En , Zeng Rebecca Wenling , Shabbir Asim , Tan Eunice X. X. , Huang Daniel Q. , Khoo Chin Meng , Siddqui Mohammad Shadab , Chan Mark Y. Y. , Noureddin Mazen , Mamas Mamas A. , Muthiah Mark
Published: January 2023

Background/Aims

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects over one third of the US adult population. Despite its close association with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the traditional definition of MetS does not account for the presence of NAFLD. The present study thus aims to evaluate the inclusion of NAFLD in the diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome on its accuracy of capturing individuals with metabolic dysregulation and its prediction of adverse events.

Methods

Data collected from NHANES between 1999 and 2018 was analysed. Clinical characteristics and outcomes between individuals with metabolic syndrome from both the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (MetS) and the study's proposed diagnostic criteria (MetS2) were evaluated. Outcomes in both groups were evaluated with multivariate analyses, and further subgroup analysis on individuals matched with Coarsened Exact Matching was performed.

Results

Of 46,184 individuals included, 32.54% and 40.54% fulfilled MetS and MetS2 criteria respectively. Considering NAFLD in the definition of metabolic syndrome, a further 8.00% (n = 3694) were included. MetS was significantly associated with all‐cause (HR: 1.184, 95% CI: 1.110–1.263, p < 0.001) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (SHR: 1.288, 95% CI: 1.233–1.347, p < 0.001), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). MetS2 was similarly associated with all‐cause (HR: 1.175, 95% CI: 1.088–1.269, p < 0.001), CVD mortality (SHR: 1.283, 95% CI: 1.245–1.323, p < 0.001) and MACE.

Conclusion

Inclusion of NAFLD allows for identification a greater proportion of the population with metabolic risk. This allows for early intervention and potential to lift some burden off the global healthcare system.
Ultrastructural observations suggest that lipid material of lizard digital pads derives from degenerating cells in the inter‐scale region
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: January 2023

Ultrastructural observations suggest that lipid material of lizard digital pads derives from degenerating cells in the inter‐scale region. Acta Zoologica (Stockholm). Production of epidermal lipids in lizards occurs in mesos‐ and alpha‐layers, including those present in gecko adhesive pads. Lipid material is present over the setae and spatulae of adhesive pads where adhesion takes place. Lipids are hypothesized to influence the process of adhesion keeping hydrophobic the spatula that contacts the substrate. The origin of lipids in pad lamellae that are lost as footsteps during gecko movements is unknown. To maintain setae lipid‐coated requires a large and continuous supply of lipids and the most likely source is an epidermal region rich in lipids. Ultrastructural observations show that lipid material is released from sloughed mesos and alpha‐cells in the inter‐scale region of the lamellae. It is hypothesized that lipids passively move from the hinge region and reach the outer lamella surface. Lipids may also derive from frictional damage of the thin alpha‐cells located in the hinge regions during pad extension for climbing or moving on the substrate. The discharged lipid material is likely pushed out from the hinge region by progressive accumulation of secreted material. The present hypothesis presents a simple model illustrating lipid movement from inter‐scale regions that coat the setae, contributing to the indicated influence of lipids on spatula adhesion.