bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the trust values among human resources in the enterprise cloud using an optimization algorithm and fuzzy logic
Authors: Li Lantian , Pahlevanzadeh Bahareh 
Published: October 2021

PurposeCloud eases information processing, but it holds numerous risks, including hacking and confidentiality problems. It puts businesses at risk in terms of data security and compliance. This paper aims to maximize the covered human resource (HR) vulnerabilities and minimize the security costs in the enterprise cloud using a fuzzy-based method and firefly optimization algorithm.Design/methodology/approachCloud computing provides a platform to improve the quality and availability of IT resources. It changes the way people communicate and conduct their businesses. However, some security concerns continue to derail the expansion of cloud-based systems into all parts of human life. Enterprise cloud security is a vital component in ensuring the long-term stability of cloud technology by instilling trust. In this paper, a fuzzy-based method and firefly optimization algorithm are suggested for optimizing HR vulnerabilities while mitigating security expenses in organizational cloud environments. MATLAB is employed as a simulation tool to assess the efficiency of the suggested recommendation algorithm. The suggested approach is based on the firefly algorithm (FA) since it is swift and reduces randomization throughout the lookup for an optimal solution, resulting in improved performance.FindingsThe fuzzy-based method and FA unveil better performance than existing met heuristic algorithms. Using a simulation, all the results are verified. The study findings showed that this method could simulate complex and dynamic security problems in cloud services.Practical implicationsThe findings may be utilized to assist the cloud provider or tenant of the cloud infrastructure system in taking appropriate risk mitigation steps.Originality/valueUsing a fuzzy-based method and FA to maximize the covered HR vulnerabilities and minimize the security costs in the enterprise cloud is the main novelty of this paper.
The board effectiveness index and stock price crash risk
Authors: Wattanatorn Woraphon , Padungsaksawasdi Chaiyuth 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to use a new broad board effectiveness index, which has been created from several internal attributes of board of directors and to investigate the association of the overall index regarding stock price crash risk.Design/methodology/approachThe authors create a new board effectiveness index from a comprehensive set of board attributes, including the number of board meetings, the number of board attendances, the expertise of the directors, the size of the board and the number of independent directors, in order to test with the stock price crash risk by using panel regression models with fixed effects. The two-stage least squared regression ensures endogeneity issues.FindingsAn increase in board effectiveness index lowers firm-specific crash risk. Moreover, female directors enhance the board effectiveness.Originality/valueWith a new broad board effectiveness index, this paper is unique from other studies as the authors focus on the overall index rather than on a single dimension of board attributes.
Hit and miss: a comparison of targeted and randomised roadside drug testing (RDT)
Authors: Anderson Levi , Love Steven , Freeman James , Davey Jeremy 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis study first aimed to investigate the differences in drug driver detection rates between a trial of randomised and targeted enforcement operations. The second aim was to identify which indicator categories are most commonly used by police to target drug drivers and to assess the effectiveness of targeted drug testing. Finally, this study aimed to quantify what specific indicators and cues (of the overarching categories) triggered their decision to drug test drivers and which indicators were most successful.Design/methodology/approachThis research examined the detection rates in a trial comparison of randomised and targeted roadside drug testing (RDT) operations as well as the methods utilised by police in the targeted operations to identify potential drug driving offenders.FindingsVisual appearance was by far the most commonly utilised indicator followed by age, police intelligence on prior charges, vehicle appearance and behavioural cues. However, the use of police intelligence was identified as the most successful indicator that correlated with positive oral fluid testing results. During the randomised RDT operations, 3.4% of all drivers who were tested yielded a positive roadside oral fluid result compared to 25.5% during targeted RDT operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe targeted RDT approach, while determined to be an effective detection methodology, limits the overall deterrent effect of roadside testing in a more general driving population, and the need for a balanced approach to ensure detection and deterrence is required. This study highlights that by focussing on night times for randomised RDT operations and the identified effective indicators for targeted operations, an effective balance of deterrence and detection could be achieved.Practical implicationsWhile the presence of a single indicator is not indicative of a drug driver, this study highlights for police which indicators currently used are more effective at detecting a drug driver. As a result, police could adapt current RDT procedures to focus on the presence of these indicators to support drug driver detection.Originality/valueThis is a world-first study that examines both randomised and targeted roadside drug testing. This study controls for location and time of day while using the same police unit for roadside testing, thus is able to make direct comparisons between the two methodologies to determine the effectiveness of police targeting for roadside drug testing. Furthermore, this study highlights which indicators used by police results in the highest rate of positive roadside drug tests.
Great granny still ruling from the grave: Phenotypical response of plant performance and seed functional traits to salt stress affects multiple generations of a halophyte
Authors: Wang Zhaoren , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. , Yang Xuejun , Liu Guofang , Ye Xuehua , Huang Zhenying , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Environmental changes, for example, in rainfall and land use, lead to changes in the environment experienced by subsequent generations of plant species. Environmental conditions of maternal plants can influence the fitness and phenotypes of subsequent generations via non‐genetic mechanisms: transgenerational plasticity (TGP). However, relevant empirical evidence remains scarce and ambiguous. What are the adaptive consequences of TGP for plants in the face of environmental change? For how many generations does the TGP effect remain?

We tried to answer these questions by measuring life‐history traits and reproductive characteristics of progeny plants of the diaspore‐heteromorphic annual halophyte Atriplex centralasiatica in a 3‐year TGP experiment covering F0, F1 and F2 and partly F3. Plants from diaspore types A (low dispersal and high germination ability) and C (high dispersal and low germination ability) were grown in favourable versus stressful salinities over three generations in a fully factorial design.

Transgenerational plasticity of plants grown in favourable versus stressful salinities decreased from F2 → F1 → F0. Compared to the favourable condition, the stressful condition decreased the length of the vegetative period, increased the length of reproductive time, reproductive allocation and progeny diaspore size. Salinity tolerance and phenotypic plasticity were higher in plants from diaspore A than in those from diaspore C. In the stressful condition, plants produced less plant biomass, larger diaspores, a higher proportion of diaspore C, but lower proportion of diaspore A. Production of the proportion of diaspore C increased with increase in number of previous generations that experienced stress. The stress experience of the great‐great grandmother (F0) continued into the lower A:C ratio of the F3 diaspores.

Synthesis. Our findings provide evidence for the ‘escape strategy’ of A. centralasiatica: TGP could spread the risk of environmental adversity by delaying seed germination temporally and broadening seed dispersal spatially, thus allowing plants to cope with environmental heterogeneity. Specifically, the trade‐off in reproductive allocation between diaspores A and C enables plants to develop divergent strategies. New research should reveal the extent to which wide‐ranging taxa can benefit from TGP and whether even (great)‐great grandmother might be the starting point of TGP.
Disease influences host population growth rates in a natural wild plant–pathogen association over a 30‐year period
Authors: Zhan Jiasui , Ericson Lars , González‐Jiménez Jose , Burdon Jeremy J. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The epidemiological and demographic dynamics of plant–pathogen interactions in natural environments are strongly affected by spatial and temporal influences. Here we assess the interaction between Filipendula ulmaria and its rust pathogen Triphragmium ulmariae by analysing a 30‐year long dataset that has followed pathogen and plant population dynamics in a metapopulation of ~230 host patches growing on islands of the Skeppsvik archipelago in northern Sweden.

Over this period, the host metapopulation initially expanded in both number and size of individual patches before plateauing. In contrast, the pathogen metapopulation showed greater change. Disease incidence showed a convex pattern rising for the first decade before showing a marked decline in the last decade. At the same time, the prevalence of disease in infected populations showed a constant 30‐year long decline.

At the individual host population level, each population was annually classified into one of four inter‐year states: healthy, recolonization, extinction and diseased. Host populations that were healthy from 1 year to the next were significantly smaller than all other host population categories, while host populations in which disease was constantly present were significantly larger.

Host populations in which the pathogen underwent either an extinction or a recolonization event were of similar size and represented a measure of the host threshold size for long‐term pathogen survival.

Host population growth rates declined as disease levels increased. The growth rate of host populations in which disease was continuously present was 75% lower than in populations that were free disease.

The sensitivity of the association to climate change as demonstrated through a decline in disease incidence and prevalence and an increase in drought damage to plant populations as temperatures rise has only become apparent through analysis of an extensive long‐term dataset.

Synthesis. To date wild plant–pathogen studies have focused on the epidemiology of the pathogen and its effect on individual plant fitness. Here we have established a link to the impact of the pathogen on the long‐term dynamics of host populations. This has the potential to trigger a cascade of changes in the species composition and diversity of communities.
Microbial ecology of sulfur cycling near the sulfate–methane transition of deep‐sea cold seep sediments
Authors: Li Wen‐Li , Dong Xiyang , Lu Rui , Zhou Ying‐Li , Zheng Peng‐Fei , Feng Dong , Wang Yong 
Published: October 2021

SummaryMicrobial sulfate reduction is largely associated with anaerobic methane oxidation and alkane degradation in sulfate–methane transition zone (SMTZ) of deep‐sea cold seeps. How the sulfur cycling is mediated by microbes near SMTZ has not been fully understood. In this study, we detected a shallow SMTZ in three of eight sediment cores sampled from two cold seep areas in the South China Sea. One hundred ten genomes representing sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and sulfur‐reducing bacteria (SRB) strains were identified from three SMTZ‐bearing cores. In the layers above SMTZ, SOB were mostly constituted by Campylobacterota, Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria that probably depended on nitrogen oxides and/or oxygen for oxidation of sulfide and thiosulfate in near‐surface sediment layers. In the layers below the SMTZ, the deltaproteobacterial SRB genomes and metatranscriptomes revealed CO2 fixation by Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, sulfate reduction and nitrogen fixation for syntrophic or fermentative lifestyle. A total of 68% of the metagenome assembled genomes were not adjacent to known species in a phylogenomic tree, indicating a high diversity of bacteria involved in sulfur cycling. With the large number of genomes for SOB and SRB, our study uncovers the microbial populations that potentially mediate sulfur metabolism and associated carbon and nitrogen cycles, which sheds light on complex biogeochemical processes in deep‐sea environments.
Forensic analysis of anti‐forensic file‐wiping tools on Windows
Authors: AlHarbi Rayed , AlZahrani Ali , Bhat Wasim Ahmad 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper presents forensic analysis of anti‐forensic file‐wiping tools on the Windows platform. The goal is to identify and extract the evidence of the tools used to wipe files and the files wiped by them on the Windows operating system. To achieve this goal, we analyzed the changes made by these tools to metadata structures of Windows file systems during file wiping. We also analyzed Registry keys and .lnk files to collect the evidence. Our experiments used four file‐wiping tools (SecureDelete v1.0, Secure Eraser v5.2, PC Shredder v1.1, and Blank and Secure v5.88) to wipe files on three Windows file systems (FAT32, exFAT and NTFS). The results suggest that FAT32 and exFAT file system directory structures and $MFT entries of NTFS file system can confirm the use of wiping tools, identify these tools and provide the remnants of the wiped files. Also, $LogFile and $UsnJrnl files of NTFS file system, and Windows Registry keys provide detailed evidence of wiping tools used and the files wiped by them. We also found that the contents of resident and non‐resident alternate data streams, $LogFile and $UsnJrnl files, and Windows Registry keys are not wiped by these tools. Finally, this study makes many recommendations, highlights the limitations of the work and points out the future scope.
Antibacterial effects of extracted corn zein with garlic extract‐based nanoemulsion on the shelf life of Vannamei prawn (Litopenaeus vannamei) at refrigerated temperature
Authors: Rahnama Mahsa , Anvar Seyed Amirali , Ahari Hamed , Kazempoor Reza 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundLitopenaeus vannamei is one of the most perishable foods due to microorganism growth. Using essential oil‐based nanoemulsion as a biodegradable and edible coating can enhance the shelf life of shrimp at refrigerated temperature through retarding microbial growth compared to synthetic coatings.MethodsZein was extracted from 50 g dry milled corn with ethanol. Garlic essential oil was prepared by mixing with Tween 80. Nanoemulsion was prepared in an ultrasonic bath. DLS analysis, turbidity, and stability of nanoemulsions were performed. Radical scavenging activity, and total phenol content were done for evaluation of garlic essential oil and nanoemulsion. A 10% zein solution was prepared using ethanol 95% and glycerol plasticizer (2.5%). In the end, various microbial analysis, peroxide value, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) value, the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) values, and sensory evaluations of different shrimp samples were determined.ResultsCorn zein along with garlic‐based nanoemulsion, had a great impact on the TVB‐N, TBARS, and peroxide value (which indicated that z+24% garlic nanoemulsion group was the lowest among other groups on days 3, 7, and 14 (p < 0.05) as well as microbial properties (garlic EO nanoemulsion had significantly better antibacterial effectiveness compared to other groups (p < 0.05)), and sensory evaluation (the z+24% garlic nanoemulsion sample received a significantly higher score than other groups (p < 0.05)) of Litopenaeus vannamei.ConclusionsCorn zein nanoemulsion functioned as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, increasing the shelf life of Litopenaeus vannamei at refrigerated temperature.Practical ApplicationEmerging nanotechnology‐based approaches with no side‐effects on immune system of consumers plays a vital role in bioactive packaging, and on reduction of food spoilage or food poisoning in the transportation, exporting, and distribution stages of food products, especially marine‐based products with cold chain transportation. Additionally, it can reduce aquaculture and environmental risks due to the usage of chemical agents used in packaging. Our results showed that administration of a corn zein with nanoemulsion of garlic extract can prolong shelf life of Litopenaeus vannamei. The paper should be of interest to readers such as food microbiologists, aquaculture scientists, fisheries scientists, marine biologists, biomaterial scientists, food packaging industrialists, medical microbiologists, public health managers, and health system managers.
A study on the status of normoalbuminuric renal insufficiency among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A multicenter study based on a Chinese population
Authors: Jia Xiaomeng , Zang Li , Pang Ping , Jiang Lina , Du Jin , Gu Weijun , Ba Jianming , Mu Yiming , Lyu Zhaohui 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients with normoalbuminuria and a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) account for a considerable proportion of type 2 diabetes patients. The aim of this research was to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of normoalbuminuric kidney disease in a Chinese population.MethodsWe included 8131 diabetic patients from a multicenter prospective study in China. Based on eGFR and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR), participants were stratified into four groups—normal albuminuria, albuminuria, normoalbuminuria with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and albuminuria with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Clinical parameters and characteristics of patients with normoalbuminuria and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsA total of 1060 out of 8131 individuals with diabetes had decreased eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Normoalbuminuria accounted for 63.3% of participants with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria accounted for 30.1% and 6.3%, respectively. Patients with normoalbuminuria and reduced eGFR were more frequently male, older, and had higher levels of triglycerides than patients with normal albuminuria and eGFR. We also detected a correlation between lower extremity arterial disease, newly diagnosed diabetes, and normoalbuminuria‐reduced eGFR. Compared with participants with both albuminuria and eGFR decline, those with normoalbuminuria had better metabolic indicators, including systolic blood pressure and glycosylated hemoglobin, and shorter diabetes duration. Even in the normal range, UACR has a significant correlation with the risk of eGFR insufficiency.ConclusionsNormoalbuminuric renal insufficiency, characterized by male sex, older age, a higher level of triglyceride levels, and a higher risk of lower extremity arterial disease, accounted for a dominant proportion of diabetic patients with eGFR decline.
Methods for testing publication bias in ecological and evolutionary meta‐analyses
Authors: Nakagawa Shinichi , Lagisz Malgorzata , Jennions Michael D. , Koricheva Julia , Noble Daniel W. A. , Parker Timothy H. , Sánchez‐Tójar Alfredo , Yang Yefeng , O'Dea Rose E. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Publication bias threatens the validity of quantitative evidence from meta‐analyses as it results in some findings being overrepresented in meta‐analytic datasets because they are published more frequently or sooner (e.g. ‘positive’ results). Unfortunately, methods to test for the presence of publication bias, or assess its impact on meta‐analytic results, are unsuitable for datasets with high heterogeneity and non‐independence, as is common in ecology and evolutionary biology.

We first review both classic and emerging publication bias tests (e.g. funnel plots, Egger's regression, cumulative meta‐analysis, fail‐safe N, trim‐and‐fill tests, p‐curve and selection models), showing that some tests cannot handle heterogeneity, and, more importantly, none of the methods can deal with non‐independence. For each method, we estimate current usage in ecology and evolutionary biology, based on a representative sample of 102 meta‐analyses published in the last 10 years.

Then, we propose a new method using multilevel meta‐regression, which can model both heterogeneity and non‐independence, by extending existing regression‐based methods (i.e. Egger's regression). We describe how our multilevel meta‐regression can test not only publication bias, but also time‐lag bias, and how it can be supplemented by residual funnel plots.

Overall, we provide ecologists and evolutionary biologists with practical recommendations on which methods are appropriate to employ given independent and non‐independent effect sizes. No method is ideal, and more simulation studies are required to understand how Type 1 and Type 2 error rates are impacted by complex data structures. Still, the limitations of these methods do not justify ignoring publication bias in ecological and evolutionary meta‐analyses.
Using inferred valuation to quantify survey and social desirability bias in stated preference research
Authors: Entem Alicia , Lloyd‐Smith Patrick , Adamowicz Wiktor ( Vic) L. , Boxall Peter C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractStated preference methods remain the only means capable of estimating non‐use values yet can suffer from many types of well‐known biases. We construct an approach to identify the role of social desirability bias, relative to other potential survey biases, using a stated preference survey for improving the status of species at risk. The survey respondents were asked how they would vote, how they think their fellow survey participants would vote, as well as how they think people in their region would vote in an actual referendum. We find that willingness‐to‐pay estimates for public good (passive use) values differ across these vote question types. Our results demonstrate how stated preference practitioners can use multiple referent groups to help disentangle social desirability bias from other survey biases.