bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intuitionistic fuzzy approaches-based structured framework for optimal maintenance policy decision in sugar mill
Authors: Panchal Dilbagh , Kushwaha Dinesh Kumar 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe purpose of the current work is to present an intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) concept-based structured framework for selecting the optimal maintenance policy in a sugar mill.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed framework utilizes IF concept based multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approaches, specifically IF-analytic hierarchy process (IF-AHP) and IF-Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (IF-TOPSIS). IF theory based MCDM approaches utilises the hesitation present in the maintenance experts to encounter the uncertainties/vagueness to much higher degree of accuracy in decision-making. The suggested framework is used to evaluate and select the optimal maintenance policy based on six different criteria namely safety factor, cost factor, maintenance factor, reliability, risk and added values.FindingsThe IF-AHP approach has been employed to calculate the weights of the criteria and sub-criteria, while the IF-TOPSIS approach was utilized to rank the maintenance strategies. Based on the results, with a relative coefficient value of 0.7204, corrective maintenance (CM) is determined to be the best maintenance policy. For certifying the consistency of the recommended structured framework, sensitivity analysis (SA) has been also conducted.Research limitations/implicationsThe ranking results obtained from the analysis are provided to the maintenance management of the considered sugar mill for its further implementation and validation. The findings of this work are also applicable to all other sugar mill industries which are installed globally.Practical implicationsThe analysis results has been supplied to the maintenance manager of considered sugar mill industry. The implementation policy of the results will be shared with the higher management and hence once implemented the results could be tested and verified.Originality/valueThe developed framework so implemented to the considered sugar mill industry is original in nature. Also, consideration of hesitation effect in the collected raw data under the developed framework provide more authenticated decision results which proves to be useful in achieving higher availability and profitability of the industry.
Board gender diversity and ESG performance: the moderating role of earnings volatility in Australian publicly listed firms
Authors: Yasin Mesfin Yemer 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether board gender diversity has improved and influence environment, social and governance (ESG) performance. It also explores whether firm earning volatility moderates the relationship between board gender diversity and ESG performance.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses 907 final firm-year observations of public firms listed on the Australian Securities Exchange from 2010 to 2023.

Findings
The findings show that women’s representation on board has improved following the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) amendment and is significantly associated with higher ESG performance; however, firm earning volatility weakens the positive influence of women directors on ESG performance. The results remained the same even after addressing potential endogeneity concerns and are robust across (1) alternative proxies, (2) dynamic, (3) two-step system generalized methods of moments and (4) difference-in-differences model.

Practical implications
In addition, the findings of this study offer important practical implications for investors to focus on companies with higher female representation on their boards and demonstrating strong financial stability. It also has important practical implications for policymakers in understanding the importance of considering the time required to achieve meaningful board diversity and sufficient financial resources to meet the expectations of ASX recommendations and principles.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the academic literature by providing empirical evidence of how firm earning volatility affects the relationship between board gender diversity and ESG performance. Notably, the author identifies the previously unexplored moderating role of firm earnings volatility in this relationship. The result underscores the importance of stable financial conditions for maintaining the positive influence of board gender diversity on corporate sustainable practices.
Interplay between CSR, female director, promoter ownership and firm performance: a resource orchestration theory perspective
Authors: Pant Pushpesh , Yadav Rohit , Vats Abhinav 
Published: February 2025

PurposeBuilding on resource orchestration theory (ROT), this study assesses the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance considering the influence of female director representation and ownership structure.Design/methodology/approachThis study has employed secondary panel data on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) listed Indian firms. Fixed-effect models are applied to estimate our regression models. Additionally, the study employs models with robust standard errors to correct for heteroscedasticity.FindingsThe findings reveal that the performance effect of CSR is insignificant. However, the presence of female director representation positively moderates this relationship and, therefore, highlights the effectiveness of CSR in gender-diverse boards. Moreover, promoter ownership positively moderates the CSR–performance relationship, and thus, indicates promoters' long-term strategic interests in CSR initiatives.Originality/valueBuilding on ROT, this research investigates the CSR–performance relationship dynamics, emphasizing the roles of female director representation and promoter ownership, particularly in the emerging market contexts. Moreover, it deepens our understanding of the CSR–performance relationship by utilizing secondary panel data from BSE listed Indian firms.
Millennials' perspectives: motivations for co-living in a developing nation
Authors: Tan Teck Hong , Toh Evelyn Bee Hwa 
Published: February 2025

PurposeRapid urbanization and the widening disparity between household income and housing costs have made co-living a practical alternative that significantly lowers living costs through economic sharing. This study aims to examine the determinants influencing millennials' motivations to rent co-living housing, including economic, locational, physical and psychological factors.Design/methodology/approachAn online self-administered questionnaire was used to examine these determinants using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), with a purposive sampling of 208 millennial tenants. In addition, a focus group was organized to capture the opinions of ten participants in depth.FindingsThe results revealed that physical, economic and locational attributes significantly impact millennials' motivations to rent co-living housing. While psychological flexibility may not directly predict motivations, it does exhibit an indirect relationship with co-living motivations through the mediating influence of locational and economic factors.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides valuable insights to co-living service providers on how to design suitable living arrangements that cater to the demands of millennials in urban areas.Originality/valueThe field of co-living receives less attention compared to traditional home purchasing in developing countries. This study aims to provide insights into millennial tenants’ preferences for co-living, shedding light on their perceptions of this emerging housing trend in Malaysia.
Geopolitical risk and gold price bubbles
Authors: Zhou Haonan , Liang Chao 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between geopolitical risk (GPR) and gold price bubbles to determine whether rising GPR can drive deviations in the fundamental value of gold, thus leading to speculative bubbles.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a data set that spans from January 2002 to December 2023 and covers both GPR data and gold price data, this study applies the log-periodic power law singularity (LPPLS) model to identify gold price bubbles. The analysis explores the effects of GPR and its sub-indices – geopolitical risk–acts (GPRA) and geopolitical risk–threats (GPRT) – on gold price bubbles. The causal relationships are examined through logistic regression, Tobit modelling and machine learning, with a focus on different countries, including major gold producers and consumers.

Findings
The results indicate a significant relationship between GPR and gold price bubbles, particularly with GPRA, which exerts a stronger influence than GPRT does. Peaks in GPR often align with the formation of gold price bubbles, both positive and negative. Additionally, geopolitical instability in Russia has a significant effect on US gold price bubbles.

Practical implications
The findings provide valuable insights for investors and policymakers by emphasizing the importance of GPR in shaping gold price dynamics. Investors are advised to consider the nuanced roles of GPRA and GPRT when using gold as a hedge during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.

Social implications
Understanding the role of GPR in gold price bubbles can help mitigate the financial risk associated with speculative bubbles, thereby offering a better framework for managing assets during geopolitical crises.

Originality/value
This study extends existing research by directly linking GPR with gold price bubbles via the LPPLS model, with a novel emphasis on the differentiation between GPRA and GPRT, providing new perspectives on the safe-haven role of gold during geopolitical uncertainty.
A MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor for tracing unmanned underwater vehicles
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Guochang , Li Haoxuan , Cheng Nuo , Kong Xiangzheng , Jia Licheng , Zhang Guojun , Zhang Wendong , Wang Renxin 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Currently, various detection technologies for unmanned underwater vehicles are highly susceptible to environmental impacts. Wake detection technologies have gradually gained attention and development. However, the clarity of detection results remains a challenge. This paper aims to present the design of a MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor. Compared to similar sensors, the MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor offers improved propeller wake measurement capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach
A MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor inspired by the fish lateral line system is designed. This paper discusses the working principle of the sensor. Finite element simulation is used to determine the optimal dimensions of the sensor’s sensitive chip and packaging structure. In addition, the wake environment is simulated for performance testing.

Findings
Flow velocity calibration test results confirm that the MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor exhibits high sensitivity, achieving 1727.6 mV/(m/s). Vector capability tests show that the data consistency in the same direction reaches 91.8%. The sensor demonstrates strong vector detection capability.

Practical implications
The MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor plays a critical role in the formation control of unmanned underwater vehicle fleets and target detection.

Originality/value
This study focuses on applications for unmanned underwater vehicles. It enhances the detection capabilities of unmanned underwater vehicles. This is of significant importance for future deep-sea target detection.
Risankizumab in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe palmoplantar pustulosis: Results from the randomized, phase 3 JumPPP study
Authors: Okubo Yukari , Murakami Masamoto , Kobayashi Satomi , Tsuji Shigeyoshi , Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Ikeda Kimitoshi , Jibiki Maiko , Neimark Ezequiel , Padilla Byron , Shen Jie , Peters Sydney , Terui Tadashi 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPalmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic, debilitating skin disease of the palms and/or soles. We report the efficacy and safety of risankizumab (RZB), an interleukin 23 p19 inhibitor, from the JumPPP study (a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study to evaluate RZB in adult Japanese sUbjects with Moderate‐to‐severe PalmoPlantar Pustulosis; NCT04451720). Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive RZB (150 mg) or placebo at weeks 0 and 4; all patients received RZB from week 16 to week 52 (patients initially randomized to RZB) or week 56 (patients initially randomized to placebo). The primary end point was a Palmoplantar Pustulosis Area and Severity Index (PPPASI) change from baseline; secondary end points were ≥50%/≥75% improvement in PPPASI (PPPASI 50/75) at week 16. Efficacy and safety were evaluated to 68 and 76 weeks, respectively. In total, 119 patients (RZB, n = 61; placebo, n = 58) were enrolled. Greater improvement with RZB versus placebo was demonstrated by the significant difference in PPPASI change from baseline at week 16 (least squares mean treatment difference, −3.48; p < 0.05). At week 16, a greater proportion of patients receiving RZB vs placebo achieved PPPASI 50 (41.0% vs 24.1%; nominal p < 0.05) but not PPPASI 75 (13.1% vs 15.5%; nominal p = 0.74). Improvements generally continued through to week 68. The safety profile was generally consistent with previous studies of RZB in psoriasis. RZB demonstrated efficacy over placebo at week 16 in Japanese patients with PPP, with improvements sustained through to week 68, and was well tolerated with no unexpected safety findings.
High Quality Diet Enhances Immune Response and Affects Gene Expression During Viral Infection in an Insect Herbivore
Authors: Yoon Su'ad A. , So Kevin , Harrison Joshua G. , Shastry Vivaswat , Urie Katherine , Gompert Zach , Miura Pedro , Smilanich Angela M. , Forister Matthew L. , Chaturvedi Samridhi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHerbivorous insects tolerate chemical and metabolic variation in their host plant diet by modulating physiological traits. Insect immune response is one such trait that plays a crucial role in maintaining fitness but can be heavily influenced by variation in host plant quality. An important question is how the use of different host plants affects the ability of herbivorous insects to resist viral pathogens. Furthermore, the transcriptional changes associated with this interaction of diet and viral pathogens remain understudied. The Melissa blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa) has colonised the exotic legume Medicago sativa as a larval host within the past 200 years. We used this system to study the interplay between the effects of host plant variation and viral infection on physiological responses and global gene expression. We measured immune strength in response to infection by the Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDV) in two ways: (1) direct measurement of phenoloxidase activity and melanisation, and (2) transcriptional sequencing of individuals exposed to different viral and host plant treatments. Our results demonstrate that viral infection caused total phenoloxidase (total PO) to increase and viral infection and host plant interactively affected total PO such that for infected larvae, total PO was significantly higher for larvae consuming the native host plant. Additionally, L. melissa larvae differentially expressed several hundred genes in response to host plant treatment, but with minimal changes in gene expression in response to viral infection. Not only immune genes, but several detoxification, transporter, and oxidase genes were differentially expressed in response to host plant treatments. These results demonstrate that in herbivorous insects, consumption of a novel host plant can alter both physiological and transcriptional responses relevant to viral infection, emphasising the importance of considering immune and detoxification mechanisms into models of evolution of host range in herbivorous insects.
Unraveling the Dynamics Between Motor Skill Competence, Physical Activity, Perceived Motor Competence, Health-Related Fitness, and Weight Status in Children: A Spiral of (Dis)Engagement?
Authors: den Uil Anne R. , Busch Vincent , Janssen Mirka , Scholte Ron H.J. 
Published: February 2025

The goal of this study was to expand knowledge on the longitudinal relationships between motor skill competence, physical activity, perceived motor competence, health-related fitness, and weight status and its age dependency in children between 6 and 11 years old. Participants were Dutch primary school children (N = 1,268 children, 49.4% boys and 50.6% girls) divided over three age groups, Group 1 (5.5–7.49 years), Group 2 (7.5–9.49 years), and Group 3 (9.5+ years). Measurements were done at baseline (T1) and 1 year later (T2). Structural equation modeling resulted in a final model with an excellent fit to the data, χ2(40) = 34,783, p = .704, root mean square error of approximation < .001, comparative-fit index = 1.000, standardized root mean square residual = .023. Results demonstrated that all variables showed significant autoregressive relationships over time, ranging between β = 0.3 (perceived motor competence, Group 1) and β = 0.9 (weight status, Groups 2 and 3). Furthermore, physical activity predicted motor skill competence (p < .05), but motor skill competence did not predict physical activity. The cross-lagged relationships did not change with age. Distinct pathways were identified for boys and girls. The key finding is that all variables are interrelated which supports the idea of a spiral of (dis)engagement. Hence, a multifaceted approach will be most beneficial to support the healthy development of children.
Identification and functional characterization of major gene
pcmfs
, controlling cap color formation in
Pleurotus cornucopiae
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xu Siyu , Li Yuting , Zhang QianQian , Wang Wei , Li Zhuang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Oyster mushrooms are grown commercially worldwide, especially in many developing countries, for their easy cultivation and high biological efficiency. Cap color is an important commercial trait for oyster mushrooms. Little is known about the genetic mechanism of the cap color trait in oyster mushrooms, which limits molecular breeding for the improvement of cap color-type cultivars. In this study, an important candidate gene,
pcmfs
, for cap color in the oyster mushroom
Pleurotus cornucopiae
was identified based on the results of QTL (quantitative trait loci) mapping and comparative transcriptome analysis of our previous research. The
pcmfs
gene belonged to major facilitator superfamily (MFS) and was localized to the cell membrane. Expression pattern analysis and overexpression experiment demonstrated that
pcmfs
played an important positive role in cap color formation, with high expression levels leading to dark cap color. To our knowledge, this is the first reported gene that may be involved in the melanin transport in edible fungi. The results will enhance our understanding of the genetic basis for cap color formation in oyster mushrooms, ultimately facilitating the targeted molecular breeding of this phenotypic trait.

IMPORTANCE

Oyster mushrooms are widely cultivated worldwide, particularly in developing countries, owing to their straightforward cultivation requirements and high biological efficiency. Cap color represents a significant commercial trait of oyster mushrooms. Despite its significance, the genetic basis of this trait remains poorly understood, limiting progress in molecular breeding to diversify cap color variants. Bridging this knowledge gap could improve the market appeal and consumer satisfaction of these cultivars by facilitating targeted breeding strategies. In our previous research, a major QTL of cap color in oyster mushroom
P. cornucopiae
was mapped and DEGs (differentially expressed genes) between the dark strains and white strains were identified. Based on this, the candidate gene for cap color
pcmfs
was further mined. The
pcmfs
gene, belonging to the major facilitator superfamily (MFS), is localized to the cell membrane. Expression pattern analysis and overexpression experiments have shown that
pcmfs
plays a significant role in cap color formation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported gene that may be involved in the melanin transport in edible fungi. The results contribute to elucidate the genetic mechanisms governing cap color formation in mushrooms, advancing targeted molecular breeding for this trait.
The production of esters by specific sourdough lactic acid bacteria species is limited by the precursor concentrations
Authors: Pradal Inés , Weckx Stefan , De Vuyst Luc 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

The production of fruity esters by sourdough lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts has not been explored in detail. Moreover, the biosynthesis of esters by LAB species under conditions similar to those occurring during sourdough production is still questionable. Concerning yeasts, a genome mining of 75 genomes revealed a strain dependency of the presence of seven specific ester biosynthesis genes. Accordingly, PCR assays to detect these acetate (
ATF1
and
ATF2
) and ethyl ester (
EHT1
and
EEB1
) biosynthesis genes were developed and used to screen 91 strains of yeast species. Concerning LAB, a genome mining of 401 genomes revealed a species dependency of the presence of three esterase-encoding genes (
estA
,
estB
, and
estC
). A phenotypic analysis carried out with a selection of 10 strains of the LAB species
Companilactobacillus crustorum
,
Companilactobacillus nantensis
,
Companilactobacillus paralimentarius, Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis
,
Lactiplantibacillus xiangfangensis
,
Levilactobacillus zymae
, and
Limosilactobacillus fermentum
in a wheat sourdough simulation medium (WSSM) supplemented with ester precursor molecules ([higher] alcohols and fatty acids) revealed that their ester biosynthesis capacity was limited by the precursor concentrations. Ethyl acetate and ethyl lactate were produced by all strains, except for those of
Frul. sanfranciscensis
. These results suggested that one of the esterase-encoding genes considered could be implicated in the ethyl acetate and/or ethyl lactate biosynthesis. Overall, the ester biosynthesis capacity by LAB is of great interest in view of fruity flavor formation during sourdough and sourdough bread productions.

IMPORTANCE
The present study gave insights into the production of esters, which impart fruity flavors to fermented foods, by not only sourdough yeasts but also lactic acid bacteria. It showed that some lactic acid bacteria species can synthesize the esters ethyl acetate (sweet notes) and ethyl lactate (creamy notes) under specific conditions. The information gathered during the present study will enable sourdough bakers and companies from the bakery sector to get more information on how to produce sourdoughs that can add fruity notes to the final products after a rational screening and selection of potential starter culture strains.