bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meaningfulness at work: role of distributive justice, managerial respect and work self-efficacy
Authors: Peng Jiamin , Chen Liwen , Yang Xiaoyun , Xie Lishan 
Published: February 2024

PurposeDrawing on signaling theory and the “signal transmission–interpretation–feedback” framework, this study explores the effects of perceived distributive justice and respect from managers on nurses' work meaningfulness and work effort in public hospitals in China and examines the moderating role of work self-efficacy.Design/methodology/approachWe collected 341 paired questionnaires for nurses and managers from four public hospitals in China. The data were analyzed by structural equation modeling and hierarchical regression analysis.FindingsDistributive justice and managers' respect for employees are positively related to work meaningfulness. Additionally, work self-efficacy negatively moderates this relationship. Work meaningfulness is positively related to work effort and fully mediates the relationships between perceived distributive justice and respect from the manager and work effort.Practical implicationsThis study provides useful insights for healthcare organizations to improve nurses' work meaningfulness from the perspectives of their material and emotional needs, according to their work self-efficacy characteristics, thus promoting their work effort. The findings offer important guidance for improving the effectiveness of grass-roots human resources to cope with unpredictable situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis study focuses on the organization's environmental factors that affect the primary staff's work meaningfulness. Further, it analyzes the differences in signal interpretation among nurses with different work self-efficacy characteristics, thus providing new insights into work meaningfulness. Through manager–nurse pairing data, it reveals the important role of work meaningfulness in motivating work effort.
Home‐field advantage, N‐priming and precipitation independently govern litter decomposition in a plant diversity manipulation
Authors: Podzikowski Laura Y. , Duell Eric B. , Burrill Haley M. , Bever James D. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Litter decomposition facilitates the recycling of often limiting resources, which may promote plant productivity responses to diversity, that is, overyielding. However, the direct relationship between decomposition, k, and overyielding remains underexplored in grassland diversity manipulations.

We test whether local adaptation of microbes, that is, home‐field advantage (HFA), N‐priming from plant inputs or precipitation drive decomposition and whether decomposition generates overyielding. Within a grassland diversity‐manipulation, altering plant richness (1, 2, 3 and 6 species), composition (communities composed of plants from a single‐family or multiple‐families) and precipitation (50% and 150% ambient growing season precipitation), we conducted a litter decomposition experiment. In spring 2020, we deployed four replicate switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, litter bags (1.59 mm mesh opening), collecting them over 7 months to estimate litter k.

Precipitation was a strong, independent driver of decomposition. Switchgrass decomposition accelerated with grass richness and decelerated as phylogenetic dissimilarity from switchgrass increased, suggesting decomposition is fastest at ‘home’. However, decomposition slowed with switchgrass density. In plots that contained switchgrass, we observed no relationship between decomposition and fungal saprotroph dissimilarity from switchgrass. However, in plots without switchgrass, decomposition slowed with increasing saprotroph dissimilarity from switchgrass. Combined these findings suggest that HFA is strongest when closely related neighbours, that is, heterospecific neighbours, are present in the community, rather than other individuals of the same species, that is, conspecifics. Legumes accelerated decomposition with more litter N remaining in those plots, suggesting that N‐inputs from planted legumes are priming decomposition of litter C. However, decomposition and overyielding were unrelated in legume communities. While in grass communities, overyielding and decomposition were positively related and the relationship was strongest in plots with low densities of switchgrass, that is, with heterospecific neighbours.

Combined these findings suggest that plant species richness and community composition stimulate litter decomposition through multiple mechanisms, including N‐priming, but only HFA from local adaptation of microbes on closely related species correlates with overyielding, likely through resource recycling. Our results link diversity with ecosystem processes facilitating above‐ground productivity. Whether diversity loss will affect litter decomposition, productivity or both is contingent on resident plant traits and whether a locally adapted soil microbiome is maintained.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Post‐mortem formation of ethanol: Is 1‐propanol a reliable marker? A proof‐of‐concept study using an in vitro putrefactive environment setup
Authors: Pigaiani Nicola , Musile Giacomo , Scott Karen S. , Dye Daniel W. , Ausania Francesco , Davis Gregory G. , Bortolotti Federica 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEthanol is the psychoactive substance identified most frequently in post‐mortem specimens. Unfortunately, interpreting post‐mortem ethanol concentrations can be difficult because of post‐mortem alcohol redistribution and the possibility of post‐mortem alcohol neogenesis. Indeed, in the time interval between death and sample collection, the decedent may be exposed to non‐controlled environments for an extended period, promoting microbial colonization. Many authors report that in the presence of carbohydrates and other biomolecules, various species of bacteria, yeast, and fungi can synthesize ethanol and other volatile substances in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to study the impact of several variables on microbial ethanol production as well as develop a mathematical model that could estimate the microbial‐produced ethanol in correlation with the most significant consensual produced higher alcohol, 1‐propanol. An experimental setup was developed using human blood samples and cadaveric fragments incubated under strictly anaerobic conditions to produce a novel substrate, “cadaveric putrefactive blood” mimicking post‐mortem corpse conditions. The samples were analyzed daily for ethanol and 1‐propanol using an HS‐GC‐FID validated method. The formation of ethanol was evaluated considering different parameters such as putrefactive stage, blood glucose concentration, storage temperature, and storage time. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney non‐parametric test and simple linear regression. The results indicate that the early putrefactive stage, high blood glucose concentration, high temperature, and time of incubation increase microbial ethanol production. In addition, the developed mathematical equation confirms the feasibility of using 1‐propanol as a marker of post‐mortem ethanol production.
Ester‐related volatile compounds reveal the diversity and commonalities of different types of late‐ripening peaches
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Liu Chunsheng , Wu Junkai , Xiao Xiao , Zhang Libin , Chen Caixia , Wilson Annette S. , Song Fuhang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo recognize the key ester‐related volatile compounds, 5 types of peaches including 54 late‐ripening peach materials were examined by headspace solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and E‐nose. Here, a large number of esters were identified to be released by ripe peach fruits and were mainly characterized by fruity, green, and fatty notes. The variety and content of esters had greatly changed within or between cultivars, indicating that the fruit volatiles were highly differentiated depending on the specific genotypes and cultivation conditions. The ester types showed that fatty acid‐derived C6 alcohols and methyl‐/ethyl‐ short‐chain alcohol were the main ester precursors, which were more likely to be utilized and well selected by alcohol acyltransferases, whereas the preference of acyl donors was not observed. The common peach type, which exhibited a unique volatile profile, displayed broader diversity and more abundant characteristics in ester‐related volatiles than the other four types. A total of 19 key esters were identified as the main components and the content of most esters showed no significant difference among different peach types. Some key esters had even been enriched in nectarines. Moreover, the multiple discriminant analysis revealed a possible relationship between peach types and the domestication of the peach evolution. This study investigated ester‐related volatiles released by different types of peach fruits and can be further used to evaluate the peach qualities, providing an important reference for peach breeding and processing.
Evaluation of structure, quality, physicochemical properties, and phenolics content of pea proteins: A novel strategy through the incorporation of fermentation
Authors: Al‐Qaisi Ali , Alrosan Mohammad , Almajwal Ali Madi , Gammoh Sana , Alu'datt Muhammad H. , Kubow Stan , Tan Thuan‐Chew , Mahmood Ammar A. Razzak , Qudsi Farah R. Al 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe utilization of pea proteins (PPs) is limited due to their relatively low protein digestibility (∼81%) compared to animal‐based proteins, such as whey. The present investigation involved the fermentation of PPs at a concentration of 1% (w/v) using 5% (w/v) water kefir for 60 h at 25°C to improve the functional properties of PPs. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in lactic acid and acetic acid production during fermentation. These findings suggest that PPs can be effectively fermented using water kefir as a starter culture for the increased protein digestibility of PPs. The PP conformation underwent modifications, including secondary and tertiary protein structure alterations. The total phenolic compounds increased throughout the fermentation, reaching around 695.32 ± 15 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g after 24 h of fermentation. Furthermore, the fermentation process has culminated in significant (p < 0.05) changes in the surface charge and hydrophobic properties of the fermented PPs, from −38.1 to −45.73 and 362.7 to 550.2, respectively. Fermentation using water kefir is a promising technique for improving the digestibility, protein structure, and nutritional values of PPs.
The impact of fullerenol nanoparticles on the growth of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins production in vitro and in corn flour
Authors: Živančev Jelena , Bulut Sandra , Kocić‐Tanackov Sunčica , Jović Danica , Fišteš Aleksandar , Antić Igor , Djordjevic Aleksandar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAntifungal and antimycotoxigenic activity of fullerenol nanoparticles (FNPs) were investigated on Aspergillus flavus growth isolated from a real food sample and aflatoxins (AFs) (AFB1 and AFB2) production. The final FNPs concentrations in in vitro and in commercial corn flour after the stationary incubation period of 7 and 14 days were in the range 0.16–80 µg/mL and 0.16–80 µg/g, respectively. Nanocharacterization of FNPs revealed an average size of 5–20 nm and a zeta potential of −35 mV. The highest degree of A. flavus mycelium growth inhibition (28%) after 7 days was observed for applied FNP concentration of 8.0 µg/mL, while after 14 days FNP concentration of 0.32 µg/mL led to the maximal inhibition of A. flavus mycelium growth (36%). Spearman's correlations analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between AFB1 and AFB2 concentrations in YES broth after 7 (R = 0.994, p < 0.05) and 14 days (R = 0.976), as well as between AFs concentrations and A. flavus mycelium mass after 7 (R = 0.786 for AFB1 and R = 0.766 for AFB2) and 14 days (R = 0.810 for AFB1 and R = 0.833 for AFB2). Paired samples t‐test showed the existence of a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the produced AFs concentrations after the incubation of 7 and 14 days. Regarding the artificially inoculated corn flour the lower applied FNP concentrations (0.16–0.8 µg/g) achieved a reduction of AFB1 up to 42% and 60% after 7 and 14 days, respectively.
Flavor formation of tilapia byproduct hydrolysates in Maillard reaction
Authors: Qiu Dan , Gan Ruiqing , Feng Qiaohui , Shang Wenting , He Yanfu , Li Chuan , Shen Xuanri , Li Yongcheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Maillard reaction (MR) of tilapia byproduct protein hydrolysates was investigated for the use of byproduct protein as a food ingredient and to mask its fishy odor and bitter flavor. The flavor differences in tilapia byproduct hydrolysates before and after the MR were analyzed to explore the key flavor precursor peptides and amino acids involved in MR. The results suggested that eight key volatile substances, including 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, 2‐pentylfuran, hexanal, octanal, nonanal, (E)‐2‐decenal, decanal, and 1‐octen‐3‐ol contributed most to the MR products group (ROAV > 1). Ten volatile compounds, including 1‐octen‐3‐ol, hexanal, 2‐pentylfuran, 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, methyl decanoate, and 2‐octylfuran, were the flavor markers that distinguished the different samples (VIP > 1). The four most consumed peptides were VAPEEHPTL, GPIGPRGPAG, KSADDIKKAF, and VWEGQNIVK. Umami peptides and bitter free amino acids (FAAs) were the key flavor precursor peptide and FAAs, respectively. Overall, the hydrolysates of tilapia byproducts with flavor improved by MR are a promising strategy for the production of flavorings.
Benefits of isochoric freezing for carrot juice preservation
Authors: Bilbao‐Sainz Cristina , Olsen Carl , Chiou Bor‐Sen , Rubinsky Boris , Wu Vivian C. H. , McHugh Tara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIsochoric freezing (IF) at −5°C/77 and −10°C/100 MPa was used to preserve carrot juice for 12 weeks. The juice qualities were compared to those using heat treatment (HT) at 95°C for 15 s followed by cold storage at 4°C. The native population of total aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and molds in isochoric frozen juice remained below the detection limit for 12 weeks. In comparison, microbes started to grow in heat‐treated juices after 3 weeks of refrigeration. The color of isochoric frozen juice appeared more deep orange than the fresh juice due to an increase in carotenoid extractability. IF was not effective in reducing the activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and pectin methyl esterase compared with HT. However, the isochoric samples showed higher carotenoid content, polyphenol content, and antioxidant capacity compared to the fresh and heat‐treated juices.Practical ApplicationIsochoric freezing was used to produce carrot juice with extended shelf life. Isochoric freezing could be a beneficial alternative to conventional heat treatment for carrot juice processing as the applied pressures reached total inactivation levels of spoilage microorganisms. Moreover, the low processing temperatures better retained desirable compounds and quality attributes of fresh juice throughout its shelf life.
Elevated temperature extraction of β‐carotene from freeze‐dried carrot powder into sunflower oil: Extraction kinetics and thermal stability
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Oruna‐Concha Maria Jose , Balagiannis Dimitris P. , Niranjan Keshavan 
Published: February 2024

Abstractβ‐Carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, can alleviate the deficiency of this vitamin prevalent worldwide. Earlier research studies have addressed the extraction of β‐carotene at relatively low temperatures (up to 70°C) due to its perceived instability at higher temperatures, as a result of which extraction rates recorded are relatively low. This study models the net rate of β‐carotene extraction by considering both extraction and degradation kinetics. The model developed, which accounts for degradation occurring in solid and extract phases, has been experimentally validated for the extraction of β‐carotene from freeze‐dried carrot powder into sunflower oil over a range of temperatures 90–150°C. This study also gives insights into the application of sunflower oil as a carrier for β‐carotene during cooking and food processing, by monitoring and modeling the thermal degradation and isomerization of β‐carotene at temperatures up to 220°C. The modeling of extraction kinetics shows that it is possible to achieve viable extraction rates by employing temperatures in the range (90–150°C) for relatively short times (<5 min). The degradation kinetics shows that almost 75% of the β‐carotene can survive heating at 180°C for 10 min—indicating the possibility of using β‐carotene enriched edible oils for frying. This study also reports on the formation of three isomers of β‐carotene identified using HPLC: trans‐, 9‐cis, and 13‐cis. The reaction network model developed in this study was able to account for the transient variation of the concentration of all three isomers.Practical Applicationβ‐Carotene is a precursor of vitamin A and its consumption can potentially alleviate the deficiency of this vitamin prevalent worldwide. This study validates a model for the extraction of β‐carotene in sunflower oil, which takes into account extraction as well as degradation occurring during extraction, so that a rational method is available for the design of efficient extractors for this purpose. This paper also establishes the thermal stability of β‐carotene under frying conditions by quantifying its thermal degradation as well as isomerization.
Predicting downstream transport distance of fish eDNA in lotic environments
Authors: Pont Didier 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) is an effective tool for describing fish biodiversity in lotic environments, but the downstream transport of eDNA released by organisms makes it difficult to interpret species detection at the local scale. In addition to biophysical degradation and exchanges at the water–sediment interface, hydrological conditions control the transport distance. A new eDNA transport model described in this paper considers downstream retention and degradation processes in combination with hydraulic conditions and assumes that the sedimentation rate of very fine particles is a correct estimate of the eDNA deposition rate. Based on meta‐analyses of available studies, the particle size distribution of fish eDNA (PSD), the relationship between the sedimentation rate and the size of very fine particles in suspension, and the influence of temperature on the degradation rate of fish eDNA were successively modelled. After combining the results in a mechanistic‐based model, the eDNA uptake distances (distance required to retain 63.21% of the eDNA particles in the riverbed) observed in a compilation of previous experimental studies were correctly simulated. eDNA degradation is negligible at low flow and temperature but has a comparable influence to background transfer when hydraulic conditions allow a long uptake distance. The wide prediction intervals associated with the simulations reflect the complexity of the processes acting on eDNA after shedding. This model can be useful for estimating eDNA detection distance downstream from a source point and discussing the possibility of false positive detection in eDNA samples, as shown in an example.
Towards a replacement therapy for stimulant betel quid dependence: A proof of concept study
Authors: Osborne Peter G. , Pasupuleti Ragavendra Rao , Lee Chien‐Hung , Ponnusamy Vinoth Kumar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStimulant betel quid (SBQ) containing Piper betle leaf (L), green unripe Areca catechu nut (AN) and the alkalizing agent, slaked lime, is an addictive, carcinogenic stimulant, with no pharmacotherapy, chewed by millions of people in the Asia/Pacific region. We compared the in vivo physiological profile of chewing (1) non‐stimulant P. betle leaf+AN (LAN), (2) SBQ utilizing slaked lime and (3) a novel SBQ utilizing Mg(OH)2, as an alkalizing agent, by measuring physiological parameters of intoxication and these were correlated with in vitro levels of alkaloids measured by UHPLC–MS/MS. Chewing LAN, which contains high levels of arecoline, had no stimulatory physiological effect. Chewing SBQ containing slaked lime or novel SBQ containing Mg(OH)2, induced equivalent stimulatory physiological responses. In vitro, slaked lime hydrolyzed muscarinic esters in LAN while Mg(OH)2 did not. The physiological stimulation induced by chewing both SBQ and the lack of physiology to chewing LAN can be explained by changes in lipid solubility of phytochemicals induced by mouth pH during chewing of basic SBQ or acidic LAN. Since antiquity people have added slaked lime to SBQ to enhance absorption of phyto‐chemicals across oral membranes to stimulate physiology. The same physiological changes can be induced by substituting slaked lime for less physically and chemically destructive bases. If attitudes regarding SBQ dependence can advance towards the more progressive attitudes already used to help smokers quit tobacco, modern chemistry has the potential to make chewing SBQ safer and quitting programs may become more accessible and efficacious.
Speculating about genocide: The Queensland frontier 1859–1897
Authors: Finnane Mark , Richards Jonathan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the colonisation of Queensland, Australia it is commonly accepted that large numbers of Indigenous people were killed in the second half of the nineteenth century. Calculations of violent mortality have recently been revised radically upwards. We suggest that the methodology deployed in these new studies is unreliable, reflecting errors in counting and calculation, as well as underestimating the selection bias of the samples. We caution against projecting aggregate violent mortality where the underlying data are so imperfect and emphasise the value of more detailed local and regional studies to inform better understanding of colonisation's impact on First Peoples.
Politics, economics and Native American conflicts
Authors: Anderson R. Warren 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUS military sources document more than 1800 conflicts of varying intensity between the United States and tribes from 1830 to 1897. Negative binomial and Tobit regressions both show that hostilities follow political and economic cycles. Politically, conflicts increased in recessionary election years, however, conflicts in non‐election recessionary years lack significant changes. The second major trend is the influence of three economic factors. After western states began to mine gold conflicts drastically increased. Conflicts likewise increased with the expansion of the railroad and with buffalo extinctions at the state level. While nineteenth century Americans had perpetual anti‐Indigenous sentiment, tribal persecution followed political and economic rationales.
CT‐based 3D reconstruction and basic anatomical analysis of the 3D anatomy of the air sac system in domestic birds
Authors: Petnehazy O. , Csoka A. , Fajtai D. , Echols S. , Donko T. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe complex anatomy of the avian respiratory system makes it necessary to broaden our knowledge using modern imaging and reconstructional possibilities. The visualization of these structures can be used for clinical situations, in research or as teaching aids in veterinary education. For this we generated 3D models from diagnostic imaging data (computed tomography [CT] scans) of birds. We describe in detail a repeatable method of animal preparation for scanning, data handling and image analysis. CT scans with varying slice thickness and resolution were obtained in prone and supine body positions to analyse air sac morphology and volume changes relative to posture or sexual dimorphism in birds. The resulting data were prepared and analysed using a reconstructional software (3D Slicer) based on manual and semi‐automatic labelling and subsequent 3D models of the air sac system were created. The terminology employed has been referenced from the Nomina Anatomica Avium, Second Ed.