bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Momentum-dependent quasiparticle properties of the Fermi polaron from the functional renormalization group
Authors: von Milczewski Jonas , Schmidt Richard
Published: September 2024

We study theoretically the lifetimes of attractive and repulsive Fermi polarons, as well as the molecule at finite momentum in three dimensions. To this end, we develop a technique that allows for the computation of Green's functions in the whole complex frequency plane using exact analytical continuation within the functional renormalization group. The improved numerical stability and reduced computational cost of this method yield access to previously inaccessible momentum-dependent quasiparticle properties of low-lying excited states. While conventional approaches like the non-self-consistent T-matrix approximation method cannot determine these lifetimes, we are able to find the momentum-dependent lifetime at different interaction strengths of both the attractive and repulsive polaron as well as the molecule. At weak coupling our results confirm predictions made from effective Fermi liquid theory regarding the decay of the attractive polaron, and we demonstrate that Fermi liquidlike behavior extends far into the strong-coupling regime where the attractive polaron and molecule exhibit a p4 momentum scaling in their decay widths. Our results offer an intriguing insight into the momentum-dependent quasiparticle properties of the Fermi polaron problem, which can be measured using techniques such as Raman transfer and Ramsey interferometry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Restoring Adiabatic State Transfer in Time-Modulated Non-Hermitian Systems
Authors: Arkhipov Ievgen I. , Minganti Fabrizio , Miranowicz Adam , Özdemir Şahin K. , Nori Franco
Published: September 2024

Non-Hermitian systems have attracted much interest in recent decades, driven partly by the existence of exotic spectral singularities, known as exceptional points (EPs), where the dimensionality of the system evolution operator is reduced. Among various intriguing applications, the discovery of EPs has suggested the potential for implementing a symmetric mode switch, when encircling them in a system parameter space. However, subsequent theoretical and experimental works have revealed that encirclement of EPs invariably results in asymmetric mode conversion; namely, the mode switching depends only on the winding direction but not on the initial state. This chirality arises from the failure of adiabaticity due to the complex spectrum of non-Hermitian systems. Although the chirality revealed has undoubtedly made a significant impact in the field, a realization of the originally sought symmetric adiabatic passage in non-Hermitian systems with EPs has since been elusive. In this work, we bridge this gap and theoretically demonstrate that adiabaticity, and therefore a symmetric state transfer, is achievable when dynamically winding around an EP. This becomes feasible by specifically choosing a trajectory in the system parameter space along which the corresponding evolution operator attains a real spectrum. Our findings, thus, offer a promise for advancing various wave manipulation protocols in both quantum and classical domains.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Topological boundary states in engineered quantum-dot molecules on the InAs(111)A surface: Odd numbers of quantum dots
Authors: Pham Van Dong , Pan Yi , Erwin Steven C. , von Oppen Felix , Kanisawa Kiyoshi , Fölsch Stefan
Published: September 2024

Atom manipulation by scanning tunneling microscopy was used to construct quantum dots on the InAs(111)A surface. Each dot comprised six ionized indium adatoms. The positively charged adatoms create a confining potential acting on surface-state electrons, leading to the emergence of a bound state associated with the dot. By lining up the dots into N-dot chains with alternating tunnel coupling between them, quantum-dot molecules were constructed that revealed electronic boundary states as predicted by the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model of one-dimensional topological phases. Dot chains with odd N were constructed such that they host a single end or domain-wall state, allowing one to probe the localization of the boundary state on a given sublattice by scanning tunneling spectroscopy. We found probability density also on the forbidden sublattice together with an asymmetric energy spectrum of the chain-confined states. This deviation from the SSH model arises because the dots are charged and create a variation in on-site potential along the chain—which does not remove the boundary states but shifts their energy away from the midgap position. Our results demonstrate that topological boundary states can be created in quantum-dot arrays engineered with atomic-scale precision.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Detection of diffusion anisotropy from an individual short particle trajectory
Authors: Takanami Kaito , Taniguchi Daisuke , Kuroda Masafumi , Enoki Sawako , Okada Yasushi , Kabashima Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2024

In parallel with advances in microscale imaging techniques, the fields of biology and materials science have focused on precisely extracting particle properties based on their diffusion behavior. Although the majority of real-world particles exhibit anisotropy, their behavior has been studied less than that of isotropic particles. In this study, we introduce a method for estimating the diffusion coefficients of individual anisotropic particles using short-trajectory data on the basis of a maximum likelihood framework. Traditional estimation techniques often use mean-squared displacement (MSD) values or other statistical measures that inherently remove angular information. Instead, we treated the angle as a latent variable and used belief propagation to estimate it while maximizing the likelihood using the expectation-maximization algorithm. Compared to conventional methods, this approach facilitates better estimation of shorter trajectories and faster rotations, as confirmed by numerical simulations and experimental data involving bacteria and quantum rods. Additionally, we performed an analytical investigation of the limits of detectability of anisotropy and provided guidelines for the experimental design. In addition to serving as a powerful tool for analyzing complex systems, the proposed method will pave the way for applying maximum likelihood methods to more complex diffusion phenomena.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Flame stabilization and emission reduction: a comprehensive study on the influence of swirl velocity in hydrogen fuel-based burner design
Authors: Paramasivam Prabhu , Obaid Sami Al , Balasubramanian Arun
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to numerically analyse a full-scale burner across a wide range of operating pressure conditions and determine the effect of swirl velocity on flame stabilization, flame holding and combustion performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a numerical analysis approach to investigate a three-dimensional full-scale burner. Modified governing equations are used to determine the effect of swirl velocity on flame stabilization and flame holding. The GR-Mech 3.0 chemical reaction mechanism is used to predict the combustion process. To validate the model, a grid independence study is performed.

Findings

The study reveals that swirl velocity enhances flame stability, resulting in better combustion rates. As the swirl velocity increases, higher flame temperatures are observed due to high convective heat recirculation. The heat transfer coefficient and high radiative extinction coefficient are found to vary based on fuel swirl velocity. The mass fraction of CH4 and CO emphasizes the role of swirl velocity on flame structure. Increasing velocity potentially improves combustion by delaying the process, leading to better combustion and lower emissions.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of swirl-stabilized combustion and can guide the development of advanced combustion technologies, making it a valuable addition to the existing combustion field.
How demographic and appearance cues of a potential social engineer influence trust perception and risk-taking among targets?
Authors: Abuelezz Israa , Barhamgi Mahmoud , Nhlabatsi Armstrong , Khan Khaled Md. , Ali Raian
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate how the demographics and appearance cues of potential social engineers influence the likelihood that targets will trust them and accept security risk.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online survey of 635 participants, including 322 participants from Arab countries and 313 participants from the UK. The survey presented scenarios with 16 personas who offered participants the use of their mobile internet hotspot. These personas were characterized by combinations of age (young vs aged), gender (male vs female), ethnicity (Arab vs UK) and look formality (casual vs formal). The study measured both participants’ offer acceptance and trust in the persona.

Findings

Results indicated a higher likelihood of offer acceptance from female and aged personas, as well as a greater trust in these groups. Arab participants showed a preference for personas with Arabian ethnic features. In both samples, trust and acceptance were influenced by the persona’s appearance, which was found to be gender-dependent; with female personas in casual attire and male personas in formal attire being trusted more in comparison to female with formal attire and male with informal, respectively.

Practical implications

Findings highlight the importance of incorporating awareness of appearance-based biases in cybersecurity training, suggesting the need for culturally sensitive training programs to enhance defense against social engineering.

Originality/value

This study distinguishes itself by elucidating the influence of social engineers’ demographic and appearance cues on the likelihood of individuals to take security risks, thus addressing a significant gap in the literature which has traditionally emphasized the profiles of targets.
What drives problematic Bitcoin investment behavior?: The role of financial literacy
Authors: Ryu Hyun-Sun
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Alongside its remarkable growth, problematic Bitcoin investment (BI) behavior and its associated negative consequences have become prevalent, and only a few studies have examined it. Therefore, this study aims to examine problematic BI behavior by investigating its specific antecedents and consequences and identifying which antecedents were more influential in it. In addition, we also examine the role of financial literacy on the relationship between the antecedents and problematic BI behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected survey data from 413 investors with Bitcoin investment experience in 2018, when a Bitcoin frenzy occurred. The partial least squares method was used to test the proposed research model.

Findings

The results show that prudent, negative urgency, overexpectation and sensation seeking are positively associated with problematic BI behavior, while restraint is negatively associated. Problematic BI behavior is negatively related to investor well-being. Our findings also indicate that both objective and subjective financial literacy moderate the relationship between the antecedents and problematic BI behavior. Four types of investors in terms of their objective and subjective Bitcoin knowledge show different patterns in the relationship between the antecedents and problematic BI behavior.

Originality/value

This study offers insights for researchers by providing a deeper understanding of the contextual antecedents of problematic BI behavior and the role of financial literacy in it. This study provides detailed implications for financial institutions, policymakers, and regulators to guide rational Bitcoin investment behaviors.
SME familiness and the use of external accountants as advisors: performance implications
Authors: Sırdar Kağan , Kiessling Timothy , Dabic Marina , Ateş Nüfer Yasin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Past research is mixed on family small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) use of external advisors and the limited empirical evidence is confined to developed markets. Drawing on the knowledge-based view of the firm, this research focuses on the “familiness” characteristic of SMEs and their use of external accountants as advisors in an emerging marketplace. Using internal resources for basic tasks is proposed to strengthen this relationship from a managerial cognition lens. Focusing also on SME internalization, this research probes the performance ramifications of using external accountants as advisors.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical regression is used to test the hypotheses. The mediation hypothesis is tested by bootstrapping the indirect effect. The interaction hypothesis is visualized with simple slope analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the familiness of SMEs is positively associated with the use of external advisors, and thereby, with high performance. SMEs with higher international exposure also use these external advisors to a greater degree. Family SMEs that have a focused use of internal resources for basic tasks benefit more from the use of external accountants for advising tasks.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on how family involvement in management influences firm performance, showing the moderating role of the use of internal advisors for basic tasks and the mediating role of the use of external accountants for advising. We add to the knowledge-based view by describing how family SMEs can utilize internal and external knowledge resources simultaneously.
The role of teachers’ direct and emotional mentoring in shaping undergraduates’ research aspirations: a social cognitive career theory perspective
Authors: Li Haojun , Xu Jun , Luo Yuying , Wang Chengliang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the influence of teachers on undergraduate students’ development of research aspirations and the mechanisms behind this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing social cognitive career theory, the study gathered data from 232 undergraduates, developed a structural equation model via the maximum likelihood method and executed empirical testing.

Findings

The findings reveal that neither direct nor emotional mentoring independently satisfies students’ needs for self-efficacy and aspiration in research nor significantly influences research interest. Specifically, the study demonstrates that (1) research self-efficacy, outcome expectations and research interest significantly shape research aspirations; (2) an overemphasis on direct mentoring might impede research aspiration development and (3) a focus on emotional mentoring, while overlooking direct mentoring, could result in diminished research self-efficacy.

Originality/value

This research pioneers a comprehensive analysis of the role of teachers in shaping undergraduate research aspirations through the lens of social cognitive career theory. It underscores the critical need to both balance mentoring approaches and foster intrinsic research motivation.
Emerging market dynamics: risk perceptions, perceived usefulness and E-pharmacy adoption
Authors: Assin T.J. Varghese , A. George Nimmy , Aboobaker Nimitha , P. Sivakumar
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Despite the digital penetration in the larger consumer market, the adoption of e-pharmacy services is reported to be very low in emerging economies like India. In this context, the purpose of the current study is to examine the influence of consumers’ risk perception on their intention to purchase medicines/pharmaceuticals through online pharmacies. Furthermore, the study seeks to understand to what extent the perceived usefulness of online pharmacy mediates the relationship between different dimensions of perceived risk and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted among a sample of 800 consumers in India who are familiar with online e-commerce. To ensure the homogeneity of the sample and hence the generalizations of results, inclusion criteria were set as not to include respondents who have made a prior purchase through e-pharmacy services. Self-reporting questionnaires were administered among the respondents, who were selected through a purposive and convenience sampling method. Measurement modeling and path analysis were done using IBM SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 24.0 to test the hypotheses and draw inferences.

Findings

Results revealed that consumers’ risk perceptions, such as financial, product, source and privacy risks, had a significant direct and indirect effect on their intention to purchase medicines through online pharmacies. India is the major universal provider of generic medicines. The insights gained from this study can help policymakers, corporates, consumers, distributors, retailers and marketing managers to frame effective strategies for improved usage of online platforms for procuring medications.

Originality/value

This study is pioneering in conceptualizing and testing a theoretical model linking consumers’ risk perceptions, perceived usefulness and intention to purchase through online pharmacies, particularly in the context of an emerging economy like India. Implications regarding facilitating and nurturing a conducive platform for online purchasing medicines and its outcomes are elaborated, thus striving to fill a gap in the existing literature. By examining the proposed framework through the lens of the technology acceptance model and theory of risk perception, this study seeks to add to the emergent literature on online pharmacies, especially in emerging economies with huge market potential.
Small independent retailers: digitalize or disappear? An empirical study based on dynamic capabilities
Authors: Bezes Christophe
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study analyzes how small French retailers are adapting their front-office to the digitalization of their business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative study focuses on dynamic capabilities of 27 independent French retailers, in a wide variety of sectors.

Findings

The digitalization of small retailers does not date from the pandemic health crisis. Small retailers are willing, agile and organized to make controlled progress, ranging from the visibility on social networks to online sales with its specific logistical constraints. Even if their presence on marketplaces is trickier to implement, it represents the culmination of the digitalization process, once their online store has been launched. The digital transformation of independent retailers should be less radical than for large retailers.

Research limitations/implications

By distinguishing between the concepts of adaptive, absorptive and innovative capabilities, this research highlights strong differences between small retailers, that is SMEs, and larger companies. In terms of adaptive capabilities, it confirms that small retailers are not embracing digitalization as a fad, but because of real changes in the market, and particularly in demand. In contrast to large companies, small retailers drive it more around external objectives linked to their intimate knowledge of changing customer behavior (customer centricity). In terms of absorptive capabilities, the success or failure of digital transformation weighs directly on the entrepreneur's shoulders, but is less hampered by technological legacy. Despite interviews only conducted in the Paris region, it converges with professional studies carried out on a larger scale in France. Its widespread use is certainly easier in countries at the same stage of commercial development.

Practical implications

In terms of innovative capabilities, independent retailers need to focus on four key areas: reinventing the in-store experience; increasing visibility on social networks; creating an online store; being present in one or two marketplaces or creating a common platform with other local merchants.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first to analyze the digital transformation experienced by small structures. It draws on the concept of dynamic capabilities, well-suited to technologically and commercially dynamic markets. It puts into perspective studies carried out in other countries on less diversified types of shops. Unlike other studies examining the front office, it does not exclude stores and SEO in marketplaces.
The pivotal role of higher education institutions in cultivating a sustainable development goals-centric culture
Authors: Cembranel Priscila , Gewehr Luiza , Dal Moro Leila , Fuchs Paulo Guilherme , Birch Robert Samuel , Andrade Guerra José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the contribution of higher education institutions (HEIs) to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and propose strategies to cultivate a culture centred on the SDGs in HEIs.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used encompassed an integrative literature review, combining bibliographic analysis on how HEIs incorporate the SDGs into their practices, adopting a qualitative approach for the analysis and categorization of the results.

Findings

The multifaceted contributions of HEIs in promoting the SDGs stand out, through their roles in teaching, research, management and integration and communication between university and society.

Research limitations/implications

While influencing policies at various levels, HEIs encounter challenges in the effective integration of SDGs into their strategies. This underscores the need for contextualized governance, understanding students’ perspectives on sustainability and active external collaboration in policy formulation.

Practical implications

There is an urgent need to integrate SDGs into academic programmes, emphasizing the importance of redesigning curricula, actively involving teachers, researchers and students, establishing partnerships and promoting research applied to SDGs.

Social implications

The social relevance of the study lies in the emphasis on an SDG-centred culture, involving teaching, research, outreach, community engagement and governance practices.

Originality/value

The study’s uniqueness lies in identifying persistent challenges during the transition to an SDG-centred culture, necessitating multisectoral collaboration and educational programmes that integrate sustainability principles into the strategy of HEIs.
Influence of surface texture on pocket pairs lubrication performance of cylindrical roller bearings
Authors: Li Xuying , Liu Yanbin , Huang Jie , Sang Deyu , Yang Kun , Ling Jinbo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to reveal the influence of the grooved texture parameters on the lubrication performance of circular pocket-roller pairs in cylindrical roller bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication mathematical model of the grooved texture circular pocket-roller pair was established, the finite difference method and successive over-relaxation method were used to solve the model, the influence of texture quantity, texture depth and texture area ratio on circumferential bearing capacity, friction coefficient, maximum temperature rise, stiffness and damping of the circular pocket-roller pairs were analyzed.

Findings

The results show that texture quantity, texture depth and texture area ratio significantly influence the static and dynamic characteristics of circular pocket-roller pairs. The suitable surface groove texture parameters can dramatically improve the circumferential bearing capacity, reduce the friction coefficient, inhibit the maximum temperature rise and increase the stiffness and damping of the circular pocket-roller pairs.

Originality/value

The research in this paper can provide a theoretical basis for the optimization design of pockets in cylindrical roller bearings to reduce friction and vibration.
Perceived identity threat and brand advocacy responses to different types of brand-related attacks
Authors: Liao Junyun , Chen Jiawen , Hu Yanghong , Filieri Raffaele , Feng Xiaoliang , Wang Wei
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Users frequently target rival brands through direct criticism or indirect customer insults, yet the impact of such attacks on brand advocacy remains unexplored. The purpose of this study is to classify online attacks into brand-targeted attacks and consumer-targeted attacks and further investigate their differential impacts on brand advocacy and the underlying mechanism and a boundary condition of those impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experimental studies using different types of brands (electronics, universities and sports footwear) are conducted to examine the effects of brand-related attack targets on brand advocacy.

Findings

This research shows that consumer-targeted attacks trigger higher brand advocacy through increasing perceived identity threat than brand-targeted attacks. Moreover, the effect of consumer-targeted attacks (versus brand-targeted attacks) on brand advocacy is mediated by perceived identity threat and mitigated when consumers’ identification with the attacked brand is strong.

Practical implications

The study’s findings yield practical applications for marketers and brand managers, assisting them in understanding consumers’ reactions to brand attacks. This study serves as a reference for firms to consider leveraging the association between brand identification and brand-related attack targets and uniting with loyal brand fans to manage online brand conflicts.

Originality/value

The present study extends prior literature on customer-brand relationships in the context of online attacks. Through investigating the impacts of brand-targeted and consumer-targeted attacks on brand advocacy, this research offers theoretical insights into consumers’ responses to online attacks with different targets.
Public interest or individual benefit: biased perception toward Chinese redistributive policies
Authors: Liu Tian , Shen Meng
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Redistributive policies aim to reduce income disparities and improve social equity. This study investigates whether redistributive effects that successfully diminish objective income inequality also effectively alter people’s perceptions of inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing data from the 2018 China Household Income Survey (CHIP), comprising 56,167 individuals, this study applies ordered probability regression (Oprobit) and ordinary least squares (OLS) for analysis. To address potential biases in estimates, we employed the generalized propensity score matching (GPSM) method to estimate the treatment effect of transfer income on perceptions of inequality.

Findings

The results indicate that while China’s redistribution policies effectively reduce income disparities, they do not improve perceptions of inequality. Individuals exhibit biased attitudes toward redistributive policies. Specifically, perceptions of inequality are insensitive to the overall redistributive effect; the relationship is negative among the poor but positive among the rich. This contradictory pattern may be attributed to perceived income losses among the rich and gains among the poor.

Social implications

The findings have important implications for policy development. Redistribution policies should not only aim to mitigate income disparities but also address and improve people’s perceptions of inequality.

Originality/value

Existing literature has largely overlooked the impact of redistribution on perceived income inequality. This study represents an early effort to explore whether redistributive policies that reduce income inequality also influence people’s perceptions of inequality.
How AI might transform the book
Authors: Fernandez Peter
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This column aims to explore how AI is being used to impact books and help them understand how it may develop in the near future. Exploring these possibilities will help information professionals better understand the ways in which this technology is already being developed to impact books, a technology near and dear to many libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This column discusses a series of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that are being used to change what books are. They include AI that adds context with the help of experts, AI that leverages the content of the book itself to create an interactive persona, and AI that makes books multi-modal either by adding narration and likely someday visuals inspired by the text.

Findings

Many of these transformations do not require breakthroughs in AI technology. Rather, they only require the application of existing technologies, layering on new interfaces and frameworks.

Originality/value

As a book evolves, libraries, who know their patrons’ needs, have expertise and often operate within ethical frameworks, have an opportunity to participate in the process.
Going farther, together: completing literacy professional development as peers
Authors: Cromwell Raven , Fleming Koral , Forshey Kaitlyn , Fleming Tim
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In the Fall of 2019, Marietta College and Marietta City Schools, in Marietta, Ohio, piloted a program to improve literacy knowledge and pedagogy through completing LETRS training, a two-year literacy professional development based on the science of reading, as peers.

Design/methodology/approach

This project was aligned to effective professional development research that states better trainings are content-specific, allow support and collaboration and are ongoing throughout the school year (Blank and de las Alas, 2009; Darling-Hammond, Hyler, and Gardener, 2017) and respect participants work/life schedules (Bigsby and Firestone, 2017).

Findings

Some benefits of this collaboration were that teachers, college faculty and teacher candidates were able to communicate more effectively about literacy because we all had shared background knowledge and spoke the same language when it came to literacy. We were also able to make more meaningful clinical experiences for our teacher candidates because we created a stronger connection between the knowledge and pedagogy taught in students’ literacy courses and the practices they saw in real classrooms. Inservice teachers saw the college faculty and teacher candidates as strong partners, which greatly strengthened our clinical preparation.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of stronger partnerships between teacher preparation program faculty and school partnership faculty and more authentic and meaningful clinical experiences for teacher candidates.

Originality/value

This project shows how meaningful partnerships and clinical experiences can be created when partnership faculty are seen as peers.
Function and watershed‐based stream mitigation: Lessons from a program development and implementation odyssey in the Western United States
Authors: Nadeau Tracie‐Lynn , Hicks Dana , Coulombe Robert A.
Published: September 2024

To improve the quality and success of compensatory mitigation under Clean Water Act Section 404, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency jointly promulgated regulations in 2008. These regulations promote the use of function assessments to determine appropriate compensatory mitigation to replace functions and services lost due to permitted impacts to aquatic resources and require a watershed approach to mitigation. The Oregon Removal‐Fill law, administered by the Department of State Lands, has similar requirements. Despite higher level policy, there is a paucity of scientific focus at the practical level needed to improve the tools and practices required for regulatory program implementation to achieve better mitigation outcomes, contributing to an implementation gap. By describing key challenges and specific solutions, we share lessons from a 15‐year interagency effort to develop and implement an integrated, function, and watershed‐based stream compensatory mitigation program in Oregon. We highlight the importance of an intentional process of engagement and change management and identify outstanding science and policy needs to improve stream compensatory mitigation programs and field‐scale outcomes.
Editorial: Emulsifiers and thickeners in our food—Do they alter gut permeability? Authors' reply
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jessica A. , Gibson Peter R. , Halmos Emma P.
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Fitzpatrick et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18172andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18222
Improvement of nonsurgical artificial insemination with cryopreserved spermatozoa in Alexandromys montebelli, Japanese grass vole
Authors: Okada Konosuke , Kageyama Astuko
Published: September 2024

Microtus genus is the herbivorous animal with multiple stomachs, and some of them possess a mating system similar to human and thereby has been expected as a model animal for the large herbivory and human mating system model, respectively. Thus, it is significant to maintain Microtus as an animal genetic resource. We have studied the establishment of assisted reproductive technologies in Alexandromys. montebelli (formerly as Microtus motebelli: A. motebelli), and here, we investigated the effects of hypotaurine treatment to frozen–thawed (FT) spermatozoa and modified timing of nonsurgical artificial insemination (AI) on the number of offspring. As the results, regardless of without or with hypotaurine treatment, when the timing of nonsurgical AI was made closer to the estimated ovulation time (at 7–9 h post coitus), the total number of offspring derived from FT spermatozoa (27 and 28 pups, respectively) increased compared with AI at 4–6 h (five and six pups, respectively) and was equivalent to those of fresh spermatozoa (43 pups) or natural mating (33 pups). These results will lead to further dissemination of nonsurgical AI and could support the “3R principle,” which is the standard philosophy of animal experiment because the procedure declines the stress and the recipient can be used repeatedly.
Connecting the dots in green food purchasing behavior literature: A system thinking approach for systematic literature reviews
Authors: Felicetti Alberto Michele , Linzalone Roberto , Filippelli Serena , Bigliardi Barbara
Published: September 2024

Recent years have been characterized by an ever‐growing interest in consumers' behavior while purchasing green food products. Although existing research has produced a great number of papers on this topic, the knowledge generated in the field appears fragmented and, in certain cases, ambiguous. The main reasons can be traced back to the lack of reference frameworks that clarify the most used concepts, thus providing a shared language in this research domain. Despite other literature reviews that have been carried out on the domain of green food purchasing behavior, these works mainly rely on narrative summaries and qualitative analyses, which can overlook the complexity and interdependencies inherent in this research domain. The complexity of interconnected factors within this research domain poses challenges in effectively understanding and representing the underlying dynamics. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes the use of a System Thinking based approach as a valuable method to provide a complete view of dynamics occurring in the green consumption behavior domain. In particular, we propose the integration of causal loop diagrams as a powerful visual tool to augment the conventional Systematic Literature Review process to provide a view at a glance of dynamics and capture the complex interdependencies occurring in a specific research domain. We carried out a systematic literature review by analyzing a set of 67 papers. We find nine relevant themes in the investigated research domain. Besides a descriptive picture of the scientific activity, a map of the main dynamics occurring in green food purchasing behavior has been provided.
Causal analyses in longitudinal observational studies in oral health: A scoping review
Authors: Dao An T. M. , Do Loc G. , Stormon Nicole , Dhanapriyanka Manori , Ha Diep H.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Causal analysis including causal inference and causal mediation is pivotal to inform effective interventions. In modern epidemilogy, causal analysis involves four key steps: formulating causal questions, employing directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), conducting data management and selecting statistical strategies. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review to assess how longitudinal observational studies (LOSs) in dental field have integrated these four steps to contribute leverage evidence that inform oral public health interventions.

Methods

LOSs focusing on determinants of dental caries published from 2012 to 2024 were systematically retrieved from five major databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute‐scoping review guidance and the Covidence application were employed to identify eligible LOSs for being reviewed.

Results

Out of the 85 eligible LOSs, none formulated causal hypothesis by applying ‘what if’ question or investigated mediation across three levels of the determinants of oral health. A minority (18 studies, ~21.2%) employed DAGs to visualise relationships among study variables, while only one third (33 studies, ~39%) clearly defined confounders. The majority (64 studies, ~75%) incorporated a time‐varying feature of their data, yet only a few (11 studies) fully leveraged this advanced aspect. Among these studies that fully utilised time‐varying data, more than half encountered challenges in employing robust statistics to address confounders arising from such data dynamics.

Conclusions

Dental LOSs have, to date, mostly focused on investigating associations over causality, often neglecting the four‐step causal analysis and not fully utilising time‐varying data. Researchers necessitate to shift their focus to causal inference and prioritise building capacity in causal analysis with a consistent four‐step approach to advance the field. Studies exploring mechanisms linking determinants of dental caries across levels and leveraging time‐varying data are strongly encouraged.
The need for a socioecological harm reduction approach to reduce illegal wildlife trade
Authors: Hübschle Annette , Margulies Jared
Published: September 2024

The burgeoning illegal trade in succulents in southern Africa presents a critical conservation and social development challenge. Drawing parallels with the trajectory of the response to rhinoceros poaching, we considered the consequences of conservation law enforcement measures, particularly the militarization of antipoaching efforts. The response to rhinoceros poaching not only resulted in so‐called green militarization, but also led to extrajudicial killings, human rights abuses, and the disproportionate targeting of low‐level poachers. The nature of wildlife trade prohibition is complex and often contested, and many actors operating in illegal wildlife trades dispute the label of illegal for socioeconomic, cultural, historical, or political reasons. This contestation is crucial when considering Indigenous cultural and medicinal values of succulents, with Indigenous Peoples and local communities questioning the criminalization of traditional plant harvesting practices. As the illegal trade in succulents continues to grow, it is imperative for conservationists to consider a nuanced approach. We call for a socioecological harm reduction approach that emphasizes community engagement, sustainable use, and codesigned interventions. Such an approach could help balance the scales of ecological conservation and human dignity in the face of growing wildlife trade challenges.
Financial speculation meets cultural heritage in China's wildlife markets
Authors: Zhu Annah Lake , Zhu George
Published: September 2024

Environmental regulations restricting the use of a natural resource or species often have unintended consequences. One example is prohibitions on the international trade in culturally important endangered wildlife. Trade restrictions may artificially increase scarcity and, consequently, value. In China, international trade restrictions may trigger bouts of speculative investment that have the opposite effect of the restrictions’ intent. We examined how China's speculative economy and cultural history have together led to unintended consequences when regulating wildlife trade. In China, wildlife markets occupy a legal gray area that can make regulations ineffectual or even counterproductive. In extreme cases, prohibiting trade can provoke market booms. Further unintended consequences include potential cultural backlash. In China and across the Global South, international trade restrictions are sometimes considered a continuation of a longstanding history of Western intervention and thus may not be enforced as strongly or may generate resentment. This pushback has contributed to rising calls to decolonialize conservation and may lead to growing alliances between China and other Global South countries when negotiating international wildlife trade restrictions in the future.
Navigating ethical challenges in online wildlife trade research
Authors: Morcatty Thais Q. , Su Shan , Siriwat Penthai , Andersson Astrid Alex , Atoussi Sadek , Feddema Kim , Henriques Sergio , Janssen Jordi , Karve Anushri , Pytka Jennifer , Thompson Ruth M. , Nijman Vincent , Wright Joss , Roberts David L.
Published: September 2024

The surge in internet accessibility has transformed wildlife trade by facilitating the acquisition of wildlife through online platforms. This scenario presents unique ethical challenges for researchers, as traditional ethical frameworks for in‐person research cannot be readily applied to the online realm. Currently, there is a lack of clearly defined guidelines for appropriate ethical procedures when conducting online wildlife trade (OWT) research. In response to this, we consulted the scientific literature on ethical considerations in online research and examined existing guidelines established by professional societies and ethical boards. Based on these documents, we present a set of recommendations that can inform the development of ethically responsible OWT research. Key ethical challenges in designing and executing OWT research include the violation of privacy rights, defining subjects and illegality, and the risk of misinterpretation or posing risks to participants when sharing data. Potential solutions include considering participants’ expectations of privacy, defining when participants are authors versus subjects, understanding the legal and cultural context, minimizing data collection, ensuring anonymization, and removing metadata. Best practices also involve being culturally sensitive when analyzing and reporting findings. Adhering to these guidelines can help mitigate potential pitfalls and provides valuable insights to editors, researchers, and ethical review boards, enabling them to conduct scientifically rigorous and ethically responsible OWT research to advance this growing field.
Trade and socioeconomic importance of an invasive giant snail in the endemic‐rich island of São Tomé, Central Africa
Authors: Panisi Martina , Pereira Ana R. , Neto Bruzinay C. , de Sousa Paulo J. , Oquiongo Gabriel , Palmeirim Jorge M. , de Lima Ricardo F. , Nuno Ana
Published: September 2024

Managing invasive species is crucial to mitigate their negative impacts on ecosystems, yet conflicts may arise when their social benefits are disregarded. Human pressure on the endemic‐rich forests of São Tomé has been high since the island was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and numerous species have been introduced. These include the invasive West African giant land snail (Archachatina marginata), which was introduced in the mid‐20th century, is now widespread on the island, and is a potential threat to native flora and fauna. We assessed the frequency of consumption of this species and its socioeconomic importance to people across the island with household questionnaires, focus group discussions, and semistructured interviews. We explored the prevalence and potential drivers of use (e.g., wealth, household composition, and diversity of occupations) and characterized the commodity chain to identify demographic groups linked to the snail trade. We interviewed 672 people (1 person per household), conducted 6 focus groups, and interviewed 80 key actors belonging to 5 subcategories. The snail was the most widely consumed bushmeat and an important source of income, particularly for women and unemployed youth. Insecure and scarce livelihood alternatives, mostly in rural areas, were reported as drivers for trade involvement. Snail harvesting was more frequent in poorer households with low occupational diversity. Selling tended to occur in households that were well‐established in the community and had a higher proportion of children. Both were stimulated by the proximity of communities to the native forest. Buying snails was common in all demographic groups, but it was linked to wealth and occupational diversity. Interventions to manage the impact of this introduced species on the valuable ecosystems of the island should involve multiple sectors of society to ensure societal support. This requires robust consideration of the welfare of vulnerable demographic groups that benefit from the species.
Global invasion and biosecurity risk from the online trade in ornamental crayfish
Authors: Olden Julian D. , Carvalho Francisco A. C.
Published: September 2024

Trade in undomesticated ornamental animals has rapidly expanded beyond brick‐and‐mortar retail stores to now include growing numbers of internet marketplaces. The growing volume, diversity, and origins of invasive non‐native species in trade challenge already weak national biosecurity policies. Despite widespread focus on vertebrates, many knowledge gaps exist regarding the online global trade of ornamental invertebrates. We conducted the first global assessment of the online trade in and associated invasion risk of freshwater crayfishes, which are increasingly popular aquarium animals. We systematically examined e‐commerce marketplaces in multiple languages, scrapping information that included species identity, price, quantity, and shipping designation from each crayfish listing. Next, we combined geographic pathways of shipping associated with online trade (introduction risk) and environmental suitability modeling (establishment risk) to estimate global risk of non‐native crayfish invasion risk. We identified hundreds of online marketplaces and thousands of sale listings in 33 countries (5 continents) involving 60 species and representing a selling value of ∼US$1.5 million. Invasion risk of non‐native crayfish in trade was widespread, with geographic hotspots coinciding with both elevated opportunities for introduction (greater shipping offerings) and establishment. Precise characterization of the online species trade is fundamental to support new and reformed biosecurity policies, build industry partnerships, and design educational campaigns to prevent species invasions through trade. We found that the taxonomy, geography, and economics of the global online ornamental crayfish trade are vast and require greater attention.
Underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection with an insulated tip knife using diluted saline
Authors: Maruyama Akihiro , Kobayashi Makoto , Yano Motoyoshi
Published: September 2024

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