bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of recent updates to neutrino oscillation parameters on the effective Majorana neutrino mass in
0νββ
decay
Authors: Mei Dongming , Dong Kunming , Warren Austin , Bhattarai Sanjay
Published: July 2024

We investigate how recent updates to neutrino oscillation parameters and the sum of neutrino masses influence the sensitivity of neutrinoless double-beta (0νββ) decay experiments. Incorporating the latest cosmological constraints on the sum of neutrino masses and laboratory measurements on oscillations, we determine the sum of neutrino masses for both the normal hierarchy (NH) and the inverted hierarchy (IH). Our analysis reveals a narrow range for the sum of neutrino masses, approximately 0.06  eV/c2 for NH and 0.102  eV/c2 for IH. Utilizing these constraints, we calculate the effective Majorana masses for both NH and IH scenarios, establishing the corresponding allowed regions. Importantly, we find that the minimum neutrino mass is nonzero, as constrained by the current oscillation parameters. Additionally, we estimate the half-life of 0νββ decay using these effective Majorana masses for both NH and IH. Our results suggest that upcoming ton-scale experiments will comprehensively explore the IH scenario, while 100-ton-scale experiments will effectively probe the parameter space for the NH scenario, provided the background index can achieve 1 event/kton-year in the region of interest.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Scaling solutions for current-carrying cosmic string networks
Authors: Pimenta F. C. N. Q. , Martins C. J. A. P.
Published: July 2024

Cosmic string networks are the best motivated relics of cosmological phase transitions, being unavoidable in many physically plausible extensions of the Standard Model. Most studies, including those providing constraints from and forecasts of their observational signals, rely on assumptions of featureless networks, neglecting the additional degrees of freedom on the string worldsheet, e.g., charges and currents, which are all but unavoidable in physically realistic models. An extension of the canonical velocity-dependent one-scale model, accounting for all such possible degrees of freedom, has been recently developed. Here we improve its physical interpretation by studying and classifying its possible asymptotic scaling solutions, and in particular how they are affected by the expansion of the Universe and the available energy loss or transfer mechanisms. We find three classes of solutions. For sufficiently fast expansion rates the charges and currents decay and one asymptotes to the Nambu-Goto case, while for slower expansion rates they can dominate the network dynamics. In between the two there is a third regime in which the network, including its charge and current, reaches full scaling. Under specific but plausible assumptions, this intermediate regime corresponds to the matter-dominated era. Our results agree with, and significantly extend, those of previous studies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamical Coulomb blockade: An all electrical probe of the ultrastrong light-matter coupling regime
Authors: Iqbal Usama , Todorov Yanko , Mora Christophe
Published: July 2024

The regime of ultrastrong light-matter coupling (USC) has attracted considerable interest recently, as it predicts fascinating quantum phenomena such as the presence of virtual photons in the ground state. Here we propose theoretically an approach to probe the quantum correlations in USC systems based on an electrical transport experiment. Namely, we consider the case in which the light-matter coupled system constitutes the electromagnetic environment of an ultrasmall tunnel junction operating in the regime of a dynamical Coulomb blockade (DCB). Unlike optical spectroscopy, such a probe can be seen as a nondemolition measurement of the USC system ground state. We have developed two approaches in order to evaluate the effect of the light-matter coupled states on the tunneling process. The first is a generalized, multimode Peierls substitution for the tunneling Hamiltonian. The second is based on the P(E) theory describing a DCB, where the USC system is treated as an equivalent circuit. The two approaches are consistent, whereas the second one enables us explicitly to take into account the presence of dissipation. This study has been performed for the zero-temperature case, which is pertinent for the terahertz spectral range where excitation energies are typically much higher compared to the microwave domain, where DCB was first studied.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum computation with logical gates between hot systems
Authors: Riera-Sàbat Ferran , Sekatski Pavel , Dür Wolfgang
Published: July 2024

We consider quantum computer architectures where interactions are mediated between hot qubits that are not in their mechanical ground state. Such situations occur, e.g., when not cooling ideally, or when moving ions or atoms around. We introduce quantum gates between logically encoded systems that consist of multiple physical ones and show how the encoding can be used to make these gates resilient against such imperfections. We demonstrate that, in this way, one can improve gate fidelities by enlarging the logical system, and counteract the effect of unknown positions or position fluctuations of involved particles. We consider both a classical treatment of positions, in terms of probability distributions, and a quantum treatment using mechanical eigenmodes. We analyze different settings including a cool logical system mediating interactions between two hot systems, as well as two logical systems consisting of hot physical systems whose positions fluctuate collectively or individually. In all cases, assuming ideal local control to logical systems, we demonstrate a significant improvement in gate fidelities, which provides a platform-independent tool to mitigate thermal noise in the context of trapped-particle-based architectures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Probing Postmeasurement Entanglement without Postselection
Authors: Garratt Samuel J. , Altman Ehud
Published: July 2024

We study the problem of observing quantum collective phenomena emerging from large numbers of measurements. These phenomena are difficult to observe in conventional experiments because, in order to distinguish the effects of measurement from dephasing, it is necessary to postselect on sets of measurement outcomes with Born probabilities that are exponentially small in the number of measurements performed. An unconventional approach, which avoids this exponential “postselection problem”, is to construct cross-correlations between experimental data and the results of simulations on classical computers. However, these cross-correlations generally have no definite relation to physical quantities. We first show how to incorporate classical shadows into this framework, thereby allowing for the construction of quantum information-theoretic cross-correlations. We then identify cross-correlations that both upper and lower bound the measurement-averaged von Neumann entanglement entropy, as well as cross-correlations that lower bound the measurement-averaged purity and entanglement negativity. These bounds show that experiments can be performed to constrain postmeasurement entanglement without the need for postselection. To illustrate our technique, we consider how it could be used to observe the measurement-induced entanglement transition in Haar-random quantum circuits. We use exact numerical calculations as proxies for quantum simulations and, to highlight the fundamental limitations of classical memory, we construct cross-correlations with tensor-network calculations at finite bond dimension. Our results reveal a signature of measurement-induced criticality that can be observed using a quantum simulator in polynomial time and with polynomial classical memory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How to grow crystals for X-ray crystallography
Authors: Sommer Roger D.
Published: July 2024

Growing high-quality crystals remains a necessary part of crystallography and many other techniques. This article tabulates and describes several techniques and variations that will help individuals grow high-quality crystals in preparation for crystallographic techniques and other endeavors, such as form screening. The discussion is organized to focus on low-tech approaches available in any laboratory.
Comparison of the crystal structures of the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib and its hydrate and phosphate
Authors: Peng Ziyu , Ye Long
Published: July 2024

Ruxolitinib {RUX; systematic name: (3R)-3-cyclopentyl-3-[4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]propanenitrile, C17H18N6} is an orally bioavailable JAK1/2 inhibitor approved for treating intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF) and high-risk polycythemia vera (PV). Recent patents claim that RUX can exist in many different forms, information for which is important for the clinical utilization of RUX, especially for the formulation and bioavailability of the drug. But there has been no detailed study on its forms so far. Herein crystals of RUX and its dihydrate (RUX-2H; C17H18N6·2H2O) and phosphate (RUX-P; systematic name: 4-{1-[(1R)-2-cyano-1-cyclopentylethyl]-1H-pyrazol-4-yl}-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3-ium dihydrogen phosphate, C17H19N6
+·H2PO4
−) were prepared successfully and their structures studied in detail for the first time. Our study shows that the three crystals of RUX differ in the orientation of the pyrimidine ring relative to the pyrazole ring of the RUX molecule, and in their hydrogen-bond interactions. The water molecules in RUX-2H and the dihydrogen phosphate anion in RUX-P enrich the hydrogen-bond networks in these forms. The expected proton transfer occurs in RUX phosphate and the protonated N atom is engaged in a charge-assisted hydrogen bond with the counter-anion. Hydrogen-bonding interactions dominate in the crystal packing of the three forms. The detailed conformations and packing of the three forms were compared through the calculation of both Hirshfeld surfaces and fingerprint plots.
Space agnostic or space, place and delivery mode specific – one or the other: Addressing the privileging of the classroom over online learning
Authors: Cohen Jay Andrew
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint paper is to address the privileged position that classroom learning continues to hold over online learning and to consider the nuances associated with space and place in learning design and teaching for online learners.

Design/methodology/approach

It is often believed that the learning that is undertaken in the classroom is superior to the learning designed and delivered for online delivery. In many instances online learners have been subjected to learning and teaching designed for the classroom – learning that is designed for a very different delivery mode, one in which space and place have a significantly different impact on learning, and where connectedness with teaching staff and other students is assumed.

Findings

No findings as this is a viewpoint paper.

Research limitations/implications

No research implications as this is a viewpoint paper.

Practical implications

This paper has practical implications for learning designers and those involved in the design and development of online learning events.

Originality/value

No originality value as such as this is a viewpoint paper.
Engaging long-tenured employees via high-performance work systems: a matter of dosages
Authors: Stirpe Luigi , Revilla Antonio J.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

We investigate the engagement benefits of high-performance work systems (HPWS) for long-tenured employees compared with short-tenured ones. Using a social exchange lens and building upon hedonic adaptation research, we propose that HPWS are less effective for engaging longer tenured employees, unless they are administered at high levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression and post-estimation analyses of marginal effects on a sample of 30,375 employees, based on data from the 6th European Working Conditions Survey.

Findings

(1) Employee tenure negatively moderates the HPWS-engagement relationship; (2) this effect is contingent on the level of HPWS, with long-tenured employees responding comparatively better than short-tenured ones to exposure to high levels of HPWS; (3) HPWS have decreasing marginal effects on engagement—greater exposure to these systems does not linearly translate into higher employee engagement, with their decreasing returns being more noticeable for short- than long-tenured employees.

Originality/value

The study provides novel insights into the value of HPWS as motivational tools and advises managers to promote tenure-differentiated HPWS investments. It also illuminates critical issues related to the sustainability of HPWS.
The cell-centered positivity-preserving finite volume scheme for 3D convection–diffusion equation on distorted meshes
Authors: Peng Gang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to construct positivity-preserving finite volume schemes for the three-dimensional convection–diffusion equation that are applicable to arbitrary polyhedral grids.

Design/methodology/approach

The cell vertices are used to define the auxiliary unknowns, and the primary unknowns are defined at cell centers. The diffusion flux is discretized by the classical nonlinear two-point flux approximation. To ensure the fully discrete scheme has positivity-preserving property, an improved discretization method for the convection flux was presented. Besides, a new positivity-preserving vertex interpolation method is derived from the linear reconstruction in the discretization of convection flux. Moreover, the Picard iteration method may have slow convergence in solving the nonlinear system. Thus, the Anderson acceleration of Picard iteration method is used to solve the nonlinear system. A condition number monitor of matrix is employed in the Anderson acceleration method to achieve better robustness.

Findings

The new scheme is applicable to arbitrary polyhedral grids and has a second-order accuracy. The results of numerical experiments also confirm the positivity-preserving of the discretization scheme.

Originality/value

1. This article presents a new positivity-preserving finite volume scheme for the 3D convection–diffusion equation. 2. The new discretization scheme of convection flux is constructed. 3. A new second-order interpolation algorithm is given to eliminate the auxiliary unknowns in flux expressions. 4. An improved Anderson acceleration method is applied to accelerate the convergence of Picard iterations. 5. This scheme can solve the convection–diffusion equation on the distorted meshes with second-order accuracy.
The mediating effect of team trust on shared leadership and team performance
Authors: Han Soo Jeoung , Kim Mirim , Beyerlein Michael
Published: July 2024

Purpose

As team members temporarily assume the role of leader, a system of shared leadership emerges. This study had three purposes: (a) to test the underlying three dimensions of shared leadership behaviors, (b) to examine the relationship between shared leadership behaviors and team performance, and (c) to examine the mediating effect of trust between team members’ perceptions of shared leadership and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

We used the sub-dimensions of shared leadership: relation-oriented shared leadership (ROSL), task-oriented shared leadership (TOSL), and creativity-oriented shared leadership (COSL). We collected survey data from college student teams at two different time points.

Findings

This study’s factor analysis results supported a second-order factor model that explains shared leadership with TOSL, ROSL, and a new COSL construct. Additionally, we discovered that shared leadership behaviors predicted team performance both directly and indirectly through team trust.

Originality/value

This study confirms the role of the new sub-dimension of COSL originally discovered by video analysis of project teams (Leight et al., 2018), thereby adding value to shared leadership research. This quantitative study supports the COSL with TOSL and ROSL in a second-order model where each component contributes unique input into the team dynamics. Our findings underscore the significance of shared leadership in elevating team trust, ultimately resulting in improved team performance. This insight holds particular relevance for educational management and leadership, offering a framework for understanding how shared leadership practices can positively influence team dynamics within academic contexts.
Gender-differences in retirement from entrepreneurship: the influence of pension policies across Europe
Authors: Komp-Leukkunen Kathrin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The interest in older entrepreneurs increases due to population aging. Previous research showed clear gender-differences among older entrepreneurs. This study investigates whether such gender-differences also exist in the retirement transition from entrepreneurship. It explores the influence of pension regulations for entrepreneurs on these gender-differences.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal micro-level data from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe is analyzed in multichannel sequence analyses and cluster analyses. Developments from age 50 to 69 are compared in the dimensions of entrepreneurship, employment and old-age pensions.

Findings

Entrepreneurs retire in three different transition patterns: (1) entrepreneurs becoming pensioners at 60, (2) entrepreneurs becoming pensioners at 65 and (3) individuals combining entrepreneurship with employment until they become pensioners at 65. Female entrepreneurs follow the same transition patterns as their male counterparts but retire earlier. Pension regulations for entrepreneurs modify the extent of the gender-differences within a country. Mandatory pension schemes with identical state pension ages for men and women reduce gender-differences, whereas mandatory schemes with gender-differences in the state pension age increase them. Schemes without mandatory coverage range in between the other two.

Originality/value

This article expands our knowledge on gender-differences among older entrepreneurs. These gender-differences also extent to how entrepreneurs transition into retirement. Pension regulations for entrepreneurs influence the extent of the gender-differences. Therefore, pension regulations for entrepreneurs constitute tools for promoting or hindering gender equality.
Exploring the impact of absorptive capacity to navigate the challenges of uncertainty in digitalization projects
Authors: Ngereja Bertha Joseph , Hussein Bassam , Wolff Carsten
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research fills a gap in digitalization project studies by exploring them through the lens of organizational learning. It investigates the impact of uncertainty on digitalization project success and the role of absorptive capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach is adopted, incorporating qualitative and quantitative analyses. The qualitative part assesses how uncertainty affects digitalization project success, while the quantitative side explores absorptive capacity as a mediating factor between adaptability to uncertainty and project success.

Findings

The qualitative results uncover challenges facing digitalization projects under uncertainty and suggests coping strategies at individual, project, and organizational levels. Quantitative results show that both potential and realized absorptive capacities significantly mediate the link between adaptability to uncertainty in the environment and project success.

Originality/value

This research offers new insights into digitalization project studies, merging organizational learning theory with a mixed-methods approach. It highlights how uncertainty and absorptive capacity influence digitalization project success.
Hybrid strategy and its effect on the market performance of family-business SMEs: the mediating role of innovation
Authors: Gutiérrez-Broncano Santiago , Rubio-Andrés Mercedes , Linuesa Langreo Jorge , Sastre-Castillo Miguel Angel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

For this paper, the authors focus on Porter’s competitive advantage. Hybrid strategy refers to how a firm creates valuevis-à-viscompetitors by simultaneously relying on lower costs and greater differentiation to achieve a competitive advantage. This strategy emphasises both and aims to provide much more monetary value to customers through the combination of reduced cost and a higher rate of differentiation. In addition, this research focuses on family small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), because they have particularities arising from the incorporation of family members both as owners of the SME and in managerial positions. The porpose of this study is to analyse whether the existing differences produced by the role of the family in strategic decision-making and the concentration of family power have a higher impact on performance and innovation than non-family SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling was used to analyse Spanish firms with fewer than 250 employees. This study randomly selected SMEs operating in Spain from the Spanish Central Business Directory (2021) database. The overall sample design was based on stratified sampling.

Findings

SMEs are facing new challenges, and this has led to the emergence of new competitive strategies. Companies have started to combine differentiation strategies with cost strategies to achieve superior performance and better adapt to these changes. This study confirms a positive relationship between the adoption of hybrid strategies and market performance in SMEs. In addition, hybrid strategy reinforces innovation, which has a mediating role between hybrid strategy and market performance. Finally, the findings indicate that family SMEs achieve a greater impact of hybrid strategy on innovation than non-family SMEs. Moreover, innovation plays a mediating role only in the case of family firms, which enhances the relationship between hybrid strategy and market performance.

Originality/value

For SMEs to survive in turbulent environments, this study proposes the adoption of hybrid strategies instead of pure strategies. The novel model links hybrid strategy (as opposed to “stuck in the middle”), innovation and market performance. The research is valuable for owners and managers of family SMEs because this study finds differences in the relationships studied compared to non-family SMEs.
Capturing innovation orientation in knowledge workers: development and validation of a measurement scale
Authors: Thomas Asha , Khatri Puja , Dabas Vidushi , Coniglio Ilda Maria
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Competition in the modern, knowledge-based economy is utterly pendant on innovation, rendering it indispensable in virtually every organisation. Knowledge workers, therefore, must remain vigilant, spanning novel ways to innovate. Given the relevance of innovation orientation (IO) in knowledge work, it is imperative to possess an extensive understanding of the concept. Therefore, this study aims to develop and validate a measurement scale to gauge employees’ IO.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering that the instruments now in existence exhibit insufficiency for measuring knowledge workers’ IO in its entirety, the mixed-method approach used in this study draws on both qualitative and quantitative findings across various studies, to address this problem. This study has been organised into five stages: item generation, scale purification, scale refinement, nomological validation and generalizability.

Findings

This study establishes and verifies a second-order, reflective–reflective IO measure founded on multiple samples, encompassing the dimensions of creative orientation, learning orientation, first-mover orientation, trust orientation and agility orientation. The resultant IO scale serves as a robust and reliable tool that is capable of being leveraged to explain, assess and enhance IO for knowledge workers.

Research limitations/implications

The rigorous methodology used in this scale development procedure serves as a benchmark for prospective scale development methodologists. From a managerial stance, this study serves managers/leaders concerning how to foster an innovation-oriented work environment to uncover employees’ hidden innovators. Organisations can leverage this study to discover, cultivate and capitalise on knowledge workers’ IO.

Originality/value

Although there exists an abundance of research on IO viewed from an institutional standpoint, research centred on the IO of knowledge workers is scarce. To bridge this gap, this study has developed and validated a scale for measuring knowledge workers’ IO.
The role of freight forwarding companies in detecting and investigating trade-based money laundering
Authors: Makkink Ilse Maritha , Steyn Blanche , Bezuidenhout Hannes Christo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of freight forwarding companies in detecting and reporting trade-based money laundering. The proximity of freight forwarding companies to shipping-related trade-based money laundering red flags places them in an ideal position to detect suspicious transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used semi-structured interviews with expert participants in freight forwarding shipping and compliance aspects around freight forwarding. This study focuses on the South African context.

Findings

Freight forwarding companies are well-positioned to detect, investigate and report on trade-based money laundering schemes. However, the companies are not always aware of the guidelines designed to assist in identifying trade-based money laundering schemes. Thus, freight forwarding companies develop internal processes to identify trade anomalies but are often unable to link trade anomalies to illegal financial flows and trade-based money laundering schemes.

Research limitations/implications

The current regulations on money laundering can be extended to freight forwarding companies by the respective regulators for enhanced anti-money laundering protection. This study is limited to freight forwarding companies in a South African context.

Practical implications

Increased awareness among staff in freight forwarding companies can assist them in identifying trade-based money laundering red flags to detect and prevent trade-based money laundering schemes.

Social implications

This paper assists other role players and policymakers in the trade process to create a better awareness of trade-based money laundering. The limited obligations on freight forwarding companies to comply with anti-money laundering regulations lead to a more volunteer-like compliance practice.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that offers insight into the role of freight forwarding companies in detecting trade-based money laundering in South Africa.
Stakeholder assessment of design quality indicators for community centers: a Delphi approach
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. , Al-Suwaiti Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper seeks to establish design quality indicators (DQIs) that can be utilized for assessing the design of community centers, with an emphasis on the technical, functional, and behavioral performance domains.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review resulted in identifying 79 DQIs for community centers. A three round Delphi evaluation approach was utilized to rate the importance of the DQIs through their relative importance index (RII) values. The assessment of the DQIs involved a diverse group of stakeholders including facilities managers, architects/engineers (A/Es), community centers’ staff, and regular visitors of community centers.

Findings

The majority of the established DQIs were considered to be either “Very Important” or “Important”.

Practical implications

The established DQIs can be utilized to identify best practices in the design of community centers and benchmark the performance of different community centers.

Originality/value

The design quality of community centers could significantly impact the community's quality of life and user experience. The development of DQIs provides for enhanced accountability and improved service delivery for the communities they serve. This enables community centers to be more effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the users they support.
Examining 360° video tourist experiences and adoption in a developing country
Authors: Dutta Sabita , Dixit Saumya , Khare Arpita
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Understanding tourist experiences with virtual reality (VR) products is essential for firms using VR for tourism marketing, particularly in developing countries where customers do not have access to personal VR devices or gadgets. This study aims to provide insights into technology usage for tourism marketing India, which is a developing country. It explores 360° virtual tours as an upcoming strategy for tourism promotion by analysing tourists’ perspectives through a qualitative approach.

Design/methodology/approach

360° YouTube video launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, was shown to the participants as a marketing stimulus, followed by questions to understand tourists’ experiences and intentions. Responses were collected from 45 tourists who visited popular tourist destinations such as Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala districts of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that several crucial elements play a pivotal role in creating the 360° VR experience. Based on interviews, it was found that 360° video experiences assist in visualising a destination through imaginative exploration, generating curiosity about the destination, forming a favourable image of the destination and facilitates ease of experience. A few participants mentioned experiencing discomforts, such as motion sickness and eye strain, while viewing 360° videos. Moreover, tourists provided valuable insights into various factors, including how 360° videos elicit arousal through entertainment and excitement, develop immersion and engagement in the virtual environment (VE), aid in assessing destination suitability, offers advantage over other media, serves as a substitutes for travel during constraints, generates assurance and influences intentions. These factors have emerged as significant considerations influencing their willingness to adopt such technology in the future.

Originality/value

In the contemporary market landscape, 360° VR technology is anticipated to enhance the experiential elements within VEs. While existing research has focused on the technical attributes of VR, there remains a crucial gap pertaining to the experiential and destination-related elements and their influence on usage, travel planning and intentions. Therefore, this study provides deeper insights into the unexplored concepts and dimensions of the virtual tourism experience, particularly concerning interaction with 360° videos. The study contributes novel insights to the existing body of tourism literature and provides practical implications for enhancing 360° virtual tour experiences.
Leveraging digital data to facilitate circular control in the aftermarket – experiences from an international manufacturing firm
Authors: Johnstone Leanne
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Growing research attention has been given to both the circular economy and digitalisation in accounting research in recent years, but there are few studies exploring how digital tools are used to develop, analyse and respond to information for circular decision-making in industrial organisations. Therefore, this paper addresses how the data from digital technologies are leveraged in the aftermarket of an industrial firm for circular control.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops an analytical framework that is then used to frame the findings through a single case study of an international heavy equipment manufacturer for circular control.

Findings

The case provides examples of how digital technologies are used for circular control, framed within the analytical model as the key contribution. The study illustrates the different ways through which the accounting information from such technologies supports the service marketing function through circular control and the types of controls needed for this.

Practical implications

Managers in large industrial organisations should ensure customer-facing staff have adequate digital competences and knowledge of circular products and services for marketing, product design improvements and material recovery that can help decrease costs and improve customer satisfaction. The digital systems need to be integrated with upstream and downstream partners.

Social implications

Understanding the transition towards increasingly circular product-service systems in industrial firms is important for current and future generations.

Originality/value

The originality lies in providing an empirical example of how digital technologies can be used to facilitate circular control and support the service marketing function in the aftermarket of an industrial firm.
An exploratory study of the efficacy and safety of amenamevir for the treatment of herpes zoster in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs
Authors: Imafuku Shinichi , Takeuchi Satoshi , Urabe Kazunori , Arakawa Masataka , Sasaki Ryo , Oka Daigo , Yamamoto Takenobu , Ono Fumitake , Shirahama Shigeho , Yasumoto Shinichiro , Fukuda Hiroaki
Published: July 2024

Amenamevir is an oral once‐daily antiherpesvirus drug that can be administered without dose adjustment in patients with impaired renal function. There are currently no clinical data on immunocompromised patients with herpes zoster treated with amenamevir. Therefore, an exploratory study of the efficacy and safety of amenamevir against herpes zoster in patients with immunosuppression was conducted. Inclusion criteria included patients with acute herpes zoster receiving immunosuppressive drugs or those with malignant tumors or autoimmune diseases. Twenty‐four patients were included and received amenamevir (400 mg once daily after meals) for up to 14 days. The primary end point of overall improvement in skin symptoms 7 days after treatment initiation (day 7) was 58.3% for “markedly improved” and 20.8% for “improved.” The combined improvement rate was 79.2% (95% confidence interval, 57.8–92.9), and 20.8% of patients experienced “worsened” symptoms. The secondary end points of overall improvement in skin symptoms on day 14 and day 28 were 95.7% and 100%, respectively. The skin symptoms progressed during treatment, peaking on day 7, and then began to heal. By Kaplan–Meier estimation, the median periods to complete crusting and healing were both day 14. There were five adverse events with a possible causal relationship to amenamevir (bacterial skin infection, anemia, hyponatremia, headache, and abnormal liver function) in one of the 24 patients. Although the bacterial skin infection was severe, all events in this patient were reported to be either recovered or recovering. These findings indicate that amenamevir can be effective and safe in immunocompromised patients with herpes zoster. However, as worsening can happen around day 7, it is necessary to carefully monitor such patients and switch to other therapies such as intravenous acyclovir if necessary.

Clinical trial identifier: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCTs031190208.
Do sexual differences in life strategies make male lizards more susceptible to parasite infection?
Authors: Megía‐Palma Rodrigo , Cuervo José J. , Fitze Patrick S. , Martínez Javier , Jiménez‐Robles Octavio , De la Riva Ignacio , Reguera Senda , Moreno‐Rueda Gregorio , Blaimont Pauline , Kopena Renata , Barrientos Rafael , Martín José , Merino Santiago
Published: July 2024

Female and male hosts may maximise their fitness by evolving different strategies to compensate for the costs of parasite infections. The resulting sexual dimorphism might be apparent in differential relationships between parasite load and body condition, potentially reflecting differences in energy allocation to anti‐parasitic defences. For example, male lacertids with high body condition may produce many offspring while being intensely parasitised. In contrast, female lacertids may show a different outcome of the trade‐offs between body condition and immunity, aiming to better protect themselves from the harm of parasites.

We predicted that females would have fewer parasites than males and a lower body condition across parasitaemia levels because they would invest resources in parasite defence to mitigate the costs of infection. In contrast, the male strategy to maximise access to females would imply some level of parasite tolerance and, thus, higher parasitaemia.

We analysed the relationship between the body condition of lizards and the parasitemias of Karyolysus and Schellackia, two genera of blood parasites with different phylogenetic origins, in 565 females and 899 males belonging to 10 species of the Lacertidae (Squamata). These lizards were sampled over a period of 12 years across 34 sampling sites in southwestern Europe.

The results concerning the Karyolysus infections were consistent with the predictions, with males having similar body condition across parasitaemia levels even though they had higher infection intensities than females. On the other hand, females with higher levels of Karyolysus parasitaemia had lower body condition. This is consistent with the prediction that different life strategies of male and female lacertids can explain the infection patterns of Karyolysus. In contrast, the parasitaemia of Schellackia was consistently low in both male and female hosts, with no significant effect on the body condition of lizards. This suggests that lizards of both sexes maintain this parasite below a pathogenic threshold.
Ant and termite collective behavior: Group‐level similarity arising from individual‐level diversity
Authors: Mizumoto Nobuaki , Reid Chris R.
Published: July 2024

Animal collective behavior produces group‐level patterns that emerge from individual‐level interactions among members. Such sophisticated behavioral coordination can be observed across various taxa, indicating evolutionary convergence. Among the most striking examples are two social insect lineages: ants and termites. Ants and termites evolved socially independently, inhabit terrestrial and subterranean environments, and face a similar collective task of maintaining their colonies with many individuals. This results in the convergent evolution of collective phenomena, such as constructing complex nest structures or movement coordination based on chemical and tactile cues. However, although the striking similarity attracts the most attention, little research has focused on how ants and termites differ in collective behaviors at individual and group levels. Here, we review the similarities and distinctions of collective behaviors in ants and termites. Even with similarities in group‐level patterns, rich diversity exists in mechanisms of behavioral coordination and the functions of collective patterns. Comparative analysis of collective behavior is challenging, but recent advances in automatic movement tracking methodologies have greatly expanded the potential for generating further insights. Finally, we conclude that comparative collective behavioral analysis can enhance our ability to understand biodiversity and provide alternative solutions for collective problem‐solving in many fields.
Johann Daniel Metzger and Kant's So‐Called Human Races
Authors: van Gorkom Joris
Published: July 2024

Around 1788, Johann Friedrich Blumenbach compiled a list of notable contributions to the discussion on Kant's concept of race. This list included references to Kant's second and third essays on race, Georg Forster's 1786 response, and two essays by Johann Daniel Metzger. Blumenbach's compilation stands in stark contrast to contemporary discussions of Kant's racial theories. Despite the increasing interest in this subject, Metzger's critiques are still largely unnoticed. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of eighteenth‐century discussions on race, it is crucial to broaden our perspective beyond the viewpoints of Johann Gottfried Herder and Forster and include Metzger's contributions. In this article, I aim to elucidate (the context surrounding) Metzger's endeavours to engage with Kant's concept of race.
Association between exposure to organophosphate flame retardants and epidermal growth factor receptor expression in lung cancer patients
Authors: Chen Po‐Ju , Lai Po‐Chen , Lu Yueh‐Chien , Pan Bo‐Lin , Huang Wan‐Ting , Kung Chia‐Te , Chiang Jui‐Chin , Cheng Fu‐Jen , Wang Liang‐Jen , Li Shau‐Hsuan , Lee Wen‐Chin , Ou Yu‐Che , Wang Chin‐Chou
Published: July 2024

Background

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are extensively distributed in our environment, prompting concerns about potential health hazards, including lung injuries resulting from OPFR exposure.

Methods

The present study recruited 125 lung cancer patients, assessing their exposure to 10 OPFR compounds through urine samples. The final analysis comprised 108 participants after excluding those lacking epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status and those with chronic kidney disease. Demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as urinary OPFR concentrations, were compared based on OPFR detection. Spearman correlation was conducted to explore the relationship between OPFR compounds, while logistic regression was used to identify OPFR compounds associated with EGFR mutation.

Results

The study revealed widespread OPFR exposure among lung cancer patients, with an overall detection frequency of 99.07%. Tris(2‐butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) exhibited a strong correlation to its metabolite bis(2‐butoxyethyl) phosphate (r = 0.88, p < 0.01). Patients with TBEP in their urine had higher percentage of wild‐type EGFR and the detection of TBEP was associated with a reduced likelihood of mutant EGFR expression.

Conclusions

OPFR exposure was prevalent in lung cancer patients, with TBEP detection identified as a factor with lower EGFR mutation expression. This study contributes to the understanding of OPFR exposure in lung cancer patients and underscores the significance of TBEP in evaluating EGFR mutation in this population.
Preemptive airway management planning: A retrospective evaluation of the pediatric difficult airway consultation service
Authors: Dalesio Nicholas M. , Ullah Mohammed N. , Lester Laeben , Zaidi Munfarid , Chu Robert , Mendez Aileen , Milnes Vania , Vaughn Kaitlyn , Hall Kimberly , Tunkel David , Kudchadkar Sapna R. , Walsh Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Background/Aims

The pediatric Difficult Airway Consultation Service (pDACS) was created in 2017 to identify patients with potentially difficult airways and create airway management plans prior to airway management.

Methods

Consults were either nurse‐initiated, physician‐initiated, or both nurse‐and‐physician‐initiated and were examined for demographic and clinical factors. If a child had difficult airway risk factors, a consult note with airway management recommendations was completed.

Results

We included 419 consults from the 4‐year study period for analysis. Sixty‐one patients had chronic tracheostomies in place and thus, were analyzed separately. Of the remaining 358 consults, 50% (n = 179) were nurse‐initiated, 30.2% (n = 108) physician‐initiated, and 19.8% (n = 71) nurse‐and‐physician‐initiated consults. Differences in observed frequency of airway edema (difference, 6.3%; 95%CI 0.1%–12.5%; p = .04), cleft lip/palate (difference, 8.1%; 95%CI 0.07%–16.3%, p = .04), craniofacial abnormalities (difference, 12.3%; 95%CI 1.9%–22.7%, p = .02), and trauma/burn (difference, 6.5%; 95%CI 0.09%–12.8%, p = .04) were calculated. Observed frequencies were higher in physician‐initiated compared to nurse‐initiated consults. Airway edema was also more prevalent in dual nurse‐and‐physician‐initiated consults (difference, 8.7%; 95%CI 1.6%–15.8%; p = .01). Physician‐initiated consults were associated with a greater proportion of high‐risk difficult airways than nurse‐initiated consults (difference, 26.7%; 95%CI 14.0%–39.4%, p < .001). Approximately 41.9% of patients at high‐risk for having a difficult airway were identified by nurse‐screening only.

Using bag‐valve‐mask was often the primary ventilation recommendation (89.3%, n = 108) and supraglottic airway placement was the most common tertiary plan (74.2%, n = 83). Direct laryngoscopy (47.1%, n = 65) and videolaryngoscopy (40.6%, n = 56) were the most recommended modes of intubation. Three patients with airway emergencies had previously documented airway management plans and were successfully intubated without complications following the primary intubation technique recommended in their consult note.

Conclusions

In our study, nurse‐screening identified patients at high‐risk for a difficult airway that would likely not have been identified prior to initiation of a screening protocol. Furthermore, airway management plans outlined prior to an emergent difficult airway event may increase first‐attempt success at securing the difficult airway, reducing morbidity and mortality.
Antifungal agents incorporated in denture base materials: a scoping review of the current evidence and technology prospecting
Authors: Ferreira ML , Barboza AS , Fernandez MdS , Ribeiro de Andrade JS , Pappen FG , Hwang G , Lund RG
Published: July 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to summarize existing data and perform technological prospecting on the effect of incorporating antifungal agents into denture base materials in inhibiting Candida spp., as well as to explore the antimicrobial properties of these materials.

Methods

A comprehensive electronic search was carried out in six major bibliographic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Lilacs) until February 2024. In addition, international patent databases were also examined. The search process, study and patent selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were carried out independently by researchers. The collected data underwent qualitative analysis.

Results

A total of 10 718 articles were identified in the searched databases, of which 40 documents were included for qualitative data analysis (articles: 31; patents: 9). The majority of the studies focused on investigating tissue conditioners (n = 14) and acrylic resins (n = 14). The primary antifungal agents studied were nystatin (n = 15) and fluconazole (n = 13). The most commonly utilized microbiological evaluation methodology was the agar diffusion test (n = 16), followed by the microdilution (n = 7) and biofilm formation assays (n = 7). All of the studies investigated the inhibitory effect of these materials against Candida species.

Conclusion

The incorporation of antifungal agents into denture base materials has been extensively studied and has shown a significant inhibitory response against Candida spp. across various methodological assays.
Histological diversity in hyperkeratotic flexural erythema—Beyond granular parakeratosis?
Authors: Luo Anna , Oliver Fergus , Kennedy Harriet
Published: July 2024

The term ‘hyperkeratotic flexural erythema’ (HFE) has been used synonymously with granular parakeratosis (GP), to describe a scaly, typically intertriginous rash associated with contact factors such as benzalkonium chloride. However, clinical HFE can occur without the classical GP histological pattern. We reviewed skin biopsies from 10 patients with clinically diagnosed HFE. A progression of histopathological features is suggested. The absence of histological GP should not exclude the clinical diagnosis of HFE when there is a high index of suspicion.