bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the benefits and risks to mothers and offspring of continuing treatment for maternal hypertension and hypothyroidism: an observational cohort study in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Barry Ciarrah-Jane S , Walker Venexia M , Burden Christy , Davey Smith George , Davies Neil M
Published: August 2024

Exclusion of pregnant women from clinical trials, due to ethical concerns, has limited evidence on medication safety during pregnancy, resulting in conservative guidance. Yet, rising prevalence of chronic conditions in reproductive-age women has increased medication use. This study evaluates risks and benefits of discontinuing drug prescriptions for chronic hypertension, and hypothyroidism during pregnancy using linked primary care records from a longitudinal intergenerational database. Using UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD, we conducted multivariable regression models, adjusted for covariates, to assess maternal treatment discontinuation on various outcomes. Cohorts of 3,232 and 3,334 pregnancies with chronic hypertension and hypothyroidism respectively were derived from the CPRD. Discontinuing vasodilator antihypertensive drugs for hypertension was associated with increased gestational age (mean difference: 3.98 weeks, 95% CI: 1.61, 6.35). Estimated associations between other antihypertensives (calcium-channel blockers, diuretics or renin-angiotensin system drugs) and any study outcome crossed the null. Discontinuing thyroid hormones for hypothyroidism were associated with reduced the odds of miscarriage (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.54) and increased gestational age (mean difference 1.84 weeks, 95% CI: 0.12, 3.57). Results were robust in sensitivity analysis. This study reports a reassuring lack of association between many drug subclasses and adverse offspring outcomes. This evidence of potential risk associated with treatment discontinuation may guide clinical decision-making for treating chronic hypertension and hypothyroidism during pregnancy in similar populations.
Cross-organ Analysis Reveals Associations between Vascular Properties of the Retina, the Carotid and Aortic Artery, and the Brain
Authors: Ortín Vela Sofía , Bergmann Sven
Published: August 2024

Vascular properties of the retina are not only indicative of ocular but also systemic cardio- and cerebrovascular health. Yet, the extent to which retinal vascular morphology reflects that in other organs is not well understood. We used morphological vascular phenotypes derived from the brain, the carotid artery, the aorta, and the retina from the UK Biobank, with sample sizes between 18,808 and 68,000 subjects per phenotype. We examined the cross-organ phenotypic and genetic correlations, as well as common associated genes and pathways. White matter hyperintensities positively correlated with carotid intima-media thickness, lumen diameter, and aortic cross-sectional areas but negatively correlated with aortic distensibility. Retinal vascular density showed negative correlations with white matter hyperintensities, intima-media thickness, lumen diameter, and aortic areas, while positively correlating with aortic distensibility. Significant correlations were also observed between other retinal phenotypes and white matter hyperintensities, as well as with aortic phenotypes. Correcting for hypertension reduced the magnitude of these correlations, but the overall correlation structure largely persisted. Genetic correlations and gene enrichment analyses identified potential regulators of these phenotypes, with some shared genetic influence between retinal and non-retinal phenotypes. Our study sheds light on the complex interplay between vascular morphology across different organs, revealing both shared and distinct genetic underpinnings. This highlights the potential of retinal imaging as a non-invasive prognostic tool for systemic vascular health.
Peptide-aware chemical language model successfully predicts membrane diffusion of cyclic peptides
Authors: Feller Aaron L. , Wilke Claus O.
Published: August 2024

Language modeling applied to biological data has significantly advanced the prediction of membrane penetration for small molecule drugs and natural peptides. However, accurately predicting membrane diffusion for peptides with pharmacologically relevant modifications remains a substantial challenge. Here, we introduce PeptideCLM, a peptide-focused chemical language model capable of encoding peptides with chemical modifications, unnatural or non-canonical amino acids, and cyclizations. We assess this model by predicting membrane diffusion of cyclic peptides, demonstrating greater predictive power than existing chemical language models. Our model is versatile and can be extended beyond membrane diffusion predictions to other target values. Its advantages include the ability to model macromolecules using chemical string notation, a largely unexplored domain, and a simple, flexible architecture that allows for adaptation to any peptide or other macromolecule dataset.
Myo-inositol and total NAA in the hippocampus are linked to CSF tau pathology in cognitively normal older adults
Authors: Noche JA , Vanderlip C , Wright S , Sordo L. , Head E , Stark CEL
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

Understanding relationships betweenin vivoneurometabolic changes and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology in the hippocampus, a region vulnerable to early changes in AD, will support early diagnosis.

METHODS

Two studies using1H-MRS examined concentrations of myo-inositol (MI), total creatine (tCr) and total NAA (tNAA) in the hippocampus. The first study compared hippocampal metabolite concentrations in healthy young and older adults and the second study assessed relationships between hippocampal metabolites and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measurements of Aβ42, phosphotau 181 (pTau181), and total tau (t-Tau) while adjusting for demographic covariates and spectral characteristics (linewidth, signal- to-noise ratio) in a separate group of older adults ranging from cognitively normal (CN) to AD-dementia.

RESULTS

Hippocampal MI, but not tCr or tNAA, was increased in cognitively normal older versus young adults. Within the second older adult group, MI and tNAA, but not tCr, were linked to increases in CSF pTau181 and t-Tau, but not Aβ42.

DISCUSSION

Tau deposition in cognitively normal individuals is associated with biochemical changes related to glial reactivity and neural integrity in the hippocampus.
Centrocortin potentiates co-translational localization of its mRNA to the centrosome via dynein
Authors: Zein-Sabatto Hala , Brockett Jovan S. , Jin Li , Husbands Christian A. , Lee Jina , Fang Junnan , Buehler Joseph , Bullock Simon L. , Lerit Dorothy A.
Published: August 2024

Centrosomes rely upon proteins within the pericentriolar material to nucleate and organize microtubules. Several mRNAs also reside at centrosomes, although less is known about how and why they accumulate there. We previously showed that localCentrocortin(Cen) mRNA supports centrosome separation, microtubule organization, and viability inDrosophilaembryos. Here, usingCenmRNA as a model, we examine mechanisms of centrosomal mRNA localization. We find that while the Cen N’-terminus is sufficient for protein enrichment at centrosomes, multiple domains cooperate to concentrateCenmRNA at this location. We further identify an N’-terminal motif within Cen that is conserved among dynein cargo adaptor proteins and test its contribution to RNA localization. Our results support a model whereby Cen protein enables the accumulation of its own mRNA to centrosomes through a mechanism requiring active translation, microtubules, and the dynein motor complex. Taken together, our data uncover the basis of translation-dependent localization of a centrosomal RNA required for mitotic integrity.

Enrichment ofCentrocortin(Cen) mRNA at centrosomes is required for mitotic fidelity. This study describes a mechanism underlying co-translationalCenmRNA targeting involving microtubules, the dynein motor, and a highly conserved dynein binding motif within theCencoding sequence.
Wiggler-based electron beam microbunching amplifier study
Authors: Zholents A. , Hall C.
Published: August 2024

The wiggler-based amplifier of the microbunching instability in the electron beam is considered and compared to a longitudinal space charge amplifier consisting of the drifts and chicanes. The gain in the magnitude of a seed perturbation of the electron beam density is evaluated analytically as a function of the period of the perturbation, the electron beam parameters, the wiggler parameters, and the amplifier lattice parameters. The theory is compared with the results of the numerical calculations of the gain based on simulations of the electron beam transport through the amplifier lattice.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Electron diffusion in microbunched electron cooling
Authors: Bergan W. F.
Published: August 2024

Coherent electron cooling is a novel method to cool dense hadron beams on timescales of a few hours. This method uses a copropagating beam of electrons to pick up the density fluctuations within the hadron beam in one straight section and then provides corrective energy kicks to the hadrons in a downstream straight, cooling the beam. Microbunched electron cooling is an extension of this idea, which induces a microbunching instability in the electron beam as it travels between the two straights, amplifying the signal. However, initial noise in the electron bunch will also be amplified, providing random kicks to the hadrons downstream which tend to increase their emittance. In this paper, we develop an analytic estimate of the effect of the electron noise and benchmark it against simulations. We also discuss how this effect has impacted the cooler design.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Simulation and measurement of beam-induced heating of ceramic vacuum chambers
Authors: Khan Aamna , Bassi Gabriele , Kosciuk Bernard , Todd Robert , Smaluk Victor , Bacha Belkacem , Palecek Paul , Hetzel Charles
Published: August 2024

In this article, we summarize recent theoretical and experimental studies of the impedance and beam-induced heating of titanium-coated ceramic vacuum chambers used in the NSLS-II injection kickers. The impedance was calculated using the field matching theory assuming planar approximation and compared with the mpedanceake2 code. For the coating thickness of a few microns, we demonstrated that the beam-induced power is dissipated in the titanium coating and that the longitudinally averaged two-dimensional power density is approximated by an analytical expression, thus allowing the use of a simplified model of the power density as input for the code to simulate the temperature distribution with realistic nonuniform thickness of the Ti coating. For a few values of the NSLS-II beam current, we measured the beam-induced heating of two ceramic chambers using thermal sensors installed along the chamber and compared the measurement results with the simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Determination of the magnetic penetration depth with measurements of the vortex-penetration field for type-II superconductors
Authors: Mikitik G. P. , Sharlai Yu. V.
Published: August 2024

Using a known distribution of the Meissner currents over the surface of an infinitely long superconducting slab with a rectangular cross section, we find an applied magnetic field at which vortices begin to penetrate into the superconductor. This vortex-penetration field is determined by an interplay of the geometrical and Bean-Livingston barriers. The obtained results enable one to find the lower critical field and the London penetration depth from measurements of the magnetic induction on the surface of the superconducting slab, using, e.g., the micro-Hall probes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Zero-field finite-momentum and field-induced superconductivity in altermagnets
Authors: Chakraborty Debmalya , Black-Schaffer Annica M.
Published: August 2024

We explore the possibilities for spin-singlet superconductivity in newly discovered altermagnets. Investigating d-wave altermagnets, we show that finite-momentum superconductivity can easily emerge in altermagnets even though they have no net magnetization, when the superconducting order parameter also has d-wave symmetry with nodes coinciding with the altermagnet nodes. Additionally, we find a rich phase diagram when both altermagnetism and an external magnetic field are considered, including superconductivity appearing at high magnetic fields from a parent zero-field normal state.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
New limit on dark photon kinetic mixing in the
0.2–1.2  μeV
mass range from the Dark E-field Radio experiment
Authors: Levine Joseph , Godfrey Benjamin , Tyson J. Anthony , Tripathi S. Mani , Polin Daniel , Aminaei Amin , Kolner Brian H. , Stucky Paul
Published: August 2024

We report new limits on the kinetic mixing strength of the dark photon spanning the mass range 0.21−1.24  μeV corresponding to a frequency span of 50–300 MHz. The Dark E-field Radio experiment is a wideband search for dark photon dark matter. In this paper we detail changes in calibration and upgrades since our proof-of-concept pilot run. Our detector employs a wide-bandwidth E-field antenna moved to multiple positions in a shielded room, a low noise amplifier, wideband analog-to-digital converter, followed by a 224-point fast Fourier transform. An optimal filter searches for signals with Q≈106. In nine days of integration, this system is capable of detecting dark photon signals corresponding to a kinetic mixing strength ε several orders of magnitude lower than previous limits. We find a 95% exclusion limit on ε over this mass range between 6×10−15 and

6

×

10

−

13

, tracking the complex resonant mode structure in the shielded room.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Collisional energy loss of a heavy quark in a semiquark-gluon plasma
Authors: Du Qianqian , Du Mudong , Guo Yun
Published: August 2024

By utilizing a background field effective theory, we compute the collisional energy loss of a heavy quark moving through a semiquark-gluon plasma characterized by nontrivial holonomy for Polyakov loops. We consider the elastic scatterings between the incident heavy quark and the thermal partons with both hard and soft momentum transfers. As compared to the energy loss obtained from the perturbation theory, the hard processes get modified through the thermal distribution functions that depend on the background field, while the proper treatment of the soft processes strongly relies on the use of the hard-thermal-loop resummed gluon propagator derived from the background field effective theory. Our results show that the heavy quark energy loss is significantly suppressed in the semiquark-gluon plasma due to a background field that is self-consistently generated in the effective theory. On the other hand, the suppression has a strong dependence on the temperature of the plasma, which becomes negligible above 2–3 times the critical temperature. For a realistic coupling constant, ignoring a relatively weak dependence on the heavy quark velocity, the suppression on the collisional energy loss can be approximated by an overall factor determined solely by the background field. This simple conclusion is expected to be useful for phenomenological applications in the heavy flavor physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Gauge-independent transition dividing the confinement phase in the lattice SU(2) gauge-adjoint scalar model
Authors: Shibata Akihiro , Kondo Kei-Ichi
Published: August 2024

The lattice SU(2) gauge-scalar model with the scalar field in the adjoint representation of the gauge group has two completely separated confinement and Higgs phases according to the preceding studies based on numerical simulations that have been performed in the specific gauge fixing based on the conventional understanding of the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism. In this paper, we reexamine this phase structure in a gauge-independent way based on the numerical simulations performed without any gauge fixing. This is motivated to confirm the recently proposed gauge-independent Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism for generating the mass of the gauge field without relying on any spontaneous symmetry breaking. For this purpose, we investigate correlations between gauge-invariant operators obtained by combining the original adjoint scalar field and the new field called the color-direction field which is constructed from the gauge field based on the gauge-covariant decomposition of the gauge field due to Cho-Duan-Ge-Shabanov and Faddeev-Niemi. Consequently, we reproduce gauge independently the transition line separating the confinement phase and the Higgs phase, and show surprisingly the existence of a new transition line that completely divides the confinement phase into two parts. Finally, we discuss the physical meaning of the new transition and the implications of the confinement mechanism.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Renormalization of nonlocal gluon operators on the lattice
Authors: Gavriel D. , Panagopoulos H. , Spanoudes G.
Published: August 2024

Wen study the renormalization of a complete set of gauge-invariant gluon nonlocal operators in lattice perturbation theory. We determine the mixing pattern under renormalization of these operators using symmetry arguments, which extend beyond perturbation theory. Additionally, we derive the renormalization factors of the operators within the modified minimal subtraction (MS¯) scheme up to one loop. To enable a nonperturbative renormalization procedure, we investigate a suitable version of the modified regularization-invariant (RI′) scheme, and we calculate the conversion factors from that scheme to MS¯. The computations are performed by employing both dimensional and lattice regularizations, using the Wilson gluon action. This work is relevant to nonperturbative studies of the gluon parton distribution functions (PDFs) on the lattice.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mollow-like Triplets in Ultrafast Resonant Absorption
Authors: Stenquist Axel , Zapata Felipe , Olofsson Edvin , Liao Yijie , Svegborn Elna , Bruhnke Jakob Nicolai , Verdozzi Claudio , Dahlström Jan Marcus
Published: August 2024

We show that resonant absorption of smooth laser fields can yield Mollow-like triplet patterns. General conditions for such triplets are derived and illustrated with a super-Gaussian pulse sequence. Gaussian pulses cannot exhibit triplets, super-Gaussian pulses can form triplets depending on the pulse area, and flattop pulses can produce absorption triplets after one Rabi cycle. Our results are compared side by side with resonance fluorescence to emphasize similarities and differences between these unlike observables. In the high-intensity limit, we show that the central absorption peak is asymmetric, which we attribute to nonlinear photoionization, beyond two-level atomic physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Automated Distribution of Polarization-Entangled Photons Using Deployed New York City Fibers
Authors: Craddock Alexander N. , Lazenby Anne , Portmann Gabriel Bello , Sekelsky Rourke , Flament Mael , Namazi Mehdi
Published: August 2024

The distribution of high-fidelity high-rate entanglement over telecommunication infrastructure is one of the main paths toward large-scale quantum networks, enabling applications such as quantum encryption and network protection, blind quantum computing, distributed quantum computing, and distributed quantum sensing. However, the fragile nature of entangled photons operating in real-world fiber infrastructure has historically limited continuous operation of such networks. Here, we present a fully automated system capable of distributing polarization-entangled photons over a 34-km deployed fiber in New York City, achieving high rates of nearly 5×105 pairs/s. Separately, we demonstrate a high fidelity of approximately 99% for rates up to 2×104 pairs/s. Lastly, we achieve 15 days of continuous distribution, with a network up-time of 99.84%. Our work paves the way for practical deployment of always-on entanglement-based networks with rates and fidelity adequate for many current and future use cases.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unveiling the marketer's lens: exploring experiences and perspectives on AI integration in marketing strategies
Authors: Elhajjar Samer
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research paper examines the perspectives of marketing professionals on the impact of AI on marketing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Through interviews with 34 marketers in Singapore, the study uncovers the benefits, challenges, and potential risks associated with AI implementation.

Findings

The findings reveal improved efficiency, enhanced customer insights, and personalized marketing experiences as benefits of AI. Challenges identified include skill gaps, ethical considerations, resource constraints, and resistance to change.

Originality/value

The research provides important implications for marketers and companies, guiding decision-making and promoting the responsible adoption of AI in marketing strategies.
Modulating variables impacting the intersection of health and environmental concerns in organic food purchasing decisions
Authors: Xu Ming , Xu Qiang , Wei Sheng , Gu Xufei , Liu Furong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The increasing focus of consumers on health and environmental sustainability continues to drive the demand for organic food. Despite the recognized importance of health and environmental concerns, the differential impact of these factors on organic food purchasing decisions is evident, indicating the presence of moderating variables. This investigation attempts to delineate these contingencies within the realms of socio-environmental and individual factors, paying particular attention to subjective norms, uncertainty, and egoistic values.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the convenience sampling method, the primary data sample was collected by a professional market research consulting firm and included 1876 usable respondents from China. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilized to verify the model and test the relationships between the constructs.

Findings

The results indicated that the path from environmental concern to organic food purchase intention was significantly influenced by subjective norms and uncertainty, both of which enhance this relationship. In contrast, egoistic values appeared to dampen this effect. Uncertainty also emerged as a key factor in the link between health concerns and organic food purchase intention, albeit with an opposite impact, weakening the relationship.

Practical implications

This study provides useful insights for academics and marketers to understand the complex phenomenon of organic consumer behavior. This result indicates that marketers can target reference groups to develop organic food marketing strategies.

Originality/value

Few studies have proposed and validated a model with these moderating factors collectively to study the purchase intention of organic food consumers in China.
How immersive technologies impact behavioral responses in destination marketing: the role of physiological arousal, presence, and age
Authors: Di Dalmazi Michele , Mandolfo Marco , Guixeres Jaime , Alcañiz Raya Mariano , Lamberti Lucio
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) media and the influence of user’s age in the context of destination marketing by exploring their impact on cognition (presence), affection (arousal), and behavioral (intention to visit and intention to recommend the destination) outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A laboratory experiment was conducted to compare the impact of using immersive VR (vs. 2D desktop) to experience a 360-degree virtual tour of Valencia on consumers’ behavior. The sample included 187 participants. Both self-reported and physiological measures were collected during the experimentation.

Findings

Results showed that participants in the immersive condition experienced a stronger sense of presence and higher physiological arousal than those exposed to nonimmersive content. Presence significantly mediated both the intention to visit and the intention to recommend the promoted venue. Physiological arousal mediated the relationship between media typology and the intention to recommend the destination. Upon introducing age as a moderating variable, the effect of physiological arousal on behavioral outcomes proves to be significant.

Practical implications

The study presents destination marketing organizations with a compelling use case for immersive technologies. It also offers design principles, potential applications and targeting strategies for VR marketing in hospitality management.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the combined effect of physiological arousal and presence on behavioral intentions in VR destination marketing, while also examining the impact of age as an individual characteristic.
How do different forms of early employment instability affect future employment chances? A factorial survey experiment with employers
Authors: Shi Lulu P.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Periodic economic instabilities and structural changes in the labour market have given rise to a variety of forms of job insecurity. This article compares the scarring effects of different forms of job insecurity on future employment chances, and how they vary across education groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of real vacancies and data collected in a vignette experiment with employers in Switzerland, a country with a strongly developed vocational education and training (VET) system, this article investigates how employers evaluate a period of unemployment, job hopping and work experience in deskilling jobs when hiring candidates.

Findings

The findings reveal that work in deskilling jobs is by far more scarring than unemployment or job hopping. The study also demonstrates that applicants with upper secondary vocational education are impacted the greatest by all three forms of job insecurity.

Originality/value

The study makes use of real vacancies. While experiments have the strength of high internal validity, most experimental studies in recruitment research rely on students as respondents. As this study works with real employers hiring for positions it benefits from high external validity.
Potential treatments of technology addiction: insights for information systems scholars
Authors: Ning Weihong , Turel Ofir , Davis Fred D.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In this current review, we aimed to understand technology addiction interventions and provide guidelines for IS scholars to use IT to prevent or attenuate technology addiction.

Design/methodology/approach

We systematically reviewed articles associated with technology and substance addiction interventions. These articles included review articles, peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and online articles.

Findings

We propose a roadmap for technology addiction intervention development and testing based on the review. Next, we summarize the similarities and differences between substance addiction and technology addiction in terms of antecedents, negative consequences, and neurobiological mechanisms. Based on this, two types of potential interventions for substance addiction were reviewed to explore how they can be used for technology addiction. To conclude, IT-mediated interventions were summarized, and promising avenues for future research were highlighted.

Originality/value

Technology addiction has a broad range of adverse impacts on mental health and well-being. With the knowledge and insight from this review, the Information Systems community can become part of the solution to technology addiction.
Does global crude oil price transmit an asymmetric shock on food inflation? Evidence from south and southeast Asian economies
Authors: Mishra Amritkant , Dash Ajit Kumar , Padhan Purna Chandra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This pragmatic investigation examines the dynamic nexus between crude oil prices and food inflation from South and Southeast Asian perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the asymmetric effects of global crude oil prices on food inflation using a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model with monthly data covering the period from May 2012 to April 2022.

Findings

The empirical evidence reveals that international crude oil has a substantial impact on food prices in the majority of countries. Additionally, the relevant outcome documents that the asymmetric effect of global crude oil on food inflation applies to Sri Lanka and Vietnam, while in the other countries, it is symmetric.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the optimistic outcomes, this empirical investigation is certain to have important shortcomings. Initially, the conclusions drawn from the above findings were based only on detailed assessments of the aforementioned variables' data over a 10-year period. The current scholarly analysis investigates the existence of an asymmetric impact of crude oil on food inflation, limited to six Asian countries. On the other hand, considering a greater number of Asian economies could enhance the analysis’s robustness and precision.

Originality/value

The current research aims to contribute to the existing literature on food inflation and global oil prices in the following ways: First, this study investigates the nexus between global crude oil and food inflation in a novel way, considering the nonlinear relationship between the variables. To figure out the nonlinear relationship or uneven effect of the global oil shock on food prices, we use the nonlinear ARDL model. Secondly, as food inflation is one of the major issues for the South and Southeast Asian economies, this empirical investigation broadens the analysis by incorporating a perspective from South and Southeast Asia, an area largely overlooked by previous researchers. Finally, we are very optimistic about the phenomenal contribution of current analysis to comprehending the conception of oil and food price dynamics from a broader perspective to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which aims for a sustainable resolution to end hunger in all its forms by 2030 and to accomplish food security, especially in emerging economies.
Eliminating persistent racism from the workplace
Authors: Richardson Jo
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share learning about practical steps that can be taken to eliminate persistent racism from the workplace, including racism by people who have cognitive impairments who do not understand the impact of their behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is informed by qualitative research. An independent researcher was commissioned to recruit 45 black British, black African and black Caribbean women living in Norfolk and working for a range of employers. Parameters were agreed in advance (aims, consent, data protection). A list of questions was provided to the researcher. The questions covered experiences of prejudice and discrimination. Data collection included face to face/online/telephone interviews, focus groups and questionnaires. The researcher recorded the women’s views and compiled them in a findings report. The report was shared with the women to confirm that their views had been recorded accurately. The author has also convened conversations with over 100 professionals representing providers of public services, including social and domiciliary care.

Findings

The author identified that it will be impossible for employers to eliminate persistent racism from their workplaces until all managers consistently and diligently address every report of racism effectively, in line with the steps set out in this paper. The purpose is to establish, over time, a workplace culture where racism is never tolerated or allowed to persist, and workers and managers learn – and become more confident – to recognise, address and eliminate racism at work. Until this is embedded, racism affecting workers will continue to go unchecked and unacknowledged in the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

The data gathered to inform this paper (specifically the research commissioned and described in this abstract, in addition to other data, such as conversations convened with professionals) is qualitative data. It cannot be assumed that the experiences of the people interviewed reflect the experiences of all people. However, the voices of participants have highlighted issues to inform future planning.

Practical implications

The author must be clear that, so far there has been no definitive solution to persistent racism in the workplace. The learning so far is being shared with the hope that this assists others with developing strategies to eliminate persistent racism.

Social implications

Workplaces across the UK are committed to eradicating racism. However, the rate of change is glacial. This research paper shares learning about how to address this, to increase the pace of change, to begin to genuinely eliminate persistent racism from the workplace.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, the learning from this research is original and not replicated elsewhere.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI) in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): community consultation on risks, benefits and the need for a code of practice
Authors: Griffiths Tom , Slaughter Rohan , Waller Annalu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper reports on a workshop discussing the views of the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) community on the opportunities and risks posed by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into voice output communication aid systems. The views of the community on whether a Code of Practice was needed for the use of this new technology were also sought.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an explorative, qualitative study in which members of the AAC community attending a session at a UK national conference were invited to discuss the topic, responding to structured questions from the research team. The use of AI for both novel language generation and rate enhancement was discussed within the session.

Findings

Many potential opportunities and benefits of AI to AAC users were discussed by the group. Risks associated with new and existing biases in AI language models were raised, as was the need to ensure that outputs generated by AI were authentically authored by users. Whilst there was broad support for the idea of a Code of Practice, questions were posed about how it would be designed and what it should contain.

Originality/value

This study presents a unique insight into the views of the AAC community on the benefits and risks of incorporating AI into AAC systems. The views of the community on the need for a Code of Practice may support how the field moves forward with this complex technology.
Improving gastro-tourism experience through 3d virtual attractions: evidence from tourists’ self-reported and neurophysiological responses
Authors: Purwanegara Mustika Sufiati , Windasari Nila Armelia , Perdhana Hasbian Fauzy , Ashadi Muhammad Fakhrul Rozy , Aprilianty Fitri
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the utilization of 3D virtual experiences and social media improve overall gastro-tourism experiences throughout the tourist journeys.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a mixed-methods approach. By combining self-reported surveys and EEG tracking, this study is able to rigorously unravel Gen Z’s experience and emotions in enjoying tech-enabled gastro-tourism activities.

Findings

Showcasing 3D virtual experiences and TikTok heightened customer expectations in the pre-visit stage. The 3D virtual attractions effectively enhanced tourists’ excitement and positive emotions during on-site gastronomic experiences, and subsequently manifested into a long-term impact on future actual visit intention.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the fields of information technology and tourism by examining how digital technologies affect Gen Z’s behavior and enhance the gastro-tourism experience starting from information search, moving to on-site experiences and subsequently affect their post-purchase behavior.
The impact of the Indonesia–OIC countries’ free trade agreement on the halal food sector: CGE analysis
Authors: Muchtar Masruri , Rodoni Ahmad , Amalia Euis , Warninda Titi Dewi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the potential impacts of free trade agreement (FTA) between Indonesia and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries by eliminating import tariffs in the halal food sector on welfare, gross domestic product (GDP) and trade balance. OIC countries as the second-largest organisation after the United Nations are the potential markets for the halal food industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the Global Trade Analysis Project database version 10 by adopting a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model for two scenarios. The first scenario stated that Indonesia should conduct an FTA with ten potential OIC countries as export destination, while the second one stated that it should be conducted with all OIC countries.

Findings

Indonesia is predicted to get the highest increase in welfare by making an FTA with all OIC countries. Scenario 2 showed that Indonesia had much higher changes in real GDP with a positive change of 0.0018%. Even though it is projected to experience a surplus in the trade balance in both scenarios, Indonesia is predicted to experience a decline in exports for the particular halal food sector. The findings contribute some new insights to the existing literature, revealing an alignment between economic integration and the concept of international trade in Islam.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is the available data that cannot describe the population of all OIC countries. Only 31 countries out of a total of 56 OIC countries can be used in research. The scope of research is limited to analysing FTAs between Indonesia and OIC countries in the form of abolishing import tariffs and does not include non-tariff barrier issues such as halal certification.

Practical implications

The preferential trade agreement is considered relevant as Indonesia’s initial commitment to conduct a bilateral trade with ten selected OIC countries. The Indonesia Government, however, still needs to make several mitigation efforts in various sectors experiencing losses as a result of economic integration, such as by creating a more conducive business climate, supporting the sources of capital, facilitating bureaucratic affairs, as well as providing tax incentives.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by focusing on the critical aspects of the FTA’s impacts on halal food sectors by optimizing the reduction of import tariffs of OIC countries. Different from previous studies, this study applied a static CGE model to examine the impacts of FTA on macroeconomic indicators.
Fermatean fuzzy group decision model for agile, resilient and sustainable logistics service provider selection in the manufacturing industry
Authors: Akhtar Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Logistics service provider (LSP) selection involves multiple criteria, alternatives and decision makers. Group decision-making involves vagueness and uncertainty. This paper aims to propose a novel fuzzy method for assessing and selecting agile, resilient and sustainable LSP, taking care of the inconsistency and uncertainty in subjective group ratings.

Design/methodology/approach

Eighteen agile, resilient, operational, economic, environmental and social sustainability criteria were identified from the literature and discussion with experts. Interval-valued Fermatean fuzzy (IVFF) sets are more flexible and accurate for handling complex uncertainty, impreciseness and inconsistency in group ratings. The IVFF PIvot Pairwise RElative Criteria Importance Assessment Simplified (IVFF-PIPRECIAS) and IVFF weighted aggregated sum product assessment (IVFF-WASPAS) methods are applied to determine criteria weights and LSP evaluation, respectively.

Findings

Collaboration and partnership, range of services, capacity flexibility, geographic coverage, cost of service and environmental safeguard are found to have a greater influence on the LSP selection, as per this study. The LSP (L3) with the highest score (0.949) is the best agile, resilient and sustainable LSP in the manufacturing industry.

Research limitations/implications

Hybrid IVFF-based PIPRECIAS and WASPAS methods are proposed for the selection of agile, resilient and sustainable LSP in the manufacturing industry.

Practical implications

The model can help supply chain managers in the manufacturing industry to easily adopt the hybrid model for agile, resilient and sustainable LSP selection.

Social implications

The paper also contributes to the social sustainability of logistics workers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, IVFF-PIPRECIAS and IVFF-WASPAS methods are applied for the first time to select the best agile, resilient and sustainable LSP in a developing economy context.
Mental health and positive introversion: a positive autoethnographic case study of Mark Weeks
Authors: Weeks Mark , Gonot-Schoupinsky Freda
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to garner insight into positive introversion, meaning experiences of introverted behaviour that may be perceived as positive and perform positive functions in one’s life. The subject is Mark Weeks, whose primary research has been in cultural studies and philosophy, particularly focusing on laughter and humour, during a career spent mostly at Nagoya University in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study uses positive autoethnography, a methodology that was co-conceived by Weeks. It includes a 10-question interview.

Findings

The authors learn how Weeks has positively embraced his introversion to negotiate challenges in his life, fostering resilience, gratitude and joyful experience. In the process, Weeks foregrounds the importance of solitary laughter and humour in his existential journey.

Research limitations/implications

Introversion is often depicted negatively in the literature. Yet, much introversion is and can be developed as, positive.

Practical implications

The narrative shared here is one of trials, exploration and discovery, offering practical insight for introverts and those interested in understanding introverted behaviour in general.

Social implications

Positively embracing aspects of introversion can be an important step for introverts in finding a healthy and enjoyable balance between the social and the solitary. Indeed, the same may apply to extraverts who fear being alone. Greater social recognition of valuable experiences within solitude could help to produce more tolerant and adaptable societies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is an original article, narrated by a contributor to the development of positive autoethnography. It focuses on areas of personal experience that are often marginalized and poorly understood, including positive potentials of introversion and of solitary laughter.
Maintaining hope in partnership policing
Authors: Stenström Anders
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This article examines how hope for an effective partnership approach to policing is maintained in everyday policing.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection involved 22 qualitative interviews, and observations with police officers and municipal employees in Stockholm, Sweden. It also includes an analysis of their documents.

Findings

Using the concept of mechanisms of hope (Brunsson, 2006, 2009), this article explores how police officers and other actors in the security landscape maintain hope in partnership policing despite having compelling reasons to be cynical and sceptical. The findings indicate that mechanism of hope is an important element in the way police handle uncertainty and maintain institutional pressures in their everyday policing practices.

Originality/value

By demonstrating how actors responsible for implementing a partnership approach to policing maintain hope in partnership policing, this article advances our understanding of myths in policing, as well as the institutional settings in which policing is conducted (Crank, 2003). Moreover, this article provides insight into the opportunities and challenges embedded in the social configuration of hope.
A novel approach on artificial aging of nylon 12 powder for laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Vendittoli Valentina , Polini Wilma , Walter Michael S.J. , Stacheder Jakob P.C.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to address challenges in the Laser Powder Bed Fusion process of polymers, focusing on the considerable amount of unsintered powder left post-printing. The objective is to understand the altered properties of this powder and find solutions to improve the process, reduce waste and explore reusing reprocessed powder.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel methodology is used to generate reprocessed powder without traditional printing, reducing time, cost and waste. The approach mimics the ageing effects during the printing process, providing insights into particle size distribution and thermal behaviour.

Findings

Results reveal insights into artificial ageing, showing an 8.2% decrease in particle size (60.256–69.183 µm) and a 9.1% increase in particle size (17.378–19.953 µm) compared to unsintered powder. Thermal behaviour closely mirrors used powders, with variations in enthalpy of fusion (−0.55% to 2.69%) and degree of crystallinity (0.19% to 2.64%). The proposed methodology produces results that differ from those due to printing under 3% from a thermal point of view. The new process reduces the time needed for aged powder, contributing to cost savings and waste reduction.

Originality/value

The study introduces a novel method for reprocessed powder generation, deviating from traditional printing. The originality lies in artificially ageing powders, providing comparable results to actual printing. This approach offers efficiency, time savings and waste reduction in the Laser Powder Bed Fusion process, presenting a valuable avenue for further research.
How does the influencers' country of origin affect online brand advocacy among young consumers?
Authors: Rambocas Meena , Metivier Jenna
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Marketers increasingly use social media influencers to appeal to young consumers. This study aims to investigate the impact of the influencers’ country of origin (COO) on young customers' online brand advocacy (OBA). It also tests the mediating effects of trustworthiness and perceived homophily on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 197 Generation Z (Gen-Z) consumers of skin care products living in Trinidad and Tobago, using a quasi-experimental study and online self-administered questionnaires. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, analysis of covariance and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The findings support the role of an influencer's COO on young consumers' OBA and the mediating effects of influencers' trustworthiness and perceived homophily. The findings show that local influencers have a more substantial effect on OBA for Gen-Z customers. In addition, results show that both variables of trustworthiness and perceived homophily mediate the influencer’s COO and OBA relationship. The findings also show that local influencers benefit from higher levels of trustworthiness and greater perceived homophily than foreign ones.

Originality/value

The study fills the gap in the marketing literature by understanding how an influencer’s extrinsic characteristics, such as country of origin, can affect the marketing outcome of OBA among Gen-Z consumers in a small developing country. It also demonstrates the importance of perceived homophily and trustworthiness between influencers and audiences for marketing success.